Young Magpies beaten by PAOK in Al Abtal Friendly Games

A Magpies squad featuring players from under-16 to under-19 age categories, conceded twice in the opening 11 minutes at the ESC LaLiga & NBA complex following strikes from Theodoros Kalogiros and Loukas Martos.

Newcastle, overseen by Under-18 Lead Coach Graeme Carrick and Under-13/14 Lead Coach Steve Harrison for the trip to the Spanish capital, grew into the game after a difficult start, with goalkeeper Adam Harrison making a number of key saves, before the Greek outfit extended their advantage following Gkidersos' second-half volley.

Friendly matches have been held in Spain and the UK between November 2022 and March 2023, with the Academy scheduled to play a total of six games, four taking place in Spain and two on Tyneside.

The young Magpies headed into the encounter aiming to secure a third consecutive victory in the competition following a 2-1 win against their Austria Vienna counterparts in Salou before claiming an emphatic 6-0 victory against Saudi White Falcons at United's Little Benton Academy. 

With former Newcastle winger and current PAOK Academy Sporting Director Georgios Georgiadis in attendance, Newcastle fell behind in the 6th minute through Kalogiros' opener. After Marios Sinanaj completed a dangerous run down the left flank, the full-back pulled the ball back to the 18-year-old midfielder who fired a first-time effort into the bottom corner.

Former Newcastle United and Greece midfielder Georgios Georgiadis, who spent the 1998/99 campaign on Tyneside after joining from Panathinaikos

Newcastle were dealt a further blow five minutes later as Martos doubled the Greek side's lead, finishing off a quick counter-attack despite a strong spell of possession from United's youngsters.

Harrison produced a strong save to deny Alexandros Adam after the teenage goalkeeper stood firm to block the right winger's strike, who had raced through on goal after another dangerous counter attack.

Newcastle made a triple substitution at the half-time break as Dylan Charlton, Rory Powell and Johnny Emerson, who all featured for the Magpies during this season's FA Youth Cup campaign.

In the 55th minute, United conceded a third goal as Gkidersos was on hand to volley the ball into the net at the back post following an in-swinging corner which was flicked onto the Greek forward at the near post.

Newcastle were unable to work PAOK goalkeeper Vasileios Nikolakoylis throughout the 90 minutes, with Lucas Cooper creating their best opportunity as the versatile 17-year-old saw a pull back well defended.

Newcastle have two fixtures remaining in their Al Abtal Friendly Games campaign, hosting Saudi Green Falcons on Tyneside along with facing their Villarreal counterparts in Spain next month.

Newcastle United Academy: Adam Harrison, Josh Stewart, Beau Beresford (Dylan Charlton 46), Ciaran Thompson (Darren Palmer 76), Carter Milmore (Johnny Emerson 46), Jordan Hackett, Lucas Cooper, Scott Bailey, Ben Parkinson, James Huntley (c), Shaun Mavididi.

Subs not used: Adrian Janusz, Rory Powell.