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Young Magpies defeat Austria Vienna counterparts in Salou
Newcastle United's Academy has played the first of a new series of friendly matches against youth teams from Europe and Saudi Arabia.
A Magpies squad featuring players from under-17 to under-19 age categories is participating in the Al Abtal Friendly Games series alongside Villarreal (Spain), PAOK FC (Greece), Austria Vienna (Austria) and two Saudi Arabian national teams - Saudi Green Falcons and Saudi White Falcons.
Friendly matches are being held in Spain and the UK between November 2022 and March 2023, with the Academy scheduled to play four games in either Salou or Madrid and one on Tyneside.
A squad overseen by coaches Graeme Carrick and Chris Moore travelled to Salou to face Austria Vienna on Wednesday and recorded a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Ben Parkinson and Michael Ndiweni.
The Austrian side started the game brightly but United soon established control, hitting the woodwork after eight minutes when Parkinson diverted Kyle Crossley's inviting cross off the bar.
Newcastle deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes, when Lewis Miley's through-ball found Parkinson, who finished with aplomb into the top corner.
And the Magpies almost added to their lead just minutes later, but Parkinson hit the post from close range before a Lewis Miley strike found the crossbar from 20 yards.
Despite United's dominance, Austria Vienna continued to be a threat on the counter attack, and Max Thompson had to be alert to make two important stops just before the break.
The Austrians continued their bright spell into the second half but they were undone from a set-piece when Ndiweni headed home from a Scott Bailey corner to double the lead.
United were made to work for the victory with seven minutes remaining when David Ewemade set up Luka Izderic to halve the deficit, but the young Magpies held on to get the Al Abtal Friendly Games series off to a winning start.
Newcastle United Academy: Max Thompson, Joshua Stewart (Rory Powell 62), Jordan Hackett, Scott Bailey (Lucas Cooper 72), Ciaran Thompson (Dylan Charlton 72), Harry Powell, Ben Parkinson, James Huntley, Michael Ndiweni, Lewis Miley (Darren Palmer 79), Kyle Crossley
Sub not used: Taylor Ross