Young Magpies involved in triangular tournament action

In the young Magpies' first friendly of the afternoon at the Brewery Field, Spennymoor’s home ground, teenage defender Luke Craggs was named in the starting XI - making his debut at under-21 level in the process.

United's second-string started brightly against the Hornets, who compete in the Northern Premier League Division One East, as James Huntley’s teasing cross into the penalty area was floated into Dylan Stephenson’s path but the 20-year-old striker, who scored for United’s first-team during a 5-0 win against Al Hilal in Riyadh last season, was unable to make contact with the ball.

Rodrigo Vilca, who joined United from Deportivo Municipal in October 2020, went close for the visitors as the 24-year-old Peruvian drilled a low effort wide of the left-hand post before, minutes later, his curling strike from the edge of the box was held by Hebburn goalkeeper Shaun Newbrook.

The South American attacking midfielder created another opportunity in front of goal towards the conclusion of the half-hour clash, controlling Johnny Emerson’s pass on the edge of the penalty area but sent his low drive past the left-hand post.

Hebburn’s sole shot on target saw Amar Purewal latch onto Matthew Elsdon’s lofted pass but the Town skipper fired over from a tight angle.

Newcastle United Under-21s (vs Hebburn Town): Will Brown, Ciaran Thompson, Nathan Carlyon, Luke Craggs, Jordan Hackett, Trialist, James Huntley, Rodrigo Vilca, Johnny Emerson, Amadou Diallo (c), Dylan Stephenson.

Subs not used: Charlie McArthur, Max Thompson, Scott Bailey, Dylan Charlton, Rory Powell.

Ahead of facing the Moors - who ply their trade in the National League North - teenage duo Scott Bailey and Dylan Charlton were handed their debuts at under-21 level for the friendly clash at The Brewery Field.

Ben Pollock - a former product of Newcastle’s Academy - went close to breaking the deadlock for the hosts after rising high from Rob Ramshaw’s corner but directed a powerful header over the crossbar.

Spennymoor took the lead inside eight minutes through Will Harris who raced onto Glen Taylor’s neat pass before placing the ball into the left-hand corner.

Newcastle conceded a second six minutes later as Taylor raced onto a lofted ball down the left flank before picking out Ramshaw inside the penalty area, who slid the ball beyond Magpies goalkeeper Max Thompson.

Newcastle United Under-21s (vs. Spennymoor Town): Max Thompson, Scott Bailey, Ciaran Thompson, Charlie McArthur, Dylan Charlton, Nathan Carlyon, Trialist, James Huntley, Amadou Diallo (c), Jordan Hackett, Dylan Stephenson.

Subs not used: Luke Craggs, Will Brown, Rodrigo Vilca, Johnny Emerson, Harry Powell.

Images courtesy of Spennymoor Town F.C.