Newcastle United began their preparations for the 2023-24 Premier League season with a 3-2 win at National League neighbours Gateshead.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe - already without international stars Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes and new signing Sandro Tonali - also opted against selecting Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Jacob Murphy.
Meanwhile, Nick Pope (hand), Emil Krafth (ACL) and Joe Willock (hamstring) remained absence as they continue their recovery from injury.
Gateshead opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Marcus Dinanga opened the scoring. Stephen Wearne then doubled the hosts’ advantage on the brink of half-time.
But United avoided a pre-season ‘upset’ following second half goals from Elliot Anderson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jay Turner-Cooke.
Here’s our Newcastle player ratings from the Gateshead International Stadium:
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1. Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Gateshead forward Adam Campbell. (Photo credit: Jack McGraghan - Gateshead FC)
Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Gateshead forward Adam Campbell. (Photo credit: Jack McGraghan - Gateshead FC) | Jack McGraghan - Gateshead FC
2. Karl Darlow - 6
Pulled off two decent saves before being beaten by Dinanga. Perhaps should have dealt better with the second goal. | Getty Images
3. Javier Manquillo - 6
Played an advanced role down the right, first as a full back then as a wide forward. | Getty Images
4. Remi Savage - 6
Cut out a couple of Gateshead passes during a fairly composed non-competitive debut. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images