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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5. Dan Burn - 5
One of several players looked to be blowing off cobwebs. | Getty Images
6. Matt Targett - 5
Volleyed a shot over in the first-half in a fairly anonymous display. | Getty Images
7. Sean Longstaff - 4.5
An extremely sloppy first half showing. Lost possession in the build up to Gateshead’s opener. | Getty Images
8. Kieran Trippier - 7
Very tidy in possession. The England international breezed through the game. | Getty Images