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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9. Elliot Anderson - 8
Inspired a Newcastle comeback in the second half with a goal and assist. | Getty Images
10. Matt Ritchie - 5.5
Started on the right and flashed a shot wide inside the opening 30 seconds. Later dripped into the midfield three. | Getty Images
11. Jamal Lewis - 6
Provided lots of energy down the left-Should have scored but sliced a close effort wide in the first-half. | Getty
12. Allan Saint-Maximin - 7.5
Came alive in the second half after a few bright moments in the first. Linked with well Anderson to score the equaliser, Photo: Warren Little