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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13. Loris Karius (on for Darlow, 45) - 6
Distributed the ball well and made two routine saves, | AFP via Getty Images
14. Alex Murphy (on for Savage, 45) - 7
Didn’t at all look out of place alongside Burn at CB. An impressive composed display. | NW
15. Harrison Ashby (on for Trippier, 61) - 6
A first senior outing for Ashby. Looked quick and delivered a couple of decent crosses. | AFP via Getty Images
16. Lucas De Bolle (on for Ritchie, 61) - 6
Brought a strong save from former Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot. Photo: Laurence Griffiths