Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe named a totally different XI from last night’s 4-0 win over Girona. Will Osula made his debut after joining from Sheffield United in midweek, while there was a first St James’ Park outings for Lloyd Kelly and Alfie Harrison.
Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka and Kieran Trippier featured for the first time in pre-season. Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar, Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock were among the notable inclusions.
Barnes gave the Magpies the lead in the 15th minute when he latched onto a long ball by Kelly to cut inside and fire past Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot. The offside flag then denied Osula after his narrowly mis-timed his run from Barnes’ pass.
Dubravka in the first-half and Odysseas Vlachodimos in the second were the busier of the two goalkeepers but Brest struggled to create any gapping opportunities.
Next up for United is the Premier League opener against Southampton. Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings - live from St James’ Park.
1. Martin Dubravka - 8
Produced two high class saves to deny Romain Del Castillo and Jordan Amavi in his first appearance of pre-season. | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier - 7
Got forward well to put some excellent deliveries into the box. Did well physically on his first outing since the Euro 2024 final last month. Photo: George Wood
3. Fabian Schar - 7.5
Needed the first-half to blow off any lingering cobwebs. Faultless after the break and positive in possession. | Getty Images
4. Lloyd Kelly - 7
Claimed the assist for Harvey Barnes’ opener from a good ball into the left channel. Cool and composed on the ball and grew into the game defensively. | Getty Images