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.
5. Jamal Lewis - 6
Made some positive runs forward but struggled to get involved, though it wasn't through a lack of trying. | Getty Images
6. Bruno Guimaraes - 7
Tried to make things happen as he feels his way back to full match sharpness. Newcastle’s beating heart even when not at his fluent best. | Getty Images
7. Alfie Harrison - 6.5
Put Newcastle on the attack early on with a couple of tidy passes forward but faded as the first-half wore on. | Getty Images
8. Joe Willock - 6
Showed some reasonable understanding with Harvey Barnes in the first-half but little to no impact in the second. Will benefit from his 89 minutes. | Getty Images