Newcastle United Under-21s beat rivals Sunderland Under-21s 3-2 in the Premier League 2 at St James’ Park on Monday evening.
Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson, head coach Matthias Jaissle and club director Jacobo Solis of PIF watched on from the stands as Robbie Stockdale’s side came from behind to win the ‘mini derby’ on home turf.
Premier League 2 top scorer Trey Ogunsuyi opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Kyran Thompson drew Newcastle level before the hour mark. Felix Scott then put Sunderland back in front moments later but substitutes Park Seung-soo and Vakhtang Salia netted to complete a second half turnaround for United.
The Young Magpies went into the game on the bottom of the Premier League 2 table with no points from their opening three matches, while Sunderland sat sixth on 10 points having played two games more.
It was Newcastle who started the game the brighter of the two sides and quickly asked questions of the Sunderland defence and goalkeeper.
Johnny Emerson had the first real opportunity of the game as he charged into the box from the right only to see his angled effort blocked. Afner Ca and Kyran Thompson also had chances in the opening quarter-hour before Emerson unleashed a powerful strike that forced a strong save from Isaac Allan in the Sunderland goal.
But it was Sunderland who took the lead 10 minutes before half-time as Trey Ogunsuyi headed them in front with what was their first good opportunity of the game. That goal saw Sunderland take a 1-0 lead at the break despite Newcastle’s general dominance in the game.
Newcastle grabbed a deserved equaliser just before the hour mark as Kyran Thompson broke away to finish off a swift counter-attacking move.
But the hosts weren’t level for long as Felix Scott fired Sunderland back in front after finding space inside the area.
Newcastle then drew level for the second time thanks to an excellent strike from substitute Park Seung-soo moments after his introduction. The South Korean cut in from the left and arrowed a powerful effort straight into the top right corner to make it 2-2.
The home side completed the turnaround in the final 10 minutes as Salia’s deft header from Kyle Fitzgerald’s cross made it 3-2. After eight minutes of stoppage time, Newcastle held on for their first league win of the season, and what a win it was.
Here are the Newcastle United Under-21s player ratings from the match...
1. Roman Dowell - 6
Had little to do before picking the ball out of his net. Made an important save moments before Newcastle's first equaliser. | Getty Images
2. Henry Johnson - 7
Read the danger well to make some important clearances with his head and his feet. | Getty Images
3. Miodrag Pivas - 7
Often came out on top against Sunderland's £5million summer signing Juan Angulo in the first half. Looked calm with the ball at his feet playing it out from the back. | Getty Images
4. Logan Watts - 6
Got stuck in and made his presence felt against a physical Sunderland attack. Glanced a header wide at 2-2. | Getty Images