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...
9. Johnny Emerson - 8
Saw an angled effort blocked early on before stinging the palms of Isaac Allan with a powerful drive from distance on the 15 minute mark. Almost scored a brilliant solo goal after cutting in from the right but was denied by the left post. Released Thompson for his equaliser. A livewire before his withdrawal. | Getty Images
10. Matheos Ferreira - 7
Kept the Sunderland defence on their toes with his pace down the left. Cut inside and dragged a shot wide of the left post in the opening quarter-hour. Showed good physicality to get the wrong side of a defender on the half hour mark but dragged his shot into the side netting. Booked for a foul moments after being denied a penalty shout. A persistent threat but had nothing to show for it. | Getty Images
11. Afner Ca - 6
Made his presence felt with pace and power. An explosive start to the game, just lacked the composure needed to threaten the goalkeeper. Faded afterwards and was withdrawn early in the second half. | Getty Images
12. SUB: Vakhtang Salia - 8
On for Ca 51: Brought plenty of energy to Newcastle's attack. Positioned himself well to coolly head Newcastle in front in the closing stages. | Getty Images