Newcastle United U21s player ratings: One 9/10 as Sunderland goalkeeper scores late equaliser

Newcastle United under-21 player ratings from the Tyne-Wear derby draw with Sunderland at St James’ Park.
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Sunderland goalkeeper Alex Bass scored a late equaliser to deny Newcastle United victory in the under-21s derby at St James’ Park. Joe White’s first half goal looked set to be the winner before Bass bundled home a corner deep into stoppage time.

The young Magpies opened the scoring on 33 minutes when a cleverly worked short corner - almost identical to the routine that led to Callum Wilson’s goal against Aston Villa - saw Dylan Stephenson and White combine with the latter powering the ball under Bass.

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Jay Turner-Cooke was sent off against his former club after two yellow cards. The first was a cynical foul on Jay Matete before he sparked a melee in the Sunderland penalty area with 11 minutes to go.

Ben Compton hitting the post from a corner was a warning sign for Newcastle as Bass scored a dramatic late equaliser. Here’s our player ratings from the under-21s clash on Tyneside:

Jude Smith - 8

Outstanding double save midway through the second half as the summer signing from Scotland continues to impress those in the first-team set-up, hence his call ups to senior set-up.

Harry Barclay - 7

Prevented Newall’s dangerous cross from reaching the six-yard box early on. Had his work cutout against Sunderland first-teamer Jewison Bennette in the second half but stuck to his defensive task.

Alex Murphy - 8

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Easy to understand why he’s so highly rated. Showcased his strength and looked composed on the ball. You can tell the defender has already played senior football in Ireland.

Niall Brookwell - 7

Read the game well. Denied a clean sheet via a late corner.

Matty Bondswell -7

An interesting battle between Bondswell and Sunderland first-teamer Niall Huggins but the Magpies left-back largely came out on top.

Jamie Miley - 7

Showed superb vision in the opening stages to set Isaac Westendorf in behind the Sunderland defence. Kept it tidy in midfield.

Jay Turner-Cooke - 5

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Snatched at an early shot before being booked for a cynical foul on Jay Matete. Failed to keep his composure after being sent off with 10 minutes to go following a melee in the Sunderland penalty box.

Josh Scott -7

Lively down the left in the first half but faded after the break. It was his shot saved by Bass that led to the corner that Newcastle took the lead from.

Dylan Stephenson - 8

A big threat when cutting inside on the left. Two efforts sailed over the crossbar and another was well gathered by Bass. Produced the clever flick that set up White’s goal.

Joe White - 9

Ran the show for the young Magpies. Always looked to make things happen and was rewarded for his determination by opening the scoring. Deserved to be on the winning team.

Isaac Westendorf - 6

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Poor decision-making on six minutes after Miley sent the striker through on goal. He should have passed to Scott but instead shot, which was blocked by the Sunderland defender.

SUB: Amadou Diallo (on for Scott,71) - 6

Struggled to make an impact as Sunderland pushed for an equaliser.

SUB: James Huntley (on for Miley, 75) - 6

Introduced when Sunderland pushed forward.

SUB: Michael Ndiweni (on for Westendorf, 85) - N/A