Matty Longstaff features as Newcastle United draw against Sunderland U23s

Matty Longstaff played 90 minutes for Newcastle United U23s on Monday afternoon in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Academy of Light.
Matty Longstaff played 90 minutes for Newcastle United U23s on Monday afternoonMatty Longstaff played 90 minutes for Newcastle United U23s on Monday afternoon
Matty Longstaff played 90 minutes for Newcastle United U23s on Monday afternoon

Longstaff has had little senior football of late, last featuring for Steve Bruce’s side in a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on January 18th.

He was named alongside highly-rated youngster Elliot Anderson in a strong team, and both players went close to scoring a late winner for their side.

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Adam Wilson had equalised for Newcastle just two minutes after Josh Hawkes opened the scoring for the Black Cats nine minutes in.

There was good news for Sunderland as Benji Kimpioka made his return from a hamstring injury.

Kimpioka completed 45 minutes alongside senior goalkeeper Remi Matthews as he steps up his recovery from a serious hamstring injury picked up late last year.

Josh Hawkes continued his superb form for the Black Cats by opening the scoring nine minutes into the contest, cutting inside from the left to beat Newcastle goalkeeper Dan Langley.

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Hawkes has been a key player for Elliot Dickman's side since joining from Hartlepool United last summer and was rewarded with a place on the bench in the 2-0 win over Rochdale on Saturday.

Sunderland's lead lasted just two minutes, however, as Wilson levelled the scores. Anderson was particularly unlucky to be denied at close range by substitute Anthony Patterson in the second half.

Sunderland's best chance late on came as young defender Patrick Almond turned a corner just wide of the post.

The result means that Sunderland stay ahead of Newcastle in the table on goal difference, though they have played a game less than Chris Hogg’s side.