Newcastle United face 'must win' clash with Harrogate Town in the Papa John's Trophy

Newcastle United Under-21’s are in Papa John’s Trophy action tonight aiming to capitalise on a strong win over Middlesbrough on Friday.
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If Newcastle are to match their exploits in this competition from three seasons ago, when they faced Sunderland in the knockout rounds, then the current crop of Under-21’s need a victory at The EnviroVent Stadium tonight.

Newcastle come into the clash on the back of a 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough on Friday night where goals from Charlie Wiggett, Elliot Anderson, Dylan Stephenson and an own-goal ended a run of four defeats on the trot.

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Their only appearance so far this season in the Papa John’s Trophy saw them battered and bruised, going down 3-0 at Sheffield Wednesday.

Newcastle United defender Charlie Wiggett is confident his side can defeat Harrogate Town tonight (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Newcastle United defender Charlie Wiggett is confident his side can defeat Harrogate Town tonight (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Charlie Wiggett is confident his side can defeat Harrogate Town tonight (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Their hosts, on the other hand, defeated Mansfield Town 3-1 in their opening game of the competition and currently sit in 2nd place in League Two after an impressive start to the season.

The two sides faced each other in a pre-season friendly in July, Town ran out 2-1 winners on that occasion.

One player looking to impress tonight is the man who notched the first goal on Friday night, Charlie Wiggett.

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Wiggett has revealed that the team believe they can get a positive result tonight and keep their hopes of progressing from the group alive:

"They are doing well but these games are very important for us and ones we look forward to.

“They are a first-team side and that's where we want to be, putting ourselves up against tougher and more aggressive opponents.” Wiggett told nufc.co.uk.

“We'll give it our all and hopefully get a strong result from the game.

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"My first game for Newcastle was against Harrogate (a 2-1 defeat in July). It was the first game of pre-season with everyone getting back into the swing of things but we played well as a team and I feel we can get something from tomorrow's game.

"It's a great competition to be involved in, especially for myself being a centre-back coming up against big, strong strikers and being able to win aerial duels, one-versus-one situations and defending the box properly.

"It's a tournament that I think is very important for all of the under-21 sides."

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