Newcastle United beat Gateshead 4-2 in the National League Cup at the Gateshead International Stadium - here are the player ratings from the match.
Diarmuid O'carroll’s side needed a win in order to have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the competition having picked up five points from their opening three group games. And it was The Young Magpies who took the lead in the Tyneside derby with Alfie Harrison - Newcastle’s only January signing from last year - finding the corner of the goal from the edge of the box.
A fine tight-angled finish from Jovan Malcolm drew Gateshead level little over five minutes later.
The lively start to the game continued as by the 20 minute mark Newcastle made it 2-1 with Josh Donaldson turning the ball in from Johnny Emerson’s cross. But once again United’s lead lasted less than five minutes as goalkeeper James Taylor charged out and misjudged the ball, allowing Callum Tripp to stroke home to make it 2-2 with less than quarter of the game played.
The goals then dried up for the remainder of the half as the teams went in at 2-2.
Newcastle went back in front from the penalty spot as Garang Kuol converted to make it two goals in as many games. The Australian then set up substitute Darren Palmer to make it 4-2. The fourth goal proved to be crucial for Newcastle as Boston United’s last minute equaliser and penalty win against Middlesbrough Under-21s as well as Leeds United’s defeat against Tamworth meant it would be enough for Newcastle to progress to the quarter-finals on goal difference.
Here are the Newcastle United Under-21s player ratings from the match...
9. Alfie Harrison - 8
Put Newcastle in front with a tidy finish from the edge of the box. Was a real creative influence and tried to make things happen whenever he was on the ball in the final third. Came close to making it 3-2 with a deflected effort that just went wide of the left post. Faded slightly in the second half before being withdrawn. | Getty Images
10. Garang Kuol - 8
Had a good opportunity to put Newcastle back in front but hit the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Took his penalty well to put Newcastle back in front before assisting the crucial fourth goal. | Getty Images
11. Josh Donaldson - 7
Missed a good chance to make it 2-0 inside the opening 10 minutes, dragging a shot wide. Made amends with a first time finish to put Newcastle back in front. | Getty Images
12. SUB: Darren Palmer - 7
On for Emerson 64: Almost scored with his first touches of the ball only to be denied by a good stop from the goalkeeper. Could have scored again minutes later only to be prevented by an even better stop second time around. | Newcastle United