Had very little to do in the opening stages. Could do very little about Evans’ equaliser. Denied Burstow with a good save minutes later - although the striker was in an offside position. Was very quiet in the second period but was alert to stop a rasping effort from Thomas Watson.placeholder image
Had very little to do in the opening stages. Could do very little about Evans’ equaliser. Denied Burstow with a good save minutes later - although the striker was in an offside position. Was very quiet in the second period but was alert to stop a rasping effort from Thomas Watson. | Wolves via Getty Images

Newcastle United v Sunderland player ratings as ‘brilliant’ 9/10 and ‘leader’ 8/10 star: U21 photos

Joe Buck
By Joe Buck

Video and Social reporter

Published 18th Mar 2024, 15:05 GMT
Updated 18th Mar 2024, 16:39 GMT

Newcastle United Under-21’s recorded a Wear-Tyne derby win as they defeated a Sunderland side that included six first-team players.

Newcastle United Under-21’s went in search of derby day victory at the Academy of Light when they faced Sunderland in the Premier League 2. The Magpies came into the clash bottom of the table and missing a few of their key players.

The Black Cats, meanwhile, had six first-team candidates in their starting XI including Pierre Ekwah, Bradley Dack, Mason Burstow and Timothy Pembele in their starting side. Despite this, the Magpies took the lead early on through Kyle Crossley.

Crossley pounced on an error before smashing a left-footed shot past a despairing Nathan Bishop. The Magpies held out until the 38th minute when Corry Evans struck a delightful effort into the top corner.

However, they then retook the lead before the half-time break courtesy of Cathal Heffernan. The former AC Milan man got himself on the end of Jamie Miley’s corner to restore their lead.

After going into the break ahead, Newcastle continued their impressive display and deservedly extended their lead through Crossley. Diallo’s cross found the no.9 who had a simple task in placing the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Newcastle were very comfortable but Joe Ryder’s late strike made it a nervy final few minutes but they were able to hold on and record a memorable 3-2 win. Here are our player ratings from the game:

Had some nice and tidy touches and was very composed on the ball. Faded a little in the second period but still showed glimpses of class.

9. Alfie Harrison - 7

Had some nice and tidy touches and was very composed on the ball. Faded a little in the second period but still showed glimpses of class. | Wolves via Getty Images

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Looked bright but struggled with his end product. Flashed an effort wide of the post in the 16th minute. Set up Crossley’s second with a good delivery. Was a constant thorn in the side of Sunderland’s defence.

10. Amadou Diallo - 7

Looked bright but struggled with his end product. Flashed an effort wide of the post in the 16th minute. Set up Crossley’s second with a good delivery. Was a constant thorn in the side of Sunderland’s defence. | Getty Images

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Took his goal very well. Dispossessed the Sunderland defender before opening up his body and smashing a left-footed effort past Bishop. Brilliant at leading the line and took his second goal very well. Booked. Substituted seven minutes from time.

11. Kyle Crossley - 9

Took his goal very well. Dispossessed the Sunderland defender before opening up his body and smashing a left-footed effort past Bishop. Brilliant at leading the line and took his second goal very well. Booked. Substituted seven minutes from time. | Getty Images

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Replaced Powell in the 59th minute. Didn’t influence proceedings too much on the right wing.

12. Ben Parkinson - 6

Replaced Powell in the 59th minute. Didn’t influence proceedings too much on the right wing. | Getty Images

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