After watching the U-23’s 2-0 win over Sunderland on Monday, the Shields Gazette’s Liam Kennedy has picked out some of Newcastle’s stand out players on the night.
An early penalty from Luke Charman gave us a perfect start in the ‘mini derby’, and things went from bad to worse for the Mackems when Brandon Taylor was sent off mid-way through the first half.
We dominated from that point onwards and, despite missing a whole host of chances to put the game to bed, Spanish winger Victor Fernandez capped off an impressive display with a second half strike to make it 2-0.
Kenedy praised new centre-back Ludwig Francillette for a ‘towering’ display at in defence, with an ‘excellent’ Mo Sangare and ‘energetic’ Jack Young also impressing.
Victor Fernandez was also praised for his trickery as he turned Sunderland star Bali Mumba ‘inside out’, while Luke Charman’s movement was described ‘excellent’ up top:
Here’s what Kennedy said during his player ratings piece for the Shields Gazette:
GK: Dan Langley – 6 – Unfair to judge the big keeper on this performance as he had very little to do. When needed to claim a cross or two did the business.
RB: Lewis Cass – 7 – A solid show down the right from the skipper.
CB: Ludwig Francillette – 8 – Won absolutely everything in the air. A towering presence at the heart of defence.
CB: Oisin McEntee – 7 – Formed a solid partnership with Frenchman Francillette.
LB: Oliver Walters – 6 – Very little to do defensively down the left hand side.
CM: Jamie Sterry – 7 – Played in the centre of midfield and looked every bit at home there.
CM: Mo Sangare – 7 – Big, strong and with a cultured range of passing. Excellent in the first 45, if he faded a little later on. Very vocal from the middle, too.
CAM: Jack Young – 8 – A throwback, old fashioned type midfielder. Excellent energy.
LW: Victor Fernandez – 8 – A tricky performance down the left. Turned Sunderland big hope Bali Mumba inside out.
ST: Luke Charman – 8 – Excellent movement up top. Scored one, could have had another three or four.
RW: Tom Allan – 7 – His pace down the right was electrifying.
So, Sangare continues to impress in midfield, Fernandez caught the eye once again following his return from a long-term injury and 6ft 4′ summer signing Francillette appeared to put in a monstrous display at the back.
Jack Young is also someone to watch after the blonde-haired midfielder put in another energetic display.
A big and much needed win for Redfearn’s young Mags after a struggling start to the season in the Premier League 2. Let’s hope this can be a turning point.
