Newcastle have kicked off pre-season with a 3-0 win over League One side Crewe Alexandra at the Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate campus in York this afternoon.
Andy Carroll scored a stunner in the first half (watch it below) and goals from Christian Atsu and Federico Fernandez then followed in the second 45.
It wasn’t all good news, however, with Dwight Gayle limping off on the 63rd minute. Bruce said he was in “tip-top shape” earlier today, but will be left hoping his latest injury isn’t a serious one – especially when we’re already short on goalscoring strikers ahead of the new season!
Here’s Carroll’s superb opener, followed by the 22 players who featured, with Steve Bruce fielding completely different starting 11’s in each half:
1st half XI: (4-2-3-1): Gillespie – Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett – Hayden, Barlaser – Murphy, Almiron, Saint-Maximin – Carroll.
2nd half XI: (4-3-1-2?): Darlow – Yedlin, Fernandez, Lejeune, Manquillo – Saivet, M Longstaff, Shelvey – S Longstaff – Atsu, Gayle*.
(*Dan Barlaser came back on in the 63rd minute to replace the injured Dwight Gayle)
Aside from Carroll’s stunner, it was Gayle who played a big part in setting up Atsu’s strike, while U-23 star Dan Barlaser whipped in a brilliant corner to allow Federico Fernandez to head home.
Elsehwere, Paul Dummett struck the crossbar from 25 yards in the first half, Jonjo Shelvey also hit the woodwork TWICE with free kicks from distance and Mark Gillespie made a few good saves early on in his first appearance for the club.
A good run out that gave 22 players some much needed minutes and great to see Carroll scoring again in a black and white shirt, however it’s a real concern to see Gayle pick up yet ANOTHER knock.
At least one striker MUST be brought in – and soon!
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) / Follow us on Facebook HERE
strange Gayle off with injury
icedog(Quote)
Yep, but not unexpected .
kimtoon(Quote)
Nice goal from Andy though.
kimtoon(Quote)
Harry Maguire found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery .
kimtoon(Quote)