Newcastle United's U18s rounded off an exciting week with an injury-time equaliser against Manchester City - four months on from a 13-0 defeat to the Premier League North champions. Johnny Emerson netted in the 94th minute to earn the hosts a point in the Saturday fixture at the club's Benton base.
Graeme Carrick, the brother of former England international and Manchester United star Michael, was confirmed as the Magpies U18s coach on Tuesday. The 37-year-old has taken over the role left vacant by Peter Ramage, who will now work alongside Shola Ameobi in the club's loans department.
Newcastle's U18s finished last season in dreadful form, losing their final five matches. A six-goal thrashing by Manchester United was unfortunately followed by the humiliating double-digit defeat against City.
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The young Magpies were tasked with beginning the new season against the same opponents, and likely would have feared the worst when Matthew Whittingham fired the visitors in front. Joel Ndad doubled this advantage just after the hour-mark with a smart chip, although Newcastle pulled one back immediately through an own goal from goalkeeper George Murray-Jones.
United pushed for an equaliser for the remainder of the contest, and Emerson pulled the hosts level after rounding Murray-Jones in stoppage-time to tap into an empty net. It is the second successive season the sides have played out a 2-2 draw on Tyneside, but it represents a significant 13-goal swing from the most recent encounter at the Etihad campus.
Steve Harper spoke of his delight at the appointment of Carrick in a 'very important role' as the club's new owners look to invest and improve at every level. Newcastle's U18s are next in action away at Blackburn Rovers on August 27.
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