Newcastle United U21s picked up their first win of the season after a four-goal thrashing Derby County at Whitley Park. Both sides had lost their opening three fixtures, but the Magpies are now off the mark courtesy of braces from Kyle Crossley and Dylan Stephenson.
Elliott Dickman made four changes from the side who lost at Norwich City on Sunday, with Joe White making his first start of the season. Matty Bondswell and Michael Ndiweni returned following suspensions, with Nathan Carlyon also coming back into the defence.
The Magpies were rewarded for a strong start when Dylan Stephenson netted his second goal in as many games after only eight minutes. This advantage was quickly doubled by Kyle Crossley, who curled a fine effort beyond Harrison Foulkes.
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Newcastle were in control at the break, and the victory was sealed as Stephenson and Crossley both grabbed their second goals either side of the hour mark. It means United are now up and running with their first Premier League 2 win of the season, and here are three things we learned from the 4-0 win.
Anderson in the stands
Elliot Anderson might be a member of Newcastle's first-team squad, but that did not stop the talented teenager from supporting his team-mates from the sidelines. The academy graduate impressed in his full debut for the Magpies in the midweek win over Tranmere Rovers, although United will likely receive loan enquiries for the attacking midfielder ahead of the Thursday's transfer deadline.
Anderson was sat among the substitutes in the stand at Whitley Park. At this stage of last season, the 19-year-old was coming back from injury and featuring for the under-23s.
However, a stunning loan spell for the second-half of last season with Bristol Rovers has almost certainly ruled out a return to this level. The question now is what role Anderson will play for Eddie Howe in the coming months.
Forwards on fire
The Magpies made a fast start to the contest, and regularly found space in behind the Rams' defence. Ndiweni looked lively, but it was the wide men who took starring roles.
Stephenson pounced on a defensive mistake to stab Newcastle into a lead after only eight minutes. This advantage was quickly doubled by Crossley, who cleverly curled his long-range effort through a crowded box and into the far corner.
The pair went on to both grab braces, with Stephenson showing great composure to lift his effort over the advancing Foulkes following a superb Alex Murphy pass. Stephenson then turned provider, and his cutback was dispatched by Crossley who side-footed his strike beyond the goalkeeper.
Neither were able to claim the match ball as they were both substituted late on by Dickman. Nonetheless, both wide men will be delighted with their work, with Stephenson now making it three goals in his last two games.
White's return
The highly-rated attacking midfielder delivered an assured display in his first start of the season. White spent the second-half of last season on loan at Hartlepool United, and ended speculation over his future after signing a new contract in March.
The 19-year-old started alongside Jay Turner-Cooke in the heart of Newcastle's midfield, and was constantly positive in his play. There were a couple of interceptions and tackles, but White showed his quality with his range of passing and his desire to create.
White was replaced by Charlie Wiggett at the break, but it was an encouraging return to action for the promising midfielder. The teenager will almost certainly be a loan target in the coming days, having made 16 appearances for Hartlepool last season.
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