Newcastle United U21s have been humbled in their opening Premier League Cup group fixture at Bristol City. Sam Bell's hat-trick helped the hosts ease to a comfortable 4-0 victory at the Robins High Performance Centre on Monday afternoon.
The Premier League 2 campaign is now on hold until after the World Cup, and the young Magpies face six uninterrupted cup fixtures. United have also been drawn in Group E alongside Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, and began the campaign against the leaders of Group South of the Professional Development League.
Elliott Dickman named five changes from the side who saw their six-match unbeaten Premier League 2 run come to an end at league leaders Leeds United last time out. Will Brown replaced Jude Smith in goal, with Amadou Diallo, Cameron Ferguson, Jay Turner-Cooke and Charlie Wiggett all coming into the starting eleven.
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The hosts broke the deadlock after just 12 minutes, with Omar Taylor-Clarke's corner being met by Joe Lowe who powered the header beyond Brown. Four minutes later, this lead was doubled as Bell latched on to a long ball and turned the ball home after a one-two with Sam Pearson.
The same players combined for City's third and put the match beyond the visitors before the interval. Pearson's initial shot was blocked on the line, but Bell read the situation to pounce on the rebound in the 33rd minute.
The forward was then able to complete his hat-trick shortly after the restart. Pearson was on hand to provide the assist once more, with Bell finding a way past Brown from a tight angle.
Joe White came closest to pulling one back for the Magpies, with his effort from the edge of the box parried away by Josey Casa-Grande. The Robins goalkeeper also reacted well to keep out a mishit cross from Harry Barclay.
However, Newcastle were unable to register a consolation and fell to a heavy defeat in their opening Group E fixture. Dickman's side will be looking to bounce back when they return to action at home to Crystal Palace on November 21.
