Newcastle United under-21s' winless run continues as they suffered a heavy home defeat to West Brom. Reyes Cleary netted the winner in the reverse fixture, and returned to haunt the Magpies once again, scoring twice as the visitors romped to a 5-2 victory.
Ben Dawson made one change to the starting eleven who earned a 2-2 draw at Stoke City in their last outing, courtesy of a stoppage-time equaliser from Ben Parkinson. Max Thompson replaced Will Brown in goal, with summer signing Alex Murphy named on the bench following a spell on the sidelines.
Amadou Diallo opened the scoring after just five minutes following fine work from Michael Ndiweni. However, the Magpies lead proved to be short-lived, even with Max Thompson producing a fine save to deny Jamie Andrews from the penalty spot.
READ MORE: Newcastle United U21s 2-5 West Brom U21s highlights and reaction
Akeel Higgins then netted a brace either side of Rico Richards capitalising on a rebound to put the Baggies in control. Rodrigo Vilca gave the hosts hope with a header just before the interval, but this two-goal cushion was quickly restored by Reyes Cleary before the winger scored again with the last kick of the game.
Here are three things we learned from Newcastle U21s 5-2 defeat to the Baggies at Little Benton Academy on Monday afternoon.
Playoff hopes extinguished
Without a league win since October, Newcastle still retained an outside chance of mounting a late push for a playoff spot heading into the game. Recent performances have been encouraging, with Dawson's side rallying twice last time out on Tyneside to draw with high-flying Leeds United.
Reflecting on the draw at Stoke, defender Charlie Wiggett described their display as one of their best of the season. Again, there were positives to take in their most recent outing despite the scoreline.
Having struggled for goals at the start of the year, Dawson's side scored twice and posed a threat throughout. Yet there is no disguising the damage of this latest setback now makes it eight league matches without a win for Newcastle's second-string.
Defensive woes
Newcastle have certainly found their feet as an offensive outfit under Dawson. Monday's encounter means the Magpies have now scored twice in each of their last three fixtures.
However, this steady return is yet to lead a much-needed win. All too often, West Brom were able to beat the midfield and find space to attack.
Higgins had all the time in the world to net the equaliser, and Richards reacted quickest to a rebound to beat the defenders and score the second. Higgins was unmarked to extend the lead, while Cleary was rewarded for proving constant menace when he struck just after the interval.
There is much to like with the young Magpies with respect to their intensity off the ball and their desire to play on the frontfoot. However, the latest loss was another reminder of their current concerns at the back.
Vilca impresses
Vilca will celebrate his 24th birthday next week, and there is no realistic chance of the playmaker making a senior breakthrough in black and white. The attacking midfielder returned to Tyneside following a disappointing loan spell in his homeland with Universitario.
When asked about Vilca's next step in January, Dawson admitted it was unclear with foreign loan and transfer windows open beyond the domestic deadline. Two months on, the forgotten signing has gone to become a regular starter for the second string.
Vilca netted a fine late strike in the behind-closed-doors victory over Brentford B last month, and gave his side hope at the break with a header. The former Deportivo Municipal prospect combined well with Diallo on several occasions down the left flank.
Vilca has one year to run on his contract, and is obviously not a long-term solution for Newcastle. However, credit where credit is due, the recent loanee has evidently applied himself well upon his return.
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