Newcastle United U21s suffered a nightmare end to their Halloween derby-day clash with Sunderland U21s as the visitors snatched a draw at the death. Joe White had put the hosts on course for a win, only for Black Cats goalkeeper Alex Bass to net a sensational injury-time equaliser.
Elliott Dickman named two changes to the starting eleven who came from behind to beat Southampton in their last outing. Jude Smith replaced Will Brown in goal, while former Sunderland prospect Jay Turner-Cooke came back into midfield in place of James Huntley.
Newcastle took the lead in the first-half through White, but were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages after Turner-Cooke was shown a second yellow. Sunderland found an equaliser from an unlikely source, and here are three things we learned from Newcastle U21s' derby draw.
READ MORE: Newcastle United U21s vs Sunderland U21s LIVE
Disappointment despite unbeaten run
It is a draw which means Dickman's side are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League 2 fixtures. However, extraordinary injury-time circumstances mean it is a point which will feel like a defeat for the hosts.
Newcastle had looked comfortable for much of proceedings, and on course for victory after White's opener. Jude Smith was rarely called into action, but this all changed following a late flashpoint which saw Turner-Cooke see red.
The dynamics of the match changed as the Black Cats sensed blood, and Ben Compton saw his header bounce clear off the post. Five minutes were added on, and successive corners resulted in a remarkable equaliser.
Bass remained in the box from the first set-piece, and leapt highest to meet the second delivery. The ball struck the post again, and then deflected into the net off the goalkeeper as he fell to the ground.
Newcastle looked crestfallen as Sunderland celebrated by the corner flag with their fans above. There will be positives for Dickman to take, but they will be hard to find after that dramatic finale.
Turner-Cooke dismissed
The former Sunderland star has enjoyed his previous reunions with his former employers, once scoring the winner at the Stadium of Light. However, the Halloween clash with the Black Cats is not one he will remember fondly.
Turner-Cooke returned to the starting eleven after a minor injury kept him out of the win against Southampton. Alongside White, the 18-year-old showed the composure in possession which has already caught the eye of Eddie Howe.
However, Dickman will not be impressed with the rush of blood which earned the teenager a second yellow and ultimately proved costly. The midfielder looked to be incensed with Alex Bass' challenge on White, and tripped the goalkeeper as he looked to continue with play.
It sparked an ugly confrontation between the sides, and referee Aaron Bannister ultimately decided to give Turner-Cooke his marching orders. It was a silly decision which changed the course of the game, and will no doubt see the young midfielder reprimanded behind closed doors.
White stakes case
It had been a slow start to the season for United's rising star, but the latest strike on Monday night now means White has netted in each of his last three league fixtures. The attacking midfielder opened the scoring in the derby with a corner routine reminiscent of Callum Wilson's second goal in the victory over Aston Villa, beating Alex Bass with a low driven effort.
White was pictured training with Eddie Howe's squad in the days after his stunning free-kick sealed victory over Southampton in the U21s last outing. Dickman challenged the former Hartlepool United loanee with delivering 'consistency', and this message was evidently heard loud and clear.
White was at the heart of much of the Magpies' attacking play, committing defenders and often finding his team-mates in space. Not everything he tried came off, but the midfielder constantly looked for a forward pass.
White along with his team-mates looked devastated at the final whistle, but it was another bright display from the playmaker. The midfielder has not hidden his desire for first-team football, and surely a January loan move has to be the cards.
READ NEXT
Forgotten Newcastle January signing has made 'real impact' on his return after injury setback
Fresh challenge set for Newcastle wonderkid after viral 12-second goal clip
Newcastle boss explains thinking behind latest signing and lays down challenge
Former Newcastle talent with 'bags of potential' released by new club after just three months
Newcastle loanee set for imminent exit as Magpies hold 'no interest' in transfer
