NEWCASTLE have suffered yet another pre-season defeat as Stoke emerged 1-0 winners at St James’ Park.
It is now two losses in a row for Steve Bruce’s men against Championship opposition after Middlesbrough hit them for five on Tuesday.
It is now two pre-season defeats in a row for NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
To make matters worse for Bruce, both of those teams were battling relegation into League One last season.
Newcastle started off the day full of optimism with fans dreaming of three potential incoming signings in Jamal Lewis, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.
But they once again disappointed on the pitch in what was their final friendly before the start of the new Premier League campaign next week.
Potters ace Sam Clucas scored the only goal of the game, with his 19th minute header beating Karl Darlow in the Newcastle goal.
And the visitors almost doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half when Lee Gregory struck the woodwork.
Allan Saint-Maximin went to close to equalising, but was denied by Jack Butland – who also kept out Jacob Murphy’s effort in the 69th minute.
Bruce rung the changes with 19 minutes left as he chucked on forwards Joelinton, Christian Atsu and Yoshinori Muto, though they failed to make an impact.
With Dwight Gayle facing three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Magpies supporters are desperate for the club to bring in another striker.
Magpies winger Allan Saint-Maximin was unable to help the Magpies avoid defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sean Longstaff could soon be joined by three new faces at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Cherries hitman Wilson is understood to be the club’s No1 target with Bruce unable to rely on just Joelinton and Andy Carroll.
Wilson’s former Bournemouth team-mate Fraser is believed to be close to joining Newcastle on a free transfer.
Despite the club agreeing a fee for Sassuolo left-back Rodrigo, it has been widely speculated that Norwich defender Lewis will be brought in instead.
Watch as Andy Carroll juggles ball in box before scoring sublime goal for Newcastle in Crewe friendly
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
