Newcastle United U23s 2-3 Blyth Spartans: Magpies lose to non-league opponents at St James' Park

Newcastle United Under-23s suffered a 3-2 defeat to Blyth Spartans in their own backyard on a tough night for Elliott Dickman's side.

In front of watching first-team boss Eddie Howe, the young Magpies suffered a nightmare start to the game and were 3-0 down after just 32 minutes. They did fight back in the second half but by that time had too much to do.

United's youngsters, drubbed by Blyth in pre-season, were looking to sign off for the season in style. Vanarama League outfit Spartans have just staved off the threat of the drop in the sixth tier and were also looking for a big night at St James' Park beneath the lights.

It was the Croft Park side who had the first glimpse of goal after 10 minutes when Rhys Evans crossed from the right for Corey McKeown but his effort was deflected wide before Newcastle cleared their lines from the resultant corner at the Gallowgate End.

With 20 minutes gone, it was the non-league side who grabbed the lead with a well-worked opener from Blyth's point of view. But Newcastle failed to stop the right-wing cross and left Sado Djalo unmarked in the box to head home.

Three minutes later Blyth doubled their advantage with a cheeky goal from Robbie Dale. A left-wing corner was whipped in and as Newcastle's defence froze a second time the ball spun awkwardly past Max Thompson to make it 2-0.

Blyth were 3-0 up on 32 minutes when Dale's corner was floated on to the head of Nathan Buddle who powered home another first half goal. Shell-shocked United responded eventually with a shot on target from Jay Turner-Cooke but Alex Mitchell was equal to it.

Terry Mitchell's Spartans went in with a commanding lead at half-time after a concerning opening 45 minutes for the Magpies. After the break Blyth dared