Newcastle’s Under-23s beat Sunderland in the Premier League Cup on Wednesday night.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has congratulated the Toon’s Under-23 side on Twitter after they edged past Sunderland’s second string in the Premier League Cup – thanks to an enthralling penalty shootout.
The Toon’s development manager Ben Dawson watched from the dugout as the Tyne-Wear derby failed to disappoint, with the scoreline reading 2-2 after 120 minutes.
Out-of-contract centre-back Curtis Good and winger Cal Roberts had scored for Newcastle, while three-time USA international Lynden Gooch had scored a brace for the Black Cats.
It saw the two sides head into an astonishing penalty shootout in which Max Stryjek and Paul Woolston looked to keep their opponents’ penalties out. The Toon finally won 11-10, and Benitez was delighted with the reserve side’s efforts.
Currently in 11th position in Premier League 2, Newcastle’s reserves have struggled this season but the win over bitter rivals Sunderland will give Dawson’s side a new-found confidence and belief.
Benitez would have been impressed with a handful of the Toon’s rising stars, including striker Luke Charman, midfielders Mo Sangare and Roberts as well as goalkeeper Woolston who even scored his penalty.
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