Newcastle United U21s were reduced to nine men and suffered a second straight loss this season following a narrow home defeat to Stoke City. Ben Kershaw's stunning early strike proved to be the only goal of the contest, with Magpies duo Matty Bondswell and Michael Ndiweni both dismissed for second bookable offences.
Elliott Dickman named two changes from the side who suffered a heartbreaking late defeat at West Brom in their season opener. Summer signing Jordan Hackett and goalscorer on the night Ndiweni both made starts, with Charlie Wiggett dropping to the bench and Josh Scott not included in the matchday squad.
However, the hosts fell behind to a sensational effort from summer signing Kershaw. One of five Stoke debutants on the night, the forward cleverly chested down a clearance before rifling his effort beyond Max Thompson from the edge of the box.
