Newcastle United U21s' miserable recent run has continued with a narrow defeat at Sheffield United. Owen Hampson's strike sealed a 2-1 win for the Blades and condemned the young Magpies to a fifth straight loss.
Two matches in the space of three days led Elliott Dickman to make wholesale changes for the midweek Northumberland Senior Cup defeat at Whitley Bay on Wednesday. Matt Bondswell was the only player to keep his place for the clash with the Blades, with the likes of Lewis Miley, Jay Turner-Cooke and Joe White all restored to the starting eleven.
The Blades were gifted the lead when James Huntley underhit a backpass to Jude Smith, presenting Frankie Maguire with a simple finish into an unguarded net. Newcastle pulled level on the stroke of half-time as Miley nodded home after a clever set-piece routine.
READ MORE: Sheffield United U21s 2-1 Newcastle United U21s highlights
However, Hampson's strike in the 71st minute means the Magpies remain without a point in the Premier League Cup and staring down the barrel of an early elimination. Here are three things we learned from Newcastle U21s defeat on Monday afternoon.
Dickman delivers on warning
The young Magpies boss could not hide his anger after his side's meek display in the defeat at Whitley Bay. Dickman had made wholesale changes, but was clear that those given an opportunity had failed to take advantage.
Mass changes were expected for the clash with the Blades, with regular starters such as Jay Turner-Cooke, Joe White and captain Alex Murphy returning to the fold. But in the end, only Matt Bondswell kept his place in the starting eleven from the defeat at Hillheads Park.
Dickman pulled no punches in his assessment of the 3-1 loss, insisting that no member of his team staked a claim to keep their place in the side. The Newcastle U21s boss delivered on this warning, and was rewarded with an improved showing despite the latest loss.
Miley makes his mark
It is quickly becoming a standout year for the younger Miley brother, who has followed up his recent Jack Hixon award with his first U21s goal. The 16-year-old drifted to the far post and nodded the ball home to equalise with the last action of the first-half.
Miley's goal capped another encouraging display, with the winger enjoying several promising moments in attack. The teenager was singled out for praise for his performance in the recent defeat to Crystal Palace, and has now opened his account at this level in only his third start.
Dickman admits Miley has made a 'really positive' start to his scholarship at St James' Park, but urged the attacker to keep his feet on the ground and stay hungry. There is still a long road ahead for the rising star, but a maiden goal at this level marks another significant step in his development.
Worrying form continues
For the second successive week in the Premier League Cup, the young Magpies came out on the wrong side of an even contest. Chances were at a premium throughout, and Callum Hiddleston produced several fine saves at the end to preserve the Blades' lead.
Yet it is another defeat which means Newcastle U21s have now gone six games without a win, and have lost the last five. It was not so long ago that Dickman's side responded to a poor start to the season with a six-match unbeaten run in Premier League 2.
That seems a distant memory now, with the Newcastle boss having called his team's character into question on a couple of recent occasions. Dickman could have no complaints with his team's application at Glanford Park, but the visitors lacked quality in the final third.
Progress into the knockout stage of the Premier League Cup is now highly unlikely, but Newcastle will have the opportunity to gain swift revenge against the Blades. Sheffield United travel to Tyneside for the reverse fixture next Monday, and there was enough in this performance to suggest the Magpies can get a positive result next time out.
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