Newcastle United beat neighbours Gateshead 5-1 in a behind closed doors friendly game at Benton in the sunshine to start pre-season in good form.
Goals from Matt Ritchie, Joelinton, Miguel Almirón (2) and Sean Longstaff secured the win as Howe played two different sides to give everybody at least 45 minutes. Only Kell Watts played the full 90 minutes and it took Newcastle 34 minutes to break down the Tynesiders on a warm day at the club's training centre.
New signing Sven Botman did not feature in the emphatic win while there was a chance for Matty Longstaff despite the midfielder being linked with Sheff Wed in recent days. Eddie Howe took the opportunity to look at Elliot Anderson as promised earlier this year.
