Newcastle United U21s were unable to hold out for all three points against a Middlesbrough side that's full of confidence on Friday evening. Mark Gillespie started in between the sticks for Elliot Dickman's side but could do nothing to keep out Joe Gibson's equaliser deep into second-half injury time.
Dylan Stephenson gave Newcastle the lead at Heritage Park just before half-time, slotting a low drive beyond Max Metcalfe into the bottom corner to make it four goals in four Premier League 2 matches. The result leaves the Magpies in sixth place, with two wins and a draw from their opening six games of the season.
Boro came into the tie full of confidence after an assured win over Sunderland U21s a week ago. United States international Matthew Hoppe lead the line for Mark Tinkler's side and showed glimpses of first-team pedigree in the opening stages. However, it was fellow strike partner Sonny Finch who went closest to opening the scoring in County Durham.
