Newcastle United U21s face a fight to progress from this season's Premier League Cup after suffering a narrow home defeat to Crystal Palace. John-Kymani Gordon scored the only goal of the game at Whitley Park to condemn the young Magpies to a third straight loss in all competitions.
Elliott Dickman named six changes from the side who were thrashed at Bristol City in their opening Group E fixture. Jude Smith replaced Will Brown in goal, with Jordan Hackett, James Huntley, Lewis Miley, Alex Murphy and Isaac Westendorf all restored to the starting eleven.
Chances were few and far between in the first-half, and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock through Gordon shortly after the restart. The hosts pushed but were unable to find an equaliser, and here are three things we learned from Newcastle U21s' defeat on Monday night.
READ MORE: Newcastle United U21s vs Crystal Palace U21s highlights
Attacking woes
There were positives for Newcastle to take from this display despite the loss. The hosts pressed well out of possession, and it was an improved defensive showing after shipping four goals in their last outing.
However, the 1-0 defeat means the young Magpies are yet to get off the mark or score in this season's Premier League Cup. There were some bright moments, but Newcastle struggled to fashion any clearcut openings.
Joe White went close with a speculative long-range strike which had Joe Whitworth scrambling, while Dylan Stephenson saw an effort blocked in the box. Substitute Josh Scott blazed a cutback over the bar, but it was an otherwise frustrating day at the office for Newcastle in the attacking department.
Losing run continues
The home reverse means Newcastle's second-string have now lost their last three matches. It is the second time this season Dickman's side have lost three on the bounce, and the latest defeat leaves their Premier League Cup hopes hanging in the balance.
It was a close contest, and the hosts will feel slightly aggrieved to have come away with nothing. But Newcastle's second-string are now the only side yet to pick up points in Group E, and sit bottom after two defeats.
There is no time for the young Magpies to dwell on the frustrating loss, with a trip to Whitley Bay on Wednesday night in the Northumberland Senior Cup. Dickman will likely ring the changes again, hoping to regain the momentum from their recent six-match unbeaten Premier League 2 run.
Miley's home debut
It was a case of trading one Miley brother for another, as the younger sibling was handed just his second U21s start. Lewis was withdrawn through injury after just 20 minutes at Villa Park last month, but was given another chance to impress.
The hosts struggled in attack throughout, but the 16-year-old was often the brightest spark after the restart. Miley showed some clever touches and linked up well with Jay Turner-Cooke on several occasions, and created perhaps the best opening with a cutback for Josh Scott which was lifted over the crossbar.
It is quickly developing into an impressive campaign for the teenager, who was rewarded with the Jack Hixon award last week. Miley has already trained with the first-team too, and it appears the winger is taking the right steps at this early stage for a bright future on Tyneside.
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