Santiago Munoz marked his Newcastle United Under-23 home debut with a goal on an enthralling night of action at St James' Park against West Bromwich Albion. But the Mexican youth international's first goal since arriving from Santos Laguna last summer was barely half the story.
After going 2-0 down in the first half, Newcastle roared back to lead 3-2, almost threw it away near the end at 3-3 then won it in stoppage time. The victory means Newcastle remain on course for a Premier League 2 play-off spot as goals from Niall Brookwell, Nathan Carlyon and Josh Scott keep them in contention.
A crazy night started with a Matty Bondswell cross on seven minutes forcing West Brom goalkeeper Mac Chisholm into a claim at his back post as United started to ask questions of the visiting defence. Bondswell then got forward again moments later, combining with Josh Scott, before Isaac Westendorf headed over from close range.
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A real chance on 13 minutes presented itself to Jay Turner-Cooke but he could only steer it wide from the edge of the box at the Leazes End. Scott then tried his luck three minutes later but his effort went over the top much to the relief of Chisolm.
The visitors took the lead when Mo Faal raced on to a ball through the middle before guiding it under Jake Turner. In fairness, Turner had been left exposed with little option but to rush out as a last resort leaving Newcastle to battle back.
On 35 minutes Dylan Stephenson looped a header over at the back post before Santiago Munoz also nodded one off target moments later. United's series of missed chances would come back to haunt them again as West Brom pushed forward again on 42 minutes and Jovan Malcolm steered home after Newcastle failed to clear their lines.
It was tough on Newcastle after they'd created more openings but lacked the required quality. West Brom got straight on the front-foot after the break forcing a free-kick with Niall Brookwell collecting a yellow card early in the second period.
But United reduced arrears five minutes into the second half when Joe Oliver's cross from the right found Munoz who headed home to score on his home debut at St James' Park. It was a neat header but wary of the delicate status of the game, he grabbed the ball from the net and sprinted back to the halfway line.
Stephenson broke free down the right and forced the keeper into a save low down. United showed their battling qualities when they tied the game up at 2-2 when Niall Brookwell steered the ball home at the back post from a corner just before the hour mark.
Newcastle replaced Munoz with a good 63 minutes in the tank to a warm ovation from the hardcore support who'd turned out for his home bow. Munoz was replaced by Ellis Stanton but the drama was only just beginning.
Mid-way through the second half Stephenson made another good run down the right but his effort was drilled into the body of Chisholm. With 17 minutes to go, Newcastle caused more havoc from a corner with Nathan Carlyon firing home to make it 3-2 and put the Magpies ahead for the first time.
Turner-Cooke almost added gloss to the scoreline but drilled low into the hands of the keeper. West Brom refused to give up the fight though and after an attack from the right it was Jamie Andrews who poked home with just four minutes left.
United continued to push deep into five minutes of stoppage time, and they would get their reward. As the ball pinged around in the penalty area it was Josh Scott who stayed coolest to guide home after calmly taking down the ball on his left foot before firing an effort past Chisholm with his right for the fourth and final time. It capped a remarkable night for Newcastle's second string.
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