Gateshead vs Newcastle

Eddie Howe's decision to introduce Jacob Ramsey and Trevan Sanusi in the 77th minute injected fresh impetus. Within two minutes, Ramsey played a superb through ball to Lewis Hall on the left flank. Hall's driven cutback was destined for a white shirt, but substitute Ben Williams — on the pitch for just four minutes — could not get out of the way and turned the ball past his own goalkeeper Desbois to hand Newcastle an undeserved equaliser.

Luke Supyk (Gateshead) — The 20-year-old New Zealander, who joined Gateshead on a two-year deal on 22 July after a trial period in which he scored three goals in three pre-season games, took his tally to four with a poacher's finish. He was a constant threat until substituted on the hour mark.

Adam Desbois (Gateshead) — Made several crucial saves, including a one-handed stop from Neave inside two minutes and an important block from Barnes. His performance kept Gateshead in front for 79 minutes.

Lewis Hall (Newcastle) — The left-back was Newcastle's most dangerous attacking outlet throughout. He forced a penalty claim that was waved away, hit the crossbar with a dipping effort, and ultimately created the equaliser with his driving run and cross.

Sean Steur (Newcastle) — The summer signing from the Eredivisie delivered a composed, promising display in central midfield, albeit against lower-league opposition. He played the full 90 minutes and showed neat touches in tight spaces.

Player of the match: Adam Desbois (Gateshead)

Newcastle dominated territory and chances across the 90 minutes, with Pope barely tested beyond the goal. The xG disparity — while not officially published for this match — reflected a one-sided contest in terms of shot volume, yet Gateshead's ruthless efficiency on the counter and the sharpness of Supyk had them ahead until the final 11 minutes. The 16 substitutions combined (seven for Gateshead, nine for Newcastle) disrupted any rhythm, typical of a pre-season friendly where fitness minutes take priority over the result.

For Newcastle, a second pre-season outing without a win (following a 3-0 behind-closed-doors victory over Darlington on 18 July) is no cause for alarm — the side was missing several key players including Alexander Isak, Joelinton, Lewis Miley, and Tino Livramento, alongside World Cup participants yet to return. Eddie Howe will be encouraged by Schär's return and Steur's debut, but Barnes and Murphy will need sharper finishing before the Premier League opener.

For Gateshead, who begin their National League campaign on 10 August, the performance — and especially Supyk's continued scoring form — offers genuine optimism. Lee Cattermole's side more than held their own against a Premier League outfit.

Newcastle continue their pre-season schedule at Bristol City on Wednesday 29 July (kick-off 7.30pm BST). Gateshead's next friendly is against Spennymoor Town.

A predictable pre-season pattern: Newcastle dominated but lacked cutting edge, Gateshead were organised and clinical on one of their few openings. The result matters little. Schär's return and Steur's encouraging debut are the real takeaways for Howe, while Supyk's fourth goal in four pre-season games suggests Gateshead have found a finisher.