DONCASTER ROVERS 2 NEWCASTLE UTD 2
Newcastle: Sels, Janmaat (Sterry, 45), Mbemba (Saivet, 65), Lascelles (Dummett, 45), Colback (Hayden, 45), Anita (Gamez, 45), Ritchie (Gouffran, 45), Aarons (Perez, 45), Shelvey (Wijnaldum, 79), Mitrovic (Gayle, 45), Armstrong (Thauvin, 60).
The travelling Newcastle United fans saw their side come from two behind to draw level with Doncaster Rovers in their second pre-season friendly
Newcastle United came from two behind to draw 2-2 with Doncaster Rovers in their second pre-season friendly – and the travelling Toon Army made sure their voices were heard at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Rafa Benitez selected Matz Sels in goal for the Magpies – as he did for the friendly against Bohemian FC – and it was the summer signing who gave away a penalty for the first goal.
Andy Williams stepped up and slotted home the penalty – he then went on to score Rovers’ second on the stroke of half-time.
Benitez made changes and brought on a host of players for the second half.
New boy Isaac Hayden pulled one back for the visitors – albeit via a huge deflection – before Ayoze Perez completed the comeback on 90 minutes.
A much improved second half means the Magpies remain unbeaten after their first two pre-season friendlies.
Florian Thauvin and Gini Wijnaldum were both initially omitted from Benitez’s starting XI and subs bench, but were added before kick-off and they each made an appearance.
Wijnaldum has been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool keen on his acquiring his services, but United are holding firm on their valuation of the player – around £27million.
The supporters made their feelings clear on Wijnaldum and called for him to stay – the same could not be said for Moussa Sissoko. The travelling fans were clearly not too fussed about seeing in a black and white kit next season.