What the press made of the Checkatrade Trophy Defeat

The Chronicle

Jordan Bowery’s late goal proved a consolation for Crewe Alex as they went down 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night.

The striker opened his account for the season in the 88th minute to set up a frantic finale in the first group game of the competition.

But the goals from United’s Liam Smith and Luke Charman proved enough to secure what was a deserved victory for their under 21 side.

The home side will have been disappointed not to have played better in what was passing game on a perfect surface.

They did not do enough to hurt the youthful visitors, while the Magpies forced two brilliant saves from keeper Ben Garratt and Charman missed a sitter.

Newcastle Chronicle

Newcastle United started their Checkatrade Trophy campaign in winning style against Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies triumphed at Gresty Road thanks to goals from Liam Smith and Luke Charman but the Railwaymen put up a fight and made them earn the victory.

This was United’s debut in the competition and while many lower league fans are boycotting such games in protest against matches against “B Teams”, there were 135 Geordie fans in attendance last night.

However, Newcastle emerged with three points and £10,000 in the bank for their maiden victory in the competition.

Newcastle United Official Website

Newcastle United Under-21s got their maiden Checkatrade Trophy campaign off to a winning start against Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies made an early breakthrough at Gresty Road, as Liam Smith – a former Crewe loanee – converted Victor Fernandez’s cross from the left.

They looked to be home and hosed after Luke Charman’s close-range strike midway through the second half, but a late effort from Jordan Bowery set up a grandstand finale.

United held out, however, and lead the way in the competition’s Northern Group D, one point clear of Port Vale and two better off than Oldham Athletic.