York City 2-1 Newcastle United - Magpies' Defensive Woes Continue Despite Mitrovic Debut

The opposition may have been different but Newcastle United were very much the same as they have been defensively all throughout the pre-season campaign - woeful. New signing Aleksandar Mitrovic may have made his Magpies debut at Bootham Crescent, but it was one to forget as the Magpies succumbed to their third pre-season loss in six matches in front of 2,048 travelling supporters - and that despite birthday boy Ayoze Perez grabbing his first goal of pre-season. Strikes from Anthony Straker and trialist Reece Thompson were enough to hand York City a 2-1 victory and leave Steve McClaren scratching his head and continuing to search for a formula to resolve the defensive deficiencies that are still all too prevalent in his side.

Strangely, McClaren named just four substitutes at Bootham Crescent - with 17-year-old forward Louis Johnson and defender Lewis Suddick, grandson of former Magpie Alan, among them - possibly sending out a message to the board that he requires further strengthening if he is really to challenge with Newcastle going forward. Fabricio Coloccini was even present for Newcastle, but only spectating from in the stands, as rumours continue to grow about his future. Goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman was absent though, and he could well be Crystal Palace-bound. With Mitrovic making his debut in the same No 45 shirt he had worn at Anderlecht, Newcastle started strongly once again - and inside 60 seconds Siem de Jong saw an effort from the edge of the area pushed round the post. In fact, De Jong has three chances inside the first seven minutes - while Mitrovic also nodded a header wide of the goal - as Newcastle absolutely dominated early on. It would be no surprise if the visitors had enjoyed more than 75% possession in the first 17 minutes - yet they were made to pay for wasting their opportunities. After 16 minutes, York broke down the right and Marvin McCoy whipped the ball in for an unmarked Straker, who ghosted in to loop an effort over Karl Darlow. Once again Newcastle's defence were nowhere to be seen, with both Lubomir Satka and Jamaal Lascelles completely in No Man's Land.

Then, just three minutes later, trialist Thompson was allowed to advance from the right-hand side to the edge of the area and switch the ball on to his left foot, before he unleashed a wonderful whipped goal into the top corner. The home fans were ecstatic - and Newcastle shell-shocked. So angered was McClaren that he stormed down from his seat in the stands to bark instructions at the players from the touchline. It got so lacklustre that Paul Simpson was forced to shout and urge Gouffran and the other Magpies to react after York took a quick free-kick and absolutely no-one moved towards it. Newcastle were just so slack and lacking in energy. However, they did manage one further opportunity before half-time. Mehdi Abeid's brilliant corner picked out an unmarked Rolando Aarons, whose bullet header rattled the York bar. Newcastle started the second-half well though, just as they did the first. With Rob Elliot on for Darlow the only Magpies change, the Toon attacked from the off - with Gouffran seeing a long-range effort tipped wide, while Mitrovic had a couple of chances to score but he spooned them both wide. The second of those saw a lovely dinked pass from Perez play him one-on-one, but the Serbian striker could only place it across the goalkeeper and out for a goal kick. Worryingly for the visitors, Aarons then limped off in the 59th minute and was replaced by Olivier Kemen. The Newcastle academy graduate's entire career has been blighted by injury so far - and they will hope this one is not too serious.

In terms of how Mitrovic played, he will certainly be frustrated that he didn't find the back of the net in the 70 minutes he was on the pitch - replaced by Suddick, who also made his NUFC debut - despite having had plenty of chances. However, McClaren will be very pleased that his new striking acquisition is getting into the right positions after only two training sessions with his teammates. That is certainly a positive sign. And it took until the 75th minute until Newcastle could finally trouble the scorers, with Perez delivering his first goal of pre-season. With Shane Ferguson's corner allowed to drift to the back post by York, Perez slid in and prodded home. The Spaniard was by far the best Magpies player on the day - dogged in his work ethic and determined to drive Newcastle forward - and he was rewarded with a goal. Jamaal Lascelles did nod one header down into the ground and over the bar which could have proven to the be winner, but it did not arrive. McClaren will have been left with more questions than answers after this one. His side are getting no better defensively game on game - and they have just Borussia Monchengladbach left on Saturday before they face Southampton at St James' Park. It's been said all too many times but it needs highlighting again until it is finally addressed: Newcastle need centre-backs. And immediately... York City: Flinders; McCoy, Lowe, Winfield, McCombe; Straker, Berrett, Summerfield, Penn; Oliver, Thompson Goals: Straker (16), Thompson (20)Newcastle United: Darlow (Elliot 46); Bigirimana, Lascelles, Satka, Ferguson; Abeid; Perez, Gouffran, Aarons (Kemen 59), De Jong; Mitrovic (Suddick 70) Subs Not Used: Johnson, Suddick Goal: Perez (75) Attendance: 5,406 (including 2,048 Newcastle fans) For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.