Well that's another game and another loss for Newcastle United in pre-season. The 2-1 defeat to York City at Bootham Crescent means that, with just one fixture left against Borussia Mönchengladbach at St James' Park on Saturday, the Magpies have lost three, drawn one and won just two of their pre-season matches to date. New signing Aleksandar Mitrovic may have made his Magpies debut, 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. So along with these things, what else did we learn from Newcastle United's 2-1 loss to York City?
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
