Steve McClaren watched alongside 470 fans as Newcastle United Under-21s drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers and new signing Ivan Toney made his debut for the club. Toney played the entire match on Monday night at Whitley Park and shone alongside teammates Jamie Sterry, Liam Smith and Kyle Cameron, who also put in a sterling performances in front of McClaren, managing director Lee Charnley and assistant coach Paul Simpson. It was Blackburn who took the lead after 21 minutes though when Rovers' No 9 Anton Forrester tidily tucked home from six yards after Willem Forrester's pin-point assist found him free in the box. But Newcastle fought hard to get back into the game and were granted their reward before half-time when Sterry - who had replaced the injured Adam Laidler - headed home after Liam Smith's cross gifted the attack-minded defender a free-header that he confidently guided past Simon Eastwood. The Magpies dominated the second-half with Toney having a number of shots saved by the Rovers goalkeeper and was unlucky not to mark his debut with a goal. The former Northampton Town man looked fit, sharp and a confident presence up front and would have impressed the Magpies' boss with his hold-up play, first touch and goalscoring instincts. Here, WhatCulture.com/NUFC analyse what they learned during the match...
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
