Newcastle 3-4 Portland Timbers 2 – NUFC Match Ratings

1. Karl Darlow (Replaced By Freddie Woodman) - 4/10

The man who is scheduled to be United's new No 2 this season proved he isn't quite up to scratch just yet. It was clear for all to see that the combination of Lubomir Satka and Shane Ferguson at the heart of Newcastle's defence was always going to be found wanting at set pieces, which should have seen Karl Darlow dominating his box and dealing with EVERY high ball that came in. However, the 24-year-old decided to stay on his line which cost The Magpies, as two of Portland's three goals in the first-half came directly from set-plays. He did make a couple of decent saves but ultimately failed where United needed him most.

Freddie Woodman - 7.5/10

Much more like it from the 18-year-old who did everything Karl Darlow should have done in the first-half. The youngster was positive, coming out and decisively dominating his area almost every time the home side lofted a ball into The Magpies' area. This was Woodman's second impressive performance in United's last two games which shows the future is bright for the club and another couple of displays of this ilk should have both Tim Krul and Darlow looking over their shoulders. However, some fingers could be pointed at Woodman Junior for Timber's fourth goal, as a cross went right across his six-yard line before being nodded home at the far post. The positives by far outweighed the negatives this time though...