Newcastle U21s won their penultimate PL2 fixture of the season at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night, a result which deprived Manchester United's former Toon coach Adam Lawrence and his current side top spot in the final table.

However, results elsewhere meant that the Magpies cannot achieve a top 16 finish, meaning that they won't get to participate in the PL2 play-offs that involve those sides.

Matheos Ferreira shot the visitors ahead on five minutes, before top scorer Sean Neave doubled the lead just three minutes later with an unstoppable effort from distance.

The hosts made three interval substitutions and halved the arrears within nine minutes when one of them - Jim Thwaites - crossed for Victor Musa to head beyond Aidan Harris.

However, the blue-clad Magpies had the final say, Anthony Munda taking advantage of a defensive error to net in the ninth of eleven added minutes.

That means that despite losing 1-2 to Fulham on Friday, Chelsea win the league phase of the season by virtue of a better goal difference than Manchester United.

Victory saw Newcastle rise five places to 18th, but cannot catch a Boro side who are four points ahead of them in the 16th and final play-off spot. The Magpies will conclude their PL2 season at home to Wolves on Monday (7pm).

After that they enter in the first staging of an inter-league competition involving the eight PL2 finishers in positions 17 to 24, plus the top eight finishers from the Professional Development League - an U21 competition for clubs with Category Two Academies. Their opponents are to be confirmed.

Team: Harris, M.Miley (Watts 84), Charlton (Johnson 62), Pivas, C.Thompson, Finneran, Ferreira (Mills 73), Bailey, Neave, Munda, Seung-soo (Fitzgerald 85).
Sub n/u: Harrison.

Booked: Munda, Finneran, Bailey.

MUFC: Murdock, Jackson (Overy 46), Aljofree, Armer, Kukonki, McCormack, Musa, McAllister (Ajayi 62), Obi (Lusale 46), J.Fletcher (Thwaites 46), Moorhouse.
Sub n/u: Byrne-Hughes.

Booked: Armer.

Referee: Melissa Burgin.

Crowd: tbc

Premier League:
Crystal Palace (a)

Internationals:
England warm-ups

Ahead of their World Cup Final participation, England have confirmed a pair of kickabouts in the USA as follows:

Sat 06.06.2026 New Zealand (n) Tampa FR
Wed 10.06.2026 Costa Rica (n) Orlando FR

Update:
Tripps away

Newcastle confirm the full back Kieran Trippier's current contract won't be extended and will expire this summer.

Now 35, Trippier became United's first senior signing of the post-Mike Ashley era when making a £12m switch to SJP from Atletico Madrid in early 2022.

He's made 157 appearances in all competitions, pivotal in lifting United from a relegation spot into Carabao Cup winners via a pair of Champions League campaigns.

Trippier quotes:

"The time has come to leave this amazing club after four-and-a-half years. This is where I have felt most at home. It's emotional, and I'm really going to miss it.

"I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times. You've always supported me, always stood by me.

"To my team mates, it's going to be emotional. It's been an amazing journey with you guys. I'm going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special - the best of my career.

"And to the manager, Eddie Howe, all the coaching staff and the team behind the scenes, a massive thank you. The gaffer had the trust - twice - to sign me, gave me the opportunity to represent and captain this great club and most importantly, we managed to win a trophy.

"I'm going to miss everyone at the club. Thank you."

Eddie Howe:

"Kieran has been magnificent for us on and off the pitch. From the moment he walked through the door, he has helped to drive standards that have changed the club's trajectory.

"His performances on the pitch have been to the highest level. Building strong partnerships with the players around him. His outstanding technical ability helped elevate the team and his strong crossing ability helped create many goals and chances for his team mates.

"His leadership skills have been invaluable. In difficult moments his experience has proved calming and his drive and will to win has inspired the players to keep pushing forward.

"While we'll be saying goodbye to Kieran shortly, we also know we have a lot left to play for this season, and I know a player of Kieran's character will be giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high."

Ross Wilson, Newcastle United's sporting director:

"Kieran should be so proud of the contribution he has made to Newcastle United's progress over the last four-and-a-half years.

"I've admired Kieran from a distance for many years, and seeing him up close in recent months has only reinforced the impact he has as a leader, both in the dressing room and on the pitch.

"When the time comes, Kieran will leave with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Newcastle United. We wish him every success in whatever comes next."

Update
:
Opportunity Knox

Newcastle United have agreed a sponsorship deal with South African sports drink company KNOX, including training ground naming rights and training kit sleeve sponsorship.

From July 1st, the three year deal worth £18m in total sees United's
Darsley Park training ground renamed The KNOX.

Meanwhile the club's teams - men, women and academy - will wear training kit that includes KNOX sleeve branding.

Efforts to secure a main (front of shirt) sponsor for training kit remain ongoing, while news of a shirt sponsor to replace SELA when that deal expires this summer is also awaited.

PS: Thanks to NUFC.com reader Gary Taylor for the image of KNOX products taken in South Africa.

Update:
Toon in the USA

Newcastle have two representatives in the England U16 squad selected for games in the US state of Florida.

London-born defender Aristide Lesecond Yeutembip* and midfielder Jayden Kouossu who hails from Milan are both named in a 23 man party for games against the USA (April 16th), Argentina (19th) and Mexico (22nd).

* known as Les.

Update:
Loan lads

Max Thompson (Ayr United):
Another night on the bench for the goalkeeper as Ayr lost 0-3 at home to Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship on Tuesday.

Matt Targett (Middlesbrough):
Injury meant that Matt missed Monday's 2-2 draw at Swansea City in the Championship.

Harrison Ashby/Joe White (Bradford City):
Harrison made only his second start for the Bantams as a 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers boosted their chances of remaining in the League One playoff places.

Fielded at right wing back, he completed 80 minutes at the cost of a booking.

Tyler Jones (Dunston UTS):
The goalkeeper wasn't involved on Monday as Dunston won 3-0 at Newton Aycliffe in the Northern Premier League.

Antonio Cordero (Cadiz)
No pitch time for the on-loan Magpie as Cadiz lost 1-3 at home to Cordoba in La Liga 2 on Saturday.

Charlie McArthur (Airdrieonians):
The defender completed the entirety of Saturday's 4-0 win away to Ross County in the Scottish Championship.

Travis Hernes (Groningen):
The midfielder watched Saturday's 2-0 win at Telstar in the Eredivisie from the bench.

Trevan Sanusi (Lorient):
There was no involvement for the winger in Sunday's 1-1 home draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
The goalkeeper kept his place for Sunday's 0-1 defeat away to Real Oviedo in La Liga.

Update:
More silverware
for Young Mags

Following on from their recent triumph in the Premier League International Tournament, Newcastle's U15 side enjoyed further trophy success over the Easter weekend.

The Toon prospects travelled to the Dutch city of Rotterdam and lifted the Orange Veins Cup after a penalty shootout victory over PSG in the final on Monday.

Four 30 minute group stage games on Sunday saw United win twice and draw twice to finish first in their section and progress to the following day's semi-finals.

They then recovered a 0-1 half time deficit against Borussia Monchengladbach to win 3-1, thanks to late efforts from Charlie Robinson (2) and Daniel Hynd.

That set up a final against PSG that ended 1-1 with Muawiya Ghanem opening the scoring for the black and whites before the French youngsters levelled.

Newcastle then won the penalty shootout that followed, with goalkeeper Lucas Flack making a vital stop.  

Update:
Derby abuse: arrest made

From The Northern Echo, Wednesday:

A man has been arrested following reports of racist abuse during March's Tyne-Wear derby.

The incident took place during the match at St James’ Park on March 22.

A 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area was arrested on Tuesday. He was detained on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and has since been released on bail.

Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida reported the abuse during the second half of the match, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to pause the game.

Detective Inspector Phil Guard of Northumbria Police said: "Racial abuse has absolutely no place in football or in our communities, and we will not tolerate this type of behaviour.

"Following proactive policing enquiries and close partnership working with both clubs and their supporters, a suspect has been arrested.

"They have since been bailed with robust conditions while the investigation continues.

"We will continue to work with clubs, supporters and partner agencies to tackle any form of criminality at football matches."

Newcastle United released a statement condemning the reported abuse, stating: "Our stance is clear – we do not tolerate discrimination of any form.

"We will work with the authorities to fully investigate and will ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable."

Sunderland also offered their support to the player and condemned the incident.

A spokesman said: "We stand with Lutsharel, who has our complete backing, and we commend him for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials.

Premier League:
Bournemouth (h)