While Newcastle United did not have a match this weekend because of the international break, there were a few Magpies loanees in action for their loan clubs. A trio of the club’s most promising youngsters were getting valuable experience across the EFL on Saturday with a mixed bag of results.
Matty Longstaff continued his strong form at Mansfield Town where he added an assist to the three goals he has already scored in just seven matches. The Stags picked up a huge win as George Lapslie’s 95th-minute winner at Oldham moved them within a point of the League Two play-off places.
Sitting just two places above Mansfield, Bristol Rovers’ hopes of promotion were dealt a blow as Elliot Anderson and his team mates were unable to avoid defeat against Carlisle. Joey Barton admitted his delight at having the young United forward available after he was expecting him to be part of the Scotland U21 squad.
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However, because Anderson is considering an international future with England, he was left out of the squad. He has already played for both nations at youth level and is understood to be weighing up the decision between which of the two he wants to eventually represent at senior level.
Magpies supporters might have been expecting to see an update from Joe White at Hartlepool but he wasn’t involved in their 2-1 away win against Northampton because of an injury. Matty Bondswell may have been hoping for a place in the Shrewsbury team for their clash with Lincoln City but he was an unused substitute.
The 19-year-old is yet to have made an appearance for the League One side but continues to play for Newcastle U23 side. He played 90 minutes in Elliott Dickman’s side’s defeat to Stoke City on Monday evening.
