Newcastle United took care of Middlesbrough in a friendly clash at the club's training ground - and despite the practice match conditions to the game there was still some Tyne-Tees spark on show.
Having gone 2-0 up, Boro crumbled in the second half and the equalising goal from Miguel Almiron still resulted in some "moaning and groaning" from ex-Newcastle and England defender Jonathan Woodgate!
If anything it proved that there was no lack of competitive edge and there was a further suggestion there's no such thing as a friendly in football.
After the game Bruce told the club's TV channel: "Big Woody was moaning and groaning about it, but we will have to wait and see.
"It doesn't really matter but it was nice to see Almiron score and Joelinton get the winner!"
Ref for the day Steve Harper immediately looked across at his linesman but the flag stayed down.
Newcastle may not have clashed with Boro for a decade in competitive football but the derby nature of the game shone through when Fabian Schar squared up to two players in red during the feisty contest.
Newcastle are keen for Javier Manquillo to sign a short-term extension at least
The Spanish defender has been linked with a return to La Liga during the lockdown and his contract will soon be over on June 30 meaning he needs to agree a deal for July and August (in the event of United reaching the cup final) to be involved for the remainder of the campaign.
United handed 25 minutes against Boro to show they still have an interest in the defender.
Manquillo could have opted out of the friendly and can say no to the deal if he wants to persevere himself for his next move, so there's a hint that both parties haven't given up on a contract.
Many expected Manquillo to leave when Rafa Benitez went last summer but this has arguably been his best campaign.
Joelinton's season is not been a complete write off yet
Had the season continued as planned, before the virus pandemic, the idea was to get Joelinton back to Brazil for the summer to get his head right for his second season on Tyneside.
United's current management team felt that a full pre-season under his belt and the chance to clear his mind over the summer could have been a big help.
The year 2019 was a testing one for Joelinton as from February onwards he didn't really know whether his move to United was on or off.
A boardroom battle between Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley on his fee resulted in the transfer deal getting parked and it wasn't until Steve Bruce was appointed it got the final sign off.
At one stage Joelinton wondered if Newcastle were time-wasting so his rocky settling in period is perhaps understandable as he was asked to hit the ground running, despite not getting full clarity on his big move.
Of course, that's being charitable to Joelinton and many feel a £40millon striker should have adapted quicker.
But he's never given up or asked for an exit from his tough start at Newcastle.
During the lockdown, Joelinton had plenty of time to reflect on his season so far and has returned looking confident with two games in two practice matches so far, including a great turn and finish against Boro.
He now needs to do it on the big stage.
With nine matches to go and the FA Cup tie with Man City he has the chance to redeem himself.
The big injury bonus for Steve Bruce
Martin Dubravka is now back from the knee injury picked up in March and has got through two matches unscathed.
Bruce is also likely to have Ciaran Clark and Andy Carroll back from injuries too but they may not be up to full speed for the clash with Sheff United after missing the friendly win over Boro.
It's thought that Yoshinori Muto is also OK after a knee knock on Tuesday.
Bruce will also take a long look at Muto in the remainder of the season, he said: "I don't think he's had a fair crack of the whip.
"He trains everyday as if it's his last.
"He scored a goal (v Boro) so let's hope it helps him the next week."
