Newcastle United Under-23 coach Chris Hogg is confident that his young Magpies can emerge stronger for their experiences at Blyth Spartans and Gateshead in the last few days.
Defeats at the hands of two Vanarama League sides followed the 3-1 win over Darlington two weeks ago.
In what proved to be a physical battle for Newcastle it's worth underlining that Hogg has a young side at his disposal this season, with a clutch of teenagers finding their feet in the Under-23s this summer after starring in the FA Youth Cup last term.
Despite the 3-0 win for Blyth, Hogg told Chronicle Live: "There's a reason why we schedule these games - to see the group in a different environment.
"It's a different challenge and you learn more every week.
"Credit to Blyth on the night, from our point of view we need to be better.
"We're still getting the boys some minutes and getting them fit for the start of the season.
"But as a whole, we have to better."
A crowd of 1,148 watched on as an experienced Blyth side went 2-0 up in the first half with veteran forward Robbie Dale proving a handful in the final third, as expected.
Hogg added: "That's life, life is a physical battle as well as psychological battle.
"Sometimes it is the psychology behind it, the mentality behind it.
"That's really important.
"It's something these players are going to have to work on and build, but again, that's why we schedule these games.
"I think it should be a good learning night from that perspective."
Two disappointing results from the youngsters should not overshadow that already there's been some signs of progress from the second string since pre-season began.
Indeed, teenager Joe White's displays have seen him elevated to the senior squad while Tom Allan and Jack Young have also played for the first-team this summer.
With Dan Langley and Max Thompson also featuring in pre-season for Steve Bruce's seniors, United's youth set-up have plenty of positives to reflect on.
Hogg reflected: "The Under-23 is a transient age group, always has been, always will be.
"The beauty of it is that if it goes well they end up with the first-team, which is brilliant, that's exactly what you want.
"It's something that I'm delighted for the boys who are getting the exposure at that end.
"On the flip side then you have the younger core coming up.
"It's about getting through pre-season fit and healthy which we've done so far."
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