Newcastle player ratings as Mark Gillespie gets highest score while others flop in All stars drubbing
Newcastle United took on the A-League All Stars in Melbourne on a mild autumn night Down Under but the occasion proved to be a steep learning curve.
The Magpies were 3-0 down at the break and Eddie Howe resisted any temptation to introduce senior stars from the bench. The goals flowed after the break and a late collapse saw United endure a bruising scoreline.
Nevertheless, Newcastle fans backed their team all the way and got behind the young side in their hour of need.
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Here's how the players rated:
Mark Gillespie 7
Kept the scoreline respectable before going off with some fine saves. But made way for youngster Aidan Harris after the hour at 4-0.
Harrison Ashby 5
Offered a big opportunity but suffered as the All Stars hurt Newcastle down his flank.
Ciaran Thompson 6
A poor clearance led to the third goal. Taken off at half-time.
Alex Murphy 6
Started the game quite well with some good pieces of defensive work. Suffered with the rest of the team.
Dylan Charlton 6
Unfortunate to see the ball loop up to allow the All Stars score a second.
Garang Kuol 6
Produced a couple of good attacking moments. But had no service. Maybe should have had a penalty too.
Travis Hernes 6
Didn't do too badly and is one to watch for the future.
Jay Turner-Cooke 5
Struggled in the second half.
Joe White 5
Will be frustrated after being handed a big chance. The exciting midfielder could not hit the high notes.
Amadou Diallo 5
A disappointing way to sign off ahead of free transfer.
Ben Parkinson 6
Got no service at all.
Subs
Lucas De Bolle 7 (for Turner-Cooke 46)
Had a couple of decent moments and tried to unpick the sturdy home side's defence.
Ellis Stanton 6 (for Thompson 46)
Battled away but most of the damage had been done.
Aidan Harris 6 (for Gillespie 63)
Still made one or two good saves.