Joelinton scores in secret 4-0 win – Official Newcastle photos and the 22 Mags involved

Newcastle United quietly kicked off their pre-season preparations with a convincing 4-0 win in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Carlisle United.

The match, held at the club’s Benton training ground, marked the first real action since players returned for pre-season earlier this week.

Though the club’s international stars were absent, Eddie Howe still named two separate XIs, each playing 45 minutes as he assessed fitness and form ahead of a demanding summer schedule.

Goals came from a mix of familiar and emerging names. Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United, opened the scoring. Joelinton marked his return from injury with a well-taken goal, while Jacob Murphy added to the tally with an assist to his name as well.

Young striker Ben Parkinson rounded off the scoring, offering further proof of the depth coming through Newcastle’s youth ranks.

Harvey Barnes also registered an assist, and key minutes were logged by Sven Botman and Lewis Miley, who continue their recovery paths.

Among the youngsters involved were right-back Leo Shahar, winger Trevan Sanusi, midfielder Travis Hernes, defender Alex Murphy, and striker Sean Neave. The club also welcomed back Harrison Ashby and Joe White from loan spells at QPR and MK Dons respectively.

Anthony Elanga, Newcastle’s newest acquisition, was present on the sidelines to observe his new teammates in action, giving fans an early glimpse of his integration into Howe’s setup.

Despite the match being held in private, official club photographers captured the action, revealing sharpness and intensity across both halves.

Here are the lineups Howe used during the game:

First Half XI: Pope; Shahar, Lascelles, Alex Murphy, Trippier; Longstaff, Miley, Willock; Osula, Neave, Sanusi.

Second Half XI: Ruddy; Ashby, Schar, Botman, Targett; White, Hernes, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Parkinson, Barnes.

The friendly served as an ideal warm-up before the team jets off to Austria for a focused training camp. That will be followed by a high-profile fixture against Celtic in Glasgow on Saturday, July 19th.

Afterward, Newcastle will embark on a pre-season tour across Asia, taking on Arsenal, Tottenham, and a K-League XI. Upon returning to England, they’ll host the Sela Cup at St James’ Park, facing Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on August 8th and 9th respectively.

While the victory over Carlisle may not make headlines, it represents an encouraging start for Howe and his staff.

With new signings arriving, experienced players returning from injury, and academy prospects pushing for first-team recognition, Newcastle’s pre-season campaign is already laying the groundwork for what promises to be another competitive season.