Wednesday night ended Bristol City 4 Newcastle United 1.
The highlight of the night was more than 4,000 Newcastle United fans (including those in the home sections) joining with the Bristol City supporters for an emotional minute of applause in the 7th minute for Kevin Keegan.
As for the match…
Well, it wasn’t great.
A bit of a strange one though, as when I last looked at the stats in the final stages, Bristol City were leading 4-1 despite having only three shots all night, all three on target and hitting the back of the net, plus Sven Botman’s own goal late on.
United had over 70% possession and when I last checked, 16 corners compared to one for Bristol City.
For me it was a night of poor defending that Bristol City took advantage of in the limited moments they threatened, whilst at the other end Newcastle did okay with a lot of their general play and approach work but when they got in the final third they lacked inspiration and a cutting edge. Too often making the wrong decisions and poor execution on the final ball/cross.
A very good corner from Sean Steur (who was very decent was headed towards goal but the Bristol City goalkeeper Sam Tickle saved well.
An awkward fall then saw Fabian Schar forced off and replaced by Alex Murphy. Just what we needed, yet another injury.
Jacob Murphy’s ball then found Sean Neave and the 19-yearold saw his effort turned behind for yet another corner. Murphy then put an effort of his own wide.
On 26 minutes Greenwood put the home side ahead as Ramsey committed a foul just outside the penalty area and the free-kick went in off the underside of the bar, giving Ewen Jaouen no chance.
Three minutes later and it was 2-0. The referee Paul Tierney somehow not giving a foul on Sven Botman and Tolaj going on to beat Jaouen.
Nick Pope came on for the second half and within five minutes it was 3-0, Bird racing into the box and scoring past Pope.
Sean Neave had been unlucky not to pull it back to 2-1, as straight after the break his shot hit the bar.
Not having the best of nights Sven Botman then headed over from Hall’s free-kick when he should possibly have done better.
Harvey Barnes eventually pulling one back though after Ramsey and Ferreira combined to set him up.
However, very quickly the three goal margin was restored with Sven Botman slicing the ball into his own net from a Bristol City cross.
It is only eight days until Bristol City kick off their season with a Carabao Cup first round match, whilst for Newcastle United it is 25 days before they have their opening competitive match. A lot of first team contenders also missing due to recovering from injury, building up fitness, extra time off allowed due to World Cup participation.
No need to press the panic button just yet BUT of course Newcastle United will need to play far far better than this once the Premier League season kicks off.
Fans will be desperate to see a far stronger and recognisable looking team when we get to the later friendlies AND far ore convincing displays than the Gateshead and Bristol City outings.
Final scoreline:
Bristol City 4 Newcastle 1
Newcastle United team v Bristol City:
Ewen Jaouen (Nick Pope 46), Lewis Hall (Dylan Charlton 90), Sven Botman, Fabian Schär (Alex Murphy 20), Harvey Barnes, Sean Steur, Anthony Elanga (Matheos Ferreira 74), Jacob Murphy (c) (Leo Shahar 82), Joe Willock (Mason Miley 90), Jacob Ramsey, Sean Neave (Park Seung-soo 56)
Newcastle United matches:
Saturday 18 July 2026
Newcastle United 3 Darlington 0 (Willock, Osula, Neave with the goals)
Saturday 25 July 2026
Gateshead 1 Newcastle United 1 (An own goal giving United the draw)
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Bristol City 4 Newcastle United 1 (Harvey Barnes with the ‘consolation’ goal)
Saturday 8 August 2026
Valencia v Newcastle friendly 9pm local time (8pm UK time)
Wednesday 12 August 2026
Newcastle v Everton pre-season friendly with 5.15pm kick-off at Murrayfield.
Saturday 15 August 2026
Newcastle United v Bayer Leverkusen friendly at St James’ Park, 3pm.
Sunday 16 August 2026
Newcastle United v Strasbourg friendly at St James’ Park, 4pm.
Sunday 23 August 2026
Newcastle v Liverpool 4.30pm – United’s first Premier League match of the season
Wednesday 26 August 2026
Carabao Cup second round match, opposition and time TBC (Draw will be made in second week of August after first round matches have been played)
Saturday 29 August 2026
Spurs v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Tuesday 1 September 2026
Premier League transfer window closes at 11pm.
Saturday 5 September 2026
Newcastle v Bournemouth 12.30pm TNT Sports
Monday 14 September 2026
Leeds v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
(Please note, should either club reach the Carabao Cup third round and be scheduled to play against a club participating in this season’s UEFA Champions League, the match will revert to Saturday 12 September and take place at 12:30pm)
Saturday 19 September 2026
Newcastle v Hull (3pm) No live TV