Newcastle United made a stuttering start to their pre-season campaign, as a young Newcastle side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of German Third Division side Chemnitzer.

The German outfit took the lead after less than 10 minutes, Anton Fink scoring a break-away goal past Rob Elliot after just 9mins. Elliot was given the nod in goal ahead of veteran Steve Harper while regular #1, Tim Krul, is yet to join up with his team-mates after being given extended leave for his involvement in the Dutch Euro 2012 campaign.

Newcastle did have chances of their own with Haris Vuckic, Dan Gosling and Shola Ameobi, among others, all testing Pentke in the Chemnitzer goal.

Summer signing Romain Amalfitano started the game and was impressive in the opening exchanges, creating chances and combining well with Mehdi Abeid in the centre of midfield.

Newcastle appeared to settle after the goal and began to take control of the game, but it was Chemnitzer who created the next noteworthy opportunity with Anton Fink trying his luck from 25-yards forcing a save from Elliot.

Ryan Taylor came close with a long-range, curling free kick which forced a save from the Chemnitzer goalkeeper, who did well to get down low and hold on to the shot.

Just before the break, young Sammy Ameobi had the ball in the back of the net, latching on to a quick free kick, only for the goal to quickly be chalked off for offside; the finest of margins.

The hosts could have doubled their lead, twice, with sloppy mistakes from the visitors gifting golden opportunities to the German club. First, Dan Gosling lost possession in his own half to Straßer who then proceeded to fire his shot narrowly over. Then, Captain for the day, Mike Williamson played a careless backpass to Rob Elliot which was far short, only for stand in colleague James Tavernier to mop up and save his blushes.

Pentke then made a string of saves denying Sammy Ameobi, Haris Vuckic and Williamson in quick succession to maintain the home sides lead.

Pardew made wholesale changes, making six substitutions during the second half, including a cameo debut for new signing Gael Bigirimana, who signed from League One new comers Coventry City earlier in the week.

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Rob Elliot; James Tavernier (Danny Simpson 65), James Perch, Mike Williamson (c), Ryan Taylor (Davide Santon 65); Gabriel Obertan (Jonas Gutierrez 75), Dan Gosling, Mehdi Abeid (Gael Bigirimana 65), Romain Amalfitano; Haris Vuckic (Shola Ameobi 65), Sammy Ameobi (Demba Ba 75)

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