The video will start in 8 Cancel

Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle United started their Checkatrade Trophy campaign in winning style against Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies triumphed at Gresty Road thanks to goals from Liam Smith and Luke Charman but the Railwaymen put up a fight and made them earn the victory.

This was United’s debut in the competition and while many lower league fans are boycotting such games in protest against matches against “B Teams”, there were 135 Geordie fans in attendance last night.

However, Newcastle emerged with three points and £10,000 in the bank for their maiden victory in the competition.

United’s night didn’t start well when goalkeeper Nathan Harker was injured in the warm-up with Paul Woolston having to start in his place. But United grabbed the lead on four minutes - thanks to a former Crewe loanee.

Before the game South Shields lad Liam Smith had vowed to make a point on his return to Gresty Road and he made no mistake early on. Victor Fernandez rolled the ball to Liam Smith from the left before he swept home to open the scoring.

(Image: The Chronicle)

With eight minutes played Dan Barlaser’s corner found Kyle Cameron but he headed wide. Three minutes later George Cooper tried an effort from long range but it skimmed just wide of the post.

Woolston was tested again moments later when Cooper picked up a loose ball before drilling straight at the England youth keeper.

Cal Roberts tried his luck on 17 minutes but it was deflected wide for a corner before Jamie Sterry blasted one high over the top in United’s next attack.

With half an hour gone Luke Charman made a good run down the left but his shot was dragged just wide.

Charman headed wide on 35 minutes after Roberts swung in another cross as United continued to create the majority of the first half openings.

After the break Charman saw a shot blocked from close range while Liam Smith curled one well wide of the target.

On 55 minutes Kyle Cameron tested goalkeeper Ben Garratt at the back post after Sterry’s cross but the Crewe stopper was equal to it.

(Image: The Chronicle)

With an hour played Liam Smith forced Garratt into a fine save after Cal Smith’s ball down the left as United looked to seal the game.

Mid-way through the half Newcastle withdrew Roberts and introduced Mo Sangare. Sangare made an instant impact as he whipped in a fine ball for Charman from the left who poked home from close range to double the lead.

Crewe set up a tense finish as Jordan Bowery fired home from close range after a left-wing cross to beat Woolston and set up a tense finish.

But Peter Beardsley’s side just held on for the victory and avoided a penalty shoot-out.

Newcastle now face games against Port Vale and Oldham Athletic later in the competition.

Attendance: 1,351 (135 from Newcastle).

Referee: R Jones (Liverpool)