United begin pre-season with victory over Rovers

Newcastle United earned a comfortable victory over hosts Shamrock Rovers, in an encounter which showed spirit and teamwork on the part of the wayward Toon.

The Magpies began the match with Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, and Nicky Butt in midfield, while Wesley Ngo Baheng received his first senior start.

In the second-half, Nile Ranger, Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith came in to add a bit of extra firepower up top, with Ryan Donaldson and Frank Wiafe Danquah also making an appearance.

Goals from local lad Steven Taylor, Shola Ameobi, and Nile Ranger marked a 3-0 victory over Shamrock, and gave the hapless Toon something to finally smile about.

The match showed the lads take it to the Irish team, and special mention must be made of impressive performances from Danny Guthrie, Ryan Donaldson, Nile Ranger, and Frank Wiafe Danquah.

TEAMS

Shamrock Rovers: Andy McNeil, Eric McGill, Darragh Maguire, Corie Treacy, Simon Madden, Alan Trouten, Barry Johnson, Ross Chisholm, Peter Gal Andrezly, Pavol Jurco, Padraig Amond

Subs: Eoin Doyle, Loyed Massey, Sean O'Connor, Tadhg Purcell, Ian Bermingham, Karl Coleman, Victor Ekanem, Aidan Price, Shane Robinson

Newcastle United: Steve Harper, Habib Beye, Callum Morris, Fabricio Coloccini, Tamas Kadar, Wesley Ngo Baheng, Nicky Butt, Joey Barton, Damien Duff, Kevin Nolan, Nile Ranger

Subs: Jose Enrique, Danny Guthrie, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Shola Ameobi, Steven Taylor, Frank Wiafe Danquah, Ole Soderberg, Ben Tozer, Kazenga LuaLua, Tim Krul, Ryan Donaldson