Cup Quarter-Final At Blyth

By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor

Newcastle's under-21s travel to Blyth Spartans in the quarter-finals of the Techflow Northumberland Senior Cup on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

And United's second-string coach, Peter Beardsley, reckons the Evo-Stik Premier Division leaders will provide the "perfect test" for his young players.

The likes of Siem de Jong and Jamaal Lascelles turned out for the Magpies in Monday night's Barclays Under-21 Premier League win over Aston Villa on Monday night, but with United's first team in action at Bournemouth on the same day, Beardsley's team will have a rather different look about it at Croft Park.

Callum Roberts, who scored both goals against the Villans, is likely to feature against the Spartans, along with Daniel Barlaser and Liam Smith. Gael Bigirimana and Lubo Satka could also be involved.

Blyth are the current holders, having lifted the trophy for the first time in 21 years last April when they beat Morpeth 2-0 in front of 1,973 at St. James' Park.

"It'll be a great test," Beardsley told nufc.co.uk. "In some ways, it's the perfect test because they need to play against men.

"No disrespect to Aston Villa, but they're like us - they've got a lot of young players and play football.

"Blyth will be a lot more physical, which I understand, and playing against men will be difficult for them, but it's something we've got to face."

Admission is £5 for adults and £3 concessions.