Sheff Utd 2-2 Newcastle: Wijnaldum scores again but Magpies held at Bramall Lane
Sunday 26 July 2015 20:38, UK
Newcastle's mixed pre-season form continued as League One side Sheffield United twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane.
New signing Georginio Wijnaldum scored his second goal in as many games, while fellow Dutchman Siem de Jong - injured for most of last season - also found the net in a testimonial match for Blades stalwart Chris Morgan.
But the Premier League visitors - without reported Crystal Palace target Fabricio Coloccini in their defence - were pegged back either side of the break by Marc McNulty and Kieron Freeman.
The Magpies have now shipped eight goals in four pre-season games and manager Steve McClaren will hope to swiftly finalise a deal for Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba, who has passed a medical but is awaiting a visa.
McClaren's men had hit the bar - Papiss Cisse so close to finishing off a slick passing move - with just two minutes gone but they took until the 40th to find a way through, Wijnaldum stroking into an empty net after George Long had dived at Cisse's feet.
The Blades might have gone in level had McNulty done better when one-on-one with Tim Krul but when a similar chance followed soon after the restart, the Scottish striker tucked the ball under the Dutchman with little fuss (48).
Nigel Adkins' side went close through a Che Adams free-kick and a Matt Done header - cleared off the line by Steven Taylor - but fell behind again 11 minutes from time when De Jong, left free at the far post, connected with a Jack Colback corner.
Adkins has yet to lose a game in pre-season since replacing Nigel Clough last month and Freeman restored parity with a stunning strike from range in the 87th minute.
Morgan, who has spent 12 years with the Blades as player, coach and caretaker boss, came on in the closing stages to a warm reception from both sets of fans.
He was handed the chance to complete a comeback win as the clock ticked down but could only fire a late free-kick into the Newcastle wall.
