Newcastle United ended their pre-season friendly campaign with a 1-1 draw against Strasbourg at St James' Park, but missed several chances to win before falling to a penalty shoot-out defeat.
Osula opens the scoring
The home side created an early opportunity in the second minute as Jacob Murphy delivered an accurate cross from the right flank. William Osula rose well to connect, but his header was expertly turned away by Filip Jorgensen.
The breakthrough came at 38 minutes when Murphy provided the delivery from the right, and Osula made no mistake, burying it from six yards to put the Magpies in front. The game should have been wrapped up before the closing stages as Osula wasted two good chances before the hour mark with poor finishing.
Strasbourg fight back
Newcastle were pegged level when Jacob Ramsey lost the ball and Strasbourg substitute Gessime Yassine fired into the top corner to stun the Leazes End on 69 minutes.
The game would go to penalties and despite Ewen Jaouen's best efforts with two stunning saves, Newcastle's woeful finish in the 90 minutes cost them dear in the shoot-out.
Player ratings
Ewen Jaouen 9 – The last signing that had Eddie Howe's influence. A comfortable enough first half but was tested more after the break. Even at full stretch could not keep out Yassine rocket. Saved two penalties to underline his quality. Big saves in the game and the shoot out, could he start against Liverpool?
Leo Shahar 7 – A decent display and a hand in the goal. Won all his tackles but it will be a tight call between him and Mason Miley to be back-up right-back against Liverpool.
Fabian Schar 8 – Looked very assured as he gets his pre-season back on track after injury. Made three defensive contributions and had a hand in the goal for Osula.
Dan Burn 8 – Flowing with confidence after being handed the armband and on the back of the World Cup. Weighed in with seven defensive contributions in all and was pinpointed by Jaissle to send messages across to the rest of the team.
Dylan Charlton 7 – The Gateshead lad battled well against the Ligue 1 side and seen off the threat of Samuel Amo-Ameyaw.
Jacob Ramsey 7 – Used as a number 6 and gave Jaissle plenty of food for thought as the search for midfielders rages on. Had been faultless until losing the ball for Gessime Yassine's equaliser. Sent penalty high into the Gallowgate.
Aladji Bamba 6 – A decent effort but still looking like a player getting used to St James' Park. A lot of sideward dribbles that didn't get Newcastle too far up the pitch.
Joe Willock 7 – Started strongly and had his chances to score. With Besiktas weighing up a higher offer, it's hard to see where Willock will be this term but if it is on Tyneside he is certainly ready in terms of match fitness after getting the minutes in during pre-season.
Bazoumana Toure 6 – Was lively enough but blazed over for what would have been a big moment for him on his home debut. Didn't manage an accurate cross.
Jacob Murphy 8 – This was a strong display from Murphy who set up the first goal and looked much more like the player who provided the ammo for Alexander Isak two seasons ago. Whipped in a dozen crosses to impress. A well-taken opener but in truth should have had a hat-trick. Will need to be more decisive in the Premier League as chances won't flow as easy as this. Summed up a day of poor finishing by blazing over in shoot out.
William Osula 6 – Started the day well enough with the opener but missed big chances after the break and blazed penalty high over the bar.
Substitutes
Miodrag Pivas 6 (for Schar 46)
Henry Johnson 7 (for Burn 46)
Sean Neave 7 (for Jacob Murphy 75) – Battled away and scored his penalty in the shoot out.
Rory Finnernan (for Willock 87) – *Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark.
