Newcastle Town - The Verdict

The game at Newcastle kick started preparations for the 2009/10 season, bigger tests await for Gudjon Thordarson side but fans and management alike can be pleased with the workout.

The majority of the squad got much needed time on the pitch under their belt as the boss elected to name different sides for each half.

Billy Jones was handed the captains arm band and will lead the side for the forthcoming campaign, surprisingly Anthony Elding will be the vice captain.

Elding was loaned out to Lincoln at the tail end of last season but finished the season strongly and has now impressed the management team with his willingness to work hard.

The first half saw the Railwaymen name a strong side, new signings Mat Mitchell-King and Patrick Ada made their debuts for Crewe Alexandra, the former Histon captain looked calm and composed on the ball from his just in front of the back four. Ada stated shakily but improved as the game went on.

Thordarson named an attacking looking side, Zola with Elding tucked in behind him and flanked by Donaldson and Miller.

Elding looked the pick of the strikers on show and it was his volley that started the rout just after the tenth minute. Donaldson doubled Crewe's lead after cutting in from the left hand side.

The Railwaymen went in two goals to the good at half time and a brace in the 2nd half from Calvin Zola put the game beyond the hosts.

Zola at times was frustrating but he managed to score twice before making way for trialist Hamdi Razak, who was big powerful and a real handful.

Hard to judge just how good he was bearing in mind the quality of the opposition but he managed to net twice either side of Anthony Elding's 2nd of the game.

All in all a good workout and chance for the majority to stake an early claim for a starting position come the league opener against Dagenham which is just five weeks away.

Trialist Michael Pook and Hamdi Razak looked okay but both will need to do more in order to earn contracts with the club.

Only down sides for me were Shaun Miller and Joel Grant who looked well off the pace and will need to show more in the games leading up to the opener.

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