Kelland Watts spot on to guide Newcastle into FA Youth Cup's last 16 as club loan out Dan Barlaser and Lewis McNall

Newcastle United booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup last night.
Dan BarlaserDan Barlaser
Dan Barlaser

An extra-time penalty from Kelland Watts saw the club’s Under-18s beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle will face Norwich City away in the next round of the competition.

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Dave Watson’s side had twice come from behind thanks to goals from Adam Wilson and Oisin McEntee to take the game into extra time.

The victory was the club’s 10th successive away win in the FA Youth Cup, last won by the club in 1985.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have loaned out Dan Barlaser and Lewis McNall.

Midfielder Barlaser has signed for Crewe Alexandra for the rest of the season, while striker McNall has crossed the Tyne and joined non-league neighbours Gateshead.

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Barlaser has made three senior appearances for Newcastle, who played the League Two side in the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season.

McNall, meanwhile, has featured for United at Under-21 level.

And Gateshead manager Steve Watson – who made his Newcastle debut aged 16 – believes the 18-year-old is ready for the opportunity at the National League club.

Watson said: “Lewis is a goalscorer, and we’ve had spells this season where we’ve lacked a bit of composure in front of goal, so hopefully he can bring that to the side, because you can never have enough goalscorers in the squad.

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“Stepping up to senior football will be a big ask for him, but you never know until you do it, I know I certainly didn’t.

“I was thrown-in to senior football at 16, and I could have sunk or swum. Fortunately, I coped OK with it, and, because of that, I’m a big believer in giving youngsters a chance.

“You never know who you can unearth by giving young players a chance at senior football, and if you know where the goal is and you’re composed in front of it, then it doesn’t matter what level you are at.

“Hopefully, Lewis will be able to cope well with the league and can make a big impact during his time here and kick-on from there.”