On this day in 1958, Newcastle United suffered defeat to Petrolui Ploiesti in the final game of their disappointing Romanian tour. Len White scored two goals, but it wasn’t enough for the victory and the below-par Magpies lost 3-2 on the day.
They were unhappy with the match officiating, as Petrolui Ploiesti were awarded a dubious spot-kick that was converted, but it wasn’t a successful post-season regardless.
John Nesbitt was a centre-back for Newcastle but had to operate between the sticks because Ronnnie Simpson was injured. He conceded three goals against Petrolui Ploiesti, capping a poor tour away that saw Newcastle end with two defeats and a draw from three games.
The Toon Army were coming off the back of a disappointing season too, finishing 19th in the First Division with 32 points from 42 games, so it’s perhaps not a surprise that they struggled over the summer.
Newcastle had a better 1958/59 campaign, however, finishing 11th in the table with 51 points from 42 games, so they turned things around after the poor post-season.
In other news, Newcastle beat Vancouver Spartans in North America tour on this day in 1970
