Newcastle United U21s v Sunderland: Matheos Ferreira has a clear message ahead of Monday night. Newcastle United Under-21s want a derby win, and they want it at St James’ Park.
The young Magpies host Sunderland in Premier League 2 at 7pm GMT. It is a rare chance to play on the main stage. It is also a chance to land a first league win of 2026/27.
Young Magpies Build Momentum
Newcastle sit bottom of the table after three league defeats. The mood is brighter, though.
Robbie Stockdale’s team beat Luton Town by 4-1 in the Premier League Cup, and then got the job done at Hartlepool United in the National League Cup, winning 2-1. Kyran Thompson netted twice at Victoria Park. With a goal from Jack Nolan heading home, giving the home side a brief advantage, Thompson scored a deflected shot to retake the lead at the break.
Having won consecutive matches gives the team confidence. Ferreira is confident that consistency will be the winning factor. The team demonstrated its worth against experienced teams in the past, but now it is time to do it in the league.
The goal is clear. The top 16 teams of the tournament go through the knockout stage. They also get the right to participate in the next Premier League Cup. This means that Newcastle, who finished 21st the previous season, has a daunting task ahead.
Ferreira knows what this fixture means. “It’s one of the biggest games of the season,” he said. He also loves the atmosphere that comes with playing at St James’ Park. For the young players, it is a night to remember.
Ferreira Finds His Role
Born in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the 18-year-old joined The Academy in 2020. After playing for Berwick Juniors, a local club, he has a Brazilian father and an Italian mother.
He has played the entire Under-21 season so far, starting all ten competitive games and scoring two goals. The 18-year-old has had a successful start to the season, moving from a wing position to being a number ten. He also made his senior debut in July in a pre-season friendly against Gateshead.
Big nights are not new to him. Ferreira scored a hat-trick in a 4-3 win at Aston Villa in February. He signed his first professional contract last August, as soon as he turned 17.
He says he is happy anywhere in attack. What he wants is minutes and steady performances. A strong display against Sunderland would be a fine way to build on a bright start.
Tickets and Match Details
Tickets can be purchased via the club’s website up to 7pm on Monday. Alternatively, there will be a box office at the crowd corridor from 4pm until 7pm. Fans will gain entry from the East Stand. There will also be no cash turnstiles.
Adult entry costs £5, and juniors £2. Season ticket holders will have free entry; however, they must still collect a ticket online.
The clocks go back on Sunday. This means the kick-off remains at 7pm GMT. Newcastle will be hoping to secure that all-important league victory in their derby.
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