Dylan Stephenson had a night to remember in Riyadh, scoring his first ever goal for the Newcastle United senior side.
The 19-year-old was one of five academy players chosen for the warm weather trip to Saudi Arabia, and got some minutes off the bench in the friendly win over Al Hilal.
Stephenson came on in the 77th minute, replacing Allan Saint-Maximin who had been deployed through the middle after Chris Wood’s injury scare.
With Newcastle boasting limited options up front right now, it was a great opportunity for Stephenson to show what he was capable of. And he didn’t disappoint.
He scored the Magpies’ fifth and final goal of the night, and showed a real striker’s instinct to get it.
The teenager started the move, picking up possession in his own half before driving forwards. He then picked out a clever pass to release Ryan Fraser down the left.
Stephenson’s work wasn’t done there though. He continued to gallop forwards, racing into the box to get on the end of Fraser’s perfect cross. The striker did just that, cleverly side-footing it beyond the Al Hilal goalkeeper and into the net.
It was a special moment for Stephenson, and he has now delivered a heartwarming message via his official Instagram account.
Dylan Stephenson’s Instagram message
After the game, Stephenson took to Instagram to express his joy at scoring his first ever goal for Newcastle.
He wrote: “Words can’t describe the feeling to get my first goal for the club I’ve supported all my life. The best moment for me and my family.”
While for some it was just a friendly, those minutes against Al Hilal will have meant a lot to the Toon youngsters who made the trip to Saudi Arabia.
They are dreaming of becoming Premier League players for the Magpies, and have had a golden chance to impress Eddie Howe.
The Toon boss has given youth a chance already during his tenure, with Elliot Anderson getting a lot of first-team minutes this year.
Hopefully the first goal of many for Stephenson
Stephenson has scored a lot of goals for Newcastle at youth level. He’s got five in 10 at Premier League 2 level this season, but now he has scored for the senior side.
It must have been an amazing feeling for the youngster, and one he will want to replicate time and time again.
Next on his agenda will be a competitive goal, whether that’s for Newcastle or out on loan somewhere.
Dan Ashworth will be keeping a close eye on Stephenson’s development, as he looks to ensure that he fulfils his potential in black and white. As Sporting Director, it is his job to bridge the gap between youth side and senior team.
Hopefully we can see more of Stephenson in the coming years. Just imagine what it would be like seeing him score a competitive goal in front of a packed out St James’ Park!
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