OPINION
Despite taking great pleasure in seeing their bitter rivals endure successive relegations, few Newcastle United fans would argue that the loss of a regular derby day has been sorely felt in the north east. Thanks to the Checkatrade Trophy last 16 draw on Saturday, however, the Magpies will face Sunderland this season – even though it will be their Under-23s flying the flag for Tyneside. Realistically, the Toon Army can’t lose when the two sides meet in January. Sunderland will be obliged to take the game seriously by competition regulations, meaning that it will have to members of the first team squad who lineup against the Geordies. If the Black Cats win then they have only beaten a youth side, and if they lose then no doubt Newcastle fans will gloat for very very long time. It might not be the derby both fans want, bit there will be plenty of pride at stake, and some Newcastle fans have been very vocal of their joy at the draw.
#CheckatradeTrophy Round Three draw: @SunderlandAFC v @NUFC U21
— Bristol Street Motors Trophy (@BSM_Trophy) December 8, 2018
This is Futbol has gathered the best tweets below:
https://twitter.com/Kriss_nufc83/status/1071385478669193216
Sunderland having to play our reserves is the biggest insult ever ?????? #NUFC
— Dan Robson (@DanRobson4) December 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/Joeeeeeee_96/status/1071381744551690241
https://twitter.com/Toonman8589/status/1071397287442575360
I know it’s only the U21s v Sunderland but all just feels right in the world to know there is once again a Tyne-Wear derby this season! It’s been too long #NUFC
— Matt Roberts (@mroberts_97) December 8, 2018
Sunderland’s first team (because they got relegated in two consecutive seasons) drawn against Newcastle Under 21s in the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy. Win and it’ll be hilarious. Lose and it’ll be irrelevant. At last, a Tyne-Wear derby with no drawbacks. #NUFC
— Rohan Banerjee (@RBanerjee23) December 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/sdefty89/status/1071382277115035651
It’s a win win for Newcastle this ? either our kids get beat or we embarrass Sunderland first team #nufc
— JOSEPH (@boak_joseph) December 8, 2018