Robbie Foy and Florent Sinama Pongolle had chances but were unable to convert them.
"It's disappointing in the sense we lost the game because we want to win all the games we play, but it was a good start in the fact we created a lot of chances and there was a lot of good work.
"We slipped up and went to sleep for the goal they scored but by and large we created two really good chances we should have put away," coach Hugh McAuley told the club's official site. "I thought there was some good pleasing all-round performances for the first game and there was a lot of plusses.
"Florent-Sinama Pongolle and Robbie Foy worked hard in the first 20 minutes of the game and made some good runs and got in behind the Newcastle defence.
"It's a new experience for Florent playing English football. He is very quick and very sharp and can score goals. He can beat players and will come to terms with the physical side of our game. He is a great prospect and has certainly got a lot to offer."
Team: Harrison, Otsemobor, Vaughan, Raven, Traore, Foley-Sheridan, Potter, Welsh, Sinama-Pongolle, Foy, Smyth (Gillespie 60).
Subs not used: Wilkie, Willis, Whitbread, Massie.
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