After a goalless first half at the John Smith’s Stadium, the young Magpies broke the deadlock in their maiden Group F clash as Josh Donaldson netted on his competitive bow at under-21 level before the visitors were quickly returned to level terms following Kyle Hudlin’s drilled drive inside the penalty area.
Magpies midfielder James Huntley was sent off in the closing stages, picking up two yellow cards, but United’s youngsters held firm to record a point in West Yorkshire, with McArthur full of praise for the youthful side, with the likes of Donaldson, Dylan Charlton and Johnny Emerson making their full debuts for Newcastle’s under-21 side.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who joined the Magpies from Kilmarnock in July 2022, told nufc.co.uk: “I thought the game was different from what we’re used to in the Premier League 2. The lads did well and grafted throughout the full game but, for me, one mistake led to their goal and we should have won the game.
“We can take many positives from a defensive point of view. We commanded the backline, defended our box and kept them away from our goal for so long. I don’t think they had many shots on target either so we dominated in our half but it’s just one mistake which led to the goal.
“We didn’t have many chances tonight but when we did, they were on target or we took it for the goal. It is frustrating that we scored and then conceded straight after because we did so well to get the goal.
“Managing the game at the end was vital for us, especially going to Huddersfield and playing experienced players with ten men. We were able to do that so credit to all of the boys for sticking in and managing to pick up a positive result in the end."
Newcastle’s youngsters faced an experienced Huddersfield side which included former Leeds United defender Tom Lees, who has over 500 EFL appearances to his name, and Japanese defender Yuta Nakayama, who was named in his country’s 2022 World Cup finals squad.
McArthur, who captained Scotland at under-19 level whilst on international duty last week, relishing the rugged 90 minute battle with Hudlin and admitted his experiences with hometown club Kilmarnock before arriving at United last summer stood him in good stead against the 23-year-old striker, standing at 6’9”.
The teenage defender added: “I love the physical battles, especially coming from Scotland. That was what it was like for nearly every game and it kind of took me back to those days, coming up against different types of players. I really enjoyed it and I need to keep going, taking that into my game.
“Those experiences in Scotland have helped me from a physical side, knowing the dark arts of the game and when he will push you, stand on your toes or throw you around. It definitely helps because I know I can stand my ground."
