NEWCASTLE United Academy defender Alex Francis was forced to play the entire second-half in goal for the Magpies as they were beaten 2-1 at Stoke City.

With the game goalless at half-time, Toon stopper Mark Cook took ill during the interval and, with no goalkeeper among the substitutes, it was upto Francis to don the gloves.

And the stand-in keeper was helpless to prevent the hosts from taking the lead as Nathan McDonald (51) curled a beauty into the far corner after connecting with a right-wing cross.

The visitors were level however on 63 minutes, Ryan Donaldson firing home from close range after Jeff Henderson's header had been blocked on the line from Mark Doninger's corner.

But within two minutes Stoke grabbed the winner, James Phillips volleying home from 12 yards after Dean McCormick had headed into his path from a right-wing delivery.

NUFC: Mark Cook (Jeff Henderson, 45m), Alex Patterson, Callum Moris, Alex Francis, Darren Lough, Mark Doninger, James Marwood (Campbell Bell, 85m), Patrick McLaughlin, Jonny Godsmark, Ryan Donaldson, Frank Wiafe Danquah (Michael McCrudden, 74m)
Subs not used: Mark Bertram, Dan Neary