Newcastle 1 West Ham 0: Muto strike gives Bruce perfect start to life as new Toon boss with win over Hammers in Asia Trophy

STEVE BRUCE had an immediate impact on his new charges as they stepped up preparations for the season with a morale boosting win.

The Newcastle boss had to take his seat in the stands rather than the touchline due to coming into the country on a 72 hour tourist visa earlier in the week.

That meant he was not officially allowed to work - yet he is under no illusions about how much needs to be done at St James’ Park.

But right from the start there was a significant improvement on the shambolic performance against Wolves in Nanjing earlier in the week.

Bruce handed a rare start to highly rated young Danish forward Elias Sorensen and he went close to an early goal.

The Geordies did take the lead just after the half hour though as Jamie Sterry whipped over a super cross that was touched home from close range by Yoshinori Muto.

MUTO'S OUR MAN

The Japanese forward had looked lively all day and the first goal of his team’s pre season was a deserved reward.

West Ham came close to an equaliser after the break when Felipe Anderson met a cross from Robert Snodgrass but saw his effort come back off the bar.

Bruce would have been pleased to see Manchester United target Sean Longstaff come off the bench for a first appearance since March.

Pep Guardiola - whose Manchester City team play the Hammers on the opening day - took the chance to do a bit of scouting ahead of the final against Wolves.

Jonjo Shelvey saw a goal ruled out for offside while Jack Wilshere headed over a late chance to level.

But the Toon held on to clinch third place in the Premier League Asia Trophy.