Half-Time Report: Newcastle United lead Northampton Town in League Cup

Florian Thauvin has scored on his first start for Newcastle United in the League Cup tie with Northampton Town.

The hosts took a third-minute lead as Massadio Haidara's cross was stabbed home by Thauvin on his full debut, and things got worse for Northampton five minutes later.

The Magpies were awarded a free kick on the left-hand side, and Thauvin's cross was glanced in by midfielder Siem de Jong.

However, Northampton got themselves back into the game just a minute later as the referee awarded a penalty after a foul by Cheick Tiote, and Marc Richards slammed the spot kick down the middle.

The Cobblers, buoyed by their goal, went close to equalising as Richards beat Mike Williamson to a cross and glanced it inches past the post.

Newcastle continued to create chances going forward as Ayoze Perez's header was cleared off the line by Ryan Cresswell, and Daryl Janmaat missed from close range.