13 mins. Kevin Dixon made progress down the Newcastle left and swung over a cross that was only half-cleared. In much the same way that Dyer was on hand at Birmingham to capitalise on the loose ball, Bradley Orr was similarly placed. Different player, same result, a low shot to the keeper's right into the bottom corner of the Leazes end net. 1-0

Half time: NUFC 1 CPFC 0

75 mins. A needlessly conceded free kick between the corner of the United area and the Milburn Stand was played in by Ben Surey. Somehow his low effort passed through the mass of players in the box and entered the United goal via the post. Seems like the senior team aren't the only ones to struggle at set pieces....  1-1
83 mins. Matters took a turn for the worse when Palace forced a throw in on the right flank.  Hunt quickly restarted play with a long accurate throw into the United six yard box, finding Antwi, who was able to touch the ball on, stranding keeper Brain in the process. The ball fell perfectly for Adolf Amoako to stroke home the visitor's second from close range.  1-2
85 mins. Before Palace had a chance to regroup and think about running down the clock, United struck back when Dixon played an inswinging corner across which Chopra managed to get contact on. The ball ended up at the far post, where substitute striker Richard Offiong was on hand to knock home the equaliser from close range, before defenders or keeper could block. 2-2

Full time: NUFC 2 CPFC 2


We said: Senior Youth Coach Alan Irvine was far from happy:

"I told the lads at half-time that the only way Palace could score would be from set-pieces because they were creating nothing otherwise, so we had to be ready - but we weren't. I'm relieved that we got the replay, but very angry indeed that we didn't do what I have been telling them they have to do all season. Alarm bells should be ringing at set-pieces but certain players were too dozy. There were too many out there willing to let somebody else do the hard work.

"I think a few of the players froze a bit on the big stage. For all but three of them, it was the first time they had played at St James's, but we are still in the Youth Cup and can certainly win the replay - but only if we are prepared to compete much better than we did last night. If we aren't going to do that, and if people aren't going to do their jobs, then we are going to have problems."

Waffle: 

A difficult task away in South London awaits the United youngsters, after a Palace team that included one or two eye-catching talents managed to turn round a one goal deficit and will be annoyed not to have claimed the tie.

Pick of the black and whites was probably Michael Chopra, who looked alert and unconcerned by playing on such a big stage. So much of his body language and style is reminiscent of Shearer, including a certain belligerence towards the referee on one occasion. Difficult to believe that he's only 16, and a player of enormous potential and possible importance to Newcastle in future seasons.

Elsewhere, Jonathon Brain in goal didn't have a great deal to do as Palace struggled to get their shots on target, and his long clearances caused opposition defenders problems at times, as they dropped just outside the Palace penalty area.

The defence had an unremarkable game, and a certain lack of penetration and support play by the two full backs meant that most of the positive attacking from Newcastle came through the centre of the field. Damon Robson didn't have the most productive of games, but again showed confidence on the ball and the ability to find his own men consistently - one or two first-teamers could do with acquiring that skill...

A reasonable crowd seemed to enjoy the game, and many fans had taken advantage of the low prices and ease of access to tickets by bringing along their bairns. While some seemed more interested in the amply-proportioned hot dogs being sold, enough were fascinated by proceedings on the field to lend their support and cheer the equaliser to the rafters. Hopefully one or two converts will have been made, and saved from the clutches of the Evil Empire soon to be at the other end of the Metro line. 

Biffa