Minutes after touching down at Newcastle airport from the Dutch tour, our intrepid reporter was dropping off his swag bag before catching the train down to Wetherby Road to see the latest reserve friendly.

Having adjourned to the welcoming social club to escape the baking heat, the usual collection of hard-core toon watchers were to be found doing likewise, including a number who were on their way back from the Netherlands to the North East.

Another familiar face was to be found out on the field as the home side included former Newcastle player Stuart Elliott in their ranks - yet another club to add to his ever-expanding CV.

Battling up front for the Magpies was the unlikely combination of Peter Beardsley (pictured in action at the game) and Calvin Zola- Makongo. But against a keen Town side who had drawn 1-1 with a Manchester United XI days earlier, Newcastle were made to pay for some lax passing and erratic shooting. 

Two down at half time, when Zola got one back on the hour a North Shields-esque fightback looked possible. By then the Congo youngster was partnered up front by Tyneside youngster Marc "Wally" Walton, with Beardo retreating into a midfield berth.

There was to be no successful recovery mission however, and in the dying moments of the game, former Barnsley and Darlo player Marcelle eventually found a way past the hard-working Karelse to seal the victory.

Current Unibond Division One Champions Town will now look forward with confidence to their Premier League campaign this season, as well as recording a good result to get them in the mood for their real big game of the season - the upcoming derby match against Harrogate Railway....