Two early goals gave United a win at Boundary Park with some first-teamers getting a run-out, including Carl Cort.

Shola Ameobi headed Newcastle into the lead after just 66 seconds and Clint Hill headed an own goal ten minutes later. The Latics responded with a goal from Josh Low after 21 minutes.

In hazy sunshine, about 300 black and white followers saw a second half of few chances. The home side saw a header come back off the bar but the ref asked for three players to be subbed as the action got a little heated. 

Andy Griffin put in a bad tackle on Darren Sheridan after 66 minutes and with three minutes left a melee in the Latics box ensued after Bradley Orr reacted badly to being pushed while waiting for a free-kick. Cort and Ameobi were the main ones involved with Cort and Hill subbed at the referee's request.

On an unhappy night for Cort he also missed from five yards after 83 minutes when he was through on the keeper. It was harder to miss but a weak shot allowed the goalkeeper to smother on the line. The lad is in need of a morale-boosting goal to aid his comeback.

Making his first appearance for the club this season was Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Brennan, who has just returned from representing his country in the European U19 Championships in Norway.