The Reserves' league season limped to a miserable end as they lost at Kingston Park for the first time this season, a controversial last minute goal winning it for the visitors.

On an awful surface that had LuaLua commenting "I've played on better pitches in the Congo", both sides struggled to reproduce anything like the football they're capable of, rending the match almost completely meaningless.

If there were any bright spots, it's that nobody was seriously injured on the pitch and that we will surely never have to waste our time by seeing the reserves use this venue ever again - if this is the only option, then the man in the stand tonight was right - scrap the reserve side, it's a pointless exercise to train on good pitches all week and then play on the equivalent of a car park.

Newcastle's best chance of the second period had come in the 79th minute when Jamie McClen struck the crossbar with a shot and Joe Kendrick was unable to direct his header from the rebound on target.

Other than that our attacking spark was well and truly extinguished when LuaLua was subbed, having failed to grab a goal but picked up a booking and provided most of what constituted entertainment for the home fans.

A mention for academy striker Marc Walton, making his second league start and home debut at this level. Lacking support and facing more experienced opponents he still managed a couple of efforts on goal and some flashes of skill on the ball. 

A fitting end to a depressing and disappointing season which sees the Reserves finish 12th out of 15 teams.

Man City also had their reserve title dreams shattered when it was confirmed that a big away win by the mackems at Villa had made it a two horse race between them and the Boro.