37 mins Cort. 1-0

45 mins O'Connor. 2-0

Half time: Wolves 2 Newcastle 0

Full time: Wolves 2 Newcastle 1

"Apart from Shola Ameobi, we had a very young team out and really this was one of the best performances I have had from these boys.

"Shola got in another 90 minutes and I have to say on the night he was superb and his goal was a brilliant one."

About Charles N'Zogbia:

"I thought the young boy really had an exciting debut."

"He showed everyone that he has the natural talent to be a hit at St James' Park."

"It was nice to be back. It felt good to score. It was a poor clearance and I hit it first time. Although I think the keeper got a hand to it, he couldn't keep it out. Kevin O'Connor's goal was a fantastic finish after a great ball from Lewis (Gobern)."

"Even at reserve level it was great to score against my old team. I was excited to be out on the pitch."

"I'm in more or less the same situation as I was when I came here in January, playing catch up. So, I was glad to get through last night as it was another step along the road to being 100 per cent fit."

"It's been frustrating because it's very important to get a pre-season in. I got through the last two weeks OK although I need a bit more sharpness and fitness."

"This was my first proper game and towards the end I was starting to feel it but I was delighted to get through. I need three or four first team games to get back to top form. I have more to offer than what the fans saw at the end of last season."

"I don't know what Saturday is going to bring. I don't want to rush things too much but I'm sure I'll be involved in some way."

Cort opened the scoring with a snapshot on 37 minutes and Kevin O'Connor thumped home a stunning running volley a minute before the break, hitting Gobern's firm cross on the full into Adam Bartlett's top corner.

In a fast flowing and entertaining match, Shola Ameobi got United back into the game, finishing from a tight angle eight minutes into the second period.

He had been set up by Charles N'Zogbia who was making his United and Reserve debut after FIFA had given him clearance earlier in the week (see below). The French youngster struggled to make any real impact down the left wing but showed some good pace and the occasional flash of talent.

United pressed in the second period but couldn't find the equaliser as Wolves also had chances to make the points safe. 

The nearest United came was a Shola header from a Martin Brittain cross in the 63rd minute that Matt Murray did well to save.

It was an eventful night for ex-Mag Cort, who was booked immediately after United's goal for dissent. He had also hit the bar in the opening minute of the second half and was later subbed. However, he played well and was the home side's main threat.

Brittain and Ameobi were United's top performers with young full-backs Kris Gate and Phil Cave also showing some promise. Darryl Smylie and Ben Webster had some neat touches in midfield but Lewis Guy had an off-night up front. 

In the end Tommy Craig will have left disappointed with nothing to show for a decent performance.

Niall MacKenzie

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