A goal five minutes from time by Andy Carroll gave United's second string a win against our Conference North opponents on Monday - but we had to work for the victory. 

The Gateshead-born striker headed home a left wing cross to break the deadlock - although his effort ended up in the back of the net via both post and 'keeper.

After a first half in which neither side had a serious shot on target things improved in the second period.

United coach Tommy Craig bolstered his ailing midfield at the interval, introducing Kazenga LuaLua and Callum Little from the bench and pushing Phil Cave down the left flank.

That gave the visitors a more fluid look, but still we failed to seriously test former Magpie 'keeper Adam Collin in the Workington goal.

He was replaced in the closing stages by Craig Summersgill (one of a number of subs for the home side), as the Magpies belatedly began to show themselves in front of goal.

With 11 minutes remaining Kris Gate stepped up to smash a free kick from outside the area off a post, while LuaLua's shot was fumbled by the 'keeper on 83 minutes, but only at the expense of a corner.

Then came the goal from a LuaLua cross and the lively youngster almost sealed the win with a fierce effort in the closing stages that cannoned off Summersgill and away to safety.

That's now two 1-0 successes for the second string in their pre-season games, but there few more positives to note than at Consett almost a month ago.

Workington looked not to have much to offer either, with too many aimless long balls in evidence from both sides on what wasn't a bad pitch. 

Those who turned up and parted with their £8 on the gate though were perhaps entitled to feel a little under-whelmed at what they saw from the visitors.

Having seen the likes of Cort, Ketsbaia, Quinn,  Serrant, Charvet and Marcelino in previous games between the two sides, none of our squad tonight had experienced senior team football in any form.

* (identified by fans on the Worky message board as Dean Douglass)
  
Biffa

Reserves