Newcastle Reserves began their Northumberland Senior Cup defence on Monday evening at Kingston Park with victory over their Northern Alliance opponents from the East end of Toon. 

Wearing their red and blue away kit (Walker were drawn at home), United took the lead when James Troisi beat his man down the left and pulled the ball back for Andy Carroll to thump home from ten yards via the underside of the bar.

It was 2-0 just after the break when Dean Critchlow burst clear into the box, kept his balance and played in Carl Finnigan for an easy finish. And Australian Troisi sealed the victory when he struck home from the edge of the box on 89 minutes.

However, Walker gave a good account of themselves and could have embarrassed United, missing good chances in both halves.

Biffa