Magpies Striker Shola Ameobi made his competitive comeback at The Riverside on Tuesday night, but it was his teenage strike partner Andy Carroll who stole the show.

The Gateshead-born 18 year-old grabbed a hat trick in 15 first half minutes to decimate Boro's title hopes - after having changed his boots...

Lee Clark's side served notice of their intentions from the kickoff, with Charles N'Zogbia trying a shot within 20 seconds.

The returning Ameobi was in the action after nine minutes, heading N'Zogbia's cross wide, before seeing home 'keeper Ross Turnbull deny him twice from close range in the same move shortly after.

Midway through the first half and our injury jinx appeared to have returned when both Ramage and Carroll required treatment on the field within minutes of each other.

However the pair continued and in the case of Carroll took the opportunity of swapping his boots while on the sidelines.

That switch paid instant dividends on 28 minutes, as he rose to meet a Pattison corner and bulged the net with a fine header.

A minute later and Carroll had a second - this time getting his head on the end of David Edgar's right wing centre to convert from close range.

Back came Boro and Stephen Thompson gave his side some hope on 31 minutes, cracking home a fierce shot that flew past Fraser Forster.

With the next goal in the game vital, United extended their advantage just before the break - N'Zogbia counter-attacking and releasing Shola, who strode into the penalty area before being upended by defender David Wheater.

As the striker rather gingerly got to his feet, referee Shaun Procter-Green pointed to the spot and Carroll completed his hat trick without fuss - his ninth goal in a dozen reserve league games this season.

Into the second half and with the home side showing little evidence of mounting a comeback, Newcastle threatened further goals as Alan O'Brien harried the Boro defence into a couple of mistakes.

The Republic of Ireland international then motored down the right flank on 53 minutes before delivering an intelligent low cross for Ameobi to seal his comeback with an easy finish.

Further goals could have followed as United played keep ball against a by-now thoroughly demoralised Smoggy side, Turnbull blocking Carroll again as he forced his way into the box before shooting. 

And both O'Brien and N'Zogbia worked themselves into good positions only to blast their shots wide as the disconsolate home fans drifted steadily out of the Riverside. 

Finally, substitute Jonny Godsmark profited from more good work by O'Brien to drive in a fifth and seal our most emphatic win of the season.

Ameobi played for 70 minutes and while obviously rusty after his layoff showed some neat touches and improved his stamina levels.

He was applauded from the field by around 100 Toon fans, who were segregated from home fans and housed in the usual away end.

All in all, a cracking night for £2!

Reserves on Smogside - Premier years:

1999/00 won 4-1 Kerr 2, Hamilton, Robinson
2000/01 won 3-0 Coppinger, Gavilan, McMenamin
2001/02 won 2-1 G.Caldwell, Offiong
2002/03 lost 2-4 LuaLua, Gardner
2003/04 won 2-1 Guy, Pattison
2004/05 won 2-0 Bates 2
2005/06 lost 3-4 Chopra 2, Edgar
2006/07 won 5-1 Carroll 3, Ameobi, Godsmark