Having lost at Whitley Bay in their last game, Newcastle's second string were again second best at the coast on Tuesday evening, as another side in blue and white exposed their shortcomings. 

It's now eight consecutive away games without a victory and despite welcoming Joey Barton back, the Magpies struggled to make an impression all night - the midfielder marking his return by sending a penalty over the bar.

Barton did complete 73 minutes without incident, but aside from that there weren't many positives for the watching Chris Hughton to take away from Victoria Park.

'Pools looked in the mood from the off, strike duo Billy Greulich and Michael Mackay combining well after ten minutes for the latter to blast narrowly wide of Toon goalkeeper Ole Soderberg's left hand post.

And within four minutes the home side had the lead, although their opener came with Newcastle down to ten men - Ryan Donaldson lying injured off the pitch. Greulich again was the provider and former Northern League striker Mackay took advantage of some poor defensive play to rifle the ball home.

The Magpies struggled to mount any response and 'Pools came close to a second goal before the break when their veteran midfielder Ritchie Humphreys blazed his volley over from a good position.

Soderberg then made a fine diving stop to keep out a Jonny Rowell shot in added time, only for 'Pools to then double their lead from the resultant corner. Mackay it was again who was left unattended to head on a Humphreys corner, with Colin Larkin making sure from close range.

The arrival of Frank Danquah in place of Faroe Islands teenager Joan Edmundsson helped Newcastle start the second half in slightly brighter mood - although the sub soon wasted an opportunity to test the home 'keeper with an attempted shot that hit the corner flag...

Alan Thompson's side looked like getting a foothold in the game when Phil Airey raced into the box on 53 minutes and tumbled under challenge from debutant reserve 'keeper Grant Herbert, who got away with a yellow card as the referee deemed Airey was heading slightly away from goal.

However, Barton opted for cleverness rather than power and watched as his attempted chip passed harmlessly over the crossbar and into the deserted away end.

Home fans claimed a penalty soon after and then moaned when an apparent third goal was ruled out for a foul, but this was a comprehensive home win and just reward for a display of superior composure, imagination and energy. 

Biffa

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