9 mins Nix penalty 0-1

13 mins Ameobi header 1-1

39 mins Curtis OG 2-1

Half time: South Bank 1 North Bank 2

61 mins Ameobi shot 3-1

Full time: South Bank 1 North Bank 3

A strong XI under the direction of Alan Pardew made the short trip over the Tyne on Tuesday night.

With reserve coach Peter Beardsley watching from the stands, there was barely room on the visitors bench for messrs Pardew, Carver, Stone and Woodman plus assorted substitutes.

Six players who featured in Sunday's loss at Leeds featured, while Steve Harper returned against the side he was loaned to way back in 1996. 

And James Tavernier had a spell at the Tynesiders last season, along with unused sub Joan Edmundsson.

The Blue Square Premier side started brightly and created the first notable chance after six minutes, ex-Magpie Chris Moore hitting the woodwork after Yemi Odubade's free kick caused all sorts of problems for the visiting defence.

The former Stevenage forward (who at this stage was doing a passable impression of Obafemi Martins) then bustled into the United box before falling under challenge, Kyle Nix beating Steve Harper from the spot kick.

However, that advantage lasted only four minutes, before Michael Richardson broke down the Newcastle left and centred for Sammy Ameobi to head in on 13 minutes, Haris Vuckic pulling back from the goalbound effort and thus avoiding an offside flag.

Gateshead continued to look lively and Odubade remained a threat, while at the other end the first sighting of Nile Ranger came just after the half hour when he hared off towards goal, only to shoot weakly at the home 'keeper.

A second goal for the visitors wasn't long in arriving however and was the case here in 2010, Gateshead helpfully stuck one in their own net. The culprit on this occasion was defender James Curtis, who inadvertantly turned Sammy Ameobi's left wing centre in from six yards.

The woodwork then came to United's rescue just before the interval, with Nathan Fisher's fierce effort rebounding off a post before Odubade blazed it into the side netting from close range (see what I mean about Martins now?)

The second half saw a couple of long-range efforts from Ryan Taylor miss the target, while Haris Vuckic was denied just before the hour when Farman palmed his shot away.

It was 3-1 to the team in orange on 61 minutes though when Ryan Taylor's corner fell to Nile Ranger. His initial effort was blocked on the line but Ameobi got his second, stabbing home the rebound from point blank range.

United's first change then saw Mike Williamson give way for Yven Moyo, the young Frenchman going to left back and paving the way for Paul Dummett to slot in alongside former Gateshead loanee James Tavernier at centre half.

The miraculously fit-again Alan Smith then took his leave shortly after Vuckic had shaved the same goalpost that Gateshead hit twice earlier in the game.

Despite Newcastle enjoying greater possession in the closing stages, that didn't translate into any further goals and Ian Bogie's side were beaten but not disgraced.

Biffa - thanks to Adam Mackman for images

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