Newcastle's reserve side began 2012 with their first league victory in four attempts, overcoming Wigan at a blustery Darsley Park on Tuesday afternoon.

With Alan Pardew watching from the sidelines, United's side included trialist striker Jason Prior from Ryman League South side Bognor Regis Town, while Ryan Donaldson made his comeback following a hamstring problem.

Strong cross winds made passing difficult but the home side dominated the first period, Haris Vuckic shaving a post from the edge of the box after five minutes.

Donaldson, Sammy Ameobi and Dan Gosling also shot wide from similar distance while Prior won a couple of aerial challenges but failed to test the Latics 'keeper with one headed attempt on goal.

The breakthrough came just on half-time, when Gosling's cross from the right was converted from close range at the far post by defender Remie Streete - who looked to get the vital touch off his knee, the linesman signalling it had crossed the line.

Coach Willie Donachie welcomed Newcastle forward Phil Airey back to league action after an extended absence and he replaced Donaldson at the interval.

United were then forced into a second change when the lively Sammy Ameobi was unable to continue after treatment on a leg injury and made way for Brad Inman.

Wigan levelled on 66 minutes when Danny Redmond found space down the left and his low centre was fired past the advancing Rob Elliot by Jordan Rugg - the Magpies 'keeper crucially stumbling as he came off his line.

Elliott then partly atoned for his mistake by denying Rugg a second goal five minutes later, blocking the visiting striker's fierce shot at the near post.

But United hit back on 73 minutes when Vuckic slipped a through ball to Inman, who placed his low shot beyond Latics 'keeper Lee Nicholls for his first reserve league goal in almost a year.

Prior then put the result beyond doubt with 13 minutes remaining, making no mistake with a firm shot from ten yards out after an extended run from Greg McDermott.

On a day when the conditions again didn't favour the players, our trialist didn't make a great impact but at least showed he knows where the goal is, after having dragged an earlier effort narrowly wide just after half time.

The victory was enough to push Newcastle up one place into third spot in the table, ahead of Liverpool who were held to a draw by Bolton on Monday.

PS: Michael Richardson was spotted at the game on crutches after suffering an ankle injury in training, while Sammy Ameobi also left on crutches and is set for a scan to determine whether there's any damage to his leg.

Biffa

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