23 mins Wilbraham shot 0-1

29 mins Campbell deflected shot 1-1

37 mins Kaikai shot 1-2

Half time: Eagles 2 Magpies 1 

79 mins Aarons shot 2-2

Full time: Eagles 2 Magpies 2

United's reserve side returned from Selhurst Park with a point on Monday evening, after rookie winger Rolando Aarons hit a second half equaliser to tame the Eagles.

Returning after a four month injury layoff was Dan Gosling, while fellow first team fringe players Romain Amalfitano, Adam Campbell, Shane Ferguson and James Tavernier also started on a chilly night in South London. 

The first major incident of note came in the 11th minute, when Amalfitano conceded a penalty for a foul on Kyle De Silva. And although Ibra Sekajja sent Magpies custodian Jonathan Mitchell the wrong way, his spot kick struck the crossbar and bounced to safety.

That proved to be only a temporary respite though and the home side went ahead midway through the opening half when striker Aaron Wilbraham converted a tap in following a low right wing centre.

On 29 minutes the United drew level with their first meaningful shot of the game, Adam Campbell, trying his luck from 22 yards out and seeing his effort strike an opponent en route to the back of the net for his eighth goal in ten reserve league starts so far this season.

Back came Palace though and Sullay Kaikai restored their advantage eight minutes before the interval, after his run into United's box went unchecked and he was able to latch on to a cross from the left flank before slipping a shot past Mitchell from six yards.

Newcastle reappeared for the second half with winger Rolando Aarons on in place of defender Lee Desmond and Shane Ferguson reverting to left back in an attempt to shackle the lively Kaikai.

Mitchell blocked a pile driver from Jacob Butterfield just three minutes after the resumption, but United then enjoyed a good attacking spell and both Aarons and Campbell came closing to finding a leveller. 

A further change just after the hour mark saw Remi Streete make way for Jonathyn Quinn; Steven Logan withdrawing into the back four as the substitute was added to our midfield. Wilbraham was then denied by Mitchell before play swung to the other end and Brandon Miele sent a long ranger effort just over the crossbar.

The Magpies then levelled with eleven minutes of the game remaining, when Rolando Aarons marked only his second outing at this level with a fine goal - turning superbly inside the Eagles box to drill a low right-footer across Price and into the bottom corner of the goal.

Pressing for a winner, Palace were then denied when Ferguson cleared off his own line following a scramble in the box in the 84th minute and just seconds later Mitchell made a point blank stop to deny substitute Allasani.

The home side then forced a final opportunity in added time but fellow substitute Daniel dragged his shot wide and the points were shared.
  
Biffa with thanks to the Brewer  (photo courtesy of Berlin Mag Richard Henderson)

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