Almost exactly a year to the day after his last game for the club, Jonas Gutierrez made a successful return to playing duties on Monday afternoon at Whitley Park.

The Argentinean's previous appearance had come at the same venue for the reserves in December 2013, ahead of a year that saw a loan spell at Norwich City, testicular cancer diagnosis, surgery and a period of recovery. 

Jonas was a welcome inclusion in the Magpies side for an U21 Cup tie and completed 89 minutes before being substituted to a deserved round of applause from those present, including fellow countryman Fabricio Coloccini.

Gutierrez later tweeted: "Thanks to all the fans for the support that you give through my illness, i am proud to be back. Good game and really happy. Thanks." 

Gael Bigirimana fired Newcastle in front on 14 minutes after Callum Roberts laid the ball off for the Burundian to arrive on the overlap and blast home.

After that though the lion's share of possession belonged to West Ham and there were a few hairy moments for home goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

That lead was extended six minutes after the break when Gutierrez's forward pass from the halfway line was helped on by Liam Smith to Adam Campbell who darted into the box and finished well.

Substitute Matthias Fanimo pulled the ball back from the left side of the box for Paul McCallum to head home for the Hammers in the 61st minute to halve the deficit.

However the clinching goal came with fourteen minutes remaining, Bigirimana finding Roberts on the right flank. The winger took off down the wing before cutting infield, exchanging passes with Tom Heardman on the edge of the box and slipping the return ball home from close in.

There still looked to be goals in the tie though and Josh Pask grazed Woodman's crossbar with a dipping shot from distance.

The scoreline was given an even more lopsided look on  89 minuted though, when Liam Gibson received the ball in space on the left hand side of the area and curled home a right footer to make it 4-1.

Biffa