Half time: Newcastle 0 Boro 1

6 mins Ledesma free kick 0-1

Full time: Newcastle 0 Boro 1

Newcastle's U21 side continued their dismal run in 2015, as league leaders Middlesbrough completed a league double at St. James' Park on Tuesday evening.

The visitors opened brightly and scored what proved to be the winner on six minutes, Argentinean Emmanuel Ledesma guiding home a free-kick from 22 yards at the Gallowgate end that gave 'keeper Freddie Woodman no chance.

United got into their stride as the half wore on, Callum Roberts registering their first shot on target with a low 18-yard shot effort after 28 minutes. Adam Armstrong then hassled the 'Boro defence into giving the ball away after 39 minutes but his shot lacked power and Connor Ripley was equal to it. 

The home side ame even closer two minutes after the break when Adam Laidler centred from the left and Roberts bore down on goal - only to mis-hit his shot and allow Ripley to block. Five minutes later Roberts turned provider when playing in Armstrong, but his first time effort drifted just wide.

United's task became harder when Macauley Gillesphey tangled with Harrison Chapman in the centre circle and was shown his second yellow by referee (and mackem sympathiser) Graeme Fyvie just before the hour mark.

Newcastle's ten men battled on but substitute Alex Gilliead found his way into the referee's notebook for a poor challenge that he followed up by barging into his opponent Robbie Tinkler, sparking a bout of handbags.    

Armstrong twice went close, but United couldn't prevent Boro winning to stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points. Peter Beardsley's side meanwhile remain desperately out of form, without a competitive win in ten outings and having seen hopes of promotion steadily recede.

Having requested a reserve outing, Gabriel Obertan played on the right side of midfield for the opening 45 minutes and enjoyed his share of possession without threatening to make a breakthrough. 

PS: Having failed to find any words of wisdom at half time in the wear-Tyne derby match two days earlier, John Carver's impromptu team talk at the interval here proved to be no more inspirational.

PPS: Carver subsequently revealed that he'd asked striker Facundo Ferreyra to play in this game following his alleged return to fitness. However, the misfit loan signing didn't fancy it. 

Biffa