It proved to be sixth time lucky for Newcastle's second string on Friday night, as they recorded their first win of the season on the banks of the Thames.

Late strikes from Gael Bigirimana and Ivan Toney secured maximum points for Peter Beardsley's side, with the latter foiled on three occasions before finally notching his third goal in as many reserve games.

September's U21 Premier League player of the month Toney forced Marek Rodak into his first save within a minute of the start and Fulham's custodian then denied Sean Longstaff, Toney scooping the rebound over.

United's Callum Roberts tried his luck in the thirteenth minute only to strike a post, before Gael Bigirimana strode forward but shot wide from distance. 

At the other end meanwhile, Magpies 'keeper Brendan Pearson was grateful to the goalframe on 28 minutes, as George Williams let fly from outside the area. 

Rodak remained the busier of the two 'keepers and was again tested by Toney six minutes before half time - the former Northampton player curling in a free kick. 

Into the second period and the Cottagers enjoyed a period of pressure after making a trio of replacements, but Toney was again denied by Marek on the hour. 

He could nothing however to prevent Bigirimana from rifling in an 80th minute free kick to put Newcastle ahead, after Dan Barlaser had been chopped down.

And the Magpies then doubled that lead when Toney finally got his goal, rounding off a swift counter attack by shooting home with three minutes of normal time remaining.