The U21s ended their fixture programme for 2015 with a friendly against a Berwick Rangers XI at their Shielfield Park home on Tuesday night, players and fans uniting for a minutes' applause before kickoff in memory of former Magpie Pavel Srnicek.

Sean Longstaff came close to giving United an early lead with a shot that goalkeeper Mark Walters turned away, before visiting forward Lewis McNall snatched at a loose ball when well placed,

Rangers went ahead on 35 minutes when Andrew Russell beat Freddie Woodman from the penalty spot, referee Peter Stuart deeming that Jamie Cobain's challenge on Dwayne Coultress was an illegal one.

United came close to levelling when Dan Barlaser's 39th minute free kick clipping the outside of the post, before Longstaff converted a penalty three minutes from the interval after Owen Gallacher was tripped in the area.

And Peter Beardsley's side went in at half time one goal ahead after Callum Roberts crossed from the right for Gallacher to head in despite Walters getting a touch.

An uneventful second period saw United make a triple switch just before the hour, Longstaff coming close to increasing their lead after 69 minutes but seeing his effort saved by the 'keeper. 

A third Newcastle goal arrived with fourteen minutes remaining, Callum Smith's left wing centre met at the back post by fellow substitute Stefan Broccoli.

After Broccoli curled another effort narrowly wide, Rangers were then left a man short following the 88th minute dismissal of Finn Graham - who received a straight red for what can only have been dissent (intemperate language towards the referee

Thanks to GW