Fernandez notches - remember that name, this lad has potential

It was a case of three strikes and you're in for United's U23s on Monday afternoon, as they wiped out a 0-1 deficit in just nine first half minutes to claim victory. 

The three points made an end-of-season promotion playoff place for Peter Beardsley's side odds-on - and defeats for rivals Aston Villa and West Ham on Monday evening mathematically confirmed a top five finish.

Trailing to a fine strike from Joshua Smile, the Magpies levelled on 33 minutes after the perseverance of winger Victor Fernandez saw him cross from the left hand byline for Tom Heardman to head in.

Six minutes later Fernandez took centre stage after a favourable deflection on halfway left him with a clear route towards goal. The Spanish youngster confidently took his chance, rounding the 'keeper and slotting home for his first league goal at this level.

And things got even better for a Newcastle side winless in their last three league outings when Dan Ward found space down the left and his low centre was turned home by Heardman for 3-1 - the striker's ninth goal in all reserve competitions during a season partly spent loaned out to Hartlepool. 

The second half was rather less eye-catching, with a 76th minute curler from Fernandez the best chance United had of extending their lead.

The Cottagers pressed more in the closing stages but Matz Sels completed a decent shift with a couple of late blocks - to the delight of his parents, among a crowd also including Jonjo Shelvey.

The victory saw United replace Fulham in second place behind Swansea - the Jacks already assured of the title and the one automatic promotion place. And although Wolves replaced us in second a few hours later, the Magpies are now in the Premier League 2 Division Two playoffs with a game to spare.

In the playoffs, second plays fifth at home and third hosts fourth in the semi-finals, both at the club’s main stadium, while the final takes place at the home ground of the team with the highest finish.

All play-offs are one-off ties, decided by extra-time and then penalties if level after 120 minutes.

Biffa