Newcastle's second string found themselves in familiar territory on Friday at Whitley Park, failing yet again to record what would have been a first league victory of 2018 at Northumberland FA HQ. 

What chances there were in a nondescript opening half hour went the way of the black and whites, but Sean Longstaff was unable to get his 18th minute shot on target and the visiting 'keeper was equal to Tom Allen's close range effort a few moments later.

The Saints had scored a combined total of 11 goals against United last season - five of them on this pitch - and went ahead after 34 minutes as the rain began to fall heavily.

United were temporarily down to ten men at that precise moment, centre half defender Kelland Watts being treated at pitch side a facial injury sustained at an earlier set piece (reappearing with a fresh shirt bearing the number 25)..

An under-hit back pass to Freddie Woodman was seized upon by visiting striker Michael Obafemi and the Irish youth international raced into the area before wrong-footing a defender and finishing well.

What proved to be a 51 minute second period was dominated by the Magpies, but their efforts were so often undermined by ill-timed stumbles on the damp surface and a lack of quality in the final third.

Substitute Adam Wilson did his best to invigorate the Newcastle team and the winger's fierce shot on the turn after 68 minutes was beaten away by Jack Rose.

Rose was also equal to a snap shot by Watts with seven minutes of normal time left and tempers began to flare as the visitors attempted to run the clock down. 

However no equaliser came, leaving United with an unwanted record of no points from a possible 18 at Whitley Park - their last league win there coming in December 2017. 

Biffa