Newcastle U23s returned to Premier League 2 action on Friday night and did their promotion prospects a power of good with a victory against the Royals.

Playing at the Adams Park home of Wycombe Wanderers, United took an 18th minute lead following a corner, home defender Tom Holmes getting ahead of Kelland Watts at the back post but beating his own goalkeeper Jokull Andersson with a header.

The hosts had a late opportunity to level when awarded an 88th minute penalty following a handball in the area by Mo Sangare but Nathan Harker was equal to Josh Barrett's effort - one of several eye-catching stops the visiting custodian pulledc off. 

Having survived that, Ben Dawson's side doubled their lead during second half added time, when a smart exchange of passes between recently-arrived replacement Juan Cumbreras and Matty Longstaff set the Spaniard free to bear down on goal from the left side of the box. 

Andersson parried his shot but diverted it right into the path of fellow substitute Tyrique Bartlett, who ran the ball into the net for his first goal at reserve team level.

Three points took United up one place into fourth spot, avenging a 2-4 loss to Reading on Tyneside earlier in the season.