United's second string ended their winless league and cup run at the sixth time of asking on Monday  - but had to come from behind twice to do so.

The game started with heavy rain, a sodden pitch and a meagre crowd - officially 98 (two more and we could have got a telegram from the Queen).

United started brightly but were shocked when Stoke took the lead with their first meaningful attack of the game in the 11th minute. Tre Pemberton cut from right to left on the edge of the penalty area before hitting a firm, low shot past Magpies goalkeeper Jake Turner.

The hosts drew level after 22 minutes when Adam Wilson showed his pace down the left flank before letting fly with a rocket shot that beat visiting custodian Blondy Noukeu at his near post.

But Newcastle found themselves behind again just nine minutes later: Ryan Corrigan's high looping ball to the far post finding William Forrester, whose close-range header lacked pace but squeezed between Turner and his post.

Into the second half and with the rain stopping, the Magpies conjured up a second equaliser on 63 minutes - this one a delightful effort by Elliot Anderson after a precise inter-passing build-up.

At this stage the game could have gone either way but Newcastle took the lead for the first time with 15 minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty. 

Substitute Rosaire Longelo was clearly brought down by Corrigan as he dribbled his way forward down the left in the area and Tom Allan confidently beat the 'keeper his subsequent spot kick.

Victory was still anything but secure as the game entered the allotted three minutes stoppage time. 

However the points were confirmed after Longelo's determined run from midfield ended with him powering into the Stoke area and finding the net with a fine low strike.

The win was enough to lift United one place in Premier League 2 Division Two to ninth.

Many thanks to AC (we were suffering watching the first team at Villa)