Victory for United's second string at Whitley Park on Wednesday evening prolongs their interest in this season's Premier League International Cup.

Held 1-1 by Benfica in their opening group stage tie, Newcastle needed victory over their German visitors to retain hopes of winning Group C and ensure progress to the knockout phase. 

Although the Magpies could yet qualify as runners-up, maximum points from their final group stage tie - against Blackburn Rovers at Whitley Park on Friday week - would guarantee a place in the last eight.

Controlling possession from the first whistle, United were ahead in five minutes. Tom Allan sprinted down the right and pulled the ball back for Victor Fernandez to plant a low first-time effort into the net. Fernandez almost got his second two minutes later but his shot was charged down.

A deep cross by Jack Young after 19 minutes found Yannick Toure at the far post but he couldn't quite get his downward header past the Hertha 'keeper.

But four minutes later it was 2-0 when Rosaire Longelo was tripped in the box and Allan tucked away the resultant spot-kick.

Hertha came close to reducing the deficit in the 28th minute but a rising volley by Maximilian Storm was instinctively tipped over by Dan Langley.

Langley did well to tip a swerving shot from Jessic Nigankam round the post three minutes into the second period and was quickly off his line to deny Muhammed Kiprit in the 70th minute as Hertha attempted to get a foothold in the match.

The visitors did pull a goal back with eight minutes remaining when Magpies defender Ludwig Francillette lost possession in his own box and Nigankam forced the ball home. 

Home substitute Adam Wilson helped allay any fears of being held to a draw in the first seconds of added time though, skipping away from an opponent before being chopped down in the Berlin box.

Up stepped Allan to easily knock in his second spot kick of the night to ensure victory and move on to nine goals for the season in all competitions - five of them from the penalty spot.

Group C - current table:

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