22 mins Allan shot. 1-0

Half time: Throstles 0 Magpies 1

(58 mins Allan penalty saved)

Full time: Throstles 0 Magpies 1

United's reserve side successfully battled the Baggies and the West Midlands weather on Monday afternoon in their penultimate Premier League Cup group stage tie.

A single goal success ended the hosts' 100% record in the competition, considerably enhancing United's chances of advancing to the Quarter Final stages.

The aftermath of Storm Ciara was blamed for a late decision to switch the game from the Keys Park home of non-league side Hednesford Town to Albion's uncovered and windswept training pitches.

Kicking off in driving rain that soon became a blizzard of hailstones, Magpies 'keeper Jake Turner was forced into a double stop after ten minutes as Albion pressed. 

United replied and loose ball was seized on by Rosaire Longelo in the 18th minute, playing in Yannick Toure whose shot deflected just wide of the goal and beyond Elias Sorensen at the back post.

Clad in their orange change kit, Newcastle went ahead on 22 minutes when the unmarked Tom Allan poked home Longelo's cross cum shot across the box from close range.

The snow fell for the remainder of the first half as United held onto their lead, improbably resuming after the break under blue skies and sunshine!

Ben Dawson's side dominated that second period and missed a great chance to double their lead in the 58th minute, when Longelo was shoved over the box.

That gave Allan the chance to extend his penalty conversion record to eight in all competitions, but Josh Griffiths guessed correctly and dived low to his left to turn the spot-kick around the post.

The closing stages saw the Magpies make and miss a handful of chances, but West Brom seldom got within striking distance of Turner's goal and United extended their unbeaten record to four games.

Qualification for the Quarter Finals of this competition is now back in their own hands, with victory in their final tie at home to Scunthorpe United on Friday week (21st) guaranteeing first or second spot in the table - either sufficient to give them a place in the last 16.

With five games of the six played, United now sit second in Group C behind the Baggies, who lost their 100% record after the first three fixtures.

Confirmed qualifiers so far: Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers, Everton, Exeter City, Middlesbrough and Reading.

	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	West Brom	4	3	9
2	Newcastle	5	1	8
3	Hull City	4	-1	4
4	Scunthorpe	3	-3	1

Remaining ties:

13.02.2020 West Brom v Scunthorpe
21.02.2020 Hull v West Brom
21.02.2020 Newcastle v Scunthorpe
date tbc Hull v Scunthorpe Postponed

Biffa