1 mins
Lindo shot. 0-1
11 mins
Gibson penalty. 0-2
Half time: smoggies 2 Magpies 0
55 mins
Wiggett header. 1-2
66 mins
Bilongo shot. 1-3
67 mins
Westendorf shot. 2-3
90+4 mins
Finch shot. 2-4
Full time: smoggies 4 Magpies 2
The trialist was Aston Villa winger Tristan Goodridge, a 19
year-old who began his career at AFC Wimbledon. He's the 39th
different player that Newcastle have fielded in their 22 PL2 games so far
this season.
Fresh from Monday's epic 4-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion,
Newcastle's U23 side returned to action against 'Boro at the
Riverside on Friday night.
The home side took an early lead when Afonso Lindo headed a right
wing corner against the post and then bundled the ball home.
Joe Gibson converted a penalty ten minutes later to double the lead
and give the Magpies another uphill task. Matty Bondswell had fouled
Gibson as he jinked into the box to concede the spot-kick.
There were chances for 'Boro to extend their advantage with Sam
Collins blazing over with the goal gaping.
Newcastle's first chance came in the 17th minute when Isaac
Westendorf cut the ball back for Santiago Munoz but his effort was
well saved by Sol Bryan who stopped Dylan Stephenson's follow-up.
Munoz volleyed another chance over from eight yards but United were
second best in a one-sided first half with Olutoyosi Oludailola
racing clear only to be denied by Jake Turner.
Another mazy run from the impressive Gibson ended with the 'Boro
captain shooting wide in added time.
United got one back in the 55th minute when substitute Charlie
Wiggett headed home Jay Turner-Cooke's curled free-kick. Wiggett
had replaced trialist Tristan Goodridge at half-time.
But the two-goal lead was restored in the 66th minute when Turner
pushed out a shot but Bryant Bilongo was on hand to turn the ball in
when it was returned.
A minute later United got another back through Westendorf who
held off a defender and fired low into the net when the ball was
played into the box.
But another comeback was beyond the black-and-whites and 'Boro
sealed the victory in the fourth minute of added time when Sonny
Finch side-footed past Turner.
A busy night of PL2 Division Two action saw
United drop down to sixth and out of the promotion playoff places.
With four games left to play however, they remain among a clutch of sides in
contention.
Thanks to GW.