Chopra Hits Number 11

Last updated : 22 December 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor
Michael Chopra could be set to replace Alan Shearer over the holiday period, for a couple of games at least, and he showed why last night.


Coach Tommy Craig's Newcastle Utd second string picked up a point against Leeds Reserves on Wednesday at the South Leeds Stadium.

Lee Clark was the most senior player in an otherwise relatively inexperienced Magpies line-up, though Michael Chopra added to his impressive tally for the reserves this term with his 11th strike of the season.

The Magpies had to come from behind twice through Chopra and an own goal from Simon Madden, but despite having the better of things in the second half they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Leeds took the lead on 16 minutes when Jermaine Wright blasted the ball in from 20 yards after Tony Caig's punched clearance fell nicely for him. Chopra had an effort ruled out for offside moments later.

The leveller came on the half hour, with Chopra latching onto a through ball from strike partner Finnigan before poking the ball past Ben Smith, the goalkeeper who was released by the Magpies earlier in the season.

Leeds regained the lead five minutes later when Ben Parker found the bottom corner after a square ball from Simon Walton, but United hauled themselves back into the game on 34 minutes when full back Madden turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Chopra after Finnigan played the ball across the face of goal.