Reserves Beat Man Utd 2-0

Manchester United, along with the Mackems, are always the biggest draw for the reserves and there was an attendance of 1,235. The biggest plus was probably seeing Michael Chopra (pictured) hitting the back of the net, as we all know, we are short of strikers to cover injuries.

"We try to give youth an opportunity and I think most other teams are doing that," said Tommy Craig. "It's become a developmental league.
In some ways we are getting closer to that, where we've got a big first-team pool and some players who wouldn't even entertain a reserve game."

Titus Bramble missed five months through injury recently, yet Graeme Souness opted to throw him in against Fulham without having played a minute of reserve-team football.

"Having a couple of comeback games would certainly be beneficial," Craig admitted. "But even in a comeback game, there's a risk of injury."

Manchester United, who currently have 11 youngsters out on loan, took to the field without a single player who had played for their first team.

The Magpies at least had Peter Ramage, Robbie Elliott, Shola Ameobi and Michael Chopra and the latter pair suggested they are the most likely to make an impression on the first-team, along with left-winger Alan O'Brien.

Chopra put the hosts ahead after 20 minutes, neatly sidestepping Jonathan Evans and placing Daryl Smylie's cross into the net. Having earlier been denied by Markus Neumayr's goal-line clearance, Ameobi found Chopra after a brilliant piece of skill on 54 minutes. After being fouled by Ryan Shawcross, Chopra converted the penalty.

NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES: Caig; Baxter, Ramage, Elliott, Farman; Brittain, Smylie, Gate, O'Brien; Ameobi, Chopra.
Subs Not Used: Finnigan, Smith, Atkin, Edgar, Carroll.