Reserves Double In A Week

Martin Brittain (pictured) was not only the only non-teenager in the Magpies side, but also the only player with first team experience, and he made it show created a string of chances for team-mates. Brittain's 26th-minute corner set up Marc Walton for the opener and he drove a fierce shot across keeper Neil Smith just inside the left post.

United striker Carl Finnigan missed at least three clear chances before finally hitting the target in the 49th minute.

Tommy Craig must be pleased to see the return from injury of Alan O'Brien, who came on as a half-time substitute Alan O'Brien, and sped to the left byline and crossed for Finnigan to nod down and in at the far post. North Shields only created one chance in the entire 90 minutes.

Seven minutes from time Brittain raced to the byline on the right and picked out substitute James Troisi, who cleverly eluded Anthony Robson before sliding home a 10-yard shot.

NEWCASTLE RESERVES: Krul; Baxter, Cave, Shanks, Atkin, Gate, Brittain, Smylie, Walton, Finnigan (Troisi 56), Deverdics (O'Brien 45).

Subs Not Used: Edgar, Terrell.