After our first win of 2005 last week against Birmingham City, any notion of that victory kick-staring an unbeaten run was destroyed as our youngsters struggled against a strong Man.City reserve side that included first team members Bradley Wright-Phillips Ben Thatcher, Willo Flood and Steve McManaman – all no doubt keen to impress new City boss Stuart Pearce.
Christian Negouai scored from a corner after 11 minutes for the home side. Bradley Wright-Phillips made it two after an hour, Negouai added his second ten minutes later before a late Ishmael Miller brace (including a penalty) made it five.
The defeat highlighted just how far behind our development of youngsters is in comparison to that of the
Based on the showing of our youngsters this season it is going to take more than Lee Bowyer’s £200,000 fine to produce a player worthy of first-team recognition.
Newcastle
Subs not used: Baxter, Carroll, Cavener