Friendly Win For Under-21s At Ashington

Peter Beardsley's Newcastle United under-21 side made the short trip to local non-league side Ashington on Thursday night, to take part in a friendly to mark the opening of a new stand at Woodhorn Lane.

And in wet and windy conditions, United ran out comfortable 8-1 winners against the Northern League outfit, in front of a crowd of 1,229.

Member of Parliament for Wansbeck, Ian Lavery, officially opened the new 250-seat capacity stand and watche on as the Magpies opened up a two-goal half-time lead before hitting a further six in the second half.

Newcastle's goals came from Sean Longstaff (4), Adam Laidler (2), Lewis McNall and Owen Gallacher, while Andrew Johnson was on target for the Colliers.

Premier League referee Michael Oliver was the man in the middle and took pity on players and sodden fans alike by bringing proceedings to an early end before the 90 minutes were officially up.

"We were honoured to be asked by Ashington to play this fixture," said Beardsley.

"It's a smashing new stand they've got and I wish them all the very best for the rest of the season.

"It was a good work out for us in poor conditions but it's football and you just have to get on with it. Despite that, I'm sure the public got value for money and enjoyed the game.

"It was good for Owen (Gallacher) and Lewis (McNall) to get their first experience of football at this level and they and the rest of the lads did really well."

Newcastle United: Brendan Pearson (Ben Smith 46); Jamie Sterry (Ben Pollock 55), Callum Williams, Lubo Satka, Liam Gibson; Dan Barlaser (Lewis Suddick 55), Liam Smith; Jamie Holmes (Owen Gallacher 55), Sean Longstaff, Adam Laidler; Lewis McNall