GATESHEAD 3
NEWCASTLE UNITED RES 3
Paul Thompson Testimonial
Gateshead International Stadium
Monday August 6, 2007
Kick-off 7.45pm

Craig Hope reports from the International Stadium ...

SKIPPER Shola Ameobi grabbed a brace as Newcastle United Reserves let a two-goal lead slip in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Gateshead as part of Paul Thompson's Testimonial.

The Magpies took a first-half lead through James Troisi (32), the Aussie winger curling into the far corner from just outside the area after clever footwork to create an opening.

But the visitors were pegged back within two minutes, David Southern smashing home from close range after a low right-wing delivery across the face of goal.

Lee Clark's side were back in front within moments of the second period getting started as Ameobi got his first with a well-timed header.

And the 25-year-old striker got his second from the penalty spot ten minutes later, slotting home low to the keeper's right after he had been fouled by former United youngster Phil Cave.

Mark Doninger could have put the result beyond doubt on the hour mark after getting on the end of Andy Carroll's headed flick, but his prodded effort from 12 yards was somehow kept out by a combination of the Gateshead keeper and centre-back.

Graeme Armstrong (62) then got the home side's comeback started with a powerful shot from inside the area which found Fraser Forster's far corner.

Steve Bowey struck the bar for Gateshead before Jamie Harwood snatched the equaliser with just five minutes left on the clock.

It was a strong United team which made the short trip across the River Tyne with six first-team players turning out, but one of those, Albert Luque, lasted just 17 minutes before limping from the action with a groin injury.

Afterwards, coach Lee Clark told nufc.co.uk that performances would have to improve ahead of their first game at Sunderland on August 30.

"It was a good work out in what was our first real pre-season friendly, but the performance wasn't the best and we'll defintely be looking for things to get better ahead of the Sunderland game at the Stadium of Light.

"It was an entertaining game for the neutral and a great night for Paul Thompson, he's a smashing lad and someone who I played with at Newcastle when I was younger and I'm happy we could send a strong team."

NUFC: Fraser Forster, Mark Bertram, Darren Lough (Callum Morris, 35m), Paul Huntington, David Edgar, James Troisi, Matty Pattison, Albert Luque (Mark Doninger, 17m), Kazenga LuaLua (Frank Wiafe Danquah, 75m), Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi
Subs not used: Shane Ferguson, Mark Cook, Ryan Donaldson, Patrick McLoughlin