Development Squad Beat Celtic

By Dan King

A youthful United side won 2-1 against Celtic in a behind-closed-doors practice match at The Magpies' Little Benton Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

Sammy Ameobi and Brad Inman scored within the space of five second half minutes to cancel out Niall McGinn's tenth minute opener for The Hoops.

Northern Irish international McGinn beat the offside trap and rounded Ole Soderberg in an even first half, where Ameobi had a powerful header from Conor Newton's corner cleared off the line and onto the underside of the bar.

But in the second period, United emerged stronger and Ameobi struck a magnificent half-volley to equalise before slipping Brad Inman in to score the decisive goal with a well-placed finish.

And coach Peter Beardsley was pleased with the performance, as well as the experience his group of teenage players gained from playing against a number of players who have played first-team football in the Scottish Premier League.

"It was good for us because (Celtic coach) Danny McGrain, who is a different class as a fella, almost apologised when he arrived because they had a few senior players," he said.

"So whether we'd won or lost, it would have been a great experience for our kids against people like Daryl Murphy, Efraín Juárez and Niall McGinn, who all have good first-team experience. It can only be good for them long-term and that's the priority.

"It was also a great experience for the three lads who came up from the Academy - Ben Sayer, Michael Riley and Ryan McGorrigan. They were all outstanding, showed a great attitude and you can tell that Willie Donachie has worked with them over the last six months."