Pedro: 'Spenny Test Just Champion'

By Dan King - Newcastle United Communications Officer

Peter Beardsley was pleased with the test provided for his Newcastle Reserve team by Northern League champions Spennymoor - and even happier with the 4-2 win United recorded at the Brewery Field.

The Moors, managed by Jason Ainsley, won their league with 103 points last term and took a first-half lead against United through Anthony Peacock.

Brad Inman and Nile Ranger's second half braces saw Newcastle emerge victorious, but Beardsley was happy with the workout as the second-string prepare for their first league game of the season, at home to West Brom on August 23.

"They gave us a test, absolutely," Beardsley told nufc.co.uk after signing countless autographs for fans young and old alike.

"We probably weren't as good as we should have been in the first half but once we upped the tempo I thought the boys were a lot better.

"It was a good game and you can understand why they're Northern League champions. They've obviously got some good players and their first goal was a brilliant goal, the way he took it. It was a good test.

"We've still got a few games before we go back into the league games, but every game is important. These boys are a little bit further behind than the first-team in terms of when they need to be at peak fitness but the way things are going, I think we're quite happy."

Inman equalised for Newcastle with an improvised finish before Ranger scored a penalty and a wonderful solo goal where he beat three men, with Inman scoring the fourth with a minute left.

And Beardsley said: "He took them really well. The first one was an important goal because at that stage we were behind, and the last one was the icing on the cake.

"They were two good finishes and we know he can do that. He did that a lot in the FA Youth Cup two years ago and he can definitely finish.

"And Nile's second goal was a brilliant goal. Whatever level of football you're talking, to dummy the fella like he did and score was fantastic."