Newcastle Res 1 Manchester City Res 1 Alan Pardew watched the reserves reach the break goalless at a drizzly and gloomy Whitley Park on Friday afternoon. Jonathyn Quinn had an early chance to put United ahead when he ran onto a poor backpass but miscontrolled when well placed. A drab first half saw City control most of the possession with the Magpies offering little to trouble the visitors. Pardew disappeared just before half-time and with Alex Gilliead on for Alex Nicholson at the break, United came out looking better in the opening exchanges of the second period. Pardew leaves and we start playing better. Something about his instructions to the kids not working? He seems to have a way of mixing people up. United took the lead in the 61st minute when Steven Logan controlled a cleared cross from James Tavernier, 22 yards out and volleyed superbly over the 'keeper high into the net. Ten minutes later Rolando Aarons almost caught out the 'keeper at the near post but it was turned round for a corner. In the 75th minute a great curled effort from City sub Fofana flashed narrowly wide and then three minutes later Lubomir Satka made a superb block to deny Fofana's rasping drive. City equalised in the 81st minute from the penalty spot when a long range effort was pushed onto the post and Tavernier fouled Fofana as the striker tried to reach the rebound. Lopes slotted the penalty low to the 'keeper's right. With 86 minutes on the clock, Romain Amalfitano had a volley saved from a Tavernier cross as an excellent second half came to a climax. Neither side could come up with a late winner and the game finished all square. Team: Mitchell, Nicholson (Gilliead 46), Good, Satka, Tavernier, Streete, Miele, Logan, Aarons (Olley 73), Quinn, Amalfitano. Subs: Desmond, Woodman. Booked: Logan. Crowd: Around 100. Pity there's only 100 turn up to watch, it might help to improve the performance if they've got a half decent audience to perform to. Some good youngsters in the squad who we'll be seeing a lot more of shortly. Report from NUFC.com.
