The reserves returned to Kingston Park last Thursday after their best-forgotten spell across the Tyne at Gateshead stadium, and conjured up only their second home win in eight attempts.

In front of a crowd of 1,411 who were enjoying the new facilities at the Falcons ground (new stand, padded seats, proper netties, covered standing terrace), Newcastle just about deserved the win thanks to the left boot of Joe Kendrick.

In a quiet first half Chadwick came the closest for the visitors, hitting the post from close range while the returning Duncan Ferguson ambled around in a style familiar to Magpie watchers.

Our custodian Tony Caig was probably the man of the match with three good stops, notably from Osman after 57 minutes,  a minute later from Chadwick and on 75 minutes when he was alert to the danger of a Ferguson free kick and beat the ball out.

With Solano completing a leisurely hour and looking to be in contention for a recall and Dabizas coming through a full ninety minute workout at his own request, the only depressing news came from Carl Cort.

The striker to appeared to pull up sharply after 24 minutes with no opposition player in his vicinity, and although he continued until the break and re-emerged for the second half, he had left the field within five minutes of the restart.

PS - Congratulations to Ross Gardner, coming on as substitute on the hour to make his Reserve team debut after a couple of appearances on the bench. He almost extended our lead with his first touch, but the keeper was equal to his angled shot.