63 mins N'Zogbia shot 1-1

Full time: Reds 1 Newcastle 1

Another draw for our second string as we failed to break our winning duck in
2005 but held out against a spirited home side in the second half and
claimed a point.

French striker and one-time mackem David Bellion put the championship-chasing Reds  ahead before the break from the penalty spot, after Chris Shanks had upended Martin.

However our own Gallic import Charles N'Zogbia netted for the second time
this season just after the hour mark, his low angled shot at the near post
from McClen's quick corner eluding 'keeper Heaton.

Thereafter the Magpies were pushed back, but kept out the red menace thanks
to some saves by Tony Caig and the woodwork on two occasions.

First team squad members Robbie Elliott and Darren Ambrose both had a full
ninety minute workout, the former making his return after recovering from
knee surgery and the latter playing up front 48 hours after a cameo
appearance for England U21s in an advanced role.

Venue for this game was the Moss Lane ground of Altrincham, which Manchester
United have announced that they will no longer be using as they plan to
relocate their reserve side next season to the Ewen Fields ground of Hyde
United.

That's a familiar venue for our second string, with Stockport and Manchester
City having being temporary occupants in recent years.

In common with Newcastle in 2004, the Red Devils have opted not to run a
second reserve side in the Pontins league after only one experimental
season.

Biffa