Our second string's unbeaten run for the season came to an end at the fourth attempt, as Everton claimed all three points at Southport's Haig Avenue on Tuesday.

The absence of midfielder Martin Brittain meant that Scott Marshall was promoted to the Newcastle starting lineup and we fielded only four subs. 

The Magpies opened brightly and soon set about extending their unbeaten run this season, Carl Finnigan working shooting positions twice in the opening stages.

However while a smart intervention from a defender prevented him testing Everton 'keeper Ruddy on 3 minutes, 4 minutes later he the Newcastle striker forced him into a fingertip save.

United then continued to dominate proceedings without fashioning clear chances to score, before Everton at last showed up front on 17 in minutes.

Alleged former toon target James Beattie found strike partner Victor Anichebe, but as the Academy striker shaped to shoot, Titus Bramble nipped in to clear the ball for a corner.

Next to show was Beattie himself, who sent a long-range free kick whistling just wide of Caig's post after David Edgar conceded the foul.

Just after the half hour Newcastle almost broke the deadlock when from Alan O'Brien's corner, Robbie Elliott headed goalwards only to see midfielder Christian Seargeant pop up at the far post to clear the danger.

And on 37 minutes it was Elliott again featuring in the Everton area, but this time his header from Marshall's left wing corner flew just past the post.

There was no more action before the break, but 7 minutes into the second period Everton took the lead thanks to a fine 35 yard shot by Chinese midfielder Li Tie that Caig got a hand to but couldn't keep out.

United made two changes just before the hour as they looked for a way back into the game, Farman coming on for Marshall and Cave replacing Atkin. 

The latter took up a position on the left flank, allowing winger Alan O'Brien to move into the centre alongside Carl Finnigan.