A week after kicking off their pre-season programme with a 1-2 defeat at Oldham, United travelled over 11,000 miles to face Australian A League side opposition on the South Island of New Zealand.

Our correspondent takes up the story:

News of the MH17 tragedy brought a new dimension to this eagerly-awaited game, which became even more of a pilgrimage for the many Toon fans in this part of the world. The Newcastle party gauged the mood well and were extremely approachable and very visible throughout Dunedin. 

The extraordinary efforts of NZ Mag Kane Wintersgill drew manys to the Terrace bar, where matchday experiences of yesteryear were recounted by fans who hadn't seen the lads in the flesh for many years. For the debutants meanwhile, excitement levels climbed as the beers were poured.

Club shirts of many vintages and colours were on show, to the extent that when Bobby Moncur and the club entourage showed at the pub in the afternoon of the game, it was obvious who the club people were simply by looking at their attire - no blue stars or Greenalls logos on their tracksuits....

Assembling an hour before kick off for the walk - not quite of Bruges proportions - to the stadium, the lads were by now in full voice, with lumps in throats and tears in eyes. 

Arriving at the stadium, everyone was funnelled into the Speights stand, and into the bright lights of what is a massive and magnificent indoor structure. The laying of the wreaths at Liam and John's seats was a heart-warming gesture, and they were surrounded by their fellow fans for the duration of the game as if they were there - it was clear that Colo was moved by the ceremony. 

Just prior to kick off there was a commotion in the West Stand (aka The Zoo) where hundreds of local students had gathered with painted faces and mocked-up Newcastle gear. 

They then started to pipe up with some songs clearly not from the Geordie songbook, much to the hilarity of the Toon section in the adjacent stand. To be fair though, it did give the atmosphere something extra, akin to a home following as there was barely a soul from Sydney at the game.

The game started at a pedestrian pace as Sydney started to spray the ball around and Newcastle sussed out their opponents, but it all changed very quickly when the goalkeeper Necevski served up a howler. Fluffing a simple kick straight to Riviere, the new boy passed up the opportunity to turn and shoot to tee up De Jong for the simplest of goals to set the fans on fire. 

Memories of QPR away in 1994 came flooding back as a good rendition of 'Dodgy Keeper' was belted out and a second goal soon followed when Riviere marked his debut with a close range strike. That came shortly before a pre-arranged minute's applause from the Newcastle support in the stadium, acknowledging 28 year-old Liam Sweeney on 28 minutes.

By now Newcastle were in total control and Yanga Mbiwa's deflected third emphasised what was becoming a one-sided affair - men against boys you could say, with only Ibini and Carle showing anything for the Australians. 

What was encouraging was the emphasis on wide play, to the fore in the pre-game Dunedin training sessions and youngster Rolando Aarons popping up on both wings to good effect. The extra edge of the classy Colback and the even classier De Jong also gave Newcastle frequent opportunities. 

The second half was not as punctuated as some games by the substitutions, every Toon sub being greeted with a massive roar, none bigger than the one afforded to Steven Taylor, while Rob Elliot was cheered on by the Toon Army despite having very little to do. 

A second minute of applause was then observed in memory of 63 year-old John Alder on 63 minutes - just about the time United goalkeeper Rob Elliot was called into action for the first time to palm away a bouncing effort from 18 yards by former Fulham reserve striker Corey Gameiro. 

A well worked fourth goal by the lively Armstrong capped off a fine night's entertainment. Seeing Ayoze Perez jink down the line, the long legs of Sammy Ameobi cause chaos and Haris Vuckic look composed, caused much optimism and even some giddy chants of "We're gonna win the league." If that was the A League, then we may be in with a shout...

Aside from the "Willie McFaul's Black and White Army" chant that came up, this was surely one of the most ridiculous of the night, but all received in good humour.

Rumours of the players and staff heading out on the town afterwards prompted another big turnout at the Terrace bar after the game, but alas it was not to be. 

Regardless of that though, this was potentially one of the best away days for many fans present - some positive PR coming from club representatives joining the fan gathering pre-game and the players happily shaking hands and posing for photos at the team hotel.  

Those fans seeing their first Newcastle game and having their first matchday experience will definitely be back for more, and if this was simply a PR exercise, coming to Dunedin was a great idea. Roll on Saturday, when we get to do it all again in Wellington.

Thanks to our Aussie correspondent Paris Pete