United's latest second string friendly match saw them face Northern Alliance opposition on Tuesday afternoon, as coach Peter Beardsley returned to his boyhood club.

A lack of floodlights at Bigges Main meant an early kickoff and brief half time interval but a 200+ crowd turned were present to see an evenly contested opening period when the home side made and missed two half-chances.

A grey-clad Magpies side edged ahead on 28 minutes though, when Callum Roberts powered forward down the left flank before pulling the ball back for Dan Barlaser. Roberts was again involved in United's second six minutes later, Greg Olley steering home a low effort from the edge of the box.

Having played and scored for Blyth Spartans last night, Jonathyn Quinn came close to making it three early in the second half but saw his free kick whack against a post. tom Heardman then continued his scoring run for the reserves, winning and coolly converting a penalty just after the hour mark to make it 3-0.

Substitute Stefan Broccoli got in on the scoring action on 71 minutes following good work from Quinn and after centre half Leame Robinson registered an OG, former Arsenal youth player Broccoli completed his treble with close range efforts in the 83rd and 85th minutes.

With the rain starting to fall steadily in the gathering gloom, Wallsend did register at the right end, substitute Sean Cowx forcing home a loose ball after 88 minutes.

Biffa