A Haris Vuckic brace and efforts from Victor Fernandez and Jamie Holmes deservedly brought United victory in a Premier League Cup tie at Whitley Park on Monday.

And the three points mean that Peter Beardsley's side can still advance to the last 16 of the competition - guaranteeing that by beating Southampton at home in their final group stage game in a fortnight.

Saturday's Northern League game at Whitley Park fell victim to the weather, but the Northumberland FA HQ pitch was deemed playable 48 hours later.

Having netted in both his U23 outings since returning from loan at Bradford City, Vuckic looked set to open the scoring on 11 minutes, seeing his initial effort blocked and sending the rebound flashing wide. 

Playing his third U23 game since joining United, Spanish teenager Victor Fernandez caught the eye on the left flank, his pace and persistence forcing a couple of corners and 22nd minute solo run bringing a save from visiting custodian Jojo Wollacott at his near post.

United were forced into a reshuffle just before the half hour when midfielder Jack Hunter suffered a leg injury that saw him stretchered off after treatment.

Vuckic was denied again by Wollacott on 35 minutes and the 'keeper then got in the way of a rocket free kick from Yasin Ben El-Mhanni that hit the crossbar.

A breakthrough finally came in the first minute of added time when Fernandez tricked his way into the box and pulled the ball back for Vuckic to thump in.

It took just 43 seconds of the second half for United to double the lead when Fernandez wormed his way into the box and somehow managed to stab the ball in from a tight angle.

Fernandez turned provider again on 53 minutes, laying a simple ball across the area for Vuckic to slot home.

And the Newcastle number nine almost completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute after Dan Barlaser played him in, only for Wollacott to blocked his firm drive.

By then the black and whites had lost a second player to injury when substitute Lewis McNall took a blow to his shoulder and was himself replaced - hopefully not enough to rule him out of the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final tie against Spurs at SJP in a fortnight.

The hosts eased off and allowed City to push forward seeking what would have been a consolation goal, but United rallied in the final seconds and struck again.

Fernandez came close in the first minute of added time when his dipping shot was tipped over, but a fourth followed when a corner kick ended up at the back post and the unmarked Jamie Holmes tucked it away.

Biffa