Newcastle U21s deservedly registered their first PL2 success of the season on Monday, scoring a goal in each half to see off the challenge of Crystal Palace at home of National League Sutton United.

Goals from Anthony Munda and Joe Brayson gave Adam Lawrence his maiden win in that competition as Magpies coach - and only Eagles custodian Harry Lee prevented a greater margin of victory.

The visitors had their first chance after quarter of an hour when Alex Murphy broke down the left and Park Seung-soo took the ball on and shot but the 'keeper dealt with it.

That duo then combined again to better effect in the 20th minute, Murphy overlapping before providing a precise cross that Munda headed home.

Munda's through ball then gave Brayson a shooting chance from inside the box 15 minutes later, but he was unable to get his shot off cleanly and Lee retrieved the ball.

Brayson shot agonisingly wide, Alfie Harrison's rocket was just off-target and Lee denied Munda in quick succession as the black and whites looked to turn their dominance into further goals before the half time interval.

There were no changes at the break but the hosts began with just ten players, until Asher Agbinone belatedly appeared on the field 30 seconds after the kick-off.

In contrast to their lethargic first half display, Palace significantly upped the pace and began to threaten Max Thompson's goal for a time.

However Sean Neave's strong run and shot just before the hour mark gave notice that the visitors remained a threat and he assisted the second goal eight minutes later, neatly setting up Brayson to find the far corner of the net with a perfectly-executed low effort.

The Magpies almost added a third in the 70th minute but Lee denied Park after he was played in by Alfie Harrison and several other chances went begging in the closing stages.

2-0 it stayed though, an impressive collective display giving Lawrence his third consecutive win in all competitions and a first three point return in PL2 for United in nine attempts.

This was the first of two league outings this week for the U21s, who face Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday.

Biffa