Newcastle Reserves lost a tepid encounter at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground to their Manchester United counterparts on Wednesday evening, as the reds completed a seasonal double against Tommy Craig's lads.

The Magpies were behind after just 31 seconds when Chris Eagles converted with a low shot for the home side, with the Magpies barely having touched the ball.

And after a mundane first half, the reds came close to repeating their quick scoring feat, when David Poole blasted narrowly over Bartlett's crossbar with a curling effort timed at 26 seconds into the half.

The home side made the points secure on 70 minutes, when Ramage was adjudged to have fouled Ramon Calliste in the area and Eagles blasted home the resultant spot kick. 

Tommy Craig's boys rallied near the end, with Andy Ferrell netting a fine solo effort in the 88th minute, but this didn't disguise an uninspired display on a night when the Man United keeper barely got his gloves dirty. 

The destination of the points was never really in doubt after the early strike, with only occasional attacking threats despite some half-decent possession.

While Taylor, Orr and Brittain were held back for the Marseille squad, United's Republic of Ireland U21 international right-sided defender / midfielder Stephen Brennan made his first appearance of 2004 after recovering from the injury problems that have dogged his season. 

All in all not a great night to mark 100 Toon games in a season for the boy Biffa - the fifth successive season he's carried his bat for the century - daft bugger.