Although this was billed as a reserve friendly, the presence of youth boss Joe Joyce in the visiting dugout told the real story - as his Academy lads succumbed to older, more experienced opponents.

The only goal of the game came from Tony Hopper on 32 minutes, as he took advantage of slack marking to steer home a grass-cutter of a free kick from Graham Anthony past Fraser Forster.  

By that point United had already been forced into a change, when striker Jonny Godsmark limped off after a crunching challenge on six minutes.

In his absence, sole strker Frank Danquah lacked support and was unable to emulate his goal effort in the opening seconds of the game that Adam Collin tipped away.

Workington looked lively and caused us problems in defence, principally the physical presence of striker Craig Johnston - who was spoken to at one point for his robust approach.

With only a mis-directed James Marwood header in reply before the break, things gradually improved in the second half, with Alex Francis seeing one header tipped on to the crossbar and a snap shot blocked in the six yard box.

The home side also threatened further goals in the closing stages though, as their subs tried to get behind a United side trying to push on. 

Ex-Newcastle juniors Adam Collin and Joe Kendrick were both in the starting XI selected by former Magpie midfielder Tommy Cassidy.

So an end to our winning run on this ground, but considering that only goalkeeper Fraser Forster and Kazenga LuaLua featured in the fixture here a year ago, hardly a great shock.

For the youngsters who were pressed into service, this was a valuable part of their toughening up process and a different challenge to that which awaits them in the Academy and reserve leagues.

Biffa

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