Half time: Newcastle 0 City 0

54 mins Carroll shot 1-0

80 mins Bojinov shot  1-1

Full time: Newcastle 1 City 1 

It ended honours even at St. James' Park on Monday night, after Newcastle's second string emulated the first team in gaining a lead but being unable to see it out for a victory.

After a scoreless and incident-free half, nine minutes of play had elapsed when Andy Carroll latched on to Daly's weak attempt at a header from Fraser Forster's long clearance on the edge of the Gallowgate box.

The United striker then took the ball round City 'keeper Isaksson, before slotting home a fourth goal in two reserve league games to his obvious delight.

However City responded in the closing stages of the game as the lively Mpenza drove them forward and shot against the legs of Forster on 72 minutes. 

And with ten minutes remaining, the Belgian striker set up substitute Valerie Bojinov who finished powerfully.

Neither side looked as if they would find anything extra to conjure up a winner, with Bojinov again heading well wide when unmarked and United sub Ryan Donaldson shooting straight at the 'keeper when a half-chance opened up.

Recent signings Tozer, Baheng and Kadar plus Northern Ireland-born McLaughlin all experienced playing at SJP for the first time, while goalkeeper Soderberg had bench duty.

For the watching Kevin Keegan though there were few positives to take away, save for some decent work at the back from Edgar and Carroll's goal.

In particular the display of Ameobi was a disappointment, with the player lacking pace and doing little to suggest that he'll be involved at first team level in the near future.

And having featured in the senior side on four occasions last month, Kazenga LuaLua similarly failed to impress and like the equally fitful James Troisi may rue what was a lost opportunity to advance a claim for first team involvement. 

Biffa

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