United's reserve side ended their fixture programme for the year with a single goal defeat at Blundell Park on Tuesday afternoon. However the loss was clouded in controversy, with the match referee awarding the visitors a late spot kick - only to then change his mind.

Newcastle had almost taken an early leadwhen captain Ryan Donaldson headed against the Town crossbar. However the Mariners responded and Newcastle 'keeper Jak Alnwick pulled off a fine double save to deny first Barry Conlon and then Danny North.

North wasn't kept out for long though and gave Town a 32nd minute lead, after the Newcastle defence were caught out by a long punt upfield.

Coach Alan Thompson made a couple of changes in the second half, but without any attacking options due to injury and first team calls, it made little difference.

What spark there was came from Kazenga LuaLua, who wasn't far away with a shot from distance and was then fouled on the edge of the Grimsby box - although nothing came from the consequent free kick.

In the last five minutes of the game LuaLua did get one shot on target but was unable to beat 19 year-old Town 'keeper Leigh Overton.

Then came the late drama, with the referee awarding a penalty when Magpies substitute Greg McDermott went down in the Grimsby box and LuaLua spotting up the ball, before the whistler changed his mind and awarded a drop ball outside the box.

Biffa

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