Newcastle's second string extended their unbeaten run to ten games, thanks to goals from Gael Bigirimana and Dan Gosling at the Norwich training ground on Monday.

The win returned United to the top of the table with only Bolton Wanderers now able to catch them. And although the Trotters won 1-0 at Crystal Palace on Monday, they will arrive on Tyneside on Friday night needing to achieve a seven goal swing (ie beat us 4-0) to progress.

Group winners play a one-off match against Everton with the prize of a semi-final place in the U21 playoffs, where they'll face the Elite Group winners Spurs.

Despite fielded four trialists due to ongoing first team and FA Youth Cup commitments, City made a bright opening and went ahead on 15 minutes after Jamar Loza beat four men on a eye-catching run that took him from the halfway line to the United area. 

The Jamaican-born forward then pulled the ball across the six yard area for Harrison Heath to bundle beyond Jonathan Mitchell - the United custodian starting the game in the number 13 shirt after Jak Alnwick looked to have picked up an injury during the warm up.

Gael Bigirimana then levelled for United on 27 minutes, registering his first reserve goal by curling a fine free kick around the home wall and into the bottom corner of the City goal, beyond the reach of 'keeper Jed Steer.

And the visitors survived a scare just before the break, when James Tavernier surrendered possession on the edge of his own area and Aaron Wickham saw a snap shot glance off the United crossbar.

The second half was a tight affair and chances were at a premium, with Dan Gosling rightly called offside as he put the ball in the net on 56 minutes.

However there was nothing wrong with the close range effort that put United ahead for the first time with nine minutes remaining, Adam Campbell taking a pass from Tavernier on the left flank and sending over a perfect centre for Everton old boy Gosling to head home.

United play their final game of the scheduled league campaign this Friday evening when Bolton provide the opposition at Whitley Park (7pm). 

U21 Premier League Group Two: 

Remaining fixtures:

Fri 03.05.2013:
Norwich U21 v Crystal Palace U21 (2pm)
Newcastle U21 v Bolton U21 (7pm)

Tue 07.05.2013:
Stoke City v Crystal Palace (11am)

Biffa

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