Newcastle U23s ended their five match losing run in style on Friday night, marking their first game at St. James' Park this season with a convincing victory over the Teessiders in PL2.

United took the lead in the 20th minute when Jack Young's deep cross from the right was headed into the Leazes End net by defender Charlie Wiggett.

Magpies Captain Elliot Anderson doubled the score in the 55th minute when he converted from the spot after visiting goalkeeper Max Metcalfe barged into an opponent. 

It was 3-0 just three minutes later when a flowing move saw birthday boy Joe White set Dylan Stephenson  away and the number nine confidently fired in.

Having made it seven goals in as many games, Stephenson was substituted in favour of trialist Isaac Westendorf (front of picture below).

The powerfully-built striker was one of two players on trial with United U23s this week and previously played for Isthmian League side Barking. The other, non-appearing one was winger Alex Mansaray, formerly at Cambridge United.

Boro got one back in the 61st minute when Dan Langley came off his line but misjudged the flight of a cross into the box, allowing Isaac Fletcher to glance a header over him into the empty net.

That spurred the visitors on and Langley and his defenders were forced into a number of last-ditch saves and blocks - the goalkeeper playing himself into trouble in the 80th minute but redeeming himself with a decent block to deny Joe Gibson.

Westerndorf had earlier put the ball in the net but saw his effort ruled out after Adam Wilson took the ball out of play before crossing and the trialist fired against the legs of Metcalfe during injury time.

There was to be a fourth goal for the black and whites, Wilson getting down the right again and pulling the ball back for Westerndorf - only for Boro Captain Cain Sykes to slide in and divert it into his own net right on full time.

Biffa