1 mins Lindo shot. 0-1

11 mins Gibson penalty. 0-2

Half time: smoggies 2 Magpies 0

55 mins Wiggett header. 1-2

66 mins Bilongo shot. 1-3

67 mins Westendorf shot. 2-3

90+4 mins Finch shot. 2-4

Full time: smoggies 4 Magpies 2

Fresh from Monday's epic 4-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle's U23 side returned to action against 'Boro at the Riverside on Friday night.

The home side took an early lead when Afonso Lindo headed a right wing corner against the post and then bundled the ball home.

Joe Gibson converted a penalty ten minutes later to double the lead and give the Magpies another uphill task. Matty Bondswell had fouled Gibson as he jinked into the box to concede the spot-kick.

There were chances for 'Boro to extend their advantage with Sam Collins blazing over with the goal gaping.

Newcastle's first chance came in the 17th minute when Isaac Westendorf cut the ball back for Santiago Munoz but his effort was well saved by Sol Bryan who stopped Dylan Stephenson's follow-up.

Munoz volleyed another chance over from eight yards but United were second best in a one-sided first half with Olutoyosi Oludailola racing clear only to be denied by Jake Turner.

Another mazy run from the impressive Gibson ended with the 'Boro captain shooting wide in added time.

United got one back in the 55th minute when substitute Charlie Wiggett headed home Jay Turner-Cooke's curled free-kick. Wiggett had replaced trialist Tristan Goodridge at half-time.

But the two-goal lead was restored in the 66th minute when Turner pushed out a shot but Bryant Bilongo was on hand to turn the ball in when it was returned.

A minute later United got another back through Westendorf who held off a defender and fired low into the net when the ball was played into the box.

But another comeback was beyond the black-and-whites and 'Boro sealed the victory in the fourth minute of added time when Sonny Finch side-footed past Turner.

A busy night of PL2 Division Two action saw United drop down to sixth and out of the promotion playoff places. With four games left to play however, they remain among a clutch of sides in contention.

Thanks to GW.