U21s report: Newcastle v United

After a quiet start to proceedings, United began to build pressure a quarter-of-an-hour in. Gabriele Biancheri forced goalkeeper Aidan Harris into a save and player-coach Tommy Rowe shot wide before United finally made their dominance pay after 16 minutes.

An unmarked Sam Mather strode into the area to connect well with an aerial ball and stroke it home with the inside of his right boot, leaving goalkeeper Harris with no chance.

Mather and Malachi Sharpe had further efforts before the break, with both saved by Harris. At the other end, Dermot Mee was untroubled by attempts from Trevan Sanusi and Leo Shahar, both of which went wide of the right post. In fact, the hosts were unable to find the…