Boro U18s 1, Newcastle U18s 3

May 11 2009 The Journal

NEWCASTLE United's youngsters set the standard for Alan Shearer’s first-team to try and match ahead of tonight’s massive Tyne-Tees derby by comfortably beating their Middlesbrough counterparts.

The Magpies’ under-18s finished off their season on Saturday morning with a 3-1 win at Boro’s Rockliffe Park, already certain of finishing second in Group D of the Academy League.

In a swirling wind, United took the lead after 30 minutes through Michael McCrudden, who raced on to Brad Inman’s crafty through-ball and slotted past the advancing Jason Steele.

Ten minutes after the restart, Boro drew level as Cronesberry hit a raking long ball which was superbly controlled by midfielder Richie Smallwood, who fired it beyond Ole Soderberg.

But on 61 minutes James Tavernier deftly cushioned a deep cross into the path of Haris Vuckic to stab home.

Then on 75 minutes, the Slovenian striker played in Airey, who got the goal that his hard-working display deserved.

In front of the watching Boro boss Gareth Southgate, there could have been more for United, with sub Stephen Folan hitting the post with a rasping 20-yard drive seconds after coming on and Steele blocking Airey’s shot with his legs.

MIDDLESBROUGH:Jason Steele; Kieran Edwards (sub Nathan Bonnar 78), Paul Weldon, Kyle Oliver, Philip Shead; Patrick Otte (sub Jonny Harris 67), Gary Martin, Richie Smallwood, Cameron Park (sub Theo Furness 67); James Cronesberry, Danny Hawkins.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Ole Soderberg; Dan Leadbitter, Shane Ferguson, Matthew Grieve (sub Paul Dummett 65), James Taylor; Samuel Adjei, Brad Inman, James Tavernier, Michael McCrudden (sub Stephen Folan 80); Phil Airey, Haris Vuckic. Subs (not used): Max Johnson, Ryan Page, Aaron Spear.

Referee: R M Clark