Grimsby Town Reserves 1, Newcastle United Reserves 0

Dec 9 2009 by Lee Ryder, The Journal

NEWCASTLE UNITED reserve-team coach Alan Thompson was left fuming at the end of his side’s 1-0 defeat against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park yesterday.

United had gone behind to a first-half Danny North goal but, after late pressure from the Magpies, referee Steve Ross pointed to the spot as Greg McDermott took a tumble in the box following a strong challenge from Mark Gray.

However, as the home side protested, with around 200 Grimsby fans also making their feelings known, Ross incredibly changed his mind and awarded a drop ball.

The loss meant United ended 2009 in disappointing fashion and will start the new year in a mid-table position in the Totesport.com Northern Division.

United almost snatched the lead in the second minute when Ryan Donaldson (pictured above) crashed a close-range header off the bar from Darren Lough's cross.

It would be a chance they would rue when Danny North made a run through the middle and latched on to a long ball before beating Jak Alnwick on 30 minutes.

United created little in the second half, but the end-of-game penalty saga livened up a dull second half.

Impressive Kazenga LuaLua went closest in the second period when he hammered a left-footed effort just wide.

NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES: Alnwick; Leadbitter, Lough, McLaughlin (Newton 69), Morris, Tozer, Danquah (McDermott 57), Inman, Donaldson, LuaLua, Ferguson.

Attendance: 200.

Referee: S Ross.