Middlesbrough U-18s 2, Newcastle Utd U-18s 4

Jan 25 2010 by Jeff Bowron, The Journal

AUSTRALIAN midfielder Brad Inman scored twice as Newcastle United recorded an FA Premier Academy League double over derby rivals Middlesbrough.

United opened up a three-goal lead early in the second half only for Boro to hit back with two goals before Inman confirmed victory three minutes from time.

The breakthrough came nine minutes from half-time when the Boro defence failed to clear a Ryan McGorrigan corner and Phil Airey twisted and turned to fire home.

The Magpies doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Conor Newton cut the ball back from the byline for Patrick Nzuzi to score.

It looked like game over a minute into the second half when Dreek Bassi was adjudged to have pulled back Inman who the drove home the spot kick.

James Gray, however, gave Middlesbrough a lifeline after 69 minutes when he glanced a Keiran Edwards free kick into the bottom corner.

There was then only a goal in it when Gray struck a looping 20-yard shot over Alnwick and into the net with ten minutes left on the clock.

Inman, however, eased Newcastle nerves when a quick break saw Dummet’s cross half cleared and Inman drilled home his second.

MIDDLESBROUGH U18s: Smith, Shead, Weldon, Jackson, Bassi, Oliver, Brobbel, K Edwards, Hawkins, Gray, Roushias (Fowler 59) Subs (not used): Park, Jameson, Galpin, C Edwards

NEWCASTLE UNITED U18s: Alnwick, Tavernier, Dummet, Inman, J Henderson, Folan, Nzuzi, McDermott, Airey (Spear 63), Newton, McGorrigan (Taylor 83) Subs (not used): Johnson, L Henderson, Page