Scunthorpe Res 1, Newcastle United Res 1

Feb 3 2010 The Journal

(match abandoned after 55 minutes)

A WEATHER-enforced exile had seen Newcastle United Reserves go eight weeks without a competitive fixture, but their return to action at Scunthorpe United was cut short after just 55 minutes because of a frozen pitch.

An entertaining affair was delicately poised at 1-1 when referee Mr R Madely halted play before convening with both sets of players and management and rendering the Glanford Park playing surface too dangerous to continue.

Before that it had been a lively visiting side which had seized the lead on 25 minutes; Kazenga LuaLua winning a race with Josh Lillis to Darren Lough’s forward ball before dashing by the stranded home keeper and slotting coolly into the unguarded net.

United, though, were pegged back on the cusp of half-time when midfielder Matthew Sparrow glided infield from the left before planting right footed into the bottom corner.

United coach Alan Thompson said: “We’re obviously disappointed because it had been a cracking game, but the referee has taken the decision and we have to respect that.”

NEWCASTLE RESERVES: Ole Soderberg, Dan Leadbitter, Darren Lough, Ben Tozer, James Taylor, Jonny Godsmark, Patrick McLaughlin, Ryan Donaldson (c), Shane Ferguson, Frank Danquah, Kazenga LuaLua Subs (not used): Michael McCrudden, Max Johnson, Aaron Spear, Ryan Page, Liam Henderson