NEWCASTLE United’s FA Premier Academy League losing run continued when they went down to a single goal defeat against Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands.
Top of the table Forest had lost only once at home since September and had drawn 2-2 on Tyneside in February, and it was another close game in the rematch at Wilford Lane.
For Joe Joyce’s young Magpies it was a sixth straight defeat on the spin during which only seven goals have been scored.
It could have been a different story against Forest had Dan Taylor taken two one-on-one chances, shooting wide with the first and then denied by the keeper.
Aaron Spear also curled wide but United’s inability to defend a corner again proved costly early in the second half as a powerful header left Jak Alnwick to pick the ball out of the net.
Forest were unable to put the game to bed and were almost punished when Sammy Ameobi producing a surging run and a shot that flew just wide.
“We are going through a frustrating spell,” said Academy coach Joyce “But I can’t question the players’ effort. We should have got something out of the game.”
NEWCASTLE UNITED UNDER-18s: Alnwick; Nicholson, Riley, Streete, Folan, Spear (Maddison 60m), Nzuzi, Sayer (Miele 80m), Hogansen (Campbell 70m), Ameobi, Taylor. Subs (not used): Mitchell (GK), Smith.
