United reserves finished the season on high after winning the silverware through a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Blyth Spartans in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

Both sides couldn’t find the net after 90 minutes before Blyth’s Andrew Leeson put his team into the lead from close range on 5 minutes into extra-time.

United young professionals responded quickly and it was Kazenga LuaLua who produced a stunning 25-yard scorcher to level the scores within seconds. The game ended 1-1 and goes into penalties.

Garry Brown missed Blyth’s first penalty when his drive cannoned off the bar, but Toon substitute Frank Danquah spot-kick was able to saved by the Spartans goalkeeper Adam Bartlet.

But, in a much of similar great reaction from our stopper Fraser Forster, give the advance for United youngster after saving the kick from Blyth’s goalscorer Leeson.

And it was Mark Doninger, with a confident finish past former Magpie youngster Adam Bartlett, finally win it for the Geordies and voted as man-of-the-match.

NEWCASTLE RESERVES:
Forster; Morris, Donniger, Tozer, Lough; Godsmark, Toisi (Marwood 62), LuaLua; Donaldson, Ngo Baheng (Danquah 55). Subs (not used): Soderberg, Ferguson.

BLYTH SPARTANS:
Bartlet; Christensen, Leeson, Williams, Boyle (Snowdon 45); Webster, Brown, McCabe, Houlahan (Johnson 71); Dale (Dalton 90), Birks. Subs (not used): Hedley, Fenton.

Referee: Michael Oliver (Ashington)
Attendance: 2,021

United’s Reserves will face Liverpool Reserves on Monday night kick-off at 7pm today. Adam Sadler’s squad will face Gary Ablett’s youngsters at St. James’ Park.

Ahead of tonight’s game, Newcastle Hungarian starlet Tamas Kadar will looking for the first clash against his fellow countrymen who plays for the Merseysider.

Kadar who’s signed for United from Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi TE during last month’s transfer window, will meet the Reds goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi (17 years old) and striker Krisztan Nemeth (19) in their starting line-up. His other fellow countryman Andras Simon (18) settles for a place on the bench.

Meanwhile, United’s future left back Ben Tozer was having his first taste of premierships game baptism when he play against more experienced City player, Belgian international Emile Mpenza in last week reserves match against Manchester City.

Tozer said, “It was brilliant to make my debut last week versus Citeh Reserves. To walk out at St James’s Park is fantastic. It was in front of some empty seats, so it would be amazing to do it in front of a full house.”

“Man City was a tough game, but it was worthwhile after playing against some experienced players who are worth a lot of money. Games like that are difficult and it took me a while get into it, but in the end it was a good defensive display from all of us.”

The 17-year-old admits the chance to playing against and training with big names is one of his reason why he was decided to put pen on paper for Newcastle. Plymouth-born player is also reported has been quickly getting used to at his new environment.

“It’s weird being around people you are used to seeing on TV or on the computer. You see them on TV one minute, and the next you are standing next to them in training!” Ben added more, “But you soon realise that they are just one of us.”

“At first you are thinking about them, but soon you think he might be wondering about me! It’s a good experience and I’m settling in well.”

Newcastle United juniors extended unbeaten start to 2008 as they were held to a goalless draw by Middlesbrough in the Tyne-Tees derby, said the official club.

Ben Tozer and Tamas Kadar played in the full 90 minutes at the club’s Little Benton Academy. Kadar teed-up James Marwood for the hosts’ best opening chance before the break, while Michael McCrudden point blank header saved by Matt Atkinson before Dan Leadbitter almost caught out the Boro stopper with a high cross in the closing stages.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate will not returning to the Magpies squad despite some widespread reports on Saturday that he was set to sign his second spell for United.

“At this moment I don’t think he is going to come to Newcastle, in fact I am almost certain he isn’t. I think he is going to go somewhere else.” Keegan said, quoted from the official club site, “It looks like we have lost him. I am very disappointed. I fully understand though. But I desperately want him to come.”

News from the African Cup of Nations, Martins and Nigeria will need a win on their last group game against Benin to keep their hope alive to the next stage after being held to a goalless draw by Mali at Sekondi stadium yesterday. They will also need the help from Ivory Coast to overcoming Mali.

The other Newcastle’s player, Geremi Njitap has a goal under his name on Cameroon’s 5-1 wins over Zambia. Geremi’s scores in 27 minutes courtesy of his well-struck free kick. Joseph Desire Job scores twice while Achilles Emana and Samuel Eto’o scores the other Cameroon’s goals.