Super Mills lays the Foundation for draw

IN-FORM Newcastle College hotshot Lennon Mills took his season’s tally to five following a six-goal clash in South Yorkshire.

The rookie striker earned his first start for Newcastle United Foundation in the National Football Youth League.

He bagged a vital double to ensure Terry Mitchell’s men drew 3-3 and remained unbeaten in the North Premier Division.

United’s head coach said: “It was Lennon’s first start and he took his chance.

“He took both goals well and he is just a natural finisher.

“It is his first season and he has made an instant impression.

“Five goals in three games is a great start.”

Mitchell had predicted a tough clash against the Tykes - but Newcastle’s boss could not have foreseen his team going 1-0 down after just two minutes.

He admitted: “We played poorly in the first half.

“We equalised in the 40th minute from what was probably our first clear-cut chance and until that point it had been a disappointing performance.

“Lennon pressed well to create his first and we were much improved after the break.”

The Magpies went 2-1 up in the 54th minute when Antonio Agostinho played in Thomas Cackowski.

Things were even better for the visitors when Kyle Elsdon fed Cackowski and the midfielder cut the ball back into Mills’ path.

Mitchell added: “The real positive for me coming out of the game was the players’ response to that below-par first-half performance.

“They knew they had not done themselves justice and I was pleased with the response.

“It was disappointing we allowed Barnsley back in to it but we had chances to win even after they made it 3-3 in the 80th minute.

“We are still unbeaten so I am confident heading into Wednesday’s game against Burnley.”

■ THE Foundation’s second team lost 5-2 at Rochdale in the North Championship but remain fifth in the National Football League’s second tier.