Strong Palace too good for Toon’s U-23s

NEWCASTLE United Under-23s were dominated from start to finish as Crystal Palace romped to a 3-0 win in the Magpies’ final fixture before the winter break.

The game took place against a strong Palace side which had three first-team players in its opening line-up, boss Roy Hodgson watching from the sidelines at the Eagles’ Beckenham training ground.

James McCarthy, James Tomkins and former Ajax star Jairo Riedewald were involved for Palace.

The home team had the game’s first chance after three minutes when Sion Spence was denied by United goalkeeper Will Brown, who has been in the last two first-team squads.

Palace went ahead five minutes later when Ireland international McCarthy fired home after early pressure eventually paid off.

On 38 minutes United were thankful to Brown again after the young goalie made another important block.

Palace teenager Brandon Pierrick twisted and turned out wide but Brown made another good stop low down, this time to his left-hand side.

Newcastle struggled in the opening 45 minutes and failed to muster a shot.

After the break Spence squeezed through to fire in another shot at goal but Ireland youth international Oisin McEntee blocked the effort.

However, Palace doubled their lead just after the hour when Rob Street’s header flew past Brown.

Midway through the second half, Street had another chance after beating the defence to the ball but his effort flew wide of the post.

With 11 minutes left, Spence finally got his goal when he applied a calm finish from close range to seal the game for the home side.

The young Magpies’ next game is on January 11 at Whitley Park. UNITED: Brown, Barrett, McEntee (Carlyon 72), Francillette, Cross, Scott, Rounsfell, White, Flaherty (Indalecio 82), Vilca (Midgley 84), Toure.