Newcastle United earned the local bragging rights in the mini Wear-Tyne derby with a comfortable win in Eppleton.
An early penalty from Luke Charman coupled with Victor Fernandez’s second half goal earned three points for Neil Redfearn’s side in Premier League 2’s second tier.
The game started in typical derby fashion with some crunch challenges from both sides.
But Bali Mumba took things too far on six minutes when he upended Victor Fernandez in the box.
Referee James Bell pointed straight to the spot and second string top scorer Luke Charman kept his nerve to fire home down the middle to beat Anthony Patterson and put United ahead.
Jack Young then fed Charman again on 18 minutes but this time his effort rolled wide.
United’s chances were boosted further on 24 minutes when Brandon Taylor was sent off for denying a goal scoring opportunity after Charman broke through. But with the Toon striker one on one with the goalkeeper Taylor’s hand blocked the ball.
Six minutes before half-time a Newcastle corner was swirled in for Charman but his header went just wide.
The Magpies went in with the lead at the break and started the second half on the front-foot.
With 51 minutes gone Jack Young played in Charman again but his shot on the turn was tipped away by the goalkeeper.
A couple of minutes later Mo Sangare’s fizzing shot flew just over the bar.
Charman had another opportunity on the hour but blazed over.
And four minutes later Fernandez almost found a second for his team but his effort was cleared on the line by Jack Bainbridge.
But the young Spaniard did score with 18 minutes remaining after turning home an eight-yard chance from a right-wing cross.
However, it was his final contribution of the evening as he managed to get injured in the process.
Redfearn replaced him with former Chelsea youngster Kyle Scott.
Newcastle dominated possession in the closing stages and tried to add their tally when Lewis Cass flew down the right and drilled in a powerful effort but it flew wide.
Yet United had done more than enough to secure an enjoyable away win.
