REPORT | Newcastle United U23s 0 Burnley U23s 2

Second-half strikes from Lewis Richardson and Max Thompson secured all three points for Steve Stone’s men in a 2-0 win over United.

Defender Richard Nartey, fresh from being in the matchday squad at Chelsea, was in the starting line-up, alongside Anthony Glennon, with Richardson and Thompson leading the line.

It was a quiet opening 10 minutes on a sunny afternoon in the North East, as both sides settled into the game.

The Clarets’ first real chance of the game came with 14 minutes played, as Glennon’s free-kick sailed just wide of the goal from the edge of the area.

Just minutes later the hosts had the opportunity to take the lead, after Owen Dodgson was adjudged to have fouled Stan Flaherty inside the area.

United were awarded a penalty but Flaherty, who scored twice in the Magpies’ win over the Clarets in the reverse fixture in September, saw his spot-kick denied well by Marc Richter to keep the scores level.

The home side the came close again, as Josh Scott broke down the left, but his effort rippled the side netting.

Stone’s men then had a great chance themselves, after Max Thompson latched onto a low cross, only to see his strike fizz just wide.

With the two sides level at the break, it was the visitors who came out on the front foot early in the second half.

A great chance fell to Richardson from a free-kick, but the youngsters’ strike was hit just over the bar from close range.

But moments later the Clarets did take the lead, as Richardson latched onto a through ball and slotted home into the bottom corner.

Then shortly after, the visitors had a second, as Thompson fired home from the spot, after Richardson was fouled inside the box.

And the Clarets then stood strong defensively for the final 15 minutes to hold on for all three points.

*BURNLEY: Richter, Elva-Fountaine, Glennon, Nartey, Dodgson, Tucker, Gomez, Goodridge, Trialist (Taranis 60), Richardson (Woods 85), Thompson.

Subs: L Thomas, Gallagher, Rooney.