HALF-TIME: Newcastle United U18s 2-0 Watford U18s

NEWCASTLE TOOK control of the opening 45 minutes, scoring twice through Michael Hoganson and Dennis Knight.

It could however have been several more for ther Magpies had it not been for excellent last-ditch defending by the Watford backline.

Newcastle boss Dave Watson named the same XI that beat Huddersfield Town 4-2 in their last league fixture whilst Dan Hughes made one change for the Hornets with Michael Kalu replacing Luke O`Nien.

Watford had the first half chance of the game after 10 minutes. A cross from the left was just about met by Kalu at the far post who strained his neck to divert wide from six yards.

The hosts responded a few minutes later through skipper Remi Streete who saw his route to goal blocked brilliantly by an airborne Tommie Hoban following a Magpies corner.

Adam Campbell saw another good chance go to waste a few seconds later when he scuffed a low shot wide via a Hornet`s deflection.

In the 22nd minute, Hoban made another goal-saving block when he slide across the path of Newcastle winger Hoganson after the left-midfielder had beaten Jordan Willmore all ends up. The resulting corner was cleared.

Watford were again grateful for a last-ditch block a few minutes later when Kyle Connolly came across to prevent Adam Campbell who was through on goal following Marcus Maddison`s inch-perfect through-ball.

The continual Magpies pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Hoganson raced onto a through-ball and drove low beyond Jack Bonham from just inside the area.

Just two minutes later it was 2-0. Austin Eaton missed a fine opportunity to half-volley the Hornets level with the Toon backline at sixes and sevens but miscued his effort and the hosts broke with deadly precision, ending with Knight cracking a low effort under Bonham from the edge of the 18 yard box.

Campbell went close again just before half-time, with Aaron Tumwa blocking his powerful low effort over the bar with Bonham already diving to his left.

Half-time: 2-0

Newcastle United: Baird; Nicholson, Streete, Storey, Riley; Maddison, Miele, Sayer, Knight; Hoganson & Campbe

Subs: Toland, Mitchell, Logan, Turton & Smith.

Watford: Willmore, Tumwa, Hoban, Connolly; Kalu, Hamilton-Forbes, Eaton, English; Murray & Ferrier

Subs: Horner, Akbuine, Gardner, Westlake & O'Nien.

Attendance: TBC

Referee: Mr A Miller.

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