Newcastle United U18s 2-1 Watford U18s

DESPITE A fighting finish from David Hughes` young Hornets, Watford crashed out of the F.A Youth Cup at the second hurdle against a more clinical Magpies outfit.

Newcastle took control of the opening 45 minutes, scoring twice through Michael Hoganson and Dennis Knight. Watford snatched a second-half consolation through Michael Kalu but it was not to be.

Newcastle boss Dave Watson named the same XI that beat Huddersfield Town 4-2 in their last league fixture whilst 'Orns gaffer Hughes made one change for the Hornets with 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 had the first noteworthy chance of the second-half when good passing football unleashed Knight who saw his left-footed effort claimed by Bonham as he collapsed to his right.

With 11 minutes remaining, Watford pulled one back out of the blue. From a right-wing corner, Kalu climbed highest to loop a header past Alex Baird from deep in the penalty area.

Substitute O`Nien had a good chance to level a couple of minutes later when he danced through the host`s defence before unleashing a right-footed effort that flew narrowly wide of the far-post.

With minutes left on the clock, Kalu had the chance to centre the ball from the right, instead electing to shoot, winning a corner in the process.

Full-time: 2-1

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

Subs: Mitchell, Turton & Smith.

Watford: Willmore (Horner), Tumwa, Hoban, Connolly; Kalu, Hamilton-Forbes, Eaton (Gardner), English; Murray & Ferrier (O`Nien)

Subs: Akbuine & Westlake.

Attendance: 889

Referee: Mr A Miller.

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