Pickering Town 1, Newcastle United XI 2

Pickering Town entertained a useful Newcastle United Under-19 Academy side last night in front of a crowd approaching 300. It was a fine end-to-end game, with both sides playing some good open football.

The Pikes started well, with James Drinkall starting a fourth-minute move involving former Nestle Rowntree's player Danny Gray and Tom Adams, whose right wing cross found Dean McAuley but his shot went over the crossbar.

Newcastle then took control, with Alan O'Brien down the left wing being a constant danger. After seven minutes, O'Brien's 50-yard run and fine cross by Phil Cave found an unmarked Carl Finnigan, but he headed wide.

Two minutes later, Scott Marshall crossed from the right for Marc Walton to also head wide. Near 30 minutes, Walton took a shot with his left foot from 15 yards into the arms of Pikes keeper Carl Silburn.

Newcastle took the lead on the half hour mark in front of the Gazette & Herald stand when Walton took full advantage of a quick free kick by David Edgar. He deceived Matthew Morton by slipping his marker and scored with a powerful 10-yard right foot shot.

After 35 minutes, a second Walton goal after good work by skipper Kris Gate doubled their side's lead.

The Pikes started the second half in superb form, with Gray and Drinkall both going close before they pulled a goal back after 50 minutes. A corner taken by Alex Willgrass found Ricky Greening, who flicked the ball to Gray for him to score with a simple tap-in from six yards.

The Pikes then sought an equaliser, with Greening, Rob Eeles, Steve Baxter, Willgrass and Drinkall all going close. Overall, a great game enjoyed by the large crowd.

The Pikes had better luck last Saturday when they visited West Auckland and recorded a splendid, well-deserved 4-1 away win.

Gray fired the Pikes ahead on the half hour after good work by John Newton. Just before half time, West Auckland equalised when player/ manager David Bayles scored with a header.

The second half saw the fitter Pikes get well on top. Drinkall crossed for Baxter to restore the Pikes' lead after 53 minutes. Drinkall set up Newton, the former Stokesley striker, who scored his side's third goal after 77 minutes.

Three minutes later, Baxter scored his second with a simple tap-in after good work and cross from the right wing by Dave Watson.

Pickering Town are now selling season tickets, priced £50 adults and £30 for seniors from Tony Dunning at his butchers shop, Bridge Street, Pickering.

Updated: 16:08 Wednesday, July 27, 2005