The Newcastle United Reserves missed an opportunity to take over the top spot of North Group A on Tuesday as they were downed 4-2 at Upton Park by a West Ham squad that featured several first-teamers, including Robbie Keane and Freddie Sears.
Newcastle goal scorers were Phil Airey, who tied 18 year-old Manchester City striker John Guidetti for the league lead with 8, and Greg McDermott, who notched his second goal in two games and third overall. The goals were assisted by Conor Newton and Michael Richardson, respectively.
The squad was without the services of regular goaltender Ole Soderberg, who did not travel due to a bout with the flu, so Jak Alnwick gathered his first start of the season.
Reserve team manager Peter Beardsley seemed pleased despite the result, saying, "Of course, you’re never pleased to lose, but in terms of the overall experience for the boys, I think it’s been a good day." (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)
WEST HAM UNITED RESERVES: Ruud Boffin, Julien Faubert, Herita Ilunga, Radoslav Kovac, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Callum McNaughton, Freddie Sears, Luis Boa Morte, Dylan Tombides, Robbie Keane, Zavon Hines.
SUBS: Oliver Lee, Jake Larkins, Ahmed Abdulla, Cristian Montano, Anthony Edgar.
NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES: Jak Alnwick, Dan Leadbitter, Michael Riley, Jeff Henderson, Remie Streete, Conor Newton, Brad Inman, Greg McDermott, Joan Edmundsson, MIchael Richardson, Phil Airey.
SUBS: Ben Robinson, Patrick Nzuzi, Alex Nicholson, Ben Sayer, Ryan McGorrigan.
Play by play account on nufc.co.uk
Up-to-date table at Wikipedia