United Youngsters Entertain South Wales

A sell-out record attendance of 4,300 turned up at Newport Stadium to see United's youth players including the likes of Kieran Richardson and Christopher Eagles, managed by reserve boss Ricky Sbragia and youth boss Brain McClair.

With Wales playing a friendly in Hungary, this wasn't the best date to arrange such a fixture. However, a full house was at Spytty Park (Newport Stadium) for the fixture that gave United's up-and-coming stars a run-out against a physical non-league outfit, who have a proud history in the Welsh principality.

The United XI broke the deadlock after just 13 minutes from a good goal scored by young striker and Man of the Match David Poole.

19-year old United forward Colin Heath, who spent a spell on-loan to Royal Antwerp, spoilt the night somewhat after he was dismissed just before the half-hour mark for arguing with the referee, apparently using foul language.

Exiles forward Gary Lloyd should have made it 1-a-piece moments before the interval but his pile-driving shot smashed the frame of the post and bounced back into play.

The game was arranged due to a link-up agreement between the two sides and as part of the partnership, United must send a side to South Wales annually to compete against The Exiles.

Newport County: Roberts; L Phillips (S.Williams 46 min), Eckhardt (Stone 81), D Jones, Evans; G Jones (O'Sullivan 67), G Phillips, Lloyd; Moralee, Bowen (J Phillip, 54). Substitute (not used): Delve.

Manchester United: Crockett; Lynch, Spector (Collett 72), Howard, Tierney (Picken 59); Eagles (Cooper 59), Fox (Neumayr 72), Pugh, Richardson (Ebanks-Blake 59); Heath, Poole (Calliste).