By Chris O'Brien
April 22 2004

Skipper Chris Eagles put in an inspired performance as the United reserves beat Newcastle 2-1 at Moss Lane to end the league campaign in style. The 18-year-old netted both goals as a young and inexperienced United side narrowly edged-out the Magpies.

Manchester United's reserve team finished their league season off in style with 2-1 win over Newcastle United at Moss Lane. A brace from the highly-rated Chris Eagles put United on their way to the three points at Altrincham's ground.

No first-team players were included in the starting line-up which gave some of United's younger crop a chance to impress, and there were several excellent displays from United's next generation of stars. The midfield work was particularly good, with skipper Eagles linking up well with debutant Floribert N’Galula and Welsh teenager David Jones on several occasions.

Eagles' opener came after just 30 seconds who nearly drove the ball past Newcastle's Adam Bartlett after some good work from David Poole. His second came with only twenty minutes to go from the penalty spot, after Welshman Ramon Calliste was tugged down in the penalty-area. The Magpies gave themselves hope in the closing stages through Andy Ferrell, but the hosts held out for a pleasing victory to round off a respectable league campaign.

Eagles was easily man-of-the-match with a fine performance in the midfield, and he looked comfortable and composed going forward. He looks to be one of the brightest young prospects at the club, and surely deserves more of a look-in at first-team level next season. He has consistently performed for the reserves, and Sir Alex Ferguson would struggle to begrudge the 18-year-old a shot at the big time next year.

After a disappointing start to the season, Ricky Sbragia's side have picked up some consistency towards the end of the season, picking up some form that has prompted a 10-match unbeaten run in the league. The result sees the United reserves move to 2nd in the table, but with all the other teams having games left, United look likely to play 3rd but could slip down the table as far as 4th.

The second-string now have a friendly away to Rossendale United to negotiate before the big Manchester Senior Cup final against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford. The friendly has been arranged in memory of David Taylor, an avid supporter of the Unibond Division one side and ground steward who was unlawfully killed in last year. The Senior Cup final against City takes place on the 11th May, and supporters will be able to pay on the gate for the match. It promises to be a tremendous game which will hopefully generate a big attendance as two great rivals battle it out for the old local trophy.

Full Time - Manchester United Reserves 2-1 Newcastle United Reserves

Manchester United: Heaton; Picken, Howard, Spector, Hogg; Jones, N’Galula, Eagles, Collett; Poole, Cooper.
Substitutes: Blake, Jowsey, Calliste, Neumayr, Simpson.