Newcastle’s Academy side’s winless run continued on Saturday as superior finishing from the visitors proved the difference in an entertaining game at Little Benton.

The Magpies are yet to triumph in four outings this season but looked set to secure at least a point from this encounter until two late goals won it for the Toffees.

United took the lead early in the first half when striker Ryan Donaldson converted Mark Doninger’s cross to grab his second goal of the season.

Everton drew level almost immediately through Lewis Codling and ten minutes later Jose Baxter lobbed Toon ’keeper Mark Cook to give the away side the advantage at half time.

Frank Wiafe Danquah’s twice-taken penalty restored parity early on the second half, however Kieran Agard finished well to put the visitors back in front and Baxter grabbed a second late on to seal victory for the away team.

On a warm September afternoon, Newcastle made seven changes from the side that was beaten 3-2 at Man City last time out, with Grieve, Lough, McLaughlin, Doninger, Danquah, Godsmark and Donaldson coming in for Taylor, Bath, Morris, Wrightson, Henderson, Marwood and Bell.

Just five minutes were on the clock when United opened the scoring as the impressive Mark Doninger crossed from the right and his centre was met by Ryan Donaldson, who finished from close range.

The goal made England under 17 star Donaldson United’s joint-top scorer with fellow Academy frontman Campbell Bell on two goals.

However, the lead lasted less than two minutes as Everton’s first foray forward brought them an equaliser.

Striker Lewis Codling rounded Cook, shot towards goal and, despite the efforts of United defender Alex Francis on the line, the ball went in via the post.

And on 17 minutes the visitors made it 2-1 as a quick counter attack let in Jose Baxter and the diminutive forward lobbed Cook to put his side in front.

Newcastle searched for an equaliser with Frank Wiafe Danquah spurning a few half chances and Francis also coming close, while at the other end Baxter’s neat turn and shot from the edge of the area produced a fine save from Cook.

Whatever Joe Joyce said to his players at half time must have worked as Newcastle began the second period on the front foot and Godsmark went close with a right footed strike.

Then they were handed their chance to draw level ten minutes into the second period.

A superb ball on the diagonal from Francis found Mark Doninger on the left and the United skipper brought the ball inside only to be body checked in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Danquah stepped up to take the penalty but saw his effort saved low down to the right by Everton ‘keeper Michael McEntagart, however as Danquah threw himself to the floor in disgust, a linesman’s flag gave the Dutchman another chance, penalising McEntagart for encroachment.

Despite protests from his team mates to pass on the responsibility to someone else, Danquah held onto the ball and kept his nerve second time around, lashing the penalty home.

The Toffees restored their lead on 67 minutes when substitute Kieran Agard broke into the Newcastle box and coolly slotted the ball past Cook and into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations from the whole Everton team.

Danquah had a chance to equalise when some good football left him one-on-one in the area but after rounding the keeper, he dealyed the shot and his eventual effort was cleared away.

United continued to push forward in search of a leveller but victory was sealed with ten minutes to go as Baxter got his second goal of the game, heading past Cook after Coding had flicked on Agard’s cross.

As the game drew to a close, tackles began to fly in from both sides and tempers flared momentarily as a set-to between United sub James Marwood and Everton’s Moses Barnett earned both players a yellow card.

Their frustration may have been caused in part by the referee, who had a nightmare of a second half.

A series of baffling decisions incensed both the home players and crowd, and after Everton’s fourth goal, he blew for kick off with three Toffees players still in the Newcastle half of the field!

That United are without a win in four matches this campaign will naturally be of concern to Academy coaches Joe Joyce and Kenny Wharton, but they will take heart from another spirited display, knowing only the quality of finishing was the difference between the sides.

Newcastle had as much of the ball as Everton but just couldn’t finish off the chances they created, whereas the visitors were much more clinical in front of goal.

The performances of both Mark Doninger and Jonny Godsmark will also be of some encouragement, with both players looking a cut above for United.

Doninger gave an all-action, box-to-box display, taking the game by the scruff of the neck and driving his side on. The midfield man was never afraid to put his foot in when required and was a real threat when supporting the attack.

Godsmark didn’t give the Everton backline a moments peace all afternoon with his blistering pace and constantly offered United an out ball, whether over the top or in behind and his performance really merited a goal.

His aggressiveness, running of the channels and desire not to give up what appears a lost cause was reminiscent of a certain Craig Bellamy.

A difficult away trip to Bolton awaits United next, but if they can maintain the level of performance show in this game, a first win of the season won’t be too long in coming.

Newcastle: Mark Cook; Alex Patterson, Alex Francis, Matthew Grieve (Daniel Leadbetter, 46), Darren Lough; Jonny Godsmark, Mark Doninger, Patrick McLaughlin, Frank Wiafe Danquah (Campbell Bell, 77); Ryan Donaldson, Shane Ferguson (James Marwood, 46).

Subs not used: Dan Mullin, Mark Bertram.

Goals:
Newcastle: Donaldson 5, Danquah (pen) 55.

Everton: Codling 7, Baxter 17, 80, Agard 67.