A missed penalty by striker Ryan Donaldson capped a disappointing night for United as a strong Middlesbrough side deservedly took all three points in the Tyne-Tees derby.

With United trailing 1-0, Donaldson, a second half substitute for Frank Wiafe Danquah, saw his spot-kick saved low down by Boro ‘keeper Brad Jones after Kazenga Lua Lua had been tripped in the box.

Middlesbrough had taken the lead four minutes before half time when defender Seb Hines turned the ball into the net from close range.

Sub Ben Hutchinson headed in a second from Graeme Owens’ cross late on and United had ‘keeper Fraser Forster to thank for keeping the score down with a string of excellent saves.

The result brings an end to the Magpies’ unbeaten start to the season but Steve Agnew’s Boro maintain their place at the top of the Reserve League North.

It was again a youthful side that took to the field for the Magpies, with only David Edgar and Matty Pattison having featured at first team level.

In contrast, the visitors fielded an experienced line-up including the likes of Gaizka Mendieta, Lee Cattermole, Dong Gook Lee and recent signing Mohamed Shawky, and their class was evident throughout.

Middlesbrough started the match well - Mendieta went close with a bending free kick that brushed the side netting of the Newcastle goal and youngster Tom Craddock fired over from inside the box.

Rhys Williams then saw a header from a corner cleared off the line by a combination of Pattison and Forster and the latter was also on hand to deny Johnathan Grounds with a stunning save, after the Boro man had connected well with a cross from the left as the visitors piled on the pressure.

Then, on 41 minutes, Boro finally got they goal their domination merited - after a corner, Forster could only parry a Craddock shot and Dong Gook Lee turned the loose ball back for Hines to finish from close range.

In search of an equaliser, United started the second half brightly and forward Jonny Godsmark headed just over from a Lua Lua cross.

The impressive Forster was called into action again soon after, twice denying Mendieta from distance with two superb saves.

However, Lee Clark’s side were handed a golden chance to draw level on 67 minutes when Lua Lua was felled inside the box by Boro right-back Tony McMahon.

Ryan Donaldson, on as a sub just five minutes earlier, stepped up, but Brad Jones made a fine save low to his left to deny the England under 17 star.

In the closing minutes, Boro doubled their lead as substitute Owens crossed for Hutchinson to head powerfully past Forster, sealing a deserved win for the away side.

Newcastle: Forster; Bertram, Edgar, Francis (Morris, 21), Lough; Troisi, Doninger, Pattison, Lua Lua; Godsmark, Danquah (Donaldson, 62).

Subs not used: Cook, Patterson, Marwood.

Middlesbrough: Jones; McMahon, Grounds, Williams, Hines; Cattermole, Mendieta (Franks, 71), Shawky, Craddock; Lee (Hutchinson, 70), Bennett (Owens, 46).

Subs not used: Steele, Johnson.

Goals: Hines 41, Hutchinson 88.

Attendance: 608.

Referee: R. Metcalfe.