Wanderers RES 3 NEWCASTLE RES 1 FABIAN de Freitas struck a two-goal reminder of the finishing power he believes is tailor made for the Premiership last night.

The Dutch striker, struggling for form and fitness at first team level, inspired Wanderers Reserves to a satisfying victory over a strong Newcastle second string. Internationals Pavel Srnicek, Phillippe Albert and Marc Hottiger could do little to prevent the Burnden 2nd Xl taking a two-goal lead. Greg Strong claimed his first goal for the club with a confidently struck free kick a minute before half-time and the impressive Neil McDonald put de Freitas in for a super-cool finish for the second on 68 minutes.

Prolific young goalscorer Paul Brayson pulled one back for the Magpies on 81 minutes but three minutes later de Freitas, foiled by a magnificent save by Srnicek, made the game safe when he headed home Stuart Whittaker's resulting corner.

It was an impressive all-round display by Wanderers to record only their second win of the season against a team that went into the game joint leaders of the Pontins League.

Gerry Taggart signed off for a three-match suspension with a powerful performance snuffing out any threat from Newcastle trialist Terence Hislop, brother of first team keeper Shaka, McDonald held things together well in midfield and Aidan Davison, above, pulled off two outstanding saves in a confident display of goalkeeping.

Wanderers: Davison, Powell, Aljofree, Todd, Taggart, Strong, McDonald, Burnett, de Freitas, Hallows, Whittaker.

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