Everton: Ruddy, Wynne, Wilson, Wright, Hughes, Harris, Seargeant, Li Tie, Anichebe, Beattie, Kearney.

Bench: Hopkins (Beattie), Downs, Lake, Vidarsson, Phelan,

Scorer: Li Tie (52)

Biffa Beattie was given a 45 minute run out in the rezzies in Southport last night, in preparation for the big boys UEFA Cup game in Bucharest on Thursday. It was however forgotten man Li Tie who nabbed the winner at the start of the second half, when he thundered in a 35 yarder to give Andy Holden and his youngsters maximum points.

The first half territory battle was won by the Skunks, with John Ruddy earning his corn from the off. Stops from Finnegan in the first minute, and the seventh minute helped the keeper grow in confidence on the night.

Biffa's chances were few and far between, but Moyesy will be happy that his striker has had another forty five minutes work out. His only chance of the half came from a free kick which sailed wide, without testing the Newcastle keeper.

Biffa was replaced by Hopkins in the second period, and that is when Li Tie struck with the sweetest of long range efforts. Everton faired far better in the second half, and should have increased their lead, but a win is a win, and let's hope Biffa has that winning feeling again in Bucharest later this week. (14/09/05)

Andy Holden says: "I thought the young lads conducted themselves great, showed great fitness levels and we scored a great goal from Li Tie to win the game. Both full-backs did okay and the centre halves were nice and solid against a Newcastle side that had plenty of experience. In their side they had Robbie Elliott at left-back, Titus Bramble in the middle and Lee Clark in midfield. And they were having a go as well, to be fair. Newcastle started the game very well but we stemmed the tide a little and came into it midway through the second half after they had enjoyed the best of the first half. It was a very good result for us and I was very pleased with the lads." (14/09/05)