12 mins Neave penalty. 1-0

Half time: Newcastle 1 Fulham 0

47 mins Harris shot. 0-1

71 mins Mills shot. 0-1

Full time: Newcastle 0 Fulham 0

The only goals scored by Newcastle goalkeepers that we recall came in penalty shootouts: Iam McFaul netting at Pecsi Dosza in the Fairs Cup in November 1970 - United missing their opening trio and the Hungarian hosts scoring all three, but the match referee insisting on the shootout being concluded - McFaul netting one of Newcastle's two remaining ones.

Tim Krul converted his penalty for United U18s in an FA Youth Cup shootout success against Stoke City at Kingston Park in December 2005.

A goalkeeper "scored" against Newcastle in PL2 as recently as October 2022, Alex Bass claiming a point for the mackem U21s at SJP with an extra time effort that looked to go in off his hand.

Newcastle U21s returned to PL2 action on Friday, registering a deserved victory over the Cottagers at Whitley Park that included a rare goal for 'keeper Aidan Harris.

Fresh from his senior debut in Baku on Wednesday, Sean Neave opened the scoring with a 12th minute penalty, getting up to convert after being impeded by Seth Chingwaro on the byline.

The black and whites created several half-chances but couldn't add to their lead before half time, Scott Bailey coming close and Neave sending a first-time shot wide.

Harris made noteworthy stops either side of his side's goal to deny Alfie White, while both Neave and Leo Shahar were replaced at the break, ahead of first team bench duty on Saturday.

United doubled their lead two minutes after the break in bizarre circumstances. Coming out of his box to intercept a long clearance, United custodian Harris launched the ball upfield first-time and it soared over the head of opposite number Alexander Borto and into the Fulham net (possibly wind-assisted).

In the 71st minute it was 3-0 when Anthony Munda played in substitute Michael Mills who confidently fired in his first goal for the U21s, rounding off a memorable week in which he turned 17 and signed his first professional contract at Gallowgate.

Victory gave interim coach Robbie Stockdale seven points from a possible 12 since succeeding Adam Lawrence last month. The preceding 10 PL2 games yielded just eight points.

Biffa