Cort's Return

Last updated : 05 January 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor



Ex-Toon striker Carl Cort returned to the North-East to grab a goal at Kingston Park. But his strike for Wolves Reserves failed to take the three points, as Tommy Craig's boys won a hardfought clash 2-1.

Southwark-born Cort was signed by Sir Bobby Robson in 2000 from Wimbledon, mainly on the strength of scoring a hat-trick against the Mackems - not a bad thing. But injuries ruined his spell at Newcastle, and he had an amazing goals-per-game ratio. Even now, he is returning from a 10 week lay-off following a knee operation.

Cort was allowed too much time and space to head home a Daniel Jones corner after just five minutes, but a 22nd-minute equaliser from United No 9 Carl Finnigan put Newcastle back in the game.

Irish midfield substitute Daryl Smylie won the game for the Magpies 12 minutes from time, firing across Wanderers' keeper Paul Harrison into the right corner from the edge of the box.

Finnigan, who was also denied by the post after 48 minutes, was on the spot to hook home the equaliser from six yards after a Michael Chopra header from a Martin Brittain cross rebounded from the bar.

NEWCASTLE RESERVES: Caig, Baxter, Cave, Farmar, Huntington, Gate, Brittain, Pattison, Finnigan (Walton, 82 mins), Chopra, O'Brien (Smylie, 72 mins).
Subs (not used): Shanks, Krul.