NEWCASTLE United Juniors kicked-off their Academy campaign with a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra.

The Magpies took the lead in the 24th minute, Mark Doninger and Frank Wiafe Danquah exchanging passes before Doninger slid across goal for Jonny Godsmark to convert at the far post.

But the visitors drew level right on the stroke of half-time, Luke Danville's free-kick being flicked on by Josh Thompson into the path of Ben McHugh and although Mark Cook did well to block the striker's close range effort, the ball looped up and under the Magpies crossbar to bring the teams level.

Callum Morris had two second-half headers cleared off the line and Thompson could have won it for Crewe late on but Cook made a brilliant save from point blank range.

NUFC: Mark Cook, Mark Bertram, Darren Lough, Kieran McLaughlin, Callum Morris, Alex Francis, James Marwood, Mark Doninger, Dan Neary, Jonny Godsmark, Frank Wiafe Danquah (Campbell Bell, 80m)
Subs not used: Dan Leadbitter, Michael McCrudden, Stewart Bath, Kieran Wrightson