City's Elite Development Squad slipped to only their second Reserve League defeat of the campaign against a strong Newcastle side at the Tyneside club's training centre.

A Blues line-up skippered by Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata found opponents who fielded senior centre-halves Steve Taylor and Sol Campbell, as well as fit-again striker Leon Best, a formidable test but were unlucky to lose.

Newcastle substitute Matthew Grieve, who replaced former England star Campbell after an hour, grabbed the crucial goal from a 71st-minute corner after City had threatened more than once to take the lead in a bright post-interval start.

Sammy Ameobi's flag kick reached Best at the far post and while the striker's effort was blocked on the line, Grieve was on hand to force the ball home past David Gonzalez after 71 minutes.

City's goalkeeper needed to be alert in a first half that saw Newcastle flex their muscles, with Taylor and Campbell commanding at the back and former England Under-21 man Taylor heading just wide from a corner.

Newcastle have set the pace in the Premier Reserve League North A, but City made them sweat at the start of the second half, and goalkeeper Ole Soderberg had to earn his corn with a couple of fine saves.

The Blues bench included Andreas Mancini, manager Roberto's son who has left Bologna, but it was consistent Academy scorer Harry Bunn who came on as City set about trying to cancel out Grieve's goal.

Unfortunately the nearest they came was John Guidetti's shot over the bar, but fine personal performances by Boyata, Wabara, Tutte and Kay among others in a good team display were not reflected in the final score.