Sean Neave made it eight goals from seven games for Newcastle United under-21s.
Sean Neave’s cool first-half finish shared the spoils at Whitley Park as Newcastle United under-21s drew their Premier League 2 fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
A convoluted end to the campaign awaits Robbie Stockdale’s resurgent Magpies after ensuring a spot in the lower half of the play-off setup on Friday. And for Neave - who cancelled out Conor McLeod’s opener - he must surely be banging down the door for a loan move this summer.
The first big chance came on 12 minutes when Seung-soo Park’s free-kick ricocheted towards Ferreira. As time stood still, his effort was brilliantly parried onto the post by Alfie Brooks.
However, the visitors broke the deadlock moments later. Aidan Harris saved an initial effort but, when the rebound fell to McLeod on the right-hand side of the area, he made no mistake.
Conceding a goal sprang Newcastle into life. They calmed down in possession, with the move of the half coming from Park. A jinking run bamboozled his defender before he caressed a through ball to Neave.
With Whitley Park expecting the net to bulge, the No.9 lost his footing. An awkward shot was blocked as Wolves cleared their lines.
Just as Wolves - and McLeod in particular - began to regain their foothold, Newcastle fired back. Rory Finneran tried his luck from distance but, admittedly, the shot was tame. He will have no qualms about claiming the assist as his attempt found Neave.
The Winlaton native - composed as ever - buried past Brooks to fire the Magpies level. Wolves threatened to burst the new-found optimism on the stroke of half-time when a vicious corner whipped across the goal-line.
Much like the first, there was a lacklustre feel to the opening stages of the second half. The first real action came when Alex Murphy - linking up nicely on the left flank with Park - stung Brooks’ gloves.
Two quick-fire chances came for the visitors to send Stockdale’s men a warning. Firstly, Mason Miley - with his last action of the game - came to the rescue with a last-ditch block to deny McLeod a tap-in.
Some clever midfield play resulted in Wes Okoduwa rattling the crossbar seconds later. All of a sudden, the game was very much alive, with Neave squandering a header over from close range.
Few would have wanted to stake their mortgage on a winner as the game entered the closing stages. Park was Newcastle’s best outlet, with his twinkle toes proving a thorn in the Wolves’ defence.
Kyle Fitzgerald - a second-half sub - also made an impact. The wideman fizzed an effort from distance straight at the opposition defender and, moments later, he appealed for a penalty when brought down by Dexter Lembikisa.
There were zero signs of either side being on the beach as the game - and Premier League 2 season - drew to a close. Neave almost snatched a victory with a fizzing left-footed strike in stoppage time but, in the end, a point apiece proved a fair result.
Newcastle United player ratings vs Wolves
Aidan Harris - 6
Nothing he could do about the opener. Commanded his box well.
Logan Watts - 6
Hit the bar in the first half. A solid display before being hooked on the hour mark.
Alex Murphy - 6.5
A composed performance. He should be demanding a loan move in the summer.
Miodrag Pivas - 6.5
The Serb possesses a dominant presence at the back. Another who should be looking towards senior football.
Ciaran Thompson - 6
Puts himself about and led the troops well.
Rory Finneran - 6
Fortunate with the assist for Neave’s goal. Tidy in possession and not afraid to get stuck in.
Mason Miley - 6
Crucial last-ditch block to deny a certain Wolves goal shortly before being hooked. Neat and tidy in possession.
Anthony Munda - 7
Strong as an ox and so comfortable in possession. Local lad looks a real talent.
Matheos Ferreira - 6
Started brightly but faded. Clearly has talent.
Park Seung-Soo - 7
A player who can get the crowd off their feet whenever he receives the ball. Produced arguably the move of the game to slip Neave through in the first half. Needs fine-tuned, but a talent for sure.
Sean Neave - 7.5
Took his goal brilliantly well. Will be disappointed to head over in the second half. Senior football surely beckons next season.
Kyle Fitzgerald - 6.5
A bright spark off the bench. Arguably could have won a penalty - much to the disappointment of his friends and family in the crowd.
Henry Johnson - 6
Did not do much wrong when introduced.
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