GREAT Harwood slipped to their second successive 4-0 defeat against a side player-manager Denis Underwood described as "as good as I've seen in this league for a long time."

And Underwood therefore had no complaints about the outcome, despite an impressive start by his own side which matched the First North Western Trains league Division One pacesetters for the opening 20 minutes.

"There was no point going in at the end and having a go at anybody. Sometimes you've just got to hold up your hands and say you've been beaten by a better side on the day," added Underwood.

Two goals in two minutes changed the course of the game as player-manager Ray Walker, the former Port Vale midfielder, blasted his side ahead.

A second followed from Peter Weston within 60 seconds as Harwood struggled to cope with Newcastle's wide men.

Underwood then made a great save from Darren Twigg after half-time but Twigg got his revenge when heading the third after 61 minutes and Newcastle made it four 15 minutes from time through Neil Pestridge.

Underwood will be looking to his side to get back to winning ways at home to Atherton LR tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

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