United's under-18 side kicked off the New Year with a win against Middlesbrough.

Goals from Conor Qualter and Sam Byram, pictured, and a Luke Parkin penalty proved decisive as Neil Redfearn's side beat the Teessiders 3-1 to get 2012 underway in the right manner.

While goalkeeper Alex Cairns was rarely troubled, Qualter and fellow centre back Ross Killock looked strong with full-backs Byram and Lewis Turner pushing forward and raiding from wide positions.

Simon Lenighan broke up play well in the middle of the park, and was well supported by Nathan Turner and Jordan Snodin while Charlie Clamp provided a threat just behind strikers Dominic Poleon and Billy Ions, who linked up well and worked hard to create chances.

Redfearn said: "It was a very good performance and being honest if we'd have converted half of our chances it would have finished up a lot higher scoreline.

"As it was I was more than happy with the display and the boys have come back from their Christmas break fit and strong. These were the qualities that shone in the game.

"We looked a yard quicker and far too strong for our opposition. To add to that the execution of our game plan and players understanding of their roles and responsibilities was of a high standard, and the players are now showing that all the work we do with them is coming to fruition."

United: Cairns, Byram, Qualter, Killock, L.Turner, N.Turner, Lenigan, Snodin, Clamp (Dawson 75), Ions (Parkin 60), Poleon (Walters 80).