MIDDLESBROUGH’S development side strengthened their grip at the top of the second division of the Barclays Under-21 League as they claimed a 1-0 derby win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Emmanuel Ledesma scored the only goal of the game as a youthful Boro second string posted another impressive performance.

Newcastle fielded a strong side that included Gabriel Obertan and Adam Armstrong, but the second-half dismissal of Macaulay Gillesphey proved costly as they were unable to get back on level terms.

Boro broke the deadlock in the sixth minute as Ledesma curled a superb 20-yard free-kick past Freddie Woodman, and almost doubled their lead shortly after as another set-piece ended in Ryan Brobbel shooting just wide.

Newcastle started slowly, but Callum Roberts forced Connor Ripley into a decent save midway through the first half, and Armstrong wasted a glorious opportunity when he shot wide shortly after the interval.

Yanic Wildschut was replaced for Boro at the half-time interval, suggesting he could be involved in the squad for the Teessiders’ Championship game with Rotherham on Saturday, and the visitors’ positioned was strengthened when Newcastle were reduced to ten men in the 58th minute.

Gillesphey was dismissed when he picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Harrison Chapman, but the Magpies almost claimed an equaliser when Armstrong shot narrowly wide in the closing stages.

Newcastle: Woodman; Sterry, Satka, Gillesphey, Laidler (Heardman 78); Barlaser (Williams 59), Kemen; Obertan (Gilliead 46), Smith, Roberts; Armstrong.

Middlesbrough: Ripley; Weledji, Jackson, Fry, Kitching; Maloney, Tinkler (Wheatley 77); Chapman, Brobbel, Wildschut (McAloon 46); Ledesma (Fewster 90).