Was Kimberley way the start of a glory trail for Toon kids?
Monsoon conditions were the backdrop for the start of Newcastle United's Northumberland Senior Cup campaign tonight in Prudhoe as the second string continued their toughening up process against the Northern League Second Division strugglers.
In the end it was an easy win for the second string who could have rattled in double figures against a Prudhoe side who can't find a home win for love nor money.
Two goals from Mark Doninger (one from the spot) and strikes from promising kids James Marwood and Michael McCrudden done the business for Newcastle in a 4-1 win but perhaps the best factor of the Northumberland Senior Cup for the second string is the experience of life outside the bubble of Premier League life.
There were no first class facilities at Kimberley Park.
That's not a swipe at Prudhoe or their hard working staff who did an excellent job on the night catering for the supporters on a wet cold miserable night.
But for the young Newcastle players they tasted how the other half live in football.
And what lies at the other end of the football pyramid should it not work out at the top level.
Perhaps coach Richard Money used the night as motivation?
At one stage Money was actually told to get back in his technical area by the linesman to whom he replied: "What technical area?"
It underlined that life is not so luxurious in non-league circles and the things young players can end up taking for granted can disappear as quickly as they arrived on to the scene.
Cramped dressing rooms for the United youngsters were also a timely reminder that football is a short career you have to make the most of.
Money was full of respect for Prudhoe at the end.
After conducting his post-game media briefing in the tiny stand he was happy with his side's performance but revealed that defeats against non-league opposition have to be unacceptable at top level.
And as the mini bus containing United's future stars departed from the leafy little stadium and headed back to the world class St James's Park, perhaps some of the youngsters had made another step towards the ultimate dream of pulling on a black and white shirt in front of a packed house.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
It underlined that life is not so luxurious in non-league circles and the things young players can end up taking for granted can disappear as quickly as they arrived on to the scene.
This is so true, young players have to give their best without nonsense if they really want to strive to the top
well done again the kids are united.the future looking good lot of heart shown.Conner Newton solid performance from a 16 year old.