ENGLAND midfielder Kieron Dyer was the star attraction as a crowd of 750 watched Darlington reserves beat Newcastle United's second string 4-1 at the Reynolds Arena last night.

Dyer had not played since aggravating a hamstring problem in the UEFA Cup first-leg win over Real Mallorca at St James' Park on March 11.

But the 25-year-old completed 70 minutes of action last night and will come into Sir Bobby Robson's thoughts for Saturday's Premiership visit of Everton.

Dyer was part of a youthful United reserves side, which also included one-time Quakers target Lewis Guy.

And it was Guy who headed Tommy Craig's men into a fourth minute lead from Alan O'Brien's cross from the left.

However, Quakers were soon level through on-loan Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham.

The 19-year-old, who has yet to start a competitive game for Quakers since joining the club on a month's loan a fortnight ago, was on hand to tap home from close range after good work down the right by Neil Wainwright.

Dyer's first major contribution came 20 minutes in. After skilfully weaving his way past a couple of challenges, the £6m star squared for Guy in the box, whose effort was deflected wide.

Graham should have claimed his second goal of the evening when he drove straight at United keeper Adam Bartlett after pouncing on David Edgar's slip.

Ian Clark put Quakers 2-1 up with half an hour on the clock, calmly side-footing past Bartlett.

With half-time approaching Graham claimed his second goal of the evening, latching on to a hopeful looking ball from Clark Keltie, before shooting past Bartlett.

Gary Pearson made it four in the 70th minute, rifling home from eight yards after Quakers were awarded an in-direct free-kick when Bartlett picked up Kris Gate's back pass.

Pearson's goal signalled the end of a fairly low key evening for Dyer, who was replaced by Chris Farman. Guy should have pulled a goal back in injury time when he fired into the side netting.

DARLINGTON: Norton, Harrison, McGurk, Close, Pearson, Clark, Coghlan, Keltie, Bossy (Collins 69min), Graham (Parkin 58min), Wainwright (Mendum 58min) Subs (not used): Morley, Mason

NEWCASTLE: Bartlett, Gate, Ferrell, Ramage, Edgar, Orr, Brittain (Pattison 45min), Bates (Finnigan 45min), Guy, Dyer (Farman 70min), O'Brien Subs (not used): Baxter, Smith

Attendance: 750