Newcastle United Under-21s 0 Chelsea Under-21s 5 | OneFootball

Despite a positive start at Whitley Park, the young Magpies fell behind following Richards' stroked finish before Jesse Derry's solo effort doubled the Blues' lead before the half-time break.

Newcastle's youngsters conceded a further three times in the second-half as strikes from Ryan Kavuma-McQuuen and Shim Mheuka, along with Harrison Murray-Campbell's free-kick, rounded off a difficult evening for United's second-string.

Three changes were made from Sunday's Premier League 2 opener against Southampton as Leo Shahar, who made his first-team debut for Eddie Howe's side in the Magpies' Sela Cup clash against Atlético Madrid, replaced Harrison Ashby in the starting line-up while Adam Harrison and Dylan Charlton replaced Max Thompson and Lewis Hall respectively.

Sean Neave, who made his first-team debut for Eddie Howe's side during a pre-season friendly against Celtic FC last month, went close to netting his third goal in as many games at under-21 level as the Winlaton-born forward, who joined the Magpies' Academy as a 13-year-old, saw his looping header from Travis Hernes' cross land onto the roof of the net.

Seung-soo Park, who joined United from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings last month, was unable to net his first goal for the club as the South Korea under-20 international collected Shahar's dangerous pass on the edge of the box but dragged a low effort wide of the right-hand post.

Despite United's control in the early stages, the hosts trailed in the 16th minute through Richards' strike as the Jamaica international intercepted Cathal Heffernan's pass before stroking a long-range effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

Chelsea looked to have doubled their lead as Harrison Murray-Campbell's close-range flick crept into the bottom left-hand corner but the left-back's goal was disallowed after Reggie Walsh was adjudged to be in an offside position during the build-up.

In the 37th minute, though, Newcastle were dealt a further blow as Derry doubled Chelsea's advantage as the left winger, son of former Crystal Palace captain Shaun, collected the ball on the left flank and, after evading the challenge of Shahar, darted into the penalty area before drilling a low effort into the far right-hand corner.

With the half-time whistle approaching, Magpies goalkeeper Adam Harrison produced a smart stop to prevent Shumaira Mheuka from netting for the visitors as the 18-year-old shot-stopper blocked the Blues captain's close-range strike.

Trevan Sanusi, who made his professional debut for the Magpies in January's Emirates FA Cup third round win against Bromley, almost gave Newcastle the perfect start to the second-half as the Birmingham-born winger, a representative of England at under-18 level, flashed a fierce effort wide of the target.

Park went narrowly close to netting his first goal for United as under-21 level as the Asian winger rose high from Sanusi's terrific cross from the right flank but, whilst unmarked, guided his header narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

Newcastle were made to rue their missed opportunity in front of goal as Chelsea added a third in the 69th minute through Kavuma-McQueen as the Blues substitute collected Landon Emenalo's pass on the halfway line and after an adventurous run into the box, drilled a powerful low effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

Harrison was unable to cut Newcastle's three-goal deficit as the Keighley-born youngster latched onto Sanusi's pass into the box before the 19-year-old's poked finish at goal was blocked by Chelsea goalkeeper Ted Curd.

In the 74th minute, Chelsea added a fourth through Mheuka. After Leo Cardoso's initial shot was parried by Harrison, the 17-year-old striker was on hand to place the rebound into the net.

Newcastle suffered a further blow ten minutes later as Murray-Campbell netted Chelsea's fifth of the night as the defender's 25-yard free-kick flew into the left-hand corner.

Teenage striker Kacey Wooster, who joined the Magpies from Southend United in the summer of 2023, was handed his competitive bow at under-21 level in the closing stages on an otherwise forgettable night for the young Magpies.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Adam Harrison, Leo Shahar, Cathal Heffernan (c), Alex Murphy (Charlie McArthur 61), Dylan Charlton, Anthony Munda, Travis Hernes (Scott Bailey 61), Alfie Harrison, Trevan Sanusi, Seung-soo Park (Kyle Fitzgerald 73), Sean Neave (Kacey Wooster 80).

Subs not used: James Taylor.