Heaton Stannington 3 Newcastle United Under-21s 0 | OneFootball

United's second-string, who lifted the trophy last term after a 2-1 win against Blyth Town at St. James' Park, fell behind in the last-four tie at Grounsell Park following Leighton Hopper's close-range finish before Magpies midfielder Scott Bailey was sent off in the final stages of the first half after picking up two yellow cards.

Kyle Fitzgerald, who joined Newcastle from hometown club Galway United last month, was handed his Magpies debut at under-21 level in the second half but Bailey Adamson's strike doubled Heaton Stannington's advantage shortly after the hour mark before Alfie Marriott's emphatic late effort extinguished United's hopes of defending their title.

In front of 1,652 spectators, Daniel Capewell went close to firing the hosts ahead after rising from Daniel Stephenson's dangerous corner before heading wide of the right-hand post.

Newcastle were fortunate to remain on level terms shortly after as another teasing corner from Stephenson found Adamson inside the box but the Stan striker steered his header wide of the target.

Newcastle fell behind in the 15th minute through Hopper after Adamson's initial header struck the inside of the right-hand post before the former was on hand to place the ball into the net on the goalline.

United's youngsters were unable to muster a shot on target in the first half, with Magpies midfielder Ellis Stanton hitting a powerful effort wide from the edge of the box.

With the half-time whistle approaching, the young Magpies were reduced to ten men as Bailey was sent off after the Durham-born midfielder received an initial yellow card following a late foul on Alex Payne before picking up a second bookable offence by referee Nick Vincent.

In the 61st minute, Newcastle were dealt a tough blow through Adamson's goal for the Northern Premier League Division One East outfit after the teenage striker's low effort was directed into the bottom left-hand corner.

United goalkeeper Aidan Harris, who was named on the bench for Newcastle's UEFA Champions League goalless draw away at AC Milan, produced a key save to prevent Heaton Stan netting a third as the 18-year-old goalkeeper held Konner Lamb's close-range header before the Houghton le-Spring shot-stopper saved Joe Shepherd's first-time effort inside the box.

Newcastle conceded a third in the 90th minute as Marriott latched onto Stephenson's lofted free-kick into the penalty area before rifling the ball into the roof of the net.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Rory Powell (Alfie Harrison 46), Cathal Heffernan (c), Ciaran Thompson, Luke Craggs (Guy Bloomer 72), Scott Bailey, Ellis Stanton (Rory Finneran 46), Darren Palmer (Kyle Fitzgerald 46), Johnny Emerson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Joe Brayson.

Subs not used: James Taylor.