Newcastle United Under-21s 1 Southampton Under-21s 2 | OneFootball

The young Magpies, who named Lewis Hall, Seung-soo Park and Harrison Ashby in their starting line-up, fell behind in the first-half at Whitley Park following Baylee Dipepa's close-range finish before equalising in quick fashion courtesy of Sean Neave's volley.

Southampton, who reached last season's Premier League 2 play-off final, regained their advantage in the second-half through Romeo Akachukwu's curling strike, which ultimately proved the difference in a tight encounter.

Seven changes were made from Wednesday's National League Cup win against Gateshead as Hall and Park, both unused substitutes in United's goalless draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, were handed starts along with Alex Murphy, Harrison Ashby, Alfie Harrison, Travis Hernes and Max Thompson, who all featured for Eddie Howe's side during pre-season friendlies.

After observing a minutes' silence before kick-off to pay tribute to the passing of Diogo Jota and André Silva, Trevan Sanusi went close to firing the hosts into an early lead as the 18-year-old winger, who made his professional debut for United in January's Emirates FA Cup third round win against Bromley at St. James' Park, drilled a low cross-cum shot across the face of goal.

Magpies goalkeeper Max Thompson, who made his first-team debut for his boyhood club as a second-half substitute in last month's pre-season friendly against Team K League, produced an important save minutes later as the 21-year-old shot-stopper was alert to push Nick Oyekunle's powerful drive out for a corner.

The resulting set-piece saw Cathal Heffernan head the ball over his own crossbar as Thompson was unable to collect Cameron Bragg's in-swinging corner but the Irish defender was on hand to clear the loose ball from danger on the goal line.

Newcastle fell behind in the 15th minute through Dipepa after Bragg's teasing corner along the byline found the Saints forward inside the six-yard area, who slammed a first-time effort into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

United's youngsters, however, levelled the scoring two minutes later through Neave. After Sanusi regained possession before passing the ball into Alfie Harrison's path, the latter picked out Neave inside the box, who placed a fine volley into the net beyond Southampton goalkeeper Josh Jeffries.

Neave was unable to fire Newcastle ahead as the Winlaton-born teenager, who made his senior debut for the Magpies in last month's pre-season friendly against Celtic FC, latched onto Sanusi's low cross inside the box but his resulting effort was saved by the feet of Jeffries.

United's second-string continued their push for a lead before half-time as Ashby and Neave went close to netting in quick succession, with the Magpies right-back's stinging strike inside the box pushed away by Jeffries before Neave's following effort was also saved by the Saints 'keeper.

Harrison, who joined the Magpies from Manchester City in February 2024, almost turned from provider to goalscorer as the Keighley-born teenager latched onto Hernes' lofted cross inside the box before his powerful volley was spilled by Jeffries.

Anthony Munda went close to netting his first goal at under-21 level since August as the Cowgate-born midfielder raced onto Sanusi's pass before his drilled effort was parried away by Jeffries.

Newcastle, however, trailed for a second time as Akachukwu netted for the Saints in the 56th minute as the Irish midfielder controlled Oyekunle's pass inside the box before curling the ball into the far right-hand corner.

Targeting a leveller, Newcastle were appealing for a penalty as Hall dangerously advanced towards the box following Sanusi's clever pass before being pulled down by Saints defender Jayden Moore but referee Dale Baines waved away the decision to the frustration of the hosts.

With the full-time whistle approaching, Newcastle looked to have found themselves on level terms as Neave turned the ball home from close-range following Hall's inviting free-kick but the 18-year-old's effort was disallowed after being adjudged to be in an offside position.

Despite nine minutes of stoppage-time, Newcastle were unable to find an equaliser despite Sanusi's best efforts as the Birmingham-born youngster completed an impressive solo run from distance before his resulting effort from the edge of the box flew over the bar.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Max Thompson, Harrison Ashby, Cathal Heffernan (c), Alex Murphy, Lewis Hall, Anthony Munda, Travis Hernes, Alfie Harrison (Scott Bailey 77), Trevan Sanusi, Seung-soo Park (Kyle Fitzgerald 70), Sean Neave.

Subs not used: Charlie McArthur, Adam Harrison, Joe Brayson.