Mixed emotions for Alabi after full under-21s debut | OneFootball

In torrential weather conditions, the young Magpies fell behind in their final Northern Group F clash at the Exercise Stadium through Ellis Taylor's strike before equalising on the stroke of half-time, courtesy of Alfie Harrison's composed finish.

Tom Curson's second-half brace proved the difference for United's youngsters but 16-year-old Alabi admitted his involvement in this season's competition has proved beneficial in the early stages of his development.

The highly-rated midfielder, who played the full 90 minutes against Harrogate, told newcastleunited.com: "This competition has been a great experience for the team, playing against senior opposition. For myself, I can learn from it early on.

"There's a long way for me to go but I'm just getting started. You have to be mentally strong and, reflecting on it, I think I've made a good impression of myself so I want to continue to kick on.

"We were trying to find our feet in the first-half, myself included. We didn't expect it to be an easy game where we play and they give us the ball.

"We had a good spell in the game and we were able to kick on, with a very good finish from Alfie. We tried but we didn't start well in the second-half, which was frustrating, and they had their foot on the gas for the entirety of that half."

Alabi, who has captained England at under-17 level, only made his second-string bow last month as a late substitute during Newcastle's National League Cup win at Boston United but believes he is strongly benefiting from each experience gained at under-21 level to date.

The promising youngster, who joined Newcastle's Academy from Oldham Athletic in the summer of 2023, is keen to build on, as well as accruing, his outings for the young Magpies during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Manchester-born teenager, who has recorded two goals and two assists in five league matches at under-18 level so far this term, added: "I've challenged myself at different levels this season so I think this is another step to what I want to pursue. I was very pleased to play the full game, especially against a League Two side.

"This is another milestone in my career so far. I've achieved many good things during my time at Newcastle so this was another; a very good opportunity and learning curve.

"I think I'm growing in confidence as I play each game for the under-21s. I came on against Mansfield Town, nearly scoring in the game but then scoring a penalty in the shootout which gave me more belief.

"As I went into the Harrogate game, I didn't feel any nerves. I was ready to go and I'm pleased. I'm very determined to try and play more matches with the under-21s. I'm still 16 years old but I don't think that's an issue. If you're feeling good, then you're good and you play.

"I've had experience in training with the first-team so that opportunity gives me the mentality and to think I can play in these types of games."