United's second-string conceded twice in the early stages of their opening Northern Group F fixture at the Accu Stadium following Jack Whatmough's close-range header and Marcus Harness' penalty and despite Sean Neave's inadvertent effort halving the deficit on the stroke of half-time, Huddersfield regained their two-goal cushion before the break through Leo Castledine's strike.
Newcastle's youngsters then conceded three times shortly after the restart, with Joe Taylor's quick-fire brace and Charlie McArthur's own goal extending Huddersfield's advantage further before Dylan Charlton's impressive strike proved a mere consolation in Lawrence's first game as the club's new Under-21s Lead Coach following his appointment on Monday.
The 38-year-old, who joined the Magpies' Academy following his departure from Manchester United, told newcastleunited.com: "We had a feeling that it could be this kind of night in terms of being a tough test for the lads against very good League One opposition and it was. It was a tough night with the level we came up against in all areas of the game and what the lads are aspiring to get to.
"There was lots of endeavour and plenty of spirit but it showed us the next level in terms of where the boys need to get to. It is difficult to take in the short-term but there is lots of learning and opportunities for growth and to improve further.
"When you look at the under-21s programme and taking the next step, these games are as close as it gets. When footballers are playing in the stadiums in front of crowds against this level of opposition and established Football League players, this is a reality check for the boys.
"In the periods of the game where it looked like we could get back into it or had a little bit of a lifeline, we were too vulnerable and conceded some soft goals. The lads are disappointed at that and we're the same. It's our job to help them and be more prepared to learn from this when we face these situations again."
Newcastle's second-string are back in competitive action on Monday, 22nd September when hosting Norwich City at Whitley Park in the Premier League 2 (kick-off 7pm BST).
The Bermondsey-born coach, who led Manchester United's Under-18s side to three pieces of silverware in the 2023/24 campaign, is relishing the opportunity in getting down to work on the training pitch with his new side ahead of welcoming their Canaries counterparts to Tyneside, targeting a first league win of the 2025/26 season.
"Personally, it's day two so I'm still learning people's names, let alone preparing them for matches," Lawrence added. "I think it's up for the boys to understand that these different competitions they're playing in and what they're involved in are there for them to embrace and to attack the challenge head on.
"On the whole, it's been a mixed start in terms of results but there's been decent performances in the league and I think they've deserved more than what they've got. That's probably where the group are in naivety and the next level of competitiveness and intensity in how you understand those moments.
"That will be the next bits we focus on during this period where we have an opportunity to train which will help us."
