After a goalless first half at Meadow Park, Newcastle's second-string were reduced to ten men in the closing stages following Matheos Ferreira's straight red card after a dangerous challenge on Callan Hamill.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the final minute of stoppage-time and despite Magpies goalkeeper Aidan Harris saving Harriman-Annous' spot-kick, the Gunners forward headed the rebound into an empty net.

Mason Miley, younger brother of Magpies midfielder Lewis, went close to netting his first goal at under-21 level in the opening minutes of the league clash. The 17-year-old midfielder's in-swinging corner forced Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford into punching the ball out for a corner.

Harris, who spent the first half of the season on loan at NIFL Premiership side Coleraine FC, produced a key stop to prevent Marli Salmon from scoring for the hosts as the teenage goalkeeper held the Arsenal skipper's header following Demiane Agustien's dangerous free-kick.

The 19-year-old, named on the bench for United's UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain last month, recorded an excellent stop before the half-time break.

Marcell Washington's lofted cross from the left flank found Brando Bailey-Joseph at the back post but his goal bound volley was turned out for a corner by Harris' stretching left leg.

Newcastle began the second half in bright fashion as Mills, introduced from the bench at the restart, struck the woodwork.

After Kyle Fitzgerald's tackle was deflected into Mills' path, the Manchester-born forward drove towards goal before his resulting effort clipped the outside of the left-hand post, denying the 16-year-old a first goal at under-21 level.

Mills, who made his under-21s debut in last week's win against Aston Villa, created another opportunity in front of goal as the England Under-16 international combined with Fitzgerald but steered his volley wide of the target from the Irish winger's lofted pass.

Newcastle were forced to play the final ten minutes with ten men as Ferreira was sent off. The Ashington-born forward, who scored a hat-trick in last week's 4-3 win against Aston Villa, produced an over the top foul on Hamill on the far touchline and was shown his marching orders by referee Emily Heaslip.

In the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Newcastle conceded a penalty after Logan Watts fouled Harriman-Annous inside the box as the Arsenal winger beat the North Shields-born left-back in a race onto Evan Mooney's diagonal pass from distance.

Although Harris guessed the correct way to push away Harriman-Annous' attempt from 12 yards, Newcastle's clean sheet hopes were cruelly dashed as the Arsenal forward reacted quickly to nod the ball into the left-hand corner.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Mason Miley, Logan Watts, Miodrag Pivaš, Ciaran Thompson (c), Rory Finneran, Kyle Fitzgerald (Darren Palmer 73), Scott Bailey, Matheos Ferreira, Anthony Munda (Baran Yildiz 87), Seung-soo Park (Michael Mills 46).

Subs not used: Isaac Moran, James Taylor.