A frantic first-half at the Gateshead International Stadium saw Newcastle's youngsters trail in the early stages of the Group D clash following Kain Adom's strike and, despite levelling in swift fashion through Sean Neave's close-range finish, the visitors fell behind for a second time through Harry Chapman's impressive flick.

Callum Bone extended Gateshead's lead shortly after the restart before United netted three times in the closing stages with Kyle Fitzgerald's first goal at under-21 level halving the deficit before Kenton Richardson's own goal and Heffernan's last-gasp header securing a thrilling comeback for the young Magpies.

Neave and Leo Shahar, who both made their first-team debuts for the Magpies during respective pre-season friendlies against Celtic and Atlético Madrid this summer, were both named in the starting XI for their first competitive game of the 2025/26 season.

In front of 509 spectators, Newcastle fell behind in the 11th minute through Adom as the Heed forward collected the ball from distance before his powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area was parried into the top left-hand corner by Magpies goalkeeper Adam Harrison.

United's youngsters, who reached the National League Cup quarter-finals last term, responded positively as Neave equalised in the 15th minute. After Trevan Sanusi threaded a neat ball into Shahar's path, the teenage right-back directed an inviting low cross into the six yard area, with Neave on hand to place a first-time effort beyond Heed goalkeeper George Shelvey.

The young Magpies found themselves behind for a second time six minutes later as Chapman scored for the hosts, with the Hartlepool-born midfielder cleverly back-heeling the ball into the net at the near post following a dangerous cross from the right byline.

Garang Kuol, who represented Australia at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, went close to bringing Newcastle back on level terms as the 21-year-old forward, who recorded five goals and four assists in ten Premier League 2 matches last season, saw his initial volley, from Shahar's cross, blocked before his rebound was held by Shelvey.

Neave, who was named on the bench for the Magpies' Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, went close to doubling his and United's tally after latching onto Sanusi's pass, following the latter's bright run towards goal, before his sliding effort inside the box was held by Shelvey.

United were dealt a tough blow in the 49th minute as Bone netted Gateshead's third goal of the evening after producing a neat feint before placing the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot.

Neave missed a glorious opportunity to halve the deficit on the hour mark as the England Under-18 international raced onto Fitzgerald's excellent pass but his intended chip over Shelvey was blocked by the Gateshead 'keeper.

Newcastle were handed a lifeline in the 70th minute as Fitzgerald, who joined the Magpies from Galway United in February 2025, netted his first goal for the Magpies at under-21 level after completing a darting run inside the box before unleashing a low drive into the far right-hand corner.

Neave went agonisingly close to drawing Newcastle level after capitalising on Shelvey's misplaced pass before the striker's looping shot struck the crossbar before the Heed goalkeeper collected the loose ball inside the penalty area.

However, Newcastle levelled in the 83rd minute as Neave's low cross from the left byline was inadvertently turned into the net by Richardson, with Shahar awaiting behind the Gateshead defender to place the ball into an empty net.

Scott Bailey, who joined Newcastle's Academy at the age of nine, went close to completing a dramatic turnaround as the Durham-born teenager moved the ball through a crowd of Gateshead players before the central midfielder's powerful drive was tipped over the crossbar by Shelvey.

With the prospect of a penalty shoot-out awaiting, Newcastle took the lead for the first time in the cup contest through Heffernan as the Irish centre-back rose high from Shahar's inviting free-kick before guiding a firm header beyond Shelvey.

There was still late drama as Harrison produced a tremendous save in stoppage-time to prevent Kyle Hurst from sending the clash to penalties after getting down low to crucially push away the forward's fierce goal-bound drive away from danger.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Adam Harrison, Leo Shahar, Ciaran Thompson, Cathal Heffernan (c), Charlie McArthur, Dylan Charlton (Thomas Bryant 78), Anthony Munda, Scott Bailey, Trevan Sanusi, Garang Kuol (Kyle Fitzgerald 57), Sean Neave (Joe Brayson 90).

Subs not used: Logan Watts, James Taylor, Baran Yildiz, Fraser Harper.