The young Magpies fell behind in the first half at the LNER Community Stadium, the same venue of Tuesday's 3-1 win against York City in the EFL Trophy, following Josh McDonald's strike.

Newcastle's second-string, which contained six full Premier League 2 debutants, were unable to find an equaliser before Freddie Lane's effort doubled Leeds' advantage in the closing stages as United's winless league start continued.

Robbie Stockdale's side resume their EFL Trophy campaign on Tuesday 22 September when facing League One side Bradford City at Mbanq Valley Parade (kick-off 7:30pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-21s: Roman Dowell, Isaac Moran (Johnny Emerson 45), Dylan Charlton, Luke Craggs, Logan Watts, Scott Bailey (c), Henry Johnson, Sam Alabi (Fraser Harper 45), Afner Cá (Jayden Kouossu 72), Matheos Ferreira (Kacey Wooster 89), Alfie Seldon (Kyle Fitzgerald 63).

Subs not used: Jake Durrant, Tyler Jones.

Photograph courtesy of Christopher Booth.