In their first game of 2026, following the postponement of last week's clash against Blackburn Rovers, both goalkeepers were rarely troubled in the first-half at the Magpies' Little Benton Academy.

Newcastle's youngsters, who had won their last four league home games before facing their Reds counterparts, fell behind nine minutes after the restart through Sonni-Lambie's curling effort.

Despite a first league defeat on home soil since September, Chris Moore's side still occupy third place in the table and lie five points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

The young Magpies are in FA Youth Cup action on Thursday evening when hosting Crystal Palace in the fourth round stage at Whitley Park (kick-off 7pm GMT).

Newcastle United Under-18s: Roman Dowell, Henry Johnson (c), Thomas Old, Isaac Moran, Jake Durrant (Alfie Hutchison 86), Matty Taylor (Noah Morgan 84), Sam Alabi, Alex O'Donovan (Kayden Lucas 46), Sammy Pinnington (Jack Patterson 84), Michael Mills, Kacey Wooster.

Subs not used: Tyler Jones.