The Toon teenagers fell behind at the Kirkby Academy following Jayden Danns’ early opener as the Liverpool forward raced onto Trey Nyoni’s clipped ball in behind the United defence before slotting home.

United’s youngsters, however, responded in positive fashion as Neave, who made his England Under-17s debut whilst on international duty last month, equalised for the visitors, continuing his eye-catching goalscoring run.

After twisting and turning inside the penalty area, Neave fired the ball past Reds goalkeeper Kornel Miscuir, registering his seventh league goal of the 2023/24 season at under-18 level in the process.

Graeme Carrick’s side led six minutes before the half-time whistle as Bryant finished from close-range, completing a neat attacking move involving Neave and Trevan Sanusi, who joined the Magpies from Birmingham City last summer.

Magpies goalkeeper Aidan Harris, who was named on the bench for Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League draw away at AC Milan in September, was called into action after the restart, denying efforts from Kieran Morrison and Afolami Onanuga in quick succession.

Joe Brayson, son of former Newcastle and Cardiff City forward Paul, almost made an instant impact from the substitutes’ bench after seeing his one-on-one strike with Miscuir saved following a dangerous counter-attack.

Harris was in fine form to ensure maximum points for the young Magpies as the 16-year-old shot-stopper produced a low save to keep out Cody Pennington before tipping away Nyomi’s effort in the dying stages of the league encounter.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Aidan Harris, Leo Shahar, Luke Craggs, Logan Watts, Dylan Charlton, Travis Hernes (Rory Powell 78), Anthony Munda, Johnny Emerson, Thomas Bryant, Trevan Sanusi (Harry Powell 67), Sean Neave (Joe Brayson 78).

Subs not used: Adrian Janusz, Matthew Taylor.