United had won their last four games in all competitions but fell behind after 12 minutes when Scotland international Steven Naismith swept home.

But Owen Bailey equalised after reacting quickest in a goalmouth scramble, and Mo Sangare put the Magpies ahead - only for Naismith to level with his second of the game.

The two sides had drawn 2-2 when they met at St. James' Park earlier in the season but the scoring wasn't over here as, in first-half stoppage time, Macaulay Gillesphey put Newcastle back in front, heading beyond Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

However parity was restored eight minutes into the second half when Todd Cantwell beat Nathan Harker from the penalty spot. 

And with 15 minutes left, Tristan Abrahams scored what proved to be the winning goal from Naismith's pass. 

Newcastle United Under-23s: Nathan Harker, Kyle Cameron, Macaulay Gillesphey, Callum Williams (Stefan O'Connor 61), Daniel Barlaser, Owen Bailey, Callum Smith, Jack Hunter, Dan Ward (Mo Sangare 21), Victor Fernandez (Yasin Ben El-Mhanni 72), Luke Charman

Subs not used: Brendan Pearson, Lewis McNall