Lewis Scorgie's early tap-in gave Benfield the lead at Sam Smith's Park before a late equaliser from substitute Rosaire Longelo forced the quarter-final tie into a penalty shoot-out.

United goalkeeper Jake Turner was left the hero as the 20-year-old saved three penalties in the shoot-out to seal the young Magpies' place in the semi-finals along with successful spot-kicks from Tom Allan, Jack Young and Joe White.

The two sides had previously met in the competition ahead of their last-eight clash after facing each other two years ago, with United's second-string beating the Lions 3-0 at Whitley Park on their way to lifting the trophy for a 39th time.

Ben Dawson made four changes to the side which were held to a 1-1 draw against Hull City in the Premier League Cup on Friday, with Ryan Barrett, Jude Swailes, Adam Wilson and Yannick Touré all named in the starting line-up.

The Northern League division one outfit opened the scoring in the fifth minute as Macheck Kanda's cross-cum shot fell kindly into the path of Scorgie and the central defender was on hand to steer the ball into the net from close range.

Following the setback, United went in search for an equaliser as Elliot Anderson - who has represented Scotland at under-18 level - saw his low drive towards goal blocked by Benfield goalkeeper Andrew Grainger.

The young Magpies' best goalscoring opportunity fell to Allan on the stroke of half-time as the 20-year-old forward, who made his senior debut in United's Emirates FA Cup replay victory against Rochdale, saw his fierce effort cleared off the line by Scorgie despite the attempt flying underneath Grainger.

In the second half, Turner was on hand to prevent Benfield from doubling their advantage as Dan O'Reilly capitalised on a slip from defender Ludwig Francillette before striking the ball towards the bottom corner, forcing the England under-19 international into pushing the ball away to safety.

Longelo and Victor Fernández were introduced towards the hour mark but the latter was withdrawn after just nine minutes of his introduction, with the Spaniard suffering a hamstring injury and therefore replaced by White.

Controlling the majority of possession, the visitors continued to push forward in their hopes for a goal and were back on level terms in the 83rd minute through Longelo's volley.

After Tom Allan's powerful shot was parried by Grainger, the ball fell kindly into the path of the substitute, who fired the ball home from 10 yards to take the game to penalties.

In the shoot-out, United's second-string began in positive fashion as Allan, Young and White all converted whilst former United forward Paul Brayson saw his effort saved by Turner.

However, Grainger guessed the correct way to deny Touré before Turner responded in similar fashion with a terrific one-handed stop to deny Joe Robson from 12 yards.

Longelo had the opportunity to seal the encounter but also saw his effort saved by Grainger but it was Turner who confirmed United's place in the semi-finals after producing his third stop - this time from Scorgie - to send United through.

Newcastle United Under-23s: Jake Turner, Ryan Barrett, Lewis Cass, Jude Swailes, Ludwig Francillette, Oliver Walters, Jack Young, Elliot Anderson (Victor Fernández 57 (Joe White 64)), Adam Wilson (Rosaire Longelo 57), Tom Allan, Yannick Touré.

Subs not used: George Rounsfell, Oliver Marshall.