The young Magpies, who had already secured qualification into the last 16 before their final Group G tie, fell behind at the John Smith's Stadium through Jaheim Headley's powerful drive before Danny Grant's close-range header extended Huddersfield's lead before the half-time break.

The cup tie saw Santiago Muñoz make his long-awaited debut for Newcastle's under-23s while Mo Sangare made a first competitive appearance since November 2020 following a long-term injury but the second-half substitutes were unable to spark a comeback for United's second-string, who will face an away trip to Fulham in the knockout stages of the competition.

Elliott Dickman made three changes to the side which claimed a 2-0 win over Aston Villa a fortnight ago, with South African defender Brad Cross, Scottish teenager Reagan Thomson and a Trialist all handed starts in West Yorkshire.

Muñoz, who joined United on an 18-month loan in August, was named in the under-23s' matchday squad for the first time since arriving on Tyneside from Mexican top-flight side Santos Laguna.

Ahead of the young Magpies' final Group G fixture, both sides had already secured qualification into the last 16 with a game to spare, with Newcastle hoping to beat their Terriers counterparts by four or more goals to finish as group winners.

Newcastle, who reached the 2019 Premier League Cup final, faced an early attacking threat from the hosts as right-back Aaron Rowe advanced into a dangerous position before lashing the ball wide of the left-hand corner.

Dylan Stephenson missed a glorious opportunity to net his 14th goal of the term in all competitions. After Adam Wilson dispossessed David Adewoju's loose ball, the 21-year-old's resulting strike was blocked into Stephenson's path but the 19-year-old striker, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club, directed his shot wide of the target.

Newcastle full-back Joe Oliver went close to registering his first goal at under-23 level as the 19-year-old defender latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area but his volley flew into the arms of Huddersfield goalkeeper Giousie Bellagambi.

In the 28th minute, Huddersfield broke the deadlock through Headley's stinging effort. After bringing down Loick Ayina's diagonal pass, the left-back darted into the box before firing the ball into the far right-hand corner.

With the half-time whistle approaching, Newcastle were dealt a difficult blow as Danny Grant extended Town's advantage. Following Ben Midgley's set-piece delivery from the right flank, the unmarked forward headed the ball into the net.

Newcastle goalkeeper Will Brown prevented the visitors from conceding immediately after the restart as the young shot-stopper made two saves in two minutes to deny low drives from Mica Obiero and Pat Jones.

United's youngsters, who were aiming for a fifth successive away win in all competitions during their trip to West Yorkshire, went close to halving the deficit as Stephenson saw a drilled effort saved by the legs of Huddersfield goalkeeper Giosue Bellagambi before versatile left-winger Josh Scott saw his goal bound strike pushed out for a corner.

Muñoz, who reached the Under-17 World Cup final with Mexico in 2019, was handed his first appearance for United's second-string as the South American forward was introduced from the bench after the hour-mark.

The 19-year-old, born in the United States, almost netted on his Newcastle bow but the Mexican striker saw a half-volley inside the penalty area blocked by Adewoju.

Newcastle continued their push for a goal in the closing stages as Oliver's teasing cross almost fell into Muñoz's path but the ball was turned away to safety.

Newcastle United Under-23s turn their attention to Premier League 2 action when they host Division Two leaders Fulham at Whitley Park on Monday, 21st February (kick-off 7pm GMT).

Newcastle United Under-23s: Will Brown, Joe Oliver, Charlie Wiggett (Ryan Barrett 74), Brad Cross, Trialist (Santiago Muñoz 64), Nathan Carlyon, Lucas De Bolle (c), Adam Wilson, Reagan Thomson (Mo Sangare 46), Josh Scott, Dylan Stephenson.

Subs not used: Jake Turner, Kyle Crossley.