The young Magpies fell behind on the half-hour mark at the bet365 Stadium following Adam Porter's strike before Newcastle defender Charlie Wiggett was sent off following a last-man challenge on Douglas James-Taylor.

Taylor's clinical volley on the stroke of half-time extended the Potters' advantage and despite a strong second-half display, which saw Jay Turner-Cooke halve the deficit from the penalty spot, Newcastle were unable to salvage a point in the final stages.

Elliott Dickman made three changes to the side which claimed a 1-0 victory against Birmingham City last week as teenage defender Matt Bondswell, who joined Shrewsbury Town on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign, started for United's second-string in place of Josh Scott.

Central midfielder Nathan Carlyon, who signed his first professional contract with the Magpies last summer, started in the middle of the park while striker Isaac Westendorf, who signed an 18-month contract in January following an impressive trial, led the line for United's youngsters.

Newcastle were aiming to move into third place of Division Two and faced a Stoke side who had beaten the Magpies in a 3-2 victory at Whitley Park in September.

The first shot on target was registered after 25 minutes as Westendorf, who scored two goals in his previous three outings for Newcastle's second-string, surged forward before the Bremen-born forward saw a low strike comfortably held by Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin.

In the 30th minute, Stoke broke the deadlock through Porter. After Thomas Sparrow completed a darting run along the right flank, the full-back fired a dangerous cross into Porter's path, who drilled a first-time effort past Newcastle goalkeeper Jake Turner.

Newcastle's youngsters were dealt another difficult blow shortly after conceding as Wiggett was shown a straight red card after fouling Taylor on the edge of the box after the City striker had advanced into a goalscoring opportunity.

In the 44th minute, Stoke doubled their advantage through Taylor's volley. After an inviting lofted pass into the penalty area, the Potters forward fired an accurate effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

Newcastle were fortunate not to conceded a third shortly after the restart as William Forrester's header from Porter's in-swinging corner struck the post before the ball was cleared to safety. 

Turner-Cooke, who had scored eight goals in all competitions for United's second-string this term, saw a fierce effort blocked by Forrester before the 18-year-old blasted the ball wide of the target minutes later.

In the 70th minute, Newcastle pulled themselves back into the Division Two encounter courtesy of Turner-Cooke's penalty.

After Simkin produced a heavy touch from a Stoke backpass, Westendorf was alert to quickly intercept the ball before the striker was hauled down inside the box by the City goalkeeper.

Turner-Cooke comfortably dispatched the spot-kick, sending Simkin the wrong way with a low effort from 12-yards.

Joe Oliver went close to registering his first goal at under-23 level minutes later as the teenage right-back latched onto Westendorf's pass into the box following impressive work from the 20-year-old but saw his effort bravely blocked from close-range.

Despite their disadvantage for the entirety of the second-half, Newcastle continued their push for an equaliser as substitute Kyle Crossley, who scored on his under-23s debut against Crystal Palace in April 2021, saw a vicious effort beaten away by Simkin after the 17-year-old winger had raced into the penalty area.

Dylan Stephenson almost netted his 15th goal in all competitions for United's youngsters as the Blyth-born striker's curling effort from the edge of the box flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Newcastle United Under-23s: Jake Turner, Joe Oliver, Charlie Wiggett, Brad Cross (Ryan Barrett 83), Matt Bondswell, Niall Brookwell (c), Nathan Carlyon, Dylan Stephenson, Trialist (Kyle Crossley 85), Jay Turner-Cooke, Isaac Westendorf (Josh Scott 76).

Subs not used: Will Brown, Reagan Thomson.

Photograph courtesy of Stoke City