After a goalless first half at the John Smith’s Stadium, Josh Donaldson’s first goal at under-21 level broke the deadlock for the young Magpies in their opening Group F fixture before the hosts equalised in quick fashion through Kyle Hudlin’s powerful drive.

Newcastle’s youngsters were reduced to ten men in the final stages following James Huntley’s dismissal before United’s second-string dug deep to record an encouraging point in West Yorkshire.

Ben Dawson made seven changes from the side which suffered a narrow 1-0 away defeat against Wrexham in last week's EFL Trophy encounter as Travis Hernes, who joined the Magpies from Shrewsbury Town this month, made his full debut for Newcastle’s under-21 side whilst Dylan Charlton and Donaldson were both handed their competitive debuts at second-string level.

Scottish duo Charlie McArthur and Johnny Emerson, who both represented Scotland at under-19 level whilst on international duty last week, were both named in the starting line-up whilst Irish teenager Cathal Heffernan, who joined United last month following his departure from AC Milan, returned to the squad having featured for Republic of Ireland's under-19 side.

Emerson produced a heroic last-ditch block to deny Hazeem Bakre from giving Huddersfield an early lead as the Scot’s initial pass was intercepted by the Terriers forward before the resulting shot at goal was blocked and eventually cleared to safety.

Aidan Harris, who made his debut for Newcastle’s under-21 side during last week’s EFL Trophy tie at Wrexham, was tested in goal shortly after as the 16-year-old shot-stopper, who signed a full-time scholarship with the club last summer, held Tom Iorpenda’s stinging drive from the edge of the penalty area.

Charles Ondo went close to punishing the visitors after Iorpenda advanced past Ciaran Thompson on the left byline before picking out the Town midfielder, who drove a fierce effort wide of the far right-hand post.

Harris was alert to block Luke Daley’s strike as the teenage goalkeeper sprung quickly off his line following Josh Austerfield’s through ball before blocking the left-back’s first-time effort.

Newcastle struggled to record a meaningful attempt on goal as Ben Parkinson, who made his Magpies first-team debut during a 3-2 pre-season friendly win against Gateshead in July 2023, collected Donaldson’s pass before his blocked strike was comfortably held by Huddersfield ‘keeper Chris Maxwell.

Emerson created United’s sole shot on target during the opening 45 minutes as the Carlisle-born winger cut inside from the left flank but his effort lacked enough power to trouble Maxwell, who held the 17-year-old’s attempt from the edge of the box.

In the second half, Parkinson went narrowly close to breaking the deadlock as Emerson’s lofted corner found its way to the Durham-born forward at the back post, who saw his header blocked on the goalline before his rebound was lashed wide of the target.

In the 67th minute, Newcastle took the lead as Donaldson netted his first goal at under-21 level. After a lofted pass was challenged between Parkinson and Maxwell, the ball fell kindly into Donaldson's path before the striker, who scored six goals at under-18 level last term, who cooly placed the ball into an empty net.

United’s lead lasted four minutes, though, as Hudlin levelled for the Terriers, latching onto the ball inside the box before lashing a low drive into the far left-hand corner.

Newcastle were dealt a tough blow in the final minutes as Huntley received his marching orders after an off the ball altercation with Hudlin resulted in the Ashington-born midfielder picking up a controversial second bookable offence.

Harris produced a vital save to keep United on level terms, getting down low to push away Hudlin’s low strike inside the box before smothering the loose ball.

United’s youngsters were unfortunate not to grab a stoppage-time winner as Jamie Miley, introduced from the substitutes’ bench at the hour mark, almost netted a fine counter-attacking move but the Stanley-born youngster drove his first-time attempt wide of the target.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Ciaran Thompson, Charlie McArthur, Cathal Heffernan, Dylan Charlton (Josh Scott 60), Ellis Stanton (Jamie Miley 60), Travis Hernes, James Huntley, Ben Parkinson (c), Johnny Emerson (Rory Powell 90), Josh Donaldson (Kyle Crossley 76).

Subs not used: Adam Harrison.

Photograph courtesy of Huddersfield Town Football Club