Three goals were netted in a lively opening half at Whitley Park, with the young Magpies trailing inside eight minutes following Dylan Williams' drilled finish before the hosts responded in swift fashion through Trevan Sanusi's leveller.

Ronnie Stutter, however, restored Chelsea's one-goal advantage and after Leo Castledine's quick-fire brace after the restart extended the Blues' lead, strikes from Dujuan Richards and Diego Moreira, either side of Stutter's penalty, completed a difficult night for United's youngsters.

Ben Dawson made four changes from the side which claimed a 2-2 draw against their Wolverhampton Wanderers counterparts on Monday night as Jamie Miley, older brother of Lewis, was handed his first start at under-21 level since October after sustaining a lateral knee ligament injury while young trio Jordan Hackett, Amadou Diallo and James Huntley were also named in the starting XI.

In the 8th minute, Newcastle fell behind through Williams' strike as the Blues full-back exchanged a quick pass before drilling a fierce effort into the far left-hand corner.

Newcastle's second-string, however, responded in positive fashion as Sanusi levelled the scoring, the 16-year-old's second goal in as many matches at under-21 level. The promising winger, who joined the Magpies from hometown club Birmingham City last summer, intercepted Teddy Sharman-Lowe's pass and after racing into the box, stroked a low effort into the far left-hand corner.

Anthony Munda, who netted his first goal at under-21 level against Wolves, almost sent United's youngsters ahead after driving towards goal before the 17-year-old's low drive flew narrowly wide of the right-hand post.

In the 16th minute, Newcastle trailed once more through Stutter's finish. The Blues forward completed a dangerous run from his own half and exchanged a pass with Zain Silcott-Duberry before slotting a low first-time effort past Magpies goalkeeper Will Brown.

Miley went close to marking his longly-awaited return from injury with a goal as the Stanley-born midfielder, who made his first-team debut for his boyhood club during a pre-season friendly victory against Gateshead in July 2023, latched onto Amadou Diallo's free-kick before firing his attempt over the crossbar. 

Alfie Harrison, who arrived at St. James' Park from Manchester City last month, almost recorded his first goal for the club at under-21 level as the 18-year-old midfielder's stinging strike was spilled by Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe before the ball was cleared from the penalty area.

Newcastle were delivered an early blow within the opening 60 seconds of the restart as Castledine doubled the Blues' advantage, collecting a loose ball inside the box before drilling a low effort underneath Brown.

Miley went close to halving the deficit minutes later as Dylan Charlton's header from Harrison's corner found its way to the 20-year-old who could only steer his effort into the side-netting.

In the 52nd minute, Newcastle conceded a fourth as Castledine netted a brace, racing onto Williams' pass towards the back post before lifting the ball into the roof of the net.

In the 83rd minute, Chelsea netted a fifth goal of the night as Richards completed a dangerous move, cutting inside from the right flank before lashing the ball into the far left-hand corner.

Newcastle were dealt a further setback in the fourth minute of stoppage-time as Stutter netted from the penalty spot. After Munda tripped Jimi Tauriainen inside the box, Stutter completed a Panenka spot-kick, sending his attempt from 12 yards down the middle.

Moreira rounded off a tough evening for United's youngsters after netting in the final minute of the league encounter, latching onto Richards' pass inside the box before tucking the ball into the net.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Will Brown, Leo Shahar, Ciaran Thompson (c), Jordan Hackett, Dylan Charlton, Jamie Miley (Sean Neave 60), Alfie Harrison (Ellis Stanton 60), Anthony Munda, Trevan Sanusi, Amadou Diallo (Kyle Crossley 76), James Huntley.

Subs not used: Charlie McArthur, Aidan Harris.