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Newcastle first-team stars Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett were named in the starting XI as they stepped up their respective returns to full fitness.
Trippier was given extra-time off after reaching the Euro 2024 final with England. He played 60 minutes in the Magpies’ friendly win over Stade Brestois earlier this month but was an unused substitute on Saturday against Southampton.
Targett, meanwhile, made an appearance having not featured for Howe’s team since November, first because of a hamstring and Achilles injury.
Ian Poveda, a summer signing for the Blacks Cats’ first-team, is who Targett was tasked with going up against and he registered the first chance of the evening when he fired over.
United responded well. Alfie Harrison saw a shot saved before setting up the opener when the former Manchester City youngster found the run of Anthony Munda, who produced a powerful finish.
Trippier and Targett were replaced at half-time for Leo Shahar and Dylan Charlton, and the young Magpies spent much of the second-half defending.
They were close to holding out but were breached in the 87th minute when substitute Timur Tuterov beat goalkeeper Max Thompson in the air.
Here’s our Newcastle United U21s player ratings from Whitley Park:
1. Max Thompson - 6
Was kept busy from 35 minutes onward. Pulled off some decent stops but was at fault for the equaliser. Sometimes put Newcastle under pressure with his kicking. Photo: Pete Norton
2. Kieran Trippier - 7
Wasn’t tested much defensively, though was alert in first-half stoppage time to deal with a dangerous cross. Didn’t venture forward as much as we are used to seeing in the first-team. | Getty Images
3. Cathal Heffernan - 6
Captained the under-21s and was vocal throughout. | NUFC
4. Ciaran Thompson - 6.5
Made a hooked clearance to stop Jewison Bennette from finding Hemir at the back post. Later showed good recovery pace to intercept Hemir before the offside flag was raised. | Getty Images