An entertaining Tuesday night at the International Stadium ended with the U21s securing the three points that confirmed their qualification for the quarter-finals of the inaugural National League Cup.

Goals from Alfie Harrison, Josh Donaldson, Garang Kuol and Darren Palmer defeated the Tynesiders and confirmed United as group winners, after other results elsewhere went in their favour.

A chaotic first half began with Harrison's eighth minute shot but that was cancelled out by Jovan Malcolm's individual effort six minutes later.

Josh Donaldson made no mistake when finishing Jonny Emerson's low centre from the left on 18 minutes, but a handling error by visiting goalkeeper James Taylor five minutes later allowed Callum Trip a goal on his debut after signing a loan deal from MK Dons.

Emerson then came close to restoring United's lead from distance before Leo Shahar shot against the goal frame shortly before the interval.

The introduction of Darren Palmer just after the hour almost immediately broke the deadlock; the Magpie denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Owen Mason - on loan from Mansfield Town.

With 15 minutes left and thoughts of penalties - that would have reduced the points on offer to two and weakened the qualification hopes of either side - a timely spot kick award benefited the visitors.

Former United junior Carter Milmore collided with Garang Kuol in the box and the Australian youngster confidently dispatched the resultant penalty for his second U21 goal in as many games.

Kuol then turned provider seven minutes from the end of normal time, dinking in a cross that Palmer headed home - crucially improving Newcastle's goal difference to ensure that they finished top of their group.

A decent night then, albeit against National League opposition who were at less than full strength. Kuol has now completed two full games in five days and seems set for a loan move that will hopefully allow him to play regularly, following the misadventures at Hearts and Volendam.

We're still not wholly convinced by Harrison despite the claims as to his impending greatness on social media, but midfielder Scott Bailey did catch the eye tonight on the eve of his 19th birthday - showing good anticipation and providing some decent through balls on only his third U21 start.   

Biffa