11 mins Adom shot 0-1

15 mins Neave shot 1-1

21 mins Chapman shot 1-2

Half time: Tynesiders 2 Magpies 1

49 mins Bone shot 1-3

70 mins Fitzgerald shot 2-3

82 mins Richardson own goal 3-3

90 mins Heffernan header 4-3

Full time: Tynesiders 3 Magpies 4

Interim U21 coach Robbie Stockdale said:

“It’s a difficult group to manage in pre-season because we have players literally all over the place and the games programme isn’t what a normal pre-season isn’t what it would be for the other groups and the first-team. 

"I found that the first half, at times we looked a little bit off the pace and we grew into the game We finished really strongly and there were bits we can be better at because the goals we conceded were poor but they showed really good character, they’re a tight knit bunch of young men and they’ve got themselves over the line. 

"We scored some good goals, probably could have scored a few more so it’s a pleasing night in many aspects but there are plenty of things to improve on going forwards.

"We spoke before the game, they’re all on different journeys and we hope they go on and play in our first team and have elite careers. Or maybe they go and play in the EFL or the National League. They will all find their own way but the vehicle to get them there is the team itself.

"I was more pleased with the team and yes, we have some really talented players but some of the unsung players in the group support that and they will get to where they want to be as well. 

"The focus can be on the players that have been in and around the first team but we have a mentality within the staff to say we have to support every player as best we can.”

Newcastle U21s began their National League Cup Group Stage campaign on Monday night with a remarkable late victory at the International Stadium.

The National League hosts went ahead in the 11th minute when Kain Adom shot home from distance.

But the young Magpies equalised four minutes later after a neat passing move involving Ciaran Thompson, Trevan Sanusi and Leo Shahar ended with a low cross from the right finished first time by Sean Neave.

However, parity was short-lived and Gateshead went 2-1 up in the 21st minute when Kyle Hurst centred from the right and Harrison Chapman scored with a smart flicked finish from inside the six yard box.

Four minutes after the interval the home side extended their lead, Callum Bone steering a low shot under Adam Harrison.

That was the signal for United to replace the unproductive Garang Kuol, who had looked on a totally different wavelength to his colleagues.

A period of Toon pressure ended with substitute Kyle Fitzgerald picking up a loose ball on the left edge of the box and placing a low shot into the far corner of the goal on 70 minutes.

Seven minutes later Neave almost equalised when his attempted lob from outside the box hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper stranded.

However, it was 3-3 with eight minutes remaining, after Neave got to the left byline and his pull back ended up in the back of the net via Gateshead's Kenton Richardson, with Shahar ready to pounce.

And the visitors took the lead in the 90th minute when Shahar's free kick from out on the right touchline was forcefully headed home by central defender Cathal Heffernan.

Goalkeeper Adam Harrison then saved his side deep into time added on, athletically turning a shot around his post to prevent the equaliser that would have prompted a penalty shootout.

Biffa