15 mins Dipepa shot 0-1

17 mins Neave shot 1-1

Half time: Magpies 1 Saints 1

70 mins Akachukwu shot 1-2

Full time: Magpies 1 Saints 2

Interim U21 coach Robbie Stockdale said:

"We created enough chances in the game to win a couple of games.

"We were disappointed with the goals we conceded - although I think the first one was a clear foul on Lewis and he got pushed nearly into the advertising hoardings.

"It’s disappointing obviously, we want to win football matches and that’s a habit we need to get into - but we shot ourselves in the foot and that means frustration is the overriding feeling.”

On Lewis Hall:

"Lewis was penciled in for a little while but he was on the bench for the first team yesterday and if he got on the situation might have changed.

"We are in good communication with the first team staff and with that in mind, we are there to bridge the gap for our players and we have no issues giving minutes to first team players.

"It’s the life of an Under-21 coach.”

A strong Newcastle U21 side made a losing start to their PL2 fixture programme on Sunday afternoon, losing to Southampton at a sun-drenched Whitley Park.

The visitors took the lead when a 15th minute corner was touched in at the near post by Baylee Dipepa but retained that advantage for just two minutes, before Sean Neave volleyed home Alfie Harrison's right wing cross.

Southampton regained the lead with what proved to be the winning goal in the 56th minute, Romeo Akachukwu guiding a strike high into the net beyond Max Thompson.

The 19 year-old Irish youth international who spent time on trial at United in 2023 scored on his U21 debut in midweek and marked his first PL2 start here with a stylish finish. 

Neave netted from close range in the 85th minute but was denied by the linesman's flag before the Saints survived nine minutes of added time to leave with maximum points.

Lewis Hall completed the full 90 minutes as he continues his comeback from injury, while there was a first competitive appearance for Korean Park Seung-soo since joining from Suwon Bluewings.

Thanks to GW