For anyone logging on in search of solace from the next generation of Newcastle players....look away now.

Without a win in nine league and cup games this year, an U21 side featuring a clutch of teenagers in possession of permanent contracts were swept aside in the opening 45 minutes by a Brighton side who were similarly winless.

And although Peter Beardsley's side saved face slightly with an improved second half showing, they failed to make any tangible impression on the final scoreline.

The Magpies lined up with the side that drew 1-1 against Stoke last week, minus defender Lubo Satka who wasn't risked due to his current status as first team cover. 

The Seagulls had managed just three wins in sixteen league games before our visit and were the lowest scorers in the two divisions with just 12 goals.

However, Albion went ahead from their first meaningful attack of the game, when visiting defender Macaulay Gillesphey conceded a foul on United's left flank.

Jesse Starkey swung over a left-footed free kick and defender Danny Pappoe headed past Freddie Woodman to give the Seagulls an eleventh minute lead.

Woodman then produced a fine one-handed stop to block a shot from Charlie Harris before another Starkey centre caused problems in the Newcastle area - Ben White somehow heading over when it looked easier to score.

Newcastle then exerted some pressure of their own when Jamie Sterry played a one two with Adam Armstong before testing Walton in the 22nd minute.

Armstrong then shot from distance soon after and saw the effort blocked by Christian Walton but although the rebound ended up with Alex Gilliead, he could only side foot wide of the target from the edge of the box.

Albion doubled their lead just before the half hour when Adam Laidler's foul allowed Starkey to take another set piece from the right, crossing to tee up Ghanian-born Pappoe for his second headed goal of the game.

Looking to hit back, Olivier Kemen centred from the left on 38 minutes and picked out Callum Roberts, only for the Newcastle player to take a poor first touch and see his chance of getting a shot in evaporate.

Woodman looked to have saved his side from going in three goals behind at the break, pulling off a great save from Jason Davis and then seeing James Tilley blast wastefully the rebound over the bar.

However that merely delayed further punishment, with Gillesphey completely missing his kick and allowing striker Robin Deen to bear down on goal and roll the ball home.

Into the second period and Peter Beardsley's side got on the front foot, Armstrong seeing his 50th minute effort from Gilliead's centre blocked before Roberts curled a free kick from distance narrowly over two minutes later.

Dan Barlaser then drove his shot harmlessly wide before teeing up Armstrong just after the hour, the striker going on and forcing a stop out of Walton. 

Gilliead then found himself in the box twice on 72 minutes, firstly heading a rebound back at Walton after the 'keeper had fumbled Liam Smith's cross. Newcastle's number 7 then jinked forward in possession before sending over a low cross that was cleared.

Albion had barely threatened in the second period but were desperately close to making it 0-4 on 80 minutes; substitute Jimmy Muitt sending William Collar away only for him to smack his shot off the outside of the post.

There was a return to action for Ryan McKinnon after injury, while fellow defender Michael Newberry made his competitive U21 debut - both coming off the bench.

Thanks to GW for the report and Dan Maier for the pic