Newcastle's poor run of results at all levels continued at St. James' Park on Friday evening as the under-21 side slipped to their fourth successive home loss. 

The Hammers went ahead after when Marcus Browne's first-time volley struck an upright and rebounded out, only to deflect back into the Gallowgate End via goalkeeper Brendan Pearson.

Moses Makasi then doubled the visitor's lead when he poked a shot towards Pearson, who somehow allowed the ball between his legs. And West Ham got their third in the 39th minute when Dan Kemp had the simple task of converting a low centre from the left by Stephen Hendrie.

United reduced the arrears three minutes before the break when Sean Longstaff started and ended a move by taking Owen Bailey's pass and won his one on one with visiting custodian Raphael Spiegel.

Any notions of a comeback from Peter Beardsley's side ended just five minutes after the break though, when Pearson rushed out of his box to block an attack. The ball broke free to Matt Carter who lifted it into the unguarded goal from the edge of the area.

Newcastle enjoyed the lions share of possession from that point, but failed to force Spiegel into action until he tipped over a late effort from Callum Roberts.

Fit-again Curtis Good got his first competitive pitch time since February 2015 while there was a runout for Lubo Satka, currently on loan at York City but omitted from their side in recent games.

There were first starts at this level for Owen Bailey and Stefan Broccoli (the latter originally named on the bench but appearing in the starting XI wearing number 15) while youngster Craig Spooner made his U21 debut as a second half substitute.

Biffa