United came off second best in the first of two reserve visits to Premier League 2 pacesetters Swansea City this week on Monday evening. 

Playing the first part of a league and cup double header at City's Landore Training Ground, Peter Beardsley's side were aiming to register a second victory of the season over the Swans. 

However, the hosts were in irresistible form, with Magpies 'keeper Nathan Harker quickly beaten twice but performing heroics to keep the score down.

Striker Oli McBurnie opened the scoring on 10 minutes before grabbing his second eight minutes later and almost completing a quick-fire treble when he rattled the United crossbar in the 25th minute. 

However, Scotland U21 international McBurnie completed his treble just before the hour mark, converting a penalty after Alex Bray was fouled.

United reduced the arrears with eight minutes to play, Tom Heardman shooting beyond Gregor Zabret for his seventh league and cup goal of the season.

There was no more scoring as the Swans opened up a thirteen point lead on the third-placed Magpies, for whom Lewis Cass made his reserve league debut and Matty Longstaff a competitive second string bow.

The teams meet again at the same venue on Friday in the Premier League Cup, with a 2pm start. 

Dropping out of the line-up - and possibly providing some hints as to Wednesday's senior squad - were goalkeeper Rob Elliot, central defender Stuart Findlay, midfielders Dan Barlaser and Jamie Holmes, plus forward duo Luke Charman and Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.