Tuesday saw United's second string claim a place in the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy - but they ended up doing it the hard way, conceding a late equaliser before advancing on penalty kicks.

Over 1,000 fans were at Gallowgate to witness the managerial debut of former Magpie defender Sol Campbell, but after a bright start the League Two visitors went behind in the 23rd minute. 

Almost inevitably the scorer was in-form striker Elias Sorensen, who got on the end of Liam Gibson's low cross from the left to net at the Gallowgate End. 

Visiting goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara blocked an effort from Callum Roberts with his feet moments later and before the interval the on-loan Manchester United custodian had similarly denied Adam Wilson.

The Silkmens' best chance saw Scott Wilson test Nathan Harker in the home goal on 41 minutes after the visiting forward had outpaced the Newcastle backline.

Within 30 seconds of the restart Sorensen was in on goal only to shoot wide and although the Dane had another half-chance before his 80th minute substitution, United had lost the initiative. 

The League Two basement side grabbed a deserved 85th minute equaliser, substitute Ben Stephens playing in Wilson to beat Harker as home defenders waited in vain for an offside flag.

With no provision for extra time, the tie went straight to penalties, Newcastle going first at the Leazes End and scoring all five through Owen Bailey, Callum Roberts, Liam Gibson, Kelland Watts and finally the decisive strike through Mo Sangare after Harker blocked the second Town spot kick.

The draw for the last 16 is on Sky Sports News at 12:20pm this Saturday (8th) and ties will be staged during the week commencing Monday January 7th. The competition stays on a North/South regional basis at this stage, further increasing the chances of facing you know who....

North: Accrington Stanley Bury Manchester City U21s Newcastle Port Vale Rochdale or Oldham (Dec 11th) Shrewsbury Town mackems

South: Bristol Rovers Chelsea U21s Cheltenham Town Oxford v Spurs (Dec 18th) Northampton Town Peterborough United  Portsmouth Southend United

 
Biffa  - thanks to NUFC.com reader Andy Lee for the match pics