United U23s completed their 2018 fixtures away to Southampton on Friday night, losing for the first time in eight league and cup outings.

New Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was among the small crowd at Staplewood Training Ground and watched his development side dominate the game without making a breakthrough in the first half.

Following his return to fitness, Magpies defender Jamie Sterry was in the starting lineup and his crucial clearance denied the hosts in the 21st minute.  

Midfielder Will Smallbone then drilled a shot from distance off the crossbar after 23 minutes before visiting custodian Nathan Harker blocked a low effort from Nathan Tella at the expense of a corner.

By contrast, his opposite number Harry Lewis in the home goal had nothing to do before half time.

The Newcastle goal survived two near escapes in quick succession, before a close range finish from Smallbone on 54 minutes broke the deadlock. Having set up the opener, Jonathan Afolabi doubled Southampton's lead eight minutes later, prodding a shot following Tella's centre from the right.

A rare excursion into the Saints box on 74 minutes ended with Sorensen feeding the ball in the left and O'Connor upending Rosaire Longelo as he ran in.

Callum Roberts converted the resultant spot kick for his ninth league goal of the season but that was as good as it got for Ben Dawson's side, who pushed on in the closing stages but created virtually nothing.