Tuesday saw Newcastle's U23 side resume their Premier League Cup campaign, facing Notts County in the fourth of six scheduled Group Stage ties.

And although they trailed 0-2 with three quarters of the tie gone, Ben Dawson's side clawed their way back to claim a slightly fortunate draw thanks to goals from Mo Sangare and Kelland Watts.  

That result leaves United top of their group by one point from Southampton with two games left - on track to qualify for the knockout stages, with the top two progressing to the last 16.

Owen Bailey led the side on his 20th birthday, while Lewis Cass returned to the bench following a two month absence due to injury. The latter wasn't called upon, but there was a debut at this level during the second half for 18 year-old midfielder Jack Young.

With top scorer Elias Sorensen now on loan at Blackpool and Callum Roberts with the senior squad, United's attack consisted of teenager Yannick Toure and Luke Charman - the latter recently back from a temporary switch to Accrington Stanley.

Notts meanwhile included trialist forward Elliott Reeve, whose parent club is Ilkeston Town - meaning he was well acquainted with the match venue of the New Manor Ground in the Derbyshire town.

The other Magpies dominated proceedings and took a 31st minute lead when Sam Osborne took a pass from Will Patching on the right flank and shot past Nathan Harker in the Newcastle goal.

Playing in the blue change kit, United looked to respond and two minutes later a free kick from Matty Longstaff was spilled by the Notts 'keeper, who managed to collect it following a scramble.

However the hosts reached half time with their lead deservedly intact, Ben Dawson's side struggling to get to grips with a heavy pitch.

Notts then doubled their lead on 58 minutes, thanks to a stunning right foot volley from Elliot Ward just inside the Newcastle box.

Attempting to get back into the tie, Tom Allan saw his effort from close range parried by Tiernan Brooks five minutes later but could only fire into the side netting with his second attempt.

Introducing Rosaire Longelo quickly bore fruit for United however, as he drilled a cross over from the left within three minutes of his arrival for Mo Sangare to side foot in from six yards. 

There was a lengthy delay as the game moved into the closing 10 minutes of normal time after Tyreece Kennedy-Williams received treatment for an injury and had to be stretchered off.

With two minutes of the 90 remaining though, two visiting substitutes combined for an equaliser - a short corner leading to Longelo crossing and Kelland Watts sending a glancing header over the 'keeper and into the net.

Into seven minutes of added time and Owen Bailey sent a long range effort narrowly wide of the target as United attempted to complete their comeback. 

Tom Allan then opted to try and square the ball when one on one with the goalkeeper in the final seconds before the referee's whistle sounded.

Newcastle have previously visited Ilkeston, facing the hosts in an FA Youth Cup tie back in 2015.

Thanks to GW