Returning to action for the first time since Head Coach Neil Redfearn left the club, Newcastle U23s were beaten in their second Premier League Cup group game at a rain-sodden Whitley Park on Friday afternoon.

With Ben Dawson in charge, a small crowd including Steve Bruce saw the hosts come close to opening the scoring on several occasions - striker Luke Charman shaving a post and putting two other chances wide. 

At the other end, Magpies goalkeeper Jake Turner kept the tie scoreless, instinctively sticking out an arm to divert Jamie Soule's close range effort on 19 minutes.  

The visitors who went in at half time a goal to the good, Chris Willock setting up Nick Clayton-Philips to fire home from inside the box four minutes before the break.

Enjoying the lion's share of possession once again, United failed to test visiting custodian Brad House in the second period - Turner saving with his legs to deny Albion a second goal midway through the half.

By then Newcastle had turned to teenage midfield pair Joe White and Elliot Anderson - both of whom have recently signed their first pro deals at the club.

What proved to be United's best chance of salvaging a point from the game came five minutes from the end of normal time, when defender Dan Meredith blocked a goalbound header on the line following a corner.

Three minutes added time saw Anderson's powerful strike clear the crossbar before the full time whistle blew to confirm Albion's second victory over Newcastle this season, following a 2-1 league success in September.

With a 100% record from their opening two Cup games, the Baggies top Group C, while United lie second. Hull City and Scunthorpe United complete the group, both with zero points from the single game they've played.

Ties are scheduled through to February 2020, with eight group winners and eight second place finishers qualifying for the knockout stage.

Biffa