It's now four defeats in a row for United's second string in all competitions, after they fell victim to a smash and grab raid by their Stoke counterparts at Whitley Park on Monday night.

A forgettable first half ended with the hosts ahead through to a 43rd minute penalty conversion by Elliot Anderson - the spot kick award following a needless handball by an opposition player.

City levelled four minutes after the restart when Dan Langley blocked a free kick but D'Margio Wright-Phillips followed up to net the rebound before celebrating in a manner reminiscent of Lomana LuaLua.

That inspired Newcastle to up the tempo and Anderson twice tested visiting 'keeper Nathan Broome with powerful shots.

The Potters gained a 71st minute lead against the run of play thanks to a half-volley from Tom Sparrow - and Tyrese Campbell made it 1-3 from Stoke's next attack five minutes later, seizing on a loose ball in the box before shooting home.

United reduced the arrears when substitute Adam Wilson netted from close range on 80 minutes, but were unable to salvage a point despite nine minutes of additional time following an earlier injury that saw City's Gabriel Adebambo stretchered off.

Among the onlookers was Newcastle's recent loan signing Santiago Munoz, who has now arrived on Tyneside to link up with the U23s after completing his quarantine.

Biffa