Newcastle's U21 side began their pre-season campaign with a behind closed doors friendly at Little Benton on Tuesday afternoon against a youthful Saints squad.

Southampton arrived with players from their U16, U18 and U21 sides and fell behind when Adam Campbell scored with an expertly taken free-kick in the 35th minute. Visiting goalkeeper Chris Johns then picked the ball out of his net twice more in quick succession, Macaulay Gillesphey first in the right place to head home Shane Ferguson's corner from six yards out.

Defender Gillesphey then grabbed his second and United's third with a volleyed effort, before an improved second half display from the visitors saw Dan Demkiv reduce the arrears with a fierce 25 yard shot after 61 minutes,

The Saints then made it 2-3 through a close range effort from Harley Willard on 84 minutes, before a 20 yard strike from Callum Roberts restored Newcastle's two goal advantage three minutes before the full time whistle.

United includedtrialist Alvaro Garcia at left back (below), a Spanish youth international from Real Oviedo. The 16 year-old has been training with United's U18 squad recently and also featured in their pre-season game against Newcastle Benfield on the same pitch.

Also getting some pitch time was Academy goalkeeper Carl Robinson.