10 mins Stephenson shot 1-0

12 mins Crossley shot 2-0

28 mins Griffiths shot 2-1

Half time: Stoke U21s 1 Newcastle U21s 2

Full time: Stoke U21s 1 Newcastle U21s 2

Two early goals gave Newcastle U21s victory in their penultimate PL2 game of the season on Friday night - aided by two red cards for the home side.

The Magpies made a rapid start at the Bet365 Stadium, taking a tenth minute lead through Dylan Stephenson on his return to the side following the end of his loan spell at South Shields.

1-0 then became 2-0 within two minutes thanks to Kyle Crossley, among the substitutes when the teams were initially given but included in the starting line-up at the expense of Jay Turner-Cooke.

The visitors were forced into a change when Lucas De Bolle replaced the ailing Jamie Miley. before City reduced the arrears on 28 minutes when Jack Griffiths beat Aidan Harris from close range. 

Stoke ended the half a man short after goalkeeper Tommy Simkin saw red for a challenge on Stephenson outside the box.

Ten men then became nine for the hosts midway through the second period; Jaden Dixon dismissed in the aftermath of a tussle with Stephenson.

A goal line clearance in the closing stages then denied Amadou Diallo as United sought to turn their numerical dominance into a more clear-cut margin of victory.