16 mins Collar shot 0-1

Half time: Seagulls 1 Magpies 0

51 mins Roberts shot 1-1

Full time: Seagulls 1 Magpies 1

United's U21 side failed to end their winless streak on Wednesday evening against an Albion side who had collected maximum points just once this season.

Coach Peter Beardsley welcomed back striker Ivan Toney after a two month absence with an ankle injury, as United made a first appearance at Crawley Town's Broadfield Stadium.

Albion started the brighter and had a couple of long range efforts off target before Will Collar beat debutant 'keeper Nathan Harker with a fine strike which flew in off the post after 16 minutes.

The visitors attempted to reply and top scorer Callum Roberts went on a fine mazy run before seeing his attempted pull back put out for a corner.

Harker then denied Brighton a second goal just after the half hour, making a point blank save to deny Jack Harper before Joe Ward somehow put the rebound wide. Roberts then played in Toney but he screwed a tame effort across the face of the goal as Newcastle went into half time still trailing.

The home side introduced Jonah Ayunga after the break and he missed two great chances to increase the lead, heading against the goal frame on 49 minutes before spurning another headed chance wide with the goal gaping.

United equalised on the hour following good work from Mackenzie Heaney and Luke Charman on their competitive U21 debuts allowed Callum Roberts a run on goal. Cutting inside onto his left foot, the 18 year-old hit a fine strike into the top corner for his eighth U21 league and cup goal this season. 

Both sides then came close to finding a winner, Albion's Ward whipping in a dangerous cross which somehow evaded everyone before a long range free-kick from Roberts almost slipped through the 'keeper's grasp.

It ended 1-1 though and after trips to Swansea and Arsenal next week, United round off their U21 season by facing Brighton at SJP on Monday April 11th.

Thanks to GW and Suffolk Toon