Newcastle's dreadful losing run continues as Under-21s beaten at St James's Park

Brighton and Hove Albion beat Peter Beardsley's side 4-1 at St James's Park tonight.

Newcastle's second string, without a victory since late January, had been looking to end their Under-21 Premier League campaign with a rare win.

But Division Two basement club Brighton had other ideas, and were 2-0 up by the 13th minute thanks to goals from Jack Harper, signed from Real Madrid last summer, and Joe Ward.

Luke Charman quickly pulled a goal back for United, but James Tilley and Jonah Ayunga netted in the second half to give the visitors a convincing victory.

Winger Roberts – who had been a threat down the right for United – hobbled off midway through the second half with what looked like an ankle injury.

Beardsley's team, 10th in the 12-team Division Two table, did not include any first-team players.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Harker, Cobain, Gibson, Hunter (Laidler, 64) Williamson, Bailey, Roberts (Smith 65), Ward (Heaney, 64) Charman, Barlaser, Longstaff.