Ryan Sessegnon – who netted twice against Newcastle last season – opened the scoring for Slaviša Jokanović’s side, with Mitrović sealing the deal with just less than 20 minutes to play.

Also in the Championship, Jack Colback tasted success for the first time since his temporary switch to Nottingham Forest, starting their 5-2 win over Queens Park Rangers before being withdrawn late on.

In League One, there were contrasting fortunes for the two United youngsters in action. Adam Armstrong helped title-chasing Blackburn Rovers to a 2-1 win at Walsall – claiming an assist in the process – but Alex Gilliead’s Bradford City were beaten 1-0 at Plymouth Argyle.

With the bottom two in the division both winning, it was crucial that Crewe Alexandra avoided a third defeat in four outings when they travelled to Lincoln City in League Two. And the Railwaymen – featuring Jamie Sterry – got just what they needed, cruising to a hugely impressive 4-1 victory at Sincil Bank. Sterry’s Magpies compatriot Dan Barlaser remained on the bench.

For another United pair, dreams of a Wembley appearance are still alive. Lewis McNall and Callum Williams were both in Gateshead’s squad as the Tynesiders fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Leyton Orient in the last eight of the FA Trophy. McNall appeared as a late substitute for the Heed, who welcome the O’s back to the International Stadium a week on Tuesday.

And also involved in a stirring comeback was defender Stuart Findlay, who played 90 minutes as Kilmarnock claimed a point against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership despite shipping two early goals.

Photo courtesy of REX/BPI.