The young Magpies trailed in the opening stages of the first-half at the 1st Cloud Arena following Ewan McGowan's strike.

United's youngsters, however, responded in bright fashion as Johnny Emerson's impressive finish levelled the clash against the National League North side in front of 1,424 spectators.

In the ninth minute, South Shields broke the deadlock through McGowan. After Paul Blackett's low cutback found its way into the penalty area, the Mariners midfielder was on hand to drive a low effort into the bottom right-hand corner.

Newcastle's youngsters were fortunate not to a concede a second goal shortly after falling behind as Blackett latched onto a pass into the box before the former Gateshead striker's first-time effort was directed past the left-hand post.

In the 23rd minute, Newcastle equalised through Emerson as the Scotland under-19 international, who made his Magpies first-team debut during last weekend's pre-season victory against Hull City, raced onto a lofted pass and after advancing into the box, drilled a powerful effort past Shields goalkeeper Myles Boney.

Magpies goalkeeper Aidan Harris, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club last month, produced a strong stop to prevent Blackett regaining the hosts' one-goal cushion, with the 17-year-old 'keeper holding the forward's looping goalbound header.

Newcastle's second-string headed into the break on level terms despite Shields forward Aidan Rutledge heading wide from Mackenzie Heaney's in-swinging cross from the right flank.

In the second-half, Blackett went close to firing Shields in front after racing towards goal following Will Jenkins' pass but dragged a low effort wide of the far left-hand post.

The Mariners frontman continued to pause a threat to the United backline, robbing Harry Powell of possession before advancing towards goal but saw an audacious chip float over the crossbar.

United's youngsters went close to taking the lead as Trialist A held off the challenge of Heaney but, after cutting inside, fired a low effort into the hands of Boney.

Dan Ward, a former Magpies Academy product, almost fired Shields into the lead as the central midfielder was granted time on the edge of the box but fired a low attempt inches wide of the left-hand post.

Substitute goalkeeper, Adam Harrison produced an excellent stop to deny Rutledge in the closing stages as the 17-year-old shot-stopper, another to sign his maiden professional deal with United last month, tipped the striker's fierce deflected shot from the edge of the box over the crossbar.

Newcastle United Under-21s will begin their 2024-25 Premier League 2 campaign on Monday, 19th August when the young Magpies host rivals Sunderland at Whitley Park (kick-off 7pm BST) and fixtures can be found here.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris (Adam Harrison 46), Rory Powell (Darren Palmer 46), Ciaran Thompson, Harry Powell (Luke Craggs 63), Dylan Charlton, Ellis Stanton (Logan Watts 63), Travis Hernes (c), Anthony Munda (Guy Bloomer 75), Trialist A (Joe Brayson 63), Johnny Emerson, Josh Donaldson (Trialist B 63).

Photograph courtesy of South Shields Football Club