The young Magpies, who had won the last two competitions in 2018 and 2019, began the second defence of their title on Saturday morning with a Group C clash against the hosts, Hong Kong Football Club.

Despite dominating in possession during the seven-a-side encounter, consisting of two seven-minute halves, United’s youngsters - backed by a group of Magpies supporters - were held to a goalless draw in the Happy Valley.

United’s second group game, against HKFC Captain’s Select, began in bright fashion as winger Amadou Diallo, who joined the Magpies’ youth set-up in October 2022 following a successful trial, opened the scoring inside 24 seconds as James Huntley’s cross was cleared into the 20-year-old’s path, who stabbed the ball home from close-range.

Matt Bondswell, captaining United’s second-string for the tournament, was forced to withdraw through injury in the latter stages but Newcastle comfortably saw out a 1-0 victory against the Asian outfit.

United concluded their Group C campaign with a 2-1 defeat against fellow English side Leicester City, with Diallo sending the Magpies ahead from the penalty spot after being bundled over in the opening minutes, dispatching his spot-kick beyond City goalkeeper Brad Young, before the Foxes equalised before the half-time whistle with a close-range finish.

The Magpies conceded with the final kick of the game but will remain hopeful of lifting the trophy on Sunday, with a second-place finish resulting in their progression to the last eight of the competition they have won three times in their last seven attempts.

Newcastle will now face their Aston Villa counterparts in the Main Cup quarter-final on Sunday (kick-off 3.18am BST), who topped Group A despite a surprising 1-0 loss in their opening fixture against Tai Po Football Club.

Photograph courtesy of HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens