NEWCASTLE UNITED crashed out of the Checkatrade Trophy as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Oldham Athletic in their final group game.

Needing a victory to progress to the knock-out stage, the Magpies’ second string were comprehensively beaten at Boundary Park despite the presence of first teamers Jamie Sterry, Curtis Good, Dan Barlaser and Rolando Aarons in their starting line-up.

Oldham opened the scoring in the 13th minute as Jack Byrne drilled a crisp finish past Newcastle goalkeeper Nathan Harker.

Peter Beardsley’s side fell further behind shortly after the hour mark, with Eoin Doyle converting the rebound after Harker parried a long-range strike from Kean Bryan.

Newcastle collapsed in the second half, and Oldham swiftly added a third goal through Byrne and a fourth courtesy of Doyle, who doubled his personal tally after some good approach play from Ryan Flynn.

The Magpies grabbed a consolation with 15 minutes left, with Aarons heading home Barlaser’s corner.

Newcastle: Harker, Sterry, Good, Gillesphey, Cameron; Barlaser, Ward; Roberts, Fernandez (Kitchen 70), Aarons; McNall (Bailey 64)