NEWCASTLE UNITED’S Under-21s are three games from a Wembley appearance after making sure Sol Campbell’s managerial career started in defeat.

Campbell, the former Magpies and England defender, was making his debut as Macclesfield Town manager and his new team were beaten by Newcastle’s youngsters in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Scott Wilson equalised just six minutes from time for the Silkmen, who lost a penalty shootout for the first time in their 144-year history.

Newcastle took the lead when Elias Sorensen poked home his 18th of the season in the 23rd minute, even though Macclesfield were on top for the majority of the first half at St James’ Park.

But Newcastle did improve and should have made the tie safe when Sorensen missed a glorious one-on-one chance a minute after the restart and then he missed another later in the half.

And Macclesfield, bottom of League Two, capitalised by hitting an equaliser when Wilson popped up six minutes from normal time to chip Nathan Harker.

The two teams scored their first spot kicks in the shoot-out, but then Ben Stephens' effort was saved by Harker and the hosts won 5-3 in front of 1,126 fans. Newcastle are now in the last 16.

NEWCASTLE UNITED U21s: Harker, Walters, Gibson, O'Connor, Bailey, Allan (Longelo 64), Watts, M.Longstaff, Sorensen (Sanagre, 78), Roberts, Wilson (Toure 73). Subs (not used): Huuhtanen, Juanito.

MACCLESFIELD TOWN: O'Hara, Pearson (Stephensen 75), Lowe, Grimes, Arthur, Napa (Poticelli 55), Maycock, Evans, S.Wilson, Welch-Hayes, Blissett (Smith 66). Subs (not used): Durrell, Kelleher, Lloyd, Whitaker.