NEWCASTLE UNITED UNDER-21s crashed out of the Leasing.com Trophy as they suffered their second defeat of this season’s competition courtesy of a 3-0 loss at Shrewsbury Town.

Neil Redfearn’s youngsters created plenty of chances and hit the woodwork twice, but were undone by some clinical Shrewsbury finishing as their hopes of reaching the knockout stages were dealt a fatal blow.

Jamie Sterry was the only member of a youthful Newcastle side with first-team experience, and the full-back delivered an early cross that 16-year-old Elliot Anderson could only head straight at the goalkeeper.

Shrewsbury claimed the lead midway through the first half, with Fejiri Okenabirhie slotting a neat finish past Daniel Langley after the Magpies conceded possession in their own half.

The hosts doubled their lead 11 minutes later as Newcastle’s defenders switched off from a corner, enabling Jason Cummings to head home.

The Magpies rallied in the second half, and Thomas Allan came within inches of clawing a goal back as he fired against the crossbar.

They hit the woodwork again midway through the second period, with substitute Victor Fernandez shooting against the post, but the Shrews made things safe with three minutes left as Dave Edwards converted from a free-kick.

Newcastle Under-21s: Langley; Sterry, McEntee, Cass, Walters; Allan, Young, White (Fernandez 39), Anderson (Francillette 39); Charman (Stephenson 66), Scott.