Dylan Stephenson's composed first-half finish, the striker's fourth goal in as many matches, opened the scoring for the young Magpies at Heritage Park.

Despite a valiant defensive effort from the visitors, Newcastle's youngsters were denied maximum points following Gibson's 94th minute equaliser, despite protests for offside from United's second-string.

Elliott Dickman made four changes from the side which suffered a 2-0 defeat against League One outfit Barnsley in the Papa John's Trophy as goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who kept a clean sheet on his first-team debut in an EFL Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers in September 2020, started in-between the sticks.

Teenage centre-back Alex Murphy returned to the starting eleven after featuring for Republic of Ireland Under-19s last week whilst central midfielder Jamie Miley was handed a first start of the 2022/23 campaign at second-string level.

United's second-string were aiming for a third successive Premier League 2 victory but faced a Boro side sitting in second place after four wins in their opening six Division Two matches.

Gillespie was forced into early action as the 30-year-old shot-stopper produced an important save to deny Sonny Finch, parrying away the teenage forward's header after connecting with Isiah Cornet's in-swinging free-kick inside the penalty area.

Newcastle were fortunate to remain on level terms after Hayden Hackney completed a dangerous solo run before finding Pharrell Willis but the Boro winger fired a low effort wide of the far right-hand post.

In the 36th minute, Newcastle broke the deadlock as Stephenson continued his bright goalscoring form. After Josh Scott managed to dispossess a loose ball from the hosts, the Gateshead-born winger threaded a neat pass into Stephenson's path before slotting the ball into the left-hand corner. 

In the second-half, Murphy - who joined the Magpies' academy from hometown club Galway United last summer - produced a heroic last-ditch tackle to prevent Bryant Bilongo from firing a shot towards goal after the left-back advanced into the box.

Gillespie was on hand to maintain United's one-goal cushion as the former Carlisle United and Motherwell goalkeeper got down low to hold Willis' stinging low drive.

United's youngsters were fortunate to remain ahead after Hackney's strike from the edge of the penalty area was pushed away by Gillespie before Matthew Hoppe's rebound cannoned off the crossbar.

Jay Turner-Cooke went close to doubling the visitors' advantage in the closing stages as the South Shields-born attacking midfielder picked the ball up in a dangerous position before electing to shoot from distance, with the 18-year-old's fizzing effort flying over the crossbar.

Newcastle continued to defend valiantly throughout the second-half along with Gillespie recording another key stop, holding Calum Kavanagh's powerful strike.

However, in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Newcastle were dealt a devastating blow in the dying stages as Gibson drew Middlesbrough level.

After picking the ball up inside the penalty area, the right-back rifled a low effort into the bottom left-hand corner although Newcastle's second-string were left stunned after believing the defender to have wandered into an offside position.

There was still time fo Newcastle to steal a late winner after a scramble inside the box saw the ball land at Stephenson's feet but the Blyth-born striker fired a wild effort wide of the target.

Newcastle United Under-21s return to Premier League 2 action in a fortnight's time when the young Magpies face an away trip against their Aston Villa counterparts on Friday, 14th October (kick-off 7pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-21s: Mark Gillespie, Nathan Carlyon, Charlie Wiggett, Alex Murphy (c), Matt Bondswell, Jamie Miley (Niall Brookwell 68), Jay Turner-Cooke, Josh Scott (Jordan Hackett 86), Trialist (Michael Ndiweni 54), Joe White, Dylan Stephenson.

Subs not used: Will Brown, Cameron Ferguson.

Photography courtesy of Middlesbrough Football Club