After a goalless first-half at the Red Bull Arena, Newcastle fell behind shortly after the restart following Danny Welbeck’s close-range tap-in before Anderson levelled the clash in the closing stages to continue his eye-catching pre-season campaign.

The 20-year-old midfielder then secured the comeback victory in the final minute of stoppage-time with a low composed finish, his fourth goal in four friendly fixtures so far this term, to keep United's hopes of winning the inaugural competition alive.

Eddie Howe made eleven changes from the side which faced Chelsea at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Harvey Barnes was handed his full Magpies debut against the Seagulls while young right-back, Harrison Ashby was awarded his maiden Newcastle start at first-team level.

In the opening minutes of the contest, Matt Targett was quickly forced into producing a crucial challenge to deny Facundo Buonanotte from recording a shot towards goal, with the alert United left-back sliding inside the box to turn the ball away from danger.

Anderson went close to netting his third goal of Newcastle's pre-season campaign after collecting Barnes’ pass inside the penalty area before the 20-year-old midfielder’s fizzing drive was held by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Newcastle were fortunate to remain on level terms shortly after as Targett was dispossessed on the edge of his own box before the ball was played into Adam Lallana’s path who fired a low effort wide of the left-hand post.

The Magpies missed a great opportunity to break the deadlock within the opening two minutes of the restart as Matt Ritchie’s inviting free-kick was curled into Jamaal Lascelles’ path but the stretching United skipper could only guide his headed attempt over the crossbar.

In the 49th minute, Newcastle conceded in unfortunate fashion as Kaoru Mitoma advanced beyond Ashby on the right flank before the Japanese winger’s dangerous cross was deftly touched into Welbeck's path by Pope, who placed the ball into an empty net from close-range.

Pope prevented Brighton from doubling their advantage, turning Buonanotte’s strike around for a corner after a dangerous counter-attack from Roberto De Zerbi’s side involving the lively Mitoma.

Wilson then struck the crossbar on the hour mark after combining neatly with Murphy but the England international’s powerful drive towards goal clipped the woodwork.

Newcastle continued their pursuit for an equaliser as Barnes’ curling strike towards the far corner was blocked by van Hecke before Murphy saw an audacious long-range attempt held by Verbruggen.

Anderson went close to drawing Newcastle level after Brighton substitute Jensen Weir was dispossessed by Wilson inside his own penalty area, who teed up the Geordie youngster inside the box but his shot was pushed around the post by the Dutch goalkeeper.

In the 86th minute, Newcastle found themselves on level terms as teenage substitute Ben Parkinson fired a low cross into the penalty area, with the dogged Anderson winning onto the loose ball before managing to fire a close-range effort into the net.

A dramatic finale was to come, with Parkinson going agonisingly close to netting his first senior goal after heading Jacob Murphy’s cross from the right flank inches over the crossbar.

Anderson, however, ensured a late win as the highly-rated youngster latched onto Jacob Murphy's impressive lofted pass, holding off the challenge of Albion defender Ed Turns before cooly slotting the ball into the left-hand corner.

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Harrison Ashby (Lewis Miley 59), Jamaal Lascelles (Remi Savage 79), Paul Dummett (Alex Murphy 75), Matt Targett, Matt Ritchie (Jay Turner-Cooke 79), Bruno Guimarães, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes (Jamie Miley 90), Callum Wilson (Ben Parkinson 75).

Subs not used: Martin Dúbravka.