Lewis Cass and Kurtis Russell were also on target at the Amex Stadium on Thursday night as the Magpies claimed revenge for September's Under-18 Premier League Cup defeat to the Seagulls in emphatic fashion.

Versatile former Ponteland High School pupil Watts has spent part of the current campaign playing at centre-back, but was employed further forward here and responded by giving United a tenth-minute lead after a strong run from Adam Wilson.

Cass doubled the Magpies' advantage in the 65th minute, with a controlled finish from captain Matthew Longstaff's corner, before Watson's side ran riot in the final 11 minutes.

First, Deese Kasinga Madia was fouled, allowing Watts to convert from the penalty spot, then in the 85th minute Watts was brought down and he picked himself up to score from 12 yards once more and complete his treble.

And in stoppage time, substitute Elias Sorensen squared for Russell to complete the scoring, just moments after his own introduction from the bench. 

Despite the margin of victory, Dan Langley had an excellent game in goal for the Magpies as he denied Brighton on several occasions. 

Newcastle United Under-18s: Dan Langley, Oliver Walters, Oisin McEntee, Matthew Longstaff, Isaac Gamblin, Lewis Cass, Jack Young (Kurtis Russell 89), Thomas Allan (Elias Sorensen 83), Kelland Watts, Deese Kasinga Madia (Mace Goodridge 89), Adam Wilson.