A quick start from the Magpies at Little Benton saw them take a 13th-minute lead, when leading goalscorer Ndiweni raced onto James Huntley’s pass before firing beyond Forest stopper Alex Akers.

After the visitors saw a goal chalked off for offside after Dezlef Esapa Osong was deemed to have strayed beyond the last man, Kyle Crossley saw an effort saved by Akers as United sought a second.

It didn’t arrive until after the break, though, with Stanton’s good work in the box eventually rewarded with an unerring finish just before the hour.

Despite a handful of further chances, and Ndiweni striking the upright, the score remained 2-0 as Forest were unable to beat England Under-18 international goalkeeper Max Thompson and find a way back into the contest.

The result leaves Newcastle – who handed a debut to Beau Beresford, son of Magpies hero John – level on three points with all three of their group stage rivals, with the visit of Southampton set to decide their Premier League Cup fate next month.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Max Thompson, Josh Stewart, Beau Beresford, Ellis Stanton, Ciaran Thompson, Harry Barclay, Jamie Miley, Lewis Miley, Michael Ndiweni (Josh Donaldson 88), James Huntley, Kyle Crossley.

Subs not used: Steven Bessent, Josh Nicholson, Joel Green, Nathan Robertson.