The Saints had the ball in the back of the net early on at Little Benton when Tommy-Lee Higgs slotted home, but United were relieved to see the offside flag raised and the goal chalked off.

The hosts created chances in the first half in particular, with Ben Parkinson being denied by goalkeeper Gus Lillienberg, but skipper Higgs’ simple finish handed the visitors the lead with barely 20 minutes gone.

Newcastle winger Kyle Crossley went close either side of half time, shooting over before the break before seeing an effort saved by Lillienberg after the restart.

But Higgs’ second of the game six minutes before the hour mark gave the Saints a two-goal lead which they rarely looked in danger of relinquishing.

United still managed to carve out some opportunities, but Jimmy Jay Morgan’s shot from the edge of the box sealed a 3-0 win for Southampton, who missed out on qualification for the next stage despite their victory.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Max Thompson, Callum McNally, Beau Beresford, Jamie Miley, Josh Stewart (Harry Powell 46), Ciaran Thompson, Ben Parkinson (Josh Donaldson 57), James Huntley, Michael Ndiweni, Lewis Miley (Johnny Emerson 70), Kyle Crossley.

Subs not used: Steven Bessent, Scott Bailey.