Newcastle United Under-23s had their moments against Manchester United Under-23s at St James' Park - but were punished emphatically for their missed chances on a balmy night on Tyneside.
With new reserve team boss Neil Redfearn still searching for his first victory in charge of the second string, he would have been happy enough with the first half an hour against the Red Devils.
However, just four months on from Man United's 5-0 reserve team win, the black and whites crumbled again in Premier League 2.
Man United bossed the opening 10 minutes and were awarded a dangerous free-kick, but England youth international James Garner could only curl it into the palms of Jake Turner.
Six minutes later, Tahith Chong broke down the left but could only fire over the bar at the Gallowgate End.
Chong was booked moments later following a late challenge on Jamie Sterry.
On 18 minutes Sterry rolled the ball into the danger zone to pick out Victor Fernandez but he scooped it over at the back post.
There was a big chance for skipper Luke Charman seven minutes before the break after Sterry's cross but he could only steer a shot straight at Matej Kovar.
It was a chance that Charman and United would rue, and as Man United pushed through the gears, Chong picked up the ball on the left-hand side and fired it low into the bottom corner on 38 minutes.
Three minutes later, Newcastle were 2-0 down as Largie Ramazani turned and fired beyond Turner to heap the misery on the home side.
Newcastle went in 2-0 down at the break after failing to take their chances.
Sterry tried his luck from distance in the first few minutes of the second half but fired high and wide at Gallowgate.
Newcastle were grateful to former Bolton Wanderers stopper Turner on 53 minutes when he managed to block Garner's close-range effort low down.
Fernandez put in a fine cross on 56 minutes but Charman's effort was blocked.
But it was 3-0 and effectively game over before the hour mark.
Chong drove the ball low on the left-hand side as Man United stamped their authority on the game.
Newcastle tried to rally themselves and Fernandez released Charman through the centre but he could only blaze the ball over the bar.
Fernandez rode a couple of challenges mid-way through the second half before picking out Charman but he fired wide again.
Promising 16-year-old Joe White - who has been training with the first team - was sent on for the final 18 minutes of the game and he showed some good touches plus a willingness and hunger to get on the ball.
Garner lashed home a fourth goal with 10 minutes left after being handed time and space on the edge of the box at the Leazes End.
United battled hard in the latter stages but could not find a consolation goal.
Newcastle: Turner, Sterry, Walters, Sangare (Longelo 64), Swailes, Cass, Young, Scott, Toure (White 76), Charman (c), Fernandez.
Attendance: 904
Referee: Andrew Kitchen
