Norwich City U23s were beaten 3-2 by Newcastle United in Northumberland as they squandered the opportunity to move up to third in the Premier League 2 table.

The Pink Un: Norwich City U23s midfielder Dan Adshead scored as City's youngster succumb to a 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle United Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesNorwich City U23s midfielder Dan Adshead scored as City's youngster succumb to a 3-2 defeat away at Newcastle United Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Isak Thorvaldsson and Dan Adshead scored for City but a second game in a short period proved to be too much for David Wright's young squad.

This fixture came just three days after the EFL Trophy fixture against League One side Portsmouth where Norwich were comfortably beaten 3-1. Travelling from the south to the north in such quick succession is something for the youngsters to adapt to as they seek to continue their development.

Newcastle took the lead after impressive work from right back Jamie Sterry who played it inside to Rosaire Longolo who found the top corner of the net with a curling effort from range. On 41 minutes, the Magpies doubled their lead through Luke Charman, who collected the ball inside the Norwich half before driving past Ciaren Jones to dispatch the ball beyond Scottish keeper Archie Mair.

Given the decimation of the first teams' defensive make-up, the omission of Akin Famewo raises questions as to whether Daniel Farke has swooped into his youth teams to provide depth given the long term injuries to Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose.

Adam Idah was also absent, with him being involved in the first team squad who conquered English champions Manchester City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Norwich did manage to get back into the game despite dominance from the home side, with the highly-rated Adshead drilling a low effort past Dan Langley. The equaliser came from a Tom Scully corner which fell to Thorvaldsson who converted into the top right corner of the net in the 64th minute.

Nine minutes later, Newcastle regained their lead through Tom Allan who controlled a diagonal pass from Sterry before drilling the ball home to make it 3-2.

Newcastle boss and ex-City player Steve Bruce was in attendance.

Next up for Wright's side is a home game on Friday against Stoke City at Colney, with a 7pm kick-off time.