The young Magpies trailed in the opening stages of their Northern Section Group C clash following Joe Felix's strike for the League Two outfit but found themselves level on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Vakhtang Salia's fourth goal of the 2026/27 season at U21 level.

Thompson, making his first start for Newcastle at second-string level, fired the visitors ahead within the opening minute of the restart before Afner Cá sealed the victory in the closing stages, with the Guinea-Bissau teenager netting his first goal for the club following Thompson's pinpoint pass.

"It was a great experience," Thompson said. "We struggled in the first half but we got into the game and took our chances in the second half. From there, we managed the game when we were winning and the game was done once it went to 3-1.

"It's good to hit the ground running. After I scored, everything went into place and, of course, I'm delighted to get the win.

"I think I could've scored another one, but, overall, it was a good performance. I'm happy for Afner to get his first goal as well."

Thompson, who signed his first professional contract with the Magpies on his 17th birthday, highlighted his side's character after falling behind against their senior opponents, currently occupying third place in the English fourth tier.

The London-born forward, a representative of England at Under-17 level, believes his side's first win of the current campaign will provide a positive boost to the young squad, with United's second-string

He added: "When we went one-nil down, we didn't put our heads down. We kept going and didn't look like we were stressed.

"Once it went to 1-1 and then 2-1, we felt like we were going to win. We haven't a good start to the season in terms of results. Against Boreham Wood [last week], we were good but just didn't get the result but, today, we were good and got a great result.

"I think it will give us a lot of confidence going into the next game. We need to keep doing our best in every training session and hopefully everything will fall into place."

After a positive full debut for United's Under-21s, Thompson is determined to progress further and follow in the footsteps of Academy products such as Sean Neave, Leo Shahar and Mason Miley, who have featured in Matthias Jaissle's senior matchday squads this term.

"I want to keep smashing it with the Under-21s and keep starting, getting goals and assists," the promising teenager said. "I want to try and break into the first team.

"Newcastle is a great project with playing young players. Once I get my opportunity, it's about taking it with both hands and showing everyone what I can do."