The Reds dominated the early possession and carved out chances for Nabil El Zhar, Kewell and Craig Lindfield before Kewell finally opened the scoring after half an hour.
A Jay Spearing thunderbolt was pushed out for a corner and from the resulting set piece Liverpool took the lead. Sebastian Leto delivered a fast ball into the box and Kewell rose highest to head home the opener.
Unfortunately for the Reds they went in at the interval level after Robert Huth slipped at a vital moment and allowed the Newcastle striker to score a one on one with David Martin.
Jordy Brouwer replaced Kewell at half time and it was the Dutch striker who restored Liverpool's lead after 53 minutes. Craig Lindfield's cross was dropped by the Newcastle goalie right at Bruwer's feet and he was able to tap home into an empty net.
Liverpool continued to create chances but were unable to wrap the game up. Newcastle began to put the Reds under pressure for the last 20 minutes but failed to really test Martin in the Liverpool goal.
