Liverpool started the game well and created an early chance for Astrit Ajdarevic but the Swede headed over from six yards out. Craig Lindfield did the same minutes later and inbetween Jimmy Ryan forced a good save out of the Newcastle goalkeeper.
It was only a matter of time before Liverpool scored and the opener duly arrived on 24 minutes when midfielder Charlie Barnett scored a cracking goal from 30 yards out.
Liverpool doubled their lead five minutes before the break when Craig Lindfield timed his run to perfection to meet Ajdarevic's clever chipped through ball. One on one with the keeper, Lindfield calmy slotted home into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
Newcastle improved their performance in the second half but it was the Reds who scored first. On the hour mark a Charlie Barnett shot was parried by the Newcastle goalie and Ryan Flynn was on hand to bury the rebound.
The Geordies pulled a goal back almost immediately when they headed a free kick past Reds' goalie Martin Hansen.
It was 4-1 after 68 minutes when Flynn capitalised on a defensive error to race through on goal and lob the outrushing goalie for his second of the game.
Newcastle pulled another one back minutes later when another free kick was diverted into the Liverpool net but the Reds can be happy with their performance and must be confident taking a two goal lead and four away goals to Anfield for the second leg.