Two goals in seven second half minutes saw Aston Villa defeated by Newcastle United in Premier League 2 on Monday night.
The visiting Villans had their chances during a hard-fought encounter in the North East, with Brad Young thwarted on three occasions in the opening 20 minutes.
Despite having fewer sights of goal, Newcastle showed a ruthless streak when Isaac Westendorf opened the scoring on 63 minutes and Cameron Ferguson grabbed a second shortly after.
Defeat leaves Villa fifth in the PL2 table with nine games left to play.
Possession
40%Shots
10Shots On Target
5Corners
4Fouls
172
0
Cards
1
0
Mark Delaney made six changes from the team that beat Reading 4-1 last time out, with three of those enforced following a number of deadline day loan moves.
Oliwier Zych replaced Filip Marschall in goal and the Polish ‘keeper was worked within the first 60 seconds when Jay Turner-Cooke shot from distance.
Despite seeing less of the ball, Villa were creating chances for frontman Young.
Young, who bagged a brace in his last outing, twice tested Newcastle goalkeeper Will Brown early-on, beating the offside trap and seeing a shot well saved before Brown again got down to repel his low drive.
Villa defender Munroe also went close before Young was thwarted for a third time in the opening 20 minutes.
The Magpies’ best opportunity half came shortly before it drew to a close, with Dylan Stephenson clipping the outside of the post.
There was still time for the visitors to threaten when Kahrel Reddin’s volley was tipped over and Josh Feeney’s header was cleared off the line.
Villa were left to rue those missed chances when the game’s opening goal was scored after 63 minutes.
Westendorf timed his run well and ran onto a through ball, heading towards goal before slotting past Zych.
A second goal followed soon after when Ferguson made a telling impact just two minutes after coming on.
The substitute slotted Adam Wilson’s cross into the back of the net to double the hosts’ advantage.
Delaney’s Young Lions will now prepare for a trip to Nottingham Forest on Monday, February 7 (ko 7pm).
Newcastle U23: Brown, Scott, Brookwell, Oliver (Trailist 72'), Wiggett, De Bolle, Stephenson, Wilson (Trialist 92'), Carlyon, Turner-Cook, Westendorf (Ferguson 70')
Subs: Ferguson, Trailist, Turner, Trialist
Aston Villa U23: Zych, Feeney, Munroe, Lindley, Barber, Tommi O'Reilly, Hart, Thorndike, Reddin (Teddy Rowe 80'), Afoka, Young
Subs: Ealing, Wright, Lutz, McBride, Teddy Rowe
