U21s: Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle

Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United in a hard-fought Premier League 2 match at Bodymoor Heath on Friday.

Newcastle dictated possession early and drew first blood through midfielder Joe White in the opening half, but Villa were proving to be a big threat on the counter-attack.

Ruben Shakpoke answered just before half-time with a composed finish following brilliant work from Chisom Afoka on the left wing to bring the Young Lions level at 1-1.

In the second half the away side regained the lead through midfielder Josh Scott. Despite having several opportunities and dominating in the final stages, Villa could not find the equaliser.

Villa, who were bolstered by the inclusion of Frédéric Guilbert in the line-up, started the game well and caused trouble for Newcastle with their quick passing.

However, it was the away side who opened the scoring in the 24th minute after White swept the ball into the left corner from the centre of the box.

Villa’s Shakpoke then went close as he raced through on goal from a counter, but his strike was well saved by Jude Smith in the Newcastle goal.

Shakpoke made no mistake when his second opportunity arrived though, poking the Young Lions level in first half stoppage-time after Afoka did brilliantly to set him up.

Scott was somewhat fortunate to restore Newcastle’s lead in the 59th minute with a tap-in following an outstanding save from Villa goalkeeper Josh Lane.

Villa then came close to an immediate response, with Teddy Rowe striking a free-kick narrowly wide of the top corner.

The Young Lions dominated the latter stages of the game and saw a golden chance slip away as substitute Kobei Moore dragged his shot wide after going through on goal.

The home side threw everything at Newcastle in stoppage time but could not make a breakthrough as they fell to defeat.