Tom Allan's impressive long-range strike, catching Villa goalkeeper Oliwier Zych off his line, gave the young Magpies a slender half-time lead at Villa Park before Kadan Young's close-range finish shortly after the restart drew the hosts level.

In their final away fixture of the 2021/22 season, Adam Wilson's cross-cum shot regained Newcastle's advantage in the closing stages as United's second-string ended a run of four consecutive defeats to seal an eighth-place finish in Division Two.

Elliott Dickman made six changes to the side which suffered a 4-2 defeat against their Southampton counterparts as goalkeeper Max Thompson returned to the starting-line up along with defensive trio Charlie Wiggett, Nathan Carlyon and Matt Bondswell.

Dylan Stephenson, who netted a consolation against the Saints - the striker's 15th goal of the season at under-23 level - was handed a start as well as Mexican forward Santiago Muñoz, who joined the Magpies last August on an 18-month loan deal from Santos Laguna. 

Wilson created the opening goalscoring opportunity of the Division Two encounter as the 22-year-old winger collected Muñoz's pass, after neat build-up play between the attacking teenager and Allan, before his fierce deflected drive was held by Zych.

United's youngsters remained on goalless terms after Tommi O'Reilly's strike was importantly blocked by Newcastle skipper Niall Brookwell before Travis Patterson's rebound looped over the crossbar.

In the 41st minute, Newcastle broke the deadlock in stunning fashion from Allan. The 22-year-old, who made his professional debut for his boyhood club during an Emirates FA Cup tie against Rochdale in January 2020, spotted Zych off his line before executing a fantastic lob from distance.

Barely two minutes had passed after the restart before Villa found themselves on level terms through Young's simple finish. After Frankie Ealing drilled an inviting low cross from the right flank, the forward was on hand to tuck the ball past Thompson inside the six-yard area.

Allan went close to restoring Newcastle's lead as the former Accrington Stanley loanee was teed up by Matt Bondswell, following a dangerous run from the left-back, but the former slipped before shooting, with the ball flying wide of the target.

Thompson, a representative of England at under-18 level, made a key save to prevent Villa moving into the lead as the 17-year-old goalkeeper kept out Indiana Vassilev's low strike with his leg.

In the 81st minute, Wilson netted for the young Magpies in fortunate fashion, the youngster's fourth goal of the season at second-string level. After picking up Brookwell's pass on the left wing, the former England under-18 international's intended cross flew beyond Zych at the front post.

Newcastle United Under-23s complete their 2021/22 campaign on Thursday night when they take on Blyth Spartans in the Northumberland Senior Cup final at St. James' Park (kick-off 7.30pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-23s: Max Thompson, Nathan Carlyon, Charlie Wiggett, Remi Savage, Matt Bondswell, Niall Brookwell, Jay Turner-Cooke, Tom Allan, Adam Wilson, Santiago Muñoz (Joe Oliver 66), Dylan Stephenson.

Subs not used: Will Brown, Ryan Barrett, Josh Scott. 

Photograph courtesy of Aston Villa Football Club