Aston Villa Under-21s 2 Newcastle United Under-21s 3 | OneFootball

Ben Parkinson opened the scoring for the young Magpies inside five minutes at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, netting his fourth goal in his last five away matches at under-21 level, before Ben Broggio's close-range finish levelled the clash for the Villans.

Travis Patterson's strike shortly after the restart fired Villa ahead before United's second-string netted twice in the space of five minutes, with Cathal Heffernan's header drawing the visitors level before Parkinson's successfully converted penalty, ultimately, saw Diarmuid O'Carroll's side prevail in a five-goal thriller.

Targeting a third consecutive win across all competitions, O'Carroll made five changes from the side which claimed a 2-1 victory away at FC Halifax Town during Tuesday's National League clash while Aston Villa named experienced duo Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara in their starting XI.

In the fifth minute, Parkinson continued his bright goalscoring form as the Durham-born teenager, who made his Premier League debut for his boyhood club against away at AFC Bournemouth last season, fired an effort inside the penalty area into the bottom left-hand corner.

In the 19th minute, Newcastle found themselves back on level terms as Broggio equalised for the hosts, sliding in at the back post before firing the ball home inside the six-yard area.

United's second-string fell behind three minutes after the restart through Patterson as the Villans full-back squeezed the ball past Magpies goalkeeper Aidan Harris at the back post.

Jamal Jimoh-Aloba went close to doubling Villa's lead shortly after the hour mark as the attacking midfielder's dangerous effort crashed against the crossbar.

In the 65th minute, Newcastle equalised through Heffernan as the Irish centre-back, who joined the Magpies in August 2023 following his departure from AC Milan, rose high from Dylan Charlton's corner before guiding a powerful header into the net.

Parkinson fired United in front for a second time in the 70th minute, with the 19-year-old forward holding his nerve from the penalty spot, netting his fifth goal in his last seven competitive outings at second-string level.

Newcastle United Under-21s are in EFL Trophy action on Tuesday evening when facing an away clash against Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium (kick-off 7pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris, Rory Powell (Charlie McArthur 78), Cathal Heffernan (c), Ciaran Thompson, Dylan Charlton, Ellis Stanton (Alfie Harrison 71), James Huntley (Darren Palmer 61), Travis Hernes, Ben Parkinson (Jay Turner-Cooke 71), Johnny Emerson, Josh Donaldson.

Subs not used: Tyler Jones.