A goal in each half for Adam Armstrong was enough to give Newcastle's second string their first win in twelve league and cup games on Monday night at Villa Park. 

The Geordie youngster took his goal tally at this level to nine in eleven starts this season and provided a timely reminder of his scoring prowess ahead of this Saturday's Premier League game against Swansea City.

Joining Arma in the starting line-up were Siem De Jong and Facundo Ferreyra, who had each managed 45 minutes for the reserves last week after recovering from injury.

The pair both played for over an hour here and should now come into consideration for first team duty: the Dutchman made the last of his three senior appearances way back in August, while the on-loan Argentinean is yet to feature competitively at all for the Magpies.

The Villans U21 side shipped five goals without reply at St. James' Park earlier this season, but had won their most recent three games without conceding.

The better chances fell to Newcastle in the opening period however, with Facundo Ferreyra striking a post after 18 minutes and Olivier Kemen doing likewise three minutes later.

However the home side went ahead just after the half hour mark when Jerell Sellars centred for Harry McKirdy to beat United goalkeeper Paul Woolston.

That lead lasted just four minutes though before Adam Armstrong turned and cracked home a fine shot for his eighth goal of the season at this level.

Into the second half and Ferreyra again tested the Villa Park woodwork before Armstrong grabbed his second of the evening in the 63rd minute.