Newcastle's second string grabbed their first home win of the season at a misty St. James' Park on Monday night, thanks to a late brace from Callum Roberts.

Although the game saw Siem De Jong, Jamaal Lascelles and Freddie Woodman all complete 90 minutes without incident, there was an injury blow for Steve McClaren when Massadio Haidara limped off before half time.

The French left back turned awkwardly when reaching a misplaced pass and went down clutching his leg in front of home dugout with no opposition player involved.

Other than that incident though and two routine stops from Woodman, there was little else of note in a first half as the fog hung around the stands but didn't blank out spectator views of a very average contest. 

United's first real opportunity came in the 58th minute when Kevin Mbabu was upended on the right side of Villa's box and Roberts took the resultant free kick.  

That was aimed low towards the near post and met by Siem de Jong, but his first-time shot was instinctively blocked by Matija Sarkic from point blank range.

With the visitors offering absolutely nothing going forward the onus was on Newcastle to press forward - and with 12 minutes left the breakthrough came.

Having looked in vain all night for the chance to score a fifth U21 goal in as many games, Ivan Toney could have been excused for shooting when De Jong's touch took him into the box with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Instead though, the former Northampton Town striker unselfishly squared the ball for Roberts to slot home at the Gallowgate End for his second goal of the season.