42 mins Swinkels header. 0-1

Half time: Newcastle U21s 0 Villa U21s 1

Full time: Newcastle U21s 0 Villa U21s 1

NUFC in PL2 - last four seasons:

2020/21: 13th of 13, 25 points from 24 games -16 GD (scored 31 conceded 47)
2021/22: 8th of 14, 38 points from 26 games -5 GD (scored 51 conceded 56)
2022/23: 8th of 11, 23 points from 20 games -6 GD (scored 35, conceded 51)
2023/24: 22nd of 26, 19 points from 20 games -17 GD (scored 29, conceded 46)

PL2 scorers 2023/24:

Kyle Crossley 7
Ben Parkinson 5
Dylan Stephenson 3
Amadou Diallo 2
James Huntley 2
Trevan Sanusi 2
Jay Turner-Cooke 2
Cathal Heffernan 1
Charlie McArthur 1
Jamie Miley 1
Lewis Miley 1
Anthony Munda 1
Josh Scott 1

The Magpies utilised 40 players during their 20 PL2 games.

Newcastle U21s concluded their PL2 campaign with defeat against Aston Villa at Gallowgate on Monday - the visitors qualifying for the playoffs as a consequence.

The best of the first half chances fell to Villa, Todd Alcock hitting the goal frame early on and Aidan Harris tipping Kadan Young's 40th minute shot onto the crossbar.

The Magpie 'keeper failed to prevent Sil Swinkels heading in Alcock's free-kick two minutes later though.

The hosts belatedly managed a shot on target after 72 minutes, although Dylan Stephenson's tame effort was comfortably gathered by Lander Emery (son of Unai).

Villa had the chance to double their lead from the spot on 75 minutes when United defender Cathal Heffernan was penalised for a foul on Travis Patterson. 

Kobei Moore hit his spot-kick over the bar at the Leazes End to give Newcastle hope of salvaging something from the game, but Emery was equal to substitute Jay Turner-Cooke's late strike and it ended in a 0-1 loss.

Three points for Villa ensured a top 16 finish and a spot in the PL2 play-offs. Newcastle finished six points behind in 22nd place.

Ben Dawson's side now conclude their season with Northumberland Senior Cup involvement; playing their rearranged semi-final tie at Ashington this coming Thursday. Victory over the Colliers would set up a final against Blyth Town - giving a clutch of Newcastle players involved here tonight one more game at Gallowgate before leaving the club.

Thanks to GW