By Nick Raynor
February 1 2007

Despite Aston Villa’s debutant Ashley Young scoring his first goal for the club, Newcastle managed to win a valuable 3 points last night at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle started off well with a goal from James Milner, who almost signed for Villa in the summer, after Sorenson let the winger’s shot from 18 yards past him.

 

It went even better for Newcastle and the St. James’ Park crowd just 2 minutes later when Milner turned provider when he sent a cross into the box, finding Kieron Dyer’s head for a 2-0 lead.

 

Parker hit the bar for Newcastle which woke Villa up and set them up for complete dominance.

 

Young got his debut goal for the club with a close range attempt after Newcastle failed to clear a corner.

 

The Newcastle defence remained confused with another Gareth Barry corner just minutes later, and Ashley Young nearly made it 2-2 in similar circumstances.

 

Villa managed to hit the bar and Harper made a good save from a volley before the half-time whistle but Newcastle still led 2-1 at the break.

 

Gabriel Agbonlahor had a chance at the start of the second half but Steve Harper made a good save again,

 

Controversy arose when Carew’s headed-goal was ruled out for fouling Sibierski, when replays show it was more Carew being fouled.

 

Harper saved well to deny Young his second goal and Villa’s equaliser, but late in the game, Damien Duff, on his return from injury, set up Sibierski who fired hire for a 3-1 victory.