Villa really have their work cut out now.

But they are almost back in the game in as Birkir Bjarnason gets through on goal only to to see his save superbly blocked by on-rushing Magpies keeper Karl Darlow.

Curtis Davies
Hull City defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

This is when you see the best of the Newcastle fans. They've got a two-goal cushion, they feel a bit more comfortable and now they'll be looking for three or four. When their side have looked comfortable this season, they've been able to go on and do that.

A good shout for most off-target shot of the night as Villa's Birkir Bjarnason smashes a volley hopelessly over from 20 yards. Not sure it has stopped rising yet.

Good defending at the other end now, from James Chester who refuses to be outmuscled by the aforementioned big unit that is Aleksandar Mitrovic, despite being fouled by the Newcastle striker.  

There's a bit more urgency about Newcastle now. Jonjo Shelvey has become increasingly influential. 

And he shows his defensive qualities by blocking a stinging Birkir Bjarnason shot 25 yards from goal.

The free-kick is spanked into the wall and Villa clear their lines, as they do with another set-piece that quickly follows.

Image source, Rex Features

A stern-faced Steve Bruce is no longer enjoying is return to his native north east.

And Newcastle now have a free-kick 30 yards from goal after a Conor Hourihane foul on Jack Colback.

J: Whilst as a Newcastle fan I hope I'm proved wrong but Mitrovic hasn't been in good form. Poor discipline and mediocre striker at best.

Mike: Cue the collapse after ANOTHER poor goal conceded. Groundhog Day.

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A purposeful run by Villa's Neil Taylor sees him look Ashley Cole-esque as he runs across the pitch evading a couple of challenges and turning neatly.

He ruins it by slicing the ball out for a throw in.

Here we go again. Newcastle get us under way in the second half.

There are 11 matches in the EFL on Tuesday, including four in the Championship.

Promotion-chasing Huddersfield and Reading face each other, while there's also an intriguing local derby between Derby and Burton.

We'll have live text and radio commentary on the BBC Sport website and app from 19:00 GMT.

Image source, PA

Can Villa recover from that setback? How brittle is their confidence after a dreadful run which has seen pick up just two points from a possible 24?

Twenty-goal striker Dwight Gayle has gone off injured for Newcastle but Aleksandar Mitrovic's introduction is providing a different test for the Villa defence.

Image source, Rex Features

He's certainly someone who falls into the "big unit" category.

The "in-the-mixer" approach sure worked for the only goal so far - from the only effort on target.

Curtis Davies
Hull City defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Villa have defended well and limited Newcastle to very few chances. There was a 10-minute spell when they looked like they might get the goal. Unfortunately when it rains, it pours.

They need someone in the number 10 role to get close to Scott Hogan. He's working really hard but if he's got three defenders around him, it doesn't matter how good his touch is, it's always going to be tough for him.

Newcastle have been quite comfortable but Rafael Benitez will want to see more attacking impetus and more threatening in the final third.

Image source, Rex Features

The last action of the first half sees Newcastle substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic head well over from a deep cross. Villa were excellent for the majority of that half but were flustered after conceding late on and look like they need the break.

A real slap in the face for the visitors.

There will be two minutes of added time.

Steve Bruce has the look of a man who's lost a tenner and found 50p. The balance of play often doesn't reflect the scoreline. That's certainly the case here.

And it could have been worse as Matt Ritchie flashes a fierce low shot just wide for the hosts.

Curtis Davies
Hull City defender on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Ritchie put in a great ball, Lascelles won the header and after that it was just pinball. Fortunately for Newcastle, they ended up putting it in the back of the net.

It's a typical poacher's goal and you can't really blame the Villa defenders. Sometimes if you don't get it clear that first time, it's going to be very difficult for you.

A few industrial challenges have awakened the crowd. Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce implores his side not to rush a throw-in.

The hosts are getting a bit frustrated.