'A good night's work' - O'Carroll reflects on Eagles victory

United's second-string took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark courtesy of Ben Parkinson's strike, turning the ball home from Matt Targett's free-kick in a game which saw the senior left-back, Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy all handed starts at Whitley Park.

The young Magpies went close to doubling their lead on numerous occasions in the league encounter but recorded a well deserved clean sheet to move into sixth place of the 26-team division as well as register a fourth successive win across all competitions.

O'Carroll, who arrived at the Magpies' Academy from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren in October, told newcastleunited.com: "I think we were comfortable for large parts of the game to a point where maybe, at times, we were too comfortable and took liberties defensively but I think, on another day, it could have been three or four goals.

"Three players were down from the first-team and they showed real professionalism, desire and fitness so they did really well for us and then the boys haven't had a game for a few weeks so it's been brilliant to get rid of the rustiness and get them back in together.

"I've said to them it's not win at all costs but it's nice to win games. I think they've won four out of five league games which is fantastic and a credit to them. Ultimately, it's not what it's all about but it's good for them and the club to be winning. It's been a good night's work."

O'Carroll was delighted with a number of individual displays against their Eagles counterparts, including Parkinson who netted his seventh goal of the 2024/25 campaign as well as his fourth league goal in as many matches at under-21 level.

The Killarney-born coach was delighted with the Durham-born striker's performance and is hopeful of gaining more from his squad of promising youngsters as the season unfolds.

The 37-year-old added: "I think Ben Parkinson was as good as I've seen him and I said to him, after the game, it was his most complete performance I've seen.

"He's played well in other games as well as from wider positions but he led the line really well tonight, looked a threat and took his goal well. He's in a really good place and deserves the praise for how hard he is working.

"We're putting a bit of expectation on them now and expect consistency from certain players. There's some who want to go out on loan and push for the first-team or new contracts so they have to deliver. Ultimately, it's big boy stuff and it's extended from the youth team towards the first-team and we have to place expectations on them.

"It's getting addictive for them winning games, keeping clean sheets and demanding more from each other. They'll be disappointed they didn't score more tonight but there was some really positive performances."

Newcastle's second-string return to National League Cup action on Tuesday night when facing an away trip against Boston United (kick-off 7.30pm GMT), aiming to boost their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-final stages.

With a quick turnaround from Friday night's victory O'Carroll revealed changes will be made to the squad but is determined to enhance their chance of securing a last-eight spot, with United's youngsters situated in second place of Group C with two games remaining.

"I'm going to freshen the team up and, since I've came here, it's something I've tried to do and give as many people an opportunity to prove what they're all about.

"We will do that and it's a big game for us because we're in a good position in that competition and we'd like to progress. I think those games have been invaluable with the lads, with different challenges to the league and EFL Trophy games.

"It's a long journey but we're looking to go there, put on a good performance and, hopefully, win the game."