Howe watches Ashby stunner, forgotten man and future star in seven-goal thriller on Monday

It's been an eventful afternoon down at our Little Benton Academy, where Ryan Fraser and Harrison Ashby inspired our U21s to a 4-3 win over Norwich.

After being banished from first-team training, Fraser started for our second string alongside Ashby; who was handed a chance to impress Eddie Howe following his January move from West Ham.

The Toon boss was watching on from the touchline and was soon reminded of Fraser's ability, as the winger curled in from 25 yards after Ashby's impressive pass picked out the Scot.

Following a spell on the sidelines, it was Ashby's first start in a black and white shirt, and it didn't take long for him to grab a goal, with his 20-yard effort making it 2-0 midway through the first half. A goal and an assist for the right-back just 23 minutes into his Newcastle career; not a bad start!

Amadou Diallo - another former West Ham talent - then made it 3-0 with a brilliant header that flew in off the bar following Fraser's cross. However, a second half comeback followed, where Norwich scored three without reply to make it 3-3; one of those goals coming from a penalty conceded by Ashby.

However, with 10 minutes remaining, teenage sensation and England U17 regular Lewis Miley latched onto Diallo's cut-back to make it 4-3, sealing a rare win for our U21s.

Despite Diallo, Fraser and Ashby all bagging a goal and an assist, reporters at the game described the Geordie midfielder as the 'standout player' on the day. He seems a huge talent and one to watch over the next few months; I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Howe takes a closer look at the 16-year-old over pre-season.

Fraser played the full 90 while Ashby was on for an hour, giving both a good run out after a lack of first-team minutes since the turn of the year.