Parkinson opened the scoring early on when the Blues failed to clear Jay Turner-Cooke’s in-swinging corner. The United No.9 then added his second not long after, winning his penalty before converting it past goalkeeper Max Merrick.
Turner-Cooke’s free-kick delivery was headed home by Charlie McArthur in 70th minute for a 3-1 lead before Ato Ampah pulled one back eight minutes later. Donnell McNeilly made it 3-2 in stoppage time but the young Magpies held on.
Botman made his first appearance in nine months, stepping up his comeback from an ACL injury. He lined up in the same starting XI as Lewis Miley.
Coincidentally, the 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester City on March 16 was the last time both players started a senior match for United.
Among the spectators were head coach Eddie Howe and first-team players such as Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles, who is recovering from an ACL injury himself.
The visit of Chelsea was the under-21s’ final game of 2024. Diarmuid O'Carroll, who was appointed U21s lead coach in September, has lost just one of his six Premier League 2 matches in charge.
The victory tonight takes O’Carroll’s side up to fifth in the table in the Premier League 2 table above Manchester United.
Here are our Newcastle United under-21s player ratings:

1. Aidan Harris - 7
Barely had a save to make until Ato Ampah pulled one back with 15 minutes to go. Largely comfortable with the ball at his feet. A strong kicker. | Getty Images

2. Leo Shahar - 7
Was kept busy down the right-hand side but stuck to his defensive task. Read the game well and liked to venture forward. | Newcastle United

3. Charlie McArthur - 7.5
Formed a good understanding with Sven Botman. Distributed the ball despite playing on his unfavoured side at CB. A bullet header to make it 3-0. | Getty Images

4. Sven Botman - 8
Faultless in everything that he has done so far, bar one slightly misplaced pass. Composed and accurate on the ball. Defended well. | Getty Images