By 
Aston Villa’s youth side played a friendly a few days ago, beating Leamington FC by a single goal.
Words: Regan Foy | @findfoy
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A young Aston Villa side beat Leamington FC in a pre-season game on Saturday at Bodymoor Heath, in a game which saw Leamington use rolling substitutes in a disjointed performance that allowed the youthful lions to grab the win.
The game started in the favour of the visitors, who had the first sight on goal with just a few minutes gone, but their forward advanced before driving a low strike wide of the net. Villa’s first effort followed shortly after – a blazing effort which went high over the goalmouth.
Villa’s youngsters were calm and collected in their play, able to comfortably play the ball back to ‘keeper Akos Onodi and continue to recycle their possession.
Leamington weren’t a side to just roll over and crafted a number of chances for themselves, with Danny Waldron and Joe Parker both missing or having efforts blocked.
Villan Michael Tait had two opportunities towards the end of the half, having a shot blocked and a volley over the bar, whilst Tyreik Wright also had an effort saved at the Leamington goalkeeper’s near post.
After a short half-time break, Leamington came out of the blocks itching for an opening goal – with the lively Parker hitting the post.
It was however, Aston Villa’s Under 23’s who took the lead in the 52nd minute, as Tyreik Wright set off on a dangerous run into the box, evade the oncoming challenge from Leamington’s ‘keeper and find the empty net.
He thought he had bagged a second shortly after as the ball was won inside Leamington’s box and poked across goal for Wright to stab into the net – but the young forward was flagged offside.
Wright created another chance for a team-mate later in the game, but the resulting hesitant shot was saved.
The likes of Akos Onodi, Charlie Farr, Jake Walker, Brad Burton, Jack Birch, Harrison Sohna, Tyreik Wright, Ben Guy, DJ Sturridge, Lewis Brunt and Michael Tait all got runs out – but any substitutes are unknown.
