Villa’s second string followed up an impressive 4-0 win over Blackpool with a fantastic 4-1 victory over Manchester United. The last time the two sides met saw a memorable 3-3 draw in the league decider last term which eventually saw United run out 3-2 winners on penalties. Tonight was different story with Villa bossing proceedings from start to finish.
A fantastic hat-trick from first team hopeful capped an excellent start to the season for the young Scot. Bannan claimed his opening first team goal in the 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna and also netted for Scotland Under-21’s last week. The prospect who spent much of last season on loan to promoted Blackpool netted with a sublime strike backed up by a textbook free kick and a last minute penalty to secure victory for Gordon Cowan’s side.
The hat trick was backed up by a thumping close range finish from centre back Ciaran Clark to mark an emphatic victory. The away side went 3 up before the hosts pulled one back through substitute Nick Ajose. Plenty to get excited about in terms of future stars at the Villa with youngsters trying to force their way into the reckoning under new boss Gerard Houllier.
Villa Reserves Line-Up: Elliot Parish; Eric Lichaj, Derrick Williams, Ciaran Clark, Shane Lowry; Jonathan Hogg, Moustapha Salifou, Barry Bannan, Isaiah Osbourne; James Collins Jnr, Nathan Delfouneso.
Subs: Durrell Berry, Andy Marshall, Arsenio Halfhuid, Daniel Johnson, Daniel Devine.
UTV!
