Match Reports

Under-18s make it nine wins from ten

Aston Villa were put to the sword by Mark Beard's team.

By Charlie Hanson • 26 April 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Marcus Ifill has been a key player for Albion Under-18s in recent weeks.

Albion Under-18s were again in inspired form after they defeated Aston Villa 4-2 on Saturday at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

It was a ninth win in ten games for Mark Beard's team, who also reached the Premier League Cup final last week with a 1-0 triumph over Leicester City.

Taylor Jay-Hart gave Villa the lead after just four minutes, but Albion responded from the penalty spot through Matt Everitt after 25 minutes.

Cameron Peupion put his side in the lead six minutes after the restart when he converted from a superb low cross from Marcus Ifill, before a triallist added Albion's third three minutes later with a fine low drive from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner.

Jack Hinshelwood was sent off in the 70th minute, but Bailey Smith gave Albion a three-goal cushion with 15 to play, as the hosts pressed Villa deep inside their own half and won possession, with Ifill teeing up Smith to convert from six yards.

Ruben Shakpoke reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Albion defeated a Villa side that knocked them out of the FA Youth Cup at the end of last month.

Beard's team round off their league campaign on Saturday as they face league leaders Crystal Palace, who are five points better off than third-placed Albion.