Aston Villa Under-21s suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Sunderland in their EFL Trophy opener on Tuesday night.
The visiting Villans fell behind after 15 minutes when Charlie Wyke powered a header past Viljami Sinisalo from a corner.
Six minutes later the Black Cats doubled their lead, again profiting from a set piece as Morgan Feeney headed home.
Moments after half-time, Carney Chukwuemeka was brought down in the box, leaving Indiana Vassilev to convert the penalty.
However, just two minutes later, Sunderland’s two-goal cushion was restored when Wyke nodded in his second of the game.
With 15 minutes left in the tie the hosts upped the ante and ran away with the match thanks to a late flurry of goals.
Two goals in two minutes from Josh Scowen and Max Power made it 5-1 before Danny Graham and George Dobson got in on the act.
Substitute Aiden O’Brien finished off the rout to round off a tough night for Villa.
The Young Lions continue their EFL Trophy campaign a visit to Fleetwood Town on 6 October before they round off the group stage against Carlisle United on 10 November.
Mark Delaney’s team begin their Premier League 2 season on 14 September with a game against West Bromwich Albion.
Aston Villa U21s: Sinisalo, Hayden, D.Revan, S. Revan, Bridge, A.Ramsey (Brunt), Chukwuemeka, J.Ramsey, Wright, Philogene-Bidace, Vassilev (Archer)
Subs not used: Onodi, Burton, Sohna, Sturridge, Farr
