Tyreik Wright’s 92nd-minute strike secured a dramatic 1-0 victory for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace in their Premier League 2 clash at Selhurst Park.
Both sides created openings but neither could find the crucial breakthrough amid torrential rain in south London.
That was until Wright struck with a well-taken low left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area deep into injury time to seal a last-gasp triumph.
It leaves Villa’s Under-23s with six points from their opening four league fixtures of the campaign in Division 2.
Mark Delaney’s side face an EFL Trophy trip to Fleetwood Town next up on Tuesday.
The U23s boss was forced into a change ahead of kick-off, with Jack Walker replacing Seb Revan in the starting XI.
And it was a lively opening quarter, Mungo Bridge with a last-ditch block to deny Nathaniel Clyne before Louie Barry fired off target and Carney Chukwuemeka saw his shot saved by Stephen Henderson at the other end.
Akos Onodi produced a great save with his feet to deny Brandon Pierrick in the 27th minute when he found space and raced into the penalty area.
And that proved to be the clearest opening of an evenly-balanced first period.
Villa started the second half with intent, Wright firing narrowly wide in the 56th minute before Barry saw his deflected strike well saved by Henderson shortly afterwards.
Barry was denied by Ryan Inniss’ block as the hosts continued to apply pressure.
Kaine Kesler fired off target in the 76th minute following a surging solo run, before Onodi got down well to deny Eagles substitute Kian Flanagan.
Rob Street pulled wide for the hosts when clean through in the 83rd minute before Barry fired over for the Villans.
But with the encounter looking destined to finished all square, Wright sprayed a cross-field pass to Barry, who found sub Ben Guy and he set up Wright for the dramatic winner.
Villa: Onodi, Kesler, D. Revan, Bridge, Walker, Brunt, Wright, Chukwuemeka, Sturridge (Young 73), A. Ramsey (Guy 62), Barry.
Subs: Marschall, H. Sohna.
