By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa’s Under-21s were beaten 2-0 by Southampton in Premier League 2 on Saturday.

Both goals came in the first half, with Kamari Doyle and Luke Pearce on target for the hosts.

The strikes sandwiched a red card for Southampton’s Nico Lawrence but despite the man advantage and a strong second half display, Villa couldn’t find a route back into the game.

PL2: Southampton v Aston Villa

It was a bright start from the home side, with Ryan Finnigan flicking an effort towards goal inside the first 10 minutes, but it was comfortably held by James Wright.

The opening goal came through Doyle, who fired low into the bottom left corner from just outside the penalty area.

Declan Frith curled a free-kick over the bar midway through the half, before another Villa attack was halted on the edge of the area by Lawrence, who received his marching orders.

PL2: Southampton v Aston Villa

Despite the setback Southampton doubled their lead nine minutes before half-time, with Pearce finding the same bottom corner with a low left-footed drive.

The visitors carried more of a threat after the break and created several chances to pull a goal back.

Kyrie Pierre played Frith through just after the hour mark, but his effort from a tight angle was smothered by Saints’ goalkeeper Ollie Wright.

PL2: Southampton v Aston Villa

Kobei Moore then had a header saved, before Chisom Afoka drove into the box, beating three defenders before poking his shot just wide of the post.

Substitute Ruben Shakpoke had a final opportunity as stoppage time approached, but he couldn’t direct his header on target from Afoka’s cross.

Villa’s next Premier League 2 fixture is against Newcastle United at Bodymoor Heath on Friday, October 14 at 6pm.



Southampton: Wright; Payne (C), Lancashire, Lawrence, Small; Bellis (Rodriguez 90'), Finnigan, Turner; Amo-Ameyaw (Morgan 69'), Pearce (Bragg 78'), Doyle (Ballard 69').

Substitute not used: Hall.

Aston Villa: Wright; Ealing, Smith, Revan (C) (Lutz 82'), Barber (Hart 75'); Pierre (Mitchell 82'), Rowe, Raikhy; Frith, Moore (Shakpoke 72'), Afoka.

Substitute not used: Lane.