Aston Villa were held to a 3-3 draw with Stoke in their Premier League 2 game at the Bet365 stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Midfielder Teddy Rowe scored a brace in the first half as Villa dominated local rivals Stoke from the start.
The second half began with striker Declan Frith adding a third for the visitors, who were good value for their lead.
Kahrel Reddin pulled one back for the hosts before substitute Dara McGuiness completed the comeback with two quickfire goals in a frustrating second half for Villa.
The Young Lions had a couple of late chances but couldn’t find a winner as they had to settle for a point away from home.
Villa started the game well, continuously pressing the home side and winning the ball high up the pitch.
The breakthrough came when Rowe poked Villa ahead in the 15th minute following an incredible run and assist from winger Chisom Afoka.
Stoke then saw their first chance of the game thwarted by goalkeeper Filip Marschall, who produced a superb diving save to deny Reddin.
Rowe doubled both his tally with a sweet, curling strike from just outside the box in the 25th minute to make it 2-0 to Villa.
Despite the Young Lions’ dominance, Marschall was called upon again to deny Reddin with another impressive save as the first half came to a close.
It was the perfect start to the second half for Villa as Frith worked himself some space in the box before firing in via a deflection in the 46th minute.
Reddin then pulled one back for the home side with a smart finish into the far corner in the 49th minute to make it 3-1.
Villa had good chances to restore their three-goal lead but Stoke goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu made two smart saves to deny both Tommy O’Reilly and substitute Ruben Shakpoke.
Stoke’s McGuiness then poked home at the near post before netting again just minutes later to tie the scores at 3-3.
Villa rallied and regained control of the game as it entered its final stages, but were unable to find the winner.
