Aston Villa Reserves 3, Wanderers Reserves 1

WANDERERS Reserves were left counting the cost of not taking advantage of the chances that came their way in a 3-1 defeat at Villa Park last night.

Villa keeper Goaz Myhill was in good form, and he got down to save a close range shot from Paul Wheatcroft after nine minutes.

A delicate chip from Emanuelle Morini played David Norris in behind the home defence, but Myhill somehow managed to turn his goal-bound shot away.

At the other end, Wanderers keeper Chris Williams was also kept busy, and he saved well from Richard Walker, and held on to a powerful free kick from Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Villa went ahead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, Stefan Moore converting after Wayne Buchanan had fouled Richard Walker.

Morini had two great opportunities to level early in the second half. Firstly he headed inches over the bar from a Jeff Smith cross, and then shot wide from 10 yards out after being set up by Norris.

Jay Smith headed Villa's second in the 55th minute, and also netted the third from close range after 72 minutes.

Cleveland Taylor reduced the arrears four minutes later, with a well struck 25 yard shot high into the roof of the net for what was the goal of the game.

Wanderers reserves: Williams, Holden, Richardson, Buchanan, O'Hare, Murray (Eckersley), Taylor, Norris, Morini (Downey), Wheatcroft, Smith.