Ian Evatt admitted that Wanderers’ penalty shoot-out defeat against Aston Villa Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy was “baffling”.

Oliwier Zych was the hero for the visitors, denying Aaron Collins and George Thomason from 12 yards.

The young goalkeeper also made a series of impressive stops during the 90 minutes but could not keep out Victor Adeboyejo's header, which cancelled out Trai-Varn Mulley's opener.

“I don’t quite understand how we have not won the game,” Evatt reflected. “I think they had two shots, two attacks, probably in the whole game and we have let them off the hook.

“Great credit to a young Aston Villa side who have played and ran their hearts out, but it is a game we really should win.

“I think it is a lack of maybe focus, a lack of final third detail. We looked rushed, we looked panicked, we didn’t make the final pass enough, we didn’t finish with a shot or action.

“When we did get into those positions, our quality was poor. We should score two after one minute, we have missed from two yards out which is crazy to think.

“If you look at the stats of the game, it is baffling we have lost on penalties. There were opportunities tonight for people to impress and try to get themselves in the team for the league games, and I don’t think there have been many favours done there.

“It is just a case now of refreshing, refocusing and getting ready for an important block of fixtures.

“I think we have improved in the league and we must continue to do that. If we win our extra game, we are only three points off second and that is our aim - everybody knows that.”

Luke Hutchinson started in goal with Nathan Baxter and Joel Coleman out injured, while Luke Southwood is away on international duty.

Randell Williams and Klaidi Lolos also got minutes under their belts after recovering from their respective injuries.

“I could have played all the kids but that is not fair on them to throw them into this game,” the manager added.

“We needed some minutes for players out there – Randell and Klaidi needed minutes. We didn’t have a goalkeeper so had to recall Luke from his loan when he was doing well there.

“The timing of the game was unfortunate but that team should certainly win that game. When you look at it, it is a game we clearly should have won with the stats.

“But stats don’t win football matches, players do and tonight we haven’t done enough to win that game.”