Town's U18 suffered an undeserved 7-2 thrashing at Aston Villa on Saturday morning in awful conditions. Torrential rain and strong winds made for farcical conditions at Villa's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

Midfielder Reggie Lambe was away on international duty with Bermuda, whilst youngster Sam Brandon made his U18s debut at right-back, with Josh Meekings, who replaced him later in the game, becoming another debutant.

In contrast, Villa fielded much the same side from the FA Youth Cup match against Town earlier in the season, which they won 5-0.

Town were playing against the wind in the first half and went in 6-0 down at the break.

The wind died down considerably during the second half and Villa increased their lead before Town pulled two goals back, Irishman Paul Murphy and 14-year-old substitute Connor Wickham netting.

U18s: Ward, Brandon (Meekings), Clemo, Hyam (Wickham), Watson, Eastman, Daniels, Clark, Ainsley, Murphy and Griffiths.

Photo: Action Images

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