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An inexperienced Aston Villa outfit - even at under 21 level - fought hard and performed incredibly well as a collective to stun League One Bolton Wanderers and claim two points after a penalty shoot-out in their second match of the EFL Trophy.

Trai-Varn Mulley had headed this young Villa outfit in front after half an hour and the young Lions defended admirably as a unit throughout, holding a team packed with first team personnel at bay, before the Trotters eventually broke through thanks to Victor Adeboyejo with ten minutes to go. The EFL Trophy format is such, however, that a side can claim an additional point via a shoot-out if the scores are level after 90 minutes.

Villa were immaculate in theirs, scoring all four in a 4-1 win. Oliwier Zych, inspired all evening, saved two penalties before Brad Burrowes planted the winner in front of the 50-80 away supporters congregated behind the goal.

This was a much changed team to the one which featured in the 3-2 win over Fleetwood Town in the first match of this competition last month; the likes of Ben Broggio, Jamal Jimoh-Aloba and Sil Swinkels were all given evenings off and a host of other youngsters from within the club's heralded academy were given opportunities to shine.

The one player with any sort of experience was goalkeeper and captain Zych, who was called into action with 30 seconds to deny Aaron Collins. That'd be the theme for the entire evening; the Poland youngster produced save after save to keep Bolton at bay throughout the evening, but it was also his bravery and distribution which impressed.

Against the run of play, and despite Wanderers predictably dominating the ball and the chances in the match, Villa took the lead in the first half; the lively Brad Burrowes on the right hand side zipped away from his man and hung up a delightful ball for Mulley, which had the beating of keeper Luke Hutchinson and allowed his teammate to easily nod home.

Bolton manager Ian Evatt watched on as his players struggled to break down a committed and courageous Villa unit, with a stoic back-line and goalkeeper, and he was ultimately forced to call on attackers Kyle Dempsey and Victor Adeboyejo as the half wore on and with the Trotters continuously frustrated. It did the trick, because the latter nodded home a cross with ten minutes to go, after the former had crashed a free kick against the bar.

Penalties loomed, but by this stage Zych must've felt like a cat and he duly denied both Collins and captain George Thomason from the spot. Villa were flawless, with Cole Brannigan, Ethan Amundsen-Day and Aidan Borland all netting decisively before Burrowes wrapped it up. Villa have five points in EFL Trophy North Group D.

Aston Villa under 21 player ratings

Zych 9*

One momentary lapse when he kicked a ball straight out of play, but he settled after that minor early error. Had denied Collins inside 30 seconds and made the correct call to come and collect ahead of Collins when the striker landed in a heap. First half was just a string of superb saves and bravery. Distribution excellent.

Simpson 7

Some effort from Simpson at right-back, with his Grealish-esque socks and shinpads combination. Alert to the danger of Williams, after receiving an early warning of his supplying abilities. A very steady showing.

Amundsen-Day 8

A calm influence at the heart of defence. Was busy in the very early stages of the game but rose to the task. Commitment to the cause almost led to an unfortunate own goal. Excellent strength to snuff out the threat of McAtee.

Routh 8

Read the game really well to follow his man and cut out a highly promising Bolton move with a sliding challenge. Would've otherwise left Zych exposed. Routh was composed on the ball and determined throughout.

Fortes 7

Had to be attentive with Matheson seeing plenty of the ball. Showed great strength in the corner on the hour mark to outmuscle his man, although the distribution can improve.

Borland 8

Looks a tidy player in the middle, who looked to pick his passes and keep the ball ticking over in those small spells when Villa were afforded a chance to dictate and enjoy the ball. Physically it was a challenging evening for the midfield Borland and Barnes gave it everything.

Barnes 7

Dynamic, not afraid to go shoulder to shoulder with his opponent. Very deep, often appearing to the naked eye as though operating as another centre half, but that says much about the pressure applied by Bolton. Tremendous effort along with the rest of this side.

Jenner 7

Played on the left. Not the outlet of the pacy Burrowes, but he too did a sterling job in ensuring that his left-back Fortes wasn't left exposed too often and he tried to play and pick his passes, knitting small moves together especially in the first half. A tireless shift.

Burrowes 8

So quick. Too quick, on one occasion, when he ran the ball out of play when having got the better of his man. Brilliant turn of foot and a delicious delivery to set up Mulley's opener.

Lynskey 7

Played just off Mulley and it was the kind of night in which Lynskey would be required to put a real shift in off the ball, with Bolton dominating and spending large spells inside the Villa half. The work-rate was really impressive, as the first line of defence, considering the lack of attacking opportunities.

Mulley 9

Looked like it'd be hard work in the first half for Mulley, pretty much from the get go, up against a real unit of a centre half in Ricardo Almeida Santos. He persisted with earnest and was rewarded when presented with an opportunity to open the scoring, which he did so convincingly. Did a brilliant job with a tireless effort to relieve pressure when he could.

Substitutes

Edwards (for Lynskey 57) 7

Unlucky when attempting a cute through ball on the break which might've led to Villa killing the game. Took to the shape of the game quickly and defended from the front.

Brannigan (for Jenner 65) 7

Quick, and a threat on the break but didn't have too many look-ins over on the left.

Quinn (for Barnes 71) 7

A very important role in mopping up after he replaced the stricken Barnes, who couldn't continue. Cleared from inside his own box in stoppage time.

Substitutes not used: Lewis, Timson, Carroll, Bloomfield

Attendance: 1,767