Aston Villa emerged victorious in their top-of-the-table clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday as they triumphed 2-1 at Bodymoor Heath.
Sean Verity’s league leaders went into the encounter at the summit of the Under-18 Premier League South and consolidated their position against fellow high-fliers Palace.
Brad Young’s penalty and Arjan Raikhy’s finish sandwiched Frankie Ealing’s red card to put 10-man Villa in control, before David Omilabu claimed a consolation for the visitors.
The Young Lions have now won seven of their opening nine league fixtures.
They are in FA Youth Cup action next up with a trip to Reading on Friday, December 11.
Villa opened the scoring against the Royals in the 53rd minute after a fine passing move which saw Teddy Rowe turn his marker inside out down the right channel and cross for Dewain Sewell, whose shot was handled in the area.
Young stepped up to convert from the spot and register his seventh goal of the season.
Defender Ealing saw red for a second bookable offence shortly afterwards but it was the hosts who doubled their advantage in the 71st minute as Young turned provider, finding Raikhy and he converted right footed for his third goal in as many games.
Eagles forward Omilabu reduced the arrears for the visitors in the 79th minute but it was Villa who claimed the spoils and all three points.
Villa: Marschall, Ealing, Chrisene, Appiah, Swinkels, Lindley, T Rowe (Afoka 80), Sylla, Young (Reddin 90+2), Raikhy, Sewell (McBride 63).
Subs: Zych, Zito.
