GALLERY: U23s take on Hednesford Town 📸

Aston Villa's Under-23s faced Hednesford Town at Bodymoor Heath on Monday as preparations for the 2021/22 Premier League 2 campaign stepped up.

Fixtures for the upcoming season were released earlier in the day, with the players now working towards the opener against Nottingham Forest on Friday, August 13 at 7pm.

Having spent time training with the first team squad during pre-season, Filip Marschall, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Arjan Raikhy, Tyreik Wright, Louie Barry and Brad Young all got valuable minutes under their belts against the Southern League Premier Division Central side.

Take a look at some of the best images from the game...