A quickfire brace from Aaron Ramsey helped Aston Villa Under-23s past Sunderland in Premier League 2 Division 2 on Monday afternoon.
After a goalless first half at the Academy of Light, Josh Hawkes handed the hosts the initiative after 48 minutes.
But the game was turned on its head when Ramsey struck twice in three minutes before Bradley Young added a late third.
And despite Stephen Wearne pulling one back in injury time, Villa held on for the victory.
Young has been prolific for the Under-18s this season, netting nine in ten games, and he had an early chance to put Villa ahead in the North East.
The striker went through on goal after six minutes, but Anthony Patterson was equal to his effort.
At the other end, Akos Onodi was on hand to tip Wearne’s volley over the crossbar in what amounted to Sunderland’s only shot of the half.
Villa enjoyed a number of forays forward in the first 45 minutes, with Ramsey shooting over when well placed on the edge of the area.
Having had the better of the first half, the visitors were aggrieved to find themselves behind three minutes after the restart when Hawkes found the net.
The Mackems held the lead until the 65th minute when Ramsey pulled his team level.
And it didn’t take long for the young midfielder to double his tally, notching his second three minutes later.
Onodi saved from Patrick Almond as the hosts pushed for an equaliser before Young made it 3-1 after 88 minutes.
And despite Wearne’s stoppage time strike making for an uneasy few moments, Villa held out to secure the win.
Villa: Onodi, Walker, Bogarde, M.Sohna, Chrisene, Raikhy, H.Sohna, Ramsey, Farr, Young, Tait.
Unused subs: Zych, Revan, Lindley, Appiah.
