U18s: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool

Aston Villa exited the Under-18 Premier League Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

Dewain Sewell’s 33^rd-minute penalty at Bodymoor Heath cancelled out Stefan Bajcetic’s early opener for the visitors.

But Harvey Blair’s header from another set-piece just after the hour mark settled matters and leaves Villa, who lost to Manchester City in their group stage opener, without a point from their first two matches.

The Young Lions complete their trio of Premier League Cup fixtures against Crystal Palace in late November.

Villa got punished by Bajcetic’s header from a corner after just three minutes, putting the visitors into an early lead.

Taylor-Jay Hart was denied by the legs of Liverpool goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek before Villa drew level.

Tommi O’Reilly was tripped in the penalty area and Sewell stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Finley Munroe produced a superb block to deny Bajcetic and ensure it remained level at the break.

But the Villans were undone from another set-piece in the 63^rd minute, Blair heading home from a free-kick to put the Reds back in front.

Substitute Teddy Rowe came closing to securing a share of the spoils but his right-footed shot flew narrowly the wrong post of the far post after impressive work down the left channel.