Aston Villa came from behind to draw 1-1 with Peterborough United in a dominant performance in their first game of the Premier League Cup at Bodymoor Heath on Friday night.
The first half saw plenty of chances for the Young Lions, but it was the visitors who took the lead through Kellan Hickinson against the run of play.
Despite falling behind, Villa remained in control of the game and continued to create opportunities to score.
The home side finally found the net through substitute Ruben Shakpoke, who reacted quickly to strike late in the game and earn the hosts a point.
Stand-out performer Tyreik Wright saw a long-range effort clash against a post in the final minute of the game as Villa had to settle for a point.
The hosts started the game strongly as Wright drove down the right-hand side and delivered a cross to Brad Young, but his effort was well saved by William Lakin in the Peterborough goal.
Wright continued to trouble the visitors, this time forcing a great Lakin save after Frankie Ealing won possession in the final third for the Young Lions.
Villa’s dominance failed to pay off, though, as they conceded against the run of play after Hickinson turned in from close range to make it 1-0 to Posh in the 23rd minute.
The home side continued to control possession and fashion chances but could not convert as they went into half-time one goal behind.
Villa started the second half as they had left off, with Wright testing the goalkeeper again following an impressive move down the right flank.
A tremendous save from Villa keeper Filip Marschall prevented the visitors from doubling their lead in what was only their second chance of the game.
And the Villans finally got their reward in the 82nd minute as sub Shakpoke powered a shot home from the centre of the penalty area to level the score at 1-1.
There was a late flurry of chances for Villa, with Wright striking a post in stoppage time, but they failed to find what would have been a deserved winner.
Aston Villa: Marschall, Ealing, Revan, Feeney, A O’Reilly, Lindley, Afoka (Shakpoke 62), Raikhy (Rowe 78), Young, T O’Reilly (Hart 72), Wright.
Peterborough: Lakin, Fox, Tonge, Titchmarsh, Lamb, O’Connell, Kanu, McGlinchey, Darlington (Ishola 68), Hickinson (Challinor 91), Overton.
