By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 defeat against Peterborough United in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday afternoon.

Joel Randall struck twice either side of the half-hour mark to hand the hosts a two-goal advantage by the break at the Weston Homes Stadium.

William Van Lier added a third for Posh in the 57th minute before Declan Frith handed the Young Lions a late lifeline from the penalty spot.

But Joe Taylor ended any hopes of a comeback in injury time as Villa fell to a cup defeat, leaving them with one point from four games in Group D.

Peterborough United v Aston Villa

Villa started the game brightly and were first to go close as Ruben Shakpoke saw his free-kick saved.

The hosts grew into the game as the first quarter progressed but the Young Lions were still posing a threat going forwards.

However, it was Posh who opened the scoring in the 24th minute courtesy of Randall, who took advantage of a short corner, played a one-two and took the ball to the edge of the penalty area before converting into the top corner.

United then twice went close before doubling their advantage just after the half-hour mark, Randall tapping home from David Ajiboye’s pass.

Peterborough United v Aston Villa

Posh wide man Ajiboye was causing plenty of problems, with Taylor also going close, before the hosts added a third just before the hour courtesy of Van Lier, who slotted in from 12 yards.

Villa pushed for a route back into the tie and finally got a late lifeline in the 87th minute as Frith picked himself up and converted from the penalty spot.

However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished deep into added time as Taylor added a fourth for Peterborough.



Villa line-up: Wright, Onuchukwu, O’Reilly, Ealing, McDowell, Rowe, Guilbert (Pavey 70), Barnes (Mitchell 61), Afoka, Frith, Shakpoke (Timson 78).

Subs: Hammond, Rhoades.