Aston Villa recorded a resounding win against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League Cup at Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday afternoon.
Tommi O’Reilly got the Yong Lions off to the perfect start when he curled home the opener after six minutes, with Declan Frith doubling the lead two minutes later.
A dominant performance from the hosts produced more goals in the second half with Lamare Bogarde and Omari Kellyman getting on the scoresheet.
The victory was Villa’s first in the competition this season and ensured they ended 2022 on a high.
Villa came into the game looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture last month, and they started brightly when O’Reilly curled a shot narrowly over the bar.
Having adjusted his sights, the playmaker made no mistake when he cut inside once again after six minutes, placing a shot into the far corner and leaving Aiden Dowling with no chance.
Excellent work from Frith created the opener, and O’Reilly returned the favour for the striker two minutes later when he put a through ball in behind the defence. Frith showed no signs of hesitation as he rounded the ‘keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
A procession of chances followed as the hosts swarmed all over their opponents, with Josh Feeney, Ruben Shakpoke, Frith and O’Reilly all going close.
Oliwier Zych had been tested only once, a routine stop from Junior Nsangov, when the game ticked over the half-hour mark.
Shakpoke’s searing pace and direct running was giving the Blackburn defenders plenty to think about, but it was Arjan Raikhy who came closest to adding to Villa’s advantage before half-time when his low shot struck a post.
Rovers made two changes at the break but it failed to stem the tide of pressure from Villa, who notched a third when Bogarde collected a pass from Frith and left two defenders behind before producing a smart finish.
A fourth almost followed shortly after when Feeney connected with Fred Guilbert’s free-kick, but the centre-back saw Downing parry away his effort.
Villa didn’t have to wait much longer before they did net a fourth, with super-sub Kellyman using his first touches to collect a through ball and slot home after 63 minutes.
Rovers attempted to hit back through Nsangov and a header from Ryan Wilson but neither player failed to seriously trouble Zych.
Aston Villa: Zych, Smith (Alcock 61’), A.O’Reilly, Feeney, Revan, Bogarde (Ealing 79’), Raikhy (Kellyman 61’), T.O’Reilly, Guilbert, Shakpoke (Afoka 56’), Frith.
Unused subs: Lewis.
