Aston Villa’s Under-23s were beaten 2-1 by Fulham in Premier League 2 on Friday night.
Josh Feeney gave Villa the lead on 26 minutes, but the Cottagers came back with goals from Luke Harris and Sonny Hilton securing all three points and the PL2 – Division 2 title.
Mark Delaney’s side made a strong start and caused problems with their counter-attacking inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Fulham had the first clear chance of the game though, with the visitors clearing Jay Stansfield’s powerful effort off the line.
Villa then took the lead just after the midway point of the half, with Feeney firing home for his first goal in claret and blue since his summer arrival from Fleetwood Town.
The home side responded well and equalised 11 minutes later when Harris tapped home Hilton’s corner delivery, and the scores remained level until the break.
Chances were few and far between during the opening exchanges of the second period, but Villa’s stubborn defence was breached for a second time on 71 minutes.
It was Hilton who made the difference from a set-piece once again, with his corner evading everyone and finding the net.
The hosts held on to earn promotion to Division 1 with five games to spare, while Villa's next opponents are Southampton at Bodymoor Heath on Friday, March 11.
Images courtesy of Rob Sambles and Fulham Football Club.
Fulham: Borto; D'Auria-Henry, Robinson, Odutayo, Larkeche, O'Neill (Sanderson 90'), Pajaziti, Hilton (C), Stansfield, Harris, Bowie.
Substitutes not used: Schwarzer, Ameyaw, Bowat.
Aston Villa: Zych; Barber, Appiah (Smith 79'), Feeney, Munroe (Ealing 46'); Hart, Lindley (C), Afoka; Reddin, B. Young, Goodridge (Swinkels 59').
Substitute not used: Wright.
