U21s: Aston Villa 3-0 Derby County

Aston Villa boosted their chances of securing a Premier League 2 play-off spot with a comfortable win against Derby County on Friday night.

The visitors, who struck the crossbar in an even first half, were unable to handle a second-half onslaught from the Young Lions.

Chisom Afoka got the scoring started after 51 minutes, tapping home the rebound after his penalty had been saved.

An emphatic header from Josh Feeney doubled the lead before Afoka converted Kadan Young’s cross on 69 minutes.

The win keeps Villa in possession of a play-off spot heading into the final round of fixtures.

Villa began the night occupying the final play-off place on goal difference, knowing that they required three points against the winless Rams to keep their destiny in their own hands.

But a low-key start to the game in torrential rain indicated the visitors would not roll over for the hosts, who spurned the first sight of goal when Young was caught in two minds and delivered a wayward cross instead of shooting.

With 21 minutes on the clock, Derby fired a warning shot when Kido Taylor-Hart danced through three tackles and sent a vicious drive crashing off the underside of the crossbar.

Villa were enjoying plenty of possession but the opportunities were being carved out by the away side, who saw captain Darren Robinson head narrowly wide of the target.

Half-time offered the Young Lions a chance to regroup, and they started the second half with an attacking intent that was quickly rewarded.

A driving run from Young enticed a tackle from Kwaku Odurah, who tripped the Villa winger up just inside the penalty area. Afoka sauntered up to the ball and saw his low spot kick saved by Harry Evans, with No9 relieved to see the loose ball fall nicely for him to tap home.

Buoyed by the opener, the hosts set about adding to their lead. And on 65 minutes, a whipped corner from Finley Munroe was met by an imperious back post header from Feeney, nestling in the far corner.

Two quickly became three minutes later when Afoka doubled his tally, finding space in the box and heading home a cross from Young.

Substitute DJ Sturridge spurned two chances to add to the scoreline, poking wide at the near post before pulling a shot past the far post.