Aston Villa Under-18s returned to winning ways with victory in the Premier League Cup on Saturday, seeing off Leeds United at Bodymoor Heath.
Luka Lynch provided the decisive moment after 20 minutes, breaking into the box before finishing coolly.
Rory Wilson struck the post as Villa pushed for more, but ultimately they settled for a 1-0 win that started their Group C campaign in strong fashion.
Aiming to bounce back from their first loss of the season last time out, the Young Lions made a fast start and saw a Lynch shot well saved by Owen Grainger.
Leeds’ goalkeeper was beaten soon after, but the post came to his rescue when Wilson broke into the box and slid a shot past him.
Villa did find the back of the net after 20 minutes when Cole Brannigan drove inside and slipped a ball through to Lynch, who advanced into the penalty area before beating Grainger with a low drive.
Sam Proctor saved a long-range effort from Rhys Chadwick-Chaplin before Villa fired further efforts on goal through Wilson and Charlie Pavey.
The chances kept coming in the second half, with Wilson just unable to turn Ewan Simpson’s exquisite through ball on target.
The Scottish striker looked certain to double Villa’s lead when he made good contact with Trai-varn Mulley’s cross, but Grainger sprung across his goal line and produced a terrific save.
A late shot from Chadwick-Chaplin caused little concern for Proctor as Villa picked up all three points.
