Aston Villa qualified for the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup courtesy of a thrilling 3-2 victory at Hull City.
Kyrie Pierre fired the visitors ahead before captain Finley Munroe saw his penalty saved just before the half-hour mark at the Dransfield Stadium.
Hull responded to level through Trialist and ensure it was all square at the interval, with Sincere Hall then drilling the hosts ahead soon after the restart.
But, in an entertaining encounter, the Young Lions struck back themselves to equalise courtesy of Todd Alcock, before Aidan Borland’s excellent long-range strike in the 74th minute secured victory and all three points.
It ensures Group A leaders Villa have now clinched top spot and their place in the PL Cup Round of 16 with one match remaining against second-placed Swansea City in early February.
Sam Proctor made a good save to deny Jim Simms early on, with Villa taking full advantage to establish a lead in the 20th minute.
Chisom Afoka did well to cut inside and test Tigers ‘keeper Owen Foster, who could only parry into the path of Pierre and he duly put the visitors ahead.
The Young Lions were awarded the chance to double their lead from the spot after Borland was clipped in the penalty area, but Munroe saw his low effort well saved by Foster.
And the hosts capitalised just before the break as Trialist fired a 20-yard left-footed strike beyond Proctor to level matters.
Hull wasted little time after the restart as they took the lead in the 52nd minute, Hall cutting inside before seeing his deflected strike find the net.
But Villa were soon back on level terms as Alcock capped a fine run with a well-taken finish to send his effort beyond Foster and level the clash just before the hour mark.
And Borland subsequently sealed all three points as the tie entered the final 15 minutes, picking up the ball 30 yards out, turning sharply before sending a delightful strike into the top corner.
Villa: Proctor, Triston Rowe, Ealing, Katsukunya, Munroe, Alcock, Afoka (Moore 62), Borland, Wilson, Pierre (Pavey 77), Jimoh (Hemmings 90+4).
Subs: Emery, Carroll.
