U21s: Burnley 0-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa Under-21s picked up three Premier League 2 points on Saturday afternoon, seeing off Burnley.

Following a goalless first half, Markie Meade stepped off the bench to provide the telling moment after 53 minutes.

Goalkeeper Sam Lewis made a string of fine saves to preserve his clean sheet at Burnley’s training ground.

The Young Lions now have a UEFA Youth League game to look forward to on Wednesday when they host Viking FK at Bodymoor Heath.

Jimmy Shan’s team journeyed north sat 14th in the PL2 standings to take on a Burnley side that started the day nine places below them.

The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and Sam Lewis was called into action early on to save from Zach Johnson.

Lewis made another strong stop in the 19th minute to deny Clarets winger Lluc Castell and keep the game goalless.

The visiting goalkeeper was on hand once more as Burnley finished the first half strongly, saving from Johnson as the sides went in level at the break.

Lewis’ saves paid dividends when Villa took the lead in the 53rd minute, a fast break leading to Alfie Lynskey teeing up Meade, with the striker burying an effort past Connor Edwards.

The Clarets attempted to mount a response to falling behind, and Lucas saw a header tipped over by Lewis.

Cole Brannigan and Meade fired efforts off target before the game moved into the final minutes.

In the third of five minutes added on, home defender Michael Stanley planted a header just wide of the post, raising Villa pulses before they celebrated victory at the final whistle.