Chasetown started strongly but dropprd off pace in preseason opener versus a young Aston Villa

Chasetown had the honour of playing a rare Friday night game against a young strong Aston Villa u23 side (who were managed by Tony Carss for the 1st time) to raise funds for ground work.

The first shot in anger was taken after 3 minutes when Kerr Smiths shot sailed over the bar for Aston Villa’s u23s.

Chasetown took the lead after 10 minutes when former Walsall interest Liam Kirton shot from just inside the box which looped into the net.

The scores were levelled in the 20th minute when Louie Barry, well known for scoring in the FA Cup for Villa slotted home.

Aston Villa almost turned the match on its head when Tyreik Wright lashed over.

The Villians kept knocking on the door coming closest when Chisom Afoka attempted to lob Curtis Pond causing him to bat the ball wide.

Aston Villa finally scored again when Brad Young stung the gloves of Pond only to head the rebound into the net to make the score 2-1 Aston Villa.

The Scholars aimed to respond immediately only for Ryan Wynter to head at the goalkeeper.

The bar was rattled when Teddy Rowe tried to curl a shot into the top corner.

5 minutes before half-time Villa made it 3 when Tyreik Wright received a cross that he poked home.

The 2nd half struggled to come to life until the 55th minute when Caleb Chukwuemeka, who spent a loan spell in Scotland, slotted home when 1 on 1 with Pond to give Villa a 4-1 lead.

It was 5-1 when Villa earned a penalty when p
Pond hauled a player down leaving Chukwuemeka to step up and slot home.

The 2nd goal for the Scholars almost came when Luke Cox headed narrowly over.

Half-time substitute Chukwuemeka scored his hat trick in the 78th minute when he was in the right place at the right time to get onto the rebound.

Chasetown scored a consolation when Jakub Burroughs unleashed a rocket to make the score 6-2.

The Scholars came close again when the ball was swiped off the feet of the attacker 5 minutes from time.

Another chance went begging when Devante Ramsey arrowed a curling ball wide.

Aston Villa wrapped up the victory when Ajani Burchall got on a rebound from a shot that hit the bar.

It was 8 not long after when Kobei Moore shot home on the angle.