U21s: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Aston Villa (1-4 pens)

Oliwier Zych put in a superb display as Aston Villa’s youthful side held a strong Bolton Wanderers to an impressive 1-1 draw in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, before triumphing 4-1 in the penalty shoot-out.

Trai-Varn Mulley headed the Young Lions into a 33^rd-minute lead at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, which the visitors preserved until the latter stages thanks in part to the heroics of goalkeeper Zych.

Kyle Dempsey sent a free-kick against the crossbar for the hosts before Zych was finally beaten by Victor Adeboyejo’s header in the 79^th minute, ensuring it finished all square against the League One side.

But Poland youth international Zych continued to enjoy a memorable night in the subsequent shoot-out, saving two spot-kicks as Villa claimed the additional bonus point.

The hard-earned result leaves Josep Gombau’s table-topping side on five points from their opening two EFL Trophy matches, with a trip to Barrow AFC next up in their final Northern Section Group D encounter next month.

With Villa having named a young and inexperienced side, the third-tier hosts flew out of the blocks and captain Zych was immediately called upon to save from Aaron Collins before Randell Williams fired over the crossbar from close range.

Villa settled into the encounter although it was the Trotters who were dominating possession and dictating large parts of the play.

Collins sent an effort off target before Zych made a superb save to keep out Klaidi Lolos’ header.

However, it was the visitors who opened the scoring with their first clear-cut opportunity of the night, Bradley Burrowes rewarded for some great work down the right channel as his chipped cross was headed home by Mulley.

Zych continued to impress between the sticks, making a fine stop to thwart Collins among a host of excellent saves as Villa led at the interval.

Bolton continued to dominate proceedings after the restart but the resilient and well-organised Villans ensured chances were kept to a minimum.

Aidan Borland’s shot following a swift counter-attack was comfortably collected by Wanderers goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson.

The home side turned the screw as the encounter entered the latter stages and Dempsey’s 25-yard free-kick rebounded off the crossbar in the 78^th minute.

And Bolton levelled matters almost immediately afterwards as Zych was finally beaten by Adeboyejo’s header into the bottom corner.

But Villa held firm to claim a hard-fought draw before the night got even better in the subsequent shoot-out.

Zych saved from Collins and George Thomason as Burrowes converted the winning spot-kick to clinch a 4-1 success and cap a night to remember for Villa’s Academy.

Villa: Zych, Simpson, Amundsen-Day, Routh, Fortes, Burrowes, Borland, Barnes (Quinn 71), Jenner (Brannigan 65), Lynskey (Edwards 57), Mulley.

Subs: Lewis, Timson, Carroll, Bloomfield.