U21s: Aston Villa 4-0 Middlesbrough

Aston Villa secured back-to-back Premier League 2 wins in style as they saw off Middlesbrough 4-0 courtesy of a ruthless second-half showing.

Kobei Moore handed the hosts a deserved lead just a minute after the interval, following up to convert after Travis Patterson’s strike was parried by Boro ‘keeper Shea Connor.

And it was Patterson who added a quickfire second for the Under-21s to double their advantage just three minutes later.

Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba then added a third for the Young Lions shortly after the hour mark, with Todd Alcock claiming two assists at Bodymoor Heath.

And it was left for Jimoh-Aloba to put the gloss on an emphatic victory with his second of the night in injury time – ensuring Villa, who saw off Everton last Friday, recorded a fourth PL2 triumph of the campaign and, crucially, a first clean sheet in the league.

The opening half an hour was a competitive affair which saw both sides battle for superiority, although there was little in the way of clear-cut openings.

Moore enjoyed Villa’s first shot on target in the 32^nd minute as he latched on to a ball over the top from Finley Munroe and tested Boro ‘keeper Connor with a fierce strike.

And the pair linked up again shortly afterwards as a well-worked set-piece routine saw Munroe pull a free-kick to the edge of the area for Moore to send a low strike goalwards which was collected by Connor.

Villa continued to be the dominant force and Kadan Young hit the side-netting in injury time but, ultimately, it remained a goalless first half.

But all that changed within a minute of the restart as the ball was worked out wide to Patterson, his effort was parried by Connor and Moore was on hand to convert from close range.

Villa duly doubled their advantage just moments later as Alcock found Patterson in a promising position and he slotted home.

And the hosts added a third in the 65^th minute as Alcock capitalised on a mis-placed clearance from Connor to slide in Jimoh-Aloba and he coolly converted.

Villa stopper James Wright produced a superb save to keep out an acrobatic effort from Law McCabe, while Alcock, at the centre of things, was thwarted by Connor.

Luka Lynch saw his effort kept out by the Boro ‘keeper while fellow substitute Rory Wilson fired off target when well placed as the home side threatened another late on.

And they got it deep into added time as Jimoh-Aloba showed great strength to surge through on goal and slot home, capping a memorable night for the Young Lions.