THE Bass Charity Vase was won by Aston Villa after an entertaining game at the Pirelli Stadium. A strong second half by the visitors saw them record a 4-0 success.
Marvin Sordell had a great chance in the first minute, cutting inside to shoot on his left foot but skewing it wide
The Brewers were behind after Villa’s first attack. Kodjia found space on the right of the box. Bywater made a smart low save but the rebound falls kindly and Kodjia finishes the follow-up.
Albion responded by crafting a good chance of their own. Lucas Akins played the ball into the box for Liam Boyce who teed up Jamie Allen but his shot was blocked.
Albion continued to push Villa back and on 17 minutes John Brayford chipped the ball in the box to Boyce who held it up well before pulling back to Hodge whose shot was well saved by Steer.
It should have been 1-1 before the half hour was up
Akins pass split the defence and Lund delivered a near perfect low cross for Boyce but he could only get a half touch on it and it sailed wide
Akins spurned an even better chance on 33 minutes. Another great move saw Lund and Hutchinson involved in setting up Akins who blasted over with the goal gaping
Albion closed the half still dominating play with a Sordell free kick just eluding McFadzean at the back post.
Half-time 0-1
Albion brought on Ben Fox and Scott Fraser for John Brayford and Matty Lund at half-time but it was Villa who stepped up their game.
They showed more attacking threat and added to their lead on 51 minutes thanks to a cool finish from Adomah - slotting the ball under Bywater after being left free in the box.
Adomah threatened again soon after but his final ball was hacked clear by McFadzean.
It was 3-0 on 58 minutes when Ritchie De Laet ran at the Brewers back line and before he could be closed down shot from the edge of the area into Bywater’s net.
It was 4-0 after 75 minutes with Gary Gardner the scorer - Adomah knocked it sideways in the box leaving him with a simple tap in.
Seven subs disrupted Albion’s flow but Villa’s quality showed in the second period and they ran out comfortable winners to take the Bass Charity Vase.
Full-time 0-4
Attendance: 2,890
Brewers: Bywater, Brayford, Hutchinson, Buxton, McFadzean, Sordell, Lund, Allen, Hodge, Boyce, Akins
SUBS: Fraser (for Lund – 45), Campbell, Templeton (for Hodge – 63), Sbarra (for Akins – 76), Fox (for Brayford – 45), Harness (for Boyce – 76), McCormick (for Sordell – 83) , Armitage (for Sordell – 83)
Villa: Steer, Hutton, Chester, De Laet, Taylor, Green, Lansbury, Hourihane, Adomah, Grealish, Kodjia.
SUBS: Bunn, Sarkic, Whelan, Suliman, Bree, Blackett-Taylor, Elphick, Gardner, Clark, Knibbs.