WANDERERS under-21 development squad were beaten 3-0 at Aston Villa this afternoon against a strong home side.

Villa reserve coach Gordon Cowans fielded internationals Christian Benteke and Joe Cole from the start and both got on the scoresheet either side of half time, Belgian Benteke netting a penalty and Cole curling in from distance.

The Whites, who included Max Clayton, Josh Vela and Rob Hall in their starting line-up, had a chance to halve the deficit from the penalty spot in the second half but Zach Clough did not trouble Shay Given in the Villa goal and sent his spot-kick over the bar.

The hosts' scoring was completed seven minutes from time when Thomas Strain tapped Jack Grealish’s low cross past Ross Fitzsimons.

Jamie Fullarton’s second-string are back in FA U21 Premier League action next Monday when they host Derby County at Macron Stadium.

BWFC U21s: Fitzsimons, Maher, Perry (Campbell-Young 55), Finney, Taylor, Hughes, Clayton (Lester 73), Vela, Illiev (Woolery 55), Clough, Hall. Subs not used: Sellers, Campbell.