Sky Bet Championship club Aston Villa have erased memories of last season’s embarrassing League Cup First Round exit at Luton Town by beating Colchester United at a soggy Weston Homes Community Stadium in the newly branded Carabao Cup.
Villa lost 3-1 to The Hatters at Kenilworth Road 12 months ago but battled beyond Colchester United to record a 2-1 victory in extremely difficult conditions on Wednesday evening, a result which demonstrates how far the club have come.
Steve Bruce’s side took an early lead when Scott Hogan capitalised on an error from home keeper Sam Walker before Mikael Mandron missed a penalty for Colchester United. U’s defender Frankie Kent then scored an own goal before netting at the right end but it was not enough as Villa secured their place in the next round of the competition.
After watching their side put on a battling performance in Essex, Villa fans took to Twitter to give their views on the result.
Yes! Potential banana skin avoided… and not just because it was soaking wet! #avfc #QueSeraSera
— George (@Claytoification) August 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/Billy7AVFC/status/895389144955924480
We must learn to kill off games sooner and it is vital we start being able to change the pace of the game #avfc
— Ben (@claretnblue14) August 9, 2017
Decent result #avfc in terrible conditions. Right selection from Bruce, goal for Hogan and the kids who came in did well. Good evening.
— Morley Sid Witheshaw (@Arfa1969) August 9, 2017
#avfc good win on a difficult night weather wise, too many changes to judge the team on that performance but o'hare looks quality utv
— David McCormack (@villaholte13) August 9, 2017
The academy lads are so strong technically. I just hope Bruce gives them a chance now they've proved themselves in tough conditions #avfc
— Michael Nott (@BillBones84) August 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/CraigoW85/status/895388722459488257
https://twitter.com/jonnyhorton88/status/895388717250170881
Onomah looked very calm on ball , can carry ball and gets around pitch well.O'Hare also very good ,Chester calm and composed #avfc
— David Nabarro (@Nabby81) August 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/ShelleyOzzy/status/895388516955426822
The draw for the Second Round is expected to take place at 10pm on Thursday evening.