U23s: Aston Villa 5 United 1

Three points would have seen United take over from Reading at the top but, despite being on level terms at the break, the 10 men went on to lose for the third time this season as Villa proved to be more productive in front of goal and fully capitalised on George Tanner's red card.

The game was barely out of the wrapper when Villa carved out the first opening of the game, but they failed to profit from the early threat as Jacob Ramsey fired wide from winger Rushian Hepburn-Murphy's assist. Twice in quick succession, the Reds' defence were relieved to have Matej Kovar protecting the goal after pulling off two fantastic saves to deny Keinan Davis and Hepburn-Murphy. United, wearing pink shirts and black shorts, slowly got a foothold in the contest and were beginning to make our presence felt.

But then, in the 13th minute, Villa proved that their early dominance was no flash in the pan when striker Davis got above the defenders to head home Corey Taylor's corner. Attacking the deserted Holte End, United were looking for inspiration and it almost arrived, courtesy of Aidan Barlow, when he found Zak Dearnley but he just couldn't find the final touch. Barlow and Dearnley combined again, just after the half-hour mark, but the latter's shot squirmed wide of the post.

This was much better from United and, 12 minutes before the break, we got our reward when Nishan Burkart made the most of good positioning to hit home the leveller, following approach work by Josh Bohui. It was Burkart's second Premier League 2 goal of the season and it couldn't have arrived at a better time as the Reds' improvement gathered pace, with Dearnley hitting a post towards the end of the half.