Rushian Hepburn-Murphy grabbed a brace as our youngsters contested an eight-goal thriller with Chelsea at Bodymoor Heath.Villa took the lead early on but came from behind three times to snatch a dramatic point in the south section of the U18 Premier League.Their start could not have been better as after just five minutes, skipper Easah Suliman fired home from Callum O'Hare's cross from the right.With their tails up, Jake Humphries' low right-footed drive was then saved before the visitors settled.The equaliser came within 10 minutes of Suliman's goal as Dan Kemp advanced down the right flank and Mason Mount prodded in past goalkeeper Matija Sarkic from close range.The Londoners were ahead just before the half-hour mark as Kemp again caused problems down the right and forced a save from Sarkic, who could not hold on to the loose ball and Harvey St Clair was on hand to put his side in front.Villa responded brilliantly, though and equalised just four minutes later.The impressive O'Hare provided a lovely floated cross for Hepburn-Murphy and the striker headed beyond Nathan Baxter.Such was the topsy-turvy nature of the contest Mount fired the Blues back in front 11 minutes before the break finishing into the bottom corner.Villa responded and Baxter was forced to claw away a looping effort from Jack Clarke late in the half.Just after the hour mark, Jake Humphries drew the claret and blues level again - reacting quickest following a scramble in the box.With the game seemingly destined to end three apiece, the visitors then grabbed what appeared to be the winner - St Clair rifled his finish into the roof of the net.Yet, Ben Petty's team were not finished and snatched a point at the death.The home side won a penalty which Hepburn-Murphy duly converted.Villa U18: Sarkic, Linley, Hailey (Finnerty 57), Hayes (Cox 67), Clark, Suliman (C), Taylor, Clarke, Hepburn-Murphy, O'Hare, Humphries (Mooney 67). Unused subs: Idem, Prosser.Chelsea U18: Baxter, Grant (C), Colley, Nartey (Chalobah 60), Dasilva (Sterling 73), Sammut (Maddox 69), McCormick, Kemp, Mount, St Clair, Ugbo.
Report: Norwich U18s 1-2 Villa U18sRushian Hepburn-Murphy was the hero as his late goal ensured a 2-1 win for Villa U18s at Norwich U18s.It was a hard-fought victory for the claret and blue starlets after a disjointed week, which had seen some of the squad travel to Genk for a friendly and the others remain at Bodymoor Heath for training.Despite this, Ben Petty's side produced a fine display - and a hard-fought victory.Villa U18s were on top in the first half without really stamping their authority on the game.But they went behind early in the second half.However, they showed plenty of bottle and character to respond well and earn the win.There was a smart backheel finish from Moustafa Zeidan to level matters.And with the game heading for a draw, a sumptuous late lob from starlet striker Hepburn-Murphy guaranteed the result the team wanted.It also means that Hepburn-Murphy now has five goals in his last three appearances.Villa U18s backline deserve immense credit for a fine stopping display for much of the game, with top performances from Joe Linley, Mitch Clark and captain Easah Suliman, with Jake Hayes also excelling further up.Villa U18s: Idem, Linley, Hailey (Hall 79), Omerovic (Knibbs 49), Clark, Suliman, Zeidan, Hayes, Hepburn-Murphy, O'Hare, Humphries (Clarke 66). Subs not used: Prosser, Bannister.
Fulham U21s 2 Aston Villa U21s 2: Teenage striker continues his goalscoring formRushian Hepburn-Murphy and Harry McKirdy on the score sheet again for the claret and blues15:59, 19 NOV 2015 UPDATED 16:02, 19 NOV 2015BY GREGG EVANSRushian Hepburn-Murphy continued his fine goalscoring form with another strike in Aston Villa U21s 2-2 draw away at Fulham this afternoon.The 17-year-old has been hot in front of goal this term but his goal, coupled with another from strike partner Harry McKirdy wasn’t enough to see off their spirited hosts.Villa took the lead twice in the first-half but were pegged back and had to settle for a share of the spoils despite having the better chances after the break.On the half-hour mark McKirdy slipped in Hepburn-Murphy who coolly finished past Magnus Norman.Just three minutes later, though, Fulham were back in the game as Mattias Kait smashed home.With half-time approaching Villa ploughed forward and they soon found themselves ahead again after lethal play up front.Hepburn-Murphy this time returned the favour as he supplied the pass for McKirdy to finish from close range.Villa continued to take the game to the home side at Motspur Park but on 65 minutes Jordan Evens equalised again.Josh Webb went close twice and captain Jordan Lyden also had an opportunity to grab a winner but the scores remained even.Villa U21: Sarkic, Webb, Suliman, Mason, Kinsella, Taylor, Cowans, Lyden, Sellars, McKirdy, Hepburn-Murphy. Subs: Bannister, Leggett, O’Hare, Hale, Hayes.
I can see Traore starting on Saturday.