Carlos Cuellar and Steve Sidwell both made it through a full 90 minutes unscathed as Villa reserves kicked off their campign with a 2-1 win at Stoke.
Spanish centre back, Cuellar, who signed from Rangers last month, was making his debut in a Villa shirt, whilst Sidwell started his first game since an Intertoto Cup clash against Odense in July.
Goals from exciting young striker Nathan Delfounso and midfielder Isaiah Osbourne, gave the summer signings a sweet taste of victory.
The win also served up a small slice of revenge for the first team following defeat at the Britannia last month.
After a goalless first half, Villa went ahead through Delfouneso, who calmly finished following great work from winger Wayne Routledge.
Routledge continues to impress for the second string and he will have to take every opportunity as he looks to challenge for a first team spot.
He will face a daunting battle with James Milner and Ashley Young, but should play an important role as a back-up player this season.
Laugh
Stoke restored parity in the clash, when new signing Danny Higginbotham marked his first game back at the Britannia with a goal.
The defender headed home a free kick just minutes after Villa had gone ahead ahead.
But, it was to be the away side who had the last laugh as Osbourne slotted home after a great move involving Marlon Harewood.
The win may have been satisfying but as with most reserve games, fitness of senior players was the key.
Cuellar and Sidwell both looked in good shape and the former Rangers centre back, in particular, will have benefitted a great deal from the outing.
He has yet to play a competitive game since the end of last season, so reserve fixtures will be vital in getting him up to speed.