Villa Reserves On The Verge

Last updated : 21 April 2009 By Tom Vickers
The Villa reserves are set for a big celebration after seeing off Fulham at Villa Park.

Goals from Gary Gardner and Jonathan Hogg gave the home side a vital win which could seal the F.A. Premier Reserve League South should Stoke claim at least a point against second placed Spurs on Wednesday night.

Villa have been the best side in the league for most of the season and they have looked likely champions for a number of weeks now.

Fulham had looked set to throw a spanner in the works as they equalised on 75 minutes through Michael Uwezu.

But Hogg's pile driver six minutes later sent Villa on the way to victory.

Influence

The Claret and Blue squad was lacking senior influence, with only Moustapha Salifou, Nathan Delfouneso and Marc Albrighton having previously lined-up for the first team.

However, that is no real surprise as most of the first team back-up players left during the January transfer window.

Reserve team boss Kevin Macdonald will also have been keen to stick with the players who have served him well all season and a few may now be ready to make a step up to the first team.

The likes of Albrighton and Ciaran Clark both travelled to Moscow for Villa's UEFA Cup last 32 second leg and it is now seems likely that they could both be given a chance in the closing weeks of the senior season.