Aston Villa kicked off the pre-season proper with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Peterborough at London Rd tonight, Ashley Young, John Carew and Eric Lichaj getting the goals and all 8 substitutes got some time on the pitch.

Ashley Young opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes, but Aaron Davies brought the home side back on terms almost immediately. John Carew restored the briefly held lead just before half time.

Elliot Parish came on in place of Brad Friedel for the second half signalling, perhaps, that he will be the firm number three keeper this season after Andy Marshall’s contract was not renewed.

Eric Lichaj, playing at left back for most of the game, added Villa’s third 8 minutes into the second half, heading in Stewart Downing’s corner at the far post.

Charlie Lee scored the home side’s second goal from distance with a deflected effort that left Parish with little chance.

Starting XI: Friedel, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Lichaj, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Albrighton, Downing, A Young, Carew.
Subs: Lowry, Berry, Bannan, Collins, Forrester, Parish, Hogg, Osbourne.