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Aston Villa’s Under-23 team rounded off a season of success by claiming the Hong Kong Soccer 7’s Shield earlier today.
After storming through a three-game group stage with three wins, thanks to eight goals, Aston Villa blasted their way past Kashima Antlers before dispatching West Ham United in the final.
Villa were competing for the secondary honour on the day, having been knocked out of the main tournament earlier on by last year’s winners, Leicester City.
Villa spent much of the seven-a-side tournament defining an exciting play-style that revolved around playing out from the back, moments of individual brilliance, and perfectly executed tap-ins. Take this from Callum O’Hare for example:
Good start to the tournament pic.twitter.com/mvLLJwjiNf
— Callum O'Hare (@CalOhare) May 19, 2018
If you want some goal-scoring action, this goal from Harvey Knibbs probably shows Villa’s play-style off the most. Roving, direct, purposeful:
Morning, Villans #AVFC U23s have progressed through to the #HKSoccer7s Shield final later today. This just one of a great few goals that got them there... #PartOfThePride pic.twitter.com/BPquHxqr5U
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2018
Finally, what about some individual brilliance from Corey Blackett-Taylor?
Finally, a great solo run sees @Corey_Taylor7 open our account at the tournament.#AVFC pic.twitter.com/PG5JGSQYVw
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) May 19, 2018
Wearing sweat drenched shirts, Villa were more than deserving of holding the HK Soccer 7’s shield aloft. This annual tournament has a heavy Villa pedigree, with AVFC claiming no less than five main tournament titles in the 14 years that they have been competing.
Well done, lads! A good end to a long and fruitful season.#HKSoccer7s Shield winners 2018! #PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/HV3tHVl05i
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) May 20, 2018
The future, as they say, is bright!