Errol Mundle-Smith scored a hat-trick, as Norwich City Under-21s ended their 2023/24 Premier League 2 season with a 4-1 win away to Aston Villa.
The game's first clear-cut chance led to the first goal. Finley Welch nudged the ball back to Gabe Forsyth, whose cross was met by Dan Ogwuru who headed in.
There was almost a quick response from Aston Villa, as Kaden Young fired over Dan Barden's goal from close range.
Moments later after that miss, Young created the equaliser for the hosts. His ball across goal was met by Rory Wilson who finished beyond Barden.
Errol Mundle-Smith came close to restoring the lead after latching onto Adian Manning's pass, but his shot was smothered by the Villa 'keeper.
In the second half, Kobei Moore rounded Barden but saw his effort blocked on the line by Charlie Wilson.
Rory Wilson almost added his, and Villa's second, but saw his effort come back out off the post.
Just after the hour mark, the Canaries regained the lead. Elliot Myles' ball into the box was met by Mundle-Smith who finished beyond the goalkeeper.
Moments after the goal, Aston Villa were reduced to ten men. Lomare Bogarde picked up his second yellow card after bringing down Welch.
Ten minutes from time, Mundle-Smith added Norwich's third. A long ball from Forsyth led to a defensive mix-up, and Mundle-Smith was able to finish into an empty net.
Mundle-Smith completed his hat-trick two minutes from time. His original penalty was saved by the Villa keeper, but he reacted quickest to fire in the rebound.
Aston Villa Under-21s: Emery, Rowe, Patterson (Pierre 81), Katsukunya (Swinkels h-t), Bogarde, Borland, Young (Broggio 59), Alcock, Moore, Wilson, Jimoh-Aloba (Barnes 73).
Unused sub: Wright.
Goals: Wilson (16)
Bookings: Bogarde (40), Patterson (48), Wilson (78), Borland (90+2)
Red cards: Bogarde (68)
Norwich City Under-21s: Barden, Riley, Wilson, Renecke, Forsyth, Lima, Manning, Welch, Myles (Coker 76), Ogwuru (Trialist 60), Mundle-Smith.
Unused subs: Rose, Doy.
Goals: Ogwuru (12), Mundle-Smith (65, 79, 88)
Bookings: Renecke (25), Forsyth (58)