Aston Villa reserves suffered their second defeat in a row as Wigan dented their title aspirations at Robin Park Arena.

Despite Daniel Redmond’s goal ensuring Villa left Lancashire empty-handed, there were positives for Kevin MacDonald to take from the game.

Captained by Stephen Warnock, a young Villa outfit had two strong penalty appeals turned down.

Neither team could muster a goal in the first period in which the first penalty claim was made after Harry Forrester was shoved by Jordan Robinson. However, the referee was having none of it.

Teenage striker Callum Robinson then cut in from the right and fired in a shot which was turned away by Latics keeper Lee Nicholls.

Although Villa shaded the opening half, the home side grabbed the all-important goal just after the interval.

Redmond’s inswinging cross-cum-shot from a free-kick to the right of Villa’s penalty area went straight in to the top corner of Elliott Parish’s goal.

There was more danger for Villa moments later but Jordan Robinson put Redmond’s ball in just wide.