A FINE hat-trick from Andreas Weimann and a super strike by Eric Lichaj ensured Aston Villa ran out winners in their top-of-the-table Premier Reserve League showdown against neighbours West Brom, who had Scott Allan notching his first goal for the club.

It wasn’t the most thrilling match at Bodymoor this season, but there was still an intensity as two sides battled for local supremacy, with Villa going three points clear and looking favourites to take the title.

Weimann’s second hat-trick in three games was just reward for another hard-working performance from the Austrian striker, while Scottish midfielder Barry Bannan and Aussie Chris Herd, coming back after injury, both made their presence felt.

The Baggies were unfortunate to lose by such a scoreline, but still had Sam Mantom and Liam O’Neil looking good in midfield.

It was a less than memorable start but things got better in the 20th minute when Weimann’s effort hit the bar from a cross by Lichaj. Nathan Baker had a chance in the 32nd minute, only to head wide from Bannan’s free-kick.