DCS Stadium brings good fortune to Aston Villa Ladies

A FINE brace from Beth Merrick and a debut goal from youngster Grace Smith sealed the points as Aston Villa Ladies hit back to beat Millwall 3-1 at the DCS Stadium on Sunday.

The win, at Stratford Town FC, was the claret and blues' first since May.

It was a richly deserved victory for a clinical Villa, who were missing top scorer Katie Wilkinson through injury.

Head coach Joe Hunt was keen to praise the impact of his goalscorers and the team’s effort as a whole.

He said: “I am delighted for the ladies. They got their rewards for an excellent week of work in training.

“It wasn’t just about how hard they physically worked in the week, it was the application and willingness to try new things.

“For various reasons we had players missing today but that’s the whole point in having a big squad.

“I’m fortunate that I have a squad packed full of very good players."

Alcester Grammar School student Mollie Rouse started the game for Villa, before being substituted midway through the second half.