Captain Ciaran Clark grabbed a brace as Villa reserves saw off Chelsea to kick-off the new season in the best possible style.
The Claret and Blue second string, who were champions of the Reserve League South last season, were in fine form against their illustrious opponents.
Chelsea included summer signings Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge, whilst there was an appearance between the Villa sticks for new keeper David Marshall.
The former Coventry City stopper enjoyed a reasonably quiet evening but the same could not be said for his opposite number Turnbull who had a shocker.
He was at fault for the first goal as young Austrian striker Andreas Weimann closed down his kick and slotted the ball into an unguarded net.
It was advantage Villa and soon after skipper Clark doubled the lead when he pounced to slot home after Turnbull had failed to hold a free-kick into the box from Moustapha Salifou.
Centre-back Clark then got his second and Villa's third of the evening from another set-piece as he headed past the hapless Chelsea keeper from a Barry Bannan corner.
It was becoming all too easy for the away side and wing wizard Marc Albrighton continued his progression with a fine low strike from 25 yards out.
All in all it was a super evening for the reserves and for some it is a kick start to a campaign which could see them break into the first team starting line-up.