Norwich City’s under-21s claimed their first win in nearly two months as they comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-0.

Goals from Adian Manning (2) and Toby Chilvers sealed an important three points for the Young Canaries in Premier League 2, helping them return to form after a difficult autumn spell.

They started with a move that belied their recent struggles, Manning opening the scoring after 11 minutes by rounding off a move that involved attacking team-mates Brandon Forbes and Dan Ogwuru.

Caleb Ansen was forced into a strong stop when the hosts constructed a brief rebuttal, before part-time first-teamer Elliot Myles went close with a chip from distance.

Norwich took a slender lead into half time, and it was made to feel even more so when Kadan Young followed up Kobei Moore’s near miss by forcing Ansen into another good save.

It was the visitors who found the crucial second goal, however, Chilvers capitalising on Lander Emery's error to slot home Ogwuru's second assist of the game.

But Villa kept pushing despite their latest setback and almost found a way back into the game through Ben Broggio, seeing his effort bounce off the post and away.

Manning then added the cherry on the cake with a tidy finish in stoppage time, putting the contest to bed and ensuring a positive mood on the journey back to Norfolk.

Joint City boss Olly Lee was pleased with his side's performance post-match, telling official club channels: "Delighted for the boys. We've put a lot of hard work in over the last couple of weeks.

"They've been excellent this week, and I was really looking forward to to the game because I thought there was a performance coming. You're never quite sure, we've said it over the last couple of games, but [against Villa] we got what we deserved."

ASTON VILLA UNDER-21s: Emery; Rowe, Patterson, Smith, Swinkels, Alcock, Young, Taylor (Borland, 60), Moore (Burrowes, 60), Aloba, Broggio (Pierre, 74).

Unused subs: Amundsen-Day, Lewis

Bookings: Alcock (34)

NORWICH CITY Under-21s: Ansen; Tomkinson, Wilson, Warner, Mahovo; Djedje (Ofori-Manteaw, 68), Chilvers (Adelusi, 78), Manning; Myles (Okwumo, 68), Ogwuru (Sealey, 84), Forbes.

Unused subs: Finch

Goals: Manning (11, 90+2), Chilvers (58)

Bookings: Mahovo (35)