Report | Aston Villa U23s 1 Swansea City U23s 1

Brandon Cooper was on target as Swansea City Under-23s held Aston Villa to a 1-1 draw at Bodymoor Heath.

The honours were shared in the Premier League 2 Division Two showdown, and what was the young Swans’ final match of 2019.

The development side had fallen behind to Tyreik Wright’s 33rd-minute strike.

However, they responded before half-time as Cooper headed in from Keiran Evans’ cross.

The return of Evans from injury marked the only change to the side that beat Norwich City 2-1 last Monday, as he replaced Will Rickard in the attacking midfield trio.

Villa had scored 11 goals in their previous two games and began on the front foot at Bodymoor Heath, with Jacob Ramsey curling an effort just wide of the target.

Michael Tait and Jack Clarke also went close for the hosts, who then had a goal by Indiana Vassilev ruled out for offside.

However, there was no denying Mark Delaney’s side in the 33rd minute as Tait’s deep cross reached Wright, who fired into the top corner.

Nevertheless, the Swans responded well and drew themselves level just before the break, with Cooper heading home Evans’ cross for his second goal of the season.

Both sides went in search of the game’s third goal in the second goal. Villa keeper Viljami Sinisalo was forced into a couple of smart saves, while Vassilev’s deflected free-kick went just wide at the other end.

The woodwork was also struck by both sides as they sought a winner in the latter stages of the contest.

But just like the reverse fixture at Landore in August, the spoils were eventually shared.

Swansea City U23s: Lewis Webb; Ryan Bevan (Tivonge Rushesha, ht), Cameron Evans, Brandon Cooper, Matthew Blake; Jack Evans (capt), Kees de Boer; Ali Al-Hamadi (Josh Thomas, 83), Simon Paulet, Keiran Evans (Will Rickard, ht); Liam Cullen.

Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Jake Thomas.