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Callum Robinson’s brilliant double decided a local “derby” that began as a damp squib and finished in thrilling fashion at Villa Park .

For almost half-an-hour neither side could make much impression, despite plenty of endeavour, but the Barclays Under-21 Premier League encounter suddenly sprang into life, although chances were at a premium.

The two captains, Aston Villa’s Daniel Johnson and West Bromwich Albion’s Donervorn Daniels, were called together by the referee as players from both sides got heated in the 35th minute, but the real action got under way just after the interval when Jordan Graham was presented with a great chance by Andras Stieber, only to miss a sitter.

Albion’s strong midfielder Liam O’Neil forced a fine save from Bradley Watkins in the 48th minute, but it was Villa who drew first blood on 71 minutes when Johnson fed a superb through ball to Robinson, who produced a class finish from an angle.

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Albion levelled in equally fine fashion after 82 minutes, O’Neil’s glorious pass sending Alex Jones away to outpace Joshua Webb and score low into the corner.

As the final whistle approached former Villa ‘keeper Boaz Myhill saved well from Johnson and Daniels headed over from Joe Ward’s free-kick.

Albion looked to be heading for an away point, but Villa’s most dangerous players on the night, Graham and Robinson, combined with Graham’s cross being converted in slick fashion by the goal-hungry Robinson.

VILLA: Watkins, Webb, Wildin, Stieber, Donacien, Lewis (Leggett, 75), R Strain (Abdo, 62), Burke, Robinson, Johnson, Graham. Subs: Hill, O’Brien, Nehemie.

ALBION: Myhill, Gayle (Ward, 71), Howkins (Donnellan, 90), O’Neil, D Daniels, C Jones, Roofe, Birch (Wright, 82), A Jones, S Nabi, Atkinson. Subs: Pace, Rose.