Villa youngster Aaron Ramsey started his first game for the Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night as his side came from behind to beat North-East giants Sunderland.
The 19-year-old helped his side fight valiantly to draw level against the Black Cats before being withdrawn from the action in the 73rd minute.
Ramsey began the game in Cheltenham’s midfield three alongside goalscorer Elliot Bonds and Chelsea academy product Charlie Colkett.
He quickly proved the be the most advanced of three, however this meant it was difficult for him to get into the game as Sunderland’s high press meant that the League One side struggled to transition smoothly from defence into midfield.
The midfield often became overrun during the first half, meaning Ramsey and eventual match-winner and forward Alfie May found themselves isolated.
The Gloucestershire club had to bypass the transition on numerous occasions, and ended up lumping the ball up to Spurs loanee Kion Etete a number of times, leaving the Villa prospect a passenger of the first period of the game.
It looked like AJ would be in for a tough first start in League One as Sunderland’s Alex Pritchard converted a delicious free kick early on.
However, the second half proved more promising for Ramsey.
As Cheltenham began to dominate play looking for their equaliser, Ramsey started to receive the ball in more advanced areas of the pitch, and comfortably at that.
The boy from Great Barr was able to link play with the red and white wing-backs, and make some promising runs, particularly down the right hand side.
One third of the midfield trio, Elliot Bonds, found his effort deflected in after 64 minutes to draw level.
The Villa loanee’s substitution in the 73rd minute came at a good time, with him earning some valuable minutes in the senior game alongside his first start, proving he can hold his own, and his side going on to beat Sunderland in one of the greatest nights in their history.
Ramsey will only be able to push on from here as his confidence visibly grew as the game progressed, with manager Michael Duff speaking very highly of the FA Youth Cup winner.
Cheltenham’s next game is against Fleetwood Town at home on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if the manager keeps Ramsey in the starting eleven after some promising spells in his first start.
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