Errol Mundle-Smith netted a 25-minute hat-trick to fire Norwich City U21s to an impressive 4-1 victory away to Aston Villa on Friday night.
The teenager netted his first goal in 64 minutes as the Canaries ended their Premier League Two season with a victory to end a run of eight defeats in 10 matches.
City welcomed back Finley Welch, Pedro Lima and Waylon Renecke to the starting XI, with Dan Barden starting between the sticks fresh from penning a new two-year deal at the club. Coventry youngster Evan Eghosa was named on the bench as a trialist for this encounter.
Norwich took the lead inside the opening 12 minutes when Gabe Forsyth delivered a curling free kick that was met by Dan Ogwuru, who guided his header past Lander Emery, son of Villa boss Unai, and into the net.
Highly rated Rory Wilson restored parity just five minutes after being picked out by Kaden Young. The Scot's mis-hit effort found the back of the net to level proceedings at Bodymoor Heath.
Mundle-Smith squandered an opportunity to re-establish City's lead just before half-time after latching onto Adian Manning's pass, but saw his effort saved by Emery.
Villa started brighter after the interval, and Kobei Moore nearly put the visitors ahead after rounding Barden, only for a fine intervention from recovering City defender Charlie Wilson off the line to deny a certain goal.
Wilson then saw an effort rebound off the post before Barden was forced into a smart save to keep the game level.
City retook the lead on 64 minutes after Renecke's intervention teed up Elliot Myles, who was called into Wales U17s Euro squad earlier in the day, picked out Mundle-Smith with a sumptuous pass with the outside of the ball before the striker found the net.
Villa were reduced to ten men thereafter, with Lomare Bogarde picking up his second booking for a foul on Welch just four minutes after City reclaimed the lead.
Norwich made their man advantage count and struck again ten minutes from time when Mundle-Smith capitalised on a defensive mix-up to convert with composure to put the game beyond any doubt.
Mundle-Smith's hat-trick was secured in stoppage time. Despite his original penalty kick being saved by Emery, he smashed home the rebound to cap off a fine evening for the young Canaries.
They end the season having taken 23 points from 20 matches - winning seven, drawing two and losing 11. They currently reside in 17th, although there are still matches to play.
Aston Villa Under-21s: Emery, Rowe, Patterson (Pierre, 81), Katsukunya (Swinkels, 45), Bogarde, Borland, Young (Broggio, 59), Alcock, Moore, Wilson, Jimoh-Aloba (Barnes 73). Sub not used: Wright.
Goals: Wilson (16)
Bookings: Bogarde (40), Patterson (48), Wilson (78), Borland (90+2)
Red cards: Bogarde (68)
Norwich City Under-21s: Barden, Riley, Wilson, Renecke, Forsyth, Lima, Manning, Welch, Myles (Coker, 76), Ogwuru (Eghosa, 60), Mundle-Smith. Subs not used: Rose, Doy.
Goals: Ogwuru (12), Mundle-Smith (65, 79, 88)
Bookings: Renecke (25), Forsyth (58)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here