Live updates: Philadelphia Union (0) vs Aston Villa (1) FT

Summary: Seemed overall we deserved the win, especially after the first half display. Second half was very disjointed and Union came back into it but we held on. Nice to get a clean sheet and a win against a team already playing competitive football. The goal by the Fonz was a good one by all accounts, and our new arrivals did well by the sounds of things. A confidence boosting clean sheet for Guzan and the rest of the defence and it’s another win for Mr Lambert. Pleasing outing, and a big thanks to all who got involved here, and on our Twitter and Facebook pages. UTV.

02.26: A bit of late drama as Union have a corner with near enough the last kick of the game. We actually don’t panic though and clear it and with that the referee blows his whistle to signal the end of the game.

02.21: Union have a free kick in a very dangerous area but Villa get away with it. 17,195 is the announced attendance as the official announces there is 3 minutes left. Gabby has just done well and fed N’Zogbia who couldn’t finish.

02.15: Ian Taylor who is co-commenting on AVTV has listed Ireland, El Ahmadi and Holman as his men that have stood out tonight. Union are continuing to threaten as the game winds down.

02.13: Another effort for Union as one of their men makes a run from midfield and hits a fizzing shot that just flies over. Herd has also just got lucky after gifting possession to one of their players who can’t take advantage. Into the last ten minutes now.

02.11: Lichaj gets forward well and gets into the opposition box but after doing all the hard work, shoots harmlessly wide.

02.08: Seem a lot more disjointed this half, which is to be expected at this stage of preseason and with all the subs.

02.05: Biggest chance of the day for the Union. Herd gives the ball away, and their man breezes past Dunne but just shoots wide.

02.01: The Union seem to be coming into it a little more and just had a corner that was cleared away.

01.59: Dunne and Baker on for Collins and Clark as the subs continue.

01.56: Gabby and N’Zogbia combine well, but once again for the Frenchman, it peters out into nothing. Collins has also been booked as well.

01.51: Yet more subs Lichaj, Gardner and Stevens come on for Lowton, Warnock and Holman. From what I gathered Lowton did well from the right back position.

01.49: More substitutions see Delph and Herd come on for El Ahmadi and Bannan. Both did well by all accounts.

01.48: Gabby has been handed the armband, and just had a good run that teetered out as he got into the box.

01.45: Double substitution see Gabby Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann replace the Fonz and Bent. According to the commentators Bent was a bit quiet, but the Fonz did well and topped his performance off with a goal.

01.44: El Ahmadi combines well with another new boy Lowton, who finds Bent but our captain is crowded out.

01.42 N’Zogbia gets involved not long after his introduction, but his shot is blocked.

01.37: Second half kicks off, and it looks like the only sub seems Charles N’Zogbia replacing Stephen Ireland, who was making his first appearance of the preseason.

01.21: Half time and it’s 1-0 to the Villa. Thoroughly deserved by all accounts, and the goal seems a good un. Seem to be very much on top, which is very encouraging against a team in the middle of their season. It be interesting to see what kind of subs are made now, but plenty to be happy about so far.

01.16: Goal! 1-0 to the Villa. Warnock plays the ball through to the Fonz, who scores a cracking goal curling the ball past the keeper. Seems very much deserved, and reward for the Fonz who has kept plugging away despite missing a few.

01.10: Union threaten for just about the first time, but Ireland is in the right place to put in a good challenge. At the other end Warnock does well down the left, but his cross can’t find anyone.

01.05: More top passing sees the ball played into the box but no-one can capitalise. El Ahmadi seems to be very much involved which is encouraging. Ciaran Clark has just come up from the back and let go with a cracking effort that just flew over the bar.

01.04: Just read the following tweet: ‘Fantastic, the pitchside announcer asking all fans to join in with 19th min applause for Petrov’ top stuff.

12.59: Ireland plays the ball to Fonz who just dithers and allows the defender to get back. Lambert is screaming and prowling on the sidelines, just what I like!

12.55: 19th minute, different continent and the applause for Stan rings out. Estimated there is a 1000 or so Villa fans at the ground, top effort.

12.51: More good football from the Villa, with El Ahmadi and Holman linking well. Ball is played through to Ireland who is offside. Lowton seems to have made an impressive start at right back.

12.48: Free kick 20 or so yards out. Bannan is interested but Bent takes rank as captain and hits the free kick straight at the keeper. Good start though for the Villa.

12.45: Ball played over the top for the Fonz, and the opposition keeper makes another good save.

12.44: Early signs are that we’re looking to keep hold of the ball again, with the midfield four keeping quite narrow and changing positions.

12.37: Villa go close early doors. Lowton puts in a great cross (good sign) and both Holman and Bent get touches before their keeper saves on the line.

I’m often up late, so this USA tour is ideal for me. If anyone else is up at this time, I figured I’d update as the match goes along. Feel free to get involved in the comments if you like.

The team is in, and here it is:

Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Collins, Clark, Warnock, El Ahmadi, Holman, Bannan, Ireland, Delfouneso, Bent [c].

Subs: Marshall, Dunne, N’Zogbia, Agbonlahor, Delph, Carruthers, Weimann, Stevens, Lichaj, Herd, Baker, Gardner.

Few little notes to observe. Guzan and Ireland are given their first starts of the preseason, and it must be especially pleasing for Guzan having just signed a new contract. Lowton is given a start at right back, and it be interesting to see how he does as to many, he was brought in to compete here. The midfield looks quite narrow, and I’m excited to see more of El Ahmadi and Holman. Bannan also impressed last time out. Up front the Fonz gets another go, and Bent is named captain once again. The weather is meant to be hot, so it be interesting to see what’s done with subs again. We’ll let you know!

I like the look of this side though, and this is much more of a test than Saturday, let’s see how they get on.

UTV.