Villa showed no mercy for struggling neighbours Birmingham City with a ruthless demolition job here last night.

After their disastrous start to the season the lack of an established recognised goalkeeper and Ian Handysides’ recent brain operation Blues were due for a lucky break.

But Graham Taylor’s side allowed them no let-up as they repeatedly ripped through a wafer-thin defence to wrap up a crushing 7-0 aggregate win.

Blues’ rookie goalkeeper Tony Elliott had a nightmare debut picking the ball out of his net four times in the opening 17 minutes.

Derek Mountfield beat him with a header in the first minute after Gordon Cowans destroyed the defence with a curling cross.

Ian Atkins’s foul on Chris Price earned him a booking and allowed Kevin Gage to extend the lead direct from his 11th minute free kick.

With the Birmingham defence in tatters Elliott was reduced to a spectating role as Gage lashed in a low 20-yard drive from the edge of the area five minutes later.

The rout continued when Blues failed to clear a dangerous attack allowing teenager Ian Olney to score from close range on his debut.

To make matters worse for Blues Ray Ranson limped off on the half hour to be replaced by youngster Simon Sturridge.

Villa came to life after a subdued start to the second half when Price streaked clear on the right but his cross was hacked away by Vince Overson.

A minute later Elliott was under pressure again when he fumbled a corner but his defence fortunately came to the rescue.

Tony Daley repeatedly caused panic with his lightning speed and after having one shot beaten out by the Blues’ back four he grabbed Villa’s fifth goal after 70 minutes with a superb chip from the edge of the box that gave the outstretched Elliott no chance.