Championship club Aston Villa reached the EFL Cup second round with a narrow away win at League Two Colchester.

Scott Hogan slotted in Villa’s opener after U’s keeper Sam Walker fumbled.

The hosts had an early chance to level after Christopher Samba took out Sammie Szmodics in the box, but Mikael Mandron’s drilled penalty was saved.

Frankie Kent then inadvertently turned in Albert Aldomah’s cross, before the United defender made it 2-1 at the other end shortly before half-time.

Colchester pushed for a leveller after the break but missed several chances as Villa - who made nine changes to their starting side after their league draw with Hull - held on to progress.

*Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce:*

”The conditions were tough and we had a makeshift back four, so it was always going to be difficult.

“Jed (Steer) pulled off two or three very good saves and I’m delighted for him, because he’s worked really hard to get back.

“He ruptured his Achilles in my first week at the club but he’s a very decent goalkeeper and he got his rewards.

“You wouldn’t send a lifeboat out in those conditions and I’ve never known anything like it for an August evening. It was unbelievable.

“We made too many mistakes but thankfully got away with it.”