Ridgewell beat Norwich keeper Robert Green with a ninth minute header to set Villa on their way to victory as they bounced back from their FA Cup defeat against Sheffield United.

Commenting on Ridgewell’s performance, Sun reporter Janine Self observed: "The young defender is gaining in confidence as he gets a few more games under his belt."

Meanwhile, Under-21 striker Dean Ashton made his debut for Norwich at Villa Park following his £3million move from Crewe last week.

Ashton acknowledges he has to work on his game to succeed in the top-flight.

He said: "The difference between the Championship and the Premiership is a big one and I have to work as hard as I can to make sure I’m as fit and sharp as I can be.

"I believe in my own ability and believe I can perform at this level. I had a couple of half-chances and with a few games I’ll be a lot sharper.

"I don’t know how long it will take to settle in but I can only try my best and hopefully show I’m a good enough player." (Daily Express)

Darren Bent was a relieved man after scoring twice in Ipswich’s 3-2 win over Coventry to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the Championship.

The England Under-21 star said: "It was a weight off my shoulders when the first goal went in because I haven’t scored for a few weeks."

Team-mate Darren Currie pointed out that Bent’s strike-partnership with Shefki Kuqi was crucial. He said: "The quality we have up front in Darren and Shefki showed in the end. They were fantastic goals." (The Sun)

Young Lions Wayne Routledge, Ben Watson (below) and Gary Borrowdale all featured for Crystal Palace against Manchester City at the weekend.

Routledge and Watson, described by Sun reporter Michael Morgan as "a midfielder full of potential", both appeared in the starting line-up while Borrowdale had a 30-minute run-out as a substitute.

Routledge set up a goal for Darren Powell with a free-kick but it was a disappointing afternoon for Palace as they went down to a 3-1 defeat.

England Under-19 ace Matthew Fryatt rounded off the scoring for Walsall with a last-minute goal in their 3-0 win over Chesterfield.

Also in League One, Fryatt’s Under-19 team-mate David Martin kept a clean sheet as MK Dons beat Colchester 2-0.