Pre-Season Friendly: Shamrock Rovers 0 Aston Villa 2

Christian Benteke scored one and created the other as Aston Villa won their penultimate pre-season fixture at Shamrock Rovers on Sunday.

The Belgium international linked neatly with Andreas Weimann in attack for Paul Lambert’s side, with both men getting their names on the scoresheet.

Benteke, who scored 19 goals in the Premier League last term, created the first for his Austrian team mate in the 15th minute.

He rounded Barry Murphy inside the penalty area before rolling the ball back to Weimann who converted from close range.

The 22-year-old nearly added a second soon after but he was denied by a good challenge. However, just after the half-hour mark, he had his goal.

Matthew Lowton delivered a perfect cross from the right hand side and Benteke stooped to head past Murphy.

After seeing another chance cleared off the line, the forward set up Gabriel Agbonlahor but he placed his shot just wide.

The Premier League side were rarely tested in defence by Rovers and wasted good chances to extend their lead in the second half through Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker.