A year ago they were beaten by Liverpool in the trophy decider between the winners of the north and south sections.

It was hard to take then, but now the Midlands men are celebrating after a 3-1 win over Sunderland at Villa Park.

Nathan Delfouneso fired them ahead only for Martyn Waghorn to level almost immediately. However second-half goals by James Collins and Shane Lowry clinched the trophy.

It was presented on a Barclays podium by Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards, complete with fireworks, streamers and celebratory music.

Villa coach Kevin MacDonald said: "The trophy presentation is done really well and last season we had to watch as the Liverpool lads enjoyed all that razzamatazz.

"There were a few in our side who played that night and were determined to go the whole way this time.

"I am delighted for them and I hope they enjoy the moment and savour it because you never know when it will come again.

"But the good thing is they have had a taste now and will want it again. It is important they become winners because that is what the top teams are - winners.

"They worked hard for this against a very good Sunderland side and showed a great attitude, not just in this match but all season.

"A few of them have come back from serious injury and just seeing them play was as satisfying as winning the trophy.

"Silverware at this level is secondary to the priority of producing players for the first-team but it is still a nice feeling.

"It is difficult to say how many of them will go on and make it. A few have already played or been on the bench for the first-team but it is not until they have played nine or 10 times that you can begin to judge if they will make it.

"Statistically many of them won't although it does help that there are now seven substitutes as that enables managers to sometimes put youngsters on the bench."

Delfouneso has already played for the senior side and showed his potential with a sparkling show against Sunderland.

He said: "It is a massive step up from the Reserves to the first-team because it is faster and stronger. It is harder physically and mentally.

"But I have learned a lot from the other players and I will keep working hard and hopefully more games will come.

"This was a special night not just for me but for the whole team, especially after what happened last year.

"After that, we set out to win our league and then the play-off and we have done it and it is a great feeling."

Another to have played for the first-team is midfielder Barry Bannan who also looked the part with an all-action display.

He said: "It was the worst feeling in the world to watch Liverpool pick up the trophy in front of us last year so it was great to win it in front of our own fans.

"We are proud to have won it for the manager. Kevin has been brilliant and it is nice to repay him.

"The thing now is to try and push on from here into the first-team. I have already played in Moscow in the UEFA Cup which was a dream come true.

"I had wanted to play in Europe ever since I was three or four and luckily I have done it young. It was a great experience and hopefully I can do it again.

"The manager watches Reserve games and Nathan has proved if you do well at this level then you will get a chance."

Sunderland coach Neil Bailey put a brave face on his side's defeat and admitted: "We were beaten by the better team.

"We were disappointed to lose but sometimes you just have to take it on the chin and admit the better side won.

"They started well and maintained it and although we got a quick equaliser they kept going and we were left hanging on.

"I am disappointed for the lads because they have worked so hard this season and set really high standards. They have been a pleasure to work with but maybe this was one game too far.

"We did not reach the standards we have done but a lot of that was down to Villa who did not allow us to play. They have good individuals and they are a good team."

Bailey knows the disappointment will be eased if Sunderland secure their Barclays Premier League status on Sunday.

They will do that if local rivals Newcastle United fail to win at Aston Villa and Bailey said: "I would settle for the same scoreline here on Sunday."