Premier League 2

Van Dijk returns in Southampton defeat

11 Sep 2017
Virgil van Dijk, Southampton

Defender plays 90 minutes in first match since January but Villa score four in Division 2 victory

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Virgil van Dijk made his first Southampton appearance since January, but he could not stop his side suffering a 4-0 Premier League 2 Division 2 defeat against Aston Villa at Walsall.

Villa, who had striker Jonathan Kodjia making his comeback from injury, were 2-0 up by the 24th minute thanks to two spectacular efforts from Jordan Cox.

Corey Taylor intercepted Richard Bakary's backpass three minutes after the interval to increase the lead and Callum O'Hare hit the fourth in the 53rd minute.

The win meant Villa overtook Blackburn Rovers to go second in the table, three points behind leaders Middlesbrough, who they visit in their next match on Friday at Heritage Park.

Southampton, who are now second bottom, three points ahead of Fulham, entertain Stoke City on Monday at their training ground.

See: Aston Villa report | Southampton report

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