Dominant throughout, Gordon Penman’s team were inspired by a spine consisting of unflappable centre-back Sam Kushimo, the outstanding Reegan Birtea in midfield, and the firepower of Coden McLay up top.

It was McLay who opened the scoring midway through the first half, capitalising on some exquisite wing-play from Kayden Sherlock to fire left-footed across the goalkeeper.

And shortly after breaking the deadlock, McLay found himself through on goal again, only to be brought crashing down on the edge of the area as he prepared to shoot.

Undeterred, the Villa Park number nine picked himself up, dusted himself down, and buried the resulting free-kick into the bottom left corner.

Superbly taken efforts from Mapalo Mendy either side of half-time increased the advantage; the first after spinning his marker and rifling into the roof of the net, the second having executed a wonderful touch and turn just inside the box.

Substitute Jamie Allan added a fine fifth after McLay had hurdled two challenges down the right to give the home side an unassailable lead, yet the only complacency - and showboating - to be seen came on the sideline from assistant manager Dougie Caulfield, whose attempted overhead kick only narrowly missed the VEO Cam high up on its stand.

A late consolation from a set-piece denied Dominic Brown a deserved clean sheet against his former club, but it wasn’t enough to dampen celebrations at the final whistle.

Victory keeps Villa Park seven points clear of Bailleston Thistle ahead of the league split, although the second-placed side do currently have three games in hand.