Jordan Ayew continued his superlative pre-season scoring form by scoring the opener in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.

The goal was sublime; Ayew run in off the left-hand side and across the penalty area before swiping a firm right-footed shot past Mildenhall from around 15 yards.

The Ghana international lasted 60 minutes on the pitch until Scot Sinclair replaced him.

But Rovers’ Matty Taylor put a stressful summer of uncertainty firmly behind him by grabbing a classy equaliser.

Ayew is expected to leave the Championship side to play in the top division.