09

Reading 2-4 Aston Villa

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin


Aston Villa produced a remarkable second-half comeback as John Carew’s hat-trick eased the pain of their Carling Cup defeat to Manchester United by sealing a swift return to Wembley and an FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea.

Championship strugglers Reading had looked on course for another FA Cup shock as two Shane Long goals carved out a 2-0 half-time lead for the home side, who outplayed their more illustrious rivals in a superb first-half display.

But Villa responded with three goals in 10 minutes early in the second half, Ashley Young starting the fightback before Carew took over in devastating fashion.

The win ended Martin O’Neill’s bizarre statistic of never having won a game in March with Villa since he took over from David O’Leary in 2006.

O’Neill was clearly intent on breaking his mad March duck as he fielded his strongest possible side against the only non-Premier League side still in the competition.


Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only notable absentee as he recovers from a stomach virus and O’Neill must have started to have a similar uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as his side made an uncertain start.

Brian McDermott’s side played with the confidence earned from a cup run that has already been decorated by the Premier League scalps of Liverpool and Burnley, as well as Championship high-fliers West Bromwich Albion.

Jimmy Kebe, in particular, looked lively for the Royals and, against a side boasting one of the finest collections of wing talent in English football, the Mali wide man looked determined to steal the show.

Kebe had the ball in the net early on when he lashed home after Matt Mills’ bundled effort had finally fallen at his feet, but Dein’s whistle had already sounded for a push by Simon Church.

Stilian Pretrov lashed long range shot just too high and wide and Kebe turned defender as he headed behind to prevent the waiting Stewart Downing benefitting from a deep Milner centre.

But that was Villa’s best spell in a first half dominated by Reading, who deservedly went ahead on 27 minutes. From a Brian Howard corner, Mills rose highest to flick on for Long to escape into space and nod home from close range.

Carew looked to have swiftly replied when he swept home Milner’s chipped free-kick but the goal was ruled out for offside – although replays suggested he was not.

The momentum was clearly with Reading, and it took a vital block from Dunne to prevent Villa falling further behind when Sigurdsson started and finished a flowing Reading move involving Church and Long.

But the home side did extend their advantage minutes later as Sigurdsson carved open the Villa defence with a perfectly weighted pass and Kebe sprinted clear before cutting the ball back for Long to slide home.

O’Neill clearly needed to get to work at half-time and although he resisted any personnel changes, he sent Villa out early for the second half with a clear challenge to improve or forget about a Wembley return.

Reading knew the opening exchanges of the second half were crucial, but no-one could have predicted the devastating turnaround that was about to unfold.

Young completely changed the momentum with a goal only 82 seconds after the restart. Ryan Bertrand’s sliced clearance allowed Downing to cut the ball back towards Carlos Cuellar, and though he failed to make contact Young reacted quickest to ram home at the far post.

Seven minutes into the second half Villa produced the kind of football most had been expecting from them, Downing’s right-wing cross finding Carew for an easy headed finish past Federici.

And the clinical turnaround was complete five minutes later, Young feeding the overlapping Warnock who pulled the ball back for Carew to escape Ivar Ingimarsson and apply a measured finish.

Villa’s response meant there was a feeling of how many more they would score against a deflated Reading, but the home side responded bravely to the devastating spell.

Ingimarsson had a header nodded off the line by the alert Young and substitute Grzegorz Rasiak saw his header fumbled by Friedel before being hacked clear.

Heskey wasted the chance to put the tie beyond doubt when he was denied by Federici in a one-on-one, but Villa’s comeback was sealed in stoppage time as Carew completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot afteer he had been fouled by Ingimarsson.

Reading boss Brian McDermott:
“If you are going to lose a game, that is how you lose it.

“We played really well in the first half and knew if we could keep it tight for 15 minutes in the second half we’d have a chance but that didn’t happen.

“But I am proud of every single one of our players and it is just a shame we couldn’t get through for our fans.”

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill:
“It was a great spell by us just after half-time. The team showed such great character.

“We needed to do something because we had played so meekly in the first half.

“I didn’t need to say much at half-time because we have some fine players and they knew how second best we were in the first half.”



  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+4:05 The referee ends the match.
  • 90:00+3:21 Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson to the near post, clearance made by Carlos Cuellar.
  • 90:00+2:51 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance made by Stiliyan Petrov.
  • 90:00+2:06 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 4 Aston Villa John Carew scores a placed penalty. Reading 2-4 Aston Villa.
  • 90:00+0:27 Substitution Steve Sidwell replaces Stewart Downing.
  • 90:00+0:27 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Ivar Ingimarsson results in a Penalty.
  • 86:04 Ivar Ingimarsson has an effort at goal from long range that misses to the right of the goal.
  • 84:39 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
  • 83:03 Gylfi Sigurdsson delivers the ball, Ivar Ingimarsson takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
  • 83:03 Booking James Milner receives a yellow card.
  • 82:56 Foul by James Milner on Jimmy Kebe, free kick awarded.
  • 82:20 Corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line to the near post, save made by Adam Federici.
  • 81:13 Brynjar Gunnarsson challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Warnock takes the free kick.
  • 78:49 Brynjar Gunnarsson challenges John Carew unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stephen Warnock crosses the ball, Ashley Young
    has a headed effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
  • 77:32 Jay Tabb has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses right.
  • 74:01 Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
  • 74:01 Booking Caution for Jay Tabb.
  • 73:58 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Milner by Jay Tabb.
  • 73:15 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance.
  • 72:44 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, Stiliyan Petrov makes a clearance.
  • 72:07 Stephen Warnock challenges Jimmy Kebe unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Andy Griffin
    from right wing.
  • 71:44 Grzegorz Rasiak produces a volleyed left-footed shot from 18 yards. Save made by Brad Friedel.
  • 70:39 Substitution (Reading) makes a substitution, with Grzegorz Rasiak coming on for Simon Church.
  • 70:39 The assistant referee signals for offside against Simon Church. Brad Friedel restarts play with the free kick.
  • 69:22 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the right by-line to the near post, Ivar Ingimarsson takes
    a shot. Clearance by Ashley Young. Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
  • 68:55 Emile Heskey is ruled offside. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
  • 68:19 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a shot. Save by Brad Friedel.
  • 67:19 Emile Heskey takes a shot. Save by Adam Federici.
  • 65:57 Stiliyan Petrov challenges Shane Long unfairly and gives away a free kick. Andy Griffin takes the direct free kick.
  • 63:15 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing, clearance by Brynjar Gunnarsson.
  • 59:12 Effort from outside the penalty area by James Milner goes wide left of the target.
  • 58:32 Substitution Brynjar Gunnarsson joins the action as a substitute, replacing Brian Howard.
  • 58:21 Shot on goal by Simon Church from inside the box goes harmlessly over the target.
  • 57:33 Richard Dunne takes the direct free kick.
  • 57:33 Booking Gylfi Sigurdsson goes into the referee’s book for dissent.
  • 57:27 Jimmy Kebe concedes a free kick for a foul on Stiliyan Petrov.
  • 56:23 Stephen Warnock provided the assist for the goal.
  • 56:23 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 3 Aston Villa John Carew grabs a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Reading 2-3 Aston Villa.
  • 56:21 The ball is swung over by Stephen Warnock,
  • 55:13 John Carew is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
  • 52:44 The referee blows for offside. Adam Federici takes the free kick. Emile Heskey is flagged offside by the assistant referee.
    Indirect free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
  • 51:56 Emile Heskey fouled by Ivar Ingimarsson, the ref awards a free kick. James Milner delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed
    from right channel, clearance made by Andy Griffin.
  • 50:53 Stewart Downing provided the assist for the goal.
  • 50:53 GOAL – John Carew:Reading 2 – 2 Aston Villa John Carew scores a headed goal from close in. Reading 2-2 Aston Villa.
  • 50:50 Stewart Downing crosses the ball,
  • 49:00 Corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young, Jimmy Kebe makes a clearance.
  • 47:34 The free kick is swung in right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson, Richard Dunne makes a clearance.
  • 47:34 Booking James Collins receives a yellow card.
  • 47:31 Free kick awarded for a foul by James Collins on Ryan Bertrand.
  • 46:22 Carlos Cuellar provided the assist for the goal.
  • 46:22 GOAL – Ashley Young:Reading 2 – 1 Aston Villa Goal scored by Ashley Young from close range to the top right corner of the goal. Reading 2-1 Aston Villa.
  • 45:01 The referee starts the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+2:17 The ref blows to end the first period.
  • 44:44 Unfair challenge on Stephen Warnock by Shane Long results in a free kick. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 41:48 Jimmy Kebe provided the assist for the goal.
  • 41:48 GOAL – Shane Long:Reading 2 – 0 Aston Villa Shane Long gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Reading
    2-0 Aston Villa.
  • 39:14 Free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 39:14 Booking Ashley Young receives a yellow card for dissent.
  • 38:48 Brian Howard challenges John Carew unfairly and gives away a free kick.
  • 37:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on James Milner by Jay Tabb. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 36:01 Effort from 25 yards by Gylfi Sigurdsson. Brad Friedel makes a comfortable save.
  • 34:51 Jay Tabb fouled by Emile Heskey, the ref awards a free kick. Adam Federici restarts play with the free kick.
  • 33:32 Stewart Downing delivers the ball.
  • 30:56 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a shot. Richard Dunne gets a block in. Effort on goal by Brian Howard from just outside the area goes
    harmlessly over the target.
  • 28:44 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jimmy Kebe on Ashley Young. Ashley Young crosses the ball in from the free kick, Adam Federici
    makes a save.
  • 28:36 Shane Long is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 27:20 Brian Howard challenges Emile Heskey unfairly and gives away a free kick. James Milner takes the free kick. The assistant
    referee signals for offside against John Carew. Adam Federici takes the free kick.
  • 26:38 Assist by Matthew Mills.
  • 26:38 GOAL – Shane Long:Reading 1 – 0 Aston Villa Shane Long finds the net with a headed goal from close in. Reading 1-0 Aston Villa.
  • 24:59 Corner taken right-footed by Gylfi Sigurdsson from the left by-line, James Collins makes a clearance. Jay Tabb takes a shot.
    Richard Dunne gets a block in. Corner taken by Brian Howard, Headed effort from inside the area by Matthew Mills misses to
    the right of the goal.
  • 24:03 Free kick crossed left-footed by Brian Howard, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance.
  • 24:03 Booking Richard Dunne receives a yellow card.
  • 23:57 Richard Dunne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jimmy Kebe.
  • 22:34 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Stewart Downing, James Milner takes a shot from just outside the penalty
    area clears the crossbar.
  • 21:40 The referee blows for offside against Jimmy Kebe. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
  • 20:37 Gylfi Sigurdsson takes a inswinging corner.
  • 19:36 Stiliyan Petrov has an effort at goal from outside the area which goes wide right of the goal.
  • 19:04 Corner taken by Ashley Young from the right by-line, Shane Long makes a clearance.
  • 18:29 The referee blows for offside against Shane Long. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
  • 13:20 Stewart Downing is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Adam Federici.
  • 10:06 Foul by Stiliyan Petrov on Brian Howard, free kick awarded. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Mills.
  • 8:36 Brian Howard takes a short corner. Simon Church challenges Stephen Warnock unfairly and gives away a free kick. Brad Friedel
    takes the direct free kick.
  • 7:15 Ashley Young takes a shot. Comfortable save by Adam Federici.
  • 4:08 Corner taken by Stewart Downing, Richard Dunne takes a shot. Adam Federici makes a comfortable save.
  • 0:30 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Long by James Collins. Gylfi Sigurdsson crosses the ball in from the free
    kick, clearance by Richard Dunne.
  • 0:00 The game begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Ferguson considers resting Rooney

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin

Carling Cup final: Aston Villa v Manchester United
Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday, 28 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC HD, BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & Sky Sports 1 from 1400 GMT

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering resting in-form striker Wayne Rooney for Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Aston Villa.

Rooney has scored 11 goals in his last eight games but Ferguson is weighing up whether the 24-year-old needs a rest.

Ferguson said: “It has to be a consideration. The problem is he is desperate to play. He always is.”

United face AC Milan in the Champions League in two weeks and are vying for the Premier League crown with Chelsea.

Ferguson faces a selection headache as his side contest the season’s first major trophy against Aston Villa, who are looking to end 14 years without any silverware.

Having opted for fringe players in earlier rounds, the Scot brought in the big guns to help dispose of neighbours Manchester City in the semi-final.

Wayne Rooney

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Rooney desperate to play in Carling Cup final

And he now has to decide on whether to continue with his top striker as United look to win the competition for a fourth time.

After a double in recent matches with AC Milan and West Ham, Rooney’s overall goal tally for the season stands at 27, just 15 short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s haul in the 2008 Champions League-winning campaign.

United’s season run-in involves a maximum of 17 games and Ferguson joked: “Maybe it is Wayne’s chance to play right-back because he keeps telling everyone he is a great defender, centre-half or sweeper.”

The England striker, however, may disagree with Ferguson’s sentiment, and told BBC’s Football Focus: “It’s a game everybody wants to play in. You can win that first trophy and it gives you something to build on.

“I hope to start. It’s what you play football for. I don’t want to be left out.”


Ferguson may include rising stars midfielder Darron Gibson, centre-half Jonny Evans and young Brazilian defender Rafael in the starting XI.

He said: “I’m thinking about the younger ones to give them a smell of it.

“But we want to win the cup having got there and got through the semis which were very emotional. We have got this opportunity of winning something.

“They only way you can enjoy Wembley is winning. It’s not a nice day when you lose.”

The goalkeeper spot is another hotly-contested position with Ben Foster, United’s hero in last year’s penalty shootout victory against Tottenham, and Pole Tomasz Kuszczak hoping to replace regular Edwin van der Sar.

It will be Villa’s first trip in 10 years to the London stadium since their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup final and they are now eyeing their first major prize since lifting the League Cup trophy in 1996 when they beat Leeds 3-0.

Martin O'Neill

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Confident O’Neill expects open Cup final

Villa boss Martin O’Neill, touted by some as the ideal candidate to replace Ferguson when he finally retires, is in buoyant mood.

England’s Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and James Milner have all impressed in recent weeks.

And O’Neill said: “We have some players in brilliant form who can cause them problems.

“Our confidence comes from being the only team to win at Old Trafford in the league this season. We played exceptionally well that day. But Sunday’s game will be open.”

O’Neill should have skipper Stiliyan Petrov back after overcoming a virus, while keeper Brad Friedel, defender James Collins and striker Emile Heskey are all pushing for a start after being rested in the FA Cup fifth-round replay win over Crystal Palace.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder, who previously managed Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic, joined Villa four years ago and believes silverware could help kick-start a golden era for the club.

“Winning a trophy is the ultimate. There is no getting away from that and it would be fantastic,” O’Neill said.

“We have a lot of pictures of the old teams around the training ground. It is something to aspire to.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Ferguson praises League Cup rival O’Neill

“I have often said to keep the pictures up on the walls of the 1981 league-winning side and 1982 European Cup-winning side. The early 1980s was a fantastic spell for Villa.

“The history of the club is there to see, a great tradition, so we’d like to try and do something about it.”

Villa’s captain Petrov is hoping a Wembley victory can help eradicate the bad memories of losing the 2003 Uefa Cup final to Porto in Seville when he played under O’Neill at Celtic.

“This is the biggest day of my club career,” the Bulgarian midfielder said.

“We are heading for a massive game for this club, for the players, for the fans and I hope at the end of it we can all be happy.

“But we don’t just want to be passengers there, just to go and enjoy it, without winning it.

“We will put up a massive fight and we will do our best to win it.”

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin


John Carew won and scored two late penalties to see off Crystal Palace and keep alive Aston Villa’s hopes of reaching a second Wembley final.

Gabby Agbonlahor glanced in a header to put Villa ahead in the FA Cup replay.

Darren Ambrose levelled from the penalty spot after Stephen Warnock’s clumsy challenge on Alan Lee.

Carew was then twice fouled by Matthew Lawrence in the box and blasted home both spot-kicks as Villa made the last eight for the first time in 10 years.

It was a sorry end to a brave display from the Eagles, who went into administration last month.


Villa boss Martin O’Neill will be relieved to have survived Palace’s spirited second-half fightback as his side prepares to face Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday in the Carling Cup final.

The two clubs had starkly contrasting preparations for the game with Villa basking in the build-up to that match, while Palace wait to discover the future of boss Neil Warnock, who has been strongly linked with Queens Park Rangers.

The teams’ previous meeting had ended in controversy when Warnock fumed at the erroneous award of a corner that led to Stiliyan Petrov’s late equaliser.

If he was angry then, he is sure to be further inflamed by a near carbon copy of the Selhurst Park incident that led to Villa’s first goal.

The hosts started in blistering fashion as Palace keeper Julian Speroni kept the visitors in it with two smart stops from Carew and another from Young.

The best early chance fell to Agbonlahor, who expertly spun past Claude Davis and burst into the box only to see Speroni parry his low shot.

Warnock then wasted a golden chance to tee up the poised Carew after being brilliantly sent through by James Milner.

Palace centre-back Davis made numerous crucial last-ditch challenges and was possibly fortunate not to concede a penalty when one of his clumsier efforts on Agbonlahor went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson.

But just as it seemed Palace would reach half-time unscathed, they fell behind to a goal uncannily similar to Petrov’s leveller in south London 10 days ago.

The ball appeared to touch Milner last when it rolled out of play as he tussled with Nick Carle by the touchline but the England midfielder’s sheepish appeal rendered a corner-kick.

Young duly whipped over the set-piece and Agbonlahor shook off Shaun Derry and converted from four yards out.

The goal inspired Palace to create their best chance of the half as Carle’s 25-yard strike from whistled just past the post.

And the Eagles began the second half brightly with Ambrose twice testing Brad Guzan from long range.

Agbonlahor was then foiled by Speroni in a one-on-one, before Young saw his effort brilliantly tipped around the post by the impressive Palace keeper.

Neil Danns had a great chance to level when he lashed an effort across the face of goal from a few yards out after Villa failed to clear.

But the visitors didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser, with official Atkinson again in the thick of the action.

Warnock bundled over Lee eight yards from goal and the referee gave a penalty, which Ambrose struck sweetly into the right-hand corner.

Villa, mindful that extra-time would do little to help their Wembley preparations, immediately found an extra gear as they searched for a winner.

Young and Richard Dunne both blazed over from close range before a rush of blood from Palace defender Lawrence helped the hosts regain the lead with nine minutes remaining.

He needlessly hauled down Carew in the area and the Norwegian striker picked himself up to blast the spot-kick into the roof of the net.

The brave but tiring visitors had no riposte and Villa continued to pile forward, with Speroni performing more heroics to superbly tip over Stewart Downing’s 20-yard drive.

The win was secured when Lawrence again conceded a soft penalty with a rash challenge on Carew just inside the box.

The striker converted emphatically for a second time as Villa made the quarter-finals for the first time since they finished runners-up to Chelsea in 2000.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill on his side’s commitment ahead of Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Manchester United:
“We went strongly with our side. Injuries are always a risk but the players were prepared to take the risk.

“All the players were prepared to go for it and I did not see one shirking anything at all ahead of Sunday. That speaks volumes for the team.”



  • Full Time
  • 90:00+4:27 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
  • 90:00+1:54 Darren Ambrose takes the outswinging corner, Headed effort from deep inside the area by Johannes Ertl misses to the left of
    the goal.
  • 89:49 Substitution Calvin Andrew comes on in place of Alan Lee.
  • 89:49 Substitution (Crystal Palace) makes a substitution, with Kieran Djilali coming on for Neil Danns.
  • 89:49 Shot on goal by Darren Ambrose from just inside the area clears the crossbar.
  • 88:24 GOAL – John Carew:Aston Villa 3 – 1 Crystal Palace John Carew scores a power penalty. Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace.
  • 87:35 Penalty awarded for a foul by Matthew Lawrence on John Carew.
  • 86:25 Stewart Downing takes a shot. Save made by Julian Speroni. Corner taken by Ashley Young.
  • 85:26 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Johannes Ertl results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Carlos Cuellar.
  • 82:43 Alan Lee fouled by Carlos Cuellar, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Danny Butterfield.
  • 81:26 Substitution (Crystal Palace) makes a substitution, with James Comley coming on for Nick Carle.
  • 81:26 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stewart Downing. James Milner has an effort at goal from just outside the
    penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.
  • 80:20 GOAL – John Carew:Aston Villa 2 – 1 Crystal Palace Power penalty scored by John Carew. Aston Villa 2-1 Crystal Palace.
  • 79:22 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Matthew Lawrence results in a Penalty.
  • 77:42 Stewart Downing takes a shot from long distance which goes wide of the right-hand post.
  • 77:30 The ball is sent over by Stephen Warnock, Danny Butterfield makes a clearance.
  • 76:39 Alan Lee gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Carlos Cuellar. Free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 75:54 Substitution Steve Sidwell replaces Fabian Delph.
  • 74:56 The ball is swung over by Ashley Young, Richard Dunne conjures a right-footed shot from inside the six-yard box that clears
    the bar.
  • 74:36 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young, Julian Speroni makes a save.
  • 74:29 Ashley Young produces a cross, Danny Butterfield makes a clearance.
  • 73:58 Foul by Alan Lee on Carlos Cuellar, free kick awarded. Carlos Cuellar restarts play with the free kick.
  • 73:26 The ball is sent over by John Carew, Close range shot by Ashley Young goes over the bar.
  • 72:28 The assist for the goal came from Alan Lee.
  • 72:28 GOAL – Darren Ambrose:Aston Villa 1 – 1 Crystal Palace Darren Ambrose scores a placed penalty. Aston Villa 1-1 Crystal Palace.
  • 71:30 Penalty awarded for a foul by Stephen Warnock on Alan Lee.
  • 68:57 Free kick awarded for a foul by John Carew on Matthew Lawrence. Danny Butterfield restarts play with the free kick.
  • 67:30 Neil Danns produces a right-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand upright.
  • 65:59 Ashley Young takes a shot. Julian Speroni makes a save. Inswinging corner taken by Stewart Downing from the right by-line,
    John Carew has a header from deep inside the six-yard box and clears the crossbar.
  • 65:25 Darren Ambrose takes a shot. Save by Bradley Guzan.
  • 63:42 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young, Effort from the edge of the area by Ashley Young goes wide of the right-hand
    upright.
  • 63:15 Gabriel Agbonlahor takes a shot. Save made by Julian Speroni.
  • 59:57 Stephen Warnock takes the direct free kick.
  • 59:57 Booking Nathaniel Clyne is cautioned.
  • 59:41 Foul by Nathaniel Clyne on Gabriel Agbonlahor, free kick awarded.
  • 58:35 Nick Carle fouled by Carlos Cuellar, the ref awards a free kick. Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Darren Ambrose,
    Carlos Cuellar makes a clearance.
  • 58:01 Free kick awarded for a foul by Carlos Cuellar on Nick Carle. Nick Carle takes the free kick.
  • 57:10 The ball is delivered by Danny Butterfield, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
  • 55:23 Free kick awarded for a foul by John Carew on Neil Danns. Free kick crossed by Nick Carle, Stephen Warnock makes a clearance.
    Corner taken by Darren Ambrose, clearance by Richard Dunne.
  • 54:19 Stephen Warnock delivers the ball.
  • 52:57 Darren Ambrose takes a shot. Save by Bradley Guzan.
  • 52:06 Corner taken by Darren Ambrose from the left by-line to the near post, John Carew makes a clearance.
  • 50:26 Stewart Downing crosses the ball, Headed effort from deep inside the area by Carlos Cuellar misses to the left of the goal.
  • 50:26 Booking Matthew Lawrence goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
  • 50:23 Ashley Young fouled by Matthew Lawrence, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 46:06 Nick Carle challenges Ashley Young unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Warnock.
  • 45:26 The ball is crossed by Johannes Ertl, Richard Dunne manages to make a clearance.
  • 45:01 The referee gets the second half underway.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:09 It is the end of the first-half.
  • 45:00+0:40 Free kick awarded for a foul by John Carew on Johannes Ertl. Direct free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 45:00+0:09 Nick Carle has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses left.
  • 44:27 Handball by Gabriel Agbonlahor. Julian Speroni restarts play with the free kick.
  • 42:49 Corner taken by Darren Ambrose from the left by-line played to the near post, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
  • 41:37 Assist on the goal came from Ashley Young.
  • 41:37 GOAL – Gabriel Agbonlahor:Aston Villa 1 – 0 Crystal Palace Gabriel Agbonlahor finds the back of the net with a headed goal from close range. Aston Villa 1-0 Crystal Palace.
  • 41:12 Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young from the left by-line,
  • 40:19 Unfair challenge on John Carew by Shaun Derry results in a free kick. Richard Dunne takes the free kick.
  • 38:59 James Milner takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni.
  • 37:50 Headed effort from inside the area by Neil Danns misses to the right of the target.
  • 37:22 Darren Ambrose crosses the ball, Carlos Cuellar manages to make a clearance.
  • 36:46 Corner taken right-footed by Darren Ambrose, clearance made by Richard Dunne.
  • 34:42 Headed effort on goal by Matthew Lawrence from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
  • 34:13 Richard Dunne concedes a free kick for a foul on Alan Lee. Free kick taken by Darren Ambrose.
  • 33:29 Luke Young concedes a free kick for a foul on Claude Davis. Julian Speroni takes the free kick.
  • 31:52 Corner taken by James Milner from the left by-line, Julian Speroni makes a save.
  • 26:10 Free kick awarded for a foul by Darren Ambrose on Stephen Warnock. Free kick taken by Stephen Warnock.
  • 26:01 Ashley Young crosses the ball, clearance made by Shaun Derry.
  • 24:53 James Milner crosses the ball, clearance by Danny Butterfield.
  • 24:09 Ashley Young takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Matthew Lawrence makes a clearance.
  • 22:22 John Carew takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni. Corner from the right by-line taken by Stewart Downing, Foul by Richard Dunne
    on Julian Speroni, free kick awarded. Julian Speroni restarts play with the free kick.
  • 21:18 Centre by Ashley Young, clearance by Matthew Lawrence.
  • 20:42 Ashley Young takes a shot. Julian Speroni makes a save. Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Ashley Young.
  • 19:28 John Carew fouled by Johannes Ertl, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by James Milner.
  • 18:23 Ashley Young challenges Nathaniel Clyne unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed by Darren Ambrose.
  • 16:57 Nathaniel Clyne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor. Stephen Warnock takes the free kick.
  • 15:57 Ashley Young crosses the ball, save made by Julian Speroni.
  • 15:35 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line.
  • 15:22 Gabriel Agbonlahor takes a shot. Julian Speroni makes a save.
  • 12:28 Foul by Ashley Young on Darren Ambrose, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed right-footed by Darren Ambrose from right wing,
    clearance by Richard Dunne.
  • 11:45 Ashley Young takes a shot. Clearance by Shaun Derry.
  • 11:06 Ashley Young takes a short corner.
  • 9:47 Foul by Matthew Lawrence on Gabriel Agbonlahor, free kick awarded. Stewart Downing takes the free kick.
  • 7:58 The ball is crossed by Stewart Downing, clearance by Nathaniel Clyne.
  • 7:21 Free kick awarded for a foul by Nick Carle on Fabian Delph. Direct free kick taken by Bradley Guzan.
  • 6:52 Ashley Young sends in a cross, John Carew takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni.
  • 4:43 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Darren Ambrose, Claude Davis takes a shot. Save by Bradley Guzan.
  • 3:01 The official flags John Carew offside. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Lawrence.
  • 2:37 James Milner delivers the ball.
  • 1:44 Unfair challenge on Ashley Young by Nathaniel Clyne results in a free kick. Free kick crossed by Stewart Downing, Neil Danns
    makes a clearance.
  • 0:51 Luke Young crosses the ball, save by Julian Speroni.
  • 0:00 The game kicks-off.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Aston Villa 5-2 Burnley

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin


Aston Villa remain in the thick of the race for a top-four Premier League finish after overwhelming Burnley.

Steven Fletcher put Burnley ahead from close range but Villa levelled when Ashley Young’s cross flew straight in.

The Clarets collapsed after the break with Stewart Downing turning in Young’s pass and scoring with a deflected shot.

Emile Heskey met Gabriel Agbonlahor’s cross to make it 4-1 and Agbonlahor bundled home a fifth at the near post before Martin Paterson’s consolation.

Villa scored four of their goals in the space of 13 second-half minutes – a capitulation by Burnley that shows exactly why they are deep in relegation trouble at the bottom of the table.

Martin O'Neill

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Downing gives Villa extra dimension – O’Neill

The Clarets have the worst away record in the country, with one point from a possible 42, and have conceded more goals – 55 – than any other top-flight team.

But until Downing found the net for the first time, in the 56th minute, it was difficult to tell which team was the one chasing European qualification and which was battling for top-flight survival.

Villa have an FA Cup fifth-round replay against Crystal Palace to look forward to on Wednesday, ahead of next weekend’s Carling Cup final against Manchester United but, while Martin O’Neill’s side have been in excellent form in knockout competitions, they have been less assured in the league in recent weeks.

The home side were certainly lacking in fluidity in the opening minutes and paid the price when the Clarets took a surprise lead. Jack Cork slid David Nugent clear and he had the presence of mind to look up and cross for the unmarked Fletcher to tap in at the far post.

That was Burnley’s first away goal since Chris Eagles found the net in their 5-3 defeat at West Ham on 28 November – a run of 550 minutes – and they almost added another seconds later when Nugent fired in a shot that looped off James Collins and dropped wide with Brad Friedel stranded.

Villa had created little but as soon as they did put the visitors under some sustained pressure, they drew level.


Brian Jensen may rue his decision not to catch Young’s free-kick from the left because, from the corner that followed, the same player cut inside before flighting in an inswinging cross that flew through a crowd of players and took the merest touch off Daniel Fox on its way into the net.

Burnley made it through to half-time on level pegging easily enough, and even started brightly enough after the interval, but their afternoon soon became a defensive horror show that must be familiar to their travelling fans.

Young carved the visitors apart down the left before sliding the ball to Downing, who found the bottom corner of the net despite the best efforts of Leon Cort.

Seconds later it was 3-1, with Jensen doing brilliantly to deny Agbonlahor after he raced clear but left helpless when the ball was fed to Downing and his shot flew in off the hapless Fox’s leg.

Burnley boss Brian Laws

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

We fell apart in 12 minutes – Laws

Burnley were shell-shocked and it soon became clear that this was going to be an exercise in damage limitation for Brian Laws’ men when Agbonahor’s pace left them exposed down the left and he sent across an inviting cross for Heskey to turn the ball home.

By now the home side were rampant and added a fifth goal in the 68th minute when Heskey and James Milner combined down the right and Agbonlahor got on the end of Milner’s low ball.

It could have been far worse for Burnley as Villa substitute John Carew scuffed a shot wide when well placed inside the area, but Paterson did at least give their long-suffering supporters something to cheer when he met Cork’s excellent cross in injury time.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill:
“We needed to threaten them a lot more than we had done in the first half and close players down, and we did that successfully.

“We had started a bit slowly but that burst after half-time was conclusive and will boost our confidence.

“The equaliser galvanised us and the spurt after half-time was exceptional.”

Burnley boss Brian Laws:
“It was a 13-minute chunk where we fell apart, that is the disappointing thing.

“We limited Villa to very little in the first half – they had only pockets of chances – but the second goal after the the main turning point.

“After that, instead of shutting up shop, we opened up – and, if you do that, the good sides will hurt you.”



  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+4:20 The referee blows for the end of the match.
  • 90:00+2:49 Chris Eagles has a shot on goal from outside the area which misses right.
  • 90:00+1:19 The assist for the goal came from Jack Cork.
  • 90:00+1:19 GOAL – Martin Paterson:Aston Villa 5 – 2 Burnley A goal is scored by Martin Paterson from close in low into the middle of the goal. Aston Villa 5-2 Burnley.
  • 89:06 James Milner takes a short corner. James Milner takes a outswinging corner.
  • 87:50 Effort on goal by John Carew from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal. Stewart Downing takes a shot.
    Blocked by Tyrone Mears.
  • 87:13 James Milner takes a outswinging corner.
  • 86:46 Andre Bikey challenges Stiliyan Petrov unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stewart Downing takes the free kick.
  • 85:02 Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
  • 85:02 Booking Frederic Nimani N’galou goes into the book for unsporting behaviour.
  • 84:51 Handball by Frederic Nimani N’galou.
  • 81:30 Substitution Ashley Young goes off and Steve Sidwell comes on.
  • 81:10 Substitution Martin Paterson on for Steven Fletcher.
  • 79:42 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Richard Dunne gets a block in. Corner taken right-footed by Chris Eagles to the near post, clearance
    made by Stiliyan Petrov. Chris Eagles takes a inswinging corner.
  • 78:54 Frederic Nimani N’galou is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
  • 76:36 The offside flag is raised against John Carew. Free kick taken by Clarke Carlisle.
  • 75:44 Substitution (Aston Villa) makes a substitution, with Nathan Delfouneso coming on for Emile Heskey.
  • 74:55 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.
  • 74:25 Corner taken by Daniel Fox from the right by-line played to the near post.
  • 73:29 Direct free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 73:29 Booking Steven Fletcher goes into the referee’s book for unsporting behaviour.
  • 73:12 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Warnock by Steven Fletcher.
  • 70:54 Substitution John Carew comes on in place of Gabriel Agbonlahor.
  • 70:38 Effort on goal by Andre Bikey from a long way out goes over the bar.
  • 67:31 Assist by James Milner.
  • 67:31 GOAL – Gabriel Agbonlahor:Aston Villa 5 – 1 Burnley Gabriel Agbonlahor fires in a goal from inside the six-yard box low into the middle of the goal. Aston Villa 5-1 Burnley.
  • 67:07 Substitution David Nugent leaves the field to be replaced by Frederic Nimani N’galou.
  • 67:07 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andre Bikey on James Milner. Free kick taken by Ashley Young.
  • 63:57 Stiliyan Petrov takes a shot from long range clearing the crossbar.
  • 63:22 Substitution Kevin McDonald leaves the field to be replaced by Wade Elliott.
  • 63:05 Effort on goal by Ashley Young from just inside the area clears the bar.
  • 60:28 Assist on the goal came from Gabriel Agbonlahor.
  • 60:28 GOAL – Emile Heskey:Aston Villa 4 – 1 Burnley Emile Heskey finds the back of the net with a goal from inside the area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Aston Villa
    4-1 Burnley.
  • 59:14 Corner taken by Ashley Young, Stewart Downing has a volleyed shot. Brian Jensen makes a save.
  • 57:21 The assist for the goal came from James Milner.
  • 57:21 GOAL – Stewart Downing:Aston Villa 3 – 1 Burnley Stewart Downing scores a goal from outside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Aston Villa 3-1 Burnley.
  • 57:11 Gabriel Agbonlahor takes a shot. Save by Brian Jensen.
  • 55:34 The assist for the goal came from Ashley Young.
  • 55:34 GOAL – Stewart Downing:Aston Villa 2 – 1 Burnley Stewart Downing grabs a goal from inside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Aston Villa 2-1 Burnley.
  • 53:53 Effort by Jack Cork from a long way out goes over the target.
  • 52:11 Emile Heskey fouled by Clarke Carlisle, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Brad Friedel.
  • 51:53 Kevin McDonald takes a shot. Stiliyan Petrov gets a block in.
  • 50:14 Inswinging corner taken by Stewart Downing, save by Brian Jensen.
  • 49:39 Ashley Young takes a inswinging corner.
  • 49:15 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emile Heskey by Andre Bikey. James Collins takes the free kick.
  • 45:01 The second half begins.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+3:24 The referee calls an end to the first half.
  • 45:00+2:48 Emile Heskey concedes a free kick for a foul on Andre Bikey. Brian Jensen takes the indirect free kick.
  • 45:00+1:44 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Save made by Brad Friedel.
  • 43:18 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Ashley Young, Clarke Carlisle manages to make a clearance.
  • 42:29 Free kick awarded for a foul by Emile Heskey on Andre Bikey. Tyrone Mears restarts play with the free kick.
  • 41:33 Kevin McDonald takes a shot. Blocked by Richard Dunne.
  • 40:07 James Milner crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel, Clarke Carlisle makes a clearance.
  • 40:07 Booking Clarke Carlisle is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
  • 39:59 Ashley Young fouled by Clarke Carlisle, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 37:03 The ball is crossed by Ashley Young. The official flags Stewart Downing offside. Direct free kick taken by Brian Jensen.
  • 36:53 Ashley Young delivers the ball.
  • 35:31 Clarke Carlisle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor. Ashley Young takes the free kick.
  • 34:17 Outswinging corner taken by Daniel Fox from the left by-line, Richard Dunne makes a clearance.
  • 31:39 Assist on the goal came from James Milner.
  • 31:39 GOAL – Ashley Young:Aston Villa 1 – 1 Burnley Ashley Young scores a goal from a long way out low into the middle of the goal. Aston Villa 1-1 Burnley.
  • 30:42 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andre Bikey on James Milner. Free kick crossed by Ashley Young, save by Brian Jensen. Short
    corner worked by Ashley Young.
  • 29:17 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Blocked by Carlos Cuellar.
  • 28:54 James Collins takes a shot. Save by Brian Jensen.
  • 28:18 Stiliyan Petrov fouled by Andre Bikey, the ref awards a free kick. Stiliyan Petrov restarts play with the free kick.
  • 26:44 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Fletcher by James Collins. Free kick taken by Brian Jensen.
  • 25:48 Free kick awarded for a foul by Jack Cork on Ashley Young. Ashley Young takes the direct free kick.
  • 24:46 Emile Heskey is ruled offside. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Fox.
  • 24:09 Richard Dunne fouled by David Nugent, the ref awards a free kick. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 23:31 Headed effort from deep inside the area by Emile Heskey misses to the left of the goal.
  • 20:25 Corner taken by Stewart Downing from the right by-line played to the near post. Effort from outside the penalty box by James
    Milner goes wide right of the goal.
  • 19:00 James Milner concedes a free kick for a foul on Chris Eagles. Direct free kick taken by Brian Jensen.
  • 13:37 Corner taken left-footed by Daniel Fox from the right by-line, James Collins makes a clearance.
  • 13:14 David Nugent takes a shot. Richard Dunne gets a block in.
  • 9:14 Assist on the goal came from David Nugent.
  • 9:14 GOAL – Steven Fletcher:Aston Villa 0 – 1 Burnley Steven Fletcher finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal. Aston Villa 0-1
    Burnley.
  • 8:34 Effort from outside the penalty area by Stiliyan Petrov goes wide left of the target.
  • 6:46 The official flags Ashley Young offside. Brian Jensen restarts play with the free kick.
  • 6:23 Unfair challenge on Emile Heskey by Clarke Carlisle results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stiliyan Petrov.
  • 5:33 Free kick awarded for a foul by Gabriel Agbonlahor on Daniel Fox. Daniel Fox takes the direct free kick.
  • 4:02 Steven Fletcher is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Indirect free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 3:36 Chris Eagles takes a shot. Blocked by James Collins.
  • 0:35 The referee gives a free kick against Steven Fletcher for handball. Direct free kick taken by James Collins.
  • 0:00 The referee gets the game started.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Bosses maintain battle for fourth

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says the race for fourth in the Premier League is too close to call but vows his side will fight for a Champions League spot.

Tottenham and Manchester City are level on 46 points, while Liverpool and Aston Villa are a point further back.

Spurs sank Wigan 3-0 on Sunday to move to fourth above City and Liverpool, who drew 0-0, while Villa beat Burnley 5-2.

“I’m not saying we’ll finish fourth but we’ll scrap away and we’ve got as good a chance as anyone,” said Redknapp.

“It was a big day, lots of big games. We had to come to Wigan and grind it out a bit on a difficult pitch for both teams.

“We coped well, passed it so well in the first half. I felt we dominated play and were the better team.”

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has already put his reputation on the line this season by guaranteeing his side will finish fourth.

But the Spaniard was in more philosophical mood after the Reds were held by rivals Manchester City at Eastlands.


“I don’t think the result is good for anyone. We both wanted to win and I have to think about the positives,” he stated.

“I said before it would be a long race and we have to keep going to the end.

“Sometimes we will get three points and sometimes we will lose points but other teams have the same problem.”

Benitez’s opposite number Roberto Mancini seemed more satisfied with the outcome.

“It was important not to concede ground to Liverpool,” added the City boss. “It was probably a better result for us than it was for Liverpool.

“We would like to have won but in the end I think the result was the right one.”

Villa remain unbeaten in 2010 after their comprehensive victory against Burnley.

However, manager Martin O’Neill remained cautious over his team’s chances of Champions League qualification, preferring to concentrate on the result against the Clarets.

“We started slowly. We didn’t get into gear in the first half and were sluggish,” he conceded.

“But in a game where expectations were high for us to win it, to come from behind was very pleasing.”

In five out of the past six seasons, the top four places have been occupied by Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

But Liverpool are in real danger of dropping out this season, which could open the way for the likes of Tottenham, City and Villa to savour the Champions League.

However, there are bound to be many more twists and turns before the season is over – both Tottenham and Aston Villa have to visit City.

Spurs will also face Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive matches.

Liverpool and City will have to play two of the current top three in Manchester United and Chelsea, while Villa still have to travel to Chelsea.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Warnock hit by FA conduct charge

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has been charged with improper conduct for his comments in the wake of 14 February’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

Warnock called for assistant referee Trevor Massey to be banned for wrongly awarding a corner that led to a late Villa equaliser in the FA Cup tie.

“I hope he is suspended for a long time,” said Warnock.

Warnock, who has been strongly linked with the manager’s role at Queens Park Rangers, has until 12 March to respond.

“We were let down by incompetence. The referee had a great game. He was let down by somebody who had a very poor game,” said Warnock immediately after the fifth-round match.


After reflecting on his comments, Warnock told BBC Radio 5 live on Monday 15 February that he hoped Massey would be banned for two or three games.

“I hate officials smiling when they’ve done something wrong – it really bugs me,” he said.

Palace had led 2-1 at Selhurst Park when the ball appeared to go out of play off Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso.

But Massey chose to award a corner, believing the ball to have last hit Palace frontman Alan Lee.

From the corner, midfielder Stiliyan Petrov powered home a header to earn Villa a replay.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

The Football Association gave Warnock a week to explain his comments before charging the 61-year-old.

Palace subsequently lost 3-1 in a replay at Villa Park with the hosts scoring their opener from another questionable corner.

Their Cup run had provided Palace, currently lying 22nd, with a diversion from their Championship relegation battle.

The south London club were docked 10 points after slipping into administration in January with debts of approximately 30m.

Teenage striker Victor Moses and defender Jose Fonte were offloaded during the transfer window, and it appears that Warnock may follow them out of the club.

When asked after his future after the Villa defeat, the former Sheffield United manager refused to discuss remaining at Palace beyond Saturday’s match away to Doncaster.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
28

Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin


Stiliyan Petrov’s late equaliser denied Crystal Palace a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and kept alive Aston Villa’s hopes of a second Wembley appearance of the season.

The Eagles were on the verge of an unlikely fifth-round victory when Petrov plunged to meet Stewart Downing’s corner with a diving header to hand Martin O’Neill’s side an 87th-minute equaliser.

The cash-strapped Championship club led twice through goals by Johnny Ertl and Darren Ambrose, but were pegged back first by James Collins and then, cruelly, by the Bulgarian.

A replay is not the worst outcome for the Eagles, who went into administration at the end of January with estimated debts of 30m and will at least see their bank balance benefit from a trip to the Midlands.

But it is the last thing Villa wanted, especially as their rematch with Palace will take place in the week leading up their Carling Cup final against Manchester United at the end of February.


O’Neill has never reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as a manager before, a strange anomaly for a manager who has won the League Cup twice with Leicester and the Scottish Cup on three occasions with Celtic.

But he made his intentions here clear by picking a strong side featuring first-choice goalkeeper Brad Friedel, and two England hopefuls in Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, and his team initially took the game to their hosts.

Most of the visitors’ early chances came from moves down either flank and the Eagles were fortunate to survive when Claude Davis beat Richard Dunne to Emile Heskey’s knockdown.

Villa also felt they should have had a penalty when Ashley Young went down under a challenge from Nathaniel Clyne after running on to Petrov’s neat through ball.

The pressure was enough to silence the home fans, but they soon had something to shout about when Ertl gave them an unlikely lead after 25 minutes.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Friedel, starting his first cup tie of the season in place of his usual understudy Brad Guzan, could not reach Ambrose’s corner and the Austrian midfielder rose to plant his header in the back of the net.

Villa are not used to going behind – Friedel has kept a clean sheet in eight of his last 11 league games – but their response was as efficient as it was impressive.

Soon after Young’s whipped cross from the right just eluded the onrushing Heskey, Downing fired in a fierce free-kick from the same flank for Collins to nod home at the near post.

By now the game had developed into a classic Cup tie and both sides had further chances before the break – Heskey and Petrov heading over for Villa, while Palace’s best effort came when Ambrose’s deflected free-kick forced Friedel to punch clear.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

The tempo did not let up after the break, with John Carew – on for Heskey – testing Speroni with a snap-shot on the turn from the corner of the six-yard box.

But from then on chances dried up at both ends until Palace regained the lead through a strike of real quality by Ambrose after 70 minutes.

The former England Under-21 international stepped up to smash home a 30-yard free-kick after Petrov fouled Nick Carle, with Friedel unable to keep the ball out despite getting a hand to it.

Things almost got worse for Villa when Ambrose sent a looping header on to the top of Friedel’s crossbar but they came back strongly in the closing stages.

Palace initially held out, with Speroni producing a cracking save to tip the ball over after Richard Dunne flicked on a free-kick and Carew nodded goalwards.

The Argentine keeper was less convincing from the following corner, though, flapping at thin air and then turning to see Collins’s close-range shot blocked on the line by Clyne.

But he did brilliantly to keep out Carew’s close-range header from Young’s clipped cross – only for the Eagles’ resistance to be finally ended from the resulting corner.



  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+5:06 The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.
  • 90:00+1:33 Julian Speroni takes the direct free kick.
  • 90:00+1:33 Substitution Calvin Andrew is brought on as a substitute for Alan Lee.
  • 90:00+1:33 John Carew challenges Claude Davis unfairly and gives away a free kick.
  • 87:59 Corner taken right-footed by Ashley Young, save by Julian Speroni.
  • 86:28 Assist by Stewart Downing.
  • 86:28 GOAL – Stiliyan Petrov:Crystal Palace 2 – 2 Aston Villa Stiliyan Petrov finds the net with a headed goal from close range. Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa.
  • 86:06 John Carew takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni. Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stewart Downing,
  • 84:09 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line to the near post, save made by Julian Speroni.
    Ashley Young takes the inswinging corner, save by Julian Speroni.
  • 83:33 Stephen Warnock takes the free kick.
  • 83:33 Booking Alan Lee booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 83:29 Foul by Alan Lee on Stephen Warnock, free kick awarded.
  • 82:15 James Collins challenges Clint Hill unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 81:52 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ashley Young by Alan Lee. Direct free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 80:10 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Claude Davis by John Carew. Nathaniel Clyne takes the direct free kick.
  • 79:19 The offside flag is raised against Nathan Delfouneso. Indirect free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 75:40 John Carew takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni. Inswinging corner taken by Stewart Downing from the right by-line, James
    Collins takes a shot. Shaun Derry gets a block in. Corner from left by-line taken by Ashley Young.
  • 75:23 Direct free kick taken by Luke Young.
  • 75:23 Booking Danny Butterfield shown a yellow card.
  • 75:18 Nathan Delfouneso fouled by Danny Butterfield, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 73:44 Free kick crossed right-footed by Darren Ambrose from right wing, Ashley Young gets a block in. Outswinging corner taken by
    Darren Ambrose from the right by-line played to the near post, Stephen Warnock makes a clearance.
  • 73:44 Substitution Nathan Delfouneso joins the action as a substitute, replacing Fabian Delph.
  • 73:44 Booking The referee books Fabian Delph for unsporting behaviour.
  • 73:39 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Johannes Ertl by Fabian Delph.
  • 72:54 Stephen Warnock crosses the ball, save by Julian Speroni.
  • Correction – 71:35 Darren Ambrose takes a shot.
  • 71:35 Alan Lee takes a shot.
  • 70:21 Free kick awarded for a foul by James Milner on Neil Danns. Direct free kick taken by Nathaniel Clyne.
  • 69:25 GOAL – Darren Ambrose:Crystal Palace 2 – 1 Aston Villa Free kick scored by Darren Ambrose from 35 yards. Crystal Palace 2-1 Aston Villa.
  • 68:46 Stiliyan Petrov gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Carle.
  • 67:31 Centre by Ashley Young.
  • 65:20 The ball is sent over by Luke Young, save by Julian Speroni.
  • 63:59 The referee blows for offside against Ashley Young. Free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 62:44 Free kick crossed right-footed by Ashley Young from left wing, Neil Danns makes a clearance.
  • 62:44 Booking Claude Davis goes into the book.
  • 62:42 James Milner fouled by Claude Davis, the ref awards a free kick.
  • 61:27 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Darren Ambrose.
  • 60:56 Stewart Downing is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 58:55 Foul by Shaun Derry on Stewart Downing, free kick awarded. Stiliyan Petrov takes the free kick.
  • 54:43 John Carew gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Johannes Ertl. Julian Speroni takes the direct free kick.
  • 49:16 John Carew takes a shot. Save by Julian Speroni. Corner taken by Ashley Young, clearance made by Alan Lee.
  • 48:40 Shaun Derry gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Milner. Richard Dunne takes the direct free kick.
  • 47:59 Nick Carle sends in a cross.
  • 47:14 Nathaniel Clyne fouled by Ashley Young, the ref awards a free kick. Nathaniel Clyne takes the free kick.
  • 46:30 Shot by Alan Lee from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.
  • 46:00 The referee blows for offside against Fabian Delph. Free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 45:31 John Carew gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Clint Hill. Free kick taken by Clint Hill.
  • 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
  • 45:01 Substitution Emile Heskey goes off and John Carew comes on.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+2:07 The players leave the pitch at half time.
  • 45:00+1:55 Unfair challenge on Richard Dunne by Alan Lee results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Richard Dunne.
  • 45:00+0:29 James Collins gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Alan Lee. Darren Ambrose shoots direct from the free kick,
    save by Brad Friedel.
  • 44:27 The official flags Emile Heskey offside. Clint Hill takes the free kick.
  • 42:22 Darren Ambrose has an effort at goal from a long way out that goes wide of the right-hand post.
  • 40:27 Ashley Young takes the inswinging corner, Header from close range by Emile Heskey clears the bar.
  • 38:01 Alan Lee has an effort at goal from 12 yards.
  • 36:26 Corner taken by James Milner from the left by-line to the near post.
  • 35:59 Ashley Young restarts play with the free kick.
  • 35:59 Booking Nick Carle receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
  • 35:51 Foul by Nick Carle on Stiliyan Petrov, free kick awarded.
  • 34:57 Assist on the goal came from Stewart Downing.
  • 34:57 GOAL – James Collins:Crystal Palace 1 – 1 Aston Villa James Collins finds the back of the net with a headed goal from close in. Crystal Palace 1-1 Aston Villa.
  • 34:29 Unfair challenge on James Milner by Clint Hill results in a free kick. Stewart Downing crosses the ball,
  • 33:21 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Alan Lee by Richard Dunne. Danny Butterfield crosses the ball from the free kick
    right-footed from right wing, Brad Friedel makes a save.
  • 32:45 The ball is crossed by Ashley Young.
  • 27:09 Neil Danns takes a shot from 18 yards. Save by Brad Friedel.
  • 26:06 The ball is swung over by James Milner.
  • 23:54 Assist by Darren Ambrose.
  • 23:54 GOAL – Johannes Ertl:Crystal Palace 1 – 0 Aston Villa Johannes Ertl finds the net with a headed goal from close range. Crystal Palace 1-0 Aston Villa.
  • 23:32 Darren Ambrose takes the inswinging corner,
  • 22:56 Nick Carle decides to take a short corner.
  • 22:31 Shot by Emile Heskey. Julian Speroni makes a save.
  • 22:14 Free kick awarded for a foul by Johannes Ertl on Fabian Delph. Stiliyan Petrov restarts play with the free kick.
  • 21:36 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 20:28 Free kick awarded for a foul by Alan Lee on James Collins. James Collins takes the direct free kick.
  • 18:31 Free kick awarded for a foul by Richard Dunne on Alan Lee. Free kick crossed right-footed by Darren Ambrose, clearance made
    by Stephen Warnock.
  • 17:58 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Nathaniel Clyne by Ashley Young. Julian Speroni takes the direct free kick.
  • 17:11 Long range effort on goal by Johannes Ertl goes wide left of the goal.
  • 15:44 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emile Heskey by Johannes Ertl. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 13:03 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Alan Lee by James Collins. Direct free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 12:28 Free kick awarded for a foul by Alan Lee on Stephen Warnock. Free kick crossed by James Milner, Alan Lee manages to make a
    clearance.
  • 10:02 Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stewart Downing.
  • 9:44 Clint Hill challenges Emile Heskey unfairly and gives away a free kick. Stiliyan Petrov restarts play with the free kick.
  • 9:25 Johannes Ertl gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Stiliyan Petrov. Richard Dunne takes the free kick.
  • 7:52 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Darren Ambrose from the right by-line, clearance by Luke Young.
  • 6:20 The ball is crossed by Stewart Downing.
  • 3:25 James Milner sends in a cross.
  • 2:39 Corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line, Clint Hill manages to make a clearance.
  • 2:13 Alan Lee gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on James Collins. Brad Friedel takes the free kick.
  • 1:40 The assistant referee signals for offside against Ashley Young. Indirect free kick taken by Julian Speroni.
  • 0:00 The referee starts the match.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
12

Delph desperate for more starts

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin

Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph says he is hungry for more starts after playing in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old made his third Premier League start of the season, and his first since 26 September at Blackburn.

“To play well in games, it gives you confidence and everybody around you confidence,” Delph told BBC WM.

“I’ve definitely got a lot more to add, but hopefully by playing more games I can get more experience.”

The England Under-21 international joined Villa from Leeds for an undisclosed fee in August, and started on the opening day of the season, a 2-0 defeat by Wigan at Villa Park.

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

Since then, Delph has been limited to appearances in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, competitions in which Villa are still involved this season.

They play United again in the final of the Carling Cup at Wembley on 28 February, while their next game is in the fifth round of the FA Cup, away at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Delph is hopeful that manager Martin O’Neill will persevere with him in the centre of midfield.

“He’s helped me leaps and bounds,” he added. “He’s given me a few chances, but I haven’t taken them.

“Hopefully he’ll keep believing in me, give me the odd start here and there and I can do well.”

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
12

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin


Live text and stats

Sunday, 14 February 2010

The FA Cup

FA Cup fifth round
Venue: Selhurst Park Date: Sunday, 14 February Kick-off: 1545 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio London &

online

, Final Score

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock faces a defensive headache ahead of the visit of Aston Villa to Selhurst Park.

Matt Lawrence and Claude Davis are in a race to recover after missing the home defeat by Swansea, while Lee Hills, who covered against the Swans, is cup-tied.

Aston Villa duo Stiliyan Petrov (ankle) and Gabriel Agbonlahor (leg) are major injury doubts for the match.

Emile Heskey and Stephen Warnock are both back in training but boss Martin O’Neill may opt for fringe players.

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Guzan, Cuellar, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Davies, Warnock, Luke Young, Ashley Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Delph, Sidwell, Salifou, Carew, Heskey, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso.

The tie in context

This is one of three Championship against Premier League ties in the fifth round.

Carling Cup finalists Aston Villa are one of nine top-flight sides still bidding for the FA Cup, and one of six Midlands representatives in the last 16.

Crystal Palace are one of five second tier survivors, and one of four London clubs that made it through to the fifth round.

The Eagles are also one of five fifth round participants, who have never won the FA Cup.

Gulf in class

Crystal Palace are 32 places inferior to Villa in the pecking order.

These clubs are meeting for the first time in five years, since they were both in the Premier League together in the 2004/05 season.

Villa have won 15 of the 35 competitive meetings.

FA Cup records and best performances

The clubs have only met twice previously in the FA Cup, with Villa winning both third round ties; 5-0 in 1913, and 4-3 in 1962.

This is their first FA Cup meeting on Crystal Palace turf.

CRYSTAL PALACE

Current form

Lost home to Swansea midweek, after winning the previous three in league and cup.

FA Cup form

On their best run in the competition since 2003, but not made the last eight since reaching the semi-finals in 1995.

The 1990 losing finalists are hoping to oust west Midland Premier League opposition for the second successive round, having disposed of Wolves after a replay at the beginning of the month.

ASTON VILLA

Current form

Drawn their last two, and undefeated in nine league and cup matches.

Won five and drawn four in 2010, since Liverpool’s 1-0 league triumph at Villa Park on 29 December.

FA Cup form

The seven-times winners have not ventured beyond the last 16, since finishing runners-up to Chelsea in May 2000.

Sheffield United were the last lower league club to knock out Villa, in the third round in 2005.

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 (Kick off: 1945 GMT)

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Assistant referees: Trevor Massey & John Flynn

Fourth official: Keith Hill

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
12

Former Villa skipper Godfrey dies

Filed under: Aston Villa by: admin

Former Wales international Brian Godfrey has died at the age of 69 following a long battle with cancer.

Flint-born Godfrey won three caps for Wales, scoring two goals, in 1964-5.

The inside forward played for Everton, Scunthorpe United, Preston North End, Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers, Newport County and Portland Timbers (USA).

He then went into management with Exeter City, Bath City, Weymouth and Gloucester, before retiring to Northern Cyprus five years ago, where he died.

Godfrey was 12th man for Preston at Wembley in the 1964 FA Cup final and played for Aston Villa in the League Cup final of 1971.

Print Sponsor



Comments (0)  Read more
« Previous Entries