|
Aston Villa 1-0 Birmingham City |
|
|
|
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Sunday, 25 April 2010 |
The Villa moved level on points with Spurs (who have a game in hand) in the race for fourth place as they edged their sixth successive second-city derby with a late controversial penalty at a bright Villa Park.
Everyone had got over their niggles and O'Neill named the same starting XI for the third time in a week.
The blues intentions were clear when they started with a 4-5-1 formation but they ahd the first early half-chance but Larsson failed to find the target.
Dunne had to have emergency repairs to the head wound he suffered midweek and returned with a heavy bandage in place.
The first half was nip and tuick in a tight encounter with some heavy challenges, particularly Larsson's challenge on Petrov.
Downing's effort was well saved by Hart and a Dunne slip nearly let in Larsson froma throw out by Friedel. The American goalie recovered to save the tame effort.
He had to be better to beat out a Gardner effort on the ex-Villa man's first return to B6.
The blues had the better of the first-half but the game remained goalless.
The second period was more of the same, the visitor's were having the better of the exchanges and the Villa looked comfortable without too much exertion but did not look like forcing a goal.
The visitor's looked more likely to score and when Friedel blocked another Gardner shot the first real quality chance from Bowyer should have been the opener. Friedel, however, had other ideas and made a superb close-range stop.
The service to the front men had been less than mediocre and it was no surprise when Heskey replaced Carew with 20 minutes left.
He might have been the derby day hero when he beat the defence to a quick through ball but his chip was inches wide.
With 8 minutes left Agbonlahor dashed forward to a great through ball, Johnson made a last ditch tackle and he brought down the speedy Villa front man.
Ref Atkinson pointed to the spot. In the ensuing melee Johnson and Carr were booked.
Milner remained the calmest man in Villa Park to drive the spot-kick straight down the middle.
Blues responded by throwing everyone forward and "super-sub" Phillips was brought on.
Bowyer might have scored the leveller after the ball was played into the box from a free-kick but another superb reflex stop by Friedel denied him.
The Villa played keep-ball in both corners and eventually after an added 4 minuted the points were safe.
Still all to play for and next weekend's game against Manchester City could decide the destiny of the fourth champions League spot.
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 25 April 2010 )
|
