Villa get better of league leaders

Apr 4 2007

VILLA RES 3 READING RES 0

THERE were several positive points for Martin O'Neill to ponder after Villa's second string comfortably defeated the Premiership Reserve League South leaders.

Martin Laursen had a solid game on his return from a hamstring injury while Craig Gardner staked a claim for a first-team place with a hard-working display that included the opening goal.

And young wide-man Zoltan Stieber once again displayed great promise, making all three goals.

Jonathan Hogg had Villa's first chance in the 20th minute, firing just over.

Luke Moore, with seven goals in six games at this level, failed to add to his tally but had a 25-yarder saved by Mikkel Andersen.

Gardner was dominant and in the 26th minute forced Andersen into a fine double save.

From Stieber's corner out on the right Gardner sent a header looping over Andersen into the net.

Villa went further ahead in the 39th minute through young Aussie Christopher Herd, who produced a neat angled finish from StieberÕs cross following a strong run by Jlloyd Samuel.

Villa made sure of their sixth win in eight outings after 84 minutes when Hungarian Stieber sent over another corner, this time from the left, and defender Stephen O'Halloran headed home.

VILLA (4-4-2): Taylor; Lund, Laursen, O'Halloran, Samuel; Herd, Gardner, Hogg, Stieber (Bannan 86); Angel (Earls 88), Moore (Clark 88). Sub not used: Bevan (gk).