Chelsea Res 1 Villa Res 1

Apr 22 2008

VILLA edged a point closer to the Barclays Premier Reserve League (South) title with a deserved point against Chelsea at Griffin Park.

Young defender Nathan Baker was the hero with a headed equaliser six minutes from time after Franco Di Santo had given the hosts an undeserved lead.

Villa pressed for a late winner as Shane Lowry, Wayne Routledge and Baker were all denied by Chelsea keeper Stuart Searle in the dying minutes.

Earlier the home side had enjoyed the better of an entertaining first half as Villa keeper Stuart Taylor made three impressive saves - denying Steve Sidwell, Di Santo and Claudio Pizzaro.

It was a different story after the break though as Villa pushed for the points but had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Kevin MacDonald's men will be crowned champions if Reading fail to beat Portsmouth tonight.

Villa end the season with a home game against Arsenal next Tuesday.

VILLA: Taylor, Herd (Lichaj, 35), Lowry, Osbourne, Clark, Baker, Salifou, Routledge, Williams, Bannan (Delfouneso. 59), Maloney (Forrester, 73). Not used: Parish, Albrighton.