Aston Villa 3 Everton 3

Apr 12 2009 By John Curtis, PA Sport

Villa tried to retaliate and Hibbert became the first player to be yellow-carded after 28 minutes for a touchline challenge on Agbonlahor.

The home side looked all over the place every time Everton ventured forward and Friedel saved bravely at the feet of Cahill.

But after 32 minutes Carew gave Villa a lifeline with his 13th goal of the campaign.

Milner's centre was deflected back across goal by Barry and then Agbonlahor also got a touch on the ball before Carew made no mistake from close range.

Everton still looked dangerous and Curtis Davies blocked a shot from Jo after Cahill had allowed the ball to run across the box into his path.

Hopes of a Villa revival suffered a setback after 53 minutes when a superb strike from Pienaar restored Everton's two-goal advantage.

Neville played the ball into Pienaar's feet and he turned past Luke Young and curled a 20-yard drive past Friedel into the corner of the net.

Villa boss O'Neill was forced into an immediate change when Agbonlahor limped out of the action to be replaced by Nathan Delfouneso.

And after 55 minutes, Milner brought Villa back into the game with a deadly piece of finishing. Lescott fouled Carew 20 yards out and Milner curled his free-kick past Howard and just inside the post.

Two minutes later the harsh penalty award allowed Barry to bring Villa back on level terms.

Lescott caught Stiliyan Petrov in the face trying to clear the ball but referee Webb pointed to the spot and Barry hammered the ball high and wide of Howard.

Young curled a low drive just wide after good play by Carew and in injury-time Howard denied Delfouneso.