Aston Villa 2, Fulham 0: Full Time Report
Etuhu was guilty of a series of fouls and in the 39th minute became the first player to be yellow carded by referee Steve Bennett for bringing down Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov.
Then Fulham newcomer Jonathan Greening was also cautioned for chopping down Milner.
Schwarzer had a brief fitness test before play resumed and seemed to have a problem with his left thigh. There was a cagey opening to the second period although a fierce shot from Erik Nevland was blocked by Clark full in the face.
Dempsey was only just too high with a fierce 25 yard free-kick after Petrov had brought down Diomansy Kamara.
Milner showed positive intent but drilled his shot well wide from a narrow angle.
Then after 59 minutes Villa gave themselves a two goal cushion with Agbonlahor's splendid goal.
Milner played the ball inside to the England striker who bore down on the Fulham box before beating Schwarzer with a fierce 20 yard drive.
O'Neill brought on striker John Carew in place of the impressive Reo-Coker with 20 minutes remaining.
Sidwell picked up a late booking for a challenge on Dempsey.
