ASTON VILLA, struggling against a redoubtable Leicester side, had striker Julian Joachim to thank for a salvaged point as the former Leicester player notched up his fourth goal of the season in the 86th minute to cancel out Garry Parker's opener from the penalty spot.

Villa dominated the first half territorially but there was precious little to enthuse about in terms of excitement during the opening period.

The first genuine opportunity did not arrive until the 21st minute when a left-wing cross from lan Taylor picked out Stan Collymore. He killed the ball stone dead and turned sharply. but he was denied by Keller's save.

lan Taylor thought he had given Villa the lead in the 25th minute when he netted from close range but the effort was ruled out for pushing by Ugo Ehiogu on Keller.

But Leicester stunned the home fans by taking a 53rd minute lead. Leicester skipper Steve Walsh started the move when he robbed Milosevic on the half-way line and the ball was then worked out to right wing-back Rob Savage. He played a low ball into Izzet. who was then hacked down by Riccardo Scimeca and left referee Michael Riley with no choice but to point to the penalty spot.

Parker, who had scored from the spot against Northampton in the FA Cup last weekend, again made no mistake from 12 yards.

But Villa - retaliated and, after Brian Little's inspired substitution, Joachim's equaliser was no more than they deserved.