Somehow visitors Portsmouth find themselves with a first half lead completely against the run of play, even more surprisingly they hold their advantage until the 70' as Villa finally get the goal their dominance deserves but despite incessant pressure they cannot find a winner.

Dai Astley's excellent scoring form continues as he scores for the fourth consecutive game to make it twenty two for the season but Villa are held at home.

Villa are held at home to make it eleven wins, five draws and thirteen defeats in twenty nine division one games.