GRAHAM TAYLOR’S new look Aston Villa came within inches of marking their return to the Second Division with victory at Portman Road yesterday.

Only the width of post prevented Simon Stainrod from heading a 77th minute winner Ipswich Town happy about their late let-off.

It was still a smart Division Two return for Villa after their proud 12 year stay in the First Division.

They certainly deserved their point against the East Anglian outfit only just missed out in the Second Division play offs last season.

Villa played with tremendous discipline and determination and they made a dream start with Kevin Gage, their new £110,000 full back from Wimbledon forcing the opening goal after 29 minutes.

Gage crossed powerfully from the right and Ipswich defender Chris O’Donnell turned ball own past bemused goalkeeper Hallworth.

But Ipswich hit back with a clever equaliser minutes later from Nigel Gleghorn after brilliant right wing cross from new winger David Lowe.

Villa might well have been three up by interval if their finishing had matched their quick approach work towards their opponents penalty area.

Unsettled winger Mark Walters hooked a close range effort over the bar from four yards. Paul Birch forced a save from Hallworth and Stainrod dallied too long losing another opportunity before the interval.

But it was a different story afterwards with Ipswich changing their tactics and pushing Jason Dozzell more forward to assist strikers Neil Woods and Lowe.

Acting skipper Steve Sims was forced to sort out one or two tangles in Villa’s defence but they survived the Ipswich rally and then came back strongly themselves.

Stainrod’s header after brilliant run into the area and cross to the far post should have sealed it.

The chunky striker seemed to meet the ball perfectly but then held his head in his hands as he saw his effort crash against the post.

Stainrod, showing neat control and vision still found time to curl another shot over bar with Villa sensing that victory was in their grasp.