Villa were brought back to earth with a bump here last night slumping out of the Littlewoods Cup to Second Division West Ham just three days after their 6-2 hammering of Everton.

Though it was far from a poor display by Graham Taylor’s team they lacked the cutting edge they showed on Sunday and failed to take any of the many chances they created.

They had all the play after West Ham went in front through a Julian Dicks pile-driver in the first half but could not press home their territorial advantage.

Inside the first minute West Ham registered the opening goal attempt full-back Dicks getting forward to send a 20-yard cross-shot wide of the far post.

Villa settled to have a good spell of pressure and after a dangerous free-kick by Cowans had been cleared the same player curled in a 12th minute cross which Olney headed just over the bar the home side’s next attack.

On the half-hour Dicks collected a short free-kick from Brady to thunder home a 20-yard drive into the corner of the net.

In the 33rd minute Villa substitute Comyn replaced the injured Gage who had passed a late fitness test.

Villa hit back when McGrath had a 35th minute volley blocked and six minutes later McGrath volleyed wildly over the bar after an Olney effort had bounced off Potts.

Villa started the second half in urgent fashion and in the 48th minute Parkes had to dive to push an Olney header past the post.

Six minutes later Villa had the ball in the West Ham net but Platt who had swivelled to fire home a crisp volley from ten yards was ruled offside.

Villa were soon on the attack again and from Nielsen’s overhead kick into the penalty area Parkes had to punch clear In the 65th minute.

The disappointing Daley was replaced by sub Callaghan He swung over a cross from the right which Platt volleyed just wide.

Villa continued to push for an equaliser but after McGrath and Olney had gone close with headers Ormondroyd shot wide of the far post in the last minute