NOTTINGHAM Forest last night suffered only their second defeat in 20 cup this year - and went out of the Zenith Cap

Aston Villa came back from a goal down to win 2-1 through penalty by David Platt after an hour and a header from Derek Mountfield 15 minutes from time to make it an unhappy start to the festive season for the Reds.

It had all looked promising for Forest, the Littlewoods and Simod Cup holders when captain Stuart Pearce fired them ahead after 23 minutes.

He struck after having free kick charged down Steve Chettle seized on the loose ball and pushed it deep into the penalty area where a delightful flick by Brian Rice set up the captain's fifth goal of the season.

Forest dominated the first half confusing Villa by playing Rice alongside Lee Chapman up front with Nigel Clough on the left wing.

But Villa dominated the second half and Brian Laws, booked in the 54th minute for foul on Mountfield, was adjudged to have tripped Platt six minutes later as he raced into the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Steve Sutton got a hand to the spot kick but it went in and Sutton had to make brilliant save from Paul McGrath before Mountfield nodded in the winner at the far post from Gordon Cowans' cross from the right.

Sutton further distinguished himself by diving full length to his left to turn aside a piledriver from Tony Daley who was constant and lively problem for Forest.