VILLA GO 5 CLEAR

TONY CASCARINO, the powerful Republic of Ireland striker made a successful start to his Aston Villa career as he helped the English League leaders extend their advantage over Liverpool to five points following this workmanlike victory over their midlands rival.

Cascarino, who last week became easily Villa's most expensive signing at £1.5 million almost crowned his debut with a goal but was thwarted like many international strikers before him by the brilliance of England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

The crucial Villa goal came after 71 minutes by lan Ormondroyd who, partly because of Cascarino's arrival had been relegated to the role of substitute yesterday.

He was called into action at the start of the second half following an injury to Callaghan and he was alert to meet one of numerous excellent crosses by Daley from the right to give Shilton no chance from six yards.

Daley, who last Wednesday had his skills negated by Oldham's plastic pitch in an FA Cup quarter final humiliation, was back to his tricky best on the unusually firm Baseball Ground pitch and proved from the earliest exchanges that he comfortably had the beating of his marker Forsyth.

Chances, nevertheless, were in short supply. Platt had a couple in the first half for Villa, while Pickering wasted a couple for Derby, who failed to force Spink in serious action.

Saunders, who worked hard alongside the disappointing Harford up front, for Derby tried to rescue the cause after his team had fallen behind but a spectacular shot on the turn flew wide of Spink's near post and the large travelling contingent in a 21,000 crowd were able to celebrate what could well be a significant Villa victory.

"It was a very solid and determined performance by us; one that impressed me at this stage of the season," said manager Graham Taylor.

And the Villa boss pronounced himself "very satisfied" with the performance of Cascarino, saying: "He came across a very strong Mark Wright and yet he still caused problems."