TWO World Cup images flashed before Aston Villa's disbelieving eyes in extra-time at Plough Lane last night, signalling the end of their interest in the FA Cup.

IMAGE No 1: Tony Cascarino shot wide of an inviting target from 10 yards, reviving memories of Jeff Astle's ghastly 1970 miss against Brazil.

IMAGE No 2: in a strength-sapping third round replay, Alan Cork's winner arrived on 119 minutes, the precise time at which David Platt scored his dream goal against Belgium last summer.

Wimbledon striker Alan Cork battled to meet a John Barton cross with his head, and the ball took a nasty deflection off Paul Birch to clinch a fourth round place for the Londoners.

It was the cruellest possible ending for Villa, who had done more than enough to earn another chance on a night when character and commitment took priority over any attempts at constructive football.

As if coping with the Dons hustle and bustle were not enough, a sodden pitch, a howling gale and driving rain combined to create a true Cup nightmare for Jozef Venglos's men.

Yet Villa acquitted themselves remarkably well in the dreadful conditions, and at least regained their self-respect after last Saturday's inept display.

The defence quite literally soaked up everything that was hurled at them when facing the elements in the first half, and thereafter looked quite capable of booking a visit to Shrewsbury on Janaury 26.

But how they could have done with the finishing prowess of new coach Peter Withe, Villa's 1982 European Cup hero, sitting virtually on the laps of home supporters in the tiny main stand at Plough Lane.

In fairness, both Nigel Callaghan and the outstanding Dwight Yorke were denied only by the agility of Wimbledon goalkeeper Hans Segers. But poor Cascarino, with Saturday's glaring late miss still on his mind, had a torrid time in front of goal.

The £1.5 million Republic of Ireland striker fluffed a close range opportunity in the first half, and his extra-time miss had home fans taunting: "What a waste of money."

On the exposed, open terrace at the other end of the ground, Villa's rain-drenched supporters could only suffer in silence, not knowing that an even worse fate was to befall them and their team.