Nigel Spink produced a classic display to rob Liverpool of vital championship points in a goalless thriller at Villa Park.

Spink crowned his flawless performance with two stunning saves in the last six minutes from Steve Staunton and lan Rush.

And Villa, despite one of their better performances, were happy to settle for a draw.

Early on, the home side looked capable of causing an upset and celebrating new coach Peter Withe's first match with a notable victory.

Tony Cascarino, their £1.5 million striker with only three goals all season, was a constant threat to the Liverpool defence with his dominance in the air.

Just before half time, Gary Gillespie almost put through his own goal trying to divert the former Millwall striker's downward header.

Liverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar also distinguished himself with superb saves to deny David Platt's free kick and Kent Nielsen's swerving 30 yarder.

But by this time, Spink had already covered himself in glory, defying everything Liverpool could throw at him.

He made brilliant saves from Rush and Staunton and was glad to see a John Barnes shot flash across goal after the England man made a typically exciting run from near the halfway mark.

Liverpool stepped up the pace even further in the second half and took off their £800,000 newcomer Jimmy Carter in favour of marauding striker Ronny Rosenthal.

But Spink continued to defy the champions and his saves from Staunton and Rush in the closing minutes were breathtaking efforts.

It was the sixth consecutive draw between the two sides at Villa Park, but Villa have still to beat Liverpool in 10 years.