GARRY Parker's 90th minute goal of succulent quality was his and Villa's ultimate reward for a performance that glowed with purpose.

As Stefan Beinlich held possession in a straight run through the middle, Parker strode beyond him, moved left with the pass, braked. swivelled right to leave his pursuers as the ground and rolled the ball into goal by way Dave Beasant's frantic dive.

The Holte End had long before realised this was an afternoon Parker was touched with Easter magic.

Driven by the former Forest midfielder's compelling artistry, Villa produced a performance that made nonsense of Saturday's indolence at the City Ground.

Many managers have doubted the advantage of an opposition sending off. and certainly Chelsea's lan Porterfield counted himself among the number an hour after striker lan Olney had been dismissed for allegedly elbowing Graeme Le Saux.

From the other side of the ground the offence did not appear malicious and both players said later that they regarded it as an accident.

Villa clearly were incensed and a minute later, just before half time, Tony Daley was booked for scything down Darren Barnard.

A game that had largely been meaningless, was given a sharp bite of competitiveness. The free-luck count made fascinating reading - seven to two in Chelsea’s favour before the sending-off, 10-1 to Villa after it.

Steve Staunton’s curling right-foot shot off Kenneth Monkou gave Villa a 33rd minute lead, with much of the credit going to Tony Daley for creating room to make the critical pass.

Three minutes later Olney struck the bar with a header and by half-time only two blunders by Bryan Small had threatened Villa's security

Small was replaced by Beinlich in a smart tactical switch by Ron Atkinson at half time.

Despite that for nearly a quarter of an hour, Villa initially appeared to be in serious difficulties until Dave Beasant pushed Richardson’s free kick gently to Paul McGrath who scored has first goal the season to put Villa 2-1 up before Parker’s last minute strike.