2-1

It was always going to be an anti-climax after Saturday’s super show but Villa were hardly complaining last night as they took a massive stride towards the Coca Cola Cup’s third round.

Without ever scaling the heights of their 4-2 Liverpool romp, Ron Atkinson’s men left the
Manor Ground with the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.

Villa simply possessed too much class for an Oxford outfit who battled gamely but were a clear second in terms of quality.

True, Joey Beauchamps’ 88th minute goal kept Oxford’s hopes of a possible upset when the sides meet again at Villa Park in two weeks’ time.

But it will be a second leg catastrophe if Atkinson’s side allow their advantage to evaporate.

Their control was such that they could even afford the luxury of an off night by £2.3m striker Dean Saunders, who left the business of putting the ball in the net to central defenders Paul McGrath and Shaun Teale.

McGrath headed home powerfully at the second attempt after Garry Parker’s 53rd minute corner and a Kevin Richardson free kick paved the way for a bizarre second on 72 minutes.

Teale’s drive was heading towards one corner until keeper Paul Lee diverted it into the other.

VILLA boss Ron Atkinson is ready to hand stalwart goalkeeper Nigel Spink a new contract.

Spink, in the last year of his current contract, is having talks with Atkinson and hopes to agree a new deal with the club at some point.

The move comes just seven months after 34-year-old Spink was on the verge of leaving Villa after failing to win his place back from Les Sealey.

Atkinson was thought to be ready to listen to offers for Villa's longest serving player - 1982 European Cup hero Spink came to the Midlands from non-league Chelmsford City in 1977.

But Spink regained his place in March when Sealey picked up a four-match suspension.

He has been ever-present so far this season.

"I am now waiting for the manager to come back with a firm offer, but I definitely want to sign I'd like to see my career out here.

"There was a time when my future seemed In jeopardy, but things have turned my way again. The manager's used to me and I'm used to the manager."

Atkinson would not reveal full details but said:

"We have had talks, and we will have future talks. It is fair to say that I am prepared to extend his contract but I don't discuss details.”