Villa looked out of touch for much of a game in which First Division Rovers had enough chances to have won.

Even so, Dean Saunders must be kicking himself for missing a second half penalty and then a sitter when he hit the post from six yards near the end.

The £2.3 million striker is suffering a worrying spell and has not scored a goal from open play in seven games.

Ray Houghton and Dwight Yorke could have killed Rovers off early on, leaving Villa to count the cost later.

The loss of left-back Steve Staunton with concussion after just 17 minutes did not help Villa's cause, but they should not have allowed a Bristol side struggling in Division One to take control as they did.

Take nothing away from Rovers, though. Their manager's personality seems to have rubbed off on them.

They approached the game like they could not lose and even Neil Cox's first half opener did not deter them.

Rookie 'keeper Gavin Kelly indulged in some blatant gamesmanship as he attempted to put Saunders off as he was about to take his penalty.

He was booked, but got away with it when he made his save.

But it took the appearance of Allison on the touchline greeted by boos from the Villa fans to complete the Rovers comeback, and his team responded with Marcus Browning's equaliser.