PAUL McGRATH produced one of his finest displays, at the heart of a gallant defence as Aston Villa succumbed to a Black Sea storm last night.

But he then launched an inquest into Trabzonspor’s , killer 78th minute goal that put a large hole in their UEFA Cup hopes.

Ron Atkinson's battlers, with McGrath and Ugo Ehiogu looking unbeatable, seemed to have come through the hot-house atmosphere of the Avnt Aker Stadium with a well-deserved draw after a committed and composed performance.

But their good work was laid to waste when Orhan Kaynak sent a bullet-like header rifling into the Villa net.

"With the height we have in defence we have to ask how the guy was able to run in unmarked and score from about six yards.” said McGrath. 'They might have had another in the second-half but we know that a top grade performance in the second leg should see us through. They caused us a few problems and are not a bad side at all.

"We could easily have nicked a goal or two ourselves and Ray Houghton gave them a huge headache early in the first-half."

Villa will now look to match their display against Inter Milan when they overturned a one-goal deficit before beating the holders in a penalty shoot-out when they stage the second leg decider in a fortnight.

Harrying and rushing their opponents at every opportunity and, with Andy Townsend shrugging off a groin strain to play in midfield, Villa dictated the pace of the game.

And with Welsh international Dean Saunders a particular threat, they should have grabbed a priceless away goal after 10 minutes.

Saunders escaped his marker to collect Steve Staunton's pass and cross to the far post for Ray Houghton, who saw his shot blocked.

It fell directly into the path of Guy Whittingham, preferred to Dalian Atkinson, but the striker saw his side-foot effort from six yards cannon away to safety off the underside of the bar.

Seconds after the interval Villa had to thank the same underside of the bar that denied Whittingham as Hami hit the woodwork with a dipping volley.

Trabzonspor coach Senol Gunes resigned dramatically as soon as the game ended levsing his side looking for a new man in charge for the return. The club's former 'keeper had warned he would quit because of fans' reaction to recent defeats and fulfilled his threat despite their victory.