ANDY TOWNSEND ended Middleshrough's Coca Cola Cup hopes with a first-half deflected goal at holders Aston Villa last night.

The Irish international's 14-yard shot on the half hour seemed to be heading for the right-hand side of goal but took a ricochet off Boro defender Derek Whyte and ended up in the top left-hand corner.

It was Townsend's first goal of the season. It eased the mutterings of discontent at Villa Park. Aston Villa have not won a league game since September 10. Boro, without a win themselves in four games, battled hard to try to pull back into the game but lacked the fire power up front.

Indeed patience, experience and understanding withstood Boro's early thrusts after which Villa rarely looked like losing their grip on a place in the last 16.

Villa always held the upper hand and, but for desperate defending by Boro in the second half, the FA Carling Premiership side would have won by a bigger margin.

Villa were lifting their game all the time and broke the deadlock on the half hour. Republic of Ireland international Ray Houghton crossed towards the far post and Boro keeper Alan Miller was unable to get there.

Guy Whittingham headed into the middle and Townsend got there first to fire home off the unfortunate White.

Boro continued to knock the ball around and had a chance to equalise before the interval but Bosnich made a fine save from Hendrie.

Villa gradually began to assert control and the outcome of the game was never in doubt.

Striker Dean Saunders should have increased the lead when he was put clear by Earl Barrett, but shot tamely into the crowd.

Then Miller prevented Villa breaking through again with fine parrying saves from Saunders and Dwight Yorke.