Staunton rocket a Villa winner

STEVE STAUNTON marked his return from injury by hitting a dramatic last-gasp winner to settle a full-blooded Midlands derby clash at Highfield Road.

The Republic of Ireland international, out for five weeks with a hamstring injury, capped an impressive display by driving home a spectacular 30-yard shot which flew into the top left hand corner of the net.

Staunton could hardly conceal his delight but it was rough justice on Coventry who are now plunged even deeper into relegation trouble. They dominated the second period with Gary McAllister and John Salako both in fine form and created several reasonable chances, deserving Dion Dublin's equaliser as Villa were over-run in midfield during this period.

But Villa, with Staunton and Ugo Ehiogu cool performers at the back, rode the storm to register their first away win since September 5. Six players were booked and a challenge by Noel Whelan on Andy Townsend was the signal for a 15-man brawl in the closing stages.

Coventry made a bright start and it needed a fine tackle from Gareth Southgate to deny Peter Ndlovu in the first minute after he had been released by Noel Whelan who operated in a deeper role.

There was plenty of commitment, as would be expected of a local derby, and Tommy Johnson and Mark Draper were both booked for crude challenges on Coventry skipper Gary McAllister.

But there was precious little in the way of goalmouth action apart front a close range volley from Ugo Ehiogu which flew wide before Joachim opened the scoring in the 29th minute.

There appeared to be little danger when Alan Wright looked to have overhit his through ball but Steve Ogrizovic failed to collect as Joachim challenged and then the former Leicester player, somehow squeezed the ball from a seemingly. impossible angle.

Coventry, who lost Burrows through injury after minutes, tried desperately to redress the balance and Eoin Jess sent a curling shot just over the bar.

But Villa came within inches of adding to their lead in first half injury time when Joachim’s glancing header from an AIan Wright left-wing centre hit the inside of the post a rebounded to safety.

Coventry dominated proceedings after the Interval with Salako a more influential figure and they squandered two solid chances to get back on level. terms.

Salako's left-wing centre picked out the onrushing Richard Shaw at the far post, but he directed his header back across goal when unmarked.

Dion Dublin then headed a Paul Williams centre back in the path of Noel Whelan who sent his low shot wide.

It was one-way traffic towards the Villa goal as Southgate had to get In another tremendous last-ditch tackle to deny Dublin after he had been sent clear by Liam Daish.

But Coventry were not to be denied and in the 75th new £1m signing Darren Huckerby skated past the impressive Steve Staunton before his low centre was diverted by Dublin from close range.

It was Huckerby's first touch of the ball after coming on as substitute, but his celebrations were cut short by Staunton's decisive rocket shot.