Ehiogu heads Villa home

UGO EHIOGU capped a return to Aston Villa's side with a winning goal that gave his club just the kind of confidence booster they need ahead of next week's UEFA Cup tie.

Villa opened brightly with Mark Draper prominent in the early stages and twice testing Everton 'keeper Neville Southall with a low drive and then an effort on the halt volley.

But Everton quickly assumed control, breaking through the midfield at will, and Villa 'keeper Michael Oakes made one good save to keep out a low shot on the turn from Gary Speed before they went ahead in the 12th minute.

Speed's through ball released Graham Stuart and referee Uriah Rennie had no hesitation in awarding a penalty after the former Chelsea midfield was chopped down by Alan Wright.

Speed made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick. sending Oakes the wrong way for his fourth goal of the campaign.

Brian Little' side had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Wright looked to be brought down just inside the area by Danny Cadamarteri.

Southall then tipped over a powerful Collymore header after good play by Milosevic and there was an inevitability about the equaliser when it arrived in the 37th minute from Milosevic.

A corner from Steve Staunton was headed on by Collymore at the far post and Milosevic prodded the ball home from close range for his third goal of the campaign.

Villa camped in the Everton half in the early stages of the second period and it came as no surprise when they went in front in the 56th minute.

Again the source of the goal was a Staunton corner and this time Ehiogu was allowed a free header which he buried past the exposed Southall via the underside of the bar.