*Villa sunk by late goal*

A last-minute mistake from Aston Villa goalkeeper David James gave Celta Vigo a slim advantage after the first leg of the Intertoto Cup semi-final in Spain.

James flapped at a cross from Juan Velasco and South African Benni McCarthy steered the ball home to give the Spanish side a valuable goal to take into the second leg at Villa Park next Wednesday.

John Gregory was happy with the effort put in by his under-strength side.

“I am very proud of all of them. Considering we were a number of players short we performed very well.

“We didn’t deserve that at the end. They got a lucky break.

“James played well and didn’t have that much to do although he made one crucial save in the second half.

He said he was still hopeful of reaching the final:

“Obviously 0-0 would have been better but I still feel we have a very good chance of going through because a lot of our injured players will be back next week.”

Villa had five players booked in a gritty performance and were forced on the back foot for long spells but Dion Dublin should have given them the lead 10 minutes from time but somehow put a header the wrong side of the post.

Celta piled on the pressure in the first half and continually stretched Villa, who were without Gareth Southgate, Ugo Ehiogu, Paul Merson and Mark Delaney.

Southgate and Ehiogu were ruled out with groin and calf injuries respectively while Merson and Delaney were suspended.

Villa’s problems increased in the 19th minute when striker Luc Nilis limped off after taking a knock.

Celta had peppered James’ goal with shots and he made numerous saves, including palming a shot from Giovanella onto the bar before the break but he was helpless when the same player let fly from 25 yards and rattled the crossbar.

Villa almost took a shock lead on the hour when a Thompson free-kick from 25 yards out was turned away spectacularly by Pinto.

Dublin’s miss 10 minutes from time proved to be costly as Celta made the breakthrough with just a minute to go as James’ uncertainty ruined his excellent night’s work.