Rovers out of FA Cup

With both teams keeping an eye out for the Carling Cup Semi Finals, it was a matter of which mixture of first and fringe players would come out on top. Surprisingly, Villa fielded quite a strong line up, featuring Steven Warnock and Ashley Cole. Blackburn did have some experience, with Dunn and Reid making welcome returns from injury.

Aston Villa were off to a dream start, scoring 11 minutes in. Nathan Delfouneso scored his first goal of the campaign, heading past Brown after a neat cross by Ashley Young. Villa continued to dominate, with Young carving up out on the flank. Young should of made it 2 after being put through 1 on 1 with Brown, but the Welsh International was up to the task, making the save.

Rovers were left ruing a missed opportunity in the 30th minute. Nigel Reo-Coker brought down Steven Reid in the box, however Dunn's penalty was saved by Guzan. Villa made Rovers pay within 10 minutes, an inswinging free kick by Young was headed in by Cuellar, 2-0 Villa.

The task was made more difficult for Blackburn, El Hadji Diouf given a straight red for a lunging challenge on Beye. 2-0 Half Time

Kalinic sparked some life into the game, an error from Guzan saw the ball spill into Kalinic's path, who tapped it in, 2-1. Kalinic could of had a second, however his drilled shot dragged wide of the far post.

Rovers pushed on, but it was Villa who netted next, closing of the game in the dying minutes. A silly foul by Givet gave Villa a chance from the spot, John Carew netting

3-1 Aston Villa

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