Villa cruise past Doncaster in FA Cup replay
Carew scored from distance to help O'Neill's side past Doncaster
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Wednesday, 04, Feb 2009 10:14
Aston Villa made light work of their fourth round FA Cup replay against Doncaster Rovers, winning 3-1 at Villa Park.
Steve Sidwell, John Carew and Nathan Delfouneso scored the goals that help Martin O'Neill's team set up a fifth round tie against Everton.
Villa named a much-changed line-up from their last league outing as O'Neill claimed his priority remained a top-four finish.
After being held to a goalless draw in the first leg Villa nerves were eased when Sidwell finished their first serious attack of the match after 14 minutes.
Neil Sullivan saved Craig Gardner's shot but could only parry the ball into the path of the midfielder and he had a simple tap in.
Four minutes later Villa doubled their advantage in fortunate circumstances. Carew tried his luck from 20 yards out but his shot took a crucial deflection on its way towards goal – wrong-footing Sullivan who had no chance to stop the goal.
On the stroke of half-time Doncaster gave themselves a glimmer of a chance when Jason Price pulled a goal back.
Delfouneso gave the ball away to James Coppinger who found Price in the box and he was able to scuff his shot past Brad Guzan from close-range.
After the break Rovers briefly threatened to grab an equaliser and Guzan had to be alert to save Brian Stock's fierce drive.
So it was against the run of play when Villa re-established their two-goal advantage after and hour thanks to Delfouneso.
Full-back Nicky Shorey crossed from the left and the striker earned himself a belated 18th birthday present by glancing a header past Sullivan.
That goal killed off any hopes Rovers had of an upset and Villa were able to comfortably see out the final 30 minutes.