Blackpool 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Blackpool ended a run of five straight Premier League defeats with a deserved draw at home to Aston Villa.
Gabriel Agbonlahor put Villa head, finishing a blistering break by taking the ball around keeper Richard Kingson before shooting from a tight angle. Elliott Grandin equalised for Blackpool with a near-post header from a corner, before Kingson denied Stewart Downing. Jean Makoun was dismissed for a late tackle on DJ Campbell after the break, while Ashley Young shot wide late on. Ian Holloway's Tangerines had lost seven of their previous eight fixtures, with their only top-flight triumph this year a 2-1 victory over Liverpool on 12 January. That run of form had seen them slip to a season-low of 15th going into the contest, just two points above the relegation zone. (BBC Sport)

Aston Villa 3 - 2 Blackpool

James Collins headed a late winner as Aston Villa recorded their first home win since August with a dramatic victory over a much-changed Blackpool. Stuart Downing put Villa ahead with a volley that deflected beyond Richard Kingson but Marlon Harewood levelled with a side-foot shot before the break. Nathan Delfouneso volleyed Villa ahead again but Blackpool equalised when a DJ Campbell shot deflected in off Collins. The defender made amends minutes later when he headed in from a corner.

The goal came as a cruel blow to a Blackpool side that featured 10 changes from the team that drew 2-2 against Everton on Saturday. Six of those players, including skipper Jason Euell, were making their first Premier League starts this term. Given that the Seasiders arrived at Villa Park in the best away form of any team in the top flight, the wholesale change seemed a curious move from Blackpool boss Ian Holloway. And yet it was the visitors who made the livelier start, Villa old-boy Harewood spurning two early chances to score on his first return to Villa Park....read more...