Uninspired Villa make exit

ASTON VILLA crashed out of the UEFA Cup on the away goals rule to part-timers Helsingborgs as they could only force a 0-0 draw in the Olympia Stadium.

Villa completed an unwanted hat-trick of exits in successive seasons by English clubs to Swedish opposition in Europe as they suffered the same fate as Blackburn in 1994 and Manchester United 12 months ago.

In the end Peter Wibran's late goal for Helsingborgs in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park a fortnight ago effectively decided the issue.

The match was almost a replica of the first encounter, with Villa dominating for lengthy periods but failing to break down their gallant opponents.

Coach Reine Almqvist had pledged a more attacking approach in the return clash but there was little evidence of this as his side were content to give Villa possession and string 10 players behind the ball.

Villa lacked the ideas and creativity to make any headway, often resorting to pumping hopeful long crosses into the box and being restricted mainly to efforts from outside the area.

The nearest they came to snatching victory was in the final seconds when full-back Alan Wright's 30-yard shot was deflected on to his own crossbar by Helsingborgs goalkeeper Sven Anderson.

Villa again found it hard to break down Almqvist's side and in the opening 45 minutes forced only one worthwhile save out of Anderson.

That occurred in the 22nd minute when skipper Andy Townsend surged towards the penalty area and saw his low drive turned aside for a corner.

But apart from that they were restricted, as in the majority of the first leg a fortnight ago, to some long-range shots as they lacked the imagination to break down the massed ranks of Helsingborgs defenders.

A low drive from Dwight Yorke which was easily collected by Anderson was their only other on-target effort in the first half.

The 300 Villa supporters who had made the trip tried to generate some atmosphere, but it was a surprisingly low-key affair considering that Helsingborgs were on the verge of creating a major upset.

The hosts were virtually nonexistent as an attacking force in the opening 45 minutes, although Villa keeper Michael Oakes did have to race out of his area on one occasion to head clear to deny the on-rushing Mattias Jansson.

Mark Draper was presented With a chance in the second minute after the resumption when Savo Milosevic headed the ball into his path, but the former Leicester player was unable to get much power into his shot and Anderson saved comfortably.

Villa appeared to have good cause for a penalty in the 54th minute when Ola Nilsson looked to have handled as Yorke burst into the box.

But to the anger of the visiting players, Luxembourg referee Roger Phillipi awarded a free-kick to Helsingborgs.

Brian Little was becoming increasingly desperate and on the hour decided to change his tactics, pushing central defender Ugo Ehiogu into attack and replacing him at the back with Paul McGrath as Fernando Nelson was substituted.

But it was still heavy going for Villa, although Anderson had to react sharply to turn over an inswinging effort from the left flank by Draper.

Little made his last throw of the dice in the 83rd minute when he threw on Tommy Johnson, who had been on target in the first leg, but it proved to be to no avail.