You are in > manchester.com  > News > Villa left to rue missed chances in goalless draw

General Sport

Villa left to rue missed chances in goalless draw

29/11/2008

Aston Villa were left to rue missed chances after drawing 0-0 with Fulham at Villa Park.

A win would have sent the home side into third place in the league but a combination of poor finishing and some resolute Fulham defending prevented them from getting the breakthrough.

The Cottagers threatened occasionally on the break but Brad Friedel was able to deal with the few shots that came his way.

Ashley Young was a constant menace to Fulham and created most of Villa's opportunities.

Midway through the first half he was bundled down inside the box by Clint Dempsey but the referee right waved away Villa's claims for a penalty.

The winger then created the best chance of the first half from a free-kick. Young whipped the ball in and found Steve Sidwell unmarked and although Mark Schwarzer was stranded the midfielder conspired to head the ball over the bar from ten yards out.

Just before the break Fulham had a rare sight on goal, with Dempsey taking a shot from the edge of the box that Friedel did well to tip over the bar.

The Cottagers have not won away from home all season and seemed happy to take the point.

In the second half the visitors continued to drop deep and get men behind the ball, thus negating Villa's counter-attacking style.

The home side struggled to create clear-cut chances but their best opportunity fell to Gareth Barry.

Again Young was the provider and Barry thought he had scored only for Schwarzer to scramble back and push his header onto the crossbar.

Fulham threatened one more time before the final whistle but again Friedel was able to match Dempsey's shot.

The point lifts Fulham up to eighth place while Villa are now level with third-placed Manchester United on 25 points, but United have a better goal difference and two games in hand.