Milner missing for Villa

O'Neill's men hold Spanish giants on home soil

Last updated: 6th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Milner missing for Villa

Downing: Hit the bar

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Aston Villa, minus James Milner, were held to a goalless draw by Valencia in their latest pre-season outing.

Martin O'Neill's men can take heart from a lively performance on home soil, but have done little to curb the rumours regarding their England international midfielder.

With Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini once again admitting that he is still hopeful of landing Milner, he was conspicuous by his absence at Villa Park.

Villa, though, coped admirably without the former Leeds man and will feel that they should have claimed an impressive scalp on Friday.

Bright

They enjoyed the better of the chances throughout, while a number of fine individual performances caught the eye.

Stewart Downing, Nigel Reo-Coker, Luke Young and Marc Albrighton all looked bright ahead of the new season.

The game really sprang to life after the break, despite numerous changes, and Emile Heskey came close with a trademark header.

In the dying moments Downing thought he had finally forced a breakthrough with a swinging free-kick, but he saw his effort cannon back off the crossbar.

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