Source: PA
Valiant Villa claim share of the spoils
Aston Villa caretaker-manager Kevin MacDonald staked another claim for becoming boss on a permanent basis as his young side soaked up the pressure to claim a 1-1 draw against Rapid Vienna on an intimidating European night.
A year ago predecessor Martin O'Neill's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rapid in the first leg of their Europa League play-off, ultimately heading out of the competition on the away-goals rule.
But Villa now have a firm chance to avenge that exit after a first-leg draw at the same stage at the Gerhard Hanappi Stadium, with 20-year-old Barry Bannan scoring the precious away goal.
Although Rapid managed to grab an equaliser and dominated for most of the game, the result under MacDonald was certainly far better and more encouraging than the one mustered under O'Neill.
Albrighton was the instigator of Bannan`s goal in the 11th minute, superbly turning inside left-back Markus Katzer and leaving him on the seat of his shorts before delivering a low cross into the six-yard box. Bannan was left with an open goal and made no mistake in tapping home from four yards for his first goal for the club.
Rapid levelled shortly after the half hour when Atdhe Nuhiu got the faintest of touches to Steffen Hofmann`s right-wing cross, but Villa held on thereafter to claim a brave draw.
