Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

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O'Neill content with Villa form

26 Apr 2009 - 11:40:05

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill refused to be too downcast after seeing his side held to a 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers.

O'Neill's side's season has drifted in recent weeks, with Villa's challenge for a top-four finish ending in failure due to a winless run of 12 games in all competitions.

However, he said after the draw at the Reebok Stadium: "In terms of the elusive win I hope it is just around the corner. Overall I have been delighted with the team and on the whole we are playing pretty well.

"We got in front before half-time which, on the balance of play, we deserved. We were in decent control in the second half, then they equalised. That is something that can always happen.

"It was disappointing to concede the goal, but we have gained a point on Everton and retained fifth spot. By league table definition it means we have improved on last season.

"We have not been out of the top-six all season. It is hard to break through into the top four, but we gave it a go."

O'Neill also praised Ashley Young, who found the net for the first time since mid-December.

He added: "Ashley doesn't lack confidence, you should see him chirping around during the course of the week.

"His lack of goals is probably because he has made them all. As Stanley Matthews once said 'I cannot make them and score them at the same time'.

"Ashley has had a great season. Along with Gabby Agbonlahor he has done wonderfully well. They have been brilliant in a long campaign."