Petrov spares Villa blushes

Stiliyan Petrov spared Aston Villa an FA Cup shock when he got on the end of Stewart Downing's corner to seal a 2-2 draw after Darren Ambrose had fired Crystal Palace ahead with a superb 30-yard free-kick in their fifth-round tie.

Johnny Ertl has headed Palace into the lead in the first half but James Collins levelled for Villa before the interval as he headed home a Downing cross.

The South Londoners, who are in administration, will be glad of a replay to boost the coffers but Villa could do without the extra game as they chase a Champions League spot.