Downing off to flier as Villa march on

STEWART DOWNING scored on his first start for Aston Villa to help send them into the Carling Cup semi-finals at the expense of Portsmouth last night.

Stiliyan Petrov’s early own goal was cancelled out by Emile Heskey’s equaliser, with James Milner establishing a lead for the visitors before Downing struck late on.

Kanu pulled one back to set up an exciting finale but Ashley Young made sure of Villa’s victory.