Downing’s extra-time strike sees Villa through

SUBSTITUTE Stewart Downing’s extra-time goal sealed a Carling Cup quarter-final spot for 10-man Aston Villa and ended the challenge of Burnley at Villa Park last night.

The England winger settled the fourth-round tie with his powerful shot after 96 minutes to give Gerard Houllier’s side a 2-1 win.

Burnley defender Clark Carlisle had cancelled out Villa substitute Emile Heskey’s opener with just a minute of normal time remaining.

Villa had winger Marc Albrighton sent off four minutes after Downing had scored — for a professional foul – but last season’s beaten finalists held on to reach the last eight.

Albrighton will now miss Sunday’s derby against Birmingham at Villa Park through suspension.

Elsewhere West Ham’s substitutes came to Avram Grant’s rescue last night as they helped seal a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals with an extra-time victory over Stoke. The Potters looked set to pile the pressure on Hammers boss Grant after the home side missed several chances to cancel out Kenwyne Jones’ early opener at Upton Park. But captain Scott Parker equalised with six minutes of normal time remaining before Manuel Da Costa and substitute Victor Obinna completed the turnaround.