Collins strike denies deadly rivals

LOCAL pride might have remained intact for Aston Villa and Birmingham City yesterday but their derby draw did neither of their survival hopes many favours.

James Collins’ 73rd-minute equaliser at St Andrew’s was sufficient to move them out of the relegation zone ahead of Wigan Athletic and up to 17th, albeit only by courtesy of goals scored, while their local rivals, who led via a Roger Johnson effort, are scarcely better off, precariously positioned just a place above with a solitary point more.

It was a result which at least bought Villa manager Gerard Houllier some breathing space as defeat against their most bitter rivals would have been unthinkable.