Weimann brace gives Lambert last laugh

Norwich 1 Aston Villa 4

Lambert received a mixed welcome as he walked out at Carrow Road, with a few jeers heard among general applause for the man who masterminded the Norfolk club’s meteoric rise up to the top flight from the depths of npower League One.

However, the former Canaries boss, who is in dispute with his old employers after an acrimonious departure during the summer, enjoyed the last laugh as substitute Weimann hit a second-half brace to turn the tie around after Brent Holman had cancelled out Steve Morison’s opener.

Christian Benteke cracked in a fourth during stoppage time to move Villa a step closer to Wembley.

The one disappointment for Villa was the fact Darren Bent’s return to the starting line-up lasted only 34 minutes, as the England striker signalled to the bench clutching his hamstring, and was replaced by Weimann.

NORWICH: Bunn, Martin, Barnett, Bassong, Tierney, Snodgrass, Howson (Elliott Bennett 87), Johnson, Pilkington, Holt, Morison (Jackson 80). ASTON VILLA: Given, Clark, Herd, Baker, Lowton, El Ahmadi, Delph, Holman (N’Zogbia 73), Lichaj, Benteke, Bent (Weimann 35).

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).