Heskey hits Villa winner

Aston Villa’s pre-season preparations concluded on a high note this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Serie A side Fiorentina at Villa Park.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill handed a debut to new £6m signing Fabian Delph but it was experienced campaigner Emile Heskey who hit winner for the hosts after 14 minutes, the striker reacting quickest to Ashley Young’s cross to prod home at the near post.