Injury ravaged Villa entertained table topping Wren Rovers, and although denied the services of several of his more creative players, Mark McDonnell was still able to field a side full of endeavour and with ample skill to match their high flying rivals. 

Indeed things might have been even better for Villa, as with just a couple of minutes on the clock, Alf Gutteridge carved out a clear cut chance , but Tom Whittaker and Danial Hogg both miss-kicked with the goal gaping. Ten minutes later, Lee Chambers headed narrowly over from a corner which Hogg had won chasing down a seemingly lost cause.

Rovers had their share of things however, and in the impressive Rowe in their ranks, always posed a threat. Mid way through the half, a fiercely dipping free kick from the striker caused momentary consternation, but Ross Baxter was well placed to make the catch look routine. Minutes later, it needed a last ditch intervention by Matt Plano to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.

An enthralling first half ended with the score sheet still blank. However, the deadlock was broken midway through the second. A neat interchange at pace saw Rovers carve the Villa defence wide open, ending with a tap in for Rowe from close range.

Clearly rattled, Villa lost their rhythm, and for ten minutes or so a degree of near panic beset their play. Fortunately they rallied, and for the last fifteen minutes or so, played the best football of the match, with Hog and Gutteridge in particular giving the visitors plenty to think about. As the game entered the final couple of minutes, it seemed however that the single strike would be enough to deny the home side even a point, which was the least their efforts deserved. Then, with just a couple of minutes to the final whistle, Gutteridge won a free kick right on the edge of the box. Substitutes Matt Atherton thundered the kick against the wall, but before anyone else could react, he was able to lash the rebound high into the rigging to earn his side the point that their play surely merited.

A much more spirited performance against a very good side who look to have the title sewn up and are clearly the best side in the league this season. Defence and keeper again shone for Villa, and although the front line gave the visitors much trouble, the lack of actual attempts at goal remains a concern.

 Villa Line-Up: Ross Baxter, Matt Conway, Darren Davies, Lee Chambers, Sam Bolton  (David Warburton 75), Matt Plano, Stuart Bingham (Michael Clitheroe 60), Tom Whittaker, Alex Gutteridge, Danial Hogg, Ryan Lilley, (Matt Atherton 57)