Micah Keeps City's Cup Hopes Alive

A bullet header in the fourth minute of added time by Micah Richards earned City a 1 - 1 draw at an icy Villa Park.

In a one-sided first half dominated by City, the Blues squandered a number of good chances and could easily have led by three goals at half-time.

Vassell somehow contrived to fumble the ball into the grasp of a diving Sorensen when all he needed to do was go round him for a simple, unopposed tap in. I can only think that for that split second he must have thought he was still playing for the Villa.

Joey Barton then nearly found the back of the net, but unfortunately Sorensen was putting in an inspired performance between the sticks and just tipped it wide.

Villa's game picked up in the second half, but City always looked comfortable until a rare slip by Distin led to a through ball to Baros who fired it past James, giving Villa an undeserved lead late on in the second half.

City however, never gave up and deep into added time, Micah Richards scored a debut goal with a power header from a corner and was then booked for his celebration when he went towards the City fans - a daft rule if you ask me... just what do you expect the kid to do after he's just scored his first goal and saved City's cup run !

I can't post this report without mentioning the incredible support from the 5000 or so City fans. They were magnificent and out-sung the Villans throughout the game..... what a night !

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