24.02.2010
Carew double keeps Villa on Cup twin track
Two late penalties from John Carew sealed a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace as Aston Villa kept their quest for a Cup double alive on Wednesday.
An FA Cup fifth-round replay between the two clubs appeared destined for extra-time after Darren Ambrose had cancelled out Gabby Agbonlahor's first-half opener for Villa with a 73rd-minute spot-kick.
But Villa, who face Manchester United in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, eased into a quarter-final date with Reading or West Brom after Carew was twice brought down by Matt Lawrence in the final nine minutes.
On both occasions, the giant Norwegian striker got up to take the penalties himself and he twice left the otherwise impressive Julian Speroni with no chance.
Agbonlahor had given Villa a deserved lead when he headed in Ashley Young's corner, three minutes before the end of an opening period which had seen Speroni make several fine saves.
Palace got back on equal terms in the 73rd minute after England hopeful Stephen Warnock was adjudged to have brought down Alan Lee.
Ambrose sent Brad Guzan the wrong way from the penalty spot but Villa's late pressure and the Palace defence's problems in containing Carew made the difference.
Source: © 2010 AFP - Paul Ellis
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