Villa ease through

2:38am Friday 29th August 2008

Aston Villa are through to the first round proper of the UEFA Cup for the first time in seven years despite being held 1-1 by the Icelandic part-timers FH Hafnarfjordur in a low-key second leg at Villa Park.

Craig Gardner put Martin O'Neill's side ahead after 27 minutes but their battling opponents levelled three minutes later through Atli Bjornsson.

The expected goal rush for the 25,415 crowd did not materialise after a bright start from Villa, who had effectively wrapped up the tie by winning the first 4-1 a fortnight ago.

The home side were soon into their stride and could have gone ahead after 60 seconds. A fine crossfield ball from Moustapha Salifou picked out Wayne Routledge - but the former Tottenham player disappointingly shot high and wide.

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel had to make the first meaningful save after nine minutes when he parried aside a fierce shot on the turn from Matthias Gudmundsson.

Salifou was oozing confidence and was only just too high with a 25-yard effort after Gabriel Agbonlahor had squared the ball back into his path.

After 27 minutes, Villa's almost non-stop attacking paid off with Gardner breaking the deadlock. Curtis Davies released Marlon Harewood, who was able to turn and cut a right-wing cross back into the path of Gardner - who made no mistake with a rising 15-yard drive.

Then after 30 minutes Hafnarfjordur surprised Martin O'Neill's side by getting back on level terms. Friedel was only able to parry out a right-wing centre from Matthias Gudmundsson and the ball fell invitingly to Atli Bjornsson, who had time to line up a shot before firing home.

Villa threatened for the first time since in the second half when Harewood glanced a header past the far post from a Gareth Barry corner.

There was a scare for Villa when Asgeir Asgeinsson connected sweetly with a fierce volley - but the shot flew a couple of feet wide and that was to be the visitors final chance.