Bruce pelted with cabbage in a six-goal Villa thriller

Steve Bruce has experienced nearly everything in a career spanning more than 40 years. But it is safe to say he has never before been forced to take cover from a cabbage. that was what one Aston villa fan threw at Bruce before this remarkable match against Preston had even kicked off. For a manager who led villa to within 90 minutes of the Premier League, it was unsavoury and distasteful. Almost literally. Bruce responded to the incident with justifiable anger but he was unable to do so having overseen victory. His team led 2-0, then suffered a hugely controversial red card and crumbled to 3-2 down against a Preston side who began the night bottom of the table. At that stage all the stands chanted loudly for Bruce’s dismissal. It was clearly uncomfortable for the 57-year-old. But Yannick Bolasie equalised in stoppage time and Glenn Whelan even had the chance to win the game from the spot. Bruce could not look and he sunk when the groans indicated chris Maxwell had saved. It was the last kick and Bruce walked down the tunnel in the knowledge villa have won just once in nine league games and the fans are growing venomous. Bruce admitted he would take stock of his role ahead of Saturday’s trip to Millwall. ‘I’ll reflect on it and roll my sleeves up, unless I really think it affects the individuals,’ he said. villa officials questioned the supporter who threw the cabbage. ‘unfortunately, it sums up the society we are in,’ said Bruce. ‘I find the whole thing hugely disrespectful.’ Jonathan Kodjia got his fourth goal of the season and tammy Abraham also scored to put villa in charge. But in the 54th minute, James chester was sent off for a foul as last man despite getting a touch on the ball. Bruce called the decision a ‘disgrace’. Daniel Johnson converted the penalty, then Paul Gallagher scored a free-kick. Louis Moult added Preston’s third before Bolasie struck. Preston boss Alex Neil said: ‘For spectators it must be great, but it’s going to put me in an early grave.’