Snoddy so near to killer
64 Sunday Mail
Villa boss Steve Bruce hopes Darren Randolph’s wonder save from Scotland star Robert Snodgrass doesn’t come back to haunt his side in their play-off semi.
Bruce’s men are in pole position for a place at Wembley thanks to Mile Jedinak’s first-half winner.
But the gaffer reckons the tie would be over if former Motherwell No.1 Randolph hadn’t pulled off a fingertip save to deny Snodgrass.
And he’s taking nothing for granted back at Villa Park with just a one- goal lead to defend.
Bruce said: “That second goal would have been crucial. It was a great save. If that had gone in it might have been all over.”
Jedinak’s 15th- minute header was enough to give Bruce a massive win.
Boro dangerman Adama Traore got little change out of veteran Scot Alan Hutton who had a fine game at right-back.
He’s one of several old heads in Villa’s side and Bruce believes experience is crucial in such a game.
He said: “I made the decision to get experienced players in the door so they can handle what challenges Aston Villa throws at them.
“That was the reason for going for the experience of Glenn Whelan, Ahmed Elmohamady, John Terry and Mile. They all handle playing under pressure for a big club.
“When you’re asking them to play in big semi- finals then you need them to come to the party and, to a man, they did. They were terrific.”
But Boro manager Tony Pulis is confident the tie remains alive.
Pulis said: “We did enough not to lose the game but it’s smal l margins. We are disappointed they scored off a set-play.
“Villa are in the ascendancy in the tie. I can’t hide the fact, going to Villa Park in front of a full-house, it gives them an advantage.
“But anything can happen in 90 minutes.
“There were times today where Adama Traore had good patches and good spells. He’s a terrific player.”