Aston Villa remain just one point of a top four berth after being held 1-1 at home by Blackburn.

Villa had won their last thee games against Blackburn including a four nil thrashing of the visitors earlier in the season.

But this time they had to share the spoils but still extended their unbeaten league sequence to eight matches.

Villa where indebted to goalkeeper Scott Carson for keeping them in the game after his first half penalty save from Matt Derbyshire and then to Ashley Young for a late equaliser.

Roque Santa Cruz had given the visitors the lead in the 68th minute but Young scored a splendid 25 yard free kick in the 73rd minute in front of England boss Fabio Capello to retain the three point gap between Villa and Rovers.

Boss Martin O%uFFFDNeill was simply relieved with the final outcome.

%uFFFDIt was a tough game and Blackburn made it difficult.

"We did not play as well as we have but we stuck in there and in the second half we came to the fore and got the equaliser.

"The number of times we have come from behind this season is terrific I could not have asked for any more from the players."