Aston Villa 2-1 Ajax

24-10-2008 11:43

Gareth Barry got the winner as Aston Villa pulled off a strong performance against Ajax in the Uefa Cup.

Ajax started lively but it was Villa who opened the scoring when skipper Martin Laursen powerfully headed in Ashley Young's corner.

Ajax replied with a goal from Thomas Vermaelen, heading in from Urby Emanuelson's corner.

The hosts got their second on the break when Young cut the ball back to Barry who clipped it into the bottom corner from 15 yards.

Villa looked certain to add to their advantage but a good double save by Kenneth Vermeer prevented this, despite the keeper almost carrying Laursen header over the line.

Martin O Neil's side were twice denied a penalty as Young's cross appeared to hit an Ajax hand and then Gabriel Agbonlahor tangled with Leonardo.

Villa were almost caught out when a well struck shot from Emanuelson forced Brad Friedel into a smart save.