By Daily Sports on February 21, 2018

Aston Villa missed the chance to move into the automatic promotion places in England's second-tier Championship as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Preston North End on Tuesday.

Steve Bruce's side knew that victory would have taken them one point clear of second-placed Cardiff City ahead of the Welsh outfit's visit to Ipswich on Wednesday, but failed to see off playoff hopefuls Preston.

The visitors took a 37th-minute lead as Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone failed to fully clear a corner and Tom Barkhuizen hooked in an acrobatic volley.

Preston were the better team before half-time as Johnstone was forced into two saves, but on-loan Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban came off the bench to rescue a point from the penalty spot.

It was the January signing's first goal for Villa, coming after Keinan Davis was brought down by Barkhuizen.

Villa are now a point behind Cardiff, with runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers 11 points clear at the top ahead of their Wednesday game against Norwich City. © AFP

•Photo shows Aston Villa players react.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 21, 2018

Didier Drogba’s winner gives Phoenix first USL Western...

Chelsea: Conte shoots down resignation option

Eagles battle Cheetahs for 2025 AFCON ticket

Iheanacho makes brief appearance as Silva, Aguero shoot...

CNN crowns MFM striker Olatunbosun Goal of the...

Musa Makes Winning Return To Kano Pillars, Akwa...