Boro's Ehiogu pegs back Villa

Ehiogu grabbed a point for Boro at Villa Park

Aston Villa 1-1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough's record £8m signing Ugo Ehiogu denied his old club Aston Villa the home win they crave so much.

Midfielder Steve Stone gave Villa the lead, making the most of Boro's disorganised defence in the first half to sneak a header past keeper Mark Schwarzer.

But Boro fought back in the second half with a goal, very similar to the first, from giant defender Ehiogu to stop Villa grabbing all three points.

The visitors were denied a late penalty after substitute Phil Stamp was brought down in the box by Stone.

We've just not had the ability to kill off games this season, and Middlesbrough are a hard team to break down

  Aston Villa boss John Gregory

But both sides can be satisfied with a draw from a scrappy game.

Boro looked unsettled initially as they were forced into clearances from their penalty area.

And Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel nearly got on the scoresheet in the seventh minute.

The tricky Colombian intercepted a loose ball in the box after a defensive mix-up, but could only scuff his shot wide.

Almost ten minutes later, Lee Hendrie produced a long-range effort which keeper Schwarzer did well to stop.

It looked like one-way traffic, but Middlesbrough started to rise from their slumber, and occasionally challenged the Villa end as the first half wore on.

However, 38 minutes in, the home side's pressure finally paid off when Stone headed in Steve Staunton's inswinging corner from the right.

Stirred up

Boro emerged a more dynamic side after the break.

In the 49th minute, the visitors were level when Ehiogu rose above a sea of heads to connect with Keith O'Neill's corner.

The defender's goal gave Boro the boost they needed and Gregory's side knew they had a game on their hands.

As it became apparent this was going to be a tough contest, both sides modified their attack.

Angel has yet to score for his new club

Tired Boro striker Alen Boksic was replaced by target man Brian Deane, and a few minutes later, Villa responded by bringing off their South American signing Angel for towering Dion Dublin.

It was another disappointing game for Angel who has yet to score for his new club.

Boro had a late penalty plea rejected when Stamp was brought down by Stone with only the keeper to beat.

Despite Stamp's appeals, the referee resisted his claim, and both teams ended up with the scoreline they deserved.

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Aston Villa: James, Delaney, Wright, Alpay, Staunton, Stone, Boateng, Hendrie, Merson, Joachim, Angel. Subs: Taylor, Dublin, Ginola, Barry, Enckelman.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Fleming, Festa, Ehiogu, Cooper, Karembeu, Ince, Okon, O'Neill, Ricard, Boksic. Subs: Gordon, Mustoe, Deane, Stamp, Crossley.

Referee: C Wilkes (Gloucester)