Despite Rovers starting the game brighter, Villa hit back instantly as a rapid counter attack saw Downing square the ball to an unmarked James Milner to put Villa one up in the 23rd minute.

And thats the way it stayed, but could so easily be a different story.

Mark Clattenburg hogged the lime light again as he booked Gabby Agbonlahor for a supposed ‘dive’ but quite obviously should have awarded Villa a penalty.

We should have had a penalty later on as well as there looked to be a handball on the six yard line by Pascal Chimbonda, but no – Clattenburg was also oblivious to this and gave a freekick to Blackburn!

Kalinic was denied by the post twice in what seemed, relatively easy chances, but they failed to build upon this and go into the 2nd leg at Villa Park, seperated by the away goal.