AN 89th minute goal from Stuart Gray earned Aston Villa a late point in a game they dominated at Villa Park.

Daley, a late inclusion in place of Cowans, created the first danger to Middlesbrough with a high cross which was cleared with great difficulty.

Villa, who dominated the opening exchanges, had a good chance to go ahead after four minutes but the ponderous Olney was too slow getting in his shot.

Middlesbrough's defence in which captain Mowbray was outstanding, continued to take a battering. In the 18th minute Olney beat a couple of defenders but saw his low shot hit the post.

Goalkeeper Poole, a former Villa player, then came to Middlesbrough's rescue on a couple of occasions. He saved a Maclnally header and a few minutes later turned Callaghan's dipping cross to the far post over the bar.

It was not until the last 15 minutes of the first half that Middlesbrough began to get into the game.

Proctor set up several smart moves in his combination with Hamilton. As a result Slaven suddenly found some extra space to pressurise Villa in an untidy first half.

With Villa unable to break through, Middlesbrough gained confidence to strike out In the 64th minute Middlesbrough went ahead following a corner from Gary Hamilton.

Slaven's header rammed against the bar back to Pallister who nudged the ball goalwards for Davenport to score the goal.

Still Villa came forward and got a deserved draw with Gray’s late equaliser.