FA Cup

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FA Cup | Third Round

Jan 4, 2015 at 3pm UK

Aston Villa
1-0
Blackpool

Benteke (89')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Half-Time Report: Blackpool holding Aston Villa in goalless first half

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter

Published: January 4 2015 | 15:49

Last updated: January 4 2015 | 21:23

Championship strugglers Blackpool restrict Premier League outfit Aston Villa to a goalless opening 45 minutes in their FA Cup third-round tie at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have been unable to break down Championship side Blackpool in a goalless first half of their FA Cup third-round meeting at Villa Park.

Villa youngster Jack Grealish was heavily involved in the early stages of the contest, producing a couple of fine runs which ultimately came to nothing.

Joe Cole of Aston Villa is tackled by David Perkins of Blackpool during the FA Cup Third Round match between Aston Villa and Blackpool at Villa Park on January 4, 2015 © Getty Images

Christian Benteke saw his header kept out by Joe Lewis as the home side pushed for a goal, while Andrea Orlandi's volley from a corner flew wide of the target for the Tangerines at the other end.

Clear chances proved few and far between in a quiet opening 45 minutes, although Shay Given was forced into making a smart save 10 minutes before the interval to push aside another Orlandi strike which took a deflection off Ciaran Clark on its way through.

The last attempt of the half came via the boot of Benteke, who took a touch of the ball and fired into the side-netting after being picked out by Grealish.