IT was a fantastic match and a great performance by the lads.

Mark Fish should be man of the match. No Aston Villa player should be considered above him. Bring on Manchester City, let's get to the play offs and get back to Wembley.

I'd like to see a big crowd at the next home match to thank the boss for what they have done today -- it's just been brilliant. A special mention for one Aston Villa player today, Gareth Southgate, who made a brilliant gesture to Wanderers' fans by going over after they lost on penalties.

Andy Robinson,

Leigh Street, Aspull

ALL the lads have done us proud -- they are all heroes.

There was a wonderful move from Gudjohnsen when he slipped past the defenders and his shot was luckily deflected.

In the second half if Holdsworth's two goals had gone in there would have been no doubt about it, we would have won but I am very proud of my team.

M Tickle

Staton Avenue, Bolton

THEY did us proud. They gave 100 per cent. A real shame they lost on penalties. Unfair way to go out. We were the better team. We should have had two goals in extra time, Gudjohnsen should have scored. They didn't deserve to have gone out like this, it's a real shame.

David Walsh

Oakford Walk

Daubhill DISAPPOINTED but a wonderful day.

The Holdsworth missed chance at the end decided the game but let's hope we can get it right against City on Wednesday.

After Watford last year they really had the desire to win but in the end, the way they went out was just a great shame.

Dave Pritchard,

Euxton

DURING the game I was hoping that, if we were going to get beaten, it would be in normal time. Going out on penalties was a real choker.

I think the Villa fans felt they had been outplayed. On the way out of the stadium, there was no atmosphere at all. They just seemed quietly relieved they'd got through.

J Hoyles,

Ealing Grove, Chorley

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.