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Christian Benteke to the Aston Villa rescue after Swindon cause a scare
Swindon Town 2 Aston Villa 3
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Two goals in three minutes from Swindon substitute Miles Storey threatened a shock but Aston Villa progressed to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup for the third time in four seasons after Christian Benteke's late winner.
Villa looked to be cruising to victory as goals from Benteke – a £7million summer signing from Genk – and Gabriel Agbonlahor earned them a 2-0 half-time lead. But the League One side, who had already overcome Stoke in this season's competition, fought backwith Storey putting on the frighteners.
Paul Lambert, the Villa manager, will, however, hope his side can build on last night's cup success after their worst start to a league campaign in 43 years. His side took control with two goals in the space of 10 minutes before half-time. Stephen Ireland created the opener when he got to the by-line and his cross was headed home in powerful fashion by Benteke.
The visitors were starting to look more menacing and a superb strike from Agbonlahor doubled their lead. Once again Ireland was the creator with a perfectly-weighted pass.
Swindon turned the tie on its head with 11 minutes remaining, substitute Storey converting a centre then drawing the home side level when he back-heeled a low ball past Shay Given.But Benteke broke Swindon's hearts with seconds remaining when he hammered home a cross from Eric Lichaj.
Man of the match Benteke.
Match rating 8/10.
Referee S Attwell (Warwicks).
Attendance 14,434.
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