Aston Villa 0 : Wigan 2
04/05/2008 7:26 AM
took what looked to be an ambitious punt at goal. His shot ballooned off the foot of the onrushing Bouma and flew agonisingly over the stretching Carson.
The goal appeared to fortify some of the Latics players, Boyce in particular standing strong against a typically mazy surge by Young - the only outfield player not from a 'big four' club to be named in the PFA Team of the Season.
The momentum stayed with Steve Bruce's side, and when Heskey's neat header released Valencia, it was soon 2-0.
Two good touches took the Ecuador international clear of Nigel Reo-Coker - shuffled into an unfamiliar right-back slot to accommodate the introduction of Patrik Berger - and he beat Carson with a fierce shot at his near post.
Agbonlahor went close again, once more with a header, but Valencia will be disappointed not to have claimed his third after 70 minutes as the home defence crumbled.
By now, Heskey was leading the charge and retaining possession perfectly against a defensive line further weakened by the removal of Bouma for Marlon Harewood.
English Premier League
Aston Villa 0
Wigan 2 (Valencia 52, 63)