By TownFans.co.uk
January 5 2013

Town boss Mick McCarthy was full of praise was his side as they lost 2-1 to Premier League side Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Third Round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

Town took the lead through returning striker Michael Chopra before former blue Darren Bent equalised from the home side in his first game against Town since departing Portman Road. Andreas Wiemann clinched a place in the Fourth Round for Villa with a header with eight minutes on the clock.

Speaking about the game in his post-match press conference, former Wolves boss McCarthy said: “As you can imagine I’m chewing about the goal we conceded straight after half-time, but if you give them the opportunity then they’ve got to the quality. We just gave them that opportunity to be fair.

"We’d sorted that problem out N’Zogbia in the first half, we’d nullified it and scored, but we just allowed it to happen and it changed the course of the game that goal. I was very happy with the overall performance though. First half, one we stopped N’Zogbia playing in behind, I don’t think they got anywhere near us.

"Second-half, once they scored after 45 seconds or whatever it was, it was always going to be tough. They were on top for a good part of it, but I still thought we settled down a bit and had a good couple of chances ourselves.

"In the past we’ve gone on to concede another one and another one – we were getting beat five and six. There’s been a real improvement in that respect. There were plenty of positives and pluses."

Of his new signings and the returning Scott Loach, McCarthy added: "I was very pleased with Patrick (Kisnorbo). He’s not played at that level and intensity for a long time, so it speaks volumes for the way he’s kept himself right and fit.

“David (McGoldrick) looked like he was finding his sea legs for a while – it bounced off him a couple of times – but he created a great chance towards the end. Aaron (McLean) looks a real handful too. I was pleased with their contributions.

“Scott Loach acquitted himself well. You get one opportunity to make a good first impression don’t you? I thought he played well in the game. I was also pleased with Elliott Hewitt. The way they were playing, I thought he did particularly well."

Click here for a photo gallery from todays game from our professional photographer.