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Hong Kong - Aston Villa edged a scruffy pre-season showing against Blackburn Rovers here on Wednesday, winning 1-0 in the first match of the Barclays Asia Trophy.
A goal from Darren Bent sealed the contest for Villa early in the second half after a nice lofted cross from Barry Bannan from the right edge of the box.
"When you've got players like Benty there you just try to get involved," said Bannan. "I put the ball in the right area and he finished it."
Gabriel Agbonlahor posed the main threat early on, connecting well with right back Luke Young and switching wings dangerously.
"He (Agbonlahor) looked very threatening, he gets into some attacking positions," said Villa coach Alex McLeish.
"We'd like to think we could play either Gaby or Benty together - they're both England players - every week. But that won't happen. It's horses for courses, and a long season, and you can't always play 4-4-2."
Playing in stifling heat before a near-capacity crowd in the 40 000-seat Hong Kong Stadium, Villa almost scored in the 24th minute when a Bannan cross ran through a crowd of bodies in the area through to Stephen Warnock, but his scuffed shot was pushed away by French defender Gael Givet.
Blackburn also created their share of chances, notably early in the second half when Chris Samba - linked with a move to Arsenal - produced a fine run and lay-off for Brett Emerton but the Australian's curled shot was tipped around the post.
The win puts Villa through to the final of the tournament where they will meet either Chelsea or Hong Kong champions Kitchee who meet in the second game on Wednesday.
