Aston Villa reach Asia Cup final

Aston Villa have reached the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy after Darren Bent scored the only goal of the game to beat Blackburn Rovers.

The 27-year-old struck soon after half-time by latching onto a cross from youngster Barry Brannan, who impressed in the absence of former midfield stars Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given found himself forced into action on a number of occasions to deny Blackburn an equaliser, including a fingertip save to keep out a shot from Brett Emerton.

Villa will now face Chelsea in the final on July 30, while Blackburn play Hong Kong champions and hosts Kitchee SC in a third-place play-off.