Carlisle manager Chris Beech revealed his side got the Premier League treatment from Aston Villa before holding Cardiff to a 2-2 draw in the third round of the FA Cup. Villa manager Dean Smith invited the League Two side to Bodymoor Heath to train and eat like top-flight players in the build-up to Saturday’s clash. And it looked as if the preparation was paying off when they reached half-time with a two-goal advantage. “We’ve been treated like Premier League players this week, we travelled down and organised to train at Aston Villa thanks to Dean Smith,” said Beech. It will be a different occasion and I have no doubt (Cardiff boss) Neil (Harris) will pick a different team.

Source: Express January 04, 2020 18:22 UTC