By Graham Hill
TAMMY Abraham admitted Villa boss had a straightforward message for his players at half time against West Brom.
Villa produced one of their most ineffective displays of the season in the first half as they went a goal down to Albion in their first leg of their play-off semi-final first leg.
A slip by midfielder Glenn Whelan let in Dwight Gayle to open the scoring.
But the day was to end badly for Gayle when he was sent off meaning he will miss the second leg – and any possible Wembley appearance for Albion.
Jack Grealish took control after the break, setting up Conor Hourihane’s opener and earning a penalty which Abraham put away for his 26th goal of the season.
It is advantage Villa but Abraham is being careful not to get over confident before Tuesday’s second leg.
The on-loan Chelsea striker told Villa’s official TV channel: “What was said at half-time? Just to keep our heads.
“We had to stay patient. That’s what we did. Luckily we got two goals.
“We knew it was going to be difficult. They defended well. They kept a good structure about them.
“But with us, we never give up.
“Even though we made a mistake in the first half, we knew we’d get chances in the second half.
“We have a fantastic team and I always thought the chances would come.
“We’re halfway there. The job is not done yet, though. We have to focus going into Tuesday now.”
Villa Roar 