The much-changed hosts were always in control after Piquionne headed past Steve Simonsen on 17 minutes.

BBC: Portsmouth 4-0 Stoke

Roberts was denied by Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen after the break and McCarthy also shot against the post.

BBC: Blackburn 3-0 Stoke

Chris Porter went close to doubling the lead but his deflected 20-yard strike went just wide of Steve Simonsen's post.

BBC: Sport - Football - Sheff Utd 0-1 Derby

Cresswell lashed a shot over after the break with Montgomery dragging another wide before Steve Simonsen held a raking 20-yard shot from Commons.

BBC: Sport - Football - Derby 0-1 Sheff Utd

Joe Mattock tested Boro stopper Paul Smith with an angled drive while United keeper Steve Simonsen kept out volleys from Scott McDonald and Rhys Williams.

BBC: Sheff Utd 1-2 Middlesbrough

Sorensen was forced off at half-time with a neck injury and, after the re-start, Villa immediately looked to test his replacement Steve Simonsen with a series of aerial balls into the box.

BBC: Aston Villa 2-2 Stoke