Bulgarian international Stiliyan Petrov's scored his first goal of the season and assured that his Aston Villa will cling to a replay at Villa Park following a dramatic fifth round FA cup encounter against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on February 14 2010.

Petrov's late equaliser was heartbreaking for Crystal Palace who at times appeared to be the better team on the pitch, in spite of the fact that they were facing a prominent Premiership opponent. Palace played with heart and determination but the road to Wembley will see them make a detour past Villa Park in late February. Villa meanwhile, are gunning for a second Wembley appearance this season.

Crystal Palace took the lead twice through goals by Johnny Ertl and Darren Ambrose, but on both occasions the visitors clawed themselves back into the match, first by James Collins and then, excruciatingly, only minutes from the sweet taste of victory, by Petrov.

Financially, Crystal Palace is a sinking ship after they went into administration in January 2010 and although the victory against Villa would have given their supporters a thing or two to smile about, at least the club management will be pleased that the Villa Park replay will contribute to offset, albeit slightly, the 30 million pound sterling debt.

Villa meanwhile will swallow a bitter pill following the Bulgarian's equaliser. They assured themselves another shot at further contention but at the price of having that fixture being scheduled in the week leading up their Carling Cup final against Manchester United at the end of February.

Villa's manager, Martin O'Neill was full of praise for his Bulgarian star in the aftermath of the game.

"I thought Stiliyan Petrov was magnificent for us and he came up trumps," he was quoted as saying by the club's website.

"Overall I didn't think either of the two teams deserved to lose the game."

A setback for the Birmingham teams is that striker Emile Heskey picked up an injury in the first-half, though he is hopeful the striker will be fit for the Premier League clash with Burnley on February 20.

Heskey was replaced at half-time by John Carew.