Carbone hat-trick knocks Leeds out of the Cup

Benito Carbone scored a stunning hat-trick as Aston Villa knocked Premiership leaders Leeds United out of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win at Villa Park on 30 January.

The Italian forward's treble, including a spectacular long-range strike, sent Villa into the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time in four years.

Carbone's day

Carbone opened the scoring after 32 minutes, and added his second and third in the second half, in the 58th and 69th minutes. His second goal, a thunderous shot from around 35 yards, was one of the best seen at Villa Park for years.

Leeds, who are top of the Premiership under David O'Leary, fought back to make it a nervy finish, but Villa held on to claim a famous win in front of a delighted home crowd.

It was a remarkable performance from a player who has only recently arrived at the club. Carbone joined from Sheffield Wednesday in the autumn and this was only his 14th appearance in a Villa shirt.

Gregory's gamble pays off

Villa manager John Gregory has had to work hard to keep Carbone happy since his arrival. The forward is known for his temperament as well as his talent, and there have been reports that he has not always been settled in Birmingham.

But on this evidence, he could be the key to Villa's season. His skill, vision and eye for goal give Gregory's side a cutting edge they have sometimes lacked.

A season of cups

Villa's league form has been inconsistent, and they have spent much of the season in mid-table. But they have enjoyed their cup runs, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup as well as the last eight of the FA Cup.

The FA Cup offers a real chance of silverware. This season's final will be the last at Wembley Stadium before the old ground is closed for rebuilding, adding extra significance to the competition.

Villa last won the FA Cup in 1957, when they beat Manchester United 2-1 in the final, and supporters are dreaming of another trip to Wembley.

Leeds rocked

For Leeds, the defeat is a setback in a season in which they have been one of the most exciting sides in the country. O'Leary's young team, including players such as Harry Kewell, Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate, have been challenging for the title and are still in the UEFA Cup.

What next?

Villa will find out their quarter-final opponents when the draw is made. Whoever they face, they will go into the game full of confidence after beating the league leaders.

For Carbone, this was the day he announced himself to Villa supporters. His hat-trick will be talked about for many years to come.

The fans who were at Villa Park will not forget the sight of the little Italian wheeling away in celebration after his third goal, as the Holte End rose to salute him.