Jonathan Kodjia scores late equaliser as Villa twice come from behind against Stoke
Kodjia off the bench to rescue a point for Villa as they hopes of making the top six take a dent in game of two penalties
JONATHAN KODJIA came off the bench and scored a late equaliser to earn Aston Villa a point against Stoke.
The £15million striker powered in a header six minutes from time as Villa twice came from behind to seal a draw.
But the result dented Dean Smith's hopes of his side forcing their way into the top six of the Championship before Christmas.
Stoke continued their impressive recent run of form which has seen them move up into position to challenge for a play-off spot in the second half of the season.
But Gary Rowett's men will be kicking themselves for twice allowing Villa back into the game after scoring.
The visitors opened the scoring with the first real attack of the second half when Joe Allen burst through to drive his shot into the net on 47 minutes.
Kodjia was introduced into the game on 70 minutes, and three minutes later he was fouled in the box to allow Tammy Abraham the chance to score from the spot.
Yet five minutes later Stoke restored their lead with their own penalty, this time Benik Afobe slotting home after James McClean was fouled.
All Stoke had to do was see out the remaining 12 minutes to record an impressive away win.
But they failed to hold out and Kodjia arrived to head Yannick Bolaisie's cross into the net to salvage the point.
