MILESTONE MATCH

Milner hits Prem landmark but Villa get back to winning ways

- BY DARREN WELLS

JAMES MILNER created history last night - but one of his own teammates rained on his parade as Brighton lost at Aston Villa.

In a game which is unlikely to be remembered for much else, 40-year-old Milner equalled Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League appearances.

The Seagulls midfielder stepped off the bench to replace Carlos Baleba after 22 minutes to huge applause from both sets of fans.

It was a fitting reception for a player who has always been regarded as a great servant to the game, his country and every club he has represented. The three-time Premier League winner, who started his career at Leeds United all the way back in 2002 at the age of 16, could not help Brighton to a much-needed result at Villa Park, however.