Lambert enjoys the cup that cheers

Manager Paul Lambert believes Aston Villa's Capital One Cup run is helping to make amends to supporters who have endured "two years of heartache."

Villa reached the 2010 final of the competition, losing 2-1 in controversial fashion to Manchester United, but since then their fortunes have nosedived, including several managerial changes.

But there have been signs of improvement and a four-game unbeaten league run was followed up with Tuesday's 4-1 win at Norwich to secure a place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals. And Lambert said: "The cup win is a huge win for us and to have a semi-final, with full houses home and away, will be brilliant for the club."

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