The ginger ninja struck to give Villa hope against an impressive Colchester United side, who at one stage held a two goal lead at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Youngster Adam McGurk also registered for the Claret and Blue but once again it was Sidwell who took the plaudits.
And at this rate he maybe set to fulfil the role that many fans believed he was signed for last summer - that of Gareth Barry's replacement.
Colchester took the lead on the night as striker Scott Vernon struck with 25 minutes on the clock. The goal came from a Dean Hammond free-kick as Vernon rose at the back post to plant a header past Brad Friedel.
Prior to the opener, Villa had been playing some good attacking football with winger Marc Albrighton particularly prominent.
A large Claret and Blue following attempted to spur their side on but after the break Villa went further behind.
Confident
Martin O'Neill is used to seeing Ashley making an impact but usually it is Ashley Young not Vincent who is the star of the show.
This time it was the latter who was the centre of attention as the Colchester man managed to pounce after a scramble in the box.
Villa looked down and out with 30 minutes left but with the strong willed Sidwell in midfield they refused give up and their determination was to pay dividends.
The former Reading raider was the man on the scoresheet as Barry Bannan's free-kick was diverted into his path and he slammed it home.
The equaliser came not long after as Academy prospect McGurk took advantage of a defensive mix-up to touch the ball in from close range.
The goal owed much to the determination of Andreas Weimann, who - like Sidwell -managed to get himself on the scoresheet last time out at Peterborough.
It is now up to the youngsters to continue to make an impression as Villa head to Spain for the Peace Cup and the same clearly goes for Sidwell, who will be more confident than ever that he can fill the big boots left by Barry.