Aston Villa 2 West Bromwich Albion 1: Full time report
Curtis Davies silenced the West Brom boo boys before visiting goalkeeper Scott Carson made an expensive mistake as Aston Villa climbed above Manchester United into third spot in the Barclays Premier League.
Former West Brom captain Davies was the subject of abuse every time he touched the ball as the fall-out continued from his move from the Hawthorns in August 2007.
But he had the last laugh by scoring, and then an own-goal blunder from Carson - who was on loan at Villa last season - added to the visitors' misery.
West Brom could only manage a consolation effort from James Morrison, which came shortly after half-time.
Villa are now unbeaten in nine league games, from which they have taken 21 points, and there is a momentum about the team which suggests they could clinch a Champions League spot.
Again they failed to fire on all cylinders but have acquired the knack of grinding out victories in such circumstances.
Ashley Young again was a constant threat on the left flank with his pace and trickery while Stiliyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell impressed in central midfield.
Albion remain anchored at the bottom of the table but they were far from disgraced despite being unable to end their 30-year run without a league win at Villa Park.
They enjoyed a fair share of possession and the introduction of striker Roman Bednar at half-time gave them more of a cutting edge up front.
Morrison also produced another excellent display before limping out of the action midway through the second period.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill was boosted by the return of captain Martin Laursen, Luke Young, Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor who all missed the FA Cup win at Gillingham through injury or suspension.
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray handed a first start to striker Jay Simpson who is on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season.
Albion were the sharper side in the opening exchanges and Brad Friedel was called into action to deal with a left-footed drive from midfielder Robert Koren.
It was against the run of play when Villa went ahead after 18 minutes through Davies.
Sidwell had two headers cleared off the line following a corner from Barry, with James Morrison and Jonathan Greening saving Albion.
But, when Barry delivered the ball into the danger area for the third time, no-one
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