Steve Bruce curses a second blow from Aston Villa striker

Dec 31 2007 By Bill Howell

STEVE Bruce was left cursing the name of Gabriel Agbonlahor for the second time this season as Wigan's recent revival was brought to a grinding halt in the JJB Stadium mud.

Just seven weeks ago, Agbonlahor scored Villa's winner in a 2-1 victory at Blues when Bruce was in charge at St Andrew's.

Bruce may have since joined Wigan, but on Saturday it was a case of deja vu for the Latics boss as Agbonlahor again proved to be a thorn in his side by netting the deciding goal.

"There was a time when he very nearly decided to play across the city at Birmingham before Martin O'Neill arrived," recalled Bruce. "Now he has come back to haunt me on a couple of occasions, but the kid is a good player."

Villa have now lost just one of their last 15 matches away from home, stretching back to February 10, as they maintain their push for European football next season.

"That's a record we are proud of," remarked O'Neill, whose side ended a run of two defeats and three successive draws with the victory over Wigan."