GERARD Houllier was a relieved man as Villa picked up three vital points to ease their relegation fears and move five points clear of the drop zone.

A James Collins goal was enough to give Villa a comfortable 1-0 win against Newcastle that never looked in doubt until the final few minutes of the game.

The visitors offered very little going forward but when they did test Brad Friedel late in the day the American stopper was on top of his game to twice deny Peter Lovenkrands as time ticked away.

Houllier admitted that it was a nervy way to end the game but felt his side were good value for the three points.

“I thought Brad was fantastic because he made two great saves and helped us keep the three points,” he said.

“That sort of game could have done with more fluency but the fact we didn’t get the second goal got us a bit edgy.

“I think we deserved it though. We showed desire, commitment and fighting, battling qualities, which are a must in this sort of situation.”

Villa had a number of opportunities to wrap up the game in the second half but Newcastle keeper Steve Harper kept his side in the game.

Darren Bent also had a good penalty claim turned down and was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet after he was denied a goal in the first-half because the linesman deemed him to be offside.

Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor also had chances to score a second but it turned out that Collins’ early opener was enough to secure victory.

Houllier felt his side needed more composure to help kill off the game but was delighted to record the win.