Aston Villa 2 West Brom 1: Full time report

Dec 11 2010

Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey provided a much needed lift for Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier as their goals earned victory over derby rivals West Brom at Villa Park.

Downing struck his sixth goal of the campaign after 25 minutes and fit again Heskey wrapped up the points 10 minutes from time before a late consolation from Paul Scharner.

Victory ended a run of three successive Barclays Premier League defeats and eased Villa's relegation fears.

Houllier made his first change after 73 minutes with Bannan replaced by the fit again Reo-Coker who returned to action for the first time in five weeks.

Tchoyi was not far away with a cross-shot which was deflected by Collins just wide of the far post with Friedel stranded.