Young winger Andreas Weimann scored the only goal of the half to give Aston Villa the lead at the break during their home fixture against Stoke City this evening.
James Collins had Villa's best chance prior to the goal, seeing his headed effort parried to safety by Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Meanwhile, up the other end Kenwyne Jones could only find the side-netting following a through pass from Jonathan Walters.
Weimann's goalscoring intervention arrived in the 32nd minute when he curled an effort beyond the reach of Begovic from the edge of the area.
Villa will pull nine points clear of the relegation zone if they hold out for the victory.
