VILLA destroyed Norwich's proud claim to possessing the only unbeaten away record in the League.

From the moment Alan Mclnally drove just over the bar in the first 30 seconds Graham Taylor's side had too much pace and power for the First Division leaders.

Former Wimbledon midfield player Kevin Gage proved their, chief tormentor, scoring in each half.

His first came after 20 minutes when he collected a pass from Andy Gray to score with a rising shot from the edge of the penalty area.

With Tony Daley's pace causing problems, Norwich were frequently pinned back but displayed their resilience by equalising against the run of play six minutes before half-time.

Dale Gordon's corner was only half cleared and Trevor Putney scooped the ball in off Nigel Spink's fingertips from 12 yards.

Norwich survived a dubious 52nd-minute penalty after referee John Martin ruled that goalkeeper Bryan Gunn had fouled McInally.

Gunn was booked for questioning the decision, but then saved Mclnally's kick.

The reprieve was short-lived.

Five minutes later Gray floated over a high cross and David Platt, scorer of four goals against Ipswich in mid-week, headed down past Gunn.

Villa clinched their first League win in five matches when Gage scored his second after 77 minutes, his low drive from Cowans' corner squirming under Gunn.