NEWCASTLE United manager Jim Smith saw his side lose at home in the first division for the ninth time this season today when they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa.

Relegation is now staring United in the face but a defiant Smith said: "This is not a lost cause by any means. We can still escape if we win three of our last six games.

"As far as today is concerned I am more frustrated than angry. Villa got the first vital goal and their confidence grew and we chased the game far too early."

"That was a bad mistake and we were punished for it. Now we have it all to do."

It was former Barnsley player Stuart Gray who did the damage by scoring the opening goal after 33 minutes and then setting up the deciding goal for David Platt.

Villa, by no means out of trouble themselves in the first division's basement area, were in command for almost all the game and the only surprise was that they did not score more goals.

The opening five minutes of the second half saw them presented with four golden opportunities as Newcastle goalkeeper Gary Kelly saved from Alan Mclnally, Gordon Cowans and lan Olney.

Platt also had a superb chance when he broke clear and chipped Kelly only to see Glenn Roeder get back and head clear from just under the bar.

The only black mark on Villa's second away win of the season came when they had defender Steve Sims booked.