SHOWING no signs of their humiliation at the hands of Leeds last week, Wednesday showed great fighting spirit, and were full value for their win against a lacklustre Villa.

Villa, unchanged after their midweek FA Cup win at Tottenham, struggled to escape Wednesday's close markings and it was not until the 19th minute that they stoked up some pressure.

Chris Woods pushed away an inswinging corner from Steve Staunton. Then, a second flag kick delivered this time by Kevin Richardson, was deflected onto the bar by the England goalkeeper.

Villa created their first real chance when top scorer Dwight Yorke had one shot deflected for a corner and then missed the target from an even better position.

Wednesday defended stubbornly and almost snatched the lead in the 44th minute when Nigel Jemson's close-rang shot rebounded off the bar.

Villa's manager was given a stormy reception by Wednesday supporters when he took his place in the dug-out for the second half.

Villa then put together one of their best moves so far but a timely interception by King prevented Yorke from reaching a deep centre from Tony Daley.

In the 78th minute Les Sealey seemed to have saved a header from Nigel Jemson. but a linesman ruled he had carried the ball over the line to give Wednesday a lead they deserved -- and held to the end of a torrid game, with Sealey fortunate to escape being sent-off following his protests. Sealey had to be dragged away from referee George Courtney after the controversial late winner at Villa Park.