ASTON Villa ended a run of three matches without a win with a second half Steve Staunton goal against Tottenham at Villa Park yesterday.

But it needed a penalty from the Republic of Ireland international to settle the issue as Villa struggled to find a way through.

Three of the four previous League clashes between the clubs had ended scoreless and this game appeared to be heading the same way, with clear-cut chances at a premium.

But then Villa skipper Kevin Richardson was brought down in the area by Dean Austin after bursting through and Staunton converted a 71st minute spot kick.

Villa woke up after Staunton's strike and only fine saves by Tottenham keeper Erik Thorstvedt prevented Dean Saunders and Guy Whittingham from adding to their tally.

England manager Graham Taylor was at the game, but Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham, who has been touted as a possible candidate for a World Cup place against Poland, did little to enhance his chances.

All he had to show for his efforts was a booking after preventing Richardson from taking a free kick.

Steve Sedgley had Tottenham's best chance in the 14th minute when he latched on to a Gordon Durie centre, but Villa goalkeeper Nigel Spink reacted quickly to block his attempted shot.

Saunders tested Thorstvedt with a 30- yard free kick, but Paul McGrath had wasted Villa's best chance of the opening 45 minutes when he headed wide at the far post.

The second half was a scrappy affair before Staunton's decider, but at least Villa answered manager Ron Atkinson's demands to tighten up at the back by keeping a clean sheet.

He professed himself happy with his side's performance afterwards.

"Although we defended too deep in the first half, we got in more headers and tackles in the last 45 minutes than for a while." he said. "I was happy with the character and drive we showed in the second half"