Graham Fenton stopped United’s mini-revival and pushed them a step nearer relegation.

The 19-year-old grabbed his first Premiership goal in the 25th minute leaving Dave Bassett's side in deep trouble.

United had gone eight games without defeat but there was no way back once Fenton had struck. Franz Carr missed a first minute opportunity to put United ahead, but they did take the lead in the 17th minute.

Carl Bradshaw's long throw was touched on by Dane Whitehouse with Adrian Littlejohn adding the finishing touch at the far post.

Villa were back on level terms six minutes later, Kevin Richardson drilling a low strike past Simon Tracey from 25 yards after Stefan Beinlich had an earlier shot blocked.

They swept ahead two minutes later, Richardson's through ball finding Fenton who coolly flicked the ball over the advancing Tracey into the empty net.

Ray Houghton had the chance to grab a third minutes before the interval but cracked the ball straight at Tracey.