Tommy Johnson claimed his third goal in three games to take Aston Villa up to third spot in the Premiership last night. The former Derby striker finished off good work by Dwight Yorke and lan Taylor to beat Dave Beasant after 30 minutes and that proved enough to give Brian Little's side a milestone victory. Villa had not beaten Southampton in 13 years and they had to survive a few scares before they saw off Southampton's spirited challenge. On a night of missed chances at both ends, it was Johnson who showed his coolness in front of goal to put Villa only two points behind second-placed Manchester United. Savo Milosevic and Yorke wasted clear openings to have put the match out of Southampton's reach. Yorke missed a sitter from 10 yards in the second half and then blasted a superb effort against the post with Beasant beaten in the 68th minute. Beasant made important saves from Johnson. Yorke and Milosevic as Villa threatened to run riot.