DWIGHT Yorke gave Aston Villa a massive boost in their bid to move away from the relegation zone with a late winner which shattered Derby County's unbeaten home Premiership record.

The Trinidad and Tobago striker struck two minutes from time after Derby keeper Martin Poom had been unable to hold onto a fierce drive from Ugo Ehiogu. It was only their second win in eight matches and it dealt a massive blow to Derby's hopes of securing a place in Europe through a top six placing,

It was hardly a game that will stay in the memory, with the standard of crossing appalling from both sides, and the number of clearcut chances could be counted on one hand.

Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich had to make the only two saved of note, from Willems and Dean Sturridge.

At least the commitment of the Villa players could not be questioned yesterday, although an x-rated tackle by Yorke on Dean Yates was a case of misplaced enthusiasm.

Derby were first to settle and Christian Dailly employed in an unusual striking role in the absence of Costa Rica star Wanchope, flashed an early volley over the top.

Willems slotted in up front alongside Sturrdge after Yates went off and quickly forced a save from Bosnich. A header from Lee Carsley then looked destined for the net before hitting the shoulder of his skipper Igor Stimac and flying over.

Villa then had their best spell of the match but without creating many chances, and Derby regained the Initiative, Sturridge going close twice before half time.

The second half also served up precious little in the way of excitement, Derby had to wait until the 70th minute to create a reasonable second half opening, when Baiano had his shot blocked by Southgate, Then came Yorke's late effort to give Villa a massive lift before next Saturday's FA Cup clash with Coventry.