*Villa secure safety*

Marcus Allback struck late to secure the three points that ensures Aston Villa will be playing Premiership football next season.

The Swedish striker scored his fourth goal in as many games to see Graham Taylor’s side safe for another season in the top flight.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy saw another performance full of effort but it was not enough to prevent them extending their record run to 14 defeats in a row.

The previous two encounters between these sides at Villa Park had resulted in a pair of dour goalless draws.

It was anything but a thriller at Villa this time around but it was only poor finishing that prevented a rush of goals, with both sides enjoying plenty of chances.

Sunderland went close early on when young debutant Chris Black crossed for Kevin Kyle, but his header was collected by Peter Enckelman.

Villa also came out looking to attack and Darius Vassell curled a shot just wide for the home side.

With a greasy surface making life difficult for the keepers both sides were clearly intent on shooting whenever possible.

A poor clearance from Enckelman fell to Gavin McCann who struck a half volley that the Villa keeper had to scamper back and tip over the bar.

Lee Hendrie drilled in a shot from 20 yards that was straight at Mart Poom before Allback contrived to miss an easy chance.

He did the hard work but with plenty of time to pick his spot he screwed his shot wide.

Villa looked the more fluent side but they needed Enckelman to be on top of his game as Sunderland continued to look dangerous.

Enckelman caught a shot from Kevin Kilbane from the edge of the area before twice denying Kevin Phillips.

Sunderland’s leading scorer failed to connect properly with a 20 yard strike after creating space for himself.

Phillips then went on a run before letting fly with a shot that looked headed for the bottom corner until Enckelman tipped around the post.

But Villa were soon back in the ascendancy and a Steve Staunton free-kick found Ronny Johnsen free at the far post.

He looked certain to score but somehow managed to miss from close range.

Kyle hit the woodwork for Sunderland as the visistors went looking for a first win since mid-December.

The Scottish striker was then set-up by Phillips and with all the time in the world and completely unmarked he fired wide.

Villa were booed off at half-time and their players looked destined to hear it from their fans at the final whistle.

But substitute Joey Gudjonsson set up Allback 10 minutes from time to score the goal that secures their safety.