*Leeds end on high note*

Leeds ended their turbulent season with a last-gasp win in Peter Reid’s first game as full-time manager.

Late strikes from substitute Nick Barmby and Mark Viduka saw Leeds leapfrog their opponents in the final Premiership table into 15th place.

In a generally drab game, Ian Harte opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a curling free-kick before on-loan midfielder Joey Gudjonsson equalised in what could be his last game for Villa.

But Barmby, who had replaced Danny Mills 10 minutes earlier, prodded home from six yards out before Viduka added a third to give the home fans a rare opportunity to celebrate after the worries of this season, both on and off the pitch.

Reid got a possible taste of things to come next season when Harry Kewell, reportedly a summer transfer target for Manchester United, pulled out of the final game of the season after a family bereavement.

In his place, 20-year-old Simon Johnson was given a first start for Leeds but it was strike partner Viduka who was involved in the opening goal after eight minutes.

The Australian was clearly tripped by Jlloyd Samuel just outside the area and Harte stepped up to curl home the free-kick as Villa keeper Stefan Postma was still organising his defence.

The visitors protested that referee Mark Halsey had not blown his whistle, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.

And Harte, restored to the team after Reid’s arrival, repaid his manager’s faith once more with another key intervention.

Five minutes after Paul Robinson had made a desperate save from a vicious Joey Gudjonsson drive, Villa threatened again.

Thomas Hitzlsperger fired in a dangerous cross which Robinson could only palm away to the feet of Marcus Allback but the Swedish striker was denied by a last-ditch clearance off the line by Harte.

But Villa got their reward for some bright play when Gudjonsson, in the final game of his loan from Real Betis, thundered a swerving right-footed shot beyond Robinson from 30 yards.

The second half began as the first with Leeds on the attack and Jason Wilcox soon found himself in a good position but fired his shot woefully wide.

Villa were soon back in their stride and Hitzlsperger was unlucky to see his vicious drive just miss the target.

But as the game appeared to be petering out into a draw, Reid introduced Barmby and 10 minutes later he connected with Dominic Matteo’s flick-on from a corner to score at the far post.

And as Elland Road celebrated, Viduka made sure of the three points by rounding Postma and slotting home his 13th goal from his last nine appearances.