Ten-man Newcastle bravely held on for a point at Villa to go joint fourth in the race for a Champions League spot.

The Magpies went a man down after just 10 minutes when Andy O’Brien was harshly red carded for a professional foul on Darius Vassell.

But the dismissal only forced Newcastle into a determined rearguard action and they almost went ahead through an Alan Shearer header which was saved.

A Lee Hendrie shot going just wide was all a disappointing Villa could muster.

Villa quickly had the visitors under pressure and forced Newcastle into the mistake which saw O’Brien sent-off.

O’Brien stumbled and brought down Vassell in the process after the pacy Villa striker had burst past him as the pair chased a long ball up-field.

The Newcastle centre-back was the last defender and referee Barry Knight had little hesitation in brandishing a straight red, although the visitors will feel the decision was slightly cruel.

But, instead of Villa continuing to stamp their authority on the game, they were nullified as the dismissal forced Newcastle into playing a defensive game.

The Magpies did still manage to threaten the home goal with a long range Laurent Robert free-kick being blocked away by keeper Thomas Sorensen.

Villa were failing to make their extra man count - Peter Crouch heading over and Hendrie blazing a shot high when they should have done better.

Vassell had the ball in the back of the net but his effort was ruled out for a foul on Aaron Hughes.

David O’Leary’s side continued to struggle to break down a resolute Newcastle after the break.

And, even though the visitors suffered another major setback when Bellamy had to go off after pulling up in full flight with a hamstring strain, they bravely battled on.

Michael Bridges came on for Bellamy and he almost had an immediate impact but Shearer failed to get his outstretched leg to a cross.

Newcastle were looking the more dangerous side and a flicked shot by Hugo Viana was parried away by keeper Sorensen.

A disappointing Villa only managed a Marcus Allback header straight at keeper Shay Given and a Hendrie shot into the side-netting for their tame efforts.

Newcastle are level in fourth with Liverpool but have a game in hand while Villa are a point behind both side.