*An early goal from Danny Ings was enough to give relegated Burnley victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.*

The striker, set to leave Turf Moor this summer, nodded in Ashley Barnes’ header across goal after six minutes.
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton preserved his side’s lead with several fine saves, notably to deny Ashley Westwood and Charles N’Zogbia.

Villa go into next week’s FA Cup final on the back of two straight defeats.

Their boss Tim Sherwood would have been keen to put memories of his side’s chastening 6-1 defeat at Southampton eight days earlier behind him, but the outcome was far from what he would have required with the trip to Wembley to face Arsenal looming.

Defensive frailties resurfaced early on when Ings converted Burnley’s first attack of real note for his 11th goal of the season.

Clarets manager Sean Dyche had admitted earlier in the week that the striker was likely to leave Turf Moor this summer, and another strong performance by Ings will interest the rest of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old wasted the chance to double his side’s lead before the break, while Villa could not convert a host of opportunities they created throughout.

Christian Benteke forced ex-Manchester United stopper Heaton into action at the near post, and just before half-time a flying save to tip Ashley Westwood’s volley over the bar kept Burnley’s noses in front.

Heaton used his feet to deny Gabriel Agbonlahor after the break, and he was then in action twice in quick succession to thwart Fabian Delph and N’Zogbia

Villa failed to turn all their possession and chances into goals, leaving Sherwood with much to ponder as his side ended their disappointing league campaign in 17th place.