Billy Gerrish scored for the fifth time in four games since his debut but Villa lose for the first time this season to make it three wins and a defeat in four division one games as Arthur Cartlidge saves a penalty for the third successive game (one retaken).

Blackburn score seconds either side of half time despite incessant Villa attacking and a host of desperate defending from the homesters before they score a third, against the run of play, Villa score two late goals but their search for a deserved equaliser comes to nought.

Villa fall back to joint 4th in the table level with the victors.