An hour before kick-off a scheduled protest began regarding Villa’s aged chairman Doug Ellis. Hate-filled Villa fans vented their frustration towards his office and all along Witton Lane as chants of ‘Ellis Out’ rang loud. ‘Ellis Out’ banners were also raised as the teams came out for the start of the match.

The demonstration did not seem to disrupt the players however and Villa managed to turn out one of their best performances of the season. On another day, against a different ‘keeper, they could have easily scored five in a first half where they clearly dominated.

Dion Dublin produced a display at the back which any natural centre-half would have been proud of. His move to defence in recent games has really brought out the best in the veteran and especially in today’s case. He still does not shy away from scoring as he grabbed the only goal of the game in spectacular style with an overhead kick.

Vassell was first to test the Saints Finnish keeper as Niemi parried the ball out for a corner, which was later wasted by Gavin McCann as he blasted in to the North Stand executive boxes.

Kevin Phillips nearly put the Saints ahead, although superb goalkeeping by Sorensen denied him. Anders Svensson was very unlucky not to find anyone on the end of his cross-come-shot on the ten minute mark, just before Ulises De La Cruz had a useless attempt at a long-shot, blasting a left footed effort well wide. The Ecuadorian David Beckham, as he is known, was in at right-back replacing Mark Delaney, who picked up an injury at Spurs.

Gavin McCann wasted another attempt after Vassell had once again been denied by the Saints ‘keeper. The earlier moments continued to be replicated as Phillips was denied by Sorensen.

Villa fans rose twice to their feet within two minutes as efforts from Juan Pablo Angel looked to have given them the lead. The first was a nicely placed shot in the corner after a sweeping move; however the linesman held his flag aloft. Angel then fired a shot onto the roof of the net, which from certain areas of the ground looked to be in.

Angel then had two more opportunities to give Villa the lead; however Niemi was up to them both. Barry played in Angel for the first after another nice move however Angel’s shot was weak. This left Villa fans wondering whether it was just not going to be their day.

Nevertheless, on the stroke of half-time the Villa faithful got the break-through that they deserved. It was a goal out of nothing really, a ball was fired up into the air and Dion Dublin somehow managed to turn it in to the back of the net thanks to an acrobatic bicycle kick.

HALFTIME – Villa 1 Southampton 0

The second half did not produce quite as much as excitement as the first. Vassell created an opening for Hendrie; however his weak opening was easily saved by Niemi.

Villa fans had their hearts in their mouths five minutes before the hour as Beattie somehow failed to get on the end of Phillip’s cross. Moments from Gazza in the semi-final of Euro 96 replicated the move.

Dublin and Barry went close within quick succession. A nice turn and shot from Dublin was easily held by Niemi and moments before Gareth Barry had a right foot shot fall just high and wide of the post.

Chances were thin on the ground in the lead up to the remaining 10 minutes. It was the two defences which dominated in restricting the efforts at goal. Ronny Johnsen had been dropped for Villa and Dublin was proving a more than able replacement in the centre for Villa. JLloyd Samuel was following his superb performance away at Spurs in this match and showed a good understanding with the re-positioned Gareth Barry.

Marian Pahars came on for Southampton in his first appearance since a very lengthy injury. He was greeted to a standing ovation by the traveling support from the South-Coast.

Stefan Moore entered the pitch for Villa replacing Lee Hendrie, however he didn’t have much of an impact. Neither did Marcus Allbäck, who replaced the misfiring Juan Pablo Angel.

Dublin had the chance to put the game beyond doubt with five minutes to go, however he headed just wide. In injury time, late sub Thomas Hitzlsperger was denied by Niemi. The Finnish ‘keeper was unlucky not to end with a clean sheet.

A much needed win for Villa was greeted by a massive cheer at the final whistle. Next up is a mid-week Carling Cup tie against Crystal Palace and after that a daunting away trip to Old Trafford is in store. Villa will be looking to overturn their dreadful away record which hasn’t seen them win in 14 outings.

FULLTIME – Villa 1 Southampton 0

My Man of the Match: Dion Dublin – He produced a superb defensive performance and also grabbed the only goal of the game – he was a real match winner at both ends of the pitch.

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TEAMS

Aston Villa

Sorensen, De La Cruz, Mellberg, Dublin, Samuel, Hendrie (S.Moore 64), G.McCann, Whittingham (Hitzlsperger 85), Barry, Angel (Allbäck 76), Vassell. Subs Not Used: Johnsen, Postma (GK).

Southampton

Niemi, Telfer, M. Svensson, Lundekvam, Higginbotham, Delap (Dodd 46), Prutton, A. Svensson (Marsden 46), N.McCann (Pahars 70), Phillips, Beattie. Subs Not Used: Delgado, Jones (GK)

Other News

+ Rob Edwards scored today for Crystal Palace, whilst on his loan spell from Villa.

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