Carew books Villa's Euro spot and leaves Hull sweating

Published on Tuesday 5 May 2009 00:31

JOHN Carew's first-half goal clinched an automatic European spot for Aston Villa for the first time in 11 years and piled on more misery for relegation-threatened Hull at Villa Park.

The Norwegian international struck for his 14th goal of the campaign 11 minutes before the interval to secure Villa's first victory in 13 matches.

The three points moved them back into fifth spot and above Everton but more significantly they are now assured of participating in the revamped Europa League next season. It represents more progress for Villa under Martin O'Neill despite the disappointment of seeing hopes of competing in the Champions League disappear after their recent lean run.

But Hull remain embroiled in the battle to survive in the top fight and they have collected only two points from their last seven games although they are still three ahead of 18th-placed Newcastle.

Villa were worthy of their first home league success since mid-January despite not firing on all cylinders. Hull's Boaz Myhill – a former Villa player – was much the busier of the two keepers and his heroics kept the Tigers in contention. But they lacked a cutting edge and Brad Friedel was seldom tested in the home goal.

Carew broke the deadlock with his 14th goal of the campaign after a lightning counter-attack. Gareth Barry made the initial break before feeding Ashley Young on the left flank and he had time to check back inside before delivering an inviting dipping cross.

Carew was the first to react and he diverted the ball past the dive of Myhill into the corner of the net. The Norwegian's goal was allowed by referee Mike Dean even though the striker looked marginally offside. But Carew was in no doubt the correct decision had been made. "It was a very good, the referee made the right decision," said Carew. "I wasn't sure but it was good to see it wasn't offside. It was a brilliant ball, I just had to put my foot on it."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill was delighted to see his side wrap up the win after having the best of the chances over the 90 minutes. "It was relief at the end that we have won a game," O'Neill said. "We deserved to win the game. We've thrown away leads against Stoke and West Ham, and tonight it was nice to keep a clean sheet."

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Petrov (Reo-Coker 90), Barry, Ashley Young (Gardner 90), Carew (Heskey 86), Agbonlahor. Subs not used: Guzan, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Clark.

Hull City: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Garcia, Boateng, Ashbee (Marney 9), Kilbane (Manucho 73), Geovanni (Barmby 46), Cousin. Subs not used: Duke, Doyle, Halmosi, Featherstone. Booked: Zayatte, Boateng.