Something of a bogey team in recent seasons, City were looking to end a sorry run since the turn of the year but thanks to goals from John Carew and Shaun Maloney, not to mention a little bit of good fortune, Villa ran out 2-0 winners. "I'm very pleased. We started off quite slowly and they were bright and lively but we weathered that spell and got in front and then we played really well," said O'Neill.
"We scored on maybe our second attack but once we scored we had reasonable control. We've won three consecutive away games and there are encouraging signs for next season. We've come roaring back at the end of the campaign and it stands us in good stead for next season." The Eastlands triumph adds to wins at Middlesbrough and Blackburn, though they have drawn their last four at