Just as they did in May 2009, Newcastle lost 1-0 to a first-half goal at Villa Park, but fortunately this one was not as costly as that catastrophic defeat two years ago which confirmed relegation from the top flight.

This time around United remain ninth, looking for one more win from six games to ease any lingering fears, but Sunday's defeat was a good chance to get that victory.

The Villans - themselves embroiled in a relegation battle - looked nervous throughout, but James Collins' header proved to be enough as Brad Friedel denied Nile Ranger in the first half and Peter Lovenkrands twice in the second, while Ryan Taylor saw a late free-kick dip just over.

Keeping his lens trained on all the action was club photographer Ian Horrocks.