Collins heads Aston Villa to win over Newcastle

Published Apr. 10, 2011 8:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

James Collins eased Aston Villa's relegation worries by clinching a 1-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.

Collins headed home from Ashley Young's free kick in the 24th minute to put Villa five points above the relegation zone.

''We knew before the game it was massive for us, so to get one goal up and hang on showed the spirit here is fantastic,'' Collins said. ''Everyone felt it, the players and the fans, because obviously the position we're in is not good. Hanging on to a 1-0 lead is massive.''

The victory exacted revenge on Newcastle for a 6-0 rout earlier in the season.

''We put in a gallant effort but the passing could have been better, crisper. Villa were nervous and we still could have nicked something,'' Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said.