First-half goals by Darius Vassell and Juan Pablo Angel gave Aston Villa a 2-1 away win over Charlton Athletic in a hard-fought premier league mid-table clash tonight.
The win was Villa's second in a row after a run of just one victory in 11 games and moved them up one place to seventh in on 35 points. Charlton remain 10th on 29.
Villa went ahead after eight minutes when Jorge Costa tackled Vassell as the striker unleashed a shot but succeeded only in deflecting it over the head of goalkeeper Dean Kiely.
In-form Colombian striker Angel made it two three minutes before halftime, cashing in on great work by George Boateng to burst clear and fire in a low shot for his sixth goal in seven games.
Charlton were much more lively after the break and dominated possession but Villa still had the clearer chances. Vassell hit the side-netting when well-placed and Paul Merson had a header disallowed for offside.
Charlton were given a lifeline two minutes from time when Angel was harshly adjudged to have brought down substitute Kevin Lisbie in the box.
Peter Schmeichel saved Stuart's spot kick but could not prevent the striker heading in the rebound.
Villa held out, however, much to the relief of Boateng and manager John Gregory.
"This gives the manager a little more time, the pressure is off a little now," said Boateng. "We performed okay but haven't got the right results...this is more or less for John Gregory."
The night's only other match was an FA Cup third round replay which saw second division Peterborough beat third division Darlington 2-0 to earn a home fourth round tie with premier league Newcastle United this weekend.