Substitute Alex Prosser scored the only goal from the penalty spot as Aston Villa beat Sunderland to move clear in the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-off race.
Lewis Brunt had three good opportunities at Banks's Stadium but the closest the Villa midfielder came to a goal was when he struck the post.
With 15 minutes remaining, Prosser made no mistake from 12 yards to secure all three points.
Aston Villa are in fifth, the final play-off spot, with 30 points, five clear of Manchester United with four fixtures remaining.
Sunderland stay bottom on nine points.
