Jordan Lyden's 83rd-minute strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park as Aston Villa remained third in Division 2.
The Villa captain scored from close range at the Holte End just as the match seemed to be heading for a draw.
The visitors struck the woodwork either side of half-time with shots from James Tilley and substitute Max Sanders, but could not find the net and dropped down to eighth in the table.
Both teams are next in action in the Premier League Cup on Friday, with Aston Villa entertaining West Bromwich Albion and Brighton visiting Sunderland.
