Alan Shearer's late header gave sixth-placed Newcastle only their second away win in the Premiership this season.

The veteran striker struck nine minutes from time as Newcastle added Aston Villa's scalp to that of the Midlanders' bitter rivals Birmingham.

That was a big victory for us because Villa have been playing much better than six weeks ago and scoring regularly at home Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson

Villa went into the game on the back of three consecutive home wins, but after controlling the first half they fell away in the second 45 minutes.

Juan Pablo Angel hit the bar with a late header for the hosts, but Villa remain firmly in the bottom third after their eighth Premiership defeat of the season.

Gareth Barry went off injured in the first half

Villa made a positive start and Dion Dublin could have put them ahead after only 90 seconds but his volley flew straight at Newcastle keeper Shay Given.

Craig Bellamy then seized onto a pass from Laurent Robert and created a yard of space for himself, but his effort was well wide of Villa keeper Peter Enckelman's goal.

Thomas Hitzlsperger scored two spectacular recent goals for Villa, against Arsenal and Preston, but he was well off target with two early attempts.

I felt we deserved a minimum of a draw but you will pay the price if you don't take chances when on top Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor

Gareth Barry was more accurate and his swerving 25-yard effort was tipped over by Given before Olaf Mellberg headed wide from the resulting corner.

An under-hit back pass from Andy O'Brien almost let in Darius Vassell, Given saving bravely at his feet, before the pacy striker volleyed wide from close range after Aaron Hughes had failed to clear.

Hitzlsperger then fired well wide with another ambitious 30-yard drive as Villa continued have the upper hand, but just before the break Newcastle were handed a great opportunity to take the lead.

Key moments

75 mins: Juan Pablo Angel's header hits bar 82 mins: Alan Shearer heads Newcastle's winner

Enckelman failed to hold onto a straightforward cross from Nolberto Solano but Bellamy poked the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

Villa ended the stronger, with Given saving at the feet of Barry, while Hitzlsperger sent a scorching drive just wide and Dublin powered a header over.

The second half started scrappily and both sides struggled to create much in the way of openings.

Given twice did his best to gift Villa a goal, first mis-controlling a back pass and then hammering a clearance against Dublin.

Late winner

Robert produced a fine effort from a narrow angle to remind Villa that Newcastle were still a threat, before Angel, on for Dublin, headed against the bar.

That was as close as the hosts were to come to a goal and with nine minutes to go Shearer made them pay.

The veteran striker out-jumped Ulises de la Cruz and headed the winner for Newcastle.

Given nearly handed Villa an injury-time equaliser but the Magpies rode their luck to take the points.

Aston Villa: Enckelman, Samuel, Mellberg, Johnsen, Barry (Kinsella 42), De la Cruz, Hendrie, Leonhardsen, Hitzlsperger, Dublin (Angel 66), Vassell.

Subs Not Used: Postma, Allback, Ridgewell.
Booked: Johnsen, Hendrie.

Newcastle: Given, Griffin, O'Brien, Hughes, Bernard, Solano, Jenas, Dyer, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy.

Subs Not Used: Acuna, Harper, LuaLua, Ameobi, Caldwell.

Attendance: 33,446

Referee: S Bennett (Kent).