Christian Benteke struck ten minutes from time to earn Aston Villa FC a 1-0 home victory against Reading FC in the Premier League.

Villa started the day in the bottom three, a place above their visitors, but are now two points clear of the relegation zone – in 17th position – thanks to Benteke's late header from a corner. The Belgian international striker earned Paul Lambert's side their first home league triumph since a 2-0 win against Swansea City AFC on 15 September.

All that separates Reading from the foot of the table are Queens Park Rangers FC, four points adrift at the bottom. Without a victory in the league all season, the west London club began life under new manager Harry Redknapp with a goalless draw at fifth-bottom Sunderland AFC.