Martin O'Neill's side earned their first win in 12 Barclays Premiership games thanks to an own goal from Gavin Mahon and Gabriel Agbonlahor's sixth of the campaign.

Birmingham City fan Mahon deflected a right-footed drive from Villa midfielder Gavin McCann past Hornets 'keeper Ben Foster with just three minutes remaining.

Then in injury-time McCann was the provider for Agbonlahor who shrugged off the challenge of Danny Shittu before firing past Hornets 'keeper Ben Foster.

It was no more than Villa deserved after Milan Baros had spurned several gilt-edged chances but there was sympathy for Foster who had confirmed his reputation as one of England's brightest prospects.

Striker Ashley Young was left out of the Watford line-up of his expected £9.65 million move to the midlands club. The 21-year-old is expected to pledge his future to Villa in the next 24 hours.

Villa were first to threaten and Gareth Barry's first-time cross picked out the run into the box of Steven Davis but his first touch took the ball away from him and Foster was able to collect.

Villa 'keeper Thomas Sorensen was called into action for the first time to deal with a low 20 yard attempt from Tommy Smith.

Villa enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure and the recalled Davis had a shot parried by Foster although the Northern Ireland midfielder had clearly fouled Smith in the build-up.

Juan Pablo Angel's link-up play was impressive and he set up an opportunity for Baros but his volley was a weak effort which flew well wide.

Foster pulled off a fine save to turn a fierce Barry effort onto the post after the Villa skipper had turned inside and past the challenge of Adrian Mariappa.

It was now one-way traffic towards the visitors goal and a pass from Davis nearly picked out the run of Baros but was marginally over-struck.

Angel was again the creator when he cut his cross back into the path of the onrushing McCann but he sliced his first-time effort well wide.

O'Neill was incensed when referee Peter Walton awarded a free-kick to Watford on the edge of the box when replays showed Baros was tripped by Danny Shittu.

Watford had their best spell towards the interval with Sorensen tipping over a fierce volley from Hameur Bouazza and then denying Will Hoskins at close range.

Watford, without a win since their sole success over Middlesbrough in early November, made an impressive start to the second period and they came close to taking the lead after 59 minutes.

A hard driven cross by the impressive Bouazza was met by Hoskins and his first time flick wrong-footed Sorensen but drifted just past the far post.

Davis became the first player to be booked after 65 minutes for a challenge on Damien Francis.

Villa finally came to life with Foster racing to the edge of his box to parry away a shot from Baros after a powerful run by Agbonlahor had created the opening.

The Czech striker wasted another golden chance when he failed to convert Agbonlahor's low cross at close range with Mariappa making the crucial block.

Baros was having one of those days when nothing was going right and he spurned another chance from the first touch of the game from Patrik Berger who had replaced Angel.

He had a clear run at goal but screwed his shot several yards wide.

O'Neill finally put Baros out of his misery by taking him off with 12 minutes remaining and he left the pitch to loud booing from the Villa fans.

Then came the late double show from Mahon and Agbonlahor to provide Villa with their first win since early November.

Teams

Aston Villa Sorensen, Bardsley, Mellberg, Cahill, Bouma,Davis, McCann, Barry, Agbonlahor, Angel (Berger 72),Baros (Samuel 79).

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Hughes, Ridgewell.

Booked: Davis, Mellberg.

Goals: Mahon 86 og, Agbonlahor 90.

Watford Foster, Mariappa, Mackay, Shittu, Stewart, Smith,Mahon, Francis, Bouazza (Powell 70), Priskin (Henderson 54),Hoskins (Ashikodi 80).

Subs Not Used: Lee, DeMerit.

Att: 35,892

Ref: P Walton (Northamptonshire).