Aston Villa climbed into sixth place in the English Premier League and in sight of a spot amongst Europe's elite next season as they edged Hull nearer relegation with a 2-0 away win on Wednesday.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's first-half goal and James Milner's penalty 14 minutes from time saw Villa to a win that left the Midlands club just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy fourth place and the last spot on offer to English clubs for next season's Champions League, with three games to play.

Defeat left cash-strapped Hull three points from safety and on course for a return to the second-tier Championship.

And the loss was made worse by the sight of striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink being carried off on a stretcher after a clash of heads with Villa's David Dunne, although the Hull forward did regain consciousness.

Hull gifted Villa their opener when Ibrahima Sonko and then Paul McShane saw attempted clearances charged down and Agbonlahor curled a shot into the top corner from a tight angle.

Stilyan Petrov then twice went close to doubling Villa's lead before Hull missed an excellent chance in the 24th minute.

Vennegoor of Hesselink, played in by Kevin Kilbane, saw Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel block from eight yards out.

Kilbane then had a shot saved on the follow-up by the American and then, with only James Collins to beat on the line, saw his second attempt deflected over the bar by the Villa defender's arm.

Early in the second half, Hull had another great chance to equalise but defender Steven Mouyokolo, right in front of goal, scuffed his shot and Friedel turned the ball over the bar.

There was then a lengthy stoppage after Dunne clashed heads with Vennegoor of Hesselink from the subsequent corner.

And Villa punished Hull's wastefulness when Milner, after being fouled by George Boateng, scored from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.