Tony McAndrew praised his troops after emerging victorious in their top-two tussle with Reading.

Villa won the game 1-0 courtesy of an own-goal in a close encounter.

McAndrew's men had several chances to wrap up the points in the first half but couldn't take advantage.

The Villa coach said: "It was a really tough game on paper and that's how it panned out.

"We played really well and I reserve special praise for our defenders who were immense."