Ollie Watkins header gives Aston Villa advantage over Lille in Europa League tie

By Jim van Wijk, Press Association

Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought as Aston Villa battled to a 1-0 away win at Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

After a low-key opening, it was Lille who finished the first half strongly.

Former Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud glanced a header wide before Romain Perraud’s dipping shot was palmed away by Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez.

Villa broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through Watkins’ header after a long ball had been flicked on into the penalty area, marking the England striker’s first goal since the end of January.

Amadou Onana’s curling shot then clipped the angle of post and crossbar before Watkins went down under a challenge from Lille keeper Berke Ozer, but the penalty appeals were waved away.

Villa, who finished second behind Lyon in the league phase with seven wins, saw out the closing stages to give themselves every chance of progress on to the quarter-finals.