Aston Villa have moved a step closer to an instant return to the Premier League after they defeated their hosts Middlesbrough 1-0 in the first leg of their Playoff semifinal clash at the Riverside on Saturday evening.

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak’s first half strike was enough to give his side an important lead ahead of the second leg.

The return leg will be played at Villa Park on Tuesday night with the hosts now massive favourites to meet the winner of the other semifinal tie between Derby County and London outfit Fulham.[tps_header][/tps_header]