WO LVES 1 Mason (16) ASTO N VILLA 0

WOLVES striker Joe Mason earned manager Paul Lambert a sweet win against his former club Aston Villa.

Lambert, who had been sacked by Villa in February 2015, saw Mason pounce after 15 minutes as Wolves earned their first home win against their local rivals in 12 attempts stretching back to 1978.

The defeat was another serious setback to Villa’s hopes of getting into the promotion race.

They have collected only one point from their last three games as they crashed to a seventh away defeat of the season. Before the match, floral tributes were laid in memory of Graham Taylor who managed Villa between 1987 and 1990 and 2002 and 2003, and Wolves from 1994 to 1995.

A round of applause also broke out in the 72nd minute to honour the former England boss.

In a frenetic start, Wolves built up a head of steam and were rewarded when Mason gave them the lead from close range.

Ross McCormack wasted a golden chance to equalise in the 27th minute, heading over from six yards.

Helder Costa could have made it 2-0, but his effort was cleared off the line by Sam Johnstone.