Jedinak gives Villa upper hand

Advantage Derby as Jerome downs Fulham

LONDON, May 12, (AFP): Veteran Australian Mile Jedinak’s header proved the difference as Aston Villa beat Middlesbrough 1-0 in their Championship play-off first leg clash on Saturday.

The 33-year-old midfielder, who joined Villa from Crystal Palace in 2016, headed past Darren Randolph in the 15th minute to give Villa the upper hand heading into Tuesday’s second leg.

Derby lead Fulham by the same scoreline but have to travel to London for Monday’s second leg of their semifinal.

It turned out to be a dour battle between