O'Neill praise for Bennett

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has expressed his delight that a refereeing error did not cost his side victory against Hull City.

O'Neill's men have returned to fourth spot in the Premier League following a 1-0 win at the KC Stadium on Tuesday, which came courtesy of an 88th minute Kamil Zayatte own goal.

However, there was almost a late sting for Villa as referee Steve Bennett awarded City a last-gasp penalty after the official thought Ashley Young had handled on his own goal line when in reality the ball deflected off the cross bar.

Fortunately for Villa, Bennett consulted with one of his assistants and changed his mind and O'Neill has admitted his delight.

He told Sky Sports 1: "The last few games have been extraordinary at the end but this should have been mundane.

"It wasn't a penalty. The referee thought Ashley Young had put his hand in the air, he gave the penalty but great credit to him.

"He went to see the linesman and the linesman said it hit the bar.

"I'm delighted the right decision has been made and pleased we've won."

Regarding Young's decision to raise his hand which prompted the situation, O'Neill added: "I wasn't best pleased. It's not often I'm not pleased with Ashley Young.

"I would have been pretty disturbed with him this evening (if City had been given the penalty.)

"He is so brilliant for us. He said he won't do it again and I hope that is a promise, not a threat."

The win saw Villa leapfrog Arsenal - who they drew 2-2 with on Boxing Day - into fourth but O'Neill admitted his side had not performed well at the KC Stadium.

"We didn't play well tonight. The effort against Arsenal has really taken it out of us.

"We struggle to create things and I'm absolutely delighted - but credit to Hull. These Premier League games are hard.

"We came with plenty of confidence but it didn't happen in the first half.

"It was a great win for us tonight. We just keep putting pressure on the sides around us."
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