CHRIS SUTTON'S maiden goal for Aston Villa secure his club's first away league win of the season.

Veteran Sutton struck with a neat header just before the break and Villa fought gallantly throughout the second period to hang onto the points.

Everton lost inspirational midfielder Tim Cahill with what looked like a serious leg injury in the first half, the Australian being carried off on a stretcher.

Villa started brightly and after just a minute Osbourne rattled a 20-yard shot wide.

Then Chris Sutton set up Stiliyan Petrov on the edge of the box and Tim Howard was forced into a save at the midfielder's feet.

Villa seemed to have more ideas when in possession and their reward came on 41 minutes when Sutton scored his first goal for Villa with a glancing header.

Everton were striving to get back into the game in the second half but Villa were still defended well and broke dangerously to the end.