Newcastle had opportunites to grasp at a lifeline in the first half, with Obafemi Martins firing off target and Mark Viduka having a shot cleared off the line by Carlos Cuellar.

BBC: Aston Villa 1-0 Newcastle

Paul Meegan had an injury-time chance from 30 metres from Monaghan but he pulled his shot off target.

BBC: Monaghan's Damien Freeman (left) and Kerry's Dara O Se

It was United's turn to be knocked out of their stride and Marco Paixao was off target with a pot shot from 25 yards.

BBC: Sport - Football - Hamilton 1-3 Dundee United