By Aston Villa FC

Ollie Watkins cut a delighted figure after helping Aston Villa secure all three points at Brighton & Hove Albion.

The striker, 26, bagged Villa’s crucial second goal at the Amex Stadium midway through the second half, racing on to a smart ball over the top from captain Tyrone Mings to slot home.

Watkins’ cool finish came after Matty Cash had drilled the visitors into a half-time lead, subsequently sealing a 2-0 triumph, clean sheet and a Premier League double over the Seagulls.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa

“It’s a tough place to come,” Watkins told VillaTV post-match.

“When we played them earlier on in the season, they had the majority of the ball, it was a grind from the team but we won 2-0 at home, we grinded it out.

“We knew it would be a difficult place to come and get three points after a sticky patch during the season.

“So all credit to the boys, we dug in and we got what we deserved.”

Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa

Victory on the south coast secured a much-needed three points for the Villans after back-to-back defeats.

For Watkins, it was a sixth goal of the season and his first since mid-December as he celebrated with joy etched all over his place in front of the club’s travelling support.

“Obviously, I needed that,” he said.

“Like the team, we haven’t been performing great but individually I expect a lot more from myself and I think other people do as well.

“It’s nice that I got a goal and hopefully it’s first of many now and good things to come.”

You can watch Ollie’s full interview below…