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Sent clear by Julio Arca, also making his first start of the campaign, he left Ronny Johnsen trailing in his wake and beat the advancing Peter Enckelman.
The goalscoring records of both clubs, Sunderland had scored twice in seven games and Villa were without a goal in three away defeats, suggested goals were always going to be at a premium.
Villa forced 12 corners but rarely tested goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen while Enckelman also was rarely troubled although Sunderland's spirited performance was a big improvement.
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Enckelman saved well from Claudio Reyna and Bellion in an opening half void of clear-cut chances, Villa responding through the lively fit-again Darius Vassell and a bad miss by Lee Hendrie.
Villa in fact looked the more likely to break the deadlock until they were rocked on their heels by a goal which greatly disappointed Villa manager Graham Taylor.
Reid expressed his relief after a first home win of the season, a result that eases the pressure after a disappointing start to the campaign.
"It was all about the result," he said. "We did well in patches but the players responded to last week's derby defeat at Newcastle and I just hope this will kick-start our season.
"But we've got Arsenal next weekend and after watching them beat Leeds, they frighten me to death. You come down to reality very quickly in the Premiership."