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Rudy Gestede headed the only goal of the game as Aston Villa edged through to the last 16 of the League Cup with a derby victory over Birmingham City.

The Benin striker evaded his marker to powerfully nod in left-back Jordan Amavi's left-wing cross from 10 yards just after the hour mark.

Blues had the better of a highly charged first half at Villa Park.

But Villa got on top after the break to earn their victory, Blues keeper Tomasz Kuszczak having to make two fine saves.

In the first Second City derby since January 2011, Gary Rowett's Championship side went closest in the first half through an angled shot from Jacques Maghoma, who also volleyed over when well placed.

And lively teenager Demarai Gray should have done better with a weak chipped free-kick straight at home keeper Brad Guzan.

After making two half-time substitutions, Villa broke through 17 minutes into the second half when Amavi swung in a cross and Gestede escaped the attentions of Jonathan Grounds to place his header low inside Kuszczak's right post.

Maghoma had a great chance to level, after being sent through by Gray, but Guzan saved his scuffed effort.

Villa could have won by more, Kuszczak saving spectacularly from Scott Sinclair and Jordan Ayew, whose fellow half-time substitute Jack Grealish was inches away from stealing in at the far post.

Villa's first win in four matches, since beating Notts County in round two, condemned Blues to only their second defeat of the season.

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood:

"We came here on a hiding to nothing. I was proud of how we went about it - we tried to get between the lines and they couldn't cope with Jack Grealish. We always want to play fast, flowing football but we can't always do that.

"We've shown we're a flexible team. I want players who I can look in the eye and get what I expect. Tonight is a huge boost. I thought we could have won a lot more comfortably."

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett:

"You're playing against a huge side from the Premier League in a local derby, it's a very difficult game to play in. First half we were the better side, we played very well, had a few chances and moved the ball around very well.

"Jack Grealish changed the game when he came on and we were undone by a moment of quality from Rudy Gestede. That is very difficult to defend against.

"I hope the fans will have seen something positive and will have seen us run Aston Villa very close. I think tactically we more than matched Villa."