Aston Villa 0, Blackburn 1: Full Time Report
RICHARD DUNNE'S own goal meant Aston Villa ended a dramatic season with a defeat.
Dunne headed Martin Olsson's cross into his own net six minutes from time.
Villa, who had plenty of chances to win the game themselves, hung on to sixth place thanks to Liverpool's goalless draw at Hull, and will not have to play an extra round in next season's Europa League.
It was a satisfying outcome for both teams at the end of a match that at times had the distinct feel of a final-day encounter.
The hosts had the first chance after six minutes when John Carew intercepted a misplaced backwards pass by Gael Givet.
The Norwegian surged forward only to be outmuscled by Chris Samba, but from the resulting corner, James Collins directed a header on target which Paul Robinson did well to save.
At the other end, Brad Friedel fumbled a long ball over the touchline and after Villa had dealt with one corner, the next led to David Dunn driving an effort wide to the right.
Villa broke back as Carew latched on to James Milner's through-ball, but Robinson dived to smother the striker's cross into the six-yard box.
Teenage defender Grant Hanley - making his Rovers senior debut - showed he was not afraid to go in where it hurts when he got in the way of a Carew attempt, and Stewart Downing came off worst in a clash of heads with Michel Salgado as they leapt to meet Ashley Young's cross, the former Middlesbrough winger having to receive treatment before carrying on.
Hanley then attempted to make his presence felt in the opposition's area, rising to connect with Dunn's corner but sending his downward header wide.
Five minutes before the break, Villa's former Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock limped out of action to be replaced by Luke Young.
Moments later, Robinson parried a fierce drive from Collins, but Gabriel Agbonlahor was unable to take advantage.
Robinson then pushed away Milner's free-kick from 25 yards after Dunn had brought down Young, and was on hand again to collect Agbonlahor's close-range header.
