Steve Bruce's Aston Villa were unable to get the upper hand during their Midlands derby at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, as the home side got themselves an early lead and protected their goal to see out the 1-0 victory.

Villa were without two of their star strikers as Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew joined up with their countries for the African Cup of Nations, which meant Bruce was forced to stick Gabby Agbonlahor and Ross McCormack up front.

The visitors handed new signing Sam Johnstone a league debut after completing a deal from Manchester United earlier this month.

Meanwhile for Wolves, manager Paul Lambert's team went into the match on the back of a cup upset after defeating Premier League outfit Stoke City last weekend.

Fifteen minutes after kick-off and the hosts took the advantage when Joe Mason received the ball from Nouha Dicko and was able to net with Johnstone on the floor.

Overall Wolves continued to dominate play and despite Aston Villa's best efforts to nick an equaliser, Lambert's men were able to hold out for the three points.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now 16th in the Championship table, eight points off the drop zone.

After Saturday's results across the division, Villa sit 13th and ten points adrift of the top six.

The set of home fans reacted optimistically on Twitter after their victory, but Aston Villa supporters continue to show their frustration after failure to mount a play-off contention as of yet.

Wolves fans, is the future looking bright under the guidance of Paul Lambert? Aston Villa supporters, is there any hope left in your season after that result?