A Charlie Austin brace gained Queens Park Rangers a vital 2-0 win over relegation rivals Aston Villa, their first win in six attempts against the Villains.

Austin doubled his League tally this season through a 20-yard drive before the interval and a precise near-post finish from a cross to hand Villa their fifth successive defeat.

Rangers deservedly won through their superior attacking incision, something Villa lacked, unsurprising given that they are scoreless in five league games and appear over-reliant on Christian Benteke.

Rangers led when the imposing Bobby Zamora chested down a long ball forward for Austin, whose accurate right-footed strike found the bottom corner from 20 yards. 

In the first half both teams were wasteful in possession and able to establish little fluency, with attacking composure and quality largely lacking.

Aly Cissokho fired an early warning shot, while Benteke’s flicked header fell just wide as Villa sought an instant riposte to Austin’s opener.

The recalled Andreas Weimann showed promising movement but Villa lacked potency, whilst Mauricio Isla placed an audacious chip just wide for Rangers.

Villa started the second-half strongly, as Benteke rose highest from a cross to set up Ciaran Clark, whose loose chest control meant he squandered a shooting opportunity. Rangers substitute Junior Hoilett then struck the post with a curling effort after a mazy run past two defenders.

Rangers improved as the half continued, and doubled their lead when the lively Eduardo Vargas broke down the right and crossed for Austin, who got ahead of Ron Vlaar and swept in at the near post.

Villa threw on Joe Cole and Darren Bent but Rangers looked more likely to score, with Vargas well-denied by Brad Guzan after getting in behind the defence. Robert Green was required to make a double save from a Tom Cleverly strike and a Clark rebound, smothering the ball before Villa could score.

Problems mount for Aston Villa, who are the lowest scorers in the league and have lost five successive league games, conceding 13 goals in the process. They will also be disappointed at failing to score against Rangers, who have the league’s worst defence but claimed their second clean-sheet of the campaign.

Meanwhile Rangers will be delighted to have matched their performance against Liverpool last week while also gaining some much-needed points, relieving the pressure that was mounting on manager Harry Redknapp.