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"They knew how important it was to get a result.
"I think in all honesty the defeat by Liverpool in the Worthington Cup with the last kick of the game hit people a bit harder than they might have thought.
"It was a big body blow going out. All the players thought they were going to go on and win that competition.
"But they've responded and hopefully things can now go on from there in what is a vital week for us with the home league game with Bolton on Wednesday and the FA Cup tie with Blackburn."
Dion Dublin's winner against 'Boro pushed Villa seven points clear of the relegation zone and above local rivals Birmingham on goal difference.