It was a cruel twist for defender Zamil Zayatte, who turned the ball into his own net from a dangerous Ashley Young centre, and The Tigers, who had at least merited a point and had a Nick Barmby strike ruled out.
The home side also thought they had won a penalty after Ashley Young was adjudged to have handballed but referee Steve Bennett went back on his initial decision.
Neither side really created any clear cut chances throughout the 90 minutes and Villa were limited to long range efforts, in particular from Gareth Barry.
Five minutes into the game Barmby thought he had given Hull a great start by turning the ball in after Brad Friedel had spilled a cross. But, the goal was disallowed for a foul on the Villa stopper.
That was the only real action of the half as the game was played in midfield with no one taking it by the scruff of the neck.
The second half was much the same and the match looked to be fading into obscurity when Young whipped in a typically threatening cross from the right which was turned in by Zayatte.
Villa must have thought they would see the game out with Hull showing little during the previous minutes but in injury time a corner was headed towards the Villa net, the ball looked to have hit the bar but referee Bennett pointed to the spot. Strangely he then discussed the incident with his linesman and Hull were denied the penalty which could have earned them a point.
Odds
Villa, may have been lucky to come away with all three points but they now lie in fourth spot, three points ahead of Arsenal, going into 2009.
Fans will be hoping that Champions League football is set to adorn Villa Park next season and as the Villans keep grinding out away wins their belief will get stronger and stronger.
The Claret and Blue have been on the back foot in each of their last three away games but they have managed to come away with maximum points every time.
When they looked likely to draw at Everton they snatched a late winner. When they looked likely to draw at West Ham, they snatched a late winner. And when they looked likely to draw at Hull they again pulled a rabbit out of the hat.
This Villa side just don't know when to give up. They even managed a late equaliser against Arsenal last week. Ironically, the only game Villa didn't win in December was the one which they dominated.
Counter-attacking, backs against the wall football is Villa's forte.
Now they will have to continue to deny the odds in 2009 if they hope to have success in Europe and at home.