Matthew Lowton's volley has given Aston Villa a 1-0 lead over Swansea City at half-time in the Premier League.

Andreas Weimann had an early chance for Villa but the striker, who was preferred to Christian Benteke by Paul Lambert, fired his effort over the bar from 12 yards.

The hosts took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 16th minute, when Matthew Lowton found space on the edge of the area before unleashing a powerful volley that evaded Michel Vorm in the Swansea goal.

Swansea's usual fluent passing was nowhere to be seen at Villa Park as the home side enjoyed the lion's share of possession.

Chances were hard to come by in a tight first period but Darren Bent could have doubled Villa's advantage but for a wayward shot from 18 yards out.