Ridgewell’s 77th-minute strike effectively ended a predictably low-key contest despite Danny Collins’ late header which gave the visiting fans some consolation.

Villa captain Gareth Barry struck the opener two minutes before the break and could even afford to miss a second half spot-kick as the visitors failed to threaten Thomas Sorensen’s goal.

Even without influential pair Olof Mellberg and Milan Baros – supposedly rested for World Cup duty – Villa proved a cut above Kevin Ball’s visitors and now have the summer to improve.

There is a bigger rebuilding job in store at Sunderland, who failed to build on their first and last home win of the season over Fulham in midweek and slid to a meek defeat.

James Milner provided most moments of quality on a forgettable afternoon as he latched onto a ball from former Black Cats favourite Kevin Phillips to shoot the first chance just wide.

Tommy Miller’s ambitious overhead kick which sailed into the arms of Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen largely summed up Sunderland’s first half chances of making an impression.

Another former Stadium of Light favourite Gavin McCann should have done better in the 10th minute when he was sent clear on the right but played a poor cross.

Villa came close again in the 15th minute when Barry found Ridgewell who failed to control the ball on the edge of the six-yard box allowing visiting keeper Kelvin Davis to punch away.

Phillips fired a header inches wide in the 20th minute then Gary Cahill tried an overhead kick which fell neatly for keeper Davis to catch with ease.

Milner set up another fine chance for Villa in the 35th minute when his neat ball from midfield sent Juan Pablo Angel scampering clear down the left flank.

The Colombian cut inside and unleashed a powerful low drive which Davis did well to parry before Breen got in the way of the rebound effort from Phillips.

Barry’s goal eased any pressure the home side felt and it was almost two before the break as Milner’s cross struck the base of the post and caused all sorts of problems for Davis.

Sunderland briefly looked brighter at the start of the second half with Nyron Nosworthy and Andy Welsh each sending in crosses which troubled the Villa defence.

And Dean Whitehead wasted a fine chance to equalise for the visitors on the hour when he stole into the right side of the Villa box unmarked but ballooned his final shot way over the bar.

Davis rattled the base of the post in the 65th minute with a low drive which rebounded to McCann, who somehow fired the rebound wide of an open goal from eight yards.

Villa had the chance to seal victory in the 76th minute when substitute Gabriel Agbonlahor was up-ended racing into the visitors’ box by Breen.

But Barry missed the chance to grab his second goal of the afternoon when his low-spot kick was superbly tipped up onto the crossbar by keeper Davis.

Ridgewell wrapped up the points just a minute later when he sent a bullet header past Davis at the second attempt after Cahill had lofted the ball back into a crowded box.

The visitors’ consolation arrived with three minutes remaining when Collins rose above the static Villa rearguard to direct Whitehead’s corner home.