Laursen and Young struck twice in the space of four minutes to end the resistance of the Rams who have still to notch an away goal in the Premier League this season.

It was Villa’s fifth win in seven home games during the 2007-2008 campaign and they were always in control whilst seldom firing on all cylinders once they had survived a promising start by the visitors.

Gabriel Agbonlahor was a constant threat to the Derby defence with his pace and power while skipper Gareth Barry was an increasing influence after the home side had received mild boos from the Holte End at half-time.

Victory kept Villa in the hunt to push for a European spot but Derby remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

The top flight new boys have now conceded 26 goals in 12 games in addition to going 431 minutes since their last goal.

There was never any suggestion that they could rescue the game once the ever impressive Laursen, with his third goal in the last five games, and Young had prised open their defence despite the battling qualities of skipper Matt Oakley in midfield.

Derby were the first to threaten with recalled striker Steve Howard’s rising half volley from 25 yards out parried over by Scott Carson.

Villa retaliated and, after Barry’s centre had only been half cleared, the ball broke to Zat Knight on the edge of the six yard box.

His left-footed goal-bound shot contained plenty of power but struck Rams ’keeper Stephen Bywater in the face and cannoned to safety.

Derby came close again when Craig Fagan’s was only just too high after Howard had flicked on a Jay McEveley free-kick but the standard in the opening 45 minutes deteriorated after a bright start.

Stiliyan Petrov, who has still to win over the Villa fans since his move from Celtic, summed up proceedings when his shot ended up nearer the corner flag than the Derby goal.

Villa enjoyed a spell of pressure and Barry set up a chance for Luke Moore but he sliced his shot wide when he should have at least hit the target.

A shot from a narrow angle by Agbonlahor flew inches wide of the far post after Darren Moore had failed to make proper contact trying to clear a Wilfred Bouma ball into the box.

Agbonlahor made a powerful 40 yard into the Derby area but he was halted by a well-timed tackle from Andy Griffin as he prepared to shoot.

Barnes needed several stitches to a wound above his right eye after being accidentally caught in a challenge by Bouma.

Young tried his luck with a 30-yard free-kick and Bywater parried away his dipping attempt.

Griffin became the first player to be yellow card after 43 minutes for a late touch-line challenge on Young before the half-time whistle was greeted by boos from the Holte End.

Derby boss Billy Davies made a half-time substitution, bringing on Gary Teale in place of Claude Davis.

Darren Moore was yellow-carded within 60 seconds of the restart after pulling back Agbonlahor close to the by-line.

Barry was starting to exert more influence on proceedings and Villa’s pressure finally paid off when defender Laursen struck after 57 minutes.

Teale brought down Young and for once his resulting free-kick contained plenty of pace and power as it picked out the run of Barry to the far post.

He had the composure to nod the ball back across the danger area and Laursen made no mistake.

Four minutes later Young put Villa in complete control with his second goal of the campaign.

A mistake by McEveley allowed Agbonlahor a free run at goal and, although Bywater blocked his shot, Reo-Coker picked out Young at the far post and he volleyed past Bywater.

It was Young’s last meaningful action before he picked up a knock to his leg and was replaced by Shaun Maloney.

Rams substitute Robert Earnshaw had the chance to reduce the arrears but drilled his shot into the side netting.