The Black Cats went ahead in the 10th minute through a Danny Higginbotham header - his second in three home games. Later on, Anthony Stokes' diving header was ruled out after he appeared to be offside. However, Ross Wallace's shot deflected off the Villa defender before Stokes headed it home - surely deeming him on-side. Not so, according to the referees.
Villa deservedly equalised in the 73rd minute from a perfectly executed Shaun Maloney free-kick and the game was looking to become an inevitable draw until Danny Collins popped up in stoppage time - heading home in front of the North Stand support. Fans were jubilant to see their Sunderland side steal yet another game in the dying seconds. However their hearts were broken when Bennett blew his whistle for a timid arm across Scott Carson's chest. (Timid being an exaggeration).
Black Cats boss Roy Keane was equally un-impressed with the performance from the officials. He stated in his post-match interview: "It was a good header and a goal, I don't know why the referee has disallowed it. I don't know what it's for, I'm sure he'll come up with something.
"It's frustrating, I don't think I will cool down until Tuesday or Wednesday.
"The players and supporters deserve better. I always try to be fair to referees but I don't know why he has given the foul. It was a disgrace.
"We're talking about the referee when we should be talking about two good teams who had a good go at each other. It was a good Premier League game.
"He was ready to give the foul even before anyone went near anyone else. Sunderland fans deserve better. It's the most frustrated I've been as a manager.
"He got his big one completely wrong. (Bennett) will be delighted we're chatting about him after the game. That's the impression I got."