Benteke hat-trick lights up Villa and QPR's basement battle

Aston Villa have kept themselves out of the drop zone after a battling 3-3 draw against QPR in their relegation battle at Villa Park.

Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick for Villa as they moved-up a place to 16th and three points clear of the bottom three.

In a gripping dogfight, QPR twice led but they had to settle for a point that leaves them stuck in the relegation zone.

Matt Phillips headed QPR in front after just 7 minutes but two goals from Benteke helped Villa to lead at the break.

Clint Hill headed QPR level just 10 minutes into the second half, before Charlie Austin thought he had grabbed victory for the visitors in the 78th minute with an instinctive close-range finish.

But Villa's Belgian international striker had the final say with a superb 83rd minute free-kick that crashed in off the inside of the post.