Aston Villa’s rough patch has proved to be too much for one fan - who has vented his frustration by launching a cabbage at manager Steve Bruce.

Villa had won only one of their last nine games ahead of tonight's clash against Preston North End in a run of form which has stoked discontent from the terraces.

Chants of “we want Bruce out” have been heard on recent away trips including during the 1-1 draw at Bristol City on Friday.

But a disgruntled supporter at Villa Park tonight swapped the verbal taunts for a vegetable protest by throwing a cabbage in Bruce’s direction.

An eyewitness said: "It was produced out of a white plastic bag and thrown towards Bruce by angry fan. He shouted 'This is what you’ve reduced us to!'".

Villa went in at half-time 2-0 up against bottom-side Preston courtesy of goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham.

Kodjia headed in from Ahmed Elmohamady's cross to break the deadlock on 25 minutes before Abraham slotted home 11 minutes later to double Villa's advantage after taking the ball off a defender.

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Pictures from the game below

Aston Villa vs Preston North End View gallery

But when James Chester - the most reliable and consistent player in the claret and blue ranks - gave away a penalty on the 55th-minute and was subsequently sent off, all hell let loose.

Aston Villa vs Preston: Match in a minute

Ex-Villa man Daniel Johnson fired in the spot-kick and from a useless rock-bottom-of-the-Championship outfit, Preston suddenly turned into world-beaters.

Paul Gallagher was introduced and scored with his first touch as he sent a free-kick past Mark Bunn who has handed his first start of the season ahead of the error-prone Orjan Nyland.

Then with time running out Lewis Moult thundered in a header after the visitors had gone close on numerous occasions to take the lead.

The frantic finale had only just started, though.

Five minutes of stoppage time went up on the board and Villa won a corner which Yannick Bolasie bundled home.

And when Birkir Bjarnason was fouled in the box, Villa won a penalty which allowed Glenn Whelan the opportunity to turnaround an incredible night and spare his boss Bruce a further barrage of abuse - and potentially save his job.

His weak spot-kick was easily saved, though, and while Villa escaped with a point, it might not be enough to rescue Bruce.