A first-half volley from Miri Taylor ended hosts United's seven-match unbeaten start to the Super League top flight as Villa climbed to seventh.
Natalia Arroyo's Villa are now seven unbeaten in all competitions themselves in a largely encouraging opening to the campaign.
Villa's Georgia Mullett was denied by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the clash's first opening before Taylor's sweet volley found the bottom corner from an uncleared corner 10 minutes before the interval.
Noelle Maritz flashed wide across goal as Villa pressed for a second after the break before Anna Patten heroically cleared off the line from England Lioness star Ella Toone. United were denied by the Villa woodwork from a corner in stoppage time but the visitors were good value for a fine victory.
**Wolves** and **Albion** ensured progress in the Women's National League Cup to earn a place in the quarter-final.
For Dan McNamara's in-form Wolves goals from Rachael Quigley, Beth Merrick and Charlotte Greengrass earned a straight-forward 12th consecutive win.
Australian forward Quigley nodded in to open the scoring five minutes before half-time before Merrick took the tie away from the Suffolk hosts, of the division below, early into the second half. Greengrass finished off good work from Amber Hughes late on to seal the win.
The Baggies joined their Black Country rivals in the last eight thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout success over lower-ranked Leeds United.
There was almost a shock at Alexander Stadium as Leeds led on half hour through Alice Hughes.
Siobhan Hodgetts-Still's hosts had to bide their time for a leveller but substitute Molly Keyhoe found it with a cool finish with just 20 minutes left shortly after her introduction.
Extra time led to spot-kicks and the Baggies prevailed 4-2 as keeper Lavarna Johnson made two saves and Monique Robinson netted the winner.
There was no joy for **Sporting Khalsa** as they bowed out the competition with a 3-2 defeat to Rugby Borough.
Goals from Olivia Stubbs and a Megan Cann consolation were not enough for the hosts.
**Stourbridge** and **Kidderminster Harriers** were without action over the weekend but prepare to travel to Northampton Town and Boldmere St Michaels respectively this weekend.
**Hednesford Town** also progressed in cup action as they booked their spot in the West Midlands Regional League Cup third round with a 3-1 success at AFC Telford United.
Madison Farley fired a second-half double for Town after Hazanna Parnell had the visitors level at the break.
Natasha Baptiste netted but could not prevent **Lye Town** exiting 2-1 at Shrewsbury.
Unbeaten Division One north leaders **Walsall** thrashed Crusaders 5-0 to reach the next round of the League Cup. Sarah Lampitt and Mia Fellows both struck doubles with Chloe Astell also on target.
**Chasetown** prevailed 3-0 winners over Newcastle Town and **Halesowen Town** crashed out 3-0 at Solihull.