December begins with a trip to Filbert Street where Stan Horne (6 for 0) made his debut. Leicester suffered a blow when centre-half King was injured in a clash with Hateley and spent the remaining seventy minutes operating at centre-forward. That and Sims and Sleeuwenhoek may in part account for the Foxes nil. The Villa nil can be accounted for as much to Gordon Banks as to poor finishing. A point is a point but 21,402 got what they paid for.

Nottingham Forest are next on the agenda for a game of insufferable inexactitude – in keeping with the title of this article. With a front line which included Pountney and Horne who offered precious little support to Hateley the remarkable thing is that we were credited with three goals – all virtually by accident rather than any constructive play. Burrows – his first of the season from a deflection (24) and MacEwan from a shot out of nowhere (25) and a generous own goal by Whitefoot ((36) gave the meagre crowd of 14,216 something to tell the absentees about. Forest spent the game tip tapping their way to nowhere such that Sims was totally untroubled throughout.

FA Youth Cup 2nd round Aston Villa Youth 3 West Bromwich Albion Youth 0.

Given our lack of home support the surprising thing is that British Railways ran an excursion train to Blackburn on Christmas Shopping Saturday. New Street dep 9.30 Blackburn arr 1.58 including a change between stations at Manchester providing an alternative shopping venue (Fare 27/- £1.35). I have no recollection as to how many Villa fans made the journey but it would not have been many. To make matters worse it was a bitterly cold day and the game should not have been played on a rock-solid pitch more suitable to a performance of Swan Lake.

Blackburn Rovers won because they had the only player on the pitch able to cope with the conditions. Pickering (23 & 47) putting the ball out of reach of the tracksuited Sims. 17,095 saw Blackburn become surprise league leaders.

Christmas could mean only one thing – Wolverhampton. Molineux on Boxing Day but at least the trains were running. An attendance, 27,569, in keeping with our league positions. They too were also having a poor season, fourteenth to our seventeenth. The referee, our nemesis Ernie Crawford, must have been surprised as any after a goalless first half – but only because he had once judged Pountney to have been offside! Surely not! After twice hitting the bar it was clear that Santa Claus had not left us any presents.

All the more so when Wolves woke up and went on the rampage. Wharton evaded Aitken (55) and Crawford kneed one in (58) and a more conventional shot (61). Game over! No! Pountney from close in (66) then Crowe crossed the halfway line and met a pass to score (74). From then on it was all Villa. Mr Crawford could afford to ignore the premature whistles from the home supporters but he could not ignore the inevitable header from Hateley (90).

We had to wait until Saturday for the return. Encouraged by what had just happened 34,187 made the effort and were rewarded with a repeat. But we had pounded them for fifteen minutes without success when the inevitable happened – a breakaway goal. Crawford (16). Then the cease continued resulting in Burrows thrashing home (32). After a half=time nip of whisky the excitement was quickly resumed with Crowe – Chris, their Crowe not ours – heading in from a corner (47) to be followed in a thrice by Burrows who volleyed in from a corner from the opposite wing (49). As the excitement continues, better finishing and we have won a memorable victory but two exciting draws had us looking forward eagerly to the FA Cup.

We had been drawn at home to fourth division Aldershot, Blues to third division Port Vale. In the absence of an influx of visiting fans it was decided that both games to kick off at the same time. A very unusual double header. Saturday three o’clock. The 21,912 at Villa Park saw everything they expected except an avalanche of goals. What they saw instead was a remarkable goalkeeping display by David Jones who singlehandedly prevented any one of the innumerable shots from reaching their target, including a penalty from Hateley. Playing in white shirts and black shorts we gave a perfect imitation of the ghost seen the previous evening. At least at nil-nil we would live to fight another day. Cheered up by the fact that 21,615 had seen Blues defeated one-two.

We had been drawn at home to division two Swindon Town in round four and as we set off for Hampshire nobody expected it to be otherwise. Surely Jones could not have a day like it again. But in a libretto straight out of a Wagner opera he did not need to. Inspired by what Jones had achieved at Villa Park each and every player from Aldershot had the game of their lives. Villa played just as they had always done at Aldershot on their friendly visits there to play a team from the British Army over the last thirty years. It little mattered that both the Aldershot goals had a touch of good fortune about them. Towers direct from a corner (68) and Palethorpe direct from a free-kick (78). There was a touch of irony in the second goal in that Chris Palethorpe was the son of Jack Palethorpe, a Villa irregular in the late thirties.

But that was as nothing to the fact that our only goal only came from Hateley in the very last seconds. 1-2 serves only to flatter us and make it look closer than it really was. Had they printed and handed out ‘death cards’ on the way out, such as were the vogue decades past, 13,566 would have had something more tangible than the programme to remember the disaster by. But to any Villa supporter there the events are embossed in the memory bank as still the greatest humiliation to befall us.

It would have taken more than Stanley Matthews, now back with Stoke City, to persuade fans to show up at Villa Park on Saturday after the events of Wednesday evening. Only 14,191 did so – by far the lowest top-flight attendance of the day – and a season’s low in a season of low attendances. Woosnam, who had missed the Aldershot debacle, returned from wherever and we were fortunate that Blackpool were now in decline without their talisman. Sims captain in the absence of Crowe and Fraser at outside-right suggested that we were not going to be an attacking force.

But it was Aldershot last week all over again until eventually Woosnam wove his magic and converted a pass from Fraser (27). Only for Ball to conjure up a response (58) and there was a feeling that we had been here before. But step forward the old Hateley – somewhat belatedly – with a header and there was a feeling Blackpool, who had gone ten games without a win, were on the way to an eleventh failure. A fact confirmed by Woosnam again who ensured flagging sales of the Sports Argus would get a boost.

Another early arrival in Paddington (10.30 – Snow Hill dep 8.15) leaving plenty of time to get to Stamford Bridge. Useful though for those who preferred instead to go shopping in Oxford Street. Another icebound pitch. We created enough chances to have won but so too did Chelsea. Their one success to our none coming after Bridges raced through alone (70). At least the railways now allowed us to return at 7.10 for the excursion fare 25/6 rather than the midnight newspaper train as previously.

FA Youth Cup Rnd 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers Youth 1 Aston Villa Youth 0.

Annoyingly back to back visits to London but this time to White Hart Lane and this time by car with Don and Brian with the added benefit returning straight after the final whistle and of being at home by 7.40. It would be nice to be able to report that our journey had been necessary but no visit to Tottenham had ever come within that category. Out of the cup – beaten by Chelsea in a replay – they were top of the league and as such 36,394 anticipated a home banker. Ill-equipped to do anything to upset them we somehow managed to keep Spurs out until teenage debutant Possee had netted (17) followed quickly by Dyson (26). At this point it was really game over and the surprise is that it took Greaves so long to get his usual goal against us (62). A consolation penalty from Burrows (83) was really no consolation.

Another London club – West Ham United. 16,721 gave up on an afternoon of wrestling and darts to be there. They even saw Burrows shoot us into the lead (11) until we lost the ability to add to it. We paid the penalty when Hurst sped through (25). Woosnam promised better things to come when he expressed satisfaction at scoring against his former mates (50). We might have gone on to an easy win against a team with one eye on the cups were it not for Hateley being carried off after an encounter with Moore which incurred the wrath of the crowd and Woosnam was also wounded. Hurst used his head (66) whereupon a truce was called.

With Hateley injured, Woosnam was chosen at centre-forward for the visit to Bramall Lane and he proceeded to confound veteran Joe Shaw and some of his own colleagues all afternoon. Not least after Wylie scored with a curling shot from the edge of the area (7). This should have been the prelude to feast of goals – should! The inevitable happened just after the hour. Who else but Pace scored (62). But try as he did he could not add further to his tally against us. 1-1 14,740. The missing millions are still missing.

Due to the FA Cup rnd 5 we had to wait until Wednesday evening to welcome champions in waiting Liverpool. I find it incredible to report that still suffering from the ‘Aldershot effect’ the attendance was a mere 13,793. Even more incredible is that after just nine minutes we led by two goals. Wylie caught Lawrence out of position (5) and Lawrence again went charging out to meet Burrows who lobbed the ball over him (9). Sadly for us Sims committed the same crime only for Arrowsmith to complete the same trick as Burrows (18). Liverpool then showed why they are where they are and why and the magic faded after St. John (30) equalised. But the excitement continued right up to nine o’clock sufficient surely to bring a few fans back on Saturday.

But only 27,273 for a local derby against the Baggies at least a few of whom must have come from Staffordshire. Again the stayaways showed uncanny judgement because it proved to be a first division game in name only that would have disgraced a game in nearby Dartmouth Park. The only positive thing to report is that we changed from boots to training shoes at half=time and then managed to keep our feet sufficient for Woosnam to score due to the foresight of Burrows. (82).

With Liverpool drawn at home in the sixth round we were obliged to go to Goodison Park on a Friday evening on the mid-afternoon service train. Given the attendance quoted in this seasonal story so far the first remarkable thing about the game was a crowd numbering 50,292. Quite normal for Everton who regularly had crowds of over 60,000 at the time. But Burrows reduced them to near-silence when with help from Woosnam following a typical shot (6).

Then the game descended into farce. Referee Holiam twisted a knee and was replaced by the senior linesman who was quite clearly overawed by the task he now faced in from of a crowd prepared to bait him at every opportunity. Worse. Under protest from Villa his place was taken firstly by an Everton reserve before a qualified official was found to take over. Wylie was kicked in the stomach and had to replace his torn shirt but the response of the referee was to lecture Wylie rather than the offender. Everton were clearly intend on taking advantage of the inexperience of the officials.

Then in diving at the feet of an Everton forward Sidebottom was injured but resumed after treatment. Except that shortly afterwards, with play in the Everton half and no other player within forty yards of him he simply folded over having suffered belatedly from concussion for which he was taken to hospital. Sleuwenhoek took over the green jersey. Stevens was clearly offside when he equalised (43). The referee clearly stood staring at the replacement linesman who stared back hardly daring to raise his flag. Continuing to use every trick in the book to put one over the inexperienced officials it is no surprise that despite the best efforts of our deputy custodian Everton scored from a penalty from Vernon as a consequence of a last=ditch tackle.

Then the swirling fog came giving the referee every cause to abandon proceedings. But instead he allowed goals by Young ((67) and Scott (75), apparently from who received the customary handshake. The offender escaped punishment when Aitken needed treatment and likewise when Graham was otherwise given credit for a late consolation (84). The fog had been worse inside the ground than to the south and I was fortunate in getting a lift home. If ever there was a case for having a game declared nul and void it was this totally unsatisfactory affair. A major talking point on the terraces next day at Aston Villa Reserves 3 Sheffield Wednesday Reserves 1.

Next the two first teams met in Aston and an attendance of 13,875 tells you everything you need to know as to what Villa supporters thought of all things Villa. And that fact that it was a bitterly cold day. The cockles of the heart were barely warmed by a game in which we should have scored a hatful of goals but had to be content with two. Hateley (19) and Aitken his very first after fully five years in the colours (84) to make up for the penalty conceded after he temporarily played handball. The aptly nicknamed Broncho Lane had headed beyond debutant goalkeeper Bob Wilson (6) and again from the said penalty (77 pen).

Friendly: Portsmouth 2 Aston Villa 1 Wylie (20) Summersby (23) McClelland (38). Absent!

Despite being unbeaten at home in the last twelve games there was still no incentive to go to see the likes of Fulham and only 11,427 passed through the turnstiles. The Grand National being on the television did not help. The returning Ewing added a touch of sparkle. Burrows finally put the ball beyond Macedo (33) but Fulham came back with two goals by Leggat in three minutes (60 & 63) from unforgivable lapses in defence. But just as it appeared Fulham were about to steal two undeserved points Tindall (9 from 134) scored from the edge of the area.(71). The referee had not endeared himself to we who were few.

If attendances were dismal in the second city consider how bad they were at Bolton where only 8,348 bothered to turn out to see their relegation-threatened team on Easter Saturday. Once again we failed to register an easy win after going behind to Davison (15). This after Wylie had raced fifty yards unchallenged only to give Hopkinson an easy save. At least Hateley gave him no chance with a header (19) and might reasonably have done so a few more times. A point lost, the biggest gainers on the afternoon were Birmingham City in their relegation struggle with Bolton. Unusually we had shared an excursion train with Wolverhampton Wanderers fans going to Old Trafford (2-2). If there was any animosity it went unreported.

Then having done Birmingham City a favour by denying Bolton Wanderers a point it was now our task to help Bolton by denying Birmingham City four points over Easter Monday and Tuesday. Blues had gone eleven games without a win although they had just scored three goals in ten minutes in a four-three defeat at Chelsea. But with home advantage if there is such a thing, it was an opportunity to send them back to the second division. But because we lacked conviction despite total domination of the game we fluffed it. With our succession of corner kicks to their two if ever a three=goal scoreline went the wrong way this was it.

After Withers in the Blues goal had kept us at bay for half an hour Blues scored with their first shot of the game, Hellawell (32). Harris put Blues two ahead as the Villa defence, experts at the offside tactic, stood staring in vain at a man with a flag (46). The final insult came when Mr Lynn scored from the spot (63). 25,797 had chosen not to go to Weston super Mare for the day but maybe wished they had.
As extra punishment we had to go to see it all again next day in Bordesley Green. Blues unchanged, Pountney for Sleeuwenhoek and curiously, Chatterley for Wylie at inside-left.

Expectation of a classic was not in the mind set of the 28.069 But Chatterley was the revelation scoring after Withers had difficulty dealing with a shot by Baker (2). Then Tindall shooting in (13) as we seemed hell bent on whiping out the memory of yesterday. But Pountney needlessly tripped Auld and Wilson was not going to challenge Sidebottom for penalty ‘save of the century’ Lynn (16 pen). When Leek headed in a centre from Hellawell disaster was once again on the cards. But against expectations we rallied and Chatterley repeated his initial strike (29). Whereupon things calmed down a bit although there was no let-up in the tension. Revenge should have been ours until Bloomfield dribbled through a tired defence and reduced the rush to the exits (90). Such were the celebrations on the field that the trainer had to come on to treat a Blues player injured in the melee before they could complete the ritual at the centre circle to confirm the result.

Burnley were obliged to visit Villa Park and history was satisfied when Hateley finally managed to convert two of the many chances which had already come his way (55 & 59). But it was not a pretty sight. Only 14,269 so many must already have been considering whether to renew their season tickets.

Monday night at eight o’clock – a popular post=war radio programme – but 7.30 actually, at Old Trafford. Only the supremely optimistic made the journey to be amongst the 26,072. Reduced to ten men throughout the second half following an injury to Fraser we proved to be masters of the offside tactic frustrating Law and his team of hitmen over two dozen times. The impatient crowd gave vent to their feelings mainly because they had already seen their title hopes disappear at Anfield forty-eight hours earlier. Pity of it was for us that Denis Law had already tapped the ball past Wilson (28) and that with Horne leading the line our prospects of an equaliser were reduced.

Unlikely champions two seasons ago every team saw kudos in beating Ipswich Town and now bottom they were manifestly not up to the challenge. But with our hopes on Villa finally halting the Liverpool monopoly when it came to the Central League our thoughts were back home when we took our place on the Russell Road terrace at Portman Road. Even a win would probably not be enough to save them but they played as if their very lives depended on it. Which perhaps in terms of livelihood that was probably true for most of them. 11,658 optimists cheered them on more in thanks for past glories than what they saw this afternoon. After Tindall miscued Broadfoot gave Ipswich the lead (21) only for Pountney to shoot home from distance (31). Then Wylie netted from a melee (62) and we began instead to wonder how the reserves were getting on.

Then Baker beat Wilson, who had earlier produced a sensational save from him (70). Plus Broadfoot, subject of speculation as an addition to our staff – scored (77) but even so we did not buy him. 2-3. However Pountney proved himself a better marksman than those in front of him (82) and we figured a point was a point, whatever. But whatever it was not. Forever susceptible to opposition corners Baxter earned some applause but for Ipswich it was already too late (90).

All game I had had my eye on a telephone box just outside the ground. It was empty so I dashed over to it and rang my boss at Villa Park anxious to know the reserves result. But nearly five minutes after the final whistle he and the dozens still gathered beneath the Aston End scoreboard still did not know the Ipswich result. So I became first with the news. The reserves beat Derby County Reserves 2-1.

The Lord Mayor’s Trophy was again at stake when we travelled to St Andrews again for the first leg. The youths managed to provide us with plenty of goals and plenty of misses. 3-3.

Leicester City arrived for a non-game and we provided very little in the way of optimism for next season for the 18,322 who gave up their afternoon. Lethargy prevailed and the visitors strolled to an easy victory. Riley (17) Sweenie (23) Gibson (78) and Deakin (78) at least ensuring that at 1-3 it was not the nil-nil it merited.

Next we arrived at Villa Park in the wind and rain for the second leg at least expecting us to win a trophy on our own ground. And that was it way it seemed to be the case when with only nine men throughout the second half. Griffiths a broken wrist – from the 16th minute – and Parker a fractured jaw – Davies had the audacity put us ahead (80). But it was not to be. In the dying seconds Lowe spoilt the party and nobody was told who got the trophy for the first six months.

There was now the not so little matter of the Central League. With no first team game to distract us we put out the full first eleven against Newcastle United Reserves. Every game every goal demands that I record Hateley (6 & 54) Chatterely (22, 45 pen & 73) Baker (29 & 80). So we did get to win half a trophy at Villa Park after all even if we did not get to see it presented.