GOLDEN GOALS

With the plethora of football videos around, including "101 Great Goals" I've often thought about such a video such a video devoted to the Villa. Here's my selection of favourites over the time I've followed the team. Obviously, many were not televised so the video is for me to watch in my dreams.

1. Ray Graydon v Oldham, 10th. April 1972 Division 3.
Cut in from the left wing and hit a screamer from thirty yards into the top right hand corner for a last minute winner.

2. Ray Graydon v Norwich, 1st. March 1975 League Cup Final.
Because it's the only cup final we've ever won at Wembley in my lifetime. My joy was unconfined - the feeling lives on in the memory.

3. Andy Gray v Ipswich, 4th. September 1976 Division 1.
Any one of a brilliant hat - trick, all scored at the Holte End. A superb diving header, going in amongst Kevin Beatties studs, and two shots into the corner.

4. Ray Graydon v Ipswich 4th. September 1976 Division 1.
John Gidman crossed to the far post and Graydon hit a first time volley like a rocket. It was unreal to see four truly great goals in one half of a match.

5. Brian Little v Millwall 1st. December 1976 League Cup Round 5.
Broke from inside our own half having collected a clearance after a Millwall corner and showed great control in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper.

6. Brian Little v Liverpool 15th. December 1976 Division 1.
Best of the goals in the legendary 5 - I match. Curled a shot into the top left corner front the right hand side of the penalty area making Phil Thompson look silly. This match was a privilege to watch.

7. Gary Shaw v Bristol City 29th. December 1979 Division 1.
Picked up the ball midway into the opponents half with only one idea - to score. Hit a thirty yard volley into the top left corner which the goalkeeper didn't even see.

8. Alan Evans v Blues 11 th. October 1980 Division 1.
A free kick was chipped into the penalty area, Evans controlled the ball on his chest and as it dropped he swivelled to volley home from twelve yards out. A vital winner to show the Blues what class is all about, in our championship season.

9. Peter Withe v Albion 5th. April 1981 Division 1.
Albion passed back for ten minutes non-stop. Eventually, Batson under hit one in the last minute and Withe intercepted to flick the ball over Godden. A great touch by Withe, rapture for me.

10. Eamonn Deacy v Norwich 5th March Division 1.
A move from one end of the pitch to the other resulted in "Killer" scoring his only first team goal with a rasping twenty yard drive. Whatever(or whoever) he kicked stayed kicked.

Mark Smith.