Brian of Nazareth

Monday 16th The Times

Premiership Round Up
The Game

In another goal laden weekend of Premiership action there were home victories for Arsenal over Everton, Villa over Tottenham, Chelsea over Birmingham, Leeds over Charlton Liverpool over Manchester United, Newcastle over Southampton, West Brom over Blackburn and Middlesbrough over West Ham. Man City and Sunderland were the anomaly, both involved in a 0-0 draw at Maine Road. 27 goals all in all were scored and there were no away victories.

Result of the day came at Newcastle over Southampton. Although a victory for the St James Park side was hardly surprising, the 5 goals that came their way in the final 12 minutes was astonishing. Goal of the day was unquestionably Sylvain Wiltords’ 2nd and Arsenal’s 3rd against Everton. Breaking from a corner the ball found it’s way to the Frenchman courtesy of his compatriot Patrick Vieira and a stunning 45 yard run led to a delicately placed chip over the advancing Richard Wright, who’d had a bad day all round on his return to Highbury.

Further details can be found in match reports over the next few pages and don’t miss Frank Skinner’s rant on Refs.

There’s only Juan Angel
By Peter O’Malley

Juan Pablo Angel, Aston Villa’s Columbian import, was the difference on Saturday as the hosts overcame a tricky Spurs resistance. A brace from Angel and a third from third late on from Marcus Allback secured a fourth successive victory for the Midland side, the perfect preparation for Thursday’s tie with Maccabi Haifa.

As the match started, Villa were clearly the more confident side, taking risks and throwing caution to the wind. Glenn Hoddle’s side who now lie 17th after this result, were a little nervy after successive defeats to Liverpool and Newcastle preceding this match. Their nerves were further damaged when Aston took the lead just beyond the quarter hour mark.

Ledley King knocked the ball forward but only found the head of Welshman Mark Delaney. The defender knocked the ball into the path of scoring sensation Marcus Allback inside the Villa half and then the Swede played in Angel on the halfway line. Exploiting a gap in the Tottenham defence the Columbian ran through for 30 yards before striking home from the edge of the area to settle any nerves the home side may have had.

That goal woke Tottenham up and for a period they almost threatened to get back into the game but clearly lacking the confidence to go for the big passes or to shoot from distance serious threats were few and far between. As a result Villa soon re-established themselves upon the game and efforts by Thomas Hitzlesperger and Mustapha Hadji kept Neil Sullivan busy. Yet on the half hour point, it was 2-0 to Villa and a second for Angel.

The goal was a near carbon copy of the second although this time it was Hadji that knocked the ball into the path of Marcus Allback. The Swede ran a little further himself into the Tottenham half before letting Juan Angel run with the ball. The Columbian startled Ledley King with the neat footwork and the young defender was left staring as Angel fired a powerful effort past a helpless Neil Sullivan.

With that effort the game became a more settled tie with Villa brimming with confidence, passed the ball comfortably around the pitch, comforted by a 2-goal cushion. Tottenham seemed content to limit the rest of the half to damage limitation until the half time whistle blew.

In the second half chances were at a premium as an evidently chastised Spurs side were far more assured in defence and began to attack the home side. Robbie Keane and Simon Davies hit the cross bar and left post respectively in a much closer period. Both sides cancelled each other out with the fighting spirit and closing down play left the fans a little restless.

However with 4 minutes to go, 95% of the home fans were still there cheering the side on and were rewarded with a 3rd and final goal. Angel turned from goal scorer to provider after collecting the ball from a Gareth Barry throw in. Angel controlled the ball and waited for Allback to get in position before playing a superb chip pass to Allback who hit a shot first time curled around Neil Sullivan to seal the points.

Aston Villa 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0 Angel 16,31 Allback 87

Enckelman 7, Delaney 7, Barry 8, Mellberg 8, Johnsen 7, Hitzlesperger 8, Kallstrom 8, Hadji 8 (De la Cruz 62, 7), Kachloul 7, Allback 8, Angel

Brian of Nazareth

Wednesday 18th

www.avfc.co.uk

The official site reports various injuries afflicting Rod Davies side. Ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Maccabi Haifa, a training ground disaster saw Olof Mellberg Gareth Barry Kim Kallstrom and Marcus Allback all suffer painful leg injuries. Pulled hamstrings will keep Gareth Barry and Marcus Allback out for up to 3 weeks, with cartilage damage affecting Olof Mellberg and Kim Kallstrom for 2 weeks. We wish them well with their recovery. Sadly the manner in which the accident took place cannot be revealed for legal reasons.



Birmingham Evening Mail
Ellis and Ansell in Ferocious Attack
By I.B. Wondering

Former Aston Villa directors Mark Ansell and Peter Ellis, son of the late Doug Ellis have hit out at the clubs winning formula, claiming it to be nothing more than short-term success based on a weak financial base that will ultimately collapse. The two who could be seen as bitter about their departures also criticised the renaming of the Doug Ellis stand as a tactless and monstrous idea.

Speaking to a Mail journalist recently Mark Ansell insisted that the club was bound to fall on its sword sooner or later due to the reckless nature of the clubs financial management. “ As the former financial director of the club I know how to run a financial sound and stringent business without risking the administrators or the wrath of the creditors. Howard Hodgson is entitled to his views, but as far as I’m concerned his policy has all the hallmarks of failure.”

Mr. Ansell continued to highlight the risks being taken by the current board, when prudence was much the better path to take, insisting that despite the current success at Aston Villa, he would be prepared to return to his role.

“ By offering the players extended contracts at inflated wage prices the club are running a serious risk of getting themselves into financial difficulties. How long can they seriously expect to maintain such an ambitious ploy? It disgusts me they way that business is being run, and especially by that incompetent fool Hodgson. Howard has little regard for the sanctity of money. All I’ll say for now is that I will wait for the storm to blow over and will be ready to return when this farce diminishes.”

The astonishing attack came only a few weeks after he had been criticised by Hodgson himself. Ansell was joined by his former fellow director Peter Ellis, who was damning in his criticism of the renaming of the stand following his fathers’ death.

“ It is totally out of order what Hodgson and VFC have done. My father was a great who man who gave outstanding service to Aston Villa during his numerous years there. The majority of fans were actually in full support of the great man’s management of the club. Any failings on the pitch were purely the manager’s fault and no blame could be attached to a chairman who secured the future of this club. This is a disgraceful decision that is upsetting for all the family.”

The combined comments have been seen as a vicious and bitter attack on the club but a spokesperson for the club simply laughed off the comments as ”ridiculous words from desperate men, and as for the renaming of the stand the decision was a purely democratic one taken upon the basis of polls and views of the Aston Villa supporters themselves, not like the decision to call it The Doug Ellis Stand which was made on the decision of four director’s decisions, one related to the chairman in question. We feel that everyone will be happy with the decision to call it the Ron Saunders Stand who in fact achieved plenty in his time at the club."

Viewing the various fan sites on the Internet reveals that there is an overwhelming support for Villa Fans Combined and an equal distrust of Mark Ansell and Peter Ellis so hopefully this pitiful charade that has developed recently will end – if the former director’s can swallow their pride and congratulate the present regime.

nerf

It's like walking in a Villa wonderland *buys season ticket in the Ron Saunders stand*

This really is impressive BofN, KUTGW

Brian of Nazareth

It's the ideal fantasy world isn't it? It'll never happen but it's nice to dream :p

Friday 20th September

Birmingham Post
Rolling Rolling Rolling Villa Keep On Rolling!
By Jeff Tipps

It seems no matter what competition Aston Villa are in they seem to overcome the opposition with the ease. The latest victims were Israeli side Maccabi Haifa, opponents in the first round of the UEFA cup. At times Maccabi certainly more than held their own in this contest but finishing was clearly the difference as the home side practically secured their passage to the second round with a 4-0 victory.

On a sweltering September evening a strong Villa side made the early running with a control of the ball that most fans have now come to expect of the players and chances went awry long before they chalked up 1 on the ‘goals’ for column. To their credit though Haifa battled hard and it was evident from the Villa players reactions that they were in for a long night of hard work to earn their victory.

A decisive strike a quarter of the way through the match however seemed to settle the home side and swelled the ground with confidence that clearly emanated to the players. It arrived through none other than Darius Vassell who was back on the scoresheet for the first time since their last European foray – the 6-0 trouncing of French side Troyes. This early goal again was the benchmark for a comfortable victory, and again demonstrated the talent of the young International.

Taking the ball forward Ian Taylor played in Lee Hendrie and the young midfielder carried the ball towards goal before laying off Juan Pablo Angel on the left hand side of the penalty box and a first time cross was perfectly weighted for Darius Vassell to perform a stunning overhead kick ala his England debut goal against Holland. It was a wonderful goal that sent the 34,000 strong crowd into raptures.

Surprisingly however the Israeli side became the stronger side after the goal as they elected to attack with a greater ferociousness and just minutes later the away side were almost on level terms when Nir Azulay broke free from the watchful Olof Mellberg to find himself one on one with Stefan Postma who was making a rare start in goal. The Israeli rounded the keeper but his finish was agonisingly wide past the post.

Before the break however, the home side had established their dominance with a second goal, although this one arrived from the smallest man on the pitch. An attack from Hassan Kachloul down the left led to an inviting ball where Vassell seemed the favourite to reach it.

A none too subtle push from Amar was spotted by the linesman and the home side were awarded a penalty in front of the North Stand where the away fans barracked the ref constantly. Replays clearly support the referee’s decision and justice was completed when Aston Villa’s loyal left back Alan Wright slammed home the spot kick. Moments later the half time whistle blew.

That goal gave Villa a lift and instead of resting on their laurels the home team chose to push on in the second half to push the tie out of reach. As Rod Davies said afterwards “ It was vital that we continued in the same spirit as we had ended the first half to secure the victory. The away goals rule can bit you on the arse in Europe, as many Villa fans will know only too well, so a big victory always helps. Thankfully we did the job we needed to and once again Darius was superb.”

Vassells manager was spot on in his praise of the forward who completed his second hat trick of the season with 2 further well-timed goals to extinguish the Maccabi threat. The third Villa goal didn’t arrive until the 68th minute, but by then the superb Ian Taylor and Thomas Hitzlesperger had worn down the Israeli’s to such a degree that they were unable to cope with the pace and trickery of the forward partnership of Juan Angel and Vassell.

Having won a throw in down the left Alan Wright threw to Kachloul who played a first time ball to the other side of the box where substitute Stephen Davis knocked the ball into the path of Vassell who fired high into the roof of the net to put Villa in a commanding position.

By now the pace of the game had degenerated to walking speed with Haifa tired and worn out trying to grab an away consolation and the home side avoiding any injuries but another goal was forthcoming and it arrived once again through Darius Vassell, who made up for his 3 game blank with a second hat-trick.

A late attack from Villa forced a corner, which was taken by Stephen Davis. The youngster, already having set-up his sides’ third goal did his case for a major breakthrough no harm with a perfectly swung over corner that found the head of the diminutive Vassell who finished expertly to round off another successful evening in Europe for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa 4 Maccabi Haifa 0 Vassell 22, 69, 88 Wright 45

Post Man of the Match Darius Vassell A stunning performance from the Birmingham born striker. 3 fine finishes, 2 supplied by the promising Steven Davis, were fully deserved for his overall performance. Again the energy and sense of purpose are attributes that set him amongst the highest calibre of his generation. Providing he continues to progress as he is, there’s an outstanding future for this young man.

Philip Rolfe

I'm not sure if I've replied yet, but I'm really enjoying this, and am picking up tips for another I'm writing

spurzgrrl

Enjoyment all 'round, Brian.

Now get your hands off that Welsh tart and get back to revising for the exams, you!

Brian of Nazareth

Glad to be of assistance Junichi :eek:
FInished exams ages ago actually :p, but thanks for the support

[ Thursday 26th

The Times
Oldham Out as Youngster’s Stake A Claim
By Joe Peters

Rod Davies’ side emerged victor’s last night to become the first side through to the third round of the League Cup. Due to European complications Villa played their tie a week earlier than scheduled but Davies allowed a mix of experience and youth successfully to dispose of their less illustrious division 2 opponents.

Any early thoughts of an upset were put to rest after 26 minutes when Hassan Kachloul put the home side ahead. Ulises de la Cruz threw the ball in towards the young German Thomas Hitzlesperger who fired a cross-shot fiercely across the area and The Moroccan picked up the loose ball to fire home. From this point on it was one-way traffic as Villa dominated.

Youngsters such as Peter Whittingham and Stefan Moore were experiencing the first team action for the first team, and they didn’t look out of place. A more talented side may have secured victory before half time but as it was Oldham showed little sign of threatening Stefan Postma in the Villa goal.

After the break Oldham dominated the first 10 minutes but their failing to do anything worthwhile was costly and demoralising. The introduction of Steven Davis and Luke Moore added a youthful enthusiasm that helped to curb the financially stricken side. With 15 minutes to go the match was effectively sealed as Villa finally grabbed the goal that appeared a long time coming.

A pacy run from Villa’s second Moroccan Mustapha Hadji led to an inviting ball for Peter Crouch, making a rare start, to volley goal ward. The ball was tipped wide for a corner from which the lanky forward capitalised on an accurate cross from young defender Peter Hynes. Villa will now have to wait until next week before discovering their opponents.

Aston Villa 2 Oldham 0 Kachloul, Crouch

Postma 8, A Wells 8, Whittingham 7, Hynes 7, Johnsen (.c.), Hitzlesperger 8, Hendrie 7 (L. Moore 7), De La Cruz 7 (Davis 7), Kachloul 8 (Hadji 8), Crouch 8, Moore 8.

Brian of Nazareth

Monday 30th September


The Game – The Times

7 home victories, 2 away victories and 1 goal less 7 home victories, 2 away victories and 1 goal less draw. In all 24 goals were scored as places changed across the league. Surprise league leaders continued their fine form with another victory at home to Southampton, but Everton slipped away following their defeat to newcomers West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal are the highest place big sides lying in 3rd spot after their defeat of struggling Chelsea. Manchester United began to creep back towards the top as they beat rock bottom Fulham in one of the 2 away victories on Saturday. Elsewhere there were wins for Bolton Blackburn Leeds Man City and Newcastle over Spurs Middlesbrough Sunderland Birmingham and Charlton. Liverpool were held by West Ham in a dull 0-0 draw at Anfield.

This week Frank Skinner reports on the magic of supporting the true local club so look forward to tales of woe surrounding the Albion.


Surprise Leaders Take Spoils Again
By Jeremy Fisher

Once again it was a sell out crowd at Aston Villa on a cool dry afternoon as the Midlanders prepared to entertain their faithful. Following on from the abundance of goals in their European forays expectations were high but today yielded just the one goal. However for one youngster it was a moment to savour.

Making a first Premiership start of the season Stefan Moore was clearly buoyed on following his fine display in midweek against Oldham and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark, scoring within 40 seconds of the kick off.

Jlloyd Samuel won the ball in the air from a Fernandes high ball and knocked the ball down for Mustapha Hadji to collect. The Moroccan ran forward 20 yards past the sluggish Southampton players and played a precise ball for Juan Pablo Angel to latch onto. The Columbian ran further and let a stinging shot fly at the Southampton goal. Anti Niemi was equal to the task but the rebound fell straight into the path of Stefan Moore who gratefully took advantage.

The contrasting emotion from two individuals was exceptional. On the one hand young Stefan Moore was absolutely thrilled to grab his first goal for the club at senior level, yelling towards the Holte End with a grin even wider than Cherie Blair and on the other the fury emanating from Gordon Strachan was a sight to behold. Hell hath no fury like Gordon’s. A fourth official had to warn the Saints manager to restrain himself or face eviction from the dugout.

The scene was set for a big win now and the home fans sensed a goal rush. From the restart Villa, with confidence brimming high swarmed forward eager to bag another goal for the fans. Juan Pablo Angel went narrowly wide with a low drive and Stefan Moore forced a point plank save from Anti Niemi with in 5 minutes of the goal as the home team dominated proceedings.

Following on from these early efforts it was one way traffic. Southampton restricted Villa to long range efforts for much of the half but were almost punished shortly before the break when a weak pass from Anders Svensson gave Angel a chance to run through on goal. Niemi however was more than equal to the task tipping over the dipping drive.

After the break however the roles were reversed and the home team were on the back foot for much of the second period as Villa old boy Mark Draper threatened to level with some long range efforts and tantalising free kicks. One such free kick fell to James Beattie and the forward was inches away from evening up matters.

As the match wore on however it was hard to see where the next goal would arrive from. Villa were keen on protecting their lead and Southampton were having an unlucky afternoon in front of goal. Late on Stefan Moore went very close to settling the contest but his weak shot didn’t trouble Niemi.

Full Time: Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0 Stefan Moore

Enckelman 8, Samuel 8, Barry 8, Mellberg 8, Johnsen 6, Taylor 8, Hendrie 8, Hadji 9 Kachloul 8, Angel 8, Moore 8

Brian of Nazareth

October Claret & Blue

Well events seemingly couldn’t be better at Villa Park with results all in our favour – it’s another unbeaten month for Aston Villa and you won’t find any of us complaining. Its almost boring being so successful! First up this month Mark Delaney speaks to us about life at Villa and how he sees his future developing at club and country level.

C&B Thanks Mark for being such a sport and allowing to be interviewed for Claret and Blue. One would assume that you are in a positive frame of mind?

MD Well undoubtedly. Given the fine start we’ve enjoyed. Everyone loves turning up for training now – a chance to be a part of the league leaders side is a fantastic opportunity. Getting out there on the pitch with the fans singing in loud voice is just a fantastic feeling.

C&B How do you personally feel you’ve developed since you joined Villa?

MD Well of course when I first came to Villa it was a big step up from the Cardiff. I was settled at Ninian Park and enjoying my football. Ever since I first started out at Haverfordwest I never really dreamt about joining a Premiership side. The dream move was to sign up with Cardiff and I developed my game considerably, but when the chance to join Villa came up I found it hard to turn it down. John was a manager I liked for his hands on approach and he really helped me become the player I have. Now with the current gaffer in charge I’m happy with the way things have gone. My tackling has improved and I’ve learned to read the game a lot better.

C&B From a fans point of view there’s no doubt you’ve developed considerably here during your time and now you’re a firm fixture at right back. A position you now play in for Wales. How did it feel to receive your first cap?

MD It was the proudest moment of my life when Mark Hughes called me at home to say he was bringing into the squad. I couldn’t believe it when he first called. I honestly thought it was a joke. I’ll always treasure that moment.

C&B Now that you are established in the Wales squad are you confident of the future under Mark Hughes?

MD For the first time in a long time I feel we can qualify for a major tournament. Growing up as a boy it was always disheartening watching Wales play. We tried hard but always lacked quality and when the rankings put you below such sides as Uzbekistan you know you have problems. But now we have the talent available to go forward. Sparky is a great character and has really encouraged us to beat the best. It was very disappointing to lose to Finland recently but I’m sure we can recover from this set back and touch wood I’ll be able to play in a major tournament with Wales.

C&B With 17 caps to your name and at 26 some people are saying you are one of the best right backs in the country. How do you feel about that?

MD Slightly embarrassed actually. It’s a wonderful compliment you know but I can only concentrate on my own game.

C&B Of course, now with still a good long time to go in your career, aside maybe from playing in a major tournament with Wales?

MD Aside from that well I think my short term aim is purely to become the best I can and play regular football at the highest level. The UEFA Cup is a great competition but I’d like to think we are capable of reaching Champions League standards. That is the target we have to consider as I would love to mix it regularly with the top players and hopefully I can do that with Villa. The pride from wining the FA Cup would be great you know? Internationally – I’d love to play in a World Cup above anything to be honest. I know this seems like a list most people would put down but I enjoy winning, always have done since my Haverfordwest days.

C&B You certainly respect your roots, would you ever like to return to Wales? Obviously we hope you stay as long as possible but is there a desire there?

MD To be honest, yeah I think I’d like to spend my last year or two with Cardiff. I had a really good time there and I was very happy living in Cardiff but that’s not to say I’m unhappy here. The way things are going I might never want to leave but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

C&B Can’t say fairer than that I suppose Mark! As for this season is concerned, what can we expect to realistically achieve?

MD It’s difficult to say really. We’ve started excellently and if we keep that up who knows what we can achieve. Considering that start I’d say we have to be thinking of a top 4 finish at least. We’d love to be challenging for the title but I’m not sure if we have the depth to maintain this run. I think we are capable of challenging for a cup though. The League Cup is certainly possible though, especially if the big sides give scant regard for it – playing at the Millennium Stadium is always a great experience for me!

C&B Well thank you very much for that Mark. As ever our readers love to hear from their stars and they’ll appreciate the comments. Good luck for the future with club and country!

MD It’s no problem, I welcome these opportunities to speak to the fans.


There was the big Welsh interview for you then ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls. We hope you enjoyed reading it. Earlier today Mark signed a full Villa Kit with tickets for the first derby in 16 years with Birmingham City. with his number on the back and we are offering 1 lucky reader the chance to win it. To win, just answer this simple question:

When did Mark receive his first cap and who was it against?

Please send an S.A.E. with the answer to: October Delaney Competition, Claret and Blue Just For You, Villa Park, Birmingham B6 9lJ.

The prize includes 2 tickets for Aston Villa vs. Birmingham City, A signed home and away shirt with shorts socks and a pair of diadora boots. Please attach shoe size to your entry. 5 runners up will also win a pair of boots each. Closing date for entries is 25th October. For more and fun and games please turn to the back of the magazine.

Brian of Nazareth

cheers westhamfc10, not long to wait then as I meant to get this post up earlier but got dragged off foa tennis match instead

So far this season Dion Dublin has been kept relatively quiet this year given the form of Juan Pablo, Darius and Makan. However the big man kindly agreed to answer our ten computer generated questions.

Dion Dublin’s 10 Questions

53. What rule change would you like to see made to football?
Linesmen giving strikers the benefit of the doubt far more often.

06. What is your favourite meal?
Well I’m a professional so nothing beats Pasta although in the close season I’m partial to a Kebab and chips!

25. What do you want to do once your career is over?
[i] I dread to think! I hope it isn’t over for a while yet, but I definitely would like to pursue a coaching career and ultimately management. I’m taking a course at Lilleshall next summer.

13. Do you have any superstitions?
No! I’m not a superstitious person although some of the other lads have their bizarre ways.

72. Favourite holiday destination?
Well I was in Turkey last summer and I did have a really good time there, but I think of all time my favourite would have to be Mallorca, typically touristy but with good reason!

49. Including yourself, name a World All-Star XI
Right then, er well in goal I’d go for Peter Schmeichel – he was the best keeper I’ve ever seen including when he was here last year. In defence: Robby Carlos is one of the best so I’ll put him at left back, and probably his compatriot Cafu at right back. At the back I’ll plump for Paulo Maldini and Walter Samuel –I know Maldini plays on the left but I’ve seen him in the centre and he is superb. I’m going for a 433 so In midfield I’d have to put Patrick Vieira in there, he is simply outstanding, then I’m complementing him with Zinedine Zidane and Roy Keane. That’s a tough midfield to choose but up front I’m going for – apart from me – Raul and Thierry Henry who are easily the best strikers in the world. Spot the odd one out in that side!

11. Your shot is saved on the line – would you try and claim a goal?
I think any one would wouldn’t they? I wouldn’t protest too much about but if it was a crucial goal then definitely.

01. Would you rather win the World Cup or the FA Cup?
Now that’s a tough question! Erm for me I’d have to go for the World Cup. It’s the biggest event in football and is only once every four years so there’s
That extra pride I suppose.

76. If your house caught fire what possession would you most like to keep?
Aside from my family, I think my England cap. I was so proud when that call came, it is a memory that I will treasure for ever.

98. What was your worst football experience?
I find it hard to say. It’s a **** up between the two injuries really. The broken leg ended my career at Manchester United and I can only imagine what I could have done but more seriously at Sheffield Wednesday when my neck was in a brace. I was so scared I might never walk again that just to be playing again after that was nice.


September Match Summaries

Well once again it was another fine month for us wasn’t it? Victories in Europe, the League and the League Cup were part of an unbeaten month. The first half belonged to Marcus as the Swedish sensation secured fine away victories against first Bolton in the 1-0 win and then the 2 against Fulham days later.

Following the international break where our stars enjoyed mixed results was a return to Villa Park for first a home tie with Tottenham Hotspurs and then Maccabi Haifa in Europe. First up it was fan favourite Juan Pablo Angel who helped propel us to victory against the London side with 2 excellent goals and another for Allback before his injury blow.

That victory maintained our customary early season lead at the top of the table and confidence was high. Given how we have fallen away after early promise before optimism is understandably cautious. Of course after the bizarre diatribe emitting from the confused Mark Ansell we returned to face Haifa and Darius marked his return to the scoresheet with a fine hat trick. Even little Alan Wright managed to get in on the act. The match also saw the emergence of young Steven Davis to the fore and he certainly appears one to watch.

The winning streak did not stop there of course as domestic progress continued with success over Oldham in the league cup 2nd round. Never a truly testing encounter but nevertheless a chance for the young ones to shine and shine they did. Few people attended the encounter but I can assure you there are players of the future there and Stefan Moore was fully deserving of his Man of the Match Award. Hassan Kachloul and Peter Crouch secured the victory. After that it was back to the league and the ever tough Southampton came to visit. However I’m sure all of us will remember Stefan’s first senior goal that ultimately won it for us. With September a truly successful month – let us hope October reaps similar rewards.

September Results

Bolton Wanderers 0 Aston Villa 1 - Allback
Fulham 1 Aston Villa 2 - Allback 2
Aston Villa 3 Tottenham Hotspur 1 - Angel 2, Allback
Aston Villa 4 Maccabi Haifa 0 - Vassell 3, Wright [UEFA]
Aston Villa 2 Oldham Athletic 0 - Kachloul, Crouch
Aston Villa 1 Southampton 0 - S.Moore