Sam Hardy returns in goal for the first time in twelve games to taste defeat against his former club as Villa are beaten for the sixth time in nine.

Villa play their fourth different 'keeper in four games as Hardy finally returns from his injury to replace Ed Wright, who replaced Cyril Spiers (four goals conceded in one game), who replaced Jim Lee (eight goals conceded in two games).

Villa fail to score and also lose for the 9th time in 12 New Years Day fixtures

Villa play a home match on New Years Day for the first time in history having previously played 11 successive away fixtures on 1st January.

Villa make it ten wins, four draws and nine defeats in twenty three division one games.

Villa had played their first New Years Day fixture in January 1891 and have had to wait 30 years for a home game.

Villa remain joint 8th in the table.