Already two down to an early brace from Boyle a bizarre incident occurs just before half time that consigns Villa to a second successive defeat for the first time in 1925-26 and only their third defeat in fourteen.

With Sheffield United attacking Cyril Spiers saves but Tunstall again reaches the ball and shoots, Spiers again intercepted only for Gillespie to challenge as Spiers attempted to clear with the ball in his hands.

Gillespie attempted to kick the ball out of Spiers' hands and turned, ball in hand, and struck Gillespie in the face.

Referee Bunnell immediately dismissed Spiers from the field of play and awarded a penalty to the home team with full back Tommy Mort taking over in goal.

Following the incident both Gillespie and Spiers were adamant it was a pure accident but the only opinion that mattered - that of the referee - differed.

Spiers would receive a month suspension from playing beginning with the Manchester City fixture on 28 November

Len Capewell scores for the fifteenth time in fourteen games

Villa make it six wins, five draws and three defeats in their fourteen division one matches.

Villa fall back to joint fourth, level on points with reigning champions Huddersfield who they face next.