Even the nationals led with the headline news of a shocking refereeing decision to allow Cardiff's winner. "Cardiff's corner on the left was cleared, but went to their back, Alex Milne. He lobbed the ball back into the Villa penalty area, and there was Tapscott, out on-his own and looking yards offside. But referee Collinge allowed play to continue; and all " Tappy " had to do was nod his head and send the bail past helpless Nigel Sims."

Joe Mercer’s Villa end 1961 with two successive losses to make it nine wins, five draws and nine defeats in twenty three Division One games this season.