Ray Graydon kept Aston Villa on the First Division promotion path with two more fine goals against Nottingham Forest and afterwards had a sympathetic word for fellow striker Keith Leonard.

The top marksman in League Football League with 26 goals, shared Leonard’s embarrassment at his record which has brought him only one goal in 12 Second Division matches this season.

Said Graydon: “The big fellow is feeling a little upset at his lack of goals but everyone has told him not to worry. He has done a great ‘job for us giving every centre-half he plays against all sorts of trouble.

“The goals will come. Indeed, he could have been a scorer against Forest if Paul Richardson had not handled his header five minutes from time. It was a clear penalty but the referee didn’t see it.”

Leonard was certainly very unlucky not to have scored with the header and also minutes earlier when only over-anxiety prevented him from netting from close range. But the Birmingham-born striker can take full credit for his valuable assistance in Brian Little’s winning goal in the 67th minute. He jumped perfectly to meet Graydon’s left-wing corner, having drawn goalkeeper John Middleton off his line, and Little smartly hooked the ball into the net.

Villa thoroughly deserved their fifth away League success of the season after falling behind to a shock 15th minute goal from John O’Hare, who was making his home debut.

Their defence was caught napping as Barry Butlin headed John McGovern’s right-wing corner against the upright and O’Hare reacted quickly to push the ball over the line.

Forest’s second goal after 40 minutes was also due to shortcomings in defence.

Chris Nicholl lost the ball in the mud and Butlin hit a spectacular shot over Jimmy Cumbes’s head.

Ron Saunders, Villa’s manager, was justifiably annoyed afterwards. “They were two stupid goals to give away,” he said. “But I thought we showed our class and character in the second half.”

Graydon, who had twice pulled Villa back with his goals in the 29th and 42nd minutes, might well have had a hat-trick as he again showed why he has been voted the best right-winger in the division. He, Little and Leonard gave the Forest defence a nightmare time after the interval.

With an attacking display which had a First Division look stamped all over it. Chico Hamilton, who was booked for a 43rd minute tackle on George Lyall, was less effective, but he was suffering from an ankle injury.

Brian Clough, Forest’s manager, who was confined to bed recovering from pneumonia, might have suffered a relapse if he had been present to see how easily his defence was pierced.

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*Birmingham Daily Post*
Monday, 10 March 1975

Gidman must stay

John Gidman, Aston Villa’s unsettled England Under 23 full-back, will today have his transfer request turned down.

Gidman, who is rated in the £200,000 class, plans a showdown meeting this morning with manager Ron Sunders at Bodymoor Heath training ground.

Saunders was, not available for comment yesterday, but we understand the Liverpool-born player will be informed that he must stay with the club.