Aston Villa were spared the embarrassment of an undeserved home defeat by Burnley veteran Peter Noble, who scored both goals in this bizarre encounter at Villa Park.

Said Villa manager Ron Saunders after the game: “If we had taken our chances in the first half then there would have been no contest. We started reasonably well but without doubt we had a poor game.

Villa certainly did have a poor game, showing only glimpses of the sort of form that won them promotion last season.

And this inability to put their game together was reflected on the terraces where slow hand clapping broke out twice during second half.

“I can appreciate how the supporters felt” said Saunders, “They had the same feeling as the players and were entitled to slow-hand clap. Burnley built a defensive wall and therefore the game became a poor spectacle.”

As the first half reached its climax and Villa’s constant attacks produced no results so the rot set in. And after the break so many mistakes were made that it looked as if the Midlanders had pressed their self-destruct button.

First lan Ross made a back pass straight onto the feet of Frank Casper and then Leighton Phillips completely miskicked a clearance which led to Noble scoring Burnley’s goal - his 14th of the season - in the 50th MINUTE.

Mick Docherty pounced on Phillips’ mistake and crossed to Brian Flynn whose first time shot was brilliantly blocked by John Burridge but Noble swept the loose ball into the net.

Villa never gave up, especially up front where Andy Gray, Frank Carrodus and Ray Graydon always looked dangerous, and their efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute with the equaliser.

A shot by Charlie Aitken went through the legs of Carrodus and went into the net off Noble’s legs.
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*Birmingham Daily Post*
Monday, 27 October 1975

Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders has been promised more cash to buy new players to consolidate the club’s First Division status.

The Villa Board have shelved plans to build a modern super stand at the Witton End and placed their priorities instead on building a super team.

Said Saunders last night “It has been decided that the team must come first and I am actively engaged in trying to strengthen our squad.

“But at the moment there is nothing In the pipe-line, although the position could change.

“We have, of course, already improved the squad with the signings of John Burridge and Andy Gray.”

The injuries to Keith Leonard and Brian Little, who enters hospital today for a cartilage operation, have highlighted Villa a need to sign new men.