3-1

What a pity Andy Gray is Scottish. Isn’t it enough for us poor English supporters to suffer the steady decline of the national team without having to watch the emergence of a star of the calibre of Villa’s young Scot? If this sounds like sour grapes it is. And the only consolation is that Gray, signed by Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders for £110,000 from Dundee United, is playing for an English club here in the Midlands.

Against Everton, Gray completely overshadowed his counterpart Bob Latchford, signed from Birmingham for £350,000, scoring two fine goals to take his tally to five in nine games.

“I was surprised by the amount of space I had to move in,” said Gray after the match, “especially as Everton were playing with three central defenders.

“I am really enjoying my game at Villa now but it has been difficult. At first I had to build up a partnership with Brian Little and then when he was injured I had to start all over again with John Deehan.”

Gray’s individual contribution to Villa’s win may have been outstanding but it would be unfair to single him out as the key factor in his side’s success for this was a fine all-round team performance.

Villa went ahead in the 23rd minute after John Gidman, who was also in brilliant form, had pushed a long ball to Ray Graydon on the right. Running into the Everton area, Gray headed home Graydon’s cross.

Although Villa continued to dominate they failed to make use of the many chances they created and Everton gradually came back into the game. And just when it seemed that the Merseysiders would equalise Villa added their second in the 69th minute.

Gathering a perfectly placed midfield pass from Deehan, Gidman, who had made several devastating runs, hit a low, hard ball across the Everton goalmouth. Graydon and Ken McNaught both went for the ball. McNaught got there first - and turned it into his own net.

Shots by Chico Hamilton and the hard working Frank Carrodus threatened to sink Everton before George Telfer pulled a goal back for Everton ten minutes later. But Villa remained in control and with three minutes to go Gray made sure that the scoreline truly reflected their superiority.