"We have recently introduced a new training routine which is aimed at chipping halls against the crossbar. "We have done what we can to improve it [the notoriously poor Villa Park pitch] and it will see us through to the end of the season. "But it is still slowing everything down and is probably to the advantage of visiting sides. "When the ball pitches it tends to stop or stand up. It is difficult to keep the game flowing. "However, we had our chances to put a few goals away and although we hit wood more than once there comes a time when you must cease to call it bad luck and blame bad marksmanship. "When you are creating regular chances and half-chances and nothing is going in the players are bound to get a bit edgy." Ron Saunders.