Two centre forwards with plenty to prove provided the most memorable opening day moments as Aston Villa and Wolves endeavoured to overcome a stifling, steamy heat which almost suffocated the players and the game.

Scottish international Andy Gray scored his 50th league goal which gave Villa their narrow 1-0 win to remind watching Scotland manager, Ally MacLeod the he still the best man for the dark blue international shirt.

And Wolves lanky striker Norman Bell, a 69th minute substitute for Mel Eves, misses an open goal which would have given the Molineux men a point that nobody could have begrudged them.

Macleod will shortly have to select his side for the European Championship game against Austria in three weeks time, and the 22-year-old Villa Park goal-ace could not have chosen a better occasion to reach his half century.

Gray timed his 60th minute run perfectly to connect with full back Gordon Smith’s left wing cross and put it over the line before Bob Hazell and John McAlle realised the danger.

In the process Gray injured his thigh, and was soon pulled off. But manager Ron Saunders is confident that he will be fit for Wednesday’s game at Tottenham.

It was a different story for the luckless Bell who toe-ended a 76 minute equalising chance high over Villa’s crossbar from just five yards out with only goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer to beat.

Apart from Gray’s goal there was little else to get excited about in Villa’s display after Wolves had won territorial advantage in the first half with their unusual 3-5-2 formation.