They allow visiting supporters into Kenilworth Road these days, and there’s grass on the pitch too.

The only artificial aspect of Saturday afternoon in fact was a feeble Villa performance as they were comprehensively beaten 2-0.

For the second consecutive away fixture, Ron Atkinson’s men subjected their loyal followers to 90 minutes of tired, laboured football - and found they had run out of excuses.

Villa were lethargic from the outset and became more uncomfortable as Luton’s confidence blossomed.

It was a mixed debut for Mark Bosnich. The 20 year old Australian kept the score in reasonable proportions with two outstanding first half saved but was later booked for ungentlemanly conduct after a dash to the touchline.