Aston Villa vs PNE review

A good game, good atmosphere and a good day overall. The day started early, early trains and plenty of alcohol to go. It was cold, foggy, miserable and typical English weather in winter. We walked a long way, got our drinks, pictures and saw things (like homeless men asking for money whilst walking up and down the a road, weird). We made it to Witton from Birmingham, drank some terrible cider and made our way to Villa Park. A traditional, old stadium with it being typically enclosed. The view at the top of the away end isn't great but who cares, you can see the pitch and all the action so all is good. You can really create a good atmosphere with the end being so closed in. The songs echo, it is good. In terms of the match, despite the score, there wasn't a lot of chances. When there were chances to score, they went in. Villa's first goal was scrappy. Ball played in, Maxwell in goal misjudges and takes a clattering but not before Agbonlahor nudged the ball under him and Adomah greedily taps in. PNE fans and players screamed for a foul and it looked like one on the keeper. Replays show he got to the ball first so the goal stands. 1-0 AV. The second is really controversial. A penalty is awarded for a challenge in the box and the PNE player (McGeady I think) gets to the ball but takes the man. His leg doesn't drag, it was a good, solid challenge in my opinion. Unnecessary with the Villa man having his back to goal so disappointing. Adomah converts and Villa lead 2-0 at the break. PNE did nothing first half. Really really poor. 

In typical PNE style, they turned up second half and played a lot better. But still, not many chances to report on. Villa had some efforts from 25 yards out (Grealish kept shooting, rather greedy in my opinion) and PNE had some dangerous crosses. A header just kept out from Johnstone. Villa went looking for the killer 3rd, they played with more pace and more possession yet got hit hard on the counter midway through the half. Hugill takes a run, PNE had men out wide and further up but as Villa back off, Hugill makes it to the edge of the area, a tackle comes in, Hugill gets lucky in keeping the ball and riding the challenge and has space for a shot. PNE's first shot on target and it goes in. Lovely finish and goal. With shots on target in mind, PNE only had one more. A cross comes in after a long throw was cleared, Hugill climbs and finds his head and glances to the corner and scores. 2-2. Both teams had chances with weak headers and Villa with some efforts from outside the box but Villa will be desperately disappointed by their decline in the second half. A good point and a fair result in my opinion. 

One last note, the game was started by a minute's applause, a light show in the second half and chants of "there's only one Graham Taylor" even from the PNE fans. A great touch and send off from everyone. RIP Graham Taylor.