Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: Oscar Arce on August 03, 2011, 10:00:39 AM
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What a youth team we had back in 1972, we beat Liverpool under the guidance of the late great Frank Upton as the club was really on the up.
We had just clinched the Third Division with a record points total, attendances were booming and the club had so many promising youngsters who would later have great professional careers.
We beat them 1-0 in the first leg in front of nearly 17,000 with a Gidman penalty, but thrashed them at Anfield in the second leg 4-2 to lift the trophy, with two from Brian Little.
Jake Findlay, John Gidman, Bobby McDonald, Alan Little, Jimmy Brown, Tony Betts, and Brian Little all went on to play in the first team.
Any memories ?
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Was that the cup run where we beat Small Heath with Francis & Gallagher in their XI in front of big crowds at the Sty and Villa Park ?
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Following that Youth Cup team was one of my best memories of all my years following the Villa.
I went to both ties against Blues, 21000 were at St Andrews and then 19000 at the replay at VP, played in atrocious conditions. Blues had Trevor Francis, Joe Gallagher and Kenny Burns in their side. I went to the semi at home v Arsenal, who had Liam Brady in their side. And then the final against Liverpool. To win the competition we beat West Brom, Birmingham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
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I went to the 78 Final against Crystal Palace (Hilaire, Mackenzie, Nicholas, Fenwick, Gilbert). It was fairly poor and we lost 1-0 but the blond lad up front looked good (Gary Shaw) and I was quite taken by the winger (Ivor Linton).
Looking back the defence was quite tidy with Gary Williams, Colin Gibson and Brendan Ormsby, and I reckon only the Manchester United sides of 92 and 93 will have provided so many contributors (5) to a winning European Cup campaign. Though Ivor's contribution was a tad slim (if not downright negative).