Aston Villa is in my blood, I’m the 5th generation in my family to support the team in Claret & Blue and I’ve been actively involved since 1994 – just before we won the League Cup against Manchester United. I was 8 and I thought it would always be that easy…
At the beginning of last season I joined the Bedford Lions Supporter group, to meet like minded friends. Because I work most weekends, it’s been difficult to get to a game but last Saturday, I finally got the chance to go to B6 with some of the Lions
Driving up with Terry, Freddie, Colin and Tina gave us chance to talk all things Villa, sharing the hope that this might be the season when we will see some silverware again. The journey to Villa Park always is special, full of optimism.
After checking out the new Warehouse where we were joined by Parso (Adam), we headed to the stadium. That buzz when you walk up the steps and see the pitch has never left me. It’s special.
The Match
We needed to stamp our authority on the game against Leeds United to keep our outside chance of winning the League alive. Our home form had been difficult in 2026 which only seen 2 leagues wins plus 2 defeats to Everton & Brentford (1-0) and FA Cup exit to the hands of Newcastle United.
Sitting with Tina in the North Stand, the end we were attacking in the 1st half, the fans were expectant but soo more home worries were to emerge.
The game started pretty scrappy before Leeds were allowed to take control with some nice play. Then just after the half hour mark, a needless free-kick was given away and Anton Stach stepped up. Many people were expecting him to cross it in and sadly one of those people was Emi Martinez. Stach took it, aiming at top right hand corner of the goal and with Martinez too far to his left, he was unable to stop it and Leeds took the lead.
Our build up play was pedestrian and the final ball so poor. Indeed it took 42 minutes to have our first shot on target. We could have equalised on the stroke of half time but Onana couldn’t bundle it in and we went into the break behind.
The second half saw us on the front foot but the crowd were getting restless especially at Leon Bailey, who had a nightmare of a game and was treated to some sarcastic cheers from the crowd. His replacement Jadon Sancho started to look promising but the man everyone wanted on was Tammy Abraham.
After 75 minutes, the fans finally got their wish and the number 18 was on to join Ollie Watkins up front, who had earlier seen a goal disallowed.
The minutes ticked on with Leeds putting men behind the ball but still looking dangerous on the break. A mixture of good defending from them and bad attacking play from us, meant a 3rd home league defeat was on the cards.
88 minutes on the clock, we had another corner with the crowd starting to get behind the boys. A Konsa header found Abraham’s knee and the ball got into the top corner and we all went mad and now sensing we could turn it around, 1-1.
5 minutes of injury time and although we were hoping for a great end to a great day it was not to be, with us getting another point which probably means the title will have to wait for another season. It didn’t really feel like a point gained or two dropped and the mood was brightened a little with Chelsea also drawing although Liverpool and Manchester United picked up some wins over the weekend.
Summary
Tina and I walked back to the car to meet up with the rest of our pride reflecting that we are still in a strong position in the league, 3rd with 51 points and 6 clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in a bid for a Champions League place next season.
To conclude, the band who provided the pre match entertainment had said that you don’t choose the Villa, it chooses you and that is definitely how I feel. Up The Villa!