Aston Villa v Wolves: Five memorable meetings
Tomorrow's game will be the 53rd league meeting between Villa and Wolves at Villa Park. Here we look back at some of the more memorable clashes.
1 VILLA 0 WOLVES 1, MARCH 19, 2011:
Mick McCarthy's Wolves were battling for survival when they arrived at Villa Park but left having recorded a first win over their rivals in 31 years, which dragged their opponents into the thick of the relegation scrap. The game itself wasn't much to shout about, Matt Jarvis scoring the only goal after 38 minutes to earn the visitors a deserved victory against hosts who awoke only in the closing stages, with Ashley Young hitting the bar.
2 VILLA 3 WOLVES 2, DECEMBER 14, 2003:
The first league meeting between the rivals in almost 20 years was a lively affair, with a goal from Gareth Barry three minutes into the second half eventually proving the difference. Villa looked set to cruise it when Juan Pablo Angel struck twice in three minutes midway through the first half but Alex Rae pulled one back for the visitors. Barry then restored the home side's two-goal advantage before a late strike from Mark Kennedy ensured a nervy finish with Villa holding out.
3 VILLA 1 WOLVES 0, JANUARY 10, 1996:
A run to the quarter-finals of the League Cup provided some cheer for Wolves during a disappointing season which saw Graham Taylor depart and Mark McGhee arrive. Their progress was halted by a Villa side enjoying their best season in recent memory under Brian Little. A Tommy Johnson goal decided the game. Villa went on to win the competition for a record-equalling fifth time, beating Leeds 3-0 in the final.
4 VILLA 4 WOLVES 0, FEBRUARY 25, 1984:
Wolves were in a world of trouble, bottom of the First Division table when they arrived at Villa Park. A Peter Withe brace shoved them closer toward the trapdoor, with Paul Birch and Mark Walters also on the mark.
5 VILLA 1 WOLVES 3, MARCH 10 1980:
It would be fair to describe Wolves wins at Villa Park as somewhat rare over the past 50 years. This win in 1980 was their first since 1965 with all the action coming in the first half as goals from Norman Bell, Colin Brazier and Peter Daniel put the visitors in command. Gary Shaw's strike proved a mere consolation for the hosts.
