When they come to write a history of non league football, it is unlikely that this match will feature prominently. Not that it was the fault of the players, each of whom tried his best to master the tricky underfoot conditions, not to mention the biting gale howling down the length of the pitch.  Inevitably, it was always going to be a game of two halves. Villa won the first with a somewhat fortuitous goal and a very well worked goal, and Barnoldswick won the second with a somewhat fortuitous goal of their own, but couldn’t quite find the quality to unlock Villa’s resolute defence and grab a share of the spoils.

Villa had the benefit of the elements in the first half and from the outset it was clear that it was going to be a testing time for the opposing defence who must have feared the worst. However, such was the ferocity of the wind that it was equally difficult for the attacking side, it being practically impossible to judge how much pace to impart on the ball to create a telling result.

No doubt that the wind had a big say in the opening goal. Michael Clitheroe took a left footed corner from Villa’s right, and although he aimed for round about the centre spot, the ball curled just a little and a bemused keeper could only flap at it as it sailed past him into the net.  The ‘dubious goals panel’ may have to study the video evidence though, as Pavel Zverina has lodged a claim. (‘Brommy – I touch!’)

Most of Villa’s best work was on the ground however, and the move of the match produced their second mid way through the half. Zverina nicely laid off a through ball into the path of the advancing Sam Bolton, who controlled and squared the Matt Atherton, and the finish was a text book example of a controlled ‘pass into the net’.

In spite of their dominance however, the home side could not extend their advantage, which was bound to lead to a nervy second half for the home support.  And indeed Barnoldswick set about the task of redressing the balance with purpose, but it was far from one sided, and although territorial advantage was clearly with the visitors, Villa carved out  more telling openings than they had in the first, with amongst others, Zverina, George Craddock and Phil Woodman having chances to add to the score.

Mid way through the half, Barnoldswick got the breakthrough they sought, and again the wind played a big part. A long punt was flicked on and found Aidrie about twenty five yards out with back to goal. A speculative looping backward header found Ross Baxter stranded in no man’s land, and he could only watch with the rest of us as the ball sailed over him into the net.

The expected onslaught ensued, but although the Villa defence showed a couple of changes from the recent settled personnel, they coped well with everything thrown at them. Baxter was called into action fifteen minutes from time with the only real save of the match, and a fine one it was too, throwing himself full stretch to his right to turn a powerful low drive round the post. That said, the visitors should probably have capitalised in the one moment of defensive panic from the resultant corner.

And indeed, that was pretty much that, in a game that will not linger long in the memory banks, but nevertheless, three points is three points, whatever the circumstances. Mark McDonnell will be pleased with that certainly, and further cheered to see David Heald, Stuart Bingham and Phil Woodman all back from injury and pushing for selection.  Would like to give a quick mention for referee John Hornsby. That’s the second time we have had him this season and on both occasions he has used man management rather than yellow cards to control the game with minimal fuss.