It would be very easy to dismiss Villa’s inept performance as nothing more than a touch of ‘After the Lord Mayor’s Show’, but even with five first choice regulars absent, that would be being kind, whilst at the same time doing a disservice to a determined Eagly side, who, although lacking a recognised goalkeeper on the day, fought back from losing a goal inside two minutes, to bring their hosts back to earth with a bang.

George Craddock got Villa off to a flying start, firing his side into a second minute lead when stand-in keeper and erstwhile striker Grimshaw fumbled his first attempt at a catch. If the Euxton lads thought this would herald a ‘stroll in the park’ kind of an afternoon, then Eagely had other ideas. Fitton caught the defence flat footed to sneak in behind and equalise, and shortly afterwards David Bibby dropped a catch at the feet of Ardyfio, who gratefully accepted the gift.

When youngster Martin Whewell was carried off injured, veteran Adrian Briggs found himself in an unusual centre midfield role, and it was he who stood out as an oasis of endeavour in a desert of apathy. After his early aberration, Grimshaw went on to distinguish himself with an afternoon of sound handling, whilst at the other end Smethers easily outfoxed the back four, who had long since lost interest, with a well timed run, and lobbed the advancing Bibby to seal the victory.

A match that saw the visitors’ star striker playing in nets and the hosts’ star keeper playing up front, is best forgotten, as far as the home support is concerned. League leaders Wren rovers are the visitors next week, in desperate need of a win with Garstang breathing down their necks. You can be sure they will be well up for it. I just hope Villa can reciprocate.

Villa Line-up: Bibby, Walker, Davies, Dickinson, Bolton, Whittaker, Bingham, Whewell (Mason),Whittaker (Salisbury), Craddock (Baxter), Briggs,