The online journalism diploma module at JOMEC
Late Agbonlahor Strike Grabs Derby Win for Villa
"There's only one Liam Ridgewell," roared fans at St. Andrews only ten minutes into the second city derby.
But It wasn't the home side that sang, instead it was Ridgewell's former side, after his disastrous 10th minute own goal gifted them a priceless lead.
I can honestly say that I am never more nervous than for these matches. To an outsider there is nothing at stake except three points but the fan of either side knows the second city derby can bring overwhelming joy or painful humiliation in huge measures. For Aston Villa fans, this fixture has generally delivered the latter with frightening regularity.
I remember being delighted when Birmingham City finally made their way into the Premiership in 2003, "six easy points" I smugly said.
It wasn't to be. A series of comical goalkeeping howlers, head buttings, late equalisers and several cases of disgraceful refereeing all contrived to allow City an unbeaten record in derby matches in their first two premiership seasons. It seemed like we would never beat them.
Then came the breakthrough, a double in the 2005-6 season to help condemn them to the Championship and then arguably the sweetest of all victories yesterday.
An early Ridgewell own goal gave Villa a half time lead after a bright start from Birmingham and two strong penalty claims were denied by Steve Bennet, before Forssell's header looked to have nicked a point for the hosts.
Then, just as I was thinking I would take the draw, Agbonlahor popped up to nod past the flailing Maik Taylor.
My Bluenose best mate text me shortly after the full time whistle simply saying: "a harsh way to lose." He was probably right on the balance of play but the way past derbies have gone I can't say I'm sympathetic.
Here's looking forward to the reverse fixture and three more easy points.
But It wasn't the home side that sang, instead it was Ridgewell's former side, after his disastrous 10th minute own goal gifted them a priceless lead.
I can honestly say that I am never more nervous than for these matches. To an outsider there is nothing at stake except three points but the fan of either side knows the second city derby can bring overwhelming joy or painful humiliation in huge measures. For Aston Villa fans, this fixture has generally delivered the latter with frightening regularity.
I remember being delighted when Birmingham City finally made their way into the Premiership in 2003, "six easy points" I smugly said.
It wasn't to be. A series of comical goalkeeping howlers, head buttings, late equalisers and several cases of disgraceful refereeing all contrived to allow City an unbeaten record in derby matches in their first two premiership seasons. It seemed like we would never beat them.
Then came the breakthrough, a double in the 2005-6 season to help condemn them to the Championship and then arguably the sweetest of all victories yesterday.
An early Ridgewell own goal gave Villa a half time lead after a bright start from Birmingham and two strong penalty claims were denied by Steve Bennet, before Forssell's header looked to have nicked a point for the hosts.
Then, just as I was thinking I would take the draw, Agbonlahor popped up to nod past the flailing Maik Taylor.
My Bluenose best mate text me shortly after the full time whistle simply saying: "a harsh way to lose." He was probably right on the balance of play but the way past derbies have gone I can't say I'm sympathetic.
Here's looking forward to the reverse fixture and three more easy points.
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