Aston is a relatively small suburb of Birmingham a bit bigger than Patcham probably. Although there are a number of differences. Aston doesn't have a Duck Fair, or a railway tunnel. However, it does have a station and one of the most famous football teams in the world.

I expect all Albion fans had a great day out last Saturday, and maybe a balti and a few beers to boot. I met with a couple of exiles before the match. We had a few beers in a pub called the Shakespeare, no one was barred.

Within and around this hostelry, were a collection of Wolves, Palace, Newcastle and Albion fans. Both the Lynham and Chiles variety.

Sadly, some of 'our' Albion fans appeared to act like Year 9's on an school outing. They bravely hammered on the window and demonstrated their dislike of all things Croydon, to a family of Palace fans which appeared to include a Grandmother.

When some younger, fitter and lets face it fiercer Palace fans turned up, these unlikely schoolboys quickly retreated to the lavatories. Perhaps they quickly had to complete their I-Spy books.

After a superb curry we headed for the train that would convey us the short distance to Aston. You can park in a multitude of pub, office and drinking club car parks for around a fiver. Very enterprising, Falmer residents and the business community should take note!

A few duck boards on the pond and a fiver a car should pay off any lingering legal expenses. Joke.....well sort of.

Villa Park as you approach it looks superb, almost gothic at the Holte end.

I bid my friends farewell before entering the stadium, as they were in with Doug Ellis. I had no idea they knew him.

I bought a programme or 'news and record' to give it it's proper title. But I didn't buy a 'Brighton 4th Round 2010' scarf. How patronising! I'm surprised it didn't say well done.

Albion fans were magnificent. At times the Albion were magnificent as well. We all had plenty to cheer and enjoy.

On reading my 'News and Record' I was pleased to see my prediction in 'Hova Villa' was correct. Although John Gregory more resembled a war time spiv than a coiffured 80's throw back. The programme (that's what it is) had generous Albion coverage.

However one thing disappointed me. On page 25 it referred to a special Challenge Match in 1910. Come on Villa, admit it was The Charity Shield albeit a primitive version, but the Charity Shield no less.

In September this year it will be 100 years since the Albion beat your big time backsides. So have a little er.....Charity eh? I have even provided a picture to prove it.

It's a house round the corner from me. Not mine sadly.Dream on!