Terry Wills discusses Albion’s run of derbies.

Well, all’s well that ends well – unless you happen to be a Wolves fan. Especially the idiot who ‘proudly’ had himself captured on film urinating on the Hawthorns pitch after Wanderers had lost 2-0. Saddo or what? Even the Wanderers supporters have condemned his actions and here’s hoping against hope that this doesn’t mean future matches will see totally unwanted reprisals.

Onto the game and I have to say that down the centuries (!) I’ve followed these local derbies I can’t remember EVER seeing a less frenzied atmosphere. Barely a  nasty over the top challenge from either side but for all that 95 minutes that eventually saw Roy Hodgson’s team leave the pitch with a well-earned vital three points, out of the bottom three and hopefully looking forward to a getting a result at Villa Park on Saturday.

Initially Wolves looked very dangerous. Quick passing and movement, but their weakness (and what a weakness, rarely looking as if they’d capitalise on their early chances) left an inspired Shane Long and colleagues confident that barring a total disaster Monday’s bragging rights wouldn’t be trotted out in and around Wolverhampton city centre. Roy Hodgson’s shrewd thinking defensive capabilities are beginning to show dividends. Okay, so losing a 2- lead at Sunderland argues to the contrary but three clean sheets already, with McCauley and Olsson looking a formidable pairing, has to give hope that the days of gifting the opposition goals will be reduced considerably.

And so to the real local derby, away at Villa Park where a continuation of this new-found resolution will find Baggies fans hoping they’ll be leaving with a point… or three. As with all derby clashes, apart from last week’s Wolves game, there’s bound to be a frenzied atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Last season we deserved a point but left with nothing. Villa Park has never been a happy hunting ground but hopefully this will change-providing a positive attitude’s adopted. Good news is that at long last Zoltan Gera could be pushing for a place in the squad following his successful goal scoring return in the stiffs win against Arsenal.

Add to this the hope that Peter Odemwingie’s confidence has been boosted by his goal against the Wolves, and the self-belief that things are beginning to gel, then like every Baggies supporter I reckon we could leave with a result.

These are the self-same feelings of every Villa supporter; they’ll be roaring on the claret and blues at full voice as can be expected. But whichever set of supporters roar the loudest, and however much they crave successes, it will be what the players do on the pitch that will determine the final result.

Here’s hoping that it will be the blue and white striped shirts that outshine the claret and blues. If not – well it’s only another game isn’t it?

BUT. It isn’t. It’s Aston Villa against West Bromwich Albion and the hope that the Throstles will frustrate the Villains.