ENGLAND skipper Gerry Francis laughed at 32,000 Jeering Villa fans as he sealed a great win. Francis, taking over a striking role, grabbed the late, late goal that killed off the Villa's hopes. A mistake by Aitken allowed Masson to set up the chance. But it couldn't have been a sweeter goal for Francis, who had spent the afternoon being booed by the fans, as well as facing tough marking from Villa skipper Ross. In these conditions it was a day for tough men. And they don't come much tougher than Ross. But Francis finally emerged the winner, and earned a tribute from manager Dave Sexton. " Gerry made the difference." he said. Our big problem away is that we haven't had any punch up out for month By lAN Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders will not decide until later this week who replaces injured Irish international Chris Nicholl at centre-half for the First Division clash at Manchester City on Saturday. Nichol'. who dislocated his left shoulder in a heavy fall against Queen's Park Rangers, is WILLARS unlikely to play again for at least three to four weeks. Three candidates come into mind Welsh international Leighton Phillips, reserve centrehalf Charlie Young and utility player Bobby McDonald. Saunders said last night: "The loss of Nichol! is a very big blow. He is a difficult player to replace. But I have an open mind on the subject at the moment.- "A lot will depend on how various players perform in training this week and I shall also have to consider what the ground conditions are going to be at Maine Road." Saunders is obviously being cagey about his plans. But it would seem most unlikely that he is going to rush into the transfer market before he returns to Manchester City where he was manager until his shock dismissal 22 months ago. Favourite to take over from Nicholl would appear to be the experienced Phillips. He has played in defence for both Wales and his former club, Cardiff, and he did well in the role after Nicholl had departed on Saturday. Surprise debut But there is still a possibility that 18-year-old Young, who hails from Chester. could make a surprise debut. He has been a regular in the Central League this season and he was almost called into the side when there was a scare about Nicholl's fitness in October. McDonald is another obvious candidate, although if Phillips is given the centre-half's job the young Scot, who was married yesterday, would be under consideration to come in as a midfield player. It Is quite clear, however, that Saunders will be looking for a fighting performance against his former club who ever he chooses. He is most anxious to see Villa score their first away victory of the season to make amends for Saturday's disappointing home defeat. As soccer stumbles through ever-increasing financial crises, the futility of playing the game on ice was more than emphasised at Villa Park with a whole series of unhappy mishaps writes lAN WILLARS. Examine the facts of Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat by Queen’s Park Rangers, which was their first in 13 home League games since the opening day of the season. Irish centre-half Chris Nicholl could be out of action for three to four weeks after dislocating his shoulder in a heavy goalmouth fall; Scottish centre-forward Andy Gray Is almost certain to miss Scotland’s Under 23 international against Wales on Wednesday because of a groin strain; Veteran defender Charlie Aitken slipped on the rock-hard surface and involuntarily gave away the second goal like a novice schoolboy; And the Villa Park attendance of 32,223 on a bitterly cold afternoon was 8,000 below their home average. No wonder Villa manager Ron Saunders declared afterwards: “If I could have my own way I would not have played in these conditions. although this is no excuse for losing. “At the end of the day we have to admit that the more polished team won because they showed better control in the difficult conditions.” Dave Sexton, Queen’s Park Rangers’ manager, agreed and said: “It was obviously difficult for both sides and considering the conditions this was one of our best performances” Sexton was also delighted with the experiment of playing England skipper, Gerry Francis, in the attack. “He likes the idea and he will continue to play up front for us,” he added. Leighton Phillips did well as an emergency defender after Nicholl had been taken off in the 34th minute and Frank Carrodus again worked tirelessly throughout without any luck. But Rangers always looked as if they might win and after John Hollins had scored his first goal for the club in the 76th minute they just skated home to keep alive their faint championship hopes. *Birmingham Daily Post* Monday, 2 February 1976 Search on for Nicholl Deputy By lAN WILLARS Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders will not decide until later this week who replaces injured Irish international Chris Nicholl at centre-half for the First Division clash at Manchester City on Saturday. Nicholl, who dislocated his left shoulder in a heavy fall against Queen’s Park Rangers, is unlikely to play again for at least three to four weeks. Three candidates come into mind Welsh International Leighton Phillips, reserve centre half Charlie Young and utility player Bobby McDonald. Saunders said last night: “The loss of Nicholl is a very big blow. He is a difficult player to replace. But I have an open mind on the subject at the moment. “A lot will depend on how various players perform in training this week and I shall also have to consider what the ground conditions are going to be at Maine Road.” Saunders is obviously being cagey about his plans. But it would seem most unlikely that he is going to rush into the transfer market before he returns to Manchester City where he was manager until his shock dismissal 22 months ago. Favourite to take over from Nicholl would appear to be the experienced Phillips. He has played in defence for both Wales and his former club. Cardiff, and he did well in the role after Nicholl had departed on Saturday. But there is still a possibility that 18-year-old Young, who hails from Chester, could make a surprise debut. He has been a regular in the Central League this season and he was almost called into the side when there was a scare about Nicholl’s fitness in October. McDonald is another obvious candidate, although if Phillips is given the centre-half’s job the young Scot, who was married yesterday, would be under consideration to come in as a midfield player. It is quite dear, however, that Saunders will be looking for a fighting performance against his former club whoever he chooses. He is most anxious to see Villa score their first away victory of the season to make amends for Saturday’s disappointing home defeat.