Tony Barton's Villa, reigning European Champions, fail to score for the ninth time this season as they suffer a shock defeat to lowly neighbours Birmingham to make it ten wins, a draw and nine losses in twenty League games this season. It's a good day for Villa reject Noel Blake however who scores bottom of the table Blues' first goal to reach the pinnacle of his career just three months after being jettisoned by the European Champions following four appearances for the club. Meanwhile, Jimmy Rimmer made his final appearance for Villa aged 34 before moving on to Swansea City in August 1983. Rimmer played for Villa between 1977-78 and 1982-83 making 259 appearances and won the League title and European Cup as he cemented his reputation as one of the most legendary goalkeepers in the club's history.