Second City derby
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In English football, the Second City derby is the local derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City.[1]
Both clubs are situated in England's second city of Birmingham and a fierce rivalry has developed. An example of fierce disturbances occurring between these two sets of supporters in modern times, took place in the 2002/2003 season. Major violence occurred before the first Premiership derby at St Andrews, with fighting at Rocky Lane and also at McDonalds Island near St Andrews. While equally trouble flared between rival supporters of both teams at the return fixture in March 2003 at Villa Park. Large sets of supporters fought before the game in Aston Park. The intimidating atmosphere continued within Villa Park which saw violence on the pitch and in the stands during a heated game in which two Villa players were sent off. While trouble also took place following the game on the Witon Lane outside of Villa Park, where missiles were hurled at Police who were attempting to keep both sets of groups apart.
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[edit] History
The clubs first met in 1879, when Birmingham City were called Small Heath, the game finished 1-0 to Small Heath.
On footballderbies.com this is the highest rated English derby and is regarded as one of the most passionate in England, mainly due to Villa's rich history and Birmingham's relatively poor one.
[edit] Second City Derbies in the Premiership
Birmingham's promotion to the Premiership in 2002 saw an eagerly awaited anticipation at the first league derbies for 20 years. Birmingham won both derbies 3-0 and 2-0. Both matches were marred by violence as late kick offs had allowed fans to get drunk over the course of the day. The 2003-2004 premiership season saw games ending in 0-0 and 2-2 draws. Both games were lunchtime kick-offs to avoid drunken behaviour, which was achieved although the games lost none of its passionate edge. The following season Birmingham got back to winning ways, with 2-1 victory at Villa Park and 2-0 at home. In the 2005-2006 Premiership Season Aston Villa finally beat City in the premiership, thanks to a Kevin Phillips goal. This was followed up by another Villa victory on 16th April 2006, Easter Sunday, with Aston Villa winning 3-1 thanks to a brace from Milan Baros and a spectacular effort from Gary Cahill. This victory was one of the results which led to City's relegation to the Football League Championship.
[edit] Statistics
Aston Villa have had a slight edge in the derbies, winning 41 to 36.
[edit] References
- ^ The Second City derby, footballderbies.com, accessed 11 February 2007
