Opponents - Thornton Villa

Len Farmer shuts down Roy Race 72/73

Thornton Villa were once the most famous team in the land, winning a remarkable eleven FA Cups! However, by the late 60s the Villa had fallen on hard times, stranded in the Second Division more in danger of dropping to the Third than gaining promotion to the First.

But, the signing of one young man suddenly brought joy back to the faces of the Thornton faithful...

Lacey & Rudi with the Bonanza Cup

Rudolph Maximillian Rantzberg, the boy king of Morvaia, better known as Rudi, transformed the Villa into a dynamic attacking side. First his goals prevented relegation, before firing Villa to victory in the Bonanza Cup in 1972 and finally promotion back to the top flight!

Len Farmer became the key man in the Villa defence, gaining a reputation for being one of the few man able to contain Roy Race. Roy himself named Farmer as his bogeyman and one of his toughest opponents. During the 1-1 draw with Melchester Rovers in December 73, Roy even dropped himself into midfield to avoid Farmer, eventually substituting himself as he couldn't escape Farmer's attention.

However, Farmer would leave to join rising Walford Rovers. Ron Whittaker, his replacement from Castlemere was another strong player. But the Villa would fade again and drop out of the First Division, returning to obscurity longing for the glory days of the past.

Farmer tackles Race Dec73

Players:

Dave   RB 2
Roger   G 1
Brains Bellamy   M
Len Farmer   CB 5
Bert Lacey    CH 5 Player-manager
Harry Lancing   RW 7
Prof Parkinson   M
Percy Ponsford   IR 8
Rudi Rantzberg   F 9
Harry Sandford   D
Ron Whittaker   M
Zarbo G 1