Portsmouth 5-1 Aston Villa: a modern take on how the Blues clinched the Division One title 70 years ago today

The Division One title will remain ensconced in the Fratton Park trophy cabinet – where it belongs.

Pompey put in a performance of champions to ensure they retained their prized silverware with a thumping victory over Aston Villa.

The Blues’ attacking prowess has been the hallmark to their success this season – and it’s easy to see why as they stormed to a mouthwatering 5-1 win.

Despite finishing level on 53 points with Wolves, Pompey's superior difference meant they’ve become the first side since the Second World War ended to claim successive top-tier titles.

Had the Blues failed to win, then the league trophy would now be on its way up to Molineux.

Instead, Bob Jackson’s brave heroes held their nerve to put Villa to the sword and create footballing history.

In truth, Pompey not being crowned champions of England once again never looked on the cards.

You could smell it in the air this morning, you could feel it while zeroing in on the famous stadium.

And after 20 seconds, you just knew it was going to be the Blues’ day when stand-in striker Bill Thompson opened the scoring.

Indeed, Pompey were dominant throughout, with Duggie Reid firing a hat-trick and Thompson recording a double.

Meanwhile, the only surprise was the 42,000-plus crowd inside Fratton Park managing to contain themselves until the final whistle to invade the hallowed turf and celebrate the feat.

The hosts made one change from their 2-0 victory away to Arsenal three days earlier.

Half-back Thompson was forced to deputise up front in place of the injured Ike Clarke.

There was a palpable atmosphere around Fratton Park as skipper Reg Flewin led the Blues out on to the pitch.

The Blues got the game under way and kicked towards the Milton End.

And any fans’ nerves were swiftly eased in the best manner possible as Pompey stormed into the lead after just 20 seconds.

Jack Froggatt’s pass picked out Thompson and he kept his cool to find the net and break the deadlock.

Jubilant celebrations ensued as the Blues took a significant step towards retaining their crown.

Despite title-rivals Wolves also taking the lead against Birmingham City, home supporters continued to be in fine voice and had more to cheer when Pompey doubled their advantage in the 20th minute.

Reid latched on to a punched clearance by the Aston Villa keeper and his effort found the back of the net.

The ball perhaps took a deflection, but Reid claimed it, while the Fratton faithful didn’t care.

Pompey showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas and almost went into half-time with a three-goal advantage.

On 43 minutes Peter Harris had an attempt on goal but the winger’s shot went narrowly wide.

Wolves had already done their bit to keep up the pressure as they went into the interval with a 5-0 lead at Molineux.

Yet Pompey’s destiny remained in their own hands as long as they could avoid a collapse.

The home side started the second period on the front foot attacking the Fratton End and in the 48th minute won a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Jimmy Dickinson dummied to shoot, catching out Villa, and Reid’s rocket of an effort found the corner of the net to make it 3-0.

The silverware was now tangible, with Pompey creating themselves a sizeable cushion.

And the game should have been well and truly put to bed on the hour mark – but Harris was guilty of failing to hit the target for a second time.

With the goal at his mercy, the Hayling Islander failed to make the keeper work.

Harris’ miss mattered little, though, as the Blues increased their lead in style with 18 minutes remaining.

Dickinson was the architect as he slipped in Thompson, who fired home again for his second of the game.

It was proving a remarkable afternoon for the stand-in striker, but Reid would claim the match ball when he rounded off his hat-trick on 80 minutes.

A wicked cross was whipped in from the left and deadly Duggie showed the determination to meet the ball first and head home to make it 5-0.

There was a late consolation for Villa with two minutes remaining, when they were awarded a penalty.

Bill Hindmash was adjudged to have committed handball inside the box and Dickie Dorsett stepped up to fire past home goalkeeper Ernie Butle.

It scarcely stopped the celebrations in the crowd, though, as they awaited the final whistle to toast the achievement with their Pompey heroes on the pitch.

The referee blew up and it was official – Pompey were champions of England once more.

Supporters charged on to the pitch, with the title pennant fluttering over Fratton Park again.

The Pompey History Society received £82,000 from the Heritage Fund in 2019 to tell the story of Pompey's two title wins in 1949 and 1950. Led by Samantha Middleton, the project is currently collecting the memories of people who were there to witness the events or who have family stories to tell. To get involved in the project contact: [email protected]