His potential was seen immediately and he went straight into the first team. Although Albion had a difficult league season, narrowly avoiding the end of season "Test match" play-offs by a win on the final day of the season, they had more success in the FA Cup. In the semi-final against Sunderland, Williams scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Billy Bassett, thus helping Albion secure their fifth FA Cup Final appearance. In the final itself, played at Crystal Palace against local rivals Aston Villa, Villa took a first-minute lead when Bob Chatt's shot was half saved by goalkeeper Joe Reader and John Devey bundled the ball over the line. This was the fastest goal in FA Cup history, scored after just 30 seconds.