Aston Villa (Birmingham) v. Stafford Road (Wolverhampton)

This match, another in the second round, was played on the ground of the latter at Wolverhampton on Saturday. The clubs have both an excellent local reputation, and as it was generally fancied that the winner would have to meet Oxford in the final match of the western district, considerable interest was attached to the meeting.

The weather was very unfavourable, and the ground certainly not in good condition, but there was a large muster of spectators, and they were rewarded by witnessing a spirited contest.

Stafford Road secured the services of two prominent Shrewsbury players, and we understand that a protest was lodged against them as not properly qualified member of the club according to the rules of the competition.

The Aston forward set to work directly the ball was kicked off but their opponents, well led by Tisdell and Vaughan, retaliated with interest, and a corner kick to the home team was the first incident of note.

Some vigorous attacks were made in the visitors’ lines but at length the Aston captain, with a smart run, received his side, and the play became more even.

Arthur, Crane and Whitehead did some useful work for the home team, but the Aston backs were equal to the emergency, Crumps; head play at times materially helping his side.

A clever run by Mason gave Aston a momentary advantage but the ball passed over the visitors’ goal, and had to be kicked off.

More than once Stafford Road were pressed, and the Hunters gave their backs plenty of employment. At length, by some neat play on the part of Crump and Green, the Villa were forced to retreat, and the ball passed far over their line.

Mayor’s play at half back was especially serviceable to Stafford Road just about this period, and Aston had some little trouble to keep their opponents’ at a respectable distance, though Simmond’s defence was very good.

A very pretty run by Andrew Hunter and Mason nearly outmanoeuvred Ray, the Stafford Road goalkeeper but Selman got rid off the danger, and Crane made an ineffectual shot at the visitors’ posts.

Soon after his a neat run by Vaughan gave Stafford Road the ascendancy, and a smart shot by Crump resulted in a goal for that club amidst great applause.

Soon after this a free kick was give against the Villa but it came to nothing. The visitors now rallied, and some vigorous play ensued to the delight of the spectators.

Before long, some good passing by Davis and Mason enabled the Aston fords to take the leather up into their opponents’ hall, and after a cover run, Andrew Hunter made matters even with a goal for Villa.

During the later part of the game the Astonites showed a decided inferiority. But though Stafford Road were sorely pressed at times, they managed to hold their own till the end. The match thus resulting in a tie.

For the Wolverhampton team Ray’s goalkeeping was brilliant throughout.