ASTON VILLA v. STOKE.

These keen Midland rivals met to play their return League engagement on the Perry Barr Ground, Birmingham, on Saturday, before 8,000 spectators.

The previous game, at Stoke, on Oct. 24, ended in a win for the Villa three goals to two and Stoke on Saturday, seeing that Warner was still off were determined to be avenged.

They failed, however, as in the end they were beaten, though only by a bare majority.

The visitors, having lost the toss, kicked off with the disadvantages, which, however, were only small.

The Villa played a really fine game, and from bit of almost perfect play the forward Campbell scored at the end of five minutes' play.

Stoke replied with vigour and the Villa were driven on the defensive, and Naughton equalised after another five minutes play.

Soon after this Campbell, of the home side, was hurt, and had to retire.

During the remaining stages the Villa had only ten men engaged.

They kept equal, however, up to half-time, and in the second portion, though their opponents had as much of the game as they had, they managed to score once through Athersmith, and finally won two goals to one.