FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP.
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THE FINAL TIE.
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WEST BROMWICH ALBION
V.
ASTON VILLA.
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THE THROSTLES COCK OF THE WALK.
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WEST BROMWICH ALBION, THREE GOALS.
ASTON VILLA, NONE.
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(FROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTERS.)

The twenty-first anniversary of any occurrence is usually regarded with special interest, and the reason for this will most probably be found in the fact that in human life it marks the period of full development and maturity.

On Saturday the twenty-first anniversary of what is regarded the great event of the year in Association football, the decision of the final tie of tho English Association Cup, took place. Interest taken in this event then certainly reached its greatest development, and the match was memorable for two reasons. Never was final Cup tie at Kennington Oval decided in finer weather, or witnessed by larger attendance. Before leaving home there was rosy brightness in the weather that seemed to suggest cricket rather than football at the Oval. When once abroad, though, there was no ignoring the existence of a biting wind, but as the sun was shining in its strength, and the sky was cloudless, there was little doubt that the number present to see the final tussle between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion would beat the record.

Before one o’clock, when the gates at the Oval were opened, a crowd had assembled eager to obtain the best positions for seeing the game, although this entailed a wait of two hours and a half before the match would commence. From this time onward the crowd flocked in, and at two o’clock at least 20,000 must have passed the turnstiles. The tickets for the covered stands had all been sold a week ago. A double row of seats had been placed around the ground inside the ropes, for which 2s. extra was charged, and these were very soon filled.

By three o’clock every available spot from which a view of the play could be obtained was occupied. Still, by the sides of the Pavilion, a steady stream of people could be seen flocking into the ground, until, some time before play began, the gates had to be closed, and of those who had obtained admission, many left without obtaining a glimpse of the play. The number present could not be learned, but it must have exceeded even that of last year.

The windows and roofs of many of the surrounding houses were fully occupied, and in some cases the window frames had been removed to give a better view. On the top of Clark’s, Clayton Arms, a dark pyramid of humanity brought out in bold relief the yellow and black of the Sporting Life advertisement board, and the huge gasometer bore a select party, who seemed to be witnessing the match from the edge of a precipice.

Special trains from Lancashire as well as from Birmingham had brought numbers of the friends of both teams, and favours were plentiful, bearing such inscriptions as Play up Albion ** “Play up Aston Villa—remember 1887!”

An hour at least before play began the crowd had settled into their places around the ground, and formed a dark, broad line, in which the little specks of light were thousands of human faces. A little glow of colour was afforded hero and there when the sun lighted the red coats of the soldiers, bringing them into cheerful harmony with the bright green of the turf, but the “ring” was of a sombre hue, and while it suggested it also contrasted, but not favourably, with that of the August Bank Holiday cricket match.

There were no ladies, and speaking generally, the spectators were of sturdy and robust type of manhood, more in keeping with the game, which an old writer described as " kind of friendly fight.” However, they certainly displayed the laudable quality of good humoured patience, seizing upon any slight occasion of mirth, and making the most of it during their long wait in a cutting east wind, which brought with it clouds of March dust.

It was a welcome incident when, about half-past two, the Aston Villa men drove up, with their flags of light blue and chocolate, and it is unnecessary to say that they had a hearty reception. They were slight favourites in what betting there was over the event, as they have much the better record for the season, though West Bromwich Albion have done better in the Cup ties, having taken part in the three times previously, and the Villa only once.

It was a great relief to everyone when, about twenty minutes past three, the Villa men issued from the Pavilion, followed three minutes later by the Albion, both teams being loudly cheered.

The Villa won the toss and took the gasometer goal, having the wind behind them, its force being shown by the way in which small pieces of paper scudded down the ground.

The kick off took place at twenty-seven minutes past three, and in four minutes’ time tho Albion scored their first goal, crossing over with the score two to none in their favour.

It was a feature of the first half that most of the play was at one end, while the goals were got at the other.

In the second portion the Villa played up well against the wind, which was very strong, the flight of the ball when kicked, being like that of boomerang, but the Albion scored another goal, and won by three to none.

Full details of the play, however, are given below.

The spectators were keenly appreciative, and to each bit of good play answered with a simultaneous shout, as a trained chorus would to the baton of their conductor.

THE GAME

At 3.30 p.m. every conceivable spot around the field where even the most transient view of the game could be obtained was occupied, and there must have been nearly 30,000 spectators present on the ground.

A strong wind was blowing obliquely from the northeast across the ground from goal to goal, which was unquestionably a strong point in favour of the goal at the gasometer end.

The sun shone brightly, and to our remembrance never has such a favourable day been vouchsafed for the decision of the final tie.

The atmosphere was clear and invigorating, the ground in perfect condition, and the climatic conditions made things pleasant for players and spectators alike. The Villa were the first to make their appearance in the field at 3.22 p.m., and when the players in their well-known light blue and claret jerseys emerged from the pavilion it was the signal for loud and prolonged cheers. A minute later the Albion, wearing shirts with bine and white stripes, followed their rivals, and their appearance was another signal which elicited applause from the enormous gathering, whom, from their long wait, were but too anxious for the game to commence.

The Aston Villa won the toss, and their captain selected to play with the wind, and although they would have the sun against them, chose the goal at the Gasometer end.

The Villa were favourites at 2 to 1 on.

Nicholls started the ball for the Albion, and the forwards got away but a few yards.

Cowan returned to Hodgetts, passed to Devey. The latter could not get up in time, but headed the ball wide.

From the goal-kick Geddes attempted to get away, but Evans averted the attack, and Reader was required to avert danger.

Reynolds had shot at goal, but incurred a penally for pushing Hodgetts.

The free kick to the Villa had not the desired effect of improving matters for them.

Following a good save by Nicholson, another free kick for a foul was awarded to the Villa. Athersmith headed smartly into Reader’s hands, but the West Bromwich goal-keeper retained his hold of the sphere.

Thus early the Villa were having nearly all the play, and their supporters jubilant, as their brilliant start gave promise of better things, as at present they were working systematically, and looked like repaying the confidence reposed in them.

The Albion appeared completely penned in, and the forwards had little opportunities of getting away with the ball. Several times it was kicked from goal. At length Bassett, on the outside right wing, secured, and, with remarkable turn of speed, dribbled into the Villa’s half, passed to M'Leod, who sharply centred in front of goal to Geddes, and the latter shot through and scored, four minutes from the start.

THE FIRST GOAL FOR THE ALBION.

Warner succeeded in just touching the ball, but was not in position to prevent a goal being scored.

It was not an exceedingly difficult shot to have saved, but the rapidity with which the ball was transferred from the Albion goal seemed to unnerve Warner. It was a somewhat lucky goal, but creditable from the dashing manner it was achieved.

Scoring the first point stimulated the Throstles in a marked degree, and the transition that came over the game was remarkable.

Bassett was especially prominent, and again passed the ball into proximity of the goal, and the Albion had another narrow attempt at scoring.

The ball was returned to the centre, and Athersmith again transferred on the right wing into the Albion half, but was eventually sent behind. When kicked from the goal the Albion continued to play in very determined manner, and were undoubtedly stimulated by their unexpected success so early in the game.

A free kick for a foul just outside the twelve yards line to the Albion was headed over by Nicholls.

Bassett and M’Leod gave an exposition of smart passing, but the ball was finally sent behind. Afterwards the game was transferred to the Albions’ goal, and the Villa made tremendous efforts to neutralise the score. Athersmith and Devey made a capital run, but M’Culloch cleared.

A minute later, from capital centre by Hodgetts, Devey put in a fast shot, which Reader luckily kicked away.

The high pressure by the Villa was maintained, and Dickson. with a shot that ought to have scored, hit the cross-bar.

Pearson and Geddes, on the left wing, broke away, and got in dangerous proximity of the Villa goal. On another occasion Nicholls dribbled through, but Evans just deprived him of the ball, and returned it into mid-field.

Athersmith and Devey again scoured, and transferred to Throstles’ half, and centred to Hodgetts but the ball was shot behind.

Contrasting the two styles of play, the Albion were certainly playing the better game. With somewhat powerful wind against them they appeared, with the advantage they had already obtained, to play on the defensive against the breeze, but at the same time kicked with precision, and were cool and confident. Their backs and half-backs were like an impenetrable barrier to the Villa.

Athersmith was given a number of opportunities, but on each occasion had to contend against Groves. The Villa continued to press, and considering the advantage they possessed in the initial part of the game, having the wind with them, their exposition caused some anxiety to their followers. Thus early in the game it was evident that the Perry Barr representatives would have to infuse more dash into their play the if the “pot” was to be carried to Birmingham.

Their partisans wore badges with “Remember 1887” but the form displayed was far below that of the winning year.

The game continued in favour of the Villa, but so reliable was the Albion's defence, that the Villa forwards seldom had an opportunity of scoring.

A corner was forced by the Villa off Nicholson, but smart head work from Reynolds cleared the danger.

Another corner was equally as well disposed of, although in the latter instance the ball was dangerously near the Albions’ post.

Reader in goal was continually active, whilst Warner, at the other end, was more a spectator of the game. Reader’s display in goal was admirable, and he averted well-directed shots time after time in very capable manner.

The game was now continued in mid-field, and at last Campbell and Hodgetts worked the ball up into a splendid position, but M’Culloch speedily averted the danger.

Devey sent in a grand shot, which Reader punched out just as Dickson sent him flying towards the goal net.

Again Dickson got in front of goal from a pass by Campbell, and was uncomfortably near the goal when Nicholson rushed in and sent the ball down the field.

Villa continued to attack the Albion’s goal as if their only chance of winning depended upon their scoring in the initial half, and at times their forward combination was decidedly smart.

The Albions’ text was to play strictly upon the defensive, to keep their goal clear whilst facing the wind, and the tactics and their captain more than answered expectations.

Another determined attack was made upon the Albion’s citadel, and Devey missed a good chance of scoring by shooting behind.

The Villa continued to have most of the game and were rather unlucky from a free kick which was sent unmolested through the goal.

Upon one occasion Devey had goal the goal at his mercy but made a slip and the ball was shot wide.

M’Leod and Bassett finally obtained, and rushing down the fielld the latter centred in front of goal to Nicholls, who was by this time well up. He smartly stopped the ball and having only Warner to defeat scored the

SECOND GOAL FOR THE ALBION,

after the game had been in progress but twenty eight minutes.

A claim of offside was made by the referee awarded a goal, a decision which was undoubtedly impartial and correct.

Upon receiving a second reverse the Villa renewed the attack with undiminished vigour, and made desperate attempts to score.

The Albion, self satisfied with their two successful sorties, and having two goals to the good, were again upon the defensive.

A free kick by the Albions at goal was unprolific. A difference of opinion existed relative to a piece of foul play, and the referee decided to throw the ball up, a rather rare occurrence in important matches.

A free kick was awarded against Perry for playing the ball before it had touched the ground, but, on previous occasions , the Villa were not equal to the teak converting.

The Albion continued to play a cool manner. evidently elated with their success. Bassett and M'Leod were conspicuous in a run. The latter passed to Nicholls, but Evans cleared another of the Throstle’s dangerous rushes.

Athersmith and Devey got briefly away, but now the Villa’s game had slackened considerably. Reader afterwards saved at the expense of a corner.

The corner kick a poor one, and after the ball was passed wide across the goal it was shot behind. Bassett and M’Leod secured, but Baird transferred, and Devey had low shot at goal, which passed the wrong side of the post.

Bassett again got away, and centred Nioholls. The irrepressible Bassett, on the right wing, continued to arouse enthusiasm by his smart dribbling and passing. Time after time he made remarkable runs, and was undoubtedly the fastest player on the field. He secured the ball near the goal line, and passed right across the goal to Geddes, who just missed scoring by a few inches.

The first corner for the Albion resulted off Cox. Bassett took the kick, but it was placed badly, and went behind.

Campbell and Hodgetts dribbled the ball the whole length of the field, Campbell centred to Dickson, but the latter failed to take and improve upon the advantage gained, and M'Culloch had little difficulty in relieving the pressure.

Villa continued to have the best of the game, and the ball remained near the West Bromwich goal. A corner was forced off M'Culloch and afterwards desultory play ensued near the Albions goal, the ball finally finding its way behind.

From the kick from goal, the sphere travelled towards the left wing of the Albion forwards, and Pearson and Geddes were immediately active in the Villa’s half.

The ball was centred, and Reynolds with a long shot compelled Warner avert the danger.

The Albion forwards were having a decided advantage just before half-time, although playing against the wind, and kept up a continuous bombardment of the Villa goal.

The whistle sounded for half-time with the following score WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2 goals. ASTON VILLA Nothing.

Both teams left the field for five minutes, and a comparison between the players was freely indulged in during their absence.

Those who witnessed the Albion defeat the Old Westminsters at the Oval, and also in their other match this year against the Corinthians hardly could convince themselves that it was the same team.

They certainly defeated probably the strongest combination in the country this year in this competition, the Blackburn Rovers, but the latter were without two of their best players through accident and suspension.

The Throstles’ matches have throughout been characterised their upsetting “certainties” and on Saturday they carried out their programme thoroughly by upsetting exceedingly warm favourites in Aston Villa.

Their play in the first half the game in Saturday was commendable in every respect, but one is naturally surprised their curiously unequal displays.

After an interval of five minutes. Dickson re-started the game. Bassett was immediately earnest, and Warner looked like having anything but an easy time.

Reynolds kicked behind, but from the goal kick the ball was again returned into tho Villa’s half, and Geddes headed over.

The Villas’ play was not so spirited as in the first half, and it appeared as if the disappointment had a detrimental effect upon their play.

Cox. however, returned the ball smartly into midfield, and a free kick was awarded the Albions for a foul.

Reynolds, who was conspicuous throughout the game, just missed a goal by shooting over the bar, Bassett and M'Leod got away occasionally with the ball, but the former did not have many opportunities in the first half of the game.

Repeated attacks by the Albions were made upon the Villa goal, when finally the desired end was accomplished.

Pearson and Geddes secured, but Evans returned to Reynolds, who with a splendid long shot scored

THE THIRD GOAL FOR THE ALBION,

after the game had been resumed ten minutes.

The Throstles whistled with delight, and the enthusiasm was unstinted.

The destination of the cup was now comparatively assured, and the joy of the visitors from West Bromwich was uncontrollable.

Afterwards the Villa were awarded a corner, and from the kick the ball went behind the posts, but was returned into play by the wind. An appeal was made, but the referee decided the ball was in play. The Villa again renewed their attack. Cowan passed to Devey, but Reader was always able to averting the danger.

Play fluctuated between the goals, and Warner was also called upon to defend. The Villa through the instrumentality of Cowan, nearly scored a goal, but the ball hit the bar. Play was now in the Albion half, and Devey and Athersmith tried their utmost to redeem their fallen fortunes.

Athersmith had a good shot, but Reader saved in direct contrast to Warner.

Play was here briefly suspended owing to an accident to Groves. A free kick to the Villa had not the effect of giving them an additional advantage, for Bassett quickly returned and only just missed.

Repealed incursions were made by the Albion forwards, and one time when particularly dangerous, Cox just relieved in time.

A free kick was awarded to the Albion for Athersmith fouling Geddes. The Villa got away in an exceptionally smart manner, and after some good passing Dickson sent in a rather weak shot. Geddes got away and returned the ball to the centre, and racing down at top speed shot across the goal, and the ball went behind.

The Villa once more transferred to Albion’s goal. Athersmith and Devey dribbling down, but were only successful in forcing a corner.

The Villa were now showing more prominently, but the rushes of their left wing were repeatedly broken up by Reynolds.

A free kick for hands was awarded the Villa on the twelve yards’ mark, but the ball travelled behind unmolested. Hands to the Albion introduced the ball into mid-field. Play of a very even character resulted, and the players of both sides relaxed considerably, so that the spectators urged the rivals, with “Play up Villa’ and “ Play up Albion!’’

The Villa forwards worked well together, but they lacked the dash exhibited by the Albion’s. The ball was now on the Albion’s left wing, and Groves attempted to got away, but H. Devey returned it with a long kick, and finally M'Culloch cleared by kicking into touch.

The ball remained near the Albion’s goal, but Reynolds shot well into the Villa territory, and Bassett, with another of his speedy runs, just fell in attempting to centre when he was near goal line.

Athersmith and Devey endeavoured to pass Groves, but although the latter had injured one of his pins, was still enabled to repulse combination.

Dickson and Devey were prominent, but Reader frustrated their designs upon his citadel, Athersmith again centred to Dickson, and the latter made good shot, which ought to have scored if any other goalkeeper other than Reader had been there. The shot, however, was saved. and Dickson appeared as if he kicked Reader after the ball bad successfully disposed of.

A free kick was awarded the Villa for Nioholls infringing the off-side rule. Exchanges were indulged between the half-backs, and the ball finally was secured by Geddes. In attempting to cross to M’Leod tumbled and fell, and so the ball went wide.

The Villa forwards in desperation tried every endeavour to score at least one goal, and Cowan dribbled into the Throstles’ half, but Devey skied the ball over the bar
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Bassett and M’Leod with the hopes of adding yet another goal to their score, invaded the Villa goal, but M’Leod with an erratic shot sent the ball wide.

Athersmith and Dickson ran the ball down the centre of the ground from the kick from goal, but Nicholson averted the danger and transferred to the opposite goal, where M’Leod obtained and shot over the bar.

The Albion continued to press until the whistle sounded for cessation of hostilities, and the West Bromwich retired from the field winners of the Football Association Cup for 1891-92. and in addition secured an unexpected and brilliant victory.

The final scores were;—

WEST BROMWICH ALBION .... Three goals ....
ASTON VILLA …. Nothing