ASTON VILLA V. BLACKBURN.

The Blackburn Rovers paid their first visit of the season to Perry Barr, and were welcomed by about twelve thousand spectators. They brought a splendid eleven, and were opposed by a full side of the home club, in whose ranks Logan again appeared as centre forward.

The ground offered a precarious footing to the players, but the game was nevertheless most scientifically played, and in the first half especially was most exciting. The Rovers. played towards the Wellington Road goal, and had thus the advantage of a slight wind. They commenced beautifully and led by Southworth the forwards made some dashing runs, one of which proved successful ten minutes from the start, Chippendale shooting the ball past Dunning.

The Villa retaliated, but a good attempt was thwarted by the Rovers' backs, and then the Villa defence was sorely tried. Just at this time the Rovers passed perfectly, and but for the brilliant play of the Villa half-backs must have got through on several occasions. Dowds in particular was in fine form, and was cheered again and again for his well-judged tactics.

For some considerable time the Rovers were in possession of the ball much more frequently than were the Villa ; but the forwards of the latter club at length awakened, and the play became very even.

Devey performed splendidly, and some fine attacks were made upon the visitors' goal, but it was ably defended by Walton.

Two shots by Athersmith were but a few inches too high or they must have scored.

It wanted only two minutes to the interval when Hodgetts and Devey made a pretty run, and, from a centre by the former, Athersmith shot the ball past Walton amidst great cheering.

The teams were thus on level terms when they crossed over, and a close and exciting fight was expected a a during the second half.

As results proved, however, the Rovers had shot their bolt, for after the interval, to use a common expression, there was only one team in it.

The Villa forwards passed with beautiful precision, and their attacks were most deadly. Devey very quickly put his side ahead, and afterwards a great number of shots were sent into the Rovers' goal.

Several tussles of the most exciting description occurred in the goal, but Walton's defence for a time was impenetrable, and he was cheered again and again for his cleverness.

At length, however, A. Brown centred across goal, and Devey dashing in, banged the ball into the net for the third time:

The Villa continued to have all the best of play until the finish, before which time A. Brown scored again, and the Villa thus won by 4 goals to 1.