SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL.
THE LEAGUE.-DIVISION I.

SUNDERLAND V. ASTON VILLA

This return match was played at Sunderland. The ground was in excellent condition, the weather dull and a cold strong wind blew across the field. There were 5,000 spectators. Sunderland won the toss, and Logan started the game at 2.35. Sunderland at once pressed, David Hannah scoring after four minutes' play.

The Villa responded with a run down, but sent the ball over the goal line. From a goal-kick Sunderland easily got past the Villa halves, and James Hannah, shooting well in, Dunning saved,, but before he could clear Gillespie scored, seven minutes from the start, amid great applause.

The next few exchanges were of an even character, an after Campbell had missed Athersmith did the same at a the other end. The Villa then got down the field a second time, Porteous giving a corner, which Sunderland cleared. The home team then pressed, Evans twice relieving, and Gillespie finally shooting wide. Gillespie made amends by scoring directly afterwards.

Campbell next tried, Evans saving splendidly, and the Villa several times crossed the centre line, but were speedily driven back.

Sunderland had matters all their own way, and just missed scoring from a corner given off Dunning. Sunderland pressed almost continuously, the Villa having to defend hard, and give corners. With half-time the score was Sunderland, 3 goals ; Villa 0.

Campbell started the second half, and Sunderland made play at the Villa end, Dunning saving grandly off Miller. Hodgetts and his partner cleverly broke away, but Smellie cleared, and Gillespie going off gave the ball to Campbel who shot outside.

Seven minutes from the cross over David Hannah scored. The play was now faster than hitherto, mainly owing to breaks-away of the Villa wing men. The visitors strove better but were a rarely dangerous. On one occasion, however they scrimmaged the ball just outside, and Sunderland by taking matters easy, the Villa invaded; and in turn Sunderland took up the pressure.

Some splendid passing by Gillespie, Miller, and Campbell resulted in the latter scoring a fifth goal.

This roused the Villa, who ran off and gained a fruitless corner. They again attacked, Doig throwing out. Hail now fell heavily, making the ground white in a few minutes. In the midst of the shower s Sunderland pressed, but shot wide. The Villa assumed the aggressive and seemed likely to score, when a corner was given, nothing resulting.

Sunderland attacked from a free-kick, Evans and Cox forcing the play to mid-field. As time wore on the play was more open, each side invading in turn, Sunderland being by far the most dangerous in attack.

Ten minutes from the finish Sunderland put on their sixth goal.

Nothing further was scored. Result: Sunderland 6, Villa 0.