YESTERDAY'S FOOTBALL.
ASTON VILLA V. NEWTON HEATH

The return League match between these clubs was played at Perry Barr before about 4,000 spectators. The afternoon was fine, and the ground was in magnificent condition. The visitors started the ball up hill, and Athersmith was at once prominent for a fine run on the right but he centred outside. Then Logan had a good shot for goal, but the ball missed its mark, and from the goal-kick the Heathens carried the ball over the Villa lines.

The Villa were soon attacking again, but their efforts were unrewarded. A pretty shot by Farman, the visitors’ outside right, was the next point of interest, and Dunning had no little difficulty in getting the ball away. The same forward centred splendidly a few minutes later, and Donaldson headed the ball in, but Dunning just managed to turn it over the bar. The corner kick was not improved upon.

Athersmith next ran the ball down and gave it to Cowan, who shot. It struck the crossbar, and Logan, being well up, scored the first goal, fifteen minutes from the start.

The game has scarcely been restated when Athersmith tried a long shot, which the back failed to get away, and Logan, dashing up put on the second point for the home side.

Farman changed the scene of the fight, but Cox cleared in good style, and the Villa again pressed. Some capital play by Logan was rewarded with a corner which was of no use to the home team. A second was no nice successful but Logan soon after came close to scoring with a beautiful shot which delighted the crowd.

Athersmith and W. Devey played very prettily out in the field, but the former spoiled several fine chances by centring too squarely. W. Devey tried a shot on his own account, but it failed, and Logan, whose shooting had been a feature of the match, put the ball just over the bar.

Farman, an old Birmingham player, was the best man for the visitors’ side, and he made some gallant efforts to score, but Dunning cleared beautifully, although he had all he could do to get the ball away.

At the interval the Villa still led by 2 goals to 0.

On restarting the Villa maintained their superiority, and the play was principally confined to the vicinity of the Newton Heath goal for the first ten minutes.

The attacking side, however, could make no impression on the defence, and then the visitors tried their luck, but found Dunning very safe in goal. Farman continued to shine, and on one occasion caused the Villa backs a deal of trouble, but fortunately Cowan came the rescue, and prevented a score.

The game at this point was much more even than in the first half, and the visitors were as often attacking as attacked. A long shot by Cowan was well saved by Davies, but it was a fine effort, and was deservedly applauded by the crowd. Baird at back for the Villa was also repeatedly cheered for his well-timed tackling and kicking.

After several tries Donaldson got past the backs but was badly tripped up by Athersmith, and the free kick was not utilised by the visitors.

A break away by the Villa gave L. Cambpbell an opening, but his shot went wide. John Devey now had a try, but Davies punched the ball away, add similarly dealt with a scorcher from Logan.

The Villa had much the best of the play until the finish, but failed to increase their score and thus won by 2 goals to 0.