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

ASTON VILLA V. NOTTS.

This return League match was played at Perry Barr. The weather was perfect and about eight thousand spectators cheered the players as they went on to the field.

The Villa played their full strength with one exception, Logan, who was too unwell to take part in the game. Albert Brown was, therefore, included amongst the forwards, and partnered Athersmith on the right, whilst W. Devey went into the centre.

Notts were without the services of their, clever little right-wing player, Walkerdine, and, therefore. included Mabbett in their forward ranks.

The game was of a most interesting character, and at one period the victory of the Villa appeared to be extremely doubtful. It was in the second half, and the score was 2 goals to1 against Notts, who were, however, having the best of the game. Cox was lame, and, thus weakened, the Villa defence seemed scarcely strong enough to withstand the attack, despite the fact that Baird had been playing a great game, and has certainly developed into a safe and clever back.

Just at the critical time. however, the Villa forwards pulled themselves together, scored another goal, and showing good combination kept the Notts defenders busily engaged up to the finish.

In the first half the balance of the play lay with the Villa who were kicking uphill with the sun in their faces. The advantage of a slight wind behind them enabled them to keep the ball well in their opponents' territory. The forwards played very well, but the absence of Logan was certainly felt as W.Devey is not an ideal centre and is much better on the right wing.

Toone saved brilliantly on several occasions, and the crowd were not slow to show their appreciation of his sterling qualities as a, goalkeeper. John Devey and Hodgetts did splendidly in the first half and the former especially worked tremendously hard to score. On one occasion he struck the crossbar with the ball, which rebounded to Brown, who reshot for goal. The ball was punched away by Toone. About twenty minutes from the start the Villa, forced a corner-kick, and after the ball had been kicked away from goal it was returned by Burton and great cheers announced that it had gone into the net.

It must not be imagined that the Notts forwards were idle, but Baird was in such grand form that he checked run after run and the attackers rarely got within shooting distance of goal.

Shortly after the Villa success Bruce managed to secure an opening, but his shot was well saved by Roberts, who turned the ball round the post. The corner-kick was useless.

The game continued to be in favour of the Villa, and just before the interval John Devey scored with a magnificent shot. The Villa thus crossed over with a lead of 2 goals.

On restarting Notts at once Pressed and Bruce shot the ball through, but was given offside. Then the Villa retaliated, and as the result of a finely-placed centre by Athersmith a determined and prolonged attack was made on the Notts goal, but Toone working desperately, saved his charge.

The Villa forwards fell back discomfited and the Notts players, who were very quick on the ball, went straight for goal. Cox was lame and McInnes managed to pass Baird, and scored with a shot which completely surprised Roberts.

Encouraged by their success Notts played up with great determination and the moments were anxious ones for the supporters of the home team. However, the goal withstood all the assaults made on it, and then the Villa forwards changed the scene of the play, and Whitelaw, Hendry, and Toone were kept hard at work defending.

Amidst loud laughter the ball collapsed as Burton was about to shoot. However, the Villa were now going strongly, and some long passing from left to right enabled Athersmith to centre and John Devey heeded the third point.

A moment later, Will Devey put the ball through again, but was given off-side. The Villa had the best of the game until the finish, but could not improve upon their score, They thus won by 3 goals to 1.