ASTON VILLA v. BLACKBURN ROVERS.

The weather was pleasantly fine at Perry Barr on the occasion of the meeting of these old rivals, the turf was in excellent condition. and everything was favourable for a good game, each team was the strongest possible, and exactly the same faced each other at Blackburn last week with the exception Gordon, who was displaced by Hall.

The attendance was not so great as usual when these teams meet, but over 10 people witnessed the match.

Winning the toss, the Villa played down hill, and Stuart opened the game the interests of the Rovers. Haydock and Whitehead once attacked. Spencer fouled one of the Rovers forwards, but nothing came Anderson's kick.

Smith next got possession, and at the right moment passed to Athersmith, but that player was unable to beat Olgivie.

For some time the visitors had decidedly the worst exchanges, and from a race away Athersmith cleared all obstacles, and Ogilvie, rushing out. was easily beaten, and the first point scored.

This reverse put the Northerners on their mettle, and they, in turn, attacked hotly, and Wilkes had to rush out and save his goal with a flying kick.

Smith got possession, and several hot shots were saved with remarkable judgment by Ogilvie; in fact, had it not been for his determined play, the Rovers' colours must have been several times lowered.

Play ruled now more even. Each goal was attacked but no point accrued before the interval.

At commencement of the second half, play ruled very fast, but suddenly a change took place, and the forward play of either side was tame and weak. Play was confined to the centre of the field, and was of a very give-and take character.

The loud cries of the home supporters had the desired effect, and after Hall and Chippendale had an innings in the Villa territory the ball was returned by Spencer, and magnificent combination of forward play ended in Russell passing to the Villa captain who sent in a rattling shot which the Blackburn custodian could not cope with.

Play of a scrambling nature followed. The Rovers played desperately, but with no judgment or combination, and each time were repulsed by Wolford and Spencer, who played perfect football throughout the whole game.

Just before "Time!” Devey received pass from Chatt, and after a clever run scored a third goal for the Villa.

Towards the close the Rovers made several desperate attacks, all of which were fruitless, the game closing—Aston Villa, three goals; Blackburn Rovers, none.