THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
DIVISION I.

SUNDERLAND V. ASTON VILLA.

This important League match was decided on the Newcastle Road Grounds, Sunderland, yesterday, in the presence of fully 11,000 spectators.

The teams were the best the clubs could put in the field and great interest was centred in the match as the teams held the top and second places in the League table.

Villa kicked off against the wind, and the smart passing of their forwards baffled the home defence.

At length, from a pass Athersmith, Hodgetts opened the scoring account for the Villa.

This roused the home team, and the best combined run of the game resulted in Gillespie putting on a fine goal and making matters even.

The Villans were not to be denied, and some grand work on their left wing was followed by another point from the foot of Smith.

This was the signal for more rushing from the home forwards, but they could not get through before Devey had put the Villa, still further ahead.

Just before the interval Sunderland scored through Campbell, and at half-time Villa led three goals to two.

The second portion of match was desperately fought out. The Sunderland men realised their position, and after about a quarter of hour’s play they came down in a body, and Scott passed to Hannah, who made the record three all.

Almost directly the crowd were driven nearly frantic Hannah securing a leading point.

The Villa all this time were doing grand work, and just before time they equalised, a hard, fast, and exciting game ending Sunderland, four goals; Villa, four goals.