ASTON VILLA V. BOLTON WANDERERS.

These teams met in their first League fixture at Perry Barr, on Saturday.

There were about 6,000 people present at the commencement of play. The weather was bitterly cold and the ground, which was covered with half inch of snow, was hard as flint and exceedingly dangerous.

The Villa team was very unrepresentative, no fewer than six of the regular team being absent. Spencer, Welford and Chatt were on the sick list, whilst Reynolds, Russell, and Dunning were under the ban of the committee for misconduct, and were delegated to take part in the reserve team match.

Bolton were as usual, except that they we short of Cassidy on the outside left, and Bently his partner, was also replaced Settle.

Henderson started for the Wanderers up the hill. The home forwards were soon conspicuous, and in a short time were busy round the visitors’ goal.

Smith was fouled badly within the twelve yards line, and cries of "Penalty" were raised, but this the referee did not allow.

Pressure was relieved, and Henderson, Tannahill and Spencer made tracks for the Villa goal, where Baird made a clever save.

Hare made a fine run, and centred, Hodgetts put in a fast shot, which Sutcliffe got away with difficulty, but Hodgetts placing another good shot, a corner was conceded. Athersmith took the kick and the ball glided off Jones through the goal before Sutcliffe had a chance of reaching it, thus a rather soft goal fell to the home team.

From this point until the interval the play was most exciting, each side contesting every inch of ground.

Smith and Hodgetts proved thorns in the sides of the visitors’ backs, and the visitors’ custodian had much difficulty in clearing some of their shots.

A brilliant attack by Bolton, led by Tannahill, ended when that player shot in the hands of Wilkes, who relieved with a long kick. Ferguson made a clever try to score as the interval sounded.

The second half opened fast, the defence of each team, however, was too good to allow any point to be scored easily, and time after time the play went from end to end. After some even play in midfield Devey got possession and, cleverly evading all comers, went for the Bolton goal and finished his course with a high shot, which Sutcliffe could not reach.

The half-back play of the visitors now became conspicuous and Paton and M’Geachan worked in brilliant style each shot for goal, and had hard lines on several occasions.

The play of each goalkeeper was perfect, and each had plenty to do. Wilkes, after saving several quick and successive shots, was beaten by M’Geachan.

Neither side scored again, by the play was full of dash and vigour right up to the finish, and a capital game ended.

Aston Villa, two goals; Bolton Wanderers, one.