3-3

BURNLEY V. ASTON VILLA.
THE VILLA PULL THE GAME OUT OF THE FIRE.

This, the first meeting of these teams, was played on the Burnley Ground on Saturday, before 8,000 spectators. The home side, who have transferred their famous custodian, Hillman, to Everton, had Johnstone goal, while the Villains had Burton playing right half-back.

The home captain, winning the toss, chose to play down the hill in the first half, and Wilkes at once got to work, and for fully ten minutes had a busy time of it. Place, junior, Nicol, and M’Knight all had shots on goal, but they could not beat the Brum custodian.

Athersmith, when sailing well for goal, was pulled up for off-side, but at the close of twenty - five minutes’ play Burnley had a free kick, and the ball, being splendidly placed, was rushed through the goal.

The Villa could not get past the home halves, and Wilkes, Spencer, and Elliott had all their work cut out to save.

Then Barnes struck the bar, and Nicol rushing up notched the second point.

Nicol and Wilkes came into collision and the spectators badgered the Villa custodian until he spoke to the referee, who addressed the crowd. Nothing further was done until half time, when Burnley led by two goals to none.

Resuming, Wilkes made a feeble save from Place. jun., and Barnes rushing up put on the third goal.

The Villa soon after this appeared to realise their position, and down the incline they swooped time after time, carrying the Burnley halves and backs by their strong rushes.

At last Athersmith, with a long screw shot sent the ball past Johnstone.

Once through the visitors made things hum for Burnley. Crabtree thrice saved brilliantly. Again, when was Chatt was making for Crabtree, the Burnley back put the ball through his own goal.

The home defence was now strengthened, but still the Villa swarmed round the home goal, and shots were fairly rained in.

At length, when only five minutes remained to play, Athersmith put on the equalising goal, and later had hard lines in not scoring again. Result: Villa, three. Burnley, three.