ASTON VILLA v. WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Great interest was shown in this match on Saturday at the Albion Ground, West Bromwich.

It was the second attempt to decide the tie, the previous one having resulted in a draw. Both weather and state of ground were unfavourable, and the result proved a great surprise, West Bromwich winning by three goals to one.

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*Birmingham Daily Post*
Monday, 12 January 1885

SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL MATCHES.
ASSOCIATION RULES. THE ENGLISH CUP.

ASTON VILLA v. WEST BROMWICH ALBION

These teams met in Saturday afternoon on the Four Acres, West Bromwich, to play off their undecided tie in the third round of the English cup.

The weather was very unfavourable, both wind and rain proving troublesome; but still the match was witnessed by about 4,000 spectators, amongst whom the greatest excitement prevailed throughout.

During the first half the home team kicked up-hill, and with the wind against them. A few minutes after the ball had bean set in motion the Albion carried it right into their opponents' quarters, and Leach scored the first goal for the home team as the result of a scrimmage.

The Villa team worked hard for the next twenty minutes to equalise matters, and repeatedly carried the leather closeup to the Albion goal, and some well-directed shots were put in, but owing to the magnificent goal-keeping of Roberts, who was in splendid form, nothing resulted.

A few minutes before the whistle blew for half-time Bayliss put in another point for the Albion. The rain was now descending in torrents, end it was suggested that play should cease for a while, and some of the home team left the field, but as the Villa refused to follow their opponents example the second half of the game commenced without any break, the visitors now kicking up hill with both wind and rain beating against them.

For a time the game was of an even character, and the ball travelled up and down the field in rapid succession, and both teams made some brilliant shots for goal, but owing to the admirable defence of both goalkeepers, who worked pluckily for their respective sides, no further point was obtained until twenty minutes of the second half had expired, when Leach, from a fine run down the centre of so the field, scored the third goal for the Albion, amidst enthusiastic applause.

The game became very exciting, and the Villa men pressed their opponents very hotly, and for a time some fine play was witnessed but a few yards from the Albion goal posts, but but by the admirable defence of Roberts and the Albion backs the aggressive efforts of the visitors were repulsed and frustrated,

With about fourteen minutes to play the score stood - Albion 3, Villa 0.

During the remainder of the game no further points were scored by either side, Albion this winning by 3 goals to nil.