THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
FIRST DIVISION.
CONCLUDING MATCH OF THE SEASON.

ASTON VILLA V. EVERTON.

There were nearly five thousand people present when these teams met yesterday (Wednesday) evening, on Perry Barr enclosure, Birmingham, in the final League engagement of the season.

The Villa had the same team as won the English Cup on Saturday, except that Elliott took the place of Welford. whilst Everton had strong combination.

The visitors won the toss and the Villa started against a glaring sun.

The opening exchanges were fast and exciting, each goal being visited in quick succession.

After Chadwick had forced corner Devey got possession, and racing away passed to Athersmith. who cleared all obstacles and scored with a splendid shot.

Shortly after this Chatt and Devey made a passing run and Hodgetts shot with terrific force, but Hillman returned, and Millward and Hartley made an incursion on the homesters’ citadel, and Wilkes was forced to concede corner kick, which was unproductive.

A magnificent run by Reynolds and Hodgetts ended in Smith cleverly shooting, but Hillman again saved his charge.

Everton’s left wing then got away, but carried the ball over the line, whilst a fine run by Hartley and Bell passed similarly unrewarded.

Even exchanges followed, neither gaining any advantage. Wilkes saved, and rushing out met the return ball, and the referee, mistaking the man, blew his whistle for foul, but finding out his mistake threw the ball up half a dozen yards away from the Villa goal, but the ball was got away.

Williams later got possession but Elliott missed, and Spencer did likewise.

Hartley then rushed and put the scores on equality.

Not to be denied, however, Villa rushed away. Athersmith received the ball from Devey and centred, Smith scoring just before the interval.

On resuming play became fast, and each line of forwards did good work.

Reynolds put in stinging shot, which Hillman saved, and after a foul kick he again nearly lowered the Everton’s colours.

After a scrum in the home goal Spencer cleared and Devey passed to Smith, who was ruled off-side, although four opposing players were in front of him.

A deluge of rain now greatly interfered with play, and a little later Russell, one of the Villa halves, had to leave the held with an injured leg.

Although Villa now had only ten men they more than held their own, and penned the visitors in.

Devey, Athersmith, Reynolds and Cowan had shots at goal, and Adams and Parry were kept constantly on the defensive.

As time approached play became more even, and one minute from “Time!” Everton scored, and the game ended in a draw of two goals each.