ASTON VILLA v. SMALL HEATH.

At Perry Barr. Mobley kicked off for Small Heath, and the Villa attacked, but Athersmith was ruled off- side. After give and take, Reynolds put in a shot which was cleverly tipped over the bar by Roach. After fine passing, initiated Crabtree, Campbell scored ten minutes from the start, with a shot which gave Small Heath’s new custodian no chance.

The Heathens threw away a chance a few minutes later, but they were kept mostly on the defensive. Roach stopped a shot at close quarters, and then Wilkes saved finely from Wheldon the other end.

The Villa returned to the attack, and after a sharp scrimmage in front of goal Smith registered a second point.

The Small Heath backs were playing a somewhat erratic game, and the superior tactics of the Villa gave Roach plenty of work, Cowan giving him two very hot straight shots to deal with.

Occasionally Small Heath broke away, but their attacks were not well sustained.

Devey scored a third point, and directly after headed another.

Campbell backheeled the fifth through.

Half time : Villa, 5 goals ; Heathens, nil.

In the second half the Villa had to play in the face a brilliant sun, which had placed their opponents at some disadvantage in the opening moiety of the game. The Villa immediately assumed the aggressive, but Small Heath drove them out and retaliated with an attack on the other goal. Nothing came of it, and then the Heathens’ position had a narrow escape from a header by Devey.

The Heathens got another look in and Hallam sent wide. They came again with a dashing onslaught at Wilkes’ charge, but had ill-luck, the ball cannoning against the referee.

The Villa, who had played a brilliant game throughout the first half, were now slackening their efforts somewhat, and Small Heath suddenly woke up, and Walton beat Wilkes after a hot scrimmage, and within two minutes Small Heath again scored, as the result of a free kick given against Welford. who had infringed the rules in ill-timed attempt at pleasantry.

The Villa now returned to serious work, and Cowan scored after Roach had staved off a strong attack.

Small Heath again got down, and showing better passing than they had previously displayed, scored a pretty goal by Hands. A number shots were aimed at the Small Heath goal, and Wilkes was also troubled, Campbell putting the ball through again.

Final:— ASTON VILLA 7 goals. Small Heath 3 goals.
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*The Sporting Life*
Monday 09 September 1895
ASTON VILLA v. SMALL HEATH

Magnificent weather, for game sure football, prevailed at Perry Barr on Saturday, when the above local rivals met to battle for League honours.

The attendance numbered 12,000, and both teams were the same as did service on Monday.

Villa won the toss, and elected to take advantage of slope, and Mobley started for the visitors. Campbell drew first blood, and experienced hard lines later.

After a raid by the visitors a breakaway resulted Campbell again scoring, and the same player put on a third point before the interval, at which point the game stood 5-0 in Villa’s favour.

Villa were now facing the sun. and Small Heath were seen to much greater advantage, and Walton opened the account, and later the ball rebounded from Welford through his own goal.

Cowan scored a sixth, whilst Hands responded with another for the visitors. Just the call of time Campbell secured another point, and a good game ended Aston Villa, seven goals; Small Heath, three goals.
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*The Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser*
Monday 09 September 1895

MATCHES PLAYED ON SATURDAY.
ASSOCIATION.
THE LEAGUE. —First Division.

Aston Villa v. Small Heath.

Played Perry Barr, before a vast crowd, numbering 14,000.

Prompt to time, Mr. Brodie gave the signal, and Mobley set the ball roiling for the “Heathens”.

Athersmith at once being pulled up for off-side. After a corner, given by Provis, Reynolds sent in a hard shot, which Roach touched over.

From clever play by Crabtree, Campbell scored in five minutes, and for a time the home side held a big advantage.

A run by the visiting left, however, relieved, Wheldon giving Wilkes a teaser to save. A combined rush by Villa ended in Smith scoring a second goal. Reynolds fed Athersmith splendidly, most of the danger coming from this wing.

Small Heath could make no headway at all, three more goals being registered against them very rapidly, and the interval they were in a minority of five goals.

Resuming, with the sun still shining brilliantly, the Villa at once made off, Small Heath replying with their most spirited attack, and having hard lines.

Coming again, Wheldon scored, the same player adding second goal shortly afterwards.

Cowan then added a sixth to the Villa's account.

The game now became more equal, Villa playing in straggling fashion, while the "Heathens" were more spirited. Hands placed a third point to their credit.

Towards the close both sides kept a fast game, despite the sultry weather. Both goals were fortunate in escaping downfall, but Villa got the ball home three minutes from "time."

Final Score : Aston Villa - 7 Small Heath 3