SUNDERLAND v. ASTON VILLA,

These teams played their return League engagement at Sunderland on Saturday, the game attracting a lot of attention.

Excursions were run for all parts of the North, and one cheap train was run from Birmingham.

The Villa had Smith off and had to play John Cowan, while Crabtree played at the back. The Sunderland side was the usual one.

The Villains having lost the toss Campbell started for them, and play was exciting fora while. Wilkes and Doig in their respective goals kept out grand shots.

The home backs had all their work cut out to keep the Villains out, and at times the fine clock-like work of the home forwards was enchanting.

At length Campbell, who got the ball in grand position scored for the home side amid cheers, and his side led by a goal to nil at half time.

The second portion of the game was brilliant and exciting. The home side having got the lead, showed more confidence, and all but scored in the first half.

Campbell, the Villa centre, put in a couple of brilliant shots, but Doig thumped out grandly, while at the ether end Miller beat Wilkes for the second time.

As the end was approaching the Villans mode strenuous effort. By dint of close passing they got well in front of Gow and Doig, and from a neat pass back Campbell completely mastered Doig.

The Vilia tried again, but failed.

Result;—Sunderland. two; Villa. one.