PRESTON NORTH END v. ASTON VILLA.

This game was played at Preston on Saturday, before a gate of 7,000 spectators. The North End had been in training for the game and turned out in peak condition. The Villains had a rattling side out, but the heavy ground, which was sodden and heavy from recent rains, was against really scientific play,

This notwithstanding, however, the game was a rattler.

The North End men, who had to face a bitterly cold and strong North wind, went to work in earnest, and Welford, Spencer and Wilkes soon had trouble to face. Time after time the home men rushed forward and then at the end of seven minutes’ play Sanders, with a grand low shot, beat Wilkes.

The success infused new life in the home attack, and immediately after Sharp all but scored again.

Then Smith and Campbell troubled Joy, who was in brilliant form, and saved several shots. Henderson soon put in a grand centre, and Sanders again scored for the home side.

While again under half an hour from the start Cunningham shot a fine goal for the North End.

The Villains’ supporters, of whom there were many present, were beaten at this reverse. Their players, however, kept their hearts up, and from a grand kick up the hill by Welford just before half time, the ball was headed past Joy, and half time was called with the score - N.E. three; Villa one.

On resuming, Jack Devey partnered Cowan, and Campbell went centre and the Villa play improved a lot. The Brums faced the wind better, and they kept the ball down. The Prestonians, however, were not to be denied, and after several reverses at the hands of Wilkes, and the feet of Spencer, Henderson got on the ball, and eluding all pursuers, ran close, and scored with a shot, against which the Villa custodian had not a ghost of a chance.

The crowd went frantic with joy, but the determined looks on the face of the Villa brooded no tiring and keeping in mind the fame of the Midlanders, the home defence kept steady,

Crabtree all but scored, but it remained to Campbell to beat Joy with sample shot after he had once partially saved. Again on came the Midlanders, and again it was Campbell, who scored and the North End and their supporters were glad when the whistle sounded before the Villa could get on terms.

Result: North End, four goal; Villa three.