ASTON VILLA v. WEST BROMWICH ALBION.

These old local rivals were again pitted against each other in the second League fixture of the season al Perry Barr. Notwithstanding that rain has fallen almost incessantly for the last sixty days, weather was beautifully fine during the afternoon, and fully 15,000 spectators assembled to witness the sport.

Both teams were fully represented, and a first-class game ensued.

The visitors won the toss and Campbell started the game down hill for the Villa, and the visitors very soon made running in the home quarters, Bassett being conspicuous with some clever work in the forward ranks. M’Leod kicked outside when in winning position, and Athersmith then got away up the wing, but was cleverly slopped by Williams, who kicked to Garfield, and the latter shot right into the home custodian's hands, who thumped the leather out, Bassett receiving and shooting right across the goal, Ford heading through, although he was palpably off side.

From the kick-off the Villa commenced a series of attacks, and Reader was found plenty to do between the posts, but he proved an able custodian, and the Throstles then had a short innings. Bassett and Ford getting away, had a clear course for goal, and seemed certain of scoring, but Welford overtook them and effected a very clever save.

Villa were again to the front, Wheldon and Cowan each shooting at goal, but Reader was able to manipulate each shot, but was busy for some time, the goal eventually falling to a very fine attempt by Wheldon who netted the ball with one of his old style screw shots, fairly baffling Reader.

Villa warmed to their work after this success, and ere many minutes had elapsed another goal was registered through the medium of Devey and Campbell, the ball gliding into the net off the latter’s head. Reader being deceived through the ball altering its course in the manner indicated.

Nothing else of interest took place before the interval, when the score stood—Aston Villa, two goals; Albion, nil.

After the interval the homesters were first away, and made things pretty warm in the visiting quarters for some time. Matters looked serious when Williams missed his kick at full back, but fortunately Evans came to the rescue and relieved.

The Throstles now broke away, but Crabtree cut short Bassett’s progress. Villa were quickly again to the front, and Campbell sent in a stinger, which Reader manipulated probably more by luck than judgment. However, he kept his post clear, and this was all that was required.

Two corners fell to the homesters in quick succession, but both were fruitless.

The game was now running under high pressure, and Wheldon centred by means of an overhead kick, and Devey headed inches over the bar.

Albion were awarded a foul in the home quarters, and for once Whitehonse was called on to handle, and then the homesters were again to the attack, and from now until the finish the visitors were kept on the defence, but their hind quarters were strong, and too good to be broken.

On one or two occasions only did the Throstles break away, but their attempts were very weak, and the attacks were short.

Villa kept up the pressure until time, but were not successful in registering any more points, and game ended—Aston Villa, two goals; West Bromwich Albion, none.