ASTON VILLA v. DERBY COUNTY.

This match, which was played at Perry Barr in rather unfavourable weather, did not draw more than 8.000 spectators. The Villa had their full eleven, and so had the County. John Goodall and Leiper re-appearing, and Turner being played left half in preference to Kinsey, who is off form at present.

The Villa, winning the toss, elected to play down the slope. Miller started the game, and the Villa at once attacked, but, as usual, made very poor use of their opportunities front of goal. Devey missed one simple chance of scoring, and although Athersmith made some long and speedy runs, his centres were not made much of. Wheldon got in a clever overhead shot, which gave Robinson some trouble, the ball striking the crossbar and going over.

At the other end Stevenson was pulled up for offside when standing close to the Villa posts, and M'Queen centred from a most favourable position.

Many times Athersmith ran half the length of the field, managed to get in his centre well, but, partly owing to poor shooting and partly to sterling defence, chance alter chance was thrown away.

At half time. Villa, none; Derby, none.

When play recommenced rain was falling heavily, and the Villa had to face it. Derby pressed, and Bloomer shot grandly, but Whitehouse saved, and Reynolds gave a corner, which was not improved.

The Villa pressed, and Robinson saved well from John Cowan. Seven minutes from the interval Athersmith centred, and John Cowan headed a splendid goal.

Whitehouse saved well from Miller, the game since the interval having been magnificently contested. M’Queen put the ball through, but was off-side.

Athersmith who was playing finely, ran the ball down and passed to Wheldon who put a second goal through.

Three minutes later Bloomer scored for Derby.

The game was now exciting, the ball travelling from end to end at a great rate. John Cowan effected a grand run, but was charged down when about shoot. Villa had a free kick close in goal and Robinson saved marvellously, whilst Whitehouse got rid of a shot from Stevenson at close quarters.

Better goal-keeping has not been seen on the ground this season. John Cowan had to leave the field owing to lameness, but the Villa had their fair share of the attack, and Athersmith made a foolish miss when he had goal at his mercy.

Nothing else was done, and the game ended—Aston Villa, two goals; Derby County, one goal.