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SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v. ASTON VILLA.

“VICTORY OF THE VILLANS”

The first of the season’s fixtures between these clubs was played at Olive Grove Grounds in weather of the most depressing character. Before the time set for the match to commence - 2.45- there was every appearance of rain but fortunately it held off until the second half was started, when it commenced to drizzle, and continued throughout the remainder of the game,

Wednesday played their strongest available team, while in the Villa eleven Chatt took the place of Reynolds at right half back. There was a strong breeze blowing lengthwise of the fired of play when Devey won the toss and Davis, who was playing centre forward for Wednesday, kicked off towards Heeley against the wind, in the presence of about twelve thousand spectators.

Straight from the kick off the ball was taken into Wednesday territory, and a free kick accrued to the Villans. Spencer directed the ball, which Davis headed away, but it was returned, and bobbed backward and forward among the players, who were massed in front of goal, until it came to Wheldon, who headed past Massey.

The remainder of the first half was stubbornly contested, the Wednesdayites having slightly the best of the play, but they were the weaker in front of the goal, both Davis and Spikesley missing chances, the wild shots at goal by Davis being the worst.

The interval arrived with the score one goal to none in favour of Aston Villa.

On resuming the Villa at once attacked, and Massey had to beat away from Devey. During the next fifteen minutes the ball was seldom out of the Villains territory, and although their defence was severely taxed they managed to keep their goal intact.

When play had progressed seventeen minutes Brady equalised for Wednesday amidst scenes of indescribable excitement, and then play became very fast and exciting.

When the second half had progressed twenty three minutes the Villans made an almost electrical burst, and some grand play by the left wing forwards gave Campbell a chance which he utilised, thus placing the Villa team in front.

From the kick-off they pressed and Athersmith scored a third goal for the visitors.

The remainder of game was stoutly contested, but nothing more accrued, the result was, Aston Villa, three goals; Wednesday, one goal.