WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v. ASTON VILLA

This holiday fixture attracted to the Molineux Grounds, Wolverhampton, over 1,500 people, the visits of the Aston Villa team always drawing good gates, but doubtless the attendance would have been larger but for the rain which fell early in the morning.

The Wanderers had their full strength in the field, the men having been carefully trained for the contest, while the Villa committee depended upon the team who on the previous morning made the draw with Liverpool.

There was only a slight breeze, and the Wanderers in winning the toss gained little by the choice of ends. From the kick-off the Villa forwards rushed down on the left, and for a quarter of an hour they fairly nuzzled their opponents with the rapidity of their movements and their short, sharp passing and clean kicking.

In less than seven minutes Tennant had stopped three shots from Wheldon. Then the Wanderers went to the other end, Tonks making a fine centre, which Miller missed when he only had the goalkeeper to beat. Play was, however, quickly transferred to the other end, and after some smart work in front of goal, Chatt scored a second point for the Villa, while a few minutes later Malpass, with high shot, beat Whitehouse.

Fast play followed, the Villa being, however, much the smarter team. Their backs were exceptionally smart, and the forwards lost no opportunity of shooting, which was generally very accurate, and causing Tennant lot of trouble. A spell of pressing followed by the Wanderers, but they could not break through, and at half time the Villa were leading by two goals one.

During the second half the Wanderers combination improved, and they played with a considerable amount of dash: but Crabtree and Spencer, together with the half backs, were equal to every rush, and although their attacks at times were of the most exciting character, they were unable to get the ball post Whitehouse, and the game ended in victory for the Villa two goals one.