REPLAYED TIES.
THE ASSOCIATION CUP.
ASTON VILLA v. PRESTON NORTH END

This undecided tie in the third round of the English Cup competition was replayed yesterday at Perry Barr, Overnight, and in the morning rain had fallen very heavily and the ground, though it looked well, was on the soft side. To add to this, a perfect gale wind was blowing across the field, which upset the efforts of the men considerably when combination was attempted. Despite the uninviting weather, the crowd began to gather two hours before the start, but the prevailing atmospheric conditions doubtless kept many away.

When the teams took the field there would be 12,000 present. The Villa played their full team - that which did duty on Saturday last, but Holmes, though present, was unable to assist North End, one his legs troubling him, and Tait filled the vacancy.

Preston won the toss, and the home men started with the wind slightly against them. At once Athersmith ran down and crossed neatly over to the left, only to see Smith send the ball yards wide the mark.

North End’s left wing was momentarily dangerous, and in a very short space of time Campbell was at the other end making a praiseworthy attempt to beat Trainer.

A miss by Spencer gave Stevenson an opening, but Evans covered his partners slip amid the plaudits of the crowd. The subsequent play was all in favour of the Perry Barr men. Smith, Wheldon and Devey in rapid succession having a pop at Trainer, but the old war horse stoutly refused admittance. From a corner the strangers' goal escaped as if by miracle. Up to this point the struggle had been of the fastest description, but the heavy going had already had its effect on the men, and as a consequence the game slowed down considerably.

Sanders was kicked accidentally by Devey and for five minutes had retire. With their full complement once again the Deepdale players warmed to their work, a dash away by Henderson and Boyd compelling Spencer to concede a corner, with, however, no tangible result.

The Preston men were now having decidedly the best of the ordeal, and the excitement was intense as the forwards swarmed round Wilkes. Half time, however, arrived with both , teams pointless.

The second half opened in exciting fashion. Athersmith darting away and sending the ball with lightning-like force at Trainer, the prince of goal-keepers clearing amid impartial cheers.

At the other end Stevenson gave Wilkes a real trimmer deal with. The home forwards swooped down in a body. Tait being being so severely pressed that he had to kick the ball out, but nothing came of the corner.

For fifteen minutes the North End goal was regularly bombarded, and on one occasion Trainer cleared in truly magnificent style, some the players actually joining in the applause.

The game was now very fast and a deadly shot from Campbell was beautifully turned aside by the visitors guardian. Fouls against the Villa gave the Deepdale men relief, a straggling break away being terminated Stevenson shooting over. The North End centre was winded and a temporary stoppage took place.

On a restart the home team had really hard lines, a shot from Athersmith shivering the crossbar. Excitement was intense as the home men pressed, but the North End backs and custodian defended so well that the ball seemed capable of being driven anywhere but between the uprights.

In the closing moments the Villa pressed, but the whistle sounded with the result a draw, no scoring.

The game was perhaps the most stubborn one which has ever taken place on the ground. Every inch was contested, and there was really little to choose between the two teams. The Villa had most chances but their forwards lacked dash in front goal. The North End defence was a perfect treat. Trainer giving a faultless exhibition. The match now falls to be played at a neutral ground, but wherever the Association decide the fixture shall take place another battle royal may be expected.