FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP. THIRD ROUND.
REPLAYED TIE.
PRESTON NORTH END v. ASTON VILLA.

After having had two severe struggles for supremacy, and played two drawn games, it was only natural that a lot interest was evinced in their third meeting, which took place yesterday afternoon at Bramall Grounds, Sheffield. The weather was of the most delightful character, and the large local crowd was considerably augmented by the large influx of excursionists from Birmingham and the districts adjacent to Sheffield.

With the single exception that Holmes took the place of Tait at right full back, the teams were exactly the same as played a drawn game at Birmingham Saturday last.

The Villans at once went away with rare dash and resolution, and the North End backs and goal keeper were quickly busy. On the other hand the North End forward division played a weak game, and seldom penetrated beyond the Villa half back division, with the result that during the first twenty-six minutes Wilkes had really nothing to do.

Trainer had a lot of work to get through, but he managed it well, as within one minute of the game he had saved no less than four times.

When play had progressed thirty nine minutes John Cowan, on the extreme left, banged the ball across to Athersmith, who headed the first goal for the Villa, who at the interval led by one goal to nil.

Crossing over, the Villa were at once the aggressors, and after seven minutes' play Athersmith passed to Devey, who in turn gave Campbell possession, and the latter put the ball past Trainer.

From the kick-off the ball was taken to the Villa end, and a corner accrued to North End which was well directed Saunders, and in the scrummage which ensued in front of the Villa goal the ball was headed through.

Play ruled very fast and was much more exciting than in the first half, and with only thirteen minutes to play Athersmith scored the third point for the Villa, and after Wilkes had with great difficulty tipped one over the bar from Pratt. The corner was taken by Smith, who placed the ball near to Stevenson, and he put on the second goal for North End, the Villains thus qualifying for the semi final with the score—Aston Villa, three-goals; Preston North-End, two goals.