4-3

ASTON VILLA v. WEST BROMWICH ALBION.

This contest, which was decided at Aston Grounds on Saturday might well be designated the Midland Football Derby. Whenever the Villa and Albion meet there is certain to be a struggle of the very keenest possible description, no matter what men do duty for their respective clubs.

On paper the present game looked a gift for the League champions, more especially when it was taken into consideration that the Albion could not obtain the able services of their best forward, Bassett, who has not returned from America, where he has gone for a short holiday.

Once again, however, the West Bromwich men rose to the occasion, and after a most remarkable match Aston Villa just snatched the victory by four goals three.

The weather was very wet until a few minutes before the start, but such excellent covered stand accommodation is provided the Villa’s new enclosure that the elements seemed to have little or no effect on the attendance. When the rivals took to the field there must have been 25,000 round the arena.

Winning the toss the Villa played with what little wind was blowing in their rear, and the opening was most sensational.

Fisher dashed away, and centred the ball hard at Reader, who was in the act of clearing, when Wheldon came and bundled him into the net.

This early success pleased the crowd, but in no way disconcerted visitors, for on restart they at once swarmed round Whitehouse. Spencer cleared, and soon the game was at the other end, John Cowan and Athersmith each having a pop the goal.

The game proceeded on exceptionally even lines for fifteen minutes, until faulty work by Evans almost let the visitors in, Spencer clearing with an overhead kick.

Good work by Reader brought forth cheers from the onlookers, and had not the lengthy custodian been at his very best Villa would have augmented their lead at this point, all their forwards clustering round the Albion stronghold.

Williams changed the venue and subsequently the home defence was rather weak. Taking advantage of this. M'Kenzie rushed up and banged the ball into the net, thus placing the rivals on equal terms.

Albion now played with desperation, but the home halves held them back. Fisher was again prominent, and just on half-time, from one of his passes, Wheldon gave the Aston men the lead.

At the interval the score was — Aston Villa, two goals; Albion, one.

The second half opened with pressure by the home men. Fisher and Cowan just missing likely chances. Garfield and Higgins led a rush to the other end, which was neatly repulsed Crabtree.

Getting away at top speed Athersmith ran clean round the opposing defence, and centring, Wheldon headed through a lovely goal amid frantic-cheering.

The game now stood 3 to 1 in the Villa’s favour, the the Albion hammered away with praiseworthy determination.

A corner fell to their lot, and this was so well taken by Watson that Higgins was able score goal No. 2 for the visitors. The enthusiasm was now very great, the Albion seemed certain at any moment to get on terms.

The home defence wavered, and with a long shot M’Manus equalised the game, the ball striking the inside of the crossbar before passing into the net.

Now commenced the tug of war. Both teams strove with desperation, and towards the close Fisher gave Villa the lead, scoring from a melee in the goal mouth.

The game was a remarkable one, and very exciting throughout.