SUNDERLAND v. ASTON VILLA.

On Saturday a vast amount of interest was centred in the meeting between these clubs at Sunderland, the capital form recently shown by the home side making it seem probable that the Aston Villa men would have all their work cut out. The attendance was estimated close upon 20,030.

Having the wind at their backs in the first half, Aston set up strong pressure. Smith, Wheldon, and Devey all showing to conspicuous advantage, but the Sunderland defence was equal to the occasion, Doig keeping goal in brilliant style.

A brief stoppage took place, owing to the crowd breaking in upon the field of play, and then the Sunderland representatives several times looked dangerous.

However, George, the new goal-keeper, was never at fault, and at the change ends arrived without a point having been scored on either side.

On the resumption the struggle was still very keen and exciting, both elevens making desperate efforts to gain the upper hand.

The advantage was first with one side and then the other, but some admirable defence was shown, and try as they would neither side could get through. Therefore a finely-contested match had to be left drawn, without a point having been scored.