PRESTON NORTH END v. ASTON VILLA.

These teams met for the first time this season on the Deepdale ground, on Saturday, in raw autumnal weather, but on firm ground and no wind, so that the conditions were satisfactory for a hard and good match.

The Villa had Wheldon off, playing for the English League at Manchester, and North End tried Halsall and Pierce on the left wing, the latter taking the place of Boyd (inside).

The Villa having won the toss set North End off up the hill, and the visitors were at once on the defensive. The game waged fast for a while, Sharp at back twice clearing capitally when hard pressed. Still the North End were not to be sat upon, for when the Villa did get into their quarters Holmes and Dunn quickly sent them to the rightabout.

Athersmith who essayed several runs was summarily treated by Hunter, who had him weighed up.

The home side were having a lot the best of the argument, run after run to the Villa quarters being most dangerous. The home side could not however finish well at all and many began to fear a repetition of the performance against the Blackburn Rovers.

At length when the game was just under half an hour old, the break came in the Villa defence. North End had been passing for a time gained a free kick. Holmes played so grandly that Sharp could not help putting through his own goal, and the spectators were wild with delight.

Thus encouraged the home lot began their work with redoubled earnestness, and time after time George had to work hard to clear his lines. Once he thumped right out, and then Eccleston hitting the Villa custodian hand got the ball again, and this time sent hard and true into the net.

This set the crowd on good terms with players, and every bit of play was cheered lustily. Just on half-time Dunn gave Athersmith a chance, and he placed the ball into the net in grand style.

Half-time, North End two. Aston Villa one.

In the second half the Prestonians time after time got down, but could not do what they wanted, until at length Hassall scored a third goal with a rattling shot. This quite upset the Villa, and they fell to bits. They at times showed some good work, but they never once got properly together, and had to retire defeated three goals to one.