WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V. ASTON VILLA

These teams played their first match this season at Wolverhampton yesterday, in threatening weather, and before nearly 30,000 spectators. Notwithstanding the recent thaw, the ground was in good order, though slightly greasy.

Each club put their best team on the ground, and a most exciting game was witnessed. Both sides worked hard from first to last to win, and there was not only a fine display of individual efforts but the combination on both sides was most effective.

The Villa won the toss and played with a stiff breeze. Play was very even for a time, but ultimately, after three of the Villa men had got off-side, a corner was obtained, and a foul followed close in goal, with the result that the visitors scored within a quarter of hour.

The Wanderers tried hard to equalise, but the point they wanted was not gained until the second half had been opened for some time, when Smith made a grand run and Beats put the ball into the net.

Both sides played hard to get the winning point, and some exciting scrummages were witnessed in both goals, but the defence at each end was very sound.

The Wanderers' forwards were smaller than those of the Villa, but they were checked time after time by the Villa backs and the goalkeeper (Whitehouse), who played a fine game. A splendid match ended in a draw—one goal each.