BURNLEY v. ASTON VILLA.

After an absence of one season from Turf Moor, Aston Villa reached Burnley again on Saturday, and attracted a crowd of 11,000 spectators. The Burnley side included Reynolds at back, and Ross in the front rank, while Villa had their usual side.

The game opened fast, and the home lot at once got into their stride, and the Villans had rather an anxious time of it.

After five minutes, and when George had saved for Ferguson, at the expense of corner, he was beaten by Bowes, who scored with a lightning like shot.

The Villa were not long in pulling themselves together, and Athersmith intercepted a pass from Ferguson, but sent wide.

Then Smith outwitted Reynolds, and getting right up in front of goal in a grand position, and Tatham fumbling the shot, the ball rolled into the net.

Again a minute later Johnson had not the slightest difficulty in netting the ball again, Tatham again making a sorry exhibition of himself.

Still keeping up the character of the game the Burnley men had a turn at attacking, and after several futile attempts had been made to score, Toman, with a grand low shot, equalised the score again.

This state of affairs was not however long allowed to remain, for the Villa right and left wings were playing a really brilliant and dashing game. Athersmith came along the right wing with lightning-like speed and whipped in the ball. Talham fell full length, missed the ball, and it was netted.

Burnley worked hard for another equaliser, but could not obtain it, and at half time the score was— Villa, three: Burnley, two.

On the resumption Villa attacked two or three times, but were not very dangerous.

Burnley then attacked vigorously from free kicks, Bowes finishing by sending wide.

The Aston left wing put in good work, and Smith scored a fourth for the visitors, who had the better of the play.

Burnley pulled themselves together, and George, having conceded a corner to Morrison, saved from Ross, after which the Villa threatened danger.

Burnley replied, and some capital work ended in Toman just heading outside. The result was - Villa, four; Burnley, two.