ASTON VILLA V. EVERTON.
THE VILLA WIN RATHER EASILY.

The visit of Everton to Birmingham created plenty of excitement in Midland football circles, the attendance at Aston Lower Grounds numbering 25,000.

The strangers were fully represented, but the home eleven was without Aston, who had not recovered from the injuries sustained a week ago, while James Cowan, who was suffering from sciatica, was also unable to appear, vacancies being filled by B. Sharp and Wilkes.

The light was rather bad at the start, but improved as the game advanced. The Villa started, and at once attacked. Chadwick and Gee paying visit to George the next minute. Wilkes cleared, and at the other end Smith sent shot which Muir had to rush out in order to clear.

Bell led Everton to the home goal, where Proudfoot and Taylor looked dangerous, until a free kick brought Aston Villa relief. A beautiful breakaway, in which the entire front line of the homesters participated, resulted in Balmer being compelled to concede a corner. This was cleared, Chadwick and Bell racing to the other end where Evans stopped a dangerous rush.

The contest proceeded on fast and even lines, first one goal and then the other suffering narrow escapes. Gradually the contest took turn in favour of the Villa, Athersmith, Crabtree, and Wheldon all but beating Muir, while Bowman, from long range, just skimmed the cross bar.

The visitors had a brief look in, but the Villa soon changed the scene of operations, and from a lovely centre by Athersmith, Wheldon beat Muir thirty-seven minutes from the start.

Everton made desperate efforts to draw level, and the Villa goal was subjected to hot pressure, but half-time arrived with the score:— Aston Villa, one goal; Everton, nothing.

The Villa forwards were soon attacking on the re-start, Muir clearing a hot one from Smith. Everton, led on by Bell, looked dangerous, until Crabtree brought relief to the Villa.

The home forwards once more attacked, and from a corner Devey headed a second goal for the Villa amid uproarious cheering.

In no way daunted, Everton played up in good style, Taylor, in particular, making efforts to break through. The defence was very reliable, and soon again the struggle was being fought out in vicinity of Muir.

Following a scrimmage, Johnson had the satisfaction of scoring a third goal for the home team, which seemed to put the issue out of doubt.

The game was fast right up to the finish, but nothing further transpired. Result:—Aston Villa, three goals; Everton, nothing.