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NOTTS COUNTY V. ASTON VILLA
DEFEAT OF ASTON VILLA

A tremendous amount of interest was taken in the meeting of these clubs on the Old Trent Bridge Grounds at Nottingham on Saturday afternoon, and the attendance exceeded 20,000 spectators, hundreds of whom had travelled by excursion from Birmingham and the district.

The supporters of Villa were naturally extremely sanguine of the triumph of their favourites who in spite of many changes through injury to players since the football campaign was this season inaugurated, still headed the League table.

The Notts executive had spared no expense with a view to get their men in proper condition, and at the last minute, as it were, Thurman was substituted in the half-back division for Bull.

Thurman was voted to be a good substitute, seeing that Bull had been under the special care of Dr. Wharton Hood, the eminent London specialist, and who, only on Friday had expressed the opinion that Bull would be able to resume his old place in the team.

Matters, however, subsequently transpired, and the committee, having regard to the forthcoming Association ties, decided to afford him a further respite.

The Notts captain won the toss and elected to defend the goal nearest the new pavilion.

There was practically no wind. On settling down the local forwards assumed the offensive but presently those of the opposing forces drove the Notts’ backs on to the defence of the latter’s stronghold. Toone, its custodian, repelled a series of threatening shots from and Athersmith on the left, and Wheldon on the right.

For the home side Fraser executed two or three fine centres, which, however, Logan and Hadley failed to turn to definite account.

Play was extremely fast and exciting, and every move of note was watched with almost breathless excitement.

Villa again and again brought pressure to bear, and stalwart assistance was rendered for the wearers of the “magpie” jacket by Prescott.

Just before crossing over Hadley and Maconochie invaded the visitors’ quarters, and but for a foul, close in, they might have caused serious trouble to George. As it was, harm was averted, and when the adjournment was reached neither team had succeeded in scoring.

The interval was very brief, and on again getting to work marked determination was evinced by the Villa forwards, who quickly forced a couple of ‘‘corners.”

Lewis fouled Devey, and the Notts goal keeper saved once or twice in really brilliant style. Aggressive work troubled the local backs, for whom again Prescott distinguished himself. Once, at the same end, Toone had the ball in his hand, and was throwing out when challenged, An exciting episode occurred in the mouth of the goal, and had Wheldon used better judgment, ought cosily to have beaten the Notts custodian.

Towards the close the local players seemed to recuperate, and throwing any amount of dash into the struggle, Fraser “hooked” over the ball to Maconochie on the right, with the result that the latter’s effort beat George. Loud cheers rent the air. and perhaps no such sight was ever witnessed on the old established cricket arena.

Villa fought hard to the end, and in this respect their opponents fought harder.

Result - Notts, one goal; Villa. 0.

It may incidentally be stated that, until this match Notts County had not beaten their opponents for the past seven seasons.