3-2

ASTON VILLA v. BURY.

The meeting of these teams at Aston Lower Grounds, Birmingham, created plenty of excitement in Midland football circles, an attendance of fully 13,000 being present. Particular interest attached the match, from the fact that Bury had administered defeat to the Birmingham Club earlier in the season at Lancashire.

The Bury team was at full strength, but the home eleven had to slightly rearranged on account of Sharp and Aston being on the injured list, Crabtree falling into the full back position, whilst Wilkes was included in the half-back line.

The weather was fine, but the ground was in a dreadfully sloppy condition, sand being sprinkled over the pitch to enable the men to preserve a better footing.

Devey started the game, and at once the home right became dangerous. Athersmith running the ball over the line. The visitors had a look until they were drawn up by Crabtree, who with long kick got the home forwards again on the move. Wheldon was lying handy, and with a swift shot he beat Montgomery, amid the plaudits of the crowd.

Play continued on exceptionally fast lines, but the men had great difficulty in keeping on their feet on account of the sodden condition of the turf. The game proceeded in favour of the home team. Johnson and Devey making praiseworthy attempts to break through.

Darrock and Davidson cleared, and from a spirited rush on the part of the strangers George had to kick away a lively looking shot. Sagar was winded, but he soon recovered and again Bury looked dangerous, Wilkes heading out from under the bar.

Like a flash the homesters changed venue, and Devey headed a second goal amid uproarious cheering.

The Lancashire lads struggled hard, but the Villa were playing in irresistible style, and in double quick time Devey beat Montgomery for the third time.

In no way daunted the strangers played in plucky fashion, and forcing corner had the satisfaction of heading the ball past George. M'Luckie was dangerous in the next minute, but further trouble was averted and half-time the score stood:

Aston Villa, three goals; Bury, one goal.

On returning, M'Luckie and Sagar rushed down, but Crabtree cleared with a huge kick. Smith and Wheldon worked the ball down, but just when they were assuming a dangerous attitude Darroch gave them the round about. The Bury ‘forwards broke away in rushing style, fine tackling by Bowman pulling them up, while Wheldon forced a corner in next minute.

The visitors’ goal was subjected to severe pressure, and hadn’t Montgomery been at his best the home team would certainly have scored.

Brimblecombe and Settle changed the scene action and George cleared with crowd of men the top of him.

The contest was very stubbornly contested, the defence on both sides being fully put to the test.

Following some clever right wing work, Brimblecombe, amid subdued excitement beat George for the second time.

As Bury made herculean efforts to get on terms, the excitement was intense. M'Luckie netted the ball for the third time, but the whistle had just blown for off-side, and the point was disallowed.

This was really hard lines on Bury, for despite their plucky play they could not get terms, the result being: Aston Villa, three goals; Bury, two goals.