ASTON VILLA V. BURNLEY.
THE BIRMINGHAM MEN IN GREAT FORM.

The brilliant fight being made by Burnley in the League competition invested their visit to Aston Lower Grounds, Birmingham, with an unusual amount of importance, there being about 22,000 persons present. The weather was favourable, but the ground was very soft, and a plentiful supply of sand had been sprinkled over the playing park so as to enable the men to maintain a better footing. The Villa lost the toss, and had to face a stiffish breeze from the outset, Reynolds was an absentee from the Burnley eleven, while Aston was still unable to play for the home team.

Johnson opened the game, and at once the Villa left became dangerous. Smith being tripped up by Taylor when he seemed well set for scoring. Nothing resulted from the free kick, Wheldon eventually shooting behind.

Burnley retaliated, and, dodging Bowman, Place, jun., sent the ball well in, George throwing away. The home men returned, and Johnson sent in a shot which enabled Hillman to display his defensive powers. The Villa now contained play to their opponent's quarters, and three times in succession they seamed certain to score, Hillman saving in almost marvellous style.

Athersmith was roughly charged by Livingstone, and another siege was raised on the Lancashire goal, an Hillman saving repeatedly, the crowd cheering impartially.

The ground was very heavy, but the play of the Aston forwards was very fine, and at length Wheldon sent in a swift shot which beat the burly Hillman, uproarious cheering greeting the first point.

Burnley, headed by Ross and Toman, had a look in. Back came the Villa, Athersmith placing the ball between the posts for the second time.

The home men again attacked on the re start, the excitement being intense, and amid derisive shouts Taylor kicked the ball through his own goal, thus registering a third point for the Villa.

Taylor’s action did not seem to please the captain, for Place, sen., fell into the full-hack position, Taylor going centre half-back.

Burnley strove desperately to make some impression, Ross and Morrison working very hard, but without success.

At half time the score stood - Aston Villa, three; Burnley, nothing.

Ou resumption the homesters were the first to press, a foul against Johnson arresting their progress. This brought little relief to Burnley, for Athersmith, after a-spirited run, once more placed the Reds on the defensive.

Toman led the visitors to the other end, but Crabtree and Evans defended so well that trouble was averted. Wheldon and Devey both tested Hillman without effect, and at the other end Evans cleared a determined rush by Ross. Wheldon raced away, and after Hillman had cleared from Athersmith, Bowman met the ball, and scored the home team's fourth goal.

Burnley appealed vigorously against the point, but the referee pointed to mid-field.

Try as they would, Burnley could not become dangerous, and for a time the Villa had all the play, brilliant goalkeeping Hillman preventing further points being registered.

Wheldon again netted the ball, but the point was disallowed, and after this the game was very quiet for fifteen minutes, the fast work of the first half having had its effect on the players.

Waking up, Burnley forced a couple of corners, which proved unproductive, and the the play was very much in favour of the homesters.

Result:— Aston Villa, four goals; Burnley, nil.