NOTTS FOREST V. ASTON VILLA.

Of the whole series of Cup ties, the one between these teams on the City Ground, Nottingham, on Saturday, undoubtedly created more interest—not only local, but universal—than any. This was not to be wondered at, seeing that the present holders of the national trophy were meeting a team figuring at the head of the premier League.

Special trains brought vast numbers of people into the lace city from a considerable radius, those from the neighbourhood of the metropolis of the Midlands being especially heavily freighted, and notwithstanding that there was another Cup toe being played on the neighbouring Trent Bridge enclosure, it is estimated that fully 30,000 people witnessed the contest.

The game was played in beautifully clear and crisp weather, with little or no wind, whilst the turf was in splendid condition ; indeed, the conditions were perfect for football.

On the prevent season's form the Villa certainly appeared the better team, but the Foresters have shown such wonderfully improved form since the advent of the New Year that on their own ground their followers were fairly confident of success, and in the result their hopes were gratified, much to the disappointment and chagrin of the Birmingham contingent.

Each team had been in special training for the encounter, the Forest at Skegness, on the Lincolnshire coast, and the Villa at Buxton.

The visitors won the toss, but derived no advantage therefrom. Play opened in a sensational manner. After Scott, the Forest back, had headed out a well-directed corner kick by Smith. Capes at the other end headed through from a fine pass by M’Pherson after game had been in progress less than five minutes, two minutes later Wheldon equalised the score. heading through from a corner.

Play had proceeded for another couple of minutes when Fred Forman again placed Forest ahead from a clever pass by his brother.

The visitors seemed unable to settle down to their customary method of passing, and their opponents forcing the pace had considerably the best of matters.

George saved from Norris and Bradshaw in smart style, and later mid-field play was the order. As the interval approached the Villa forwards were seen to better advantage, but failed to break through the Forest defence, and at the adjournment the totals read— Forest, two; Aston Villa, one.

Restarting, the visitors put more energy into their work than had been the case in the initial half. Devey, their inside right, headed in from a corner, and Allsop saved at the expense of another corner, from which the Forest goal had a narrow escape, Athersmith missing by a few inches.

The home side then transferred play and George was very smart in saving from Morris. Crabtree intercepted a dangerous run by Capes and Benbow in smart fashion.

A corner to the Forest ended in a sharp attack on the Villa goal, and a second corner accruing, Capes headed wide. Forest were having somewhat the best of matters, and still another corner was conceded them, which, however, they failed to turn to account.

Johnson, the Villa centre, missed a fine chance when well placed for beating Allsop. Towards the finish the Villa forwards resumed the pressure, but were lacking in their final efforts.

Time arrived with the result - Notts Forest, two goals; Aston Villa, one goal.

The victory of the local team was received with unbounded enthusiasm, the success being throughly merited.