PRESTON NORTH END v. ASTON VILLA.
BRILLIANT WIN FOR PRESTON.

These teams their return League game on Saturday in true winter weather. There had during the night been fifteen degrees of frost. A slight thaw had set in with a south east wind at noon, and during the second portion of the game the Villa had this to face.

This was their misfortune, for Devey won the toss, and in the first portion, during which the snow kept off, he had the wind behind his side, but in the second, when it came down, they had in addition to face a stiffer wind and the incline.

All this, however, is in the fortune of football warfare, and the turn done the North End has given them a good lift.

As soon ever the had been commenced, Brown at once made George kick away. Then the home side had a free kick in Villa territory, but the ball returned, and after a brief run by John Cowan and partner, North End again attacked, and shot wide. Hassall next threatened danger, when was he brought up promptly by Spencer, and the ball was placed from a penalty kick, out the referee ordered a goal kick.

Then the Villa commenced a series attacks, and had several close shots at the Preston goal. After more pressure the home left beat Spencer, and from am accurate centre the ball was put over the bar by Brown.

The Villa again were aggressors, but the home defence proved too good for them, and further good work by the home left resulted in a corner.

The teams appeared very well matched, and each aide worked hard to get through. Athersmith almost scored, and Brown once more had the open goal before him from Halsall, but he again failed.

Halsall hit the bar with a clinking shot. Wheldon had two near things, and, North End pressed severely.

Half-time - North End, none: Aston Villa, none.

On resuming North End had both the wind and ground in their favour. They assumed a strong line of attack, and frequently baffled such players as James Cowan, Bowman, and Spencer.

In about ten minutes snow began to fall, which made matters no better for visitors, who also had to face the wind.

Holmes was playing a magnificent game against Devey and Athersmith, and it was very seldom that the fast right-winger could get away.

In twenty-four minutes Murray scored the first goal with a magnificent slanting shot, which gave George no chance. This bit of work was cheered to the echo.

Now was the North End’s time, for snow began to fall heavily, and they swooped down the field like a pack of wolves time after time. However, the Villa defence was sound, and while the snow lasted, the home lot could not get their lead to a more substantial figure.

The Villa time after time got dangerous, but Devey, Johnson, and Athersmith, though each shot and played brilliantly, could not get near enough the North End goal to manage its downfall.

At length, with only five minutes to play, Brown got the ball tossed in from the left wing, and beat George for a second time.

To the end Villa held their own, but no more was done.

Result:—North End, two; Villa, nil.