NOTTS FOREST v. ASTON VILLA.
THE FORESTERS WIN AGAIN.

These clubs fought their battle o’er again the shape of the League ties on the City Grounds Nottingham, on Saturday afternoon.

It may be remembered that they were drawn to meet in the first round of the Association Cup on the same enclosure, and the home team scored a victory by two goals to one. On Saturday they again triumphed, though only one goal to nil. The weather was charmingly fine, and the attendance exceeded 15,000 spectators, excitement running, as usual, extremely high.

In consequence of the International match of England v. Ireland at Sunderland, the Reds were deprived of the services of the Brothers Forman; whilst Aston Villa were without the assistance of Crabtree and Athersmith.

The Villa captain won the toss, but there was little or no wind to interfere with the respective chances of the rivals. Forest started towards the goal nearest the River Trent, and. generally speaking, their forwards were seen to greater advantage than those of the opposing side. Morris and Spencer, composing the Reds’ left wing, were in brilliant form, and displayed surprising dash, often calling upon George, who, however, excelled in his capacity goalkeeper.

When the game had progressed twenty-five minutes the local forwards again dashed through, and an attack on the part of tho Forest right resulted in Spencer striking the cross-bar. The ball rebounded into play, but at that moment Morris rushed forward and headed it into the net amid loud cheering.

When the interval was reached (Devey and Wheldon meanwhile having shown prominently) the Villians had not succeeded in equalising.

In the second half the visitors displayed improved combination, and frequently assailed the home stronghold, though this was invariably stoutly defended by Scott, Ironmonger and Allsopp. The first-named on one occasion saved brilliantly from Johnson, the Villa centre, and later Allsop was loudly cheered for effectively dealing with a grand shot from the foot of Wheldon.

Towards the close Morris, the Forest inside left, executed a series of magnificent runs, and throughout the struggle his play was the feature of the match, which finally ended as stated.