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DERBY COUNTY V. ASTON VILLA.
A DRAWN GAME.

The meeting of these clubs is certain attract a big gate no matter whether the contest is on the Villa enclosure or on the excellently equipped ground at Derby, the home of English baseball. and Saturday’s visit of the Brums proved no exception to the rule, there being an attendance from 10,000 to 12,000 spectators present.

The home team was weakened by the absence of Archie Goodall, who was assisting Ireland in the International encounter against Wales at Belfast, Patterson filling the vacancy.

The Villa had their full strength up and were brimful of hope. The Birmingham contingent led off with a lot of dash, and the home defence was sorely tested. Thanks to some fine work the halves the up to date champions were obliged to beat a hasty retreat.

Derby now tried to force the game, and Boag, Allan, and Macdonald worked with a precision that looked like terminating fatally to the Villa, but the Derbyshire men were driven back in fine style by the Villa defence, and the Brums pressed hotly, only to see Fryer relieve in his inimitable style, whilst a second visitation ended in the home custodian once more freeing in quick haste.

The home lads now took up the running, and the ball being cleverly worked, allowed Boag to receive at the opportune moment, when he let fly, but George caught the object in clever style, and sent it to a place of safety.

Both had corners conceded, but they availed them nothing, after which the Villa pressed hotly, only to find Fryer in his very best mood and enabled to successfully clear all danger.

A little later Wheldon and Johnson shot a couple of beauties, which Fryer got rid of, and then Derby broke away, Allen and Boag doing some clever work en route. The latter ought to have scored, but misdirected.

Give-and-take play followed, and Derby had equal play to their rivals until Johnson got possession, and he at eluded Fryer’s vigilance seventeen minutes from half-time.

This roused the home side, who showed a glimpse of their very best football and for a time it looked a dead “cert.” that they would equalise, but so good was the Villa’s defence that each effort was most cleverly nullified.

Close on half time a big cheer went up as Boag was once more careering down the field, but a corner only resulted, and this proved abortive, the half-time whistle blowing soon afterwards with the Villa leading one goal to Derby County's 0.

Almost directly the ball was re-started Boag, Oakden and Bloomer were round George, but the object was cleared, but Bloomer returning shot over, Evans conceded a corner which was for rid of, whilst a stampede for the opposite end saw Fryer busy stopping a beauty from Wheldon.

A little later Spencer fouled Allen within the twelve yards line, and a penalty was given Derby, but to the chagrin of the home partisans, Bloomer kicked it at George, and only a fruitless owner accrued.

A change in the venue occurred, and Johnson shot over the bar. A trip by Bowman with Bloomer was noticed but nothing accrued, whilst at the other end Devey appeared to have the goal at his mercy but shot in the air, and Derby once more made tracks, and were conceded a corner, which availed them nothing, whilst George saved neatly from Bloomer.

The Villa left attacked and Smith hit the post, but on the ball coming into play Derby were once more attacking, but Spencer cleared, whilst Athersmith, who received, gave Methven a busy time of it.

At this juncture Derby pressed hotly and three corners fell to them, all of which proved fruitless.

A further attack by the Brums saw Athersmith give Fryer a handful which he safely negotiated, but Johnson charged the Derby man into the net.

From this incident Derby applied the pressure like magic, and, although they were repulsed, a further attack was raised. Bloomer secured, and just when in a position to shoot he was hurled over. From the free kick which was given Bloomer took it and ere the spectators were aware the ball had been tapped over shot into the net like magic.

This roused the home lads, who worked with a spirit that boded ill for the Villa, and twice Bloomer’s headwork was foiled by Spencer and Evans, whilst M’Donald hit the upright with a terrific shot.

A little later Fryer saved brilliantly from Johnson.

Close on time Oakden gave George a splendid shot, which he saved amidst perfect yells. Fryer now saved, and when the whistle blew Derby were pressing, the came ending one goal all.