ASTON VILLA v. NEWCASTLE UNITED.

Played at Aston Lower Grounds, Birmingham, before 17,000 spectators. The weather was of rather a stormy character, while the ground, owing to recent heavy rainfall, was in rather a soft condition.

The Villa eleven was full strength, with the exception that Athersmith stood down, owing to injury, in favour of Templeton, while Newcastle made three changes in the team which had gone under to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rogers, Ghee, and Higgins being introduced into the eleven.

Newcastle won the toss, but the wind was really blowing in all directions, although at the start it seemed to aid the strangers. Straight away the Villa attacked, Lindsay relieving, while chiefly through the efforts of Fraser Newcastle forced an unproductive corner.

Soon the champions were at other end and following some good work by Templeton and Smith, Devey beat Kingsley, with the gome only four minutes old.

The homesters played up in great style, but the Newcastle defence was of sound character. Kingsley repelling more than one dangerous shot. The venue was changed, Aitken testing George, while Rogers actually netted the ball, but the point was disallowed, owing to one of the visitors having fouled George.

The game took a turn in favour of the homesters, for whom Wheldon scored a second goal, the visitors appealing strongly for offside.

The work was now of a fast character to the Interval when the score stood - Aston Villa, two goals; Newcastle United, none.

A drizzling rain was falling when hostilities were resumed, the Villa forcing a corner straight away, Devey missing a likely chance. The visitors retaliated in spirited style, some excitement was imparted to the conflict by Ghee beating George.

Both goals were in turn endangered, Rogers on one occasion all but breaking through for Newcastle.

Fouls were of frequent occurrence and the referee had all his work cut out to keep some of the men in check.

The occupants of the cheaper parts of the ground soundly hooted the referee when he gave a foul against the Villa and the conduct of a certain section of the spectators was of such a character that Mr. .Stott stopped the game and invited the assistance of a policeman to preserve order.

The closing stages were in favour of Villa, but nothing further was scored. Result - Aston Villa, two goals; Newcastle United, one goal.