FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
SHERIFF OF LONDON CHARITY SHIELD.

Corinthians beat Aston Villa.

The contest for the Charity Shield presented by Sheriff Dewar in his year of office has at last reached a definite issue. Sheffield United and Corinthians twice tied, and Queen's Park, Glasgow, and Aston Villa once. But yesterday was a triumph for amateurism. The Corinthians beat Aston Villa at the Crystal Palace by two goals to one. It was a great game, and the superlative excellence of the football was wonderful, considering that the beautiful arena at the Palace had degenerated into little better than a swamp under the rains of the past few days.

The Corinthians never played better football than they did yesterday, the forward line being particularly brilliant. The long unerring passing of the amateurs and the pace and striking individuality of the forwards were more profitable than the short passing of the Villa team.

Aston Villa also played very fine football. Their forwards were splendidly together, but the defence of their opponents was too good.

There were about 5,000 spectators, and the Corinthians success was most popular.

After the start the Villa’s short passing seemed to pay on the heavy ground, but after a deal of pressure by Aston Villa there was a grand run by Vassall along tho right wing, and Foster just missed scoring.

There was a tremendous attack by the Villa after this, which was beaten off only to be renewed, and from close quarters Garraty headed a goal. There were only ten minutes more to half- time, but these moments sufficed to equalise matters.

A grand piece of work from the centre between Foster and Vassall ended in a brilliant goal by Foster, and half-time was reached with the record at one goal all.

Early in the second half the Villa had the best of the game.

Wheldon, Devey, and Garratty gave the Corinthian goalkeeper much hard work ; but it was Campbell's day, and some very trying shots were easily turned away.

G.O. Smith, R. E Foster, and Corbett made many brilliant runs tor the Corinthians, and then Campbell had another hard time. However, the last quarter of an hour was entered on with the record all even. Three minutes later the Corinthians had won the match. The goal was the result of fine work by Corbett and G. O. Smith.

In the last ten minutes Campbell saved the game tor the Corinthians by his great goalkeeping. Aston Villa were without Crabtree and Johnson, two of their best players. C. B. Fry, through cramp, was off the field for a few minutes near the end.