3-3

LIVERPOOL v. ASTON VILLA.

These teams, who played up for the League Championship last season, when the Villa won in such a handsome manner, met on the Anfield Road enclosure on Saturday, before 19,000 people.

The weather was heavy, and fog threatened, but allowed the game to finished. The ground was firm, and in favour of good football, and a hard level game was played.

Liverpool pressed from the outset, but the Villa’s defence was sound, and defied all attempts at penetration. The Villa then took their share in the proceedings, but were quickly compelled to assume the defensive. Hunter obliged with a brilliant run. George being extremely lucky in saving his goal effort. Liverpool fairly bombarded George’s charge, and after it had several narrow escapes from capture the ball was rushed through by Hunter and Robertson. The point was disallowed owing to illegal interference with George.

The pace toned down somewhat, but Liverpool still maintained the upper hand. Play gradually drifted to midfield, the Villa doing their best to break through, but without avail.

Robertson got nicely away, but when tackled by Spencer shot weakly past. The Villa pressed. ending their attack by shooting wide from long range. Robertson got away. Morgan scoring finely.

Encouraged by their success. Liverpool played up spiritedly, and the Villa underwent several narrow escapes from capture.

The Villa pulled themselves together, and put through from a free-kick, but the necessary second player had not touched the ball, and the point consequently did not count.

Wheldon tried Storer, but the Liverpool goalkeeper saved well.

A corner to the Villa followed.

The Brums swarmed round the Liverpool goal, and at length Garraty put on the equalising point.

The teams went it hammer and tongs again. Walker walked right through his opponents, and beat George, and then almost immediately Jack Devey did ditto at the other end, and soon afterwards half-time was called with the score two all.

The weather showed signs of deepening on the resumption. Fast play was witnessed, and Spencer, who showed splendid form at this juncture, repeatedly checked Robertson. From a free kick Raisbeck scored a third goal, the Villa strongly appealing in vain against the point.

The Liverpool forwards were very aggressive, but a trio fouls relieved the pressure. From corner Wilkes scored with simple shot. Nothing daunted, Liverpool returned to the attack manfully, and George saved repeatedly in fine style.

Keeping up the pressure, the home forwards strove hard to regain the lead, and the Villa defence had a warm time.

From hands against Walker Storer saved from Devey.

Liverpool held the advantage to the close, the Villa were decidedly fortunate in being able to draw after being beaten in the play. Result Liverpool, 3; Villa, 3.