ASTON VILLA v. BURNLEY.

Played at Aston Grounds, Birmingham, in brilliant weather, before fully 16,000 spectators. Aston Villa were by no means powerfully represented Spencer, Athersmith, Cowan, Johnson, and Crabtree being all absentees, but with the exception of Chadwick, the Burnley eleven was at full strength.

Villa won the toss, and had the assistance of the wind at the outset. Morrison burst away, but was pulled up for off-side. Smith made headway on the home left until tackled by Woolfall. Burnley led on by Swainston looked dangerous but only for a minute, Wheldon kicking over the bar at the other end, when a likely chance presented itself. Watkins all but scored for Burnley, and the strangers forced a corner, which was well cleared. Wheldon again shooting wide. Taylor caused George to handle for the first time, and, well backed up by Devey, Garratty completely changed the venue.

So far the contest had been of an even description, but the champions now asserted their superiority, which only served to bring out the grand defensive powers of Hillman man, the strangers’ custodian.

For a long time the burly goalkeeper defied admission, but thirty-eight minutes from the start Wheldon netted the ball.

The Villa pressed to the interval, at which point the score stood- Aston Vilia, one goal; Burnley, nothing.

At the outset of the second period the home team made a determined effort to increase their lead, Garraty whipping in a fast shot, which Hillman scooped out cleverly.

At the other end Evans and Noon repulsed an attack by Bowes and Place, the Villa forcing an unproductive corner.

Burnley obtained a similar advantage other end and then Templeton scored for the Villa, but he was palpably offside, and the point was promptly disallowed.

The men were imparting much more spirit into their work than in the first half, and the proceedings were more interesting for the spectators. Templeton was doing grand work for the homesters, and repeatedly Hillman saved shots which an ordinary goalkeeper would have let slip through.

The Villa had the best of the argument, following some really brilliant forward play Templeton beat Hillman for the second time. The struggle was interesting right up to the finish, the result being— Aston Villa, two goals; Burnley, nothing.