ASTON VILLA V. NOTTS FOREST.
THE CHAMPIONS HAVE TO PLAY HARD FOR A DRAW.

Notts Forest are always popular visitors to Birmingham, and there was a crowd of fully 14,000 spectators in attendance at Aston Lower Grounds to witness this game, the weather being extra favourable. The drawings amounted to £338.

Against Preston North End a week ago, the champions gave a trial to several of their juniors, with the results eminently satisfactory, and the same team, with one exception, Bowman vice McEleny, did duty on this occasion.

Notts only mode one alteration on the eleven which had beaten Newcastle. Fred Forman taking Spencer’s place on the extreme right.

The homesters lost the toss, and the strangers were the first to attack. Capes over running the ball. Chiefly through the effort of Smith, the Villa forced a fruitless corner, and after Mann and Wilkes had stopped a dangerous rush, Beveridge and Calvey got close in, off side work by the last-named player spoiling a likely opening.

Templeton beat Norris, and raised the enthusiasm with a shot which just passed over the cross bar. So far the play had been of an exceptionally even nature, both defensive divisions having their work cut out, repelling the attacking forces.

Calvey twice all but scored for the Reds, and at the other end Allsopp saved well from Smith and Wheldon.

Back came the visitors, and from a corner George was beaten, the point being loudly applauded by the Nottingham club’s supporters, who were present in strong force.

The champions played up with determination, and Allsopp had to exert himself to the utmost in order to keep his charge intact. Keeping hard at it, Garraty equalised from scrimmage, amid loud cheering.

With the rivals once more on an equal footing, the struggle was conducted at a great pace, both goal-keepers being kept busy. The interval was sounded with the score one goal each.

The second half opened in speedy style, but regrettable accident happened to Smith, the Villa left wing forward, almost the very outset. Hr collided with Peers, and sustained an injury to the head, which necessitated his being assisted off the field. The Forest back had used his weight much too vigorously, and there was great uproar amongst the spectators, the referee cautioning Peers.

With ten men the Villa raised the siege, Allsopp saving an attempt from Devey.

Smith returned, and the Villa forced corner, Iremonger bringing the strangers relief. Calvey completely changed the scene of operations, George saving a very fine effort at the expense of the corner, which came to nothing.

Fred Forman and Morris drew forth impartial cheers for a brilliant piece of play, and keeping hard at it, Morris gave the visitors the lead, amid great excitement.

The Villa played up desperately hard, and there was scene of great enthusiasm when Devey banged through the equaliser. A tough game terminated in a draw.

Aston Villa, two goals; Notts Forest, two goals.