2-0

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V. ASTON VILLA.

Unfortunately for success this match, from a financial point of view, the weather in the Midlands was of a most wretched description, rain falling in torrents all the afternoon, which, doubtless kept thousands away. The game is looked upon the as the most attractive of the Albion’s home engagements, but there was only an attendance of 8,000 at Stoney Lane.

Neither team was at full strength, the Villa being without Devey and Evans, while on the home side Jones and Garfield were notable absentees.

The Villa won the toss, and Simmons kicked off for the Albion. The visitors went straight away. Wheldon sending outside, while at the other end Spencer cleared a smart attack. A foul against Dunn was cleared, and Athersmith only just skimmed the upright.

The Villa were the superiors at this point, Smith and Athersmith. despite the slippery turf, getting several useful centres.

Williams was in grand form, however, his huge kicks enabling Throstles to assume the aggressive.

A corner to the Albion was followed by a prolonged spell of aggressive work by the Throstles, Richards and Perry both troubling George. Reader was penalised for running out, after which Richards beat Crabtree. George saving a brilliant effort, Perry was injured in collision with Wilkes, and had to leave the field.

Despite the depressing atmospheric conditions, the contest was fought out in a determined spirit. Combination was at a discount, and as a consequence the rear divisions on both sides were very prominent.

For some minutes the Albion goal was hotly besieged, Williams and Adams resisting with great pluck until Wheldon finally headed over the bar.

Both ends were visited in turn, and Reader threw away from Garraty.

A regular Albion rush culminated in Roberts being left with a good opening. He drove the ball in hard and low. George being heartily applauded for clearing his lines, while again a few moments later Roberts hit the cross bar.

The Villa front line went away in fine style, Athersmith centring neatly. Garraty pounced on the ball and scored the first the Villa. Nothing further was done in this half.

Interval:— Villa, one goal; Albion, nothing.

On the resumption, the Villa raced away. Wheldon tricking Hadley; Williams intervened, but miskicked, and Garraty obtained a second point for the visitors.

This reverse roused the Throstles, but they were seriously handicapped by only playing four forwards, Perry not having returned. A foul against Williams enabled Smith to put in single handed run, compelling Reader to handle.

The Albion roused themselves at length, Spencer and Crabtree having all their work cut out to prevent diasater.

Simmons failed to get through when well placed, and the home custodian saved a well meant effort.

A series of free kicks were awarded the home team, Simmons Walker being unsuccessful with long shots.

Athersmith initiated a bout of passing, Smith ending by shooting into Reader’s hands.

The struggle was now confined almost continuously in the Albion half, the Throstles rarely being able to cross the centre lines.

Result - Aston Villa, two goals; West Bromwich Albion, none.