MILLWALL V. ASTON VILLA.
A DRAWN GAME

There must have been over 20,000 persons present in the small but compact enclosure at Millwall when the match started. Aston Villa, who won the toss, were quickly in evidence in their opponents’ half. The visitors certainly had the advantage of the hill, and with the wind at their backs they looked dangerous, Allan having to save his goal early in the match.

Garraty created trouble in the Millwall ranks, but his shot went wide, and although a corner accrued, nothing came of it.

A foul was given against Millwall, but it did not assist the visitors, and then Banks and Nicoll started aa smart attack on the others’ goal. Following a free kick Athersmith centred to Smith, who was in waiting, and the latter scored the opening goal of the game.

The Villa still pressed, and Brearley, getting offside, nearly let in the visitors, Garraty only being pulled up by Burgess within shooting distance.

The Villa showed very clever play up to the interval, but they were unable to score further, although their forwards more than once bothered Cox.

The second half opened in favour of the visitors, Wheldon testing Cox early on. One or two smart rushes on the part of Millwall were cleverly stopped by Spencer, and Dryburgh once his the side of the net.

Nicoll, too, put in sound work, and George had to handle, but the Villa backs were too good to allow the others to score, and more centre play followed.

The home eleven made strenuous efforts, and gave a display which was much appreciated by their supporters, the work being sound throughout, and the combination extremely good.

That the men were trained to the hour there could be no doubt and they played equally as well in the latter stages of the game as they had done in the early part.

One or two fouls given against the Villa nearly caused the Millwall men to score, a shot from Goldie only missing the net by a foot or so.

Crabtree saved the situation in fine style, and then with a visit to the other end Burgess cleared a well placed corner from Athersmith.

The Millwall custodian had to negotiate a shot from Devey, but clearing Gettins took the ball away in masterly manner, and only missed scoring by the merest chance.

Towards the end a couple of corners fell to the home side, from one of which Nicoll, to the intense delight of the majority of those persons present, put on an equalising goal.

This was all the scoring, and a great game resulted: Millwall, one goal; Aston Villa, one goal.