ASTON VILLA V. SHEFFIELD UNITED. A DRAWN BATTLE. A vast amount of interest was taken in this encounter, which was decided at Aston Lower Grounds, Birmingham, before a huge attendance, about 50,000 people being present. Sheffield United were without Needham, Priest, Thickett and Morren, while Crabtree was an absentee from the home eleven, Noon taking his place. Foulkes won the toss, but this meant nothing, as there was no wind at all. Following some tricky forward plays, and a well placed free kick by Cowan, the Villa forced a corner, which, however, proved unproductive, as did another which followed. The Noon missed a grand chance of scoring, the gigantic Foulkes having slipped down, after partially clearing. In a twinkling the United swooped down the field, and twice George was called upon, the home goalkeeper scooping up the ball and kicking away in masterly style. Most exciting work followed in midfield, until Wheldon and Smith broke through, only to be pulled up by Boyle and Howard. Athersmith fairly roused enthusiasm with one of his meteor like sprints, Foulkes saving splendidly. For fifteen minutes the Yorkshire were hemmed in, but their defence stood the test. Towards the interval the strangers woke up, and after George had twice cleared, and United came with a great rattle, and Bennett scored amid tremendous cheering. At half time the score was : Sheffield United, one goal; Aston Villa, nothing. On resuming, Brown and Bassett were early dangerous, the strangers shooting past in the first minute. Swinging beautifully together, the Villa forwards burst away, Foulkes saving, although Garraty brought the big man down in a heap. Urged on by their supporters, the Champions kept at it, the Sheffield goal being hotly besieged in the next few minutes. It was a fast, determined, and exciting struggle all the way, and thirteen minutes from the resumption, Garraty beat Foulkes and a scene of wild enthusiasm, the crowd cheering for several minutes. The tap of excitement was now fully turned on, as both teams strove to gain the mastery. The game however ended in a draw. Aston Villa, one goal; Sheffield United, one goal.