SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL.

THE LEAGUE MATCHES.

EVERTON V. ASTON VILLA - These teams met at Everton in splendid weather, and in the presence of 10,000 persons.

The Everton committee had issued a handbill exonerating the Villa officials for the unruly conduct of spectators at Birmingham, and asking the spectators to give the visitors a hearty reception.

Hodgetts and Dick shook hands before commencing.

The Villa kicked off against the sun, but with the wind, at four o’clock, and Ross made the first return.

McKinnion put a shot in which Warner caught, and directly afterwards Warner made two splendid saves, and Waugh kicked just outside.

The Villa attacked, but Brown was winded and the game was stopped a few minutes.

Everton then missed an easy chance in scoring, and Warner again saved from Watson.

The Villa passing was now conspicuous, and they were often dangerous. Watson shot wildly, Chadwick got away and shot, and Warner threw the ball over the bar to save just as Sugg got at him.

Ross was next cheered for some grand back play. McKinnion gave Warner plenty to do, as also did Watson, but he repelled everything until three minutes from half-time, when Waugh scored from Watson’s pass, and Everton led at the interval by 1 to 0.

Crossing over, Green was first dangerous, beating Ross, but shooting behind.

Everton then had a look in, and Chadwick tried two medium shots without effect. McKinnion then threw away a grand opportunity, and Warner saved marvellously from Waugh.

Directly afterwards Brown and Waugh left the field simultaneously, both being hurt in a charge, and the game progressed ten a-side.

The ball seldom visited the Everton end. Farmer scored a second goal for Everton with twenty minutes to play.

The Villa could make no impression on the defence of Ross, Dick, Holt, and Smalley, and the Everton forwards were faster throughout. Chadwick had a nice shot which nearly scored. Hunter then led an incursion into Everton territory, but it was short-lived. The home team were much the better right up to the finish, and but for Warner’s goal-keeping the Villa defeat would have been much heavier. Final result: Everton, 2; Villa, 0.

Everton: Smalley, goal; Ross and Dick, backs; Weir, Holt, and Farmer, half-backs; McKinnion, Watson. Sugg, Waugh, and Chadwick, forwards.

Aston Villa : Warner, goal; Cox and Coulion, backs; Yates, Devey, and Dawson, half-backs; Brown, Green, Hunter, Allen, and Hodgetts, forwards.