SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL. LEAGUE MATCHES. -

ASTON VILLA v. DERBY COUNTY.

This league match was played at Perry Barr, before about 3,000 spectators.

The County played a man short in the forward ranks for nearly the whole of the first half, and consequently their chances of winning, which were never very great, were considerably lessened.

The absence of their forward told its tale, and at half-time the County were two goals to the bad.

In the second half the game was much better contested, but the Villa were playing too good for their opponents, who would have received a heavier beating than 4 goals to 2 but for the fine play of their backs and goalkeeper.

The Villa kicked off up hill, and made an unsuccessful attempt to score. The Derby forwards retaliated, and Warner saved a smart shot sent into goal. The ball was taken back into the Derby quarters and a corner was given to the home team, Brown kicked the ball into the goal mouth, and Green receiving it, scored the first point for the Villa.

The ball had hardly been kicked from the centre when Allen secured it, and made a splendid run on the left. Nearing goal he centred well, and Green, who was lying handy, scored again for the home team. The Villa continued to press, and shot after shot was directed into goal; but Marshall prevented any from taking effect, and was repeatedly cheered for his fine defence.

Williamson relieved the pressure, and passed to Plackett, who made a long shot which went the wrong side of the upright. The Villa again became dangerous, but Goodall shot outside. Then the County made a combined assault on the Villa goal, and a shot from Spilsbury took effect. The home team had decidedly the best of game up to the interval, and Allen made a third point from a centre by Goodall.

After the change over the Villa forwards at once paid visit to the County’s goal, but Marshall saved, whilst a moment later Goodall tried to score, but his aim was inaccurate, and the ball went outside.

The County’s forwards transferred the play to the Villa’s territory, and L. Plackett had the Villa goal at his mercy, but missed his chance.

Shortly after the home forwards made a combined run, and Brown centred across goal to Goodall, who obtained number four for the Villa.

The visitors played with great pluck, and at length their efforts were rewarded with success, Bakewell sending in a shot which beat Warner. The home team had the best of the game up to the finish, but failed to score again. They thus won the match by 4 to 2.

Teams :- Villa: Warner, goal; Cox and Coulton, backs; Burton, Dawson, and Devey, half-backs; Green and Brown (right), Hunter (centre), Goodall and Allen (left), forwards.

Derby County: Goal, Marshall; backs, Latham and Ferguson; half-backs, Williamson, Smith, and Rowlston; forwards, Shaw and Spilsbury (right), H. Plackett (centre), Smart, and L. Plackett ((left).