SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL.
LEAGUE MATCHES.

ASTON VILLA V. BOLTON WANDERERS - These teams met at Perry Barr. The afternoon was wet and miserable, and consequently the attendance did not number two thousand.

The Villa played a good team, the forward ranks being greatly strengthened by Hodgetts, whilst Goodall was placed at half-back, and materially improved that portion of the field.

The Villa kicked off towards Wellington Road against the wind, and at once attacked, the forwards displaying that good combination which during the last few weeks has been a far from prominent feature of their play.

Matters looked ill for the Wanderers, but their defence successfully stood the severe strain put upon it. The Villa forwards, although for a time thwarted, were not to be denied, for Brown, receiving the ball from Green, ran in and scored.

A reverse so early in the game stimulated the visitors, and the home team were in turn beaten back, their goal being menaced. Brogan mode a splendid shot, but Warner saved well. The ball was then transferred to the other end of the field, but only to be returned, and Davenport shot it through. The point was disallowed, however, on the ground of off-side.

The game became very exciting, both teams playing wonderfully well. The Wanderers’ goal was repeatedly attacked, as was the Villa’s. The latter team’s defence was very strong, but the attack was of a prolonged character, and ultimately Barbour equalised with a fine shot. Both elevens worked. hard, but neither scored again, and at half-time the game was equal.

On changing ends the visitors again played weIl, and obtained two corners, which were useless. Hodgetts dribbled cleverly, and, being well supported, the fight was again waged in the Wanderers’ quarters. A corner was given, and Hodgetts placed the ball well into the goal month, but the Villa, although they tried hard, were unable to force the ball through.

The Wanderers made an unsuccessful assault on the Villa goal, and Hodgetts then made a good run, and centred well. Allen obtained the ball, and scored a second goal.

Play now became very exciting, for the visitors made an irresistible rush, and the game was again equal. The Villa gradually wore the visitors down, and at length Hodgetts, who was playing an exceeding good game, scored a third goal.

Encouraged by their success the Villa became irresistible, and added three more goals to their score, Allen, Green, and Hunter being responsible for them. The Villa thus won by 6 goals to 2.

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

Bolton Wanderers: Harrison, goal; Robinson and Jones, backs; Weir, Scowcroft, and Roberts half-backs; Brogan and Davenport (right), Barbour (centre), Owen and McCue (left) forwards.

Referee, Mr. Chaplin.