SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL.
LEAGUE MATCHES.

ASTON VILLA V. WEST BROMWICH ALBION - After the exciting match played last week at Perry Barr it was natural that the return league match between the clubs should arouse liveliest interest.

The weather was all that could be desired, and an immense crowd gathered on the Stony Lane Ground, West Bromwich. Prior to the commencement of the match a boys’ game between Christchurch and Mayer’s Green was played, and resulted in a draw, two goals each.

Several alterations were noted in the two teams. Goodall took Coulton’s place at right back, and Devey took the centre half-back position.

In the Albion team Hendry went right full backs and W. Perry partnered Bassett on the right forward wing, with Woodhall.

There was a strong wind blowing when Hunter kicked off, uphill, against the breeze. The home forwards at once went away, and Cox relieved, and there was soon a goal kick at Robert’s end.

The Villa came into the attack, and from a cross by Allen Hunter went for goal but Brown kicked over. The ball was returned, and Timmins sent across the field to Bassett, who, standing in front of goal, put the ball through out of Warner’s reach, after playing five minutes.

On resuming the Albion kept up the attack, and after Goodall had cleared Hodgetts beat Hendry and got well up to goal. H. Green again cleared his lines, and away went the Albion with the wind behind them. A short sharp tussle occurred in the mouth of the visitors’ goal, and Bayliss put the ball through. This point was disallowed by the referee, on the ground of offside.

The game had only been in progress nine minutes, and, it may be judged was fast and furious.

Allen had a good chance close up to the Albion goal, but he failed to make use of it, and a minute or two later Pearson added a second goal for the home team.

About this time Yates’s knee received a nasty twist, and he was not able to do much for the remainder of the game.

A weak shot by Hunter was easily stopped by Roberts and an attempt by Brown was readily frustrated by H. Green. The Albion now went down hill and from a magnificent shot by Pearson a third goal was scored.

The visitors now played up very determinedly, but weak shots by Allen and Brown were easily repelled. From a foul in the centre of the field the Villa obtained a free kick, which was of very little use to them. A bit of smart work by Hunter gave the ball to Hodgetts, who passed across goal to Brown. The latter, however, failed to make use of his chance, and H. Green cleared.

A corner to the Albion was fruitless, and a similar point to the Villa was also without result. A fine run up on the right by Brown eventuated in a shot by that player. Hodgetts rushed up and charged Roberts through the goal, and Allen put the ball through. Roberts went up against the board behind the posts, and lay on the ground hurt for some time. A couple of fouls in front of the Villa goal was followed by some pretty passing play by the Villa forwards which came to nothing. At half time they stood - Albion 3 goals, Villa 1 goal.

The ends had not been changed more than three minutes before Hodgetts headed a softish goal, an appeal for offside being disallowed.

This reverse seemed to take the steam out of the Albion and the wind being against them they did not play so well as in the first half.

The Villa pressed hard, and Goodall running up put in a fine shot, which Hendry only saved at the expense of a corner. The attack was kept up, and Roberts had to handle two or three times in succession. At length T. Green, by a neat shot, made the score equal, amid vociferous cheers from the Villa supporters.

From the kick-off the home team made prodigious efforts to once more get ahead, and Burton had all his work cut out to look after Bassett. A foul to the Albion for “hands “ did not assist them much, nor was a corner to the Villa of much value to them. The game was now suspended for few minutes in consequence of a nasty kick which Pearson received on the face, Fortunately, the injured man was able to resume.

A nice run by Wilson on the left looked like being converted by Perry, when Devey came up end took the ball from him. Subsequently Bassett shot over, and a foul to the home team gave them a chance, of which they did not take advantage.

The Villa again got the ball in the Albion quarters and Hodgetts shot, the ball rebounding from the post. Towards the close the Albion pressed severely, and three or four combined and splendid attacks were made in rapid succession, and some desperate struggles took place close to the goal-line, but the Villa repulsed them on each occasion. The match thus resulted in a draw - 3 goals each.

West Bromwich Albion: Roberts, goal; Hendry and A. Green, backs; E. Horton, C. Perry, and Timmins. half backs; W Perry and Bassett (right wing), Baylis (centre), Pearson and Wilson (left wing), forwards.

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

Umpires, Messrs. Albut and Bisseker. Referee, Mr. Jope, Wednesbury.