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SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL.
LEAGUE MATCHES.

Blackburn Rovers v. Aston Villa.

Played at Blackburn, before 8,000 spectators. The weather was wretched, drizzling rain falling all the time.

In the first half the Villa had to play against a strong wind, but notwithstanding this they quickly got dangerous, almost scoring in the first five minutes. Their forwards were playing in a most determined manner, their passing being very good considering the high wind.

At length the Rovers broke away, and Townley scored weak goal, a claim for offside being of no avail.

The Villa after this made determined efforts, and Hunter struck the crossbar with a splendid shot. Then Hodgetts kicked into Arthur's hands, and a claim that the ball went through was disallowed.

Still keeping up the pressure, the Villa forced an unproductive corner, and had hard lines in not scoring.

The Rovers then dashed away, and Walton got the ball past Warner, the point was disallowed for off-side.

Another goal was disallowed against the Rovers, and Brown, getting down, shot across goal, and Hodgetts tipped it through, but being off-side the goal was disallowed.

The home team now assumed the aggressive, and aided by a powerful wind made matters warm for the Villa.

From a grand header Southworth, scored the second goal for the Rovers. The Villa tried hard to overcome the home defence, but were unsuccessful, and the Rovers, getting nicely down, Southworth put on a third goaL

The Villa still pegged away, but the wind militated much against their passing. Hodgetts, when he had a good chance, shot wide.

The Rovers scored again, and at half-time were leading by 4, Aston Villa 0.

On restarting the Villa were pressed back, and after some good play Southworth put on two goals for the Rovers.

The Villa breaking away, the home defence was taxed, but the visitors' forwards could not get within nice shooting range.

Towards the close the game the Rovers made a series of attacks and scored again, the result being— Rovers 7, Villa 0