2-2

ASTON VILLA V. NOTTS COUNTY.
ENGLISH ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP (THIRD ROUND).

A large amount of interest was taken In the meeting of these teams at Nottingham, on Saturday last, about 250 persons journeying by special train from Birmingham to witness the match.

The visitors were without the services of Vaughton (left wing) and Law (half-back), their positions being filled by Archie Hunter and Brookes.

The game was well contested throughout, and some very fast and exciting play was witnessed, both teams striving desperately hard to decide the tie; but although they played the extra half hour, the game once more ended in a draw.

During the latter part of the match the spectators crowded in the lower end of the field, preventing the ball going out on several occasions. Beyond this the feeling displayed was very fair, both teams getting a splendid reception entering the field.

The Brothers Hunter, Brown, Whateley, and Davis played magnificently for the visitors, while Bank, Simmonds, Lee, and Clarke defended in fine style.

For Notts the two Curshams showed their usual excellent form, while Moore and Dobson were the means of stopping several dangerous attacks by the Villa forwards.

Jessop's goal-keeping was a marvellous display of defensive power.

The afternoon was fine, but cold wind blew directly across the field, and occasionally was very troublesome in stopping the play.

The attendance was very large, fully 8,000 spectators being present.

The Villa won the toss, and for brief period their goal was in danger, Clarke having to give a corner save the attacks of the Brothers Cursham and Bausor. This came to nothing, and the Villa forwards, passing very neatly, got well away, Davis and Hunter being prominent. Dobson returned the ball with a strong kick into the visitors’ quarters, and Chapman, getting possession, tried a long dropping shot, which proved too good for Clarke, and Notts thus secured the first goal.

This roused the Astonians, who now began to warm to the play, and good runs were put in by Whateley and Hunter, each of whom tried to score, the former's shot going just outside, whilst Archie Hunter's was well stopped Jesdop.

Pretty passing by the Villa forwards followed, Archie Hunter, Davis, and Brown doing a lot of work. Moore, however, was playing strongly at back, and, with the aid of Chapman and C. Dobson, held his opponents well in check.

H Cursham then put in a good run, getting well up the field. Lee tackled well and averted the danger, with Brown, Whateley, and Archie Hunter making off with the leather, Moore cleared his lines, and for a time the play was confined to the centre of the field.

Attacks on each goal followed, Clarke having to stop a good shot from Bausor, whilst Jessop had to perform a like duty from a swift shot by Whateley.

Brown was then applauded for some good tackling, and when half-time arrived the game stood in favour of Notts.

Restarting, the home goal was at once attacked, and the Nottingham back division were kept very busy, Brown and Archie Hunter playing brilliantly. Jessop had to stop a shot from the latter, and the home forwards then assumed the aggressive, Pank and Brookes having lot to do, which they did well.

After good runs H. Cursham and Bausor missed a good chance of scoring, and Brown replied with splendid run.

Passing with great effect, the Villa made a spirited attack on the Notts, and Brown at length equalised the score with a smart shot after a pretty display of dribbling, Andy Hunter having centred well.

On resuming, Notts came with a fine run, Clarke being called upon to defend his goal, and a nice run on the left wing followed, Dawson being in good form.

The home team were very severely pressed for a time, until Cursham came to the rescue, and again Bausor missed a good opportunity kicking over.

Archie Hunter and Brown were again and again applauded for their clever play, Jessop being kept fully employed; but at the call of time, no further score was obtained, and, as the game stood one each.

An extra half-hour was played, during which the visitors showed magnificent form, Archie Hunter playing with all his old dash.

In the first quarter this player added another goal with remarkably hard shot, and shortly before time was called A. W. Cursham again scored from a corner his brother.

The game consequently ended in a draw—2 goals each. Both teams were loudly cheered at the conclusion of the match.