ASTON VILLA V. DERBY COUNTY

The return match between the above clubs was played at Perry Barr, in the presence of a fairly good attendance.

The Villa played their two new Scotchmen -J. Brown and G. Campbell, Cowan being consequently placed in the forward division.

The ground, owing to the rain which fell in the morning, was very slippery, and interfered with play to a considerable extent. The visitors, who were not fully represented, being without Bakewell, lost the toss, and John Goodall therefore kicked off uphill.

Cowan at once obtained the ball, and, dribbling finely past the backs, put in a shot which appeared to have scored.

Cries of "Goal!" were raised, and the ball was kicked to the centre; but on appeal the point was not allowed, the referee ruling that the ball had not passed between the posts.

Albert Brown was next cheered for a fine run and centre, which Cowan unsuccessfully endeavoured to convert into a goal.

A spell of even play followed, and then John Goodall had his shoulder hurt through colliding with Evans.

He was absent from the field for quite a quarter of an hour, but despite this fact the Villa could not score, a result due to their wretched combination. They missed several very fine chances, and had themselves to thank for not scoring.

At half-time no goals had been scored.

After the interval Cowan went to the right wing, whilst Dickson took the position of centre forward, and this change seemed to work very well, for the Villa forwards played a really superior game.

They commenced attacking with great vigour, and a few minutes after the start Dickson scored from a fine pass by Albert Brown.

The County then made efforts to equalise, and John Goodall put in a couple of grand shots, which were splendidly kept out by Warner, who kept goal magnificently all through the match.

After staving off their opponents' attack, the Villa carried the ball to the opposite end of the field, and Hodgetts put in a shot which dropped on the cross-bar and rolled into play again. Haddow, the goalkeeper, caught the ball, but before he could throw it away he was charged through by Cowan. The Derby players strenuously contested the point, but the referee allowed it, to the delight of the spectators.

Following up their success, the Villa front rank attacked persistently, and at length Albert Brown made a third goal.

Then came an exciting raid on the Villa goal, eight or nine of the players scrimmaging in Rugby fashion to get the ball through. The referee stopped the tussle, however, and awarded the Villa a free kick, which enabled them to attack once more.

They were given a corner kick, which was well taken by Cowan, and converted into a goal by Hodgetts. No further points were made, and the Villa thus won by 4 goals to 0.