SATURDAY'S FOOTBALL. THE LEAGUE STOKE V. ASTON VILLA Considerable interest was manifested in this match, which took place at Stoke-on-Trent. A large contingent of the visitors' supporters came to the Potteries by excursion, and the attendance of spectators on the Sports ground was about 6,000. The weather was beautifully fine, but the ground had not fully recovered from the heavy rains recently experienced. Stoke was represented by the same team.that did so well at Derby; while the Villa was also strongly represented, though they were without the services of Warner, their goalkeeper. Stoke kicked off, and Naughton, getting away on the right, passed to Schofield, who shot for goal but failed. The Villa then went away in dashing style, but on reaching the home goal the ball was sent behind. Stoke retaliated, and their forwards became somewhat dangerous, the visitors' goal narrowly escaping from a screw shot by Schofield. Both goals were subsequently attacked in turn, and a corner was conceded to the Villa, but it proved unproductive. The Villa proceeded to press severely, and corner after corner, was conceded to them, but nothing came of them, the home goal being repeatedly saved by the brilliant play of Rowley. However, the smartness of the visitors in front of goal ultimately met with its reward, Campbell putting in a low, fast shot, which completely foiled the home custodian, and opened the scoring in favour of the visitors. This success was soon followed by another, for, despite the strenuous efforts of the Stoke back players, the Villa forwards found a weak spot in their defence, and Devey managed to drive, the ball past Rowley for the second time; these two goals being scored within twenty minutes from the commencement. Put upon their mettle by this second defeat, Stoke showed improved form; but the visitors continued to show the stronger game. A smart run by Naughton and Schofield enabled the latter to pass to Dunn, who, however, was robbed of the ball by Cox, and the sphere was sent behind. Directly afterwards Devey was deprived of possession with equal smartness by Clifford, and Stoke again became dangerous. They were, however, speedily repulsed, and the Villa taking up the attack in their turn Dickson succeeded in adding a third goal to their account. The home team were in no way disheartened by these repeated reverses, playing on pluckily, but they showed weakness in shooting, and also experienced hard lines on several occasions. The visitors had to put forth all their efforts to save their charge, and Hinchley particularly was required to exert himself. Shortly before half-time a combined run by the home' right wing gave the ball to Dunn, who sent it between the posts, but the referee disallowed the point on the ground of offside. At the interval Aston Villa led the scoring by 3 goals to 0. On ends being changed, Stoke were at once put upon the defensive and conceded a corner, but though it was well taken Rowley saved. After some even play Stoke came well to the front, and proceeded to cut out some difficult work for their opponents. Attack after attack was made upon the Villa goal, but between admirable defence offered by the visitors' back division and the bad shooting of the home team Hinchley's charge remained intact. After considerable play in the visitors' territory Athersmith got away and passed to Devey, whereupon Rowley ran out to save his charge but missed, and Devey apparently had the goal at his mercy. However, just as he shot, Clare rushed up and effected an exceedingly clever save by heading out. After this the Villa were again penned in the neighbourhood of their own goal, and the persistent attacks of Stoke ended - in Clifford scoring a beautiful-goal on their behalf. Stoke continued to play well and pressed the visitors severely, and at length they obtained a second goal, scored by Schofield from a penalty kick. The excitement became very great as the game drew to a close, and the home team put forth their utmost exertions to equalise the scoring. Shot after shot was sent in, and Hinchley had a very lively time of it; but he proved an efficient custodian, and the visitors' policy of packing their goal rendered the best efforts of the home players inoperative. Stoke failed to score again, and a well-contested game ended in a victory for Aston Villa by 3 goals to 2.