Aston Villa v. Blackburn Rovers. About 12,000 people put in an appearance at Aston Villa's new ground, Birmingham, and in spite of the bad weather the company took an enthusiastic interest in the play. The Villa began excellently, and a goal by Campbell gave them the lead in about a quarter of an hour. Aston Villa continued to play the better football, and another goal was added by Wheldon. When ends were changed the Rovers tried very hard to save the match, but without success, for the Villa scored again, and the result was a win for Aston Villa by three to none. --- *The Sheffield Independent* Monday 19 April 1897 ASTON VILLA V. BLACKBURN ROVERS. The new ground of the Aston Villa team at Birmingham, which is big enough to accommodate some 70,000 or spectators was opened on Saturday with a match against the Blackburn Rovers, and although the weather was wretched the contest attracted some 15,000 people. The Villa began in good form, and Campbell obtained a grand goal ten minutes from the start, and though the Rovers afterwards played up well, the Villa always had the advantage. Before the interval arrived Wheldon scored a second point, and the Villa change of ends holding the substantial lead of two goals none. Again in the second half the Villa started well, and soon after the resumption Killean, in trying to clear a shot from Campbell, put the ball through his own goal, thus giving the home side farther point. The Villa continued pressing, and saved many fine shots, and subsequently the Rovers made several spirited efforts, but always found the Villa defence too strong for them. As matters turned out nothing further was scored, and the Villa gained a creditable victory. Result: ASTON VILLA goals. BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 goal.