SHEFFIELD UNITED V. ASTON VILLA. THE BATTLE OF THE LEAGUE LEADERS. BRILLIANT VICTORY OF THE “BLADES” “A splendid attendance and a model game.” This was the dictum of every unbiased admirer of the winter pastime as they wended their way homewards from Bramall lane Grounds, on Saturday after witnessing Sheffield United gain a splendid victory over Aston Villa, and take a commanding lead towards becoming the champions of the League competition. Although not practically deciding the championship. Saturday’s match had a big bearing on the ultimate resting-place of the League emblem, and an immense amount of interest was roused regarding the probable result. The kick off was announced for half-past two, but as a matter of fact, took place a few minutes earlier in the presence of a big crowd. To be precise, 22,775 persons passed the turnstiles, and of these 20,437 paid, the remainder being season ticket holders, whilst the actual gate receipts amounted to £602 13s. 0d. Both teams has been in strict training.United having been located at Chesterfield House, Matlock Bank, whilst the Villans had been from Birmingham to Droitwich for the benefit of the hot brine baths. Owing to the mild, wet weather, the ground was in a very heavy state, but the atmosphere was very calm, and there was no wind to aid either side. Each club ployed their full strength, Gaudie playing centre forward for United vice Almond. The Villa won the toss, and in the first half kicked towards Shoreham Street. In the first quarter of an hour however, Whitehouse had a couple of shots to get rid of, but he was in capital form. Several times the Villa forwards worked the ball up, but their combination was broken up by the United halves or backs, all of whom played fine game. When play had progressed twenty-three minutes, Bennett, the United outside right wing forward, made a splendid run, and beating his opponents, sent in a rather oblique shot, the all just grazing the underside of the crossbar, and scoring the first goal for United. Before the interval each team had a turn pressing. On one occasion John Cowan shot over when he had a chance, Wheldon once headed outside from an Athersmith centre. On the United side, Priest, Gaudie, and Needham were all wide of the mark and at the interval United led one goal to the none. The game in the second half was a splendidly contested one. Each set of forwards worked with rare energy and dash, and despite the heavy state of ground the play ruled very fast. United were always the most dangerous when in front of goal, and though Whitehouse had rather more work do than Foulkes, it may said that the brunt the battle was borne by the half and full backs of either side. The margin of superiority on the part of United was very slight, and at the close they gained a well earned victory.