THE VILLA JUST SCRAMBLE HOME. The weather in Birmingham yesterday afternoon was the most miserable description, but, notwithstanding this, fully 20,000 spectators put in an appearance at Aston Lower Grounds. Newcastle enthusiasts were there in strong force, there being four special trains from the northern town to the capital of the Midlands. Rain fell in pitiless drizzle at the start, and continued throughout the greater part of the afternoon the going was very heavy. Both teams were full strength. The Villa won the toss and played with the wind behind them in the first half. The game was of a most sensational character, for at the very outset the home forwards got down, and Athersmith sent in a high shot which Kingsley failed reach. This early success fairly roused the visitors, and they attacked strongly, George kicking away from Peddle. Evans relieved, and the home men were soon at the other end, Wheldon compelling Kingsley to concede a corner. Play continued at the Newcastle end for considerable time, but thanks in a large measure to the able defence of Lindsay and Jackson, further scoring was averted. Towards the interval the Villa swarmed round the United’s goal, but at halftime the score stood - Aston Villa, one goal; Newcastle United, nil. With the assistance of the breeze the visitors opened the second half in business like style, Rogers sending in a shot which George cleared with difficulty. Smith led the Aston men down, and some really tricky forward play was wound up by Crabtree just skimming the cross-bar. The ground was now very heavy condition, but the players never relaxed their efforts, and the excitement was of the keenest possible description. The rushing work of the visitors was more suited to the prevailing conditions, and on two occasions they were near drawing level, missing easy-looking chances. For ten minutes the home goal was literally bombarded, Crabtree, Cowan, Evans, and George playing a great defensive game. Relief was brought, and Wheldon, backed up Johnson, all but broke through. Long kicking by Jackson enabled the Newcastle forwards to swoop down on George, and Aitken sent in horrid shot, which George cleared, amid the plaudits of the crowd. The Newcastle players strove desperately hard in the closing moments, but had to retire beaten. Result Aston Villa, one goal; Newcastle United, nil. The United played quite as well as their rivals, and on the run of the game draw would have been the most correct result. The Villa were really lucky to win.