SHEFFIELD UNITED v. ASTON VILLA. “THE BLADES” RETAIN A TRIUMPHANT LEAD. Throughout the encomiums bestowed on the League leaders and English Cup winners of the last two seasons it has always been acknowledged that, despite their determined dash and energy, there has generally been soupcon of luck associated with their efforts. It would, perhaps, be useless to deny that United have been fortunate in instances, but at the same time are a hard team to beat, and this was never more forcibly demonstrated than on Saturday when they rose to the occasion in most magnificent fashion, and after it looked 20 to 1 against them they gained a most dashing and brilliant victory. There is no use in denying that United played a hard, determined game, and to this fact alone was their victory owing. After their brilliant successes during the present season it was not surprising that an immense amount interest was manifested regarding the probable remit of the match, and it was naturally expected that the attendance would outnumber that of the United and Manchester City match. Expectations were verified, as previous to the kick-off there would fully 25,000 spectators present with the crowd steadily increasing, the result was that 28,500 paid gate, and these, with the season ticket holders, made the total into one of about 32,000, the gate receipts amounting to £710 13s. 9d. The rainfall of Friday caused the turf to be rather soft, but the weather was fine, and with only a slight wind the conditions for play were of the most perfect character. With the match being what may not inaptly be termed 'crucial test," both clubs put their strongest available team in the field, and may be of interest to state that the exact Villa combination of last Saturday has not met with defeat during the present season. In the United team Needham played centre forward instead of Morren, whilst Howard took Needham’s place as left half back. As stated, there was not much wind, and on Needham winning the toss he decided take advantage of this slight favour, and Garraty set the ball in motion for the Villa towards Bramall Lane. Without going into any correct detail of the play, it will suffice to say that the Villa were the first to make an inroad, but the ball was returned and for several minutes play was confined to the Villa territory. Mid-field play of a scientific character followed, neither side being able to claim any great advantage, though United had slightly the most of the game. It was not until about 23 minutes of the first half had expired that Smith sent in a shot that Foulkes fisted away, but Devev who was close up, rushed forward, and meeting North, his cranium headed it past the gigantic United goal custodian. From this to the interval play was fairly even, but the teams crossed over with the Villans leading by one goal to nil. In the first quarter of an hour of the second half, United appeared dead beaten, but they came again, and just under half an hour from the restart, Headly and Bears made a great dash, and Bears equalised amidst deafening applause. This nerved the United players to further efforts, and four minutes later Beers scored a second goal. From this to the close each team strove hard, but no further score occurred and the result was: Sheffield United, two goals; Aston Villa, one goal.