1894/95 Division 1 - Week 18
Aston Villa vs. Darwen
Two sides who after starting the season poorly, have started to look better as the season has progressed. Despite this, it is clear Aston Villa look the better side and would be most people's pick to win this match. This match went exactly as expected with Aston Villa dominating the match, not giving Darwen any chance and scoring in the 20th and 55th minutes to walk away with both points.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Derby County
While I have not checked the exact numbers, I'm pretty confident in saying Derby County come into this match on poor form having plummeted over the course of the season. What had once looked like a title battle is looking increasingly likely of slowly becoming a race for survival. Their opponents this week are a West Brom side who continue to be incredibly average in the league. Goals in the 41st, 52nd and 65th minute give a deserved win to the better side as Derby continue their poor run.
Blackburn Rovers vs. Liverpool
Once again Blackburn Rovers are leading the league table, much like they were last season, coming up against a Liverpool side who have been decent on their debut season in the top flight, looking safe from danger although unlikely to challenge for the title. This was the closest match of the week so far as Liverpool had a good go at challenging Blackburn Rovers after conceding an early 8th minute goal. Blackburn would remain the better side however and a goal in the 55th minute would seal the win for the home side.
Sheffield United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
An important match for the relegation battle as the Blades have a chance to increase the gap between them and the teams facing the play-offs, while for Wolves a win could move them within a single win of safety and potentially even pull them out of last place. There was one side which was clearly better as Sheffield United had far more chances to win this match but consistently struggled to find the back of the net. This allowed Wolves to hold out and gain a single point in a result which should leave the home fans frustrated.
Walsall Town Swifts vs. Sunderland Albion
A match between two of the top sides that are outside the title race. While neither side is likely to be worried about going down this season, nor are either side likely to win the title a win here will likely have major repercussions for these teams' finishing positions. As seems to be the trend this week, the home side was clearly better and would score in the 35th minute before holding out successfully to take both points.
Middlesbrough Ironopolis vs. The Wednesday
This seems likely to go the way of the away side, who have looked to be a solid side this season, while the home side have only looked decently. Likely too good to go down, but not much better, Ironopolis welcome the Owls to Paradise. The most entertaining match of the week so far, Ironopolis put up a strong effort against The Wednesday with neither side managing to score in the first half. As the second half got going though a goal in the 64th minute, followed by a second in the 71st would put Ironopolis ahead. Wednesday would get a late goal in the 86th minute, but it would not be enough to get them any points, as the home side took the win.
Everton vs. Birmingham St George's
The Dragons are doing the exact opposite of last season it seems, as having once been looking a contender to go down BSG now look to be building a gap between themselves and danger. Their opponents this week are an Everton side who will be looking to avoid falling to the bottom of the table with a loss. Only one goal was scored in this match, but it could have been many more as the away side continue their good form, scoring in the 17th minute and managing to keep the pressure on to win the match.
Preston North End vs. Bootle
The win of this match will be placed in the best position to be able to challenge Blackburn Rovers for the title even if still at a few points behind, while the losing side are likely to see any title hopes they may have once had crumble before their eyes and will likely be locked in a battle for third place with Walsall. The final result of this match was great news for Blackburn, with Bootle scoring a goal in the 19th minute only to get a quick response in the 35th. Bootle would have a couple good chances in the second half, but nothing to break the deadlock as the two sides are forced to share the points.
- DinoKea