Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON RESERVES 1 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 1
April 1, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
The postponed game was played at Goodison Park last evening in splendid Weather, and before a capital attendance. Everton tried a new goalkeeper Bushell. The United started, and the visitors opened strongly. Everton had to defend for some time. Bushell after a weak clearance cleverly saved a sharp return, while Balmer once robbed the right wing in fine style. The home side could not get going but although the visitors kept up almost constant pressure, they could not get through. At length Wolfe and Norse ran down but a long shot travelled wide of the goal. The home halves with the exception of Clark, could not stop the visiting forwards who were playing with great dash. At last Elston forced a corner, but Clayton sent wide, although a little later Norse, shot in splendid, the custodian saving well. Next Elston had an opening, but sent high over the bar. Everton continued to show improved form, and Wolfe twice centred well without result. End to end play followed for some time, each side missing chances. Once however McEwan grazed the bar, following a fine run by Elston. Before the interval, the last named was successful in netting the ball and Everton led at half-time by a goal to nil.
On resuming the visitors pressed without result, and then Everton had a turn, but failed to get the better of the United backs. Manchester again attacked, and at length the centre beat Bushell, and equalised the score. Everton tried hard to again secure the lead and a couple of shots went very close. Elston, McEwan, and Wolfe, each made good attempts to defeat the goalkeeper, but without success. Balmer and Clark were conspicuous in further pressure by the United, whose forwards lost a couple of favourable openings by weak shooting. Near the end Everton pressed, but the United backs kicked out frequently and nothing further was scored. Result Everton 1, Manchester United 1.
Everton: - Buschell, goal, Galvin and R.Balmer, backs, Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Wolfe, Norse, O'Hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards.
EVERTON v NEWCASTLE UNITED
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 01 April 1903
This match will take place at Newcastle today and the following will represented Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
EVERTON DEFEAT THE COUNTY
Football Chat and Athletic world Wednesday April 1 1903
By “Merseyman”
And just when Liverpool were losing at home, Everton went and defeated Derby County away by 1 goal to nil. Truly Everton are hard to weigh up. Neither side was at full strength, although in this respect Everton wens better placed than the Cup finalists. The only goal of the match fell to Booth, the visiting captain, after thirty minutes' play. The Peakites tried hard to get on level terms in the second half, but the Toffees' defence remained firm to the end. This victory represents a gain of two points to Everton, who last year were beaten by 3 goals to 1 at Derby. As the latter had already lost this season at Goodison Park, they have given up the maximum points to Booth and Co., Everton badly needed this "away" victory—their first such since the beginning of November. Kitchen kept a good goal, and Crelly played determinedly at left-back, as did his partner, Balmer. Everton's half-back line was grand, Booth excelling himself; with Abbott in great form against Derby's right-wing. Forward, Taylor, Sharp and Settle were the shining lights. Such as Goodall, Morris, and Bloomer were mimed from the losing team, one or two of the substitutes being only moderate. Warren, however, played a fine half-back game. Derby's chance for the championship has now gone; but what of the English Cup? That's the rub!
NEWCASTLE UNITED 3 EVERTON 0
April 2 1903. The Liverpool Daily Post
Played at Newcastle before 10,000 spectators. Newcastle won the toss, and the teams lined out as follows: - Newcastle United: - Kingsley, goal, Aitken, and Agnew, backs, McWilliams, Veitch, and McIntyre, half-backs, Turner, Gardner, McColl, Orr, and Templeton, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer (captain), and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott half-backs, Rankin, Taylor Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards. Young started the game, and at once Everton got away on the right, but Rankin was not allowed to get in his centre. Some sturdy kicking by the Everton backs kept the Tynesides at bay, but Templeton slipped past Wolstenholme, and tricking Balmer and getting into goal, when Crelly rushed across and cleared the situation. Everton replied on the right. A clever run down by Rankin, followed by a capital centre enabled Young to test Kingsley. This was followed by a stinging attack on the home goal, but try as they would, the visitors could not get through. Still keeping up the pressure, the visitors forced a corner, Young getting over. Templeton next got away, and nearly scored, but Gardner, who got the ball, directly after, made no mistake, beating Kitchen with a beautiful shot. A little later Crelly was guilty of handling the ball within the penalty area, and the usual penalty kick was awarded and McIntyre put on a second goal. From now and upto the interval they had the best of matters, and when the whistle blew Newcastle were leading by 2 goals to nil. On resuming Everton had the advantage of the wind. The Tynesiders rushed down the line, and the ball was passed and repassed in front of goal, but before an opening could be found Balmer dashed forwards and the ball was sent midfield. Again the homesters got down, and Kitchen's charge had a very narrow escape of being captured a third time. Orr passed to Templeton but that player, trying to do too much himself. was robbed by Wolstenholme. A good combined effort by the Everton vanguard left to a hot attack on the home goal. Kingsley saving from Young, and a minute later he conceded a corner to Taylor. A struggle in the goalmouth followed, but Kingsley punched the ball clear at a critical moment. Some midfield play followed, and neither side gained much ground. A good run by Rankin changed things somewhat, the home lot having an anxious time. From a terrific a shot Kingsley brought off a grand save when a score seemed imminent. Still pegging away the homesters worked their way in, and a shot from McColl only missed by inches. A corner to the visitors followed, but proved futile. shortly before time, Gardner scored a third goal. Result Newcastle United 3, Everton nil.
NEWCASTLE UNITED v EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Thursday 02 April 1903
At Newcastle, in dull weather, rain falling towards the close of the game. Newcastle had McIntyre for Carr, otherwise the team was the same as beat Aston Villa. In the first half, after Kitchen had fumbled a long shot by McIntyre, Gardner scored for Newcastle, and soon after, and before the interval, McIntyre added a second from a penalty against Crelly for handling. In the second half Newcastle slackened up somewhat, but still had the measure of their opponents, and the Everton defence was severely tested. The Newcastle forwards showed great improvement. Abbott and Rankin nearly scored, but Aitken and Kingsley defended well. Several fouls were given against Crelly and Abbott both of whom often fouled Turner. Eventually Gardner scored Newcastle’s third goal. Everton appealing fruitlessly for offside. Everton were now thoroughly beaten, and could make little or no headway against the clever halves. Result- Newcastle United 3 Everton 0.
JACK ROBERTSON
Northern Daily Telegraph - Friday 03 April 1903
J. Robertson (Glasgow Rangers) left half-back. Is a famous international, and an old favourite both in the North and the South of England. Born in Dumbarton in 1877. Until he was seventeen years of age he played for the Greenock Morton. In that season he migrated to Everton, with the result that in 1898, when twenty-one, he played for Scotland against England, his country losing by three goals to one. Subsequently he joined Southampton, and became a left-wing forward, his pace serving him in this position. Robertson who stands 5ft 8in and weighs 11st 7lb, has played against England in 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, and 1902; against Wales in 1901, 1902 and 1903; and against Ireland in 1901, 1902 and 1903.
EVERTON v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 03 April 1903
For this League match at Goodison Park tomorrow, the following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards. Kick-off 3.30.
EVERTON v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 04 April 1903
For this League match at Goodison Park today, the following team has been selected to represent Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards. Kick-off 3.30.
Everton Combination v Turton
Lancashire Combination match at Turton; train leaves Exchange Station at 1.10.
Everton Combination- Bushell, goal; Galvin and Balmer, backs; Clayton, Clark, and Chadwick, half backs; Wolfe, Boardman, O’Hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards.
EVERTON v. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 4 1903
SETTLE OPENS EVERTON’S SCORE
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
The visit of the Wednesday to Goodison Park to-day was really of more importance to the visitors than the entertainers, as the Blades are good favourites for the premier position of the League when the curtain rings down a few weeks hence. A miserable morning gave way to a bright sunny afternoon, and the game was conducted under very pleasant conditions. The Blues were more or less handicapped by the absence of Booth, who was away at Sheffield carrying out the obligations of his selection for international honours, his place being occupied by Russell. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Henderson, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Langley and Thackeray, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, and Ferrier, half-backs; Spikesley, Malloch, Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, forwards.
Referee- Mr. J.B. Brodie.
Balmer won the toss for his side, and Wilson kicked off before about 10,000 spectators. The Sheffielders were busy on both wings before Everton had a look in, Spikesley on the one side and Simpson on the other putting in some pretty touches before they were repulsed. Abbott set Young going, but on Dilly receiving his pass he was unceremoniously bowled over by Thackeray, and the ball was again passed over to Spikesley, who, however, was well attended to by Wolstenholme. The Wednesday half backs worked tremendously hard to keep the Everton forwards out, and really had not much trouble, as the passing of the home front rank was mostly ragged. A free kick was given against Sheffield, but the homesters were unable to gain any advantage; and later on Rankin and Taylor who commenced well on the right, were utterly routed by Ruddlesdin, and a like fate awaited Young when he attempted to serve his left wing. The Sheffielders went away from the centre, and some rather pretty passing ensued between Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, but Balmer put his foot to the ball and cleared out the attacking party. A couple of free kicks on both sides did not lead up to anything exciting, and monotonous exchanges in midfield followed. After Balmer had repulsed the Blades’ left Rankin put in a smart run, but was tackled by Langley. He had another try soon after, but he lifted the ball high over the bar. Then Taylor made a pretty move and let Young have the leather in a good position, but the centre’s effort to test Lyall was weak in the extreme. Malloch and Wilson were soon away for the Blades, and some sensational headwork took place in front of Kitchen, who finally cleared from Wilson. Everton then made off in force, and a hot attack was made on Lyall, and Dilly almost did the trick when Layton took the ball from his toe. Simpson fouled Henderson, but from the free kick the ball was sent back to Wilson, who started another fine move, but this was cut short y Russell, and Dilly captured a pass and made off down his wing, but was at the finish beaten by Thackeray. Several chances were then given to Young, but he failed on each occasion, and following this Wilson made a dash down the centre, but Kitchen ran out and kicked clear. Another smart move by the Sheffielders came from Spikesley, Malloch, and Simpson, but they were spoiled at the finish by Balmer, and Dilly again ran down his wing, but when he was on the point of centreing he lost the ball. On the opposite wing Taylor gained a corner, but this was quickly footed away, and soon afterwards the Sheffielders were attacking again, but they found the defence too strong for them, and play for a time settled down in midfield. Even yet there was nothing worthy of note on either side, and Young’s ineptitude was almost painful. A throw-in was followed by a very long shot from Malloch, which was scarcely justifiable. Henderson sent the ball back, and Young had a chance of doing something useful, but Langley was there before him. Ferrier gave his wing a nice chance, but smart work by Balmer checked the incursion in good time. The Wednesday’s left then sailed away in business-like fashion, and Russell and Henderson found themselves well beaten; but though Chapman had almost an open goal and no one to bother him, he failed lamentably, and so missed the best opportunity yet afforded of opening the account. After this the home brigade woke up, and attacked with some vigour, and in this Young did his full share. The bombardment wound up with a capital effort from Settle, and the leather just missed the corner of the net. The ball came from the Sheffield halves to Wilson, who in three separate occasions failed to make an opening, but at last he passed out to Spikesley, who ran along his wing, and then lifted the ball over the cross-bar. Crawshaw fouled Settle, but the Sheffielders were soon back in Everton territory, and after pretty work on the right a capital centre from Simpson was interrupted by Henderson. Following this, Dilly made another dash down his wing, and got in a flying centre while on the run, but Langley put his head in the way and sent clear. Coming down again, Settle got well placed in front of goal, where Crawshaw again fouled him, but just outside the penalty area. However, only moderate use was made of the free kick, the ball being sent from amongst the halves beyond the goal-line. Everton then made a couple of half-hearted attacks, Young again failing to keep command of the ball. Considering the importance of the event the visitors were giving a wonderfully free and easy exhibition, but for all that the Everton defence was very alert. After a little finessing in midfield Simpson and Chapman managed to circumvent Henderson, and Chapman wound up by planting the leather in the goalmouth, where, however, Kitchen brought off a good save. This was followed by a scrimmage on the penalty line, from which Wilson shot in, and the leather went just outside the upright. Then came a fine bit of work by Rankin, who easily and cleverly beat Langley and Ruddlesdin, and put the leather well in front of Young, who stumbled at the critical moment. Taylor joined the fray, and it looked any odds on a score, but Lyall emerged victorious. The Blues kept buzzing round, and Settle in front of goal received a rapid pass from Rankin, and chopped the leather past Lyall in most peculiar fashion and thus opened the score after thirty-five minutes; tame work. Towards the interval Everton played up marvellously, and attacked time after time. Taylor passed out sharply to Rankin, who let fly for all he was worth, and sent the ball into Lyall’s hands, the Wednesday custodian being rather lucky to come out scatheless. Young followed with a capital attempt from a difficult position, and at the last moment Dilly ran down his wing, but was roughly tackled by Langley, the ball rolling over the goal line. Half-time score; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday nil.
Young moved the leather off in the second half, and Rankin made a fine dash down his wing. A free kick in favour of the Blades did not relieve the pressure, but Abbott, who got the leather, gave a very weak exhibition. Sheffield then raced upon the left, where Spikesley and Malloch did excellent work, and the latter centred neatly. Wilson and Crawshaw got at the leather, and matters looked ominous, when Wolstenholme dashed up and cleared the intruders out with a huge kick. This was followed by a mild visit to the Blades’ territory, but Langley and Thackeray would not allow any liberties, and pressed Settle so closely that he had to kick behind. The Evertonians had put in some smart dashes, and there appeared to be every promise that the improvement shown in the last ten minutes of the first half would be maintained in favour of the homesters. After a prolonged struggle at the centre Abbott put his forwards in possession, and the left wing went away with a swing. Dilly was hampered at the finish, and the ball rolled out of play. Later on Simpson got in a fine dropping shot from the touchline, but Kitchen caught the ball underneath the crossbar. Coming down again Wilson sent in a trimmer as the whistle went for offside. But nevertheless Kitchen brought off a capital save. The Sheffielders were playing for all they were worth, but although they often went for the target they failed to find the bull’s eye. Young got in, and Taylor followed with a pass to Rankin, who placed his shot too high. During a melee in the Everton quarter one of the home players handled the ball, and the referee awarded a penalty kick, from which Langley scored. Directly afterwards a clean case of hands occurred almost in the Wednesday’s goalmouth, but no notice was taken. Final; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal.
EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
April 6, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
After a showery morning, the weather turned out fine on Saturday afternoon with the result that this important match was decided under pleasant conditions. The visit of the League leaders was an attractive fixture, but there was not a very numerous attendance. Each side had the honour of having a man away in the great International at Sheffield, Booth of Everton, assisting England as centre back, and Davis of Wednesday appearing for his country at outside right. Russell took Booth place while for Davis the amateur V.S.S.Simpson appeared. The teams were : - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Henderson and W.Balmer (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Wolstenholmes, Russell, and Abbott half-backs, Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Thackeray, and Langley, backs, Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin half-backs, V.Ssimpson, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley, forwards. Referee J.H.Brodie. Everton won the toss, and had the advantage of playing with the sun behind them Wilson kicked off, and the Blades were at once prominent, but Abbott was all there and relieved nicely. Smart work by Young was recognised by the spectators, who numbered about twelve thousand, but in trying to utilise the pass, both Dilly, and Thackeray tied themselves into a knot on the ground. However, neither was hurt. For a time Everton pressed, but there was not the required sting in the attack to afford the visiting custodian much anxiety. A couple of free kicks fell to Everton, but neither was utilised, and the game was devoid of interesting features. Play was stopped for a few moments owing to Thackeray being injured in an encounter with Settle. The Wednesday right back, however, soon resumed, and for a time Everton pressed on the left. The Blades half-backs were on the best behaviour, with the result that the Everton forwards could not get in a shot at Lyall. Ultimately Rankin found himself in position, but his shot was high over the bar. Next Lyall cleared a shot from Young, and at the other end Simpson headed into the hands of Kitchen, who easily removed the danger. Everton attacked with great persistency, and following a centre by Rankin, Langley only saved his side from Settle, at the expense of a corner. From this Lyall was brought out of his goal and fortunately for himself was able to return to position before the Evertonians could get in another shot. Then the Blades put on pressure, Wilson initiating a smart movement, in which Simpson participated, but which was spoiled by the alertness of Russell. Dilly failed to turn to account a grand cross from Rankin, and then in the course of further pressure by the Blades, Chapman got in a fast shot which, was lacking in accuracy of aim. At the other end, Settle missed a fair opening, but Rankin tested Lyall with a beauty, while Settle shot just wide of the post. From a free kick the ball found its way into the Everton net, but it had touched none of the players in its progress. After this several shots by the Wednesday forwards were charged down, and next Young, and the other missed a grand centre from Rankin home forwards. A moment later Crawshaw collared and brought down Settle as the latter was about to shoot, and it was fortunate for the visitors that the offence took place just outside the penalty line. Balmer was applauded for some tricky work, and Simpson from thirty yards shots into the hands of Kitchen. Wilson next shot inches wide, and at this period the Blades were having rather the better of the argument. Towards the interval Everton put on a spurt, and were rewarded, for from a pass by Young, Settle just managed to guide the leather into the net. This success encouraged the Evertonians, as in rapid succession, first Rankin and then Wolstenholme and again Rankin got in grand shots, which Lyall saved in splendid fashion. Half-time Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday nil.
On resuming Everton immediately made way on the right, and Rankin and Ruddlesdin had a rare trial of speed, which was only ended when the whistle blew for what the referee declared was a foul on the part of the Evertonians. The Blades soon got into their stride, and after Balmer had trickily beaten Spikesley, who had not been much in evidence, the Everton defenders were for a few moments rather hard pressure. Gradually they drove their opponents back, and were forging well ahead when Dilly was at fault in taking a pass Russell, who had been playing a fine game, initiated an attack, which resulted in Rankin sending in an oblique shot which was a little too high. The Blades quickly returned to the attack, and a long shot from Crawshaw, which glanced off another player, found Kitchen on the alert. Each end was visited in turn, and a centre from Spilkesley was nicely intercepted by Kitchen. For a time the Wednesday confined play to Everton's half, and for one reason, which was not apparent from the press box, the referee after consulting one of the linesmen, awarded the visitors a penalty kick . Langley, who had no difficulty in, took the kick equalised the score. Everton attacked after this, and a shot from Rankin was deliberately fisted out by one of the visiting defenders within the penalty area, but neither the referee nor linesmen took any notice of the infringement, the spectators meanwhile expressing their disappointment by booing. The game was full of exciting incidents to the finish but nothing more was scored. Result Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1.
THE LEADERS ANNEX AN AWAY POINT
Athletic News - Monday 06 April 1903
By Harricus
Were one to be guided by the result of Sheffield Wednesday's previous visit to the ground of the Everton club, Saturday’s game ought to have ended in a decisive victory for the Evertonians, for last season they won by five clear goals; but there were extraordinary circumstances attending the Sheffield club’s latent visit to Goodison Park. They were at the head the League for the time being, and they recognised that even a point would be of invaluable assistance to them. As it happened they got a point, for the score at the finish was I—l. The importance of the stake at issue caused more than the usual April interest to be taken in the game, for there must have been 15,000 spectators, and they were witness to a very fair game of football, albert certain official decisions rather upset their temperament the second half. The game from the commencement was of a rather superior order, play being carried on in an excellent spirit by the players, and except to the biased partisan of either club —those people who must have a goal and the other side none—the exchanges were very enjoyable. I thought Wednesday showed the smarter tactics, particularly forward, but it fell to Everton to secure the only goal of the half, though they rather delayed the scoring thereof, for the last five minutes had been entered upon. It was a capital point, Young working out an opening for Settle to run in and net the ball. It was an effort and caused the International to perform the “splits,’ but he got there.
A DISPUTED PENALTY.
There seemed a probability of Everton maintaining the lead to the end, for they finished the first half strongly, and commenced the second in the same spirit. However, an incident occurred which altered the state of the poll. A Wednesday man foaled within the penalty area, and after consulting the linesman nearest the scene of action, Mr. Brodie gave a penalty, whereat the crowd raved and continued their amusement right to the end of the game. However, a penalty it was, and Langley showed the crowd how to score a penalty goal. The aforesaid crowd directly afterwards thought their side should have had a penalty to even matters, as it were, but Mr. Brodie ruled otherwise. Neither side got a goal after that, though nearing the end Simpson almost altered the score sheet, while just before the finish Lyall was brought to the ground with a stinger from Dilly, and almost allowed the ball to escape him. As I mentioned in my opening remarks, it was a good game to watch, and though, of course, there were many fouls, there were very few shady tricks, not as one might have anticipated considering the importance of the game from the point of view of one club at any rate.
REMARKS
On the run of the game, a draw is a fitting reflex even though the equalizing goal may not be considered satisfactory to the other side, but so long as officials are appointed to govern the game so long will official verdicts stand good. Of two satisfactory elevens, I thought visitors showed the better football, their movements being more methodical and premeditated. The home defence was, however, superior to that on the other side. Kitchen was very safe in goal, and cannot be blamed for not stopping a penalty kick, while Henderson and Balmer were steady and sound, if lacking a superfluity of polish. Henderson has undoubtedly improved since he returned to the club. It can hardly be said that Booth’s presence at Sheffield weakened the side, for Russell made a capital centre-half. He has a good name, tor a Russell has never been surpassed for the position. He is not speedy, but is a most useful man to have on one’s side, and is not unlike Hynds of Manchester City. Wolstenholme and Abbott never play badly, at least, when I am looking on. The forwards were not on the level of the half-back and defenders. There always seems to be something wanting in Young, and Dilly did not strike me as a crack outside left. Settle got the goal, and that is something in a game of one each, but Rankin was about the best forward, and ought to develop, while Taylor as usual, was always out and about. Lyall in Wednesday’s goal, times was rather uncertain, and was once penalized for carrying, whilst Thackeray was hardly a success, as he was erratic In his kicking. He, however, got a shaking in the first half from which he never seemed to recover. Langley was effective, and all three half-backs were prominent. Ferrier is a tackier, and believes in harassing his opponents as well as shooting when he thinks fit. Ruddlesdin is rather inclined for more scientific methods, and Tom Crawshaw was the man we know him to be. The two inside men, Chapman and Malloch, were the strong men of the attack, making great headway, though all the forwards were good, and here it was that they had an advantage over their opponents. V. S. Simpson, the amateur, has, I think, only played in two League matches this season, and I have seen him on each occasion, though occupying a different position. .Amateurs do not mind where they play, but I fancy Simpson is more adapted to inside play than outside. Everton; Kitchen; Henderson, and Balmer; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly. Sheffield Wednesday; Lyall; Layton, and Langley; Ferrier, Crawshaw, and Ruddlesdin; V.S. Simpson, Chapman, Wilson, Malloch, and Spikesley;. Referee; Mr. J.B. Brodie, Wolverhampton.
TURTON 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 6, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
At Turton. The home team started against a strong wind. Everton scored through O'Hagan after ten minutes play. Turton now made headway, and after both custodians had been called on Haworth and the two Jone's worked up the home right, Jones finishing with a grand shot, which completely beat Bushell. At half time the score was Turton 1, Everton 1. On changing ends, Turton attacked strongly, and again scored and Turton won by 2 goals to 1. Everton: - Bushell, goal, Galvin, and R.Balmer backs, Clayton, Clark, and Chadwick, half-backs, Wofle, Boardman, O'Hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards.
INTERNATION CAP FOR BOOTH.
April 6, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
The thirty-second annual meeting between the Association football representatives of England and Scotland took place on Saturday at Bramell-lane, Sheffield in delightful weather and in the presence of some 30,000 spectators. And after a hard game resulted in a victory for Scotland by two goals to one.
EVERTON REVIEW
April 6, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Last Season Everton trounced Sheffield Wednesday to the extent of five clear goals, on Saturday they managed to share the points with the Blades-than which it would be difficult to imagine more diametrically opposite results. The reasons may be adduced for this complete reversal of form, either Everton have considerably deteriorated, on the Tykes have improved in like proportion. The former of these suppositions must be taken at the solution of the problems, and the team is finishing the season in anything but a blaze of glory. Considering that the League leaders and as eleven with the reputation of Everton were opposing each other on Saturday, the display given was lacking in every feature which tends to produce as attractive contest, and brought no credit to either side. Sheffield could scarcely have vanquished Sunderland on such form, and despite Everton's frailties, the visitors would most probably have been beaten, but a penalty kick, which was only awarded after consultation with one linesman. During two-thirds of the game there was absolutely no interest in the proceedings, and taking away the period, between the time of Everton first scoring and the interval, and the closing five minutes everything worth noticing will be eliminated. The Sheffielders were smarter on the ball than the home side, but they finished their movements very badly, and their half-backs were the most consistent part of the team. Everton on the other hand, were extremely slow, this failing being particularly noticeable in some quarters, while combination was chiefly conspicuous by its absence. About seven minutes from the interval, Settle just reached a centre from Young and scored, the effect being that, for the rest of the first half, Everton display something like the form one naturally expects from them, and Lyall had all his work cut out to prevent further disaster.
Sheffield never seemed like equalising, and it was a decided stroke of luck for them when a penalty was given against one of the Everton halves for jumping, and Langley easily placed his side on a level footing. Rankin, who otherwise played a capital game, then missed a glorious opportunity of gaining the lead, for with an open goal, he attempted to dribble close in, and was of course, dispossession by a couple of defenders, who rushed over from the opponents wing. Another centre from the same player rolled right across the goal mouth untouched, but this should never have been allowed to occur, for the ball was distinctly over the limit line when Rankin centred it. This was not the only mistake made during the game by the officials and a glaring case of culpability was seen when another intended centre from the extreme right winger was knocked down with both hands by one of the Sheffield defenders just inside the penalty area, neither linesman nor referee taking the slightest notice of the incident. This was almost immediately after Sheffield had been granted their penalty claim, and the spectators became rather noisy at the incident. Simpson shot into Kitchen;'s hands when he was yards offside, whilst Everton were allowed a corner, which came straight from Settle's foot. It cannot be said that the game was well conducted by any means, and the blunders already specified are but a few out of many, which were witnessed. These were not unduly favourble to either side, with the notable exception of the penalty kick, which Sheffield got, whereas Everton were denied what should have been theirs and for this reason the visitors must be considered fortunate in taking away a point. But the home team did not deserve to win, for their play never reached a high standard, and a division of honours was perhaps the most equitable result.
Forwards, Everton were the inferior side, and Rankin alone showed anything like average form, some of his sprints along the wing being very exhilarating. At other times he displayed a lack of judgement, which nullified a promising opening, but all round he was the best of the home front line. Young was very feeble in the centre, and neither Settle nor Dilly played up to expectations. The outside winger was altogether too slow, and there is a lack of fire and whole heartedness in his work, which is surprising. Languid in getting away, and not too clever when tackled. Dilly was exceedingly disappointing, and the exhibition given by Settle was not one whit more creditable. Wolstenholme was the pick of the halves, and Spikesley got few chances in the first moiety, though afterwards he managed to elude his opponent's vigilance more frequently. Russell gave a promising display in the centre, but Abbott was off colour, which is in itself somewhat of a novelty. Further behind, Balmer was more successful then Henderson, but in the last quarter of an hour both the full backs were often at fault in their returns. Kitchen was equal to every call upon his skill, though he had very little to do, the shooting of the Blades being erratic. For the Tyles, Lyall kept a very good gaol, but there were only two periods when he was plied, with anything approaching difficult drives. There were of course, when the Everton forwards suddenly awakened to the fact that something was expected from them, reference to which has already been made above. Langley defended stoutly at full back, but Thackeray evidently felt the effects of a kick received in the early stages of the game, for be frequently failed in his returns. Crawshaw was the shinning light in the half-back line, and he simply caused Young to be a passages throughout, frequently beating the latter by his superior dash and vigour. Ferrier was very effective against the home left wing, giving Settle no lattitude whatever, and the intermediate line as a body was more than a match for the Everton attack. Wilson a sturdy centre forward, displayed a rare notion of the duties pertaining to such an arduous post, and his passes along the turf were beautifully placed. Chapman was the pick of the forwards, although he was without his usual partner, the international, Davis and one fine effort, when he went clean though the Everton backs, deserved the successes which is narrowly failed to gain.
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 06 April 1903
ENGLAND v SCOTLAND
Excellent arrangements were made at Bramall-lane, Sheffield for the accommodation of the crowd of spectators. The ordinary playing patch was removed thirty yards on to the turf hitherto held sacred to the shrine of cricket, and there were probably many keen cricketers present who resented this intrusion. The occasion, however, was a great one, and it was signalised by the assemblage of a great company. The weather, contrary to the promise of the early morning, turned out beautifully fine, a strong sun and balmy breeze lending quite a springlike air to the gathering. Indeed for once in a way, the dingy surroundings of the famous Yorkshire enclosure presented a bright and gay appearance. The crowd assembled an hour before the advertised time for starting operations and at three o’clock it was estimated that fully 40,000 people were present. Prompt to time the teams lined out, amid great cheering, as follow;-
England- Baddeley (Wolverhampton Wanderers), goal; Crompton (Blackburn Rovers) and Molyneux (Southampton), backs; Johnson (Sheffield United), Booth (Everton), and Houlker (Portsmouth), half-backs; Davis (Sheffield Wednesday), Humphreys (Notts County), V.J. Woodward (Tottenham Hotspur), Capes (Stoke), and Cox (Liverpool), forwards.
Scotland;- Doig (Sunderland), goal; McCombie (Sunderland) and Watson (Sunderland), backs; Aitken (Newcastle United), Raisbeck (Liverpool), and Robertson (Glasgow Rangers), half-backs; Templeton (Newcastle United), R. Walker (Heart of Midlothian), Hamilton (Glasgow Rangers), Speedie (Glasgow Rangers), and A. Smith (Glasgow Rangers), forwards.
The Scots were the first to appear, in the cheers that greeted them had scarcely died away ere Crompton and his men appeared. Both elevens were grouped for the inevitable photographer, and then amid breathless excitement operations were begun. Crompton and Raisbeck met at the centre line, and tossed for the choice of goals. The English captain won, and Hamilton started for Scotland in the face of a brilliant sun. The Scots at once went away on the left, but Crompton kicked outside, and from the throw in the ball was sent across to the English left, where Cox, getting possession, ran nicely down, but was robbed when close in. having got in Scotch territory, the English forwards pressed their advantage free kick against Scotland was granted, with the expense of a foul, which, however, gave England no opportunity of scoring. The forwards maintained the pressure, and another free kick against Scotland was granted, with the result that Crompton netted the ball, but as it did not touch a second player the point counted for nothing. The next stages of the contest were rather in favour of Scotland who moved down by easy stages, but Crompton relieved by a huge punt, and England darted down on the right, Davis and Humphreys putting in a beautiful bit of work. The latter sent the ball right across the goalmouth, and Cox was just nipping in when Watson relieved the pressure by granting a corner. This was well placed, and a great scrimmage in front of the Scottish goal ensued, McCombie finally clearing well. Booth then served up to his forwards nicely, and Cox getting hold, raced down, and put in one of his best centres. This was met by Humphreys who passed back to Woodward and the Tottenham man quietly tipped the ball into the net amid tremendous cheering. This success came after ten minutes play, and it naturally infused great confidence into the English team.
Fully 50,000 people witnessed the second half of the game. From the outset Scotland rushed away, and Walker sent in a beautiful shot, which Baddeley fumbled, but, fortunately, the left wing were not up, and so a possible goal was saved. The visitors, however, continued to press, although on two occasions they were greatly at fault. The Scotchmen now had the wind in their favour and they took the fullest advantage of this, although their forward play lacked combination. Still, they enjoyed the bulk of the passing, and Raisbeck sent in a beautiful shot, which Baddeley put over the bar. Scotland came again, and this time Robertson sent in a shot which the English goalkeeper saved very cleverly. The bulk of the work was now being done by the Scotch half-backs, who were playing by the Scotch half backs, who were playing really magnificent football. They kept on the aggressive for a long time and shot several times from long range, but thanks to Baddley’s alertness disaster was averted. At length England got down and Doig was tested, but he cleared. Still the visitors took up the running, and a free kick against Aston was granted close in. from this there was a hot bully in front of goal, and, amid great excitement, Speedie scored for Scotland. Baddeley having no chance with the shot. From the restart the Northerners again came away in splendid fashion and although Molyneux temporarily checked them, Walker caught the ball, and, dashing in, scored a second goal, amid terrific cheering. The game was now going all in favour of Scotland, and there was great enthusiasm amongst their supporters. The English forwards at last got going, and Cox put in another really fine run. He shot strongly, but the visiting custodian cleared. The Liverpool player, however, again returned and headed the ball into the goalmouth, the Sunderland man clearing very cleverly. A spell of even play followed, and then Cox again got down on the left and centred beautifully, Davis met the ball and kicked outside, but this was of little consequence as the Sheffield man was without doubt offside when he shot. The game continued to be of a fast and exciting character, the Scotchmen more than holding their own up to the end, the whistle blowing with the score 2-1 in favour of Scotland.
The result of the international tournament as they now stand for the current season are as follows;-
England Play 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Drawn 0 For 7 Against 2 Points 4
Ireland Play 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Drawn 0 For 4 Against 4 Points 4
Scotland Play 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Draw 0 For 3 Against 3 Points 4
Wales Play 3 Won 0 Lost 3 Drawn 9 For 1 Against 5 Points 0
RESULTS OF PAST MATCHES
1872- Glasgow; Drawn; nothing scored
1873- Kennington Oval England won 4 goals to 2
1874- Glasgow; Scotland won 2 goals to 1
1875- Kennington Oval Drawn 2 goals each
1876- Glasgow. Scotland won 3 goals to nil
1877-Kennington Oval. Scotland won 3 goals to 1
1878- Glasgow. Scotland won 7 goals to 2
1879- Kennington Oval. England won 5 goals to 4
1880- Glasgow. Scotland won 5 goals to 4
1881- Kennington Oval. Scotland won 6 goals to 1
1882-Glasgow. Scotland won 5 goals to 1
1883- Sheffield. Scotland won 3 goals to 2
1884- Glasgow. Scotland won 1 goal to nil.
1885- Kennington Oval. Drawn 1 goal each
1886- Glasgow. Drawn 1 goal each
1887- Blackburn. Scotland won 3 goals to 2
1888-Glasgow. England won 5 goals to nil.
1889- Kennington Oval; Scotland won 3 goals to 2
1890-Glasgow. Drawn 1 goal each
1891- Blackburn. England won 2 goals to 1
1892- Glasgow. England won 4 goals to 1.
1893.- Richmond. England won 5 goals to 2
1894- Glasgow. Drawn 2 goals each
1895- Everton. England won 3 goals to nil
1896-Glasgow. Scotland won 2 goals to 1
1897- Crystal Palace. Scotland won 2 goals to 1
1898- Glasgow. England won 3 goals to 1
1899- Birmingham. England won 2 goals to 1
1900- Glasgow. Scotland won 4 goals to 1
1901- Crystal Palace. Drawn 2 goals each
1902* Birmingham. Drawn 2 goals each
- * Match at Ibrox Park, Glasgow abandoned (0-0) through disaster, but completed as “friendly” (1-1) and replayed.
SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 06 April 1903
Not the least interesting features of football are those outside actual play, and which occasionally are more potent in their influence on the final result of a game. Such a state of affairs arose in the game at Goodison Park on Saturday, between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. Mr. Brodie the referee, with very little hesitation awarded the Wednesday a penalty kick for an apparently minor offence on the extreme boundary of the penalty area, and there was no possible question of a prospective goal being interfered with, as half-a-dozen players were heading the ball and hustling each other. Admitting that a technical offence had been committed, it was a sufficient misfortune for the Blues. A very little while after, however, one of the Blades palpably stopped the ball with his hand when it was sailing swiftly goalwards. On this occasion Mr. Brodie did not even consider the question of a penalty, although the crowd kept up a tumultuous claim. The game itself needs little comment, as the first half was worse than mediocre until Settle scored cleverly from centre forward position, which was feebly occupied by Young. After Settle’s success Everton’s attack was much more lively and methodical. Rankin, who is one of the improving sort, considerably enhanced his reputation. The Sheffielders’ exhibition was so poor as to set the onlookers wondering how they managed to gain their present exalted position.
EVERTON v. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 06 April 1903
Played at Goodison Park. Everton were handicapped by the absence of Booth, who was playing in the international match, his place being occupied by Russell. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Henderson, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Langley (Captain) and Thackeray, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, and Ferrier, half-backs; Spikesley, Malloch, Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, forwards.
Balmer won the toss for his side, and Wilson kicked off before about 10,000 spectators. The Sheffielders were busy on both wings before Everton had a look in, Spikesley on the one side and Simpson on the other putting in some pretty touches before they were repulsed. Abbott set Young going, but on Dilly receiving his pass he was unceremoniously bowled over by Thackeray, and the ball was again passed over to Spikesley, who, however, was well attended to by Wolstenholme. The Wednesday half backs worked tremendously hard to keep the Everton forwards out, and really had not much trouble, as the passing of the home front rank was mostly ragged. A free kick was given against Sheffield, but the homesters were unable to gain any advantage; and later on Rankin and Taylor who commenced well on the right, were utterly routed by Ruddlesdin, and a like fate awaited Young when he attempted to serve his left wing. The Sheffielders went away from the centre, and some rather pretty passing ensued between Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, but Balmer put his foot to the ball and cleared out the attacking party. A couple of free kicks on both sides did not lead up to anything exciting, and monotonous exchanges in midfield followed. After Balmer had repulsed the Blades’ left Rankin put in a smart run, but was tackled by Langley. He had another try soon after, but he lifted the ball high over the bar. Then Taylor made a pretty move and let Young have the leather in a good position, but the centre’s effort to test Lyall was weak in the extreme. Malloch and Wilson were soon away for the Blades, and some sensational headwork took place in front of Kitchen, who finally cleared from Wilson. Everton then made off in force, and a hot attack was made on Lyall, and Dilly almost did the trick when Layton took the ball from his toe. Simpson fouled Henderson, but from the free kick the ball was sent back to Wilson, who started another fine move, but this was cut short y Russell, and Dilly captured a pass and made off down his wing, but was at the finish beaten by Thackeray. Several chances were then given to Young, but he failed on each occasion, and following this Wilson made a dash down the centre, but Kitchen ran out and kicked clear. Another smart move by the Sheffielders came from Spikesley, Malloch, and Simpson, but they were spoiled at the finish by Balmer, and Dilly again ran down his wing, but when he was on the point of centreing he lost the ball. On the opposite wing Taylor gained a corner, but this was quickly footed away, and soon afterwards the Sheffielders were attacking again, but they found the defence too strong for them, and play for a time settled down in midfield. Even yet there was nothing worthy of note on either side, and Young’s ineptitude was almost painful. A throw-in was followed by a very long shot from Malloch, which was scarcely justifiable. Henderson sent the ball back, and Young had a chance of doing something useful, but Langley was there before him. Ferrier gave his wing a nice chance, but smart work by Balmer checked the incursion in good time. The Wednesday’s left then sailed away in business-like fashion, and Russell and Henderson found themselves well beaten; but though Chapman had almost an open goal and no one to bother him, he failed lamentably, and so missed the best opportunity yet afforded of opening the account. After this the home brigade woke up, and attacked with some vigour, and in this Young did his full share. The bombardment wound up with a capital effort from Settle, and the leather just missed the corner of the net. The ball came from the Sheffield halves to Wilson, who in three separate occasions failed to make an opening, but at last he passed out to Spikesley, who ran along his wing, and then lifted the ball over the cross-bar. Crawshaw fouled Settle, but the Sheffielders were soon back in Everton territory, and after pretty work on the right a capital centre from Simpson was interrupted by Henderson. Following this, Dilly made another dash down his wing, and got in a flying centre while on the run, but Langley put his head in the way and sent clear. Coming down again, Settle got well placed in front of goal, where Crawshaw again fouled him, but just outside the penalty area. However, only moderate use was made of the free kick, the ball being sent from amongst the halves beyond the goal-line. Everton then made a couple of half-hearted attacks, Young again failing to keep command of the ball. Considering the importance of the event the visitors were giving a wonderfully free and easy exhibition, but for all that the Everton defence was very alert. After a little finessing in midfield Simpson and Chapman managed to circumvent Henderson, and Chapman wound up by planting the leather in the goalmouth, where, however, Kitchen brought off a good save. This was followed by a scrimmage on the penalty line, from which Wilson shot in, and the leather went just outside the upright. Then came a fine bit of work by Rankin, who easily and cleverly beat Langley and Ruddlesdin, and put the leather well in front of Young, who stumbled at the critical moment. Taylor joined the fray, and it looked any odds on a score, but Lyall emerged victorious. The Blues kept buzzing round, and Settle in front of goal received a rapid pass from Rankin, and chopped the leather past Lyall in most peculiar fashion and thus opened the score after thirty-five minutes; tame work. Towards the interval Everton played up marvellously, and attacked time after time. Taylor passed out sharply to Rankin, who let fly for all he was worth, and sent the ball into Lyall’s hands, the Wednesday custodian being rather lucky to come out scatheless. Young followed with a capital attempt from a difficult position, and at the last moment Dilly ran down his wing, but was roughly tackled by Langley, the ball rolling over the goal line. Half-time score; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday nil.
Young moved the leather off in the second half, and Rankin made a fine dash down his wing. A free kick in favour of the Blades did not relieve the pressure, but Abbott, who got the leather, gave a very weak exhibition. Sheffield then raced upon the left, where Spikesley and Malloch did excellent work, and the latter centred neatly. Wilson and Crawshaw got at the leather, and matters looked ominous, when Wolstenholme dashed up and cleared the intruders out with a huge kick. This was followed by a mild visit to the Blades’ territory, but Langley and Thackeray would not allow any liberties, and pressed Settle so closely that he had to kick behind. The Evertonians had put in some smart dashes, and there appeared to be every promise that the improvement shown in the last ten minutes of the first half would be maintained in favour of the homesters. After a prolonged struggle at the centre Abbott put his forwards in possession, and the left wing went away with a swing. Dilly was hampered at the finish, and the ball rolled out of play. Later on Simpson got in a fine dropping shot from the touchline, but Kitchen caught the ball underneath the crossbar. Coming down again Wilson sent in a trimmer as the whistle went for offside. But nevertheless Kitchen brought off a capital save. The Sheffielders were playing for all they were worth, but although they often went for the target they failed to find the bull’s eye. Young got in, and Taylor followed with a pass to Rankin, who placed his shot too high. During a melee in the Everton quarter one of the home players handled the ball, and the referee awarded a penalty kick, from which Langley scored. Directly afterwards a clean case of hands occurred almost in the Wednesday’s goalmouth, but no notice was taken. Final; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal.
EVERTON v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Independent - Monday 06 April 1903
A DRAWN GAME
The visit of the Wednesday team to Goodison Park on Saturday was one on which, from the Sheffield point of view, great issues hung, as on the result of the encounter much depend as to the “Blades” chances for premier honours when the season ends a few week hence, but although Everton had no such incentive they spared no effort in endeavouring to lower the Sheffield colours. Of course Wednesday were somewhat handicapped by the absence of Davis, who was doing duty at Bramell lane in the international match, and at the last moment it was deemed unwise for Layton to risk taking the field; and in their places V.S Simpson, the young Sheffield amateur, and Thackeray were called upon, while the notable absence on the Everton side was Booth, the centre half, who was playing for England, whilst Henderson played instead of Crelly at back. During the morning rain fell heavily in Liverpool, but towards noon it cleared off, and the sun shone brightly during the afternoon, and there would be some 12,000 spectators present at the match. Langley lost the toss, and the Wednesday men had to face the sun and a fresh breeze. The game opened in favour of Wednesday, but the Everton halves stuck well on the ball and gave few openings. However, Wilson was conspicuous several times, and placing the ball well out, Simpson had the first shot for goal, which just skimmed the bar. The Evertonians then advanced by the right, Rankin being conspicuous, but the visitors’ defence gave little chance of progress. From a goal kick following a foul the Evertonians left raced down, and play had to be stopped owing to Thackeray receiving a nasty kick when meeting Settle. Some smart work was seen by the home right wing men and centre, but Ruddlesdin outwitted them, only to see Young return and shoot high over the Wednesday bar. With fifteen minutes of the game gone there had been nothing very striking shown by either set of forwards and at times the game was decidedly slow, while it must be confessed the Wednesday defence altogether seemed to play very disjointedly. Neat work by Malloch, Spikesley, and Wilson then got the ball well in, and Simpson headed into the Everton custodian’s hands, but Russell relieved. Rankin then raced off in great style, and at the Wednesday end Ferrier was forced to concede a fruitless corner to clear from Dilly. Another dash for the Everton fortress was started by Crawshaw, and Malloch came near getting through, whole clever work by Simpson and Chapman placed the ball nicely in front, but just too wide to give Wilson an opening. Following a spell of monotonous play the Everton front rank made another advance, but twice did Langley get in the way of shots by Rankin and Taylor, and a corner came to nothing. Hereabouts the Wednesday halves were seen to advantage, and grand individual run, which, however, ended in him shooting just wide. With 15 minutes wanting for the interval Settle had a great chance close in, but seemed lost, and then Rankin gave Lyall a teaser close to the post, and eventually Settle shot just over the bar. Wilson and Chapman were conspicuous in leading the attacks on the Everton goal, and several times good drives unluckily cannoned off the defenders. In the ten minutes before the interval the Evertonians played with remarkable dash, and once when Langley slipped down, and again when Crawshaw held Settle just outside the penalty area, the Wednesday goal was in danger. A visit to the other end saw Simpson plant a high shot close under the bar, while a superb effort by Wilson, which the custodian fell to clear, passed a few inches wide of the post. Everton then swept down on the Wednesday goal in great style, and Lyall saved luckily when the defence seemed in difficulty. The next minute the Evertonians came down in line, and Thackeray, who was evidently suffering from the effects of the kick earlier on, only partially cleared from Dilly, and Taylor racing up slipped into position, and whipped in a fine oblique ground shot, which Settle took in its fight and tipped into the net, giving Lyall not the slightest chance. In the ensuing five minutes to the interval the Wednesday defence had a hot time, and only a couple of magnificent efforts by Lyall in falling to clear staggering shots from Young and Rankin averted any further downfall of the Wednesday fortress. Thus at the interval Everton led by one goal to none.
In the first minutes after the resumption Lyall was called upon to save a neat effort from Abbott; but Wednesday were soon at the other end, and both Chapman and Wilson were unlucky with drives which cannoned from the defenders, while Kitchen was applauded for a fine save from Simpson. The Everton left wingers got away, but Thackeray cleverly hooked the ball away when danger threatened and twice did Langley intercept well-meant efforts by Rankin and Taylor. Play was transferred by a tricky effort by Ruddlesdin, and several times Malloch and Spikesley got off finely, only to be brought up abruptly when within range. Subsequently, with twenty minutes of the second half gone, Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson were the centre of a tussle well in the Everton quarters, and just when Wilson looked like getting clear Russell jumped right upon his shoulders, and linesman and referee promptly awarded a penalty. This was taken by Langley, who equalised for Wednesday. After this reverse Everton dashed off with spirit, and the Wednesday defence had a lively few minutes, in which Ruddlesdin , Langley, and Crawshaw each cleared smartly. But still the Everton vanguard persisted, and Rankin shot hard for goal, the ball striking Ferrier’s extended hand in its flight; but evidently Mr. Brodie regarded it as purely accidental and the incident was allowed to pass. This raised the ire of the crowd, and hooting was freely indulged in. the game continued at a great pace. Ferrier once stopped Rankin when a score seemed certain. Then the Wednesday goal had a remarkable escape. Lyall let a long shot roll just out, but the referee did not give it so, and Rankin slipping round Lyall shot the ball across the goal within an ace of going through, and fortunately Thackeray brought off a lovely clearance just as Dilly was about to put it into the net. With ten minutes wanting to time, the contest was keener than ever. Wilson led off another attack, and Simpson receiving from Chapman, close in, cleverly tricked a couple of opponents and shot hard for goal- the ball striking the custodian, rebounded against the crossbar, and Henderson fortunately cleared; while at the other end the Wednesday goal was in imminent danger when Lyall rushed out and collared the ball, a foul for carrying being cleared by Ferrier. In the last few minutes the Wednesday defence had a hard time, as Rankin was in great form in leading the attacks, but so well did the halves and backs defend that the Evertonians could not get through. Wednesday made a dash for the supremacy in the last minute, and the ball was taken down in fine style, but, with Wilson in a glorious position for shooting, Spikesley stuck to the ball, and only a corner was forced just as the whistle blew for time, with the score;- Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal, Everton 1 goal.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Langley (Captain) and Thackeray, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, and Ferrier, half-backs; Spikesley, Malloch, Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Henderson, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Referee Mr. J.B. Brodie.
EVERTON v SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 06 April 1903
In beautiful weather, this League match was played at Goodison Park, before 13,000 spectators. Apart from Booth and Davis, both sides were fairly representative. Play opened in somewhat uninteresting fashion, and for a long time neither side could claim much advantage. Five minutes before the interval Everton attacked in great style, and Settle just managed to convert a pass from Young. Half-time- Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday nil.
In the second half the game was contested with greater keenness. After 20 minutes’ play the referee awarded Wednesday a penalty, from which Langley equalised. The spectators hooted the referee for disregarding an appeal by Everton for a penalty. The game was fought out with great determination, but nothing more was scored, both goals having narrow escapes.
Result Everton 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer (Captain) and Henderson, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Sheffield Wednesday.- Lyall, goal; Langley (Captain) and Thackeray, backs; Ruddlesdin, Crawshaw, and Ferrier, half-backs; Spikesley, Malloch, Wilson, Chapman, and Simpson, forwards.
IMPORTANT CAPTURE BY THE EVERTON F.C.
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 06 April 1903
Mr, W. C. Cuff and Mr. D. Kirkwood, on behalf of the Everton F.C., while in Scotland last week, secured the signature to a league form of Daniel Gordon, a full-back, of Broxburn. He is 20 years of age, stands 5ft. 10in. high, weighs 11st., and is regarded as an important capture.
NORTHEN NOMADS 0 EVERTON 2
April 7, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
The Everton directors sent a team to St Helens last evening to play a friendly match with the Northern Nomads. There was a good attendance to witness the match. The game opened evenly, and neither side could claim the advantage, for some time. The amateur backs, and half-backs gave splendid exhibition and did not give the Everton forwards much opportunity of shinning. Everton opened the scoring through Rankin, who put the ball through at close quarters. The Nomads made strenuous efforts top equalise, but Kitchen, Henderson and Balmer defeat well, and at the interval Everton were winning by a goal to nil. Everton showed superiority in their play in the second half, and Dilly scored a second point for them from a centre by Rankin. The Nomans showed good combination at times but they did not finish so well as their opponents. Final result Everton 2, Nomads. Nil. Everton: - Kitchen, Henderson and R.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholmes, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin Taylor, Young, Settle, and Billy, forwards.
IMPORTANT CAPTURE BY EVERTON
April 7, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Mr.W.C.Cuff and Mr. D.Kirkwood on behalf of the Everton F.C, while in Scotland last week secured the signature on a league form of Daniel Gordon, a full back of Broxburn. He is 20 years of age, stands 5ft 10ins high, weights 11 st , and is regarded as a important capture.
IMPORTANT CAPTURE BY THE EVERTON CLUB
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 07 April 1903
Through Mr. W.C. Cuff, secretary, the Everton club have just signed on Daniel Gordon, a right full-back belonging to the Broxburn Club. This player is only twenty years of age, and stands 5 feet 10 ½ inches, and weighs eleven stone. He has an excellent record, and should prove a great service to the Everton club.
EVERTON v NORTEERN NOMADS
St. Helens Newspaper & Advertiser - Tuesday 07 April 1903
This match was played at City-road ground last night. The Everton team was comprised mainly of combination players, and the Nomads having the breeze kept the Everton defenders busy for the first few minutes, the custodian dealing with a couple of long shots. After twenty minutes play Everton went up with a rush, and Rankin scored with a quick shot, nothing further being added up to half-time. The second half went in favour of Everton, Rankin centreing well, and Dilly scored a second after fifteen minutes. Everton won by 2 goals to Nomads nil.
EVERTON v NORTHERN MOMADS
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 08 April 1903
The Everton Combiantion team visited St. Helens on Monday and played a match at the City-road ground against the Northern Nomads. There was a fair attendance. Everton won by 2 goals to nil.
A MODERATE GAME AT GOODISON
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday April 8 1903
More than half the contesting teams supplied at least one man to the big Sheffield battle, and of course, their club’s were to some extent handclapped. Everton were beaten on Wednesday at Newcastle by three clear goals, and their supporters did not congregate to the extent anticipated at Goodison for the return match v Sheffield Wednesday. Nor did the game warrant a full house. In the first half the play was anything but exciting until Settle gave Everton the lead close upon the interval. Then the Blues went hot and strong, so much so that Lyall is entitled to much credit for some masterly keeping. In the second half the play seldom reached a high standard taking each team as a whole.
BROXBURN BACK FOR EVERTON
Edinburgh Evening News - Tuesday 07 April 1903
Broxburn Club has transferred Dan Gordon, their right back, to Everton, D. Kirkwood, late of Everton having secured his signature on Saturday after the game between Broxburn and Camelon. Gordon is a smart youth, and during this season has played well for Broxburn at right back. Although somewhat light, he is a sure and strong kicker, and has a fine turn of speed.
THE NEW EVERTON TRAM SERVICE.
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 08 April 1903
To-morrow morning the new Corporation electric tram service from Everton will be inaugurated as an experiment. The cars will run between Sandhills-lane and the Pierhead, with a route as follows:—From Pierhead via Water-street, Dale-street, William Brown-street, Islington, Shaw-street, Eastbourne-street, Village-street, Everton-road, Heyworth-street, St. Domingo-road, Everton-valley, Kirkdale-road, Smith-street, Lambeth-road, Sandhills-lane, to its junction with Derby-road; returning via Sandhills-lane, Lambeth-road, Smith-street, Whittle-street, Kirkdale-road, Netherfield-road, Shaw-street, Islington, William Brown-street, Dale-street, and Water-street. The service will be 74 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 30 p.m., and the fares are:—Pierhead and Everton valley, Id.; Moss-street and Sandhills-lane, Id.; through fare, 2d.
TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 10 April 1903
Everton v Liverpool
The following teams will play in this match at Anfield to-day, the kick-off taking place at 3 o’clock.
Liverpool.- Platt, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Cox, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v Blackburn Rovers
Lancashire Combination Match, at Blackburn; train leaves Exchange Station at 9 a.m. kick-off 2.30.
Everton;- Bushell, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, Sheridan, O’Hagan, and McEwan, forwards.
LIVERPOOL v EVERTON.
London Daily News - Saturday 11 April 1903
Three sides met at Liverpool in splendid weather and the presence of some 27,000 epectatora. With the sun behind them Everton for a time did most of the pressing, but they were met with stubborn defence. Nearing the interval, however, Liverpool gained the upper hand, and the Everton goal had several narrow escapes. Defence prevailed, however, and at the interval neither side had scored. After the resumption the game continued to be hotly contested. Liverpool were the superior side, but their shooting was decidedly bad, and the Everton defence was equal to all demands. Nothing was scored, and the game ended in a pointless draw. Result; Liverpool 0, Everton 0.
GORDON OF BROXBURN
Falkirk Herald - Saturday 11 April 1903
After the match between Camelon and Broxburn "Danny" Kirkwood signed on Gordon, the Broxburn back, on behalf of Everton. I understand Gordon was brought under the notice of the Falkirk club some time ago, and he was quite willing to play for the "Bairns" Broxburn however, put a small fee on the transfer, and Falkirk backed out. They won't get him now at the end of this season.
EVERTON SIGN DANIEL GORDON
April 11, 1903. The Sunderland Daily Echo
Mr. W.C Cuff and Mr. D. Kirkwood, on behalf of Everton F.C. while in Scotland last week, secured the signature to a League form of Daniel Gordon, a full back, of Broxburn. He is 20 years of age, stands 5ft 10ins, and weights 11st. He is looked upon as an important capture and expected to strengthen the Everton defence.
LIVERPOOL 0 EVERTON 0
April 11, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
The holiday attraction in Liverpool was the meeting of Liverpool and Everton yesterday afternoon at Anfield. Glorious weather prevailed, and long before, the time of kick off it was evident that the meeting of the rivals would bring together a crowd limited only by the capacity of the ground. Every available inch of space was taken, and the seats placed on the field itself were rapidly snapped up. It was estimated that there would be about 30,000 spectators present. Both clubs were fully represented, the teams lining up at three o'clock as follows: - Liverpool: - Platt, goal, Glover, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Raisebeck, and Goldie, half-backs, Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, E.Chadwick, and Cox, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goals, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee John Lewis.
Everton won the toss, and therefore had the advantage of playing with their backs to a brilliant sun. The opening exchanges were even, but from a throw in Crelly miskicked an effort from Raisebeck, and Kitchen had to clear. A moment later, from good work by the home right, Raybould had a chance, but he tipped the ball softly and Kitchen easily cleared. The Everton dashed away on the left, and Bell forced a corner from which shot after shot from the Everton vanguard was charged down. Liverpool retaliated and Raybould headed in a nice centre from Goddard, the Everton custodian stopping a bouncing ball. Glover checked a rush by Young and Settle and after a foul against Liverpool had been got away, Raybould got in a clever pass to Cox, but the winger was too much hampered to utilise it. Liverpool attacked and Raybould forced a corner, which was cleared. The game was fast even, and exciting. Settle dashed away, and with only Platt in front of him shot in. Platt half cleared, the ball hitting the upright, and rebounding across the face of the goal, where Goldie sent it behind, the corner proving fruitless. Everton were now having slightly the best matters. Jack Sharp beat Dunlop and centred well, but Young's shot went wide, and after one from Taylor had been charged down Abbott shot a foot high. After a brief visit to the other end Everton forced a corner, and from this a bully ensued in the home goal. Platt cleared apparently from well inside the net, but in the scrimmage in which Settle was hurt, the whistle was sounded for a foul against the attacking party Everton still attacked but without result, and although Raybould did his best from the left wing no progress was made, the visiting halves showing grand form. Parry put in a bit of real service by charging down a shot from Abbott, but the Reds continued almost continuously on the defensive. A sudden dash to the other end, resulted in Livingstone missing a good chance, and Everton again attacking, Sharp missed at short range. From a centre from Cox Goddard missed with a flying shot, and a nice run by Goddard and Livingstone ended in Kitchen clearing from the former. Play was afterwards more even, but the visitors Good work made the most dangerous attacks by Cox, and Chadwick gave a perfect chance to Raybould, but he could only tip the ball into the hands of Kitchen. At the other end Everton put in some hot work, and the home custodian narrowly escaped disaster. Play afterwards slackened down, and the interval arrived with a clean sheet. Half-time Liverpool nil, Everton nil.
The second half opened at a fast pace. Liverpool attacked, but were checked, and then Sharp tested Platt, with a beauty, which was well cleared. Everton still pressing, Platt ran out and cleared, and hurt himself in the process, but soon resumed. Nice work by the visiting right wing availed nothing and at the other end Crelly gave a corner which proved fruitless. Liverpool were the better side at this stage. They forced another corner on the right, and Goddard again placed it well. It appeared as though the ball was forced over the line into the net, but the claim was not sustained. Livingstone was afterwards making progress, when he got across with Crelly and a wrestling match ensued in the catch-as0catch-can style. Mr.Lewis interfered, and gave a foul for Liverpool. Jack Sharp then made tracks to the other end, and, but Raisebeck floored him in questionable fashion, a foul resulting. The kick proved of no advantage to Everton, but these incidents imparted a little heat into the game, which continued to be contested at a hot pace. Goldie a sent wide from long range, and afterwards Raybould at close quarters skied the ball, and thus missed a grand chance. A pretty pass from Goddard gave a clear run to Baybould, who carried the ball down, but lost control of the leather, and Kitchen ran out and cleared. Booth was instrumental in changing the venue, and Sharp once more beat Dunlop, but Glover kicked out. Resuming the attack, Liverpool forced a corner, but this was the extent of their success. A free kick was given for Glover to handled, but Parry cleared in the goalmouth and then Goddard dribbled across and put Cox in possession. The winger's centre took the ball straight to Raybould's toe in front of goal, but, to the disappointment of their home supporters, the centre once more failed, the leather slipping off his toe. Everton afterwards made play, but could not get within shooting distance, and at the other end a shot from Raybould was charged down, and a second from Chadwick missed by a foot. Still attacking Cox put in a good centre, and Raybould absolutely threw a goal away by a ridiculous miss under the bar. Liverpool were undoubtedly having the best of matters, but the shooting was bad. Final Liverpool nil, Everton nil.
BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 11, 1903, The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
Played yesterday at Blackburn, before 3,000 spectators. The Rovers wore black bands in mourning for Jack Hunter, who died last night. The home team won the toss, Swarbrick opened the score after 30 minutes play. Rankin equalised, and Morgan scored Rovers second goal. Half-time Rovers 2, Everton 1. The Rovers had the better of matters in the second half, but could not score. The game was fast and interesting throughout, and Rovers winning by 2 goals to 1. Everton: - Dent goal, D Gordon, and W.Wildman, backs, Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Boardman, Dilly, O'Hagan, and McEwan forwards.
LIVERPOOL V EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 11 April 1903
The return League match between the two rival teams of Liverpool was decided at Anfield before a huge concourse of spectators, fully 25,000 being present. Both sides were strongly represented, and Booth winning the toss, gave his side the advantage of a slight breeze in the first half, whilst at the same time his opponents had to face a glaring sun. the result of an exciting match was a draw, no goals being scored, and the verdict just about portrays the actual merits of the players, though, had Liverpool accepted a tithe of the chances which came their way, they should have won by a fairly comfortable margin. With the exception of a short period in the second moiety, the game was splendidly contested, but an incident between Crelly and Livingstone, which necessitated the interference of the referee, seemed as if it would cause the play to degenerate into a rough-and-tumble encounter. Fortunately, the men restrained their feelings, and Mr. John Lewis, who ably officiated, got matters working smoothly again very quickly. The first half was decidedly in favour of Everton, who, however, were unable to make an impression on the home defence, of which Platt was the most efficient individual. A capital shot from Settle struck the upright, and rolled across the goalmouth, but Sharp, who came along at full speed, just failed to reach the ball before Dunlop, who conceded a corner, and thus saved the situation. The full back in clearing later kicked the ball into his own goal, and Platt was remarkably clever in averting the downfall of his charge. These were the nearest approaches to Everton scoring, and when they had failed to gain a decisive point with the elements in their favour, it seemed as if they were in for a beating. This would undoubtedly have been the case had Raybould kept up his reputation as the best shot in the League. Thrice was he presented with a practically open goal, but his efforts were ludicrous in the extreme, and the wonder is how he could possibly have managed to send the ball into the stands from the position in which he received the pass, for he was almost under the crossbar in each instance. Some pretty forward play was seen occasionally, but, taken all round the display of the respective front ranks was only ordinary, though Liverpool enjoyed what little superiority there was in this respect. In midfield Raybould was very effective, but when it came to close quarters he made mistakes time after time which were simply astounding. With the same opportunities again there can be little doubt that the Liverpool centre would find it impossible to repeat his performance of yesterday, and Everton may thank their lucky stars that Raybould was in such a generous mood. Livingstone gave a vastly improved exhibition, but it was curious forward game that he played, for, during the greater part of the afternoon he was amongst the half-backs, and to locate him as an inside left forward would be something of a misnomer under the circumstances. The Liverpool left wing was not very prominent, but Cox got some capital centres across, and, on the other extremity of the line, Goddard was similarly successful. The Everton forwards lacked the services of a centre, for Young was erratic, and his lack of energy was often the cause of a promising movement being rendered abortive. Handicapped as he is by ill-health, it is impossible for Young to do himself justice, and this must be taken in to consideration in dealing with his play. Sharp was the best man in the front rank, and he could not but ostensibly display his vexation, when, after beautifully rounding Dunlop, he ran close in before shooting, only to send the ball outside. Bell put in a few dashes, and Taylor, as usual, worked untiring throughout. At half-back Everton held an advantage, Booth playing a surprisingly fine game in the centre, and was far and away the best half on the field. Wolstenholme also gave a capital exhibition, and with Abbott completed a very formidable line both in attack and defensive work. The Liverpool trio were not so effective as usual, Goldie being the most conspicuous figure, closely followed by Parry, but Raisbeck was not at his best by any means. Further behind Glover was the better back, for Dunlop seldom got the better of Sharp, but his returns when not hardly pressed were as vigorous as ever. Platt shaped excellently in goal, and Kitchen was equally clever; in fact the two custodians fairly bore off the honours of the rear division, for both had some exceedingly awkward shots to deal with, and they were always ready for every emergency. Crelly played a very fine game at full back, completely eclipsing Balmer, and Everton need not despair of this division whilst the local lad can show such form. Neither side gave anything away, and with the slight exception already referred to the contest was splendidly fought, the exchanges being rapid and full of interest throughout. Everton have thus taken three points from their rivals this season, which will probably be considered satisfactory by their supporters.
Liverpool.—Platt, goal: Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half backs; Goddard. Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Cox. forwards.
Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly. backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs: Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee; Mr. John Lewis.
LIVERPOOL v. EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 11 April 1903
Of the season’s counters which take place in the football arenas at Goodison Park and Anfield, none exceed in interest the battles royal between the two local organisations. Yesterday the Blues visited the Anfielders, who were particularly anxious to wipe out the crushing defeat they suffered at Goodison Park in September last. Everything favoured a great game, as both sides were fully represented and the turf was in excellent condition, and the ground was bathed in sunshine when the game commenced under the happiest circumstances. The ground holds about 28,000 people, and this number probably witnessed one of the finest struggles which has ever taken place between the Reds and Blues. The forward work was throughout particularly fine, and the pace a cracker from start to finish, and the fact that neither side scored was mainly due to over-anxiety on both sides. At the same time it must conceded that no glaring opportunity was missed, and it was case throughout of the defence being superior to attack. The teams stepped on the field beaded by their respective captains, and were specially cinematographed, as also the entire field of play and stands. Mr. J. Lewis held the whistle, and the following were the players:
Liverpool.—Platt, goal: Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half backs; Goddard. Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Cox. forwards.
Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly. backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs: Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
The Everton skipper won the toss, and Booth and Crelly checked Raybould’s opening move, but Chadwick soon found opportunity to put Cox in possession, and Booth was once more called upon. Raisbeck got the leather, and after Crelly had missed. Kitchen saved stiff shots from Raisbeck and the Raybould, and the Everton goal was decidedly in danger during the first few minutes. The visitors then did themselves more justice by a very spirited move up their left, and during this engagement Bell, Settle, and Young were each hard work, Platt handling twice before Raisbeck got, the leather away. Then followed a brief visit to the opposite goal, where glorious work took place before Kitchen, and the home forwards made great efforts to find a breach in the defence. It was a solid phalanx struggling and straining, but the invaders had to retire at last, when the ball came to Crelly. The game was remarkably fast, and every player seemed on be on his and strained every nerve. The attack was very evenly divided, but the Blues were certainly the more evenly balanced eleven. During a very hot attack at close quarters Settle very nearly settled Platt, and Sharp was also afforded an opportunity, but he only responded weakly. The Blues became more pertinacious than ever, and their smart tactics evidently puzzled the Anfield halves. There was also fine precision in their efforts when adjacent goal. Raisbeck missed and fell in the goalmouth, but Platt fairly nipped the leather from Settle’s toe when goal seemed imminent. Cox next received a smart, clean pass from Raybould, and beat Booth smartly receiving, but Balmer and Wolstenholme chipped in, and the speedy Anfielder succumbed to superior odds. Everton continued to show more cleverness than their opponents, and a very tricky movement was opened by Young, and taken up by Taylor. Their passing was perfect, but Sharp made a very poor final effort after beating Dunlop. Liverpool next went away with a sweeping move which well-nigh paralysed Everton’s defence, but after, capital openings had been made, Livingstone missed fire, and Goddard afterwards shot high over the bar. It was a great and glorious game, but on both sides the luck was with the defence. Platt effected the most brilliant saves, but was almost caught napping by a quick, short shot from Settle, which came sideways. After this, Liverpool had very bad luck in failing to open the account from a truly grand combined effort, in which Cox. Chadwick, and Raybould worked together in front of goal with clockwork precision. It afforded Kitchen scope for displaying his highest qualities, and, in fact, both goalkeepers might have been excused if they had met defeat, as the attack was often enough exceedingly hot, and pressed right home to the very goalmouth. The forward work in the open on both sides was frequently of the highest class, and the game throughout the first hall was brimful of exciting incidents. Either side might have scored with a little luck, and perhaps the best opportunities were lost by Raybould, Livingstone, and Sharp; whilst Settle was the nearest to proving successful. However, the interval arrived with a clean sheet, and there is no doubt this state of affairs correctly represented the efforts of both elevens. When operations recommenced Young passed to Settle, and he put back to Booth, but Goldie received, and the Anfielders attacked on the left, until Cox was whittled offside. The Everton right them came with a rattle, and Sharp sent in a beauty, which Platt saved in his best style, but the Anfield custodian made a hurdle of Young, and came a cropper, which laid him out for a few minutes. Then the Reds came away in full force, and Kitchen fisted out a big shot from Cox. After a smart sprint from Sharp. Young received in a good position, but he failed to get up enough steam, and his effort to defeat Platt was ineffective. Raybould dashed across Kitchen’s charge, but was neatly robbed by Abbott before he could pull up, but afterwards nearly rushed the leather through from a scrimmage which followed a corner. A strong appeal to Mr. Lewis by the Anfield centre was not approved. At this point and Livingstone got to blows, but were separated by their comrades and the referee. It was certainly regrettable incident. Parry spoiled a promising movement initiated by Edgar Chadwick, in which Livingstone and Goddard showed to great advantage. Soon after Raybould was badly at fault in dealing with a well-placed and accurate centre from Goddard. The Anfielders neutralised splendid efforts by erratic shooting, although they were playing ducks and drakes with the Everton halves. Raybould cut in smartly Abbott and Balmer, but Kitchen rushed out and spoiled the Anfielder in the nick time. The Liverpool man failed again soon after in endeavouring to get screw on the ball when he had an open goal. After this the Liverpool citadel was subjected to a severe attack, and Taylor was unlucky not to get through. All the Everton forwards took part in the attack, but their work was not close enough, and they were not really dangerous. Bell and Settle put in some capital moves, but Young nearly always failed to combine. Both sides struggled sternly to the end, but the wished-for goal never came, and a brilliant struggle ended in a clean sheet.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
The following team has been selected to represented Everton in this League match, to be played at Goodison Park on Monday, kick off at 3.30. Kitchen, goal; Balmer, and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Reserves; Rankin and Sheridan.
BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVE v EVERTON RESERVE
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, April 11 1903
Played at Blackburn before 3,000 spectators. The Rovers wore black bands, in mourning for Jack Hunter, who died yesterday. Overs won the toss, and Swarbrick opened the score after thirty minutes’ play. Rankin equalised and Morgan added the Rovers’ second.
Half-time; Rovers 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
Rovers had the better of matters in the second half, but could not score. The game was fast and interesting throughout. Result; Blackburn Rovers 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
TODAY’S TEAM NEWS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, April 11 1903
Everton v Southport Central
Friendly match at Southport.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Sheridan, O’Hagan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton v Nelson
Combiantion match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Dent, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clark, Williams, and Makepeace, half-backs; Wolfe, Boardman, Dilly, Payne, and McEwan, forwards.
EVERTON v SOUTHORT CENTRAL
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, April 11 1903
FRIENDLY GAME AT SOUTHPORT
Fresh from their creditable victory over Bristol City yesterday, Southport Central encountered the Everton eleven, on the Southport enclosure. It is some five years since the teams net at Southport, the occasion being an English Cup-tie, when Everton proved the victors by 3 goals to nil. The day, which in the morning was gloriously fine, grew overcast in the afternoon, and prior to the match there was a downpour of rain. The gate was not as large as on the previous day. Everton were the first to arrive on the field. On their appearance they were greeted with a cheering which was renewed when the Sandgrounders stepped on to the enclosure. The teams were as follow;-
Central.- Garvey, goal; Spink and Nightingale, backs; Sinclair, Bell and Frank Chorlton, half-backs; Gilbert, Chorlton, Shadbolt, Halligan, Cooper, and Kelly, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Crelly and Henderson, backs; Makepeace, Russell, and Wolstenholme, half-backs; Taylor, Rankin, Sheridan, O’Hagan, and Bell, forwards.
Central who won the toss, had the advantage of the wind, and Halligan and Shadbolt compelled Henderson to clear. Bell secured, but on two occasions his workmanship was poor. A feeble clearance by Nightingale kept the ball in play. Following this Shadbolt carried play to the other end, where Cooper raised great enthusiasm by a shot which carried just past the post. A dash by Everton proved disastrous to the “Sand-grounders,” for Bell beat Garvey all the way from a difficult angle with a beautiful left foot shot. The prettiness of the Everton passing was much admired, Rankin and Taylor especially shinning in this respect. Subsequently, O’Hagan stole through, finishing up with a fine centre which dropped near the bar to Sheridan and Taylor. Kelly bungled slightly, and Garvey rushed in and brought off a fine save. A moment later the Southport custodian again evoked the plaudits of the crowd for a beautifully clean save from O’Hagan, who drove the ball in smartly from close range. At this period rain commenced to fall heavily. The Everton passing was a treat to witness, and the ease with which their forwards on occasions out-manoeuvred the home backs was something of an eye-opener to the Southport spectators, who had a good opinion of the abilities of the local defenders. Subsequently Taylor scored an illegitimate goal, and from the breakaway by the home forwards Hulligan piloted the sphere in splendidly. Half-time; Southport 1 goal, Everton 1 goal.
In the second half the Central scored again. Final -Southport central 2 goals Everton 1 goal.
EVERTON RESERVE v NELSON
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 11 April 1903
At Goodison. A rainstorm delayed the start. The home team trial a new back, Gordon, late of Broxburn. They went off with a rush, but Halstead checked Dilly neatly, and Gordon had his first clearance. He relieved coolly and skilfully. Nelson next attacked, and Dent handed a long shot from McEwan. Gordon stopped Shaw from getting through and another shot from Shaw went just wide. Dilly broke away, but ran the ball out. The visitors again attacked, and only the good defence saved Everton. Dilly at length got through with a simple shot, which beat Cowell and Stevenson was so surprised he scarcely tried to save. The home team had now got the upper hand, and were pounding away at their defence. A good shot by Johnson equalised when there was still a few minutes to go.
Half-time Everton 1 Nelson 1
The second half was only a few minutes old when Dilly repeated his performance of the first half, dribbling down unaided, and then when Stevenson tried to stop him lifted the ball clean into the net. Nelson were roused and an exciting bully in front of the home goal looked dangerous, but Shaw was too slow. Stevenson staved off another attack by Dilly, and a grand long shot by Shaw just failed, Dent tipping out. Result- Everton Reserve 3 Nelson 1.
EVERTON RESERVE DEFEAT NELSON
Athletic News - Monday 13 April 1903
By Junius
For their Combination match with Nelson the Everton executive gave a further trial to new players, Gordon, their latest capture, figuring at right full back, whilst Dent was afforded a chance to distinguish himself in goal. Dilly was placed centre forward, and he had the satisfaction of scoring the three goals which gave his side the victory. For half an hour the play was evenly contested, but afterwards Everton had matters more their own way and although the score was a goal each at the interval, the second moiety found the home team two goals in advance. The score fairly represents the superiority of the winners, and the recruits above mentioned exhibited very creditable form.
SOUTHPORT CENTRAL 2 EVERTON 1
April 13, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
A large crowd gathered at Southport to witnessed the match between the Central and Everton on Saturday. The Weather was dull and threatening, and there was a strong wind, while rain fell soon after the start. The teams were: - Southport: - Garvey, goal, Spink, and Nightingale, backs, Sinclair, Bell, and F.Chorlton, half-backs, J.Chorlton, Shadbolt, Hulligan, Cooper, and Kelly forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Henderson, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Taylor (captain), Sheridan, O'Hagan, and Bell, forwards . Southport won the toss, and Everton started against the wind. The game opened very tamely, but it was not long before Everton began to put the pace on, and a smart run by Rankin gave Wolstenholme a good chance, but the ball shot over. Then Bell went away on the other wing to be robbed by Spink. A moment later Bell had another try, and getting nicely round Sinclair opened the scored the score, with a screw shot which, Garvey no chance. Without going to any great exertion Everton continued to have the upper hand, and a fruitless corner by Bell was followed by some smart saves by Garvey. Southport made a fine dash down, but were bustled back. Everton easily keeping the mastery over the movement of the home forwards. Cooper sent the ball across to Kelly, but Wolstenholme upset the combination, and the Everton forwards again attack Sinclair being the only one of the Southport halves which showed any idea of holding them back. Bell centred from the corner flag, and the ball was bundled into the net, but no goal was allowed, as Garvey had been fouled, Southport then had a turn and for a time pressed, and Kitchen saved from Hulligan. Southport were now playing better, and Kitchen was again called upon, and had to give a corner in saving brilliantly from Chorlton. A moment later Shadbolt shot over when he had only Kitchen to beat, but shortly afterwards J.Chorlton equalised while Kitchen was on the ground. From a free kick close to Kitchen. Sheridan broke away and ran the length of the field, and in spite of an attempt to foul by Nightingale, got in a shot, which Garvey saved. The referee having cautioned Nightingale, allowed a free kick, from which Everton were dangerous until Bell cleared. The home goal had a very near shave just before the interval, Sheridan shooting over while Garvey was out. Half-time Southport 1, Everton 1.
The rain cleared off during the interval, Bell raced away on the line, but Spink tipped the ball over it. Everton pressed for some time, but could not get through, and the effort ended in the ball going wide. The play of the visiting team was much the prettier, but throughout the game they went about their work in a leisurely manner. Near the finish the Central attack, and J,Chorlton scored. Central 2, Everton 1.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 NELSON 1
April 13 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
At Goodison Park, before a fair crowd. McLuckie commenced operations, and from a pass by McEwan, Dixon give Dilly possession, who at once put in a capital shot, which Stevenson dealt with very smartly. Shortly afterwards the same player beat the Nelson custodian. The visitors then retaliated, and Johnson succeeded in equalising. Halt time Everton 1 Nelson 1. In the second half Everton had decidedly the best of the game, and put on two more from Dilly. A\ well fought game resulted in Everton winning by 3 goals to 1
EVERTON v SOUTHPORT CENTRAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 13 April 1903
Played at Southport, the following representing the clubs;-
Central.- Garvey, goal; Spink and Nightingale, backs; Sinclair, Bell and Frank Chorlton, half-backs; Gilbert, Chorlton, Shadbolt, Halligan, Cooper, and Kelly, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Crelly and Henderson, backs; Makepeace, Russell, and Wolstenholme, half-backs; Taylor, Rankin, Sheridan, O’Hagan, and Bell, forwards.
Central who won the toss, had the advantage of the wind, and Halligan and Shadbolt compelled Henderson to clear. Bell secured, but on two occasions his workmanship was poor. A feeble clearance by Nightingale kept the ball in play. Following this Shadbolt carried play to the other end, where Cooper raised great enthusiasm by a shot which carried just past the post. A dash by Everton proved disastrous to the “Sand-grounders,” for Bell beat Garvey all the way from a difficult angle with a beautiful left foot shot. The prettiness of the Everton passing was much admired, Rankin and Taylor especially shinning in this respect. Subsequently, O’Hagan stole through, finishing up with a fine centre which dropped near the bar to Sheridan and Taylor. Kelly bungled slightly, and Garvey rushed in and brought off a fine save. A moment later the Southport custodian again evoked the plaudits of the crowd for a beautifully clean save from O’Hagan, who drove the ball in smartly from close range. At this period rain commenced to fall heavily. The Everton passing was a treat to witness, and the ease with which their forwards on occasions out-manoeuvred the home backs was something of an eye-opener to the Southport spectators, who had a good opinion of the abilities of the local defenders. Subsequently Taylor scored an illegitimate goal, and from the breakaway by the home forwards Hulligan piloted the sphere in splendidly. Half-time; Southport 1 goal, Everton 1 goal. On resuming Central gained many free kicks owing to the unfair tactics of one or two of the visitors, but gained little advantage. J. Chorlton scored a second goal for Southport.
Result; Southport Central 2 goals, Everton 1.
ORDINARY MATCH
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 13 April 1903
SOUTHPORT CENTRAL v. EVERTON
At Southport, before a big holiday crowd. Everton started against a moderate breeze. The Central attacked, but were quickly driven back, and in eight minutes Bell scored with a screw shot. They kept up the pressure, and Garvey stopped some difficult shots. Southport forced a corner and Shadbolt shot over, and then Chorlton equalised. Nearing time young Chorlton gave Central the lead.
Result Southport Central 2 goals, Everton 1.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 13 April 1903
EASY VICTORY FOR THE ROVERS.
The great football attraction in this district for Bank Holiday was the return League engagement at Goodison-park between Everton and Blackburn Rovers. The latter have for years been welcome visitors to Liverpool, but on this occasion the outcome of their match was all important to the famous old club. The Rovers’ position in the First Division next season is by no means assured. Like Grimsby Town, they have, including today’s fixture, two matches to play and are only one point in advance of the fishermen, so that to be absolutely safe they must secure four points. Hence it was that their game at Everton meant so much to the Rovers, whose chances of success were not improved by the severe defeat they sustained at Middlesbrough on Saturday. Although the weather was bright and sunshiny, though still cold, there was not a great crowd as is generally associated with Bank-holiday. Everton played their full team with the exception of Balmer, Henderson filling his place, while the Rovers could not improve their team. The Blackburn players wore black bands on their arms out of respect to the memory of their late famous international, Hunter. The teams were:— Everton—Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers—McIver, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Monks, Bowman, Morgan, and Blackburn, forwards. Referee, Mr. Aswith. Crompton having won the toss, Young kicked off against the wind in the presence of about 12,000 spectators. Rovers wore the
FIRST TO ATTACK,
which they did with great persistency. Whittaker shot in finely, but Crelly intercepted nicely at the expense of a corner, from which Crelly again saved the situation. Still the Rovers kept up the pressure, which was only relieved when Bowman sent the ball high over the bar. Everton could not make any headway, and the Rovers coming with a rush, Whittaker sent in beautifully, with the result that Kitchen, while on his knees, saved marvellously from Blackburn. At last Bell and Settle made tracks for the other goal, but nice passing between them was without effect. Play changed from end to end, and a fine shot by Taylor was only lacking in direction. It certainly
DESERVED A BETTER FATE.
The halves on both sides were prominent, and play ruled pretty even. Blackburn once missed turning an opportunity to account. The Rovers continued to attack with commendable persistency, and after Kitchen had saved good attempts by Bowman and Monks, Bowman scored with a really good shot. Everton were not imparting too much energy to their play. Shots by Settle and Sharp had little sting behind them, and a fine shot by Bowman was only diverted by Kitchen at the expense of a corner, for which Kitchen was again called upon. The game, which was by no means interesting, was mostly
IN FAVOUR OF BLACKBURN,
whose forwards found plenty of work for Kitchen. At last Blackburn shot in from near the corner flag, and although Kitchen touched the ball it found its way into the net, just giving the Rovers a two-goal lead. Nothing more was scored before the interval. The display of the Everton forwards found little favour with a portion of the crowd. Half-time—Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 0.
It was somewhat surprising that when the Everton players reappeared they should have’ been hooted by a section of the spectators. Kitchen was first called upon and kicked and fisted out in good style. A brief period of pressure by Everton resulted in Bell forcing an abortive corner.
Final—Blackburn 3, Everton nil.
EVERTON v. BLACKBURN ROVERS
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 13 April 1903
(BY ‘‘RANGER”)
This game at Everton was fraught with tremendous issues for the Rovers. The Blue and Whites are only one point ahead of Grimsby. Both teams have two matches to play, and the chances of their winning those encounters are about equal, for whilst the Rovers have Everton and Newcastle United to meet, Grimsby have to account for Derby County and Aston Villa. Twice this reason the Rovers have met the Mersey eleven, winning their League match and losing in the semi-final for the Lancashire Cup, but the team which encountered Everton to-day is not same as that which opposed them on the previous occasion, inasmuch both Bowman and Monks, now of the Rovers, and formerly Everton, will for the first time be seen fighting against their old comrades. A change was made in the Rovers' team, Morgan appearing in place Bow. Teams: Everton.—Kitchen, goal; Anderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Rovers.—McIver, goal; Crompton (captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Monks, Bowman, Morgan, and Blackburn, forwards. Referee; Mr. Armitt. Nine thousand spectators watched Crompton win this toss. After a throw in on the left the ball travelled to Whittaker, who being tackled by Crelly, parted to Monks, who, unable to shoot, passed back again to the outside right. The sphere was placed dead in front of the Everton citadel and vigorous attempts to score produced a corner, from which the ball was skied over the cross-bar. An onslaught of a determined nature almost ended in a goal being scored. A fast shot from Blackburn was thrown from Kitchen to Crelly, who punted away. The leather, however, found its way back again, and Blackburn crashed it with all his might at Kitchen. The Everton custodian was prepared, and Saved Very Pluckily. Eastham hesitated before Sharp and Taylor, and they at once gained a few yards. Several more attempts were made to forge ahead without success, and then Taylor lifted directly over the crowbar form 40 yards range. A beautiful centre by Whittaker gave Bowman a magnificent opportunity, but to everybody's surprise he missed the leather altogether, and a bright chance of scoring was lost. The Rovers were playing up, and their form was far superior that of Saturday. The player; were making clever individual efforts, and a fine long dropping shot from Blackburn on the touch line brought Kitchen forth from his charge save. From a free kick Kitchen, had he not been cool and alert, would have been beaten. The leather was placed high into the goalmouth, and Bowman pouncing upon it gave the Everton keeper severe handful. The Blue and Whites were continually aggressive, and Birchall compelled Kitchen to deal with a header, while a moment later Bowman gave His team the lead.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, April 13, 1903
The visitors to Goodison Park this afternoon were Blackburn Rovers who have been struggling for some time past to avoid descent into the Second Division. Their chances of improving matters to-day did not seem very bright, but clubs in such extreme conditions so frequently made tremendous efforts that a rare struggle was anticipated, as it was practically the Rovers last chance. There were about 12,000 present when Young set the ball in motion. A cold breeze and fitful sunshine was the meteorological state of affairs. The teams were as follow;
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers;- McIver, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Monks, Bowman, Morgan, and Blackburn, forwards.
Dewhurst prevented any incursion by the Blues, and put his wing in possession immediately, and Monks made tracks for Kitchen in very determined fashion. He was met and checked by Crelly, but Bowman chipped in and gave Whittaker a pretty opening, from whence he sent in a terrific drive, which Crelly just intercepted at the right moment. The visitors had made it very warm for their opponents, and with just a shade of luck must have scored. The Blues failed to get away, and the Rovers returned to the attack on the other wing. Although the defence stood firm under great pleasure, Kitchen had to deal with a couple of hard drives at close quarters. The Rovers were attacking very smartly indeed, and good understanding all along the front line resulted in pretty and effective passing. At last the Evertonians did make a move, and after Settle had failed at an opening, Taylor came with a rush, and Mercer had to deal with a difficult shot. The Rowers lost no time in returning to the attack, and both Morgan and Blackburn troubled Kitchen a little. So pertinacious were the Rovers and so close the attack that it looked any odds on them getting through sooner or later, as Kitchen was very busy, and once very nearly had his colours lowered by his old clubmate Bowman. However, he was in really great form, which was unlucky for the Rovers, but at last, after a very hot fusillade in front of goal the ball was passed back to Bowman, and succeeded in netting the leather with a splendid straight drive, after just twenty play. The success of the Rovers was very welcome, as their dashing attack had infused a vast amount of interest into the game, but Everton’s inability to come out of their shell did not please the spectators. After Bell had passed directly to Crompton, Monks travelled down the field at express rate, and when intercepted by Henderson he passed to Whittaker, and the outside man gave Kitchen a stiff one to negotiate. Then the Blues made a semblance of attacking, Settle and Young doing good work until the leather went to the other wing, when it was promptly lost to Eastham. Once more the Rovers entered Everton territory, and it was a clear case of the Rovers only being in it, as there was neither life nor method in the home lot. Some individual efforts there were at times, but combined effort there was none, and when Settle at last had a pop McIver the crowd cheered derisively. Bell failed to carry on a pretty passing sequence, Crompton proving too alert. A corner was next forced by the Rovers’ left, which resulted in a stiff attack, and a really clever shot from Whittaker nearly brought off second goal for Blackburn. Although the Everton defence was so free and easy, Whittaker, Monks, and Bowman were all the time responsible for speed and pretty work. At last the Rovers scored again in rather soft fashion, as Kitchener fisted out tamely from Bowman, and then slipped, and before he could recover Blackburn, who had nobody to beat, dashed in and netted the leather. Halftime: Blackburn Rovers 2. Everton nil. After the interval, when the teams returned, the Blues had an unpopular reception, with the exception of Kitchen. The Rovers got to work without loss of time, and Kitchen had to run out to resist the attentions of Monks, who almost had the goal at his mercy. Young tried to get his right wing on the move, but McClure intervened, and the Rovers were away on the right. Kitchen fisting out from a pretty centre by Whittaker, from which the ball was sailing into the net. Bell then made a move and tested McIver so well that he had to concede a corner. Young was instrumental in leading his left wing on to the attack, but they were easily repulsed by Dewhurst. The Rovers were not now so sprightly in attack as in the first half, nor was the earnestness of Everton increased, though they made a rather better show. Crelly prevented Eastham and McClure from feeding their forwards, and also accounted for Bowman and Monks, who were dangerously near the goal soon after. Still the Rovers monopolised what attack there was. Young made a useful move, but was unsupported, and though opposed by four Rovers came out victorious, but Eastham received his pass, which was intended for Sharp. Settle retired hurt, and did not return. Bowman scored the third for Blackburn Rovers. Final; Blackburn Rovers 3 goals, Everton nil.
EVERTON 0 BLACKBURN ROVERS 3
April 14, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
The great football attraction in this district for Bank Holiday was the return League engagement at Goodison-park between Everton and Blackburn Rovers. The latter have for years been welcome visitors to Liverpool, but on this occasion the outcome of their match was all-important to the famous old club. The Rovers position in the First Division next season is by no means assured. Take Grimsby Town, they had included yesterday's fixture, two matches to, play and were only one point in advance of the fishermen, so that to be absolutely safe they must secure four points. Hence it was that their game at Everton meant so much to the Rovers, whose chances of success were not improved by the severe defeat they sustained at Middlesbrough on Saturday. Although the weather was bright and sunny, though still cold, there was not a great crowd as is generally associated with Bank holiday. Everton played their full team with the exception of Balmer, Hensderson filling his place. While the Rovers had Morgan, for Watson at inside left. The Blackburn players were black bands on their arms, out of respect of the memory of their late famous international Hunter. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Henderson, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - McIver goal, Crompton (captain) and Eastham, backs, Dewhust, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs, Whittaker, A.Monks, A.Bowman, Morgan, and F.Blackburn, forwards. Crompton having won the toss, Young kicked off against the wind in the presence of about 12,000 spectators. The Rovers were the first to attack, which they did with great persistency. Whittaker send in finely but Crelly intercepted finely at the expense of a corner, from which Crelly again saved the situation. Still the visitors kept up the pressure, which was only relieved when Bowman sent the ball high over the bar. Everton could not make any headway, and the Rovers coming with a rush, Whittaker sent in a beautifully with the result that Kitchen, while on his knees saved marvellously from F.Blackburn. At last Bell and Settle made towards the other goal, but nice passing between them was without effect. Play changed from end to end, and a fine shot by Taylor was only lacking in direction. It certainly deserved a better fate. The rushes on both sides were prominent, and they ruled pretty even. The Rovers continued to attack until commendable persistency and after Kitchen had saved good attempts by Bowman and Monks, Bowman scored with a really good shot. Everton were not imparting too much energy to their play. Shots by Settle and Sharp had little sting behind them, and a fine pass by Bowman was only diverted by Kitchen at the expense of a corner, for which Kitchen was again called upon. The game, which by no means interesting, was easily in favour of Blackburn, whose forwards found plenty of work for Kitchen. At last Blackburn shot in from near the corner flag and although Kitchen touched the ball, it found its way into the net, just give the Rovers a two-goal lead. Nothing else was scored before the interval. The display of the Everton forwards found little favour with a portion of the crowd. Half-time Everton nil, Blackburn Rovers 2.
It was somewhat surprising that when the Everton players reappeared they should have been hooted by a section of the spectators. Kitchen was first called upon, and kicked and fisted out in good style. A brief period of pressure by Everton resulted in Bell forcing a abortive corner. Another corner was won by Sharp, but this too was not to their advantage, and the game continued to be devoid of interesting features. The nice points of play were few and far between. For a time Everton could claim the bulk of the attack, but there was little in their final efforts-a failure which had been observable more than once. For once in a way the home half backs failed to afford the attacking forces, Blackburn tested Kitchen and a corner followed from which, the Everton custodian had to throw away from Bowman. At the other end Young sent a fast shot over the bar. Everton at this time being without the service of Settle who had been injured. In a forward movement by the Rovers Bowman shot in hard, and Kitchen just managed to tip it over the bar at the expense of fruitless corner. Shortly before the finish, Bowman obtained possession, and the ex-Evertonian added a third goal for the Rovers with a really splendid shot with his left foot, which gave Kitchen no chance. final result Everton nil, Rovers 3.
On the play the better side won, but Everton displayed form far removed from that which they gave against Liverpool on Good Friday. At the same time, on one or two occasions during the season they have been really inept so far as the attack was concerned.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Mercury - Tuesday 14 April 1903
About 15,000 people assembled at Everton yesterday to witness this match, which meant all or nothing to the Rovers. Fine weather prevailed when the game started, but the wind was blowing strongly. The Rovers had the best of matters, and Bowman scored after 20 minutes’ play. Everton attacked, but shots from Sharp and Settle went wide. Blackburn scored a second goal for the visitors.
Half-time-Rovers 2 Everton nil
On resuming play was of an even character. Everton lost the service of Settle through an injury. Everton played a poor game, and Kitchen had a lot of work to get through, but the Rovers’ custodian had little to do. Bowman scored a third goal for the visitors.
Result- Blackburn Rovers 3 Everton 0
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers;- McIver, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Monks, Bowman, Morgan, and Blackburn, forwards.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 14 April 1903
Played at Goodison Park. The teams were as follow;-
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers;- McIver, goal; Crompton (Captain) and Eastham, backs; Dewhurst, McClure, and Birchall, half-backs; Whittaker, Monks, Bowman, Morgan, and Blackburn, forwards.
Dewhurst prevented any incursion by the Blues, and put his wing in possession immediately, and Monks made tracks for Kitchen in very determined fashion. He was met and checked by Crelly, but Bowman chipped in and gave Whittaker a pretty opening, from whence he sent in a terrific drive, which Crelly just intercepted at the right moment. The visitors had made it very warm for their opponents, and with just a shade of luck must have scored. The Blues failed to get away, and the Rovers returned to the attack on the other wing. Although the defence stood firm under great pleasure, Kitchen had to deal with a couple of hard drives at close quarters. The Rovers were attacking very smartly indeed, and good understanding all along the front line resulted in pretty and effective passing. At last the Evertonians did make a move, and after Settle had failed at an opening, Taylor came with a rush, and Mercer had to deal with a difficult shot. The Rowers lost no time in returning to the attack, and both Morgan and Blackburn troubled Kitchen a little. So pertinacious were the Rovers and so close the attack that it looked any odds on them getting through sooner or later, as Kitchen was very busy, and once very nearly had his colours lowered by his old clubmate Bowman. However, he was in really great form, which was unlucky for the Rovers, but at last, after a very hot fusillade in front of goal the ball was passed back to Bowman, and succeeded in netting the leather with a splendid straight drive, after just twenty play. The success of the Rovers was very welcome, as their dashing attack had infused a vast amount of interest into the game, but Everton’s inability to come out of their shell did not please the spectators. After Bell had passed directly to Crompton, Monks travelled down the field at express rate, and when intercepted by Henderson he passed to Whittaker, and the outside man gave Kitchen a stiff one to negotiate. Then the Blues made a semblance of attacking, Settle and Young doing good work until the leather went to the other wing, when it was promptly lost to Eastham. Once more the Rovers entered Everton territory, and it was a clear case of the Rovers only being in it, as there was neither life nor method in the home lot. Some individual efforts there were at times, but combined effort there was none, and when Settle at last had a pop McIver the crowd cheered derisively. Bell failed to carry on a pretty passing sequence, Crompton proving too alert. A corner was next forced by the Rovers’ left, which resulted in a stiff attack, and a really clever shot from Whittaker nearly brought off second goal for Blackburn. Although the Everton defence was so free and easy, Whittaker, Monks, and Bowman were all the time responsible for speed and pretty work. At last the Rovers scored again in rather soft fashion, as Kitchener fisted out tamely from Bowman, and then slipped, and before he could recover Blackburn, who had nobody to beat, dashed in and netted the leather. Halftime: Blackburn Rovers 2. Everton nil. After the interval, when the teams returned, the Blues had an unpopular reception, with the exception of Kitchen. The Rovers got to work without loss of time, and Kitchen had to run out to resist the attentions of Monks, who almost had the goal at his mercy. Young tried to get his right wing on the move, but McClure intervened, and the Rovers were away on the right. Kitchen fisting out from a pretty centre by Whittaker, from which the ball was sailing into the net. Bell then made a move and tested McIver so well that he had to concede a corner. Young was instrumental in leading his left wing on to the attack, but they were easily repulsed by Dewhurst. The Rovers were not now so sprightly in attack as in the first half, nor was the earnestness of Everton increased, though they made a rather better show. Crelly prevented Eastham and McClure from feeding their forwards, and also accounted for Bowman and Monks, who were dangerously near the goal soon after. Still the Rovers monopolised what attack there was. Young made a useful move, but was unsupported, and though opposed by four Rovers came out victorious, but Eastham received his pass, which was intended for Sharp. Settle retired hurt, and did not return. Bowman scored the third for Blackburn Rovers. Final; Blackburn Rovers 3 goals, Everton nil.
DID EVERTON OBLIGE THE ROVERS?
Ormskirk Advertiser - Thursday 16 April 1903
Editor by “Trail-Layer.
Neither Everton nor Blackburn Rovers are the team they once were, and their present lowly position in the First Division of the English League is anything but satisfactory. However, the supporters on either side still remain loyal to their favourites, and roll up to every home match in their tens of thousands, and shout themselves hoarse. Your football enthusiast is of a very cheery and forgivable disposition, hopeful to the last, but he has his limits, like everyone else. It is not often we see him in extremities. So long as he gets value for his money, and no “hank,” he is “doing champion.” Immediately he feels-or imagines (same thing)- that he is being “had,” he doesn’t forget to inform those around him of it. There was an impression abroad at Goodison Park last Monday that Everton did not want to beat the Rovers, and I must candidly admit it looked uncommonly like as though they really didn’t, so erratic and seemingly unconcerned with goal-getting appeared the “blues.” Defeat to Blackburn meant a great deal more than a win to Everton, and it doubtless was on these grounds that
THE HOLIDAY CROWD BASED ITS SUSPICIOUS
As the game went on, stronger grew the belief. “Don’t kick the ball,” cried someone in the far corner, alluding to an Everton player. Another kind onlooker cordially invited to “come and have a drink.” And when Kitchen eventually rolled the ball out of an opponent’s way into the net, the joke was complete- renewed laughter. “The game has been squared, sure enough,” said first one and then another. Blackburn were two up at half time. A most unusual greeting was given the home eleven on entering the arena after the interval. Kitchen being the only man to escape a hooting. The second half was less interesting than the first, and when the whistle sounded “all-over,” the result was 3-0 for Blackburn. I do not for one moment believe there had been any “squaring” about the match. Everton simply didn’t care a toss of a button whether they won or not. Blackburn did. That made all the difference.
TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 18 April 1903
Everton v Notts County.
League match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.30
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v Heywood United
Lancashire Combination match at Heywood; Exchange 1.10; Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Dent, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clarke, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, Dilly, O’Hagan, and McEwan, forwards.
Heywood.- McIver, goal; J. Cowburn and Burgess, backs; Warburton, R. Cowburn, and Thorpe, half-backs; Brearley, Poulston, Morgan, Lee, and Laurence, forwards.
Monday
Everton Combination v Liverpool Res
At Goodison Park; kick-off 6.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, ad Hardman, forwards.
EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, April 18 1903
TAYLOR SCORES FOR EVERTON
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
No real interest was attached to this afternoon’s contest at Goodison Park between Notts County and Everton, as there was no real issue at stake on either side, and the chief importance of the affair lay in its being Everton’s last engagement for the season at home. After the inglorious display of the Blues against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday, it could hardly be expected that the Everton supporters would be particularly enthusiastic. They have, however, proved themselves so loyal in the past that the pleasant weather was regarded as sufficient incentive to attract the usual crowd to witness the ringing down of the curtain. The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Notts.- Pennington, goal; Ross and Swift, backs; Innes, Bull (Captain), and Mainman, half-backs; Joynes, Humphreys, Green, McIntyre, and Gee, forwards.
The County turned up without Montgomery and Prescott, who were both on the injured list. There might be 7,000 or 8,000 spectators present when Young led off for the Blues, but Bull prevented any incursion, and served his right wing, who got down in good style, and carried the leather to the other side, where Balmer stopped the rush. The County held their own on the right until Wolstenholme secured the ball, which he lifted well over to Bell, and the outside man only just got into his stride when Ross bore down upon him and took the leather from his toe. A moment later Joyces was in possession again, but the ball went out to play. Everton then went to work in earnest, but a really fine piece of work was mulled at the finish by Sheridan, who, when only about a couple of yards from goal, sent the ball wide. At the other end Humphreys had a straight drive at Kitchen, who saved well, and then Green shot wide of the mark. Hereabouts some excitement was caused by one of the stands on the Goodison-road side of the ground being on fire, but the flames were very soon extinguished, practically no damage being done to the structure. Green then came away on his own, and was accompanied by Joynes and Humphreys; but Balmer tackled the centre forward in fine style, and forced him to pass to his wing. Balmer then turned his attention to the right wing, and tricked them neatly. During the operation he had tackled and beaten three men, and it was really a fine piece of defensive work. Sharp took up the attack, and was roughly used by Mainman, and he fell inside the prescribed area, and appealed for a penalty. Mr. Armitt was not, however, favourable, and the next move came from Bell, who was not nearly smart enough to take full advantage of his opportunity, and had to succumb to Ross. A corner resulted, but the leather was cleared by a header from Swift, Gee dashed along the touchline, and passing afterwards took place between McIntyre, Mainman, and Green, Gee commit in again at the finish, but his centre was a very poor one, the ball going over the goal line. Immediately afterwards Joynes and Humphreys made a raid on the right, but Crelly proved more than their match, and Everton commenced to press their opponents. Bell getting down, and effecting a fine centre, which was headed away by Swift, Booth, Abbott, and Balmer, in turn, endeavoured to put their forward rank in possession, but the Notts halves were very smart, and Bull, in particular, frustrated some well-meant efforts on the part of the Evertonians. At last the home left wing succeeded in forcing passage, and some pretty centres came swinging from Bell, but none of them were turned to good account. At last some interest was lent to the proceedings, as, alter twenty-seven minutes' play, Wolstenholme made a clean pass to Sharp, who went off with a dash and centred very judiciously. Taylor was in waiting, and netted the leather so decisively that Pennington could not be expected to offer effective resistance. McIntyre and Gee tried a move on the Notts left, but the ball was sent back to Sharp, who tested Pennington with a sharp shot. Then Sheridan passed to Young, who shot wide. Bell followed with a shot which went over the crossbar from an awkward angle, and just afterwards he forced a corner from Ross, which was soon accounted for. Following this, Taylor headed in, and then the County broke away the Everton half backs having to keep very busy to stave off the attack. Coming back again Gee and McIntyre became rather dangerous, until Crelly came in and broke up the combination. A foul against Abbott gave the visitors another chance, but this led to nothing, and later on Crelly again broke up an attack, on this occasion from the right wing. At last the County defence appeared to be quite mastered, and Booth obtained possession at close quarters, and passed out to Bell, who had made many pretty and effective centres. He now put the leather at Young’s toe, and the Everton centre tipped the leather past Pennington in somewhat lackadaisical fashion as if could not fail to put it into the net. Soon afterwards Sharp sent in a grand shot from the touchline, which Pennington dealt with very cleverly, and from this point to half-time Everton had the bulk the play.
Half-time: Everton 2 goals. Notts County nil.
Green restarted, and for a time the County had the better of the argument. Everton themselves, and went away on the left, but Bell given offside. Then the County went away the left. Gee and McIntyre passing well, and the first-named got in a neat centre, which was headed away from the mouth of goal by Crelly. A free kick was given against the homesters, Abbott clearing, and then good work by Abbott and Booth carried play into the County quarters. Each wing attacked in turn, but not much progress was made, and finally Mainman served to his left, and Gee put in some tricky work, with the result that Green got down the centre, but was hustled off-the ball at the finish. The Notts men were very persistent and worrying in attack, but all the home halves did yeoman service and the attack was never really carried home. The game was stopped for a minute or two owing to Crelly being winded. Young failed at a pass to Sharp and Swift took the leather instead, and enabled the County quintet to trouble the home defence sorely, Wolstenholme and Abbott made brave efforts to drive the invaders out, but a free in their favour intensified the pressure until a bad shot by McIntyre sent the leather behind and yards wide. Then the Everton forwards went off in line and a grand attack followed, but Pennington effected a couple of splendid saves from Bell and Abbott, and both of these might with less vigilance have proved successful. Result: Everton 2 goals, Notts County nil.
NOTTS COUNTY v EVERTON
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 18 April 1903
Goodison Park, the scene a series of splendid achievements on the part of the Notts, team during the past five seasons, furnished the locale of the Trent Bridge club’s concluding League match this afternoon. Eastertide engagements had not cast much glory upon the visitors, and upon the whole their supporters were prone to feel some degree of anxiety as to their prospects against the Evertonians, moderately as the latter have themselves been performing. Cause for uneasiness was probably due, in large measure, to the doubt which existed as to the exact constitution of the visiting team, for even when the men left Nottingham this morning by the 9.5 Midland train it was not absolutely certain whether McDonald, who was injured at Birmingham would be fit to turn out. Defeat has not fallen to Notts at the Everton club’s headquarters for several campaigns and the latter were supremely desirous of regaining some of their lost laurels. With this end in view they were fortunate in being able to rely upon a full team. Fears as to McDonald’s incapacity were unhappily confirmed, and Montgomery still being on the injured list, Ross partnered Swift with Innes, Bell, and Mainman as the intermediate line, while in the home ranks Sheridan appeared for Settle. The weather was cold abut fine, and the crowd numbered some 6000. Bull won the toss, but there was little in the conditions to favour either team. A clever piece of work by Green and Joynes led to an immediate assault on the home goal, and Gee was conspicuous for a likely centre, but Young relieved in concert with the right wing and following a free kick against Mainman. Taylor shot very wide, a feat which he emulated a moment later when well placed as the result of a pass from Young. Joynes and the visitors’ centre once again transferred the scene of operations, and Crelly retrieved a bad mistake by Balmer. Some very pretty passing by the whole of the Notts front rank compelled Kitchen to run out, and with Bell securing for the first time and rounding Innes, Sheridan shot into the side net, with only Pennington to pass. At the other end Kitchen beat away finely a magnificent drive from Humphreys, and the same forward shot a trifle wide, while after Ross and Bull had checked the home left smartly, Balmer was applauded for outwitting both Humphreys and Joynes, when the right wing was very dangerous. Sharp essayed a superb individual run, and there as an appeal for a penalty when Mainman checked him close to goal, but the referee paid no heed, and the game alternated in extremely in interesting fashion, both sets of forwards doing some interesting work. The first corner was yielded by Swift, but Bull retrieved finely, and the Notts left got away, only for Gee to fail with his colleagues well placed, while McIntyre shot feebly after a commendable run, and Taylor lifted Bell’s centre well over. Green was yards too high from twenty yards, and matters took a somewhat quiet turn till Bell tried an oblique shot which Bull headed clear. A promising effort by Bull rebounded from Abbott, and Notts continued to fully hold their own, Gee just failing from an awkward angle to convert a header by Humphreys. Ross robbed Young cleverly when the home centre was working into position, but Everton returned with great dash, and Bull inadvertently turning the ball over to Sharp, the latter centred for Taylor to score an easy goal after 27 minutes. This reverse came as keen disappointing to the visitors, who had been Everton’s equal in every department, but it infused the home side with renewed vigour, and promising attacks were pushed to within a dozen yards of the goal for Young and Bell in rapid succession to finish feebly. Bull’s sturdy figure was very prominent when the “Blues” assailed from a flag kick, and although Bell dropped the ball beautifully in the goal mouth Taylor unfairly charged Pennington, and the danger passed. Notts paid a brief visit to the other end, only to be checked by Abbott, who was in great form, and McIntyre, after losing one opening by dallying, tried in vain to head through from a free kick. Balmer rushed across to intercept a pass from McIntyre to Green, but the visitors were struggling strenuously for the equaliser, and were only driven out by the aid of two free kicks for “hands.” Everton made nothing of either concession, but Young opened out the game with a judicious pass to the right wing, whence the ball was transferred to Bell. The latter appeared to be clearly offside, but when Young converted his centre this point was allowed. Sharp led another futile raid, and Notts, pressed without avail. Interval- Everton 2 Notts 0.
Notts- Pennington (goal); W. Ross, G. Swift (backs), R. Innes, W. Bull (Captain), Mainman (Half-backs), R. Joynes, P. Humphreys (right wing), A.W Green (centre), J.A. McIntyre, and E. Gee (left wing).
Everton.- Kitchen (goal), Balmer, Crelly (backs), Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott (Half-backs), Sharp, Taylor (right wing), Young (centre), Sheridan, and Bell (left wing). Referee Mr. T. Armitt (Leek).
HEYWOOD v EVERTON RESERVE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 18 April 1903
At Heywood, before 1000 spectators. Heywood started with the wind and down the incline, and were early aggressive. Brearley registered the first point. Poulston the second, and Wildman headed through his own goal. Half-time- United 3, Everton 0.
On turning round Everton had more of the game, and troubled the home defence. The United were energetic afterwards, and Brealey, Thorpe, Morgan and Lee sent in good shots, Lee’s taking effect.
Result; Heywood 5, Everton 2.
NOTTS AT GOODISON PARK
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 18 April 1903
DEFEATED BY EVERTON AFTER FIVE YEARS IMMUNITY
NOTTS FINISH THEIR SEASON QUIETLY
The Notts County team brought to a close at Goodison Park, Liverpool, this afternoon, a long, eventful, and exacting season. It was the return League match with Everton, which engagement is one of the most popular in their programme, for the very simple and cogent reason that they invariably do themselves justice there. Everton had, it was true, won more of the previous meetings than the “magpies,” and had the better of the goal average, but as far as League engagements pure and simple were concerned Notts had a distinct pull, for since they came together in the connection in December, 1898, they had won six out of nine matches, and totalled thirteen goals compared with eight. The teams first came together in 1887, and in all the teams have met on 26 occasions. Everton have been successful 13 times against Notts nine, and have scored 50 goals against 36.
Notts had not enjoyed a particularly rosy time during the second half of the season, and in the event of their losing the engagement under notice they were bound to finish with only three clubs below them, and actually in a position of less distraction to that occupied a year ago, when they had to put full steam on to preserve their First League status. The team may, however, be excused in some degree owing to their Cup tie exertions, which seldom mix well with League responsibilities; but at the same time the position of affairs called for an extra effort to-day. It was something in the favour of the visitors that they had not been beaten at Goodison Park for some years and had it been that they were able to command full strength to-day we should have been inclined to name them as the winners. Unfortunately, both the regular backs were enforced absentees, and the side was constituted exactly as at Birmingham, Bull and Swift being associated at full back; while in the Everton team Balmer superseded Henderson at full back, the rivals turning out as follows;-
Notts’ Pennington, goal; Ross and Swift, backs; Innes, Bull (Captain), and Mainman, half-backs; Joynes, Humphreys, right wing; Green, centre; McIntyre, and Gee, left wing.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp and Taylor, right wing; Young, centre; Sheridan, and Bell, left wing.
Referee; Mr. T. Armitt (Leek).
At the last moment, it transpired that McDonald could not play for Notts, so Bull was relegated to his customary position, and Ross partnered Swift at back, this being the first time the general utility man has figured in the back row. The weather was fine but very cold, and the “gate” was painfully indicative of the end of the season, there being only 6,000 people present when Young started the game, Bull having successfully nominated the uppermost image of the coin. There was little wind stirring so that practically no advantage accrued to the visitors, who, however, pressed at the outset, but Balmer checked Humphreys and Joynes, and from a free kick against Mainman Abbott struck the side net. Taylor subsequently sending over the crosspiece. Crelly kicked into touch to check the Notts, right, and Swift, having successfully held up both Sharp and Taylor, some minutes were cut to waste in midfield. Ross returned a shot by Young, but Everton kept up their attack for a while, and Sheridan came very near doing the trick. A scrimmage in the Everton goalmouth followed, and Kitchen was cheered for a grand save from Humphreys, who subsequently skimmed a dangerous grounder across the goal mouth. From nice broad passes by his partner, Bell centred, only to see Bull dispose of it, and then Balmer forced himself under observation for a beautiful piece of work against Humphreys and Joynes. The crowd clamoured for a penalty against Mainman for bringing down Sharp quite ten yards outside the prescribed area, which the official naturally disallowed. The Notts forwards were not hanging well together, and the bulk of the play was in the visitors’ quarters, Bell playing splendidly. Ross conceded a corner to Sheridan, Bull preventing the danger arising from the flag-kick. McIntyre shot past from long range, and after Swift had headed away a centre from bell, Sharp delivered slightly wide. The exchanges, however, were decidedly tame until Pennington punched out a stringer from Bell, Humphreys and Joynes afterwards pestering Crelly and Abbott without being able to take aim at the space guarded by Kitchen. Gee, who had seldom been heard from, gathered a sharp tap from Green, but could not find Kitchen. Innes stopped Bell summarily, but the “toffees” quickly returned, and Taylor registered his first goal at home after half an hour’s play, Pennington having no chance to stop the next shot at short range. Notts could not break through the Everton halves, and their long shots were of no avail against an artist like Kitchen. But the “light blues” were decidedly active, and the “magpies” defence was sore beset from a corner on the left wing. Fortunately Taylor fouled Pennington, and relief was obtained in this way. Balmer eventually rendered of non-effect some praise-worthy work by Gee and McIntyre, and Innes took a free kick, which proved innocuous. The “magpies” were now contesting the ground much better, but Balmer stood before them a giant in defence, and Kitchen’s position was a veritable sinecure. Pennington was called upon by Young, who, however, in the succeeding moment, added a second for Everton after some tricky manoeuvring before the post. Sharp skied a beauty in Pennington’s arms, and Notts made several forward incursions without avail, half-time arriving with the score;-
Everton 2 Notts County 0
Upton a resumption being made, Bell immediately got off-side and then Notts, were awarded a foul close in, Booth ultimately clearing, after which the ball remained in midfield for a while. The “magpies” took up the running subsequently in something like close order, and Crelly was injured by a blow from the ball in the stomach, but was soon able to join in the fray again. Play remained in the Everton quarters where Joynes rendered of none effect fine work by Humphreys by lying off-side to his pass. Bull transferred to Green square with Kitchen, but the Notts centre was wanting in direction, and at the other end Pennington cleared in rapid succession from Bell, Abbott, and Sheridan. The home team were repulsed for the time being by a foul against Sharp, but they soon returned, and Bull intercepted Booth’s intended pass to Young, setting his own forwards on the move again. Balmer, however, was too good, and desultory exchanges followed, Pennington saved from Sheridan, and some of Green’s individualism failing in effect, Sharp set himself for a sprint, but found Bull a yard or two faster and corners to Bull and Gee brought no result. Sharp missed an open goal, and after referential whistle had pulled up Humphreys for off-side, Young raised an ironical laugh with a sky-scraper. Notts rallied towards the close, and Gee brought Kitchen to his knees.
Result;- Everton 2 Notts County 0.
SOUTHPORT CENTRAL v EVERTON
Formby Times - Saturday 18 April 1903
The attraction at Scarisbrick New-road on Saturday was a friendly game between Southport Central and Everton. The latter had guaranteed a full League team, and in the main their guarantee was carried out. Although the weather was not as genial as it might have been there was a large attendance of spectators, the gate money amounting to about £60. The teams, under the direction of Mr. F.W. Johnson faced as follows;-
Southport Central; Garvey, goal; Spink (Captain) and Nightingale, full backs; Sinclair, Bell, and Frank Chorlton, half-backs; Gilbert, Chorlton, Shadbolt, Hulligan, Cooper, and Kelly, forwards.
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Henderson, and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Sheridan, O’Hagan, and Bell, forwards.
Spink won the toss, and Everton had to face the sun and breeze in the first half. For some minutes it looked as if the visitors were going to have pretty much their own way. A rush by Sheridan was checked by Bell, but Makepeace placed the ball nicely to the left, and Bell got along in capital style, Sinclair having to put his best foot foremost to apply the brake. Then Shadbolt nipped in with a pretty run, Crelly sending far down the field in reply, but Cooper was seen to advantage with another crashing run, his final effort going slightly wide of the upright. Everton again took up the attack, and after seven minutes Bell beat Garvey with a fine shot, which the home custodian could not reach. An appeal for offside was not sustained, although there seemed a doubt in the matter. Central retaliated strongly, and Kitchen had to save from Cooper. Then Rankin and Taylor moved along in picturesque style, but the former shot wildly when within range. O’Hagan came nearer the mark with a fine effort, which Garvey saved magnificently. Central began to have more of the play, the wing men doing a lot of useful work, and on one occasion Hulligan, from a cross by Kelly, had hard lines not to score. A swift run by Bell saw Sinclair beaten, but Spink replied with a good return. Wolstenholme was seen making his way goalwards with vigour, but miskicked at the critical moment, and Bell was unable to retrieve the position. Play was almost confined to the home half, and Garvey had to clear again. Then Hulligan and Chorlton helped the Central sprints to rise, Makepeace returning. Giving to Bell, the ball was taken up beautifully by him, and centred. Rankin shot into the net, but the whistle had gone for Garvey being impeded. Kitchen had to save twice from Hulligan and F. Chorlton. The home players showed no particularly anxiety to maintain their proper positions, and some curious situations were evolved. Cooper received a nasty blow from the ball as Henderson returned one shot, and he was incapacitated for a time. Shadbolt, with a capital chance close in, shot high over the bar; and then Bell, in endeavouring to get through, was pulled up for offside. Central stuck to their work gamely, and from a cross by Kelly, Kitchen had to save. J. Chorlton dashed up, met the return, and netted the ball amid uproarious cheers. the same player almost repeated the operation a minute later, Kitchen clearing, and then the home defence showed sterling form in repelling one or two dangerous attacks. Sheridan broke away grandly and beat Nightingale, who did his best to trip him, but without success, and Garvey rushed out and placed the leather out of danger. A fine opening was vouchsafed Sheridan soon afterwards, for he had a clear goal space after Garvey had rushed out, and only succeeded in showing how not to do it. Kelly looked all over a scorer when Russell took the ball from his toe, and J. Chorlton also missed a comparatively easy opportunity. At half-time the score was one goal each. On resuming F. bell pulled up the Everton forwards, and Shadbolt got along, but the Everton left retaliated, Spink forcing Bell (Everton) into touch. Shadbolt fouled Makepeace and Hulligan shot from three-quarters of the way down the field, Kitchen running out and placing the ball back down the field. Sinclair headed away from Crelly, the latter being ultimately forced over the line. The sun came out hereabouts to the discomfiture of Central who had to defend stoutly for a time, Sinclair being very prominent, and Garvey having an anxious time until Kelly got off, only to be stopped by Henderson. A forward move by Shadbolt and Chorlton met with interference on the part of Crelly, and subsequently Sinclair sent yards wide. Taylor also sent over, and Spink kicked into touch from Taylor. Garvey saved at full length from O’Hagan, and this seemed to help matters to a brighter time. F. Chorlton and Nightingale dispossessed Rankin, and Sinclair bothered Bell until he was unable to get in his centre, the ball going into touch. Spink afterwards was so hard pressed by Sheridan that he gave a corner, which proved of no avail, and Garvey also had to clear, another shot missing the upright by a foot, the ball rolling slowly past J. Chorlton on a subsequent occasion appeared like scoring, but shot over, and Bell was wrongly pulled up for offside when he had only Garvey to beat. Rankin was fouled by Chorlton near the corner flag, Russell shooting wide. A spell of play in the Everton half was followed by a tame rush in which bell was prominent. O’Hagan shooting into Garvey’s hands as the whistle went for off-side. F. Chorlton for some reason came under the ban of the referee. Kelly enlivened matters somewhat by an electric rush, which almost left Henderson standing, a return move by Rankin being productive of nothing but a dangerous charge by Nightingale. Bell crossed close in front, the ball going out, and then Taylor gained a throw-in near the home corner flag. Play was, however, transferred, and Hulligan having tested Kitchen, J. Chorlton added Central’s second goal. Play up to now had been fairly rough, but afterwards it was very much more so. On one occasion Taylor went out of his way to kick Shadbolt’s legs from under him, and Joey replied with a “shinner,” which must have made his assailant wince. Desperate efforts were made by Everton to draw level, but they had left it too late, and time was signalled with the score;-
Southport Central 2 goals, Everton 1 goal.
EVERTON v BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1903
TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL ECHO
Sir.- Having been present at the League match played between the above-named teams at Goodison Park on Monday last, it surprises me not a little that, up to the present, your columns have contained no letters of complaint from any of the dissatisfied spectators. I have followed the fortunes of the Everton Club for the past twenty years, but never during the whole of that period have I known or heard of our players being hooted, hissed at, and heartily cursed all round the ground, as were those who took part in last Monday’s game. Again, since the match everyone I have met who happened to be there has something to say quite the reverse of what is usually considered complimentary regarding the players and officials. What I cannot understand myself is the unaccountable loss of form shown by our players in this match when compared with their dashing display on the Friday previous. To put the matter in a nutshell, I can guarantee from personal knowledge that if a poll was taken of the spectators, 99 per cent, would record their opinion that our men were not playing up to their form. These facts are, or ought to be, well known to the Everton directors. Satisfied at present the public are not, and as the Everton F.C lives by its gate money I should strongly advise the management not to ignore the crowd in this particular instance. Remember, “silence gives consent.” Yours, &c, WELL-WISHER. Liverpool April 16, 1903
TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL ECHO
Sir,- After Everton’s palpable tactics displayed in their match on Easter Monday with Blackburn Rovers-the nature of which I prefer not to dwell on- would it not be an excellent way for the supporters of the club to absent themselves from the remaining matches at Goodison Park? Let us have sport for our money, and let every tea cry to win. Unless this is so football receives its death knell. Grimsby Town have my sincerer sympathy, and I trust they will retain their position in the First Division after such unfair opposition.- Yours &c., ONCE AN EVERTONIAN. Liverpool, April 15, 1903
(We have received other letters to the same effect as the above).
POOR PLAY AT GOODISON PARK.
Athletic News - Monday 20 April 1903
By Junius.
The curtain was down on the League season of 1902-3 at Goodison Park on Saturday, and judging from the display of football given both by Everton and Notts County the termination has not come one whit too soon. Notts had a poor side, for neither Prescott nor Montgomery could turn out at full-back, and Ross had to take the former’s post, whilst Swift partnered him on the left wing. Everton were without Settle, who was displaced by Sheridan, otherwise the home side was at full strength. To enter into the details of the game would serve no useful purpose, for a more feeble, invertebrate exhibition could scarcely be recalled. In fact, the play was a continued repetition of aimless and lackadaisical meandering between the two quarter flags, and in the end Everton won 2—0.
BY WAY OF REFERENCE.
For reference only, I haste to hand down to posterity the scorers in this game. Notts were the first to seriously jeopardize the opposing custodian, tor after thirty minutes’ lounging. Humphreys got an opening and banged straight into goal, only to find Kitchen occupying the whole the premises, so to speak. In the meantime it had been discovered that one of the stands was on fire, namely, that immediately adjacent to the Press box, but it could not have been occasioned by the play rousing the spectators to the fever-heat of excitement, and thus being insensibly conducted to the woodwork. After tremendous exertions, lasting fully two minutes, the flames, which had never been seen, were extinguished, and for the rest of the afternoon we had to grope about to find something to keep us from falling into a prolonged trance. When Taylor hooked a centre from Sharp into the net, no one seemed in the least put about by the incident, but when Young actually converted cross from Bell, the surprise became intense, for the Everton centre had tested almost every part of the goal stands prior to this achievement. All this occurred before the interval, and afterwards the same standard of play was continued, only more so. The ambitious attempts of those who essayed to shoot were received with mixed feelings, but when one of the Notts forwards landed the ball over the stands into the adjacent property, the long pent up enthusiasm would brook no denial.
A FEW REMARKS.
I should not fancy any of the players engaged in this struggle would care to refer to it as a reference of their ability, in view of an engagement in another sphere of influence, and for this reason, all individualities must for the nonce be neglected; it is better, perhaps, to speak of the whole rather than the component parts. Everton gained two points, and that, I believe, was one of the chief inducements which nerved the home players to such deeds of notability. No matter how they had striven, they could not have gained a higher reward, and as the spoils of victory were theirs, to them be the glory and honour thereof. Notts did not seem to be unduly troubled by the success of their opponents, and with a sublime appearance of magnanimity seemed pleased that the Everton players had succeeded in winning another League match. Pennington was given plenty of practice in stopping high deliveries, which may perhaps stand him in good stead during the coming summer, but even with his long reach, there were numerous balls sent down which he could not get even a glimpse of. Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Sheridan, and Bell. Notts County; Pennington; Ross and Swift; Innes, Bull, and Mainman; Joynes, Humphreys, Green, McIntyne, and Gee. Referee; Mr. T. Armitt.
EVERTON 2 NOTTS COUNTY 0
April 20, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Everton on Saturday completed their League fixtures list with a match at Goodison Park against Notts County, before 7,000 spectators. On the Everton side the only changes was the substitution of Sheridan for Settle, but the visitors had to make several alterations Buth the regular backs being on the injured list. Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young Sheridan, and Bell, forwards. Notts County: - Pennington, goal, Ross, and Swift backs, Mainman, Bull, and Innes half-backs, Joynes, Humphreys, Green, McIntyre, and Gee, forwards. Referee Armitt. Everton having lost the toss commenced operations and immediately the County right worked the ball down nicely. Green centred, but Balmer relieved cleverely. Innes failing to take a pass from Humphreys spoiled an other attack by the visiting right. The Everton left retaliated.and after a good run, Bell crossed to Taylor, who brought Pennington out with a slow shot. A foul was awarded against Mainman, and from the free kick taken by Booth, Wolstenholme just shot outside the upright. Nice passing between Sheridan and Taylor gave the latter another chance, and the inside right forward skimmed the bar with a strong shot. For some time the run of the game was by no means exhilarating. The Everton left however indulged in some smart work as a result of which Sheridan had a glorious chance two or three yards from the post, but to his own disgust he sent the ball wide of the mark. When the spectators on the popular side had recovered from the temporary excitement occasioned by a portion of one of the stands being on fire they applauded with great heartiness a splendid shot from Humphreys, which Kitchen fisted out in his best style. A moment later Balmer was also checked for a beautiful bit of strategy by which he outwitted Humphrey as and Joynes. Next Bell centred nicely, and a high dropping shot from Taylor went over the crossbar. Play was of a ragged description, and the spectators found little to “enthuse” about. Neither side could claim any superiority, nor the general exhibition was far from what one is accustomed to associate with First League football. Even the cries of the spectators to “play up” had little effect. At last Wolstenholme followed some tricky work by sending the ball out to Sharp, who in turn tipped it on to Taylor, the latter having little difficulty in registering the first goal for Everton. After this the County imparted more vigour to their attack, and Humphreys called upon Kitchen. Everton had their full share of the attack, and Sheridan and Bell were prominent, but the centre and the outside man were not in the happiest mood. However, a corner was forced, following which there were some exciting exchanges in front of Pennington, the Notts goal having a narrow escape of a second downfall. Another period of tame play followed, and it was only relieved when a centre by Bell, who received from Booth, Young scored a second goal for Everton. The home side at this time was undoubtedly showing the superiority. Kitchen was called upon to save a header from McIntyre, but when the interval arrived nothing further had been scored. Half-time Everton 2, Notts County nil.
Everton restarted in good style, but Bell was adjusted offside. A couple of free kicks assisted the visitors, and for some time the Everton defenders were somewhat severely pressed. Crelly was winded and the game was stopped for a while. The Everton goal escaped from severe pressure, the visitors at this stage claiming most of the play. Free kicks were pretty numerous and generally they favoured Notts whose final efforts were lacking in power and direction. The Everton forwards could not get into their stride, but gradually they improved, and Bell called upon Pennington in quick succession. Abbott, and Sharp. Midfield play was the order for some time, and it was not characterised by many touches out of the ordinary. Everton were smarter in manipulating the ball, but they failed when in the vicinity of the goalmouth. They had the better of the play till the end, but nothing more was scored, and a tame game ended in a victory for Everton. Result Everton 2 goals, Notts County nil.
HEYWOOD UNITEDS 5 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 20, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
At Crimble Vale. The Heywood right was conspicuous, and a stiff fusillade ensuing on the Everton goal, Brearley scored from close quarters. Heywood continued to have the best of matters and Poulston scored a second and third. Half-time Heywood 3 Everton nil. Everton were very aggressive; United presently took up the running and Morgan had a clear goal, but the ball wide. And eventually Heywood winning by five goals too two.
EVERTON REVIEW
April 20, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
The League season finsihed at Goodison park on Saturday, when Everton met and defeated Notts County by two clear goals. A feeble exposition of football it would be difficult to imagine than this last scene in another campaign, and it is evident the end of the season has not come one whit too soon for some of the players. There was absolutely no interest in the proceedings, for the combatants themselves appeared incapable of undue exertion, and with nothing at stake, there was some excuse for them taking matters so easily. All the scoring occurred in the first half. Taylor converting a centre from the right wing whilst shortly afterwards Bell placed neatly for Young to add a second point. The proceedings after the interval merit no notices though for a few minutes when Pennington had half a dozen shots to stop in raid succession it seemed as if the spectators would be aroused from their lethargy. But this was only a transitory gleam, and the game dragged its slow length along until Mr.Armitt terminated the depressing performance. The only satisfactory feature of the proceedings perhaps was the fact that Everton succeeded in winning, but the opposition was such that they could scarcely have done otherwise. Concerning the Everton players there is little to be stated in their favour, though their defence was seen to greater advantage than their attack. Kitchen and Balmer accomplished some clever deeds, the full backs on one occasion beautifully robbing Joyce and Humphreys, who had completely outwitted Abbott. The custodian was rarely called upon, nut one clearance from Humphreys who drove in with great force from short range deserves special mention. Little fault could be found with the half-backs, who reached a fair level of capability without being at any time unduly prominent. In the front rank some feeble efforts were made. Young shaping very badly in the centre, and frequently spoiling several promising sequences of passing Sheridan indulged in some tricky footwork, but his shooting was as weak as of yore, and he made a sad effort to score on receiving, but a few yards from the posts. But taking the play all round there was nothing to arouse enthusiasm; a dull level of monotony was reached which was striking in accordance with the end of season warfare' almost without life, and suggestive of the end so rapidly approaching. Notts were less effective than their opponents, they did indeed, make one decent attempt to score, but this was about it. Their right wing was by far the most promising part of their forward division, but throughout the finishing touches were moderate, and Kitchen was hardly ever in difficulties. Bull was the most prominent of the half-backs; whilst further behind Ross shaped well, considering that his usual position in the front rank. In goal Pennington kept out some capital shots from Bell and Taylor, but the home forwards were very lenient in the majority of cases, and their efforts generally found the goal stands.
EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 20 April 1903
About 8000 spectators witnessed Everton’s last League match of the season at Goodison Park. The home team had Sheridan in place of Settle, while Notts were far from being fully represented. Neither side played with earnestness, and the game was devoid of real interest. Taylor scored for Everton, and from Bell’s centre Young added a second. Everton having most of the play.
Half-time- Everton 2; Notts County, nil.
In the second half the game was more interesting. Apart from a brief period of pressure by Notts in the earlier stages, Everton enjoyed the bulk of the attack but their shooting was at fault. Still Pennington kept a good goal, but the attack on both sides was weak with regard to finishing touches. Result; Everton 2 Notts County 0.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Notts.- Pennington, goal; Ross and Swift, backs; Innes, Bull (Captain), and Mainman, half-backs; Joynes, Humphreys, Green, McIntyre, and Gee, forwards
HEYWOOD UNITED v EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury- Monday April 20 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Crimble Vale. The Heywood right was conspicuous and a stiff fusillade ensuing on the Everton goal, Brearley scored from close quarters. Heywood continued to have the best of matters, and Poulston scored a second and third. Half-time; Heywood United 3, Everton 0.
On resuming, Everton were very aggressive . United presently took up the running, and Morgan had a clear goal, but put the ball wide. Result Heywood United 5, Everton 2.
EVERTON v. NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 20 April 1903
Played at Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Notts.- Pennington, goal; Ross and Swift, backs; Innes, Bull (Captain), and Mainman, half-backs; Joynes, Humphreys, Green, McIntyre, and Gee, forwards.
The County turned up without Montgomery and Prescott, who were both on the injured list. There might be 7,000 or 8,000 spectators present when Young led off for the Blues, but Bull prevented any incursion, and served his right wing, who got down in good style, and carried the leather to the other side, where Balmer stopped the rush. The County held their own on the right until Wolstenholme secured the ball, which he lifted well over to Bell, and the outside man only just got into his stride when Ross bore down upon him and took the leather from his toe. A moment later Joyces was in possession again, but the ball went out to play. Everton then went to work in earnest, but a really fine piece of work was mulled at the finish by Sheridan, who, when only about a couple of yards from goal, sent the ball wide. At the other end Humphreys had a straight drive at Kitchen, who saved well, and then Green shot wide of the mark. Hereabouts some excitement was caused by one of the stands on the Goodison-road side of the ground being on fire, but the flames were very soon extinguished, practically no damage being done to the structure. Green then came away on his own, and was accompanied by Joynes and Humphreys; but Balmer tackled the centre forward in fine style, and forced him to pass to his wing. Balmer then turned his attention to the right wing, and tricked them neatly. During the operation he had tackled and beaten three men, and it was really a fine piece of defensive work. Sharp took up the attack, and was roughly used by Mainman, and he fell inside the prescribed area, and appealed for a penalty. Mr. Armitt was not, however, favourable, and the next move came from Bell, who was not nearly smart enough to take full advantage of his opportunity, and had to succumb to Ross. A corner resulted, but the leather was cleared by a header from Swift, Gee dashed along the touchline, and passing afterwards took place between McIntyre, Mainman, and Green, Gee commit in again at the finish, but his centre was a very poor one, the ball going over the goal line. Immediately afterwards Joynes and Humphreys made a raid on the right, but Crelly proved more than their match, and Everton commenced to press their opponents. Bell getting down, and effecting a fine centre, which was headed away by Swift, Booth, Abbott, and Balmer, in turn, endeavoured to put their forward rank in possession, but the Notts halves were very smart, and Bull, in particular, frustrated some well-meant efforts on the part of the Evertonians. At last the home left wing succeeded in forcing passage, and some pretty centres came swinging from Bell, but none of them were turned to good account. At last some interest was lent to the proceedings, as, alter twenty-seven minutes' play, Wolstenholme made a clean pass to Sharp, who went off with a dash and centred very judiciously. Taylor was in waiting, and netted the leather so decisively that Pennington could not be expected to offer effective resistance. McIntyre and Gee tried a move on the Notts left, but the ball was sent back to Sharp, who tested Pennington with a sharp shot. Then Sheridan passed to Young, who shot wide. Bell followed with a shot which went over the crossbar from an awkward angle, and just afterwards he forced a corner from Ross, which was soon accounted for. Following this, Taylor headed in, and then the County broke away the Everton half backs having to keep very busy to stave off the attack. Coming back again Gee and McIntyre became rather dangerous, until Crelly came in and broke up the combination. A foul against Abbott gave the visitors another chance, but this led to nothing, and later on Crelly again broke up an attack, on this occasion from the right wing. At last the County defence appeared to be quite mastered, and Booth obtained possession at close quarters, and passed out to Bell, who had made many pretty and effective centres. He now put the leather at Young’s toe, and the Everton centre tipped the leather past Pennington in somewhat lackadaisical fashion as if could not fail to put it into the net. Soon afterwards Sharp sent in a grand shot from the touchline, which Pennington dealt with very cleverly, and from this point to half-time Everton had the bulk the play.
Half-time: Everton 2 goals. Notts County nil.
Green restarted, and for a time the County had the better of the argument. Everton themselves, and went away on the left, but Bell given offside. Then the County went away the left. Gee and McIntyre passing well, and the first-named got in a neat centre, which was headed away from the mouth of goal by Crelly. A free kick was given against the homesters, Abbott clearing, and then good work by Abbott and Booth carried play into the County quarters. Each wing attacked in turn, but not much progress was made, and finally Mainman served to his left, and Gee put in some tricky work, with the result that Green got down the centre, but was hustled off-the ball at the finish. The Notts men were very persistent and worrying in attack, but all the home halves did yeoman service and the attack was never really carried home. The game was stopped for a minute or two owing to Crelly being winded. Young failed at a pass to Sharp and Swift took the leather instead, and enabled the County quintet to trouble the home defence sorely, Wolstenholme and Abbott made brave efforts to drive the invaders out, but a free in their favour intensified the pressure until a bad shot by McIntyre sent the leather behind and yards wide. Then the Everton forwards went off in line and a grand attack followed, but Pennington effected a couple of splendid saves from Bell and Abbott, and both of these might with less vigilance have proved successful. Result: Everton 2 goals, Notts County nil.
EVERTON RESERVES 0 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
April 21, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination
This postponed match was decided at Goodison park. last evening; in splendid weather. Both sides were strongly represented, Everton having Hardman of Blackpool at outside left; while Dunlop played for Liverpool. The teams were: - Everton: - Whitley goal, Gordon, and Wildman, backs, Clark Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly Makepeace, and Hardman forwards. Liverpool: - Perkins, goal, Dunlop, and Doswell, backs, Morgan, Raisebeck, and Taylor half-backs, Latham, Wilson, Nixon, Morris, and Davies forwards. Liverpool won the toss, and Dilly kicked off for the home side. Everton opened well, and Hardman raced away, Makepeace, however, sending outside. Again the home left made play and Perkins was called upon, but a free kick against Rankin spoiled a promising opening, Liverpool made tracks towards the home goal, but failed to pass the halves and Hardman, who showed up well, sent the ball over the Liverpool bar. Latham nest got the better of Wildman, and forced a corner from which, Whitley had to handle. The Blues were quickly at the other end, and Hardman sent in well, Clark shooting over the bar. Dunlop was conspicuous pressure by the home side. A free kick to the Anfielders resulted to play being taken to home territory, but Rankin returned and Perkins had to handle. Then Liverpool attacked with vigour and Morris had hard lines with a splendid shot, which struck the bar. The home left retaliated, Rankin shooting just outside when the ball was centred. Again the Reds attacked and Morris beat Whitley, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Pretty combination by the home forwards ended in Dilly calling upon Perkins, who easily cleared. At half-time neither side had scored.
On resuming, Everton were first to press, Hardman centring and Perkins clearing. Dunlop's big kick were very useful to his side, and he set his forwards on a fine run, but Nixon shot, too high. Play continued to be very keenly contested, and both teams showed splendid play. For some time Liverpool had the best of the exchanges, but the defence of Gordon and Wildman prevented Whitley from being troubled. Morris once beat Gordon in a race for possession, but he shot outside, when favourably situated. Whitley saved from Raisebeck, and then a fine bit of work by Hardman resulted in Perkins being called upon. From a shot by Davies Latham rushed the ball into the net, thus scoring for Liverpool. Soon afterwards Makepeace put through, but was offside, and Later Hardman had a goal disallowed. Everton tried hard to equalise, but failed, and a splendid game ended; Everton nil; Liverpool 1.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Mercury, Tuesday April 21 1903
EVERTON v LIVERPOOL
The reserve teams of the above clubs met in their return Combination match at Goodison Park last evening before 3000. Everton played Hardman, of Blackpool, outside left, and both teams were strongly represented. First half was productive of interesting football, Everton holding slightly superiority. Perkins saved splendidly from Rankin and Makepeace, the latter having run clean through. A sudden rush by Liverpool’s right brought out Whitley and with absolutely an open goal the ball was driven against the crossbar, and finally headed over. Dilly missed a glorious chance by shooting over when almost under the bar, and the interval arrived without score. Afterwards even play was witnessed, but Hardman put in some splendid centres which Perkins did well to get away. Eventually Whitley was at fault with a high dropping shot, and being bundled through by Latham the latter scored. Everton dashed away, Perkins saving grandly from Dilly, whilst the from a corner forced by Hardman the same custodian smartly threw out. Wilson raced clean through, but Gordon coming up gave a corner. Everton were pressing at the finish. Result; Liverpool 1, Everton nil.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, Makepeace, and Hardman, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Dodswell and Dunlop, backs; Morgan, Raisbeck, and Taylor, half-backs; Latham, Wilson, Nixon, Morris, and Davies, forwards.
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 21 April 1903
EVERTON v. LIVERPOOL
At Goodison Park, before a capital gate. The following constituted the elevens;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, Makepeace, and Hardman, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Doswell and Dunlop, backs; Morgan, Raisbeck, and Taylor, half-backs; Latham, Wilson, Nixon, Morris, and Davies, forwards.
Dilly kicked off for Everton, who at the outset attacked vigorously, Hardman having several ineffectual shies at goal. Splendid defence was shown by Liverpool. Smart play by the Reds followed, and the Everton goal was subjected to severe pressure. Whitley having an anxious time. Nixon almost did the trick with a fine shot, his effort just going over the bar. The pressure was relieved by the home left wing, who, getting possession, raced away to the other end, Hardman testing Perkins with a grand shot. Liverpool again got going nicely and a fine sequence of passing ended in Morris defeating Whitley after the game had been in progress for thirty minutes, but the point was disallowed as offside. From the centre the Blues made of and Perkins’s charge was the scene of hostilities for some little time. After a fruitless corner had fallen to Everton. Dilly got possession, and shot straight for Perkins, the last-named bringing off a brilliant save. Russell next headed over. Then the Liverpudlians took play to the other end, but Everton were soon back again, some very pretty play on both sides being witnessed. The home forwards worked like Trojans, while the Liverpool backs gave a fine exhibition of defensive tactics, and all the efforts of the home team were futile. When the whistle blew no score had been registered. On charging ends, the Everton left wing raced up the field, Hardman giving Perkins a ticklish shot to negotiate. Play became very fast, and the ball travelled from end to end. Liverpool got close in, and, after repeated attempts to score, Latham found the net, and gave Liverpool the lead. Everton bent on equalising, dashed to the other end, so abortive corner falling to their lot. Clever and tricky work by hardman followed, and the Liverpool goal was in danger. The Liverpool backs, however, were perfect, and the Evertonians failed to equalise.
Result Liverpool 1 goal, Everton nil.
EVERTON AND NOTTS
The Football World and Athletic News- Wednesday April 22 1903
By “Merseyman”
Everton finished up a rather disappoint; season by overcoming Notts County at Goodison by 2 clear goals. The game was not above the usual end of season standard. Notts were week at back and forward, but Pennington and the halves did well. For Everton Balmer, Wolstenholme and Sheridan chiefly caught the eye, although they showed improvement all round. Last season the Blues finished second with forty-one points. Now they only claim thirty-two. But Everton were heavily handicapped through having to begin minus a secretary and trainer. Kitchen has proved their best custodian, whilst Crelly has developed surprisingly as a left back. Booth and Abbott have behaved consistently well at half-back, whilst Wolstenholme, after a period of illness, has latterly come out in his true colours again. It is in attack that they have suffered most from a fit of the Blues. Young has been seriously unwell for half the season, and with this smart centre unavailable the line has become unhinged very frequently. Brearley has disappointed, and Settle failed to retain his previous excellence. As a set-off, the club boasts two very promising youths in Sheridan and Rankin, each of whom has signed for another along with (thus far) Kitchen, Whitley, Crelly, Gordon (Broxburn), Wolstenholme, Russell, Abbott, Makepeace, Sharp. Taylor, Young, Sharp, I may add, is about to open in the City as a sports outfitter. Good lock to him!
As for Notts, they finish one point below last season's figures. The team, as a whole, seldom reached a brilliant standard. Pennington has kept a fine goal, however, but Prescott and Montgomery have seemed easily susceptible to injuries. Mainman has improved as a half-back, whilst Bull, the versatile captain, is as good as ever. Percy Humphreys has turned out a rare discovery in attack, and of the others Green at centre forward is most deserving of praise.
By the Onlooker.
Thursday, April 30 it is understood that Everton visit the Rise. It was with a friendly match with Everton that the Rangers opened the Kensal Rise enclosure four seasons ago.
EVERTON V BLACKBURN ROVERS
UNPLEASANT RUMOURS, OFFICIALLY DENIED
April 23, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Mr.W.C.Cuff, the secretary of the Everton Football Club writes to us as Follows: -
As you are doubtless aware, persistent rumours have recently been circulated respecting the play of out team against Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday, and it has been freely suggested that out team did all they possibly could to allow the Rovers to win, and thereby increase their chances of remaining in the First Division of the League at the expense of Grimsby. The directors are naturally very much concerned at this suggestion and determined to probe the matter to the bottom. The whole of the members of out team taking part in that match have been separately examined by a full meeting of our board, and most exhaustive inquires have also been made elsewhere, with a view to ascertaining the truth or otherwise of such charges, and the unanimous conclusion is that there is no evidence to support the allegation that our players stood down on that occasion.
EVERTON v LIVERPOOL LEEK
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 23 April 1903
A friendly match will be played at Goodison Park this evening between the above teams, and the following has been selected to represent Everton;- A.N. Other, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Clayton, Clark and Farrell, half-backs; Morton, Hammond, Spence, Donohue, and Mainman, forwards. Kick-off at 6 p.m.
THE EVERTON – ROVERS MATCH
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 23 April 1903
A letter from Mr. Cuff, secretary of the Everton Football Club, to the Press, says;- “As you are doubtless aware, persistent rumours have recently been circulated respecting the play of our team against Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday, and it has been freely suggested that out team did all they possibly could to allow the Rovers to win, and thereby increase their chance of remaining in the First Division of the League at the expense of Grimsby. The directors are naturally very much concerned at this suggestion and determined to probe the matter to the bottom. The whole of the members of our team taking part in that match have been separately examined by a full meeting of our board, and most exhaustive inquiries have also been made elsewhere, with a view to ascertaining the truth or otherwise of such charges, and the unanimous conclusion is that there is not evidence to support the allegation that our players stood down on that occasion.”
PLAYING TO WIN
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 23 April 1903
Mr. W. C. Cuff, the secretary of the Everton Football Club, has undoubtedly given pleasure to the Liverpool football public by his emphatic denial of the “persistent rumours” that on a recent occasion the Everton players deliberately lost a match with the Blackburn Rovers. The directors of the club have investigated the matter with the view of ascertaining if there is the slightest ground for suspicion, and have come to the conclusion that the suggestion is wholly without foundation. All who are jealous of the high reputation of the Everton Club will be glad of this intimation. The fact that the players might have been prompted to such unsportsmanlike conduct by a feeling of sympathy for the plight of a celebrated organisation which had fallen upon evil days is not of supreme importance. The act itself, and not the motive, forms the basis upon which the team would be judged. The most merciless critics have never even suggested that a single Everton player has been guilty of the meanness of taking a bribe for contributing to a fiasco involving nothing less than a fraud upon the public. The worst allegation has been that out of consideration for a team of great traditions temporarily in danger of sinking into the Second Division of the League, the Goodison-park organisation played in such lackadaisical and easy-going fashion as to ensure their opponents the victory. Sympathy under such conditions is chivalrous and laudable, but if construed into action it would be decidedly reprehensible. The spectators constitute an element which cannot be left out of the argument., They pay to see two teams play their best to win, and if from any cause whatever one side intentionally loses, the public are to that extent deceived, And there is yet another aspect of the case which ought not to be lost sight of in these calculations. What becomes of the team which, in consequence of such arrangements, is condemned to degradation for at least twelve months? It has probably displayed on the field form sufficient to ensure the retention of its first class status, and yet it is relegated to second-rate company through no fault whatever of its own. Active sympathy for one club would involve gross injustice to another, and it is satisfactory to learn on official authority that no Everton player has descended to such questionable courses, That such things have occurred even in comparatively recent football history cannot, unfortunately, be denied. There is a noted instance on record in which two League clubs, absolutely secure of their position in the event of a match in which they were both engaged ending in a draw, converted the game into a mere burlesque. The temptation in that case was particularly great, because the clubs in question were fighting, or rather intriguing, for very existence; but their conduct was none the less open to the gravest censure. But though such incidents are most deplorable, they are, in another sense, a tribute to the excellence of the League system. No longer can one or two clubs tower above their fellows and monopolise the honours of the football world. The slight difference between the records of the last half-dozen League clubs at the close of each season is shown by this desperate struggle for single points. The stimulus of weekly competition has levelled up the teams to such an extent that a generally higher standard of football is witnessed, and the public in the end get better value for their money. Mediocre play in a particular match is readily excused by the considerate spectator, who knows that players cannot always be tuned to concert pitch. It is only when extraordinarily poor form is shown in games in which such important interests as the status of a club for a whole season are at stake that the public are apt to get suspicious. The Everton players may assuredly regard it as a proof of the high estimation in which they are held that throughout this regrettable controversy no imputation has ever been made upon their personal honour, and even that the: charge of sympathy for old-time rivals was carried to inordinate and quite unpardonable lengths has now been found by the directors to be baseless.
EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL LEEK 1
April 24, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
This match for the benefit of the Leek club, was played at Goodison park last evening before a fair attendance. The home team tried several local players, while Leek were well represented. Spence started for Everton, who early pressed. Morton centred well, but the ball was sent over the bar. Afterwards the Leek had a turn, Griffiths causing the Everton custodian to handle. A little later Edwards sent in from long range, Peck clearing. At the other end Bell, just missed with a good shot, and soon afterwards had the bad luck to twice hit the Leek post. The visitors retaliated Griffiths sending close, while Elston was conspicuous with good work. Play was very contested, both sides showing good form. The forwards played cleverly but lost chances of scoring. Bell Mainman and Morton put good work by Everton at the interval neither side had score. On resuming the visitors took up the running the left wing being prominent with some good combination. Once Elston had a grand opening, but sent wide. Everton were then dangerous, but the Leek defence prevailed and after about a quarter of an hour plays Elston opened the scoring for the Welsh men. Shortly afterwards however, Bell equlised from close range. Each end afterwards was visited in rapid succession, Everton having rather the better of matters, but the respective defenders were very safe, and nothing further was scored. It was an interesting game, each side possessing some very capable players. Result Everton 1 Liverpool Leek 1. Everton: - Dent, goal, Gordon, and Wildman, backs, Clayton, Clark, and Farrell, half-backs, Morton, Hammond, Spence, Bell, and Mainman, forwards. Leeks: - Arthur Lloyd goal, G.Lamb, and W.R.Williams, backs, R.B.Fry, G.Taylor, and Geo Otty, half-backs, H.Griffiths, J.Brown, E.Lloyd Edwards, C.Chadwick, and A.Elston, forwards.
HARDMAN
Bournemouth Daily Echo - Friday 24 April 1903
H.P. Hardman. Blackpool’s amateur outside left, has been transferred to Everton.
THE GRIMSBY-BLACKBURN ROVERS CONTROVERSY
Hull Daily Mail - Friday 24 April 1903
“I see another team is complaining about the things that have been said about them. I refer to Everton and the manner in which Blackburn Rovers beat them at Goodison Park by just the number of goals they wanted to make themselves safe. The result did want some explaining away, but the directors have examined all the players separately, and they are satisfied that there is no truth in the allegations that were made. It would be interesting to know whether Grimsby are satisfied. From what I hear they have every reason to be dissatisfied not only with the result of the Everton match, but also that between Bury and the Rovers at Bury. It must be remembered that the Rovers had only ten men in the first half, and yet they drew. Further than this, Bury secured a penalty from which the ball was sent yards wide of the Rovers’ goal, whilst a few minutes from time, when Bury were leading, one of the Bury backs deliberately fisted the ball down, and the Rovers scored from the penalty.” In connection with the Everton v Blackburn Rovers match, in which it is alleged Everton allowed Blackburn to win, Mr. Bellamy of Grimsby, has had an important interview with the Everton chairman, details of which will appear in to-morrow’s “Mail.”
HEYWOOD UNITED v EVERTON RESERVE
Heywood Advertiser - Friday 24 April 1903
United concluded their season’s engagements by meeting the strong reserve team of the Everton Club at Crimble Vale. Only a moderate number of spectators were present, the opening of the cricket season having doubtless taken away a number of spectators. The homesters played throughout the match with great dash, and completely outplayed the Evertonians, greatly to their surprise. Mr. W. Seddon of Bolton was the referee, and at his whistle the teams lined up as below;-
Heywood United; McGregor, goal; Burgess, and J. Cowburn, backs; Warburton, R. Cowburn, and Thorpe, half-backs; Brearley, Poulston, Morgan, Lee, and Lawrence, forwards.
Everton;- Dent, goal; Jordan and Wildman, backs; Clarke, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Dixon, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Wolfe, forwards.
Playing down the incline but with a cross wind against them, United early on gave a taste of their quality. A good effort by the centre and right wing took play to the Everton goal, and Brearley struck the post with a capital shot at goal. Then the Everton left made way for the home goal, but the defence was sound; Cowburn kicking down the field. Clever work by Poulston and Lee gave the former a chance, and he shot into goal. The custodian saved and a smart attack ended in a short tussle in goalmouth, the ball going out to Brearley. He steadied himself, and shot into the net well away from the Everton custodian. Not long after this Brearley was again noticeable, and after his efforts Morgan had an open goal, but shot by. McGregor brought off a grand save from a crowd of opponents. A pretty passing run by the Everton forwards ended in a capital cross by Wolfe and in attempting to clear, Burgess almost sent into his own goal, McGregor tipping over the bar. The ball travelled quickly, both custodians effecting good clearances. Poulston netted the ball from an off-side position. The Heywood forwards were always dangerous in close quarters. Poulston headed into the goalkeeper’s hands, Dent effecting a smart clearance. Lawrence struck the upright and Poulston meeting it again beat Dent at short range. Just on time United got a corner, and Thorpe placed nicely. About half a dozen players headed the ball in goal mouth, and then an Evertonian steered it into the net, thus giving the United a lead of three goals. Everton tried hard to get through the home defence before the interval, but they could not do so, and the United turned round with a lead of three goals to nil. Immediately on the resumption Heywood were in the Everton quarters, and Brealey called on Dent to save in the first minute. Rankin ran well with the ball, but Thorpe stuck to him and impeded his final effort, the ball going yards wide. From a throw-in Dilly had a chance, but his final effort was very badly directed. Everton played too easily, their short passing being upset by the bustling tactics of the home men. Dilly was noticeable for a splendid dribble, ending with a terrific shot, which McGregor cleared beautifully. Then play was transferred, and Dent had to give a corner, United continued to have the best of matters but the Evertonians were defending well, Dent being applauded for a fine save on the ground. Morgan again had a clear goal and should have scored, but he failed to take the chance, shooting wide of the posts. Lee was prominent by good work and beat Dent for the fourth time. Before the end came he secured a fifth point, and Dilly scored for Everton.
Result; Heywood United 5 Everton Reserve 2.
EVERTON COMBINATION v LIVERPOOL LEEK
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 24 April 1903
This friendly encounter took place last evening at Goodison Park, before a meagre attendance. Leek won the toss, Spencer kicking off for Everton. The opening exchanges were of a desultory character. Bell had hard lines with a couple of shots, both going but a trifle wide. At the other end, Edwards tested the home custodian with a grand shot, which Peek negotiated in masterly fashion. The pressure was maintained by Leek for a little time, Lamb nearly opening the score on one occasion. Everton at length got going, and the Leek goalkeeper (Lloyd) was severely troubled, but with the aid of Williams and Lamb the threatened danger was nicely averted, and, the visitors’ front rank getting possession, play was taken to the other end, where Lloyd Edwards shot in strongly, Peck effecting a neat save. As the interval drew nigh both teams made strenuous endeavours to obtain a goal, but without result, half-time arriving with a clean sheet. Resuming Leek pressed, and Elston, with the goal at his mercy, shot wide. Bell, at the other end, shot high over the bar. After fifteen minutes from the restart Elston defeated Peck. Bell equalised. Nothing further was registered.
Final; Everton 1 goal, Liverpool Leek 1.
A BLACKPOOL PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 24 April 1903
Hardman, of Blackpool, will in future play for Everton. He appeared early in the week in a second eleven match for them, and it was quite expected that if he had gone to Everton some other league team would have snapped him up. Hardman was but 21, and had played for Blackpool for about four seasons.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACK LANE TEMERANCE 2
April 25, 1903. The Liverpool Football Echo
Lancashire Combination
Everton concluded there season this afternoon, meeting Black Lane Temperance in a combination match. The weather was gloriously fine, and there was a very good attendance of spectators, Everton gave a trial to a new goalkeeper, and two backs. Young set the ball in motion for Everton, and ten minutes later, and Rankin at once made a claim in the visitor's goal. Rankin centring nicely, but Fletcher relieved by kicking in to touch. For some minutes Everton continued to press, and a fine concerted run by the forwards ended in two corners being granted, but both proved absortive. A sudden burst, but send away by the visitors newly ended in disaster to the homester, but Murray cleared in time. The Evertonians were soon back at Black lane's goal, and the lather had several narrow escapes, through shooting of the Evertonians was at times rather erratic. After the visitors had an abortive corner, a fine single headed run was made by Rankin, which ended in a corner. From the corner kick Sheridan shot in beautiful, but it was well saved. The visitors at last broke away, and Stanhope scored a good goal. This reverse roused the home team, and getting away finely from the centre McEwan equalised with a grand shot. After this Everton had nearly all the play and shot after shot was sent in, on one occasion the ball hit the crossbar, Young missed a fine opening when he had no one to beat, but the goalkeeper, his final attempt being weak. The homesters tried hard to gain the lead and after another fine run by Rankin MvEwan scored a second goal from Rankins centre, after Young had just failed. Half-time Everton 2, Black lane 1. Final result Everton 5, Black lane 2.
Everton: - Dent, goal, Gordon and Murray, backs, Clayton, Clark, and Farrell, half-backs, Rankin, A.N.Other Young, Hammond, and McEwan, forwards.
TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 25 April 1903
Everton v Portsmouth
Friendly match at Portsmouth; Kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Dilly, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
(The same team will oppose Bury at Bury, on Monday in the final of the Lancashire Cup; Kick-off 5.45)
Everton Combination v Black Lane Temperance
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; 3.30
Everton.- Dent, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Clayton, Clark, and Farrell, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, A.N. Other, Hammond, and McEwan, forwards.
Liverpool Casuals v Old Xaverians
Lancashire Amateur League Championship
On the Everton Ground, Goodison Park; kicked-off 5 p.m.
FRIENDLY AT FRATTON PARK
Football Mail (Portsmouth) - Saturday 25 April 1903
PORTSMOUTH v EVERTON
As both the above clubs had a vacancy this afternoon they fixed up a friendly match at Fratton Park. The weather was delightfully fine, and about 8,000 people patronised the match. Both sides were powerfully represented, but Portsmouth took the field with Brown, whose place was filled by McDonald. Some disappointment was expressed when it became known that Jack Bell, of the C.B. Fry-Bell incident fame, would not assist his side. The vacancy was filled by hardman, the latest recruit from Blackpool. Crelly also stood down and Balmer was partnered by Henderson, the old Reading and Southampton back. Sergeant Coleby referred and the teams were as follows;
Portsmouth; Reilly; Burgess, Wilkie; Stringfellow, Chadwick, Houlker; Marshall, Cunliffe, McDonald, W. Smith, S. Smith.
Everton; Whitley; Balmer, Henderson; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Dilly, Settle, Hardman.
Booth won the toss and the visitors had the advantage of the wind during the first half, Portsmouth were the first to show up, and Steve Smith, getting away, sent across a beautiful centre which travelled right across the goalmouth, and was missed in turn by both McDonald and Cunliffe. Directly afterwards Chadwick took a pass from W. Smith and compelled Whitley to punt away a dangerous low shot. Everton had a turn at pressing and Chadwick conceded a corner in clearing a beautiful centre from Sharp. From the flag kick the ball rebounded to Wolstenholme, who drove in a fine shot, which caused Reilly some trouble. Everton continued to press, and from a centre by hardman, Taylor headed just over the crossbar. A free kick gave Portsmouth some relief, but as Wilkie had to leave the field after seven minutes play, the game naturally went strongly in Everton’s favour. Dilly broke away, but missed a fine opportunity by shooting too high. Wilkie returned after an absence of five minutes, and as he resumed his play, Settle retired into the dressing room, limping slightly. For a few minutes play was confined to midfield, the feature of the game being the fine back play on either side. Settle soon returned and being at full strength again, Everton had slightly the best of matters. Reilly cleared a capital centre from Hardman, and Taylor twice shot over from long range. Offside twice stopped the Everton right wing when they were dangerous, and at the other end Cunliffe nearly scored with a beautiful shot, but Whitley saved in very smart fashion. Portsmouth were having a full share of the play in spite of the wind, and following a splendid centre by Cunliffe. Steve Smith obtained possession, and tested the Everton goalkeeper with a shot from close quarters, which struck Whitley, and rebounded to W. Smith, who just failed to get through, in spite of a plucky effort. Portsmouth were playing better football, and towards half time their passing was splendidly executed, especially between Stringfellow and the right wing pair. Another run and centre by Steve smith should have been turned to account, but Cunliffe waited too long, and the opportunity was lost. Reilly was loudly applauded for a sensational clearance from Settle and Dilly and right up to half-time Everton attacked in spirited fashion. There was not the best of feeling between some of the players, Houlker being at loggerheads with Taylor, and Marshall and Abbott keeping a watchful eye on each other. A minute before the interval, Settle cleverly trickled a couple of opponents and beat Reilly with a fast shot all along the ground. Half-time; Everton 1 Portsmouth 0.
Portsmouth soon took up the attack on the game being resumed and from a free kick for a foul by Taylor on Houlker, for which the Evertonian was cautioned by the referee, Steve Smith shot behind. Whitley had to put away a long shot from W. Smith, and after Everton had taken a fruitless corner from a sudden breakaway by Sharp the ball was rapidly taken to the other end by the Pompey right wing. Cunliffe eventually finished with a smashing drive, but Whitley saved, after the ball had apparently crossed the line. However, the referee ruled against the locals, who continued to press hotly for several minutes. Chadwick sent in to Whitley’s hands from 30 yards range, and W. Smith followed with a fine effort, but missed by a foot too high. The Everton defence was kept busily employed, Steve Smith being the chief source of danger. McDonald headed over the bar after Whitley had twice fisted away from a beautifully placed corner by the Pompey left wing. Dilly was pulled up for offside, when he attempted to change the venue, and then, after 17 minutes’ play, Cunliffe broke away in characteristic fashion, and, although hustled by Henderson, he beat Whitley with a magnificent shot, this equalising the scores. Portsmouth should have had a second goal within a minute of resuming, but Steve Smith stumble, when he had only Whitley to beat after the ball had been centred by Marshall. Portsmouth were having matters much their own way, and McDonald had hard lines with a shot that went on the top of the net. Taylor was again spoken to by the referee, and the Everton player came in for a lot of criticism from the crowd, which now numbered quite 12,000. Portsmouth were now pressing tremendous hard, but they could not score. Once W. Smith had the goal absolutely at his mercy, but he shot tamely into Whitley’s hands. The locals confidently claimed a penalty against Balmer for hands, but the referee was again against Portsmouth. Faulty shooting, chiefly on the part of McDonald, spoilt two or three good openings for Portsmouth, but credit must also be given to the visitors for their sterling defence. On one occasion Whitley fumbled a shot from Marshall but the ball just went over the cross-bar. Later on the Everton goalkeeper saved from McDonald by tipping the leather over the bar. During this half Portsmouth had enjoyed more than three fourths of the play and it was extraordinary that only one goal should have been scored by then. Little retired some little time before the finish. Everton were having a turn at pressing when the whistle went for time. Result; Portsmouth 1 Everton 1.
EVERTON’S PLAYERS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 April 1903
The Everton players re-engaged for next season, so far, are;- Kitchen, Whitley, Crelly, Gordon, Wolstenholme, Russell, Abbott, Makepeace, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Sheridan, and Rankin. I take it that the majority of these are intended for the second team only. Gordon is the sole new man among them. More new blood will be wanted for next season, unless Everton desire to get into the Second Division. Why not try a change of management, too? The directors are ready enough to change the team; they never change themselves; but I warn them that at the annual meeting there will be clearances- the exasperated supporter of the club means business-so some of them had better make a virtue of necessity. There is no room for well-paid berths at Everton for failures in other walks in life.
NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Cheshire Daily Echo - Saturday 25 April 1903
H. Hardman, the amateur outside left of Blackpool, has promised to play for Everton next season. Hardman, who has been with Blackpool three seasons, has the reputation of being one of the best men in his position in the Second Division, and several clubs were anxious to sign the player as an a amateur for they teams.
PORTSMOTH 1 EVERTON 1
April 27, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Everton's visit to Portsmouth on Saturday, in view of their defeat of the Southerners in the cup ties, aroused great interest, and a large crowd (6,000) witnessed the game. Hardman and Henderson replaced Bell, and Crelly, and Portsmouth played McDonald at centre vice Brown. The visitors won the toss, and had the wind and sun at their backs. Portsmouth were the first to attack, and a pretty centre by Steve Smith was badly missed by all their forwards. Everton then pressed. Wilkie diverted a shot by Sharp for a corner, and Reilly saved splendidly from Wolstenholme. Taylor headed wide, and a foul against Dilly brought relief for Portsmouth. The Blues were displaying superior combination in a rather slow game, and were much smarter on the ball. Sharp shot tamely when nicely placed, and Taylor followed suit Settle eventually scored and Everton led by a goal to nothing at the interval. Play was well contested in the second portion, during which Cunliffe equalised. Result Portsmouth 1 Everton 1 . Everton: - Whitley, W.Balmer, and Crelly backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Sheridan, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Portsmouth: - Reilly goal, Fry and Wilkie backs, Stringfellow, Chadwick, and Houlier, half-backs, Marshall, Cunliffe, Brown Wheldon, and S.Smith, forwards.
EVERTON RESERVE DEFEAT BLACK LANE
Athletic News - Monday 27 April 1903
By Junius
The Everton combination eleven managed to defeat Black Lane Temperance after a very tame game by 5 goals to 2. Play in the first half was very ragged, the home forwards in particular being extremely culpable, and as a result the visitors were the first to score through Stanhope. McEwan, however, added a couple before the interval, and afterwards the Everton players infused more energy into their work. Sheridan, McEwan, and Rankin scored in the second half, whilst Chatburn obtained one from a penalty for the “Laners” In the forward division Everton were very faulty, and though Young was played in the centre, he was far from being a success. The extreme wing men, McEwan and Rankin, were the most conspicuous figures in this department, and the former had the felicity of obtaining three of the five goals secured by his side. At half-back, Chadwick in the centre, gave a fair exhibition, and of the full backs Murray on the left wing overshadowed the new recruit, Gordon, who was inclined to take matters with too great a degree of complacency. In goal another new-comer in Halliwell was given a trial, and he shaped very well. For the losers, Ramsden, at inside right, was clever, and by far the most effective individual in the front line, Stanhope, at centre half proved a rare defender, whilst further in the rear the Fosters, respectively at right back and in goal, were in good form, the custodian in particular rendering splendid service.
OLD RIVALS AT FRATTON
April 27, 1903. The Portsmouth Evening News
Pompey v. Everton
About five thousands spectators turned up at Fratton Park to witness this friendly encounter. Everton it will be remembered, were drawn against Portsmouth in the Cup-tie and upon the match being played at Goodison Park, poor Pompey succumbed in alarming fashion by five goals to nothing. The present friendly was arranged with the idle of proving that Portsmouth were not quite so much inferior as the score would seem to indicate. Portsmouth were not at full strength, McDonald having to play centre forward in the absence of both Burnett and Brown. Everton turned up with Bell and Crelly, and in their place Hardman and Henderson operated. The teams took the field as under;-
Portsmouth;- Reilly; Burgess, and Willkie; Stringfellow, Chadwick, Houlker; Marshall, Cunliffe, McDonald, W. Smith, and S. Smith. Everton; Whitley; Henderson and Balmer; Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Dilly, Settle, and Hardman. Referee; Sergeant Coleby. Interesting Start
Portsmouth lost the toss, and the visitors had the benefit of a stiff breeze in the first half. The ground as very hard and fast, and the game opened in interesting style. After Whitley had saved a smart shot from W. Smith, the visitors got going, and Reilly had a beauty to stop from Settle. A corner to the visitors followed, and they pressed hotly. Dilly profiting by a mistake by Chadwick and running straight through. He, however, shot too soon, and the ball passed harmlessly over the cross-bar. Just afterwards Taylor also sent high, and then Portsmouth had a look in; but the Everton half-backs and backs played a very fine game ever, from one of Steve Smith's pretty runs, Marshall had a good chance, but lost the ball into touch. Just afterwards W. Smith should have shot, but left it too long, and was robbed by Henderson. Neither team appeared particularly anxious to over-exert themselves, and consequently the game was not brim full of interest, although occasionally pretty bouts of football were witnessed. The Everton forwards lost no opportunity of getting in a shot, whenever within range, and as a general rule their marksmanship was pretty accurate.
Not Much Danger
McDonald, following a smart attack by Pompey, had a soft shot easily cleared, but Whitley had more difficulty with a clever drive from Cunliffe, who had a good opening after a clever piece of passing. Hardman got in two ripping cross-shots, which Reilly negotiated, and play passed from end to end without much danger accruing to either side. Well on towards the end of the half, Whitley had decidedly lucky escapes. The ball was passed across from the right wing, and Steve Smith had a clear opening. He shot hard, and the ball cannoning off W. Smith came to him from an unexpected angle, and he only just managed to get it away in time. Towards the end if the half Everton set up a brisk attack, and Reilly was twice in difficulties before being finally beaten by a splendid shot by Settle. The whilst sounded soon after. Half-time; Portsmouth 0, Everton 1.
Resuming the game opened in more prominent. One of the men was spoken to by the referee for a foul on Houlker, and from the free kick Portsmouth got down, and Whitley saved a fine shot from Cunliffe, and directly afterwards another from Stringfellow. Portsmouth were having the best of the game, and Chadwick got in a fine drive which the goalkeeper negotiated. The Portsmouth defence was next hard pressed, but Houlkner cleared from right in the goal-mouth. The pace was much faster than in the first half, and the game was more interesting, both teams putting more steam behind their efforts. W. Smith had hard lines with a long shot which passed just over the top of the bar, and Cunliffe and Marshall both had good triers, but were stopped by the visitors backs.
Cunliffe's Lovely Shot
Play was chiefly confirmed to the Everton half, and once, from a corner neatly placed by Steve Smith, only hard luck prevented Portsmouth from equalizing, the ball being headed just over the cross-bar from a scrimmage in front of the goalmouth. Play had been in progress just over a quarter of an hour when Portsmouth went down in fine style, and Cunliffe got in a lovely shot which Whitley handled, but was unable to stop, the ball passing into the net. A corner to Portsmouth was cleared, and the visitors made a big effort, but their forwards were splendidly checked by the half-backs and where Everton were again compelled to defend, Balmer gave away a corner to Marshall, but this came to nothing, but Everton transferred operations, but were again beaten back, and McDonald shot just over the top of the bar.
No More Scoring
A couple of fouls against the visitors enabled Portsmouth to set up a steady bombardment, and Whitley saved two splendid shots from Cunliffe and W. Smith. Portsmouth continued to enjoy more than their fair share of the game, but at length Everton broke away, and Burgess had to clear into touch. From the throw-in, Portsmouth transferred play to the other end, and a foul being given in their favour against Taylor, Steve Smith took another corner, which as usual, came to nothing. McDonald missed a good opening after Stringfellow had a fine shot headed away by Henderson. A few minutes before time Whitley conceded a corner, in stopping a shot from Marshall and another in dealing with a fast drive from McDonald. Neither of these were improved upon, but Portsmouth continued pressing right on until the end. There was no further scoring the game ending in a draw, the final score reading;
Portsmouth 1, Everton 1
BURY 1 EVERTON 0
April 28, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Cup Final
At Bury before 7000 spectators. Bury were minus Sagar and Montieth and Settle and Crelly were absentee from the Everton team. The cup-holders were the more aggressive during the first half, but Whalley was in splendid fashion and kept the goal intact. Everton showed improved form after the interval but 30 minutes from the finish Leeming scored the only goal of the match. Everton: - Whitley goal, W.Balmer, and Henderson, backs Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Dilly, Sheridan and Bell, forwards.
BLACKPOOL AND EVERTON
Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Tuesday 28 April 1903
TROUBLE OVER HARDMAN’S TRANSFER
There appears likely to be trouble over the removal of “Jubba” Hardman from the Blackpool Football Club to the ranks of Everton. “The “Athletic News” yesterday contained the following comments;-
“It has been announced that John Hardman the outside left of Blackpool, will play for Everton next season. By whose authority this statement was made we have no knowledge, but the Blackpool Club have never been approached or consulted in the matter. We are quite aware that Hardman is an amateur, but it seems strange that he should, of his own free motion, apply to Everton for a trial. There upon, Everton briefly inform Blackpool that they intend to play Hardman in a Combination match as an experiment. Blackpool did not give consent, but Hardman was played, and then Blackpool were curtly desired to sign his transfer and oblige Everton. Blackpool have not given that transfer form. This hardly seems the courtesy due from one League club to another, and we presume that Blackpool will have to pay any sum up to £100 to fill Hardman’s place. Surely the League cannot sanction this kind of procedure. Why did Hardman write to Everton? He resides in Blackpool, and is professionally engaged in Manchester. How does his active sympathy with Everton arise?
This is apparently the case from the Blackpool club’s point of view, but possible Hardman may have something to say in the matter. It is well known that he has not been satisfied with the support given to him by the half backs, and there are said to be other reasons for his desire to leave the club.
THE ROVERS AND EVERTON FIASCO
Grimsby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 28 April 1903
THE “TELEGRAPH” ARTICLE CAUSES A SENSATION IN THE FOOTBALL WORLD
THE ROVERS SECRETARY DENIES THE CHARGE
As we expected, the article dealing with the fiasco match has caused a mild sensation in the football world, and the subject was the one topic of conversation in Blackburn and Liverpool yesterday. Copies of the “Football Telegraph” has been sent to every Official and Club Secretary of the League, and the interview brought under the notice of the officials of the Football Association. The following Press extracts speak for themselves;-
A FOOTBALL STORM
ROVERS AND THE EVERTON MATCH
REMARKABLE CHARGES FROM GRIMSBY
DENIAL BY THE ROVERS SECRETARY
(From the Blackburn “Telegraph”)
A Grimsby contemporary devotes a whole column to what s termed the “Everton-Rovers” Fiasco,” referring to the Easter Monday League match at Goodison Park between Everton and the Blackburn Rovers. It is stated that during the match one of the Everton officials begged the Press to record the fact that they (the officials) had nothing to do with the exhibition the players were making of themselves. Our contemporary, after drawing the inference from this and other circumstances that some of the Everton players had been “got at” to throw the game away, calls for a “searching inquiry” of “the whole miserable business.” Regret is expressed that the Grimsby club have decided not to report it; “but this is not a mere club question and any League club may be the victim of the same sort of thing as Grimsby, and suffer reduction to the Second Division by successfully approaching and gaining the help of clubs who ought on form to win, but who openly and deliberately, as in the case of Bury and Everton, gave the game away.” Having thus anticipated the inquiry asked for, our contemporary goes on to afford what are described as “proofs” as opposed to rumours. First is given a report of a “remarkable conversation” alleged to have taken place in London between a Grimsby director (Mr. W.H. Bellany) and Mr. Clayton, the chairman of the directors of the Everton club. The story as related by Mr. Clayton is said to be that the Everton chairman told him in the presence of others, that Mr. Walmsley, the Rovers secretary came to the Everton ground some time before the match and had a talk with Mr. Cuff, the secretary mentioning the Rovers’ serious position and their desire to win the match. Mr. Cuff telephoned to him (Mr. Clayton), who went down to the pavilion and met Mr. Cuff, who said, “Mr. Walmsley is here from the Rovers, and they went to make arrangements to win this match.” Mr. Clayton replied. “If Rovers win this match they will do so on their merits.” Mr. Clayton then saw Mr. Walmsley who repeated to him what he had said to Mr. Cuff about the importance of the match to the Rovers and added that it would be better for Everton that the Rovers should stop in the First Division in preference to Grimsby, because they were a Lancashire club and also because the travelling expenses in the away match would be much less. Mr. Clayton then told Mr. Walmsley that if the Rovers won they must win on their merits, and he (Mr. Clayton) would not be a party to any arrangement. Mr. Clayton then went into the dressing tent and told the players they must play to win. Owing to the absence of a linesman, he (Mr. Clayton) officiated, and was so disgusted with what he saw that at the interval he cautioned the Everton players that if they did not use their best efforts to win something more would be heard of it, as he would not put up with any more of what he had seen in the first half. The second half, however, was as bad as the first, and Mr. Clayton told his fellow directors that he would sever his connection with the club unless a full inquiry was held. Our contemporary concludes this indictment of Blackburn Rovers and Everton by inquiring whether Mr. Clayton was satisfied with what it terms the “farcical inquiry of a few days ago? Mr. Walmsley the Rovers secretary, entirely reputing the interpretation placed upon the conversation at Everton. He denies emphatically that there was any attempt to effect any “arrangement” by which the Rovers were to win the match and says that the only remarks made prior to the game were such as “Don’t be too hard on us today,” and had no meaning such as has been applied to them. He challenges Mr. Clayton or anyone else in the Everton club to say whether there was ever a suggestion of financial considerations such as would naturally accompany a proposition of that character. Mr. Walmsley also denies the suggestion which has also been made that there was collusion between the respective captains of the teams. He has no knowledge of it.
GRIMSBY STATEMENT DENIED
“Sporting Chronicle”
A sensation has been caused in football circles in Blackburn by the publication in a Grimsby newspaper of a statement by Mr. Bellamy a director of the Grimsby club. That gentleman in relating a conversation between himself, and Mr. Clayton chairman of the Everton directorate, says the latter gentleman, describing a visit from Mr. Walmsley (Blackburn Rovers secretary) just before the Everton-Rovers match on Easter Monday, tried to “arrange” the match but that he (Mr. Clayton) replied that if the Rovers won it would have to be upon their merits. Mr. Walmsley, questioned to-day about the matter, gave an unqualified denial to the interpretation put upon his conversation with Mr. Clayton, and emphatically denies having attempted to “square” the match. He also repudiates the suggestion that the leading players of the team were in collusion.
A GRAVE CHARGE FROM GRIMSBY
“Sheffield Daily Telegraph”
From time to time I have written strongly in these columns upon what seemed to me to be a wilful throwing away of League points in order that good might be done to otherwise hopeless neighbours. What has been said has roused not a little interest, and in Saturday’s edition of the “Grimsby Football Telegraph” there appeared what forms a distinctly serious charge against the honour of one of the officials of the Blackburn Rovers Club. It is a charge made on the authority of Mr. W.H. Bellamy, one of the directors of the Grimsby Club, and who has for some years been very well known in connection with the Football Association. There is no used to go into the matter now, but it may be mentioned that the directors were the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Clayton and Mr. Wright.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP-FINAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 28 April 1903
BURY v EVERTON
At Bury, last evening, in dull weather, before about 7.000 spectators, neither team being at full strength. Sagar and Monteith being absent from the Bury team, their places being taken by Lamberton and Montgomery; whilst; Sheridan replaced Settle, and Balmer Crelly. Despite the slippery turf the pace was a fast one. The Bury men quickly showed they were in grand form, and Whitley was early tested, and it was only the splendid goalkeeping of the Everson custodian that prevented a big score. Twice on the ground did he clear from Richards, and a minute later he tipped over the bar a corner. Just before the interval Montgomery effected a brilliant save from McEwan, and the pressure was relieved. On resuming, after the interval, each end was visited in quick succession, the defence on both sides being excellent. Everton were now show improved form, and the home backs were repeatedly in difficulties. The cupholder’s efforts were at length rewarded. With thirty minutes to play, from a capital centre by Richards, Leeming beat Whitley with a low shot. Everton made strenuous efforts to equalise, but were unable to penetrate the home defence, Lindsay especially being good. Result; Bury 1 goal. Everton nil
Mr. Woolfall presented the cup. After the match hundreds of persons gathered in front of the headquarters of the Bury team, who, after having had tea. returned to Bytham, where they will remain until tomorrow, when they will proceed direct to Manchester to play in the Manchester Cup final.
BRENTFORD NEW MANAGER
Morning Leader- Wednesday April 29 1903
We learn upon good authority that the new manager selected for the Brentford next season is Mr. Dick Molyneux who has, we believe been connected with the Everton club for several years.
SESATIONAL STATEMENT RESPECTING EVERTON
The Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday April 29 1903
In connection with a recent game played by Everton and Blackburn Rovers, when the latter badly wanted a couple of points to keep them in the F.L., First Division, some serious statements have appeared in various provincial newspapers. In addition to these the Grimsby “Football Telegraph” has given a report of a long interview with the Grimsby hon. financial secretary respecting a conversation between the chairman of the Everton club and the Grimsby hon. financial secretary. From the remarks attributed to the Everton chairman. I extract the following;-
“I was fully disgusted with what I saw, and at half-time I went to the tent and cautioned the players, and told them that if they did not use their best efforts to win something more would be heard of it, as I would not put up with any more of what I had seen in the first half. The second half was about as bad as the first, and I told my fellow directors that if a full inquiry and report was not made I should sever my connection with the club.’ Mr. Wright said he intended doing the same, and Mr. Clayton (Everton chairman) concluded, ‘You can rest assured that I and Mr. Wright will sever our connection with the club if the inquiry is not held.” The Everton club hold such a prominent position in the world of football that its directors are bound to thoroughly sift all the reports that have been made about the suggested “arrangements.” The result will be interesting in view of the chairman’s warning to the players.
NORTHWICH DISTRICT 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 30, 190. The Liverpool Courier
At Northwich, last evening in aid of a infirmary. Their Northwich team included several old Wychers who have attended some prominence, namely Broomfoeld (Bolton) Boden (Glossop) and Elmore (West Bromwich). The Everton team was largely imposed of Lancashire Combination players. Brimfield saved three good shots, and then Elmore scored for Northwich, from a free kick. Northwich leading one to nil at half-time. After seven minutes play in the second half, Harris scored a second, the Everton backs mulled, and Harris add a third for the District, who did the bulk of the attacking, and won by three goals to nil.
NORTHWICH DISTRICT v EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 30 April 1903
At Northwich last night, in aid of the Infirmary. The Northwich team included several old Wychers who have attained some prominence -namely, Broomfield (Bolton) in goal, Boden (Glossop) and Elmore (West Bromwich). Everton was largely composed of Lancashire Combination players. Broomfield saved three good shots, and Elmore scored for Northwich from a free kick. At the interval Northwich led by 1 goal to nil. After seven minutes play Harris scored Northwich’s second goal, and then Dixon tested Broomfield, who saved well. The Everton backs mulled, and Harris added a third goal for the District, who enjoyed the bulk of the attack. Result; Northwich 3 goals Everton nil.
THE ALBION’S LAST MATCH
Brighton Gazette - Thursday 30 April 1903
The Brighton and Hove Albion played their last match of the season yesterday (Wednesday) when Everton visited them on their ground for a friendly contest. There was a large attendance of spectators, who were anxious to see what the Albion could do against a good First League team like Everton. The visitors were fairly strong with such men as Settle, the international, and Abbott, and were a smart-looking crowd in their bright blue jerseys. The Albion had the benefit of a fairish breeze in the first half, which from start to finish was characterised by football of the liveliest description. There was a fairly even exchange of compliments following the kick-off. The Albion showed a combination and dash of top-form order, but the visitors seemed to be a bit at sea. A foul against the Albion near goal gave the toffee men the first look in but nothing came of it, and then the Albion twice missed certainties. Their having dodged the backs, fell over the ball with the goal at his mercy, and soon after Taylor, with only the custodian to beat, hesitated to shoot, and was Robbed. Some lively play took place after that in the Albion's quarters. Rankin, the visitors' outside left, was so fast that he was seldom prevented from getting down to the corner and centreing, while Sharp was almost as successful on the other wing. The Everton men, however, shot badly, and though Whitehurst had to fist over once, and handle some smart ones, a bombardment of the Albion goal failed to effect anything. When it had ceased the Albion took up the running, and Thair popping up, from a position that looked perilously like off side, put in a low hard one. The Everton keeper caught it on his chest, and it rebounded on to the post and thence into the goal, leaving the home side one up. Before half-time Thair might have scored again, being left with only the goalkeeper to beat. He however shot from a distance and missed the goal altogether. Half-time came without further progress, although Lamb, who played a superb game at centre half and stopped everyone who came near him, once cleverly turned the ball in a scrimmage round the visitors' goal and shot through the pack into the keeper's arms.
The second half of the game brought a remarkable change. The Albion showed some home-sickness, and were loth to leave their own quarters. Consequently the visitors' backs were kicking from the halfway line, and for quite ten minute. Whitehurst was on tenterhooks. He saved two shots that looked certain to score by acrobatic quickness, and the backs kicking high in front of their own goal once or twice gave the visitors an advantage. At last the inevitable came. Whitehurst saved finely a stinging cross shot from the left wing, but the ball rolled out to centre forward, and the custodian unable to recover himself, Dilly had the goal at his mercy and made no mistake. The Albion bucked up after this, and went down the field in promising style. Garfield, however, was badly laid up by a kick on the wind, but pluckily resumed, and the crowd got up to look like taking the lead again. They had however lost much of the dash they displayed in the first half, and their opponents were fairly on their mettle to play up to their reputation. They met with a stubborn defence, however, and their ultimate victory was a lucky one, as luck goes in football. A stubborn scrimmage in front of the Albion goal left the defenders and several of the forwards in a heap on the ground, and Whitehurst, who had come out to clear, was unable to get the ball, or to return before a visitor placed it in the net. Though losing by two goals to one, the Albion must be credited with a fine display of football, and the general opinion was that the match was one of the finest of the season regarded as football for football's sake. Whitehurst has never played better in goal, nor has Lamb been so invulnerable. Hardman showed capital form at left half, and Thair and Smith were well up to form. Garfield, however, was often missing when Thair expected him, and Taylor was quite off colour. The team as a whole, however, must be congratulated on finishing a successful season in a form that augurs great things for the next.
COLLISION BETWEEN FOOTBALLERS.
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 30 April 1903
Everton Player Seriously Injured.
During the progress of the match between Everton and a Northwich district team at Northwich yesterday Dixon, who was playing outside left for Everton, met with a serious accident. He and one of the Northwich full backs, Upton, endeavoured to head the ball at the same time, with the result that their heads met with considerable force. Dixon had to leave the field, and afterwards became unconscious. He was removed to the Victoria Infirmary, where on inquiry late last night it was ascertained that he was still unconscious, and was suffering from concussion of the brain. His condition was considered rather serious. On inquiry this morning at the infirmary it was ascertained that Dixon had recovered consciousness at four o’clock, and that at eight he was very much better.
Joseph Dixon, the Everton football player, sustained a somewhat severe injury in a match against Northwich District last evening.
EVERTON TOUR
Morning Leader - Thursday 30 April 1903
Flushed with their test match success over Watford, the Brighton and Hove Albion players met Everton in a friendly match yesterday by the seaside. A pleasantly contested game ended in a victory for Everton by 2 goals to 1. The First Leaguers are due at Kensal-rise this evening to meet the Queen’s Park Rangers.
April 1903