EVERTON’S EASY TRIUMPH
Athletic News - Monday 01 April 1907
By Reynard
Sunderland have generally given a good account of themselves against Everton, but on Saturday at Goodison Park, they gave a miserable show. They were beaten at all points of the game, and a score of 4-1 was registered against them by eleven by no means representative of the cup-holders’ full strength. Taylor, Abbott, Sharp. Young, and H. P. Hardman were absentees, and it excellent testimony, therefore, to Everton’s strength that with substitutes in the field for all these five noted players the team was well-balanced enough to give a very fine exhibition in the first half, when they established such commanding lead that they were able to go through the later stages in perfect peace of mind.
SUNDERLAND'S EARLY COLLAPSE.
At the outset there was no indication of the weakness Sunderland were destined to show, for R. Balmer was several times called upon to be skillful in repelling incursions the Wearsider' right wing, and quite early Bridgett lost a golden opportunity by shooting very wide when nicely placed. It was also the right wing of Everton that was first be prominent, a very pretty movement being started by Jones and ended by Donnachie, who sent in a hard shot from a difficult angle. Still, the game was only six minutes old when Everton assumed the upper hand in marked fashion, for, following another tricky effort by Donnachie. There was a scramble close in front of goal, during which several men appeared to have chances of scoring or clearing. Bolton it was that applied the touch necessary to put the 15,000 spectators on good terms with themselves, and from that point Sunderland resembled rebellious schoolboys in the hands of athletic masters. Their efforts were almost ludicrously weak, and Gemmed for half an hour or more gave an exhibition full of mistakes and feebleness.
A RISING CENTRE.
It did not take long for a stranger to be impressed by the fact that Jones, the Everton reserve centre-forward, is a great favouritie with the crowd, or to prove that he is a lad deserving of the good opinions.  Jones is only of medium height, and he is only light, but what there is of him is full of enthusiasm, and his feet are generally jointing towards the goal.  He was wholly responsible for the second goal, Rhodes being quite beaten by his quick manoceuvring, and Ward completely outwitted by an unexpected shot. That occurred at the end of 25 minutes, and after ten more minutes of persistency the relentless Jones added number three by shooting across Ward into the far corner of the net. It was an excellent goal, and on several occasions he came near increasing the lead. Once he beat both Rhodes and Foster and made Ward throw himself full length along the ground in order to save. For ten minutes of the second half Everton continued to set the pace, but when a neatly-placed free kick from against the centre line had enabled Donnachie to make a centre, which Settle met with his head and turned into the net, they calmed down. However, even when they had only relaxed opposition to combat Sunderland gave nothing like a first class display, Gemmed, it is true, was much better than in the first half, but Hogg seemed content to play the part of spectator. The occasions were rare on which he roused himself, and with one man waiting for the work to be done for him, and the four others in only second-rate form, it can easily be understood that the Balmers kept Scott well shielded. Towards the end, however, they were not safe, and, while several simple chances were thrown away, Scott had opportunities of showing some of his skill.  He was beautifully sound in his work, but the last kick but one of the match gave Sunderland a goal. W. Balmer lifted the ball high above his head instead of driving it down the field, and Bridgett, securing it when it fell, scored a "soft” goal.
Wearside Failures
Two Sunderland players have already been referred to individually, and it must be confessed that the team generally were disappointing.  Brown and Bridgett were the best forwards, and while the latter missed easy chances the former was rather unlucky.  Probably realizing the weakness of the inside men, Brown tried several long shots, and if some went astray, others were very creditable.  Shaw was a little better than Hogg and Gemmell in midfield, but was quite as poor near goal.  Tait was the best of the half-backs, and there was little to choose between Rhodes and Foster, the advantage lying with the former.  He spoil his character, however, by employing occasionally very questionable tactics.  The Everton forwards worked with almost clockwork precision prior to the interval.  They commanded the ball far more cleverly than Sunderland, whose style was often closely allied to the kick-and-rush variety.  Donnachie was full of tricks and centred well, but two or three times Wilson was inclined to wander.  Makepeace was the best of the half-backs, Chadwick and Booth not being very conspicuous.  The man of the day was Jones, and in him Everton evidently possess a centre of great promise.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Booth, Chadwick; Donnachie, Bolton, Jones, Settle, and Wilson.  Sunderland; Ward; Rhodes, Foster; Tait, Barrie, Willis; Brown, Hogg, Shaw, Gemmell, and Bridgett.  Referee; J.H. Pearson, Crewe. 

EVERTON 4 SUNDERLAND 1
April 1, 1907. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S SHARP SHOOTING
The bill of fare at Goodison Park on Saturday was scarcely appetising after the intense excitement of the Good-Friday match between Reds and Blues. Not many years ago Sunderland's was a name to conjure with, and their visit to Merseyside was an even of supreme attractiveness to the football enthusiast. Everton and Liverpool attracted a mammoth crowd of 49,000, but on Saturday the Wearsiders inglorious efforts were watched by little more than 12,000 spectators, and truth to tell, the game did not deserve any greater support, although, in contradistinction to the previous day's struggle, goals were plentiful, and this is a factor which delighted the spectators. Everton is hardly recognisable as th8e might Blue combination with Taylor, Abbott, Hardman, and Young, yet it is a powerful tribute to the reserve power of the Toffee that substitutes could be found, who were apable of soundly trouncing the visitors. Booth, Chadwick, Jones and Donnachie, replaced the missing members, and one and all gave a capital account of themselves. With such an experimental forward line matters might easily enough have gone none too well with the Blues. In that forward line the crowd was particularly interested in Prescot Jones, who with the reserves have been responsible for a remarkable strings of goals, which stamps this young man as a player of satisfactory ability. Jones is a centre forward and his only fault is Nature's for he is not blessed with a full share of avoirdupois. Against Sunderland, the local lad prove wonderfully sharp, for hesitation has no part in his composition. He knows what to do instant, and, as a rule his intuition is right. Unlike most of our forwards he does not trap the leather, but checks its flight and sends it forward at the same time, and, in most cases he succeeds in following the leather instantly without losing possession. He also shoots swiftly and accurately, and the direction of his shots is most disconcerting to custodians. Experience will improve his judgement when he pass out to his wings, and in this respect, he may learn much, but when he does pass it is with accuracy and judgement.
EVERTON'S ATTACK PROVES IRRESISTIBLE.
Donnachie was in brilliant form, and neither Foster or Willis could hold the Everton winger in check once he got fairly away with the ball; consequently Donnachie was the dominant force in the attack and his well timed centres were during the first half, a continuos source of anxiety to Ward and his backs. Everton's left wing, represented by Settle and G. Wilson, was not too successful, chiefly owing to Wilson's change of position. It is not suggested that the men were wanting in earnestness or energy, but only that they were not the most forceful section of the line. Taking it as a whole, Everton's forward line was a most workmanlike combination, smart, subtle, and energetic, and altogether too potent for Sunderland's defence. Jones scored two of the four goals, but Bolton opened the account, and Settle scored the fourth in somewhat unusual fashion. Everton were three goals up at the interval, and were deserved to be, for there was no comparison in the effectiveness of the two attacks. Sunderland's was impotent, and both Booth and Chadwick harassed the visitors attack so ceaselessly that the brothers Balmers found little difficulty in taking the measure of those forwards who got through the half-back line, and tried conclusions with them. Shortly after the interval Settle put on Everton's fourth goal, and Sunderland looked quite a spent force, and consequently there was a palpable easing off on the home side. Gradually Sunderland found their true form, and then the aspect of affairs changed entirely, for the home defence became almost demoralised and Scott was constantly in jeopardy. Everton's defence so irresistible in the first half, fell away to nothing, and the visitors were quite the dominant party, sweeping through the Blues defence in grand formation time after time. But Bridgett, Gemmill, and Brown must have lost the art of shooting, for the efforts of the Wearsiders were unaccountably weak. Hail the visitors marksmen taken reasonable advantage of the openings brought about by really excellent tactics and footwork they would have scored two, if not three goals, but after another they failed lamentably with an open goal inviting them. Scott, who guarded his citadel without so much as a blemish, for a long period, accumbed in the last minute of the game to one of the tamest goals imaginable. After successfully resisting the attack in chief of the Sunderland left wing, Scott lose his bearings entirely, and slipped on one knee, as Bridgett nipped round him and netted comfortably, Sunderland were fully entitled to score on their play in the second half but it is rather hard lines on Scott. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal W. Balmer (Captain), and R. Balmer, backs Makepeace, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs Donnachie, Bolton Jones, Settle and G. Wilson, forwards. Sunderland: - Ward. goal, Rhodes, and Foster, backs, Tait, Barrie, and Hill, half-backs Brown, Ross, Shaw, Gemmill, and Bridgett forwards. Referee J.H.Pearson.

ST HELENS RECRETION 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 1 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 31)
A couple of defeats on successful days has had the effect of practually putting an end to Everton's chance of championship honours. A 3-1 reverse at St. Helen's followed a 2-1 defeat at Southport on Friday, but excuses could be made for this second beating. It was hardly to be expected that the Blues would be able to show their best form when the sides would have to under go four or five changes from the usual eleven. Booth, Chadwick, Donnachie, and Jones were all doing duty for the first team, and thus both the half-back and forward lines were weakened. Nevertheless the Goodison men had some capable players to take the places of these absentees, and seeing that the Recreation triumphed by 3 goals to 1, and that after being in arrears at the interval, the winners are deserving of congratulations upon their success. Everton scored their goal when playing with the wind in their favour. But on ends being changed the Recreation went to the front, and with H. Roberts, G. Roberts and Waring scoring. Everton had to acknowledge a 3-1 defeat. The Recs deserved their success, for they showed smart form all round. Dougherty was safe in goal, and was well covered by his backs, while everyone of the halves and forwards was good. Sloan kept a good goal for the visitors, Strettle was the better back, and Black the most prominent of the middle line. Rouse and Graham did the best forward work, but Jones was missed.

NEW FORWARD FOR EVERTON
April 1, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton club has just signed on a new player Couper, of the Hearts of Midlothian. He plays either centre forward or outside right.

CHARACTERS STUDIES OF THE EVERTON PLAYERS
Derby Daily Telegraph - Friday 01 April 1927
TAYLOR, TED-Goal
It probably the most famous English goalkeeper in the game to-day, and certainly one of the most talented, though he is now passed over for International purposes, a younger man being preferred.  Was secured from Huddersfield Town this season, and his form with Everton has been magnificent.  At his best he has no peer anywhere.
CRESSWELL, WARNEFORD- Right Back
Needs little introduction, for he is one of the most famous defenders in the game to-day.  Has had a lot of experience in wartime football, both in England and Scotland, and since the war with South Shields and Sunderland.  Has cost Everton a huge fee, and may not be quite the rugged, dashing type of back the club needs in its present emergency.  But as an artist, Cresswell is almost supreme.
O’DONNELL, JOHN- Left Back
Another product of the north-east and one who is very versatile, for he has played as a forward at Goodison.  Learned the game with Gateshead St. Vincent and Darlington, and is in his third season with Everton.  He only has one foot – his left-but he kicks a grand length with this, and is a daring tackler also. 
KEELY, JEREMIAH- Right Half
Another of this season’s recruits, he is a tall Scot from Ayr United and cost a big fee.  Unlike some Scots he has settled very quickly in English football, and because of his grand constructive work and resource in defence he has been a big prop in the recent Everton revival.
HART, HUNTER- Centre-Half
One of the most rugged and robust of pivots he went to Everton in 1922 from Airdrieonians and played for a long time on the left flank.  He is versatile, however, and his centre half work is good.  Is a robust tackler, and when he gets near the ball he usually makes good use of it.  Rarely puts the ball up the middle, however, usually plying it to the wings.
VIRR, ALBERT ERNEST –left Half
This light haired youngster has improved considerably since he returned to Goodison after being leaned to the Chester club.  He is a product of the Lyndholm club, and though he may lack something in artistry and finesse, he is a whole-hearted player of the defensive type.  These three halves are all good as individuals, but one of the weaknesses of the side is found in this department. 
CRITCHLEY, EDWARD.-Outside Right
Another of Everton’s 1926-27 recruits; he was secured from Stockport County, for which club he played 118 League games.  Is a product of the Chendle Lads club, and though he has been in the game since 1922 he is not yet 22 years of age.  Ought to have a brilliant future, for he is very speedy, direct and thrustful.
FORSHAW, RICHARD.- Inside Right
This is the famous ex-Liverpool player who, after magnificent service at Anfield went to Everton last month for a fee of over four thousand pounds.  Can take either this or the centre forward berth, and is very quick and snappy in either position in taking scoring chances.  Never wastes much energy, but he is always in the right position. 
IRVINE, ROBERT.- Centre Forward
As Irishman from Lisburn, he played for the Dunmurray, Irish Intermediate League club prior to going to Goodison Park in 1921.  Although only 21 at that time, he was an International within 12 months, and only now has he found a regular place in the side.  His great ball control, but no shot. 

WELDON, ANTHONY.- Inside Left
Yet another recruit of this year, he was secured from Airdrieonians when Everton found they could not land Bob McPhail.  Weldon cost a much smaller fee than McPhail would have done, but he has been as successful as any of their importations.  Can also play a dashing game at centre forward.  Smart in constructive work, but always ready to have a shot at goal.
TROUP, ALEX.-Outside Left
This Scot, whose hair is now only giving his head a sparse covering is a curious type of winger, for he varies his game tremendously.  Often he swings the ball across first time in disconcerting fashion, and then again he goes off in a long, intricate dribbling run.  But his centres are always the acme of precision.  Would be a wonder if he could finish with good marksmanship –but frankly, he isn’t much of a shot. 

EVERTON SIGN COOPER, OF HEARTS.
Dundee Courier-Tuesday 2 April 1907
Everton have been successful in securing transfer of Cooper, the right-winger of Heart of Midlothian. Cooper is a smart player, but has not been a success on the right this season, and the change may do him good. Hearts have received a tidy sum for his transfer.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY RESERVES 0
April 2 1907. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 32)
At Goodison Park yesterday. Teams. Everton: - Slogan goal Strettell, and Stevenson backs Black, Wright, and Donaldson half-backs Donnachie, Graham, Rouse, Cooke, and Butler, forwards. Accrington: - Gaskell, Hampton and Shaw, backs, Barlow, Chadwick, and Brindle, half-backs, Bradshaw, Wilson Carter, Scott, and Garside, forwards . Everton led off and Donnachie's centre was headed away by Hampton. Then followed a forward move by Stanley, which resulted in Garside putting in a beautiful centre, which Sloan luckily cleared. The succeeding play was of an even character, neither side being able to claim any advantage until Carter managed to forward a pass off Stevenson which caused some trouble. The Accrington forwards, forced several excellent openings, but offside invariably neutralised the advantage. The first real attempt at goal was a shot from Barlow, which Sloan cleverly saved. Then Donnachie finished a good run with a centre, which found a resting-place on top of the rigging. The next item of interest was a sustained attack on the home goal, during which Sloan was twice in difficulties, and he was forced to put forth his best efforts to avert defeat. Shortly afterwards Accrington were awarded a free kick for “hands” against Wright. Sloan saving from Stott. At this stage it was obvious that the visitors were enjoying the best of the argument, and on one occasion Garside had only to tip the ball into the net to score, when he made a wretched hash of the opportunity. Donnachie was responsible for several fine centres, but Rouse was not an opportunists. Half-time Everton nil, Accrington nil. The visitors continued to have the best of matters for some time after the interval, until at length Everton got into their stride, and Graham scored. Afterwards Everton held the advantage, and five minutes from the finish Donnachie added a second goal for the Blue. Result Everton 2, goals Accrington nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BURY RESERVES 2
April 3, 1907. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercy
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 33)
At Goodison park last evening before 2,000 spectators. Teams : - Everton: - Sloan, goal, Strettell, and Crelly, backs Black Booth, and Wright, half-backs, Rafferty, Donnachie, Jones, D. Wilson, and St. John, forwards. Bury: - Mears, goals, Walcock, and Holmes backs Chorlton, Humphries, and Bollins, half-backs, Hodgekinson, Talbot, Kay, Warburton, and Bradley, forwards. Everton pressed from the start, but they failed to make any real impression on the Bury defence. The Shakers eventually relieved the pressure too their goal, and Kay sent in a ground shot which cannoned off Crelly's foot into the net quite out of Sloan's reach. During the succeeding stages of the initial half the Bury players were much smarter on the ball than their opponents. The Evertonians appeared to take too much for granted. Times without number the Everton forwards had the Bury defence beaten, but even then they failed to find the net. On the other hand, the Bury players were always triers and they certainly deserved their goal lead at the interval. Half-time Everton nil, Bury 1.
After the interval Bury continued to show superior tactics and as the result of sustained pressure on the Everton goal, Kay notched another point for the visitors. hands against Crelly in the penalty area gave Bury a further advantage, but Sloan brought off a remarkably fine save from Hodgkinson, to whom the penalty kick was entrusted. Kay was always a danger when on the move and on one occasion he finished a brilliant individual effort with a rasping shot, which just topped the crossbar. At the other end Booth for a moment became a forward, and got in a fine centre which Mears cleverly handled. Everton improved towards the finish, but the effort came too later. Bury fully deserved their success. They were the cleverer team in so much as they made the best possible use of their opportunities. Everton had chances but they failed to take them. The Everton forwards have rarely given such a miserable exhibition of course it was something of experimental lines. Result Everton nil, Bury 2.

THE BIG BEN OF BIRMINGHAM
Athletic News - Monday 08 April 1907
By Brum
Birmingham new enclosure was seen at its worst on Saturday.  It was a wet and dismal afternoon, and the fact that there is not covered accommodation save on the reserved side told against the attendance.  While Birmingham were at their strongest, Everton had George Wilson and Harold Hardman away on international duty, and W. Balmer was resting a damaged leg.  This meant that Crelly came into the defensive section, R. Balmer going to the right back position, while Settle and Donnachie constituted the left wing. 
Science Versus Dash
The winning of the toss gave Everton no special advantage, for the wind was choppy and uncertain, but if the home eleven had the dash and impetuosity on their side, Everton assuredly had the skill and science.  Some of their forward work was delightful; Settle is still a general, although the agility of youth has deserted him.  He and Donnachie had an excellent understanding, and Sharp and Bolton were equally resourceful.  But when the St. Andrews’ men are in deadly earnest they show a dash and verve which some sides are not capable of, and from one of their daring efforts Ben Green took the ball on the bounce, banged it against the inside of the post, and into the net it went, Scott gazing ruefully at the mark on the post from which the ball had been deflected.  This was half an hour from the start, and the home side were still a goal to the good when the interval came.  Green twice missed elementary chances in the second portion, Crelly once falling and letting him in under the post, but Green lifted the ball when it seemed an impossibility for it to go other than between the posts.  There were no productive shots in the second half.
What Everton Wanted
The home men deserved their win, even allowing for the feeling of admiration which Everton’s early cleverness compelled.  Probably Birmingham were rather the more earnest combination.  Everton did not appear to go that last yard which is so much talked of in football.  Perhaps they had the big glass house at Sydenham before their eyes.  Scott kept the goal finely, and R. Balmer played like a hero, but Crelly was weak on occasion.  The intermediate trio were in stirring form, Taylor excelling, but he is somewhat more easily offended than he was wont to be.  Young and Wigmore showed the cloven hoof, too, although there was in their case the art that conceals the unorthodox.  Settle and Donnachie opened well, but fell off after the adjournment; indeed, the visitors were an appreciably weaker combination after the interval than they had been previous to the change of ends.  Sharp and Bolton were the cleverest forwards.  For Birmingham Tickle was at his best, and Green and Jones were dangerous in their short, rapid bursts, while Beer and Glover served their side well.  Birmingham;- Robinson; Glover, Stokes; Beer, Wigmore, Dougherty; Tickle, Green, Jones, Cornan, and Anderson.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (R.), Crelly; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Donnachie.  Referee; J. Mason, Burslem. 

BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 EVERTON 0
April 8 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON LOSE AT BIRMINGHAM
A TAME GAME.
Since Everton's right to appear for the second year in succession in the Cup final became assured, interest in their League engagements naturally suffered. True, they had on paper a fair chance of competing successfully with Newcastle United for championship honours, but in these days of hugh programmes and strenuous football it is pretty obvious that no team can hope to accomplish the dual feat of heading the League and securing the English Cup. It is evident that Everton have set themselves to retain possession of the English trophy. Their League fixtures were such that there was little probability of their gaining the highest honour in the competition. Consequently it can readily be concerned that their match on Saturday at Birmingham partook more of the nature of holiday football than of real striving after League points.
THE ONLY GOAL.
It has also to be taken into account that international calls deprived them of the services of their left wing, Hardman representing England, and his partner, George Wilson, Scotland. W. Balmer also, was absent owing to an injured leg, but with Bolton back again and such capable reserves to call upon as Crelly and Donnachie, Everton turned out a very fair side. Birmingham's magnificent new enclosure was not seen at its best on Saturday. The weather broke down just before the match and the rain and cold snap materially affected the attendance. Indeed, although some 12,000 people were present they seemed a mere handful on the ground which it is estimated can accommodate some 70,000 spectators. For the first half hour of the game Everton, without unduly exerting themselves had the better of the play, but there was lacking the sting on the part of the forward line, which is essential to success. The footwork was pretty enough; still, shooting was by no means up to Everton's standard. Having survived a somewhat trying period, the Birmingham men pulled themselves together, and largely owing to the cleverness of Tickle. Green scored what proved to be the only goal of the match. The second half was for the most part dull and uninteresting, and both spectators and players were not at all sorry when the end came with Birmingham victorious by a goal to nil.
CONCERNING THE PLAYERS.
While the Everton players did not bestir themselves too much, they gave an exhibition, which was not without pleasing features. Especially in the earlier part of the proceedings they showed a command of the ball, which if anything series had depended upon the issue, might easily have brought forth goals. Both Sharp and Donnachie indulged in some fine sprints along the wing, but generally their efforts were neutralised by the ineffectiveness of Young, who certainly was far behind his usual standard. Bolton, too, was scarcely as resourceful as he can be, and Settle was not too, ready to force the play. The half-backs, without being too conspicuous got through a lot of good work. R. Balmer played a fine right back game, and Crelly reappeared with success, although at times he was disposed to take too many risks. Scott, as ever, kept a good goal, and was in no way responsible for his side's defeat. Birmingham's defence, once it settled down, was steady and effective, and probably the most noticeable of the forwards was Tickle at outside right. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Robinson, goal, Glover, and Stokes, backs Beer, Wigmore, and Dougherty, half-backs, Tickle Green, Jones, Coran and Anderton, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goals, R Balmer and Crelly backs Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle and Donnachie, forwards. Referee J. Mason.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 2
April 8 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 34)
Blackpool found Everton Reserves in an aggressive mood on Saturday, when they visited Goodison-park and although the Seasiders put up a good fight, they were no match for the strong team when Everton turned out. There were three new players in the Blues' ranks: -Couper, outside-right, Duggan, on the extreme left, and Adamson at right half –and all showed promise of ability, Couper pleasing most. After a period of quite play, Booth gave Couper a long forward pass, and the late Hearts player ran close in, and though rather vigorously attacked he found the net with a splendid shot. Rimmer scored from a penalty for some infringement, but Booth put Everton ahead just before the interval. On the change of ends play favoured Everton, Jones scoring with a clever efforts, followed by Booth, who shook the rigging with a shot worthy of Abbott. Rimmer was again the means of increasing Blackpool's score, but “Prescot” Jones once more found the net, and Everton ran out easy winners by 5 goals to 2. Turning to the winners, Sloan kept up his reputation as a fine keeper, whole Stevenson was the better of two good backs. Booth was easily the best man on the field, and it is indeed pleasing to see him in such form. Adamson, who is slightly built, was not very prominent, but he got through a lot of work in quiet style, and had plenty of resource. Couper made a successful debut, his weight proving of services, while Duggan –Old Xaverian players –was always worrying the defence, and in worthy of a lengthened trial. The inside men also were good. Jones being in form, and scoring his usual goals. On the Blackpool side. Crosenthwaite despite the score against him, played a safe game. Lowe and Anderton were capital at the start, but fell off somewhat while Clarke was the best of the halves. The left wing, Gow and Rimmer, were the best of a fair set of forwards, though they did good work.
Everton: - Sloan, goal, Strettell, and Stevenson backs, Adamson Booth, and Chadwick halfbacks, Couper, Graham, Jones, D. Wilson, and Duggan forwards.

CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS
April 8 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
The international between England and Scotland at St Jame's Park, Newcastle finished one goal each. Hardman Playing for England and George Wilson for Scotland. “George” Wilson as his Edinburgh friends called him, did a power of work. He was extremely clever in his footwork, and passed well. He failed to finish, however contenting himself, for the most part with lobbing the ball into the centre. Not even the repeated cries from leather-lunged enthusiasts for a “Tynecastle shot” caused the Everton man to change his tactics. Hardman was anything but successful. Some 35,000 spectators witnessed the struggle, which leaves the record at 36 matches played of which Scotland have won 16, England 11, while 9 have been drawn.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 1
April 9, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
CUPHOLDERS AGAIN BEATEN.
The rearranged fixture between Everton and Blackburn was brought off yesterday afternoon at Ewood-park in typical April weather. Originally the game was down for decision on the 23 rd of March, but that day Everton were engaged in that little affair at Burnden park which gave them the right to appear again in the Cup final. With any chance of the championship at a discount yesterday's game was more important to the Rovers than to Everton for the former's position in the League table was far from satisfactory. Everton played a mixed side, the chief feature of interest being the first appearance with the Blues' League team of Couper, the recruit from hearts of Midlothians. The men resting were Scott, Taylor, Abbott, Sharp, Young, Wilson, and Hardman. The teams were as follows: - Everton: - Sloan goal, R. Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs, Couper, Bolton, Jones, Settle (Captain), and Donnachie, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Evans, goal, Crompton, and Cameron backs, Heywood, Wilson, and Bradshaw, half-backs, Latheron, Robertson, Martin, Bowman, and Chadwick, forwards. Referee Tom Robinson. It will be noticed that the Rovers played their latest recruit Heywood, of Stockport County. A quarter of an hour before the start rain fell heavily, but it had cleared off when Settle tossed for choice of ends. There would be not more than 5,000 spectators when Mr. Tom Robinson brought the players together. Settle lost the toss, and Everton started against a slight breeze and on a soft ground. Everton were the first to make headway, but on the slippery turf mistakes were frequent. Crelly got in a good kick, but after an ineffective run down by the visiting left wing the Rovers returned on the right, and from Latheron's pass Bowman, who was unmarked, had a great chance, but he shot high over the bar. The Rovers still pressed, and following a free kick the left wing made matters warm for the Everton defence. Bowman shot in hard from short range, but fortunately Sloan was on the spot and cleared cleverly. Then Everton put in a fine attack, Cameron clearing when hard pressed. Even give-and-take play was the order for sometime, and then the spectators heartily applauded a smart run by Latheron, who just managed to keep on side. He centred accurately, but Sloan was alert, and he easily escaped the attentions of Martin. There was in the usual order of events, little strenuousness about the play. The Rovers however, left nothing to chance, and their headwork was a feature, which deserved commendation. Settle in his new position as captain manipulated the ball with remarkable, cleverness, and was one of the most conspicuous men on the field. Coupar had not had much chance so far, of showing what he could do. Neither was the scoring Jones allowed any latitude. Heywood fouled settle outside the penalty line, but this was of no advantage to his side, for Booth, who took the kick sent hopelessly wide of the upright. By means of long passing and judicious heading the Rovers enjoyed a spell of attacking, and once Latheron was pulled up for offside, when he seemed to have a chance of opening the score, Bowman was at fault with an attempt from long range, and after smart work by Settle the situation was saved, from a Rovers point of view by the alertness of England's international right back. Everton's front line gave a great exhibition of beautiful passing and with more energy in front of goal they might easily have scored. Still the game was interesting to watch, and not the least successful of the Everton reverse was Sloan, who was cool and resourceful in goal. On the other side Heywood also appeared with success in his first League match. For a time the Rovers had all the play, but their efforts in the scoring line could not be commended. At the other end Couper was responsible for some neat manceuving of the ball. His work was good though nothing came of it. Further pressure by Everton ended in Settle having a pop at goal –it went the wrong side of the upright. This mattered little, for with Everton still forcing matters Couper sent straight across and Settle with a fast low shot, opened the score for Everton. The play for a time produced nothing of real interest, neither side exhibiting much combination, while there was a lot of wild kicking. The Rovers had the pull somewhat, and following a free kick and a centre by Bowman practically Robertson missed an open goal. Further chances were thrown away by the Rovers vanguard in an extraordinary manner. Jones was badly fouled as he was getting though on his own, and the free kick was of no use to Everton. Latheron threw away a glorious chance of equalising, and Sloan was charged just as he was fisting away a hot shot from Martin. The reserves custodian was equal to all calls upon him and Donnachie covered himself with glory in a passage of arms with Crompton. Crelly intercepted a terrific shot from Latheron and was temporarily, laid out, and only the judgement of Crompton in running across the field prevented Couper getting in his centre. The Rovers secured a couple of corners, and from the second of these Sloan cleverly dealt with a dangerous lob from Crompton. half-time Blackburn Rovers nil, Everton 1. The sun was shinning brilliantly when the game was resumed. Everton started in aggressive style, but there was no sting in the effort. Crompton not only defended splendidly, but gave his forwards an example of how to force the play. This the Rovers did for some time, but Balmer and Sloan were not to be beaten. At last Chadwick seized an opening and when no one expected a shot, he equalised with a ready fine effort. This spurred on the Rovers, and from a foul against Settle, Crompton placed his side ahead with the free kick, which completely beat Sloan. The Rovers were more energetic than ever, and under the influence of their captain they more than held their own. The later stages were devoid of exciting incidents and the Rovers in the end secured a couple of valuable points. The game throughout was typical of end of the season football, especially on the part of the Evertonians. Final result Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON 2 ARSENAL 1
April 10, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
CUPHOLDERS WIN.
This League fixture was due in the ordinary course to be played on the 20 th April. On that day Everton have an important engagement at the Crystal Palace, consequently the engagement was brought forward, and yesterday afternoon, in dull weather, with the kick-off, at half past five o'clock, the teams fought for points in the presence of some 8,000 spectators. The result was of more real interest to Arsenal than to Everton, for while the latter have one-cup final in view, the Woolwich team's object is to finish the season if possible, next to Newcastle United. There were absentees on both sides, which, however, were fairly representatives. The teams were: - Everton: - Sloan, goal, W. Balmer, and R.Balmer, backs, Black, Taylor (Captain), and Chadwick, half-backs, Couper, Bolton, Young, G. Wilson, and Hardman, forwards. Woolwich Arsenal: - Ashcroft, goal, Cross, and Sharp, backs Dicks Hynds, and McEachrane, half-backs, Bellamy, Coleman, Freeman, Scatterwaite, and Neave, forwards. Referee. Mr. A. J. Barker. Everton kicked off, and the play on the part of the homesters was of a somewhat disjointed fashion at the start, while the Arsenal men combined in clever fashion. At length, however, Wilson and Hardman made their presence felt and the latter centreing, Sharp was forced to clear his lines. Then Woolwich took up the attack, but were quickly sent to the right-about by W.Balmer. An attack on the visitors goal was eventually relieved by Cross when Wilson looked a certain scorer. Hardman running down the wing, outwitted Cross, and centreing perfectly to Young, the latter found no trouble in heading past Ashcroft. Right from the kick-off the visiting right wing went for goal, and the ball being put to Scatterwaite, that player had not the slightest difficulty in placing the teams on level terms. Slaon having not the faintest chance with his shot. After this the reserves custodian was afforded several opportunities of showing his abilities, and on each occasion he proved his title as a worthy deputy to the international Scott, Taylor, after some time, initiated a move which looked ominous for the visitors, but after much passing and repassing the ball was sent wide of the mark. The two international outside lefts were showing some pretty combination, and from one of their moves Taylor was given a chance. His shot was wide of the mark, and a moment later Young, with only Ashcroft to beat, was similarly at fault. Hardman and Taylor appeared to be in their element, and from a delightful move by them, Young had hard lines in striking the bar with one of the best shots seen at Goodison-park this season. Couper, for the first time in the game showed his abilities, rounding Sharp and putting across to Hardman, who missed by inches only. The Balmers were playing a cool, calculating game, and the elder was always the master of Neave and Scatterwaite. Neave showed temper at being repeatedly beaten by the back, and on more than one occasion came under the ban of the referee for unquestionable tactics. The game was so far of a somewhat even character, with the home team doing slightly the more pressing. Taylor was the favourite of the crowd, and had it been the final for the cup he could not have played a harder game. Couper was put in possession by Bolton, and putting forward to Young, the home centre-forward scored the second goal with a shot which struck the under part of the crossbar, and bounced just inside the net. Shortly before the interval the visitors gained a couple of corners, but these were easily got rid of. Half-time Everton two, goals, Woolwich Arsenal One. Restarting the Evertonians at once attacked and Couper was responsible for a clever centre, which was mulled by Wilson. After a long punt into goal by R. Balmer, Dick was damaged, and required the attentions of the trainer, but was quickly able to resume. At this period the rain, which had long threatened, began to fall heavily. The shower spurred on the Blues, and no one improved more than the new outside right, who began to round Sharp with delightful ease. His centres in most cases, however, went begging. On one occasion Young was a very bad sinner as presented with an open goal, he shot yards wide, much to the chargin of the crowd. As time progressed the Arsenal men began to have a share in the play, and a couple of times called on Sloan to handle. The home goalkeeper was always well covered by his backs, and the visitors seldom looked like equalising. The game in the latter stages degenerated, the Everton forwards apparently not troubling themselves to further their score. On one occasion, however, Young tried hard, but found his master in Cross, who prevented him from getting in his shot. In the closing stages the visitors were much the better team, but failed to get through. Result Everton 2 Woolwich Arsenal one.

THE EMINENCE OF EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 15 April 1907
Everton and Sheffield Wednesday are unquestionably of the aristocracy of the game. For the last three seasons at least, not even the most captious critic could complain of unworthiness on the part of the Finalists. It is often said that Everton are the richest club in the United Kingdom. In support of that statement it may be pointed out that they own the freehold of Goodison Park, which cost £8,090 12s. 6d., and has now probably trebled in value. Possibly they have, since 1892, spent £20.000 in laying out this enclosure, and now they contemplate the expenditure another £10,000 to erect stands of two storeys round a large sweep of the arena. But £10,000 is below an average season's income for them. The club have about £3,000 invested in Consols, and an unlimited credit and goodwill. Everton are palatial in their conceptions, and they live up to them. Time was when the Everton club consisted of a few young men who played year in and year out on the open space of Stanley Park, but last May their balance-sheet disclosed a wage and transfer list £5,270, with travelling expenses of £1,187 and a training bill of £644. But the eminence of Everton does not consist merely in financial stability. Possibly they have not gained as many honours as their playing prowess entitled them to do. Only once have they won either The League Championship or The English Cup. But their average standard of skill has always been high. Four times have they been the runners-up in The League and thrice have they been placed third. Everton are the only team who have never been either in the Second Division or in danger of descending to that class. Such a fact is tribute to their stability and to the measure of skill that their players have invariably possessed. Everton have had an honorable career in the most ample of these words, and whether they win or lose will have the respect of every spectator at the Crystal Palace next Saturday.

DERBY’S DAY OUT
Athletic News - Monday 15 April 1907
By Peakite
Derby County used to be known as a team that could not operate in the mud. That was in the days when Pike's-lane used to be found so very distressing to their forwards and full backs, and when they could hardly raise a leg unless the turf was on the fast side. Of late years things have changed, and Saturday was a case in point. Everton were the visitors, with a team, weakened though it was by the absence of R. Balmer, Makepeace, Taylor, Young, and Hardman, that still looked good enough on this season’s form to account for Derby County. But the Derby men simply reveled in the heavy going, and absolutely scored five goals—a thing they had not done all the season, not, in fact, since November, 1905, when they beat Woolwich Arsenal by five goals to one. The worst of it was that not more than 4,000 people assembled to see the surprising performance.
DERBY OFF WITH A RUSH.
Derby went off from the start in a style that seemed to show they were going to have a day out. Young Bentley in the centre was in the mood to open the game out, and whenever he had the chance he would put the ball well across to his extreme wing men, who would as often as not put in a fine centre, with the result that somebody or other in the middle would make trouble for Scott. Warren once got the ball in the net, but the whistle went the same moment for a free kick, which was really hard lines for the player.  On one occasion Derby’s tactics appeared likely to be crowned with success, for J. Davis came along with rush and centred in great style to Long, who really ought to have scored easily enough, but somehow or other sent wide. However, at the end of twenty minutes they had better luck, as J. Davis got in a fine centre from which Long drove the ball into the net in irresistible style. Fifteen minutes later Everton equalised. G. Wilson shot in, and Maskrey saved, but Couper and Settle between them got the ball into the net. Couper had just previously missed a fine opening, and though, I believe, he had the credit of touching the ball last when the goal was scored, others had really done the bulk the work. The County were not long ere they regained the lead, for following a quick pass from Bentley, John Davis got away and shot into Scott's arms. The ball was never really got out danger, and Bentley coming up shot at the far corner of the goal, the ball passing into the net well out of everyone’s reach.
REMARKABLE FOOTBALL.
There was some remarkable football in the second half. Derby were not very Iong ere they increased their lead, Bentley making another quick pass to George Davis, who centred, and had the Everton defence in a bit of a tangle. Ere they had straightened things out J. Davis bore down on them and banged the ball hard against the far post, whence it passed into the net. For some time after this Derby were really much cleverer than their opponents, whose football was quite mediocre. With fifteen minutes to go, however, Everton rallied, and from a pass back by Couper, Booth scored their second goal. The reverse nettled the Derby players, who started attacking again with all their previous vigour, but unfortunately with one disastrous result. John Davis was making for goal when he encountered the goalkeeper, and the latter got the better of it.  Davis fell, and had to be carried to the dressing-room, where it was found that he was suffering from a fractured collar bone. The accident caused no little depression in the Derby ranks, especially as a minute later Bagshaw was also laid out. Though, fortunately, in less serious fashion. In the few minutes that remained the crowd were thrilled with two wonderfully fine goals from Long and Bentley. The former eluded the attentions of the backs, and when Scott came out to meet him he coolly tipped the ball past him into the net. Bentley goal was the result of a clever dribble, crowned with magnificent left foot drive.
Derby the Better Team.
Derby quite deserved their 5 to 2 victory. They were smarter than their opponents at all points, and really gave them no chance. I attribute much of their success to the dash and sparkle with which they were led on by young Bentley, who is a trier to the last ounce and no mean shot at goal. What the directors have been thinking of to keep him in the stable all these weeks simply passes the comprehension of ordinary being. At a crisis in the club's fortunes, when a nippy lad of his dash and determination were much needed, he would probably have made all the difference in the world to their chances of retaining their place in the First Division. The right wing was the better of the two, John Davis playing hard and well, and Long shooting with no little strength and power. Warren had a bad toe, and Hall was the better of the half-backs. The Everton middle line looked to me to be quite taken by surprise by the remarkable dash and energy of the opposing forwards, who at times positively swept them off their feet. It is a long time since John Sharp had such a poor afternoon at Derby, and Settle was not much more prominent. Booth was the best of the halfbacks, but the backs were not great, and more than once got rather badly mixed up. Derby County;- Maskery; Moore, Warren; Hall, Bagshaw; J.W. Davis, Long, Bentley, Wheatcroft, and Davis (G); Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Crelly; Black, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Settle, Couper, Wilson (D.), and Wilson (G).  Referee; T. Robertson, Glasgow.

DERBY COUNTY 5 EVERTON 2
April 15, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
AN UNENVIABLE RECORD.
Everton set up a record for the season, as far as they are concerned, at Derby, last Saturday. Unfortunately, it is not one to which any credit attaches, in as much as they lost more goals than in any League match since the present campaign opened. Only once before –and that was at a Monday match at Sheffield –had they had four goals registered against them. All the more galling therefore is the reflection that a team hovering on the brink of relegation to the Second Division should have had the audacity to pile on five goals. Yet this is what Derby County accomplished and the remarkable feature is that two of the goals arrived in the last few minutes after one of the Derby forwards –J. W. Davies –had been carried of the field, suffering from what turned out to be a broken collar bone. Still, there is a lot of execuse for Everton. Apart from the fact that they are awaiting the greatest event of the football year. Saturday's game was the four League contest in which the club had been engaged in the space of eight days. No wonder some of the players were tired, and that there was not too much life in their exhibition.
SEVEN GOALS.
The game neither requires nor merits any detailed description. The issue was of the utmost importance to the home side; to Evertonit mattered little. And the latter point was fully bourne out by the run of the play, although singularly enough Everton scarcely deserved to be so heavily beaten. Until less than ten minutes before the finish, it looked as if Everton would go down only by the odd goal in five. In the first half, Long opened the scoring, after Scott had been kept busy, but not many minutes elapsed and Settle, and Couper between them –the latter applied the finishing touch –had equalised. Then Bentley gave his side the lead with a pretty effort. On crossing over J. W. Davies quickly added a third, and this reverse seemed to have a kind of inspiriting effect on the Evertonians, for after some really decent passing, Booth credited himself with a clever goal. Urged on by their supporters Derby again took up the running, but were not rewarded except in respect of profitless corners. When J. W. Davies came into collision with Scott, and had to be carried off, it looked as if Derby would have no chance of increasing their score. However, the ten stalwarts stuck to their work, gallantly, and with the visiting defence taking matters too easily, first Long and then a Bentley got the ball past Scott. Thus Derby County, though a man shorts, ran out winners by goals to two.
THE PLAYERS.
The exhibitions given by the Derby County representatives was stated to be far ahead of their general play throughout the season. Supposing this to be the case, one can understand their lowly position in the League. Even on Saturday's form Everton fully represented and on their mentle ought to have beaten them comfortably. But Everton had not the strongest side, and for the most part the men played as if they had enough of football for some time to come. Couper their recruit from the Hearts of Midlothians, was by no means a success in the centre forward position, but as a matter of fact, the only man in the forward line to approach his real form was Settle, Sharp and the brothers Wilson were –well, not up to their usual standard. The halves were the best part of the team. Black and Booth in particular working hard. W. Balmer too, put his heart into the fray, but Crelly was scarcely as successful as of old, while Scott has given better exhibitions. Derby despite their falling away this season, have got some likely players, not least of whom is Bentley, who was energetic and speedy in the centre forward positions. The accident to J.W.Davies was all the more regrettable inasmuch as he had been one of the most conspicuous forwards. Teams: - Derby County: - Maskery, goal, Nicholas, and Moore backs, Warren, Bull, and Bagshaw, half-backs, J.W.Davies, Long Bentley, Wheatcroft, and O. Davies forwards. Everton: - Scott, goals, W. Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Black Booth, Abbott half-backs, Sharp (Captain) Settle, Couper, G. Wilson and D. Wilson, forwards. Referee Tom Robinson.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 ROSSENDALE 1
April 15, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 35)
Rossendale were lucky in taking a point from Everton on Saturday, at Goodison-park. The opening half was fairly even, though the Blues should have scored in the first five minutes. McGregor having to clear thrice in succession. Then play went very tame for a long period, until Adamson, by really tricky work, put Rafferty in possession, and from his centre Jones nearly headed through, and a moment later the home centre, from a most awkward position, screwed in, and McGregor brought off a clever save. Slaon only had a feeble shot or so to stop, and the interval was reached with a clean sheet. On resuming the Blues took up the running, and for the greater portion of this half were all over their opponents. Equally good defence, however, nullified good forward work, and it wanted but two minutes and the game ended when Newman rushed the ball through from a corner. Everton looked all over winners, but in the last few seconds Rossendale rushed down, and the Blues' defence being caught napping, McAllister scored a simple goal, and so the game ended with honours even. Slaon was very safe as usual, and it was not his fault that Rossendale equalised. Stevenson and Strettle at back both gave a fine exhibition, while among the halves Adamson was easily the best. He had dropped into the Everton style very quickly, and his tricky and effective play stamp him as a class player. Among the forwards Rafferty and Butler both did well, Newman (the Ex-Tranmere Rover) made an effective inside man, while Graham and Jones were also prominent, though the Prescot youth did not get his usual goals. McGregor kept a fine goal for Rossendale, in fact he saved them from defeat. Cook was the better of two good backs, while Kirkman was the most prominent half. Lyons, Berry, and McAllister were the pick of the forwards. Rossendale have now taken three points out of both our Combination teams. Everton: - Sloan, Strettell, and Stevenson, backs, Adamson, not-Known, and not-Known half-backs, Raffeerty, Graham, Newmans, Jones and Butler, forwards.

JAMES CALDWELL, GOALKEEPER, EAST STIRLINGSHIRE F.C.
Falkirk Herald - Wednesday 17 April 1907
Few goalkeepers have had more enviable junior record than James Caldwell, East Stirlingshire Football Club. He is now 22 years age, and a native of Carronshore, having been born and brought up in that village. In the year 1901 he made his debut, a footballer a humble way by joining Carron Thistle, but his connection with that juvenile combination was short lived, and after having played for the team promising style for two months entered the ranks of Gairdoch Juniors, and remained with them during the rest that season. At the commencement of the following year his services were given to Dunipace Juniors but during the greater part of that season he acted as reserve to Adams, now of Celtic.  Towards the end of the season, however, Adams severed his connection with Dunipace, and it fell to Caldwell to act as custodian in the final ties for the Stirlingshire Junior Cup, Falkirk and District Cup, all of which were won by Dunipace.  In the following year Dunipace gained the Stirlingshire League championship, the Falkirk and Distrct Cup and Denny Shield, while in the next they again were champions of the Sterlingshire League, and they secured possession of the Stirling and District Denny Sheild.  Last year was their most successful season, and at bthe end of it they were holders of the Scottish Junior Cup, Stirlingshire Junior Cup, Stirling and District Cup and Denny Sheild.  During his connection with Dunipace, Caldwell played most consistently throughout and as goalkeeper had much to do with the success of his team.  In the early part of the present season Caldwell joined East Stirlingshire, and since then he has continued the good work which he did as a junior. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
April 18, 1907. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 36)
At Goodison-park last evening. Teams: - Everton: - Depledge, goal, Strettell, and Stevenson, backs, Adamason, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rafferty, Thomas, Couper, Cooke, and Butler, forwards. Manchester City: - Davies, goal, Jarvis, and Norgroves, backs Evans, Hamlet, and McQustra, half-backs, Taylor, Fisher, Eyre, Farrell, and W. Jones forwards . Everton pressed from the start, Davies being called upon with a couple of stagging shots from Thomas and Cooke. The visitors eventually relieved the pressure. Rafferty next spirited down the wing, only to be grassed by Norgrove. The Manchester forwards attacked, and Eyre rounding Stevenson, placed the ball out of Depledge's reach. After this success the visitors kept pegging away in grand style, Farrell sending in a stringing shot, which was well cleared. A couple of minutes before the interval, Couper brought Davies to his knees with a beautiful ground shot. Half-time Manchester City 1 Everton nil. After the interval Everton forwards were upon better advantage, and Rafferty compelled Davies to save at full length. After some nice footwork by the home forwards Booth raced through, and beat Davies with a lighting shot, which gave the visitors custodian no chance. The visitors made desperate efforts to gain the lead, and Fisher scored from a nice pass by Jones. Everton tried hard to equalise hard to equalise towards the finish the inside men having several changes, but they failed to take them. Result:- Everton 1, Manchester City 2.

THE BATTLE FOR THE CUP.
April 18, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
A WAR OF THE ROSES.
EVERTON'S PREPARATIONS FOR THE PALACE.
Lancashire and Yorkshire will do battle at the Crystal Palace tomorrow for the highest guerdon in football, the English Cup. Our own county has its worthiest representative in the field in the Everton team, whose performance this season gives them an inalienable right to honour. Everton have not only fought their way to the final by sheer merit, but by defeating every other Lancashire club in the League competition they have established a claim to be regarded as the rightful representatives of the county. The hopes of the Yorkshire centre in Sheffield Wednesday, while the record of the old team is not so brilliant as that of Everton, the dour pluck displayed by the Wednesday in this season's cup competition is just the sort of quality which will commend them to the hearts of the Tykes. In short, no better representatives could be chosen to fight this modern war of the roses.
Everton are not only struggling to win the Cup, but to retain it. After two unsuccessful appearances in the final, the Blues last year brought home the famous trophy amid scenes of such tumultuous enthusiasm as Liverpool never saw before. They hope to achieve what would be a record in recent times, and win the cup in two successive years. The prospects of such a triumph are of the brightest. Every player is well and heartly and eager for the fray, and their skill and ability as footballers is beyond question. How have they been prepared for the great even? The answer is. By quietly resting by gentle open-air exercise, and by not worrying about it. It must be remembered that the Blues have recently had a surfeit of football. They played a match on Good Friday, another on the Saturday, another the following Saturday, then on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday again. After such a strenuous programme, even allowing for the use of reserves, there is little need for hard training. So training in the ordinary sense of the word has been practically dispensed with. The men have had brine baths at Stafford, and quiet country walks in the neighbourhood, of West Kirby, the salubrious district which has already been found to suit them well. The old war-horse, Taylor has quite got over the stomach trouble, which forced him to live on slope for two days before the semi-final with West Bromwich Albion at Bolton. Taylor played outside right to Bell in that fine display in the final of 97, when the Villa unhappily got the better of us. That was ten years ago, and “Jack” is now one of the most virile and dashing of centre halves.
THE TEAM IN THAT FAMOUS FINAL.
Was Menham, Meechan, and Storrier, Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, Taylor, Bell, Hartley, Chadwick, and Milward. Everton were beaten that day, but last year brought compensation, and the Everton captain had the chance –and didn't he use it? –Of flourishing the trophy before a triumphant host of supporters. Perhaps Monday night will bring another such scene. The chances are that the team will be what is practically the usual and the best combination. There is no doubt about Scott in goal, the brothers Balmer at back or Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott at half. There is little doubt that the forwards will be Sharp, Settle, Young, G. Wilson, and Hardman, but no decision has been come to with regard to the exact constitution of the attack. Such uncertainly as may be said to exist concerns the left wing and the inside right position. Besides the players named, Bolton has gone to London, and the final decision will not be made until the morning of the match. With regard to Sheffield Wednesday, the only uncertainty appears to be as to the constitution of the right wing. The Wednesday were extremely unlucky in losing the services of Davis, who broke his leg at Sunderland, but they have capable men in reverse. The Wednesday also are Training at home just now, although they spent some time at Buxton previous to the semi-final. Tom Crawshaw is their skipper, and like Jack Taylor, he is an old hand at the game. His 34 years give him an advantage –in experience –over the Everton captain. He was in the Wednesday team in 1896, when they beat the Wolves by 2-1, and thus took the cup for the first time. Fred Spikesley, the flier scored both goals that day. The Wednesday figured in the final six years before, but Blackburn Rovers then trounced them to the tune of 6-1. Everton and Sheffield Wednesday have met in cup-ties before. Last season the Blues triumphed over them at Goodison-park by 4-3 and delving into ancient history, it will be quite sufficient to recall with a pang that sorry day, in February of 96' when the boot was on the other leg, and Wednesday won by 4-0 at Olive-grove. Everton's team on that inauspicious occasion was Hillman, Adams, and Arridge, Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, Cameron, McInnes Bell Chadwick, and Milward. Coming up to date, it is necessary to know what is the record of the rivals in the present competition, what teams have they met, and how did they fare? Here are the performances of the pair set out in a fashion, which makes comparison easy.
First Round , Everton beat Sheffield United at Goodison, Park, 1-0. Wednesday beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, at Owlerton 3-2.
Second Round . Everton beat West Ham United, at West Ham 2-1, Wednesday drew with Southampton, at Southampton 1-1. Re-Play Wednesday 3 Southampton 1.
Third Round . Everton drew with Bolton Wanderers at Goodison, 0-0. Replay Everton 3 Bolton Wanderers 0. Wednesday drew with Sunderland, at Owlerton 0-0. Replay Wednesday 1, Sunderland 0.
Fourth Round . Everton draw with Crystal Palace, at Palace 1-1. Replay Everton 4, Palace 0. Wednesday beat Liverpool, at Owlerton , 1-0.
Semi-Final. Everton beat West Bromwich Albion, at Bolton 2-1, Wednesday beat Woolwich Arsenal at Small Heath 3-1.
Totalling up the scores, we find that Everton have put on 13 goals to 3, and Wednesday 12 goals to 5, which is substantially in favour of the Blues. The record shows that the Wednesday are very hard fighters, and a deeper dig into the facts confirms the impression. Against Woolwich Arsenal, for instance, they were behind in the scoring, but they drew level and ultimately won. It was in the closing stages too that they upset Liverpool's aspirations. The Wednesday are a dogged, team which never knows itself beaten. Mr. Cuff, the Everton secretary gave an opinion yesterday which will appeal with force to most people, and which will meet in Liverpool with fervent hopes of fulfillment. Mr. Cuff's deliverance was: - “I am of opinion that this will be one of the toughest fights ever seen in the final, and that we shall come out on top.” So may it be.
EVERTON'S DEPARTURE.
The Everton team left Lime-Street Station by the two o'clock train yesterday afternoon for the South. The time of departure had been keep quite, and only a few well-wishes assembled at the station to see them off. All the players looked fit and well and were hopeful of victory, Jack Taylor was the centre of an admiring group, who expressed the wish that he and his colleagues would again carry off the covered trophy. The players who made the journey were Scott, Sloan, W. Balmer, Robert Balmer, Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott, Sharp, Settle, Young, George Wilson, Donnachie, Bolton, Crelly, and Chadwick, Hardman was not noticed at the station, and he will probably join the party later. Mr. W.C. Cuff and Trainer Elliott, of course, accompanied the team, whilst amongst the directors travelling were Messrs A.J.Wade, B.Kelly, E.A.Bainbridge, and Dr. Whitford.
A GARGANTURN FEAST.
In catering for the wants of the hugh crowd expected at the Palace, 1,200 people will be employed. There will be 240,000 glasses and 120,000 cups and saucers available. The food includes 70,000 slices of bread and butter, 20,000 pats of butter, 30,000 slices of cake, 10000 buns, 13,000 scones, 3,000 pork pies, 650 gallons of milk, 100 rumps of beef for streaks, 75 loins of mutton for chops, and 12000 pounds of potatoes, while there will be in readiness 100 barrels of beer.  

THE ENGLISH CUP FINAL
April 19, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
THE EVE OF THE CONTEST.
EVERTON ALL FIT AND READY.
Chingford, Friday. (From our Correspondent) I am writing from Chingford, because it is quite unnecessary now to preserve the secret of the Everton quarters. The team, with a number of the directors, including Mr. George Mahon, the chairman, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Bainbridge, and others, has been rusticating since Thursday evening at the Royal Forest Hotel, Chingford. Chingford is on the very edge of Epping Forest. The hotel is on the crest of an eminence, which fringes the woods, and the foliage of 14 miles of virgin forest purifies the air about it. As compared with our northern atmosphere it is balmy and soothing rather than invigorating, and the whole aspect of the place is peaceful and calm. The players were here last year, and they are quite at home, and delightful with their surroundings. The time has been passed in quiet walks in the park-like county and amid the imposing trees of the forest –a restful experience, which seems an ideal preparation for the morrow's struggle. One of the players entered the hotel while I was there. With youthful instinct stirred by the surroundings, he had been bird-nesting, and was in high glee. Another couple of players had a lark with a London journalist, who came up to the hotel armed with a camera and eager for information. The directors were too busy to see him, and the visitor came across these two players as they were strolling about the grounds. Taking in the situation with ready wit, one of the players introduced the other as the manager of the team, and between them they supplied the inquiring gentleman with any amount of “information” which was solemnly transferred to the pages of a notebook.
All the men are fit and well, and ready to fight for their lives. A rumour was spread about yesterday, and this morning by some ill-informed prints that two of the players –a forward and a back, I think were mentioned –were lame. I am assured that there is no foundation whatever for the story. I put the matter directly to two of the directors, who stated explicitly that the rumours was unfounded. I saw several of the men during my visit to the hotel, and they certainly never looked better. I was much struck with the contrast between the Everton system and the adopted by Newcastle United last year. When I went to Rhyl to see the Tynesiders a day or two before the last final I found some of them strenuously kicking a football about a field and others working at a punchball. Well do I remember seeing Andy Aitkens diligently thumping at a punchball with the irea of improving his wind. These methods are all right for getting a man fit at the beginning of September, but such work at the fag end of the season seems entirely superfluous. There is none of that sort of thing about the Everton methods. Rightly or wrongly, the players are resting rather than exercising.
The men themselves have an ideal that they will pull off the event. They know the fight will be a hard one, but they see no reason why they should not win it. One thing is certain, they will got the whole 90 minutes. They will, if necessary play the last minutes as strongly as the first. There will be no fuss this year about the possession of the ball used in the game. Rutherford, Newcastle United's outside right, still has the ball, which rightly belongs to Jack Taylor. In consequence of his refusal to conform to custom last year the Association has passed a rule that the ball, which belongs to the Association, shall be given to the captain of the winning team. Taylor will be proud man if he brings home the ball on Monday. Mr. Cuff, the popular Everton secretary, was not at Chingford, as he had to attend a meeting of the League at the Tavistock Hotel. The Everton Club have been called upon for an explanation as to playing reserve men in some recent League matches, and it was expected that the matter would be dealt with at the meeting this afternoon. It was found necessary, however, in the press of other business it to a future meeting.
The team make the journey to the Crystal Palace by train tomorrow. Last year they went by motor car, and had an unpleasant experience on the way home, the car breaking down. Some of the party on board tried to push the recalcitrant motor up a hill, and as it was raining hard at the time the trip was not a merry one. No such risk will be run this year. The ordinary locomotive stream engine will be impressed into service, and the big glass house will be reached by railway. The weather prospects as the time of telegraphing are good. Many Liverpool people are already in London in readiness for the great event, and a happy outcome is confidently expected. The following 22 players will probably turn out: -
Everton
Height and weights
Williams Scott
William Balmer
Robert Balmer
Harry Makepeace
Jack D Taylor
Walter Abbott
Jack Sharp
James Settle
Alex Young
George Wilson
Harold P. Hardman

EVERTON PROFILE
April 20, 1907 Cricket and Football
W.Scott (Goalkeeper)
The Blues custodian was the only Irishman on view today, but absence of quantity is compensated by quality – at least on the season’s work which Evertonians hoped to see maintained today.  He was born at Belfast in 1883 and was first schooled in the art of defence with Suffolk (Belfast), then with the Wesley club.  Coming quickly to the front with Linfield, he appeared for the country against England, Wales, and Scotland in 1903 and 1904.  Everton cast east their spell upon him, and he has proved himself the finest and most consistent custodian Everton have ever possessed.  With splendid reach, and without a superior in his fielding and disposal of the ball, particularly alert and dexferous, he is a favouritie at Goodison.  Height 5ft, 10 and half ins, and Weight, 11st. 
W. Balmer (full-back)
A genuine Merseyside, born at West Derby some 28 years ago.  W.B joined the Aintree Church club in the nineties, and later assisted Blackpool South Shore, for one season.  When signed by Everton in 1896, there was not a flourish of trumets, but he created an impression when an accident shot in a practice match in Aug. 1897, as successor to Peter Meeham, and he has since practically lived in the Everton League team – either at right or left back.  Fashing and daring in defence, he is effective in tackling, and a powerful “booter”  True, he possessors only one International cap, but he hoped to earn his second F.A medal this afternoon.  He figures on the other wing in the last year’s Final, when he played a fine safe game, and did his share in taking the Cup to Merseyside.  Height 5ft 8 and half ins, weight 11st 7lbs. 
R Balmer (Left Back) – Like his brother William, this player is a ‘native production, born at West Derby in 1882.  He took early to full back play and figured in the Shaw-st College team for three years; and then participated in local junior football for other three seasons, and played as an amateur for Everton during 1900-01.  When professionalized in 1901-02, he came on rapidly, and although a mere stripling made a satisfactory League debut for the Blues on January 3rd, 1903 v. Middlesbrough.  Since then he has improved fast, and is now a first-rater.  Indeed, he was preferred to either brother William or Crelley in many games last season, eventually displacing the last-named in the current campaign, and was in the running for International honours until a shaky display v. West Bromwich Albion spoiled his chance.  In style of defence he greatly resembles his elder brother, his timing of the ball being a marked feature.  Height 5ft 7ins, weight 10st. 
H. Makepeace (right half)
A local in everything but birth –for, though born at Middlesbrough in 1882, he was reared in Liverpool –this player represented this city in school football against various towns as an inside left.  First he assisted the Queen’s road; and Stoneycroft clubs, and joined Everton about the same time as the younger Balmer.  Like the latter, he showed a natural aptitude for the game, despite –also like Balmer –a lack of weight.  His debut was made six weeks after R. Balmer, as inside left v. Manchester United, and he was tried at half-back later in the same season.  His real chance came when Wolstenholmes joined the Rovers in 1904-5, and before the end of the season Makepeace displayed convincing powers at right half, when Everton reached the Cup semi-final.  Brilliant in 1905-6 he gained his Scottish cap, but sustained serious injury in that match.  That considerably inferfered with his play and health.  Happily, he is now recovered again.  A deft interceptor and splendid feeder, he ignores charging, and once was Everton’s penalty artiste.  Reliable at football he is equally good as a cricketer.  Height, 5ft 7in; weight, 10st 4lbs. 
John D. Taylor (centre half)
The captain of the team is unquestionably the finest servant Everton ever had.  Yet he is one of the  veterans of the football field.  Still, it is only so in years and experience, for he still exhibits all the dash and stamina of a “young blood.”   With a tremendous appetite for work and as a breaker up of combination, he is rarely excelled, and plies his forwards well, besides being a frequent goal-getter.  Everton secured him in 1895, and curiously enough he made his League debut against Sheffield Wednesday, Everton’s opponents of this afternoon.  He has figured in almost every position in the team, but until recent years chiefly on the right  wing of the attack of the attack.  A native of Dumbarton, he played for the Fitular club there, but came to Everton from Paisley St. Mirren.  It was his third Cup Final this afternoon.  Height 5ft 9 and half ins, weight 10st 7lbs,
W. Abbott (left-back) Like his co-half-back, this player was originally a forward.  Birmingham born is 1878, he first played for St. Matthia’s and then Rosewood Victoria; was discovered by Small Heath (now Birmingham) in 1895, and signed by his town’s league club; succeeded Whildon at inside left when the latter transferred his services to Aston Villa and proved an instant success and a great goal-getter for the Heathens.  He was transferred to Everton for season 1899-1900, but failed as a forward, seeming slow and uncertain, so he was dropped after a few trials.  Then, tried with the Reserves at left-half-back, he was re-introduced to the League team in this position, and has been Everton’s left half for the last eight seasons!  A splendid tackler, and remarkably nimble for a heavy weight.  A fine feeder adroit, and a tremendous shot.  He was capped v. Wales in 1902 and is better and more consistent today tha ever.  Height 5ft 10ins weight12st.
J. Sharp (outside-right)
Here who have a man usually grifted with that rare faculty –the ability to rise to a great occasion, both at football and cricket.  This member of the sunny-faced brigade, with his well-developed figure, thrills the crowds as he flashes down the touch line.  He left Hereford Thistle for Aston Villa in 1897 as a centre forward, but tried at outside right, there found his true position, and challenged comparison immediately with the great Athersmith then in his zenith.  But he didn’t relish playing second fiddle! Hence he joined Everton in 1889, and at once won the hearts of the crowd.  A winger of the electric order, he is always dangerous, either with his centre or in individual bursts.  He did more to win last season’s Final for Everton than any other Blue.  He boasts caps v. Ireland, and Scotland, is virile and gentlemainly, and actually great at cricket, and football.  Heights 5ft 6 and half, weight 11st 4lbs. 
Jimmy Settle (Inside-right)
Though often regarded as a Lancashire lad, he is a native of Millom, in Camberland, but his early clubs were Halliwell Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, and Bury.  He gained his cap (a three-cornered one) when with the Shakers, and since being secured by Everton in 1899 has done great things.  Public opinion is that he is one of the cleverest and trickest forwards of the day.  He prefers inside left, but has this season blended beautifully with Sharp in the Cup-ties, being an artiste on the ball, able to hoodwink the best of defenders, and is usually delightfully cool in snapping up his opportunities in front of goal.  Most skillful in drawing on the defence, he is altogether a pleasing player to watch, and is Everton’s leading scorist in the present cup competition.  Lack of inches is no detriment to the Goodison bantam.  Height 5ft 6in, weight 10st 13lbs. 
A Young (centre forward)
“Our Sandy” is a Scotsman, and a very fair specimen too.  He was born at Slamannan (East Stirlingshire) in 1881, and served an apprenticeship with Slamannan Juniors; then passed on to Falkirk F.C., and subsequently to Paisley St. Mirren; returned to Falkirk in 1900, and came under Everton’s eye in the following spring.  He succeeded Proudfoot and Toman as leader in the Everton team, and never missed a match after making his debut during 1901-2.  Though handicapped through ill-health in the two season succeeding seasons, he has come out like a giant again in the present campaign and is the League’s leading scorist.  He is a most mystifying and artistic leader, and when in the mood, the despair of opponents.  As a representative of his country, he was altogether a credit to his profession, and he scored the goal which won Everton the Cup at the Palace last year.  Height, 5ft 8 and half in, weight 11st, 2lbs.
C. Wilson (Inside Left)
The Pocket Hercules of the Everton team is, like Young, a Scotmans; and a sunny tempered one –until crossed;  This native of Lochgelly developed into a first class artiste when in the service of Hearts of Midlothian, but was always an outside left.  As such a Scotch cap v. England was awarded him two years ago.  He joined Everton last year and quickly enhanced his reputation; was tried at inside left, following an accident to Settle; and soon demonstrated this to be his true position, for he has since been indispensable therein.  He is a dour forward, irresistible in his dashes, and refuses to be shalen off.  Nor is he averse to helping his defence when in a tight corner.  A hurricane shot, he has nevertheless been an unlucky one.  He was capped v. England again recently, but he was in the wrong position.  He gained a Scottish Cup medal last year.  Height, 5ft 6ins, weight, 12st 7lbs. 
Harold Hardman (outside-left)
The one amateur on view is none the less a worker.  In fact, jis pluck is amazing for such a featherweight, Manchester (1883) claims him as a son, and the legal profession as a member.   He delights in football as a tonic, is a teetotaler and a non-smoker, but never a bigot.  He played for Blackpool High  School and Blackpool F.C., but, anxious to participate in the best class football, became identified with Everton four seasons ago.  The knowing ones delayed him physically unfitted for League football; “he wouldn’t last,” they said.  His critics stand countfounded.  Pertinacity and quickness are features of Hardman’s play.  No opponent is too big for him.  He believes on acting on the impulse of the moment and emphasizes individuality as against individualism.  Everton’s finest outside left since Milward’s day boosts five caps for the 1906-07 season!  Height 5ft 6ins, weight 9st 13lbs. 

EVERTON AND THE LEAGUE
Athletic News - Monday 22 April 1907
We understand that The League Management Committee have this year, as last spring, called upon the Everton club for an explanation of the teams they have recently been playing in various League matches -the insinuation of course being that Everton have been resting perfectly sound players for Cup-ties.  This appears a particularly harsh attitude to a club which with one exception, has never put a man into The League team who is not on the maximum wages.  For the past six weeks Everton have never had a team perfectly free from injuries and illness.  Indeed, it is well-known that several of those who turned out in the The Cup Final on Saturday were not above suspicion of unsoundness, but Everton dislike to make excuses.  The only man that Everton have played in a League match this season for whom a plea is necessary is Depledge, who kept goal against stoke.  There were reasons for this.  Scott was assisting Ireland, and Sloan, who has played with the Reserves in every match was most anxious to retain his usual place.  Hence Depledge was requisitioned.  He is a Liverpool youth whom the club were anxious to try.  How can a man be satisfactorily tried except in a League match?  The suggestion that Strettell, Chadwick, Jones and the like are not League players, to use a colloquialism, seems a very far-fetched idea.  They are men of approved ability, and Jones is certainly the coming centre of all Liverpool.  If Everton are not to let their men gain experience especially when others are indisposed and suffering from accident, what shall we say of the other clubs?  An examination of the lists shows that many debutants have come out this season.  Are all clubs under suspicion who do not play eleven internationals? 

DRAMATIC VICTORY OF SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Athletic News - Monday 22 April 1907
By Tityrus
Sheffield Wednesday are once again the guardians of that splendid guerdon-the Association Cup.  The Wednesday warriors have every reason to be violently in love with the Crystal Palace arena, for they have twice battled on the sea of the most coveted challenge vase of the Footballdom, and they have twice had the honour of bearing away the shinning willow-the-wisp which eludes the clutches of many teams.  No other club has such a record as this at Sydenham, and Wednesday are naturally proud of their dual achievement.  And if they deny this soft impeachment, then verily do I doubt the word of a Yorkshireman –a thing I have never done before, as George Groesmith used to say.  In the first round Sheffield United fell before the Everton eleven, and in the last scene of all it has been reserved for Sheffield Wednesday to uphold the honour of that city which is the oldest provincial home of the National winter pastime.  For over half a century Sheffield has been wedded to the game of the democracy.  But it was not a plebeian recreation when Sheffield led the way, having taken their one from the public schools and the universities.  The Sheffield club, formed about 1855, was an aristocratic institution, and some of the working men of Lancashire were astonished when they saw these Sheffield swells playing in white kid gloves.  But eleven years after the Sheffield gentlemen had regularly pursued the sliddery ball, Sheffield Wednesday –then a cricket club – found a section for those who would revel in football, and so keep themselves fit for the witchery of willow and leather in summer.  Some 23 years after Wednesday were born Sheffield United sprang into existence.  They did not come from the brain of Minerva in the full panoply of battle, but they progressed.  Now I ask you to ponder on what these three great clubs have accomplished.  The Sheffield club has captured the Amateur Cup, and the Wednesday and the United have each twice won the English Cup, and each has been champions of the League.  Truly Sheffield has been justified of its early enthusiasm, and there is not a single honour left for the clubs of that city to sigh for.  Great is Sheffield, and it will prevail.  Moreover, so far as I know, there is not a blot on the ‘escutcheon of Sheffield football, and I most heartily congratulate the Wednesday club on their latest triumph- the reward of sheer merit; that and nothing more.
London Lively With Country Cousins
But before I plunge into any description of the struggle at the Crystal Palace on Saturday let me say that once again London was bathed in sunshine, and that a beautiful, if breezy, day was vouchsafed for the “function” Cup Day has become a “function” second only in England to Derby Day.  How the Football Association manage year after year to arrange matters so perfectly with the Clerk of the Weather passes all comprehension.  I never remember rain on Cup Day, and I cannot imagine a scene of greater desolation that such conditions would produce on an exposed plain, with little covered stand accommodation, such as there is at Sydenham.  From early morning the streets of the Metropolis were swarming with the sons of industry out for a holiday.  There was no mistaking these battalions with cloth caps.  These seemed to be the only headgear for Cup Day tourists.  It was difficult to tell where the rival Northern hordes hailed from, as they all had blue and white rosettes and favours.  Some had the correct shades of blue, and in that case we had almost the Cambridge blue for Wednesday and the oxford blue for Everton.  Lest these Evertonians should be mistaken, many of them sported the red rose of Lancashire, but I never saw the white rose of the house of York.  Naturally, the young men from the country went sightseeing, and some thousands were driven round in brakes.  At one time there was a great procession of wagonettes outside St. Paul’s Cathedral, and how the Cockney chaffed a provincial party that happened to have a pair of jib-bring horses harnessed to the pole!  And there are jibbers even in London.  But four hours before the kick-off –why should they be delayed until half-past three?-the travelers began their pilgrimage to the Palace –the very Mecca of all devotees of the big ball.  Once arrived at Sydenham the people began to take up their position round the famous enclosure.  Soon there were early birds perched up in the tree branches.  One man-the most expert limber of a band –would first of all ascend the truck, and then having made himself secure on a strong branch help to haul up his mates with a rope.  Great fun was this diversion, and quite an exciting as the match itself, because there was always the possibility of the rope breaking or somebody falling and fracturing a limb.  Many had donned war paint, and one couple were certainly original.  They were dressed entirely original.  They were dressed entirely in the blue and white of Sheffield, and, while one had the garb of a pierrot, his companion had a silk hat, round which were grouped imitation knives, forks, and spoons –emblematic of the capital of the cutlery trade.  The man with this weird contraption of a hat must have fancied himself The Master Cutler.  Some had umbrellas of blue and white, and no loyalist was without his colour.  The crowd, in spite of these things, was mostly a somber study of grey and dark tints, relieved here and there by the bright scarlet jackets of soldiers.  Their uniforms in the distance were as vivid as a poppy in the field of golden corn.  But both the Services were represented.  Still, the blue serge of the sailor was not conspicuous-not so prominent as his stone gallon jar full of nut brown ale.  I saw these liberations poured out, and used for the purpose of lubricating throats parched with dust.  The country in the South is bursting into life.  I noticed much May blossom, and the roads unfolded themselves like a long white silk ribbon laid across the landscape.  And the dust those motor-cars created.  There was a cloud for miles between London and the Palace. 
Distinguished Visitors.
Not alone did the plebeians assemble, for in the Pavillion-far too small, by the way –there were many of England’s aristocracy and men of note from many parts of the world.  Lord Alverstone, the Lord Chief Justice of England, sat in the centre of the Pavilion with Lord Rosebery, an ex-Prime Minister on his right.  Both have distinguished themselves on the fields of sport and they were supported by Lord Derby, Lord Desborough, Lord Fitzmaurice (under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs), Lord Stanley, the Hon. Arthur Stanley, Mr. C. H. Izard, M.H.R. (New Zealand), Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Fisher, Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, K.C.M.G. (New Zealand), Lady Ward, Miss Ward and Mr. Cyril Ward, Hon. F.R. Moore (Prime Minister of Natal), Sir Harry Hornby, Bart., M.P., Mr. C. du P. Chiappini (South Africa), Sir Howard and lady Vincent, Sir Henry and Lady Ewart, and the Hon. D.P. Graaff (Transvaal). 
Directorates with Decided Opinions
The Wednesday eleven were the first to arrive from their London Hotel, and these clean-built, determined-looking men were eagerly scanned.  Everton, who stayed out at Chingford, on the borders of Eppping Forest, came comparatively late.  Crawshaw led his men on in good time, and within a few minutes of the start Taylor piloted the Everton eleven.  And, by the way, there was much uncertainty as to the exact composition of both sets of forwards, and when the men did appear it was seen that Everton had the same side as last year save that Robert Balmer took the place of John Crelley as left back.  This means that George Wilson did not play at inside left, James Settle resuming his old position, while Hugh Bolton re-appeared at inside right.  Naturally there was much speculation as to the reason for the omission of such a masterly inside forward as George Wilson, but the directors had no hesitation in leaving him to assume the role of a spectator, even though they did lose The Cup.  There is, it is an open secret, some friction between Everton and the famous Scotsman, and the Board determined to show that they were not going to be over ridden by any one of their professionals.  Curiously enough, Wednesday had also to seriously consider whether they could play James Stewart, their usual inside left, or whether they should place Bradshaw in that position and introduce Maxwell, the Kilmarnock laddie, at outside right, with Chapman in his old position of inside partner.  But the team who won the semi-final tie at Birmingham was preferred, so that in each camp a Scotsman had to give way to an Englishman –and without the least bitterness of feeling I hold that this was the proper course.  George Wilson was not of the same mind as his employers, and Maxwell has only been at Sheffield for a week or two, so that he could really have little claim to consideration –nice player and well-conducted youth though he be.  Nat Whittaker, the referee, whistled up the captains, and Taylor, winning the toss, played with the breeze behind the Lancastrians. 
Wednesday Establish A Lead
Despite this fact, it was soon painfully evident to the supporters of Everton that their favourites had met their match.  Sharp and Bolton were very often the leaders of attacks, but I did not notice the élan and trustfulness that the Lancashire cricketer showed last year against Carr –even though Sharp was strong enough to force a corner-kick, which simply led to a second concession of the same kind.  I noticed that sharp, like the true artist that he is, took the place-kicks with his left foot, and the ball curled beautifully into the goalmouth, with the result that Abbott was able to make a valiant effort to head a point.  As it happened, the crossbar was in the way.  The “Blades” were too spry and too fast to be held in restraint by the Everton wing half-backs.  This was the first evidence which opened one’s eyes to the possibilities of the game.  George Simpson was the leader in a regular right-down royal raid which consummated in an attack near the goal post, when the defence was bustled and beaten.  Indeed, the ball was placed in the net, but Nat Whittaker promptly signaled for a free kick for off-side.  The position of the Press gallery at the Palace does not enable one to judge with confidence on this ground, but it occurred to me that Simpson went right through with the ball, and certainly more than one of the Wednesday players could not understand the ruling.  Everton made spasmodic onslaughts, but there was no unity, no cohesion in the front rank, and little support from the middle line, if we except Taylor.  Moreover, Young’s ideas of out-maneuvering a back did not always agree with those of the referee, and following a free-kick for undue attention to Burton, Brittleton neatly gave to Stewart, who guided the ball to Wilson.  The Scottish international urged his object to the wing with one deft touch, and away sped Chapman.  The finish of the run was disappointing, as Chapman could not do better than loft his centre on to the netted roof of the goal.   Very seldom indeed did Everton make a movement like this, in which four men each did his share, even if the parting shot was unworthy of the scheme.  Indeed the only Everton forward who showed the capacity to lead his comrades on at this time was Harold Hardman, who tricked Brittleton and attracted Crawshaw, who came from the centre to the wing.  But even the Wednesday captain could not stop Hardman, who gave Bolton an opportunity to test Lyall.  Certainly he did turn the ball into goal, but the custodian never felt even the preliminary emotion of a heart flutter.  On the other hand, whenever Sheffield Wednesday made a rapid raid peril seemed imminent.  Their play was so sharp, incisive, penetrative, and always converging to one point.  Thus when the “Blades” took the lead at the end of twenty-two minutes it was only what was really expected after the first quarter of an hour’s play.  Andrew Wilson, without any finesse, was always ready to swing out to his wings, and so set all the machinery in full force.  By such a pass George Simpson was able to speed on in his usual dashing style.  Instead, however, of pursuing his run to the bitter end he stopped almost suddenly, in the Bassett style, and, as Makepeace was drawn to him, Simpson tipped the ball back to Stewart, who promptly gave possession to Chapman on the other wing.  The outside right shot for all he was worth from short range.  It was a splendid effort, and Scott deserves commendation for even stopping the ball and turning it to his right.  It seemed as if there was an appeal for a goal, but almost before any answer could be made, James Stewart cleverly headed into the net, with Scott entirely outplaced.  Such a success as this, of course, gave Wednesday every encouragement, with the result that Andrew Wilson and George Simpson were often the leaders of attacks, and Chapman was at times prominent.
Sharp the Only Man Who Could Score
Still, the curiosity of the spectators took another form now.  The question was whether Everton could get on terms of equality while they had the wind at their backs.  Sharp and Bolton were the only forwards who could make any headway, but the efforts of their comrades to shoot would have been comical if we did not take our football with such seriousness.  When Bolton gave Young nice positions he could do nothing with them, and on another occasion there was a groan of despair when Harold Hardman stood unmarked with the ball of fortune at his foot.  I looked for a swift low drive into goal – instead of which he shot several yards to the left of the post.  Then there was extraordinary miskicking by everybody, so to speak.  We could see men like Layton miss the ball entirely, and such a master marksman as Abbott kick over it when trying a shot.  Bolton also failed top trouble Lyall when he might have done.  Indeed the feeble attempts at goal getting, and the miskicking and the passing and re-passing and maneuvering of Everton near goal were irritating to a man who desired to see good football.  Why, once, when Young appeared likely to force his way past Layton and shoot, Lyall came out to him. 
But the goalkeeper lost his head, and twice he was on the ground with Evertonians swarming within ten yards of a tenantless goal.  There was a space simply waiting to be filled.  But if Lyall lost his self-possession, so did the Lancashire forwards.  I counted three chances of scoring, but not one was taken.  When ineptitude was most clearly emphasized, and some of us thought that Everton were thoroughly beaten, I believe that a centre by Hardman eluded Layton and went on to Sharp, who showed the advantage of being a cricketer, for he made a swift oblique skimming drive into the net that reminded one of his late cut behind point.  Lyall had no more chance of intercepting that ball than point with his left hand has of fielding one of whose well-timed hard hit “chops” which urges the ball to the boundary with lightning speed.  As there were only two minutes to play before the interval Everton probably took a new lease of life, and compelled Brittleton to concede two corner kicks.  But they were simply these and nothing more.  At breathing time the score was one goal each, with Lancastrain spirits falling and Yorkshire hope rising. 
“Pull Devil Full Baker”
The game was more even when the strife was recommenced, for if Simpson was dangerous of his side Hardman retaliated with spirit.  Indeed the Everton left wing were bent on retrieving the position, but Wednesday did not coincide with this plan of campaign, and we soon saw William Balmer gave a corner in tackling Simpson.  Moreover, the wing men and the half-backs had evidently passed a resolution to plant the ball at Wilson’s feet as often as possible.  The Scottish centre co-operated by shooting on the smallest provocation from all sorts of distances.  Some were surprise shots laden with peril, and once I admired the way Wilson accepted an awkward pass, wheeled round to face the Everton goal, and shot like a streak of lightning.  Moreover, he was merely about a foot outside the far post.  Again, from a fine pass out to Chapman, there seemed likely to be a consummation for Robert Balmer was beaten, and Chapman centred square for Wilson to head over the bar.  But it was “an awful near thing,” as the Scots say.  Now and again Everton rallied, but Lyall was on tip-toe, and with keen anticipation of danger showed excellent judgement and consummate skill by intervening before the position became too acute, while at the other end Wilson the burly Wilson, was ever endeavouring to get “right there” with both head and feet.  Following a free kick Wilson very deftly bobbed the ball into goal.  Sharp and Hardman led a hope that was gradually but surely becoming forlorn without ever getting really forwarder.  Once Layton was guilty of a reprehensible trip upon Hardman.  I think the Evertonian had taken the liberty of breaking away when Layton was not ready – when, in fact, he had a tape in his hand which he was apparently about to use as a waistband to keep his knickers in the place where they ought to be.  As Hardman flitted past him Layton brought him to grass, but the free-kicks for these offences are such paltry punishments that they never –or hardly ever-produce any reward.  Another raid by Hardman gave Brittleton a chance of rising to the occasion.  A lovely centre by Hardman was nipped up by Sharp, who tried desperately to get round Bartlett, off whom the ball cannoned for a corner kick.  Sharp, who made the most of all these flag centres, save Bolton head in the wrong direction, but a few moments after Bolton made a superb swift shot, which was magnificently saved by Lyall.
An Eleventh Hour Triumph
Time was fast ebbing, and most of us had made up our minds for the doleful joy of a replay at Birmingham.  Indeed, I had just said to Mr. F.W. Rinder that there would be heavy work to do in little time at Aston Villa’s headquarters, when he remarked that it would be a pity for either team to lose at that stage.  The words had hardly died on Mr. Rinder’s lips before the Wednesday were attacking, and Andrew Wilson, who was about half-way between the goal-post and the corner flag, right on the line, just gently lobbed the ball in the air for it to fall in front of the goal.  George Simpson sprang up and neatly butted the ball with his brow into the net the very fraction of a second that it came below the height of the cross-bar.  It was the loveliest little centre ever seen, and the quaintest, crispest example of goal-getting made easy ever known.  The Wednesday players simply hugged and embraced Simpson until the little fellow winced, but they forgot the massive Wilson, whose simple, gentle lob had turned a drawn game into a victory.  This occurred in the eight-sixth minute of the match.  There was thus four minutes to play, and there never was any hope of Everton drawing level a second time.  So The Cup went to Sheffield by 2-1.
Why and Wherefore
I have seen many more exciting matches even at The Palace, though the game was always strenuously fought.  But the dourness and the determination of the players did not sufficiently atone for the lack of real brilliance.  Those who went expecting thrills did not obtain many shocks of an electrical character.  It was just a very average Final Tie; that and nothing more.  Mediocrity was stamped all over the game.  Of course there was deadly earnestness and commendable effort, but Everton were not seen to the same advantage as twelve months ago.  Wednesday, on the other hand, always plodded on.  They never relaxed until the last whistle sounded.  The Sheffielders were beyond all cavil far, far the better team.  They were more methodical forward, and they had above all things, to universal surprise, the more telling set of terrier like half-backs.  This was the very line –the international middle division of Everton-that was expected to turn the tide in favour of last year’s winners.  But to tell the plain, unvarnished truth, the wing half-backs were feeble, and the Everton inside forwards, were still more feeble.  Instead of saying that the match was poor beyond redemption, I should say that there were purple patches of good play.  There were times when everybody miskicked –perhaps through sheer nervousness and anxiety, and there were occasions when the movements reached a high standard.  But these were few, and the general impression left on my mind was that of mediocrity.  Wednesday were fully 11lb, per man the heavier, and Heaven was ever on the side of the heavy battalions.  There was always a purpose about Wednesday, and generally a trust in providence style about Everton.  The perseverance, the doggedness of Wednesday –a strong tait in their club’s history –was against most remarked.  To me the most remarkable incident was the prophecy of one of the Wednesday directors as soon as their team reached the Crystal Palace, for he said; “We shall win by two goals to one.”  And he took a pardonable pride in reminding me of his reading of the future when the game was over.  As I said at the beginning I congratulate the Wednesday on their achievement.
Impressions Of Sheffield Heroes
While I have emphasized the point that Wednesday were 11lb, the heavier all round, the fact remains that their most effective the fact remains that their most effective forward was George Simpson.  Three times the ball was in the Everton net and Simpson always had the foot in each culmination.  He netted the ball when the goal was disallowed; he initiated the movement which led up to Wednesday’s first point officially hall-marked as legitimate –and the best worked-for goal in the whole game –and he crowned Wilson’s craft by heading the decider.  It was strange that both Wednesday’s goals should be headed, but such was the case.  Simpson is very small, but he is spry and swift, and the nearest approach the club can get to Spikesley, who was an interested spectator and naturally pleased at the success of his old club.  Stewart was useful, but Andrew Wilson was a great forcing player.  He plied his wings most assiduously, and was not averse to pushing on to the right wing and middling.  Whether he was wise in leaving his position is open to doubt, but he was so thoroughly whole-hearted that we commend his zeal as much as we admire the way he kept on shooting.  He was a regular pom-pom.  Bradshaw is a lad of splendid build, and his zest was great.  Chapman in his new character did valuable work every now and again, but he nullified some promising positions by getting off side.  The combination of the front rank was often assisted by the half-backs-a fine set of aider and abettors.  Crawshaw is a wonder, when we consider the years he has been playing.  Indeed there is no necessity to make any such quality remark, for he was as successful as the youngest, and there would be as much justification for playing Crawford tomorrow against Scotland as there would be for re-introducing Bloomer.  Crawshaw eclipsed Young, had time to help his wings, was a third back, and often an initiator of an attack.  Brittleton certainly did not look well, but he played in a manner which belied his appearance.  Indeed, I question if there was such a wing half-back on the field, for he bothered Settle, harassed Hardman, and remembered the days when he was a forward and looked for passes from the half-backs, Bartlett too, worked with unflagging zeal and considerable skill.  Burton had such a tendency to sky the ball, and he was not a match for Sharp, so that the palm must be given to Layton, although there were blots on his display.  Lyall never made the shadow of a mistake, if we except the time when he ran out and was not successful in his mission.
Extinguished Everton.
But one cannot rush into raptures over Lyall, for the simple reason that he was not given the opportunity to show his splendid powers –for there are few goalkeepers his superior.  The Everton inside forwards shot with such indifference that his task was lightened.  I may be wrong, but I never saw one fine shot from Young, who is the chief goal-getter in The League.  Nor did I notice any of Settle’s deadly drives at short range.  Bolton made one telling effort, to which I have already referred.  The shooting of the three inside forwards of Everton was pitiable in its laxity. Perhaps the re-introduction of Bolton and the transposition of Settle to his old position was not a successful move, but the directors had no other alternative if they desired to retain their independence.  Harold Hardman showed us of his best many a time in the second half and Sharp played surprisingly well over and over again when we consider that Bolton was not as last year.  It is true that the young Scot made some nice passes, but too often he was facing his own goal, and when he received the ball had to trap it and then endeavor to turn round or force it over his head, with the result that he was frequently in difficulties and could neither help Sharp nor anybody else.  He was not the Bolton I have seen.  Indeed, this observation applies generally to the Everton eleven.  I thought that Taylor was often useful.  I cannot say that he was uniformly happy against Wilson, who eluded him and hung on to the backs or lay just on the verge of offside and yet in play.  Still, Taylor, was the strongest of the half-backs, and is to be commended for the way he placed the ball to the wing men so as to open out attacks.  Those who flanked him did their best.  Abbott was very useful with his head, but he was often beaten for want of pace, while even Makepeace was not the masterly man of a year ago.  The wing half-backs were wanting, and that was really where Everton were expected to be beyond reproach.  The Balmers were fairly serviceable, but I do not think they constituted a strong pair, and they were just about on a level with the Wednesday backs.  William Balmer is not quite well, and extenuating circumstances can be urged on his behalf, as he has a knee.  His brother Robert Balmer, was possibly the better of the two.  Scott has nothing of a personal nature to regret, and he gave a better display than when he was last seen at The Palace.  Taking Everton as a whole, they played like a tired team.  There was a lack of freshness and elasticity, which never gave their most skillful attributes full play.  Still, Everton cannot expect to win The cup every time.
Presenting the Cup
Immediately the game was over Tom Crawshaw led the players up to the Pavilion where there was a great crowd.  Lord Alverstone said;- Before I present The Cup and medals I am going to ask Sheffield Wednesday to give three cheers for Everton.  (The invitation was heartily responded to.)  And now I am going to ask everyone to give three cheers for Sheffield Wednesday.  (Cheers.)  We have witnessed an extremely fine match – a match played in a thoroughly sportsmanlike manner, with strict attention to the orders of the referee, and capital good feeling from end to end.  I congratulate Sheffield Wednesday upon winning the Association Cup for the second time, and I congratulate Everton on the gallant fight they have made.  I have great pleasure in presenting you with The Cup (Cheers.) 
Tom Crawshaw, the Wednesday captain said;- My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I thank you most heartily for The Cup and for the appreciation you have all shown of the efforts of Sheffield Wednesday today.  (Cheers.) 
Mr. J.C. Clegg, the chairman of the Football Association, said that it became his very pleasing duty on behalf of the Sheffield Wednesday club to propose a very hearty vote of thanks to Lord Alverstone for the honour he had done to the game of football by coming there and making that presentation.  They might judge by what his lordship had said that he was satisfied with the match.  They were greatly honoured by the presence, support, and countenance of Lord Alverstone at a game which he hoped they should all try to maintain in a spirit of true sportsmanship. 
Mr. Mahon, the chairman of Everton in seconding, observed that he concurred in what Mr. Clegg had said, and added that although Everton had been beaten they were not disgraced. 
Lord Alverstone replied by saying;- I am very much obliged to you all, and I hope to see as good a match another year.   Then the vast assembly dispersed, but outside The Pavillion a great crowd waited to see Crawshaw emerge with The Cup in his hand, followed by the loyal band of players, who have thus realized their ambition.  Sheffield Wednesday;- Lyall (J); Layton (W), Burton (H); Brittleton (TH), Crawshaw (TH) (captain), Bartlett (W); Chapman (H), Bradshaw (F), Wilson (A), Stewart (J), Simpson (G).  Everton;- William Scott; William Balmer, Robert Balmer; Harry Makepeace, John D. Taylor (captain), Walter Abbott; Jack Sharp, Hugh Bolton, Alec Young, James Settle, Harold P. Hardman.  Referee; Mr. N. Whittaker, London.  Linesmen; Capt Curtis and Mr. M.C. Frowde. 

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 EVERTON 1
April 22, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
THE FIGHT FOR THE CUP
EVERTON RELINQUISH THE TROPHY.
WEDNESDAY PREVAIL AT THE PALACE.
IMMENSE CROWD AND A MODERATE GAME.
HOW EVERTON LOST
The English Cup final for 1907, is over, and is now reckoned amongst these annual historic contests of the past. The only regrettable part about it is that the trophy has gone to Sheffield instead of remaining in Liverpool for another year. Everton, try as they would were prevented by Sheffield Wednesday from retaining possession of it, and so Merseyside bid good-bye to it for the time being hoping that ere, long either Everton or Liverpool will run into the final and secure the coveted honour. The turn which events have taken is truly disappointing, but than we must all be sportsmen and accept the inevitable with good grace. It certainly stimulates interest in the competition for the trophy to be passing into fresh hands. Another year and we may see it back again in the enthusiastic football centre. Here in a slight crumb of consolation. All regular supporters of the game are familiar with the steps, which led up to Everton and Sheffield Wednesday being pitted against each other for the final at Crystal Palace. It was a case of Lancashire and Yorkshire fighting out the issue for the honours of the day. It was all along recognised that it would be a very stiff battle for supremacy, and whilst the Evertonians had been regarded as slight favourite, it was nevertheless remembered that the Blades had a good cup-fighting reputation. They had an experience of Blackburn Rovers in year 1890, which, however, did not go in their favour, the famous Lancashire club having won the cup thrice in succession. Moreover, there had been some misgivings on the part of Wednesday in the Brittleton and Bartlett, through illness or injury, might not be available. But those stalwarts were nursed round in time, and helped to leadtheir side to victory. The many thousands who journeyed to the Palace from Liverpool on Friday night were sanguine that their pets, led by Jack Taylor, would repeat their success of last year, whick led to a demonstrating at Goodison-park on the night of their triumphal return, the like of which had not been previously witnessed in Liverpool. These enthusiasts were looking forward to another such celebration. They were in a very hopeful mood. Well, after very exciting send-offs, alike at Lime-street and central Stations, they made the journey South, and were soon mingling with the Sheffield partisans, who, if anything were more numerous than the Everton supporters. At the various railway termini in London these football excursion trains commenced to discharge their passengers shortly after five o'clock, and continued well into the forenoon. There were altogether about fifty or sixty “specials” from Lancashire and Yorkshire, and as these were all full some idea may be gauged of the quota sent to London from the Midlands and the North. One of the Liverpool contingents, as mentioned in another article, formed the “Evening Express” free trippers, who had a good day's pleasure gratis. It was a kind of “morning which put everybody in the best frame of mind –the sun was shining brilliantly, the atmosphere was pleasant with just a touch of keenest which added zest to one's pedestrian movements, and there was every prospect of the weather remaining fine. Busthing and animated as always are the thorougfares of the city, they were rendered additionally so by the influx of a vast rosette army, who were to be met with at every few yards and at every turn. If they were not walking they were riding. The uninitiated if he had judged from these rosettes and the other club favours, which were worn by the excursionists, and indeed, many natives, might have imagined that there was only one club in it. The difficulty arose through the close resemblance of the colours displayed, Evertonians figuring with the blue, and the owls with blue and white. There were some Goodisonites holder than the rest, whose football heraldic design took a more pronounced turn. These adopted the imitation top hat in a striking blue colour, which contrasted somewhat oddly with the silk hat of the city man in the Strand or Fleet-street. Another party who were espied on the top of a motor ‘bus were conspicuous in all-blue capes.' Blue, or blue and white was ubiquitous, you could not get away from it. The motor bus' the primitive but apparently (to Londoners) indispensable horse ‘bus, as well as a variety of brake, were largely patronised during the morning conveying the football fraternity to some of the sights. The tide of humanity towards Sydenham set in very early in the forenoon, many being desirous of viewing the attractions of the Palace before proceeding to the football ground. Not a few dispensed with the train service, preferring to take a tramcar as far as Camberwell Green, and then start a four-mile walk by way of Denmark Hill and Dulwick. Thus all roads lead to Crystal Palace on Cup-tie day. The turnstiles were clicking almost continuously, and by and bye, as the trains from the city empted themselves at the Palace station, the rush became greater until the entrances were crowded.

The vast arena was filling rapidly, although there was still a long time to wait, the more enthusiastic were there early, and secured the best positions on the popular sides. The grand-stands were receiving their occupants, and on the spacious greenward between these and the playing pitch a large number sauntered idly along to while away the tedium of waiting. In the pavilion, the rendezvous of the select, were many notabilities who are usually seen here at this great football event. No one knew exactly what the constitution of the respective teams would be. Everton came from Chingford, their training hardquarters, during the morning, travelling to the Palace by train, and not as last year by motor car. What changes would there be? The information at length reached the press-box that George Wilson was susperesed by Bolton, who partnered Sharp, Settle, therefore joining Hardman on the other wing. Even more uncertainty prevailed as regards the Sheffield team. Was Maxwell, the new Scottish recruit, to play instead of Stewart? The directors were a long time before they could make up their minds, and it was only a short time before the start that they agreed upon Stewart, and so the team, which faced the Blues was the same as that which beat Woolwich Arsenal in the semi-final. When the teams appeared the Sheffielders struck one as of finer physique than their opponents, no mean advantage in such an important contest. When it was seen that Everton had the benefit of the stiffish breeze, and that the sun was behind them, their supporters were at once pleased with themselves. According to official figures, the spectators numbered 84,584. The first ten minutes or so were fairly even. One exciting attack by the Blades threatened danger, the ball being rushed through, but the Toffee-men and their friends breathed freely when the referee gave it as offside. It was thought that Everton should have had a penalty through Crawshaw flooring Young just in the penalty line, but Referee Whittaker gave a free kick just outside the penalty limit. Sharp, Bolton showed good work here. And Young, who tested the Sheffield defence, which was represented hereabouts best by Crawshaw and Barlett. At the same time neither side was showing their best form, nor it seemed difficult to get into the proper stride. Occasionally there was a brilliant effort, one being by Hardman, which was disposed of by Layton. Young shot at long range, but gave Lyall no trouble. “Oh!” was the exclamation of the crowd as Layton failed to clear, and fortunately for his side the ball went out of play. The first goal came after twenty minutes' play, and it was a good effort on the part of Stewart. It came from a pass by Wilson. The Sheffielders were almost frantic with delight at this success, and for a period their players warmed to their work, the forwards showing some nice short passing. The Everton shooting was often ill-directed, and opportunities were lost. At length Sharp brought joy into the Everton camp with a splendid goal, and at the interval the sides were level. This was something to be thankful for, the way matters had been going. How would the Blues fare with the wind against them? Shortly after the restart Wilson gave Scott a handful, which he successfully dealt with. The Sheffield centre required a lot of watching, and was always a source of danger. Scott was kept well employed, and he negotiated splendidly some difficult shots. Towards the latter end of this half, the equality of the play, which had never really been first class, deteriorated, although Sharp repeatedly tried hard for goal, but failed. It seemed as through nothing further would be scored, but there were still four minutes left. It was than that the Everton crowd had the mortification of seeing Simpson head through from Wilson there being no one near him. This settled the matter, and shortly after the whistle blew, and the cup was Sheffield's. Evertonians looked sullen and gloomy. What a change from the scene of last year. Disappointing in place of jubilation. It was generally agreed that Everton with their chances ought to have won. The fates ruled otherwise. Sheffielders crowded round the pavilion to witness the handing over of the cup to the captain of the victorious team, and there were speeches, which were almost drowned, in the defeating roll of cheering which rose from the Wednesday supporters. Lord Alverstone handed the cup to Crawshaw, remarking that the game had been played in a thoroughly sportsmanlike manner. He congratulated Everton on the gallant efforts they had made. A vote of thanks was tendered to the Lord Chief'Justice, on the motion of Mr. J.C. Clegg, Chairman of the Football Association, seconded by Mr. George Mahon, chairman of the Everton Club, who said that Everton were beaten but not disgraced. The Sheffield supporters returned home full of jubilation in marked contrast to the homeward journey of the downcast Evertonians. Better luck next time, ye men of Everton. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Layton, and Burton, backs, Brittleton, Crawshaw (Capatin), and Barlett, half-backs Chapman, Bradshaw, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson forwards. Everton: - Scott goal W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman forwards. Referee Nat Whittaker.
HOW EVERTON LOST
A COMMENT ON THE GAME.
Everton failed because they were never allowed to play the only game they know. The Wednesday, a big powerful team, averaging 11lbs, weight per man, heavier than the Blues bustled their opponents from start to finish. It was evident that this was the idea with which Tom Crawshaw had imbued his men, and it succeeded to admiration. The Wednesday captain himself set the example. A big bustling player, he used his weight unsparingly, fighting himself into the hearts of the fray and moving every time either man or ball, or both. His wing halves backed him up in these tactics. Brittleton and Barlett, and between them the trio knocked all the science out of the Everton attack. It had been supposed that the Everton half-back line was many superiors to that of Wednesday. This was not the case on Saturday. The Sheffield halves were superior to the Blues line, and they were much the best part of the Wednesday team. It was Crawshaw, Brittleton, and Bartlett that beat Everton, and the greatest of these were Crawshaw. Inspire of the Everton forwards, added by faulty back play by Layton and Burton, worked occasional chances for themselves, but they were not turned to account save by Sharp, whose goal was the direct result of a miskick by Burton. Young was notably at fault in the matter, but Bolton and Settle were also sinners, and on one occasion Hardman. The fact is that the forwards had such a grueling from the opposing halves, that when a chance came they had lost the ability to profit by it. Taking the Everton players individually, Sharp stands out easily as the best man on his side, and this apart from the goal he scored, which as already indicated, was more or less a grit. He was too speedy for Barlett and Burton, and his centres were always accurate. He was not sufficiently served. Bolton played a good game, and often his passes were delightfully accurate, but he preferred too often to take the ball up the centre instead of giving his wing partner a chance. In the second half this fault was somewhat remedied with good results, Sharp never failing to profit by the attention. Hardman was brilliant at times, and comes second to Sharp in merit, but Young, and Settle were woeful lacking. Settle chiefly distinguishing himself by getting offside, and Young was quite unable to do the right thing. Following a foul by the centre, Crawshaw himself floored him in a position which, seemed inside the penalty line, but Mr. Whittaker adjudged the offence to have been committed outside the area. Many though Everton were entitled to a penalty kick. In discussing the work of the forwards, it is impossible to avoid asking why George Wilson was dropped. It was a surprise, and a disappointment to find Bolton partnering Sharp and Settle crossing over. The director's best know what reason there was for this themselves, but it seemed at the time, and it is very clear now that a great mistake was made. The halves suffered in comparison with the opposing trio. Taylor had a severe task in attending to Wilson, and his serving of the forwards was not so accurate as usual. Makepeace was very useful, but Abbott was not himself. He was slow and his tactics were often faulty. The backs on both sides were curiously weak the mistake being quite extraordinarily frequent and the two Balmers made fully their share. The defence they presented was not steady, and with the Wednesday forwards playing right up to them they were often in extreme difficulty. Scott justified his reputation in goal. The Irish international did his part splendidly, and he at least emerges from the match with credit undimmed. The play as a whole was moderate in quality, but it was nothing like so featureless as last year's final. The scoring of the goals was dramatic. Everton's qualiser followed a series of missed chances, which amazed the spectators, and it came within three minutes of half-time. The winning goal was scored four minutes from the finish, when a draw seemed certain. It came in this way, the Wednesday right took the ball down and Abbott back heeled it, as he brought, out of Chapman's reach. Chapman, however, got it, and centred almost from the goal line. The leather travelled across the face of the goal, past Scott, and Simpson, who was waiting by the upright, with no opponent near him, headed it into the net, while several Sheffield players hustled the Everton backs out of the way. It was a dramatic wind up to the match, and disappointing as it was to Lancashire, it gave Yorkshire a victory to which they were fully entitled.

STAYLEBRIDGE ROVERS 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 22 1907. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One
Although several of the Everton reserves players were at the Palace, the team sent to Stalybridge did not have a big task on hand in getting the better of the titular club. Their win was only by a margin of two goals to one, however, but with nothing at stake the visiting players did not over-exert themselves. During the first half the Rovers scored through Alcock and crossed over leading by a goal, but afterwards Cooke placed Everton on level terms, and the winning goal followed. It was only a moderate game all through and criticism is unnecessary.

MANCHESTER UNITED 3 EVERTON 0
April 23, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton team left London at noon yesterday for Manchester, and in the evening fulfilled their return engagement with the United club, at Clayton. The weather was fine and breezy, and about 8,000 people witnessed the game. W. Balmer and Abbott were absentees, Crelly and Chadwick being drafted. Manchester United were at full strength. The home side lost the toss, and they were set the task of facing a fairly stiff breeze. From the outset they pressed strongly, and Scott had to clear shots from Turnbull and Bannister, while Balmer was twice conspicuous with timely clearances from Sagar. Everton than broke ground on the left, but Burgesss came to Holden's assistance, and punted clear. Manchester again look up the running and Meredith getting the better of Chadwick, was in a grand position when he shot high over the bar. The home team continued to enjoy all the best of the struggle, and their excellent forward work met with due reward after the game had been in progess twelve minutes. The three inside men worked the leather down, and after a fine centre by Wall had been intercepted by Crelly, Bannister caught the rebound and scored at short range with an shot that gave Scott no possible chance. Following upon this early success, the United players once more kept Everton acting strictly on the defensive, and Scott effected an exceedingly clever clearance of an oblique shot by Sagar. Everton at length wakened up to some purpose, and the forward line carried the ball into the proximity to Moger, but the movement ended in Young being robbed just as he was about to shoot. At the other end the Manchester forwards were again busy, and Scott smartly tipped a potshot by Roberts over the bar. By Scott. The ensuing corner was adequately dealt with, and the visitors made ground on the left, but all to no purpose. United were soon on the aggressive again, and Taylor failing to stem the rush, Turnbull tested Scott with a warm handful. The game was being contested with considerable determination on both sides, but some of the Everton players were palpably tired after half an hour's going and the home forwards taking full advantage of this pressed constantly. Their shooting however, was very wild, and Meredith twice put the ball high over the bar, when he might have done much better. Sharp at length relieved the pressure, with one of his characteristic sprints along the wing. He completely outdistanced both Bell and Burgess, and finished with a rattling shot that caused Moger to run out. For some time after this the visitors quite held their own, and a swinging pass from Hardman put the right wing in possession, but Bolton instead of shooting at once, mulled away his chance and the game once again ran in favour of the Mancunians. They were, very busy on the right, and Meredith putting in a beautiful screw shot right from the corner flag, Sagar headed an inch over the bar. Try as they would, the Evertonians could not get going, and though Young once broke through on his own account, Burgess eventually checked him. The visitors were subsequently in evidence on the left and from a throw in, by Hardman, Young put in a shot swift shot, but the Manchester custodian was on the alert, and throw clear. Another forward movement by the home left ended in Crelly grassing Wall just outside the penalty line, and this led to a desperate struggle in front of Scott, Balmer eventually giving relief. The Manchester forwards however, were speedily on the job again, and a swinging shot from Meredith caused Scott to leave his goal. He tried to gather the ball low down, but missed it, and Turnbull dashing up netted the leather with comparison ease, thus registering a second goal. Towards the interval Manchester exerted renewed pressure, and an advance on the right ended in Meredith striking the inside of the crossbar with a hard drive. The ball rebounded into play, but unfortunately for Everton, it cannoned off Balmer's foot and rolled into the net. Half-time Manchester United 3 Everton nil.
In the second period Everton shone up strongly for some time, Young and Bolton both trying hard to work their way through. The home backs, however, were sound, and repulsed attack after attack. Hardman at length got going in fine fashion, and centring perfectly he gave Sharp a splendid chance of scoring, but the latter missed his kick. The succeeding stages of the contest were all in favour of the home side, but having already gained a lead of three clear goals they did not exert themselves over much, and the character of the play degenerated accordingly. A promising forward movement by the Evertonians afforded glimpses of hope, but Young failed at the last moment, and the desultory character of the contest was continued. Both ends were visited in turn, but the shooting on each side was most erratic, and for a time neither custodian was seriously troubled. A quarter of an hour from the finish it became obvious that both teams had enough of it and so had many of the spectators, for they began to leave the ground in a steady stream. Settle and Hardman once tried to impart some life into the contest, but Roberts checked them, and another item of interest was a break away by Wall, which resulted in Balmer being forced to concede a corner. This was disposed of safely, and though United continued to keep their opponents strictly on the defensive right up to the close, they did not score again. Everton exhibition throughout was poor and disappointing, their play lacking many of the attributes of first class football. Result Manchester United 3 Everton nil. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, R. Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Chadwick, half-backs Sharp, Bolton Young, Settle and Hardman, forwards. Manchester United: - Moger, goal, Holden, and Burgess backs, Duckworth, Roberts, and Bell, half-backs, Meredith, Bannister, Sagar, Turnbull, and Wall, forwards. Referee Mr. A. J. Barker.

RETURN OF THE EVERTON TEAM.
April 23 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton team arrived at Lime-Street Railway Station from Manchester about ten o'clock last night, this being their home coming from their unsuccessful visit to Crytsal Palace. A crowd of about 1,500 people were somewhat assembled awaiting their arrival. There was some cheering when the train drew up alongside the incoming platform. Four of the players at once came down the platform with other passengers and left by the main entrance. As they waited along the station platform from the train they were recognised by many people in the crowd, and several cheers were raised. At the entrance to the station there was also a crowd of people, who gave them a cordial greeting. The other players who had come on to Liverpool by the train shortly afterwards left the station. The crowd quickly dispersed. There was a force of police present, and everything passed off in a most orderly manner. The homecoming was in strong contrast to that of last season, when of course, the Evertonians were proud possession of the Cup.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 EVERTON 1
April 29, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
CUP FINALISTS MEET AGAIN
It was through no question of arrangement, but simply in the ordinary course of events that the two clubs, which participated in the final of the English Cup competition, concluded their League engagements on another enclosure. One would have though that the fight over again of the great struggle at the Crystal Palace would have attracted a not inconsiderable crowd at the victor's ground last Saturday. Such. However, was not the case, the attendance at no period of the game numbering more than 7,000. Still waning interest was not altogether accountable for this, inasmuch as the weather was of the most unpleasant description. With nothing at stake both players and spectators were in a very different frame of mind to that which prevailed on the proceeding Saturday. Sheffield Wednesday had already participated in a couple of League games during the week. Consequently they were not in the best of condition for a serious encounter. The Evertonians, too, were somewhat flurried through having to rush from the railway station to the ground and dress with all possible haste. As it was the start was delayed ten minutes, and even then two of the Everton players were temporarily detained in the dressing room. Probably the League will have something to say about Everton's tardy appearance on the field.
A MODERATE GAME.
The play calls for little in the way of comment. The opening half was tame to a degree. Matters improved considerably later on, and the spectators had some excitement for the money. The Cupholders were the first to score through Bradshaw, whose effort was deserving of commendation. No sooner however, had the ball been kicked off from the centre than Everton were on equal terms. The ball was sent well down the field, Layton misjudged the bounce and Young, who was standing well up, had no difficulty in finding the net. Perhaps a draw of one goal each was a fitting result, though the Cupholders were more forcible in their methods when nearing goal. Indeed, it was largely owing to Scott's cleverness between the upright that the side shared the honours. Balmer and Crelly were a fairly successful pair of backs, but for a wonder Everton's weakness was in the half-back line, which was composed of Black, Taylor, and Chadwick. The forwards were not consistent enough, probably the most prominent of the quintette being Sharp, and Settle. In finishing third in the League with 45 points. Everton have done by no means badly, but one cannot forget that at one period of the season –and that not so long ago –they were well in the running both for the Cup, and the League championship. Still it is too much to expect the greatest honours of the Association game to come to this city every year. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Layton, and Slavin backs Brittleton, Crawshaw (Captain), and Harlett, half-backs Maxwell, Bradshaw, Wilson, Stewart and Foxall, forwards. Everton: - Scott goal, R. Balmer and Crelly, backs Black, Taylor (Captain), and Chadwick half-backs Sharp, Bolton Young, Settle and Donnachie forwards.

EVERTON'S COSTLY CAPTURE
Athletic News - Monday 29 April 1907
John Maconnachie, the hero of the £1,000 transfer fee story of the other week, has left Edinburgh for Everton, one of the clubs alleged to be bidding four figures for him. The transfer fee is not disclosed, but it will leak out in course time, and already it is public property that it is considerably above the sum hinted at the other day, when it was suggested that half of the £1,000 fee had bought the player. He is the most highly transfer-fee’d player who ever left the Scottish capita], and, keeping in mind the transfer of George Wilson, G. Stewart, and Menzies, all International players, this is saying a good deal. Maconnachie has youth on his side, as he is only 22 and 12-stoner. He stands 6ft. 10in. This bespeaks physique; and, in addition, he is a most willing player. Scottish critics of ability.  His conspicuous weakness, as has been pointed out in the Athletic News.” was in placing the ball, and it is insignificant that he gave of this very best when the necessities of the Hibernians resulted in his being shifted from half-back to back. The uniform (and unvarying) strength of his kicking seems to mark him out as a back, but he is as notable for versatility as he is for virility.
An Evertonian Protests.
"Justice” at Gateshead writes:—I have read in a daily paper to-day Geo. Wilson’s (Everton) version of why he was left out of the Cup team in the final tie. If it is correct, I cannot imagine how your paper could possibly support the action of the directors, as it did in last week’s issue.  Probably you have additional information, but presuming the player’s account is correct, I think his treatment abominable.  To make it conditional to play in the final tie signing on for next season is nothing short of tyranny.  A player signs for one season only, and is at liberty to please himself as to re-signing, and there is no doubt Wilson has his reasons for refusing.  He has done his best for his employers whilst in their service, and has helped very materially in getting the team into the final tie, and I maintain in all fairness he should have played.  The conduct of the Everton officials is indefensible to all far-minded followers of the game.  I have been taking your paper now regularly for some sixteen years, and have never had occasion to disagree with the position you have taken up on various matters before.  Though a partisan of the district, I am pleased the directors of the club got their deserts by losing the trophy.  One cannot help but sympathize with the player who took the field under such depressing conditions, as there is no0 doubt the absence, and the cause of it, of Wilson lost the team the Cup. 

• George Wilson was a spectator at Tynecastle, Edinburgh, on Saturday. 

CUP FINALISTS IN CONFLICT
Athletic News - Monday 29 April 1907
By Nemo
Sheffield Wednesday and Everton meeting only seven days after the English Cup Final at the Crystal Palace, played a game at Owlerton wherein League points were of no value to either side, but both tried desperately hard to win, as they should do.  One side tried hard to show that the result of the Sydenham struggle was all wrong, and the other that it was just as it ought to have been. The fact that the personnel of the elevens differed considerably from that which fought in the Final did not check their ardour.  The contest was as strenuous as if it had been fought at the beginning of September instead of on the last Saturday the season, and the result of all the pother was that the contending factions finished on level terms—one goal each. W. Balmer, Abbott, Makepeace, and Hardman were absent from the Everton team, while the Cup-winners had Burton, Chapman, and Simpson away from the side that triumphed at The Palace.
INTERESTING PRELIMINARILY.
It is very likely there would have been a huge crowd had the weather been kind, but about an hour before the kick-off rain began to fall freely, mixed with snow, and thus and a chilling breeze reduced the attendance to 7,000. To the cheering strains of “ See the Conquering Heroes” and “The Good old Wednesday Boys,” played by the band, whom the patrons' of Owlerton so highly appreciate, the Cup winners were welcomed, and a group of fourteen players with a number of directors of the club, including Mr. J. C. Clegg, Mr. A. J. Dickinson, and the old president. Mr. John Holmes, were photographed. The Everton men, who, I believe, had been delayed on their railway journey, were late, and the officials and home players had to wait about ten minutes for their appearance. When at length they appeared the crowd gave them an enthusiastic reception as worthy opponents who had fought nobly and been beaten without disgrace.
SCOTTS SUPERB KEEPING.
Directly the game opened the pace became lively, and so it continued to the end, but neither goalkeeper had much to do during the first half. Young tested Lyall in the first minute, but the Wednesday custodian had little else to do before the interval. Scott saved a good shot from Wilson, another from Stewart, and nice cleared well out of a scrimmage, while two or three times Maxwell from the extreme Wednesday right barely missed with a splendid drives which had the goalkeeper beaten, but passed wide the of the far post.  So it happened that at half-time neither had scored. The pace increased after change of ends, and the Sheffielders did a lot of pressing against a sturdy defence. Scott made a number of fine saves during this period of the game before he was beaten. Then twenty minutes from the end Wilson, taking a pretty pass from Maxwell, went for the Everton goal with one of his famous rushes, to see Scott clear his screw shot and the ball go to Maxwell, who, touching it deftly Bradshaw, enabled his right wing comrade to open the scoring. Directly afterwards Stewart seemed certain to increase the Sheffielders’ lead, but Scott affected a brilliant save. Then the Goodison Park men dashed away and Young, getting through, equalized, Lyall going out and misfielding an easy ball, and seeing it roll slowly into the net. This took place less than two minutes after the “Blades” had scored. The game continued interesting, with Wednesday the more aggressive but twice Scott saved finely from Foxall, and the game ended with the scores still level.
STERLING AND SKILFUL TEAMS.
Wednesday did such a large share of aggressive work that they ought to have won by a couple of goals, but Stewart and Foxall each missed a glorious chance of scoring, and the admirable work of Scott in the Everton goal prevented a number of  fine shots from taking effect. The Everton forward line were clever in the open, but only Young, who played a bold dashing game, did any dangerous work at close quarters. The visitors displayed sound defence all round, the tackling of their backs and half backs being clever. Crelly and R. Balmer had more to do than Layton and Slavin, but all four played well. Layton being prominent with dashing and daring clearances. There was some rare half back play on both sides, with Bartlett noticeable for his judicious work, and Taylor doing a lot of hard work the other side. Maxwell and Bradshaw made a clever right wing for Wednesday, with Wilson and Stewart both full of skill and energy, though the former appeared rather lame.  Foxall scarcely played so well at outside left as he does at inside, but he got in two grand shots near the end of the game. Donnachie was very skillful on the Everton extreme left, but Young was the most effective of the visitors’ forwards, being the only man on the side who could shoot. Just before the end Sharp retired with an injury to his arm. Sheffield Wednesday.—Lyall; Layton, Slavin; Brittleton, Crawshaw (captain), Bartlett; Maxwell, Bradshaw, Wilson, Stewart, and Foxall. Everton.—Scott;  R. Balmer, Crelly; Black, Taylor (captain), Chadwick; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Donnachie. Referee-: C. C. Fallowfield, London.

THE CASE OF GEORGE WILSON
Athletic News - Monday 29 April 1907
By Junius
Never since the famous split between the rival factious at Anfield, which led to Everton’s exodus Goodison Park, has there been such tense feeling engendered in Liverpool, as has been brought about by what I may term the Wilson case. The subject has formed the sole topic of conversation in local football circles, and interest has been accentuated by the continued silence of the Everton directors on the matter. It seems to me that a calm and dispassionate consideration of the affair is necessary to bring about satisfactory termination to the incident. To the ordinary outsider it would appear that George Wilson was harshly treated in not being allowed to play in the Final. The burning question is—Why was he not selected for the match? Wilson had done well for Everton, and had deservedly become a great favourite with the crowd. But the directors had the interests of the club at heart, and no matter what their personal feelings might be, could sink them for the benefit of their team's welfare. Bearing this in mind, therefore, does it not speak in their favour that on the eve of the English Cup Final they should decide not to play one of their cleverest men. They must have had and I know they had, ample cause for what they did, and what is more the point they were absolutely unanimous. One or two directors were unable to make the journey to London, but they concurred with the action of their colleagues at a subsequent meeting. There are occasions when it is wise for directors to take the shareholders into their confidence, and there are also times when it not politic to do so. The Wilson case belongs to the latter category, and the Everton directors have made up their minds on this course of action. Wilson has done his duty while at Goodison, and the Everton people have behaved well to him. Had the Cup-tie been won, I imagine we should have heard comparatively little of Wilson's departure, but whether he had played or not, we should not have seen him at Goodison next season. I don’t suppose this knowledge influenced the directors, at least, not to the extent of leaving him out of the team. Everton had a stronger side in the field than when they defeated Newcastle, and in addition, they had not, according to general opinion, such powerful opponents to face. I witnessed the match, and still think that, on the chances they had, Everton should have won, despite Wilson’s absence. The Everton directors are a business-like body, and are not likely to cut their nose off to spite their face. They have brought the club, to a most prominent position, and the cleanliness of their methods has never been questioned. The shareholders should remember this, and give them credit for maintaining their independence under difficulties more exacting than any the club has ever before experienced.

NEW MAN FOR OLD
Athletic News - Monday 29 April 1907
By Junius
April has proved one of the most trying months our two clubs have experienced for many years, and the signing on possesses have been wearisome work.  As I write this, I learn that two or three notable men in both camps have not yet appended their signatures, and in two instances, I must confess to complete astonishment at any difficultly having arisen.  Later counsels may prevail, and I trust that for the benefit of all concerned, they will.  Everton have affected a rare stoke of business in securing the transfer of John Macconnachie, the full back or half-back of the Edbinburgh Hibernian.  This player is 22 years of age, stands 5ft 10ins, and weighs 12st.  Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton secretary and Mr. D. Kirkwood, a director, deserve congratulations on their smart capture.   

EVERTON RESERVES 2 NELSON 0
April 29, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 38)
There was a decided “end of the season” air about the Everton and Nelson match at Goodison-park. Everton won by two goals to nothing, a victory that would have been more pronounced but for the grand goalkeeping of Featherstone. The Nelson custodian gave a splendid display, particularly in the second half and it was not until the concluding stages that Everton could beat him. Apart from Featherstone's goalkeeping there was little of interest, but Adamson, the Everton right half, displayed excellent tactics, and should turn out a very useful men. Everton: - Delepdge, goal Strettell, and Stevenson, backs, Adamson, Wright, and Donaldson, half-backs, Rafferty, Graham, Dorward, Cook, and Butler, forwards.

LIVERPOOL 3 EVERTON 0
April 30, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Liverpool Senior Cup Final.
REDS RETAIN POSSESSION.
EVERTON HANDSOMELY BEATEN.
Liverpool and Everton met at Anfield last evening to play off for the Liverpool Cup, which was won by the Reds at Goodison-park last April. This was the last match of the season for the local teams, and a fair crowd of some 12,000 people turned up under excellent weather conditions. Several rather surprising changes were made in both sides. For Liverpool Dunlop turned out at back and Raisebeck resumed his own place, with Parry on his right and Hughes on the left, while forward Parkinson took the centre and Robinson partnered Goddard. For Everton Tom Booth reappeared at centre half and Stevenson took the left back position, while Donnachie figured at outside right. It was therefore, in the following order the men lined up at six o'clock: - Liverpool: - Hardy, goal, Saul, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Raisebeck (Captain), and Hughes half-backs, Goddard, Robinson, Parkinson, Raybould, and Cox forwards. Everton: - Scott goal, R. Balmer, and Stevenson backs Makepeace, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs, Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Settle (Captain), and Hardman forwards. Raisebeck won the toss, and thus gave his comrades the advantage of the setting sun and rather the best of a cross breeze. The first dangerous movement came from the Blues, but Donnachie centre was got away by Raisebeck, and then spirited work by Parkinson gave Cox a grand opening for a run. The winger sprinted off like a stag, but instead of having a shot he centred, and Parkinson was too well watched by Balmer to shoot. From a cluster of legs the ball came out to Cox, who had a pop at goal, but missed by a yard. Then the Blues made play and Parry fouled Hardman, but nothing happened until Saul let in Young, and Settle and the latter sent in a feeble shot which Hardy easily saved. The game was now very fast and interesting, both teams putting in plenty of vigour into their work. An attack by the Reds brought a fruitless corner, and helped by a free kick for a foul by Hughes, the Blues pressed. A pass out to Donnachie by Bolton looked dangerous, but the winger sent over the line. Parkinson did his best to get going, but he struck to the ball too long, and was charged off. After some desultory midfield play Raisebeck initiated an attack by the home right and opportunity for a shot was made but Robinson and Parkinson miskicked, and Scott was not troubled. Parry was applauded for tricky dispossessing Young, and Saul checked Hardman, but a nice pass from Hughes was not turned to account by Cox. Sandy Young was caught handling, and from the free kick Raisebeck sent in a daisy cutter which Scott saved, but for a few moments the home forwards swarmed in the Everton goalmouth, Scott saved a shot from a cluster of attackers, and other efforts from Robinson and Goddard were charged down Young got nicely off, and although he was checked. Hardman got in a centre, which hit the side of the rigging. Very pretty work by Parkinson gave Raybould a perfect chance. He shot in at once a low one, which Scott only kept out at the expense of a corner, which brought no advantage, Hughes heading over. Sandy Young was dribbling for position when Hughes tripped him, and from the free kick Young shot over when well placed. Young and Hughes got to loggerheads again a moment later and a free kick was given against the Blue. This was worked away, and a foul against Parry took play in the Liverpool half. Donnachie and Bolton worked nicely together, and the ball travelled to Settle. He was offside, but he shot in, Hardy saving. Play readily veered to the other end, and Hughes skied the ball when well placed Tom Booth failing to clear his lines, the Reds came again, but the efforts near goal did not improve a shot high over the bar from Robinson being the only incident. Parkinson was a trifle selfish, but finding a long-range opening he sent in a terrific drive, which Scott saved grandly, this being the bright incident of the play so far. Soon after Parkinson had an absolutely open goal following good work by the right wing, but he kicked the ball in ridiculous fashion. Then Hardman set Young in motion and first Parry and then Raisebeck tripped him. Alec did the business and a free kick was given just outside the line, but no benefit accrued. Scott cleared from Goddard and Parkinson, and then the Blues, aided by two free kicks, got to the other end, and Hardman off Parry forced a corner. This was worked away, and at the other end a warm shot from Parkinson was luckily changed down. Weak defended by Parry caused Hardy to handle from Young, and then Donnachie tested the keeper with a good one, which was well saved. There was no scoring up to the interval. Half-time Liverpool nil, Everton nil. In the second half Cox was early prominent, but he was not well supported by his partner and although the Reds came again a corner forced by Parkinson, was the only result. At the other end Bolton got offside, and the Reds dashing off Robinson coolly maneuvered for position in the goalmouth, and shooting in, the leather struck the cross bar and fell into the net. This was the first goal for Liverpool and it came after 4 minutes play. In another five minutes came for Parkinson worked through by sheer grit, and beating Booth and Stevenson tipped the leather sideways into the net –a fine individual effort. Hardman made a galliant effort to retrieve the fortunes of his side, but the Blues failed to pierce the Anfield defence. A comical incident hereabout caused roar of laughter. Some excited partisan got upon the field of play and dribbled the ball about in the manner of a music hall comedian while the players stood around enjoying the fun. The amateur was escorted off the field by a poilceman. Resuming, each end was visited. The home goal was hotly assailed, but a fruitless corner only resulted, and at the other end Scott saved a clicking shot from Raisebeck. Robert Balmer kicked well at this stage. Another fine individual effort by Parkinson nearly brought a third goal, but Scott tipped over the final effort, the corner proving fruitless. The game was stopped for a moment when Parkinson got him and play afterwards slackened down considerably. Fouls were frequent, Young, Parry, and Bolton offending in turn. Parkinson was once more working clean through when Balmer tripped him. Raybould netted, but the referee gave a penalty kick , from which Raisebeck scored Liverpool's third goal. This was the final incident, Liverpool running off easy winners by three goals to nil.
A CONCLUDING NOTE.
The only trophy gained by either of our local teams this season is the local one, which remains in the hands of the Anfield organization. The handsome cup was presented to the winners at the close of the game by Mr. T. E. Sampson, the city Coroner a large crowd assembling to witness the event. The crowd swarmed the playing pitch over by spectators, nothing marking the end of the season more strikingly than the capture of the playing area. The game had been an interesting one. The game had been an interesting one, and Liverpool thoroughly earned their victory. Their forwards shaped better than in some more important matches, and Parkinson's fire and dash made a welcome change. The Everton vanguard were listless in comparison. The match was marred by very frequent fouls. Both side offended continually in this respect, and this was an unpleasant feature to attend the last match of the season.