BURNLEY'S VISIT TO GOODISON
April 1 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
By the Critic.
As is usual at this time of the year, the Fixture card is very crowded, and footballers must work very hard indeed during the next few days. Locally there are several attractive games over the week-end, notably the visits of Burnley Sheffield Wednesday, and Blackburn Rovers. Last season's Cup winners are on view at Goodison Park tomorrow and in view of the importance of the game from the Everton standpoint there is sure to be a big crowd. With most people off duty and excursions out of town being off for the time being, the football match will probably attract numerous people who would otherwise go “out for a day.” Given fine weather one of the largest attendances of the season will be recorded. Everton are keen to win as they fully recognise that if they are to stand a chance in the race for the League championship they must get a good proportion of the points at stake in these week-end games. Burnley may be depended on to provide strenuous opposition to the “Blues” for they play fast and interesting football. Bert Freeman is to lead the line again, and his reappearance at the scene of his former triumphs will not doubt arouse pleasant memories. I see a German paper announces that the famous Burnley centre forward passed through Munich with a batch of prisoners! I saw Freeman at Birmingham on Saturday when he attended the Everton and Chelsea semi-final. He looked well, and no doubt he will trouble the Everton defenders to morrow. Everton will practically be at full strength again, Fern and MaConnachie being fit to resume. Makepeace, of course will not be able to play and his place will be filled by Grenyer. The full side is as follows: - Fern; Thompson, MaConnachie; Flettwood, Galt, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, Harrison.

EVERTON PLAYERS GO FOR THE ELAGUE
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, April 1, 1915
Bee’s Notes
There are those who think Everton have no chance for League honours. That’s a silly attitude to take up. Slips at holiday periods are part and parcel of football’s history. Everton may slip, it is true-equally Oldham, the Sheffield clubs, Blackburn and Manchester city may slip/ it’s a toss up which club will win the League. One thing is certain Everton’s players have made up their mind to have a hard 2go” at the League honours, and thus recompense for the blow they received and gave -to their supporters-last Saturday. The display Everton gave was as unlike anything Evertonian as one could imagine. However, the Cup-tie, is but a memory. There’s more work to be done, and the League, as showing consistence is worth going for. Easter-time will point the finger to the eventual winner. Everton in that time will meet Burnley (to-morrow), Sheffield Wednesday (Saturday) and Sunderland (Tuesday). These are tests in the real sense. The first two are played at home, and as Everton have had had a Saturday for weeks-Notts game excepted-they are sure to find a big following at Goodison Park in the next two days. Burnley have their centre back. Freeman, who was a spectator at Aston by the way, has been troubled a long time with a damaged ankle, but is now well. Thus, the record holder and the record-attempter will be engaged.

EXCELLENT EXPLOIT AT EVERTON
April 3, 1915. Burnley Express
Burnley were full value for their two goals' victory at Goodison Park, yesterday afternoon (Telephones our Liverpool correspondent). Burnley arrived by motor char-a-banc, and were delayed. Under all the circumstances they were lucky not to be more than five minutes late for the kick-off at three o'clock, as the weather and the roads were very bad for the journey. Everton were without Macconnachie and Makepeace, but they were at full strength in attack. Burnley were minus Thorpe, and the teams therefore, were;- Burnley; Dawson; Bamford, Taylor; Hampson, Boyle, Watson; Nesbitt, Kelly, Freeman, Hodgson, and Mosscrop. Everton; Fern; Thompson, Simpson; Fleetwood, Galt, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison. Mr. J.T. Howcroft, of Bolton, was the referee. There were fully 20,000 spectators present, despite the wet weather. The ground was very slippery and the players had great difficulty in keeping their feet.
Backs Best Behaviour
In the first half some very keen football was shown. Early on parker got in a grand shot which just missed the goal, and the Everton centre forward soon afterwards also shot over the bar. The home team had slightly the better of matters in the initial stages but when the Burnley players did get into their stride they more than held their own. Their wing men were very speedy and they got in several dangerous raids. Both sets of defenders were however, on their best behavior, Taylor in particular playing a brilliant game. Once Kelly got clean through, and Fern saved at point-blank range –a wonderfully clever save. At the other end Parker also eluded the backs, but failed to score. Dawson next had a hot shot to stop from Galt. Then Mosscrop finished a clever run with an equally fine centre across the goal. It only needed a touch to put the ball through –but no one was up far enough.
Freeman's Fine Feeding
Everton again attacked, and Dawson saved from Kirsopp, and next Clennell had a chance of finding the net, but missed. After 40 minutes play Freeman, who had not been very prominent up to this point, got in a very smart run, and from his timely pass Hodgson scored from close range. After this reverse Everton made desperate attempts to equalize, and shortly before the interval Parker got clean through. Dawson came out to meet him and succeeded in partially saving. The home centre recovered the ball and position, and ought to have easily scored, but he put the ball wide of the mark. Burnley thus turned round with the score 1-0 in their favour.
Second Success
The second half was not nearly so well contested as the earlier period. Everton were greatly handicapped soon after the resumption by an injury to Chedgzoy, which caused him to limp badly for the remainder of the game. From this point Everton were virtually a beaten side. The Burnley half-backs held the Everton attack, whilst on the other hand, the visiting forwards got in many spirited raids. On one occasion a centre by Hodgson looked like bringing a goal, but unfortunately for Everton, the ball struck Freeman and was deflected wide of the post. Kirsopp once put the ball straight across the Burnley goalmouth, but no one was near to take advantage. Burnley's second goal was the result again, of good work by Freeman, and a little lapse in defence by Simpson. This let in Kelly, who made no mistake whatever in finding the net. In the closing stages Everton never looked like scoring at all, and their play, as a matter of fact, had steadily and woefully deteriorated all the time the second half had advanced. Burnley retired deserved victors by 2-0.
Burnley Better
Burnley gave a much better display than when they appeared at Anfield Road a few weeks ago against Liverpool. They were particularly strong in defence. Dawson was always sure, and Bamford and Taylor, particularly the latter most reliable backs. They never failed in their tackling, and their kicking was excellent in judgment, strong and prompt. Great praise is also due to the Burnley intermediate line. The three half-backs not only played well in defence and tackling, but fed their forwards with passes of the required length and pace. The Burnley forwards were also seen to advantage. Hodgson, Mosscrop, and Kelly being perhaps the pick of the quintette. Everton were very well served by their backs, Fern was most reliable in goal; but the halves, who are usually so strong a feature of the team, were nothing near so effective as the Burnley trio. The home forwards were also not seen at their best. Parker and Clennell being inclined to be erratic. Kirsopp was not up to the form he displayed a week ago; whilst Harrison was rather weak at outside left. The play of the forwards generally proved most disappointing to the home spectators.

Mr Cuffe's Midnight Call.
Dundee, Perth, Forfar, and Fife's People's Journal - Saturday 03 April 1915
By Jamie Brownlie, Scotland's Unchallenged international.
Curiously enough, Mr W. C. Cuffe, the Everton manager, was also hot on my track that particular night. About one o'clock in the morning I was aroused from my slumbers by a terrific knocking at the door, accompanied by the furious barking of the watchdog. Imagine my amazement when I found that the disturbers of the peace” were none other than the Messrs Cuffe and Kirkwood, from Goodison Park!
While I stood blinking Mr Cuffe apologised for the unearthly hour at which he had his call. I was put on the wrong track in Glasgow until long after the last train had departed for Blantyre,” he said, and as i must be in Liverpool to-morrow I was forced to hire a hansom in order to see you.” Then I had an Everton future laid before my mental gaze. For a couple of hours i yearned to tell the officials that I wanted my bed, but I somehow could not. In glowing colours Cuffe painted the picture of life at Goodison Park. A sum down and the limit wage was finally offered; but was nothing doing. I mean to finish my prenticeship at home,” I kept doggedly repeating. ” The
Dourest Devil I've Met'"
growied Kirkwood, as he told, the cabby to drive back like blazes.

EVERTON 0 BURNLEY 2
April 3, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
BURNLEY DAMAGE THE CHANCE OF HONOURS.
Yesterday Everton were beaten by Burnley at Goodison Park by 2-0, and the result goes far towards ruining Everton's always slender chance of the interest of the League championship. The result was a blow in more than one sense, for not only was it Burnley's fourth point at Everton's expense. But Chedgzoy's ankle was damaged and he retired when Kelly scored Burnley's second goal –sixty-ninth minute. That Burnley were worth their margin cannot be gainsaid. There was not a weakness in the ranks and there was much evidence of high-class. Especially was this so in the case of Taylor, the full back who played a great and resourceful game and showed rare speed. Then Kelly and Nesbit were a live wing, and though Grenyer held them in the first half he was frequently beaten in the second half. All through the game Simpson was fighting against odds, and an injury to his shoulder blade did not help him to play his normal game. This injury, by the way, produced an unusual feature; Simpson had to change his jersey (which was torn) and he did not retire to the “boudoir” preferring to strip on the field of play. The game drew a crowd of 25,000 spectators, and they had plenty of good football for their money. They were held up a time though the late arrival of Burnley's charabase, and the game was further held up by injuries to players, the ball being very weighty as a consequence of the heavy rainfall which visited Liverpool at three o'clock. After a while the rain ceased, and later the sun's bright rays assisted in bothering the local defence. The team changes were as follows: - Fern returned to the Everton goal, Simpson continuing at back in consequence of Macconnachie being still trouble by his thigh. Grenyer took the place of Makepeace who, it is said, will not play again the season, his accident in the Cup semi-final being the reason of his inability to turn out. For Thorpe, Burnley had a well-tried young fellow Hampson, who is long of leg can head the ball well, and is of the never-say-die type. There were many pretty pieces of football provided by the visiting club. The way Nesbit cut round Simpson with a sharp sprint was an object-lesson of how to adopt this trick with certainty. Then Boyle's method of bringing the ball to earth by using his chest of doubling himself up (the ball is thereby caught in the lower regions without the stomach being hurt) was a feature worthy of notice. Again, Burnley have thought out how to combat with free kicks taken close to their goal. They first introduced the idea at Anfield last April and now they found Everton were cute to set it back somewhat. The backs become goalkeepers and the goalkeeper stands three yards out of goal. The idea is good, but whereas at Anfield it had not been contested yesterday Parker stood in front of the goalkeeper and impeded his view of the taker of the free kick. It is a football of this unorthodox style that is necessary to keep the game from becoming embedded in a rut. Taylor, too, showed how the back-heeling touch can be made to make a crowded area open out. Everton's forwards were very much below par. They made a rod for their own backs in that they juggled with the ball until they were surrounded by opponents. Their shooting was poor and ill directed, and Galt at centre half did much hard work and undid much of its usefulness by giving free kicks. Besides that Galt's kicking was not accurate. Grenyer faded away in the second half, after giving a whole-hearted and live exhibition in the first half. Thompson was reliable throughout, and the same remark applies to Harrison, who was kept going well by Clennell. Parker, earnest though he endeavored was without a goal, and only once did he look like scoring. He then made a fine solo run, and his shot, after being half-saved by Dawson was rammed in space but a foot wide of the mark. Burnley's best were Taylor, Boyle, Nesbit, and Mosscrop. This list does not included the scorers. Hodgson in the first half (Freeman gave one of many wise passes and opened the way for a score) and Kelly in the second portion. Kelly's goal was a chance well snapped, the start of it being Simpson's under-heading of the ball. Freeman, by the way, has rarely headed the ball so effectively. He contented himself with well-judged passes, but once or twice came to the front with sharp down the middle runs which used to delight Everton followers. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Simpson, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), Grenyer, half-back, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards .

CREWE ALEXANDRA RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESEVRES 0
April 3, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)

EVERTON BEATEN.
April 3 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Burnley's Triumph at Goodison
Everton's championship prospects were seriously affected yesterday, when Burnley administrated a defeat by 2 goals to nil. The match took place at Goodison park, and despite the fact that the Burnley men had travlled by motor, and did not reach the ground until ten minutes before the time of the kick-off, they were the more sprightly team, and deservedly gained the points. The start was delayed for five minutes, and a heavy shower or rain handicapped the players at the outset. The ground was rendered very slippery, and the players found it difficult to keep their feet. Still, the play was interesting enough in the first half, and the pace was fast, so that the twenty thousand spectators were kept fully interested.
Strong Burnley Defence.
The home forwards, however, found the Burnley defence too strong for them, and in the vicinity of Dawson's charge they were well held by Taylor and Bamford. The inside trio did not finish at all well, and when the visiting forwards were afforded an opening, they were always dangerous. The Burnley men obtained the lead in the first half, and Everton being handicapped by an injury to Chedgzoy early in the second half, Burnley were enabled to run out comparatively easy winners. Chedgzoy remained on the field for twenty-five minutes, but he could do nothing when the ball came to him, and he eventually retired. Burnley were very sound at back, Taylor playing a particularly fine game, and so ably did he combine with Bamford that Dawson had little to do. The halves were also strong, Boyle and Watson standing out, while Hodgson and Kelly were prominent forwards. Fern had no chance with the shots that beat him, and Thompson and Simpson were hard workers, but there were times when they hesitated and were dispossessioned, the second goal being brought about through one of the backs heading into the air. The halves got through a lot of work, but the forwards were never really in their proper swing. Harrison perhaps being the most effective.
Incidents of the Game.
In the early stages, Everton appeared likely to take the game in hand, but the shooting was weak, although on one occasion Taylor was lucky to charge down a shot by Parker. The players slipped about a lot, and as a result several good movements were spoiled. There was always danger in the Everton raids, but Thompson and Simpson defended ably hereabouts. Once Fern saved at point-blank range from Kelly and Parker tried a shot from a difficult angle without result. Galt also tested Dawson, and Clennell was hustled off the ball when close in. After 40 minutes, however, Freeman ran down the left and centred to Hodgkiss, who scored for Burnley. After this Everton tried hard and once Parker got clean through, and Dawson coming out, he stopped the centre's shot, but the ball came back to Parker who drove just wide of the post. At the interval Burnley led by a goal to nil. In the second portion, as indicated Everton could not master the opposing defence, owing largely to Chedgzoy's injury, and Burnley for the most part held the upper hand. Fleetwood saved when Fern was out of goal, but after 23 minutes in this half Freeman passed out to the left, and the ball was driven back to the centre. Simpson only managed to head the ball into the air, and Kelly taking the ball scored a second goal for Burnley. At this point Chedgzoy, who it transpired, strained the muscles of his leg, left the field, having found it impossible to render any assistance to his colleagues. The game now fizzled out, and though there did seem some prospect at times of Everton reducing the lead, the Burnley defence held out, and retired comfortably winners. Palmer will take Chedgzoy's place against Sheffield Wednesday today.

EVERTON'S LATEST FAILURES
April 3 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
By the Critic.
Following their defeat in the Cup semi-final Everton spoiled their chance, almost beyond recall, of attaining championship honours by their defeat at the hands of Burnley yesterday. The “Blues” it would seem, have fallen between two stools, and honours for this season at any rate have slipped from their grasp. They never shaped like winning yesterday, and it is difficult to recognise them as the team which was brintful of “go” a few weeks' ago. The forwards seem to have lost their penetrative skill, and one missed those telling drives from Parker and Clennell. Of course, the absence of these shots is largely due to the skill of opposing defences, and certainly at Goodison yesterday the Burnley backs were in rare form. Taylor played a superb game. This fine defender has proved of immense worth to Burnley. His speed serves him in good stead; but apart from this useful asset he displays excellent judgement and resource. Burnley are much indebted to Boyle. The old Barnsley man seems to be as good as ever, and he held his men together yesterday is quite his old style.
Burnley On Top.
Despite the fact that the Burnley men had travelled by motor, and did not reach the ground until ten minutes before time of the kick off, they were the more sprightly team, and deservedly gained the points. The start was delayed for five minutes, and a heavy shower of rain handicapped the players at the outset. The ground was rendered very slippery, and the players found it difficult to keep their feet. Still, the play was interesting enough in the first half, and the pace was fast, so that the twenty thousands spectators were kept fully interested. The home forwards, however, found the Burnley defence too strong for them, and in the vicinity of Dawson's charge they were well held by Taylor and Bamford. The inside trio did not finish at all well, and when the visiting forwards were afforded an opening, they were always dangerous. The Burnley men obtained the lead in the first half, and Everton being handicapped by an injury to Chedgzoy early in the second half. Chedgzoy remained on the field for twenty-five minutes, but he could do nothing when the ball came to him, and her eventually retired.
Pot Shots.
The outlook for footballers is far from bright. How many with join the colours? Even if there was a prospect of the war being concluded this summer it will be difficult to get the players together again. The players are not to be signed before August 2 nd in any case. And there are no summer wages. Footballers cannot pick and choose now. The season looks like fizzling out. Everton sorely disappointed their supporters at Birmingham. The Blues have failed before when they were expected to win. The Pensioners surprised themselves by their success. Those three big half-backs quite upset the small Everton forwards. MaConnachie and Fern might have made all the difference. There were a few shots, which Molyneux was lucky to save. For the greater part of the time it was anybody's game, but when Halse put on the second point it was all over. Harry Makepeace was very unfortunate. In view of the injury it is a good job there is no cricket ahead. Harry has had a very good season, and it is a pity that he should be placed hor-de-combat at this time.
Down Again.
Everton chance's seems to have been extinguished. Another defeat today would put their light out definitely. What's happened to the “live” forward line? They seen to have gone off altogether. The Blues have fallen between two stools before. But the Burnley men put in a appearance a few minutes later. Chedgzoy was unfortunate yesterday in straining the muscles of his leg. Palmer was called on once more today.

EVERTON V. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
April 3 1915. Evening Express Liverpool
Moderate Game at Goodison
Blues' Disappointing Display.
Referee Resents Crowds Remarks.
By Cosmo.
The weather was rather dismal at Goodison Park today, the ground being very heavy and slippery, and there were not more than about 10,000 spectators present at the start. Chedgzoy, who was injured yesterday, was unable to play, and Palmer took his place, otherwise the team was unchanged. On the Wednesday side McSkimming filled the centre half position vice Parkes, and Bentley appeared at left half. The teams lined out as follows:- Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Simpson, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (captain), and Grenyer half-backs, Palmer Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Davison, goal, Spoor, and Blair backs, Brittleton, McSkimming, and Bentley, half-backs, Kirkman, Capper, McLean Wilson, and Robertson, forwards. Referee H.H. Taylor. Everton were the first to attack. Clennell was rather slow in taking a pass from Kirsopp, but his centre to Harrison was promptly returned, and Palmer next placed in front, Davison being just in time to first always before being rushed by Kirsopp. The ground was so treacherous, inches thick in mud in parts, and accurate play was hardly to be expected. The players, however, were not lacking in keenness, especially the Sheffield men. Their defence continued to be hard pressed, and Davison made another neat save from a header by Kirsopp. Kirkham then got in a clever run. After beating Grenyer he placed in front for Thomson to clear. Kirkham scored for Sheffield. Sheffield came again, Mclean getting the better of Thompson in strongly, Fern, who was standing a yard or two outside his goal, saving at the expense of a corner. Once having got into their stride, the Sheffield forwards were every persistent, and Galt was only just in time to check a dangerous run by McLean. Wilson next got in a hard drive, which went a yard wide.
Wednesday's Narrow Escape.
The came a narrow escape for the Wednesday goal. Kirsopp, after eluding Bentley and Blair, gave to Clennell, who headed against the crossbar. Kirsopp met the rebound with his head only to sent over. Kirsopp was showing up well both in passing and goalwork, and he next got in a hot shot, which Davison did well to save. A miskick by Simpson spelt danger, but, fortunately for Everton, the Sheffield forwards were not alive to the opportunity.
Sheffield Open the Scoring.
Fifteen minutes after the start Sheffield gained the lead, following an attack on the left. A throw in ended in the ball being placed right across Kirkman rushed up and crashed the ball into the net, Fern having very little chance of saving. The Everton forwards had been very quiet last five minutes, Kirsopp lead a spirited attack, only to be neatly dispossessed by McSkimming. A corner kick fell to Everton but nothing came of it, and a minute or two later Bentley was just in time to prevent Kirsopp getting though, at this period the Sheffielders were more than holding their own, and their half-backs were putting in a lot good work. After Thompson had been beaten by Robertson.
A Danger averted.
A pass to Mclean looked like ending in a goal, but the Sheffield centre forwards' shot was luckily charged down by Simpson, danger being thus averted, the Everton forwards then livened up somewhat. Clennell got in a likely shot, which Davison caught smartly. The Sheffield keeper, however, held to the ball too long, and when rushed by Clennell in end made good his clearance, Kirkman got in a clever run only to be overtaken by Grenyer. Play was of a very moderate character, and this was not to be wondered at, considering the state of the ground.
Kirsopp Strikes the Upright.
In the next Everton attack, Davison had to save from Parker. A foolish habit of the Sheffield keeper in holding the ball caused trouble, and when he was rushed again by Kirsopp the referee was rather hasty in blowing his whistle. Brittleton in trying to keep Kirsopp off the ball, while it rolled over the line came near to bringing disaster to his side, for as a matter of fact the ball did not roll over. Kirsopp getting in an unexpected shot, striking the upright a narrow escape for Sheffield. McLean's forceful methods were fully demonstrated when he trumbled Thompson over and then drove in with great force. Fern dashed out and saved. The Everton keeper next got rid of another shot from point blank range from Capper.
Half-time Everton 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1
Comments.
The first forty-five minutes' play had been of a very moderate description, and this was not to be wondered at considering the bad state of the ground. Sheffield Wednesday deserved their one goal lead. They showed greater dash and precision than Everton. They were also better represented by their half-backs. The Everton backs were inclined to be shaky, but Fern made some wonderfully smart saves.
After the Interval.
Everton Forwards' Disappointing Display .
The Everton forwards opened the second half, and soon meant business, but as was the case in the early stages, they found the weighty Sheffield half-backs more than a match for them. A faulty clearance by Simpson looked dangerous for Everton, but Thompson saved situation. For some time the ball remained in the Everton half. McLean got in one strong shot which just went wide. The play of the Everton forwards continued to be most disappointing and Parker not in his usual good form. There were many dull periods, and the half backs on either side continued to hold the upper hand. Parker was given a neat pass by Harrison, but he failed to make use of it. The game was now devoid of thrills. For the must part the play was confined to midfield, and what attacking was done came from the Sheffield forwards. Mclean tried to go through on his own, but Thompson was too quick for him. Mclean was again prominent, and this time cleverly rounding Thompson he looked a certain scorer, driving with tremendous force. To the surprise of all Fern managed to save but in doing so he was slightly injured. This was the only incident of note in a full half-hour's play. Then came a bit of excitement at the Sheffield end, Davison making a clever save from Harrison. Parker was looking very gloomy, and no wonder, for nothing seemed to run right for him. Kirsopp put in some lucky work before he was brought down by Bentley, and from Palmer's centre Clennell came near to finding the net. Face which had been thrown at him. Two constables came up, fortunately, their intervention was not necessary. Five minutes from the end the spectators began to leave the ground looking as if they had spent an uncomfortable afternoon. In the closing stages Mclean got in a strong shot which only went inches wide. Final result Everton 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1.

TOM McDERMOTT
Sunday Post- Sunday April 4 1915
Tom McDermott the old Everton forward now captains the B Company football team of the 4th Highland Light Infantry.

EVERTON 0 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
April 5, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
ANOTHER HOME DEFEAT FOR EVERTON.
REFEREE LECTURES THE SPECTATORS.
Everton's chance of securing League honours were seriously jeopardised by their failures with Burnley on Good Friday, but they were extinguished completely by the defeat they sustained on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday. Meantime the Sheffielders still hold a sporting chance, which was of course improved by their latest success. Much of Everton's misfortune may be attributed to their recent inability to play their full strength. Injury to Fern, Macconnachie, Makepeace, and Chedgzoy had helped to keep Everton out of this season's honours, and their chances, which at one time looked particularly bright, have now faded into oblivion. Saturday's contest, despite the wretched state of the ground, produced some good football and Everton's defeat was mainly due to the ineffectiveness of the forwards. They never got a real grip of the situation, and at times their work was made to look haphazard and utterly devoid of method. True, they started many movements with the best intentions, and progressed well till the goal area was reached, and then undid all their good work by faulty passing or too close manceurving. These tactics suited the Sheffield defenders admirably, for the full backs were vigorous tacklers and the half backs rare spoilers of attempts at combination.
Everton started well, and in the first few minutes Kirsopp, from Palmer's centres, twice headed into the Wednesday goal, Davison saving finely on both occasions. The Wednesday relied by forcing two corners, and then Clennell hit the crossbar with a capital effort. This was followed by a smart run by Robertsson, and Fleetwood, after dispossessing the Sheffielders, was unlucky to lose the ball into touch. From the throw-in, Robertson sent the ball across the Everton goal at a smart pace and Kirkham closing in, caught the ball in his stride and with a terrific drive sent it into the net. This goal came at the end of fourteen minutes' play, and while there was an element of luck in the scoring of it the goal was a capital one, and emhasised the difference in the quality of the respective forwards. Everton up to this stage had forced several capital openings and had failed to improve upon them, whereas the first real opening that cause to the Sheffielders brought the desired result. The Everton forwards continued their close tactics, and insistent upon carrying the ball within a few yards of the Sheffield goal before attempting a shot. Thrice however, Davison was almost beaten, and off one occasion with McSkimming holding back Kirsopp, the Sheffield custodian was certainly lucky to get rid of the shot, at the expense of a corner. A great left-foot drive by McLean brought out Fern's fine fielding skill, and the interval arrived with Wednesday leading by 1 goal to nil.
The pace slackened considerably in the second half, and there was much aimless passing and movement. The Wednesday halves were too good for the Everton forwards, and often upset their plans. Parker's serving to Harrison did not mend matters for the home centre often sent the ball along with too much pace, and Harrison was powerless to prevent it going outside. One of the best efforts of the day came from Mclean, to which Fern replied with a glorious saves, although he rather damaged his finger in the process, and a gallant attempt by Clennell from Palmer's centre was another good effort. The snap had gone out of the play, however, and both sides played as though they were satisfied with the result. Towards the close a most unfortunate incident happened which reflected great discredit upon a section of the spectators, but thanks to the firmness of the referee, it was quickly suppressed. Brittleton complained to the referee of the remarks of a number of the spectators and Mr. Taylor stopped the game while he lectured the offenders. Someone from the crowd threw what appeared to be a piece of orange peel, which hit Mr. Taylor in the eye, but the referee ignored the offence, and, after addressing the crowd proceeded with the game. The Everton forwards were disappointing. Parker for once in a way was out of the picture, and Kirsopp was probably the best of a poor line. Fleetwood worked hard as usual, but Galt and Grenyer failed to back up the forwards as they should have done. Thompson did well, and covered Simpson, who was inclined to erractic kicking that often missed its mark. Fern kept a capital goal, some of his saves being wonderfully clean. The Sheffield forwards were a more forceful combination, and Mclean shooting was deadly and dangerous, while the Wednesday half backs in addition to breaking up the opposing forwards, were ever on the alert for a favourable chance shot. Spoors and Blair were safe and reliable, and Davison often excelled with the close range shots that found their way to goal. Teams: - Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Simpson, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Grenyer half-backs, Palmer Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Davison, goal, Spoor, and Blair backs, Brittleton, McSkimming, and Bentley, half-backs, Kirkman, Capper, McLean Wilson, and Robertson, forwards. Referee H.H. Taylor.

STOCKPORT COUNTY 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 5, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)

EVERTON'S DOWNFALL
April 5 1915. Evening Express Liverpool
By the Critic
Everton said “good-bye” to the championship on Saturday when they went down before Sheffield Wednesday. It was a dismal-time for the Merseyside clubs, both being whacked on Friday and Saturday. The blow sustained by Everton at the hands of Chelsea seems to have upset the side altogether, and they can do nothing right. The forwards have gone off their game completely. Not since 1892 had the Blades won at Goodison, but they broke the ice on Saturday, and on the whole they played the better game. Their defence was as solids as at rock, while the halves never allowed the Everton forwards to settle down. Brittleton is still as lively as a two year old and his judgement in placing was very noticeable. These “veterans” can still hold their own with the best of the youngsters. As indicated, the Everton attack could not rise to the occasion though Clennell was unfortunate with a shot which struck the bar in the first half. Harrison was the best of the five. Fleetwood was a hard-working half-back, and Grenyer demonstrated that he coming back to his best form. Thompson was the better back, and Fern's keeping was superb. He saved a couple of shots at point blank range in masterly fashion.

EVERTON RES V. PORT VALE.
April 5, 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Teams. Everton: - Mitchell, goal; McFayden and Page, backs; Brown, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs; Howarth, Johnson, Wright, Nuttall, and Roberts, forwards. Port vale: - Bateup, goal; Bentley and Holford, backs; Shelton, Bennett, and Smart, half-backs; Davies, Lockett, Brough, Vincent, and Munro, forwards. The Blues had all the better of the opening exchanges, but could make little impression on the visitors defence. Once Wright made a good opening for Roberts, but the latter player made poor use of the opportunity for he shot wide of the goal when he had only the goalkeeper to defeat. From a corner Brown put in a fine header, which Bateup just managed to turn over the bar. The visitors at length assumed the aggressive. Davies outpaced the home defence to finish with a fine shot, which Mitchell cleared with difficulty. The visitors again took up the attack, and a fine individual effort by Davies enabled Munro to run in and score from close range after twenty-five minutes' play. This came as a great surprise to the homesters, who had been attacking for quite 20 minutes of the game, but they were very weak art close quarters, and time after time chances were lost in a most irritating manner. The Burslem continued to menace the Blues' goal, and Munro made a fine effort to score, but Mitchell just managed to turn the ball round the post for an abortive corner. Everton then tried aggressive measures, and Nuttall worming his way through the opposing defence, equalised with a fine drive which struck the underneath past of the crossbar and entered the net. The cheers had hardly died away when Nuttall again secured and scored another goal with a fine long drive. Half-time Everton 2, Port Vale 1. Final –Port Vale 3 Everton Reserves 2.

SMART WIN AT EVERTON
Sheffield Independent -Monday 5 April 1915
WEDNESDAY RETURN TO THEIR BEST FORM
A GREAT GOAL
Some real good play was witnessed at Goodison Park, where Wednesday well deserved the win gained by a brilliant goal shot by Kirkham 15 minutes after the start. Everton gave the better display in the early stages, but met a great defence, and after the interval the result was never in doubt.  Davison was prone to hold on to the ball rather too long instead of clearing, but this was the only criticism one could direct against the Wednesday defence. Harrison and Palmer, especially the former, centred the ball with fine accuracy, and Kirsopp and Clennell were smart in their dribbling, but in these anxious times the Wednesday defence never faltered. Early on Davison saved at the expense of a corner from Kirsopp, who headed in from a fine centre by Palmer, and the goalkeeper and Kirsopp were again conspicuous in a similar manner, this time from a centre by Harrison.
ONE BIT OF LUCK
Wednesday’s one bit of good fortune came when Clennell hit the bar and Kirsopp headed over from the rebound with Davison out of goal. Later Davison made a splendid save from a corner with two men on him, and made one particularly smart save from McSkimming who, bustled by a couple of opponent’s made a fine attempt to score against his side when apparently trying to put the ball to the goalkeeper. These incidents were not all crowded into the first twenty minutes, but most of the them were, and Wednesday owed something to their rear-guard. But Everton did not do all the attacking, though Wednesday got the all-important goal about the second time they were dangerous.
A GREAT GOAL
Robertson had forced Thompson to kick into touch near the corner flag, and from the throw-in the outside left got possession and swung the ball right across the goal. It looked as though the ball would go out of play, but Kirkman rushed up at full speed and with his right foot drove the ball into the net at a terrific pace. It was a wonderful goal, and no keeper could have stopped the shot. Wednesday never looked back after this, McLean has not played so well for a long time, and there was no better marksman on the field than the Wednesday centre. Galt and Simpson each got in the way of a fine shot from the Scotsman, who later charged Thompson over and then banged in a great shot which Fern did well to save. Then Fern was cheered for a fine one-handed save from Brittleton.
McLEAN IN TRIM
There was nothing between the sides in the first half except the goal that Kirkman scored, but the second half was distinctly Wednesday’s. early on Fern made a fine save from Wilson, who afterwards failed with a fine chance given him by Capper, who drew the defence in a splendid dribble. But the feature of this half as a bit of work by McLean. He tricked the backs and went close to goal before sending in a terrific shot. Fern came out and managed to turn the ball round the post -a brilliant save- but so hot was the pace of the ball that the goalkeeper hurt his hand. There was a curious incident near the end of the game. Brittleton appeared to make a compliant to Referee H.H. Taylor respecting a section of the spectators, and while the referee was speaking to the crowd someone threw a missile at the official which appeared to hit him in the eye. Mr. Taylor wiped his eye with his handkerchief and called up two policemen, and addressing the spectators again was applauded by a number of soldiers who were in the vicinity. The incident there ended.
FORM OF PLAYERS
For cleverness Blair carried off the full back honours, but Spoors, as stated, also played a fine game. McSkimming at centre-half, rendered his side splendid service both in attack and defence, and had Parker well in check all through. Brittleton was also capital against Everton’s best wing, while Bentley did well in the second half. McLean led the forwards with fine dash and resolution, and had the hardest of luck in not scoring, Robertson gave of his best in the first half but was not so prominent afterwards, but Kirkman was good all through, and his goal was a real gem.  Wilson was sound in his football, and his generalship, while Capper was also a success. Everton were best served by their defence, Fern making some fine saves, and Simpson giving a very plucky display at full-back. But the halves apart from Fleetwood, were not up to Wednesday’s standard, while the forwards were poor after the early stages with the exception of Kirsopp and Harrison.

BEES NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, April 5, 1915
Everton said “Goodbye,” to the Cup over a week ago, and last Saturday, with their second successive home defeat, they said their last gasping word to the League honour, which, to my mind, was always a very outside chance. A club unexpectedly beaten in the Cup generally strikes a bad patch in the League, and in Everton’s case they are very important reasons why their form should not be of the class that was shown in February and March. With MaConnachie and Makepeace injured the club has had to fall back upon reserves. In addition, some of the men who have played have been unfit. Take Parker, for instance. He’s been hard at it for some time, and has been buffeted about. At Aston he hurt his knee; and searching for some idea of his falling-off leads one to the conclusion that he needs a rest and then would come out fresh as paint again. Can you imagine Newcastle United beating the side that beat Everton on Saturday? They did it, you remember, in the Cup-tie played at Hillsborough. Funny game, football! Wednesday’s form was convincing on Saturday. They shot better, played better, had more method in their passes, and in defence were more solidified than Everton. They won well if by a small margin), and the wonder was that Mclean, who, I am told, has not played so well for many a day, did not get a nice crop of goals. No, Fern was very reliable, and therein lay the reason. McLean had to be satisfied with being in the victory but not scoring in the game. Fern made one really thrilling save from close range, and it was feared that his old injury had been undone. Fortunately, such was not the case. Old Andra’ Wilson and Robertson were ‘cute, but not overpoweringly successful. Fleetwood plodding through the mud with rare success. Grenyer started very well, and doubtless an injury to his face caused him to fade away. Harrison, while dropping in some nice centres in the first half, could not time the passes sent his way in the second half. The ball was clogged in its early passage, and so soon as if neared the touchline it would scootoff like a Waterloo Cup have darts across the plain. Kirsopp’s dribbling was a feature and it would have been more valuable if not carried to excess. If you can draw the defence and put the ball to an unmarked man are doing more towards moving up than if you hold on and dribble round and round opponents. The cluster of players drawn you must act as a net. Capper has come to stay. He’s a good boy that will keep Glennon out of the team. Blair played a brainy game, and saved his legs much trouble. McSkimming was unusually uncertain and Tom Brittleton shows signs of age racing on.

NOT TOMORROW
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday 6 April 1915
Bee’s Notes in these days of rush readers often scan a paragraph and imagine they have got the gist of the subject. Take my note last Saturday concerning the meeting of the Boxers and the 1906 Cup-winning side of Everton F.C I said plainly that the match would be played on a Wednesday, and a lot of people got the idea that the game is due to be played at Goodison Park tomorrow. The date has not yet been fixed, but when the Wednesday is settled I’ll let you know. Already the game has aroused the commentators, and there is certain to be a big gate for the match in which Messrs. J.A. Wilson and J. Sharp are “the movies” if I may borrow the American term and use it in this case a neat compliment, Everton, by the bye, are at Sunderland to-day. They are without a number of their best players. Probable team; Fern; Thomson, Weller; Fleetwood, Wareing, Grenyer; Palmer, Kirsopp, Wright, Clennell, Harrison.

SUNDERLAND 0 EVERTON 3
April 7, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury .
EVERTON FINE WIN.
SUNDERLAND OUTCLASSED AT HOME.
The three to nothing victory of Everton over Sunderland at Roker Park yesterday was fully deserved. It was Sunderland's fourth match in five days, and their players showed they had enough football, for the play in the early part was only moderate and the pace slow. Neither side could get into their stride, and the attacks, which were made, were easily repulsed. As the game proceeded, Everton improved and became increasingly aggressive. The wingmen, Palmer and Harrison, were especially prominent. Chances were missed, however, half an hour from the start Kirsopp beat Scott with a shot which cannoned off Hobson's foot, and a minute before the interval Parker took Scott by surprise with a long shot which added a second goal. Everton were now clearly the dominant team in all departments. Sunderland made a series of attacks, however, especially about the middle of the second half. Once or twice they were dangerous, but Fern's clearances were prompt and effective, and the visitors defence was never bustled. On the other hand that of the Wearsiders was none too safe, and the goal with which Parker finished the match was a perfect one. Sunderland were quite outclassed, and some of their failure, no doubt was due to being jaded through overwork. Everton all through played fine football. The display of Thompson and Fleetwood was particularly excellent while as a pivot Parker fed his wings with marked success, and gave them opportunities of which, on the whole, commendable advantage was taken . Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Weller backs, Fleetwood (Captain), Wareing, and Grenyer, half-backs, Palmer, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards .

EVERTON RESERVES 2 PORT VALE 3
April 7, 1915. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
At Goodison Park yesterday, Port Vale defeated Everton by 3 goals to 2. Everton had the better of the opening exchanges, but could make little impression on the visitors defence. Port Vale afterwards again took up the attack and a fine individual effort by Davies enabled Munro to score from close ranger after 25 minutes. Everton them improved, and after Nuttall equalised with a fine drive, which struck the underneath part of the crossbar and entered the net. The cheers had hardly died away when Nuttall again secured, and scored another goal with a fine long drive. In the second half however, the visitors scored twice (Lockett scored both-Echo) and won by the odd goal if five.

PARKER WITHIN FOUR GOALS OF THE RECORD.
April 7 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Everton's Smart Win
By the Critic
Football form just now is in a rare tangle, and though the end of the campaign is not far off the championship is still very open. A slip by the top teams may easily let in one or two of the clubs immediately behind, and it would seem that the race “up the straight” is likely to be one of the best in the history of the League. At the moment Oldham Athletic have a better chance than any of the others, seeing that they have two games in hand of Manchester city, who are on top by one point. By reason of their fine victory at Sunderland yesterday the Blues still possess an outside chance, but in view of the fact that they are due to meet West Bromwich, Bradford, and Manchester City away from home, and only Chelsea at home one cannot expect the Blues to gain the maximum points at stake. After their lukewarm displays against Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday, the victory at Roker Park yesterday came as a big surprises. It was a capital win, and only served to demonstrate what might have happened had the Blues been more successful at the Park on the previous days. Everton were the cleverer side throughout, and in view of the fact that such players as Galt, Makepeace, MaConnachie and Chedgzoy were absent the form displayed was very satisfactory indeed. Mellor made a useful partner to Thompson, and the halves also kept a tight hold of the Sunderland forwards. Fleetwood was the outstanding half-back. Though Sunderland were strongly represented they made a comparatively poor show.
Parker's Goals.
The feature of the day was Bobby Parker's shooting after being under a cloud for a few matches he came out in his true form yesterday to score two brilliant goals, and I is now within four of Freeman's record. There are four games still to be played, so that he has still a chance of equalising or going one better than Freeman. Here is the list of Parker's goals:-
Against Goals
Sept 12 Middlesbrough (h) 2
Oct 3 Liverpool (a) 3
10 Bradford (h) 2
24 Man United (h) 2
Nov 7 Blackburn R (h) 1
21 Sunderland (h) 3
28 Sheff Wed (a) 4
Dec 6 West Brom (h) 1
12 Man City (h) 3
Jan 3 Newcastle U (a) 1
16 Middlesbroug (a) 1
Feb 10 Aston Villa (a) 3
Mar 17 Oldham A (a) 2
20 Notts County (a) 1
23 Bolton W (h) 3
Apr 6 Sunderland (a) 2
Total 42
Thompson Injured.
Thompson, I understand, was injured just before the end of yesterday's game. He received a kick on the instep and he could hardly put his foot on the ground afterwards. Everton have been badly hit by injuries recently, and if Thompson finds himself unfit this weekend the “Blues” will be hard pressed for backs. Grenyer played a capital game yesterday. Now that he has had two or three games on the run the ability he undoubtedly possesses is beginning to show itself. Manchester United's defeat at the hands of Oldham Athletic further endangers the Old Trafford clubs position, and with but four games to play the club will find it very difficult to escape.

GALLING PART OF EVERTON’S VICTORY
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday 7 April 1915
Bee’s Notes
Everton won at Sunderland yesterday- a surprising victory, even if we make due allowance for the statement that Sunderland were tired out. It must not be forgotten that Everton have been busily engaged on heavy going during the last few weeks, and have had to contend with injuries to some of their best players. What makes the victory galling is the remembrance of the defeats at home from Oldham, Burnley, and the Wednesday of Sheffield. A team that would win the League Championship must win its home matches, Everton, by winning the game mentioned, would have been splendidly placed for the honour that has so long been denied them. As it is they have stiff away matches to go through and they will now have to be content with the usual high place, but without the lead. Yesterday’s was Sunderland’s fourth match in five days and their players showed they had enough football, for the players in the early part was only moderate and the pace they. Neither side could get into their stride and the attacks which were made were easily repulsed. As the game proceeded, Everton improved, and became increasingly aggressive. The wing men, Palmer and Harrison were especially prominent. Chances were missed, however. Half an hour from the start Kirsopp beat Scott with a shot which cannoned off Hobson’s foot, and a minute before the interval Parker took Scott by surprise with a long shot which added a second goal. A shot of this kind makes one conjure up in one’s mind the thought of impossible angles” and “impossible distance. Everton were now clearly the dominant team in all departments. Sunderland made a series of attacks, however, especially about the middle of the second half. Once or twice they were dangerous, but Fern’s clearances were prompt and effective, and the visitors’ defence was never bustled. On the other hand that of the Wearsiders was none too safe, and the goal with which Parker finished the match was a perfect one. Parker’s total crop is now 34. Sunderland were quite outclassed, and some of their failure, no doubt was due to being jaded through overwork. Everton all through played fine football. The display of Thompson and Fleetwood was particularly excellent while as a pivot Parker fed his wings with marked success, and gave them opportunities of which on the whole, commendable advantage was taken.

Letter
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 April 1915
Evertonian'' writes:—It is indeed a pleasure to learn the game that to be played Park between the Boxers and the old favourites. There is a name missing from the latter team, and the man I refer to—.Jimmy Settle—could he secured to play alongside H. P. Hardman, with Walter Abbott in his old place, at left half-back, it would be one the greatest treats of the past few years, and a truly pleasant renewal of the acquaintance of old favourites. see what can done regarding "Jimmy." James Settle is getatable. He's Bolton nowadays; but I cannot do more than throw out the correspondent's suggestion to Mr. J. A. Wilson.
Cuff and Kirkwood
Dundee, Perth, Forfar and Fife's People's Journal -Saturday 10 April 1915
When I was writing last week about Manager Cuffe and his strange midnight ride to Blantyre, I jotted down a few notes in which the Everton manager figured prominently. Cuffe's adventures while on the hunt for players have been many and varied; but he told me that the signing of the brothers Wilson was the most eventful incident of his whole career. It happened like this. Everton wanted two Tynecaatle footballers—and you know the saying that when the Goodison Park people want certain players they usually get them. Parker and Galt for example. Well. to Edinburgh went Manager W. C. Cuffe and Director Dan Kirkwood, , who called me the dourest devil he'd ever/met. Four times the officials visited the Capita! are they managed to get on speaking terms with the wanted players and then they had some talking to do, I tell you. In fact, it was only after an hour's elcquent persuasion that the brothers Wilson were coaxed into a hotel. The chief obstacle the Everton men had to face was the fact their mission had leaked outr. The Tynescastle supporters had made Davie and George promise faithfully that they would not leave Edinburgh and especially to go to such a place as Liverpool.
A Wonderous Tale
For four solid hours the two players listened to the tale being told as it never was told before. They listened unmoved to the coaxing cajolery, and flattery of the English experts; and just when the situation seemed hopeless Mr. Cuffee remarked that a few hours in an express train would take then home from Liverpool if that city proved uncongenial. That settled it; and when the forms were signed at least two Glasgow managers and Mr. Phil kelso silently condoled with each other on losing the brothers Wilson.

DATE FIXED FOR CUP v BOXIERS’ MATCH
The Liverpool Echo – Thursday, April 8, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Boxing has boomed at a convenient moment, and charity will greatly aid by the talk that is going on over this week’s defeat of Jack Johnson. Considering the times we are passing through the amount of comment upon the defeat of Johnson has been enormous, and I opine that in the trenches the matter will be fully thrashed out and refought as it were. Well, this chat will serve to introduce us to the Everton Cup team’s game with a team of boxers arranged by Mr. J.A. Wilson. Jack Sharp is making himself responsible for the 1906 Cup team, and while it is impossible to get the full team, he has certainly “broken the back” of the side, as shown by the team I published in Saturday’s paper. He cannot get Maurice Parry’s address, and I am asked to request the old Liverpool half-back to communicate with Sharp. The date of the match has been fixed for April 28. This is the Wednesday after the Cup Final. The kick-off is timed for four o’clock, and this time will permit businessmen getting there. A later kick-off was aimed at, but was found impossible, owing to some of the players wishing to travel back home the night of the match. The reserves for the boxers team include Johnny Summers, Llew Edwards, and Jim Harris, the latter the well-known boxers’ manager, who, as an amateur, played for Clapton Orient and Brentford.
  “Evertonian” writes;- It is indeed a pleasure to learn of the game that is to be played at Goodison Park between the Boxers and the old Everton favourities. There is a name missing from the latter team, and if the man I refer to -Jimmy Settle -could be secured to play alongside H.P. Hardman, with Walter Abbott in his old place, at left half-back, it would be one of the greatest treats of the past few years and a truly pleasant renewal of the acquaintance of old favourites. Now, see what can be done regarding “Jimmy.”  James Settle is getatable. He’s in Bolton nowadays; but I cannot do more than throw out the correspondent’s suggestion to Mr. J. A. Wilson.

BROTHERS SCOTT AS RIVAL GOALKEEPERS
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, April 9, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow we have no first division match in this city, but the Liverpool County Final is played at Anfield, and the teams are goaled by brothers-a curiosity the like of which I cannot recall. Elisha Scott will be in goal for Liverpool, and William Scott (whose signing for Tranmere was one of many exclusives that the “Echo” continues to give its readers) will be “keeping” for the opposition-Tranmere Rovers.  Everton Reserves are at home to  Rochdale, and with the club having so many calls from the reserve ranks for the first team vacancies, it is natural that the reserve team is hard to piece together. Everton senior side, will be at West Brom, a place where  they are not in the habit of slipping before their own spectators or of giving presents to their guests. However, Everton have every thing to gain and nothing to lose, and will be certain to go all out for points, as they did at Sunderland. Parker’s rise to a point four goals from Freeman’s record makes all his appearances for the rest of the season extremely keenly watched. It is of no avail to be quiet on such a matter. It is of general public interest, and the public know the ins and outs of the record without relying on the Press. Certainly, everyone is keenly anxious that Parker should succeed, and it he does we shall have a chance of showing him and his co-forwards- who have done their share, remember-how highly we appraise his performance. This match at West Brom is but one of the many attractions booked during the week-end. On Monday there is the visit of the Cup finalists to Anfield, and tomorrow, in “outer circles” we have the N.U. Cup semi-final and the Welsh final (Wrexham at home to Swansea).
Everton, at west Bromwich.- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Fleetwood, Wareing, Grenyer; Palmer, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison.
Everton Reserves (v Rochdale, at Goodison Park).- Mitchell; Page, Simpson; Brown, Challinor, Roy; Howarth, Nuttall, Wright, Johnston, and Roberts.

AT THE HAWTHORNES.
April 10 1915. Evening Express Liverpool
Everton V. West Bromwich Albion.
Bins Win by Odd Goal
Happy Working Of new Combination.
By the Rover.
Unfortunately for Everton's prospects the executive had perforce to make several changes in the team to oppose the Albion at the Hawthornes. In addition to the defection of the regular backs, MaConnachie and Thompson and Makepeace and Chedgzoy, it was announced that Parker, who had a throat trouble, was unable to lead the forwards. In all half a dozen players, who had borne the brunt of the season ‘s work had to stand down and, of course, there was a reshuffle of positions. Fleetwood came into the forward position, and Brown, who has given such sterling displays at home was included at right half-back. The sides were:- West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal, Wood, and Bowser, backs, Waterhouse, Reed, and McNeal, half-backs, Japhcott, Crisp, Swift, Wright, and Shearman, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Simpson, and Weller backs, Brown, Wareing, and Grenyer half-backs, Palmer, Kirsopp, Fleetwood (captain), Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee J.W.W. Fowler, Sunderland. There would be 6,000 spectators present when Fleetwood opened the play for Everton. The opening stages favoured the Throstles, and in the first minute Swift was provided with a clear opening by Jeptcott, but the best he could do was to lob the ball into the hands of Fern when only a few yards from goal. Some neat play by Grenyer and Harrison removed the venue but woods' final challenge was effective, though on a further return matters looked promising until Palmer failed to take a pass from Fleetwood when well placed. A miskick by Simpson let in the home left, and from a centre by Simpson, Waterhouse shot into the hands of Fern, the Blues went away in fine line, and at the finish Fleetwood had the
Goal At His Mercy.
But to the surprise of all he placed outside the net. Thus was lost a good opportunity of opening the scoring. In a trice the Blues' defenders were in difficulties, but eventually came through on the right side. Returning again the Albion forwards became distinctly dangerous, but could not get in a parting shot. Then followed so neat work on the Everton left. Grenyer and Clennell had been prominent in the early stages of the movement, and on the latter parting to Harrison, much progress was made. The winger passed to Fleetwood, who failed to get in a shot. Still he did the next best thing by returning the ball to Harrison, who practically
Walked the Ball into the Net.
Palmer had an opportunity of increasing the lead from a pass by Harrison, but his drive sailed high over the bar. Then came a strong attack on the Everton goal, in which Wareing, Simpson, and Weller combated with good effect. However, they came again, and Shearman put in a capital shot, which Fern fielded, but while endeavouring to get it clear, Crisp rushed in, and Fern lost possession, giving Swift a chance of equalising, which was promptly accepted. However, play had scarcely been resumed when Fleetwood placed his side ahead again from close quarters. A miskick by Weller almost result in Crisp equlasing once again, but Fern anticipated the ball to a nicety, and punted out for Wareing to complete the clearance. In a trice Fleetwood was threading his way between the backs, and actually reached close quarters, where, however, he lost possession. Harrison had rushed up to meet him and Palmer was also in the wake, and with the keeper out of goal further downfall was expected, but the winger finished badly. The Throstles breathed freely once again. A
Feature of the Play
Thus far, was the successful linking of the Everton halves and forwards and with ordinary luck a more substantial lead must have come their way. A long shot from Shearman, which Crisp headed outside, was the next item, and following the goal kick Brown set Kirsopp and Palmer on the track of the home defenders, but McNeil accounted for the move in easy fashion, and repeated the performance a few minutes later. Again Brown placed nicely, for Palmer to sprint away, but the winger pulled up after getting a good lead, and saw no result from his unexpected centre. A dashing run by Fleetood was just checked in time by Woods, following which Fern had to save on three occasions, though none of the shots that came his way caused much anxiety. Still the home forwards kept pegging away for the equalizing point.
Half-time Everton 2 West Bromwich 1
Blues Halves Excel.
Everton were fully entitled to the lead in a first half that could scarcely be described as high class. Still there was plenty to interest the spectators, and so far as Everton were concerned the reserve half-back line did all that could be desired. It was in this department they mainly excelled, both in defence And in providing their forwards with opportunities further behind Simpson and Weller were quite equal to the demands on them. The forwards had been hardly so well knitted as usual; still they were more enterprising than the home side, and with a little luck the lead might easily have been increased. The second half opened with a strong attack on the Ablion goal, but with the glaring sun in their faces were handicapped in their final efforts to reach the target. Still they kept peppering away, and for quite a lengthily period the home defenders were kept busily employed. Shearman and Wright made several efforts to relive the pressure, but Brown kept a very watchful eye on this quarter, though on one occasion the inside man broke through only, however, to find Fern quite ready to meet the emergency. The margin of play continued to be monopolised by the visitors. on one occasion it looked
Long Odds on Fleetwood.
Finding the net from a smart movement on the left. He took the ball well but failed to get sufficient power behind his effort, and the ball found a resting place in Pearson's hands. Just now Clennell was an indefatigable worker but quite a change came over the play as a result of a big effort by the whole of Albion forwards. Brown was beaten by Shearman, and the winger cutting in looked like getting the better of Fern, when the latter in the race for possession managed to come out on top and clear. Fleetwood was again busy in his efforts to plod through the home defence, and though he failed at the last gasp, Clennell was there to fire the ball, but unfortunately, his drive was ill-directed. A fine shot from Harrison was well fielded. , following which Swift, with an easy opening.
Final Result West Brom 1 Everton 2

EVERTON RESERVES 1 ROCHDALE 2
April 10, 1915. The Liverpool Football Echo
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 34)
At Goodison Park. The game commenced in Everton's favour, and after a few minutes Wright parted the ball down the centre and pass out to Roberts, whose centre went a trifle too far for Nuttall and finally Derbyshire pt behind. Then Rowling made a pretty run for Rochdale, and his centre was headed into goal by Hayes, but Mitchell escaped although a corner was taken. Rochdale came again and Hayes saved neatly. Everton renewed vigorously, Wright sending a straight drive into the goalkeepers hands. Galt fed Wright effectively and Howarth shot wide. A breakaway by the visitors was finished by a good shot from Brown, and a little later Rawling drove hit the upright. Galt equalised from a foul, and Rochdale failed to convert a penalty kick, Mitchell saving. Half-time 1 goal each. The second half had not long been in progress before Nuttall manceurved skillfully and drove tremendously hard by the upright and Rawling finished a move at the other end in a similar manner. A good run by Smith produced a corner for Rochdale, but Everton were soon to the front again. Wright making a great dash and Galt failing to score from a free kick. Wright got clean through but skied the ball, and Derbyshire shot wide. A minute before the end Smith won the game with a glorious shot.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 EVERTON 2
April 12, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
A PLEASANT GAME.
Although always interesting and at times even exciting there was a curious “end of the season” air about the game between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, on Saturday. Both sides were far from being at full strength, and this, no doubt, had more effect upon the character of the display. Injuries to Everton players during the past few games had robbed them of no fewer than six of their regular representatives and it was rather “a mixed lot” that they put in the field against the Throstles. The latter were without their customary full backs, and so under the circumstances there is no need for captious criticism. The game indeed, as we have just said, was full of liveliness and incident, and in the pleasant spring sunshine –and with nothing serious at stake –the crowd was not disposed to regard the proceedings too seriously. The principal feature of the match was the “softness” –the term is expressive football slang –of the three goals. None of them ought really to have happened, but inasmuch as they were two to one in favour of the visitors, Evertonians at least have no cause to complain.
THE GOALS.
On a fast-playing patch and with a lovely ball the game opened very promising. The Albion forwards were the first to show up prominently and Weller and Simpson were afforded frequent opportunities of showing their aptitude in repelling attack. The Everton halves were some time in settling down, but once they did they fed Fleetwood and his wings most assiduously. The shooting, however, was exceedingly wild, and Pearson; the home keeper, had comparatively little to do until the Everton forwards closed in on the left, and Fleetwood returning the leather to Harrison, the latter netted out of the custodian's reach. The West Bromwich men replied with spirit, and it was not long before they got on equal terms with their opponents. Shearman first missed the mark by inches, and then put in another delightful dropping centre, which Swift seized upon and directed neatly into the net. A period of fairly level pegging succeeded, and then Everton once more forged ahead through Fleetwood. Harrison put in a rather difficult oblique shot, which Pearson ran out to meet. He misjudged it completely, and before he could recover himself the Everton skipper had landed the ball safely between the points. The second half calls for no detailed comment. For most part play was of a very free and easy character, and it ultimately fizzled out very tamely.
PERSONALIA.
Fern did the little he had to do cleanly and well. His damaged finger, by the way, is by no means better, and the popular custodian fears that it may have to be reset. The backs both gave an excellent account of themselves. Simpson being particularly smart in his tackling. The halves made a fair show, Grenyer being perhaps the best of the trio. Fleetwood led his line with characteristic strength and doggedness. He was a warhorse among prancing palfreys and if his methods unorthodox they were certainly disquieting to the home defenders. Clennell had more shots at goal than anyone, but he was dead out of luck. Teams : - West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal, Wood, and Bowser, backs, Waterhouse, Reed, and McNeal, half-backs, Japhcott, Crisp, Swift, Wright, and Shearman, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Simpson, and Weller backs, Brown, Wareing, and Grenyer half-backs, Palmer Kirsopp, Fleetwood (captain), Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee J.W.W. Fowler

TOP OF THE TABLE P W L D F A Pts
Oldham Athletic ……….…34 17 7 10 68 48 44
Manchester City ………….35 15 7 13 47 31 43
Sheffield Wednesday……..36 15 9 12 61 53 42
Everton …………………..35 17 11 7 71 44 41
Blackburn Rovers………..36 17 12 7 78 59 41
Sunderland ………………36 17 14 5 75 7 0 39

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP STILL UNDECIDED
April 12 1915 Evening Express, Liverpool
Everton's Fine Away Form
By the Critic
Teams: -Manchester City: - Smith, Henry, and Fletcher, backs, Hughes, Hanney, and Brannan, half-backs, Jones, Taylor, Howard, Barnes, and Cartwright, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (captain), Grenyer, half-back, Nuttall, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. Hitchin.
Teams: -Manchester City: - Smith, Henry, and Fletcher, backs, Hughes, Hanney, and Brannan, half-backs, Jones, Taylor, Howard, Barnes, and Cartwright, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (captain), Grenyer, half-back, Nuttall, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. Hitchin.
Though Oldham Athletic hold the premier place the race for the championship is still fairly open, and anything may happen during the next couple of weeks. The “Latics” certainly have the best of the position on matches played, and they ought to finish at the head of affairs, but any slip on their part would let others in. Manchester City are next in demand, and their record is a capital one. The further Everton go the more annoying is the loss of points at home during the holidays. Apparently the Blues cannot go wrong away from their own enclosures, despite the fact that they are far from being at full strength. They have fairly had the championship placed in their path this season, but they have failed to make full use of their chances. Following their victory at Sunderland the Blues took a further couple of points from the Throstles, and when it is considered that such players as Galt, MaConnachie, Makepeace, Chedgzoy and Parker were absentee, the performance was a fine one.
Capital Reserves.
“Rover” attended the match, and in the course of his comment he say: - There was a decided flavour f end of season football in the fare served up. Neither of the clubs was able to field its best side owing to injuries to players, and in the case of Everton the reserve half-backs and full-backs were requisitioned, while the defensive departments of the Albion, too, underwent several changes. At the last moment Parker had to stand down owing to throat trouble, and, as matters transpired, had he been leading the van heavy crop of goals must have come his way. The Blues prevailed by two goals to one in a very moderate game, rendered the more so by a pronounced weakness in the Albion defence. under the circumstances the Midlanders were fortunate in emerging with so narrow a margin against them. So far as Everton were concerned, the occasion served to demonstrate that the club is well served in the matter of reserves. The full backs were equal to all demands made upon them, while the standard of play reached by the intermediate line was quite up to first League form. by their victory Everton retained fourth position on the chart and should improve their record ere the close of the campaign.
Brown and Grenyer Prominent.
As indicated Everton's reserve half-backs were quite capable of subduing the Albion forwards and both brown and Grenyer displayed good resource in holding the wing players in addition to providing their own forwards with capital ground passes. Wareing too, controlled the inside men with good judgement, and thus completed a capital line. Chedgzoy was greatly missed on the right, from which quarter rarely anything came that was at all incisive. Fleetwood worked hard and unceasingly, and under the enforced change of position did well. most progress was made on the left, though here again their usual standard was not attended, and the line as a whole against the feeble resistance opposed to them would have done better. Simpson and Weller played their parts well and though fern's finger had not got to its normal conditions, he managed to keep a good goal. The home side rarely suggested that they were capable of making a good fight of it. The forwards were very erratic, even when at times they were well served by their halves, while they rearguard failed to maintain the standard set by Pennington and Smith. Everton have now 41 points to their credit, and of these 21 have been obtained on opponents' territory.

ALBION DEFEATED IN A POOR GAME
Birmingham Daily Post- Monday 12 April 1915
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1, EVERTON 2
The somewhat unusual combinations which did so well for the Albion in the holiday matches encouraged the hope that, though further changes were necessary owing to injuries, the side selected to meet Everton at the Hawthorns on Saturday might prove equally successful. This hope, however, was not realised, for though there were in the first half some bright bits of play, the game generally was very disappointing. In the matter of reserves the visitors were in much the same position as the Albion. Both their regular backs were absent through injuries, their places being taken by Weller and Simpson; Parker was away owing to indisposition. Fleetwood going centre; and the latter’s place in the half-back line was field by Brown. The Albion had Reed in place of Newall at half-back, Crisp took the place of Gregory, and Wright crossed over to partner Shearman, which in view of the capital game he played on Tuesday on the right wing, seemed rather a mistake. At any rate, he certainly was not a success on Saturday; nor were some of the others. The Albion started well, and a clever run by Crisp gave Swift a glorious chance, but he fumbled it. Still to balance this, Fleetwood immediately afterwards let slip an equally easy chance of putting his side in front. He cleverly beat Bowser, and ran into goal, and, drawing Pearson out, shot wide. They were two very bad mistakes.
THE GOALS
After play had been in progress thirteen minutes Harrison scored for Everton, there being apparently some misunderstanding among the defenders and the equaliser came eight minutes later. Shearman, who played a fine game all through, got in a brilliant long shot, Fern catching the ball. While he had it in his arms Crisp rushed him, causing him to drop the ball, and Swift promptly put it into the net. Immediately afterwards Everton took the lead. Pearson, running out to save, missed the ball, and Fleetwood scored. Play about this time was good, and continued so until half-time, both goals having narrow escapes. Once Pearson took the ball right off Harrison’s toe, and at the other end from another of Shearman’s clever centres Jephcott got in a good shot, but Weller luckily headed the ball into the goalkeeper’s hands. In the second half the football was distinctly poor, and the spectators started to leave the ground ten minutes or a quarter of an hour before the finish, being apparently satisfied that the Albion would not even get a point out of the match. Everton took matters somewhat easily or they might have increased their lead, for they were unquestionable the better side. The weakness of the home team was at full-back. They have three such sterling defenders in Pennington, Smith and Cook that the standard of play one expects from the Albion defenders is extremely high, and substitutes for these men rarely come up to expectations.  Bowser is not a back, a half-back, and Wood is not yet good enough for English League football. 
A POOR ATATCK
The half-backs were clever, McNeal again playing a great game. Reed was effective in stopping the Everton men, but too often followed this by putting the ball to one of his opponents. Shearman played a sterling game and was easily the best of the forwards; Jephcott has not regained his confidence. And though Crisp was clever at times, the line on the whole was weak, with the exception of the outside-left. Fleetwood, who joined Everton as a forward, but has developed into one of the best half-backs in the country, led his men admirably, and Harrison and Palmer, on the extreme wings, did a lot of useful work; but like the Albion, the4 inside men were not conspicuous. Grenyer, Wareing and Brown were hard workers at half-back, and in Weller and Simpson Everton have two very capable reserve backs. Fern kept a good goal, as too, did Pearson, though the latter was handicapped by the weakness of the two men in front of him. It is distinctly hard lines that towards the close of the season the Albion should have had such bad luck with their defence, which now for a long time has been their strongest department, and it is fortunate that they have not got to fight for their place in the League.

A PLEASANT GAME
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, April 12, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Although always interesting and at times even exciting, there was a curious “end of the season” air about the game between Everton and West Bromwich at the Hawthorns, on Saturday. Both sides were far from being at full strength, and this, no doubt had some effect upon the character of the display. Injuries to Everton players during the past few games had robbed them of no fewer than six of their regular representatives, and it was rather “a mixed lot” that they put in the field against the Throstles. Fern’s damaged finger is by no means better, and the popular custodian fears that it may have to be reset. The backs both gave an excellent account of themselves, Simpson being particularly smart in his tackling. The halves made a fair show, Grenyer being perhaps the best of the trio. Fleetwood led his line with characteristic strength and doggedness. He was a war-horse among prancing palfreys, and if his methods were unorthodox they were certainly disquieting to the home defenders. Clennell had more shots at goal than anyone but he was dead out of luck.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, April 13, 1915
Everton-terrace Industrial School (Liverpool) and St. Joseph’s Industrial school (Manchester) meet in the semi-final tie of the North of England cup, competed for by Home Office School. Through the kindness of Everton directors, the match will be played at Goodison Park tomorrow; 2-30 p.m. the winners will meet Shibden Home Office School (Yorkshire) in the final.

ENFORCED EVERTON CHANGES.
April 14 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
By the Critic.
Everton have been compelled to make numerous changes in their eleven of late, and during the past weeks the rear division has suffered to a greater extent than the forward line, but now, it would seem it is the turn of the front line to suffer. Chedhzoy was the first to drop out, and following Parker last Saturday Clennell-now fins himself unable to play today. Both the inside left and Parker are suffering from colds, with the result that Nuttall was due to figure at centre forward and Grenyer at inside left. For the most part Grenyer has been recognised as a half-back, though he started his career at Everton at inside left, and right well did he play in that position. Of course, the team to meet Manchester City on Saturday depends largely on whether the men escape injury today.

GOOD WIN AT EVERTON
Rochdale Times- Wednesday 14 April 1915
ROCHDALE’S SURPRISE PERFORMANCE AT MERSEY CITY
Rochdale and Everton Reserves met for the first time this season at Everton on Saturday. Crossan came back into the team as partner to Caldwell at full-back, Neave occupied the centre-half berth, Milnes being injured, and Vincent Hayes took the unusual position of inside left. Everton had a strong side out and the teams were;- Everton; Mitchell; Stewart, McFadyen; Challinor, Galt, Johnson; Derbyshire, Nuttall, Wright, Howarth, and James Roberts. Rochdale;- Swann; Crossan, Caldwell; Tully, Neave, Kay; Rawlings, Kelly, Brown, Hayes, and Smith. Everton had the best of the opening moves, Wright forcing the way and passing out to Roberts, whose centre was placed behind by Derbyshire.  Rawlings made a pretty run and swinging the ball in, Hayes met it with his head and nearly scored. A corner which followed brought no advantage to Rochdale. Wright would have been successful with a good drive, but Swann was very much on the alert, Rochdale opened the scoring through the agency of Hayes, who headed through from a fine centre by Rawlings, but Everton were not long in equalising. Their point following on a free kick given against Swann for carrying the ball and in the melee, Galt kicking into the net. During this half Hayes missed a penalty the ball straight to Mitchell, who turned it over the bar for a corner. The penalty awarded against McFadyen, who fisted out a header from Kelly, though the ball appeared to have entered the net. Half-time;-
Rochdale 1, Everton 1.
In the second half Everton applied almost continuous pressure, but they met an active and capable defence, while some of the shooting also lacked accuracy, and a number of openings were thrown away in this manner. Those which appeared likely to score were smartly stopped by Swann.  Occasionally, Rochdale attacked, and about ten minutes from the finish scored somewhat unexpectedly. Stewart dallied in dealing with a long kick by Kay, and when dribbling the ball was robbed by Smith, who ran forward, and from about 20 yards’ range scored with a brilliant shot. Result; Rochdale 2, Everton 1. 

EVERTON BRING GRENYER TO FORWARD LINE
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, April 14, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Everton have visited Bradford to-day to play off the “thawed match.” It will be recalled that when they were losing 3-0 at Park-avenue the referee stopped the game through the beastly weather. The winning of the toss meant everything that day, as the snowstorm carried from goal to goal. Bradford won the toss and some of the Everton players never saw their partners during the game, the blizzard preventing their looking up to see how their passes had gone. Some spectators regularly take up their positions at the back of the goal believing in seeing some of the important points of the day without hindrance. However, at Bradford on the snow day there was not a soul behind Fern’s goal, and when the ball was put very wide and into the spectators’ portion, it was some time before the ball as returned, as the players were too cold to attempt to scale the hoarding. Finally the man in the programme-box left his perch and obliged. Several players collapsed through the bitter wind and biting storm of snow, and the game was abandoned. To-day’s team showed a novelty on the lines of last Saturday’s game at West Bromwich, Grenyer this time taking the Fleetwood role and leaving the half back line for the forward line. This was a change caused through the illness of Clennell, who like Parker is laid down with a cold. Nuttall deputises for Parker, and as half back Galt reappears. A lot of comment was created by the non-appearance of the Everton captain at West Bromwich when it was found that he had played for the reserves. It appears that the late-on changes necessary in the first team left Everton Res, short-handled, and Galt, unfit as he was, offered to fill a gap in the Walton match. Everton;- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Fleetwood, Galt, Wareing; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Nuttall, Grenyer, Harrison. Bradford.- Scattergood; Watson, Blackham; Crozier, Howie, Scott; Kivlighan, Little, Smith, Bauchop, McCandless.
Everton’s stiffest task is at Hyde-road on Saturday. This is City team;- Smith; Henry, Fletcher; Hughes, Hanney, Brennan; Jones, Taylor, Howard, Burnes, and Cartwright.

BRADFORD 1 EVERTON 2
April 15, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S SURPRISING WIN AT BRADFORD.
BAUCHOP SENT PENALTY WIDE.
Everton beat Bradford 2-1 at Park-avenue yesterday. This was an unexpected result, as Everton, although having Galt, Chedgzoy, and Thompson back again, had not the services of Makepeace, Parker, or Clennell, and had to bring a half back to the forward line. Everton by their win have made their away total to 23 out of a possible 36 points –a remarkable record and one in curious contrast to their home record. Their victory was obtained against a team that has found many points on their own ground, their last defeat before yesterday was in October, in the early days. There was no doubt as to which was the better side. Everton were quickly in their stride although they had to climb the hill in the first half and also to face a strong sun. they were faster man for man, and had the run of their opponents by reason of nicely-judged combination, the extreme wing men, Harrison more particularly, centring so that the forwards could take the ball as it came to them without any delay for trapping or steadying. In nineteen minutes a goal was scored, Scattergood failing to get the ball away swiftly, and Kirsopp being handy, took the chance this offered. Bradford could have equalised if their crack scorer Bauchop, had taken the grit when a penalty kick almost invariably is. (Thompson grassed Bauchop-Liverpool Courier) He has scored 28 goals this season, yet this time he sent wide in hopeless fashion, the ball; having both incorrect direction, and lack of speed. It was plain that Bradford did not like yielding their ground to any visiting team, and right to the end they fought for the full points possible. Maybe the idea of the former game between the clubs being replayed rankled in their mind. That game was abandoned at half-time through a snowstorm,, Bradford leading at that point by 3-0. However, the game was replayed, and Everton won the day through their ability to stay the distance and by enjoying the better methods of attack. They shot hard and often, whereas Bradford were very faulty in front of goal, and seemed to trust implicitly to Bauchop to add to his hat-trick performance to carry them through. Smith once missed a simple chance and Bauchop, though testing Fern three times was not good with easy-single shots. He was beat when placed worst. For instance, he hit the rigging from an awkward angle, and later caused Fern to come out of goal and make a magnificent save which he was cramped for room. However, it was close on the interval when Crozier scored. This half back got his chance through a centre by Howie and a hook-over by the indefatigable Little. After half time, and with conditions and elements favouring them, Everton were much the superior side, and Nuttall was especially hard to control. He did not always keep his newly tried place, but he dribbled well and shot hard. McCandless running through had a great chance to lead the visitors, but he fell on the ball and wasted the golden chance. Everton were soon on the attack again, and Chedgzoy (although he had broken down) sent the ball towards goal, Grenyer making good –a popular goal to a man who in a new place had worked hard and successfully. He kept Harrison moving along splendidly, and the outside left's centres were judicious and of nice strength. Credit must be given Harrison for his all-round display, and also for the hard shot he sent in. The only other opportunity for scoring was given Kirsopp; Nuttall having engaged the goalkeeper in a hefty charge Kirsopp had an open goal and should have scored. Still, his game had been a good one, and had been in keeping with the standard of his fellow players. In goal Fern was safe and clean, and considering that his recently dislocated finger is still bothering him, his keeping was excellent. No half-back fared better than Fleetwood who saved one goal by dashing up at the right moment and conceding a corner. Galt (hardly in fit condition yet) and Wareing did valuable work, and when they failed there was always the back division (Thompson and Weller –two stalwarts). Nuttall has not played better for some time. He was live and cool, and did not unduly delay his shooting. Harrison and Grenyer were the best wing, solely because Chedgzoy was not able to do himself justice. Kirsopp's work was a trifle in and out, but the good portion was very good. Bradford had big-kicking backs, dour half-backs on the slow side, and forwards, who could not get going against a solid defence. McCandless does not show his best at home, and Bauchop, while clever and sometimes on the mark with good drives was overshadowed. Stirling was variable, and his partner Little seems to have become stale. It was a capital match for a mid-week game, and the attendance was satisfactory, although Everton will not share in the way of gate receipts because there are many season tickets holders at Park Avenue. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Wareing, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Nuttall, Grenyer, and Harrison, forwards.

TOP OF THE TABLE P W L D F A Pts
Oldham Athletic ……….…34 17 7 10 68 48 44
Everton …………………...36 18 11 7 73 45 43
Manchester City ………… 35 15 7 13 47 31 43
Sheffield Wednesday… ….36 15 9 12 61 53 42
Blackburn Rovers………..36 17 12 7 78 59 41
Sunderland ………………36 17 14 5 75 70 39

EVERTON GOING AHEAD.
April 15 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Footballs for Soldiers
Everton's away form of late has been remarkable, especially when we consider that the team has not been at full strength. After their defeat in the semi-final at Aston the side collapsed in the two holiday engagements at home, and were beaten by Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday. Then there was the revival at Sunderland, the Roker brigade being beaten by three goals to nil. West Bromwich were beaten on Saturday, and Bradford were yesterday accounted for by 2 goals to 1. Owing to an error by the news agency the result was sent out last evening giving the reverse score of the actual result. This error was corrected as soon as possible in the “Express” and the victory of the “Blues” created the utmost satisfaction, but only further demonstrated the far-reaching effects of the home failures. But for those two defeats at home at Easter the “Blues” would be well established at the head of affairs by this time. As it is they can only hope to occupy one of the leading positions unless Oldham and Manchester City go to pieces altogether. The “Blues” have still two games to play, one at Manchester and the other against Chelsea at Goodison. It is worthy of note that the “Blues” have gained 23 points on foreign soil this season. this is a fine average, and if they had not tripped at home so often they would have been well on the way to their second championship.
Grenyer's Fine Form.
When Everton visited Bradford before in the snowstorm the Yorkshiremen were winning easily when the match was abandoned, so that the replay proved quite a lucky stroke for the Blues. The conditions were quite summerlike on this occasion. Everton were the better side throughout. It is pleasing to record that the “new” forward, Grenyer, shaped exceedingly well, and he had the satisfaction of scoring the winning goal. Everton should have gained the verdict by a more pronounced margin, for in same portions of the second half they quite outplayed the opposition. Bradford were not at their best. Their forwards were at times disjointed, and did not control the ball nearly so well as the visitors. Scattergood was responsible for the first goal, but he made some great saves afterwards. He failed to fist away a centre, and Kirsopp shot into an open goal. Just before this Thompson had fouled Bauchop in the penalty area, but Bauchop failed at the penalty kick. Everton held this lead until near the interval, when Crozier headed through after good work by Little. Seventeen minutes after the restart, Grenyer who was the best of the Everton forwards, scored a beautiful goal after receiving from Chedgzoy. Everton's combination was no better than that of Bradford, but the men were cleverer individually and much superior in pace. Nuttall was a real success at centre forward, causing a lot of trouble to the defence, and Kirsopp and Harrison also did well. The halves were clever. Galt conspicuously so, and Wareing, was also prominent, and the defenders made few mistakes.
Footballs For Soldiers.
As a result of the collecting and subscriptions the Everton Club have been able to supply forty footballs to the various Battalions of the Liverpool Regiments at home, and abroad. Local Artillery units have also received a ball, and those who subscribed have the satisfaction of knowing that they have provided soldiers with a most welcome present.

EVERTON’S EXTRAORDINARY AWAY FORM
The Liverpool Echo -Thursday, April 15, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Everton’s away form received a top-stone yesterday, when Bradford were beaten at Park Avenue-the score was given incorrectly in one Liverpool quarter last night, but that corner was not the “Echo” of course. To beat Bradford at park-avenue IS  a performance. The stiff-built Yorkshiremen have, as will be seen by the chart given below, not failed before their own supporters for months -early October -and they could not grumble at their downfall yesterday, because Everton were full value for their win, and, considering the formation of their team, they must have surprised themselves. With MaConnachie, Makepeace, Parker, and Clennell unable to play. Fern going to goal with a finger that looked angry and must have given him pain when he made three very fine punches and Chedgzoy breaking down again, it will be seen that Everton did not have a rosy time. Fortunately, Alan Grenyer proved his versatility by playing a hard and clever game at inside left. Grenyer has not seen too much first-team service this season, and he went a bit stumpy through the Central League games. However, he has now come to his brightest, and his game yesterday will do very well, thank you, while Clennell is absent. My sincere sympathies to the ex-Rover, by the way. Nuttall too, played a spirited game, and did not unduly delay his shots. Harrison was more in the picture than usual, Grenyer and Nuttall making him work by giving him delightful, easy taking centres. Harrison’s completion of them was admirable, albeit he once tried a shot from an acute angle when he should have put the ball across to the unguarded comrades who called for the pass that never came. The outside left’s shooting was as good as ever, true, but the angle he took up made it a wiser move to plant the ball before goal. All the winners played creditably, and helped to put the finishing touch on the Bradford farming business (point at home). In under twenty minutes a goal was scored, Scattergood failing to get the ball away swiftly, and Kirsopp being handy, took the chance thus offered. Bradford could have equalised if their crack scorer, Bauchop, had taken the gift which a penalty kick almost invariably is. He has scored 28 goals this season, yet this time he sent wide in hopeless fashion, the shot having both incorrect direction and lack of speed. It was plain that Bradford did not like yielding their ground to any visiting team, and right to the end they fought for the full points possible. Maybe the idea of the former game between the clubs being replayed rankled in their mind. That game was abandoned at half-time through a snowstorm, Bradford leading at that point by 3-0. However, the game was replayed and Everton won the say through their ability to stay the distance and by employing the better methods of attack. They shot hard and often, whereas Bradford were very faulty in front of goal, and seemed to thrust implicitly to Bauchop to add to his hat-trick performance to carry them through. It was close on the interval when Crozier scored. This half-back got his chance through a centre by Howie and a hook-over by the indefatigable Little. After half-time, and with conditions and elements favouring them, Everton were much the superior side, and Nuttall was especially hard to control. He did not always keep his newly-tried place, but he dribbled well. Chedgzoy (although he had broken down) sent the ball towards goal, Grenyer making good- a popular goal to a man who in a new place had worked hard and successfully. The only other opportunity of scoring was given Kirsopp; Nuttall having engaged the goalkeeper in a hefty charge Kirsopp had an open goal and should have scored. Still, his game had been a good one, and had been in keeping with the standard of his fellow players. In goal Fern, was safe and clean. No half-back fared better than Fleetwood, who saved one goal by dashing up at the right moment and conceding a corner. Galt (hardly in fit condition yet) and Wareing did valuable work, and when they failed there was always the back division (Thompson and Weller-two stalwarts). Nuttall has not played better for some time. He was live and cool, and did not unduly delay his shooting. Harrison and Grenyer were the best wing, solely because Chedgzoy was not able to do himself justice. Kirsopp’s work was a trifle in and out, but the good portion was very good. Bradford had big-kicking backs, dour half-backs on the slow side, and forwards who could not get going against a solid defence. McCandless does not show his best at home, and Bauchop, while clever and sometimes on the mark with good drives, was overshowed. Sterling was variable, and his partner, Little, seems to have become stale. It was a capital match for a mid-week game, and the attendance was satisfactory, although Everton will not share much in the way of gate receipts, because there are many season ticket holders at Park Avenue.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, April 16, 1915
Thomson the live Chelsea centre, has fractured his collar-bone, and will not be a likely starter for the Cup Final of Saturday week. That’s a bit of bad luck for Chelsea, for their one-eyed centre-forward has contracted a great scheme for swift feinting and short cuts to goal. Houston the Everton winger has been troubled for some time through an injured ankle, and he’s not likely to kick a ball for the rest of the season. In the same boat’s “crew” are;- MaConnachie, Makepeace, Chedgzoy and Jefferis-four of the bets.
Everton F,C have sent away forty footballs for soldiers. They have been delivered itto local corps, acting at the front and to local men who have yet to make the trip out of England. Replies have been received from some of the recipients, and they show how deeply grateful they are for the gifts.

SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR
April 17 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
From an Everton point of view the recent successes of the club have occasioned much regret at the loss of points at home. As events turn out, Everton have had the League championship almost placed at their feet this season, while the Cup, too, seemed to be within their grasp, but they have fallen between the two stolls. There is, of course, an outside chance –or there was this morning –of the “Blues” gaining the topmost place, but so much depended on others that the odds are very pronounced. It is generally acknowledged, however, that the “Blues” have proved themselves one of the teams of the season, and it may be a long time before Everton are able to command so good a good a combination. A few slips at home when least expected did not appear to be serious, but now we see how important they were. A club to go to the top must win their home games and have a fair average away, but the curiosity of Everton's doings is that they have gained more points away than at home. To gain 23 points out of a possible 36 on “foreign” soil is a record to be proud of. The remaining 20 points were of course, gained at home, so that we have the curiosity of the club doing better away from home than on their own ground. Once again it would seen that it is a case of being so near and yet so far.
Boxers and Footballers.
The football match between Boxers and footballers is arousing keen interesting, and not only the veteran exponents of the Soccer code, but the give artistes are anxious to try their skill with the big ball. I may say here that the kick off has been altered to 5.30, in order to suit the bulk of the workers, and Goodison Park on April 28 th is likely to be well filled. The following boxers have already intimated their intention of competing :- Gordon Sims, Bardsman Rice, Matt Wells, Jerry Delaney, Bombardier Wells, Jimmy Wilde Kid Doyle, Seargeant Basham, and Jim Harris. The majority of old footballers are sure to turn out; indeed, those who are in the vicinity are very anxious to resume acquaintance with the big ball, and Jack Sharp tells men that Edgar Chadwick has written asking if a place could be found for him. you see the old spirit is there, and no doubt the famous Everton and international inside-left, who formerly delighted the outlookers with his footwork as partner to Alf Milward, would relish a run at the scene of his former triumphs. James Galt is sure to have two very attractive teams under his control on April 28 th .
The Match of the Season.
Frank Moran, the noted American heavy-weight, is to pay a visit to Liverpool on the 28 th , when he is due to act as linesman in the War Fund football match at Goodison Park. As you will see in another column, several of the leading boxers have intimated their intention of taking part in the match. Segt Basham, Jim Harris, and the others are in strict training, I am told, and they intend to give the footballers a surprise. Tickets are now on sale, and may be had at Jack Sharp's or at the Stadium. Of course you may pay at the gates in the ordinary way, the prices being from 6d to 2s. originally it was intended to start at 4 o'clock, but in order that the workers may have an opportunity of attending the game, and thus supporting the local war fund, the kick off time has been altered to 5.30. The players and boxers from whom sides will be chosen are as follows:- Footballers:- W. Scott, W. Balmer, R. Balmer, M. Parry, T. Booth, J. Crelly, J. Sharp, J. D. Taylor, J. Parkinson, W. Abbott, H.P. Hardman, W. Stevenson, J. Settle, A. Young, E. Chadwick. Boxers from: Gordon Sims, J.A. Wilson, Bandsman Rice, Tancy Lee, Matts Wells, Jerry Delaney, Bombardier Jimmy Wilde, Kid Doyle, Sergt Basham, Owen Moran, Jim Harris, Johnny Summers, Llew Edwards. Referee James Galt (Everton captain), Linesman; J.T. Tyldesley (the great cricketer), frank Moran (the American heavy-weight)

HARD FOUGHT GAME.
April 17 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Blues in Fine Form at Manchester
Both Defenders' Brilliant.
City's Forwards Miss Many Chances
By Rover.
The visit of the Everton team to Hyde-road was invested with more than ordinary interest by reason of the close running for championship honours. There was a capital attendance, and an exceptionally keen tussle for supremacy was anticipated The sides were as Follows:- Teams:-Manchester City:- Smith, Henry, and Fletcher, backs, Hughes, Hannay, and Brannan, half-backs, Jones, Taylor, Howard, Barnes, and Cartwright, forwards. Everton:- Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (captain), Grenyer, half-back, Nuttall, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Hitchin. There would be quite 30,000 spectators present when Howard, against a slight breeze, opened the play for the City. Thompson came to the rescue of Everton in the first minute and a threatening movement between Baines and Cartwright. The Everton forwards later got going, and Kirsopp finished up the movement by lifting the ball over the bar. The City retaliated strongly, and Cartwright forced a corner, which came to nothing. However, the City were the more go-ahead just now, and only by means of smart defensive play by Thompson and Well was a score prevented. Parker led the way to the other end, but the defence of the City was good, and from what had been served up to date, it was apparent that the respective defenders would play a big part in the proceedings. A spurt along the Everton right looked promising, but Fletcher accounted for Nuttall, who was forced to part, and following a smart raid on the home right. Clennell came into the picture and carried play to the home quarters. Parker in endeavouring to thrust his way through was sandwiched, and this necessitated a slight stoppage.
Both Sides in Earnest.
There could be no mistaking, the earnestness of the contesting sides. The nearest approach to success up to this point was the result of a free kick by Harrison, Kirsopp heading wide of the mark. At the other end Thompson got across in time to prevent Taylor from getting in a passing shot, and from his clearance the Blues took up a strong position. A pass out from Clennell to Nuttall went astray, but immediately afterwards the Everton left let drive only to see his effort charged down by Henry. Galt also had a pop, but Smith saved his long range shot. Fleetwood was going strongly when Brennan unfairly pulled him up, and from the free kick. Harrison put in a capital return, which unfortunately went astray. Keeping up the pressure on the City defenders. Parker got in a strong drive , which Smith, with outstretched left arm, was unable to clear, with the result that Clennell, rushing up met the ball, and it rolled into the net. An exceptionally smart bit of work by Fleetwood placed Everton in possession again and led to a strong attack on the home goal. Good work by Fleetwood led to Galt just missing, heading through from a corner placed byNuttall. Then came a splendid rush by the whole of the City forwards, and Thompson, in trying to stop them, was injured, but resumed after the game had been delayed for a minute. Parker, Nuttall, and Kirsopp were next prominent in a fine concerned movement, and Kirsopp's finishing efforts resulted in Smith having a warm handiful. Then the City right got going, and with Weller in difficulties an opening was made for Barnes, who let drive, only to see Fern frustrate his efforts, by finally throwing himself full length at the ball. A moment later Cartwright with a terrific drive, struck the lower portion of the upright with Fern beaten, but Galt and Wells cleared the danger. However, the City forwards were by no means done with, and strenuous efforts were made to get on level terms. Galt was useful in charging down shots. and Grenyer and Weller were conspicuous in their efforts to lighten the pressure, on fern's charge. Howard missed his kick when well placed, and the City's aggressiveness came to be an end as the result of some dashing work by Clennell, but henry and his partner were very resourceful. In vam did the City's attack try to level matters, but to the interval their efforts were not successful.
Half-time Manchester city 0 Everton 1
Comments .
The first half had produced a display that was quite out of the run at this period of the campaign. There was no suggestion of end of the season play, and the respective sides gave fully of their best. There was little indeed between the contesting sides, but the slight superiority came the way of Everton, who on the play just about deserved their lead at the interval. The defence and attack reached a good standard, as was also the case on the side of the City, but the forwards, but the forwards of the latter side were not so sprightly when close range was reached, and thereby lost any chances they had of dividing the spoils.
Second Half.
The second half opened in dashing style, and in the first couple of minutes the City appeared to have a chance as the result of a free kick just outside the penalty line. The ball was well placed for Taylor but Weller had anticipated the movement to a nicety, and cleared in effective fashion. However, the home forwards kept pegging away, but eventually the venue was changed, and Parker lifted the ball over the bar. Then came a great opportunity for the City to get on level terms as the result of good work by Jones and Taylor, and the ball was finally placed for Cartwright who unmarked, made a wretched attempt to score as the ball sailed ridiculously wide of the mark. Another chance of equalsing came the way of Howard but again the opportunity went a begging, and Weller cleared. The pace was now keener than ever, and both sides were evidently over-anxious and the finishing touches suffered thereby. However, Howard had one great chance after James had made the running, but his effort was splendidly anticipated by fern, who helped the ball over the bar at a time which all seemed lost. The City continued to steadily apply pressure, but Fern again saved brilliantly from a header by Barnes. Then Howard had a clear run but could do no more than shoot in the direction of Fern, who needless to state gave nothing away. Play continued to be fast and exciting with the City generally aggressive but they were up against the Everton defenders in one of their stubborn moods, and they could extract little quarter. The City kept up their attack to the finish, but were unable to penetrate the Everton defence. Final Result Manchester City 0 Everton 1

EVERTON R. V. MANCHESTER CITY R.
April 17 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
At Goodison Park. Teams: - Everton: - Mitchell, goal; Simpson and MaConnachie, backs; Brown Challinor and Roy, half-backs; Palmer, Howarth, Derbyshire, Johnson, and Roberts, forwards. Manchester City: - Langtry, goal; Braddock, and Wild, backs; Shaw, Thomson and Hampson, half-backs; Halley, Lindsay, J. Mitton, Hay and Grice, forwards. Manchester were the first to show up on the left, and in the first few minutes kept the home backs well employed. Fine work by the visitors' halves enabled Grice to beat MaConnachie and score for the City. This livened up the home team, but Langtry was not called upon. Goodwork by Halley and Lindsay resulted in the latter beating Mitchell, with a stinging shot. A fine centre from Roberts was badly missed, but a moment later Howarth forced Langtry to concede a corner, which came to nought. Long passing between the home forwards enabled Derbyshire to beat Langtry with a good shot. The home centre a moment later was running through when he was disposed by Thomson. Although each end was visited in quick succession, neither custodian were called upon. Tricky work by Palmer left Derbyshire with a fine chance, but his centre put the ball just wide with Langtry well beaten. McConnachie was injured, but resumed. Palmer gaining possession from Howarth had hard lines, the ball skimming the bar. Midfield play was the order for some time, until Palmer breaking away, left Derbyshire with a good opening, but Braddock blocked his shot. Shortly afterwards, the interval arrived with the score at one each.

MANCHESTER CITY 0 EVERTON 1
April 19, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S CHAMPIONSHIP CHANCE.
CLEVER VICTORY AT MANCHESTER.
In spite of unprecedented handicaps the football season looks like finishing with a veritable flousih of trumpets. Interest in the League Championship was never keener, and, locally the great question is: Can Everton secure premier honours? The famous Liverpool team up to Easter were well in the running for the great event, but they almost eclipsed their chances by dropping four points in their home matches on Good Friday and Saturday. Now, to use a well-known racing phrase, they are coming along with a wet sail, and they posses a really good sporting outside chance of recovering the lost ground and topping the table. This metaphor may be somewhat mixed, but it will be well understood by those who take an interest in the Association code. Their form against Manchester City at Hyde-road on Saturday was infinitely refreshing, and even the Mancunian critics were forced to admit that the combination and balance of the team were well-nigh perfect. With both sides in the running for the Championship, added zest and keenest was lent to the encounter, with the result that a crowd approximated at 30,000 witnessed a fast, clever contest. The margin of victory was the narrowest possible, yet all unbiased judges must admit that the better eleven won. It is true that at certain periods of the game the City attacked with much more vigour than their opponents, but in the main they finished feebly, and it is to the failure of their forwards that defeat must be attributed. Everton by the same token did not make anything like the most of their opportunities when they had reached the firing line. Parker, for instance, was unfortunate in not scoring at least twice, while Clennell –who got the only goal of the match by the way –might well have added to his valuable contribution. With the ground in excellent condition, and a lively ball, the pace was set at a rare gallop, which was maintained with interludes right to the finish. The City men opened most aggressively, and it was only the sound and confident play of Thompson and Weller that kept them at bay. At the same time, full credit after time broke in up all attempts at combination on the part of Howard and his wings, Everton's goal was originated by the centre line. The ball was put well forward, and Parker, taking it on the run, put in a surprise shot, which Smith intercepted with his left arm. It rebounded into play, and before the home keeper could recover himself Clennell nipped in and scored at close quarters. From this point up to the interval Everton were much the better side. In the second period the City made strenuous efforts to place themsleves on level terms. Their persistence was admirable, but it could not overcome the inflexible methods of the Everton defenders. Everton's success as may be gathered was primary due to the work of the defence. fern was not often troubled, but when wanted he was there. Thompson was perhaps, the best back on the field, and Weller made several very effective clearances. Galt and Fleetwood dominated their department, and had much to do in preserving the balance of the side. Parker was so well watched that he rarely got a chance of getting through and when he did luck disdained to come his way. Both Nuttall and Harrison played well in the two outside berths; but perhaps the busiest-and certainly the most successful –forward was Clennell. The result was a great disappointment to the Manchester supporters, who had frankly anticipated victory and the crowning laurels of the Championship . Teams:-Manchester City:- Smith, Henry, and Fletcher, backs, Hughes, Hanney, and Brannan, half-backs, Jones, Taylor, Howard, Barnes, and Cartwright, forwards. Everton:- Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (captain), Grenyer, half-back, Nuttall, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Hitchin.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 ROCHDALE RESERVES 3
April 19, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUIE (Game 34)

FUTURE OF FOOTBALL.
April 19 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
No Cup or Leagues Games Next Season?
Statement by Mr. F. J. Wall.
“There will be no Association football cup ties or League matches next season.” This statement was made today by Mr. F. J. Wall secretary of the Football Association, to a press representative. Questioned as to the reason, Mr. Wall said: - “The Council of the Football Association at its meeting on the 29 th March decided to defer the consideration of the dates for the cup competitions for the season 1915-16 and the playing of internationals matches, the future actions of the Council to be guided by the development of events in the war.” “What does that mean,” asked the press representatives. Mr. Wall. –This I understand to mean that practically no football will be played until the war is over. Many games we know will be played through the summer, and next season by our soldiers and sailors. We know the pleasure they derive from football and the benefit it is to them. Does this mean that there will be no cup-ties and no league matches? That is what I understand.
The Question of Finance .
Does the question of finance enter at all into this decision? You need not consider the financial question at all. Last year there was a very large financial question, because contracts had been entered into with players, landlords and building contractors, which involved about three-quarter of a million of money. In consequence of this it was not possible to stop the game for this season, because the war unexpectedly came in August after all these arrangements were made. But for the season 1915-16 it is different. Although the matches do not start till September, the season so far as the engagement of players and other matters are concerned, commences in the ordinary way on the 1 st of May. No agreements will be entered into with players or anything of the sort. Therefore the conditions are totally different. You say what you understand is that there will be no cup-ties, and the league matches. Can you say definitely that such contests will not take place? What I can say is that there will be no association cup ties or League matches next season. What effect will that have on the players and other associated with the game?
Players Working on Government Contracts.
Well, a very large number of football players are now engaged on Government contracts and munitions of war. We have reason to believe that a large number of players will revert to their old occupations, and we have also reason to hope and believe that many who have not already done so will join branches of the services.
Mr. Cuff's View.
This statement will no doubt, occasion some concern in club circles. When the attention of Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton secretary, was called to Mr. Wall's statement, he pointed out that as far as he knew nothing definite had been decided. At present, he personally, understood that football would go on as usual in September. There has yet been no proposal put forward as to the stoppage of football, and when the clubs last met it was decided to call a meeting in July, and it was then hoped that the situation would justify the game going on as usual. At the present time, in the absence of any decision by the Football League and the F.A., the clubs understand that football will commence in September unless of course, the war situation is very critical. Mr. Cuff indicated that the Government of the game is to be left in such a state that the machinery to start operations at a moment's notice, as it were may be set in motion. Say, for instance, that the military situation was much clearer in July, the clubs would be able to make arrangements for the programme. Obviously (writes the critic) the whole football question depends on the situation at the front, but to say definitely now that there will be no football next season is not quite in keeping with the views of the club managers. From what I understand the three big Leagues will not meet to consider the advisability of commencing operations in September until July.

EVERTON ON TOP
April 19 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
“Blues” Bold Bid for Honours.
By the Critic.
At last Merseyside enthusiasts have the satisfaction of seeing Everton perched on the topmost pinnacle of the ladder. For a long time now they have threatened to take the lead, only to fall away when least expected. The championship seemed to be well within their grasp, but those irritating failure at home drove all thought of the honours going to Goodison out of our minds until the “Blues” rallied again and began to creep up by means of capital efforts away from home. Four successive contests on opponents' grounds resulted in the maximum points being secured. The climax was reached on Saturday when Manchester City fell at Hyde-road before the Everton forces. When we remembered that the Goodison club has not been able to put its full strength in the field during these recent games the performances are all the more praiseworthy. Deprived of their regular backs and half-backs at times, the forward line has also been upset, and when we remember that such teams as Sunderland, West Bromwich, Bradford, and Manchester City were beaten on their own turf in succession the feat must stand out as one of the best things in the history of the clubs. This last rally has placed the “Blues” in the running again, and though they may be beaten on the post, as it were, the team must be given credit for making so bold a show after being apparently quite out of the hunt. It would seem that the issue now rests between Oldham and Everton, though Manchester City are not yet out of it.
Odds on Oldham.
The odds are on Oldham gaining the day, seeing that they have two matches to play at home. Burnley visit the Athletic tomorrow, and the Turf-Moor men will provide strenuous opposition, but with the home side having more at stake they are likely to strain every nerve to achieve their object. Then on Saturday next Liverpool visit Boundary Park, and as the “Reds” have a fondness for upsetting calculations it may be that they will be able to help Everton. On the face of it, however, the odds are decidedly in favour of the Latics, who can make 49 points, while Everton and Manchester City's highest possible is 47. The City have to visit Aston Villa and Bradford City, while the “Blues” entertain Chelsea at Goodison next Monday. The position is decidedly interesting, and the next few games will be followed with the utmost attention. At the moment the “Blues” hold pride of place on goal average.
Strenuous Game at Hyde-Road.
Everton's away record is indeed brilliant. It was a great performance to defeat the City at Hyde-road, especially in view of the fact that the home team were in many quarters fancied the premier honours, while the supporters of the club were fairly sanguine as to the ability of the team to serve up a victory as the result of their last home engagement. The contest (says “Rover”) though not brimful of the nicer points of the code, was nevertheless always of an interesting character, but the keen desire of the respective players to come out on top was a possible for much that was wanting. Everton prevailed by the only goal recorded in the game, which on the general run was of a most open character, but the Blues forced the breach while the City frittered away their chances, and thus far the Goodison park team were worthy of their victory.
Clennell the Handy man.
It was at half-back, where Everton had a big pull, and when this department was at all seriously endangered a fourth exponent in the person of Clennell, who was the handy man of the side on Saturday, rendered abortive, the City forwards' chances of scoring. Under high tension it was not surprising that forward play on both sides was robbed of the attractiveness that combined effort in its train and for the most part the van were as so many units on their own. Still, they played their parts well under the existing conditions, and though by Chedgzoy's absence there were few of those brilliant flashes on the Everton right Nuttall did fairly well with Kirsopp formed satisfactory wing. Parker effected some neat touches in spite of the close attention of Hanney, who has gone through the season without missing a match. On the left Harrison was often prominent, and though Clennell was somewhat a rover the standard of play at this end of the line was up to a good level. Fleetwood, back in his position at right half was ever on the alert and was a capable defender and provider, while Galt looked well after the inside men. Grenyer again gave a good account of himself, and by now must have claimed the left half position as his own. There was no better defender on the field than Thompson, and Weller too, especially in the second half when the City forwards were very aggressive, kicked with good length and judgement. The home forwards were somewhat fitful, at times flattering only to deceive when the nicer points were required to crown their efforts. Barnes came near the mark once in each half, but honours in general play were carried off by Jones at outside right.

EVERTON TOP THE LEAGUE LADDER
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, April 19, 1915
Bee’s Notes
For the first time this season Everton have topped the League, Division 1. That’s a great performance, considering the losses sustained at Goodison Park during Easter, and in a sense condemns the team for what the average men terms “throwing the League honour away.” This is a partial truth, and does not make due allowance for the reaction after the totally unexpected defeat of Everton in the Cup. A side that falls unexpectedly when fancied for the Cup has a habit of losing heart (through taking the defeat to heart), and League defeats follow. Had Everton won their Cup match with Chelsea, it is a possibility that they would not have lost one of the games at home at Easter time. No use can be served arguing the point, however, and it is better to bring to notice again the enormous number of points Everton have obtained away from Goodison Park. Truely, they have been “at home” when away, home has not been sweet to them. I do not recall any club taking so many points from other grounds in previous seasons, and 27 points out of 36 will take a deal of beating. On Saturday, the club collared two points at Hyde-road against one of the best defences in the League, and now we are certain that the destination of the League honours will not be settled till the very last week of the season-an even struggle that will be awaited in Liverpool and Oldham with the greatest of interest.
CLENNELL’S GOAL
Clennell’s goal settled matters on Saturday, and in view of the inter-city rivalry between the Mersey and Manchester, I propose presenting you this week with the Manchester view of the victory. It is well to see ourselves as others see us. Then read this quotation;-
“It might be argued that on the run of the play the City did not deserved to be beaten. They had far more of the game than Everton and they were unlucky on two occasions in the first half, when they forced the ball against the framework of the goal but their finishing was deplorably weak, and it was their shortcomings in this respect which brought about their downfall. Considering then amount of pressure they exerted, Fern’s position in the Everton goal was little more than a sinecure. All through the match he had not more than two difficult shots to stop, one from Barnes in the first half, which he saved at the foot of the post, and a header from the same player after the change of ends, which he turned over the bar. “The home forwards and particularly the inside trio, were completely off their game, and the line also suffered after the change of ends through an injury to Cartwright. “The half backs started well, bit with the exception of Hanney they fell away, and neither the goalkeeper nor backs played with their usual vim and certainly. “Smith might apparently have saved the only goal, which came after twenty minutes’ play. Parker made a fine surprise shot which the goalkeeper knocked down with his left arm, but before he could complete the clearance Clennell dashed up and forced the ball into the net. “It was largely to their defence that Everton owed their victory. Everton did not scintillate, but no one could begrudge them their victory. “Thompson was the best back on the field, and Galt and Fleetwood were always prominent in a good back line. The forwards were quicker and more dashing than the home quintet, if they too were not deadly in front of goal, Parker missing a very easy chance in the second half. Harrison played very well, and so did Nuttall, but none worked harder or was of greater service to the side than Clennell.”

BURNLEY RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 20, 1915. The Liverpool Courier .
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 35)

NO CUP OR LEAGUE FOOTBALL .
April 20, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
IMPORTANT DECISION.
PROFESSIONAL SPORT TO BE ABANDONED.
There are to be no Association Football Cup-tie or League matches next season. This statement was made to the Press yesterday by Mr. F. J. Wall, secretary of the Football Association. Questioned as to the reason, Mr. Wall said: “The council of the Football Association, at its meeting on the 29 th March, decided to defer the consideration of the dates for the Cup competition for the season 1915-16 and the playing of international matches, the future action of the council; to be guided by the development of events in the war.” “What does that mean?” “This I understandstand to mean that practically no football will be played until the war is over. Our soldiers and sailors, we know, will play many games, through the summer and next season. We know the pleasure they derive from football and the benefit it is to them.” “Does that mean that there will be no Cup ties and no League football.” “That is what I understand.” “Does the question of finance enter at all into the decision.” “You need not consider the financial question at all. Last year there was a very large financial question, because contracts had been entered into with players, landlords, and building contractors, which involved about three quarters of a million of money. In consequence of this, it was not possible to stop the game for the season, because the war unexpectedly came in August after all these arrangements were made. But for the season of 1915-16 it is different. Although the matches do not start till September, the season so far as the engagement of players and other matters are concerned commences in the ordinary way on the 1 st May. No agreements will be entered into with players or anything of the sort. Therefore the conditions are totally different. “ “You say what yon understand is that there will be no Cup ties and no League matches. Can you say definitely that such contests will not take place.” “What I can say is that there will be no Association Cup-tie or League matches next season.” “What effect will that have on the players and others association with the game?” “Well a very large number of football players are now engaged on Government contracts and munitions of war. We have reason to believe that a large number of players will revert to there old occupations and we have also reason to hope and believe that many who have not already done so will join branches of the services.

EVERTON’S CUP TEAM V. BOXERS
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, April 20, 1915
Bee’s Notes
First let me tell you that the “Echo” announcement last night regarding next season’s football matches was trustworthy, as usual, and was alone in its correct statement of the football position. It is not the fact that football will be held up next season, and that League and Cup matches will fall to the ground for the time being. While every evening paper gave the opinions which stated that there would be no play the “Echo” said; “Nothing has been decided; nothing will be decided for months.” It is quite possible that football will be played next season. Time will show who is right. Of course the ant-football papers delighted to jump upon the interviews and make capital out of them. It’s a funny world, my masters. Here we have London papers crying down football spectators, players, and officials. At the next corner, however, we see a placard; “All the Latest Football results.” Look further ahead and you will see that a London paper is offering £2,000 for the correct forecast of the League results. Look still more earnestly and you will find that since Chelsea have gained a place in the Final of the English Cup the London Press has somewhat thawed, and instead of the old order of things by which only the results of matches were published, we now get an editor writing a column of Notebook. The hypocrisy of the whole business makes me bilious.
I remember a match arranged by George Robey, for charity’s sweet cause, yielding a sum of over £200. That was in years gone by and I am trusting to memory when I say the game was played at Goodison Park. Well, now (as Lord Lloyd George has a habit of saying), I call upon you, readers all, to do your best =to make that sum look paltry tomorrow week. The work that has been put into the Boxers-Everton Cup team if 1906 match deserves your heartiest support. Much has been sacrificed by the officials in charge to make the thing a success, and I appeal most earnestly-aye and most confidently-for you to attend the match, and thereby show practical sympathy with the charitable cause for which the game was ranged. Mr. Jack Sharp has asked me to give prominence to the team that is chosen for the Cup side, and I do so willingly, because the names of the players will deeply interest my readers. Here’s “some” side;- William Scott; R. Balmer, and Crelley; Booth, Taylor, and Abbott; Sharp, Edgar Chadwick, Parkinson, Settle, and H. Hardman.
Originally the name of Chadwick was now in the probables, but Edgar’s inclusion is a delightful move, and so is that of Settle’s Chadwick will be the oldest player on the field, but take it from me he’s very fit and well, and will show the youngster members something in regard to footwork. Another original idea that has “torn” -and wisely so, too-is the time to kick-off. It is advertised as 4.30. the nights are light now, and the governors of the match have wisely decreed they will not get the working man if they start at 4.30. consequently the hour has been put back to 5.30. this time makes the gate a good one, if the weather is fine, and we shall have a happy and profitable time tomorrow week, at Goodison Park.
SOUTH LIVERPOOL RECEIVE EVERTON
South Liverpool (v Everton at Dingle Park, tomorrow, 6.0 p.m.);- Moore; Jackson, Smith; Rimmer, Carlisle, Williams; Hall, Bold, Bennett, Hull, and Parr. Everton are playing this match with the generous intention of helping the “South” in their financial difficulties-due to the war- and it is hoped that a numerous company will be present. The “South’s” former spectators were mainly young and eligible men, and it is computed that fully 5,000 have identified themselves with the Territorial Army or with the “Pals,” in addition to ten of the playing members. This has caused a great diminution in the “gates,” and the management have considered it their duty to those absent on war business, and also those who remain behind for various reasons, to keep the club going, even at considerable loss.
Another Cup final of note is that to be played at Goodison Park on Saturday, when the second meeting of Southport Park Villa and Burscough Rangers will doubtless produce another fine game.

EVERTON'S GREAT OPPORTUNITY
April 21 1915. Evening Express, Liverpool
Blues Finish on Top if They Beat Chelsea.
Oldham Failure.
By the Critic.
The race for the championship this year is indeed remarkable for its keenness, and it would appear that the destination of the honours in both cup and League will be decided almost on the one day. Everton earlier on had their foot almost on the top, only to slip away to an apparently hopeless position. They began to creep up again, however, and by reason of four away victories they jumped into the running once again. On Saturday their victory at Hyde-road gave them a keen interest in the proceedings, though it was admitted that Oldham Athletic had the matter of the leadership at their feet. They received a great blow last evening, however, when after a hard game, they were beaten at home by Burnley, and they must have felt that their chances had slipped away. Of course it is not all over yet, but Everton have a great chance of attaining their desire, and carrying off the championship for the second time in their history. Everton's experiences in this season's competition have been remarkable, and to my mind both the cup and the League were thrown at their feet. Just when they were expected to go through with the national trophy Chelsea stepped in their path and the opportunity was lost. It is surely the irony of fate that Chelsea are now to decide whether Everton are to gain the championship or not. On Monday next the Pensioners visit Goodison Park to meet the Blues in what is likely to prove a stirring struggle. On the one hand we have the Blues fighting for the lead and the Londoners fighting to escape relegation. It is surely a unique wind-up.
The Best Average.
As I have previously pointed out, Everton have had their chances before this, and they have allowed them to slip. Will they miss this golden opportunity. The Pensioners are engaged in the Cup Final at Old Trafford on Saturday, while the blues will be quite fresh on Monday evening, when the kick-off is timed at 6 o'clock. If Everton prove victorious the Championship is assured, the only possibility being that Manchester City or Oldham will so improve their goal average as to put the Blues out of court. At the moment Everton's average is better than those of Oldham and Manchester City. The City have two away games to play, Aston Villa and Bradford, while Liverpool visit Oldham on Saturday. Here the “Reds” have a fine opportunity of doing their friends across the park a really good turn. We know of course, that Liverpool would try their best to win under any circumstances, and Oldham would in the ordinary course, expect strenuous opposition, but the “Reds” may be a trifle keener in view of the position. If Oldham lose this match of course they will find themselves beaten for the lead, but if they win Everton must beat Chelsea on Monday to gain the honours. The game yesterday, was a very hard one, and when Burnley obtained the lead the Atheletic were considerably upset, but they had missed their opportunities, though they tried hard in the closing stages, but Burnley held out and improved their own position in the table.
Leading Places.
The four leading positions in the League table are now as follows:-
Py W L D F A Pts
Everton 37 19 11 7 74 45 45
Oldham A 37 17 9 11 70 54 45
Man City 36 15 8 13 47 32 43
Sheff Wed 37 15 10 12 61 54 42
It will be a sweet revenge for the semi-final defeat if the Blues beat Chelsea on Monday.
The Central League
Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton secretary, was present at Oldham yesterday to watch the proceedings on Everton's behalf and he was naturally very pleased with the success of Burnley. The Latics must beat Liverpool by a margin to cover up their failure to dismiss the Turf Moor brigade. The Central League have decided to suspend the rules relating to the following season after May 1 st until further notice. This means that no arrangements will be made next season until affairs in the football world are more settled.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Burnley News-Wednesday 21 April 1915
BURNLEY RESERVE WIN HARD-FOUGH GAME
Burnley Reserves won a hard fought game at Walton on Saturday, when they met a strong Everton Reserve eleven who had MaConnachie at back. The home side opened well and gave Wilde and Braddock a good deal of work to do. It was following an encouraging defence that the Burnley forwards got going and Grice gave them the lead with a good effort. Everton attacked desperately, but the struggle in Burnley’s goalmouth was cleared, Lindsay had two attempts disallowed for offside, and when Derbyshire was going for goal Hampton put the ball out for a corner, and from a further one Mitchell only just managed to clear. Derbyshire made a threatening move for Everton, and in spite of strong opposition put up by Braddock the Everton centre got through and equalised. Tricky work was provided by Palmer. Half-time;- Everton Res 1, Burnley Res 1.
On resuming Everton attacked but were beaten back. Palmer made a promising run, and when Howarth was fouled the ball went to Roberts, whose try goal-wards failed. Everton kept up the pressure, gaining a couple of corners.  From one a keen struggle took place in the Burnley goal, but the visitors’ defence was too strong. After Mitchell had been called upon, Langtree made a good save from palmer. Trainer eventually put Burnley ahead for a second time and despite great efforts to equalise Everton were kept out to the close. Final; Burnley Res 2 , Everton Res 1.
Burnley were represented by Langtree; Braddock, and Wilde; Shaw, Thompson, and Hampson; Halley, Lindsay, Mitton, Tranter and Grice.
A QUARTTE FOR A FINISH
Burnley Reserves concluded their Central league engagements with a match against Everton Reserves at Turf Moor on Monday. That they were fully entitled to the victory of four clear goals there was no doubt but with a bit more energy on the part of the forwards the score might easily have been more. Burnley played with ten men for over an hour. E. Ashmore the Pendle Forest amateur, was tried at centre-half and have a good exhibition, lacking only in polish. The teams were Burnley Reserves;- Sewell; Wilde, and Jones; Thompson, E. Ashmore, and Hampson; Halley, Barber, Mitton, Tranter, and Bolton. Everton Reserves;- Mitchell; Simpson and McFadyen; Brown, Waring, and Roy; Palmer, Challinor, Fleetwood, Derbyshire and Cook.  Referee Mr. A. Roberts of Wigan. 
A TRICKY EFFORT
Within three minutes of the start Mitton took advantage of a header by7 Ashworth to place out to Halley. The latter well beat McFadyen before centring for Mitton to score. Burnley had most of the play, but were not thrustful in front of goal, and when Mitton had a chance he finished weakly.
Despite frequent challenges, Palmer made a tricky effort, and as the ball was driven out Challoner put in a high dropping shot which caused Sewell some anxiety. The game proceeded in very uninteresting fashion, Burnley being handicapped after 25 minutes by the absence of Barber. Jones did a lot of excellent work in defence, Simpson being the most reliable visiting defender. A good fast move was made by Palmer, and from his centre Fleetwood fired in a hot shot which Sewell well kept out. Tranter made a very bad use of a chance when he had a clear opening.
Half-time Burnley Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 0.
IN SCORING FORM
Burnley increased their lead in sterling fashion ten minutes after the resumption, Mitton taking a centre from Bolton and putting in a first-time shot which completely beat Mitchell. Tranter increased the score after 25 minutes with a beautiful header from a pass by Halley, who though unfairly tackled by Roy, got away nicely. Soon after Halley again got through and passed across, but Tranter completely missed gathering when only Mitchell barred the way. Wilde in putting back to Sewell almost failed in his object with Fleetwood behind him, and Sewell in running out to save collided with the Evertonian and was temporarily put out of action. A penalty was awarded against McFadyen for a foul on Halley. The Burnley winger took the kick and scored the fourth with four minutes to go. Everton put up strong pressure and Sewell saved a good one from Fleetwood. Final; Burnley Reserve 4, Everton Reserve 0. 

FUTURE OF FOOTBALL
The Birkenhead News Wednesday, April 21, 1915
NO CUP OR LEAGUE GAMES NEXT SEASON
STATEMENT BY MR. F.J. WALL
Mr. F.J. Wall, secretary of the Football Association in an interview with a Press representative on Monday suggested that there would be no Association football Cup-ties or League games next season. Mr. Wall pointed out that the Council of the Football Association, at its meeting on March 29, decided to defer the consideration of the dates for the Cup competitions for the season 1915-16, and the playing of international matches, the future action of the Council to be guided by the development of events in the war.
EVERTON SECRETARY’S OPINION
When the attention of Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton secretary, was called to Mr. Wall’s statement, he pointed out that as far as he knew nothing definite had been decided. At present he, personally, understood that football would go on as usual in September.  There has as yet been no proposal put forward as to the stoppage of football, and when the clubs last met it was decided to call a meeting in July, and it was then hoped that the situation would justified the game going on as usual. At the present time, in the absence of any decision by the Football League and the F.A., the clubs understand that football will commence in September, unless, or course, the war situation is very critical. Mr. Cuff indicated that the government of the game is to be left in such a state that the machinery to start operations at a moment’s notice, as it were, may be set in motion. Say, for instance, that the military situation was much clever in July, the clubs would be able to make arrangements for their programme.
BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH HOSPITAL CUP COMPETITION
The enterprise of the Cup Committee, and the kindness of the directors of Everton and the Rovers, are deserving of every encouragement for providing such an attractive fixture as a wind up for the season. For the benefit of those who missed last week’s announcement I might mention that the fixture refers to the final tie in the above competition, between the Rovers and Everton, due to take place at Prenton Park on Thursday, 29th at 6 p.m. I make an appeal to all, that their patronage be extended to this match, as not only will they witness the best in football, but will also be lending their practical support to our local hospital. Make a note of the day, Thursday 29th and remember that Everton are sending a strong team over to capture the trophy. The Secretary will be grateful or the help of a number of stewards, Officials, and others willing to act will greatly oblige by dropping a line to the secretary at “Allendale, Hooton-road, Willaston, near Chester.

ASTOUNDING WIND-UP FOR WALTON
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, April 21, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Was there ever so amazing a finish to a football season?  A fortnight ago Everton had apparently thrown away their chance of League honours by losing home games. Oldham and Manchester City seemed certain to top them. Everton themselves could not have held to more than an outside hope that “everyone would lose every other match,” as it were. The unexpectedly has happened. Burnley last night beat Oldham 2-1 at the Athletic ground, and as Everton have the superior goal average, they have now to beat Chelsea at Goodison Park to make their second League championship secure.  Wait a moment though! If Everton win, Oldham are not necessarily out of the running. By beating Liverpool by a handsome score on Saturday next Oldham could so improve their goal-average that they would succeed in heading Everton on goal-average. We must bide our time and hope that the good-looking chance Everton now have will not be lost. Way back in 1891 Everton won the League; but there will be much more credit to them if they win this season’s competition, the standard of play being so even and the fight so prolonged. Further, their victory this season would be hall-marked by what a correspondent, whose note is given below, describes as an “out-and-out” performance. I find from information received that Everton stand alone in having scored 25 points out of a possible 38. Sunderland, in their well-remembered season two years back, scored 24 points and in 1908-9 Newcastle United took 24 points from their visits. It would seem that I am far too swift. Not for the first time have I selected the League winners a year before they have accomplished the feat. Last season my selection was Everton and you remember how they disappointed. “Intelligent anticipation,” did you say? Well, may be it was. At any rate it is curious, and so is the p.c. I received from a vulgar fellow who sends anonymous p.c’s. he has a pretty strain in his sentiments. List to this;-
What a fool you make yourself daily. Your par. Today, re no footer next season and Fred Wall’s interview in other papers shows clear that you have no brains and that you absolutely know very little of football.
This man is not alone in his faulty idea of the affairs of next season, nearly every paper went astray over this much-jumped at interview regarding “no serious football next season.” The “Echo” had authority for announcing that nothing had been decided. There is no doubt that there may be a full football season in 1915-16.
Everton’s secretary (Mr. W.C. Cuff) was present at Oldham last night, and after the game he went to the players’ dressing-room, in which was the Burnley Football Club, and thanked them on behalf of the Everton “boys” for winning that match, and thereby giving Everton so excellent a chance. Burnley from all accounts were not the better side, Oldham showing fine football; but the Athletic were so over-anxious that they did not make good use of their goal chances, and so lost the day.
Monday’s match at Goodison Park will probably produce Chedgzoy again at outside right. Chelsea will be keen ion winning, so that they may not be put in the Second Division. So the match is bound to be a memorable one. Never before has there been such a prospective match as this, which starts at six o’clock. Everton by winning take the League; Chelsea by winning or drawing help to escape a second-rate season; Everton want to avenge the Cup defeat sustained in the semi-final, Chelsea being the victors; Chelsea may bring the Cup with them; and withal there is a chance of Parker getting ahead of Freeman’s record goal-crop of 38. We’ll be there in good time on Monday, what?

EVERTON AT SOUTH LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday April 22, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Everton Reserves were at South Liverpool last night, and South desire me to publicly pay tribute to the generosity of the Everton Club in helping their southern friends. The attendance was 11,000 and the game was an excellent one, though no goals were scored. Everton sent their full Central League team, with one exception. On Saturday South Liverpool and Tranmere provide the great match of the day at Dingle Park. Last season 18,000 spectators watched the game between the two rivals, and some nearly broke their necks in getting into the ground. South have suffered severely through the large army of supporters taking on their country’s work, and they are looking forward to Saturday’s “Derby” game to help them considerably. The work and sacrifice that players and officials have thrown into the club’s doings this season is simply amazing. Take that from me. The grit of Mr. R. Sawyer has had me astonished. Therefore, I gladly accede to a request that appeal be made for a special collection on Saturday-not the usual type of collection, sir, but a special collecting together of a large number of people at Dingle Park.

EVERTON’S TRIUMPH
April 26, 1915. The Evening Express, Liverpool
Reward of Consistent Play
By the Critic
After many years of striving the famous name of Everton is to be inscribed once more on the Football League trophy. That the success of the club is well merited is acknowledged on all hands, and had it not been for misfortune in the matter of injuries. I firmly believe the “Blues” would have had something to do with the final on Saturday. Undoubtedly Everton in my opinion, have proved themselves the best combination of the year, and generally speaking they are very popular winners. Liverpool undoubtedly did them a good turn on Saturday and hastened the triumph of their friends and rivals and thus relieved the anxiety of players and directors over the week-end. I had the pleasure of being the first to inform the Everton directors and players of the fact that Liverpool had beaten Oldham Athletic and when I informed the chairman, Mr. W.R. Clayton and his co-directors, Messrs, Coffey, Kirkwood and Wright that they were actual champions; they did not conceal their satisfaction and delight. A few minutes after I had imparted the welcome information to the guilding hands of the Everton club, I came across Jack Elliott and the Everton players in the vicinity of the Old Trafford ground. They were waiting for taxi-cabs to take them to town, and the popular “trainer” was rather irritated over the delay, and he was saying things about taxis in general. However, I got hold of his arm and asked him if he had heard anything about Liverpool. He said he had heard nothing at all. When I told him that Liverpool had beaten Oldham the taxi-cabs were forgotten and the players crowded round to make sure that they had won the championship. They did not conceal their delight and Fern, Fleetwood and the others were highly pleased at the prospect of obtaining league medals. It was a pleasure to me to be the first on the scene with the good news and to tender congratulations which have since, no doubt, poured into the club offices.
A Fine Record
As is well known, Everton have frequently been “in the running” since they won the championship in 1890-91, but not until now have their efforts been crowned with success. It is rather curious that a player who took part in that former triumph, Edgar Chadwick, is due to play in the charity match at Goodison Park on Wednesday. The present set of players are deserving of the highest praise. They have played, with the exception of one or two lapses in very consistent fashion, and their last desperate and most brilliant effort that of winning four matches off the reel away from home, placed the hall-mark of excellence on their record. To secure 25 points away from home is a record which has never previously been reached, and as one of the players remarked on Saturday, if Everton had played all their games away from home they would have run away with the honours! The men mean to make the championship a clear victory tonight at Chelsea’s expense.

EVERTON 2 CHELSEA 2
April 27, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON DRAW WITH CHELSEA.
CHAMPIONS CLEAR LEAD.
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SECOND TIME.
Everton at Goodison Park last night completed their championship season, the result of the match with Chelsea being a draw of two goals each. Everton new championship honours –their last similar success was gained twenty-four years ago-are held now by a lead of one clear point from their nearest rivals, Oldham Athletic. The match would have been more interesting had not Liverpool beaten Oldham on Saturday, and thus guaranteed the honours to Everton on goal average. But Everton were keen upon making their triumph more emphatic than the thread of goal average offered, so that the honours might be full and complete. Everton had opportunity, too, to avenge their defeat by Chelsea in the cup semi-final at Aston. The team Sheffield conquered in the Cup final needed points to ensure their continued existence in the first division of the League, so that when the following teams turned out a capital winding up match was expected: - Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Weller backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Chelsea: - Molyneux, goal, Bettridge, and Harrow, backs, Taylor, Logan, and Abrams, half-backs, Ford Halse, Brittan, Croal, and McNeil, forwards.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAY.
The two teams received a hearty reception from a crowd of 10,0000 spectators. The opening play was dull until Kirsopp and Chedgzoy provided Clennell with a header, which was perilously near. Chelsea's reply being somewhat similar, Ford centring brilliantly and the centre being near from a vile angle. Chelsea played in a manner directly opposite to Saturday's exhibition, and their shooting was sharp and true. In nine minutes Brittan scored. Croal and Brittan dovetailed finely, and the latter's first time shot had so sound a goalkeeper as fern well beaten. Everton were greatly surprised and set about their rivals. Kirsopp drove at the goalkeeper, and much more troublesome was a solo by Parker, whose effort was clipped by a trip. However, Clennell carried on the good work, and Molyneux dealt with a close range shot in marvellous manner. Chelsea were encouraged, and after Croal had ballooned the ball McNeal came along with a fine half-volley which was a shade too high. There was no holding Chelsea for some time, and when Thompson handled, Abrams drove in a great ball, Fern's catch being clean although he fell to save. For twenty minutes Everton were unable to frame an attack, and then the infrequently fed Chedgzoy centred perfectly. Clennell Again being close to an equaliser. Croal's glance-passes and his large amount of effect from the minimum of exertion delighted the crowd as did Everton's spirited and persistent work in the later stages of the first half. However, as half time Chelsea were value for their lead.
CHELSEA'S SIXTH FORWARD.
Everton set a fair pace on the resumption, and yet Chelsea's first advance was executed ably till the final stroke. Halse, shooting wide when McNeil provided him with a glorious chance. Everton played the close game, and this suited Logan and Abrams. Logan's game was similar to his exhibition of Saturday's his heading being brilliant. Abrams was a sixth forward and Croal and McNeil, the triangular work being neat and effective always anticipated his forward moves. Once Weller was left standing by Ford, whose centre was willfully left alone by Brittain, McNeil screw shot passing wide. Matters were put on a level peg when Fleetwood scored a fine solo goal twenty minutes from the finish. Fleetwood tired of waiting for his forwards to test Molyneux, and threading his way through he beat the Chelsea goalkeeper with a fast cross shot-a popular goal and one hailed with rare enthusiast. Twelve minutes from the finish Ford gave Galt some yards in a sprint and when the winger turned inward he was brought down by Galt, Logan netting the penalty kick . Only a minute passed, and then Everton equalised from a corner. Parker hooking the ball into the net in an amazing manner. The pace imparted so the ball was simply astounding, because the ball was high up when Parker got his boot to it. One of the best goals of the season, it deserved to be put on the same level as Parker's goal against Oldham. Everton went tenaciously for the lead, and Clennell was a trifle wide with a swift shot. It was a capital wind-up to the season, and at the last gasp might have ended with a goal, a McNeil drive being perilously near. Chelsea did not play a desperation game, trusting to their skill, to carry them through. They were remiss when near goal as on Saturday, still their half-backs were an improvement on Saturday. Abram being clever, if not of the outstanding brilliance of Logan. Everton's best were Fleetwood Thompson, Clennell, and Harrison.

CHELSEA FIND THEIR FORM FOR EVERTON MATCH
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday April 27, 1915
Bee’s Notes
Had you or I faked this football season we could not have made a more startling finish than the ordinary course of events is producing. Last night the value of Liverpool’s win at Oldham was made evident. Liverpool have reason to be proud of their share in making Everton’s position secure. Chelsea showed yesterday that they can play real football when allowed. They were utterly opposite to the Saturday selves. Bless us, good sir, they were so poor on Saturday and so clever last night that R.E.F., P., and Co, began to wonder whether there could be any foundation for Whitley’s attempted leg-pulling regarding the team. Chelsea were playing. Abrams, a Southport outside left in his time, was brought into the half-back line, and Croal and McNeil were all the better for that introduction. Britton in the centre, who filled the eye, was a swift and good raider, and far in front of Thomson’s Cup final form. Altogether, there was an improvement, and in no more important position than at outside right. Ford has been hopeless in the Cup ties, but last night he was with Croal, a fine forager, plucky, and sure. Even with their point last night Chelsea need another point to ensure their safety in the division. The position is amazingly interesting. Notts must win to save their bacon, Chelsea must draw or win. Manchester United “got there” at the 87th minute of their game with Villa last night, and everyone is glad the United have weathered the storm. Had they been swamped I fear the club would have gone to the bottom for ever- we don’t like to lose good old friends. Tomorrow the bottom pair will be settled, and it will be hard on London clubs if they lose both Spurs and Chelsea. How on earth either side comes to be at the bottom I don’t know. Each has great displays, when visiting our Liverton teams, and, in fact, Everton until yesterday had not got a point or a goal out of the Chelsea men, although they had met them twice before.
FITTING WIND-UP
It was for a long time a wretchedly one-sided game. Everton were penned in for 20 minutes at a stretch. Then there came fluctuations that kept up attentive the whole time. Somehow there was not the enthusiasm that one expected would be seen. First the League Champions received a reception that was not too hearty. Chelsea in truth having a heartier reception from the crowd. Not until Everton became fiery did the crowd warm up to Everton’s cause, and the Fleetwood gave them something to “hum” about. It was a typical Fleetwood dribble- zig-zag his course and low and crosswise his shot-that led to the enthusiasm among Evertonians, and I must say that Fleetwood needed a goal to make up the leeway he had conceded to Croal and McNeil/ Parker, as was fit and proper, also completed the season with a great goal, and as he had a barren time against the clever Logan, he needed a goal to make up for his deficiencies. The best goal of the day was Parker’s, and it was worthy a place beside that memorable goal scored by the centre against Oldham Athletic. A corner of strength -as Harrison’s corners generally are -promised to turn outside at a wide stretch. Now, Parker had not his face towards Molyneux. The ball was travelling speedily and at a high level. Parker tried to hook the ball, timed his impact aright, and sent the ball scudding over the goal-line at a very fast pace. It was a wonderful book, as will be recognised when I tell those not present at the game that Parker had to “press” his leg so far that he fell full length so soon as he had touched the ball. There was a chanciness about the shot, that’s sure, but there could be no doubt about the brilliance of the goal once Parker had got his foot against the ball. The cleanest goal of the season was Brittain’s, and it followed some sound combination. Logan took the penalty that Galt gave for a foul upon the fleet footed Ford-a surprise choice of penalty taker when Abrams was on the field of play. Harrow was captain for the day, or else Abrams would have got the commission, I fancy.  Chelsea did not play a desperation game, trusting to their skill to carry them through. They were at times remiss when near goal, as on Saturday; still their half-backs were an improvement on Saturday.
LAST NIGHT’S TEAMS
Everton;- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Fleetwood, Galt, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison. Chelsea.- Molyneux; Bettridge, Harrow; Taylor, Logan, Abrams; Ford, Halse, Brittian, Croal, and McNeil.
BOXER’S v. CUP SIDE
I have the delight to remind you that tomorrow night is the night. We are all hoping that charities will be greatly helped by he match Boxers v Everton Cup team of 1906. It is not a sloppy game, and people who think it is to be a walk-over can get that notion out of their heads. Each side is in a manner of speaking going for the gloves. Mr. Jack Sharp and Mr. J.A. Wilson have great belief in their respective sides. Everton’s team will have all the names announced with the exception of Crelley, who is sailing the mighty deep. Tom Booth is now the only doubtful starter. On the Boxers’ side we shall have some big-wigs; but Jimmy Wilde’s illness will rob us of a view of a wonder.
On Thursday Tranmere Rovers receive Everton in the Birkenhead Hospital Charity Cup. To the credit of the players let it be known far and wide. Everton F.C first team volunteered to play in the game, so that the hospital may have a good return from the game.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 ROCHDALE 2
April 28, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 36)
In this match at Rochdale last night, Everton were assisted by Fleetwood a former Rochdale player. In the opening half, Everton had much the best of the game, and Wright scored a clever goal. The second half was in favour of Rochdale, for whom Neave equalised after five minutes play. Palmer then got across a fine centre for Everton. The ball struck the crossbar and meeting it on the rebound Wright headed into the net. Kelly scored for Rochdale, and the game ended in a draw of two goals each. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Simpson, and Stewart, backs, Brown, Fleetwood, and Wareing, half-backs, Palmer, Nuttall, Wright, Howarth, and Roberts, forwards.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Rochdale Observer -Wednesday 28 April 1915
ROCHDALE DRAW WITH EVERTON
ROCHDALE 2 EVERTON RESERVE 2
Last night Rochdale finished their Central league programme with a match against Everton Reserves at Spotland. The game ended in a draw of two goals each, but if Rochdale had accepted all their chances they would have won easily. Fleetwood, the former Rochdale player, who has been playing well in the English League throughout the season, turned out for the visitors, and his presence was a big attraction. The t6eams were as follow;- Rochdale;- J.W. Swann; Anderson and Caldwell; Tully, Milnes, and Neave; Rawlings, Kelly, Brown, Hawksworth and Smith. Everton Reserves;- Mitchell; Simpson and Stewart; Brown, Fleetwood, and Wareing; Palmer, Duff, Wright, Howarth and Roberts. In the first half Everton had the assistance of a strong wind and did a great deal of attacking. The opening was rather tame, the first incident of note being a shot from Howarth which Swann turned against the crossbar, Wright heading wide from the rebound. Brown headed a centre from Rawlings over the bar, and then Everton scored a pretty goal Fleetwood broke through nicely and pushed the ball forward to Wright who hooked it into the net well out of Swann’s reach. Rochdale came near to scoring a minute later, Kelly robbing Fleetwood and passing to Hawksworth, who drove hard past the uprights. The game was very fast and play was quickly at the other end, Swann making two really splendid saves. The first one was from Howarth at three yards’ range, and the ball went to Wright whose shot Swann turned away to Caldwell. Wright next headed a centre from Roberts over the bar, and Rawlings immediately broke away, his centre nearly being turned into the net by Simpson. Swann made a daring save from the feet of Howarth, and just before the interval Mitchell gathered at the foot of the upright, first from Smith and them from Rawlings. At half-time the visitors were leading by the only goal scored. With the wind in their favour on the resumption Rochdale went on the attack, and in the first minute Brown was just too high, whilst a drive from Mitten was pulled down by Mitchell. A goal to Rochdale was not long delayed, Neave scoring with a fine shot after Mitchell had fisted away a corner kick from Rawlings. Rochdale now improved, and a tremendous drive from Brown was turned over the bar by Mitchell, who a minute later was nearly caught napping when Kelly shot unexpectedly. For fully fifteen minutes Rochdale were constantly pressing but either the shots were wide of the mark or else Mitchell was in the way. Indeed, Mitchell seemed to be playing the home team himself, until a break away gave Everton the lead again. The goal followed a shot from Duff which struck the crossbar, Wright heading into the net from the rebound. This, by the way, was Wright’s twenty-ninth goal in Central League football this season. The home team played up strongly after this reverse and monopolised in play during the remaining twenty minutes. On one occasion Smith shot into the net from Hawksworth pass as the whistle blew for offside, and then Brown the visitors’ right half-back, handled in the penalty area, but the referee did not notice the offence. Rochdale seemed certain to lose when, three minutes from time, Kelly scored the best goal of the match by heading a centre from Rawlings into the net. There was a thrilling finish, Smith, in the last minute dribbling down the centre of the field and drawing Mitchell out of goal. The ball went to Brown, which was forced away, and Rawlings dashing up skimmed the crossbar with a terrific drive.

BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH HOSPITAL 
Birkenhead News- Wednesday 28, 1915
Great interest has been aroused in the camp of the supporters of Tranmere Rovers as to how their favourite. will fare in their meeting with Everton to-morrow evening at Prenton Park. The occasion is the final tie in the above competition.  The Prentonian, are the present holders of the handsome Egerton K. Laird Challenge Cup andwill put forth all they know to retain their hold. During the season Tranmere  Rovers beaten an Everton team, and drawn and lost to a strong Liverpool eleven in the Liverpool County Cup. Heavy calls have been made upon the funds of all our local hospital during the present crisis, and none more so than that of the borough of Birkenhead. It is hoped that all who have refrained from attending football matches during the war will make an exception on this occasion and extend their patronage to a scheme no worthy of their support. At the conclusion of the game the cup and Medals will be presented to the winner, by Mr. RoyM. Laird, the president of the competition. The teams will line up at 6 p.m., under the control of  Mr. J. 0. Forshaw, assisted by Messrs. A.  Percival and T. Jackson, and an invitation to view the match has been extended to the wounded soldiers in the district. Teams :  Rovers.—W Scott; Fenner, Bullough; Hancock, Holden, Moreton,  Smith, Leek, Gould.  Everton.—Fern ; Thompson, Weller ;Challoner,  Galt, Fleetwood; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp,  Parker, Clennell, Harrison.  It will be noticed that Everton are playing their least* championship team.  The recruiting bands of the 4th Battalion Cheshire Regiment will be in attendance and render selections.

SEASON’S WINDING-UP ARRNAGEMENTS
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, April 28, 1915
CUP MEMORIES
JOHN BELL TO TAKE BOOTHS PLACE
Bee’s Notes
If the train service to-night is not better than on Monday, then the huge crowd that desire to see the awakening of the 1906 Cup team will be hard pressed to get to the Goodison Park ground. What specials there were on Monday were packed before they arrived at their starting point, and the tramway authorities-who do us proud generally- must have imagined that there was no call for special arrangements. Never since George Robey played his first charity match here has there been so much talk about a charity match as that around the match at Goodison to-night. The very idea of seeing old and worthy warriors like Settle, Edgar Chadwick, and Jack Bell makes is rush t the ground to get a good seat. Jack Bell has come into the team through the unavoidable absence of Tom Booth. I am all-curious to see the game, and shall enjoy the refereeing as well as the game. James Galt is to control the game, and, with Johnnie Tyldesley assistance, he should get through without having to call in the police, although the Boxers may look hard upon the referee! The work put into the game by the originator of the idea (Mr. Jack Sharp), ably seconded by Mr. J.A. Wilson must mean a successful sum being raised for the Soldiers and Sailors Fund. There’s bound to be some fun tonight, but the majority of the players are in deadly earnest about the Business and are taking it seriously. They are, indeed, going to show the youngsters something! A correspondent, “Dwarf,” suggests that a good attraction would have been the appearance of Bill Foulkes in goal. The old Sheffield man was at the final tie on Saturday looking bigger than ever. The correspondent’s idea is all right, but Foulkes would not fit in with the Everton Cup-winning team of 1906, besides which the teams were chosen some time ago. Another correspondent rightly pays tribute to William Stewart, who used to do big work with the old club, but then sir, there’s only room for eleven players. Stewart, always a modest fellow, has been for about seven years with the Clyde Shipping Company, and she’s as fit as a fiddle. He is reputed to be the strongest man among his mates as the dock, and most popular. Stewart could yet show the young ‘uns how to take a throw-in to easy shooting distance to the goal.  Everton English Cup team (1906) is;- W. Scott; J. Bell, R. Balmer; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Chadwick, Parkinson, Settle, H.P. Hardman.  Boxers’ team;- Sergeant Basham; J.A. Wilson, bandsman Rice; Private Johnny Webb, Jim Harris, Matt Wells; Johnny Summers, Bombardier Wells, Gordon Sims, Private Jerry Delaney, Owen Moran or Jim Maloney.  Johnny Webb, who has been introduced into the team, is the ex-amateur champion recently turned professional. He has just returned from the Front, where he served with the Scots Guards. The boxers named will positively appear and arrived in Liverpool this morning. Lord Derby will kick off at 5.30. men of his Majesty’s Forces in uniform will be admitted at half price.
BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH HOSPITAL CUP
Given a fine day, a record crowd is expected at Prenton Park, to-morrow evening, when Everton are due to meet Tranmere Rovers in the final tie. In the past seasons the attractive matches arranged have been instrumental in raising a fair amount towards the upkeep of the hospital concerned, but it is hoped on this occasion that, from the exchequer’s point of view, all records will be surprised. The generosity of the respective directors in building such an attractive encounter is to be admired. The teams have already met in the Liverpool County Cup tourney, when victory was with the men from Tranmere. As the latter are the present holders of the handsome Egerton K. Laird trophy, we can be assured that they will be keen on retaining their hold, while the Evertonians will be bent on wiping out the small deficit sustained at Goodison Park. At the conclusion of the game the cup and medals will be presented to the winners. The teams will be in charge of Mr. J. O. Forshaw, assisted by Messrs. A Percival and T. Jackson. The kick-off has been arranged for 6 p.m., to allow many of our workers time to travel to the ground. A hearty welcome has been also extended to the wounded troops now quartered in the borough. Everton’s first team plays. Rovers won 4-1 at Rossendale last night.

CHARITY CONTEST .
April 29 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
BOXERS MEET EVERTON CUP WINNING SIDE.
The Liverpool public last night stood by the efforts of Mr. J. Sharp, the well-known cricketer and former footballer, and made his venture's a great success. The game arranged for the Everton ground was an attractive one, inasmuch as the spectators had a chance to see some well-known boxers, who are little known footballers, although they play the game in minor circles, and also a chance to revive memories of by gone days. Everton's Cup Winning team of 1906 being chosen as near as possible. Notable absentees were “Sandy” Young, who scored the winning goal at the Crystal Palace against Newcastle United, and Crelley, Parkinson the old Liverpool centre took Young's place and among the Everton ranks one found veterans in John Bell and Edgar Chadwick. Mr J. A. Wilson of the stadium was responsible for the good the Boxers turned out, and, all told the match was a big success, and the funds of the Sailors and Soldiers Association will benefit to a considerable extent as the result of this game. The crowd numbered some 12,000, and the weather was beautifully fine. The referee was Everton's present captain (James Galt) the linesmen were J.T. Tyldesley and A.N. Other, and Lord Derby kicked off. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, Bell, and W. Balmer backs, Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, E. Chadwick, Parkinson, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards. Boxers: - G. Sims, goal, J.A. Wilson and Bankman, backs, Rice, J. Webb, and J. Harris, half-backs, Best, J. Summers (Bomb), Wells, Tancy Lee, Delsney, and Serg Basham, forward.
Everton's old warriors opened with strength on the right, and Makepeace was the first shooter, Sims handing out in orthodox style, Bell and Chadwick soon proved that they had not forgotten their cute always, albeit Bell was acting in an unaccustomed position. The Boxers were not novices at the game, and, when Basham centred Tancy Lee ran up and turned the ball inches wide. It was a narrow escape for Scott. The idea of the Boxers were good, and they kept the ball low –a capital trait –and the footballers after opening in confident style found they had no walk over, the Boxers fitness being a marked point of vantage over some of the Cup team. Quaint James Settle “played for a penalty kick,” and had to be content with a free kick outside the area, Abbott's shot being a shade too high. Settle soon loomed large again, and his forward pass left Parkinson nicely placed, a goal resulting. For a long time Sharp was held up, but once he sent in a fast shot which would have nonplussed a less capable goalkeeper than Sims. Big Bombardier Welles was faster than Abbott and dribbled neatly. One of many humorous incidents was the punishment meted out to Settle by Jim Harris. Harris punishing the old professional for a bad miss in front of goal. Abbott's avoirdupois troubled him for a time, but finally he found the “feel of the game he once adorned.” This was proved when he caught Wells napping, a back heel by Abbott saving that worthy much running about. Well's got his revenge, however, equalising the score amid enthusiasm. The interval (1-1) over Bell and Parkinson changed places, and Bell straightaway scored. After the Boxers were hard pressed, Sharp making one thrilling run and dribble which culminated in a corner, Edgar Chadwick nodding Sharp's place kick beyond Sims. The start of the Boxing firmament were J.A. Wilson, J. Harris, Best Sims, Wells, and a dour centre forward. The Everton side did themselves justice, and the game was voted most enjoyable and instructive. Everton Cup Team 3, Boxers 1.

BOXERS’ TEAM SURPRISED CUP SIDE
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, April 29, 1915
Bee’s Notes
What would you do if your memory failed? We would delight (?) to rise with the lark, aided by the alarum clock, are oft heard to say, “Heaven bless the man who invented beds.” What of the invention of memory? We could never live without you, O memory. Some ten thousand people gathered at Goodison Park last night and field the memory’s cells with a game of footer. Those cells will never dry up, and the memory of that game will ever remain green to the sports who looked on. It was the day fixed for the meeting of the Boxers team against Everton’s Cup-winning side of 1906, and charity will be helped to the extent of probably 300 pounds as the result of Jack Sharp’s innovation and organisation. The gate receipts show a sum of 244 pounds and to that must be added a gift of 10 pounds from Lord Derby, and a goodly sum from the sale of tickets. Everything favoured the game, and when Lord Derby took the trouble to seek out every player and warmly shake him by the hand, he got the glad-hand from the spectators. For its novelty alone the game was certain to be a success, but the game given by the boxers made the game memorable. 
FLUCTUATING BATTLE
The game’s fluctuation were due to two reasons; First, the unfitness of some of the Cup side, and, next the surprisingly good form shown by some of the Boxers. The Footballers opened as though they had the Boxers in their pocket. The Boxers, however, had something more than theories to help them in their match; they were tacticians and their fitness carried them on till they were near being value for a draw. Taking the Cup side first, I should say that all the men did themselves justice. William Scott, in goal, had what one might call “a taxi ride.”  At full back Bob Balmer played capitally and show partiality again for keeping the ball in play and for overhead kicks which were specialities with him before he took to running a book- no, no, not that kind of book, but an insurance business, in the which I wish him all good fortune. Jack Bell and Jack Parkinson took the other back position in turn and all round the old Preston man revealed an “expertness” that age will never stale. The contrasts of the Cup half-back line were very funny. First, we had Harry Makepeace, slim, fit and up-to-date. Next came solid Jack Taylor, who played so earnestly that he must have thought he was back at the Palace fighting against Newcastle United. On the left came the star of the side; his name Walter Abbott.
THE OLD TOUCHES
I knew Walter Abbott many, many years ago, when he was a Small heath player.  Always strongly built in the body, he promised to develop all round. Walter has developed in later days with a vengeance and his burly form made us laugh. He didn’t mind. He knew that weight the handicapper had given him to carry, and he was going to carry it, no matter of the heavens fell. At the start he did not pick his feet up quickly and was stodgy. He had lost the touch of the game. What a transformation after fifteen minutes, eh? Abbott came to his old game, and his shooting and sharp-turn dribbling as well as his interception and heading, were a delight to the eye. In similar manner James Settle – no one has ever copied Jimmy’s style- was a source of delight, and the more robust forward marching of Edgar Chadwick showed us the old master had not quite lost his clever method of hooking a ball to his partner. Jack Sharp didn’t pull all out, you know; and only once did his brilliant run have play upon the memory. It was from this run that Chadwick nodded a goal. All the old ‘uns, be it noted, had the good sense to keep the ball turf-high, and the Boxers in like manner plainly told us they knew the first rule of football.  “It is a game of football, not head-ball.” By the way, the present-day works of the school may interest my legion of readers. Scott has a taxi business, and is still playing the game for Tranmere Rovers. Balmer is aforementioned. Parkinson works very hard at a very successful newspaper business. Abbott has a business in Brum. Settle is engaged in some part of Lancashire. Chadwick trains foreigners on the Continent in the art of football. Sharp’s name is a household word in wares athletic, H.P. Hardman is a solicitor engaged in Manchester, Jack Taylor has a lucrative business from his business on the main road, and Jack Bell has had a business in Bootle, and now is engaged in Preston’s interests.
A SURE GOALKEEPER
The Boxers’ goalkeeper was Gordon Simms, who, we were advised, was a regular “keeper” for a Southern Club. The way he took the first decent shot of the match from Sharp surprised everyone. He is of nice height, and good strength, and his catches are clean and crisp. Without him the Boxers would have been sore perplexed even though our Orrell friend, Mr. J.A. Wilson, played a game all reliable. Mr. Wilson, like Bob Balmer, is one of the youngest of his particular eleven, and yet stands alone in” the thinness thereof.” Do you get me? If not, just look at the photograph of the teams. Mr. Wilson has been in strict training at Goodison Park for some time, and those who knew him not have asked; “When is the old fellow giving up this game?” Little do they know that “the old fellow” is a young enterprising gentleman who until a very short time ago was helping Barclay, “Pat” Sanders, Stubbs, and others of the Orrell F.C., to do big things on the Continent and on our own land. Most of these Orrell boys are now at the front, and it is curious to find Burly Barclay (without a baritone, needless to say) has been untouched through the battle but has been put out of action through playing football at the front! “Pat” Sanders tells me that recently some of the Orrell boys spent their time resting in a match with rivals, the prize being two pigs and a chicken! Getting back to the match, we must allow that Bandsman Rice was a valuable assistant to Mr. Wilson, and Jimmy Harris revelled in a game in which he and Best (latter another Orrell man, if my memory is not at fault) excelled. The sight of Johnny Summers standing yards off-side was one to conjure up many times. Bombardier Wells’ tall figure stood out above the rest of the companions, but Wells had to go charily in view of his forthcoming fight. He has a languid style of game, but barring his iciness he serves up good passes and has a nice-length shot. How would he go in Scotland, Sir Galt? Galt referred famously and had full control of the awkward squad. To show you how glad he was to escape with his life James Galt, made the evening the occasion of a hot-pot supper, to which he invited all the Everton players. Switch off again, and when we get back to the match let us tell how well Tancy Lee forged and fought, and how Sergeant Basham, Wrexham’s own, made the first half instructive and interesting. To all the good folk who had a hand in the game we extend our congratters; and there is a special good word from the former North End half back and the present big back, Stan, Fredyer, who relished the treat. Result; Everton 3 (Parkinson, Chadwick, and Bell), Boxers 1 (Wells). 

MEDALS FOR EVERTON PLAYERS
April 30, 1915. The Evening Express, Liverpool
By the Critic
Football players are proud of medals won in charity competitions, and the new league champions by a victory over Tranmere Rovers last night were arrived gold mementos by the committee of the Birkenhead Borough Hospital cup. It was purely an exhibition game, but the spectators thoroughly enjoyed the finer points of the play. Everton won by 5 goals to 3, so that the crowd had full value for their money. The receipts amounted to £60. At the outset play was even, and the energy of the Rovers kept Everton at bay. Eventually Parker scored for the First leaguers, and Everton led at the interval by a goal to nil. Soon after the resumption Leek missed a good opportunity of equalizing and then Parker scored from a penalty. Grenyer got in a surprise shot which defeated Scott, and Parker got a fourth goal. The Rovers improved after this, and Smith reduced the visitors lead, following which Grenyer got Everton’s fifth goal. In the lively finish Moreton and Gould scored for the Rovers. At the conclusion of the match Mr. W.R. Clayton, chairman of the Everton Club, presented the cup.

A CUP FOR EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, April 30, 1915
Bee’s Notes
A large crowd was present at Prenton Park last evening, when the League Champions, who were at full strength, defeated Tranmere by 5 goals to 3 in the final for the Birkenhead Borough Hospital Cup. Everton scored early on, Parker getting in through faulty play by the backs. In the second half Parker improved from a penalty kick, and then Grenyer went through for a grand goal, which left Scott standing. This was followed quickly by a fourth from Parker. Smith reduced the lead, but Grenyer immediately put on another. Tranmere pressed heavily towards the close, and Moreton and Booth scored. Result; Everton 5, Tranmere Rovers 3.

TRANMERE ROVERS 3 EVERTON 5
April 30, 1915. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
A large crowd was present at Prenton Park last evening, when the League Champions, who were at full strength defeated Tranmere by 5 goals to 3 in the final for the Birkenhead Borough Hospital Cup. Everton scored early on, Parker getting in through faulty play by the backs. In the second half Parker improved from a penalty kick , and then Grenyer went through for a grand goal, which left Scott standing. This was followed quickly by a fourth from Parker. Smith reduced the lead, but Grenyer immediately put on another. Tranmere pressed heavily towards the close, and Moreton and Booth scored. Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards.