Everton Independent Research Data

 

IRVINE'S RETURN TO EVERTON
April 1 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
After being absent from the Everton team for a month, Irvine returns to the side for the important match against Derby County, tomorrow. Dean of course, will be on duty at Hampden Park, and Forshaw will take up the centre forward berth, and if he reproduces his old form the Everton forward line will not be weakened. I regard Forshaw on his day as one of our most trustful leaders, and he will have worthy helpmates in Irvine and Weldon on either side of him. The team otherwise is unchanged so that the following players will make a great effort to secure two more points. Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup. For the third week in succession Derby County will have the same team –namely Olney; Carr, Crilly; McLaverty, Thoms, Storer, Thornewell, Gill, Bedford, Whitehouse, Murphy.

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

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

EVERTON’S DERBY DAY AT BASEBALL GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
???
Who dares say what the harvest will be at Derby?  Derby County are suffering from a relapse, and having been good at home and ineffective away, they have even fallen from grace before their own supporters.  Derby’s ground has never bene a great blessing to Everton, who once got a hiding there in a Cup-tie.  The Baseball ground will seethe with excitement to-morrow, because any failure or part failure on the part of the home side will enable Albion and Leeds to have a relegation pop at them.  Derby will be meeting a side that has been garnering the points with a steadiness that has made the team quite confident in tone and temper; there is a new atmosphere in the ranks, and though Dean will be in Scotland helping his country, there is the happy thought that Forshaw will be at centre forward and Irvine at inside right.  Derby have a fast tide- they depend almost entirely upon speed- and that being so the steady policy of Cresswell allied to the rough-shod and improving methods adopted by O’Donnell should be good enough to stem the Derby race.  It is in the lap of the gods what the Everton forwards will do; they can pull out a bit extra in front of goal and a trifle steadiness with the easy chance.  If they take this tug at themselves,  Everton may lift themselves out of danger.  To-morrow will tell.  So will the “Football Echo.”
Derby County; Olney; Carr, Crilly; McLaverty, Thoms, Storer; Thornwell, Gill, Bedford, Whitehouse, Murphy.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup. 

DERBY COUNTY V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 April 1927
By Stork
O’DONNELL INJURED IN THE EARLY STAGES, BUT RESUMES LATER
A BARREN FIRST HALF
SUPERS GOALKEEPING FEATS BY TAYLOR
Derby County; Olney; Carr, Crilly; McLaverty, Thoms, Storer; Thornwell, Gill, Bedford, Whitehouse, Murphy.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; R. J. Kelso, of Sheffield. 
The excursion train from Liverpool brought quits a good number Everton supporters, so the team was not to be without vocal help.  The ground looked in perfect trim; in fact, when I went out on to the pitch to get a better view of the new stand it seemed to me just perfect for football.  There was, however, a suggestion of rain, but for all that the attendance reached its average of 17,000.  Everton received by far the bigger ovation.  Derby by winning the toss, had the assistance of the breeze and were instantly placed on the defensive, and after critchly had beaten Crilley, Storer stepped in and forced the right winger to take the ball into touch.  Forshaw was then sent through only to find his shot cannoned out by Crilley.  The County retaliated through their right wing and made progress until Thornewell got across O’Donnell and was fouled for the offence. 
EVERTON PUT ON DEFENCE
So far Everton had shown excellent football, and when Forshaw passed out to Troup and got back into position to receive the return he spoiled whatever chance he had of having a dig at the Derby goal through putting his hand to Troup’s centre.  Straight from this incident a capital movement led by Gill created trouble for the Everton defence, and when Thornwell centred head high Bedford took the ball on the side of his head and made Taylor bring off a smart save.  Murphy tried his luck with a long lob, which dropped on the top netting.  A better effort came from Thornewell, who gave Taylor an awkward drive to deal with.  Taylor cleverly tipped it over the bar.  A free kick against derby led to a fierce bully in front of Olney, who was, however, kept out of work through shots from Irvine and Weldon being cannoned out. 
O’DONNELL IS INJURED
Carr gave away a corner which was speedily cleared by Crilley, and then Everton met with misfortune, O’Donnell being injured in a tackle with Gill.  He was taken to the edge of the field, but his leg injury did not yield to immediate treatment and he had to be taken to the dressing-room. Virr went full-back and Weldon left-half.  So far some excellent football had been witnessed and it goes to Everton’s credit that they were able to hold Derby’s lively forwards at bay despite the absence of O’Donnell.  At this point it began to rain, and the ground, which had looked a picture at the start, took on a slippery appearance, which promised to make accuracy a difficult matter.  O’Donnell returned just in time to put a stop to a dangerous run by Thornwell.  Forshaw got through without testing Olney, and later Irvine was just a shade too far forward with a pass which probably robbed him of having a shot at goal.  In each case the half backs were the master minds, and they held the opposing line of attack in a firm grip. 
TAYLOR SAVES FINELY
When Cresswell slipped up after being beaten by Murphy, it led to some severe work in front of Taylor’s charge.  Murphy cannoned the ball on to O’Donnell’s chest and gained a corner through it.  The ball was flashed backwards and forwards across the Everton goalmouth without it being driven towards goal.  Forshaw was neatly robbed by McLaverty and then came the best shot of the match Gill when twenty-five yards out saw the advisability of a first time effort and but for Taylor that shot would have had a serious effect.  Whitehouse gave Taylor a shot, and so slippery had the ball become by this time that he was not able to obtain a secure grip upon it, but there was little danger awaiting him, for he had ample time to recover.  Hart pushed the ball through, and Crilley failing in his tackle Forshaw slipped through and in a challenge with Olney both came to earth, but there was no player handy to make use of the opening. 
THE WARNING VOICE
Bedford gave Taylor another sot to cope with and Irvine had a warning from the referee.  Derby’s shooting had been much superior to that of Everton’s and Whitehouse drove another one at the Everton goal by Taylor refused to be beaten.  Forshaw caught Olney on the knee and was spoken to by the referee.  When McLaverty made a long drive which Cresswell allowed to pass it was only a glorious piece of anticipation by Taylor that enabled him to tip the ball over.  Half-time; Derby County nil, Everton nil.
NO GOALS AT DERBY
A PREICELESS POINT FOR EACH SIDE
SOLID, WELL-FOUGHT GAME
Everton restarted with a slashing attack, and Weldon, after sending Troup away, slipped when he was just about to nip in and take the return, Kelly, from long range, forced Olney to tip over, and again when Olney conceded a flag kick Critchley wasted the opportunity by centring behind.
THE FORESIGHT OF OLNEY
Everton’s outlook was improved by a superb pass to Forshaw, who was able to run between the backs, but Olney had forseen the movement and left his goal and blocked Forshaw’s shot.  At the other end Murphy made a run which was extremely dangerous and when he centred Bedford glided the ball to Gill whose shot, although wide of the upright gave Taylor an awkward few moments.  Forshaw got a couple of opportunities to give his side the lead, but did not act quickly enough.  The centre of the field by the time was difficult to work on. 
A CRY FOR A PENALTY
The referee was the recipient of an out-cry when he refused to give Derby a penalty when Murphy was brought down by Kelly when close into goal.  The rival defences still continued to be masters of the situation.  A free kick enabled Everton to make an attack, and it was only brought to a conclusion through Forshaw getting offside.  Everton came near to scoring when Troup gave Weldon a glorious opportunity.  The inside left made a valiant effort to find the net, but was inches wide.  Forshaw sent over, and Taylor had to save a long drive by Thoms.  Troup saw a good effort of his curl away from goal, while a shot by Irvine was deflected from goal by a defender. 
RESEMBLING A CUP-TIE
There was some excellent tackling and another shout for a penalty when Thornewell played the ball on to Virr’s chest.  Each and every man was playing as if his very life depended upon the issue.  No quarter was asked or given, and the contest resembled a cup-tie rather than a league engagement.  Thornewell, well supplied by Gill, was not at all at his best.  Derby were all out to get the lead, and probably the winning goal, but the Everton defence was just as keen to prevent it, and although they had any amount of pressure put upon them they stood their ground and beat back the Derby attack. 
OLNEY ON PINS
Carr, by fouling Weldon, gave Everton a free kick, and O’Donnell, who took the free kick, gave Olney a powerful drive to turn over the bar, and although Irvine had to overcome a trip, he managed to get in a shot which Olney saved.  It had been a good solid well-fought game, and Everton had gained a valuable point mainly through their defence.  Final; Derby County 0, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V ASTON VILLA RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 April 1927
VILL’A COMMANDING LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
Everton opened so well that it was surprising to find them so much in arrears at the interval.  This was due to the fact that they had not utilized the ball as well as the Villa when opportunities presented themselves.  The visitors used the long, accurate passing that time and again got the home defence spread-eagled.  Everton’s attacks were too cramped, and gave the visitors defence opportunity of frustrating any dangerous moves.  White scored Everton first goal, and the Villa’s goals were scored by Capewell (2), Chester and Armfield.  On the run of the first half Villa deserved the lead.  Half-time; Aston Villa Res 4, Everton Res 1.
CROWD CAUTIONED BY POLICE
At the match this afternoon, the referee, Mr. Ashew, of Oldham, was subjected to a great deal of booing, and near the finish the official found it necessary to call the police to quiten the crowd behind the goal, who were of the opinion that Everton should have had a penalty. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 April 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

DERBY COUNTY 0 EVERTON 0
April 4 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
GREAT DISPLAY BY KELLY.
EVERTON DRAW AT DERBY
Everton gained a valuable point at Derby a result, which must be considered satisfactory, in view of the County's fine home record. Five minutes before the start the ground was in fine condition, but it became a veritable morass twenty-minutes later owing to the rain. This no doubt prevented what had promised to be a high-class encounter, for both sides had displayed excellent craft while the going was good, but afterwards it became difficult to retain a foothold, and with the wind, the contest naturally lost many of its finest points. What it lost in the scientific sense, however, was made up for in grit, determination, and keenness, and not until the final whistle had sounded did any player slacken.
KELLY IN GREAT TRIM.
It was Derby's first half, for aided by the breeze, they enjoyed more of the attack than Everton, but when they had worked out a scoring position they found the Everton defence too good. Taylor making many fine saves, and Cresswell and O'Donnell putting up a powerful defence. But the man who took the eye was Kelly. He was the best half-back on the field, and that is saying a great deal for Thoms, Storer, and Hart were in trenchant mood and gave nothing away. Kelly however, seemed to enjoy every minute of the game, and Derby's great wing pair, Murphy and Whitehouse were rendered impotent by the Scotsman. With head or foot he was an name of surety, his tackling being of a deadly character. Derby people expressed the view that he was the best half-back they had seen at the Baseball Ground this season. The Everton forwards, while striving hard, could not net the ball aright when they had worked their way to goal and Derby's forwards were the more dangerous lot when in shooting range. When O'Donnell was injured, and it was found necessary to take him off the field. Derby appeared to have a great chance, but although they attacked, the Everton defenders were not in the mood to yield, and the interval arrived with the sides level.
O'DONNELL HANDICAPPED.
From that point, it became Everton's turn to dominate matters, and although O'Donnell was playing on one leg, he gave a magnificent exhibition, and with a free kick nearly snatched a victory for his side, Olney turning his fierce drive over the crossbar. But there was still a need of a marksman in the Everton front rank, and Forshaw was not nearly so effective at centre-forward as he has been at inside right. He seemed a trifle slow to get off the mark and was too easily dispossessed, but for all that he kept the line moving well. Critchley cannot overcome his great fault of centring behind after making a position.
TROUP AND WELDON.
Troup, and Weldon are gradually becoming acquainted with each other's style, and when the outside winger slipped a ball into the middle Weldon tried to keep his goal per match record intact with a good shot which had everybody beaten until it pulled an inch or two to the right and passed the wrong side of the upright. Irvine worked like a horse both in attack and defence, and was none too lucky with his shots. The Derby players will no doubt think they were unlucky not to have had a penalty award when Murphy was brought down close in to goal, but Kelly's charge was as genuine a shoulder charge as one could wish to see. Teams: - Derby County: - Olney, goal, Carr and Crilly, backs, McLaverty, Thoms, and Storer, half-backs, Thornwell, Gill, Bedford, Whitehouse, and Murphy, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, gaol, Cresswell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Referee RJ. Kelso.

DEAN SCORED TWO GOALS
April 4 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
England beat Scotland by 2 goals to 1 at Hampden Park on Saturday in front of 111,214 people paying £7100. Mereseyside enthusiasts rejoice to know that Dean, the Everton centre-forward justified the lavish praise, which has been showered upon him since he left Tranmere Rovers to make rapid progress at Goodison Park. For a player who is only just twenty to score two goals at a critical period of an important game such as that at Hampton Park shows that he has the temperament and the ability for big occasions. No English centre forward had scored against Scotland since Watson netted in 1923, and only two English forwards had previously obtained two goals since 1900-Kelly in 1920 and Wall in 1909.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 ASTON VILLA RESERVES 4
April 4 TH 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)
A Feature of the Villa's win at Goodison Park was the remarkable accuracy of the long, sweeping passes. The Midlanders individually were the smarter, the footwork at times being brilliant. Scorers White for Everton, and Capewell (2), Chester, and Armfield for Villa.

EVERTON’S POINT
Athletic News - Monday 04 April 1927
TWO SIDES WITHOUT SPARKLE DRAW AT DERBY
DERBY COUNTY 0 EVERTON 0
By Peakite
A GAME of fits and starts, in which weather effects and necessitous circumstances had an overbearing influence, was that between Derby County and Everton. Clever touches were few, and anything approaching consistency in attacking was lacking, though the game was fast and keenly fought.  A draw was the best possible result.  Just before the game started breeze got up, which brought heavy showers.  Everton forwards showed up better in the matter of adaptability and revealed more intelligent workmanship in midfield than did the Derby quintette. The latter seldom impressed as a likely combination, and though actually responsible for the larger share aggression they did not play anything like so well as in some recent home matches.  Murphy was little better than Thornewell, but that is not much of  a compliment, and the inside forwards were out of joint and spasmodic, operating usually as separate units and not as members constructive whole.  Altogether it was very poor day for wingmen, for neither Troup nor Critchley approached his beat, although the former improved after a disappointing start.
SOME LUCKY ESCAPES. 
Forshaw, taking the leadership for Dean, was chiefly noticeable for sharp dashes, which, by reason of the surveillance of Thoms, carried him nowhere.  Irvine and Weldon did suggest real trouble until it came shooting, and then they were found wanting.  The forwards were generally overshadowed by the defences. There were only about half a dozen really good shots, and the best of the afternoon was a long-range drive Gill in the first half, when the County had the wind to help them. This shot Taylor turned round the post in masterly style, and he also twice saved finely from Whitehouse and once from Bedford.  Olney had even less direct work, the frustration three efforts by Kelly.  Irvine and Weldon being his only real worries, apart from lob by Critchley after he had run out to beat Forshaw.  County were fortunate when Weldon sent about a foot on the wrong side of the post with the goalkeeper powerless to save, but Everton were equally lucky when the referee refused penalty, as Murphy, on being let through Bedford, was brought down by Cresswell.  The game was goalless and lustreless so as far as the attacks were concerned. The defensive honours were about even, the coolness of Cresswell and the speed of O’Connell being matched the quickness, perception, and resource of Carr and Crllly.  Both half-back lines worked well, and it was in this department that one saw an outstanding performer, Storer, whose return to what was his original position with the County has restored him to favour with a crowd that was very critical of his usefulness as a forward a short time ago.  Much of his constructive play deserved a happier result than was the case.  Kelly was not far behind him on point of merit.  Derby County; Olney; Carr, Crilly; McLaverty, Thoms, Storer; Thornewell, Gill, Bedford, Whitehouse, and Murphy.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R.J. Kelso, Sheffield. 

SCOTTISH LION BEARDED IN HIS DEN
Dundee Courier - Monday 04 April 1927
HAMPDEN FAILURES
ONLY TWO SCOTTISH SUCCESSES 
Saxon Dash Carries the Day at Hampden 
HOME FORWARD LINE LITTLE SEEN 
By DARK BLUE. 
Probably like other Dundonians I returned to the city from Hampden in a sort of football swirl, mentally. Not merely because England had slapped Scotland's face, but because of the manner in which the slapping was inflicted, leading us to wonder whether after all (during the last few weeks particularly) we had been living in a “fools’ paradise."  Getting down to rock-bottom, we raise our hats to the superiority of the team that carried the colours of the Sassenach against the eleven players that have made “Sandy“so dejected. 
Team Reconstruction. 
Outstanding impressions that remain are the semi-success of the visitors' experiments, the downright non-success ours, the rise of England over difficulties, the plunging of Scotland into the necessity for thorough team reconstruction, the brilliance of several Scotsmen, and the floundering of the majority. The Englishmen, though no means perfect, swished into everythingwith zest that few Scotsmen seemed to possess. All the southerners proved that they were "trained to the minute."  The slowness of several of our lads contrast was astonishing.  It was game without first-class thrill, but running over with incidents of all descriptions.  After the first ten minutes or so Scotland went "through the mill" in the first half. Candidly the visitors (on the run of play) should have been comfortably ahead at the interval. They demonstrated their danger, but, curiously enough, failed when the best chances came to them.  Long before lemon-time it was evident that neither Thomson nor Morrison was of ‘national class, that McPhail was mere ghost himself, that Cunningham could only keep in touch by extra spurts, that McLean (though starved) was a square peg in a round hole—and so, on. Little wonder, therefore, that after the first “forty-five" we were surprised to be able to sit up again and notice that with it all England were not leading. 
Scotland's Teeth. 
It wasn't long after that that our boys, playing as they ought to have played all along, showed their teeth. It was only the brilliance of Brown that kept McMullan and McPhail from drawing blood. The English defence betrayed distinctive signs of cracking under some dandy pressure from the left, and when Alan Morton rumbled through Adam McLean's perfect centre we caught the straw.  There were whispers of England having shot her bolt and all that sort of thing. No one was ever farther from the realities.  They rallied, or rather they simply returned supply more of their dope, and Dean put the business on a square footing again with flying run through the backs, and picture shot that made Harkness helpless.  The winning, or losing, goal was quite a while in coming along, but when it did come it was purely and simply another piece of evidence that Dean is an opportunist of the first water, and that Thomson was tragically out of the picture. Though pressed by the“red-hot” Dixie," he could have got rid the ball to Harkness, but, instead, only piloted on its way for the Everton centre to make snap the chance and score. That was the unkindest cut of all. From that moment onwards the 'national, poor specimen in all respects, dragged itself on to the end, to the relief all patriotic Scotsmen. 
Harkness and Gibson. 
Reputations were very badly smudged.  My impression that only two were eminently and completely sustained —those of Jimmy Gibson and eighteen-year-old Harknees.  The Queen's Park keeper made a very likeable debut in the big football “noise." His confidence, cuteness, and quickness were very valuable assets, though once or twice fortune beamed broadly on him.  In putting Gibson and he into the double Harnass of success, McMullan, McStay, and Morton automatically must drift into another category, because noneof these three failed us.  The famous "Neilly” Gibson's son excelled in everything. His height often saved Scotland's bacon when Hulme and Page were banging across fizzing centres.  His tackling was clean, but with that amount of spirited vigour that was so conspicuous by its absence in the remainder of the home team. His feeding was as good as could have been expected under the circumstance —not of a high quality.  The beautiful and telling smartness of McMullan was wasted on McPhail, whose general failure was so unexpected as to be inexplicable. Wee Jimmy from Manchester City, however, just gave Hulme a bit too much rope. That was all that winger needed to play with, and during the first half (and before big rufus-headed Hill, of Burnley, took the touch line position through injury) the Arsenal flier, who has any number of open tricks to the bargain, made Thomson look tremendously easy meat. And the spoon feeding the winger got from the subtle Brown told its tale there too. 
Morrison Out of It. 
Over on the other side of the field there was a difference. Morrison never tumbled to the adroitness of Rigby, the gripping tactics of Bishop, or the flashing runs of Page. He constructed few moves. He destroyed practically none. McStay thus had more than his work cut out for him, and if he faltered now and again who could blame him.  The forwards made a bungle of their task. Save for that delightful spell in the second half, they were at sixes and sevens.  The only slice of sympathy goes to McLean.  You know the reason.  Only a little of Cunningham's greatness was seen, though that famous left-foot pile-driver of his was next door to success more than once.  With the lights of the inside wingers under their respective bushels, where did Hughie Gallacher come in, many may reasonably ask. To tell the truth, got little to do —and that wasn't very well done. The upsetting of the supports didn't do him any good. We can leave him there. 
England's Handicap. 
Alan Morton did really well —was one of the "moderates" —but he wasn't the Alan of old.  We cannot forget that England won meritoriously without their skipper, Hill squandering his talents on the wing for most of the game. Everyone regretted his collision with another Englishman early in the game, which caused a deep gash in his head, necessitating stitching. When he shifted over from centre half to outside right that meant rearrangement in the English ranks, but it didn't take away from them the determination to win, with the grand goalkeeping of Brown, the admirable defence of Goodall and Jones, and the brilliance of Edwards. Scotland needs a side with some of the English "life” in it. It can found. Scottish football will rise again from the "ashes" of Hampden.  Scotland; J.D Harkness (Queen’s Park); McStay (Celtic), captain and Thomson (Falkirk) Morrison (St Mirren), Gibson (Patrick Thistle), and McMullan (Manchester City); McLean (Celtic), Cunni8ngham (Rangers), Gallacher (Newcastle U), McPhail (Airdrie), and Morton (Rangers).  England; Brown (The Wanderers); Goodall (Huddersfield Town); and Jones (Blackburn Rovers); Edwards (Leeds United), Hill (Burnley), and Bishop (Leicester City); Hulme (Arsenal), Brown (Huddersfield Town), Dean (Everton), Rigby (Blackburn Rovers), and Page (Burnley).  Referee- Mr. Ward, Kirkham. 

DEFENCE SUPREME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 April 1927
By Stork
Everton went to Derby without Dixie Dean, and was away scoring a brace of goals on behalf of his county, what time his own club were unable to find a match-winning shot, and so could only divide the points at the Baseball ground.  A draw against the “Rams” at home, however, was quite a good result, but what if Dean had been in the middle?  Would he have won the game for Everton?  Personally, I think he would, for he would have relished the conditions, and Carr and Crilly-but it is no use hazarding, for Dean was not there, more’s the pity.  In such a vital game it was small wonder that tension was high, and if there were errors, well, one could put them down to “atmosphere,” for the high win and a heavy rain interfered in a marked degree with the players’ endeavours. While the “going” was good, as it was in the early minutes, the teams led us to expect a high-class encounter; but when the rain arrived, to saturate the turf, scientific play gave way to earnest endeavor, and it was this endeavor on the part of the rival defences which made a goalless draw a possibility.  Neither set of forwards could honestly say they ever really got the better of the opposition defenders, to whom must go the honours of the day.
WELDON’S HARD LKUCK
As I have already pointed out, the defences held away, for the forwards could not possibly combine on such a turf and had to rely more on individual efforts.  Still, we saw some fine inter passing movements, but very few shots.  Derby’s attack was the more dangerous in front of goal, and Taylor in the first half had to make several capital clearances; yet Everton came nearer to scoring than the County.  Weldon, loth to lose his goal per match record, took up a delicious pass from Troup, and aimed for the far corner of the goal; and the anxiety of waiting to see whether the ball would strike the inside of the upright and bound into the net or pull away and pass outside could only be realized by these people who were present.  Whatever it elected to do no human hand or foot could turn it from its object, for it had a free course –everyone was beaten.  What would it do?  We were soon to know.  It pulled to the right and sped into touch, almost grazing the upright on route. A goal to Everton was not to be.  O’Donnell tried to improve upon this with a free kick, and Olney had to be very sure with his punch over. 
BRAINS THE MASTERS
O’Donnell, injured in the first half, and off the field for fifteen minutes, returned to become one of the heroes of the game.  He had a lump the else of your fist behind the knee, but one would not have thought it the way he defended.  It was a question of mind over matter, and not until the conclusion did O’Donnell let his injury become his first thought I heard one Derby spectator say., “Come on Murphy, you can give Cresswell ten yards and beat him.”  No doubt he could, but Cresswell could give Murphy a huge start in brain power, and that was one of the reasons why Murphy had a poor afternoon.  In front of Taylor, Cresswell and O’Donnell was a line of half backs who refused to yield an inch of ground without a fight.  Kelly was right at his best.  He was the best half back on the field, and that is saying much, for Hart, Thomas, and Storer were all excellent.  Kelly stiffed the Whitehouse-Murphy wing, which is reputed to be Derby’s match-winning wing.  I smiled when the crowd claimed a penalty against Kelly, for I have never seen a fairer shoulder charge than that which sent Murphy off the ball.  Virr was responsible for the moderate display of Thornewell.  And now I come to the forwards.  While Forshaw led his line well he appeared to be slow off the mark.  True, he had a master piece of ground to operate upon.  Irvine worked hard, and was not far off being Everton’s best forward.  Weldon and Troup are getting to know each other, but while Critchley was good at times he was often mastered by Storer.  Like Everton, Derby were best served in defence.  Carr, who keeps Cooper out of the team, was better than Crilly.  Thoms at centre half back was solid in his work and a good captain; while the best of the forwards were Bedford, the scheming Gill, and Whitehouse. A draw to my mind was a fair result, and each and every player is to be congratulated on his efforts to over-come a double handicap –wind and a heavy ground. 

POSTPONDED DERBY GAME AT ANFIELD TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Most people had forgotten that there was still another Derby game to be decided in Liverpool.  The meeting of the reserve sides of Liverpool and Everton, which should have taken place in the season, had to be held over, but the game will take place at Anfield to-morrow, kick-off 3.15.  The rivalry between these Central league sides is almost as great as that between the senior elevens, and they usually provide a keen and interesting encounter.  Everton have selected a strong team, but Liverpool have not yet shown their hand.  Everton’s team is; Davies; Raitt, Hamilton; Brown, Reid, Rooney; Millington, Dominy, White, Wilkinson, Kendrick.  Everton are sending a team to Winsford to play the local side, for the benefit of the Winsford hospital.  Later in the season, the Goodison Park club will send a side to Prenton Park. 

ANFIELD DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 April 1927
LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON OPPOSED
There was quite a good crowd to see the re-arranged match between the reserve stings of Everton and Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon.  Liverpool, by winning the toss, put Everton at a great disadvantage, for the Blues had a brilliant sun glaring right in their eyes.  In consequence the Livers had more of the play in the opening 15 minutes, during which time they obtained a goal through Oxley, who had followed up a free kick, found Davies fumbling, and had no trouble in placing the ball in the net.
THE PRATT SPIRIT
The appearance of Pratt at full back was interesting.  David is one of Liverpool’s most versatile players; any position does for him so long as he is in the team, and in his new role he showed much wisdom and a sure foot.  But for cunning none was superior to Shone, whose flicks and glances were wondrous to behold.  Davies made another error, and but for the intervention of Rooney would have suffered.  As it was Rooney slipped in to the goalmouth and headed out when a goal seemed a certainty.  Liverpool’s right wing was undoubtedly the better of the two, for Pither, although well superior by Shone, rarely got the better of Brown. 
LIVERPOOL LEAD
After Raitt had nearly headed into his own goal the Everton forwards made a concerted attack, and White, with a long lob, defeated Riley.  In the few remaining minutes to the interval Shone took a pass from his right wing and crashed in a terrific drive which no goalkeeper could have saved.  With half a minute remaining for play Dominy should have placed Everton on equal terms, for he was almost under the bat when Kendrick centred, but the best he could do was to turn it over the crossbar.  Half-time;- Liverpool Res 2, Everton Res 1. 

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 7 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
The Central League match at Anfield, yesterday, between Liverpool and Everton resulted in a draw of 2 goals each. Defences of both sides were stronger than the rival attacks, but Everton, facing the sun in the first half, were placed at a disadvantage, and it is to their credit that they only had one goal scored against them during that period. Davies owing to the sun, made a mistake and enabled Oxley to nip in and scare Liverpool's first goal. It was really unfortunate for Davies, for he had done one or two really good things prior to this lapse. Not only was Davies troubled by the glare, but his colleagues, too, were not always able to follow the flight of the ball. Even so, White equalised for Everton just prior to the interval. Everton enjoyed more of the game in the second half, but Shone, who was admirably placed by Oxley scored a fine goal. He trapped the ball and with a great deliberation smashed it into the net. Liverpool held on to the lead until the sixth-fifth minute when Dominy scored the equalise. Shone was prominent with some flicks and glances, which were really fine to watch. The appearance of Pratt at full back for Liverpool was a feature, and it must be said that the utility man did himself justice. Done, too, also did well. On the Everton side Raitt and McDonald defended stubbornly, while Reid at centre half was good in both constructive and destructive sense, and Brown was nearly always able to master the Liverpool left wing. Teams : -Liverpool Reserves: - Riley, goal, Done and Pratt backs, Millar, Cockburn and McMullan, half-backs, Oxley, Stott, Walsh, Shone, Pither, forwards. Everton Reserves: - Davies goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Rooney, half-backs, Millington, Dominy, White, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards.


INSPIRATION
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 07 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton’s side goes back to the normal (minus Irvine, who will be playing for Ireland) now that Dean is free of international calls.  That s as well, for Manchester United, who are the visitors to Goodison Park on Saturday, are not a side to be met with anything but the strongest available side when it is a question of thumbs up or thumbs down.  However, Dean’s inspiration has returned to him, Ipso facto so has Everton’s. 

“LIFEBELT” POINTS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
For those who are not intent on travelling far there is to be a great flight at Goodison Park, wherein Everton are concerned in grasping for “lifebelt” points which shall save them from being sucked down into the Second Division.  Manchester United provide the opposition, and bring with them a familiar in their newly appointed manager Mr. Bamlett, late of Middleborough and Wigan Borough.  Judging by what Mr. Bamlett has left behind him on Teeside, his coming to Manchester United might spell championship intentions, but there is no immediate prospect for United this season at any rate.  On the other hand, United and Everton have had some ups and downs together one way and another, but tomorrow we are mainly concerned with the “ups,” as applied to Everton, Manchester United’s “downs” being not dangerous.  It is imperative that Everton should win, and with their side at what may be call full strength despite the absence of Irvine at Cardiff, they have safety in their own hands.  That point at Derby did good; it only wants backing up, and so do Everton, good sirs!  The progress of the match will be simultaneously broadcast to Liverpool and Manchester, and I hope to repeat what went down very well on the first occasion, coupled as far as possible with the numerous suggestions for improvement and clearness which have reached me through the post.  To that end, I beg you to note the figures in the appended team sheet, to which I shall refer, and which will help you to gauge not only the position of the ball at the moment of speaking, but also the players engaged.  One chart represents the first half, the other the second.  I will announce which to use first.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.

 

EVERTON PROGRESS
April 9 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Everton have five more matches to play and are still in danger, but I think they will put through. There will be a keen struggle today at Goodison Park where Manchester United will be the visitors. The United last Saturday got their first goal in a month when they beat Leicester City, Spence, who had been moved from outside right to centre-forward being the scorer. The Old Trafford side have twice this season defeated Leicester City who beat Everton 4-3 at Goodison and 6-2 in the return game. But Everton are a different side nowadays, and with dean on duty again after his international match triumph I fully anticipate a rousing game and a victory for the home team. Everton have obtained 7 points from the their last four matches, and 12 out of a possible 16, the solitary defeat in eight matches being at Newcastle. On the showing Everton should obtain full points and I hope to see them improve their goal average as well. They have not scored more than 2 goals in a home match since defeating Burnley 3-2 on New Year's day. The kick off is at 3-15, and the teams will be: - Everton: - Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Manchester United: - Stewart; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Barson, Hilditch; Chapman, Hanson, Spence, Partridge, Thomas.

“BEE’S” BROADCAST
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 April 1927
THE EVERTON v. MANCHESTER UNITED GAME AT GOODISON PARK DECRIBED BY RADIO
AN EVEN FIRST HALF; UNITED WITHOUT DIRECTION
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Manchester United; Stewart; Moors, Silcock; Bennion, Barson, Milditch; Chapman, Hansen, Spence, Partridge, Thomas.  I have got in touch with the officials, and there are no eleventh hour surprises, except that Manchester United, who wanted to play Thomas there.  The following is a synopsis of “Bee’s” broadcast of the match between Everton and Manchester United this afternoon at Goodison Park;-
Since Everton defeated Leeds United on the occasion of the last broadcast football match Everton have gone all one way, while, on the other hand, Manchester United have been slipping down the chart, and are much alarmed at their position. 
“IT RAINETH EVERY DAY”
Manchester has long been desirous of consolidating its attack, hence the try-out of Spence at centre forward.  The ground is in a very bad condition down the middle, and the going seems likely to be very slippery.  Some 30,000 people are here weathering the storm, and the rain is simply melting down.  This is the fifth successive wet Saturday we have had, and I hope it keeps fine for us for the rest of the season.  Everton have won the toss, and have decided to kick up towards the Stanley Park goal.  Jo Smith goes down, and Kelly covers him and puts the ball into touch.  The ball has been blocked by Cresswell and he has punted the ball right up the middle to Dean, who has been trapped.  Manchester are still attacking, and O’Donnell has kicked the ball against an opposing forward, but has recovered and cleared.  Dean has made a pass across the field, and Forshaw has shot outside- a matter of four yards out.  Steward has punted the ball clean down the middle, but here Troup gets the ball and has set his wing men going, only to find Critchley is not sharp enough for the opposition. 
A THRILL FROM FORSHAW.
Forshaw next sets Dean in motion, but Silcock, by rushing across saves his fellow back, a throw-in resulting.  Kelly takes this and the ball goes to the penalty area, where Hart puts in a shot which leads to Moore heading away brilliantly.  The ball is still in midfield, and is slung out by Barson, but the pace of the ball has caused it to go out of play before anyone could get to it.  Troup at outside left made a lovely centre from which Forshaw has just driven a beautiful half volley over the bar.  It was a first time effort and quite a thrilling shot, just a shade too high, but still a worthy effort.  Manchester have tried to start an attack, but away goes Troup again, but he is over-elaborate and Silcock has spoiled his chance, a throw-in resulting.  Forshaw has just beaten two men, Barson included, but he has eventually been covered.  Troup has tried a shot, but the referee has given an offside decision against dean, a decision which the crowd at the back of the goal hotly debated.  Silcock had done well up to this point, but he has been beaten by Critchley.  Dean is following up a goal kick by Steward, but the latter has got the ball away and Manchester have swept up the field on a strong attack.  Hanson tries a long shot, but Taylor clears with comfort and confidence.  Partridge has put Spence in a nice position for a shot, but the ball wants a lot of trapping and a lot of holding and Spence could get no fire into his shot at all.
NERVOUS AND HASTY
Manchester strike me as just a shade hasty in their forward line; they appear to be somewhat unnerved, and to lack balance and steadiness.  An attack initiated by Thomas leads to the ball going to Chapman, on the other wing, who has forced a corner.  He has pulled the corner kick into the centre of the field, and the ball eventually has passed outside after Hanson had shot hastily.  A nice centre from Kelly led to a header by dean, Hilditch being pulled up by the referee for an offence against the Everton centre for a charge in the back.  Kelly has taken a free kick, but it has availed Everton nought.  A quiet period follows, in which Chapman works forward. A loose ball goes over, and Taylor, taking the goalkick, puts the ball three-parts the length of the field.  Hamson tries a long shot, the ball passing well over the bar.  It was a good effort, for with a greasy ball anything could happen to-day.  Taylor, taking the goal-kick, Dean receives the ball, but is troubled by that master header, Barson.  Spence is on the ground, but has made a corner, through indecision on the part of two Everton players, each of whom went for the ball, instead of leaving it to the other.
THE BALL UNRULY.
The corner is taken by Thomas and Cresswell heads clear.  Hamson makes another corner through a shot at goal, and Thomas, again taking the corner kick, sends in a beautiful spinning ball, which this time Weldon gathers and Dean receives a pass up the middle and cannily jumps over the ball, but nothing comes from the move owing to the ball being awkward to control. A magnificent shot has been put in by Weldon –a first timer.  Stewart catches the ball a yard from the ground and makes a perfect save.  So far there has been very little between the sides.  Manchester have had the better chances of scoring, but have been indefinite in front of goal.  Troup makes a long lob almost anywhere, with the result that the ball passes outside the field of play.  Taking the goal kick, Stewart lands the ball in the middle of the field, where O’Donnell checks it, and from his pass Troup is bottled and turns the ball right into the corner. 
HEADING THE WRONG WAY
O’Donnell well up the field, receives the throw in, and Silcock, heading the greasy ball away, turns it into his own goal and very nearly scores against his own side, the ball passing about two yards to the right-hand side of the net.  A succession of throws-in follow, but it is hard for the players to keep their feet.  Steward kicks the ball down then middle of the field to the centre line and Hart has sent his side along.  Barson puts Partridge in possession, but the move frittered out, while an attack by Hanson is checked by Virr.  Barson, by brilliant heading of the heavy ball, sets the Thomas-Partridge wing going.  Thomas has forced a corner.  He is now taking it; here it comes over-it’s a beauty, with plenty of spins, and Hanson has netted, but the whistle had previously gone, as Hart was plainly fouled just beyond the penalty area. 
APPEAL FOR A PENALTY
With a huge punt Cresswell put the ball three parts up the field, but the skid on it has led to Dean being outpaced.  Play
So far has been of a very ordinary character; each side seems to be strengthened of the other. A mistake by Barson has let in Dean, while Weldon is alleged to have bene charged in the back, and an appeal is being made for a penalty kick.  The referee, however had refused this, and the crowd is now booing Mr. Kirby for refereeing what they consider top have been a genuine spot kick.  This in the first mistake Barson has made, and he has done some wonderful work up to now.  The game has been in progress thirty-nine minutes, and there is still no score.  Barson tries to make up for his one blunder by going forward, and the United claim a penalty against Cresswell, who was hit on the shoulder by the ball, but the referee refused this also.  A massive punt by O’Donnell has led to the full-back damaging his toe, which gives some idea of the weight of the ball.  Critchly, who has not been seen for a considerable time, has been fouled near the half-way line, and the free kick is being taken by Cresswell, but it has come to naught.  Hands against Everton has led to a free kick to United, but no use was made of it.  Another free-kick has been given by the referee, who has penalized Silcock by pushing Dean in the middle of the back. 
FREE KICK INCIDENT
This offence occurred just outside the penalty area, and Dean is about to take the free-kick.  He has shot, the goalkeeper has made a partial save, and the ball has travelled along the line to a full back, who has kicked clear, and by that means saved a sensational goal to Everton.  It was a narrow escape for United, who have now got away through Chapman, but O’Donnell makes a brilliant tackle to dispossess him.  Steward slips up in trying to make a save but he does not release his grip.  Taylor takes a free kick and puts up the middle of the field, where Hilditch receiving the ball, makes a wise pass.  Again the pace of the ball has beaten them.  Virr has taken the throw-in and Spence receiving down the middle of the field has sent Thomas away.  Cresswell has cleared and sent Critchley moving, but he is snaffled by the half-backs and Thomas goes down the field with a lovely centre.  Taylor hesitates in saving, and, although he grips the ball, Spence charges him, and the ball drops to the ground, and is cleared.  Away go Everton down the middle with Forshaw and Dean pairing off very nicely.  A forward pass leads to Forshaw being offside.  Steward puts the free-kick to Thomas, and O’Donnell sends the ball up the field again, where Dean is given a run through pass.  Steward picks up sharply because Dean is charging on him, and the ball is punted away. 
UNITED STILL THRUSTFUL
Manchester United are just on top at this time, but Spence is thrown offside by Cresswell moving forward a yard, Cresswell himself is taking the offside kick from near the penalty spot.  He pushes the ball to Forshaw, up the centre.  Forshaw has made amiss pass.  Barson, at the centre of the field, tries to get his forwards going again, but the ball goes out of play.  It is difficult to keep the ball under way owing to the filthy day and muddy earth.  The ball seems as heavy as lead.  Thomas tries to retrieve the ball, but it goes over the line.  The game is alive with throws in.  At this point Weldon out of positions has pushed the ball up the field, where Troup running forward has been beaten for pace by Moore, and following this Weldon makes a first time shot without result.  The force of a Dixie Dean shot has led out Barson, and they have stopped the game for it.  The ball caught him in the ribs.  Spence rushes down and screws wide.  This was an escape for Everton.  On a fine day he must have scored.  Everton go away, and Critchley for the first time has a useful innings, Steward punting away after one of his full-backs had made a challenge. 
GOALLESS AT INTERVAL
Manchester get the ball away and off goes Partridge down the middle, feeding Spencer with a good pass.  Spencer returns the compliment by feeding Thomas, but Thomas is beaten in the penalty area by Cresswell n a very nippy piece of defensive work.  The ball is cleared and a throw-in follows.  Half-time; Everton 0, Manchester United 0.
EVERTON SHARE POINTS
GREASY TURF SPOILS THE PLAY
A GAME WITHOUT GOALS
The second half opened with a Manchester attack initiated by Hitditch, but Cresswell slipped in, and put the ball among the supporters.  Barson has taken a divot with an attempted clearance, and appears to have danged his ankle.  He is as strong as he is, however, and has soon recovered.  There are numerous throws-in and shot of aimless kicking.  Hart having a tussle in the middle of the pitch, Hart wins, serving the ball up to his fellow Scotsman Troup, whose pass to Dean.  Dean’s shot is a good one, and passes only inches out of goal.  Barson reckons he should have a free kick against dean for a foul which led to the United pivot going down.  With Steward out of his goal, Troup sends over the bar, and Barson next wins the way, Virr, however, has stopped their progress and feeds Troup, who passes to Weldon.  Weldon centred, and Dean and the goalkeeper both rush together towards the ball. E ach misses it, but the ball does not travel over the line.  A centre by Thomas leads to Spence putting a shot only a foot outside the post.  The ball is now being swung about a good deal more freely than in the first half.  A free kick is given to Manchester for dangerous play on the part of Virr, who receive a gentle word of caution from the referee and Moore puts the ball straight up the middle, where Virr redeems his folly by heading into touch.  A corner follow, taken by Thomas.  It is a beautiful one, and Taylor punches clear. 
A STRIKING ESCAPE
The ball has travelled over the line, and Taylor who is limping about in his goal, as a consequence of someone catching him in the small of the back, is not so badly hurt that he cannot continue, but he is not taking the goal kick.  O’Donnell is taking them, and he puts the ball in the middle, where the irrepressible Barson shows what he can do with a magnificent pass to Thomas.  Thomas has closed in, and centres but the ball is swung outside.  That was an escape.  Taylor is all right again.  He is taking the goal kicks and the ball has drifted to O’Donnell, who uses his very useful head to stop the right wing.  At this point Manchester seen a shade on top, and certainly the more confident. A corner follow taken by Troup; but the danger is well cleared, and away goes Critchley, to be beaten cleverly and well by Hilditch.  A splendid tackle well timed.  Steward’s goal-kick sends the ball to Cresswell three-parts the length of the field, and Forshaw gets going interchanging plays with Critchley, following which Dean and Weldon have a tricky dribble almost in front of goal.  There was probably too much dribbling as compared with one practical effort, for Partridge beats two men and winds up with an aimless punt that Taylor picks up with ease.  At this stage the United right wing of Hanson and Chapman dribbles magnificently, and goes right through the Everton defence, but nothing comes of it.  In an Everton attack, Dean beats Moore in a race to the ball, and is alleged to have fouled the full-back. 
THE CROWD IRRITATED
The free kick was taken by Moore, who has to no harm although he fell in a heap.  The crowd had taken exception of the decision of the referee, believing it to be a fair challenge.  The United are now playing the good football, but fortunately Cresswell is playing well, and he and Silcock seem to string with each other as to which shall be the better ball in delivery.  Manchester are playing the off-side game and Hart receives the ball and sends it to Troup, and Troup carries it along for Forshaw who heads.  Dean supplies Critchley an opening, but he has to hestitate and place the ball out of reach.
A SHARP CONTRAST
Critchley makes a shot from close range, and goalkeeper picking up quite easily, and Cresswell places the ball back again, and Troup sends in, tries to challenge the goalkeeper who was about twice his size and a foul was given.  Troup and Steward laughing about it.  Everton have improved but they can get a shot beyond Steward.  Dean has headed the ball over the line, and Stewart has punted the ball to the middle of the field where hart has sent Weldon going, and then Weldon has given Dean a perfect opening only to find offside has been given.  That was a close one.
A FLASH FROM DEAN
Steward has taken a goalkick, but it is not a good one and not up to his usual standard and Virr, receiving, pushing the ball to the middle and O’Donnell also joins in with the up to middle punters.  Dean feeds Troup, and the latter, passing back, Dean hits the ball with a first timer.  The ball commons on the stave which keep the net up.  It was a flash shot and a brilliant shot.  The goalkeeper could not possible have saved that on a fine day.  If further matters of four inches outside the goalpost.  Everton 0, Manchester United 0. 

BOLTON WANDERERS RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 April 1927
In wet and blustery weather this match was played before 2,000 spectators.  The game was very evenly contested, but the visitors chiefly, through Millington, who put in several fine shots, were the more dangerous.  On one occasion Doncaster only missed by inches at the other end.  The going was heavy, but despite this there was some clever attacking movements on both sides.  About five minutes from the interval Millington raced round the Bolton defence, and centring along the ground saw Dominy neatly turn it into the net just as Gill came out to meet him.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Bolton Res 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 April 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 0
April 11 TH 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
GOALLESS GAME AT GOODISON
EVERTON'S HARD FIGHT WITH MANCHESTER UNITED
A hard goalless game was the result of Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday. From a football point of view the contest was disappointing chiefly because there were so few really skilful forward movements. It was a game in which the defences took the honours, and the half back play, was particularly good and effective. The destructive skill and relentless tackling of the half-backs gave the forwards little scope for development, and their constructive work and surprisingly poor. There were, certainly, times when the forwards moved off smoothly and gave evidence of ability, but they rarely finished well. True, both goals had many narrow escapes chiefly from corner and free kicks, which added to the thrills of the game, although these hardly compensated for the poor forward display.
STEWART'S GOOD FORTUNE.
The United attack was the more purposeful, yet it was Stewart who was more frequently under fire. Twice he had to thank Silcock for keeping the ball from passing over the goalline when he was obviously beaten, although Stewart was one of the outstanding players on the United side. Play was hard and keen throughout, and the ground was just slippery enough to prevent players moving with their usual accuracy and smartness. All things considered, a draw was the most fitting result. Taylor had not a great deal to do, and the second half was well advanced before he had a really hard test from a shot by Spence. Cresswell, and O'Donnell did splendid work. They kicked well and tackled cleverly. The half-backs have rarely been more effective. Hart gave another confident display, while the masterly interventions and admirable constructive work of Kelly and Virr made the middle line Everton's strongest link.
FORWARDS FAIL.
Dean gave his colleagues some fine openings, but he had no luck with his shooting, and has often played better. Forshaw did some smart things, but like Troup and Weldon he was not convincing. The forwards as a line, threatened much, but accomplished little. Critchley was far from reliable and seldom got the ball across effectively. United's defence was little if at all inferior to Everton's, and if Silcock made one or two slips he recovered will, while Stewart made some remarkable clever saves. The half-backs made a strong line, while Barson always where the fight was hardest. Spence was a trustful leader, but he hardly controlled the ball well enough to be an idea centre. The inside forwards, particularly Hanson, did much smart work, and Chapman and Thomas were often dangerous. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Manchester United: - Stewart, goal, Moore and Silcock, backs, Bennion, Barson, and Hildith, half-backs, Chapman, Hanson, Spence, Partridge, and Thomas, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 11 th 1927. The Liverpool Poist and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 34)
Everton deserved the point at Bolton. Early in the game the forwards were too fast and clever for the Wanderers defence, and when the home team found their feet the visitors' defence proved very sound. Dominy scored a neat goal two minutes from the interval, and Doncaster equalised midway through the second half. Millington was an outstanding forward. Both Raitt and McDonald played well, and Davies kept a good goal.

CAPS FOR GRIFFITHS AND IRVINE.
April 11 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Wales drew with Ireland at Ninnion Park Cardiff on Saturday, 2-2, in front of 10,000 spectators. Irvine played for Ireland and Griffiths for Wales.

WHAT’S WRONG
Athletic News - Monday 11 April 1927
A PLAIN WARNING TO EVERTON AND MANCHESTER UNITED
BY THE MYSTERY INTERNATIONAL
EVERTON 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 0
I was delighted to renew my acquaintance with Goodison Park, but the miserable conditions prevailing rather took the gilt off pleasant memories.  The ground was in very heavy conditions, and I should think every player was heartily glad when the final whistle went.  Watching this game, it was indeed easy to understand Everton’s critical position in the League table.  With the exception of three players they are an undistinguished and mediocre side.  I have never seen an Everton team before with so little of the traditional Everton class among the players.
EVERTON’S THREE PLAYERS
Even those who have youth in their favour would have been hard put to it to get a place in the Everton reserve eleven mot so many years ago.  Manchester United are not by any means a great team, but they were superior in this match, besides being faster on the ball.  Everton have three players who are of real First Division class, viz,., Taylor, Cresswell, and Dean.  The last-named, I was very pleased to see, sought the ball throughout the match, and was a constant source of anxiety to the United defence.  He worked hard and never spared himself, making openings continually for his colleagues in the two inside positions. 
DEAN’S THANKLESS TASK
I daresay Dean is still wondering how he contrived to fire that shot straight at Steward early in the first half.  Not such another chance came his way in spite of unsparing effort throughout.  However, Dean can console himself with the thought that these sort of things happen to the best of players and only emphasize the uncertainty of the game.  He had a thankless task in this match, as there seemed to be nobody capable of giving him a real “through” pass.  As I had occasion last week to criticize him for his lack of sustained effort I was especially pleased to see how hard he worked.  Though he scored no goals in this match, he was much superior as a centre-forward to his show against Scotland.  If he keeps this form up we need look no further for the Internationals. 
SPENCE AS A LEADER
Curiously enough Manchester United’s centre-forward in this game, Spence, was nearly as dangerous as Dean and similar in method.  He worked hard throughout and deserved better luck than he had.  If he is better at outside right than he is at centre-forward the United have a singularly gifted player.  I would like to see Spence in one of the inside positions in the same forward line as Dean.  I would promise any defence playing a very trying and anxious afternoon!  Spence is not so good as Dean in getting a ball with his head, but nevertheless he is a very strong and dangerous forward.  These two men were most noticeable throughout for hard work and constructive play.  Manchester had another forward in Partridge, who was very clever and brainy in nearly everything he did.  His scheming usually set the United on the attack, and if luck had been with him Manchester would have had one or two goals.
MISTAKEN TACTICS
Both teams made a curious error in tactics.  They were continually trying to develop their attacks up the middle, where the ground was a morass.  Yet when near goal they nearly always passed out to the wingmen.  If these tactics had been reversed I feel sure there would have been goals for both sides.  The two centre-forwards would not have been crowded out so often as they were if attacks had been developed from the wing.  With the tactics that were employed the full-backs were seldom at full stretch out on the wings.  They were able to keep on top of the inside men.  The United had a very fine goalkeeper in Stewart.  He kept a really splendid goal and has progressed, since I last saw him, into a goalkeeper of the highest class.  If he had been the least bit out of form Everton might have established a lead in the first half.  In the second half he was just as good.  Here’s a coming man.  In front of him he had two good solid backs in Moore and Silcock.  They made very few mistakes and are a fine club pair.  The half-backs of Manchester, like those of Everton, are not very distinguished.  Barson is only a shadow of what he used to be.  Bennion, I thought, was poor in constructive play.  Hilditch was good at times without being at all outstanding.  The most noticeable feature of the game was the paucity of class about both half-backs lines.  It must be a long while since Everton’s half-back line was less dominating than at present.  Hart did not impress me as being good enough for the important position he occupies.  He has the failing of many centre half-backs; he does far too much talking to the referee when he would be much more profitably employed scheming an opening for Dean or one of the other forwards.  I was not impressed with Kelly or Virr as initators.  The last-named is a hard worker and is young enough, I should think, to improve in his constructive work.  Cresswell played coolly and well throughout.  He found time to help his partner, O’Donnell, out of several tight corners.  He always had an eye for a judicious pass to a man in front, instead of reckless kicking.  O’Donnell is not up to the requisite standard. 
A HINT TO REFEREES
Though the game under the new laws is considerably easier to referee, I do not detect any improvement in the way officials control.  They all seem sadly deficient in their interpretation of the spirit of the game.  In this match there were about half a dozen good honest and hefty shoulder charges. Each of these was promptly penalized with the full rigour of the law.  One instance that was particularly noticeable was when Dean charged Moore perfectly, Moore happened to be on one foot at the time and, of course, was bowled over.  Yet there were other men “slinging the boot about” and no notice was taken by the referee.  But for the good sense of the players one or two ugly incidents might have developed, and then it is a million to one the wrong man would have been sent off.  Such things as these are happening every week.  A man who had played First Division football would see these things “ten minutes” before our present referees do.  I cannot understand why players have not been encouraged to quality as referees after their playing days ate finished. 
EVERTON NOT A TEAM
I have heard that Everton attribute their position a good deal to bad luck.  There is no doubt luck plays a very big part in football as in other games.  From what I have observed on the several occasions I have seen Everton this season their position can only be put down, in the main, to one reason.  They are not a good side, and do not play like one.  Whether they remain in the First Division or not, there is much more rebuilding for them to do.  In spite of the huge sum they have spent I am not of opinion it has been money spent well.  They will no doubt be quite satisfied if they avoid relegation.  From what I have seen there are several clubs above Everton whose problem will be just as acute before very long.  For instance Mr. Bamlett looks like being every bit as busy at Manchester as he was at Middlesbrough.  The shrewdly-managed clubs are those that are keenly examining future possibilities when their first team is goings strong.  It is very seldom that these clubs get in the danger zone. 
ANY MORE CAMSELLS?
However, competition for places in the First Division will get keener and keener and there is going to be more need than ever for “football sense” on club directorates.  I have no doubt that if Mr. Bamlett can find Manchester United a couple of Camsells he will get the freedom of the city conferred upon him.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Manchester United; Steward; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Barson, Hilditch, Chapman, Hanson, Spence, Partridge, and Thomas.  Referee; A. Kirby. Preston. 

DULL GAME AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 11 April 1927
By Bees
PERSONALLY
It was dull football on a dull day.  Perhaps the atmosphere troubled the players.  Whatever it was, the game was a disappointment, for the issue had every chain of possibility.  If it had not been for the pivotal turns of Barson and Hart the day would have indeed been wasted in many respects.  Yet it offered another of those Irish conundrums this season has been pleased to offer at great length.  Let me put it this way; Steward was the busier goalkeeper- Taylor had one hot lot to attend to from Spence and once was nearly charged through –but Stewart had much more difficult work on hand.  Having said that I am going to suggest that the United forwards had the more sparkle and dash and combined force; they swung the ball about freely and were dandy in their side steps.  One can hardly balance the two statements, but the fact remains; Manchester were the more deadly forwards and only failed because they could not get a real shooting drive into the goal.  Spence is not an ideal centre forward, but he keeps on going upward and onward, and if the diminutive United inner wingers had steadied up a lot of trouble would have arisen for Taylor.  We had begun the new Everton season by saying “They must win all their home games.”  Having drawn at Derby they could afford to slip a half, but it was very unwise to let Saturday pass by.  Of course it is easy to write football; it is not easy to play with a bad ball on a bad patch of what was turf.  One must give credit to the Everton backs and to the half-backs, but after that there was a lack of touch and confidence, notably at outside right, where Critchley was not consistent.  On the Manchester side,. Thomas was equally faulty, and I thought Chapman was one of their successes, and the others were Barson (a brave show, with a Nelson touch and a Nelson grip about it), Steward, Silcock, and Spence.  Partridge is far too good a player to be left out of the first team yet he has been for long spells.  Easter will have a lot to say to us; but at least Everton can rest more content in their beds o’ night, for it is the other sides that have to “get the points” now, and it seems pretty certain that Leeds and Albion will go down.  Who will come up?  Manchester City have slipped their chance; Chelsea made a brave show at Swansea without result.  Preston I wipe out of the reckoning, and I think it will be a three-decker dash between Portsmouth, Chelsea and Forest. 

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS NOMINEE DRAWS OUT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 12 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
It appears that the new Everton F.C committee appointed by the shareholders a few weeks ago decided to approach Mr. Fred Lake in regard to a prospective seat on the Everton board.  Mr. Lake’s name was mentioned with favour at the shareholders’ meeting, and one of the committee eventually called upon him.  This is his letter of reply;-Kimberley drive, Great Crosby, 30/3//27
Dear Mr. Wright.
I desire to withdraw my name from the candidature of the Everton Football Club.  I have studied the matter very carefully and earnestly, and am very much obliged to all those people who said kind things about me and my club (Marine).  I appreciate your kindness and their kindness, but I feel the time is hardly rape at the moment.  I stand by all I have said regarding the Everton Club and the management thereof, but I feel that no good purpose would be served at this moment by alteration, and as undoubtedly the directors have noted your remarks and my name.  I think that in due course, if a vacancy arises, they would be prepared to consider your wishes, hence my belief that the present “strength” should be allowed to go ahead, as there is undoubtedly a good side at the moment and the prospect for next season is that we shall have not only good football, but football with a punch and persistence. 
Again thanking you.  Mr. Wright and all other shareholders.
LIVERPOOL ROBERT BURNS CLUB
By kind permission of the chairman and directors of Everton Football Club a collection in aid of the above Fund was to have been taken on Saturday last.  No collection, however was taken because of the bad weather, but the club directors, with great generosity, have consented to allow one to be taken on Saturday, April 3.  The members of the Liverpool Robert Burns Club wish to thank Mr. Cuff, the chairman, and his co-directors for their generosity and assistance. 

IRVINE ON THE WING.
April 13 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are not engaged on Friday, but on Saturday they have a most important engagement with Bolton wanderers at Bolton. A tremendous lot depends on this game, and Everton are taking the bold step of playing Irvine at outside right. The form of Critchley last Saturday left a lot to be desired. If Irvine will keep cool I am sure he will master the position, and make an excellent partner for Forshaw. The last time I saw Irvine at outside right this season he started off in a manner which suggested international form, but then he "foozled" a corner kick and attempted unsuccessfully a centre, and seemed to upset him and he went inside. Irvine is clever enough to make a success on the wing, and I look for a sound display from the right wing pair on Saturday. The Everton team is otherwise unchanged. Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.
EVERTON RESERVES TEAMS.
In the Central League game at Goodison Park on Friday against Blackburn Rovers, Everton will be represented by Davies, Wright, McDonald, Brown, Griffiths, Rooney, Critchley, Dominy, White, Houghton, Lewis. The outside left is an amateur trial from Ellesmere Port. To meet Manchester United, at Goodison Park, on Saturday, the Everton team will be: - Hardy, Hamilton, McDonald, Brown Bain, Reid, Critchley, Woodhouse White, Houghton, Lewis.

EX-EVERTON FOOTBALL INJURED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 13 April 1927
This morning William Stewart (67) of cedar-grove met with a serious accident whilst working aboard the Elder, Dempster liner Elmina in the Herculaneum Dock.  Stewart was seen to slip and fall over the combings of No 2 hatch, falling a distance of 35 feet to the bottom of the ship’s hold, his head striking the thwarts.  Stewart, who is an ex-Everton footballer, was taken to the Southern Hospital suffering from concussion, a broken left leg, and other injuries. 

EVERTON’S END-SEASON AND START SEASON EXPERIEMENT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 13 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton are not engaged on Friday, but on Saturday they have a most important engagement with Bolton Wanderers at Bolton.  A tremendous lot depends on this game, and Everton ate taking the cold step of playing Irvine at outside right.  Irvine is clever enough to make a success on the wing, and I look for a sound display from the right wing pair on Saturday.  The Everton team is otherwise unchanged;- Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Irvine was tried at the beginning of the season as an outside right, and after this game (at Spurs’ ground, where he got little chance) he was moved from the position.  Irvine is far too good a footballer to be languishing out of senior football.  it is only a question of his readiness to pass at the crucial moment.  I know no harder worker; I know no more expert dribbler; I know no more luckless shot.  I know that if Sam Chedgzoy returned to the fold be would get Irvine to release the ball at a convenient moment. 

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1
April 16 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 35)
At Everton. The home side were by far the more practical, with Dominy the schemer in chief of an attack that was only spasmodically good. McDonald was a resolute defender. Everton's goals were all scored in the first half by Griffiths, Dominy, and Houghton, and midway through an even second half Rosscamp reduced the lead. Cope, in the Rovers goal, in addition to saving McDonald's penalty; kept well and Roxburgh and O'Dowd were also prominent. Everton: - Davies goal, Wright and McDonald, backs, Brown Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Dominy, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

BOLTON V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 April 1927
ONLOOKERS TREATED TO A SPARKLING DISPLAY BY THE VISITORS
TAYLOR’S MOMENT MOMENTARY LAPSE
WANDERERS CROSS OVER WITH TWO GOALS LEAD
By Stork
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Greenhalgh, Finney; Nuttall, Seddon, Thornebrough; Butler, Wright, Smith (J.R), Gibson, Vizard.  Referee; Mr. A. Haworth, of Blackburn.  The excursion trains from Liverpool were packed to suffocation, sometimes as many as twenty-five people in one compartment; so Everton were not to be without assistance in the matter of encouragement.  There was an early morning doubt about O’Donnell which fortunately was unfounded, for he took his place at Burden Park.  The Wanderers, however, had to make two changes, David Jack, one of their stars, had to cry off through sickness, and Wright took his place, while J.R. Smith deputized for Blakemore, who was ineligible to play.  It was a fine day and there was promise of a fine crowd and an early goal to Bolton when Butler worked his way through and made a good centre, which was fortunately headed away. 
A WISE CONCESSION
A greater danger was to come, however, a half-second later, when but for a great tackle by Virr, the Bolton centre-forward would have been through; and although Virr had to concede a corner, it was much better than having a goal debited against his side.  A long pass the middle raised the hopes of the Everton crowd, for Dean went after it like an greyhound released from the hash; but Finney had evidently heard of Dean’s power in Glasgow, and was not going to let him repeat his goal-scoring feats here if he could stop him.  He did stop him, too, and cleverly at that.  His clearance sent the Bolton attack raiding on the left, but Vizard was weak with his centres, and on a possible chance was denied his inside forwards.  The referee came in for some criticism through a decision which was hardly right, and from this Everton put on some pressure and were distinctly dangerous, Finney coming neat to edging the ball into his own net when he got his foot to an Everton forward’s drive.  This was followed by a second corner, through Weldon cannoning a ball on to a defender, but neither of them proved of any value.
IRVINE COMES INTO VIEW
Sudden was a dominating figure and often cut into many promising Everton advances in which Dean was to the fore with his heading.  So far not much had been seen of Irvine, for he had received little chance.  However, once he did get an opportunity he made excellent use of it, centering beautifully, and shooting no desire whatever to hang on to the ball and beat man after man.  This was wise, and more of it will find Irvine permanently installed at outside right.  Weldon, too, was doing some fine work, none better than his pass out to Troup, who was entirely isolated, and so was able to get in a telling centre that Pym punched away.  The Bolton right wing was without doubt a troublesome one to the Everton defence, and when Butler got round Virr and O’Donnell there was extreme danger, which came to an end when the winger shot against the side netting.  Irvine made another run and centre that created a possible opening, but the Bolton defence was very solid, even if Greenhalgh made one miskick that might have proved fatal.
THE CONTRARY BALL
Before Everton were driven back, Dean was only prevented from scoring by an awkward ball.  He had got his eye on it all right, but it “kicked” the wrong way, and Dean realized that he could not get it under control for a shot so he passed it back to Troup, who dribbled two men before centering, to find his effort put over the bar.  Everton were playing nice football, and the spectators acknowledged it, which means something to a visiting team at Burnden Park, and if they had got a goal they could not have been called lucky, for at this point of the game they were vastly superior to Bolton, and Dean, with one of his lightning bursts through the defence, lifted a ball over the bar.  Still, it was a worthy effort for all that. 
TAYLOR MISJUDGES
The Wanderers’ attack rarely got out of hand at this period, but when it did, Vizard flashed a ball across the Everton goalmouth, and it was astonishing to find Ted Taylor lashing out at the ball as it sped across the goalmouth.  It was more astonishing to find him completely missing it, and he was very, very fortunate not to have had to pay the penalty for his error.  I have never seen Taylor do anything like this in my life before.  Irvine once slipped over after he had worked his way well in, and the referee gave a foul for hands when the Irishman fell on the ball.  For some moments the play was confined to midfield, where one could see Weldon working like a Trojan.  He was at inside left, inside right, and even took a turn at half-back, but wherever he was he was doing glorious work.  Kelly was another Everton player who was to be seen wherever the battle was fiercest, and he had a very canny wing opposed to him, for Bolton’s new Scotsman, Gibson, is of the true Scottish type, which means that his movements were cool, calculating, and always useful. 
J. R. SMITH MAKES SURE
Bolton seemed to get their second wind, and made a strong raid, which was only nipped in the bud by Virr, whose length of body enabled him to head away Vizard’s centre when Bolton forwards could not manage to reach it.  Vizard was out of direction with a shot, and J.R. Smith was never allowed much latitude by Hart, but when he did get an opportunity he made quite certain of it.  Nuttall and Butler originated the move which enabled Smith to score at the fortieth minute, but really I thought Cresswell was at fault in not kicking clear first time when J.R. Smith made his dash to goal.  Smith is always dangerous man to fiddle about with, as Cresswell no doubt will agree, for after he had beaten the full-back he simply glided the ball far out of Taylor’s reach. 
A SECOND GOAL BY GIBSON
It never rains but its pours!  Within three minutes Bolton had increased their lead through Gibson, who drove in a terrific shot which beat Taylor all the way.  This was indeed a quick turn round, for on actual play Everton were not two goals worse than the Wanderers. 
Half-time; Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton nil.
EVERTON’SLAPSE
THE WANDERERS BOMBARD TAYLOR
SUCCESSON OF GOALS
Bolton, placed in a comfortable position, resumed in the style of a winning team, for, despite an early effort by Everton to score, they went on to play really good football, and Taylor had to make a smart save from Wright.           
GIBSON PUTS ON DOUBLE
Forshaw made two faulty passes when things looked bright from an Everton standpoint, but when Cresswell made another mistake it meant a third goal for Gibson who had got round the full back and carried the ball forward to place it wide of Taylor, who had no chance whatever to save.  This was indeed the last straw, for it meant that the Wanderers could take matters fairly comfortably whereas Everton were decidedly up against it. 
PILLING ON THEW AGONY
Everything went right for the Wanderers, whilst Everton were the reverse, and when at the sixtieth minute Bolton scored their fourth goal it was obvious that Everton were working a forlorn hope.  A free kick was responsible for the opening phase of this goal.  Nuttall sung the ball right out to his left wing, and although Taylor got his hands to Vizard’s shot he allowed it to pass through them and into the net.  O’Donnell was responsible for one of the best tackles of the match.  J.R. Smith had beaten everybody until he came to O’Donnell, and I might say a fifth goal was on the horizon until the full back stepped in and headed off J.R. Smith’s great run.  It was a capital bit of work.
A PUNCH FROM PYM
Pym made a good punch when he drove away from Kelly.  Taylor made a capital save when Gibson got through and a moment later cleverly fielded a shot from Thorneborough, while Irvine lobbed one just over the angle of the woodwork.  Taylor made another good save from Butler, and showed a confident manner when he took Butler’s corner kick in a firm grasp. 
GIBSON OBTAINS HIS THIRD
At the seventy-eight minute Bolton set the place afire with a fifth goal, J.R. Smith had shot and Gibson put the finishing touch to his effort by cannoning the ball into the net.  Bolton, whenever they attacked, looked like scoring, and Butler, who had played a capital game throughout, sent across a centre that was nearly made into goal number six.  This was the biggest defeat that Everton have sustained since they were beaten by Newcastle.  Forshaw missed the opportunity of a life-time right on the death.  He had a yawning goal to shoot into, but failed in an unaccountable manner to utilize the opportunity.  Final; Bolton Wanderers 5, Everton 0

EVERTON RES V MAN UNITED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 April 1927
UNITED’S LUCKY ESCAPE IN AN EVEN GAME
At Goodison Park.  The respective defences prevailed over the attacks throughout the first half, with the Everton front line being the more penetrative of the two, and United were fortunate on one occasion to have English on the goal line to head out Houghton’s header.  This was the nearest approach to scoring in the initial half, and although both ‘keepers were kept employed; few shots were of the scoring type.  Critchley lost one opportunity when he shot straight at Richardson.  The visitors, however, were always a danger by reason of their well constructive methods of advancing, but they found Bain, Brown, Reid, and MacDonald resolute defenders.  Richardson made a wonderful save of Woodhouse’s free-kick, and this was the best attempt of a goalless first half.   After the resuming Everton scored.  Despite the linesman’s persistent flagging Houghton was allowed to go on to score.  United protested strongly, but the referee was adamant and would not consult the linesman.  In consequence some vigour was introduced into the game. 
EVERTON A v. BOOTLE BOROUGH
The visitors were the first to make headway, Curr stopping a dangerous movement.  French opened the score for Everton after fifteen minutes’ play.  The home forwards had plenty of opportunities to increase their lead, but Shelliker had little difficulty in clearing.  The Borough had a good chance of equalizing, but Sutton shot over.  After half an hour’s play Everton A were leading by 1 goal to nil. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 April 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

MANY COLOURS

BOLTON WANDERERS 5 EVERTON 0
April 18 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
WHY EVERTON FAIL.
DEFENSIVE ERRORS AT BOLTON.
FINNEY AT HIS BEST.
It took Bolton Wanderers exactly three minutes to beat Everton at Burnden Park for until they scored their two goals in that time, five minutes from the interval, Everton were quite as good as their rivals, and were worth a draw at the half stage, but two defensive errors which allowed JR Smith and Gibson to score, proved the turning point in the game. From that moment Everton were a beaten side, for the two goals took all the heart out of the team whereas Bolton, holding a comfortable lead, went on to play a winning game, and before the final whistle added three further goals, and so ran out easy winners after Everton had promised them stern opposition. The Wanderers were undoubtedly the superior side for they were stronger in defence, swifter in working up an attack, and much more deadly when it came to shooting. There was no weak link in their forward line, in which each man was up to his task, and by comparison the Everton attack was ordinary. Forshaw was right off his game and his ineffectiveness was one of the main causes of Everton's failure to drive home an attack. His passes went wrong and he was easily dispossessed. As a consequence Irvine was well nigh frozen out of the game, and was more of an onlooker than a participant in the contest. Irvine had shown distinct in the early stages, and even if he failed to get his corner kicks into the middle, he centred finely, but he was not properly exploited.
WELDON'S STRONG GAME.
Dean, too, suffered because he did not get much support, and the best of the line was Weldon, who went here, there, and everywhere searching for work, and having found it tried to carry it through, and he along with Troup formed the better wing. One could not blame the half backs, for Hart played well and Kelly looked after Vizard and Gibson, and even though Virr was responsible for Gibson's first goal he stemmed many promising Bolton's attacks. Nothing seemed to go right for Everton, and even Cresswell and Taylor who have proved such a source of strength, had lapses, Cresswell played his worst game since he joined the club. He refrained from tackling Vizard and this just suited the Wanderers' veteran winger. Cresswell rarely came out to meet his man, preferring to run back into goal, and a policy that did not pay. Cresswell let Smith through to score the opening goal, and that was the beginning of Everton's momentary defensive failing, and most probably the beginning of the end. Taylor did a thing that astounded everyone. Vizard had centred and although Taylor appeared to have plenty of time to pick up the ball, he elected to take a flying kick as it travelled across the goal, but completely misjudged the ball, and only good fortune prevented him from paying the extreme penalty. It was apparent that the whole side was suffering from "nerves." O'Donnell, who did not strike one as being too fit, did extraordinarily well, and was the better of the two backs.
THREE FOR GIBSON.
Bolton Wanderers have a genius in their front line. Gibson the Scottish acquisition, was the brains of the line, and besides scoring three goals, he made chances for others. Butler, too, was in a happy mood, and Wright although out of position, paired off with his International partner to a nicety. Seddon never left Dean, while his quick interventions were seldom at fault, but in defence Finney stood out on his own. This former New Brighton player has come right back to his best form. He kicked with judgement, tackled with confidence, and kept a tight hand on the wing opposing him. Pym had little to trouble him, but what little he had to do he did with ease. Teams : - Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Greenhalgh, and Finney, backs, Nuttall, Seddon, and Thornborough, half-backs, Butler, Wright, JR Smith, Gibson, and Vizard, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs, Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon and Troup forwards. Referee A. Howarth.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0
April 18 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 36)
A goal that was open to question, scored by Houghton gave Everton victory over Manchester United at Goodison Park. When the Everton scorer accepted a forward pass he was in what appeared an offside position, but despite the linesman's persistent flagging, the referee left him go on. The United players protested strongly, Everton for the most part were the better-balanced side. United losing chances through poor finishing. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Hamilton, and McDonald backs, Brown Bain, and Rooney half-backs, Critchley, Woodhouse, White, Houghton, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 1 BOOTLE BOROUGH 1
April 18 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
Both sides had splendid opportunities of obtaining a winning goal on the closing stages at Strawberry lane. The Borough were first to attack, but Sutton missed a good chance. French scored for Everton after fifteen minutes play, both goals had narrow escapes, but Everton retained their lead at the interval. In the second half the visitors equalised through Cookson after ten minutes, which entitled them to share the honours. Murray struck the visitors' crossbar in the last few minutes while Sutton missed an open goal.

G. GIBSON ARRIVES. 
Athletic News - Monday 18 April 1927
NEW STAR WITH THREE GOALS
BOLTON WANDERERS 5 EVERTON 0
By Impressionist
The king is dead; long live the king.  The monarch of Bolton football would have his say and his way. Joseph Smith is no more of Bolton Wanderers, mostly to his own regret.  Why not players realize that, however great and prolonged their service, it is not tor them to command? Officials must be masters in their own house, and not even a professional footballer indispensable.  Bolton, and the whole football world, have admired, and marveled at the left-wing combination of Joseph Smith and Edward Vizard. But all good things come to an end, especially in an athlete’s life.  Firstly, Smith has gone from Bolton, and now, although the Wanderers have offered him an engagement for next season, I am afraid Edward Vizard is near the end of his tether. Ah, well, it comes to the best of us.  A new stalwart is near to reigning in the hearts of the fickle Bolton spectators, who have been spoilt victory, and two Cup triumphs in the past three seasons.  Comes one Gibson, at inside left. In a word he was the outstanding forward in a match that Everton lost by their surplus energy in the first ten minutes.  Everton made a Cup-tie joust of it The Wanderers replied in kind.
TEAM AND OCCASION. 
The sequel was quarter for a team in the depths; and to quite frank Everton played down to the bottommost depths. The factor in their undoing was this Gibson, for he scored three goals.  But underlying all was the temperament of the game, which found Everton all tension.  In this state they tried to play some other team’s game, with a fatal sequel in two goals positively given away the first half, and at least one other presentation.  A five clear goads difference looks bad against the Everton defence, the members of which are not to be exonerated.  But I would charge this eclipse to the whole team, with a saving clause for two real attackers in Irvine, who is skillful enough a footballer to develop from inside forward to outside right; and Weldon, the Scot, who would like more time to control and manoeuvre, but who gets on with it very well, as demanded by the urgency English football.  Everton’shalf-backs did fair justice to old standard in this respect, with Kelly and Hart distinguished. Each one of the rear trio fatally blundered. Cresswell was in his hesitant mood. This suited Vizard, when he got clear of Kelly.  Really Vizard should have had field day, of such wondrous craft and dispatch was the invitation he received from Gibson. A progressive wing man would have left the faltering Cresswell of this occasion standing. Subtle and sustained was Gibson in support his partner and in his motive to the whole line of attack.
THREE THROUGH. 
Allowances have been made for the translation of Scottish forwards to the hustle and hustle of English football.  Gibson, formerly of Hamilton Academicals, requires no glossing. He the most adaptable Scot, as attacker, I have seen for long time; a player who masters and matures with the ball in the one’ movement, who passes and runs into position; and who does not look a gift goal in the mouth.  Everton were rather pitiable spectacle of what nerves can prevent an intrinsically splendid football team from achieving, and of the abyss to which they can descend. Cresswell gave the first goal away, J. R. Smith slipping between back and goalkeeper.  Then Vizard crossed and Virr headed to the feet of Gibson— simplicity to score for this gifted footballer. So two goals in the five minutes before the interval.  J. R. Smith was, indeed, a pivotal attacking force, who had a foot in the scoring of the fourth and fifth goals by Gibson, interspersed by one from Vizard, the ball trickling through Taylor’s hands.  This was one of Taylor’s several sins latterly covered a number of virtues against a side not brilliant but easily best, particularly, addition to those mentioned, for Nuttall and Finney.  Bolton Wanderers.-Pym: Greenhalgh.  Finney: Nuttall, Seddon, Thornborough; Butler, Wright, Smith (J. H.), Gibson, and Vizard.  Everton.—Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell: Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean,  Weldon, and Troup.  Referee: A. Haworth, Blackburn. .

EVERTON SERIOUS FALL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 April 1927
By Stork
The “stay at home” football follower, on looking through the score sheet on Saturday night would come to but one conclusion regarding Everton’s defeat at Bolton –that the side was completely out-played.  Up to a point they would be right in their surmise, but one had to be present at Burden Park to see what really happened.  For nearly half the game Everton were as good as their rivals, but two defensive errors which allowed Bolton to turn round with a two-goal lead-a lead which, to my mind, was not a fair reflex of the play –was the commencement of Everton’s crumpling.  They had held at bay a determined set of forwards until five minutes from the interval, and appeared to have a chance of retaining a point, but then the tide turned and flowed against them, and there was no beating it back.  It rolled on and on, and gained in weight every minute until Everton’s fortifications were completely washed away, and then came the succession of goals.  What was the cause?  The first goal scored –a goal that should never have been possible if Cresswell had gone into a tackle with J.R. Smith instead of finessing with the ball- was the culminating point in the contest; and when within two minutes another error, this time by Virr who headed straight down to the foot of Gibson, who created the ball into the net without a moment’s hesitation, Everton’s prospects were blighted, for all the fight had gone out of the side, and the Wanderers from that moment did just as they liked, and it would not have surprised me if their score at the finish had been much bigger. 
BADLY OUTPLAYED
Everton have not been so badly out-played for weeks.  True, the Wanderers were irresistible at times, their craft and speed being too much for the Everton defence to cope with, and although Taylor should have saved Vizard’s goal- he got his hand to the shot-and was at fault when he made a flying kick at a Vizard centre and missed it, and was not made to suffer for his rashness, he made some fine savers late on; but it was too late then, for five goals had been debited against a side that never promised to score.  I have never seen Cresswell play so poorly.  His chief fault was that he would not engage in a tackle, a policy which just suited Vizard and Gibson, while he was too often running into goal instead of advancing to meet his man, and although O’Donnell put up a bold front, and made one tackle that prevented a certain goal, it was apparent that he was not quite fit.  Still, he did well, while Hart and Kelly could not be entirely blamed, for Kelly, to my mind, defended stoutly, and Hart accomplished a lot in watching the firebrand –J.R. Smith –who is a dangerous leader when in the mood.  Virr, apart from his one lapse, stopped many Bolton attacks by his quick interventions, but the Everton forwards were never a combined force, and the best of the line was Weldon.  One man “off colour” in a forward line usually makes combined ideas a difficulty.  Forshaw was distinctly off colour.  He never put a foot right and it is some time since I saw him robbed off the ball with such ease, while he rarely got his passes to his man.  He was the big failure in the attack, which never rose to any great height throughout the game. 
A DEATH STRUGGLE
You no doubt want to know how Irvine fared at outside right.  Irvine, for a time in the first half, did exceptionally well, but he was left standing up the field all too long in the second half, and the role did not suit him, for he likes hard work.  One could almost feel him itching to be in the thick of it, but he had to keep his position, and the ball rarely came his way.  He was frozen out of the game and got little chance, abut I would like to see him at outside right a few times before I would decry; one cannot play football without the ball.  Dean got little support; and, as I have already pointed out, Weldon was the best of the line, for he was tireless, while Troup, alongside him, did some neat things.  Still, taking the side as a whole it was not nearly so good as the Bolton team, but it must not be overlooked that Bolton are high and dry in the League while Everton are fighting a death struggle and are playing a type of football which is foreign to their style.  Free from worry, I am sure we would see a different Everton.  In Gibson, the Wanderers have got a scheming attacker, he and Butler being their outstanding forwards, while Finney, Seddon, and Nuttall were great in defence, Pym having little or nothing of any consequence to do in goal.
“MELLY” CUP FINAL
This final tie will be replayed on Wednesday evening between Crosfields and St. Julien, at Goodison Park (Kindly lent by the directors). 

EARLY LEAD FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 April 1927
DEAN SCORES FROM A PENALTY
TROUP ADDS A SECOND
BRIGGS SCORES FOR THE VISITORS
HUGE CROWD DELIGHTED WHGEN TROUP SCORES A THIRD GOAL
Everton’s vital League game with Birmingham attracted a huge crowd to Goodison Park, this afternoon.  After six minutes’ play Everton were awarded a penalty kick and “Dixie” Dean scored.  Troup put them further ahead, and then Briggs scored for Birmingham.  Troup scored a third goal for Everton. 
BEE’S COMMENTS ON THE GAME
Everton, after their severe loss at Bolton came to Goodison Park to-day to try to move the amendment.  Birmingham were their visitors, and strangely enough this was the side Leeds United clipped late on in the game of Saturday last.  Thus collateral form could be judged.  Everton had a big crowd to follow their fortunes and it was recognized by all that home victories against Birmingham and Villa this week were essential if Leeds were not to steal up on the rails and gain the day.  The weather to-day was brilliantly suitable for a fast game.  In spite of Everton’s heavy defeat against Bolton, the match with Birmingham at Goodison park was a strong drawing power, and although the centre of the city was not overworked, the suburban trams and trains were on the go all the time, and Goodison Park presented a summerlike scene by the time the teams turned out thus;-
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Birmingham- Tremelling; Womack, Barton; Liddell, Cringan, Leslie, Bond, Crosbie, Bradford, Briggs, Scriven. 
OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
Everton received a warm welcome from a crowd that was packed in the stands and was very nearly full in the cheaper portion.  The match became a very vital one owing to the fact that Everton must win all their home engagements if they are to escape relegation.  It was noteworthy when Irvine touched the ball that the crowd gave him a special rally.  Birmingham, who usually play in blue with a “V” shape marking, today, appeared in what appeared to be black satin knickers, and white jerseys with a border of black.  Everton kicked off towards the Aintree end, and opened out with a splendid effort on the left, where Troup centred and Forshaw failed to hit the ball true with a first-time effort.  The ball eventually swung out to Weldon, but the spin on it caused his shot to be ruined.  Birmingham replied with free, open, painful methods, the forward line moving off in a very sweet manner, and in a very quick manner, too.
DEAN SCORES FROM SPOT
Bradford and Briggs worked together well, and undoubtedly Everton were in a nervy state, and if they had the value of a penalty kick after six minutes, one cannot estimate what would have happened.  Barton, who handled, imagined he was outside the line, whereas he was inside.  Dean took the spot kick and scored with confidence, prior to which Crosbie had been near the mark and Bradford had been a bundle of trouble to the defenders.  The light ball on the hard ground made the work of the players difficult, but Irvine was doing well at outside right.  Indeed, it was he who produced some good centres to make Tremelling punch away, while Weldon bothered his half back and made a lovely centre, which was rather high for Dean to keep in position, so that it was no surprise when the ball passed over.  Everton got on their toes, and after Barton had miskicked, Weldon had a good try, his right foot hitting the left upright, and Birmingham could count themselves fortune to escape a goal under the circumstances.  Then came a hot reply from Briggs, who was ploughing his way through when Virr had to fall back to stop the rot and the equalizer. 
GOALS BY TROUP AND BRIGGS
This was a vital juncture of the game, because when Everton went away again on the right and Irvine took a corner kick, Troup screwed round a shot that was apparently passing wide, but the ball was returned to him and Troup scored with no great difficulty from a four yards’ mark.  That was at the twentieth minute, and when Briggs scored four minutes later much of Everton’s confidence left them.  A high ball was put into goal, and Taylor punched it up, but not out, and when it fell towards earth he was actually in front of his goal, and unable to get at the ball, Briggs scoring in the melee.  Taylor complained that the score should not have been allowed, apparently on the score of offside.  O’Donnell and Irvine got into the good books of the crowd for their sturdy and practical methods, and Virr and Crosbie who collided soon recovered, and went on with the day’s work.  Birmingham were distinctly impressive and found a hole in Everton’s armour at times through the Everton defenders being too anxious.  Cresswell had to do a double shuffle clearance kick to prevent an equalizer.  Leslie was injured, but was able to resume.  The Birmingham forwards were always a danger.  No half-back did better than Liddell, and Taylor was at his best.  Bradford ricked his back and was unable to move about freely.  Cringan had a good innings.  So did Irvine but the winger shot over the bar.  Half-time; Everton 2, Birmingham 1.
In the second half Everton, fighting against the blaze of the sun, opened with a strong effort on the left wing, and Troup’s centre might have been taken by Irvine, but the ball passed out of play.  Womack and Barton were splendid defenders but were out of place when Virr made a fine resolute solo effort to place Dean for a shot, but Tremelling pushed the ball outside. 
THREE TO ONE.
This availed him nothing however, as at the second minute Dean, Hart, and Troup had a hand in making a goal for the latter, the ball passing into goal after touching a Birmingham defender.  Dean then headed against the crossbar. A two goals lead was comforting to the Everton side, who had felt the stress of a narrow margin. 

EVERTON 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
April 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON MAKING FOR SAFETY.
TROUP'S TWO GOALS AT GOODISON PARK.
By "Bees."
Everton are a bundle of nerves, and having suffered a heavy defeat at Bolton it needed much encouragement from their 40,000 spectators to bring them to belief in themselves. Something similar was noticed after the heavy defeat at Newcastle yesterday, however, there was grave cause for alarm because Leeds had won a game. Apparently they did not reason out the possibility of Everton winning against the same opponentents –Birmingham. One thing is certain; there was a lack of surely in defence, in goal and elsewhere that upset the balance of a side that had been leading by two goals. Such a margin should have struck their confidence –chord, but so heavy is the load of mischief of relegation that no matter how big the lead Everton cannot forget they have opponents, and when those rivals get one Everton's heart fans them –for the time being. Fortunately the breeziness of Everton's Scottish wing pair, Troup and Weldon served to bring them back to their cakes and their cream for cream it was when Everton took a two goals' lead again soon after half-time, with a smuggled goal, something like that which Troup had scored in the first half.
THETURNING POINT.
However, the great turning point to play arose in six minutes when Barton was believed to have handled intentionally. He said the sun's rays were his trouble and the spectators' delight, but Referee Warriss would not listen to argument though he would think of reason! Hence Dean took a penalty kick and should have made for a solid victory. Instead of which Briggs and Bradford by their duo travelogue upset the equilibrium of the Everton defence. Taylor was not happy in his judgement and Cresswell while doing well was not the forceful character that his partner was; indeed O'Donnell had the heartiest day of his career and certainly proved himself the best of four strong backs, Birmingham's ancient pair. Womack and Barton showing a fine idea of tackling, timing, and heading. For a long stretch Birmingham were the better side, and the reason was not hard to discover; the Everton team worked in close formation; Birmingham drifted the ball strong and true to the wings, it is indeed safe to assume that if Birmingham's centre-forward, Bradford had not damaged his back really in the second half Everton have had to fight to hold their goal lead. It was early in the second half that Troup scored his second gaol of the day and from that point Birmingham faded out. One lost sight of Crosbie's cuddling and control work; the key man had been damaged; instead of keying up the line he and Briggs mooned around and the whole line lacked the lusty of the first half, Birmingham played so well as to be of great trouble to the home side, but in the second half Weldon produced a shot, Irvine went near, and Dean was a continual source of worry to the backs and goalkeeper.
WELDON'S FORTE.
May be Dean did not drive home the advantage, but this much mush be said: he offers passes and gets few in return; he still moves the ball sweetly by his head; but he is the middle man of a line that has been varying and is not satisfying Weldon's forte is his shot, his surprise shot with either foot, is his best work, and he entranced the crowd by his trickery alongside the little stout heart Troup. On the other hand Forshaw was a failure until late on, when he got across some sound passes. Where Everton were sure and strong was at outside right. Irvine was a success; he offered a shot and a centre; he "hung" his centre; he did not indulge in too much finesse; he got the crowd's heart and voice and made one remember his experience at outside right in the first game of the season when he was dropped although he had no partner to offer him work. Another bright feature of Everton's game was the work of the half-backs.
HART'S HARD TASK.
Hart had a doubly hard task and came through at the finish with success; but all through Kelly and Virr revelled in their hard labour, Virr bringing in some forward movements that deserved a crown of success. If Everton could forget their position in the chart they would be a most pushful and attractive side –that was proved by exhibition in the second half. They have still to meet Aston Villa (at home) on Saturday, and yesterday's comforting victory, hard-earned, will doubtless encourage them to go on with the good work. There is nothing more to add except that Liddell was the best half-back on the field; Cringan and Leslie played a confident game and the last three men of the side bore the heat of the day as gamely and refreshingly as the younger members of the side, it is hard to imagine that Womack has been playing for twenty years. He is a credit to the game. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs, Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Womack, and Barton, backs, Liddell, Cringan, and Leslie, half-backs, Bond Crosbie, Bradford, Briggs, and Scriven forwards. Referee Mr. Warriss.

BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 37)
At Birmingham. Harris, Russell, and Firth scored for the home team, and Wilkinson for Everton. Birmingham opened well and scored two to Everton's one in the first half. Hardy played a fine game for the visitors and saved them from a heavier defeat. Everton did most of the attacking in the last stages, but Birmingham's defence was strong and held them in check.

EVERTON PROFIT FROM A “GIFT”
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 19 April 1927
EARLY PENALTY FOR HANDS UPSET BIRMINGHAM
BRADFORD INJURED
EVERTON 3 BIRMINGHAM 1
When a side is given a penalty kick for “hands” in six minutes and scores as did Dean for Everton against Birmingham at Goodison Park yesterday, the whole outlook of the defending side is altered.  Barton said he did not handle intentionally, but that the sun bothered his view, and he can easily have been saying the truth.  Everton certainly appreciated the “gift,” and when Troup scored another goal all seemed over bat shouting and shooting, except to those who know their nervous Everton.  Taylor made a further mistake in goal after his Bolton display, and Briggs scored. 
BRADFORD AND BRIGGS EXCEL
That started the game running in Birmingham’s favour, and right well did they play on top by reason of superior tactics and pushing the ball about freely, Bradford and Briggs being a real nuisance to the defence.  However, Bradford came by an injury to his back, and thereafter Birmingham were not coloured, even though it needed the fluke goal scored two minutes after the interval to give Everton any belief in themselves.  Birmingham had the more commanding pair of backs and goalkeeper, but O’Donnell gave a superb display in defence while at half-back Liddell played a gem of a game for Birmingham against  the liveliest little forward wing on the field-Troup and Weldon, each of whom has a good rocket shot and a fine idea of partnership.  Forshaw, however, could never master Barton, and Dean did much running about without getting the better of Cringan.  Dean’s best work was his employment of two or three defenders. 
THE DAY’S SURPRISE
The surprise of the day was the success of Irvine as an outside-right, whereas Bond and Scriven were not convincing, and the good work of Briggs and Crosbie went for nought.  It was bright football, and good football, but in the end there could be no debating which was the superior side.  Everton, indeed, got back to their normal state when two goals in front, and in the second half were well on top.  Whether that would have been the case if Bradford had not, in effect broken down, is hard to say.  Certainly, a defender of Cresswell’s class found himself bewildered by the speed and sure touch of the Birmingham forwards in the first half, in which Birmingham were distinctly superior. 

IRVINE DELIGHTS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
There was a distinct Irvine appeal yesterday at Goodison Park.  He played a bright and practical game, and the crowd was not slow to show its appreciation of the Irishman’s vogue in what is really a strange position.  Irvine started the season with an appearance at outside right, and at the ‘Spurs’ ground he got no few passes that he had to go inside to show the game.  Thus the first game was not a fair trial in the best sense of the word.  And I think I made this clear in my notes of August 28.  However, Irvine’s game yesterday has made the outside right position his for some time, if not all time.  The trouble with Everton is that a goal is a lead of mischief to them; a goal against and they feel the earth is swallowing them up.  Mercifully, Alex Troup got a couple, and with him and Weldon having a delightful; winging flight through the Midland side, Everton in the second half became the superior side. 
BIRMINGHAM IMPRESS
For a long stretch Birmingham were the better side, and the reason was not hard to discover; the Everton team worked in close formation; Birmingham drifted the full strong and true to the wings; it is indeed safe to assume that if Birmingham centre-forward, Bradford, had not damaged his back early in the second half Everton would have had to fight to hold their goal lead.  It was early in the second half that Troup scored his second goal of the day, and from that point Birmingham faded out.  One lost eight of Crosbie’s cuddling and control work; the key man had been damaged; instead of keying up the line he and Briggs mooned around and the whole line lacked the lustre of the first half.  Birmingham played so well as to be of great trouble to the home side, but in the second half Weldon produced a shot, Irvine went near and Dean was a continual source of worry to the backs and goalkeeper.  May be Dean did not drive home the advantage, but this much must be said; he offers passes and gets few in return; he still moves the ball sweetly by his head; but he is the middle man of a line that has been varying and is not satisfying.  Weldon’s forts is his shot, his surprising shot with either foot, is his best work, and he entranced the crowd by his trickery alongside the little stout-heart Troup.  On the other hand Forshaw was a failure until late on, when he got across some sound passes.  Hart had a doubly hard task and came through at the finish with success; but all through Kelly and Virr reveled in their hard labour, Virr bringing in some forward movements that deserved a crown of success.  There is nothing more to add, except that Liddell won the best half-back on the field; Cringan and Leslie played a confident game, and the last three men of the side bore the heat of the day as gamely and refreshingly as the younger members of the side.  It is hard to imagine that Womack has been playing for twenty years!  He is a credit to the game. 

HEARING EVERTON’S SIGH
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 April 1927
SHAREHOLDERS AND THREE “NOMINATIONS”
Bee’s Notes
“Now we know,” as a famous share holder once said after an Everton meeting! Leeds United lost at home, and with Albion drawing at Blackburn the worst is known, and Everton’s heavy sigh can be heard all round the country.  It has been a boring and bumping time, and one feels sorry for all concerned with the club, the management, the players, etc.  The new players must have felt a heavy load upon them, for when they turned out they had to remember that they had been signed for the purpose of helping the club out of distress.  Already we have heard of the movement to renew the board with new names, and, as stated yesterday, there are three prospective.  I am asked to say it is not correct to term them as three nominees.  They have not yet been adopted, says my information.  They may be adopted in due course, I take it, and as one name was given in error I think it wise to give the names afresh;-
Messrs, W.R. Clayton, R.J. Alexander, and James Wilson.  Whatever happens to the board, one thing is certainly they can rest content for a while.  I admit frankly that the position of Everton about December led me to suggest that the club was “there” already, and I did not think it possible they could escape the Second Division this season.  However, Leeds by a long-drawn-out succession of defeats and drawn games, and poor old Albion by a series of reverses, some of which are attributed to the referees’ mistakes, must go below.  They have our sympathies and Everton have our congratulations upon a further term in the section which has ever been their lot. 
The Everton team to meet Aston Villa is the same team as that which defeated Birmingham on Monday –namely , Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
The Everton reserves team to meet Derby County, at Derby, on Saturday, includes Reid as a left full back.  The team is Kendall; Raitt, Reid; Brown, Griffiths, Rooney, Millington, Dominy, Wilkinson, Kennedy, White. 

CHIC-AGO VIEWS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
From Mr. Jack Paterson, ex-Walton and now 39, South La Salle-street, Chicago, I get the following;-
Radio broadcasting stations in America have a habit of requesting their listeners to send in opinions regarding broadcasts.  I have just received the “Echo” containing your effort on the Everton-Leeds City game, and I feel compelled to let you know how it appealed to one so far away.  I do not hesitate to say that it was the most interesting account of a game I ever read, and far and away ahead of the usual “written-in-the-Press box” report.  It showed a real close following of the play, a complete grasp of the way the play was developing, and as I read it I could almost see the game myself.  Living, as I do in a country where practically all big athletic events are sent out over the air, I can honestly say that your stuff, as written, was the best I have come across for a long time.  We get all the baseball games, American football hockey, basket-ball, and horse races, automobile races, and prizefights, and on one occasion we had a Soccer game; but the gentleman who described the latter acted more like a spectator than one giving a description of the play.  I was only able to read what you said over the air, but I feel sure that had I been able to hear it I would have been even more delighted, and I am eagerly awaiting the next paper, to see if you are continuing along the same line.  As an old supporter of the Everton team, I am wondering how soon it will be possible to say they are safe from the Second Division threat.  They seem to be making a real effort, and I am very sure they will succeed.  The cry against transfer at high prices is all wrong, in my humble opinion.  The spectators pay the bills for all of the clubs; they are entitled to the best available; and if a team as constituted is not capable of producing the best, then go out and get those who can.  It’s the same in any business.  If your employees are not producing, get rid of them and hire others – even if you do have to pay for them! The Everton supporters is deserving of the best.  Let them have it at any cost.  With best wishes for you and your very fine work, and three cheers for the old Blues! 

THE LEAGUE CONCERNS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 22 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Newcastle have won the championship, but there are many things still left unsettled.  Though Everton are apparently safe they will take no chances to-morrow when they tackle the famous Villa side at Goodison Park.  The Villa and Everton sides have ever been renowned for their striking standard of play, win or lose, and the view of the famous Claret side with Billy Walker, Dr. Milne, and the ex-Huddersfield man, Cook, will be a big drawing card to the locals.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

"DIXIE" DEAN BEST MAN.
Tamworth Herald - Saturday 23 April 1927
 "Dixie" Dean, the club's centreforward, who added his brilliant record recently by scoring two goals for England in the Internationa] match against Scotland, made an appearance in his private character Mr W. Dean, of Bootle, the other day, when took the role of "best man" the wedding of a football colleague, Mr. David Bain, the Everton half-back. The bride was Miss Alice Thomas, of Sandhurst Street, Aigburth, and the wedding took place at the Wesleyan Chapel, Balliol Boad, Bootle. Remarkable scenes were witnessed outside church after the ceremony. The road was completely blocked by the spectators, the majority of whom were women, and the traffic was not only brought a standstill, but many of the vehicles were commandeered to serve grandstands for the onlookers. The bride and bridegroom escaped practically unscathed, but the "nest man." the popular hero, had fight his way through a barrage of confetti.

LATE EQUALISER
Sports Argus - Saturday 23 April 1927
VILLA IMPROVE AFTER SHAKY START AT GOODISON PARK
By “Crusader”
As far as Everton were concerned to-day’s game with Aston Villa was of vital importance, as they only required a couple of points to ensure that they should remain in the First Division.  It was Everton’s last home engagement, of the season and there was a big attendance to witness the contest, which took place in fine weather.  The decision of the Football Association Council to withdraw the permit of Dr. Milne caused a change in Villa’s team, and Talbot appeared at centre-half, Everton were at full strength.  Teams; Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Jackson; Bowen, Mort; Kingdon, Talbot, Moss; York, Stephenson, Cook, Walker, Dorrell.  Referee.- Mr. J.W.D Fowler, Sunderland.  There were nearly 40,000 people present when Villa kicked off against the wind.  The opening of the game was dramatic in the quickness of Everton’s success, Dean scoring in 13 seconds.  The ball was put to Irvine, who eluded a tackle by Moss and from the centre DEAN ran forward a little and scored with a fast low shot.  It was sensational and put the home team and the crowd on good terms with themselves.  Everton then raided again with confidence and during a period of heavy pressure a free kick was given against Kingdon.  From this the ball appeared to be going behind the goal when it curled in on the wind, struck the post, and rebounded into play, and was then scrambled away.  The Villa were unable for a time to get into their stride, and Everton were showing fine, all-round form.  One attack was rounded off by Kelly firing in a long-range drive, only to see Jackson clear.  Villa’s efforts to retaliate were clamped in comparison to the work of his home men, who made ground by long, sweeping passes to the wing men, whereas Villa kept their game close.  Cresswell twice checked Walker and Dorrell, who showed enterprise in their ball control, but the backs broke up their attacks, and from a powerful return Irvine ran down the line and again centred dangerous.  Mort, however, was prepared and foiled Dean.  A moment later Mort made another brilliant clearance and as Villa’s forwards went down in a line they were seen to more advantage, and there was improvement in their work in front of goal.  York finished off a sprint by lobbing the ball in front of Taylor, who fielded as Cook and Walker closed in upon him.  Talbot was noticeable for his defensive tactics, which he occasionally failed by neat passes, and he opened out the game when he put the ball across to York.  From the latter’s centre Walker tried hard to gain an opening, but failed to overcome the defence of Cresswell.  Villa gave promise of equalizing when a well-placed kick by Moss led to a scrimmage and as York centred Cook was in the act of making a first time shot when Cresswell took the ball from his toe.  Villa’s goal, however, had a narrow escape when the bar was struck from a free kick, and when the ball rebounded to Troup that player’s shot was saved by Jackson, who had shown good form.  Five minutes before the interval Villa got their reward when Cook glided the ball to York, who centred with craft and WALKER beat Taylor with a low drive. Half-time; Everton 1, Aston Villa 1.  Villa reopened the game with a series of first raids.  They now had the advantage of the strong wind and for several minutes they forced Everton to concentrate their efforts in defence.  The half-backs fell into the goalmouth to give assistance and often there was a solid line of men guarding the goal.  Relief was brought by a sudden breakaway on the part of Irvine and the game then became of a more open character.  Irvine darted through and finished a praiseworthy dribble with a fine shot which Jackson pulled from under the bar and upon it rebounding Weldon or Troup should have scored.  A moment later Jackson saved during a scrimmage which followed a free kick, and then Forshaw missed his kick when close in.  Everton were now making a big challenge for the winning goal, and as Villa’s attack was beaten by Stephenson falling out on the line owing to an injured knee, the home men gave promise of success.  Stephenson resumed at outside-right, to help Bowen break up a promising attack by Troup and Weldon.  Cook almost caught the home defence napping when he dribbled instead pf passing, but he was foiled in the last stride by O’Donnell, who stopped him at the expense of a fruitless corner.  Everton were unlucky when Irvine got through and centred and Weldon sent in a terrible shot which struck the bar.  This failure seemed to take the edge off Everton’s challenge, and Villa became predominant.  From a free kick the home goal had an equally narrow escape, as Kingdon also struck the bar.  After 75 minutes Everton gained the lead from a breakaway, when DEAN got through and, resisting a tackle by Bowen, beat Jackson with a low shot which stuck the far post and went into the net.  Everton’s lead however, was short lived for five minutes later Kingdon centred and WALKER headed into the net.  Result; Everton 2, Aston Villa 2. 

EVERTON V ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 April 1927
By Duval
DEAN SLIPS IN A GOAL WITHIN A MINUTE BEFORE VILLA TOUCH THE BALL
WALKER EQUALISES IN 40TH MINUTE
FIRST HALF SCORE AGAINST RUN OF THE GAME
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Jackson; Bowen, Mort; Kingdon, Talbot, Moss; York, Stephenson, Cook, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton had to win to-day to be clear of the relegation bogey- hence the interest taken in the visitors, Aston Villa. Prior to the start there was an excellent display of dancing by a juvenile troup of Scottish dancers who, under the auspices of the Robert Burns Club, were endeavouring to raise money to endow a cot at the Children’s Hospital. 
AM AMAZING GOAL
Everton won the toss and had the advantage of the wind, although they faced the sun.  In less than a minute the start Everton were a goal to the good.  Dean was the scorer, and not a Villa man touched the ball!  Irvine centred, and Dean, in the most deliberate fashion, scored with a brilliant shot. This was followed by a dash on the part of the Villa forwards, and Cook narrowly missed following Dean’s example.  Everton followed up in the most promising fashion, and Troup touched the woodwork from a free-kick, and when the ball came back to him, he was unable to have a second attempt without being penalized.  Kelly was prominent with a good effort, and thus early Everton seemed to be on top of their rivals.  After Cresswell had sliced the ball and Troup had failed to improve upon an excellent pass from Weldon, Talbot was penalized; and just as Forshaw was in the act of shooting, he was bundled off the ball without ceremony.  Talbot was a prominent worker on the Villa side, and he fell back to clear a header from dean that was intended for Weldon.  Still, Everton persisted, and the forwards were most clever and dangerous.  The Villa took a long time to settle down and their first real effort came when Walker sent out the ball to York, who, however was weak with his finishing.
THE BALL TOO FRISKY.
The light ball was not easy to control, as Hart found when he attempted to put Irvine in position.  He was yards too far with his pass.  The Villa forwards were by no means good, and the Everton defence had little difficulty in keeping them in check.  York and O’Donnell had several interesting ducks, in which the Everton man was generally successful. Taylor took a long run to intercept a pass intended for Cook after Irvine had ruined a couple of nice openings.  Shortly afterwards, however, Irvine got the ball across at a nice pace, and Weldon, who had been limping, finished the movement by shooting very high over the bar. A delightful bit of work between Forshaw, Dean, and Weldon might have produced a goal, but for the fact that Irvine was ruled offside.  Then came a sparkling run by York, who was the Villa’s best attacker, and this was followed by a really clever run by Cook, who, although hampered by Cresswell, lobbed the ball to goal, and was only inches too high.  Troup also gained a corner when Jackson turned the ball round the post from a brilliant shot.  Weldon and Dean had a capital understanding, and they indulged in several delightful movements that caused the Villa defence more than its usual amount of trouble.  Talbot continued to dominate the Villa half-back line, and he sent out some admirable passes to his own forwards, although they hardly made use of them.
A TIP FROM JACKSON
At any rate, Taylor had very little to do, while by comparison.  Jackson’s work was often difficult.  Hart sent a free kick against the crossbar and Jackson made a point-blank save when Troup took the rebound.  Jackson, however, made one of his best saves when he tipped the ball over the bar from a fine effort by Forshaw, but Dean caught to have given him no chance when he shot from a few yards distance. 
WALKER MAKES SCORE LEVEL
It was all against the run of the game when Walker equalized at the fortieth minute.  He got his opportunity when York centred the ball on the ground, and Walker drove it into the net.  Half-time; Everton 1, Aston Villa 1. 
VILLA DRAW LEVEL
WALKER’S EMULATION OF DEAN
TWO OPPOSING DOUBLES
It could not be said that Everton had made the best use of their chances and with the Villa improving after an indifferent start it looked as though Everton would have to fight for the point.  The Villa led off with a dash and the 35,000 spectators saw the Everton defenders stop Cook from becoming dangerous.  If there were not many thrilling incidents, the football was quite enjoyable. 
RAISING THEIR HOPES
Irvine raised Everton’s hopes when he dribbled cleverly and shot accurately, while Jackson, after partially saving a shot, was rather fortunate to escape defeat because both dean and Troup failed to gather the ball as it hovered about the Villa goal.  Then Talbot came to the rescue when he headed out a great shot.  Irvine was applauded for a capital run and centre, which Jackson pushed out, and two players who showed up prominently at this stage were Mort and Virr.  Virr was largely responsible for Cook failing to place the Villa ahead when the Villa centre broke through and hesitated just long enough to allow the Everton man to intervene successfully.  The Villa continued to show improvement, and with more steadiness in front of goal might easily have taken the lead.
ANYBODY’S GAME
Dorrell finished a run with a poor centre, and Weldon struck the crossbar with a terrific drive.  Weldon’s effort was cancelled out when Kingdon’s struck the Everton crossbar, and Cook was unable to utilize the rebound, while York had a shot charged down.  It was anybody’s game but it could not be overlooked that the Villa forwards had considerably improved and their work was delightful in point of skill, if it did not produce goals. 
DOUBLE FOR DEAN
Dean gave Everton the lead again at the 70th minute, and both in the making and finishing, it was Dean at his best.  He controlled the ball with great skill, and when he shot the ball travelled across the goal, struck the foot of the far upright, and rebounded into the net with Jackson helpless. 
WALKER ALSO DOUBLES
The Villa drew level at the eightieth minute, and again Walker was the scorer.  York headed the ball into the centre and Walker cleverly turned it into the net as Taylor made a vain effort to fist it out.  York and Stephenson changed places after Irvine had put in a hard shot, which Jackson did well to save at the second attempt.  Final; Everton 2, Aston Villa 2. 

DERBY COUNTY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 April 1927
WEAKENE EVERTON DEFENCE HOLDS IOTS OWN
Everton gave the better display for a time, but they were later handicapped by the loss of Reid, who was carried off the field injured.  Raitt also had to leave the field for attention, but the Derby attack made little impression on a weakened defence.  Neither goalkeeper had many dangerous shots to deal with and the game on the whole was lacking in thrills.  The home players wore black bands on their arm in memory of Harry Maskrey, the old international, whose death was reported this week.  Half-time; Derby County Res 0, Everton Res 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 April 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 2
April 25 TH 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON GAIN SAFETY.
LAST HOME MATCH DRAW.
Everton are out of the wood, thanks to their drawing 2-2 with Aston Villa and Leeds United failing at Tottenham. Everton have borne the brunt of much criticism from the season's beginning until Saturday, but they are to be congratulated on their successful efforts to remain in the First Division.
There was a slight chance of Everton being relegated before Saturday's game, but evidently followers of the side thought the match against Aston Villa worth while. It was an interesting match, even if the football was only as good as a variable surface and an awkward wind would allow. Moreover, it was sustained –the second half, if anything being better than the first. Everton deserved a point; Villa deserved a point; the only difference between the side being Everton's bad luck in shooting, they finding Jackson perfectly safe with all manner of shots despite the sunshine. The goalkeeper was not lucky –no luckier than Taylor, for both heard the ball crack against the woodwork.
TWO DOUBLES.
Dean (30 seconds), Walker (40 minutes), and a repetition of the scoring at the seventy fifth and eightieth minutes –that was the score sheet. Dean's first goal created surprise, for Cook, who kicked off, and Mort were the only Villa players who touched the ball. Walker's first was a typical Villa scored in a period when Villa played their usual football. They have rarely scored in the manner employed by Dean, and in their equalising point the ball was criss-crossed about the field with fine accuracy until Walker catching the ball on the half-turn finished off the movement with a fine shot. Hart crossed swords with walker on many occasions and although his passing often left much to be desired Hart fully balanced this defect by his general work, Kelly and Virr were as useful as Hart, this being Everton's best line. The forwards with two exceptions, Weldon (hurt) and Forshaw, were little less effective being a great improvement on the Bolton game. Behind was unsteadiness quite unexpected from men such as Taylor and Cresswell. O'Donnell has tempered down his play and ideas and a distinct improvement was noticeable. Dean was lucky to score a second gaol because Jackson evidently thought his badly kicked shot would screw outside. England's centre-forward had previously missed an easy chance.
ASTON VILLA.
After a shaky start Villa settled down to play a useful game in which they carried all their guns aft and none forward. The two light-haired defenders Bowen and Mort, tackled dean sternly, each making several brilliant and showry clearances in the danger zone. However, none could dent their valuable work or that of Talbot in Dr. Milne's position at centre half. Cook the former Huddersfield Town centre, who played his thirteenth game for Villa, was the best of the visiting attack, being clever in his dribbling. Support from the inside positions was not forthcoming, otherwise he would not have had a blank day –in unusual happening for this player, who his scored in all but three of his games for his new team. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor goal, Cressewell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), Virr, half-backs, Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Aston Villa: - Jackson, goal, Bowen, and Mort, backs, Kingston, and Talbot, half-backs, Moss, York, Stephenson, Cook, Walker, and Dorrett, forwards.

DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 25 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 38)
Everton had bad luck in the match at Derby losing the services of Reid for the greater part of the game, while injuries to Raitt and Rooney twice reduced their strength to nine. The game was poor and despite the visitors' handicap, Derby only just managed to win. Hanney scoring fifteen minutes after the interval. Kendall kept a fine goal for Everton. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt and Reid, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Millington, Dominy, Wilkinson Kennedy and White forwards.

SAFE AT LAST:
Athletic News - Monday 25 April 1927
EVERTON’S ANXIETY RELIEVED
EVERTON 2 ASTON VILLA 2
By Junius
THE closing game at Goodison Park produced football of very good quality, and brought a point, which relieved all anxiety with regard to their position. The start was sensational, for right from the kick-off Everton went away and scored.  Except Cook, who kicked off, not an Aston Villa player had touched the ball before it was in the net.  Dean pounced the ball and passed to Forshaw, who drove out to Irvine.  The wingman centred, and Dean, taking the ball his stride, drove it into the net. Some good defence was shown on both sides, but eventually Dorrell had Cresswell beaten for speed, and a passing bout between Cook and York led to Walker equalizing.  The finest goal of the game came after 30 minutes in the second half, when Troup sent Dean ahead to round Bowen and drive against the far post and into the net. The lead was only retained a few minutes, for Walker was on the spot to take advantage of a misunderstanding between Cresswell and Taylor, who had left his goal.  The result was an equitable one.  Everton in the first portion lacked incisiveness, but they played with assurance which has been absent from recent games. Dean, however, was most effectively cowered.  The men who saved the game for the Aston Villa were Bowen and Mort. Their positional play, especially that of the right back, was excellent, Cresswell was not as impressive usual, and honours in the Everton’s defence were carried off O’Donnell.  In half-back play Everton enjoyed just a slight advantage. Hart not only kept Cook well under control but sent out glorious drives to Irvine and Troup, and from these quarters many strong attacks were launched. The Everton captain was ably flank by Kelly and Virr, who placed splendidly to the men in front.  With Dean well shadowed Talbott, Irvine was the most conspicuous forward, His solo flashes along the wing were finished with centres which were always dangerous. Had Forshaw anticipated the Irishman’s return pass the Villa defence must have been in for a bad time, but the ex-Liverpool player was not at his best.  The Villa forwards, with Walker the great schemer, moved smoothly and seriously extended the home defence.  Everton.—Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup  Aston Villa—Jackson; Bowen, Mort; Kingdon, Talbott, Moss; York, Stephenson, Cook, Walker, and Dorrell.  Referee: J. W. D. Fowler, Sunderland.

STILL IN DIV 1
Liverpool Echo - Monday 25 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton remain in Division 1, for another season, at least, and although they are fortunate to be thus placed they must be congratulated on their evading the relegation bogey after having looked certain to fall from high estate for the first time.  They have suffered the brunt of everyone’s criticism, and while their present position is due mainly to Leeds United’s ill-luck there is no doubt that our relegation representative have pulled together wonderfully.  On Saturday, Aston Villa; 22 pounds bonus money; and Everton’s natural inducement to play hard in view of a million to one chance saving Leeds, were responsible for Goodison’s large attendance being well interested by what must be considered a good game in view of the variable ground and an awkward wind.  Everton were strong at half-back, weak behind, and, apart from Weldon and Forshaw, moderately good at forward.  Dean and Walker each scored two goals, the first of both being as well worked as one could wish to see.  Dean’s was after 30 seconds, and the only Villa player to touch the ball were Cook, who kicked-off, and Mort, who later with Bowen made two showy, yet worth-while clearances in the danger zone.  Irvine and Troup were the best forwards, Dean spoiling a fairly good display by missing a fin chance at a vital point.    Villa light of other days will not last them much longer.  Walker was inclined to over dribble, Dorrell and York never found their right form, and only Cook was forceful.  Talbot was a fine half-back –all “wings and legs,” but capable of holding Dean. 

DICKIE OF POOLE SIGNED.
April 27 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Dickie a player who gave a fine exposition of half-back play for the Poole team against Everton, in the first round of the FA cup at Goodison Park, in January has been signed by Everton. I am particularly pleased that this half-back has joined the Goodison club for the he appended to me as a player who understood exactly what was require of a wing player of the middle line. A Fairhaired, stockily built exponent who weight at 12 stone and stands 5ft 9 and half inches. He tackled cleanly and always made use of the ball to the advantage of his forwards it will be recalled that drew, the goalkeeper and Dickie were the outstanding players of the Poole team that day and Everton at once made inquires about Dickie and they never lost sight of that possibility of securing his services, but it was not until yesterday, that he was signed. A native of Glasgow. He was a couple of season with Poole and in style as a typical Scottish, footballer he is young and should prove useful next season.

EVERTON LAST MATCH.
The Everton team to meet Cardiff City, at Cardiff in the Goodison Park Club's last League match of the season will be Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly Hart, Virr, Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.

EVERTON’S NEW PLAYER
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 27 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
Dickie, a player who gave a fine exposition of half-back play for the Poole team against Everton, in the first round of the F.A. Cup, at Goodison Park, in January, has been signed by Everton, I am particularly pleased that this half-back has joined the Goodison Park club, for he appealed to me as a player who understood exactly what was required of a wing half of the middle line.  A fair-haired, stockily-built exponent, who weighs about 12st and stands 5ft 9 ½ ins, he tackled cleanly and always made use of the ball to the advantage of his forwards.  It will be recalled that Drew, the goalkeeper and Dickie were the out-standing players of the Poole team that day, and Everton at once made inquiries about Dickie, and they never lost sight of the possibility of securing his services, but it was not until yesterday that he was signed.  As native of Glasgow he has had a couple of seasons with Poole and in style is a typical Scottish footballer.  He is young and should prove useful next season.  The “Daily Post” had this comment of the Cup-tie in January;-
Poole’s best men were Drew, the keeper, and the left half-back, Dickie.  As a fact Dickie was one of the best middle man on the field.  He kicked well, kept his wing so well supplied, that it was the better of the Poole wings.  The “Football Echo” of January said “A goal was evidently the tonic Poole required and they were more dangerous at this point than any other stage during the game.  Dickie, the Poole left-back was one of the best men on the field.  He was a deadly tackler, while his constructional ideas were clue. 
The Everton team to meet Cardiff City at Cardiff in the Goodison Club’s last League match of the season will be Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
April 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 39)
Both Liverpool and Everton introduced some new players into their Reserves sides, which met at Goodison Park last evening, and this blending was quite a success. In fact one could pick out one or two of the new men who showed distinct promise. Dickie, Everton's latest acquisition from Poole, created a source of interest. The game ended in solid victory for Everton, who defeated their rivals by 3 goals to 1. The way Liverpool opened, however, suggested that they would enjoy a victory, for within twelve minutes Walsh scored a capital goal, as he had to lob the ball over Hardy;s head to place it into the net. Within a minute White the Everton centre forward, equalised. His shot had tremendous pace behind it and Riley had not the faintest chance of stopping the ball. From that point onwards it was a ding-dong game each goal being visited without, however, any further goals being scored up to the interval. Hardy had a slice of luck when he found a ball, headed by Scott, bump on to his legs and bounded into safety.
EVERTON TAKE COMMAND.
In the second half Everton took command of the proceedings, and White scored a second goal. To most people it was offside but the referee waved him on, and he carried the ball forward before placing it beyond Riley. Then one of the younger school in Easton added a third and good goal, and there the scoring ended. Dickie played a quite a sound game, while Griffiths continue to improve with each game, and Lewis did many smart things on the Everton left wing. Liverpool were well served in defence and McMullan was the best of the half backs, with Shone the shinning light in the attack, but one could not miss some, intricate movements by Jones at inside right.

EVERTON MEETING AND SOME POINTERS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 28 April 1927
Bee’s Notes
The meeting of the Everton shareholders was hardly a success from the point of view of numbers, because when the meeting was timed to start there were but twenty people present.  The meeting was put back by Mr. Chairman Wright, so that those who desired could come from the reserve team meeting to the town meeting.  There was a suggestion that the club had fixed the evening match with Liverpool Reserve for the purpose of hindering the shareholders’ meeting; a little inquiry would have saved this suggestion being thrown out, because the minute of the meeting of Everton board show that this fixture was fixed as far back as February 25, and, as anyone knows, matches in the period of the Summer-time.  Act in April always bear an evening kick-off, so that the idea of the club fixing a late kick-off for a purpose other than the real main purpose is unfair to the official.  It is this sort of argument, without inquiry, that makes one rather tired of criticism of football.  The method of getting to know the facts is so easy that there is no excuse for making the slur without first making the inquiry.  As forecast in this broadcast; the three names put up by the shareholders were Messrs W.R. Clayton, R.J. Alexander, and James Wilson.  The meeting eventually resolved itself into a committee, for the purpose of working hard to gain directorship for the new names. 
THREE VOUCHERS
Mr. Wright said Mr. Alexander was independent and had football knowledge, he could look after local talent.  Mr. Clayton would be an acquisition.  He was glad Mr. Clayton was joining them as no one had worked harder than he, an although he (the chairman) did not see eye-to-eye with him that made no difference to their friendship.  Mr. Wilson was not so well known, but he vouched for him as a keen and capable business man; so that they would have a man who knows about players, a man who knows about football, and, finally, a business man with youth on his side.  The club would no doubt say they had bad luck, but business men would have stopped the rot early in the season when they saw how things were going.  Mr. Petty and Mr. Alexander also spoke, the latter stating that he could pick a local amateur side to beat Everton.  Mr. Wilson said the Everton board had bene exploited when they went for players late in the day.  Mr. Clayton said he was not anxious to be on the board, but he had spent thirty-two years with the club, and it grieved him to see them in such a position year after year.  They had spent 80,000 pound in six years of transfer.  Mr. Clayton asked how long were they going to blunder on.  The whole of the board should be removed.  Mr. Jones moved the adoption of the three names, and Mr. Storey, seconding, said Mr. Clayton had trodden on their corns, but that night he had advised them wisely, and he should have he in seconding the nomination. 

CANDIDATES FOR EVERTON BOARD.
April 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
NOMINATIONS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Last night the third meeting of the Everton shareholders called to consider the position of the club and future outlook gathered at the Law Association rooms, Cook-street, under the chairmanship of Mr. Charles Wright. The attendance was small –under twenty five –when the meeting started, half an hour late, the chairman mentioning that this was probably due to the game between Everton Reserves and Liverpool Reserves. The names of the three prospective candidates are: - Messrs W.R. Clayton, R.J. Alexander and James Wilson. Mr. Wright said Mr. Alexander was independent and had football knowledge; he could look after local talent. Mr. Clayton would be an acquisition. He was glad Mr. Clayton was joining them as no one had worked harder than he, and although he (the Chairman) did not see eye-to-eye with him that made no difference to their friendship. Mr. Wilson was not so well known, but he vouched for him as a keen and capable business man; so that they would have a man who knows about players, a man who knows about football, and finally a business man with youth on his side. The club would no doubt say they had had bad luck, but businessmen would have stopped the rot early in the season, when they saw how things were going. Mr. Petty and Mr. Alexander also spoke, the latter stating that he could pick a local amateur side to beat Everton. Mr. Wilson said the Everton board had been exploited when they went for players late in the day.
MR. CLAYTON'S VIEWS.
Mr. Clayton said he was not anxious to be on board, but he had spent thirty-two years with club, and it grieved him to see then in such a position year after years. They had spent £80,000 in six years on transfers. Mr. Clayton asked how long were they going to blunder on. The whole of the board should be removed. Mr. Jones moved the adoption of the three names, and Mr. Storey, acconding, said Mr. Clayton had trodden on their corns, but that night he had advised them wisely, and he should have pleasure in seconding the nomination. The meeting then sat in private to consider ways and means of canvassing for proxies votes, and support.
ACCIDENT TO FAMOUS OLD ARBROATH FOOTBALLER.
Arbroath Herald and Advertiser for the Montrose Burghs - Friday 29 April 1927
Billy Stewart, an Arbroath footballer who made a name with Preston North End, Everton, and Southampton as a left half, has received a serious accident while engaged work at Liverpool docks unloading a vessel.  He fell down the hold a considerable distance and was badly smashed about the face and body.   Billy played for Arbroath Strathmore, and Savant in next Friday’s Herald will deal more fully with this player’s career.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 29 April 1927
Everton are walking the Penarth plank to-day.  To-morrow they join in their Cardiff celebration, and a great day is expected at Ninian Park, where the enthusiasm of the week reaches it culminating point, Everton being the last home match.  I would like to see the scenes, but have to give railway trains the go-by for the time being.  Everton are desperately anxious to wind up the season with a victory away from home, and now the bogey man has been laid by the heels, the eleven will doubtless give a care-free exhibition of skill and make the Welsh go all the way to make a draw.  In view of Cardiff’s win at Birmingham, Everton need not expect a Cup-tired team as opponents.  The Welsh team will want to make good before those who have honored them this week.  These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharsen; Nelson, Watson; Keenor, Sloan, Hardy; Curtis, Irving, Ferguson, Davies, McLachlan. 
A SHAREHOLDER’S VIEW
“Another B,” writes; I am an old shareholders of the Everton Club, and have regretted the want of foresight and judgement of the board as at present constituted and feel that some change is necessary; I have read this morning’s account of the diminutive meeting of shareholders, with its names of nominations for election.  Mr. Clayton I know the other two candidates, Messrs, Wilson, and Alexander, are unknown to me, but if Mr. Alexander’s comment that he could pick a team of amateurs in Liverpool that would beat the team he aspires to manage is an indication of his ability and discretion, then he is not a man for the board. 
MEMORIES OF A “LEMON DROP”
“Chiming Bells,” writes-
When Mr. John Fare states that Jack Robinson never played in a League match for New Brighton Tower F.C, I have nothing more to say, because I am aware, of course, that he was manager, and that his dictum is final.  I have to thank Mr. Fare for his correction, and also for refreshing my memory respecting the other members of the team whom I had forgotten viz., Dewar, McElevey, Henderson, and Becton.  I am sorry that my memory was at fault, and I must find myself a plug of tobacco, which I hope will put me right with Mr. Fare, as he cannot be discontented with the reek of a pipe of “Cornucopia” expanding his nostrils.  The gentleman who states that Jackie Robertson played for the Tower is of course, all at sea; his only first-class clubs were Everton, Southampton, Glasgow Rangers and Chelsea. 
  On Good Friday, 1897 –just thirty years ago- Everton played Derby County at Goodison Park.  On the previous Saturday Everton had been beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa in the Cup final –the finest final ever played, and incidentally, the only occasion on which the losers have scored twice.  The Everton side was a winder team;- Menham; Meehan, Storrier; Boyle, Holt, Stewart; Taylor, Bell, Hartley, Chadwick, and Milward.  At that time there was an elderly lady who had the privilege of perambulating the ground, inside the barrier, selling lemon drops.  The popular Jack Robinson was a favourite with her, as with everybody else, as so, as Jack took up position in the Stanley Park goal after half-time, being behind the net, she smilingly held up a packet of lemon drops for the acceptance.  With characteristic courtesy, Robinson went behind the goal, raised his cap, and exchanged a handshake.  At the moment the ball was kicked off, Bell took the initial pass, and in a flash was on the goalline, and Adam Hartley turned it into the empty goal- all before Robinson could get back to his post.  It must have been about the quickest goal on record- I should think about seven seconds; and being behind the goal, I could see the rueful look on Robinson’s face as he picked the ball from the net.  The captain of Derby County was Archie Goodall, and, although I could not hear what he said to Robinson, from his expression I could guess it. 

CARDIFF CITY V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 April 1927
KEENOR GIVES A SLOW-MOTION PICTURE BEFORE SCORING
-THIRLAWAY CHOOSES THE WRONG ACTION
CUP WINNERS AHEAD AT THE INTERVAL
By Stork
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Irvine, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharson; Nelson, Watson; Blackburn, Sloan, Hardy; Thirlaway, Matson, Keenor, Curtis, McLachton.  Referee; Mr. E. Pinchston, of Birmingham.  Everton, free from any worries concerning their stay in the senior division, were able to enter their contest with the Cup winners, Cardiff City, with a comfortable fouling.  The team had spent a quick, yet enjoyable few days at Penarth, and each men wore a bronzed look.  There was an early morning doubt about Weldon, who had been troubled with a bad ankle, but it yielded to treatment, and he took his usual position.  Cardiff, who have had a busy week, made some alterations, and a curious one in placing Keenor at centre-forward in place of Ferguson, who is on the injured list.  Irving was another absentee, and Matson took his place, while Blackburn, the old Villa half-back, came into the side. 
A NATIVE DANCE
Considering that Cardiff were the Cup winners, it was surprising to see such a small attendance.  If Everton had won the trophy what be crowd would be at Goodison Park, but Ninian Park is not the arena by a long way.  A little girl, the Wembley mascot, dressed in native costume, danced to the band.  Everton played in white Jersey.  It was a glorious day, although there was a wind which, with the dry ground, would test the ability of all.  The appearance of the Cup, which was carried round the ground, was the occasion for cheers.  Everton faced the sun, and after Cardiff’s right wing had made an attack, which O’Donnell checked, Everton through Weldon and Troup dealt a blow at Cardiff’s goal which might easily have brought a sensational goal.  Forshaw made a drive of great power, and Farquharson, with his left hand outstretched, turned the shot out of his goal. 
SLOW-MOTION GOAL.
Cardiff then took a hand in the affairs of the day, and when Keenor was given a pass from his left wing he took so long in getting the ball down to his liking that it resembled a slow-motion picture.  Ultimately, after what seemed an age, Keenor settled the ball and with his left foot drove it to Taylor’s left side, and although Taylor nipped across his goal, his chance of affecting a save was marred by a slip.  This happened at the seventh minute and was greeted with great applause.  Everton retaliated, and a centre from Troup right under the crossbar was cleverly parried by Farquharson, despite the fact that there were several Evertonians eager and willing to do the needful if the goalkeeper faltered.  Troup and Weldon had participated in many well-defined movements and when Troup neatly pushed the ball along the turf to enable his partner to take a first time drive, Weldon was unfortunate to find the ball bounce up against Nelson’s leg, and so Farquharson was not called in to assist.
CUTE SON OF ERIN.
Irvine’s footwork was greatly admired, particularly when he got the better of that great little half-back, Hardy, and of Nelson, who both made attempts to dispossess the Irishman.  Thirlaway had one of the greatest chances of the day thus far, when he accounted for O’Donnell, and then went close in to goal, but preferred an inward pass, which was not taken up, instead of a shot.  Everton’s football had been thoroughly enjoyable; in fact, with scheming and the working of the ball they were superior to their opponents, who favoured the wide, swinging pass to the wing. O’Donnell appeared to wrench his knee when he tackled Keenor as the latter was about to crash through to goal.  He was not long off the field.  Nelson cleverly stopped Dean when he was about to take up a forward pass and dash for goal. 
THE REFEREE UNSIGHTED
Nelson, however, could not prevent Dean from making a perfect header to Weldon, whose shot grazed the outside edge of the crossbar.  I doubt if Farquharson would have stopped the shot.  McLachlan missed an excellent chance, sending wide from close range, and when Cardiff made another set at Taylor Keenor knocked the ball up with his hand and not his head- a fact that was only seen by a few and the referee was not in that number.  Thirlaway was always a dangerous winger, and he lobbed a ball on to the top side of the crossbar, but if it had fallen short Taylor was wide awake and ready for the emergency.  Sloan swung a ball over the bar, and at this period Cardiff were distinctly dangerous, and Watson had a shot deflected; following which Sloan rammed another shot over the bar.  Dean rarely found a loophole in the Watson-Nelson defence, but when he did he offered up another perfect opportunity to Weldon, who, however, had not tumbled to dean’s idea.  Cardiff’s football improved.  They employed a similar method to that of Everton, and one could not lose sight of Hardy and his wise passes.  Weldon placed the ball over the bar when given an ideal opening, and the best shot of the game came from Watson, who gave Taylor a terrible drive to dispose of.  Half-time; Cardiff City 1, Everton nil. 
EVERTON FAIL AWAY
ONLOOKERS TREMULOUS OVER DEAN
BAD FINISHING TOUCHES
Cardiff resumed as if they did not consider one goal sufficient, and Taylor had to be very sure in dealing with a shot from Watson.  This had an effect upon Everton, and when Forshaw glanced the ball out to Irvine the latter hit a fierce ball that flashed on the wrong side of the woodwork. 
IRVINE SHAVES THE BAR
A moment later Irvine shaved the top side of the crossbar, and then we saw Cresswell in the unusual role of prospective scorer.  He defeated several defenders on route to goal, only to fail at the last moment.  This, however, made an opening for Weldon, who was right off the mark with his shot.  A misunderstanding between Cresswell and Hart opened out a way for Curtis, and this player was only too willing to accept the offering.  Taylor having to tip over a really capital effort.  Dean, if I remember rightly, had not had one solitary shot at the Cardiff goal, but the spectators were not at all at their ease when he was in possession. A Cresswell clearance went to Irvine by design, and after the winger had beaten Watson he centred.  Dean used one of his older tricks, that of letting the ball go past him and out to either Weldon or Troup, but neither could oblige with an erect shot.  Nelson was playing a strong game, and Dean found him a tough opponent, while Irvine would not like a Hardy against him every week.  Everton’s chief fault had been bad finishing, and when Dean and Weldon changed places, and the latter sent through, his shot lacked power. 
AJUVENILE INTRUSION.
Irvine made an overhead kick that nearly put the cat among the pigeons.  It was its unexpectedness that surprised and when Farquharson and Dean went for the ball the ‘keeper gave a corner and nearly a goal.  A little boy created an awkward position when he ran on to the field, and stopped the ball from going out of play, Weldon was not far out with a good effort.  Blackburn saved a certainly when he flung himself in front of the ball just as Dean was about to shoot from six yards range.  Final; Cardiff City 1, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V. SHEFF. UTD RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 April 1927
UNITED’S ASPIRATIONS RECEIVE A SHOCK
The visit of the prospective champions attracted a bigger crowd than usual to Goodison Park this afternoon, and they saw Everton in one of their most determined moods, and playing delightful football.  The defence was rock steady, and excelled in a tremendous amount of work- for the United are a fast-moving side.  Everton’s middle line, with Griffiths the spoiling chief, never permitted the Sheffielders to settle down.  Everton’s goals at the thirteenth minute, scored by White, and Wilkinson’s at the sixteenth, were points deserved, whilst the United’s nearest was when Partridge made hardy tip over a difficult shot.  Dickie had impression with a lot of good work, and collectively Everton had played well enough to deserve a two-goals lead at the interval.  The second half opened with Millington giving the home forwards a great opportunity, but this was not accepted, and then Shankly made hardy make a very good save. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 April 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

OLD BOYS SHIELD
The directors of the Everton Football Club have kindly given the use of their ground for the Junior and Senior final ties in the above competition and the games will be played on Friday, May 6th the kick-off in the first game being at 4.45. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1927