Everton Independent Research Data

 

SUNDERLAND 0 EVERTON 2
April 2 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON'S FIRST WIN FOR NEARLY THREE MONTHS
ATTACK MINUS DEAN AND WITH THREE RESERVES SURPRISE SUNDERLAND
GOAL BY VIRR AND EASTON BRING UNEXPECTED VICTORY AT ROKER PARK
DAVIES, CRESSWELL AND O'DONNELL PROMINENT.
Everton won their first match since January 7 at Sunderland. Their victory was all the more remarkable seeing that dean, their record goal scorer, was engaged in the International match. Everton relied on three reserves inside forwards, and they gave a good account of themselves –up to a point. It was a hard and fast game, and Everton were full value for their victory. The early part was in favour of Sunderland. The Sunderland forwards worked hard, and played with great dash in midfield. Cresswell, still a favourite at Sunderland, was always a thorn in their side, and O'Donnell was equally effective with his more rebust methods of tackling, and sure, strong kicking. Despite the good work of the Everton backs, the Sunderland forwards had a number of chances of scoring, but these were frittered away by futile passing in front of goal. After the first 20 minutes Everton gradually assumed the upper hand, and in the second half the surprising thing was they did not score more than two goals. The first was obtained in the first few minutes of the second half. From a corner kick, well placed by Troup, Virr, who was standing almost on the goal-line, headed the ball through the goal. From then onwards Everton monopolished the attack, most of the raids being made by Critchley.
BAD LUCK.
Many chances were missed, but more than once they were unlucky. When one of the home backs handled from a shot from Bain, most referees would have awarded a penalty kick. Everton's second goal came four minutes from the end, after Parker, the Sunderland centre-half , had been carried off the field with a damaged ankle. From a lobbed pass from Martin, Easton dashed in and placed into the net. It was certainly Everton's best display for some weeks past. The chief honours went to the defence. Davies was reliable in goal, making a number of difficult saves. Cresswell gave one of his best display, and O'Donnell was also most reliable. The Everton intermediate line preformed better than in any previous game this year. Critchley at outside right was more prominent than for some weeks past, and Troup was also given more work to do than in recent games. The inside men preformed creditably. Bain proved a dashing leader, although he fell far short of Dean in accepting chances in front of goal. Martin and Easton showed up well in ball control and passing. Their one weakness was lack of penetrative skill. Sunderland were strong in defence. Teams: - Sunderland: - McInroy, goal, Murray and Thompson, backs, Clunas, Parker, and Whelan, half-backs, Wilks, Gurney, Halliday, Wood, Hargreaves, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, Bain, Martin, and Troup, forwards.

SUNDERLAND DOWN
Newcastle Journal - Monday 02 April 1928
HALVES AND FORWARDS OUT OF TOUCH
SUNDERLAND 0 EVERTON 2
Sunderland gave another disappointing home display against Everton at Roker Park on Saturday.  No excuse except poor play can be advanced for the two goals defeat inflicted by a team which lacked its famous leader, Dean, and which Sunderland had beaten handsomely at Everton earlier in the season, when Everton were at the top of their form.  For the first 20 minutes or so, as on Wednesday against the Spurs, Sunderland played quite good football, but again Halliday had no luck, his best shot striking the upright. 
A BEAEN SIDE
After that Everton more and more took command of the game, and an early goal in the second half by Virr, who headed in a corner kick taken by Troup, virtually settled the issue, for apart from one fine shot from Halliday, which struck the crossbar, Sunderland never looked like scoring, so scrappily did the play.  They had the misfortunate to lose Parker, injured some ten minutes before the end, but this had no bearing on the result, since Sunderland were obviously a beaten side long before that, and Everton’s second goal, five minutes before the end, simply set the seal on a comfortable victory.  Easton scored this point at close range, after receiving from Troup.  If Halliday did have hard luck with his two best shots, Everton had a grievance in being denied a penalty in the first half for hands by Murray.
MISERABLY WEAK FINISHING
Apart from the defence, Sunderland were a feeble lot.  McInroy made many fine saves, and Murray and Thompson were a grand pair of backs, but in front of them the halves and forwards lacked all cohesion after the opening minutes.  Clunas was the best of three weak halves.  Parker had little grip on the game, and Whelan was often left behind by Critchley, Everton’s right winger.  The forward work was for the most part very inept.  There were not so many easy chances missed as in Wednesday’s game, but the finishing was miserably weak against a clever defence, in which Cresswell showed all his old-time coolness and skill to the discomfiture of his former Wearside colleagues.  Wood and Gurney, as inside men, were of small service to Halliday.  Wilks was given too little to do, and Hargreaves was no match for Cresswell.  But all the forwards, and halves, too, hung on to the ball too long and kept it too close to bring about any goal scoring. 

EVERTON’S VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 02 April 1928
Once upon a time Sunderland had a team known as “the team of all the talents” but nowadays there is little talent in the side, and it is a long time since I saw a side so inept in its general field play and in the matter of scoring goals.  Such was the frailty of Sunderland’s attack that Davies, the Everton goalkeeper, had nothing more to do than stop stray shots from entering his net; in fact, Davies, could have stayed in his dressing-room and still Everton would have won, for only in two instances did Sunderland ever look like scoring.  After witnessing Halliday’s brilliant display at Anfield-road a few weeks ago it amazed me to see this player behaving like a raw novice.  He had no shot, no brilliant runs, and no subtle scheme to beat the opposing defence.  True, he was only one of five inept forwards, but one expects something better from a leader of the calibre of Halliday.  He over-dribbled, put passes wide of their intended mark, and was always trying to work the ball from his right foot to his left, what time the Everton defenders bobbed up and took possession of the ball.  This did not happen once but a score of times, and the longer he played the less chance there appeared of his finding a hole in the Everton defence, which defence was always able to cut short any advance the Sunderland forwards elected to make.  Wood and Gurney were not good partners to Halliday; and this, no doubt, was one of the reasons why the last named kept the ball to himself instead of offering a chance to his colleagues. 
HELPING OTHERS
Halliday must be tired of working for others who cannot help themselves when the opportunity arises.  Halliday is not a Dean.  He must be fed, for he will not go seeking the ball, and neither Woods nor Gurney was a feeder; while the wing men, Wilks and Hargreaves, were so rarely out of the hands of Cresswell and O’Donnell, respectively, that they could not help their leader.  The only section of the team to come out of the game with any honour was the defence, in which Murray and Thomson were very sound and sure; while McInroy, although prone to delay his clearances, and also “play to the gallery,” was quite safe in goal.  This criticism may seem to take some of the credit of victory from Everton, but if you asked any one of the Everton players he would readily agree that Sunderland were a poor side and weak opponents, if exception is made of the last two lines of defece.  Here and here alone, were Sunderland anything like the equal of the victors; but on their display I should say that Cresswell and O’Donnell were easily the better full backs, for they made better use of the ball when making their clearances.  I have never seen the Everton pair play better together.  They completely blotted out the Sunderland front line, along with the help of their half-backs; and so sure were they that they could master Halliday and his colleagues that O’Donnell came up and became a sixth forward- and that when his side was only leading by an odd goal!  This was “check,” but it goes to prove in what light they held their opponents.  Davies, of course had a P.S.A., but he had a bit of good fortune when Halliday hit the crossbar, and Wood the base of the upright. 
IMPROVED HALF BACKS.
Kelly and Virr were in grim mood, and were better than for many a week, Kelly especially showing a glimpse of the form he showed when he first joined the Everton staff.  He pushed the ball through to Critchley and Easton, who became a wing to be feared.  Critchly always had the beating of Whelan, a young Scotch half-back, who had not the remotest idea of what methods to adopt to stop the speedy winger.  Rarely did he take a ball away from Critchley, whose chief stumbling-block was Thomson.  Easton paired off with him nicely, and also had a useful understanding with Bain, who was buffered about but never squirmed, and was always ready to have another tilt at Sunderland’s goal.  Bain had no luck with his shooting, but he “spread” the ball nicely; while Martin did a lot of fetching and carrying for his partners, Troup and Bain.  The former Hull player had one great shot stopped by Parker’s hand, but the referee said he offence was purely accidental, so Martin was probably robbed of a goal.  What I liked about the Everton front line was its wisdom to tap several sources.  It was not “all up the middle:’ the methods were varied, and a little more of this, with Dean in the side, would be highly successful.  Virr and Easton were the successful marksmen.  Football in Sunderland has fallen flat.  It is not to be wondered at when it is realized that the fare shown by Sunderland is very mediocre.  The football follower wants his “bob’s” worth.  If Saturday’s game is a sample of Sunderland’s form the small attendance will continue until there is an improvement. 

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 2 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 34)
Jones, the former Bournemouth inside-right, made a great impression on his debut at Goodison Park. Although on the small side he is of sturdy build and is a constructive forward with a capital shot. The remaining forwards were but mediocre, otherwise the game would have ended differently. Armfield scored for Villa in the first minute through laxity on the part of the Everton defence, Hardy making little effort to cope with the shot. Wilkinson equalised, but Tully restored the lead, which was later increased by Armfield. Everton did a good deal of pressing, but with little result until Jones scored a fine goal . Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Baker, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Jones, French, Houghton and Wilkinson, forwards .

GLOOM AT ROKER
Athletic News - Monday 02 April 1928
Sunderland 0 Everton 2
Only about 15,000 spectators witnessed the Wearsiders' humiliation, and even the score barely emphasizes the superiority of the victors.  Certainly Everton did not have matters all their own way, for the opening half was fairly even with the marked difference that Everton were by far the more dangerous side in front of goal.  Three minutes after the resumption, Troup placed a corner splendidly, and as the ball came across, Virr deftly directed it into the net with his head.  This success gave the visitors additional confidence, which bore fruit in a display that was anything pleasant for Sunderland folk to look at, although they were sports enough to recognize it.  Sunderland struggled gallantly enough, but fought as a side apparently without hope, and certainly with little idea of combination or accuracy in placing. 
Escapes For Everton
Once in each half they had hard lines -when Wood struck the post and Halliday did the same.  On each occasion the ball rebounded into play and was cleared by an Everton defender.  Near the end Parker had to be carried off with a damaged ankle, and five minutes before the final whistle sounded Easton safely steered a pass from the left wing into the goal.  In all departments the visitors cut a creditable figure, and as on several previous occasions proved their ability to carry points away from Roker.  Davies was a sound reliable goalkeeper, clearing promptly and cleverly.  Cresswell was as cool and clever as ever, and had a fine partner in O'Donnell.  The home defence, too, was quite good, and only yielded to a superior attacking force.  McInroy fielded splendidly on many occasions and Thomson was a most effective back.  At half-back Everton had the pull.  The line played soundly, effectively with hart perhaps the best.  Whelan was the pick of the home trio for tackling, for none of the three impressed when it came to placing and they were rarely able to effect an understanding with the vanguard.  The visiting front rank was ably led in Bain, the most dangerous forward on the field.  Crithcley also stood out prominently for ball control, speed and good centring.  Troup was also a good wingman, while Easton and Martin did some useful purveying.  The Sunderland front rank rarely got going.  They certainly displayed plenty of energy, but more than that is needed to win matches, and with a heavy programme before them their position is by no means so secure as their supporters would like.  Wilks was the pick of a moderate quintette, and Hargreaves also worked to some purpose on the opposite wing, but Halliday received no support, and his immediate colleagues, Gurney and Wood did not help much in the way of combination.  Sunderland; McInroy; Murray, Thomson; Clunas, Parker, Whelan; Wilks, Gurney, Halliday, Wood and Hargreaves.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Crithcley, Easton, Bains, Martin, and Troup.  Referee A.H. Kingscott, Long Eaton. 

DEAN ANOTHER CAP
April 2 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
ENGLAND 1 SCOTLAND 5
Dean played for England against Scotland at Wembley, losing by five goals to one, Scotland now have won 23 games, games, England 15, and 14 have been drawn, England have the wooden crown, losing all three games in home international. Jimmy Dunn, the inside forward, was irresistible.

EYES RIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 03 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
“Clubmoor” writes;  After the Everton v. Portsmouth match there was a great out-cry about the smallness of the Everton forwards, and the usual talk about a good “big ‘un” being infinitely preferable to a good “wee yin” and it never seemed to be considered that a footballer, no matter how clever he may be, cannot possibly work miracles with a ball ten feet in the air.  If the detractors of small men had been at Wembley, on Saturday, their eyes would have been opened, for a more dazzling display of the ball control than that given by the midget Scottish forwards I have not seen in a twenty-five years’ football experience.  And this was made possible by the fact that Gibson, Bradshaw, and McMullan kept the ball on the floor-where it ought to be –and were always in a position for a back pass.  As a Londoner said to me; “Football made easy.”  All the excuses in the world do not alter the fact that England were hopelessly outclassed, Scotland being superior in every position except goal.  You speak highly of Kelly’s display; but I thought his dribbling purposeless and confusing to the rest of his side; in addition, he took ten yards to perform what James did in one.  Smith was useless, Wilson ditto, and Goodall simply dirty.  Jackson was worth all the other Huddersfield players put together.  It is asking for trouble to critise Dean; but his policy of mooning around on the off chance of breaking through is not a sufficient day’s work; and I would suggest that he would be of more use to England- and Everton- if he lined up with the other forwards and led the line- an opinion which was freely expressed on the return journey.  I liked Dunn immensely; but if, and when, Everton sign him, their half-backs must keep the ball down or else Mr. Anti-Scottish Sutcliffe and similar pessimists will write him down as another expensive Scottish failure.  I brought three “extra late” London football papers, and each contained an account of the game up to half-time, and so your excellent “Echo” of Saturday made welcome reading.  By the way, “Bee,” do you think 10,000 pounds would buy James and Wizard? 

CUP FINALISTS AT GOODISON
April 4 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
DEAN AND WELDON AGAIN.
Everton announce changes in the team to meet Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on Good Friday (Kick-off 3.15) from the eleven, which defeated Sunderland. Dean of course, returns to the centre-forward berth, Martin crosses from inside-left to inside right, displacing Easton, and Weldon resumes at inside left. Teams: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup. The same team will play Bury at Goodison Park on Saturday, Kick off 3.15. The Everton Reserves against Blackburn Rovers at Blackburn on Good Friday will be: - Taylor, Common, Kennedy, Barker, Griffiths, Rooney, Meston, Jones, Bain, Easton, and Lewis.

DEAN AND WELDON RETURN
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 04 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
With Dean and Weldon fit, the side will be at full strength, and I hope Everton will take full points.  They must play at the top of their form to win, for the Rovers, although nicely placed in the table, are still anxious to improve their position and they will make a bold bid for the points.  Many Everton followers saw Huddersfield Town on the occasion of the first replay in the semi-final, and they will be able to compare the Rovers with their Wembley rivals.  The Everton team will be; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Compared with the side which did duty at Sunderland, Bain and Easton drop out to make room for Dean and Weldon.  The same side, providing the players escape injury, will do duty against Bury on Saturday.  The kick off in each match is 3.15. 
For the Central League match at Blackburn on Friday, Everton will be represented by Taylor; Common, Kennedy; Barker, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Jones, Bain, Easton, Lewis. 

FRENCH
Runcorn Weekly News - Thursday 05 April 1928
Congleton put up a hard fight at Runcorn on Saturday, there is no doubt that Runcorn missed the services of French, the clever centre-forward, who signed on for Everton on the previous day.  (Only notes).  

EVERTON’S HOME GAMES FOR WEEK-END
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 05 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow, at Goodison Park, we have an outstanding game, because Blackburn Rovers, the Cup finalists, who beat Everton at Blackburn and started the period of decline in the Everton camp, are the visitors.  The way fact that Blackburn can be seen before their final issue is one of the reasons why the game should be a great one and of commanding interest.  These are the teams for 3.15- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Hutton, Roxburgh; O’Dowd, Rankin, Campbell; Thornwell, Puddefoot, Rosecamp, Holland, Rigby. 

EVERTON 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1
April 7 TH 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON WITHIN A POINT OF HUDDERSFIELD
BLUES IN FORM.
CHAMPIONSHIP DISPLAY AGAINST THE ROVERS
Everton rose to championship form in the game with Blackburn Rovers before 54,000 at Goodison Park yesterday. There was not a weak link in the chain. Martin, the acquisition from Hull City, marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for his new side, but apart from this he served out a brainy, methodical game, although not on the showy side. Hunter Hart, continuing his consistent form, also scored his first goal for the club this season. Hart did the unorthodox, for the shot was form nearly 30 yards range, and although Crawford partly reached the ball, there seemed to be a misunderstanding between him and Hutton, who left it to the man behind. Dean was on his toes, playing a masterly game, and being rewarded with a couple of goals in the first 14 minutes. Blackburn took the field without the genius of their attack, Puddefoot, Mitchell coming in, and undoubtedly they missed him. Puddefoot was out through a bad attack of influenza, and Skipper Headess was also an absentee through strained muscles of the thigh, Whyte filling the breach.
NO REST.
A director of the Rovers told me they were not resting any of their side in view of the Cup final, writes a Daily Courier representative. There is nothing like playing the likely side right through, and there is nothing better than keeping the minds of the players occupied "he added. Neither were they going to take any risks by sending the team away for special training. Their display against Everton, of course, was absolutely no guide to what happen in the final. Dean's first goal, close up in five minutes, followed a corner kick taken by Critchley, and his second in the 14 th minute was due to the trickiness in the 14 th minute was due to the trickiness of Troup, who gave the dummy to two opponents before he crossed, Dean neatly flicking the ball through with his head. Mitchell might have reduced the lead, but headed over, although Holland managed the trick, shooting through a crowd of players with Davies unsighted after he had just previously pushed the ball out. Dean unaccountably missed practically an open goal early in the second session, but Troup, who was playing one of his best games, would have scored again for Everton had not Whyte made a quick recovery. Martin's goal in the 57 th minute was the result of perseverance. A centre by Troup led up to the success, and although Jones charged the ball down once, Martin obtained his goal at the second time of asking. Hart's goal was in the 67 th minute, well out. It was the kind of shot which a goalkeeper saves in the ordinary way without difficulty. Features of the game were the great display by Dean and the trickiness of Troup, and while Critchley impressed with approach work his centres were not all first-class. A remarkable feature was the absence of a single off-side ruling, and Referee Rennie was right in ruling out a penalty when the ball accidentally hit Hutton's hand in the area. Teams : - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford, goal, Hutton and Jones, backs, Whyte, Rankin, and Campbell, half-backs, Thornewell, Mitchell, Roscamp, Holland, and Rigby, forwards.

BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 6
April 7 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 35)
Blackburn Rovers Reserves were outclassed by Everton at Ewood Park. Bain netted after thirteen minutes, Easton followed with a second, then Bain again just before the interval. Easton scored the fourth soon after the restart, and Bain the fifth and sixth. Everton were the better side in all departments . Everton: - Taylor, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Barker, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Jones, Bain, Easton and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 April 1928
GOODISON ENGAGEMENT WITH BURY
FIRST HALF STORY
By Bee
Everton; Hardy; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Bury; Richardson; Adamson, G. Bradshaw; Pratt, T. Bradshaw, Porter; Amos, Ball, J.R. Smith, Bullock, Robbie.  Referee.- Mr. Rennie, of Oldham.  Everton, for their meeting with Bury at Goodison Park, brought in Hardy for Davies, who had damaged his hand.  In the Bury side the loyal spectators –of whom there were 45,000 –took much interest in the appearance of David Pratt and J.R. Smith; also in the duels between Bradshaw and Dean, who played against each other at Wembley.  Dean’s mother was among the interested spectators.  There was an equally wind, and for the second day in succession Everton lost the value of this in the first half.  As yesterday, the Everton half-backs began by a series of pass backs, the result being that Bury started the better, and only got relief when Weldon helped the defence.  It is not often that Troup wastes a ball, and there was some excuse for his failure at this point because the ball was merry, the ground inclined to be slightly hard and uneven, and the wind was a trouble.  Bury had two comforting chances in the opening moment of play, and their combination was more than useful.  Amos cut across the ball for the benefit of Ball. 
EARLY GOAL FOR BURY
The tall inside winger is not in his best shooting vein these days.  However, in four minutes Ball had scored.  He had a pretty easy task after J.R. Smith had hit the crossbar.  J.R. Smith, by the way, was playing with a shield to his nose, which was broken last Saturday.  Although Martin tried hard to head beyond Richardson, there was no goal, thanks to the goalkeeper, and away went the lively Bury side to make more trouble for the home defence.  Amos flashed the ball across the face of the goal, and Hardy barely touched it to glance the ball away.  Bury were shocking the Everton side, and with the help of the wind were making things not.  Everton replied when Weldon made a through pass, and Dean, taking the ball in his stride, rammed in a perfect drive which Richardson fisted away for a corner.  Troup was well supplied by the merry Weldon, yet Bury had unmistakably the better of the early exchanges.  It was Troup who prospected for goal when beating G. Bradshaw, but T. Bradshaw came to the rescue, and first Critchley and then Martin might have scored.  Martin hooked the ball over the bar.  Critchley had to retire with a damaged ankle.  J.R. Smith tested Hardy at the foot of the post, and T. Bradshaw, the centre half reveled in some dainty tricks that pleased not only the locals but also those who had come from Bury.
DEAN FAILS AT PENALTY
Everton found it very hard to get going, and only broke away into a real attack when critchly, in spite of his injury, centred at a bad angle.  The ball as not cleared and Martin turned it to goal, Dean heading the goal (near an equalizer) by dropping on to his knees and flicking the ball just outside the goal.  This must have upset Bury, because after O’Donnell and Cresswell had been convincing, both Bury backs miskicked ominously.  At the half-back Bradshaw, the centre-half, found the turn of the ball deceiving, and Dean, running forward, tried to plough through T. Bradshaw and Porter.  Dean pitched in the penalty area, and if, as many thought, there should not have been a penalty kick, justice was reached when Dean drove the debated penalty kick against the Bury goalkeeper.  Martin produced a surprise shot quite close after a free kick, and Dean closely confined as usual, offered a square pass to Critchley, which the winger wasted, and Everton, near half-time, improved in confidence and tactics.  Even so, they could not get on striking terms.  Half-time; Everton nil, Bury 1. 
DRAW WITH BURY AT HOME
DEANS FAILS AT PENALTY
BUT MAKES AMENDS BY AN EQUALISING GOAL
In four minutes Bury were leading, Ball scoring with ease. 
Dean was favoured with a problematic penalty-kick, but drove the ball into the goalkeeeper’s reach and failed to equalize. 
At Everton while the players were away at the interval two holiday-makers invaded the field of play and dodged between the police on duty.  They were turned off the ground, and at this moment the score board showed Liverpool leading 3-0, a result that set the crowd cheering vociferously.  At the start of the second half Critchley passed rather short, with the result that Virr and Porter collided, each suffering a thigh injury.  Virr recovered the quicker.  Everton realized that they would have to improve their first half exhibition if they wanted to escape another home defeat, and it was no surprise to find among the shooters.  Richardson, who had not been a bust man, fielded the half back’s shot with alacrity and sureness.  
CAUTIONED BY REFEREE
There was another injury when O’Donnell charged into Bullock, who had to be carried off, so that Bury were at the time left with nine men.  Bullock, however, recovered in double-quick time.  Porter also returned to the field, and Bullock went outside right.  The referee had cautioned O’Donnell and it was a pity such an incident should occur in view of the excellent way O’Donnell had shaped.  Bury were got troubling Hardy, but they had a good chance when J.R. Smith handled the ball near goal, Robbie claimed a penalty for a hook-down by O’Donnell, and free kick came too frequently to allow the game to be anything but a moderate one.  Neither set of forwards was competent.  Martin swinging his leg over made Richardson save, and Dean put the ball over with an overhead kick.  It was a game that got more and more patchy.  T. Bradshaw was always a star mover, yet he could not prevented Dean putting square for Troup, whose shot was caught by Richardson.  Robbie broke away beyond O’Donnell, and centred a shade too far, or else a goal must have arisen.  Dean was being mastered, and when Bradshaw bumped him the crowd cried “penalty!” It was no such offence.  The ball went out to Martin, whose shot was a foot wide.  Time was flying, and Virr did the right thing when he tried a long shot. 
DEAN’S ANKLE TAP.
A light came over the Everton proceedings when Critchley, running forward and centring, made a chance for Dean to glide the ball into the net with his ankle, Richardson had no chance.  The surprise goal led to a fiery finish against Bury’s half-backs, who had played so well from first to last. 
Final; Everton 1, Bury 1. 

MARINE V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 April 1928
The opening play at Crosby was well contested, and Templeman scored for Everton after 15 minutes.  Clayton and Moneypenny missed good opportunities for Marine.  Hughes, in the Everton goal, made some clever saves.  Half-time; Everton A 1, Marine nil. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 April 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

THE OLD MUD BOOK
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Monday 09 April 1928
Gaining on a Football Ground
Everton Football Club were doing all they could by means of posters and by employing special police to put down gaming at Goodison Park, it was stated in Liverpool Police Court today.  They took a serious view of gaming on the ground, and asked the magistrate to take such a view in the case in which Ernest Power (34), Mulberry Street, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to gaming.  Power, it was stated, addressed the crowd at the Everton and Blackburn match, exclaiming, "Who says a bit on the lucky old mud book?"  He was running the game of crown and anchor.  Power was fined 40s, or a month's imprisonment.

INTERNATIONAL DUEL ENCORE
Athletic News - Monday 09 April 1928
Everton 1 Bury 1
By Fidelis
Not until nine minutes from the end of the match at Goodison Park, did Dean find a chance to snatch the goal which saved Everton from defeat by Bury.  Up to the point.  Bury’s plan of campaign had succeeded admirably.  With the stimulus of a goal by Ball five minutes after the start, they found it possible to dominate the game by seeing to it that Dean got no latitude and, with the wind in their favour, opening out play as much as possible.  This policy was admirably pursued by Tom Bradshaw and Smith, and it would have been carried to complete success but for the enthusiasm of Dean and the resource of Cresswell and O’Donnell.  The duel between the Everton centre-forward and the Bury centre half-back was a continuance of their rivalry in the international game at Wembley , but just when the Scot was within reach of another complete triumph over the elect of English centre-forwards, Dean’s opportunism asserted itself to save him from leaving the field as one of the most disappointing of the players engaged.  Tom Bradshaw’s sporting tactics were so sound that the Merseyside enthusiasts among the crowd of 45,000 were made to realize that there is danger in the penetrative power of Dean.  Actually, Weldon, and Martin should have benefitted from the concentration of the opposition on the centre-forward, but Richardson was only troubled by one or two shots from either of those players.  Dean’s shooting, too, lacked judgement, confidence that he failed badly from a penalty kick, which, I though was too severe a penalty for a sandwiching “offence” by Tom Bradshaw and Adamson.  Bury’s bulletts were not so stored in the one armoury’s, and while Smith was left to do most of the dueling with the Everton backs –and he did that spiritedly –Ball and Bullock got through plenty of clever constructive play which gave Amos and Robbie a lot more scope than the Everton wingmen enjoyed.  At the same time the Bury inside forwards enjoyed a much sounder understanding with Porter and Pratt than was apparent in the play of the home team, and the visitors half-back line as a whole did its work admirably.  Though he sustained a knee injury in collison with Virr, Porter returned to maintain as high a standard of constructive football as any member of his side, and had Robbie been happier in his finishing in the second half, the activity of the Bury right flank would have made the same issue safe before Everton’s rally robbed the visitors of a point they could well have done with in their fight for safely.  Amos provided the danger source in the first half, but Cresswell’s cool and calculating style, brought about the little bury wingman’s subjection after the interval when Ball was not the power he had been previously.  Like Bullock the inside left met with an unsettling mishap –Ball was actually hobbling off when Dean’s surprise goal came – but Everton were also handicapped by an accident which limited Critchley’s capacity considerably.  While Adamson and G. Bradshaw did not attain the polished standard of the Everton full-backs, they gave Richardson such splendid cover for the most part that the Bury goalkeeper’s confidence was apparent and he dealt with several trying situations in masterly manner.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Crithcley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Bury; Richardson; Bradshaw  (G.), Adamson; Porter, Bradshaw (T), Pratt, Robbie, Bullock, Smith, Ball, and Amos.  Referee; Mr. J. Rennie, Oldham. 

EVERTON 1 BURY 1
April 9 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
MOTHER SEES FAMOUS "DIXIE" MISS A PENALTY.
Honours easy was about the right result of the Everton and Bury game at Goodison Park. Some supporters voiced the opinion that Everton deserved to win, framing this view after one or two particular periods of hot pressure by the Blues in the second half. This, of course, only be conceded if we are to forget that the goalkeeper is part of the side. Richardson certainly gave a wonderful display, stopped a few shots that deserved to score, and the penalty kick shot taken by Dean in the first half (Dean was grassed –Liverpool Post and Mercury). "Dixie" did not place the ball far enough away from Richardson, who shot his foot out and stopped the ball. Richardson certainly did good service for the "Shakers." Hardy, who was called upon suddenly to deputise for Davies, who damaged his hand in the Blackburn game, was not so confident as he can be. Dean also had his toe trodden on heavily and crushed in that game, and there was some doubt whether he would be able to play. I should like to have seen him in a less subdued mood, writes a Daily Courier representative, especially at his mother was watching him on this occasion, this being the third match only she has seen this season. Mrs. Dean told me she was far from a judge, but she though a draw was a proper reflex of the game. As we expected, and as "Dixie" expected. Tiny Bradshaw, the lengthily young Scot, played sleuth on Dean so effectively that the centre-forward was held more in subjection than he has been for many a long day.
DEAN'S GREAT GOAL.
Dean obtained a great goal in the second half from the opening made by Martin, who is setting down into a class forward. That deadly shot, Ball, Bury's inside left, scored the only goal in the first session, and it was too near the limit to be comfortable for Everton before they equalised. Bury have in the Scot, John Smith one of the best leaders of his day, and although he was impressive on this occasion. Hunter Hart met him like a great centre-half, and had a fascinating way of scoring his passes also, Kelly and Virr on either side did not reach his high standard, but they were both distinctly useful. Unfortunately Critchley damaged his left leg early in the game, and this was a severe handicap on the right wing, and of course upset the Martin and Critchley blend. More labour fell on our other wing, where Troup was as persistent as a terrier, but Weldon could have done with better direction for some of his shots. Everton forwards certainly ran up against a most compact defence set up by such giants as Adamson, who kicked steadily with each foot, while between him and the two Bradshaws there existed an understanding. In the last line O'Donnell, although he made occasional slips has improved through the season beyond recognition and came out of the heavy spells with credit. Skipper Cresswell found himself up against a stiff proposition, and into touch and back to the goalkeeper was the only solution at times, but he and Kelly generally managed to take care of that lively Amos and Ball wing. David Pratt, formerly one of ours, we were pleased was quite as clever as ever, and if anything he has speeded up. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Bury: - Richardson, goal, G. Bradshaw, and Adamson, backs, Porter, T. Bradshaw, and Pratt, half-backs, Robbie, Bullock, Smith, Ball and Amos, forwards.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 9 th 1928, The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 36)
Everton were decidedly unlucky to concede both points to the Wolves at Wolverhampton. Kelling obtained both goals for Wolverhampton, and Lewis scored Everton's only goal from Jones's centre. Everton were the better side and displayed excellent ball control and positional play. Taylor was safe in goal while Common and Kennedy were strong defenders. A feature of Everton's attack was a good understanding between the halves and forwards.

“THE OLD MUD POOK”
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Monday 09 April 1928
GAMING ON A FOOTBALL GROUND
Everton Football Club were doing all they could by means of posters and by employing special police to put down gaming at Goodison Park, it was stated in Liverpool Police Court today.  They took a serious view of gaming on the ground, and asked the magistrate to take such a view in the case in which Ernest Power (34), Mulberry Street, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to gaming.  Power, it was stated, addressed the crowd at the Everton and Blackburn match, exclaiming, “Who says a bit on then lucky old mud book?”  He was running the game of crown and anchor.  Power was fined 40s, or a month’s imprisonment. 

EVERTON FALTER AGAIN’ BURY’S BIG PIVOT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
The League has, in a measure, been offered to Everton a dozen times this season, and they would have had a prime chance had they won on Saturday.  However, they did not deserved to win against Bury, so that we cannot complain of the issue, as it stands to-day.  The League race is still open, and there are possibilities, for Huddersfield are finding how desperately hard it is to carry a two-fold measure.  We shall watch the developments with deep concern and interest.
CAUSES
And why did Everton slip up against Bury?  Because they were eleven, just as were the Bury side, and Bury played in a way that shook the confidence of the home side.  First there was the well-gotten goal in four minutes.  That was a blow to tired nerves, Bury, having escaped Good Friday football, were the fresher side, and, when a penalty kick was not utilized by Dean, the Blues became more than usually deep, and, indeed, they never rose to great heights until the Press box rocked with the applause of “Ma” Dean, as joy to see her boy score the only goal for his side.  He had tried too hard; he had been outnumbered by the big forces; the ball had been put to him high up, and Tiny Bradshaw in a measure repeated his performance of a week ago when the pair met in international warfare.  Bradshaw can head with the next best man, and he has generalship and complacency in his means of stepping in and checking raiders.  Neither set of forwards were good, and they rammed against rocks for all the backs were sure, and Richardson had more to do than Hardy, notably when Troup shot close in with his thunderous drive.  There was more cohesion in the Bury attacks, for they kept the ball on the ground and swung the pass out towards the touchline.  Robbie had a prime chance to win the game and failed.  There were many failures with the light ball on an uneven piece of turf and a wind that made the ball curl a lot.  But Bury’s forwards could be faulted, every one of the them; one could not pick out a single man who played as well as he had done against Everton at Bury; therefore Everton must have been doing a lot of work to no purpose –ah!  That was the secret of much of this useless running about.  The deliberate and definite pass was not made so soon as a defender had been drawn, but so soon as labour had been invited and more than one man had crowded on the home attack. 
PERSONAL
One could not fault the home half-backs; Kelly continued his customary enlivening game; Hart has also touched his highest – just as in the early part of the season- and Virr gave Robbie few chances; and then O’Donnell and Cresswell paired off with a fine idea of each other’s requirements- two contrasts with but a single thought.  In the attacking line Critchley was damaged, Martin gave some glimpses of the obvious and otherwise, and the left wing was a lively combination.  Weldon again showing sign of reproducing his shooting of earlier days, but being out of luck.  Bury were not without injury, Porter and Bullock getting severe blows, and one that was not called for.  The side is infinitely better than Saturday suggests; they have half-back strength, and Pratt, Bradshaw, and Porter prove a big line, with an eye to passes to their forwards.  At full-back they brought another Bradshaw –a new to me, into the ranks, and he shaped quite well; while big Richardson as usual, was, when called into service, a confident goalkeeper.  It was disappointing football, however, and suggested Easter tired feelings, consequent upon the shine of the sun, on Friday.  All the results on Saturday bore a strange look and by to-night we may be as fogged as ever about the way things are going at the foot of the chart.  Chelsea continue to scrape through by a goal in their home matches, and Manchester City have slipped by the wayside at the very moment Preston come a purler and Leeds take it into their heads to take a win away from home- at the Albion ground.  It’s a quaint business, this new football!  No one can be moderately secure or certain about anything except the dates on the card!  By the way, a friend of mine lost a glove near the directors box at Goodison Park.  Will the finder please sent it to me?  No sooner had I written this request than a parcel arrived at the office per Mr. A. Parkinson’s kind thought.  No sooner the line o’ type than the result.  Thanks, Mr. Parkinson. 

EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN RES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 April 1928
The Everton attack made Blackburn look a very mediocre team in the first quarter, wherein Jones and Easton scored for the home side.  Then a penalty brought Roxburgh a goal, but Everton went through and easily regained the two goals lead, Easton scoring.  Followed some sparkling combination from what had appeared a tired attack, and the Everton defence revealed some loopholes, for Wilson and Mitchell scored to make full scores level.  It was great rally, but the Rovers were not playing as confidently as Everton, Blackburn’s spasmodic bursts bothered Everton.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Blackburn Rovers Res 3. 

LEINSTER F.A. X1 2 EVERTON 3
April 10 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON DUBLIN WIN
LEINSTER F.A. TEAM BEATEN IN MODERATE GAME.
The inclusion of the famous "Dixie" Dean in the Everton side buoyed up the hopes of Dublin Soccerites, and the fact that he never reproduced his club form more or less robbed the game of much interest. There were of course frequent good passing moves, in which Everton's half-backs played a prominent part, but the firm defensive play of Leinster's full-backs often upset calculations and spoiled much of Dean's adroitness. Notwithstanding the poor display of Everton, they always had the better of the play, particularly in the concluding half, their half-backs predominated and kept their forwards well placed. Twenty minutes from the start Dennis opened the scoring for Leinster, and then followed some good forward play by Dean, Weldon, and Martin, the centre-forward equalising. Fifteen minutes after the interval Kelly put Everton ahead and Weldon added a third a few minutes later. Then Everton had complete control, but found the home backs hard to beat. (Post gives Weldon second and Dean third?) Luke scored Leinster's second goal. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards .

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 4
April 10 th 1928 Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 37)
Everton were unfortunately in only gathering one point at home yesterday. The home side dominated the game in the first half, Easton and Jones scoring. Then Roxburgh netted from a penalty, but Easton further increased Everton's lead. Blackburn rallied, and Wilson and Mitchell made the scores level before the interval. A surprising goal gave Rovers the lead, for Taylor, having plucked up, kicked the ball against Kennedy, from whom it rebounded into the net, and Everton had to try desperately hard to get a point, but Easton completed the hat-trick.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton will find Sheffield United in desperate mood when they visit Bramall-lane on Saturday, for Gillespie and his colleagues are called on for an extra effort to gain the points which would help to lift them out of a serious plight.  With Everton also anxious to gain as many points as possible the match promises to be exceptionally keen.  Davies has recovered, and he will appear in goal, this being the only change, and the side will be;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Everton Reserves team to meet Derby County Reserves, at Goodison Park on Saturday (3.15), is; Hughes; Common, Kennedy; Brown, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Jones, White, Easton, Lewis. 
SHOOT.
Just another grumble about Everton’s inside forwards (days “Old Blue”).  Cannot you kindly use your influence?  They want a “shot”; the men they have are clever, but where are they when Dixie is crowded out and taps the ball to them- either it goes over the bar or outside, or they are too slow to accept.  Gilt-edged securities!  It is reported that Briggs (Birmingham) is on offer to Cardiff at 4,500 ponds.  What a chance; the nippiest and deadliest live-wire playing first-class football.  How he would score with Dixie’s side-pats when tackled.  Another suggestion; would not Griffiths make a good inside forward?  He is playing a great game for the reserves, a sixth forward all the time, and he is clever and enthusiastic, and a great shot; also his height would be useful; in fact, with the material at hand, I would play both Griffiths and Bain alongside Dean, and I am sure their height, weight, stubbornness, and shooting would make a lot of the weight off Dean.  Hoping you continue your fearless work, in spite of the fanatics of both teams!  (P.S.- When you came to Liverpool I was secretary and player of Hamilton Jun. for some years the best junior team; I got the team together, and we were never out of the first three in any league; we won a medal every season.) 

EVERTON’S LAST CHANCES?
Liverpool Echo - Friday 13 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
UP AGAINST IT
Everton are at Sheffield United’s ground.  We know what that means, United are determined that if one of their idea is to go it shall not be them.  In the this week however Wednesday have (Page’s torn and missing from Echo, three lines) there not done their stamina a great deal of good, Everton, however, have a revenge-suit tomorrow, for it was Sheffield United who surprised them severely in the beginning of the season at Goodison Park when the Everton side were well-nigh invincible.  By the kindness of Huddersfield, who seem to be saying “Will you please take the Cup off our saucer?”  Everton have a further chance to go to the top of the League.  A win to-morrow at Sheffield is essential if they desire any further hope in this direction.  Incidentally I should like to recall to you the fact that Huddersfield lost their first three matches this season and were bottom of the League!  Everton; Davies, Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON AT BRAMELL-LANE
April 14 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton will be at Brammell lane today with their team changed in one instance (Davies for Hardy in goal), and they will be given a good taste of the United's mettle when capering at home. Indeed Everton must be on their very best behaviour; if not, that taste is going to be decidedly unpalatable. The teams are as follows, kick-off being, at 3. —Everton: -Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Sheffield United: - Alderson; Chandler, Birks, Sampy, Matthews, Green; Mercer, Phillipson, Johnson, Fillespie, Tunstall.

UNITED PUT IN PRECARIOUS PLIGHT BY HOME DEFEAT
Star Green 'un - Saturday 14 April 1928
SAD FALLING-OFF AFTER SCORE BY GILLEPSIE
DEAN (TWO) AND MARTIN REPLY FOR EVERTON IN SECOND HALF
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 EVERTON 3
By “Looker-on.”
Doubly interesting was the match between Sheffield United and Everton at the Lane this afternoon, for the points at stake were as vital to Everton’s championship prospects as they were to United in their struggle to avoid relegation.  There was every promise, therefore, of a tremendous tussle.  For United the game was of grave importance, for it is only by winning all their home matches that they can be reasonably assured of safely.  The weather was very cold nevertheless spectators were rolling up well to witness the struggle.  United couldn’t play Chandler after all and Webster was at right back.  In the Everton front line, Meston came in or Critchley who was injured at outside-right.  The teams were; Sheffield United; Alderman; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie (captain) , Tunstall.Everton;- Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. A. Haworth (Blackpool).  Gillespie won the toss and set Everton to face a stiff breeze.  In the opening few minutes play was quiet, but there was a little more vitally about the United.  The Sheffielders, however, missed a gilt-edged chance after five minutes play. 
JOHNSON’S BAD MISS
Johnson headed the ball to Tunstall, who, challenged by Kelly, passed back to Gillespie.  The Irishman neatly returned it to the left-winger, who put across.  Partridge didn’t hit the ball properly, and it flew to Phillipson.  Cresswell rushed up to the inside-right, but blundered in trying to clear the lines, and the ball flashed past him near the goal area to the waiting Johnson.  The centre-forward had only Davies to beat; but, to the amazement of the crowd and himself, he put the ball out.  It is not often he fails.  Everton were trying to get Dean through and Troup pushed the ball well forward.  Dean set off after it as Alderman came out of goal, the centre forward hit the ball but it rolled over the line, and Birks signaled to the referee that the centre-forward had handled it.  United made a series of attacks, and Partridge delivered a delightful shot which led to a lot of hot work; but Virr finally cleared.  Then Green delivered a glorious long drive.  The ball seemed to be a scorer all the way, but the goalkeeper just managed to turn it outside for a corner which was of no avail.  Gillespie secured another flag concession which provided abortive.  Then came a free kick to United not far from the penalty area, and after the usual preliminaries had been gone through as to lining up, the correct distance from the ball and Green had carefully placed it, Tunstall drove narrowly wide at goal.  Amusement occurred in the other half of the field when Dean making a solo run, bore over to the right and then passed the ball to Meston instead of putting the ball across the field or trying a shot. Meston passed the ball back to Dean, who was off-side, whereupon England’s centre-forward, in jocular vein, cuffed Meston with his hand as much as to say; “How could you.” 
EVERTON LACK STING
Phillipson was next prominent with some good juggling for United, which led to a lot of trouble near the Everton goal.  Another corner was won and Matthews headed in well.  Later he tried a shot.  Martin cleverly beat two men; but his afford didn’t come to anything.  That was the trouble- Everton contributed many pretty touches without much sting behind them.  Matthews was conspicuous, dashing back to dispossess Weldon.  United were having more of the play, but they were not shooting at goal often, and when they did shoot it was usually under difficulties.  For one thing the wind seemed to bother them, and the back play of Everton was very good.  Cresswell and O’Donnell covered each other very well, took up position with sound judgement and rarely made a mistake.  Two or three offside decisions made Dean look annoyed yet once he put out to Troup, who was offside, just as Meston had passed to Dean.  But Dixie didn’t cuff himself. 
NEAR THING FOR UNITED
Cresswell was watching Tunstall with shrewdness, and the outside-left was not having the latitude he likes for his shooting.  United had a narrow escape from a free-kick.  The ball was pushed across, and Alderson rushed out to poke it away from Weston close in, just in the nick of time.  It might easily have been a goal.  All the forcing work by Everton was simply and solely left to Dean.  Towards half-time United nearly scored.  Excellent work by Phillipson led to him passing to Gillespie and the Irishman lifted the ball cleverly, but, although the goalkeeper was beaten, the ball struck the crossbar.  When it came out, Tunstall shot but the ball was blocked, and when Johnson tried his foot, he has the same misfortune. 
PRIDE OF IRELAND AND UNITED
After 42 minutes United took the lead, Matthews made a lofty kick out to Tunstall, Cresswell had his eye on the outside-left, and Tunstall placed the ball to GILLESPIE, who, running in, scored with a cross shot.  In the last minute of the half, from a centre by Tunstall, Phillipson hit the crossbar with a fine effort. 
Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0.
The second half started before about 25,000 spectators.  Streaky play by United in the middle might have had serious consequence, for Dean was only prevented from scoring by Birks at the last gasp, as it were, Birks being on his knees.  For some minutes United didn’t seen at all comfortable, and Everton came again, Troup being lively.  The Scot cut right in once to head towards Dean.  Fortunately, Birks cleverly intervened with his head, and Green prevented a corner with a good left-foot kick.
A long pass by Phillipson changed the venue of operations.  Johnson dashed after the ball, with Cresswell alongside of him, and the back got possession and did a right-about turn, but gave the ball to Tunstall.  The outside left couldn’t find an opening to shoot, and passed to Johnson on his left; but the centre-forward was offside.  Both outside-lefts were enterprising here-abouts, Tunstall once running over to the inside-right position. 
EVERTON GETTING BUSY
The visitors were now having a much bigger share of the play, which was extremely clear.  Gillespie placed the ball well for Johnson to flick out to Partridge.  The right-winger ran in, but shot in feeble ashion.  Partridge is not the deadly shot he was a few weeks ago.  The Webster lost himself and allowed the ball to run over the line for a corner.  From the flag kick, taken by Troup, Dean put in an overhead kick, and Weldon also got in a good drive.  A minute later Dean netted the ball, but he and Alderson had a collision and the referee had blown a second before, apparently for pushing by the centre-forward.  Hands against Birks provided Everton with a free kick, and Kelly shaved the upright with a fine ground drive.  Therefore United went away hotly in a movement initiated by Gillespie, and Davies had to save hurriedly a powerful shot from Tunstall, the ball going out for a corner.  From this, Johnson nearly headed goal.
DEAN EQUALISES.
Except for a smart header by Phillipson, which O’Donnell cleared at the foot of the post, Everton were now considerably more dangerous than United.  Troup was very enterprising and there was a serious of advances ominous to United.  Martin and Meston muffed one chance but Everton equalized after 2o minutes.  It was a curious incident.  There were four successive throws-in to Everton on their right wing.  They crept up several yards in consequence and from the fourth throw-in Matthews, heading back, apparently pushed an opponent and a free-kick was conceded.  This was taken by Kelly and placed so accurately on the far side of the goal that DEAN headed in and just beat Alderman. A minute afterwards Weldon almost scored again when Kelly sent the ball to him in practically the same portion as Dean was when he scored.  This time picked the ball up on the line. 
YOU CAN’T KEEP HIM DOWN
Dean made a superb solo run and everyone expected a third goal from his foot.  However, Alderman rushed out and managed to kick the ball from his toe.  In the last five minutes Phillipson went centre-forward, with Johnson inside-right.  Half a minute from time Dean, who had been vigorous on the left, crossed the ball with the United defence wide spread, and MARTIN scored a third goal for Everton.  Result; Sheffield United 1, Everton 3. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 April 1928
ALL EYES ON SHEFFIELD UNITED TODAY
BRAMELL LANE STARS
“STORK” DESCRIBES STERN FIRST HALF
Everton;- Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderman; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), Tunstall.  Referee.- Mr. A. Howarth, of Blackpool. 
Everton found that they had to make a change in their forward line through the absence of Critchley, who is suffering from a bad ankle.  It was a nice fine day, though bitterly cold, and it was just as well that the Press box at Bramall-lane was enclosed.  It was a vital match in more ways than one, for if Everton were to win the League honour, this season, this was one of the games they would have to win; while from the United standpoint two points gained to-day would be invariably to them, for their position is anything but satisfactory.  United, by the way, have won each of the last eleven games at Bramall-lane since November 26, including three cup-ties, and in addition in the last ten matches have never failed to score less than three goals in any match.  That is an inspiring record.  On the other hand, Everton have not been beaten on this ground for three years. 
FIERCE FROM THE START
There were about 25,000 spectators when the game stated, and following a spell of midfield play Sheffield had a fine opportunity of drawing first blood, for when Cresswell attempted a clearance he cannoned the ball on to Hart.  This let in the first brand Johnson, who, however, shot ridiculously wide when he had the chance of an lifetime.  Meston who was making his first appearance in the League side, engineered an Everton attack which found Dean admirably placed.  Before the centre forward could get the ball down to his liking for a shot, however, Webster cut right across him and put Dean out of position.  Still it was Dean who was a danger point to the Sheffield defence, and after he had rushed his way through all opposition he transferred to Troup, whose centre was good, but before Martin could get his head to it a Sheffield defender forestalled him, and a golden opportunity went by.  Gillespie found Tunstall well, and from the latter’s centre Davies had to make a clean catch and clearance.  It had taken Everton some minutes to find their feet, but having done so they play through excellently combined efforts, some of their passing being perfect in every way, and when Dean followed up a long centre from his right-wing he nearly headed the ball out to Alderman’s hands into the net.  Weldon, by the way has been completely out of touch with his shooting, was responsible for one effort which appeared to swerve away from Alderman.  It was quite of good class, but just failed to beat the keeper, who caught it as it was curling inwardly.  The United once got into touch with the Everton defence, and when Davies left his goal he advanced a step too far, and although he was able to get in contact with the ball he was not able to make a complete clearance with the result that there was a hot scrimmage in front of the Everton goal and only solid defence prevented the United from scoring. 
AN EYE ON THE YOUNGSTERS
Dean was the live wire of the Everton attack, without, however, being able to bring about the fall of the United goal.  He had to be carefully watched, for he was always well up, ready to accept any chance which might come his way.  Davies had two long shots to deal with, one of which he edged round the upright, preferring to concede a corner rather than take any risks.  So far little had been seen of Meston, for Green kept a watchful eye of his youngster, who was never allowed to roam very far from the half-back.  It was obvious that Meston was not quite ripe for senior service.  Dean gave him a wonderful opportunity to become famous, but he had not defined the thoughts of his centre-forward; consequently he failed to gain by Dean’s unselfishness.  The United, although not so clever in their approach work, was a dangerous body when they got half a chance, and, like many other teams at the present time, there was a lack of finish about their work; in fact, they had more chances to score than had Everton so far in the game, but had failed to make use of them.  True, O’Donnell had to kick away from his own goal-line on one occasion, and that when Davies was beaten, but, apart from that, most of their shots went on the wrong side of the woodwork.  The former Tranmere Rovers’ man, Matthews was responsible for one of the best efforts of his side, and it was only by a yard that he failed to find the net.
BIRKS SPOILS THE IDEA
When Dean once set off in pursuit of an up-the-middle pass there was every likelihood that he would get it, which would no doubt mean’t a goal, for he would have been admirably placed, but just as he was getting in touch with the ball Birks came along and spoiled the whole thing by making a great tackle and clearance.  The Everton defence had quite a lot of hard work to get through, and Davies, not for the first time, had to make a catch just under the bar.  The United defence was responsible for putting Dean offside on many occasions.  It was only by a small margin that Dean was out of position, but just sufficient to spoil him adding to his already big goal crop.  The Everton goalkeeper had slightly more to do than Alderman; yet there was not a lot of shooting done by either side; and when O’Donnell fell it led to a possible opening, but Cresswell’s head nipped it in the bud, an all that Davies had to do was to pick up a lob shot when there was little or no danger.  Dean was the one man in the Everton forward line who looked like a scorer, and it was touch and go in the Sheffield goal when he once dashed between the backs, but his shot was of poor direction. 
MASTERLY GOAL
With about four minutes remaining for play the United came very near snapping a leading goal, a long dropping ball by Gillespie bumping under the crossbar and out into the play again.  The best bit of work by Meston followed, and Alderman had to be very sure in his effort to fend the winger’s centre out of his goal.  With one minute remaining the United took the lead.  It was a quickly-made goal.  In fact, it came right after some heavy pressure by the Everton forwards, and this is how it happened.  Matthews with a wide pass put Tunstall clear of all opposition.  The winger advanced a few paces before he finally swung the ball into the centre, where Gillespie soon had the ball under complete control, and with a left-foot drive beat Davies all the way with an excellent shot.  The whole piece was the work of a master, Gillespie wasted not a moment when he found an opening, and a moment later he offered Tunstall a further chance, which ended in the ball dropping on to the top side of the crossbar.  Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0. 
A WIN THAT HELPS THEIR NEIGHBOURS
DEAN’S FIFTIETH GOAL
THIRD SCORED JUST AS THE WHISTLE SOUNDED
The first half started at a tremendous pace, though play was of scarcely the highest class, wanting the necessary “bite.”  But with one minute only remaining before the interval, Gillespie defeated Davies with a beautiful shot.  At the seventieth minute Dean was successful in equalizing.  In five minutes he had repeated the dose, and made his seasonal aggregate the round fifty. 
On resuming the Everton left wing made a quick raid, and with Troup centring, Dean was given a half chance, but before he could get his boot to the ball he had it swept away from his toe by Birks. 
 A PREMATURE GOAL
Everton remained on the attack for some time, and Dean shot into the United’s net just after the referee had signaled for a foul on the goalkeeper.  When Kelly took the free kick, Alderman went down to the ball safe, and it passed just outside the post.  Dean and Troup got mixed up with each other when close in to goal; in fact, the winger was bowled over by his colleague, who was trying desperately hard to score an equalizer. 
DEAN’S HIGH DRIVE GOAL
Tunstall had a great drive saved by Davies, and then came an equalizing goal, Kelly took a free kick for a foul and lobbed the ball close into goal.  Dean jumped up high and headed it into the net.  This goal was enthusiastically greeted by Dean’s colleagues, and for the next few minutes they were all over their opponents, but could not add to their score, although they made brave efforts to obtain the lead.  Davies conceded a corner, and while Partridge had an opportunity, he finished with a very weak effort, which was not in the least troublesome to the Everton goalkeeper.  Dean got clean through, although I thought he was just offside when the pass was made to him.  However, the referee did not signal, and Dean was allowed to go on, but just as he was about to shoot he pulled himself up and so lost one of the best opportunities of the day.  Everton were fighting desperately hard, and some of their football was really brilliant, but when they took the lead it was sheer tenacity that enabled them to score.
HIS FIFTIETH
Dean gathered a centre from Troup, and although the odds were again him, he pressed his way through, and, when Anderson came out of his goal.  Dean swept round him and placed the ball into the net.  Davies had to punch away from his goal, following which Tunstall took a free-kick which he did not utilize in his usual manner.  But fro Dean putting the ball a yard too far forward most probably there would have been a goal, for he had beaten the two full backs and had only Alderson in front of him, but that extra little tap forward spoiled his chance.  Just on the close Dean sent the ball right across the face of the goal, so that Martin could come up post-haste and slam it into the net just as the whistle blew for the final.  Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 3. 

EVERTON RES V DERBY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 April 1928
Everton had White at centre, and although they launched numerous attacks the County defence resolutely withstood these efforts; in fact, Everton would have held a comfortable lead if the forwards had been smarter in distribution in the goal area, and not permitted a not too reliable defence to crowd them out.  Derby scored first through Barclay- a goal against the run of the play and a fault against the home defence in not having the scored marked.  Then Kendrick levelled the score, and then Easton, from the penalty spot, gave Everton the interval lead.  The home side from the start had done most of the attacking, but it was the Derby side’s breakaways that were full of danger. 
Half-time.- Everton Res 2, Derby Res 1.   

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday 14 April, 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 EVERTON 3
April 16 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON AGAIN WITHIN A POINT OF HUDDERSFIELD
DEAN'S TWO GOALS HELPED TO PUT SHEFFIELD UNITED AT THE BOTTOM
BLUES VICTORIOUS, ALTHOUGH A GOAL IN ARREARS AT THE INTERVAL
"DIXIE" CREATES AMUSMENT BY PLAYFULLY CUFFING MESTON.
Dean scored two splendid goals for Everton on the ground of Sheffield United. He also provided the opening for Martin to score the third. Everton were a goal in arrears at the interval. Playing against the wind nothing seemed to go right for them in the early stages. They even had cause to grumble at several of the referee's decision. There was a good deal of inaccurate play by either side, and for this the strong, swiring wind was largely responsible. The Sheffield forwards were greatly assisted by the wind. They played with dash and determination, and although the Everton backs covered one another with good judgement, there was at least three occasions when the Everton goal had narrow escapes. When Hart came into the way of a clearance kick by Cresswell it allowed Johnson to break clean through, but with only the goalkeeper to beat he placed wide. Both Gillespie and Phillipson hit the crossbar, and one of the best shots of the match was from Green, who grazed the far post. It was a few minutes before the interval that Gillespie scored the United's goal from a neat pass from Tunstall, the movement being started by Matthews.
TROUP THE CHIEF RAIDER.
Everton were much the better side in the second half. Their forwards combined effectively, and Dean gradually gained the upper hand of the Sheffield backs. Troup was Everton's chief raider. He and Weldon worked well together. The first goal was the outcome of a header by Dean from a free kick by Kelly, who placed the ball to the far side of the gaol. Dean and the goalkeeper went for the ball simultaneously, but Dean was deadly accurate in his anticipation, flashing the ball into the net. The second was another characteristic effort by Dean. From a centre by Troup, Dean dashed past Birks, and when rushed by Alderson had the better of him and placed into the net. Just prior to this Dean looked like scoring from a solo run only to have the ball kicked off his toes by the goalkeeper. The third goal came with the last kick of the match. Dean, after beaing Webster, placed in front for Martin to rush in and score. Everton were much superior both in defence and attack. Their only weak spot was at outside right, where Meston, the young Gillingham player, was a poor substitute for Critchley, who was unable to play owing to an injured ankle. After one of his many mistakes he was playfully cuffed by Dean, much to the amusement of the crowd. Matthews the ex-Tranmere Rovers player, was Sheffield United's best half-back. Teams: - Sheffield United: - Alderson, goal, Webster, and Birks, backs, Sampy, Matthews, and Green half-backs, Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Meston, Martin, Dean Weldon, and Troup, forwards .

EVERTON RESERVES 3 DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1
April 16 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 38)
Everton showed by no means brilliant form, but they were too good for Derby County, who were weak at half-back and otherwise in defence. A tricky wind made ball control difficult, and this was probably the cause of a lapse by the Everton defence which allowed Barclay to head a goal for Derby in the early stages. This was quickly negatived, however, by a capital point from Kendrick, who shot through following a well-placed corner. White, who returned to the centre, following an injury, was fouled inside the area Easton scoring from the spot. Everton had the better of some poor play in the second half, and near the close Easton placed the issue beyond doubt . Everton: - Hughes, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Jones, White, Easton and Kendrick, forwards.

DEAN AT IT AGAIN
Athletic News - Monday 16 April 1928
SHEFFIELD UNITED PLUNGED INTO DEPTHS AFTER GOAL LEAD
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 3
By Impressionist
Half a gale raged as cold as charity across Bramall-lane.  Spring comes and departs.  What an aggravating climate this is which despises the calendar.   It was certainly disturbing to the comfort of those who went to see whether Sheffield United could extricate themselves from the clutching fates that stretch out from the base of the table, and not a whit warming was the football, except in the closing parts when Everton dramatically retrieved a goal deficit.  With absolutely the last kick of the   match Everton made it three, and maintained a presence in the championship right.  On the reverse side it sent Sheffield down to the dregs.  The United are not to be commiserated with on this display.  I saw them in all three Cup battles with Huddersfield Town.  Then their play was altogether superior, vastly out of joint with the precarious League position.  But now they lived just down to it.  The conditions certainly were not contributory to realization of the best of football, and no doubt conveyed the impression that neither side played as it there were such things at issue as the championship glamour on the hand, and the Second Division spectre on the other.  A certain liveliness manifested itself before the goals.  Incidents brought relief here and there, but by half-time one had varied of seeing the ball eddying in the air of the playing space, and continually bounding out of it. 
BOLTS FROM THE BLUE
Sheffield United had much consolation.  Just before the halt a goal materialized, and it had been the haphazard kind of display to encourage the assumption that this would measure the result.  But one reckoned without the electrifying Dean, the personality who galvanized the game into a degree of football skill, imparted its eventfulness, and assuredly was the motive force on whom the recovery of Everton, and their victory hinged, William Dean, in short, put one more golden zeal on his unassuming career as a great centre-forward.  Early on he would have given Everton the first goal, only that he was given off-side when the ball had been played on to him by Matthews the home centre half-back.  Dean’s intuition and general sense of his own and the opposition positions are such that Sheffield United’s well-worm off-side tactics rarely found him beaten.  When out of play the very fact that he did not interfere was a surprise for the defence which Meston and Martin, with equal initiative, could have made goals from.  The goal scored on the verge of the interval was entirely a personal distinction for GILLESPIE.  It is a left only to the brain and the footcraft to kill a ball dropping from a height with one boot and drive it home with the other. 
MODERATE WING MEN.
United’s goal was not in such jeopardy for a long time.  Everton were moderate on the wing extremes all through.  True, Meston’s was a senior debut.  Until Dean came into his own Weldon alone had the mobility, but not the shooting.  Dean is so profound in heading that I was not surprised when he reached the ball before Alderman, and as it came down switched it into the net.  But he was penalized.  However, in similar circumstances he again urged the ball through to equalize.  The international centre’s second stab to Sheffield was a great piece of individualism in which he nonplussed full-back and advancing goalkeeper.  To clinch matters he refused to be shaken off in a tussle against numbers, making the pass so perfect that MARTIN just strode up and crashed the ball through the middle of the goal- all the resistance having been drawn away.  Yes, it was a Dean match-winning day, but not a good one for Everton’s forward standard as a whole.  Hart was arresting in the dual sense, for he had Johnson on the leash, among three admirable half-backs who visualized the value of keeping the ball down.  But to a large extent the Sheffield dashes were damped by the diversity of the Everton backs.  Cresswell on the one hand, cool and classical and O’Donnell, always forward for the tackle to a fine point of judgement and kicking effectively with both feet.  Gillespie was the one home forward scheming to a purpose.  This was not Tunstall of Cup form, and Phillipson’s cleverness was too circuitous.  Matthews was a help to his forwards and a cover to backs hardly in full working agreement.  Sheffield United can player better.  It is a mystery why they consistently do not.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; A. Haworth, Blackpool. 

UNITED WEAKEN
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 16 April 1928
HAVE BETTER FIRST HALF, BUT MISS CHANCES
DEAN DOES THE DAMAGE
Sheffield United, by conceding two valuable points to Everton, who won by 3-1 at Bramell Lane on Saturday, have exchanged places with their city neighbours Wednesday, and for the second time this season figure at the bottom of the First Division.  The game had two distinct phases, for which the stiff wind was partly responsible.  With the wind at their backs, before the interval, the United were attacking for much longer spells than Everton and were far more virile.  Everton played stylish football in midfield, but their only forward of strength, tenacity, and “punch” was Dean, and he was closely watched by Matthews and the backs.  As events proved United’s chance of winning the points depended on making the most of their opportunities in that half.  This they failed to do, despite their go-ahead methods.  In the first minute or so Johnson appeared to have a great chance, for he had only the goalkeeper to beat, but he shot wide.  He stated afterwards, however, that the ball was travelling away from him all the time, and it was only with difficulty that he could reach it at all. 
ILL-LUCK WITH GOOD SHOTS.
One or two drives efforts by Green and Tunstall in particularly –failed by the proverbial inches, and Gillespie and Phillipson were unfortunate in seeing fine shots strike the crossbar.  So it was that United scored but once- three minutes before half-time, Matthews hooted the ball out to Tunstall, who, with Cresswell in attendance on him, pushed it across to Gillespie.  The Irishman cleverly got it under control and scored with a swift cross drive.  When Everton had the wind behind them, in the second half, they became a different team.  They rainforced their skill with determination and enterprise.  They had spirit about their attack which had not been present previously, save in the case of Dean.  The England centre-forward smartly headed an equalizing goal from a well-placed free kick by Kelly midway through the half, and ten minutes later, following good work on the left, by his trustfulness and ball control he “carved” his way through the home defence, side-tapped the ball from Alderman and gave his side the lead.  In the last half-minute of play, the centre-forward, away on the left, centred to Martin, who, with United’s defence widespread, scored a third goal for the visitors.  Tunstall and Johnson occasionally called on Davies, the Everton goalkeeper, but Everton were generally on top, for they were the cleverer team, quicker on the ball, and more confident. 
ENGLAND’S GREATEST CENTRE-FORWARD
Dean was always outstanding, for he was such a worker and keen to turn any advantage to account.  Forceful, he was also, brainy and was a fine craftsman.  He can have no superior in this country as a centre-forward.  The policy of the team was to play up to him, and it again paid.  Troup was much more assertive after the interval and did well, but Meston, who played for Critchley (injured) at outside-right, was poor.  Half-backs were not unduly conspicuous, though Kelly was prominent after half-time.  The backs, however, were excellent.  Cresswell and O’Donnell had a splendid understanding and both kicked well.  Cresswell the ex-Sunderland veteran gave one of the best back displays seen in Sheffield this season.  Against Tunstall he never turned a hair, and, by his anticipation and taking up of position, had the better of the duel with the United winger. United’s backs were not so effective.  In the first half Birks did some good things.  Afterwards, however, both he and Webster weakened in their kicking against the wind, had too big a gap between them, and were uncertain.  Matthews was often in the picture in the first half and, though not so prominent later, made one appreciate the strides he has made.  Green was a stern, reliable man on his flank.  Partridge had a poor afternoon; Tunstall met his match in Cresswell; and Johnson found Hart and the backs stumbling blocks.  In the last five minutes Johnson and Phillipson changed places.  The best United forwards were Gillespie and Phillipson.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; A. Haworth, Blackpool. 

EVERTON ENHANCE THEIR CHANCES AND SEND UNITED TO BOTTOM
Sheffield Independent - Monday 16 April 1928
EARLY GOAL OF NO AVAIL
EVERTON RECOVER AND DEFEAT UNITED
SHEFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 3
By Centre-Forward
Sheffield United, failing in their import game with Everton at Bramall-lane, fell to bottom place in the League table.  The Evertonians, winning a good game, watched by 25,000 spectators, drew within a point of Huddersfield, League leaders and English Cup finalists.  The hero of the match was Dean, the Everton and England centre-forward, a wonderful opportunist and deadly marksman who scored the first two goals for his side and made the opening for Martin, the visitors’ inside-right, to get the third.  Each side had to take the field without a notable player.  Sheffield United, being weakened in defence by the absence of Chandler, their right full-back, who had not recovered from his injury, and whose place was taken by Webster; and Everton lacking the assistance of Critchley at outside-right, a place filled by Meston.
GILLESPIE’S GOAL
United benefited during the first half by a strong breeze blowing from the Shoreham Street end of the ground.  Terririorially, the play was fairly even, but the attacks of the United forwards had the stronger finish, and in addition to scoring a good goal they were unfortunate with shots by Gillespie and Phillipson, which struck the cross-bar.  The Sheffielders’ goal came when play had been in progress 41 minutes.  Matthews, with a long-kick, sent the ball out to the left, Tunstall lifted it into the centre, and Gillespie, trapping it as it fell, beat Davies with a swift cross-drive.  By this goal United held a well-deserved lead at the interval, and only a great save by Davies from a fierce drive by Tunstall prevented them getting another early in the second half.  However, Everton, after change of ends and with the wind behind them, soon began to show a decided superiority in combined and skilful efforts. 
THE DEADLY DEAN
The visitors had their reward when 20 minutes of the second half had gone by in an equalizing goal. A  free kick was given against Matthews for pushing near the touch line.  Kelly placed the ball well in the goal mouth, and from among a ruck of players, Dean flashed it into the net with his head.  Ten minutes later Dean utilized a centre from Troup to beat one of the United defenders, who challenged him, drew out Alderman and rushing the ball past the goal-keeper, gave his side the lead.  United fought back, but Cresswell and O’Donnell, who played admirably throughout, protected Davies so well that the Everton goalkeeper was not greatly troubled.  A third goal for Everton came with the very last kick of a strenuous match.  Dean cleverly threaded his way through the United defence and crossed the ball to Martin who fiercely drove it home.  The Everotnians were well worthy of the full points, through there was scarcely two goals’ difference in the merits of the teams.  The visitors superiority in combination was cleverly apparent.  Dean was a great leader of the attack, and Troup and Weldon a clever left wing.  Gillespie and Green excelled for United. Teams; Sheffield United; Alderson; Webster, Birks; Sampy, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Phillipson, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), and Tunstall.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; A. Haworth, Blackpool. 

EVERTON’S SURPRISE WIN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 April 1928
SHEFFIELD’S PLIGHT
By Stork
Everton by their victory at Bramall-lane, struck Sheffield United a severe blow, and have placed them at the bottom of the League table, a position which has been held for so long by their friends at Hillsborough. Having seen the United in Cup warfare, I naturally anticipated a big effort from them against Everton, but I was sadly disappointed; for, although they took a goal lead in the first half, they were never quite the equal in skill to their opponents; in fact, if it was not that they have a couple of games in hand, I would mark them down for relegation.  Even then they are not safe, for on Saturday’s play they are not certain to win any of their “future,” for there is a lack of “devil” about their football which is not in keeping with a side fighting a death struggle.  They are not imbued with the fighting spirit which has been apparent in such teams as The Wednesday or Portsmouth; yet, if they are to win through, they will have to fight like tiger cats to retain their present status.  They gave us few thrills, and not a great deal of football; but, worst of all, they either refusal of were incapable of accepting the chances which the gods offered.  For instance, with a little grit and steadiness, Johnson should have had a goal inside five minutes-he will rarely be presented with such another-while Tunstall made a grievous error in trying to score with the sole of his boot after hitting the post; whereas he had only to go forward and carry the ball into the net with his chest.  True, Gillespie and Phillipson hit the woodwork; while Davies had to make some sterling saves; but never at any time did the United lead one to believe that they were in a parlous position or that they would defeat Everton, even when a goal in hand.
A LIFELESS DISPLAY
Gillespie was the master mind in their attack, but even he did not inspire his men in a way I have seen him on occasions, and the result was that the Everton defence was able, through it covering tactics, to put up an effective barrier against the Yorkshiremen’s puny, and to some extent, lifeless attacks.  The defence of Webster and Birks was good in a tackle, but their positional play was mediocre.  To demonstrate how poor, I have but to quote the number of cases they punted the ball out of play, and that when they were losing.  I would never forgive them for such tactical errors.  Victory could never be won by sending the ball hurtling into touch.  So much for Sheffield United’s play.  Now that of Everton.  The victory was a personal triumph for Dean, for he got the two opening goals and with a charming pass gave Martin the opportunity to beat Alderson with a tremendous drive.  Dean, without doubt, was the strong point of the Everton attack, and he was instrumental in supplying one big laugh for an incident never before witnessed on a football field.  Meston, who took Critchley’s place, had been given every scope by Dean, and once he was given the ball with the “command” to go on with it on his own, as Dean was offside.  Meston, however, sent the ball back to Dean who was instantly pulled up.  Dean went straight over to Meston and “cuffed” him on the head as if to say, “What made you do that.”  It was very amusing, but I would like to know what Meston thought of it.  Dean’s first goal was a gem, for he had to beat Alderman to the punch, and did so; while the second goal was purely the result of tenacity, and the will to win through. 
ALL ABOUT MESTON
Meston seemed to be overawed by the occasion.  It was a big task to ask him; but for all that he should have a couple of goals, for Dean “placed” him in an unassailable shooting position.  Meston, however, made some fine centres; while Martin, apart from his goal, played nice football, Weldon and Troup indulged in some fanciful movement; and the former nearly scored his long-delayed goal, Alderman just turning away a curling ball which would have entered the net.  Virr, Hart, and Kelly are now playing the same class of game which made them such a grand trio up to Christmas time.  They sent along some superb passes, and were difficult to beat when it came to tackling.  It was from a free kick by Kelly that Dean recorded his first goal.  To my mind, Dean scored another goal; but the referee considered that he had fouled Alderson before he eventually piloted the ball into the net.  I travelled home on the same train as Liverpool Reserves, who made a draw with Sheffield Wednesday Reserves; and that with ten men for most of the time, for during the first half Tommy Scott fell and broke his shoulder blade; but despite this handicap he played on to the finish.  

EVERTON 3 NEWCASTLE UNITED 0
April 16 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON A POINT AND MANY GOALS AHEAD
LEAGUE LEAD RESTORED
DEAN AND HIS GOALS
Everton again went to the top of the First Division table by virtue of their convincing victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park last evening. They are now a point in front of Huddersfield Town, with a much better goal average, but the Yorkshire men have two matches in hand. Dean brought his League total of goals for the season to 51 from 39 games. Camsell who holds the English goal-scoring record, netted 59 in 37 Second Division matches last season. The British record is held by James Smith, of Ary United, who has scored 65 goals in Scottish League (Division 2) matches.
There was little good-class football at Goodison Park last evening, when 35,000 people attended a light ball in a tricky wind and a fast ground making it difficult for the players. Everton comfortably held Newcastle, who are a long way removed from the Newcastle of old. The personality seems to have gone. Davies, who gave a sound display in the Everton goal was filling in the scenery most of the first half, in which Weldon scored Everton's only goal after 14 minutes. It was from a difficult screw shot, the ball being well placed in the net. Critchley had dropped in a splendid centre, and both Maitland, United's stalwart back, who was outstanding, and Park, who was a rugged unpolished centre half, had failed to extricate the ball. Everton should have scored more than one goal in the first half, notably early on, when Troup who had the sun in his eyes, kicked over the ball when he received it from Weldon. The Everton halves largely dominated the game, and their halves were the best portion of the United side. Gallacher did some clever work on the right wing, although attempting too much and wandering all across the line. Urwin was much their better winger, while Wilkinson, the recruit from Crewe, continues to develop as a centre-forward, but he and McDonald missed chances.
DEAN WELL WATCHED.
Dean was not so much in evidence for he was not too well blessed with passes and was well taken care of. Martin was working well with him, and from one of the ex-Hull City man's passes down the middle Dean brought Burns, who kept an uncertain goal for Newcastle, running out. Dean was unlucky in miskicking more than once, notably from a pass by Troup, who nearly scored later with an overhead kick. Critchley was finding Gillespie a difficult customer and would have done better with less hesitancy in finishing. Critchley scored ten minutes after the resumption in a hot moment, when it would have been asking Burns the impossible to have saved, for after Troup had tricked his way through. Dean bundled into Burns, who had the ball partially cleared, and Critchley beating Gillespie, scored with the goalkeeper on the ground. Dean's goal in the 70 th minute was a characteristic one for with a back header, after Cresswell had landed the ball in front of goal. "Dixie" beat Burns. Cresswell came back to something more approaching his true form, and Hart have another consistent display, with Virr a good second. The referee's whistle went a great deal, and Referee Jenning spoke to both Weldon and Parks. Teams : - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Newcastle United: - Burns, goal, Maitland and Gillespie, backs, Harris, Park, and Currie, half-backs, Urwin, Gallacher, Wilkinson, McDonald, and Saymour, forwards .

NEWCASTLE TEAM TO OPPOSE EVERTON
Newcastle Journal - Tuesday 17 April 1928
The Newcastle United players, after the game at Liverpool on Saturday, returned to Southport, and are staying at the Royal Hotel, on the Promendade, in readiness for their game with Everton at Goodison Park to-morrow.  They are relying on the team which drew with Liverpool, viz.  Burns; Maitland, Evans; Harris, Park, Curry; Urwin, Gallacher, Wilkinson, McDonald, Semour. 

THE BIG GAME AT GODOISON –NEWCASTLE’S CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 17 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Newcastle United meet to-morrow night, starting at 5.30.  It will be a fascinating match from a personal and championship point of view.  The Dean vogue and the possibility of a figure of 59 is setting everyone talking, Newcastle having drawn here at Anfield, on Saturday, stay at Southport to recuperate.  If the wind drops and gives one a chance to play (which was not possible on Saturday) we should see some great fun tomorrow night.  Everton have not chosen their team, but I know that critchly has improved and is likely to play, while Evans, who was damaged early in the Anfield game, has a swollen muscle that will probably lead to Gillespy being included in the Newcastle side.  This is only one of many games of import this week-end, and yesterday’s win by Sheffield United over Sunderland by 5-1 gives a pointer to the way the Bramall-lane club is about to make a move upward.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Newcastle; Burns’ Maitland, Gillespy; Harris, Park, Curry; Urwin, Gallacher, Wilkinson, McDonald, Seymour. 

EVERTON THE COCK OF THE LEAGUE AGAIN
April 18 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
ONE CHANGE FOR GOODISON PARK GAME
CRITCHLEY COMES BACK.
Everton in all probability will assume the leadership of the First Division once again this evening, when they entertain Newcastle United at Goodison Park. Huddersfield, who will not, of course, have a League engagement this week, are only one point ahead (47 to 46), and their goal average is inferior to that of Everton. The Town, however, will have two matches in hand after this evening. Everton need only draw this evening to go on top, but the two points are of vital importance. Everton make one changes in the team who defeated Sheffield United for the match at Goodison Park with Newcastle, Critchley resuming at outside right in place of Meston. Teams: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. The kick off will be at 5.30. The match at St. James's Park in September was drawn 2-2 and the corresponding match today's last season was won by Newcastle 3-1.

DUNFERLINE MAN TRANSFERRED
Dundee Courier - Thursday 19 April 1928
STEIN SECURED BY EVERTON
PRMISING WINGER
Jimmy Stein, the Dunfermline Athletic outside left, whose fine this season has been attracting the attention of others clubs, was last night transferred to Everton.  The transfer fee is not divulged but it is quite satisfactory to the East End Park management. Mr. John Fraser chairman of the Dunfermline directors, and Manager Paterson trevelled to.  Edinburgh in the evening and completed the deal with Mr. T.H. McIntosh, Everton’s manager.  Stein’s capabilities as a player have shown marked, development this season- his fourth with the Athletic.  Very fast, he can cross a ball into the goalmouth with great accuracy.  He is regarded as a player of great promise.  His first experience of football was with Blackburn Rovers, a juvenile combination in the Bathgate district and all his experience in senior football has been gained at Dumfermline.  Earlier in the season several clubs were making inquiries about him.  Hearts were particularly keen on him, and Rangers also inquired after him, with the though of making him substitute for Alan Morton.  Everton’s first overtures were made less than a fortnight ago.  Stein, who belongs to West Lothian is 5ft feet inches in height.  And weighs 12 stone.  He is 23 years old. 

NEWCASTLE DEFEATED
Newcastle Journal - Thursday 19 April 1928
NEWCASTLE DEFEATED BY BETTER SIDE
HARD-FOUGHT GAME AT GOODISON PARK
By a Special Correspondent
EVERTON 3 NEWCASTLE 0
Newcastle United were beaten by three goals to nothing by Everton at Goodison Park in a hard fought game in which the honours went to the better side, though there was by no means a three goals margin between the teams.  Newcastle might have had two penalty kicks, and were several times very unlucky near goal, which there was some luck about two of the goals Everton scored.  But Everton were a shade the better all-round side, and were the better finishers. 
NEWCASTLE CLAIMS UNHEEDED
When Everton scored through Weldon in 13 minutes the goal followed a save by Burns from Critchley, but the Newcastle custodian allowed the ball to rebound off his body and though Maitland made a valiant effort to clear Weldon had little difficult in netting.  Sheer luck through O’Donnell keeping out a shot by Gallacher when on the goal line prevented an equalizer.  United claimed, and with apparent good reason, that the full back had handled, but the referee ruled against them.  He was against them again in the second half, when a defender seemed to stop the ball with his hands, and when Everton got two up eight minutes after the interval one though the defenders should have had a free kick through Dean bowling Burns over.  But play went on and the goalkeeper was on the ground when critchly netted.  The best goal was scored by Dean in 23 minutes, and he made his League total for the season into 51 with a fine header 23 minutes after the interval.  United had found it hard work to get the better of capital halves and a sound defence, yet they showed better form when three down than formerly, only to be frustrated by an unflinching defence that had been reinforced by the with-drawal of the inside wing forwards. 
MAITLAND MAGNIFICENT
Though losing three goals one could not blame the United defence.  Maitland played a great game at back, and had no superior in his position, for he tackled Everton’s best wing cleverly, kicked with fine judgement and found time to look after Gillespie, who came in for Evans, hurt in the game at Anfield on Saturday.  Gillespie was uncertain in his tackling when facing the wind in the first half, but in the second half he did much better work.  Burns kept goal well, though appearing to be rather nervy in the first half, through in no way to blame for any of the goals.  At half-back Newcastle were not up to the Everton standard.  In defence they did well, but they failed in supporting their forwards.  All too frequently they ballooned the ball, and a speedy and quick-tackling defence held the upper hand. 
GALLACHER PLAYS FINALLY
Park looked after Dean well, Curry played a good game against the home right and Harris was by no means a failure against the better home wing.  As against Liverpool, the United left wing did little, but Gallacher played finely and was always striving hard to get the line going.  Urwin and Wilkinson were also keen triers, but they wanted more support from the intermediate line against the fine halves and sound defence of Everton.  O’Donnell, Hart, and Kelly were specially good. 

STEIN SHIFTS
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Thursday 19 April 1928
Very little surprise has been occasioned in Dunfermline by the announcement of the transfer of James Stein, the East End Park outside left, to Everton.  The winger has been attracting the attention of several clubs over the border for a month or two, and it was only a question of time when he would depart.  Stein was juvenile with Blackburn Rovers, a club in the Bathgate district, when picked up by Dunfermline, which has been his only senior club. 

EVERTON SIGN A WINGER FROM SCOTLAND
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 19 April 1928
THE OUTSIDE LEFT
WHY THERE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A PENALTY AT GOODISON PARK
Bee’ Notes
Everton have made a signing.  They have taken Stein, the young outside left of Dumfermline, 5ft 9in and 11st; a very good player.  I understand that in among the probable list at Goodison Pak appears the name of W.Brown. 
The League race goes on.  Everton are on top of the moon at the moment in this thrilling race, and I question if the race is not more thrilling than the football.  Of course, it is easy to criticism from the head-quarters of the Preston and the grand stand, but only those who have tired of sport know the difficulty of rising to the occasion to the bitter end, know the natural fall-away towards the end of the season.  Yesterday’s game at Goodison Park wanted a light other than that which came from “nowty” incidents, that threatened to make Newcastle’s visit once more a bone of referee’s contention.  It wasn’t good football, it wasn’t practical football; the number of throws-in was sufficient to throw the game into so easily forgotten limbo.  Had Weldon been made to pay the full punishment yesterday in his affairs with Urwin, we should have had the extraordinary spectacle of a man sent off a field twice for a retaliatory offence on the same bit of turf.  It was at the exact spot which he fell foul of McClelland that an incident occurred last night.  Fortunately there was no striking result, and Weldon went off with a goal in his locker –the first since November 12 – and the remembrance of a very hearty welcome to this little stranger from his comrades.  Weldon is a likeable fellow, a canny worker, and a worrying, willing worker, but he had undoubtedly run to seed in recent weeks, and his fall-away was timed for the moment when others of the side fell from high estate.  Everton have played like a worn-out team or some months, due, no doubt, to the excess of endeavor until Christmas.  However, they have, with Huddersfield’s help and a win at Sheffield and Sunderland, kept the fire alight in this interesting race for League honours.  Huddersfield will have to tread very warily in their remaining fixtures.  They have the whip-hand in figures, if not points, and the great feature of their remaining programme is that it is over-crowded.  Somehow these evening matches lose the right atmosphere; they seem out of place, and rarely give the public the full pleasure of the real game.  The footballers yesterday disturbed the air more than they disturbed the defences. 
PRE-ARRANGED
O’Donnell was the centre piece of many fine punts, along with his partner, Cresswell; and he kept the score sheet clean for Davies by breasting the ball away.  It is safe to assume that 90 per cent of the crowd thought and said O’Donnell had handled; but not a Newcastle player appealed to the referee.  And Gallacher plays for Newcastle, remember! When I saw Dean heading the ball by flicking it- in spite of his being “Park-ed” by the Newcatsle centre-half-my mind went out to Chalmers, who was looking on.  Chambers was a great flicker of the ball, and I wondered if there was any difference between him and Dean in that ability.  It is, perhaps, a toss-up; yet Dean’s goal against the goalkeeper (with his arms in use), and the full-back, was a tribute to Dean’s unfailing ability with his head.  He headed the ball to the empty goal.  How many times has he done this this season?  Then there is a prearranged plan for free kicks.  O’Donnell takes them with a sweeping half-shot principle, and Dean heads them en route- a fine preconceived notion.  Then Cresswell, with a simple swing of the leg, lobs the ball to the middle with the same accuracy that he imparts into the golf ball.  That was how Dean came by his 51st goal.  Critchley’s goal, to my mind, was right enough if the referee had not seen Dean’s charge on the goalkeeper, which made it a bad goal.  Burns had not the ball, and had no chance to do himself justice were a few of the points rammed home in a game that was won with a goodly margin- a margin that suggested Everton were in their pristine form, which was not the case.  The half-backs laid the foundations-stone of this success.  Maybe it was Newcastle’s fault the game panned out poorly; they were but a shadow of the odd-time Newcastle side; and the lack of combination from both elevens was boring.  I was sorry to hear the unwarranted taunts at Gallacher, who had done nothing amiss, and had shown ball-control that should have bene welcomed, even though it was going against the home side.  Galllacher is a very fine footballer, and his gentle hesitance during the course of a dribble is a valuable feature of his methods; but he has lost his shot and bolt.  Having said that, what can one say of Stanley Seymour and Urwin?  These two have gone off tremendously.  Wilkinson, at centre, is undoubtedly full of promise when the Newcastle line of attackers, becomes more rational.  Maybe he will have to go into retirement for a while until Gallacher has had a spell of leadership from the central position; but I am sure Wilkinson is going to do big things when the weather is dirty and the ball heavy. 
STRAWBERRY-LANE, “DERBY”
Everton “A” and Liverpool “A” meet in the County Combination series on Saturday.  Everton “A” from Hughes; Davies, Curr, W. Curr, Murray, Dickie, Williams, McGoven, Montgomery, Templeman, Wilkinson, and Gandy.

NEW EVERTON FORWARD
April 20 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton yesterday signed on James Stein, an outside left from Dunferline Athletic. Stein is 23 years old, stands 5ft 9ins and weights 11ston. A native of Coatbridge he has been with Dumfermline for three seasons, and was previous with West Lothian and Blackburn Rovers. He made 26 appearance for the Scottish league cup last season.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL FOR EVERTON
Nottingham Evening Post - Friday 20 April 1928
James Dunn, The Hibernian inside-right and Scottish International, has been transferred to Everton.  Dunn has been capped on six occasions.  He played against Ireland at Glasgow in February last, and was inside-right to Jackson in Scotland’s eleven which overcame England 5-1 at Wembley last month. 

WARING AND DEAN FACE EACH OTHER AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 20 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON RECORDS
Everton at home to Aston Villa is one of those things I could not resist, save for a Cup-final date.  The clashing of the Midland arms is something very special this season owing to the appearance of “Pongo” Waring and Dean for the first time in any one match. Waring had a slowish start with Villa, who are not a great side this season, and could not expect to be remedied by their appoint of one man.  Comparisons made between Tranmere’s two recognized stars are so much waste of time.  I say this although I have never yet seen Waring play- more’s the pity for me, I believe.  However, the point about the morrow’s game is that Everton have to make a double- a further double- win, by beating Villa and it would seem that the match may drag many folk away from the fascinating game at Tranmere’s ground, Prenton Park, between the top-club, Doncaster Rovers, and the will-be-top-club, Tranmere Rovers.  By-the-way I believe Tranmere have signed up twenty-one of their men for next season, and only three or four will be leaving.  Everton have still to work out their wins to make a championship stab possible, so that every match to the end is likely to be fought with special fervor.  In addition there is the goal-breaking figure of Dean, who is drawing power unparalleled in the history of the club- and it has quite a long line of famous men in its ranks.  That reminds me- I lent an enthusiast a very special book of Everton history some weeks ago and an desiring the return of the book.  It is a nice state of affairs when I have to use my own “Queryosition” features to bring me my special needs, n’out il pas- talking French in view of the visit of Everton to France and Switzerland early in May.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Gibson, Dr. Milne, Yates; York, Cook, Waring, Beresford, Dorrell. 

SCOT FOR EVERTON
April 21 st 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
JAMES DUNN TRANSFERRED BY HIBERNIAN F.C.
That Everton mean to maintain, if possible a strong team for next season to shown by the fact that they have signed Jimmy Dunn the Hibernians inside-forward, who played so well against England at Wembley a few weeks ago. Dunn although lacking in inches is a most skillful player, who possesses great command over the ball, and he is likely to considerably strengthen the forward line. No doubt the fee is a high one, as many clubs were anxious to obtain his services. Dunn assisted Scotland on five occasions against Wales and Ireland in 1925, against Ireland in 1927 and against Ireland and England this season. He also helped the Scottish league to victory over the Irish league at Glasgow in 1923. Dunn is 5ft 5and half inches but is exceptionally well built, and as he can play at inside right or left. He is likely to prove must useful and his scheming football should prove a great help to dean. The new player joined the Hibernians from St Anthony club, a prolific nursery of the association game, in season 1920-21 he was than nineteen years of age and quickly played himself into a permanent place in the league side. Dunn is a proverbial bag of tricks. One of the most dangerous and skillful forwards in the game, and a ready goal scorer into the bargain. Although small, he display's great fact in reaching a highball. He will not be eligible to play in Everton's remaining league games, but he many assists the reserves team, before the end of the season.

VILLA’S SECOND HALFRALLY
Sports Argus - Saturday 21 April 1928
BEATEN BY ODD GOAL OF FIVE AT GOODISON PARK
CONFIDENT RAIDS
Great interest was taken on the Merseyside in the League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park today as Everton were making an effort to retain their held upon the leadership.  Villa also were anxious to consolidate their recent capital revival which had removed them from a position of peril to the fifth place in the table.  With Everton making a desperate bid for the championship the match was fraught with important consequences.  Aston Villa made one change is their recent capital revival which had removed them from a position of peril to the fifth place in the table.  With Everton making a desperate bid for the championship the match was fraught with important consequence.  Aston Villa made one change in their team compared with the side that defeated Cardiff City,  walker returned to the inside-left position and Beresford took the place of Cook at inside-right.  The Villa players wore black armlets in memory of their’s medical adviser, Dr. Jessop, who died on Thursday night.  Everton were powerfully represented.  A heavy shower of sleet and rain fell just before the kick-off but the weather cleared in time for the match.  Teams; Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Gibson, Dr. Milne, Yates; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Referee; Mr. T. Crew (Leicester).  There was added interest to the game in that there were two ex-Tranmere Rovers centre-forwards in opposition.  There were about 35,000 present when Dean kicked off.  In the first three minutes Villa had narrow escape following a splendid open movement in which the home centre shone.  The ball was passed out to Troup who fired in a low shot.  Olney stopped it at the foot of the post and Bowen had to go to his rescue in order to clear.  Villa raced off in reply and Davies was just in time to punch away a header from Waring, while a moment later a hot shot from Gibson was cleared at the expense of a flag kick.  These thrilling incidents were a measure of the exciting play that followed.  Smart kicked away from the line after a  scrimmage, only for Everton to return to the attack smartly and for WELDON to score with a straight drive which gave Olney no chance after five minutes.  Encouaged by this success Everton again pressed heavily, and Dean was shaping well in the course of a dribble when he was neatly stopped by Milne.  It was not long before the home centre-forward was again prominent and he had a good opening when he took the ball which rebounded off Smart, for there was a clear course for goal, but his shot was placed wide of the far post.  A flag kick enabled to attack, and during a melee in front of Davies there was some clever heading by Walker and Dorrell.  The ball finally went to Waring, who made a first time shot, which, however, went over the bar.  Villa’s early promise had not been fulfilled and Everton were playing the better football.  Their passing was accurate, and their raids were carried out at a faster pace and with a greater degree of confidence.  There was a breakaway by Waring, who finding himself unable to beat Cresswell, passed to York, and that player gave Dorrell a chance which he promptly attempted to turn to advantage.  Davies dived for the ball and held it at the foot of the post.  There were signs of an improvement by the Villa afterwards and the forwards were applauded for their brilliant ball control during which the ball went from player to player until Beresford shot.  His aim, however, was poor and the ball went wide.  Once more the villa attacked strongly, and Waring proved very difficult to shake of the ball.  When Beresford appeared to have a chance of equalizing he shot weakly.  Villa were now showing better form, and once more Waring from a difficult angle dropped the ball on the top of the net.  A masterly pass by Gibson o York led up to another passing raid, and as Waring and Walker tried to force a follow-through Davies leaped out and punched away.  The Villa had deserved a goal for their sustained efforts.  The Everton defenders, however, refused to waver, and though the home goal had a number of narrow escapes the Villa were unable to gain their merited reward.  Just before the interval Everton broke away, and Dean added to their score, Olney touched the ball but failed to stop it.  Dean followed up and drove it into the net.  Half-time; Everton 2, Aston Villa 0.
The crowd had increased to 40,000 when the game restarted.  After Walker headed over from a free kick York raced through and Davies had to run out to gather his shot.  At the other end Dean shot over after some fast play.  Dorrell went down the line and dropped the ball into the goalmouth.  York promptly shot only to be foiled by Davies, who cleared well.  A centre from Cresswell gave an opening to Dean, who had a rare tussle with Olney, but came off second best.  In the next duel, however, Dean was successful.  When all the Villa players concluded he was off-side he stood still, DEAN later side-stepped Olney and put the ball into the net.  The referee refused to listen to the Villa players’ appeal against the point.  Eight minutes from the end WARING dribbled splendidly though challenged by the backs got through the defence and scored a capital goal.  Villa went down fighting for a minute, from the finish GIBSON scored a great goal.  Result; Everton 3, Aston Villa 2
THE GAME AT BA GLANCE
After 5 minutes –Everton 1, Villa 0 (Weldon scored)
After 44 minutes- Everton 2, Villa 0, (Dean scored)

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 April 1928
GOODISON PARK GAME WITH ASTON VILLA
DEAN AND WARING
EX-TRANMERE CENTRE FORWARDS OPPOSED
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Gibson, Dr. Milne, Yates; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Referee; Mr. T. Crewe, of Leicester.  There was a special interest in the visit of Villa to Goodison Park, in view of the association of Dean and Waring with Tranmere Rovers.  The crowd was quite 30,000 strong when Dean and Waring received an ovation on their own through shaking hands.  Dean was baulked of a goal in the very first minute, when Troup’s shot was pushed away by Olney, who edged the ball just too far away to be convertible by the Everton man.  After Gibson had forced a corner, and Villa had failed to make good use of it, Everton crowded in on Olney, and Critchley, in taking the corner, put the ball into the goalmouth so accuracy that the kick nearly produced a goal by direct means.  However, Weldon had the pleasure of coming into the limelight as the scorer after six minutes, when he shot from fairly long range.  Olney seemed to have a fair chance of pushing the ball over the bar, but seemed to jump too soon.  Dean, with a very deliberate movement of his head, got too much under the ball.  Waring, who, like the other Villa players, wore a black armlet out of respect for a Villa director who died during the week, seemed to have put on weight since leaving Prenton, but he showed he was as fast as ever in a dash with Cresswell, which ended with the Villa man unlucky to be unable to put the ball in play. 
DEAN AND TROUP COMEDY
Dean and Troup created a laugh, the former through annoyance at being given a pass when he was offside and Troup owing to the way he followed up and challenged Olney.  Dean was quick to cotton on to a stray ball with a fair chance of getting clean through, but pulled the ball badly, and Olney, who had advanced a little, was given some work.  Dean was heading the ball wonderfully well, but he got few real chances for the splendid way in which he kept both wings moving, and Gibson and Dr. Milne showed splendid judgement in their method of feeding the forwards.  Dr. Milne was not afraid to hit the ball hard, probably because he knew he had imparted spin which would prevent it from going out of play.  There was not much in the game so far to recall the famous final these two clubs played, but there was any amount of earnestness and quite a lot of finesse one expects from the meeting of two such distinguished clubs.  Cresswell was playing particularly well in his own quiet way, and was successful in playing the ball to advantage, whereas Martin and Weldon, two of the “rearguard” forwards, rarely put the ball right. 
REFEREE CHANGES DECISION
When Referee Crewe pulled up Dean for offside the crowd verbally and actually pointed out his mistake, and the official had to change his decision to a throw-down.  Villa were finding the sun rather awkward, although so far they had enjoyed as much of the game as the Everton folk.  Gibson, who had been pulled up for a foul throw-in, was about to throw in on another occasion when he noticed that the linesman was watching him carefully to see that neither foot touched the touch-line.  He accordingly stood back a yard or two in order that there should be no mistake that time.  A feature of the game was the fact that Dr. Milne was nearly always in the line of flight for nay up-the-middle passes to Dean.  At this point Villa were on top, but there was little cohesion in their attack, although they were provided with enough opportunities.  Bowen made a splendid hook kick to prevent Dean getting his head to the ball, and then came the juiciest bit of the match, in which Troup, Weldon, Dean, and Dr. Milne were the chief figures.  Dr. Milne played the Everton left-wing pair off his own bat, but eventually Troup managed to put the ball into the centre, where Dean neary headed the ball over Olney, the goalkeeper just managing to tip the ball over the bar without a corner being awarded.
DEAN’S FIFTY-SECOND
Just before half-time Dean got a lucky goal through Olney handling a soft shot badly.  Dean had only to follow up and put the ball into an empty net.  Half-time; Everton 2, Aston Villa 0.
DEAN GETS TWO AND WELDON ONE GOAL
WARING’S LATE REPLY
GIBSON GETS SECOND VILLA GOAL
Weldon scored for Everton at the sixteenth minute, and, at the forty-fifth, Dean added another goal, his fifty-second this season. Waring scored for Villa after 82 minutes.  Gibson scored for Villa after 89 minutes
Gibson opened the second half with an unwarranted foul on Weldon.  Dean twice was fairly close within a short space of time.  In the second effort the ball bounced awkwardly for him, and he was well attended, finishing up with a shot only a trifle too high and wide.  Dorrell, who had done little, livened up the game by shooting hard from an awkward angle, and Davies could not hold the ball.
ANOTHER FOR DEAN
Villa’s front line was still playing poorly, and if it had been anything like normal Everton would not have been leading.  Dean seemed a shade offside when he went right through on his own, and, after drawing out Olney, he scored another goal with nothing to stop his shot.  Walker evidently said something to the referee, for Mr. Baker appeared to be warning the Villa man just before the game was restarted.  Waring lofted the ball to much in an effort to reduce the arrears.  Everton were on top for long spells in the second half, and only Villa’s clever offside tactics saved them from becoming still further down.  Waring was doing very little; for that matter, so were the other Villa forwards, if one excepted Walker, who seems to have come back to his real form. 
WARING’S REPLY
Olney was still in fear and trembling of Dean, who kept pegging away.  Waring scored a popular goal after 82 minutes, after a fairly lengthy run, during which time he was hampered by two defenders.  There was plenty of bite about the proceedings, and Olney added to it by saying a few kind words to Dean, after the latter had bowled him over in the goalmouth.  Gibson scored with a great shot after eighty-nine minutes.  Final; Everton 3, Aston Villa 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 April 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 3 ASTON VILLA 2
April 23 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON TOUCH THEIR BEST
GREAT CROWD GREET FORMER TRANMERE ROVERS
Everton served up one of their best games of the season, and after making the Villa look rather plain in the second half, it was remarkable they should have allowed them to stage a revival near the finish, and score a couple of goals. Everton were practically without flaw, and held the fast-moving Villa side, who, however, were not the Villa of old. Weldon's goal in the first five minutes inspired Everton's with confidence. Weldon in fact, dispensed one of his best games, and after Dean, he and Martin were two of the best forwards on view. The Weldon and Troup wing found the lengthy Scot, Gibson, a handful, but the talented half never subdued them, although his task would have been more difficult had Troup kicked with equal facility with each foot. As a centre forward, Waring, coming from Tranmere Rovers, the same club as Dean, was over-shadowed by the Everton centre-forward, although the pair gave each other a warm handshake before the game. Waring of course, was running up against a great centre-half in Hart –a stiffer proposition than Dean had in facing Dr. Milne. Hart was clever, opened up the game to the best advantage and was a tower of strength in an unobtrusive way. Dean's energy as usual was unbound, and his first goal just before the interval was an illustration that it pays a forward to follow up for a second shot, when a goalkeeper makes a faulty clearance, as Olney did. His second goal at the restart was characteristic, but Villa helped him to it, it seemed to me, writes a Daily Courier representative, by seemingly trying the offside-dodge at the wrong time. I do not think Dean was offside. Martin still maintained good impressions; he had speed and is not unlike Hart in his cool calculating style. He showed too when the ball can he held rather than parted with without taking a fleeting survey. He was thus able to make a better partnership with Critchley, who was not always brisk in getting in his centres with the result that the Lincolnshire man, Yates got too much rope. The halves again were a dominant feature of the game, with Hart and Gibson the star. I should like to have seen Walker giving Waring more of the ball for Waring showed he could use his brains when he gave Hart the slip for the first time and scored after an individual run. He has the physique too, is only a youngster, and has plenty of time to settle down. It was quite a popular spectator goal. Gibson crowned the sound display throughout by scoring Villa's second goal on time with a great shot. Dorrell and York the Villa wingers did not reproduce their top form. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Aston Villa: - Olney, goal, Smart and Bowen, backs, Gibson, Dr. Milne, and Yates, half-backs, York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, and Dorrell, forwards.

LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 23 rd 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 39)
At Leeds. Both teams played clever open football and Everton's inside forwards passed and shot with judgement. French at centre forward was an admirable leader, and he scored both Everton goals. Mears and Magnall scored for Leeds.

EVERTON GET A SHOCK IN CLOSING STAGES
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 23 April 1928
ASTON VILLA SORE TWICE IN LAST TEN MINUTES
EVERTON 3, ASTON VILLA 2
By Touchstone
Everton defeated Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday in a more convincing manner than the score of 3-2 suggests.  For the greater part of the game Everton were the better team, as they played more confidently, and their forwards were always splendidly together.  Ten minutes from the end they had a lead of three goals, which did not in any way exaggerate their superiority, and they appeared to have the issue comfortably in hand.  Then occurred an amazing change, which gave Everton a rare fright.  Like a bolt from the blue Villa went through and scored, and then put on another goal in the last minute.  The Midlanders delayed their rally until it was just too late to make up the heavy leeway.  Had their revival started a few minutes earlier there was just the possibility they would have pulled the game round.  They did not deserved to win on the run of the play, however. 
EVERTON AT THEIR BEST
Everton were anxious to strengthen their hold upon the leadership and thus consolidate their chance of the championship, and, therefore, their victory delighted the 45,000 spectators.  The home side were sound in all departments.  The backs tackled relentlessly and kept a good length with their returns; the half-backs excelled and made innumerable openings for the forwards, who moved to the attack in open formation and were really above their usual form.  There were periods when Villa brought heavy pressure to bear, but they did not operate with their customary smoothness, and the forwards were not in form as marksmen.  Everton’s tactics in distributing the ball led to their first goal scored by Weldon after five minutes and the first half had only a few seconds to go when Dean slipped through and added to the score.  Olney touched the ball but failed to stop it, and the centre followed up and drove it into the net. 
WARING’S FINE GOAL
Dean scored the third goal when all the Villa defenders stood still, as they were under the impression he was off-side.  He walked up with the ball, side-stepped the goalkeeper and touched it into the net.  It came as a shock to the Villa when the referee refused to listen to their protests.  Eight minutes from the end Waring dribbled through in brilliant style, and although challenged by the backs, who forced him away from the goal, he got in a screw shot which beat Davies.  Almost with the last kick of the contest Gibson “slammed” home a magnificent drive, which left the goalkeeper helpless.  Gibson was the most stylish player on the field, and Dr. Milne, possibly, the hardest worker.  Yates also was good.  The forwards, as a line, however, were rarely convincing.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Gibson, Dr. Milne, Yates; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrall.  Referee; Mr. T. Crew (Leicester). 

WILL EVERTON FOIL HUDDERSFIELD AGAIN?
Athletic News - Monday 23 April 1928
DEAN’S HAVOC
EVERTON SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP FORM IN DEFEAT OF VILLA
EVERTON 3, ASTON VILLA 2
By Junius
That figures are not a reliable guide to the merits of a game was exemplified at Goodison Park where the result would suggest an even tussle.  Such was not the ease, or if the Villa were worthy of two goals, scored in the closing minutes of the game, then Everton, by their pronounced superiority, were good value for half a dozen.  They played superlatively, and on the day few teams could have held them.  The whole side displayed confidence in their own powers, and dovetailed to great purpose.  I do not suggest the Villa were out-classed, but they were opposed to players with a great incentive to win through.  In the first half when the Villa had the help of the breeze, the game was generally well contested, with Dean the stormy petrel, feared from start to finish.  He had the Villa defenders in a panic, and they had to resort to the off-side tactics, which once cost a goal when Dean, at his leisure, carefully piloted the ball into the haven.
THE GOALS
After six minutes WELDON rounded off a spell of pressure with a fast rising ball from 20 yards’ range.  The Villa had opportunities of levelling matters at the half hour when they became very aggressive and kept Everton wholly on the defensive, and had Beresford been accurate when a couple of chances came his way, a different complexion might have bene placed upon the game.  But Cresswell and O’Donnell did not waver, and by sheer resolution warded off wave after wave of intensive pressure, while just on the interval DEAN seized upon a half chance to defeat Olney, after being stalled off by Bowen. The second half had been in progress 18 minutes when Smart mistimed his run forward to throw DEAN off-side, and thereby paid the penalty.  Everton looked like holding their clear lead until the last five minutes, when WARING  eluded Hart, and with Cresswell and O’Donnell apart left Davies with no chance, while just on time GIBSON, with a strong drive, reduced the lead.  The Everton half-backs dominated the game, Kelly, Hart, and Virr being tireless in defence and clever in placing to their forwards.  Hart was especially resourceful, holding Waring as in a vice, and it was significant that the only time he let him free the Villa centre dashed between Cresswell and O’Donnell to score a great goal.  Everton’s forwards gave a bright display, and there was not a failure among them.
GIBSON GREAT
Martin and Weldon were at their best, and both Critchley and Troup were successful raiders.  The whole line worked the ball well, finding each other with accurate passes in contrast to the Villa van, who relied upon celerity of movement rather than skill or artistry.  As I have indicated, Waring was not allowed scope; still, he frequently got the ball to his wing players and generally kept them going.  In the half-back line Gibson was always an outstanding personality, conserving his energy and playing with ease, while Milne found Dean too elusive a player to cope with successful.  The Villa defence was overworked, and Olney was not to blame in any measure.  Davies showed good judgement when it became essential to leave his charge, and among many smart saves that he accomplished was one by which he prevented York from scoring two yards out by smothering the ball.  It was a great feat.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon and Troup.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Gibson, Milne, Yates; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker and Dorrell.  Referee; Mr. T. Crew, Leicester. 

EVERTON’S LEAGUE CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 23 April 1928
KEEPING LANCS. TO THE FORE
By Stork
Everton, not without hope that they may yep share in the season’s honours, strengthened their case with a useful win against Aston Villa by three goals to two.  Obviously Huddersfield still hold the key to the position of the championship, and much depends upon the result of the remaining matches.  Although Everton won on Saturday they did not show championship form; indeed much of the play was disappointing.  The forward work of both sides was below the standard expected, poor finishing being the great fault, and once again it has to be recorded that the Everton attack would have made a poor showing without the thrust and driving power infused by Dean. The appearance of Waring and Dean, both schooled in the Tranmere nursery, was a matter of unusual local interest, and a comparison naturally the Everton player.  Dean, now in a class by himself, has of course developed by experience, and although Waring did little out of the ordinary, he has obviously improved by contract with a higher class, and gave evidence of improved ability and a fair amount of skill.  It was not a good game, especially when judged by the standard of former meetings between Everton and Aston Villa.  Except for brief periods the forwards never seemed to get thoroughly roused.  There were too many weak attempts at combination and few definite movements of convincing footwork.  Both sets of forwards threatened much but accomplished little.  The Villa had two periods of activity –late in the first half, when they played really well but failed to shake the Everton defence, and again in the closing minutes, when they produced their best work.  A little more of the fiery methods adopted near the end would have improved the contest as a whole and helped to make the Villa a much more formidable proposition.  The Villa gave away at least one goal through their fondness for exploiting the offside rule, which allowed Dean to run through and score the third goal of the game.  The first goal came at the end of six minutes, when Weldon scored with a capital long shot.  The half-backs were uniformly good, but the forwards, with the exception of Dean, were poor.  The Villa’s best were Walker, Dr. Milne and Gibson. 

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 40)
Everton won a hard-fought game by an odd goal, which just about represented their superiority. The match also served as an introduction to local spectators of Dunn and Stein, Everton's Scottish signings. Dunn proved that he requires little room in which to work, and is very quick on the ball. Several of his passes, however, were far too forward to be of value to his colleagues. Stein showed good ball control, and centred accurately. Everton took the lead in the tenth minute. When Bain centred French might have tried a shot, but wisely allowed the ball to pass on to Easton, whose shot although possessing little pace, beat Kelly. For a long spell Liverpool could not move smoothly, and with the exception of a couple of drives by Miller, Hardy had a quite time during the first half. His first serious work was just after the resumption, when it was only a superlative save that prevented a free kick by Done entering the net. Everton dash away on the left and Meston, with a brilliant drive scored a second goal. Dunn during this half, was not over-prominent, but once tested Riley with a fiery drive, which was finely, cleared. A penalty fell to the Reds when Common fouled Lindsay. Done giving Hardy no chance from the spot. Liverpool had the fine backs in done and the veteran, Longsworth, who proved he is still far from being a spent force. It was Done who took the eye more, however. On the Everton side, Griffiths was a dominant figure, both in attack and defence. Meston was a virile raider and French did very well in the centre . Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Longsworth, and Done backs McNabb, Murray, and McMillan half-backs, Shears, Miller, Lindsay, Ray. And Oxley, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common, and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Dunn, White, Easton, and Stein, forwards.

FATHER AND SON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 24 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
Mr. Ike Baker was present at Anfield, last night, to see his boy take the meeting of Everton and Liverpool Reserves teams.  The boy features father, and come from the same place, “Wembley House,” Crewe-named, of course, after father’s final tie celebration.  He handled the game quite well, and could not be blamed for a throw-in decision of a reversed gentlemen on the line, which was in error, and led to the second goal of the night being scored.  The match was notable in many respects, and, in the main, because Dunn and Stein, of Scotland, and Lindsay and Miller, of Rhyl, were making their debut in new colours.  Dunn was being asked to turn out for a Central League game after having appeared for his country before 100,000 spectators only three weeks ago.  Was it wise?  I know the pooling of these Central League gates between the two clubs is a happy inspiration, and Dunn’s appearance led to a large crowd gathering.  But I question if it is politic to play such a man in such a game.  The risk is big, and the player is naturally holding off the stress of the situation, and people may be inclined to judge him on the form he showed –which form was altogether foreign to that he has shown in the last five years.  It has been asked; “Can Dunn play in the last game if the championship is not at shake –that is, has been won?”  The answer would be, “Yes, certainly, but Everton as a club would not insult those players who had carried them to success to make way for a newcomer for one game.”  Stein, the outside-left, made a deep impression; his cunning was captivating; his centres were beautifully judged, and his generalship against a man like Macnabb, for instance, was of high order.  I have great beliefs in the two new Scots, Liverpool had a lot of new blood mixed with the old.  In goal there was the safe Riley; at back Done learned a few tricks, and scored with a penalty kick; Longsworth, having had First Division standard on Saturday, came out fresh and well to show his worth in the second team- I hear that he is to be appointed coach or something similar at Anfield- and at half-back the man who made most mark was Murray, of Clydebank, converted into a centre half-back.  He did extremely well, and I should like to see him once more in that place before passing a judgement.  We had a centre half-back experiment at Anfield once before this season, and it lasted three matches, and then the man was transferred.  The Rhyl boys are strangely differing in their ideas.  The centre-forward had some fine slip-through methods and the inside man was more of a scheming worker, inclined to shoot with power, after he had been slightly covered by a defender. 
STRENGTH
Undoubtedly, the strength of the Everton half backs carried this 2-1 victory.  Think of these names- Bain, Griffiths, Rooney- happy is the club that can field such a trinity of young and able men –each could take his place in a First Division club, if Everton cared to release him- but they will not. 
J.S. McConnachie, ex-Everton and Barrow’s player-manager, was an onlooker at the Marine-Bootle Celtic game at Crosby on Saturday.  Whom had he in view? 

EVERTON’S LATEST RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 25 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
So much engrossed were we in the passage of the Cup to Blackburn Rovers, that Everton’s latest record all but escaped notice.  By gaining their 50th point, last Saturday, in the match against Aston Villa, Everton made a new club record.  Fighting for the championship as they are, and by no means certain of it, yet, in spite of this big number of points, it is of interest to recall that when Everton first won the championship in 1890-91, their total of points was 29.  When they won the championship in 1914-15, their total was 46.  Since that season, 1914-15, the lowest number of points required for the championship has been 56, credited to Newcastle United last year.  Huddersfield’s triolet in 1923-4, 1924-5, and 1925-6 required 57, 58, and 57 points respectively.  Liverpool scored 60 in 1922-23 and 57 a year earlier.  Burnley, with their long string of matches without a reverse, scored 59 points in 1920-21, and in the first season after the war West Bromwich Albion scored 60 points.  This is the 36th time the 50 mark has been passed in the First Division.  Huddersfield Town have been most prolific of these half-centuries of points.  In their last five seasons they have never been content with less than 51, and will most likely pass the 50 ark again this season.  Next to Huddersfield Town come Newcastle United and Liverpool, who scored 50 points in a season four times.  Liverpool were the second club in the League to score 50 points in a season, when their second championship brought them 51 points in 1905-6 out of a possible 76.  The charm of being the first club to score 50 points in a season rests with Aston Villa, who so long ago as 1899-1900 scored 50 out of a possible 68.  Villa have passed the half-century three times in all, likewise Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers.  Possible points were 44 up to 1892, 60 up to 1899, 68 up to 1905, 76 up to 1915, and 84 at present. 
Everton visit Burnley on Saturday in their pursuit of championship honours, and they will be represented by the side that defeated Aston Villa.  The team is;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
In the Central League game at Goodison Park Everton will give a trial to Whalley, a local goalkeeper, and Dunn and Stein will also turn out.  The team is; Whalley; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Dunn, French, Jones, Stein. For the match with Burnley, on Saturday, a special train will leave Exchange Station at 12.40, arriving at Burnley 2.30.  Intending passengers are asked to book early, as a big crowd is expected. 
 A GOOD WORD FOR MARTIN
As a person who has been brought up on, and still plays Rugby football, I cannot pretend to know very much about soccer, but generally go to see Everton about twice a season, say “Anonymous.”  I went to see them play Aston Villa and thoroughly enjoyed myself; but there are two features of the game I should like to write about, though I am perfectly aware my criticisms can carry little weight.  In the first place I went mainly to see Dean play, and on the whole was disappointed.  He seemed to me tired, and without the dash which was his at the beginning of the season.  His passes to Troup were short and not quite far enough ahead, and in consequence the little man was slowed up.  Troup got on better with Weldon, I thought.  But of all the forwards I was most pleased with Martin.  His ball control and ideas alike were excellent, and once, when he might have sent Critchley away, but instead side-stepped a man, and gave a perfect up-the-middle pass to Dean, I thought he showed international form.  It was a move which must have surprised everybody, and it left Dean with as good a chance as he had during the game.  Then again, I was pleased with Critchley.  He had pace, ball control, and his centring was good.  He once tried the only real piece of dribbling in the game, when he best two men and tried a third when he might have centred instead.  He didn’t succeed and the crowd round me didn’t like it, one man near me saying.  “He ought to be dropped for that.”  If that is typical of the attitude of the crowd, I am not surprised that dribbling has gone out, I will agree that if you dribble the odds are on the defender, but I think the odds are still greater on the defence in the majority of passes.  Above all, though, I felt that Everton were a team without any real weak spot, with Martin the most delightful player on the day’s play, and my real reason for writing to you is because when I read the “Liverpool Post,” I saw; “The forwards, with the exception of Dean, were poor,”  If that is true, I don’t understand “soccer.” 
PLUCK
If any man, having attained a certain brilliance, and finding himself on a high pinnacle, fails in the minutest degree, he very soon becomes superseded by public comparison.  I heard, on leaving the Everton enclosure, one solitary voice raised amid a tremendous chorus of praise, assert quite definitely that the greatest centre-forward in England was not up to his usual standard.  I am apprehensive lest such an opinion should spread, and hasten to assure dean’s multitude of friends that William has lost none of his cunning nor one scrap of his ability.  But I hear testimony to his tremendous pluck, and state that for a number of matches he has been playing under the tremendous handicap of a muscle injury; he has continued to play although suffering pain.  He is sorely in need of rest.  Here’s to it, William and Co, and a League medal says E.J.P. 

NOW WE DO NOT KNOW! THE STATISTICIANS HAVE A FEAST
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 26 April 1928
CHAMPIONS CHANCES
HUDDERSFIELD STILL SLIDING DOWN
BEE’S Notes
Phew!  Its’ very close- the weather and the football schedule!  Everton have got to get three points and Huddersfiel have to win all their remaining matches, and even then the championship may go to Everton through goal average.  The moral effect of their fifth successive defeat, and their third successive home defeat, may upset Huddersfield’s further outlook and give Everton an an easy run to the top of the chart.  On the other hand, do not forget that Everton have to win at Burnley, where Huddersfield lost yesterday.  Look at it another way-Everton have one home match v. Arsenal and one away at Burnley.  Huddersfield have to meet Leicester and Portsmouth at home- I name only those two for your special attention.  It is a full-season thrill.  There have been hundredths parts of a goal as deciding and vulgar fractions; maybe we shall have something like this on Saturday week.  Huddersfield have four matches to work off in ten days.  It looks like Everton being on top.
Everton- Arsenal, Home- Burnley Away
Huddersfield Town- Home, Sheffield United, Portsmouth- Away Leicester City, Aston Villa
EVERTON’S TRANSFER LIST
Everton have decided not to retain the services of Ted Taylor, the international goalkeeper; Brown, the half-back; Houghton, the local forward; Kenrick, the Shelbourne forward (outside left or outside right); Raitt, the full back, and Dickie (Poole half-back), and a local named T. Curr. 
Troup has just received his benefit money, and at the same time Raitt received his benefit allowance. 

'CAP' ON TRANSFER LIST
April 27 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
TAYLOR ONE OF EVERTON'S SEVEN TO GO.
Ted Taylor, the famous International goalkeeper, is one of seven players placed on the transfer list by Everton. The club still possess three goalkeepers in Davies (first team), Hardy (Reserves), and Hughes ("A" team). The other six men for transfer are: - Houghton, a local forward. Kendrick, the ex-Shelbourne (Dublin), forward, who can play at either outside-left or outside-right. Raitt the Scottish full back (either position), from Dundee. Dickie, left half-back, formerly of Poole, who was signed after the Cup-tie with Everton two seasons ago. T. Curr, full back a local product. Brown, the half-back, who has been with the club a number of years.
MR. CUFF ON THE FUTURE.
Mr. Cuff the chairman is optimistic of his club's chances of the championship. "I think after last night's result (he said yesterday, referring to the defeat of Huddersfield by Burnley) that our chances have increased considerably. We have, in fact, much more than an outside chance if we can secure the remaining four points, and I do not see why we should not. "it would be necessary for Huddersfield to win the whole of their remaining matches to oust us from the Championship. This is a pleasing contrast from our position last season. We have made practically no changes in the personnel of the team. All the players who have brought the success we have attained this season were in the team in the closing of last season. " We are hoping to celebrate our jubilee as champions. If that is not to be our fortune, we are none the less grateful for the great change in our fortunes." The Everton players are looking forward to the tour of Switzerland, beginning on May 9. Troup has been handed his benefit money (£650), and Raitt has received his benefit allowance of (£500).

EVERTON TAKE A CROWD WITH THEM TO BURNLEY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 27 April 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Burnley, and judging by the number of correspondents who have asked for information about the trip and the train time, they must be taking with them almost as many as went to Preston North End for the first round of the Cup-tie!  We are deeply grateful to Burnley for having done the big thing against Huddersfield, and it was especially interesting because Louis Page was the man who took the lead for the Lancashire side against their Yorkshire brethren.  And Louis Page, through his family and football life, is a son of Liverpool.  But the question is the morrow.  Everton’s endeavor to win against a side still in the throes of relegation makes the game one further Cup final!  Burnley’s ground has not been a kind one to Everton, and, candidly, I make this out to be Everton’s greatest test this back-end of the season, even though we can all remember what happened to Everton in a Cup-tie and League game against Arsenal this season.  Arsenal wind up the programme on Saturday week.  Dean has undoubtedly been playing in spite of injury, and it would be a thousand pities if the big man could not indulge in the last two games of this his most memorable season.  This is the Everton side-as usual;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
BURNLEY UNCHANGED
DOWN AND POLLARD WILL PLAY AGAINST EVERTON
The two Burnley players, Down and Pollard, were damaged at Huddersfield, on Wednesday, but they are reported all right for the important home fixture with Everton and the team will be unchallenged being;- Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Parkin; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Freeman, and Page. 

CRUCIAL PERIOD BEGINS IN LEAGUE
April 28 th 1928. The Daily Courier
The dramatic changes recently in the First Division table have given us hopes of another plum for Lancashire to keep the Cup company. Everton appear now to have the League Championship in their grip, after, apparently, ruining their chances weeks ago. Everton's task of winning their two remaining games –against Arsenal at Goodison Park and Burnley away –seems delightfully easy in comparison to the Town's problems if their outstanding matches with Portsmouth and Sheffield United at Leeds-road and Aston Villa and Leicester away. One has a kink that the latter two propositions will be too much for the over-wrought Yorkshiremen.
EVERTON FIR FOR TURF MOOR.
Huddersfield will be at Leicester today, and they should not secure more than a point (if that), while Everton, fit as a fiddle, with every man ready to do or die, will be at Burnley giving the home fellows one of the worst experiences of the season. Everton make no changes for the game with Burnley, which starts at .15. Burnley will field the side who beat Huddersfield. Teams: - Everton: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. Burnley: - Down; McGluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Parkin; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Freeman, and Page.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 April 1928
HUNT FOR CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
BURNLEY’S BIG PART
FIRST HALF MOVEMENTS AT TURF MOOR
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Burnley; Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Brown; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Freeman, Page.  Referee.- Mr. R.G. Kelso.  Burnley was all agog for the visit of Everton, and the centre of the town was packed with people en route for Turf Moor, and, although the ground was not so densely filled fifteen minutes from the start, there was every indication of a big crowd being present by the time the match started.  With Everton well on the way to championship honours a victory to-day would almost give them the title, and all the players were as keen as mustard to capture the two points at stake.  At the same time Burnley, although safely placed with thirty-nine points, were, in view of their feat at Huddersfield earlier on in the week, not to be taken any too lightly.  It was a glorious afternoon. A nice breeze sweeping across the ground tempered down the heat.  The turf was in excellent condition; in fact, it had more grass on it than any other I have visited in recent times.  Burnley made one change at half-back, Brown coming in at left-half through Parkin damaging his ankle at Huddersfield.
DEAN’S FIFTY FOURTH
Everton have so often started a game and scored in the first minute that it was not surprising to find them take a goal lead at the thirtieth second, Dean being the scorer.  It was a perfectly made goal, and three players had a hand in the making.  Martin, who was lying well back, slipped the ball through the middle to Weldon, who moved forward a stage before he cleverly side-tapped the ball to Dean.  McCluggage and Waterfield immediately closed upon the centre forward, who, forcing his way between them, draw Down from his lair and then shot into the corner of the net, and thus scored his fifty-fourth League goal of the season.  For some minutes after the goal the game went very tame, Burnley, no doubt being staggered by the quick turn of events; but for all that Down had to come out of goal to prevent Weldon from getting in a shot.  Burnley’s right wing tried exchanges against the Everton defence and if Beel (who was seeking one goal to make his hundred for the club) had not applied so much lift to a shot he might have got his desire, for he was admirably placed for scoring.
EQUALISER BY PAGE
Everton replied, and when Dean was pushed as he was going through and got nothing out of it he looked bewildered when the referee signaled to play on.  Then came another quick goal.  Bruton and Pollard between them got the better of the Everton defence, and the former slipped across a low centre that somehow or other found its way beyond a number of Everton defenders and Page, who had closed in, met the ball and crashed it into the net.  This was at the tenth minute.  With Everton losing their lead Burnley settled down to play better football, and O’Donnell and Hart by smart interception stopped the Burnley forwards from getting to close quarters.  Still, Beel and his colleagues were an undoubted menace when they reached the goal area, and when Page gained a corner kick and sent it flying across to the other wing there did not seem to be any immediate danger to Davies’s charge, until Pollard hooked up the ball with the sole of his boot and dropped it slap-bang on to Beel’s head so lightly that the latter could not help but score with such an opening. 
BEEL’S RECORD
It was Beel’s 100th goal.  From that point onwards the Everton defence had some stiff work and some anxious moments, and it had to be admitted that Burnley’s forwards played dazzling football; in fact, they were just a trifle over-inclined to the fancy stuff when straight-ahead methods would have been more serviceable. 
DEAN DEFEATS DOWN
It was following one of these hot tussles in the goalmouth that Everton got an equalizing goal.  Troup, who had gone back to lend a hand, swept the ball right up the field, and Dean went after it like a flash, and, passing Waterfield, Down rushed out of goal, but before he could capture the ball Dean chested the ball away from him, and then shot into the empty net.  It was a wonderful goal, as Dean had only an outside chance of beating the goalkeeper.  All square again, both sides continued to play deliciously, and Everton’s third goal was obtained at the twenty-eight minutes, and was the direct outcome of a pretty a movement as it has been my good fortune to witness. 
HAT-TRICK BY DEAN
Cresswell, Hart, Martin, Critchley, and Weldon passed and passed again, with the Burnley defenders rushing here and there in an endeavor to capture the elusive ball, but before they could do so Dean had it in the net, Martin supplying the great last touch with his head to enable Dean to shoot past Down and register his “hat trick,” and his fifty-sixth goal.  Five goals had been scored in twenty-eight minutes, so that the big crowd had their fill of goals, the one thing in football that they yearn for.  Everton were now slightly the better team although all the same the Burnley forwards were a continuous source of danger, Page, one time Everton, was one of the big thorns in the side of the Everton defence, and Kelly had a busy time in keeping this winger in check.  Dean once gave Critchley a perfect pass, and the latter showed his appreciation by swinging the ball into the centre, so that Dean could kick out instantly, but on this occasion he sent the ball high over the bar.  Beel was doing splendidly for Burnley, and took part in some brilliant footwork.  Half-time was reached with Everton holding their lead.  It must be some considerable time since the Burnley spectators had so many hectic minutes. 
Half-time; Burnley 2, Everton 3. 
THRILLING BATTLE WITH BURNLEY
HAT TRICK FOR DEAN
BRILLIANT WIN IN GAME OF MANY GOALS
Dean started Burnley by a cunningly contrived goal in thirty seconds.  But the Turf Moor team quickly regained their senses, and Page and Beel by clever goals altered the complexion of the game.  It was Beel’s hundredth goal for Burnley.  Dena, however, soon put Everton on level terms, and then clinched the position by completing the hat trick.  After the interval Beel equalized.  But Martin and Dean put Everton ahead by five goals to three. 
During the interval everybody one met agreed that the first half had been one of the best seen this season.  As in the first session, the crowd were treated to an early score, but in this case it was Burnley who obtained it.  Freeman gave Cresswell the dummy and then smartly pushed the ball through to Page, who closed in before he parted to Beel, who quickly swept the ball into the net.  Beel nearly had another a minute later as a result of a corner.  The Everton defence in a bit of a tangle, and when Beel flicked the ball through a sea of legs the ball only went a yard the wrong side of the upright.  Dean was almost through, and I thought that Waterfield conceded a corner, but he got away with a goal kick.  Troup followed with a long drive which pulled away from the goal.  Two free kicks against Burnley placed their goal in jeopardy; and when Dean headed into the goalmouth it only needed the presence of a colleague to give the ball the necessary touch to have made a goal. 
EVERTON GO AHEAD
However, at the sixtieth minute Martin scored a fourth goal for Everton.  Troup was the starting point of the goal, for he beat McCluggage and centred high up.  Down and Dean went up together, the goalkeeper fisting away from under the bar, but before he had got back to his feet, Martin had got his head to the clearance and headed it into the net.  With the score standing at 4-3, Everton’s prospects were undoubtedly rosy, and when Hill made an error and failed to clear, Critchley smashed the ball into the centre, and Dean went after it like a whippet, and, getting the better of Waterfield, drove a tremendous ball into the Burnley net, Down standing there quite unable to do anything with it.  Dean now requires three goals to beat Camsell’s record of fifty-nine goals.  A lot of the snap had gone out of the Burnley team, but Troup was taking no risks, for he was often to be seen checking the progress of Bruton.  Martin shot over the bar, and Dean, beating his international colleague, Hill, and in doing so taking over the outside left position, found his centre curl over for a goal kick.  Dean once refrained from moving in the belief that he was offside when he had a full-back between him and the goalkeeper, and while he stood still Weldon shot over the bar.  Final; Burnley 3, Everton 5. 

EVERTON RES V BRADFORD CITY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 April 1928
Dunn and Stein, Everton’s latest acquisitions, made the forward play at Goodison Park a delight to the eye.  The former juggled and worked a lively ball as prettily and effectively as one could wish, whilst Stein’s centres were the acme of accuracy.  Everton monoplised the attack and scored thrice before the interval.  French accepted Rooney’s pass, to open the score close in.  Bradford did nothing in attack except one brilliant passing bout, and this brought the equalizer, Johnson scoring. 
DUNN’S FIRST GOAL
The City, near the interval, were showing a vast improvement forward, but a penalty goal from Dunn (His first for Everton), and another goal from Meston gave Everton the lead at the interval.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Bradford City Res 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 April 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

THE SEASON AND THE RULES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 April 1928
NECCESSITY FOR ALTERATIONS ON POINTS OF PLAY HAS BEEN PROVED
NEW PENALTY ARE A PROSPOSAL
BY Jack Cock, Ex-Everton
Jack Cock, ex-Everton, has had a great deal to do with Millwall’s rise to promotion. Millwall say he has been the most valuable adjunct towards success.  Cock here tells of the necessity for new rules of play.
The end of the season is in sight.  It is a great personal delight to me to have been of some use in helping the Millwall team to gain promotion to the Second Division.  My own belief is that Millwall will do well in the new section, because they play a type of football which is essentially constructive, if I may so so.  Then Bradford are also to be complimented on getting back to the Second Division.  I am asked to answer the question whether the campaign has proved the necessity for any alternations in the rules of the game?  I don’t know that I can give a definite answer, but looking back on the season certain incidents come to my mind which cause me to suggest that here and there the rules might be tightened up, even if not actually altered.  I believe, for instance that the game would be all the better if there was a general speeding up following stoppages for free kicks.  I think an instruction to referees to allow these free-kicks to be taken more quickly might lead to more of them being fruitful, and consequently reduce the number of offences. 
REFEREES TOO CAUTIOUS
Earlier in the season there was a controversy about a goal being scored because a free-kick had been taken quickly- before the defenders were ready or the referee had given a satisfactory signal.  That incident seems to have made some referees very cautious.  When a free-kick is given somewhere about the centre of the field, for instance, the referee often stops to place the ball in position; then he runs some distance before signaling or blowing for the kick to be taken.  While the business is going on the defenders are taking up positions, with the result that free-kicks from any distance out seldom produce goals.  It seems to me that referees should strive to have the free kicks taken quickly, and that linesmen might help in seeing that the kicks is taken from the proper place.  A free kick is meant to be punishment for an offence; very often it is of little real value to the side which has been offended against because of the length of time given to defenders to get into “covering” positions.  Exactly at what point can a player be charged by an opponent?  Must he be in the act of playing the ball, or can he be charged when he is going for the ball but is yet some little distance away from it?  I have looked in vain through the rules for some wholly satisfactory explanation of just when a charge can be delivered, and it is my experience that referee act differently in administering the rules on this point.
NEW PENALTY KICK AREA
Apparently there is one rule which some people think could be substantially altered.  This is the rule relating to offence near to goal-penalty kick offences that is, I understand that the Scottish F.A propose to pursue their demands for a change in the size of the people area, and also in the way penalty kicks are being taken.  We all know that certain offence –such as what might be called “instinctive hands” –are committed just inside the present penalty area and for which the punishment of a twelve yards’ kick is too severe.  It is equally true that even a twelve yards’ kick is not sufficiently severe punishment for other offences –for instance when a full back fists out from under the bar a certain scoring shot.  I take it that the Scottish proposal has behind it the argument that by compelling the kick to be taken from the spot where the offence is committed, the punishment would come nearer to fitting the “crime.”  This is the ideal always to be aimed at in all the rules. 

BURNLEY 3 EVERTON 5
April 30 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CHAMPIONSHIP FORM DISPLAYED IN DEFEAT OF BURNLEY
"DIXIE" SCORERES FOUR GOALS AT TURF MOOR AND BRINGS HIS TOTAL SHORT OF CAMSELL MIDDLESBROUGH CRACK'S 59
WONDERFUL PROMISE FOR LAST GAME.
Everton rose to championship form in their splendid victory at Burnley. The scoring of eight goals is some indication of the spirited forward play. There was no evidence of end-of-the-season lethargy, and Burnley no less than Everton, were anxious to secure both points. The result was a stern battle, full of good football, and an abundance of thrills; in fact one of the best games seen at Turf Moor this season. The first goal came in the first minute of the game, Dean crowning a neat passing movement by Martin and Weldon. This early reverse by no means upset the morale of the Burnley team. Rather it spurred them on to their best endeavours. Twice they equalised and once they gained the lead, but when Everton went two goals ahead in the second half they never recovered. The goals were scored in the following order; Dean, first minute; Page 10 minutes; Beel, 15; Dean 23; Dean 28; Beel 49; Martin 61; Dean 63. Dean scored a trio in the first half. It was one of his best games of the season. It was an splendid fettie, and appeared to be faster more trustful and more deadly in his shooting than ever. Dean brought his League total of goals to 57, two short of Camsell's 59 last season.
DEAN'S RUSHES.
Two of Dean's goals were the direct result of centres from the wings, which did not call for much skill on Dean's part. The other three were the outcome of speedy rushes past or between the backs. Martin obtained his from a header after Down had only partially cleared a centre from Troup. Until well in the second half the game was evenly contested. Beel was desperately keen to score, and when he did he received an ovation. It was his hundreth League goal, which was no mean record to mark his fifth anniversary with the Burnley club. The Burnley forwards were certainly seen at their best, but there were lapses in their rear lines. Brown did not come up to the standard of Parkin who was nursing an injury, and Steel was not at his best. The Burnley full-backs were blamed for not keeping a better hold on dean, and McCluggage in particular, did not do himself justice apparently being overawed by Dean's trustful methods. Without exception all the Everton players were seen at their best. Davies was confident in goal and Cresswell and O'Donnell kicked and tackled with precision. The Everton half-backs came back to their best form, Virr, no less than Kelly, making no mistakes, and Hart being prominent in constructive play. Although inclined to hang back too far. Martin and Weldon combined clever footwork with judgement in their passes, and the ball was swung out freely to the wingmen with good results. Everton's play in general holds out every promise of a crowning victory over the Arsenal next Saturday, with the odds in their favour of carrying off the championship. Teams : - Burnley, Downs, goal, McCluggage, and Waterfield, backs, Steel, Hill and Brown, half-backs, Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Freeman, and Page, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 1
April 30 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 41)
Dunn and Stein, Everton's recent Scottish acquisitions helped to make a fine forward line against Bradford at Goodison Park. Stein was particularly successful, his centres being beautifully placed and several of his shots came close to scoring. All the goals came in the first half, Everton opened through French, and although Johnson netted an equaliser, Dunn placed the Blues ahead again from a penalty. A goal from Meston completed the scoring . Everton: - Whalley, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Dunn, French, Jones, and Stein, forwards .

CAN DEAN BEAT CAMSELL’S RECORD
Athletic News - Monday 30 April 1928
BURNLEY 3, EVERTON 5
By Tee
Those who thought Everton would have an easy task at Turf Moor got a shock when they saw the result of this match.  I mention this because there are still some individuals who think that clubs occasionally “oblique” each other by not going “all out.”  I wish they had seen this game.  They would have marveled at the zest of players at the end of the season, and would have been exhilarated by a great game on turf was that was bone dry and a menace to leg muscles.  Burnley’s zest may be gauged from the fact that after losing a goal in the first minute they got the lead and then drew level at 3-3 half an hour (including the interval) after dean has completed a wonderful hat-trick.  Moreover, they twice narrowly failed to score in the last moments of the best match I have seen for weeks. 
DEAN THE OPPORTUNIST
Afterwards I heard it said that Everton are not deserving of the championship “because they are a one-man team.”  That is not true, although DEAN scored four of their five goals.  The centre forward’s genius in snapping up any sort of chance can never have been seen to better advantage, proof of which was found in the panic he caused in the home defence which, however, never shirked its task.  Dean requires three more League goals to beat Camsell’s record of 59.  He means to get them.  His first against Burnley was the result of a dash between the full-backs and a shot into an empty goal.  His second followed a sprint along the middle and a swerve around Waterfield; this shot also found the goal unoccupied.  His hat-trick was completed after Cresswell, Hart, Critchley and Martin had developed a triangular movement for his benefit- and a close range shot beat Down, who would probably describe Dean’s shot (Everton’s fifth) as a thunderbolt. 
BEEL’S ANNIVERSARY
Martin just beat Dean in a leap at a centre from Troup, otherwise Dean might have had all five points.  Burnley gave battle magnificently.  First Page accepted a chance and scored his 60th goal for the club, then Beel, who takes his benefit to-night, celebrated his anniversary –he signed for Burnley exactly five years ago on Saturday –headed through from a corner kick.  This was his 100th League goal for Burnley and his 34th of the season, and four minutes after the interval he scored again after a lovely passing bout between Page and Freeman.  The last-named was Burnley’s best forward, and it was not his fault that Page got so few passes in the second half.  By that time Burnley’s attack had become somewhat lopsided as the result of the weakening of the half-backs under the stress of Everton’s open strategy, which would have bene less successful if Hill had not sent so many passes awry.  There were times in the first half when Burnley’s attacking skill was as good is anything Everton accomplished, but, apart from Steel, the rearguards’ confidence and accuracy suffered, though McCluggage did more than one man’s share in the back division, and volleyed admirably at all times. 
EVERTON’S RECORD.
Hart’s work was an inspiration to the visiting forwards. But there was not a weak spot in Everton’s armour after the backs had developed speed in going into the tackle, though Critchley’s finishing was not up to the standard of the others.  Everton, who have earned 23 points on tour this season, have set up a record aggregate in points for themselves, and they are happy in the knowledge that Martin has fitted into their attack instantly.  Burnley’s young right wing stood up to its task gallantly, though it did not finish in such good form as it begins.  Parkin was absent on account of injury after playing in 48 games without a break and his place was taken by Brown, whose value was chiefly constructive.  Burnley; Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Brown; Bruton, Pollard, Beels, Freeman, and Page.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; R. J. Kelso, Sheffield. 

AMERCIAN OFFER TO “DIXIE” DEAN
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 30 April 1928
W.R.  Dean who on Saturday scored four goals which brought his total to within two of Camsell’s record for the Football League -59- is all out to reach the 60 mark.  He is still unspoilt by his remarkable success (says “Wanderer,” of the “Sporting Chronicle”) and his head has not been turned by an offer he has had to play an American club.  Of course, he is remaining with Everton but the offer must have been a very tempting one, as when I asked him about it on Saturday, he said he referred not to disclose the details to anyone. 

DEAN’S FOUR-SOME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 30 April 1928
DEAN’S FIFTY-SEVEN GOALS
EVERTON’S VICTORY IN PULSATING GAME
By Stork
Everton are hot on the trail for the championship cup.  It is not yet won, but Everton’s slashing victory over Burnley at Turf Moor has put them right in the firing line, and Huddersfield have only to make the slightest slip and the honour will come to Liverpool.  It has been a magnificent fight but no better than the fight Everton put up against Burnley, who wiped out a thirty seconds’ goal, and actually took the lead in a game that was chockful of thrills and good football.  To give those who were not fortunate to make the journey to the North-east Lancashire town an idea of this hectic game, I append the order of the scoring;-
Dean, Everton 30 seconds
Page Burnley 10 minutes
Beel Burnley 15 minutes
Dean Everton 23 minutes
Dean Everton 28 minutes
Beel Burnley 49 minutes
Martin 60 minutes
Dean Everton 62 minutes
It was an astonishing game, and the crowd, one of the biggest this season, were kept on their toes right to the end, although for the last quarter of an hour Burnley appeared to turn it up with Everton leading 3-2.  It has become a fetish with Everton to get in the first blow in the early stage of a game.  There is no denying its effect upon an opponent, but to score inside thirty seconds was enough to knock the spirit out of Burnley; yet it did no such thing, it only tended to make them fight back with greater power.  This swift goal looked a simple one from the stands, yet it was only through hesitancy on the part of McCluggage and Waterfield that enabled Dean to beat them.  To hesitate with Dean in the vicinity is very much like leaving your foot doo open when you know that burglars are in the neighbourhood.  Martin and Weldon were his accomplices in this swift blow, for it was their subtle work which enabled Dean to slip through the doorway and into Burnley’s safe. 
HECTIC MINUTES
It might have been a knock-out blow, but Burnley made a grand recovery and actually made the fight, and scored two goals in the next fourteen minutes.  The excitement was intense when Page equalized, but when Beel put his side ahead, and at the same time scored his hundredth goal for Burnley, the spectators completely lost themselves.  They had not had so many thrills crowded into so few minutes before this season.  Burnley’s lead, however, was only short-lived, for Dean showed rare opportunism in scoring two further goals before the interval, the last of which was the result of some perfect passing by at least six Everton players before Martin headed the ball to Dean’s foot to place it into the net.  Dean’s second goal was a grand one, in that Down was favourite for a ball coming towards him, but ere he could capture it Dean had breasted it away from his (Down’s) eager hand, and the door was once again thrown wide open to him.  Five goals in twenty eight minutes was enough to satisfy even the greatest glutton for goals; but the second half was only four minutes old when a slip by Cresswell let through Freeman, who set Page going, and the latter’s centre to Beel was such that it would have bene more difficult or the Burnley man to have made a miss than a hit.
Three-three!  A fresh start had to be made, and with the slightest bit of luck Beel would have had another goal, for when he shot inches wide outside, the Everton goal lay gaping at him through a slight misunderstanding. 
 A FRESH START
Fifteen minutes remained for play, and still matters were “all square,” which was not a nice prospect for Everton, who had to win.  They put in all they knew, and up came Troup with the ball at his toes, McCluggage challenged him, and was beaten; and although he had to chase the ball to keep it in play, Troup scooped it up, and placed it almost under the bar.  Down and Dean went up to it, the ‘keeper fisting the ball off Dean’s head only to place it on to Martin’s who promptly sent it spinning into the net.  That goal was the deathknell to Burnley, who lost their fire and sprightliness; and when, two minutes later, Hill made an error and Critchley swept the ball into the centre for Dean to race round McCluggage and beat Down for the fourth time.  Everton’s victory was complete, for, from that point they held the whip hand; in fact, they eased up, and displayed some charming football. 
FIGURES THAT FASCINATE
The first and Second Division tables in this the last week of the season offer one of the most fascinating of problems –a problem, I believe, unprecedented in its variety of phrases.  Let me see if I can sort the tangled threads of the puzzle, so that we can look clearly along the lines leading up to the critical issues.  For two or three weeks past the clubs in the running for the championship stakes have been narrowed down to two, who now stands thus;-
Everton P41, Won 20, Lost 9, Draw 12, For 99, A63, Pts 52
Huddersfield P39, Won 21, Lost 11, Draw 7, For 87, A93, Pts 49
From these figures it will be seen that if both clubs win their outstanding matches – Huddersfield have three to play in a week- Everton will fail to reach the championship by one point; but if Huddersfield draw once and win twice and Everton win their last match, it is extremely likely that Everton will be at the top on goal average. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 1928