TWO CHANGES
April 1 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Everton travel to Bristol to meet the City in the first of their Holiday engagements on Good Friday and two interesting changes in the team Dunn was injured on Saturday, and Martin comes into the side to partner Critchley, while McClure after absence from several matches resumes at right half-back, instead of Britton. Dean whose benefit has been sanctioned by the League resumes in the centre-forward position in place of White.

EVERTON BRING BACK MARTIN AND McCLURE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 01 April 1931
Bee’s Note
It was natural there should be some team changes this week, first because the Easter holidays are packed with football games, and careful selection is necessary to get a full side for all the games; and secondly, because at least one of our sides has batten the dust-that is the best term, for Everton’s failure to go on their winning way lance the grounds became dry. As a matter of fact, the dry grounds have tended to bring out the lack of pace of some of the Goodison side. When the going was heavy these old scholars knew exactly how far that ball would go and how it would "sog” into the slush.  We blamed the - Goodison turf for a lot, but actually we would like it back again for a time until the side gets back to its normal winning way again.  I don't think the despair of some people is justified. It is a passing phase, and perhaps the club was rather hasty in one change which took away something of the “bite of the half back line. At any rate, they have brought back McClure, and as Dunn is absent Martin gets his place.  Dean, of course, resumes after his  aggravating experience of the international  match, where he was never  coloured to play anything like a football  game, owing to the fact that he was  “surrounded," as usual, but never had  the ball from the wing or from the half  back. I have been taken to task about my good word for Burgess, the idea being that he, at least, got the good passes from Campbell. That is quite a fair statement of fact, hut Burgess slid  through early on, and I did not want to  curb him his light," even though it only lasted for half an hour. The less said of the international the better. We struck a real bad patch against a moderate side!  Everton travel to Bristol to meet the City in the first of their holiday engagements on Good Friday, and two interesting changes have been made in the team. Dunn was injured on Saturday, and Martin comes into the side to partner Critchley, while McClure, after an absence from several matches, resumes at right half-back instead of Britton. Dean, whose benefit has been sanctioned by the League, resumes in the centre-forward position in place of White. The team is: Coggins;  Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean,  Johnson. Stein.  The Reserve side to meet Blackburn Rovers, at Ewood Park, will be; Sagar;  Common, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths,  McPherson; Chedgzoy, Cullen, White,  Webster, Leyfield. 
EVERTON & ARSENAL IN SWEDEN
A number of foreign football teams have arranged to visit Sweden during the early summer, and it is hoped that the Arsenal club will be able to arrange a match there as well as Everton.  In addition to the British clubs team from Denmark, Norway, and Austria will also tour the country
DISCREDITABLE
W.O Neill writes; - I notice an error regarding the result of Millwall v. Everton in season 1903.  I was present at Anfield that day and patiently waited for the result to come through from Millwall.  When the score 1-0 against Everton was put up on the score board, then at Walton Breck-road end, there was a great cheer.  You will see, dear “Bees” that the “Reds” supporters habit of cheering Everton’s defeats is not a newly acquired one.  Happenings like this are not very creditable to Liverpool.  The cheering was not confined to the boys, as has been alleged on other occasions, as men who ought to know better (that is if they had a spark of sportsmanship) were among the culprits.  On the same ground twenty-eight years afterwards, Saturday, March 14, 1931 an Everton defeat was cheered in no uncertain fashion.  It is strange no mention was made of the cheering episode in any paper I have seen, but nevertheless the unsporting “Reds” supporters had their hearts desire, the “Blues” exit, and did not forget to cheer it.  I have heard the word “Sports,” but what really does constitute a sport, surely a man cheering a team from his native city failing to bring a premier honour home can hardly be counted as being under that category. 

THE PLANS OF 'IHE LOCAL CLUBS FOR EASTER
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton are away on their journey to Bristol, staying at Shrewsbury en route.  They tackles Bristol City, as the  Southerners put it, and when they  return the compliment on Monday it is  hoped the League championship will  have been won, because there is the visit  of Bradford on Saturday—another home  game in which it is known that " something  has to be wiped off the slate "  Bradford gave Everton a real hiding at  the Yorkshire centre, and this will spur  the Everton players, whose memory for  this match is particularly keen and  eventful. Something has to be done by Everton before the goal is reached in this return to First Division circles. I  think the week-end will have put the  issue beyond any doubt at all; in fact,  for months it has not been a matter of  doubt to me that they would " walk  back " to their proper home. Recent defeats were merely passing matters that come to all sides when they have bitten an unexpected mouthful in the Cup-ties.  Everton are tired, but more likely than  not the pace of the ball has led them  to look worse than they are—the change  of turf meant that some of the slow  members have slipped their heavy going    —and their bearing. That is the secret study of the Everton attack. It is too plain for words that the change to hard going made some of the forwards lose their pace and control. It seemed no use praying for rain—cricketers would object. 
EVERTON A TEAM
Everton A v Peasley Cross, at Goodison Park, 3.15, Good Friday.  Referee; J.T. Poole.  Team; Corry; Parker, Jackson; Jones, Speakman, Lloyd; Crawford, Cunliffe, Davies, Fryer, Worrall. 
Everton’s programme runs this way;-
Friday-Everton “A” v Peasley Cross, at Goodison, 3.15
Saturday; v. Bradford, at Goodison Park, 3.15
Monday; v. Bristol City, at Goodison Park, 3.15

DEFENDERS ON TOP AT EWOOD.
Saturday 4 April 1931 Lancashire Evening Post
Defenders wore on top at Ewood Park, whore the Rovers Reserve? Drew with Everton Reserves in goalless game. Play deteriorated considerably and in the later stages was of a ragged character. In first half the visitors had more of the play and but for the smartness of Crawford they might have held lead at the interval. Afterwards the Rovers improved, and Groves, the best of the home forwards, was unfortunate with a shot which hit the bar. Twenty minutes from the end Hinton damaged his right leg, and went to right half. Richards falling back. The clewing stages there was a keen struggle for a goal, but none came.

BRISTOL CITY 0 EVERTON 1 (Game 36)-(Lge Game 3088 over-all)-(Div 1 3052)
April 4 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Stein Decides.
One goal to Everton at Bristol
Crowd Invade the Pitch
At Bristol, where Everton beat the City 1-0, the crowd broke on to the playing pitch just after the game had started. Railings were broken down, but the spectators were pressed back and order was soon restored when they lined up behind the touchline. Everton were full value for their victory, although they only won by the narrowest of margins. Bristol City put up a good fight, especially in the first half, while in the closing stages they fought desperately hard Coggins having to be at his best to keep out great shots from Vials. The only goal of the game was scored by Stein, who netted after half-an hour's play, when making the best use of an opening provided for him by Dean. It was after the change of ends that Everton were seen to their best advantage their forwards then, well led by Dean treating a record crowd of 36,000 to a delightful exhibition of football.
Dean misses.
Dean tried hard to get that 200 th goal. It again eluded him. He had sufficient chances to have scored several, but he was erratic. Stein was Everton's most prominent forward, for he brought most trouble to the Bristol defenders. When Stein once shot in, the second half the ball certainly looked to have crossed the goal-line, but the referee waved play on, despite strong appeals by the Everton players. At right half McClure did splendidly, while Cresswell was the best back on the field. He was seldom at fault in his kicking or tackling. Williams was not always safe, but was well covered by Cresswell. Everton's play in the second half was well in keeping with their position in the League table. Bristol put up a plucky fight till the last minute, going near to equalising in the closing stages when Coggins did some good work. Bristol's goalkeeper (Newlands) played a great game. Teams; - Bristol City; - Newlands, goal; Walsh and Hughes, backs; Jennings, Sliman, and Bruton, half-backs; Homer Williams, Vials, Craig, Johnson, forwards. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain) and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, and Stein, forwards.

BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 4 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 37)
Weak finishing robbed Everton of what should have been a very pronounced victory at Ewood Park instead of a goalless draw. They had most of the play in midfield and their half-back line kept the Blackburn attack subdued, but near goal they fell to pieces and in the second half Leyfield in particular, missed easy chances. Griffiths was the best half-back and the defence was sound. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; Britton, Griffths, and McPherson, half-backs; Chedgzoy, Cullen, White, Webster, and Leyfield, forwards.
Everton “A” 3 Peasley Cross 1
Liverpool County Combination.
Not until Worrall forced both the ball and keeper over the line to score Everton's third goal, were the home side really assured of victory. Prior to this Peasley had played attractive, progressive football forward, and hardly deserved to be a goal in arrears for Davies and Fryer had scored for Everton and Grice (j) for the Cross. It had been hard, interesting football, and Everton's defence had been the main factors in their success, the forwards work being patchy, and lacking snappy movement. Peasley, although beaten, had played well.

EVERTON 4 BRADFORD P.A. 2 (Game 37)-(Lge Game 3089 over-all)-(Div 1 3052)
Dean's 200 th Record.
Everton win the Championship
Everton Centre on the Mark
The question of Everton's return to First Division football next season was settled on Saturday, when they secured both points from their game with Bradford, the score ending 4-2 in favour of the Goodison side. Dean scored the first goal after eight minutes play and thus recorded his 200 th goal in League football since joining the Everton club. For six weeks Dean has tried hard for the much-anticipated goal, and his success on Saturday was naturally received by colleagues and spectators with enthusiasm. It is a record that may stand for a long time, because Dean has been a prolific score during his six years with the club.
Bradford's Stamina
Everton might have won with greatest ease, but Bradford stayed well and were troublesome near the end, although the issue was scarcely ever in doubt. Throughout Everton moved with greater freedom, the attack being speedier and more effective than for some weeks. Robust methods are Bradford's special quality, and more than once the referee had reason to intervene. Without being an attractive side to watch, Bradford played hard enough, and at times with a fair amount of skill, but Everton's superiority was never seriously challenged. Goals came at 8 minutes and 16 minutes through dean, and Stein, while at 26 minutes Crayston scored for Bradford. In the second half goals by Dean (53 minutes) and Martin (59 minutes) gave Bradford little to hope for, although McMillan reduced the margin a minute from the end.
Decision Reversed.
A couple of minutes earlier Crayston got the ball into the net and the referee signalled a goal. The Everton players, however, protested vigorously and after consultation with a linesman the referee revoked his decision, probably because the ball been handled by one of the Bradford forwards. It was not by any means an impressive match. Bradford having little claim to the finer points of the game, but it settled the doubt –if any existed –of Everton's ability to stay the course of a strenuous season. Dean left the ground just before the end, having sustained a damaged ankle, but he again led the line well and his return to the scoring list was a pleasing feature. Both Critchley and Stein were sprightly raiders whose centres were generally accurate and well timed, while Martin and Johnson did a lot of useful work in the middle. Of the half-backs Thomson and Gee were excellent. Both worked with skill and enthusiasm, but McClure was below the standard of his colleagues. The most accomplished and effective player on the field was Cresswell. Never perturbed and always in position, he played throughout with remarkable confidence. Williams was good, but occasionally he look liberties with the Bradford left wing that brought trouble for the defence. Coggins was safe without having a great deal to do. Of the Bradford players the best two were Clough, Elwood, and Spencer. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; William's (captain) and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Bradford P.A.; - Cough, goal; Cookson and Lloyd, backs; Taylor, Elwood, and Smith, half-backs; Davies, McMillan, Cryston, Rhodies and Spencer, forwards.
Everton's Tour.
Matches to be arranged with Sweden
Last night Mr. S. Lennberg acting on behalf of the Swedish Football Association, met the Everton Football club officials, to make arrangements for a tour by the Everton club at Sweden and Norway. Mr. Lennberg in an interview, said. “We are making this arrangement for the purpose of aducating Sweden in the finer arts of football, and we are proud that the Everton Football Club is going top visit us. The tour will last under three weeks and will start early in May and will comprise five matches. The fixtures not yet definitely settled, but the idea is that Everton should play two matches in Stockholm, and games in Gottenburg, Malbo and either Copenhagan or Elsimberg. Everton will be playing a national team and a combination of the clubs. Continues Mr. Lennberg and we are looking forward to a very successful tour. The name of Everton is known far and wide in our land. Then will be a great drawing card as well as an education in the football scene. All our people are most keen to see their star players.
Sports Pie
• McCambridge former Everton player played on for Cardiff City against Tottehnam with a broken Rib

DEAN’S 200TH LEAGUE GOAL
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 4, 1931
199 APPEARANCES, SIX SEASONS’ WORK, AND A NOTEWORTHY PERSONAL RECORD
EVERTON MAKING SURE OF PROMOTION
By Bees
Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Bradford; Clough; Cookson, Llody, Taylor, Elwood, Smith; Davies, McMillian, Crayston, Rhodes, Spooner.  Referee; Mr. Adams, Nottingham. 
Everton's blue contrasted severely with the waspish colours of the Bradford side, who have hoops of gold, yellow, black and blue. Everton wanted this day's win to ensure them promotion thus early in the season.  They had a good reception from a large crowd that basked in the sunshine.  Bradford were a big side, and would doubtless find the light ball and the dry ground helpful to them. Critchley at once accepted a cross-the-field pass by Johnson, and centred accurately, Clough making a catch.  This was the opening moment of play, and Critchley followed with a second centre, while Martin made an awkward shot going away from Clough, who ran across his goal and rather cleverly turned the ball. Davies, the excellent outside right of Bradford, was going forward with much success when he was tripped by Thomson, who found the light a great bother.  The free kick was badly taken, and Cookson at right back kicked into touch as though this was a final tie.  Martin made a beautiful forward pass and Dean ran on in a manner suggesting a goal. The ball ran a trifle too fast for him, and he could not find a shot, albeit the ball went towards Clough, who fell and the long man had to retrieve a rather awkward position.  Stein was fetched down in a manner that called for a whistle if not a reprimand, but none came, and the crowd for a time argued about the beauty of Cresswell’s play, the improvement in Johnson’s game, and the sharpness of McClure with a throw-in, together with the usual protests against the referee. 
DEAN'S 200TH GOAL 
All this paled into insignificance when Dean scored his long-awaited 200th goal.  He had been waiting for this point for six weeks, and in that time had struck the woodwork of the goal five times. Now he realized his ambition, and the crowd of about 30,000 people yelled their appreciation.  It was a goal beautifully taken, because the forward pass was a shade high, and the ball had at first to be I headed. Then there came the manner in which the ball should be placed into the net. Dean found it awkward to shoot, as Clough had left his goal some yards.  The home centre-forward simply lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper’s head. Dean leapt for joy that he had broken down the barrier that had been against him since the Nottingham Forest match, Stein clapped his hands.  Johnson rushed over to say “Well done"; in fact, everyone was delighted.  Dean has scored 200 goals in record time. One more match and he would have registered his 200th appearance for the Everton team.  Bradford did not take kindly to this goal, and Cookson was spoken to by the referee, and fouls against Gee and Smith also stopped the run of the game. 
TERRIERS 
It was a hard-fought terrier game, with Everton trying to avenge themselves for their defeat at Bradford.  Elwood's great height brought him to the fore, especially with heading, but when a foul was given against him he only added to the bad portion of the game.  However, Dean headed in perfect manner, so that the free kick had been costly. There was a catch in it—the referee raid offside. It may not have been a foul that the referee gave, but certainly there was never a possible doubt about the referee's decision of offside being wrong.  The Bradford defence had moved up to try an offside trick. Martin was the only one in danger of being offside, and, realizing his position, he ran to a point of safety so that when the ball was last played every Everton forward was well onside. I will say no more of this. 
EASY FOR STEIN 
The sequel was more satisfactory to Everton. Critchley pulled a centre from an acute angle, and after Johnson had dived to it and found himself in the back of the net, Stein had the easiest of chances to make the total two, the time being sixteen minutes, and Dean now forgetting that he had rushed to the referee over the debated point when the rules say he must not do these things.  Bradford came mainly by the right wing, and Crayston and Rhodes collided with each other in an attempt to take a fairly easy chance. Gee, Martin, and Dean delighted with some intertwining pattern-weaving, and in half-an-hour the Bradford forwards had not impressed, and had been held up tightly by Cresswell and Williams.  Everton were on their toes, and on their form, whereas Bradford were hasty and uncertain, Davies, after falling, unluckily kicked right over the ball, and Spooner was elbowed by McClure.  Bradford should have scored when Davies in a good run beat Stein, who became a half-back, and the ball beat Coggins and struck the upright.
CRAYSTON REDUCES 
Spooner went in to shoot at a great pace, and the ball struck Williams. This good fortune ended with the subsequent corner, as Crayston headed in and Coggins was beaten. The bell was probably over the line before Williams tried to retrieve it by a useful header. Thus Bradford were only one down in half an hour.  Martin made a tame shot that was intended for a pass, and McMillan made a long shot that did not bother Coggins a little bit. Davies could rarely catch the ball through the sun's glare beating him. On the other hand, Spooner found Williams weight a method by which the full back put the forward over the line.  Dean made three excellent headers  after being well-served by McClure, and  Johnson, stumbling, offered a shot to Stein who got no more than a corner taken far out by Stein, McClure heading  towards Dean again, and the crack goal-getter  made a beautiful hook over his  shoulder which Clough caught.  This process was repeated at the other end, when Spooner centred and Crayston did the hooking, but there was no booking of a goal.  Everton found Spooner more awkward than anyone else. He showed Williams that he could not take a liberty with him, and he also beat McClure, but Rhodes so far bad not found his shooting boots.  Stein nearly beaded a goal after exquisite passing by Dean, and a fine centre from the right, but there was a charging match between Dean, and Cookson that let bite into the proceedings.  The game took a bad turn, and the referee had to speak to more than one player. Gee twice got away with fouls, which suggested that Everton were not playing normally.  Half-time.—Everton 2, Bradford 1. 
EVERTON ENSURE PROMOTION 
And Win Second Division Championship With Victory Against Bradford To-Day 
DEAN'S 200TH GOAL ARRIVES 
Everton to-day booked their passage to the stormy seas of Division I. They beat Bradford handsomely, and the opening phase of their plusses was Dean's beautiful goal, which made his total 200 in six seasons. The crowd of 30,000 people gave their hero a rare ovation.  Port Vale's victory over Tottenham clinched Everton's championship and promotion prospects. 
In the first half, Dean, Stein, and Grayston scored.  Everton were rather shy in the opening moments of the second half, and after Rhodes had failed to net the ball in an empty goal, Critchley shot far too straight, Clough's work being easy, but after that Clough was the hero of the hour. 
DEAN AGAIN
He caught Critchley's centre accurately and well, and then stretched out his right hand to prevent Martin’s leader going into goal—a memorable save. Yet the Bradford goalkeeper had to give in when Dean took up a cannon-back from a Bradford defender, and shot against the right upright, the ball resounding into the back of the net.  Time, 53 minutes, and the game now apparently well won, and not made any prettier as a football spectacle by the Bradford side running forward and trying to make negative defence.  Martin made the issue safe by scoring just under the hour, aided by Deane short pass.  The referee spoke to Gee for foolishly wasting time by kicking the ball away, McMillan a minute earlier having got off scot-tree in similar circumstances.  Dean broke clean through, but once in way shot outside instead of taking his third goal, and Crayston fired more inaccurately, hitting the goal stand.  CLOSING DEBATE 
McMillan scored for Bradford a minute from the end, while a minute before  Crayston got the ball into the net and  the referee seemed to point to the centre  The Everton players, however,  vigorously contested the point, and after  consulting the linesman the referee  reversed his decision and disallowed the  goal, presumably because the ball had  been handled.  Just before the end Dean left the field.  Final; Everton 4, Bradford 2

WAVERTREE ATH V. EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 4, 1931
Everton played the more attractive football, but missed many chances near goal.  Doherty and Caton, in the home defence, saved two certain goals.  James scored for the visitors from an apparently offside position.  Half-time; Everton A 1, Wavertree Athletic 0

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 4, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton’s recent Cup conquerors were originally known as West Bromwich Strollers
• Nor must we forget good old Walter Abbott, who, after qualifying as top scorer in Division 11, in 1898-99, came to Everton, and was transformed into a splendid wing half-back
• Robson the ex-Everton half-back, made a bright first appearance with the Sheffield Wednesday team v. Leicester City
• McDougall had registered one half-back goal for Liverpool prior to Saturday, but not this season.  It was against Everton at Goodison last term when operating at centre-half

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 6 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 38)
Everton “A” 2 Wavertree Athletic 1
Liverpool County Combination
Wavertree were conspicuous in defence stemming the final efforts of the visitor's effective combination. Rimmer was most consistent in the home forward line, who reduced the lead after James and Worrall had netted. Caton was outstanding to the home defence Everton's back line was very strong. Worrall was the most aggressive forward.

THE GOALS ARRIVES WITH A GOLDEN RING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 06 April 1931
AN OFFSIDE DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN
DEAN’S JOY-DAY
Bee’s Notes
Dean has passed his milestone, and I was glad I was there to see it.  I had stayed away deliberately in the hope that the supposed hoodoo would lead him to his point.  One remembers cricketers having spells of waiting for that extra one.  Golfers, too, who were dormy four, and could not polish off their opponents.  Here was a crack goal-getter who had become wooden-he kept hitting the woodwork, and thus the period of waiting got some people a trifle nervy.  Mainly onlookers, this nervy streak; the goal did not really matter, they said, and the public were tired of it.  I don’t believe it.  They wanted this goal at Goodison Park, and when it came they hoodooed these hero, because not only was it a goal of much mark, being the two hundredth from the sixth season of play with Everton and 199 appearances, but it was a goal to remember-as also many of Dean’s other goals.  It was a gentle lob-a hook over the clever Clough and the mind’s eye can never forget such a goal, whether it be the first or the two hundredth.  The pity of it all was that a second goal, the acme of wise positioning and good, thoughtful play, should be barred his register.  I think he suffers these “debate” goals more than most forwards.  In this case it was plan to see that every forward had taken meticulous care to get positioned, so that there could be no offside decisions.  The kick was taken the centre-forward raced forward and headed a grand goal.  Referee, standing out of gear with the full-back line, said, “No goal.”  It is not my province to harangue a referee for supposed infringement or debatable points.  Here, however, was Mr. Adams unable to see that when the ball was last played-according to rule-Dean was onside, and his speedy run forward to accurately gauge a pass across from a free kick was penalized. 
THE CHANGE OF FRONT
People said Dean failed in the international game.  He did, any forward would have failed in similar circumstances. Meiklejohn played just the same hang-back game that Roberts played and was condemned therefor.  Whereas Meiklejohn was said to have play a storming game.  You can’t football without the ball. Dean was no exception. The whole Everton team, however, showed a determination and combination and precision that we had not been having from then for some weeks, so that the changed front was very acceptable, especially a Bradford had beaten us so heavily at the Park- avenue ground. Park-avenue seemed to be brought up on Rugby strum ideas. If that is not the case then I begin to wonder how this team gets into so many people's bad books. They - certainly bid us good-bye and we do not specially care to see them grain. It was the same with Notts County in the old days. Now Bradford get Southport on edge in a Cup-tie and hey leave Goodison Park, and at the same time leave a mere impression behind him- not a sweet one.
G.B.S CRESSWELL
One of the greatest delights of Saturday was the rousing work of Williams, the captain, and the canny, cunning cut in by Cresswell, about whom one has heard so many contradictory statements when his game has been aired.  Here was a sample of the games he has been playing away from home, cool heading with rare accuracy and putting the ball so that his passes were better directed than some forward passes from one member to another.  It was also so foreign too, to the Bradford defensive style, which is chiefly boot, more boot, and still more boot, with the touchlines working overtime.  Tom Johnson added more spike to his game, and McClure likewise, but the bludgeoning way McClure went into his tackle meant he sacrificed too many free kicks.  On the other hand, Gee seemed to enjoy life and toil with the referee, and his game was a joy, save that it has a too-care-free style.  Here with Dean, Cresswell and Gee heading the ball to great advantage, we have a head-trick trinity that would be hard to equal.  On the extreme wing we did not have quite so much of the ball.  Critchley has “patented” a lovely ankle-edge movement, with squeezes the ball round towards his partner, Martin, and Stein is having a goal-drop that will help him in his new sphere- the First Division championship.  These are days of winger’s goal, and Everton must not be out of the picture in this direction.  It is everyone’s duty to shoot when near goal. 
BACK TO THEIR OLD HOME 
So Everton come back to the First Division, and we welcome them back to a sphere they should never have left.  It has been an interesting section; it had its black marks early on, when victory was coming without sufficient to warrant it, but ones November had passed the team took high place with class football and capital shot. The turn of the season came when the Cup-tie defeat bothered many people who play the game or follow it, but the two Easter eggs have made the position satisfying, and the club takes a new honour at the first time of asking—just as Liverpool had done before them. Liverpool never reckoned to stay mare than one season in the Second Division—and they went on to win championships of a higher grade the very next season. I commend the notion to Everton, and hope they realize in their hour of success that there are places not being filled to complete satisfaction. That must not curb the enthusiasm or the pleasure of the return ticket to Division 1.  It has been hard work against a mixed medley of sides, and the work on hand has been accomplished with much pleasure as well as points and pounds. May the good work keep right on to the end of the road 
MEET EVERTOR F.C. FIRST DIVISION MEMBERS 
Second Division clubs told them they wanted Everton to stay in the lower division. First Division clubs said with one mind, "Come back to us." And they came as quickly as the season would allow. 
EVERTON TO TOUR SWEDEN
TO PLAY INTERNATIONAL SIDE
Last night Mr. S. Lonnberg, acting on behalf of the Sweden Football Association, met the Everton Football Club officials, to make arrangements for a tour by the Everton Club in Sweden and Norway.  Mr. Lonnberg, in an interview, said; “We are making this arrangement for the purpose of educating Sweden in the finer arts of football, and we are proud that the Everton Football Club is going to visit us.  The tour will last under three weeks, and will start early in May, and will comprise five matches.  The fixtures are not yet definitely settled, but the idea is that Everton should play two matches in Stockholm, and games in Gottenburg, Malbo, and either Copenhagen or Eisinborg.  “Everton will be playing a national team and a combination of the clubs, “continued Mr. Lonnberg, “and we are looking forward to a very successful tour.  The name of Everton is known far and wide in our land.  They will be a great drawing card as well as an education in the football sense.  All our people are most keen to see their star players.”

BRISTOL CITY LEAD
Liverpool Echo - Monday 06 April 1931
ELLIOTT AND MERCER SCORE
DEAN FOR EVERTON 
Citizens' Plucky Show Against Champions 
By Bee
Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Bristol City; Whitelaw; Walsh, Hughes; Jennings, Sliman, Brinton; Homer, Mercer, Elliott, Craig, Robson.  Referee; Mr. Westwood, Walsall.  Everton, for the second time in the holiday week-end, met Bristol City, but whereas there was a record crowd at Ashton Gate there were no more than 25,000 at Goodison Park to welcome the Bristol Reds, who, until two years ago, were managed by Alec Raisbeck.  Everton, nevertheless, received a hearty welcome as befits a championship side.  The Bristol goalkeeper turned out in a purple jersey, and was ordered to change, as his colour clashed with Everton’s blue. Eventually Whitelaw turned out Coggin's green.  Everton kicked off, and as usual Johnson thrashed the ball to the right wing. McClure was clever on the touchline and with his hand, and Bristol had to suffer a number of attacks early on. Once they broke loose they showed good footwork and nice passing, until Williams passed back to his goalkeeper.
CLEVER HEADING 
Everton combined in answer to this outbreak in a manner that suggested that they could win at any given moment. This did not excuse Stein wasting the ball after a neat round of passing. Martin had a shot charged down, and McClure made an all-too-long drive at goal with a spinning ball.  Bristol came in short bursts, and Mercer made a fair shot to urge on Everton the necessity for getting a lead before they ended the fanciful stakes.  Stein made a well-judged center that Whitelaw punched away, and Johnson was responsible for a number of dainty passes, accurate and appetizing.  All the Everton players were notably clever in heading the ball.  Elliot, the Bristol centre, crossed beyond Williams and shot close in, but the ball struck Coggins on the leg.  Meantime Robson had to have his leg rubbed through an ankle injury.  Nearby, there was a free-kick taken by McClure and, the Bristol captain, Walsh, headed for a corner rather than trust his goalkeeper, yet from that corner the goalkeeper made an excellent catch after McClure had given a sample of ball control worth full marks.
EVEN DEAN SURPRISED 
Craig was never well-balanced when he shot with a bounding ball and any but abounding confidence.  It took Everton fifteen minutes to get a goal, Dean being the scorer; his position  probably no more than three yards  out, and his surprise at finding the ball  at his foot more remarkable than anything  else.  The goal arose through some admirable passing between the Everton forwards, and Critchley's centre was not reached by Dean, although he tried to handle the ball, so that he was just a bit fortunate to find a gift of this character in the next moment, The captain, Williams, left the field immediately afterwards through a flow of blood from the nose, and McClure went full back.
SIMPLE FOR ELLIOTT
Williams came back in time to see Bristol equalize, but not in time to take up his proper position, and Cresswell, trying to kick clear, simply drove the ball against a Bristol forward, and Elliott was left with the simplest of chances to equalize.  Martin hit a very great shot and great was the delay of Critchley when a quick shot would have brought the lead. Elliott would have taken the lead if Coggins had not been “alive,” Dean was rarely making a mistake, and when Martin pushed the ball forward in inviting manner Dean had a great race against Whitelaw and the goalkeeper covered the strong shot. 
MERCER LEADS 
Bristol were very plucky and a shade nippy if inconsistent, and the crowd encouraged them. However, Mercer look the lead in thirty-five minutes through Williams making a mistake far out on the right wing. The ball was first shot in, struck the foot of the post to cannon back and make a simple goal for Mercer.  Johnson made the best shot of the match with a ball that swung over, and Martin dallied too long near the post.  Everton had taken the match far too easily, ad two mistakes had brought two goals to the Bristol side.  Half-time; Everton 1, Bristol City 2.

L'POOL RES V EVERTON RES 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 06 April 1931
Liverpool solved their goalkeeper difficulty by introducing Robinson, a  Bootle Celtic, who was playing his  second game to-day on this ground, having played earlier in the day for  Celtic.  Everton were very lively at the start, and a big crowd was rewarded with a goal inside four minutes. It was from Leylands' corner that Cunliffe succeeded in heading the opening goal.  Liverpool responded gamely, Clarke sending just over. Griffiths prevented Barkas accepting a perfect pass through from Wicklow.  Another Leyfield corner produced trouble for Liverpool's defence.  Charlton positioned himself perfectly, and was able to kick clear off the line.  Everton were so far the more persistent attackers, their progressive advantage being more accurately constructed than Liverpool, who had up to now been very faulty with their ball distribution.  Leyfield took his fourth corner inside twelve minutes, and James headed over.  A brilliant full-length save by Robinson prevented White getting a goal.  Liverpool now had a very lively spell.  Everton's defence enduring a grueling few minutes. Barkas was stopped by Griffiths. Wicklow missed a chance in heading over, and then Gunson, who was looking dangerous, was crowded out.  Sager picked up from Barks, after McRorie and he had run passed Everton defenders.

EVERTON WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
April 6 th 1931. Evening Express.
And they still have five games to play!
Wonder team of the year
goal a match Dean.
By the Pilot.
Everton have won the championship of the Second Division. Dixie Dean has scored his 200 th goal. Both happened in the match with Bradford. Saturday was indeed a joy day for the Blues. Everton returns to the First division at one attempt, with five matches still to play. They have proved themselves the wonder team of the year. Congratulations are due first of all to Ben Williams and his colleagues, who have put up such a gallant fight; secondly, to the management who have always encouraged the players to give of their best; thirdly to the loyal supporters who never lost faith in the team evening during the recent lean period. The championship overshadows Billy Dean's feat in getting that 200 th goal –his total at the moment is 2-1 –but this is a record, which merits special congratulations to the England leader. In football League matches for Tranmere Rovers and Everton Dean has now averaged exactly one goal per match –228 goals in 228 matches.
Consolation.
The winning of the championship provides Everton with the necessary consolation for the F.A. Cup semi-final defeat. In a retrospective sense Everton have had a successful though chequered career since 1927. In the April of that year they had to make a gallant fight to avoid relegation to the Second Division; the next season they won the First Division championship; an indifferent season was followed by the relegation disaster, and now they have won the second Division and reached the last four of the cup. There is nothing like variety to keep interest at a high pitch, and the followers of the Goodison Park men have had their full share with a vengeance.
Artistry Tells.
Everton are worthy champions. They have had their dismal moments this season, but generally it has been a bright,. Happy campaign, and proved once again that football craft and artistry will prevail. It was so against Bradford at Goodison Park on Saturday. The Yorkshiremen put up a gallant and oftimes menacing resistance to the Blues, but the extra degree of skill and precision weighted in balance on the champions. One of the most gratifying features was the return to form of Billy Dean. In addition to his two goals he led the line in virile yet throughout manner, and he was opposed to one of the best pivots I have seen lately in Elwood. Martin and Critchley were a lively wing and all three half-backs operated with judgement and zeal. The defence was as sound as a bell. It was a match worthy of such a momentous occasions, and it showed that the Blues have at last become accustomed to the hard grounds.
Sports Pie
• Everton require 10 goals to equal Middlesbrough's Second Divison record of 122. They must average two goals per match to accomplish this.

EVERTON 1 BRISTOL CITY 3
April 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's Second Home Defeat
Bristol City Get Their Revenge.
Champions Gone Stale.
By “Bee.”
Until yesterday Everton had lost but one home match v Port Vale early in the season. Having beaten Bristol City away from home a few days ago, the players imagined they had little to do to win, and could walk through the stiff opposition at will. This did not work out according to plan. Dean scored early on, and that goal gave Everton a totally wrong idea of the persistence and pluck (allied to a nippiness that told it tale) of the Bristol City side. Moreover Everton unchanged from their usual side, failed to grasp the notion that Bristol City, by masking five changes, brought in some young members, trying to make their signing on secure and a bonus acceptable. They were fresh and free and were very fair and virile.
Lack of Concentration.
Had Bristol scored first Everton might have realised the need of the day. As it was the second home defeat came rolling along, and at times it seemed that some of the conquered men were too busy having a chat to each other about their thoughts rather than concentrating upon their positions, and their play. It was a severe blow to pride, but it has no effect upon the championship honour, which is safety housed at Goodison Park. Bristol merits everyone's praises for a bonty display of endeavour and some football ability. They were not going to accept this Everton side at their league top standard. They must battle for their victory, and first Cresswell, in William's temporary absence, kicked away, and found the ball hit a winger, so that Elliott had the easiest of chances.

Defensive Errors.
Next Williams careered over to Cresswell's corner to help him out, and was taken aback when the ball came across the goalmouth, first touching the upright –an escape shortlivened, as the ball went out to Mercer, who took the gift. Two defensive errors; two goals. Everton fought after the interval for the equaliser, and their manner of posting themselves became disorganised. There was an air of indifference and a lack of confidence as time wore on, and it was no surprise when Coggins was beaten again by Mercer. This ended the scoring, and much as Everton attacked they were never so definite nor dangerous in front of goal. The Everton side cracked through staleness, consequent upon three matches in four days. They were well beaten and eventually neither wing men could do anything with the ball when he got it –which was rare. It is good for the game that such surprises lessons should be sustained, and it may be that this result will gave the selectors pause for the future –when the First Division task becomes ripe. Meantime it would be idle to apportion blame. The goals –given by errors –have been explained.
Bristol Dash.
It is only necessary to say that Whitelaw the Bristol goalkeeper, had little to do to show the fault of the forward line, and if one adds that Thomson played like a stale player yet provided two efforts nearing goal, it will be seen that every link had its moderate side. Gee played in that airy way that leads him to make bad passes, and McClure played heartily and was best in his line, and the ball to his forwards. Bristol must not be left out of this critique the work of Walsh and Hughes at full back was of good standard, but the team altogether played with a vin and a dash and with ready methods for carrying the ball ahead at the smartest pace that individually there was nothing between any of them –they were all hearty and good. Everton were disappointed and disappointing. The crowd was probably 25,000 strong, and after the ease with which Everton went through the first fifteen minutes the spectators were lulled into a false security. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain), and Cresswell, backs; McClure Gee, and Thomson half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson and Stein forwards. Bristol City; - Whitelaw, goal; Walsh and Hughes, backs; Jennings, Sliman, and Brinton, half-backs; Homer, Mercer, Elliott, Craig, and Robson, forwards. Referee Mr. Westwood, Walsall.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 7 TH 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 39)
Liverpool accomplished a remarkably fine performance in winning the local Derby, by 4-2 at Anfield, for although they were outplayed for the most of the first half, they hung on determinedly to Everton, and after the interval harassed the visitors, to such an extent that they (Everton) could not formulate the method that had characterized their early play. Liverpool were in difficulties regarding filling the position of goalkeeper –for Riley is indisposed and Aitken was seriously injured on Saturday. However, the club signed Robinson, of Bootle Celtic, directly after his game at Anfield yesterday morning, and he was thus in the unusual position of having played for two clubs in one day. He made a very favourable debut, for although he made a mistake when Webster scored, he made a number of good clearances –two particularly very brilliant efforts preventing White netting. Everton's attack aided by a strong middle line, easily had the best of the early exchanges and although Cunliffe scored very early on from Leyfield's corner, the visitors were always the more predominant attackers for Liverpool's front line could not get moving methodically. The half hour found Gunson get the equaliser, but ten minutes later Webster scored a simple goal when Robinson failed to hold a lob shot. Everton's interval lead was deserved, but the resumption showed Liverpool offering a complete revival. The ball was swung about accurately, and by means of direct forceful advances they outplayed the Everton halves, and Parker and Lowe often in difficulties in trying to frustrate their advances. McRorie scored Liverpool's second equaliser, and then Barkas succeeded in getting the third and fourth goals. It had been a splendid contested game, full of interest, with Liverpool deserving their success, for their defence in the first half had been sound, whilst the rally of the forwards after the interval was the main factor of their victory. Everton lost because their backs were uncertain late on, and their halves failed to hold Liverpool's forwards.
Marine 2 Everton “A” 6
Liverpool County Combination
It was fine team work more than anything else that enabled Everton to inflict Marine's first league defeat at Crosby. Up to the scoring of the fourth goal for Everton. Marine had undeniably held a slight advantage, yet it was obvious that the team, as a whole, were much below their best, Corkhill since playing up to their known standard. Everton showed good all-round form. Worrall, at outside left, B. Llody (centre-half) and Jackson (left-back) were outstanding. Scorers, Fryer (2), Worrall (2), Davies, and Crawford for Everton, and Crilly (penalty) and Hodgson for the home team.

CHAMPIONS BEATEN.
April 7 th 1931. Evening Express.
Two Days after winning Title.
Everton's Mistake.
By the Pilot.
Two days after winning the championship of the Second Division, Everton met with their second home defeat of the season. Everton probably, made the mistake of taking Bristol City too cheaply at Goodison Park yesterday. That was the main reason for their downfall. Everton were the first to score, but this only served to make them more confident. They laboured under the delusion that one goal was sufficient, and when they tried to play exhibition football they found the City assuming a complete mastery in ball control and goal scoring. That air of superiority help Bristol materially in their fight to avoid relegation. These two points, as the result of their three goals to one victory, should ensure them another season at least in the Second Division.
Coggins in Form
Everton have rarely given such an indifferent display. Coggins was the one man in the side to reveal his best form. Williams, who suffered from a nasty blow on the face, and Cresswell made errors, but Williams was the better player. McClure alone of his intermediaries shaped well but he faded out of the picture as the game progressed. Gee was right off colour and hardly once used the ball well. The forwards were disjoined and lacked confidence in themselves. The wingers Stein and Critchley were mastered by Jennings and Brinton; in fact, I cannot recall a single touchline run and centre by either of them. This is strange for the Blues. Martin was lacking in punch. Like Johnson, he required too much time in which to think and act, and so dean was generally left to plough a lonely furrow in the middle. He did his best with some high balls, which he carefully nodded to vacated positions. The he, too, lost heart, so that Sliman became his master. Bristol were a better team than their position would suggest. Their defence was excellent and the half-backs relentless tackles and keen constructive players. Elliott led the line enterprisingly and had willing foils in Mercer and Homer.

EVERTON TURN PURPLE; THEIR PURPLE PATCHES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 April 1931
BRISTOL CITY'S SURPRISE WIN
Bee’s Notes
A moment before the Goodison Park guns started, the visitors' goalkeeper went off the field and turned purple. He pulled his jersey and came out all aglow with green where he had been purple-patched.  Everton spectators, to the number of about 25,000, turned purple when they saw the way the game was going. It was a victory for the asking-seemingly! And a goal lead per Dean suggested that what had gone before would he a mere procession. It does not do to anticipate of mix with processions in Liverpool. Everton lost their captain through a sanguinary visitation, and while he was off, Cresswell tried to kick clear and merely turned the ball to a goal-getter. Williams came back and had not reached his proper spot before another goal had been recorded.  Williams went a-roaming as is his big endeavoring self, and he covered his partner, only to find the hall had slipped him. And that's how Bristol took the lead. They sat upon it with the same  security that West Brom, sat upon a  lead at Manchester, and the more  Everton played, the more stale they  appeared, and the more they appeared to  get irritating to spectators and to their  fellow-men. Their idea of positioning themselves became sea-swamped. There were times when one wondered whether this was the championship side one was watching. It was, it is, it could be. But the truth was the false security of the goal did them a lot of harm. They thought they could walk to victory.  Bristol chased them away. 
WHAT FIVE CHANGES MEANT 
Bristol had been so disappointed with their side at the week-end that they made five changes. These men, fresh for the play, and anxious to make good in view of signing on time, put even ounce into their game. They stood not upon the order of their going—they went; like Mr. Crikey, of the petrol picture. And Bristol's speed and daring, and raiding and ramping got Everton into that nervous state in which they do not do themselves justice.  They began to talk one to another;  at times a defender might be watching  his defence flounder, at what time he  was among the forward-line of his own  side, Everton have given so many  hidings that they must learn to take  one when, by the freak of football  nature, it comes their way. Bristol earned their victory and every man pulled his weight with a ruggedness that was good to see. It was a hearty display. Everton played like a stale side. Thompson, for instance, was plainly needing a rest, yet he provided two cases near the finish which might have produced the necessary encouraging goal. The lack of shooting was unpalatable; the forward misses were far more urgent than the defensive slips made by the backs. If every time  a forward missed a sitter it were chalked  against him with the same severity  as when a back blunders some of these  stars would have stripes attached to  their jerseys—or pants. 
GOGGINS NOT TO BLAME 
Coggins was not to blame against his old club. He did many sharp and wise things, and sized up the position well, whereas Whitelaw had little to bother about because of the indulgence of the forward line opposed to him when the goal-area was reached. The call seemed insistent—there must be a movement or dribble before there was a shot. Hence the number of easily-covered up shots that were smothered out. Bristol, on the other hand, were very nippy, and “altogether." Gee played in a "Mr.  Dundreary fashion," which is not his  best mood; I like him best when he is  challenging fiercely; McClure was best  with the hall when going upward—rather  than in a tackle; and for the rest—well,  why bring that up now? It is a rest the players need. Easter may be enjoyable, but to a footballer it is a long-drawn-out-closely-packed hat-trick of games on dry grounds at a time when one's football blood is going dry. Even spectators find they cannot stand three games in four days. Still, it was a pity the Port  Vale blow should be linked up with one  more home defeat—so near the end of  the season. Let us hope it doesn't curb the heart of the players or their confidence, and that the lesson has not been forgotten in the players' room or “upstairs." 
EVERTON’S “A’ TEAM PLAY RHYL-THE TEAMS
Everton A, who stand second in the County Combination, plays Rhyl at Goodison Park tomorrow, at 5.45, with this team; Corry; Cook, Jackson; Jones, Chedgzoy, Towers; Crawford, Cunliffe, James, Webster, and Worrall.  Rhyl;- Evans; Geddes, Holmes; Evans, Rees, Millington; Davies, Whitehouse, Jones, Ritchie, and Ellis. 
A medal found (Everton F.C Cup winners 1884-Liverpool F.A tie)-make application to Everton F.C., Goodison Park.  It was found at Aintree Race-course. 

TRANMERE’S EX-EVERTON PLAYERS GO TO GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 April 1931
Bee's Notes
When Everton and Tramere played at Tranmere some weeks ago in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final, a very exciting game ended in a draw 3-3, and the replay has now been fixed for Monday next at Goodison Park, 5.45 kick-off. This match will give Everton people a chance of seeing a team that may be promoted in a week or so to Division 11, for the first time in its history. Moreover it will bring Livingstone, Meston, and Barton to their old football home, so that the match, apart from being a cup-tie, will be unusually interesting.  The replayed Liverpool Senior Cup final tie between Everton and Tranmere Rovers will take place at Goodison Park on Monday next; kick-off 5.30. 
Everton, after beating Bristol City and Bradford, surprised their followers by going down at Goodison Park before the City.  On Saturday the new champions go to Oldham and the team will be the same as on Monday, namely; - Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  For the Central league game at Goodison park, against Bolton Wanderers the side will be;- Sagar; Parker, Lowe; Britton, Griffiths, McPherson, Wilkinson, Webster, White, Rigby, Leyfield. 
GOOD OLD WANDERERS
Bolton Wanderers Reserves, who have lost only one of their last nine games, will be Everton’s opponents at Goodison Park on Saturday, and their team will include two well-known League players in Kean, the old England international, and Tate, the former Manchester City centre forward.  The team is; Church; Boyle, Duckworth; Kean, Strong, banks; stoker, Wilson, Tate, Taylor, and Gorringe. 
OLDHAM TEAM V EVERTON
Oldham field this side against Everton; Moss; Ivell, Porter; Allen, King (S.), Goodyler; Worrall, Dyson, Johnstone, Gray, and Hasson.  A young side, and some of them have been watched carefully by Everton. Scouts.

EVERTON'S GREAT RESERVES TEAM
April 8 th 1931. Evening Express
Seven have played for First Eleven.
A team as strong as many other club's first teams, will present Everton Reserves on Saturday. Against Bolton Wanderers Reserves at Goodsion Park, the team will include seven players who have appeared in the first team this season, and of these two are internationals. Lowe, Britton, McPherson, Wilkinson, White, Griffiths and Rigby have each assisted the Second Divison side, and Griffths and Rigby hold Welsh and English international caps respectively; Rigby addition is the holder of a F.A. cup medal. Team; Sagar; Parker, Lowe; Britton Griffths, McPherson; Wilkinson, Webster, White. Rigby, Leyfield.
First X1 Unchanged.
No changes will be made in the first team to visit Oldham Athletic. Dunn, who injured his ankle at Stoke, is still suffering from sustained ligaments in the joint. Team; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean Johnson, Stein.
Senior Cup Tie
The replay of the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final tie between Everton and Tranmere Rovers will take place at Goodison Park on Monday next kick-off at 5-30. When the teams met at Prenton Park they shared six goals.
Sports Pie
• Everton have granted permission to Williams and Griifths to play for Wales against Ireland if the Welsh Selectors require their services.

MR. CUFF
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, April 9, 1931
Bee’s Notes
Mr. W.C. Cuff chairman of the Everton Football Club, writes; - “I have received so many congratulatory messages regarding Everton’s League championship that I find it a physical impossibility to acknowledge them individually, would you, on behalf of myself and my colleagues publish in your column our appreciation thereof?”

EVERTON GO TO OLDHAM AND THEN WIND-UP THE HOME PROGRAMME WITH PRESENTATION 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 10 April 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Oldham. They are not unknown there, and they will be heartily welcomed, as Oldham are very much down at heart and at the bank. They have lost nearly five figures compared with last season, and they have much to make up. The team is a good one, attractive, and so useful that even Everton have been watching some of their steps, and making inquiries about forwards. &c. Oldham have in young Moss a very good goalkeeper, and they have a half-hack of more than average merit. But Worrell is the most-sought player—an outside-right of youth and stern muscle, if not great height.  Everton, after having worked off this  engagement, will doubtless come before  their spectators for the final home  which is versus Burnley-and  I do not doubt that that will be the  chosen day for the presentation of the  Second Division trophy. Mr. John McKenna, I believe, will make the presentation, and the scenes promise to be rousing and reminiscent of the days that were happy –five years ago.  The team players and officials and some friends are to be entertained to dinner in the city, and much as the players hurt our feelings by their inept display against Bristol City team, we soon learn to forget and forgive, and without a doubt the remaining home matches will be watched and the celebrating take place with verve and distinction.  To-morrow Oldham is the call. It is not very inciting, but one has to say that their officials continue to strive, if not thrive, and Secretary Mellor, who has just passed his twenty-first year of office, deserves a special vote of thanks. It  was just before the were that Oldham  were stars—they had their Wallace, and  since they have bled; they had their  Hunter, their Charlie Roberts, their  Higgins, their Ted Taylor (going in  for football managership), and Donnachie;  their Davie Wilson, whose  brother Andrew, is to-day manager of  the Oldham side. Times have changed.  Oldham have been hit by the cotton failures; they still play good-style football, and work hard to keep the wolf from the door. But the town has lost its football savour, and its financial standing. Hence the fall away in gates.  Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Crltchley, Martin, Dean, Dunn, Stein 

OLDHAM ON TERMS WITH EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 April 1931
MARTIN SCORERS FIRST BUT DYSON EQUALISES FROM A JOHNSTONE PASS
By Stork
Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Oldham Athletic; Moss; Ivill, Porter; Adams, King, Goodier; Worrall, Dyson, Johnstone, Gray, Hasson.  Referee; Mr. W. Waldon, Derby. 
Oldham had taken Everton's visit to heart, for there was a big crowd present.  In fact, it looked like being one of the biggest they have had this season.  The conditions were good; the ground looked excellent. It has more turf on it than many grounds I have seen this term.  I understand that Everton were represented at the Burnley match to-day, one of the directors holding a watching brief. There was also a big representation of directors at Boundary Park. Who were they looking at? Was it Worrall?  Quite an innovation at this ground was the installation of a radio set, which whiled away the fleeting minutes, and at the same time dispensed with the services of a band. The Mayor of Oldham graced the proceedings, and there was a joyous feeling about the match.  There were no changes. I saw something which would not be allowed on many grounds. That was a rush of boys on to the playing pitch to obtain the autographs of the Everton players.  Oldham started in good style, and  gave Everton's defence a few anxious  moments, but a clearance by Coggins  landed right at the feet of Dean, and  without making any effort to get the  ball Dean slipped it over to  Martin, who in turn pushed it back so  that Dean was in an excellent position  for running through. Moss, the Oldham ‘keeper, had sensed what was about to happen, and had wisely came out of his goal in order to “smother “Dean.  The danger, however, was not over, for the ball want out to Martin, who lifted his shot over the bar.  There was a curious incident in connection with this attack, for when Moss came out to challenge Dean he had his pants torn and had to leave the field for a new pair.  There was rather a go-as-you-please feeling about this match, but there were many interesting sallies between both the Everton forwards and the Oldham defence, and also between Dean and Ivill in particular. The full back had to put a check on Dean on more than one occasion to prevent the Everton leader from having a tilt at the Oldham goalkeeper.  Stein put Dean in a nice position, but Porter got in the way. King was much too strong in his pass to his centre forward, who had a chase for nothing.  Hasson and Worrell linked up in a  movement which saw the ball swiftly  crossing the face of the Everton goal,  but the outside was much too severe  with his centre, which travelled like  lightning and so was of little use to his  inside colleagues.  With the turf is such a dry condition  the ball was lively, and as a consequence  the pace was fast, and Oldham had  quite as much of the game, if not a  shade more, than Everton. 
MARTIN OPENS 
Still there always seem more danger when Everton were on the move, and at the end of fifteen minutes they opened the score through Martin.  It was such a good movement all  through, however, that I will explain it in full. This is how it came about.—  Dean to Stein, Stein a backward pull  which the full-back failed to clear, so  that Martin was let in with a glorious  shooting opportunity, and of this he  took full account, crashing the ball into  the net well wide of Moss, who was  I standing at the other end.  Oldham had their chances, despite the magnificent defence of Cresswell and Williams, for Hasson was so well-placed on one occasion that he should have certainly scored.  Worrell, who has a fine turn of speed,  was responsible for some clever centres,  one of the best being a hook which  might have caused Everton serious  trouble if any of his colleagues had been  in the vicinity of the Everton goal when  it dropped in that territory. 
DYSON EQUALISES 
Some of the Everton football was a joy, in fact it was just a little too intricate at times, for the Oldham half backs were a speedy lot, and gave absolutely nothing away.  At twenty-four minutes Oldham equalised.  The beat point about the goal  was Johnstone's header to the scorer,  Dyson, for it meant that the inside right  had little or nothing to do but go  forward and score from no more than  two or three yards out.  It was, without doubt, a great thought on the part of Johnstone to give Dyson the pass in the manner he did.  Dyson was once at fault when he did not take the trouble to find out if his winger was where he thought he was, but Worrall had gone forward in the hope that the ball would follow him. It did not do so and so a possible chance was missed. 
MOSS'S ERROR 
The Oldham goal had a narrow escape when Stein sent the ball trickling along the goal-line and only a touch would have sent it into the net. Moss, the goalkeeper, has earned for himself a good reputation, but he made one hopeless mess of a corner from Stein which he misjudged badly, and only Porter, the full back, saved his face.  Oldham were good up to a point.  They moved well, but when it came to applying the final touch they could not find it, although Coggins had to extricate himself from a difficult position when the whole of the three inside men challenged when he was standing on his line with the ball in his hands.  Coggins, however, eventually got clear, and from that clearance Everton nearly took another goal, for Moss was well and truly beaten when Critchley slammed in a cross shot that could not have been more than six inches wide of the mark.  Gray and Hasson got along quite nicely, and the former made one of the cutest passes I have seen for an age. It was so 'cute, however, that Hasson seemed bewildered by it. Dean opened up a movement that promised a lot hut brought nothing, because he got offside in the final movement, and then we saw the Oldham forwards making their best attack. Coggins had to kick out several dangerous centres from Worrell, and then when he was under very serious pressure from Johnstone, who was always ready and willing to test the issue with this Everton goalkeeper.  Dean several times was only held up at the last moment, and when Ivill once started to play about in front of his goal Stein nipped in and let out ferocious drive, which sped over the crossbar. Just on the interval, Moss had to touch away a powerful shot from Critchley.  Half-time; Oldham Athletic 1, Everton 1
TWO GOALS IN LAST FIVE MINUTES
OLDHAM SHARE WITH EVERTON
MARTIN AND JOHNSON
DYSON, GRAY, & JOHNSTONE FOR ATHLETIC
Everton drew at Oldham. They could have won if they had shot more often. They did not realise the value of first-time shooting until late on, when Marlin and Johnson levelled matters with the aid of first-time hitting.  It was a good game, because of its fluctuation, but whereas Oldham went out for a victory by direct methods, Everton were too prone to close passing. Still the game produced a startling finish, and the crowd went away well and truly pleased. In the first half Martin and Dyson scored.  Oldham took the lead three minutes after the resumption through a snap goal by Gray. It came as a result of a free-kick, Adlam's place shot being headed away by Cresswell, only to drop at the feet of Gray, who promptly crashed it into the net.  From this point Everton strove might and main to obtain an equaliser, and the Oldham goal had many a narrow escape, once in particular when Martin made a header from which the ball bounced on to the top of the cross-bar.  Gee got, across the crowd by the way  he went into Worrell, and Oldham were  awarded a second free kick in almost  the identical position its that from which  they had scored their opening goal.  Dyson got his bead to Adlam's centre, but Coggins pulled the ball down to make a comparatively easy save.
MARTIN EQUAUSES 
At long last Everton got their desire —the equaliser—and it was from a great shot by Martin, following good work by Johnson and Stein. Martin clinched the matter with a drive that rattled the top netting before finally landing at the bottom of the goal.  It was unquestionably the best goal of the match, and only went to prove that first-time shooting was the thing to do the trick. There had been little of it by the Everton front rank, who preferred the close passing movements rather than shots.
THE JOHNNIES 
With five minutes remaining to play Johnstone, the Oldham leader, scored a brilliant goal, one of the few good things he had accomplished during the match.  With the score at 3-2 and only five minutes the odds loosed to be on Oldham, but within two minutes Johnson had once again levelled matters, beating Moss with a clever left footed shot.  Even after this equalizing goal Oldham came along again and Coggins edged over a good shot from Dyson.  Final: Oldham Athletic 3, Everton 3.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, April 11, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton are to bid good-bye to Division 11 at Deepdale on May 2
• England has tried no fewer than eighteen centre-forwards since the war
• Not until Dean first appeared on the scene was the rot stopped, and then the Everton leader went on to figure in eight successive matches
• How many England centre-forwards, think you have scored against Scotland in the last thirty-one years?
• Four only! These are Vivan Woodward, Jack Cock, Victor Watson and Will dean
• The respective years were 1903, 1920, 1930, 1and 1927
• In the last few years Goodison Park has been the scene of several stirring “finale” events.
• In 1928 we saw the culmination of Dean’s record of reaching sixty goals in the closing match v Arsenal
• Then a year ago we had the striking staging of that fighting finish against relegation when Sunderland visited Goodison on May 3
• Everton won well 4-1 (before 60,000 people as in 1928) but as all the bottom six clubs on the table won, Everton’s supporters almost with tears in their eyes, saw their favourites relegated
• Then on Saturday last 9and once again with Goodison the scene) came League honours, promotion, and Dean’s 200th League goal-a delightful trinity
• Dean’s particular goal was a long time in coming but it proved one quite out of the ordinary and well worth waiting for.
• It was reminiscent of the manner in which the famous Meredith was wont to take his penalty kick

EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 11, 1931
SATISFACTORY DEBUT BY “A” TEAM PLAYER
Everton combination had not been too good in the early stages, but a brilliant open passing bout between Rigby, Webster, and Leyfield ended with White scoring after thirteen minutes.  The Wanderers, however, were the more convincing, and bothered Everton’s rather unsteady defence considerably, but Griffiths continued to do much sound’s work. Bolton equalized through Wilson, and after Everton had been troublesome, following some good work from Worrall (an “A” team player making his debut on the right wing), Sagar saved brilliantly from Higham.  Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Bolton Reserves 1.  Immediately on resuming White gave Everton the lead.  Wilson scored Bolton’s second equalizer, and Worrall gave Everton the lead with a third goal.  Final; Everton Res 3, Bolton Wanderers Res 2.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC 3 EVERTON 3
April 13 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton in two moods
Gane saved in last Two minutes.
By “Stork.”
Some of Everton's football against Oldham Athletic was of the highest grade, but there was some of it, which was of poor calibre. In approach work, and the art of making the ball to do the work, they were superior to the Athletic, but once they got in front of goal there was a slump in their clock. Everton nearly left it too late, for it was not until the last two minutes that they actually pulled the game out of the fire, a game which they should never have allowed top get into the flames, but if a side cannot, or will not, clinch their approach work with the things necessary in football, shots, then they cannot expect to win. Everton had chances galore to have won this game in the first half despite the strong defence which the Oldham rearguard put up against their forwards, but they would not take a risk with a first time effort, being over-indulgent in their artistry in front of goal. Martin's opening goal should have brought them to the full realisation of the fact that here was the type of shooting to beat their foe, but for over an hour they did not produce another of the same order, if exception is made of a Stein effort which went sailing over the crossbar.
The shortest Route.
Oldham, if not cannying took the shortest route towards Coggins, but even their shooting was at fault at times, but they seemed to have the game well in hand in the last ten minutes for they twice held a goal lead, but it was than that Everton decided to cut out some of their frills and go right out for shots, and Martin's second goal was the greatest shot of the game. It was followed by another excellent goal by Johnson, and Oldham then seemed well on the way to a victory, but Johnson with that deadly left foot of his, slammed home a third goal which brought his side a point. The last fifteen minutes was worth all that had gone before for it was packed chock full of thrills, whereas the earlier play had been of a go-as-you-please order. There was a friendly spirit about, and when Moss had his pants torn he tripped off the field for a new pair, what time the game was held up for a minute or two. Oldham had played well at Goodison. They played well at Boundary Park, but if Everton had commenced their “big-hitting” at an earlier stage in the game they would not have had cause to fight tooth and nail at the rear end of the match. That Everton will be missed by Second Division clubs brooks of no denial, for they brought the biggest crowds of the season to Boundary Park, as they have done at many other enclosures this season.
Dean not Given a Chance.
Dean apart from two or three passes in the first ten minutes rarely got a decent pass. The ball was up in the air too often, and he had to strain his neck to get near to it. Apart from that he was usually surrounded and Everton made the mistake of flinging the ball into the middle when they must have known that the wingers were better placed. There were some people, who through that Dyson was offside when he scored Oldham's first goal. My view, was that when Johnstone made his header Dryson was on the right side of Cresswell, but he was so quickly off the mark that he may have looked offside. Oldham's second goal was made through a free kick which Cresswell did not get clear, and Gray promptly found the net. Worrall missed the best chance of the game, when he failed to pick up the ball right in front of goal, and Hasson also missed a grand opportunity through shooting too soon. Martin was Everton's best forward, Gee got at cross-purpose with Worrall, and had to be spoken to, and I rated Thomson as the best in the middle line. Cresswell was nearly always master of Worrall. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain) and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Oldham Athletic; - Miss, goal; Ivill, and Porter, backs; Adlam, King and Goodier, half-backs; Worrall, Dyson, Johnstone, Gray, Hasson, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden, Derby.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
April 13 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 40)
Everton's victory was merited, for although the Wanderers set a merry pace and were the more dangerous in the early stages, the home side gradually took a firmer grip on the Bolton defence. Still, it was a brilliant save by Sagar from Rimmer that prevented the visitors snatching a draw in the closing minutes. White opened Everton's score but Wilson equalised. Directly after the interval White again put Everton ahead, only for Wilson to provide Bolton's second equalser. A goal by Worrall (an “A” team youngster) making his debut on the right wing gave Everton their victory. Everton; - Sagar goal; Parker and Lowe, backs; Britton, Griffiths and McPherson, half-backs; Worrall, Webster, White, Rigby and Leyfield, forwards.

EVERTON IN TWO MOODS
April 13 th 1931. Evening Express Dilly-Dallying that nearly meant Defeat.
Worrall did not Impress.
By the Pilot.
In the space of 90 minutes we saw two different Everton's at Oldham –vastly different. For a solid hour the Blues seemed to be able to do everything but shoot. In front of goal it was one long serial of dilly0dallying with each man in the front line throwing the onus of attempting to score on his colleagues. The result was that up to the 79 minute Oldham were leading 2-1 instead of Everton having made the game safe. The came an electrifying change. The Everton forwards seemed suddenly to realise the error of their ways, and proved that quick shooting is the way to success. In this instance they left it too late, but even so they managed to share the points 3-3 Martin and Johnson scoring fine goals in a hectic finish. I understand that Everton directors were particularly interested in Worrall, the Oldham outside right. He did not impress. The Blues have often given better fare than in this encounter, but while appreciating that the ball was in the air rather too much, that mistaken policy of non-shooting attack was their only real fault. Oldham struck me as a hard-working, zealous combination whose incisiveness and speed made them a menace. Their standard of football was not the same as that of the Blues, whose defence adopted the far-seeing methods, so necessary to combat tearaway attackers. My opinion that the Oldham first goal by Dyson was offside is shared by all the Everton players, Dyson appeared offside when he got the final pass from Johnstone. He need not have been, but like so many forwards he moved too quickly in his eagerness. Coggins found plenty of work thrust upon him by determined forwards, of whom Hasson, the left winger, was the “star.” Cresswell struck one as the most ingenious defender on the field, because he could make the opposition play into his hands. Yet, strange to say, he was directly responsible for two goals. Football is like that. Williams was definite in all his work, and his tackling compared favourably with any of that of the home men. Gee did well in defence, though his feeding was not quite up to standard, and with McClure invariably getting under the ball, Thomson took the intermediary honours. Critchley and Martin constituted the more accurate wing in attack. I though Critchley the best of the line, though he did not receive a great deal of support.
Sports Pie
• Everton must be the most popular team in the Second Division. Their visit to Oldham resulted in a record gate for the season –just on £1,000.

EVERTON'S TWO STYLES 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 13 April 1931
By Stork
Everton came perilously near to defeat at Boundary Park, for two minutes from the end of the game the Athletic were a goal in front, and with Everton in that frame of mind when nothing would make them take a shot and of course a risk, another defeat seemed on the carpet, and this was the last thing I desired, for I have only travelled with the champions three times this year, and two of the games were lost.  Johnson's left foot, however, saved me for it crashed a shot into the Oldham net two minutes from the end, and so saved me from explaining a beating, and was some consolation to my troubled mind. It was troubled because I thought that Everton should have made the game safe in the opening half if they had but stopped to think that it was only first-timed shooting which would win this game. They had proved that dainty tip-tapping would not do the trick, for it had failed before a stubborn defence, whereas a quick shot had given them a goal lead in fifteen minutes, but the plan of campaign was never altered, and Oldham must have blessed the Everton forwards for their kindness in sending the ball down the middle instead of exploiting the wings. 
ALL EYES 
The Oldham defence had no eyes for other than “Dixie “Dean. Smother  him out and all would be well was their  idea, and it was very nearly true, for  Dean was completely in the hands of the  " Latics" defenders—five of them at  times, so it is small wonder that Dean  did not get a goal. A ball out to the wings would have been worth twenty balls sent into the middle as matters were panning out, but no, on they went supplying Dean, who had little or no chance to break down the defence of lvil and Porter
It was all wrong, for Dean cannot accomplish the impossible. Another  thing, the ball was all too often in the  air when it came to the centre forward,  who craned his neck this way and then  that in his effort to make contact and with  King holding a watching brief over Dean  these passes became a matter of speculation.  When Martin scored his goal, it was the direct outcome of a quick shot no frills, no pattern-weaving, but it did not teach the lesson it should have done. For almost an hour Everton persisted  with their "conjuring acts,"  which looked good, but got them nowhere,  and Oldham actually took the  lead and were playing in a manner  which suggested that they would hold  on to it. They had come to the thought that this great team could be taken down, and they had done it up to a point, and not even the most rabid Everton supporter could have caviled if Oldham had won the day. 
LYING IN WAIT 
That they did not do so was that Everton took a tumble to themselves before it was too late, and decided that shots and shots only would win this game. Finery had failed, but oh, dear  me, they left it so late, that their case  looked hopeless two minutes  from  the  end, but two great goals by Martin and  Johnson squared matters. But for that  last ten-minute rally the game could  easily have been forgotten, but the  fluctuations at the end brought it to life,  and sent the crowd crazy with excitement,  and not one of the spectators  went away feeling that lie had not had  his money's worth. It was a rattling finish, but what of the first portion?  It was just an ordinary game, with Everton the more polished set of players, who would not attempt a hit and a miss, preferring to wend their way into the jaws of the goalmouth, where they fell to defenders who had been lying in wait for them.  Oldham Athletic gave Everton a good game at Goodison Park, and although they cannot be placed on the same plane as the champions when it comes to science, they produced pace, and a  ' shot which had Everton toiling in the rear for the major portion of the game.  It was just that they did not try to do too much. One move was enough if it would serve their purpose. Why try two when one would do? That was the essence of their football, and it nearly won through.  It was a glorious day, and I could well have done without the “greenhouse “provided at Boundary Park. Another innovation at the ground is a loud speaker instead of the usual band. It was a jolly affair altogether, and when Moss, the Athletic goalkeeper, had his pants ripped open another did not go into goal, but, Moss simply nipped across to the dressing-room for a new pair while the game was held up.  There was a friendly spirit abroad, but there was also a show of temper, and Gee had to be spoken too by the referee, and Ben Williams also requested his colleague to simmer down and get himself in hand.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 TRANMERE ROVERS 0
April 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool Senior Cup
No goals in Cup Replay
Everton and Tranmere miss chances.
A goalless draw was the outcome of the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final replay at Goodison Park last night. The clubs will now meet at New Brighton's ground on Monday, next, kick-off 6.15. Taken all round, it was a disappointing game, for each side lacked the ability to force home opportunities. Play was dull and unentertaining though when each side came to reveal danger, neither seemed able to snap their chance, although the Rovers in the second half threatened to take a goal when they opened out their play.
Everton Halves Do well.
Everton were much indebted to their halves, who frequently held up Tranmere's dangerous efforts when the visitors had closed in on the home goal. Fishwick missed a great chance of giving Tranmere victory, when he placed over the bar from close in, but against this Webster, Worrall, and White caused the Birkenhead side's defence great anxiety during a last-minute melee, Briggs scrambling the ball away. The first half was evenly contested. Everton started well, but fell away against a defence that was sturdy. Briggs saved from Leyfield and White, but there were few shots of the scoring quality. Still, Griffiths with a good effort struck a defender, and Briggs had to nip across his goal sharply to get it away. The miss of the half, however, Must be debited against Worrall, whose display was not equal to his game on Saturday, lacking strength and accuracy in finish, for he shot wide after Leyfield and White had made a great opening. Tranmere's inside trio were dangerous, particularly Dixon and J. Kennedy, but the inside forward early on played too close to be really effective, for Griffiths was a good Everton defender.
Tranmere Lack Sting.
After the interval Tranmere were the more dangerous, but their finishing invariably lacked sting, and accuracy. Meston went near with a curler that Sagar cleverly caught. Fishwick, Dixon, and Kennedy tried efforts, but really the outstanding and nearest scoring shot of the game came in the first half when Dixon hit the foot of the post with a terrific drive. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar goal; Parker and Lowe, backs; Britton, Griifths, and McPherson, half-backs; Worrall, Webster, White, Rigby, and Leyfield, forwards. Tranmere Rovers; - Briggs, goal; A. Kennedy and Lewins, backs; Barton, Shaw, and Lewis, half-backs; Meston, Fishwick, Dixon, J. Kennedy, and Roberts, forwards.
Sports Pie
• Williams and Griffiths were selected to play for Wales against Ireland, tomorrow week at Wrexham

OLD UN
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, April 15, 1931
Bee’s Notes
The “Old ‘Un” writes-I heard Horace Wheatley sing “After the Ball Was Over” at the Star Music Hall, Williamson square, about forty years ago.  He introduced the song by the title of “An Old Man’s Story.”  When you have time I should be obliged if you could tell me the date of the match played on the Anfield ground between Blackburn Olympic and Everton result 3-0 in favour of Blackburn.  Blackburn Olympic beat Everton 3-2 after Everton lead 2-0 at half-time at Anfield, September 12, 1885.  The scorers were Farmer, for Everton; Costley (2), and Ward for Olympic.  The teams were; - Everton; Pickering; Dobson, Dickworth; Higgins, Findlay, Corey, Fleming, Richards, Scowcroft, Wilding, farmer.  Blackburn Olympic; Leigh; Beverley, Little; Astley, Hunter, Gibson; Slater, Costley, Ward, Dewhurst, Matthews. 

DIX CASE REOPENED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 15 April 1931
BRISTOL CLUB ASKS LEAGUE FOR RECONSIDERATION
At last night’s board meeting of the Bristol Rovers F.C, the Dix and Everton matter was finally discussed, and it was decided to forward the following letter to the secretary of the Football league;-
April 14th, 1931-Dear sir-At the meeting of the board of directors of Bristol Rovers held on Thursday, April 9 the findings of the Football League Commission appointed to inquire into the matter respecting the option granted to Everton F.C., re the transfer of Ronald Dix by the clubs, was discussed.  I am instructed to write the Football League stating that whilst my board do not contemplate taking any further action in the matter at present, they would desire to very strongly protest against the findings in view of the following;

1. That the option was framed and drawn up by a member of the Everton F.C., and no suggestion whatever re the transfer of Ronald Dix came from this club;
2. After the option was signed a member of this club everything possible was done to enable the Everton F.C to secure this player if he desired to be transferred;
3. It was assumed by this club that as the Everton F.C had failed to secure the signature of Ronald Dix, and had every chance of exercising the option up to the end of the year 1930, the option therefore lapsed owing to their being no time limit inserted by the persons who framed the agreement.  This assumption is not, however, shared by the commission

“My board feel that the player has undeservedly suffered through the findings of the commission merely because he does not desire to be transferred to the Everton F.C. “Also they would beg to point out that they have always honourably carried out their agreement to the letter; and in this case no member of the board acted other than in good faith in the dealings with the Everton F.C, and Ronald Dix, and that every endeavor was made to carry out the terms of the agreement as mentioned above.  “My club hope that upon reconsideration the Football league will find that they can modify their findings and acquit my club of any fault, and, further declare that the option did in fact expire at the end of the season in which it was given- Yours faithfully, A Prince Cox, Secretary-Manager.” 

COUNTY COMBINATION
April 16 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton “A” beat Liverpool “a” 3-2 at Goodison Park last night, after a well-contested game. The home side gained an early lead through Cunliffe, but Liggins equalised. Hanson then put Liverpool in front, but before the interval Fryer levelled the scores. In the second half both goals had narrow escapes. Near the end Lloyd netted the winning goal. The defences on both sides were good. Everton being superior in attack. Cook, Davies, and Worrall were outstanding for Everton and Minns, Chamberlain and Kelly played well for Liverpool.

FOOTBALL AND WELLDOERS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 16 April 1931 
The League of Welldoes is to have a collection on the grounds of the Everton Football Club next Saturday, supplemental to its street collection last Saturday.

HISTORIC DAY AT GOODISON PARK
April 17 th 1931. Evening Express.
Everton's last home Division Two Game
Presentation of the Shield
By the Pilot.
Tomorrow will see the last Second Division Football at Goodison Park, for Everton play their final home League match of the Season against Burnley. It will be a memorable day for the club, because after the game the Championship Shield, won at the first and only attempt, will be represented to the Blues by Mr. John McKenna, President of the Football League. Loud speakers have been installed on the ground so that all spectators will be able to hear the speeches. Burnley who were relegated with Everton last season, hold the distinction of having scored more goals against Everton this season than any other club. This was the five they recorded when the teams met at Turf Moor, and Burnley won by five goals to two. Teams; Coggins; Williams Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Burnley; - Conway; Wood, Waterfield; Brown, O;Dowd, Storer; Jenkins, Priest, Beel, Jones (or Kelly), Page.

EVERTON’S GALA DAT AT GOODISON PARK-CELEBRATING
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 April 1931
THE TROPHY AT GOODISON 
At Goodison Park there is to be music and all that! The trophy will be there; we have not seen it since Liverpool showed it to their patrons. Everton have won back and have come back.  It is their last home game, and the occasion is taken to mark the championship season. It is good to think over this season's triumphs and forget the previous season's failures. It has been good to see the Second Division; to hear their welcome; to learn their desire that Everton should never go out of the division, and thus provide them all with record home gates. Remember, too. They wanted Everton's 20 per cent, at Goodison, knowing that there are always a grand number of spectators there. The spectre of financial difficulties arises through Everton passing out. Those who follow will never bring the same personality that Everton brought us.  Thus Everton were honoured And sung in kindly terms. Anil to-morrow they bid good-bye to the division they have known but once and never want to know again-unless they have some player for sale. In short, Mr. John McKenna,  the English League president, will hand  over the trophy after the visit of Burnley  tomorrow, and Everton, having completed  their away games, will then go to  Norway and Sweden—a happy finish to  the season of success.  To-morrow's celebrations remind us of the former championship days—hectic ‘sixty remembrances, with a famous dinner at night at the North-Western.  They go there again to-morrow—players, officials, and some friends to celebrate what, I am sure, will be a joyous evening.  Football', tide has turned; Goodison is smiling. There are after-years; think of a possible run of failure in the First Division; then think again and pray it may not be so.  To-morrow the distressed but bonny fighting Burnley eleven will make Everton go hard for the full points.  Everyone is sorry for the dear old Burnley club. They have fought the good fight, they have tried to sell all or any of their players, trade depression is as keen as the depression upon the face of their former captain, Tom Boyle, Lancashire clubs have suffered more than any other clubs. The county is bewitched just now. All the more reason why the teams of this city should be grateful for a loyal, steady following.  Team as last week. 
GOODISON MUSIC 
Aigburth Silver Prize (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing), March, “La Fanfare (Powell); Waltz, “Wedding Bellsand Ringing for Sally” (Laurence Wright); fox-trot, “Bathing in the Sunshine” (Laurence Wright) grand selection.  Verdi” (Arr, Round); fox trot.  Exactly Like You”) (Laurence Wright); trombone solo.  “The Mosquito” (soloists Mr. H. Critchley) (Moss) march “Hale and Hearty” (Powell). 
SENIOR CUP REPLAY
Everton and Tranmere Rovers, having met twice in the semi-final stage without definite results, will renew their battle on the ground of the New Brighton club, Rake-lane, next Monday evening at 6.15 p.m. the two matches played have produced real good football, and the players are all keen to appear against Southport in the final tie.  In Monday’s game extra time will; be played, if necessary. 
EVERTOR'S TEAM FOR THIRD MEETING WITH TRANMERE R. 
Everton's team for the third meeting with Tranmere Rovers, at Rake-lane, on Monday, kick-off 6.15, will be:—Sager; Cook, Lowe; Chedgzoy, McClure, McPherson; Wilkinson, Martin, White, Webster, and Le field.  Griffiths could not play, owing to the international call for Wrexham the following Wednesday. 
JACK COCK
The former Everton player, Jack Cock, is featured in a big film of football romance. “The Great game,” which the COMMODORE has secure for showing next week. 

PICTURE HOUSE
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 18 April 1931
For Monday next and during the week the Picture House management have secured a big attraction in the Gaumont-British all-taking picture, "The Great Game."
It is an Association football story, introducing John, Seddon, Butler (Arsenal), Andy Wilson, Ferguson, Mills, Thain (Chelsea), Dimmock, O'Gallagham, Crompton (Spurs), Jack Cock, of Millwall, playing the leading part.  Included in the programme will also be found "Borrowed Wives" featuring Rex Lease, Vera Reynolds, and Nita Martan. 

EVERTON'S LAST HOME MATCH.
April 18 th 1931. Evening Express.
Arrangements for the Shield Presentation
By the Pilot.
Everton play their last home match of the season on Saturday. Burnley, who lost their First Division statues at the same time as the Blues, will provide the opposition. The Second Division Championship Shield will be presented to the club after the game by Mr. John McKenna President of the Football League. The presentation will take place in the directors' box and loud speakers will be placed at various points of the ground to enable all to hear the speeches without leaving their places. Everton can get 65 points if they win their matches with Burnley, Southampton (away) and Preston North End (away). Everton are also heading for a record in the number of goals scored in the competition. This is at present held by Middlesbrough with 122. The Blues require seven goals to beat it. The directors have decided to play the team with drew at Oldham on Saturday. This will be Martin's 13 appearance of the season, so that he will require one more to qualify for a championship medal. Team; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
The Reserves will journey to Deepdale to oppose Preston North end in a Central League match, and will be represented by; Sagar; Cook, Lowe; Chedgzoy, Griffiths, McPherson; Worrall, Cunliffe, White, Webster, Leyfield.

AN EARLY GOODISON GOAL RUSH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1931
THREE GOALS IN NINE MINUTES-EVERTON LEAD BURNLEY
By Stork
Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Burnley; Conway; Wood, Waterfield; Brown, O’Dowd, Storrer; Jenkin, Kelly, Beel, Prest, Page.  Referee Mr. A. H. Kingscott, Notts. 
Considering that this was the last match of the season at Goodison Park, to-day, there was not the big crowd anticipated. Of course, conditions were not pleasant for those who had to stand and watch, for there was a biting wind and a suggestion of rain at any moment.  No doubt the crowd, 18,000, would be considerably augmented as time went on.  Burnley reshuffled their side a little, Prest moving over to inside left in place of Jones, and Kelly coming in at inside right.  The first incident of note was a clever  move started be Martin and carried on  by Gee, so that Dean was able to make  a header which offered Critchley, who  had taken up position well inside the  area, a chance to snap an early goal.  The winger hit the ball hard enough, but was out of truth in his direction.  Critchley got a second chance almost of a similar nature, and this time took a corner through the ball striking a defender in flight. So far Burnley had failed to make any forward movement of note, and within three minutes Everton were a goal to the ‘good through a great free shot by Johnson. 
JOHNSON AND CRITCHLEY 
The free kick came through O’Dowd fouling Dean. It was after this that Burnley showed the right idea in moving up, but a wrong one when it came to shooting, for Prest's effort was well wide of the mark.  However, at five minutes Everton were two goals in front, and this goal by Critchley was one of the best it has been my good fortune to see. Stein laid the foundation to it by making a great centre when the ball looked certain to run over for a goal kick.  Dean tried to make contact with his  head as the ball passed over him, and it  was fortunate that he did not touch it  for it enabled Critchley to score his best  goad of the season by a half-hook shot  which was taken before the ball fell to  the ground.  Jenkins, the Burnley outside right, tested Coggins with an oblique shot, but Everton were very eager to shoot to-day, and several shots were blotted out through the intervention of somebody’s body until finally Thompson sent a drive hurtling over the crossbar at express speed.
BEEL'S GOAL 
This football was full of meat. Then when Burnley earned a goal in nine minutes, it was more as the result of a quick dash goalwards than a combined effort. Here again shots were cannoned away until finally Beel found a way past Coggins from close range. A slip by McClure, his only one so  far in an otherwise sound display, let in  the Liverpool boy, Page, who does not  allow many chances to pass by, and  although he had to avoid a leg he was  able to give Prest a goal-scoring chance  which the Burnley man missed, but Beel  was guilty; of a bigger blunder when the  ball trickled over to him and all he had  to do was keep it low to have found  the net.  He did not do this, and looked disgusted with himself when he saw the ball soar high over the bar.  Conway had to get down smartly to a long drive by Gee, and, following two headers by Dean and Johnson, Critchley had another grand slam blotted out, but Burnley’s narrowest escape followed a fine save by Conway from Dean.  The goalkeeper, however, "lost" the  ball, and Dean came along to hit a  tremendous ball, which struck Conway  on his leg, and I would lay anything  that he did not know where the ball  was or how he came to make such a  save. WOOD-OWN GOAL 
There was no question that Everton were the better side up to this point, but, for all that, it was unfortunate that Wood should put through his own goal, to bring Everton's total up to three.  Wood had to stop Critchley's centre, otherwise it would most probably have meant a goal for Dean, who was lying in wait, but was not wanted.  It was amazing the amount of shots that Everton made which found their way on to an opponent's body. Dean seemed to be rather shadily treated by Wood, for he brought Dean down from behind, hut the referee took no notice of it, and when he did award Everton a free-kick there was a cheer all-round the ground.  Page and Prest had a good linking up idea, but were just that wee bit too much concerned in their two selves. Once they headed, and headed, and headed without making a yard of progress, and were then beaten in the end.  When Mr. Kingscott made a bad offside decision and Dean also appealed to him, the crowd got up against the Cup Final referee and booed him all round the ground keeping it up for some minutes after the incident.  Burnley's advances were few and far between, yet one of them, originated on the left wing, was full of skill and promise until it petered out. Dean  offered Gee a chance of a lifetime when  he pulled the ball back so that the  Everton centre half was let in with  nobody but the goalkeeper to beat, but  to his own and the spectators' surprise  be flung the ball yards over the  crossbar.  Just on time Page and Prest combined in a movement that nearly produced a goal, the ball just passing a shade wide of the upright.  Half-time.—Everton 3. Burnley 1.
EVERTON RECEIVE THE SHIELD
SECOND DIVISION TROPHY
BURNLEY BEATEN
AFTER TWICE REDUCING THE ARREARS
Everton rang down the curtain at Goodison Park with a victory over Burnley. It was accomplished in the first half, when their shooting was hot and strong.  They took two goals in five minutes, but were a shade fortunate with their third, in that it was Wood, the Burnley full back, who nodded Critchley's centre into his own net.  Dean had the hardest of luck in not scoring a goal, for he twice had the goalkeeper well beaten, only to find that luck was dead against him.  The second half lost a lot of its lustre. In fact, it was an uninteresting half, for there was no bite in the game whatever.  Burnley were good in their approach work, but their shooting, of which there was little, was of poor consequence. Mr. Kingscott, who will referee the final in a week’s time, was strongly booed, by the crowd our some of his decisions, one in particular when he placed Dean offside.    In the first half Johnson, Critchley, and Wood (own goal) scored for Everton, and Beel for Burnley.  O'Dowd was hurt soon after the resumption, but after a few minutes' attention on the edge of the field he was back again in harness. Conway, by keen anticipation, in all probability prevented a Dean goal, for the Everton leader was standing flush in front of goal waiting for Critchley's cross to arrive when Conway nipped out and took it.  Prest, went close with a good effort, and Cresswell, by producing an extra yard or two, forced Beel to make a hurried, and. consequently, an inaccurate shot. Gee was hurt, but was not long out of the game, which had toned down considerably.
PREST REDUCES 
At the sixty-fifth minute Prest took a shot of longish length, and squeezed he ball into the net between Coggins and upright, the goalkeeper having to make a journey across his goalmouth in his effort to save.  With the margin now hut a solitary goal, Everton could not afford to sit on the splice, and Martin showed the way, even though his shot pulled wide of the mark.  Conway showed agility when pulling down a shot from Martin, who a little later was given a gilt-edged chance by Johnson, but, as had so often happened before, the ball rattled against an opponent’s bones. Then Critchley, who had been unusually quiet, launched out with a long drive that Conway caught safely.  There was still a lot of lifeless play in the proceedings, and although Everton did try to improve the shining hour, they failed to get the better of Conway once more.  Coggins created a stir when he left his goal to pick up a down the middle ball, and then lost his grip; but there was no real danger. However, by this victory Everton avenged their biggest defeat of the season at Turf Moor.  Final; Everton 3, Burnley 2.
THE PRESENTATION 
Mr. McKenna, the president of the League, in presenting the Shield, said he was delighted to be there to make the presentation.  He concluded by saying that there is no reason that Everton should not do the same as Liverpool, and win the championship of the First Division a year after winning that of the Second.   He well remembered when Everton were relegated that a number of ' Weary Willies’ said that Everton would not get out of the Second Division for a number of years.  Still a number of gentlemen were very optimistic and right from the first day of the season it has been a forward march to the First Division. 

PRESTON RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1931
Bargh (3) and Owens (2) scored for North End and White for Everton res.  Final North End Res 5, Everton Res 1.
EVERTON A V WHISTON
Both sides pressed during the early stages, and the goals had narrow escapes.  Taylor and Fildes placed wide, but Morgan netted for the visitors.  Fryer went close with a long range shot, and Lloyd made Marks dive to a ground shot.   Fryer equalized, but Davies scored a second, and Lloyd a third for Everton.  Half-time; Everton A 3, Whiston 1.  Final; Everton A 4, Whiston 1

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1931
By Louis T Kelly

• Joe Clennell is back in Lancashire playing for Great Harwood
• Harrison, the ex-Everton player has beaten all League match records in the history of the game
• On Saturday he figured in his 535th League match, and is still going strong
• When he does finally retire, it would surely be fitting if the ex-Everton man’s record is handed to him in some tangible form.
• It is interesting to note that Everton have won their way back to Division 1, without once infringing the penalty-kick rule
• The strong silent man-Ben Williams –here’s the best wishes for the Everton Captain’s success at Wrexham next week; also Griffiths.
• Everton have called upon twenty-one players for League team service this season
• Coggins and Cresswell’s are the only positions that have not been duplicated
• O’Donnell was out of the Blackpool side on Saturday for the first time since leaving Everton
• His brother William’s agreement with the seasiders has been terminated
• Liverpool twice suffered relegation, but on each occasion “came back” a year later, and now Everton have also done so at the first time of asking-a fine double city record

EVERTON AND CROOKS
April 18 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
International winger and Goodison Club
From a Special Correspondent London, Friday.
Football circles in London are tonight discussing the question whether S.D. crooks, the English International outside right, will play for Everton next season. It is known that Crooks has been in Liverpool this week, and there is a suggestion that he will eventually be signed by the Goodison park club. It was rumored some time ago that the Arsenal had endeavored to secure the transfer of Crooks, but this was denied. Everton are expected to sign on several new players to strengthen the team now that they have regained their First Division statues.

EVERTON 3 BURNLEY 2 (Game 40)-(Lge Game 3092 over-all)-(Div 1 3052)
April 20 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Last Home Game Won
Everton's Championship Shield
League President Optimism
Everton fittingly won their last home game of the season when they beat Burnley by the odd goal in five. As expected there was an enthusiastic scene at the finish when the president of the League (Mr. John McKenna) handed the championship shield to Williams, the Everton captain. In congratulating the Everton club on their success in winning the championship during the first season in the Second Division. Mr. John McKenna said they were many Weary Willies, who predicted that Everton would remain in the Second Division a long time, but their performance had confounded those critic and justified the hopes of their more optimistic supporters. He saw no reason why they (Everton) should not follow the example of Liverpool and win the championship of the First Division the following season.
Good Shooting.
Saturday's game revealed Everton as a far better side than Burnley, and in a playing sense there was a greater difference than that suggested by the score. They did very much good shooting early on, and when Johnson scored at three minutes and Critchley at five minutes, it looked as though Everton would win by a big margin. Beel, however, got through for Burnley before Wood at 30 minutes put through his own goal to give Everton an interval lead of 3-1. Play in the first half was bright and exhilarating.
Everton's Grip.
The Burnley side worked hard and revealed a fair measure of skill, but it was obvious Everton had a tight grip on the game. Chances were missed and both sides were pretty equal in this respect. Many of the referee's decisions did not please the crowd, and when he (the referee lectured Dean and apparently threatened to send him off the field there was a strong outburst of booing that was continued more or less throughout the game. Play in the second half was not so good due mainly to the unconvincing work of the forwards.
Strong defence.
The Burnley defence stood up well to the Everton attack, although there were times when defeat was averted more by luck than judgement. Conway did well in the Burnley goal, and Waterfield was a fine back, but as a pair Williams and Cresswell defended with a sureness that carried conviction. Coggins made a slip later on, but fortunately for Everton he had time to recovery before the Burnley players could profit by it. Apart from that Coggins was sound. Thomson and Gee were prominent in the middle line, where McClure rather spoiled a good performance by over eagerness.
Powerful Leader
Dean was a powerful leader, thrustful and alert, he gave the inside men some capital chances. Johnson shot well, and Martin provided some neat touches. Critchley had a good first half, but Stein was not sufficiently employ to be prominent. Priest scored Burnley's second goal at 65 minutes, the only point of the second half. Teams; - Everton; - Coggins, goal; Williams (captain) and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Burnley; - Conway, goal; Wood and Waterfield, backs; Brown, O'Dowd and Storer, half-backs; Jenkins, Kelly, Beel, Priest and Page, forwards.
Everton Celebrate.
Medals for the players.
“We rejoice over what I consider to be of great value to the Everton Club; that is, the nobabiltation in the eyes of the all football loving people, “ said Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman, at a celebration dinner of the Everton Football club on Saturday night. The entire staff of the club, was entertained by the directors and Mr. John McKenna, the president of the Football league handed Second Division championship medals to Williams (captain), Coggins; Cresswell, Gee, Griffiths, Thomson, Critchley, Dunn Dean, Johnson, and Stein. Further medals will subsequently be presented to Rigby, Martin, McPherson and McClure.
Mr. Cuff referred to the depths of despondency the club were in last season when they suffered relegation, despite a fine rally by the players. “We took out defeat with becoming humility,” he said, “but the directors made up their minds as soon as they had got over the shock, that their term in the Second Division should be of as short duration as possible. The loyal players of Everton made up their minds likewise. Now we are here to celebrate the fact that our stay was as short as possible. Tonight we pay tribute to the loyalty of the players. They started this season with the determination that they would do everything they could do to put us at the top of the League and keep us there. They have succeeded.” On behalf of the board Mr. Cuff thanked the players for their loyalty, and expressed the hope that they would uphold the traditions of the club in the higher sphere. “ I Believe” continued Mr. Cuff. “ That Liverpool and the First Division clubs have missed us this season, and there are many Second Division clubs who will be gnashing their teeth that we are no longer with them. Whatever we have been this season we have drawn bigger gates and brought them greater revenue than any club.”
Clean Football.
Mr. John McKenna, in making the presentation, said Everton was a great achievement, because there were 2 clubs trying to stop them. That is the beauty, and essence of football, “he added, “and the loyalty and efficiency of your players prevented the others winning. Far greater than the fact that Everton have drawn record gates in the impressions the players left on the minds of others when they came away. Clean sportsmanlike football appeals to the British public, and that is the reason for those large gates. Everton's display of football has appealed to the public and that is for the good of football in general. W.R. Dean proposed the health of Mr. Tom McIntosh the club secretary, and remarked. “No man could be easier and better to work for. He has been a big factor in our success. B. Williams the captain said, “We promised we would get back to the First Division, and we got there sooner than we expected. It has been a hard fight, and the boys appreciate what you have done for us. We hope to occupy a respectable position in the First Division. Messrs. T. Johnson, W. Cresswell, and H. Hart also spoke. Proposing the health of Mr. Cuff, Mr. E. Green, vice-chairman said, Mr. Cuff was the right man in the right place. Mr. J. Sharp and Mr. T. McIntosh added tributes, and Dr. Cecil Baxter said, “ The spirit of the players was asemplifled by the 200 th goal. Dean did not trouble about scoring it. The ball was swished down the middle, but he did not care who got the goals as long as we got them.” Replying Mr. Cuff said it would be a great comfort to him to see the reserve team winning the Central league, the greatest competition in the country outside the Football league. There is nothing derogatory in playing in the reserve team, and I hope next season you will win the Central league.”

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 20 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 41)
North End were the better team at Deepdale White, Worrall and Leyfield were the only visiting forwards to worry North end. Sagar alone saved Everton from a heavier defeat. Bargh (3), and Owens (2), scored for the home team, and White replied. Everton; - Sagar goal; Cook and Lowe, backs; Chedgzoy, Griffiths, and McPherson, half-backs; Worrall, Cvunliffe, White, Webster, and Leyfield, forwards.
Everton “A” 4 Whiston 1
Liverpool County Combination
At Stopgate lane. Displaying the better combination the home side fully deserved their success. The visitors scored first through Morgan. The home side later equalised through Fryer, and before the interval further goals had been added by Davies and Lloyd. After the resumption Whiston pressed strongly, but the home defence proved capable of holding off the visitors attacks. Poole netted the fourth goal in the closing stages.

HOW EVERTON CELEBRATED THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP
Liverpool Echo-Monday, April 20, 1931
EVERTON BEAT ‘EM ALL
By Stork
By beating Burnley, Everton have beaten every side in their section, no matter what happens at Southampton and Preston North End, who have already suffered defeat at the hands of Everton. Burnley had given Everton  a " hiding “ at Turf Moor, and the way  Everton opened out against them  suggested that they had not forgotten  it, for in less than ten minutes they  were two goals up, and the forward line  still full of fire and brimstone. Yet they never scored again, for it was a Burnley full-back who gave them their third goal.  The two goals they did get, however, were magnificent ones, for Johnson’s free kick was of the unstoppable type- in the net before you could say knife. He had another such opportunity later on, but this time Burnley built up a bank in front of the shooter, and if Johnson had tried a shot it would have been like shooting at a brick wall. He acted wisely in lobbing the ball over to Dean, and it was only Conway who saved the situation. Critchley's goal was an eye-opener. Stein cleverly kicked the ball off the goal-line to make his centre. Martin tried to head it, missed the ball, which was dropping in front of Critchley, who, with his left foot, hooked the ball into the net—a grand goal. If Wood had not headed Critchley’s centre, I still think it would have been a goal, for Dean was standing sentinel with an easy task if Wood had been beaten by the centre.   
RATTLE YOUR BONES 
It is many a long day since I saw so many Everton shots cannoned out, and I would like to wager that several of the Burnley players' bones are aching through getting in the line of fire. Each of the Everton forwards had shots blocked out in this manner, but Conway, the Burnley goalkeeper, will never know just how he managed to get in the way of a scorcher by Dean. He had previously made a save from Dean, only to “lose " the ball, and Dean  dashed in to hit a cracker-jack shot  which crashed on to Conway's legs and  cannoned away. Even Burnley’s opening goal was made after the ball had scuttled up against Everton defenders.  All this happened in the first half, and it was as well that it did, for the second half was a drab affair. Even the scoring of Burnley's second goal, which should have brought the game back to life, did not help matters.  Where there had been a tornado of  shooting in the first " 45," there was  neither shooting nor good football in  this last portion, which can be well  forgotten, for to remember it takes away  the pleasant memories of what had gone  before.  We had the Cup final referee in charge, but Mr. Kingscott brought a torrent of abuse on his head by some of his decisions. He gave Dean offside and Dean and most of his colleagues disputed the decision, whereupon Mr.  Kingscott appeared to reprimand Dean, and actually pointed towards the dressing-rooms.  This created a hullabaloo, the crowd booing every decision the referee made during the next few minutes. 

EVERTON RUMOURS SCOTCHED.
April 20 th 1931. Evening Express
Chairman and signing if Derby players
“Everton will not sign either Crooks or Cooper of Derby county.” Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton chairman, made this statement to the Evening Express when referring to the rumours regarding the visit of Crooks, the international winger to Liverpool. It is understood that Everton did make formal inquires about the players, but there the matter was left. Everton, it is stated are retaining all their leading players for next season.
Ben Williams Team spirit
Ben Williams, Captain of Everton, “We have won because we have always played a good clean, and stylish type of Football. We are determined to regain First Division status, at the first time of trying. We have been pitted against splendid teams, and the co-operations between the players and the management has proved a deciding factor. The team spirit has been wonderful. Our big disappointment is that we are not going to Wembley on Saturday. I think our success has been largely due to the skilful and never say die tactics of the players.

TRANMERE ROVERS 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 21 ST 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool Senior Cup
Tranmere in Local Cup Final
Everton Reserves lose at Rake Lane.
Tranmere Rovers atoned, to some extent, for recent mistakes at rake-lane last night when they equalified to meet Southport in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup by beating Everton by three to none in a re-replay. Once they got a goal there was no doubt as to which way the game would finish. Three thousand spectators saw a hard and earnest ninety minutes in which the football was always crisp, if not sometimes up to the higher standard. The hard ground menace to clubs and players was never proved, better than in this game in which Cook had a head injury which caused him to be off the field for ten minutes. Wilkinson was off the field for the greater part of the second half with a twisted muscle. These effects of the ground, which gave the ball excessive bounce, made it correspondingly difficult to get under control.
Ball Runs Too fast.
Tranmere Rovers found the ball ran too fast for them downhill, and perhaps this was the reason they could not get a goal in the first half, when they had more of the game and finished better than the opposition with you being shown in a better light than a blank score sheet. Admittedly Everton were without Wilkinson for the last twenty minutes, but Tranmere appeared to have the game won before the Everton wingmen left. Tranmere were nothing if not effective, and in contrast to Everton they almost invariably made good use of the ball. If Everton had a serious mistake it was that a player would juggle with the ball, beat his man, and then pass it on to someone else who was in a no better position than the original player. Everton were never to convincing at their Third Division conquerors. The three goals came in the second half. Watts making a perfect header from a free kick taken by Meston for an offence against the scorer. Watts had the second goal, through a hesitance on the part of the defence when the ball came from the left and Kennedy (j) owned his goal as much to Meston and Dixon as to himself. It was good hard football all through, and it has to be said that once the game settled down Tranmere's defence got a tight grip on a rather flinnicky forward line which, when Wilkinson went was even worse.
Lewis Stands out.
Briggs had a comparatively easy time. Perhaps that is why Kennedy (A), and Livingstone each had a fair amount of work and a good return for their efforts. Lewis was one of the outstanding figures on the field, with enthusiastic outlook and a determination good to see. His use of the ball was excellent and when he chose to make a shot it was at least on the mark. Shear's headwork was good, but he was rather inclined to take risks. However, the half-back line as a whole was quite good, and in point of possessive movements and consistency one could not have desired much more than the work put in by Dixie, Watts, and Meston. Meston's centring was particularly accurate, and Dixon's all round work in which, he took the brunt of a lot of charging on behalf of his inside man only needed a goal to give it polish. Leyfield for Everton showed distinct promise, yet he could do nothing without the ball, and in fairness to him one must admit that he got it very rarely. Chedgzoy, as a half-back, had a very useful first half, and Martin work hard, even if he did not always place the ball to the best advantage. He made some good swinging passes to the opposite wing, which were of great value, but somehow Everton could not find touch with each other in attack. Cook and Lowe might have prevented at least two of the goals, but on other occasions their work was quite sound as was Sagar . Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal, Cook and Lowe, backs; Chedgzoy, McClure, and McPherson, half-backs; Wilkinson, martin, White, Webster, and Leyfield, forwards. Tranmere Rovers; - Briggs, goal; Livingstone and A. Kennedy, backs; Barton, Shears, and Lewis, half-backs; Meston, Watts, Dixon, J. Kennedy, and Murphy, forwards. Referee Mr. G. Hewitt, St. Helens.

THE EVERTON WELSHMEN 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 21 April 1931
Everton are sending their captain, Ben Williams, laden with honours, and also Tom Griffiths, who will be going home, of course, because this is the team that sold him to Everton. It is very hard lines on Griffiths that he has not been in the senior side for some weeks, injury having cost him dearly. However, he is fresh, fit and well today, and that is good news for his hometown.  Wales does these things very  well; the authorities will take the Irish  players and officials by motor to Llangollen  and then after lunch they will  harness the horses and march them up  and then down again, like the King's  men, per boat along the famous canal.

TRANMERE R. 3, EVERTON 0
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 21 April 1931
By Buzz
Although they may express disinclination to play on “greasy " surfaces for  the majority of Saturdays during the season, the footballer must prefer some  " give " in the turf rather than be asked  to control the ball on iron-hard grounds.  Nothing can be more harmful to muscles than grounds such as are common at this stage, and at Rake-lane last night, where Tranmere. Rovers qualified to meet Southport in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup by beating an Everton XI. 3-0, this was proved again.  Wilkinson left the field midway through the second half with an old leg injury recurrence (probably through a twist); Shears was twice injured through falling awkwardly, and Cook received a knock on the nose which caused him considerable inconvenience. Tranmere won convincingly; in fact, they played so well as to give one some cause for hope in their remaining two Division 111, engagements. Everton were without Wilkinson for the better part of the second half, it is true, but his presence would probably have made little difference to the eventual result.  Here was the classic example of effective football versus finesse and fine, constructive ideas which came to taught.  Being a minor club, Tranmere have every right to point to their victory with pride, because they were opposed to a supposedly strong team which included not a few Everton first-teamers of the early part of the season.  
UPHILL ADVANTAGE
For forty-five minutes Tranmere chased down a slope and experienced the annoyance of running the ball out of play.  They had chances, and took them well, yet could not find a loophole for a goal.  I expected they would play better when the ball hung for the wingmen, and that expectation was realized. Watts nodded a perfect goal in his old style from a free kick taken by Meston; he added a second when hesitance on the part of the defence gave him the opportunity to take the ball coming in from the left, and J. Kennedy took a goal, thanks to the spade work of Dixon and Meston. For  long periods in this half Tranmere  pushed the ball upwards and contrived  to keep Everton at full stretch to such  effect that there was an ironical cheer  when Briggs (through a pass-back) had  to handle the ball.  If one player outshone and overshadowed the rest it was Lewis. And as I have said of this player before he can thank his locks for much of the limelight he gets. Lewis attracts first and delights when he has focused attention upon himself. Last night he was in his best mood; showing no inclination to let the ball go or let anyone else get away with it. His shooting was plucky, but from the ranges be tried it would need a super-shot to beat a goalkeeper like Sager. However, Lewis ploughed his way along using a personal touch in the process in which he takes the ball from one foot to another by an intricate move which leaves the ball behind him. Barton, too, did quite well, and Shears’ only fault was his risk taking with his own physical well-being.  Shears felt the full force of a fall and in a game of this character he might have gone more quietly. Enthusiasm is Albert's middle name. 
USELESS JUGGLERY 
Everton showed up badly in many respects, notably the trait by which a player juggles with the ball and passes it squarely or backwards without having made a yard of ground or done anything useful. Everton's colours should, count for more than this. Wilkinson  had chances to go on and make an  individual goal, but could not see a  plainly-marked " entrance to goal ";  White worked hard with his head;  Martin was a roamer with good ideas  of the cross-pass to the left, and Leyfield,  for an " A” teamer, showed remarkable  football brains in many ways, especially  when he stayed off the field of play in  order to resist an offside decision.  Chedgzoy and half-back had an excellent first half, but there was never the same effectiveness about Everton's line as that of the opposition.  The same remark applied to the attacks. Meston knew where the goal lay, and he and Watts and Dixon made the bulk of Tranmere's chances. For an end-of-the-season game it was football of entertaining quality. 

GOOD OLD DAYS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 April 1931
EVERTON 1885-1886
 Mr. Eyton goes on to recall an Everton-Blackburn Olympic debate: The occasion, Hawthorne-road (headquarters of the Bootle A.F.C); argument, between Mr. Henry Heard and Mr. McMurray (joint-secretaries. with Mr. Alex. Nesbit and Mr. Ramsey, of Everton F.C.); the point: Blackburn Olympic would not give a date to Everton as they had one already with the Bootle club. So Mr. Nesbit wrote to the secretary of Olympic, Mr. W. Astley, asking for a fixture; the reply was September 12. So the Everton Club started to put the club in order by securing a few players of ability. The team was: Charles Jolliffe; George Dobson. Alex. Dick: Jimmy Pickering, Mike Higgins, Teddy Corer; George Farmer, Roach, John Wilding, Walter Richards, G. FIinny. Reserves: W. Findley, W. Briscoe, and Teddy Jones. Final: Olympic 3-2. They drew with the Bootle club.Bootle — John Griffiths; Punch McKeown, Mick Tully; Hughy Gilbraith, Arthur Alsop, W. Campbell; W. Hastings, Tebay, Tommy Morris, Woods, Ale. Barbour.

BRINGING IN FARMER 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 April 1931
Bee’s Notes
Mr. S. Banfield, of Durban, Natal, writes:—Just a line to express my satisfaction with the football news in the “Football Echo." It is what we call “all meat and no bone." Advertisements are always a bone of contention when, sport is concerned; they have their proper place at other times.  Now for a little grouse, which is quite legitimate and safe, considering that I am some 6,000 miles away. In reading your many articles on old times and timers, you mention such great players as F. Geary. Alex, Latta, Brady. Nick Ross, and “Daddy “Holt as having contributed very largely in the building up of so great a reputation now attached to the Everton team. But, sir, there is one little man that we all admired away  back in the 80's; he came from  Oswestry, and his name was George  Farmer. What a dandy little player he was! I resided at Toxteth Park (Dingle), and joyously walked all the way to the Sandon Hotel to obtain a close-up view of the favourites, George Farmer and Dobson, the full back.  Having had a “fill "-in gaze at my heroes, and marching behind the players, from the hotel to the ground in Anfield-road.  I would obtain a brick, pay my penny, and set myself inside, behind the goal-post, where Spion Kop now rises so grandly. The brick served two purposes:  if the day was wet it kept my feet dry, also assisting us boys to see more of the game, for we intended, if possible, to miss nothing. I am now over sixty, and just as keen on the Everton team as I was in the '80's.  One thing is certain these days, and that is the goals. Many times before the days of nets have goals been “registered “that were not” scored,” and many times have they been "scored” and not “registered." What a change, “Bee "! You young men can hardly appreciate the difference in the conditions of the day. Best of luck to “Bee” and all the “Echo” staff. — P.S.—Everton have just lost to West Brom. 1-0. Better luck next year! They are a young side.

EVERTOR F.C. TOUR 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 April 1931
SIXTEEN PLAYERS TO GO TO NORWAY 
The following Everton players, and Mr. Cook, the trainer, have been selected to make the Everton F.C. tour of Norway:—Coggins, Williams, Cresswell, Common, McClure, Gee, Thompson, Griffiths, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein, Martin. White, and Rigby.

PUTTING THE GOOD IN GOODISON
April 22 nd 1931. Evening Express.
Everton's £3,000 Ground Transformation
Turf that will Stand Hard Wear
By the Pilot.
The work of making Goodison Park into what it is hoped will be the finest football playing area in the country has already been tackled with zest. At the moment Everton's home has the appearance of a miniature battlefield. It is estimated that he transformation will cost £3,000. The ground will be ready for the beginning of next season. Now, on the stripped ground there is a light “jubilee” railway running over the ground on which the Blues earned such fame this season, and workmen are digging trenches to replace the drainage and install a new watering system. When the work is completed the ground will be lowered a few inches. The whole of the turf will be taken up and replaced with new special turf, which, according to expert advice, will withstand heavy wear. I understand that the drain-pipes are in excellent order but that there has been difficulty in the joints, which has prevented the rain-water from getting away. Mr. Harry Banks, the chairman of the Grounds Committee, is looking after the work, which must be completed by the end of May to allow the ground to settle and the turf to knit properly for next season's play.
Everton Tour.
Everton directors have provisionally selected the following 16 players to participate in the club's two weeks' tour of Sweden, Norway, and Finland, which begins immediately after the concluding match at Preston on May 2; - Coggin; Williams, Cresswell, Common; McClure, Gee, Thomson, Griffiths; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein, Martin, White, Rigby.
Everton, for their visit to Southampton on Saturday, make no chances from the team, which defeated Burnley. Consequently George Martin, the inside right, qualifies for his Second Division championship medal, this being his fourteen appearance in the competition. Team; Coggins; Williams, Cresswell; McClure, Gee Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

INTERNATIONAL CAPS
April 23rd 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Ben Williams and Griffiths played for Wales at Wrexham against Ireland, Wales winning by 3-2, in front of 12,000 spectators. McCambridge the former Everton player, who was playing against his ex-captain. Ben Williams retired towards the end of the match with a thigh injury.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday 23 April 1931
Everton go with laurels and commendations thick upon them, and their game with Southampton at the Dell is a remainder of the time when our directors sqouze their way through the Dell and had their gold watches lifted from their pockets.  Southampton is, to my mind, ex-Merseyside, and the Blues will have an enormous welcome from the Mersey people who had to go with their business down south.  As one port to another, we welcome the chance to show Everton wares to the southern element.  I fear Ben Williams will not be able to play.  If not, then there is a good reserve back to fall back upon.  Everton’s team is the usual one in other respects. 

JACK COCK
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Friday 24 April 1931
Among other players placed on the open-to-transfer list by the Millwall club is Jack Cock, the international forward.

SOUTHAMPTON 2 EVERTON 1
April 25 th 1931. Liverpool Football Echo.
Typical Dean Goal at the Dell
Quick Equaliser By Watson For Southampton
By Stork.
Everton; - Coggins, goal, Griffiths and Cresswell, backs; McClure, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Southampton; - White, goal; Bradford and Keeping, backs; Adams, Mcllwaine, and Lockett, half-backs; Jepson, Fraser, Haines, Coates and Watson, forwards. Referee W. Pitts, of West Bromwich.
Southampton had looked forward to this match with Everton, and had hopes of a bumper gate, but the weather was unkind to them, for it poured with rain throughout the morning, and at the time of the match, but the ground had wonderful covered accommodation. Great improvements have been made at “The Dell.” Southampton made many changes from the team which did duty a week ago, and Everton tried the experiment of playing Griffiths at left full back in place of Ben Williams, who was hurt at Wrexham. The ground was to the liking of Everton, for it was heavy in the middle and in front of the goals. It was also suitable for Southampton, who are known as the Mudlarks. Everton were well received, there being a lot of their supporters in the district. There was some clever football in the opening minutes, particularly between the Everton halves and the full-backs, but there were no shots with the exception of one from martin, which had neither power nor direction, so that the Southampton goalkeeper was not called upon.
A Near Thing.
The first really exciting movement was when Griffiths failed to get hold of the ball when Holmes was about to pounce on it. The position was not a cheery one for Everton, but, Griifths, just managed to get his outstretched legs to the ball as Holmes took his shot, which flew over. Gee was delighted with his passes Stein however, was not so quickly into his stride as usual. The home goal, had a narrow escape when Adams, to get himself out of a difficulty, made a short pass back to his goalkeeper. His strength was bad, and Dean was within an ace of snapping up the opportunity, but White made a frantic leap forward and dropped on the ball. He was immediately surrounded, but no Everton man was able to dispossess him, and the position was relieved by the referee whistling for a foul. There was another such happening a minute or two later, but this also was cleared. Southampton set up a barrage that severely tested the Everton defenders, but there was a lot of dangerous-looking movements in front of the Everton goal but it escaped without a shot of any note. A slip by Keeping let in Dean, who tried to get the ball over to Johnson but Walker stayed his progress, and the Southampton defenders were able to close in and stop the raid. He was instantly tackled by Haines, who was able to make a clearance. It was right after this that Everton –took the lead through a typical goal by Dean. Luckett beat Critchley for pace, but the throw in which followed brought about the downfall of White's charge, for Critchley made a high centre, and Dean simply jumped up and flung himself at the ball and headed a perfect goal. Keeping was standing at dean's shoulder at the time, but even he could not prevent the goal and White had no chance. Shortly after this Haines found the net, but the whistle had previously sounded for offside. Southampton took two quick corners and from the last they equalised. It was almost a goal from the moment it left Jepson's foot, travlled over every head until it went to Watson, who guided it into the far side of the net, where Coggins was not. The time was twenty-two minutes, and but for a magnificent save by Coggins, Southampton would have taken a second goal. Keeping lobbed the ball well up from in front of the goal, and Holmes with a back header sent the ball flying towards the nearest post, just on the inside, and it needed a superhuman effort on the part of Coggins to get the ball round the post. At this point of the game Southampton were well on top. They made well-judged long passes, and, above all, accurate centres, and they were constantly in front of the Everton goal, which had many close shaves. The Everton half-backs were not getting the ball to the men in their usually easy manner, and for quite a long time Stein saw little or nothing of the ball.
Quick Tackling.
Quick tackling was one of the causes of Southampton's success, and they were a success for a long time, and Haines made a great effort to snap another goal. When White dropped the centre by Stein, Dean appeared on the scene in a flash, but the goalkeeper was the successful man in the resulting scrimmage. The ball was bouncing in an awkward manner, and this was responsible for several misses. Dean once found the ball at his feet right in front of goal, but his shot was blocked out, and when martin tried to improve matters, Luckett got into the line of flight. Johnson and Dean between them made an opening, but Martin was not up to accept Dean's pass. White stopped a full-blooded drive taken on the run from Dean. When it is recalled that the ground was full of pools, and it was raining heavily throughout the half, the game had been of good quality. Half-time Southampton 1, Everton 1. Dean did not resume with his colleagues, but appeared shortly afterwards with his leg bandaged. Haines, not for the first time went close with a header, and when Thomson made a pass back to Cresswell he caused some trouble to Coggins. Martin made a nice run only to fall through his propenalty to beat just one more opponent. Giffiths and Cresswell got mixed up in a bout with Baines and Coggins fell for it, having to give away a corner to avoid trouble. Another shot was cannoned out. This time it was Fraser who suffered.
Saints take lead
Dean was once again in an offside position when Johnson took a free kick. At the hour Southampton took the lead, and a grand goal it was that Wilson scored. He took over Jepson's centre and for a minute it looked as if he would lose his chance. He did as a matter of fact, but it came again and he drove the ball into the net as he was on the turn. Johnson lobbed the ball into White's arms, and then the Southampton right wing, which had been a menace throughout offered Wilson another scoring position, but the winger failed on this occasion. The football this half was not nearly so good. Everton were too close in the work whereas Southampton played the open game, and it played them better. Frills were of no earthly use; straightforward methods were the thing for Southampton proved it on more than one occasion. Jepson took a long straight shot at goal, and Coggins had to be careful when he went up to edge the ball over the bar. Final results Southampton 2, Everton 1.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday 25 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton, after all have not found it all hard labour in the Second Division
• They have, in brief got out of goal and reached their goal
• Everton’s “fare well” in Division 11; then bid it good-bye
• Everton are said to be keenly interested in an effort of land Hammond of Fulham
• Everton bid good-bye to Division 2, the result of being good boys
• The Goodison Park “dressing room” hopes to have a nice new carpet showing ere next September comes round
• George Harrison has been offered terms for still another season at Preston
• George Eccles, the Bolton trainer who left Everton to join the Wanderers as a full back in 1902, is to have a well-deserved benefit on Monday

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS AND OTHER ADMIRERS.  WHAT OF IT?
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, April 25, 1931
According to the records, Mr. Will Cuff, Everton’s popular chairman, has served the club in several officials capacities for thirty-six years; respectively director, secretary, chairman, and permanent legal adviser; or, rather, fifty-one years commensurate with Everton’s “age”-if intensive enthusiasm of youthful days are reckoned in.  There have been Everton directors who have been honoured with loving cups at the twenty-first milestone of service.  Is not the time due-if not overdue-to signalize in a similar “sideboard” way, Mr. Cuff’s large and distinguished services-golden “Cuff-links” to the E.F.C?  “The right man in the right place,” says Mr. Ernie Green, Everton’s vice-chairman.  V.L.E

EVERTOR BEAT THEMSELVES 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 April 1931
By Stork
There is not a lot to tell you about Everton’s game with Southampton at  the Dell, which ground, by the way,  has been vastly improved since the  days Liverpool fought their Cup-ties  there, for I don't think that any one  of the Everton party would quibble  over the result, which was a just one.  It was an atrocious day, so much so that one person rang up the club secretary just before the start to ascertain as to whether the game would take place. While it was never so bad as that, it was bad enough, for there were huge patches of water strewn here and there on the ground, and once the ball got into them it had to be dug, up out of the depths and dragged away.  What should have been the modus operandi was the open game, for finery was out of the question, yet Everton, “on their home ground," demonstrated  that entrancing football could be played,  and for a time they kept the ball away  from the Southampton defenders by  pretty passing, and good positional play.  A victory seemed bright at one  period, and when Dean scored one of  his famous headers I sat back and said  to myself, " Here's another double for  the league leaders." Southampton could and did approach well, but for a considerable time delivered no shots of any account, but there was no denying their keenness, and it was this, allied to the fact that they produced superior pace to the Everton men, which ultimately brought them success. There was no waiting with them; they went alter what they wanted, and usually got it, and once they had it they made no bones about what they intended to do with it. Straight up to the forwards the ball was delivered. No time was wasted in moving off, and when they equalized they lost that inferiority complex which seemed to have hold of them early on, and went on success.   COGGINS TO THE RESCUE 
The “straight path is the beat in every walk of life. It was so at the Dell, and lowly lint surely it brought Southampton the full reward. A reward which was undoubtedly, for they pierced the Everton defence time and again, and Coggins had to make at least two wondrous saves.  What had come over Everton who had started so well? They rather suggested that  Southampton would come back to them,  but they never did, and it was Everton  who had to do the chasing, for Everton's  passing  went wrong; their forwards  petered out to nothing, of shots there  were few; in fact, it was Southampton's  grime from the moment they obtained  their equalizer at the hour .  It was astonishing the number of times a Southampton man nipped in and took an “alleged”  pass to an Everton colleague, but it was easy to explain-go to it; don’t wait for it; it may never come.  So they sought the ball, whereas Everton expected it to come to them.  It was all a matter of mistaken tactics, for Everton, man for man, were good enough if they had that little bit of “fine” which made all the difference to success or failure.
LACK OF COHESION 
I will not go into rigmarole about each individual player, but will content myself by saying that Everton best themselves, and helped Southampton to beat them. The forwards, except for twenty minutes, were much below form; the half backs only good in part, because they failed to get the ball through to their advance party, and, as was well known in the war days, an attack could do nothing unless well backed up from the rear.  Joe McClure was interviewed by an official of the Football Association, and invited to join their Canadian party.  It took him some time to come to a definite decision, but before I left London he told me that he had decided to go to Canada in preference to the Swedish tour. Everton were on the scent of new players in the Southern area on Saturday, but up to now nothing has been accomplished, but I believe that there will be some important news to impart in the course of a few days.

SOUTHEND UNITED 2, EVERTON 6
(Played on April 27, 1931)
No details

EVERTON SIGN BOCKING 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 April 1931
STOCKPORT COUNTY FULL BACK
Everton F.C, this afternoon, signed Bocking, a Stockport County full back of a robust type, who can play either right or left.  Bocking, who is twenty-eight years of age, is experienced, and has been watched by a lot of the senior clubs.  Everton will play him on Saturday.  Thus he will make his debut at Preston North End's ground.  In this match, “Bee " learns, Dean is a very doubtful starter. He was rather badly hurt at Southampton, and it is highly improbable that he will play in the final game.
GEORGE HARRISON FREE 
George Harrison. Preston North End’s outside-left since December, 1923, and formerly ten years with Everton and Leicester, has been given a free transfer.  A penalty-kick expert, he has scored 99 goals in League foothall-67 for Preston. He played against Ireland nine years ago. Preston also placed Willie Russell, Scottish International inside-right, on the transfer list.  Harrison has a son playing for North End.

SOUTHPORT 1 EVERTON 3
April 30 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's Exhibition Football
James Assists Southport in benefit Game.
About 5,000 spectators witnessed the match between Everton and Southport at Haig-avenue last night, and it is officially anticipated that the total receipts for the benefit of J. Jefferis and W. Sample the Southport trainer, will be about £500. Everton won by 3 goals to 1. Also James, the famous Scottish International and Arsenal forward assisted Southport. The spectators had plenty to admire in the friendly display, Everton in the main worked so smoothly that they gave the impression of a humanitarian side that did not wish to hurt the feelings of the opponention unnecessarily. To carry out this was their shooting was an art in itself.
Three for Martin.
Southport's goal was scored by Waterson after thirty-five minutes and they had this lead at the interval. A minute after the change over, however, Martin, Everton's centre-forward equalised. He got another about midway in the half, and a third close on the finish. Everton many picturesque movements appeared to stimulate their opponents. And something of the same kind, and their efforts in this direction were quite often a success. James with unaboustonmed colleagues, was not the James the spectators had looked for, but this was nobody's fault in particularly, the circumstances he could not do himself justice. Coggins, in the Everton goal was himself well beaten by Waterston's shot. Griffiths and Cresswell in front of goal saved a lot of prospective trouble and was wove delightful patterns the half-backs were resourceful pivots. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Griffiths and Cresswell; backs; McClure, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Newton and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON SIGN BOCKING
April 30 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have been well served this season, by former Stockport County players in Critchley and Gee, and the Goodison Club have now signed W. Bocking a full back who can play either right of left, from the Stockport Club. Bocking who is twenty-eight years of age, has been watched by a number of senior clubs. the new back is likely to play for Everton against Preston on Saturday. Stockport-born man, and during his fine season with the County club in the northern section, he has missed only eight League matches out of 210. Previously he had played a season and a half in the second Division, so that his record is about 300 games. Bocking is a strong and vigorous player, and is expected to prove useful for Everton.

THE BOOKING OF BOCKING 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 30 April 1931
Bee’s Notes
Billy Bocking, Stockport County’s captain and right back, was transferred to Everton yesterday.  The transfer fee has not yet been disclosed, but it is believed that it runs into four figures.  Bocking is a Stockport man, and his skill was first brought to the notice of the Stockport County management when he was playing for Vernon Amateurs, a Stockport Combination club. Before that he had played for Waterloo Albion.  Bocking's name was put on the club’s books, and in 1925 he got his first chance with the first team. In the meantime he had played with Hyde United for a season. The transfer was effected by Mr.  — Mr. T. McIntosh, the manager of the Everton Club, and Mr. Ernest Barlow (chairman of Stockport County) and Mr. Lincoln Hyde (secretary-manager).  During the five seasons Stockport County have been in the Northern Section, Bocking has missed only eight  League matches, out of a total of 210. As he had previously played a season and a half in the Second Division, his appearances with the club number about three hundred.  Bocking's transfer makes the fourth transfer from Stockport County to Everton within the last few years. The other three players who joined the Liverpool club were: Harry Hardy, goalkeeper, now with Bury; Teddy Critchley, outside-right; and Charlie Gee, centre half, who went last summer.  Bocking, who is regarded as one of the best right backs in the Northern Section, has rendered excellent service to Stockport.  He is a strong and vigorous player, and it is felt generally that he will have a successful career in First Division football.  In an interview with our representative, Bocking said he would be sorry to leave Stockport, where he had had a very happy time and had made troops of friends. "At the same time,” he said,” I am delighted at the prospect of going to a First Division club, and I hope that I shall get on there.  “I shall be quite at home at Everton with two former club-mates, Critchley and Gee, there," he said.  “I have always held a very high admiration for the Everton team, and have followed with interest their progress this season in the promotion fight and the Cup campaign.  I have played about 300 games for Stockport, and I am hoping that I shall have a chance of making a similar record at Everton," he concluded. 
CARRYING ON THROUGH MAY
Football teams and players who complain that they have had a hefty season, which runs into the first week in May, can take grace of heart.  I have a card from a friend that shows Everton F.C., in 1886-7 starting on August 7 v. Rawstenstall and going through to May 30 without a break.  May had seven matches-no wonder the final one was a charity match! The team played Ulster, Linacre, Tranmere Rovers, (lost 9-1), Padiham, Corinthians, Patrick Thistle (Alec Raisebeck’s team, eventually).  Everton played 39 games and won 25, scoring, in those far-off days 127 to 42.  Average 3.02 to 1. 

WILKINSON SIGNED ON BY BLACKPOOL 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 30 April 1931
Everton to-day transferred J. Wilkinson, inside forward, to Blackpool.  Wilkinson is a native of Esh Winning, stands 5ft. 8in., and weighs 10st 10lb