Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON AS YOU WERE
April 1, 1936. Evening Express.
By the Pilot
Everton, for the seventh match in succession play an unchanged team on Saturday, when they visit Stoke City at the Victoria ground. This team has not been defeated during the six games played, in fact they have taken eight of the points at stake. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
Everton Reserves oppose Manchester City in a Central League match at Goodison Park. Everton Reserves: - King; Jackson, Morris; Britton, Jones, Archer; Leyfield, Hurrell, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
THE INVENTION.
April 2, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
David Murray, the former Everton and Bristol player is nowaday’s at Jersey with the Island and the Y.M.C.A clubs. Their officials tell me he has been an outstanding success there. And now comes news of another of his works. He has patented an improved football. The petent is an improved method and means for closing the opening of a football or other inflated casing. As is well known, the mouth of the present football case is closed by a lace, which often proves unsatisfactory, and has caused injury to players. The object of Mr. Murray’s invention is to do away with the lace. There is a system of straps inside the case, the ball is “locked” automatically by the air pressure, and there is nothing protruding on the outside of the case. The invention has been tried out by Island players at training, and has proved extremely popular. As there is no padding whatsoever at the mouth of the case the flight of the ball is perfect. The ball, which was displayed at the recent British Industries Fair, will be further tested during the coming weeks and any necessary improvement carried out.
TEN MATCHES WITHOUT DEFEAT.
April 3, 1936. Evening Express.
Can Everton Keep It Up Tomorrow?
By The Pilot.
Everton, undefeated for ten successive matches from which they have gained 14 points, continue their fight for safety at the Victoria Grounds tomorrow, where they oppose Stoke City. No club in the First Division has had such a wonderful run as the Blues who have lost only one League game since December 21. That was at Huddersfield. Owing to Sagar being required by England, King will play in goal, this being Everton’s first team change for seven matches. Everton: - King; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Stoke City: - Wilkinson; Winstanley, Scrimshaw; Tutin, Turner, Soo, Matthews, Liddle, Steele, Davies, Johnson.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) –Everton Reserves v. Manchester City Reserves. Kick-off 3-15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands, extra (including tax).
Sagar To Play For England
Teddy Sagar, Everton’s goalkeeper will play for England against Scotland in the deciding international match of the tournament at Wembley Stadium tomorrow. Sagar takes the place of Hibbs, of Birmingham, who has had to call off. This is the second time this season that Sagar has been honoured by his country, for he played against Ireland in Belfast in the only game which England has won.
EVERTON AT STOKE
April 3, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s next effort is at Stoke where they have had some unfortunate happenings since Stoke came back to the First Division reign. Stoke, like Everton have some young stars and having been whacked last week they will be out to redeem themselves against Everton, who have been welded into a really fine whole in the last ten weeks. One could see the blend arising, even when Everton were losing, but since December 21, Everton have lost one game –at Huddersfield. There was no disgrace in the loss, and from that moment the team has grown more and more confident. They may finish quite high in the chart if they can continue immune from defeat at Hanley and the continuity of bonus has brought every away game into the range of possible point or points. It may startle some anti-Everton fans that a friend of mine is looking for a wager that Everton win the League next season; he thinks they are sure to resume their championship vogue within the next three years and is taking bets accordingly. It is an interesting topic, founded on the knowledge that the Everton team is exceedingly young, has resources and good reserves, and is in the main T.T, and non-smoking. The team at Stoke reads. Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
The French Strain.
A novelty comes into Everton Reserves side tomorrow at Goodison Park v. Manchester City. His name is Eli Hurel, and he has played inside right for the Jersey side, and this team managed by David Murray, the former Everton and South African player, is having a trial in the important game. By what has been seen of him in trial tests this week he is quite a good player, and only 18 years old. He will be sandwiched between Leyfield and Bunny Bell.
The Junior Derby.
The local junior “Derby” Liverpool “A” v Everton “A”, takes place at Cadby Hall ground, tomorrow 3.15. Teams: - Liverpool “A” Flowers; Whittle, Danson; Hampden, Hughes, Peters; Latham, Neal, Patterson, Eastham, B. Hanson. Everton “A” White; Kavanugh, Allen; Lindley, Walkeders, Watson; Holmes, Joyce, Lambert, Webster, Prescott. The majority of these players have had Central League experience.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) –Everton Reserves v. Manchester City Reserves. Kick-off 3-15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands, extra (including tax).
EVERTON AT STOKE
April 4, 1936, The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton are also called on for special effort. Stoke City at home are a side capable of rising to great heights and Everton who have done well of late, must keep up the pace for the full ninety minutes to gain a point. They will be without Sagar, but King has another opportunity of showing his worth. Everton: - king; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Stoke City: - Wilkinson; Winstanley, Scrimshaw; Tutin, Turner, Soo; Matthews, Liddle, Steels, Davies, Johnson.
GOALS FROM CORNERS BEATS EVERTON.
April 4, 1936. Evening Express, football Edition.
Blues Lose The Lead.
Defence Shines In keen Battle With Stoke.
By The Pilot.
A penalty and a goal direct from a corner upset Everton’s first half leadoff a goal against Stoke City at the Victoria ground. Stevenson scored for the Blues, but in the second half Turner equalised with a penalty, after King had saved the first shot. Matthew’s corner kick was helped into the net by the wind. Everton had more of the game up to the time Stoke scored. The match was characterised by soundness of defence and fine half-back play. It was cold, brisk day with sunshine. Teams: - Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, backs; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Steele, Davies, and Johnson, forwards. Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G. C. Denton (Northmpton).
Everton, facing the sun, but with the wind in their favour, opened brightly, and Wilkinson twice had to come out to gather long shots. Geldard won corner before White and Cunliffe were a fix-up, and Steel ran through to place wide after clever manipulation. Dean’s expert “though” pass saw Gillick forge head and level a centre. This passed beyond Geldard’s before White swept through to drive in an excellent shot which struck Wilkinson on the chest and went behind for a corner. Stoke launched only one attack in the first ten minutes. Everton were continually in the City’s half, but final passes had a tantalising habit of going astray, and Wilkinson was troubled only with “through” passes which hurried forward in the wind. King had to race out of goal twice to pick the ball off the feet of the alert Steele before Liddle turned the ball through as the whistle sounded for off-side.
Thrilling Moments.
Mathhews at last asserted himself, and two centres found three successive headers being sent in for King to fist away before Davies placed outside. These were thrilling moments. Twice play was held up owing to the presence of a whippet. White revealed defensive strength in holding up the lively City forward. Johnson went to the touch-line with his nose bleeding, and it was some minutes before the bleeding could be stopped. Everton were having slightly the better of the argument, but the City halves were in excellent form. King made a glorious, full length save from Steele’s sharp header to give Stoke their first corner of the day.
Everton Lead.
Everton took the lead in 28 minutes, Geldard was going through on good ground when Scrimshaw pushed the ball into touch. From the throw-in Geldard crossed a perfect ball, to which Dean rose attended by Wilkinson, Turney and Winstanley. Dean managed to head the ball back to Stevenson, who lobbed the ball into the net with his left foot. There was a thrill when Davies and Johnson put Steele through on his own. King dashed out of goal and flung himself at the ball as Steel’s shot. The ball struck King’s chest and swirled away for a corner. Stoke pressed, but Everton covered up every loophole and came out of a tight corner with colours still raised. King just managed to turn the ball away from Steele and white was ready to kick away Liddle’s quick return. Everton were having their testing moments, but I admired the manner in which the defence covered up. Just on the interval Matthews sent in a clever centre which rebounded from the woodwork.
Half-time Stoke City 0 Everton 1
Geldard turned a shot outside after the Everton left wing had combined neatly. Then Matthews cut in and placed n awkward ball to the goalmouth, King running out to gathercieanly. Steele adopted the old-fashioned shoulder charge to gain a corner off Jones, and from this Liddle rushed in with a short shot which rebounded from Everton’s complete barrier. The half-back play of the teams was so good in this game that the attack got little rope. As a result there was abundant midfield play.
Penalty Leads To Equaliser.
At the end of an hour Stoke had a penalty for a curious offence by Jones. Jones had passed back to King, and as Stele ran in Jones grassed him. Everton protested but Jones was given the opportunity of taking the kick. His first shot was beaten away by King, but Turner, following up, got a second chance and placed low into the net. In 62 minutes Stoke had taken the lead direct from corner. King had dived to turn away, a shot from Steele. Matthew’s corner kick was caught in the wind, and the ball entered the net by the far post. Stoke thus encouraged, kept the Everton defence at full stretch. Scrimshaw’s clearance kick, taken hastily because Dean’s presence crashed against a colleague and went behind for a corner. Dean had a chance from Geldard’s centre, but he tried to find Cunliffe. Gillick crashed in a glorious cross shot which Wilkinson saved high up. Final Stoke City 2, Everton 1.
EVERTON DOWN.
April 4, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
King Averts A Heavier Defeat.
By Stork.
King’s goalkeeping was a feature. Had it not been for him, Stoke’s victory would have been more substantial. City improved in the second half, but the two goals they got might have been saved. . Teams: - Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, backs; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Steele, Davies, and Johnson, forwards. Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G. C. Denton (Northmpton). Stoke were very excited over Everton’s visit this afternoon, for they recalled the excellent game played at Goodison Park in the first encounter, when Everton won by a score which was hardly reflection of the game. It was a beautiful day, although there was a nasty cross wind blowing which would, no doubt make things difficult. Stoke showed directness in comparison to the tip-tap methods of their opponents. At this stage Stoke were calling the time, and King, although he got the ball away on each occasion did not show confidence in his manner of punch. The City were showing plenty of grit, ability, and pace. Dean made an opening for Stevenson, but the Irishman sliced the ball. Steele once netted, but he was rightly adjudged offside. Stoke having had their chances and falling to take them, they could not grumble when Everton took advantage of a bungle in front of the City goal and Stevenson lobbed the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to score at 28 minutes. It was not a pretty goal, yet it proved that to take chances is the big asset in football. Stoke had chances galore, and there were many more to come, but once again failure in front of King held them up. King, however, was very fortunate on a number of occasions. Soo, the Liverpool boy, who had played magnificently throughout, was responsible for one of them, which struck King and rebounded to an Everton man to be cleared.
Half-time Stoke City 0, Everton 1.
The wind prevented many good movements in the second half, during which time Everton showed the better method, and Wilkinson had to make a number of saves. Stoke were not getting their passes well away so that for the major portion of the first quarter of an hour Everton were the dominant party.
Penalty Score At Second Attempt.
There was a quick turn-round following this, and Jones, after making a back pass to his goalkeeper, tipped Steele, who was following up; in the penalty area, after King had patted out his first shot. This set Stoke alight, and within two minutes they had taken the lead through a corner kick by Matthews. It appeared to me that King was at fault for the ball seemed to go between his hands at the far side of the goal. King protested for some reason; but got no reward from the referee. A little later King made a grand save from Steele when the ball seemed certain to go into the goal. Thomson and King nearly brought disaster on themselves when they each decided to go for the same ball. Having held off Stoke for a long period Everton made great efforts to pull the game out of the fire, and when Dean was left with an open goal it was surprising to see him miss the opportunity, while there was an occasion when one of the Stoke backs in clearing banged the ball on to a colleague, and is only just missed rebounding into his own net. Final Stoke City 2, Everton 1
STUDS MARKS
April 4, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton’s very consistent wing half, Jack Thomson, has put in 230 League matches attendance with the Goodison Park club since coming here six years ago.
• Cunliffe is due to figure in his 100th League game for Everton when Brentford visit Goodison on Friday next. Total goals to date 43.
• Everton have popped on eight goals against Grimsby Town without Dean getting so much as the odd one.
• Tommy White’s ability is only being equalled by his consistency.
• Everton’s Stevenson, though not a Rocket, adds stream to the Blues’ attack
STOKE CITY 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1556 over-all)-(Div 1 1514)
April 6, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Disputed Points At stoke
Why Everton Lost
By “Stork”
Stoke City’s two goals which enabled them to defeat Everton, and so spoil their long run of victories, were hotly debated both during and after the match. Jones the Everton back, and his colleagues were emphatic that Jone’s tackle which brought down Steele was at least a yard outside the penalty area. Furthermore, Jones asserts that he did not trip Steele. I am not prepared to agree to that latter statement, for them my viewpoint it looked all over a trip, and warranted a penalty award if it took place inside the area. I had a long distance view, but those who were in a straight line were unanimous that the incident took place outside. The second goal came from Matthew’s corner kick, which went into the net without another player touching it. King immediately ran out to protest to the referee, and I learned afterwards that his complaint was that just as he was about to catch the ball he was deliberately pushed, and was thus prevented from making what would have been so easy save. Naturally, a goalkeeper is bound to be jostled what a corner kick is taken, but it seemed to me that King had the ball well covered when all of a sudden be rocked backwards and the ball travelled through his outstretched hands. Again the referee turned aside the appeal; so that Stoke City won a match which Everton appeared to have safety in their keeping for, despite their lead of a goal. Stoke had not promised a goal until the penalty award. That set then going in grim earnest, where previously they had shown little bite and a whole lot of missed chances when in goal-scoring positions.
Stevenson’s Clever Goal.
Everton opened with some capital football. They were inclined to elaborate too much, but there was no question that their method of the attack was infinitely superior to that of Stoke, who made their advances by the more direct route. Everton opened the score near the half-hour, when a centre by Geldard got the Stoke defence all muddled up. The two backs, Winstanley and Scrimshaw, were out of position, so Wilkinson in goal, decided to come out. This proved a false step, for as he moved forward Stevenson cleverly lobbed the ball over the heads of everybody, and it dropped into the net. Everton had opportunities to have made a draw, particularly when Dean was standing bang in front of goal when the ball arriving at his feet, but he was slow to make up his mind, when he did the ball got between his feet and before he could get it right the Stoke defence had saved the situation.
King Keeps Score Down.
King, the Everton goalkeeper, undoubtedly kept Stoke’s score down considerably, for he made some really daring saves. Twice he threw himself at Steele’s feet to bring off saves, but as against that he was not confident with some simple tasks. He punching was never confident for he got no length with them, so that the ball was often sent back, and he had to repeat the save whereas a ball over the bar or a strong punch would have saved him all that. Still King was a useful member of the side which, was good in all parts with the exception of the forward line, where for once in a way, there was no unanimity, Stevenson was easily the best and I should say that Dean came next, if only because of the chance he made for others.
Out Of Touch.
The wingmen, Gillick, and Geldard, were right out of touch with the game. The former had no trick with which to beat the defence, and Geldard found Soo, the Liverpool boy, in fine form in the first half. Soo made opening after opening for his forwards, but they were not taken up. Cunliffe was another who failed to touch his form. Was it surprising that the Stoke defence could master such foemen? They had only two forwards upon when to centre their attention. White was magnificent while the rest of the team could not be faulted. The half-back play on both side was high, while Winstanley and Scrimshaw kicked with power, Wilkinson had not a lot to do because of the frailty of the Everton attack. . Teams: - Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, backs; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Steele, Davies, and Johnson, forwards. Everton: - King, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. G. C. Denton (Northmpton).
SAGAR CAP FOR ENGLAND
April 6, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Ted Sagar played for England against Scotland at Wembley, resulting in a 1-1 draw, Sagar conceding by a penalty goal. Attendance 93,267 a record for any match played at Wembley.
EVERTON RESERVES 3 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 0
April 6, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 37)
A moderate first half, in which the most outstanding incident were a great header from Bell that had the City ‘keeper completely beaten, but unlucky –for Everton –struck the crossbar; a smart hook away by Jackson that prevented Clayton taking the opening goal for the City and some convincing defensive work by Jones and Jackson (Everton), and Dawson (City) was followed by an after-interval period that revealed Everton in something like their best form. Sharper, and more definite goal area work was introduced for first half uncertainty, and in a lively three-minutes, and Coulter scored two excellent goals. The home side’s superiority was pronounced this half, and although City did at times create trouble for the home defenders, Everton were well on top, and Coulter scored the third goal to complete a brilliant “hat-trick”. Hurel Everton’s latest acquisition from Jersey, revealed ability and promise and was a prominent figure in Everton’s second half rally. Everton: - White, goal; Jackson, and Morris, backs; Britton, Jones, and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Hurel, Bell, Miller, and Coulter, forwards.
Liverpool “A” 1 Everton “A” 1
County Combination.
At Penny-lane. There was little between the sides during the opening half. Everton made most of the attacks, but these were easily repulsed by Flowers and Danson, although a splendid effort by Lambert just skimmed the crossbar. Patterson failed twice to turn to account good centres from Latham who was Liverpool’s most dangerous winger. Prescott in the first minute after the interval, missed an open goal during an Everton attack. The midfield play of both sides was splendid. Eastham opened Liverpool’s account with a splendid shot, but Everton were soon level. Webster netting. Liverpool’s goal was lucky to escape further downfall. Holmes and Prescott sent over good centres, but the inside forwards failed to turn to account. Kavanagh and Allen were good backs for Everton. Danson, Latham and Eastham were Liverpool’s prominent players.
CHECK TO A FINE RUN
April 6, 1936. The Evening Express.
Penalty Kick Turns Game Against Everton.
By The Pilot.
A Penalty kick which is my opinion should not have been given, and a lucky goal brought to an end Everton’s great run of games without defeat when Stoke City beat them on Saturday. The Blues were leading and seemed to be set for what would have been fortunate win, when Jones crossed Steele and the penalty award was given. It was a foul, but the award should have been a free kick, for the offence appear to me to have been committed a yard outside the penalty area. Steele turned over and over and landed in the penalty area. Stoke people, sitting in line with the incident agreed with me that Steele was outside the “box2 when Jones fouled him. The goal inspired the City, and when Matthews’ swerving corner was caught the wind, deflected by soo, and King’s was charged off his line, it meant the winning goal in a match which should, on play have ended in a draw.
Coming International.
The half-back play was excellent, there was no man on the field so able and thorough as White, Everton’s pivot. He was up against one of the best young centre forwards I have seen for year’s. In Steele. Make a note of this boy. He is am upcoming international player. Mercer and Thomson played dogged and with great purpose, while the intermediates were not one whit inferior. Neither attack was impressive, Stevenson was the pick for Everton and Matthews and Steele for the City. These was little cohesive ability. A pleasing incident was that at the finish when Dean ran across to shake hands with Turner. The four backs, -Cook, Jones, Scrimshaw and Winstanley –were sound throughout, but both goalkeepers were guilty of errors. King was weak with his fisting, yet there times this young player flung himself at the feet of Steele to prevent certain goals. It was not a great game. Stevenson scored for Everton and Turner and Matthews for the City
EVERTON’S “GROUCH”
April 6, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
The Everton team have a “grouch” against the referee’s decision at the Victoria ground, Stoke. They were blazing about the penalty award given against Jones, for they were unanimous that when Jones tripped –if he did trip –Steele both the players were outside the penalty box, although the Stoke man fell inside. There was also a protest by King, the Everton’s goalkeeper, when Matthews’ corner kick went sailing into the net without another player touching it. King asserts that he was deliberately pushed when about to make a simple save (write’s Stork.) Those two goals checked Everton’s long run of success, yet I would not go so far as to say that Everton were worthy the two points, for they were never s dangerous as Stoke in point of attack. They were ahead in the finer points of the game, but the attack did not touch its known form, so that Wilkinson, the Stoke’s goalkeeper, had less than a quarter the work of King in the opposite goal. King made some fine saves, and undoubtedly prevented Stoke from winning by a wider margin; yet he did not always do his work confidently. I can recall two saves worthy of a Hibbs or a Sagar, but there were other times when he did not impress by the manner of his saves. Yet why should I blame king? It was the Everton’s forwards who were responsible for the defeat, for in all other sections of the team there was strength. The Everton attack has been in such the form in recent weeks that it was uncommon to see them all at sixes, and sevens at “Victoria.” The plan fact of the matter was that the wingmen lent poor support to their inside men. Neither Geldard nor Gillick rose above a moderate standard, and with Cunliffe also under the ban, it was left to Stevenson and Dean to carry the whole of the responsibility, which was, of course, asking too much. Stevenson was the best forward on the field, but he could not beat down the Stoke’s defence all on his own, and Dean made openings which would have been turned to account, had the rest of the line approached anything near their best. Stoke, had frittered away so many chances in the opening half that it had to be penalty goal to bring them out of their shells, and within two minutes Matthews had scored with his corner kick. It was not until then that they had promised to defeat the Everton defence, and it seemed highly possible that Everton would win through Stevenson’s solitary goal. King saved Turner’s first spot kick, but could not hold the ball, so that Turner followed up and smashed it into the net.
EVERTON’S HOME RUN.
April 7, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have a good chance of escaping trouble, and with two home games on Friday and Saturday they should make sure. Brentford, who have risen to safety, visit Goodison Park on Friday and an opportunity is afforded of watching McCulloch, the Scottish international centre, who has proved so successful in English League Football. West Bromwich Albion, who are well in the danger zone visit Goodison Park on Saturday and Everton play the return match at Brentford on Monday. A most exciting week-end is therefore in store, but it would seen that the clubs in the greatest danger in addition to the Rovers and Aston Villa are Grimsby Town, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea.
SCOUR OUR OWN AREAS
April 8, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
“Interested” says- I cannot understand why Liverpool and Everton should go chasing to the North-East Coast for players when they can obtained all their requirements in Liverpool and district. Almost every player taken from the local area by Liverpool, Everton, and other clubs has proved a good investment. A little local scouting would simply repay both clubs, and break down the autocratic attitude characterising both clubs where local players are concerned. Quite recently a young and promising centre forward was recommended to Everton (before Bell was signed). Their answer was that they already had four professional centre forwards on the books, and that they did not require any more! It would be of interest to know who they are, especially when Cunliffe was played at centre forward, in Dean’s absence. I visited Penny-lane to see Liverpool County play Lancashire County, and I saw more intelligent football and combination than I have seen on many occasions at Anfield. It is a good thing for both clubs that they are not situated in a place like Huddersfield, where first-class football draws an average crowd of 16,000. Both Everton and Liverpool want gingering up.
BRENTFORD AT GOODISON PARK
April 9, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
With the race so open, Liverpool and Everton, our immediate concern, are involved to some extent and much depends on how they fare tomorrow. Everton are at home to Brentford, and apart from the importance of the occasion, the fact that the London side is new to Goodison Park enhances the appeal of the match. The Goodison Park team, after a fairly good race, slipped up at Stoke, and they must make every effort to secure the points on this occasion. It is in their favour that Sagar will be back in his usual place, and no doubt McClulloch and his colleagues of the Brentford line will find plenty of work for the Everton defence. It should be a capital game, and I look for a success to the home side. The kick-off is at 3.15, and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Brentford: - Mathleson; Wilson, Bateman; McKenzie, James, Richards; Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday, Reid. Everton are due to meet West Bromwich on Saturday, at Goodison Park, and play the return game with Brentford on Monday.
EVERTON MUST COLLECT HOME POINTS.
April 9, 1936. Evening Express
Will Bean beat Bloomer’s Record?
By The Pilot.
If Everton win their home matches they will be in a position of comparative security. Of the two matches to be played at Goodison Park, I regard that against Brentford tomorrow as the most difficult. It is the first meeting with the London club. Brentford at one time in the relegation zone, have hit the winning trial and are three points ahead of Everton. Their improvement dates from the advent of Reid, the clever winger from Hamilton Academicals, who has linked up with Holliday and McClulloch in perfect style. Their defence has also been strengthened by the inclusion of Wilson, a young player from Southend, and the Bees are providing fast, incisive football. Everton are playing football worthy of a better position. It is surprising to find the side of such merit among the lowly-placed clubs in the chart. I think the Blues will come through a hard game tomorrow with the honours and the points. I also think they will account for West Bromwich on Saturday. The Albion, who are troubled by injuries, are only a point ahead of Aston Villa. Everton should avenge the heavy defeat sustained at West Bromwich in the autumn. Tremendous interest will centre on Billy dean, Everton’s leader, in these matches. Dean is still stirving to secure the four goals necessary to equal Steven Bloomer’s record. These games provide Dean with a great opportunity of reaching his goal with goals. Everton; sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, white, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Brentford; Mathieson; Wilson, Batesman; McKenzie, James, Richards, Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday, Reid. West Brom Albion (probable) Light; Finch, Shaw; Sankey, Richardson (W.), Rix; Mahon, Carter, Richardson (W.G.), Jones, Boyes.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League match at Goodison park Tomorrow (Good Friday) Everton v. Brentford, kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/-Boys 4d, Stands Extra, including tax, Booked seats. Whitechapel.
• League Match at Goodison Park, Saturday next Everton v. West Bromwich Albion. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands Extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Central League Match at Goodison Park. Easter Monday Everton Res v. Sheffield Wednesday Res kick off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands extra including Tax.
EASTER GAMES
April 9, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Everton have two games, at home –tomorrow versus, Brentford, who have never been here before, and are a really good side; led by McClulland, who is a much better centre forward than the internation match would suggest. I rate him of the most damaging leaders the First Division knows. On Saturday, West Bromwich Albion will visit Goodison and their position is such that they must contest every yards. In addition there is always the knowledge at the back of the head that Dean requires, but four more goals to equal Steve Bloomer’s English League record, and Everton have yet to make their position quite clear after their languishing period for five months. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo League match at Goodison park Tomorrow (Good Friday) Everton v. Brentford, kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/-Boys 4d, Stands Extra, including tax, Booked seats. Whitechapel.
• League Match at Goodison Park, Saturday next Everton v. West Bromwich Albion. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands Extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Central League Match at Goodison Park. Easter Monday Everton Res v. Sheffield Wednesday Res kick off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands extra including Tax.
L.N.E.R. NAME NEW LOCOS.
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 11 April 1936
THE FOREST" IS OF THEM. The LN'E.R. announce that the eleven locomot of the Sandringham express passenger type, now under construction at the Darlington works of Robert Stephenson and Co., Ltd., are to bear the names the following Assocation Football teams: Manchester City, Everton. Liverpool, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Bradford. Bradford City. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham Uited. When those locomotives are completed the LN.E.R will have 25 engines bearing the names famous sporting clubs.
EVERTON 1 BRENTFORD 2 (Game 1557 over-all)-(Div 1 1515)
April 11. 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Lose To Good Side
Brentford Make A Mark At Goodison
McCulloch’s Two Goals.
By “Bee.”
Everton lost their second match in succession by the same score (2-1), and as it was Brentford’s first League visit to this city, interest in the game drew a crowd of 40,000. They enjoyed every moment of the game, which was controlled by Mr. R. Barton, the Repton schoolmaster, who, by the way, went about his work in pump-shoes –a novelty –and with a keen eye. Everton’s loss pitches them back to their former position in the chart, and brings home the necessity of victory today against West Bromwich Albion to save their League face. Brentford made a deep impression upon the local spectators. They had life and virility; they had pace, and aimed at bringing the ball to earth before starting their mission of attack. In this attack appeared the go-ahead and resourceful McCulloch, who collected two goals with swiftness and without debate. His first was a header from a corner kick early in the game. Hopkins crosses the field to take all the left wing corner’s kicks and this one was placed as well as ever by the Welshman, and McCulloch’s head did the rest.
Geldard Takes A Chance.
They seemed little chance of Everton equalising till Geldard got his chance through a mix-up on the part of the London defending trio. The goalkeeper had the ball covered, but his lack intervened, and Geldard took the chance offered him. Now Everton made many similar chances of gaoling only to finish with a ballooning effect that marred their general excellence. The endeavour of Everton was almost too severe; they were not wise in their distribution when the chance was brightest. Twice a forward could have gone forward with the ball and gained goal; instead, he preferred to take random aim was far from the mark of his high calling. Brentford had to suffer much severity of attack in the second half, yet all through the difference, between the two forward lines was mot marked. Brentford spelt danger whenever they went away, and though this was due in part to cook’s poor form against the lively Reid, one was still left with the memory of the liveliness and constructive character of Brentford’s attack as compared with Everton’s flighty and uncertain finish. Brentford made hot work for Everton all through, even when the home side was calling up its full resources and making the half-backs do forward work to try to get the marginal goal. As it was, Scott produced the best and neatest dribble of the day and parting at the right time to McCulloch, that player drove in an unstoppable shot which Sagar could never hope to reach. The ball struck the right-hand post inside and the ball fell well over the line. This was strong forward play and in direct contrast to Everton’s effort which was all cry and no wool. There was a lack of snap in the raids; they promised much and fulfilled little.
Matheson Foils Dean.
Dean’s attempt to get one of the four goal’s necessary for him to equal Steve Bloomer’s English League record had little support, and when he headed with meticulous care to an empty part of the net Matheson replied with his best save of the day –a punch away from a surprising position. Mathieson also saved at the foot of the post from Cunliffe, but, generally speaking, Cunliffe and Stevenson spoiled their good approach work with too high shots, and Gillick’s best in a tame display was late on and the ball struck’s a defender. Everton had their moments of misfortune in the closing stages, when they all went for attack and Mercer at one moment was on the goalline, trying to force the advantage of ground, but this fourth consecutive corner was crowded out by a well packed and sound defence trio. Reid was cunning on the left, and Hopkins was an enlivening raider with many methodical moves and sharp dashes. At centre, McCulloch played in n inspired manner, keeping an eye for the offside trap and the excellent defence of Jones and White, yet snapping two chances. Geldard’s best run led to the goalkeeper half handing out and Stevenson shooting into a “closed door.” Yes Everton had their misfortune, but Brentford merit our praise for their style and the fact that they have not been beaten in their last eight away games. One episode gave the crowd a laugh. A spectator was being carried off on a stretcher and the ball hovered near one of the ambulance men, who allowed the stretcher to fall, and the “occupant” found himself on the ground. The startled man opened wide his eyes and wondered what had happened. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (Captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Brentford: - Mathison, goal; Wilson and Batesman (captain), backs; McKenzie, James and Richards, half-backs; Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday and Reid, forwards.
Everton Unchanged.
Everton will reply on the same team to meet West Bromwich Albion today at Goodison Park (kick-off 3.15). The reserves tea, at Blackburn, in the Central league game is King; Jackson, Morris; Britton, Gee, Archer; Hurel, Leyfield, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
Young Forward Signed.
Everton have signed on a young player recommenced to the club by Alan Grenyer, the old Everton half-back. The new boy is J. Cuff, and he hails from North Shields. He is an inside left aged 17, stands 5ft 9ins, and weighing 11st 1lb.
“HAT-TRICK” CUNLIFFE WINS A THRILLING GAME
April 11, 1936. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Four Goals in 5-3 Victory
Albion Fight All the Way
White Joins The Marksmen
By the Watcher.
Cunliffe, the Everton inside left, was the hero of the Blues’ thrilling 5-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. He scored four goals for the second time this season, and was the best member of the Everton attack, despite receiving two knocks. White, the Everton player, was the best half-back on the field. He scored one of Everton’s goals and was one of their best marksmen. The “Throstles” made six changes from the side heavily defeated by Arsenal yesterday. An entirely new left wing was formed. Boyes was moved to the outside left position and Jones came on to partner him. Edwards took the place of the injured Rix at left half back. Sankey was drafted into the attack at inside right; Murphy came in at right half-back and Shaw reappeared at left full back vice Foulkes. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Light, goal; Finch, and Shaw, backs; Murphy, Richardson (W.), and Edwards, half-backs; Mahon, Sankey, Richardson (W.G), Jones and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. G. W. Ward (Nottingham). Goal-scoring chances came early to both sides, and although the Albion could not be blamed for missing them, the same cannot be said of the Blues. The first ten minutes provided Everton’s forwards with three great opportunities. Cunliffe should have had a goal when a Gillick centre was returned into the goalmouth by Geldard, but Cunliffe’s hesitation gave Shaw the chance to bar the path.
Gillick Tests Light.
Gillick showed up prominently by taking along a squared ball from Dean to bring Light into action with a grand, low shot. Then Cunliffe tried with a long-range effort, and Mercer came to “let go” a stinger from the penalty spot. Gillick got a knock, but quickly resumed, and then two goals came in dramatic fashion in three minutes. The Albion got the first point, Boyes should be given chief credit, for it was he who took the ball through and levelled a fast shot which Sagar got down to but was unable to hold. While it was rolling slowly to the line Jones dashed up and made sure with a finishing tap. This goal came on the 18th minute, and three minutes later Cunliffe shot the equaliser during a degree in which all the forwards were wondering around the goalmouth. Hardly had the cheering died down before the Blues returned to the attack to go ahead with a goal by White. This one, which came after 23 minutes, was made possible by Light, who punched the ball out for White to crash it back into the net.
Light Saves From Cunliffe.
The crowd of 30,000 got ready to yell goal” when Cunliffe took up a ball squared to him by Geldard and drove it goalward to be saved in great style by light. Richardson (W.G) was a leader who needed constant watching. Sagar was not being employed so much to the Albion goalkeeper, but usually he had to be nipper, for the Albion several times moved down quickly by wing-to-wing play. Two free kicks to the Albion caused the Blues anxiety, but both were sent outside. Three players had to receive attention for minor injuries in a short time. Dean was not having a particularly happy day so far.
Half-time Everton 2, West Brom 1
Everton resumed in grand style, Cunliffe and Stevenson went through, but Geldard tried to work the ball for Dean. Then White slipped the ball out to Geldard and raced into the centre for the return. Only five minutes of the second half had gone when the Blues got a third goal. Cunliffe was scorer. Dean, who just previously had netted the ball from an offside position, sent the ball low down from only a few yards out while bunched between a crowd of players. Light jumped into action to push the ball away and Cunliffe who had been watching events, dashed up and made no mistake. On the 53 minute, however Albion had a second goal. Richardson (W.G) sent the ball into the goalmouth, and while sagar was probably thinking that Jones had the ball covered, Mahon dashed in and hit it first time. The Albion fought back strongly, but mercer neatly checked a left-wing advance and later came up with an effort to take over Geldard’s role, only to be beaten by Boyes, who had chased after him. A mistake by Thomson left in Mahon to raced forward between a spread-eagled defence and when Sagar with no alternative but to come out of his charge, challenged him., Mahon slipped the ball to one side and then whipped forward and it rolled slowly over the line.
Cunliffe Hurt.
Cunliffe, who had received a gash on his face, got another nasty knock. The trainer hurried on to the field to sponge his injuries, but he declined to leave, although he was provided with a sponge. There were plenty of thrills now, Geldard hit the side netting and then sent the ball well over while his colleagues were waiting for the return to the goalmouth. Mahon, the Albion’s winger man, whose right feet was heavily bandaged, was all but through when he was held up by the referee’s whistle. White hit the bar with a powerful effort and Stevenson found his way barred at the last minute. The Albion lined up like soldiers when Jones took free kick, from which Dean earned a corner. With only eleven minutes left for ply Stevenson slipped the ball through to Gillick, who squared it inwards for Cunliffe to hit it first time into the net. Four minutes later Cunliffe shot another goal for Everton. Final Everton 5, West Brom 3.
CUNLIFFE’S 4 FOR EVERTON
April 11, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Lowly Albion’s Brave Fight.
By Stork.
Everton had their anxious moments, particularly so when the Albion drew level at 3-3, but eventually they finished with an amazing rally which brought them solid victory. It was a triumphant for Cunliffe, in that he scored four goals. These two points have put Everton practically clear of relegation fears. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Light, goal; Finch, and Shaw, backs; Murphy, Richardson (W.), and Edwards, half-backs; Mahon, Sankey, Richardson (W.G), Jones and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. G. W. Ward (Nottingham). The crowd was not so good as that of yesterday, yet it was quite a nice-sized one, and it saw the new West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Light made a brilliant save in the first few minutes. Gillick showed wisdom when he moved backwards as if he knew what Murphy would do with his header, and true enough the ball came right to Gillick’s foot. The latter, without any hesitation, banged the ball into the goalmouth, and, after it had been handled about for a while, Cunliffe let out with a terrific drive which seemed certain to find its way into the net. Light, however, prang across his goal and turned the ball aside. The ball was not completely cleared, and Gillick was able to get hold of it a second time, and this time he sent it right across and had not Shaw jumped in at the critical moment a goal would have been a certainty. Everton were not to be driven out, and apart from one attack by the Albion, when Richardson (W.G) made a header of merit, the Albion defence was working on the collar, even though Light was not called upon for further duty. Gillick gave Light a tasty header to deal with, and the winger suffered a facial injury as a result, but almost in the next breath Gillick was on the mark again, but Light once again foiled him. It was immediately after this that the Albion took the lead. They made one of their swift raids and found the Everton defence faltering, o that Boyes was able to move upwards and make a fiery drive. Sagar was unable to hold the ball, which curled over his head and went bounding towards the goal. Cook rushed back to try and keep the ball out but Jones (West Bromwich) had also gone forward and simply gave the ball the necessary touch to score. Time; eighteen minutes. This was a setback, but within four minutes Everton had equalised through Cunliffe, who snapped up the ball after dean’s shot had been pushed out, and promptly sent it into the Albion net.
White shoots Leading Point.
In two minutes more Everton had taken the lead, and White started and ended the whole affair. He it was who engineered the attack and when the ball came to him he struck a blow at the Albion by shooting on the inside of the upright, the ball entering the net. Richardson (W.G.) made a smart shot, although he was tackled at the time and Sagar had to go down on one knee to effect a save. Light made some stirring saves, one in particular from Stevenson when he could not have known that the ball would have gone outside, otherwise he would have saved himself a deal of trouble. Jones (west Brom) and Cook were injured, but both resumed after attention, and from the resultant free kick against Cook, Shaw slashed the ball over the bar. Everton had an escape when Sagar came out of goal to cover Jones, for W. G. Richardson’s lob went over Sagar’s head, and nothing could have prevented a goal had the direction been better.
Half-time Everton 2, West Bromwich Albion 1.
Everton opened the second half as though they would sweep the Albion off their feet, and when Cunliffe scored a third goal at 50 minute many thought the match was won, but the Albion all through had shown that they could be a danger given the slightest opportunity. One man in particular in their side stood out boldly. His name is Jones, and right throughout he did not put a foot wrong, and it was in the main due to his promptings that the left wing did so well, and when W.G. Richardson worked over to the left wing he made a centre, which found Mahon standing almost underneath the crossbar with not a soul in slight. He had but to nod his head to make a goal and this he did at the 53rd minute. It was the bounce of the ball which set the Albion on their way to the equalising goal, for hen Thomson was beaten through this factor it let through Sankey and Mahon. Sagar could do no more than come out but his chances were practically nil for Mahon went on to shoot beyond Sagar and into the net at 57 minutes. This meant that Everton had to tackle their job afresh, for at this point the Albion were playing with confidence that suggested success, whereas Everton had their confidence knocked out of them by the Ablion’s startling revival. It took some time to recover it, and White took no small part in it when he went up amongst his attack, and made a great shot, that rattled the Albion crossbar. This was the forerunner to heavy bombardment on the Midlanders goal, and at long last the lead was obtained, Cunliffe banging home a short range shot from Gillick’s centre at 79 minutes. Everton now had Albion on the run, and Cunliffe settled on a Dean pass to complete the hat-trick, his own fourth and Everton’s fifth at 83 minutes. There was still some fight left in the Albion, and Sagar’s goal had a narrow escape when W.G. Richardson tried to glide the ball into the net, and only just failed to do so. Final Everton 5, West Bromwich Albion 3.
STUD MARKS
April 11, 1936. The Liverpool Football echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• In reply –The referee in the recent Everton-Grimsby match was L. Dale of Sheffield, not Mr, Lines.
• In reply –Everton have had one penalty kick concession this season, but not in League games.
EVERTON 5 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 3 (Game 1558 over-all)-(Div 1 1516)
April 13, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Pull Through
After Tense Struggle
Cunliffe Scores Four Goals.
By “Stork.”
Everton had their anxious moments before they finally disposed of West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Saturday, but a late-on rally carried Everton to a 5-3 victory. There was no mistaking the fact that Albion’s quick raids on the Everton goal were always full of danger, because the Everton defence was not what it should have been. When the first goal was scored a ball was slipped across to Boyes whose shot was half saved by Sagar, but there was no Everton full back in the vicinity to cover the goalkeeper. Cook raced back to stop the slow-moving ball from entering the net, but Jones got there first and had only to tap the ball into the net.
Light’s Saves.
Everton became flurried and flustered, and for some time they lost their scheming, despite the fact that they were mainly in the Albion’s territory. Light, the Midlanders’ new goalkeeper, was responsible for many smart saves, but in two minutes –the 22nd and 24th –Everton had taken the lead, Cunliffe scoring after Gillick had a tilt with Light. Then White, who went among his forwards quiet a lot started and ended an attack, which finished with the Everton centre half smashing home a shot, the ball going into the net off an upright. Everything seemed set for a comfortable victory for Everton, particularly so when Cunliffe’s took the score to 3-1 after Dean had forced Light into a fine save, but the Albion fought back with a will and Mahon scored with a simple header. There was not a soul near him when W.G. Richardson from outside left, flung the ball across the goalmouth, and he simply stood still and nodded the ball into the net. This showed up the poor marking of the Everton defenders, and when the bounce of the light ball beat Thomson-Sankey and Mahon were completely unmarked, and it was left to Sagar to pull his side out of the difficulty. His chances of succeeding were small, and he did the only thing possible, come out of goal, but he could not avert disaster, Mahon scoring with ease. The Albion were, therefore back in the game with a chance, and for a time they dictated play. Everton were determined, however, and Cunliffe obtained two further goals at the 79th and 83rd minutes to bring his bag for the match to four, including a hat-trick and an Everton victory.
Battling It Out.
West Bromwich Albion battled it out to the bitter end. Cunliffe was the big man of the match, but I think he would pay tribute to his colleagues for their assistance. In more than one case he had but to finish off the work of others. Both wingers played better than has been the case for a couple of matches, and had all the chances made by Dean been snapped up. Everton’s goal crop would have been considerably augmented. Light was of the reason’s why Everton did not take an early lead, for he foiled Cunliffe –a terrific drive –and Gillick, but White had him beaten with long, swift shot which hit the crossbar. White was fine whether in defence or attack, and Thomson and Mercer were able assistants, but Cook and Jones must produce a better cover to Sagar. There were times when they were spread-eagled, so that the opposition had an open path to goal. It was a troublesome ball, but Shaw and Finch mastered it without difficulty, and the latter pair would more in unison.
Skill Of Jones.
The Midlanders have secured a clever player in Jones, and a lot will be heard of him in the future. Rarely did he make a faulty pass and it was mainly through his promptings that the Albion got off the mark, so rapidly. Shaw gave a sound display at full back, but I would give the honour for defence to Light, while W. Richardson held the middle of the ground quite well, and “W.G” is still a dangerous leader, Mahon, who was injured and had a bandaged foot, took advantage of Everton’ s slips. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Light, goal; Finch, and Shaw, backs; Murphy, Richardson (W.), and Edwards, half-backs; Mahon, Sankey, Richardson (W.G), Jones and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. G. W. Ward (Nottingham).
BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 4
April 13, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 38)
Through Everton deserved their victory at Ewood Park they were helped by the inexperienced Rovers’ goalkeeper, who was at fault with two of the scoring efforts. Generally the winners were the more workmanlike side, whose finish was superior, Bell, Miller, Leyfield and Coulter were the scorers and Hamel and Talbot netted for the Rovers. Everton’s defence was strong all through, Jackson especially playing well, Britton was the best half and forward Miller and Bell were noticeable. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson, and Morris, backs; Britton, Gee, and Archer, half-backs; Hurel, Leyfield, Bell, Miller, and Coulter, forwards.
CUNLIFFE FORGES AHEAD IN GOAL RACE.
April 13, 1936. The Evening Express.
Blues’ Top Scorer For First Time.
Lead of Eight.
By the Watcher.
Cunliffe, may be Everton’s leading goalscorer this season, for the first time since he joined the Goodison Park club. His four goal against West Bromwich Albion, who were beaten 5-3 at Goodison Park, took his total to 22. Dean, his nearest rival for the honour of marksman-in-chief, has 14 goals to his credit. Cunliffe was the pick of the forward line against the Albion. The attack as a whole was workman like rather than brilliant. The best shot on the field, however, was a half-back, White. He knew the best goal time and time and again went into the front line to shown the forwards how to shoot. One of his shots –he was Everton’s only other scorer in addition to Cunliffe-hit the bar with a terrific force. White is certainly playing grand football these days. The Blues’ defence sometimes wavered under pressure, just as did the Throstles full backs. Richardson was a strong force in the Albion attack. He made fine runs and delivered telling shots while on the run. The match itself was a curious mixture. Albion opened hotly and were soon ahead. Then the Blues fought back to equalise and eventually go in front. The Albion drew level at three all and then along came Cunliffe to complete a good hat-trick and put the issue beyond all doubt.
EVERTON’S NARROW SQUEAK.
April 13, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
There were many pattering hearts at Goodison Park on Saturday, when West Bromwich Albion drew level with Everton at 3-3, for they could see danger from this club, which is fighting a grim struggle at the foot of the table. There should never have been the slightest cause for this state of affairs had the Everton defence been up to standard but Jones and Cook were variable, and their lack of cover was responsible for two, if not three of their opponents’ goals. One had but to watch the way Shaw and Finch covered each other to see what a marked difference there was between the rival defences (writes “Stork”). Light the Albion goalkeeper, could depend upon his two partners, but Sagar could not always rely upon Cook and Jones, who for one thing, played much too far apart so that when a call was made one to the other it could not be fulfilled. Defence was undoubtedly Everton’s weakness on Saturday. In each goal scored by the Albion one could trace an Everton fault, and Sagar was “put on the spot” in each instance. The first goal saw Boyes unmarked, and although Sagar half-parried the shot which curled over his head, there was no Everton defender handy to prevent the ball trickling towards goal. Cook had to make a dramatic dash back, but Jones (W.B.A) beat him to the ball. Then Mahon’s first goal came because he was standing unattended close in to goal when W. Richardson swept the ball across to him.
“Can’t Take It.”
The third goal, which levelled matters, arrived through the bounce of the lively ball beating Thomson, but where were his full backs –nowhere to be seen, so that Mahon and Sankey had a clear patch to goal, and Sagar the unenviable task in trying to prevent the unavoidable. It was odds against him, so he could not be blamed for the goal. The Albion had wiped out Everton’s two goals lead, which meant that Everton had to start all over again when they should be right have been well set for a comfortable victory. I am afraid Everton cannot “take it” these days, for a goal against appears to put them in a state of panic, so that their stock slumps, and the other side allowed to dictate the teams until such times as Everton have got back to their proper balance. A side which holds a two goals’ lead should feel secure in their position, but one could see a danger in this swift moving forward line of the Albions’ because the Everton defence was uncertain of itself. To be perfectly frank, the Albion got so much on top of the adversaries after they had equalised that another home defeat was not entirely out of the question, for Everton had allowed their opponents to get the bit between their teeth, and it was not until the effects of Mahon’s two goals had been wiped out of the memory that Everton got back to normal. Having attended that state they hammered West Brom unmercifully, but the latter’s defence withstood the onslaught until the last ten minutes of the game, when they wilted and were mulcted in two further goals.
Cunliffe’s Goal.
Naturally, Cunliffe comes into the headlines through his four goals, but as a number of them only need the finishing touch. Cunliffe would I feel sure, give every credit to his colleagues for their aid in enabling him to register a “hat-trick” There was quite a lot of good football in the match, and it did not all come from the Everton side; in fact, there was more danger in the Albion’s rapid raids than Everton’s more intricate plan of attack. Light, the Albion’s new goalkeeper, gave a stirring exhibition in the first half, particularly when he saved from Cunliffe, but I do not forget his handling out of the ball which Dean almost drove through. It only saved his goal for a matter of seconds, for Cunliffe had the ball back like lighting, but it was nevertheless a remarkable save. He made many others of note, and Sagar too, with half the chance, did good work. The two men who stood out in the game, however, were White and Jones, of West Bromwich. White, of course, has been playing grand football for some weeks, and his goal was a just reward, for he started it and finished the whole movement. He also bit the crossbar a rare crack with Light well beaten. Jones, I had not heard of before. He is a new man to me, but I shall watch his progress with interest, for he is a born footballer. I did not see him do a wrong thing. His passing was the acme of perfection. James –like in its accuracy and he exploited the right man; the man who was so placed that he had simply to gather the ball and more forward. Jones was a rover, and he roved to effect. He gave Boyes some great chances, and his push –through pass to Richardson would have brought better results had not White been at the top of the form. Dean was an unselfish leader, giving others the opportunities –not always accepted and Gillick and Geldard showed up better than in recent times. Stevenson found the height of the Albion men a bar to his progress, yet did a whole lot of useful foraging. The Midlanders undoubtedly put up a rare fight, but Everton must not get so unsettled over a goal against them, and Cook and Jones must employ a better cover to their goalkeeper if goals are to be prevented.
EVERTON AT BRENTFORD
April 13, 1936.The Liverpool Echo
Thrills For Big Crowd
Slippery Turf
Causes Chances To Be Lost
Teams: - Brentford: - Mathieson, goal; Wilson and Batesman (captain), backs, Watson, James and Richards, half-backs; Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday, and Reid, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. A.W. Barton (Derbyshire).
Both sides made a change from Saturday’s team. Watson took McKenzie’s place, and Everton played Jackson instead of Cook. Reid put in another excellent centre. Hopkins, on the opposite wing, closed in and sent in a rasping shot which Sagar stopped. It was as much as he could do, however, and as the ball dropped Holliday shot wide. The big holiday crowd was treated to plenty of thrills. The Brentford forwards were not long in showing their paces and Reid simply flew along the left wing. Just as he was about to centre he was fouled. He took the free kick, but Jones made a fine clearance by getting his head to the ball. It was rousing football and White again distinguished himself. A grand tackle at the expense of the alert McCulloch enabled the pivot to dribble and make a splendid up-the-middle pass to Dean, who was late in jumping for the ball. The weather was inclined to be showery and the ground soft. Attendance 25,000. Dean beat Bateman in the toss, but the air was quite still. Right from the kick off Geldard raced past Richards and centred. The ball beat Bateman, but James dropped back and succeeded in heading clear. This was a near thing for Brentford. Everton continued their shock tactics, and a raid beautifully engineered by White saw Gillick and Stevenson having the Brentford defence in a tangle. Twice Jackson and Jones were in such dire distress that Saar’s only alternatives was to run out of goal and fall on the ball. At length the whole Everton forward line came into action. At the right moment, and at the right paces Geldard tapped the ball into goal, but Dean slipped in getting off the mark and this just allowed James to make an unexpected interception.
Sagar Slips
Foothold was so bad everywhere that even Sagar fell when attempting to make a clearance. For several minutes the Everton right wing were not pelted with a ball, and most of the foraging work was left to Gillick. He put over two superb centres, only for Dean to head high over the crossbar. Often when the Everton defenders got harassed –it was pretty frequent hereabouts –the crowd got wildly excited. A wonderfully fine 40 yards cross pass from Scott to Reid put Brentford on the attack again, and for once the home winger to finish well. Next came a free kick to Everton. Jackson placed it well, but Wilson and Bateman were right at the top of their form, and even Dean could not squeeze in a shot. Directly afterwards the Everton right wing came into the picture. Geldard and Cunliffe passed and interchanged beautifully, but in front of goal the tip tapping business was overdone, and finally Dean was left “stone cold” without the ball at his toe.
Holiday Scores
Holliday scored for Brentford after 39 minutes. Almost half an hour had expired when there was an extraordinary incident. The referee penalised Dean for a foul. Dean rightly protested and the referee waved the Everton centre forward to the touch line. Everybody though dean had been ordered off the field, and keen disappointment was written all over Dean’s face as he stood for a moment watching the play. All of a sudden however, the referee called Dean back.
Half-time Brentford 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON STERN DUEL AT BRENTFORD.
April 13, 1936. Evening Express.
Thrilling football At Terrific Pace.
Defences Under Heavy Pressure.
By the Pilot.
Everton played Jackson in place of Cook against Brentford today, and the Bees had Watson in place of Mckenzie. It was a bitterly cold day, and the ground was on the greasy side. There were 35,000 spectators present at the start. Teams: - Brentford: - Mathieson, goal; Wilson and Batesman, backs, Watson, James and Richards, half-backs; Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday, and Reid, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Barton (Derbyshire). Everton had a chance soon after the start when Geldard took over a Dean pass. He beat Bateman but frittered away his centre. Cunliffe did some excellent foraging, and drove in a lovely shot, which Mathieson divided to and turned round the pot with the help of James. Mathieson fisted away from the corner. Then a close up free kick brought danger to Everton, but quickly tackling prevented McCulloch from shooting. Dean shot between two players for Mathieson to save.
Everton Quicker On The Ball.
Everton were much quicker on the ball and exerted heavy pressure in the opening quarter. Gillick just failed to connect with a short pass from Cunliffe, before Reid pushed through a lovely pass to McCulloch. Hopkins, however, shot across the goal. McCulloch came in pell mell to connect, but he turned the ball to the wrong side of the post. Sagar had to make a quick grab to gather a menacing centre from Reid, and when Hopkins broke through the centre passed beyond Sagar, but Jackson was there to clear. Next when Hopkins got through Sagar came out to intercept. This looked a goal all over, but Sagar ran back and made a full-length save to turn the ball away from Hopkins’s feet for a corner. It was thrilling football, played at a terrific pace, and both defences were being hard worked. Geldard’s pace enabled him to over take a ball which Bateman thought was going behind. His centre wriggled away from under Dean’s foot. Cunliffe had a wonderful chance when Dean beat James in the air, but he delayed his shot and then placed outside.
Scott’s Great Shot.
A great shot by Scott rattled against the side netting. There was a curious incident when Dean left the field for a moment and returned after signalling to the referee. When Dean played the ball, the referee immediately ordered him off until the next stoppage. White was playing excellently at centre half for the Blues and now came through in characteristic style to level a mighty drive which passed inches wide of the post. It was a particularly even game, in which Everton’s passing and understanding was a feature. There was a general tightening up in defence. Dean should have given Everton the lead when Gillick made a short inward pass, but Dean, with only Mathieson to beat, tapped into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Everton Res v Sheffield W Res
The early play was monopolised by Everton, and after five minutes Leyfield was running through when brought down inside the penalty area. Britton from the spot kick placed the ball beyond Hill to give Everton the lead. Sheffield forced one corner on the right which King fisted away, but otherwise Everton were masters of the situation. The trickiness of Coulter was a feature of the game, and when Bell crossed the ball from the right wing Coulter had little difficulty in adding Everton’s second goal. Bell scored a third goal for Everton following a corner by Coulter, and afterward Sheffield became more dangerous. Archer was doing good work in the home side both in attack and defence, but when Robinson received a ball to his liking he drove in a splendid shot and reduced the margin. Goals were plentiful and after Leyfield had scored Everton’s fourth goal. Ashley went through and scored a second for Sheffield.
Everton “A” v Liverpool “A”
Liverpool included Alf Hanson in their side for the “A” team Derby game at Crosby. Everton were forced on the defensive against a strong wind, and both Tunney and Lambert had to make some strong clearance. Everton, however, offered the first danger when Webster placed Joyce in position. The latter’s shot was well taken at full length by Flowers. Liverpool afterwards gained two fruitless corners.
BRENTFORD 4 EVERTON 1 (Game 1559 over-all)-(Div 1 1517)
April 14, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Brentford’s Double.
London Side Too Fast For Everton.
Three months ago Brentford, London’s new First Division club, appeared doomed for a return to the Second Division. Then came an amazing revival, and by winning three successive holiday matches in four days, Brentford are now near to the top of the table. At Griffin Park, Brentford brought off the double at the expense of Everton, and won by 4 goals to 1. Judging by Everton’s display yesterday, one does not have to look far to realise why they surrendered these valuable points. Man for man, Brentford were just that extra half-yard quicker than their opponents. Brentford also had other qualities besides speed. They allied it with craft, intelligent ball manipulation and the ability to think and act quickly. Everton’s football, in comparison was slow, slovenly, and almost without “devil.”
Tactics All Wrong.
Except perhaps in goal, where Sagar had ten times the amount of work to do that felt to Mathieson. Brentford held the whip-hand. They played as well as Everton played in differently, and only the luck of the game, prevented their win from being more decisive. In the first place Everton’s tactics were all wrong. They persisted in attempting to exploit a pattern-weaving game against opponents who got stuck into it and tackled without the least trace of hesitancy, Geldard, the Everton outside right, has reason to be dissatisfied with the way his colleagues treated him. Only twice during the first half-hour was Geldard piled with a pass. Each time he beat his man and centred, and it needed only a little more nippiness on the part of Dean to have brought a goal in each case. Generally Dean had a poor match. It was because James, the Brentford centre half was his master. Even in headwork James triumphed.
Dean Has To Wait.
Dean was concerned in an incident. He left the field for attention, and apparently returned without permission. When there was an infringement the referee waved the Everton centre forward off the field. Some people thought Dean had been ordered off, but it transpired that the referee acting strictly within the law, made him wait for permission to resume. The player on the Everton side who impressed most was Mercer, the right half-back. A fine ball player, Mercer gave Dean a score of tip-top passes, but Dean simply could not get in one of his famous telling shots. Jackson, who was preferred to Cook at full back, played a powerful defensive game, and this phase can be applied to the work of White at centre half back. Apart from the excellence of Sagar, Jackson, White, and Mercer, however, Everton were disappointing. They lacked teamwork, incisiveness and the will to win. Brentford had all three things, hence their easy victory. .
Three In Two Minutes.
Nothing much happened before the interval except that Holliday notched a goal for Brentford in the 39th minute after three previous shots had been charged down. The sensation was reserved for the early part of the second half when Brentford scored thrice in the space of two minutes. Hopkins, the outside right, got two of them, one while Everton were appealing and in between Scott obtained with a swerving shot that even won applause from the Everton players. Gillick scored Everton’s goal late in the game, Stevenson applying a final touch after Gillick’s shot had apparently crossed the line.
Teams: - Brentford: - Mathieson, goal; Wilson and Batesman (captain), backs, Watson, James and Richards, half-backs; Hopkins, Scott, McCulloch, Holliday, and Reid, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Barton (Derbyshire).
EVERTON RESERVES 6 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 3
April 14, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 39)
Everton’s fast-moving attack proved too much for the Sheffield defence, and because of the inability of the Yorkshire halves to hold the home forwards. Everton dominated play for prolonged spells, and have the rear visiting defenders an arduous afternoon. Everton played throughout with fine understanding and craft and although the sheffielders at times did reveal sound attacking ideas, the speed, and definite finality of the home forwards was always evident. Britton opened the scoring with a penalty goal and after Hill had saved brilliantly from Coulter, good work by Bentham resulted in Coulter scoring the second goal. Before the interval Bell and Leyfield added further goals while improved attacking methods had resulted in Robinson and Ashley scoring for the Wednesday. Everton remained the more convincing in the after-interval play and the score was segmented by goals from Leyfield and Bell (Everton) and Surtees (Sheffield).
Everton “A” 2 Liverpool “A”
County Combination.
At Crosby. Everton A’s two points gained them the League Championship. At the interval there was no score with the help of a strong wind Everton did most of the attacking. Webster gave them the lead. Hanson had a splendid chance of drawing level, but skied the ball when almost under the bar. White was safe in his catches. Webster add Everton’s second goal. Lewis put over a good centre, Liverpool’s inside forwards failed to gather. Kavanagh, Watson and Joyce did well for Everton. Whittle, peters, and Lewis were Liverpool’s best.
BRENTFORD BETTER “STAYERS”
April 14, 1936. Evening Express.
Terrific Pace Beats Everton.
By The Pilot.
Everton collapsed in sensational fashion at Brentford. After the Blues had more than held their own for 45 minutes, Brentford piled on three goals in as many minutes to seal a 4-1 victory. It was largely due to the astounding pace at which the match was played in the first half. Summed up briefly, Brentford lasted the pace better. Players who had shown some craft and cohesion lost these arts, and in that time the match was lost and won. Everton became a leg-weary force until Brentford, content with their lead, eased up. This was a good game to watch in the first half when there was little to choose between the sides.
Bright Moments. Everton’s brightest moments came at the start and when it was too late to make amends. In the first quarter there were signs that Everton would prevent Brentford registering the “double” against them, but the pace beat them. Definitely the Blues must get more “fire “into their forward work. Cunliffe and Geldard combined well, but there was an absence of shooting power. Dean was too easily beaten, and Stevenson’s craft was discounted by Brentford’s grand tackling. Gillick was seldom in the picture. White was the outstanding man in defence and attack alike, and Jackson and Jones played well in front of Sagar, Mercer, did useful work, but Thomson was out of touch. Everton’s dire need is more incisiveness in attack. Changes may be made at this evening’s meeting. The Blues are not yet safe, remember, and they have another away game on Saturday. Holliday, Hopkins (2), and Scott scored for Brentford and Stevenson for Everton.
REFEREE’S TRIBUTE
April 14, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Referee Barton, the Repton schoolmaster, made a sporting gesture after Brentford had beaten Everton 4-1. As a tribute to the fine spirit displayed in their many duels the referee called Dean and James together into the centre of the field after the match and shock hands with them. These duels, together with Brentford’s success in scoring three goals as in as many minutes early in the second half, were outstanding features of a game in which Brentford displayed the greater tenacity and more direct methods. Everton failed through lack of understanding in defence. Brentford were perhaps not so polished, but they knew the short route to go, and a few minutes before half-time Holliday scored a great goal. His first terrific drive had been kicked away from the goal-line by White. The second half was only a few minutes old when Hopkins advanced the lead, and straight away from the kick off Scott scored one of the best goals ever seen at Griffin Park. He accepted a perfect pass from McCulloch and by swinging into the centre completely beat Sagar with a beautiful shot. Hopkins completed the scoring for Brentford in less than half a minute, while Gillick atoned for an otherwise indifferent display by obtaining Everton’s only goal.
ARCHER ON THE WING FOR EVERTON.
April 15, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton, with three games to play, must make special efforts to get out of the tangle which is now presented at the foot of the table. By Sheffield Wednesday making a draw with Middlesbrough yesterday they are now one of six teams each with 35 points. On Saturday, Everton visit Leeds United, who have earned 36 points for 38 matches, and they will be just as keen to win as Everton. Compared with the side that lost to Brentford, Everton make one change, Archer being preferred to Gillick, at outside left. The team is as follows: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Archer. In addition to the League match, Everton are still to play Birmingham and Preston North End at Goodison Park, and the team ought to be able to surmount the situation. The Central League side to entertain Stoke City Reserves will be: - King; Williams, Morris; Britton, Jones, Watson; Leyfield, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
EVERTON TEAM CHANGE.
April 15, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Everton must make special effort to get out of the tangle which is now presented at the foot of the table. By Sheffield Wednesday making a draw with Middlesbrough yesterday they are now one of six teams each with 35 points. On Saturday Everton visit Leeds United, who have earned 36 points for 38 matches, and they will be just as keen to win as Everton. Compared with the side that lost to Brentford, Everton make one change, Archer being preferred to Gillick at outside left. The team is as follows: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Archer. The Central league side to entertain Stoke City reserves will be: - King; Williams, Morris; Britton, Jones, Watson; Leyfield, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
RANKLING WREXHAM TRANSFER
April 16, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
That Wrexham’s transfer of T.G. Jones to Everton still rankles with local “fans” was evident from the vote of “no confidence” in the board, which the Supporters Club passed at a big meeting last night. The disgruntled “bob” man now holds aloot from the Racecourse as a silent but lamentable protest against the directors policy in parting with players who were likely to help them in gaining promotion, aggravating as it did casualty list.
EVERTON’S FINAL AWAY MATCH
April 17, 1936. Evening Express
By The Pilot.
Everton required four points from one away match and two home games to be safe for another season. Tomorrow they visit Leeds United at Elland-road, who require three points to be safe. This is going to be a desperate battle against relegation, and if the Blues can wind up away programmes as they did last year –they won t Birmingham –the position will be eased considerably. Everton have won only one away match this season –at Grimsby. Archer returns to outside left in place of Gillick, but this is the only change as compared with the team which lost at Brentford. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Archer.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match –Everton Reserves v Stoke City Reserves Tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 3.15 Admission 6d, boys 2d, stands extra (including Tax).
EVERTON CHANGED ATTACK AT LEEDS
April 17, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
Everton also show attacking changes, Archer for Gillick, is surprising in many ways. First Gillick has gone out after a really long run in what appears to me to be his wrong foot position. He is very young, is strong, and has the customary Scottish habit of starting slowly in English League football. His heading has been his best feature, yet he has a strong shot, and if he can produce pace sufficient to allow his foot to get to the ball ere the defender is at the tackle. Archer has been tried at outside left in earlier spells, and doubtless Coulter would have been there if the selectors had cared to rush him back, but they are thinking more or next season here Coulter is concerned. Leeds United and Everton would be safe with a draw, but both will be out to take a win, and rest content for the remainder of the season. Each side has had its knocks, and Leeds crashed after going into special training, but came back to life a week ago. It will be ding-dong football. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Archer.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match –Everton Reserves v Stoke City Reserves Tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 3.15 Admission 6d, boys 2d, stands extra (including Tax).
EVERTON’S TASK.
April 18, 1934. The Liverpool daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton tackle Leeds United, and they must be all out to secure a point, though in any case, with two home games remaining, the Goodison Park club should escape. Leeds United are a point better off than their opponents of today, with a game in hand. Everton will have Archer at outside left in place of Gillick, this being the only change from the team which did duty at Brentford. Teams: - Leeds United: - McInroy; Sproston, Milburn (J); Edwards, Kane, Browne; Duggan, G. Brown, Kelly, Furness, Cochrane. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Archer.
EVERTON LOSE AFTER LEADING
April 18, 1936. Evening Express, Football Edition
Leeds Quicker On The Ball.
Bell’s Scoring Debut.
By The Pilot.
Everton, handicapped by Geldard being injured, were beaten 3-1 at Leeds after they had taken the lead. “Bunny” ell marked his First Division debut with a well-taken goal, Everton were too slow on the ball. Bell came in for Dean, whose groin injury had not mended. Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary, was missing from the Everton party for the first time since taking office. He was away scouting. It was a lovely day, but the attendance was poor. Teams: - Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston, and Milburn (J), backs; Edwards, Kane, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown, Kelly, Furness and Cochrane, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Archer, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham). Johnson made a back pass and Kelly pushed the ball back to Furness, raced ahead for the through pass, and got it, Kelly seemed to be in clover until White doubled back to say “No.” Everton were favoured by a strong wind, and several times they swept to the attack. Bell and Archer showed up well, before McInroy down a sharp one from Cunliffe.
Cunliffe’s Miss.
Then Cunliffe had the chance of a life-time, when the ball flashed across from the left. Cunliffe moved forward at the crucial moment, gained possession and then “sliced” the ball outside with only McInroy to beat. The Blues had a close up free kick, which White crashed against the United’s human barrier, and off went Leeds to become a real menace. Quick tackling barred the way to goal. Sagar punched away a curling ball and Furness quickly turned it across goal. There was no one on hand to do the needful.
Everton hard Pressed.
Everton’s defence was hard-pressed for a time, but in 14 minutes the Blues were ahead, and it was Bell who did the trick. Thomson paved the way with a quick up-the-middle pass which had Kane in two minds. Before Kane could decide the ball had beaten him and Bell nipped through on his own, drew Mcinroy from his goal, and coolly slipped the ball into the net without hurry or flurry. Cunliffe had another long-range effort before Archer took Sproston by surprise. The ball rolled inches over the line when Archer was about to make his centre. In 27 minutes Leeds drew level. Kelly was the scorer, and the goal was owing to misjudgement on the part of Sagar. White was penalised for a foul on George Brown, and Edwards lobbed the ball into the goalmouth. Sagar came out in anticipation of a high ball, and was right out of his ground when Kelly took the ball on the drop and steered it home. Everton almost regained the lead when Archer nipped between two players and hooked a shot which beat McInroy but came back off the bar. Sagar ran out to gather, but almost lost possession, and Jackson and Archer showed up with some dainty touches. Everton were rather too ready to wait and see what the ball would do instead of going to it. This was mainly responsible for Leeds taking the lead in 38 minutes through Brown (G.). Edward’s pass had Everton’s hesitant defence beaten. Duggan gained possession, cut in and levelled a short centre, Brown had his back to the goal, but he swung round and cleverly placed to the corner.
Half-time Leeds United 2, Everton 1
It transpired that Geldard had strained a muscle in his side. Everton had a half chance on resuming, but Cunliffe centre was neatly turned aside. Next Cunliffe took over from Archer, but delayed his shot just that fraction which made all the difference. Bell earned a corner which Stevenson dropped on top of the bar. The wind was upsetting passing movements. Sagar fisted away Duggan’s corner and Brown’s quick return pass was outside. Archer put in a good run, but another defensive mistake gave Leeds their third goal in 57 minutes. It was a remarkable goal by Cochrane, who though falling to the ground twice, dribbled Jackson three times, beat Mercer, cut in and sent over a slow bouncing shot. Thomson seemed to cover Sagar, but the ball trickled on and Sagar was too late when he dived to save. Everton’s trouble were increased when Mercer received a foot injury and was limping. Stevenson brought a ray of hope, but his shot swerved outside. Stevenson shot inches by the post after good work by Bell and Archer. Final Leeds United 3, Everton 1.
BELL’S DEBUT GOAL
April 18, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Fine Effort In Leeds Game.
Everton Then Falter
By Stork.
Everton’s prospects was damaged in the first five minutes through Geldard’s injury. Their form, however was poor, and United were worthy winners. Bell took his first Division goal cleverly. . Teams: - Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston, and Milburn (J), backs; Edwards, Kane, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown, Kelly, Furness and Cochrane, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Archer, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham). “Bunny” Bell the former Tranmere Rovers’ sharpshooter, got his first chanced in the Everton team through Dean being laid aside with a strained groin. Nell has been scoring frequently for the Central League team. This was the only change on the official card. The crowd was on the small side and owing to the fact that many were at Wembley. Jock Thomson was captain of Everton. It was a perfect day. Thomson made a mis-pass which would have been troublesome had not Jones –nipped in to hold up Kelly. Archer received a facial injury, but it did not stop him from making a raid down the left and offering a chance to his inside man. McInroy, however jumped out and cut out any further danger. Everton had a great chance when Bell slipped a nice ball over to Cunliffe who, however, shot wide. For some minutes Everton crowded round the Leeds goal, but for all their pressure Mcinroy was not a busy goalkeeper. There was a strong appeal for a penalty against Everton when Furness was usihing his way through, but the referee turned a deaf ear to the appeal. A free kick against Everton saw Sagar push out a long lob, but Furness cleverly kept the ball in play in fact, a perfect opening or either Kelly or Brown with a hook centre, which travelled right across the Everton goalmouth. Kelly made a hard drive, which struck White’s boot and bounced away. It was immediately following this that Everton took the lead. Thomson made a sweet forward past, and Bell took the chance in a cool and calculating manner to score his first Division goal at 14 minutes. McInroy had come out of goal, but had no chance, for Bell put his shot well away from the goalkeeper. White made more than one useful tackle which stopped promising Leeds advances. Sagar was ready for emergencies, but he had not a really hard shot to deal with. Archer, piled by Bell, went on to work a centre from which Cunliffe tried a long-range shot which McInroy saved, while a little later Bell edged one on to the Leeds crossbar. Old man Willie Edwards was still an inspiration with his grand passes and pushful forward raids, but Duggan and Brown did not always respond to his prompting. For some time there was quietness about the game, which, however, blazed up at the 27th minute, when Edwards took a free kick and lobbed the ball goalwards. Kelly took the ball in the air and lifted it over the advanced Sagar’s head into the net. The England goalkeeper was not without blame. No doubt he expected a centre, but once he had made up his mind to come he should have come the whole hog, for when he tried to get back it was too late. Archer made a great effort to restore the lead, and I think the shot actually grazed the crossbar. Little has been seen of Geldard for the simple reason that it never came his way, and after Jackson had done good work to stop Cochrane, Mercer’s pass to the outside right never had a chance to reach its objective. When Cochrane centred, Sagar was not secure in his catch, and Archer was badly at fault with his centre after he made his opening. Edwards paved the way to the second Leeds goal when he made a chance a push through pass to Duggan. The winger took the ball close up before he centred. Brown had his back to the goal when the ball reached his boot, and with a clever kick he lifted the ball round and then shot into the net with his other foot –a clever goal at 38 minutes. The Everton defence when under pressure was none too sure of itself. Mercer was having a bad spell against Cochrane, with the result that there were no passes for Geldard.
Half-time Leeds United 2, Everton 1
Geldard had strained a muscle in his side in the early part of the game and it seemed to trouble him. Cunliffe had a chance in the first minute of the second half, but did not get a full blooded drive at the ball. Geldard put a corner kick on top of the bar. Even allowing for the troublesome wind Everton’s form was anything but impressive, in fact, the football all round was moderate. At the 57th minute Cochrane scored for Leeds United after beating half the Everton defence. He started his run at the half-way line, and although he once fell, neither Jackson nor Mercer could take the ball from him. Cochrane beat Jackson three times, Mercer twice, and the others once and when he put the ball to goal Thomson seemed to run across Sagar’s vision for when the ball was next seen bounding its way to the net Sagar’s leap sideways could not prevent a goal, for the ball was out of his reach. It was a sloppy goal, although Cochrane’s run was interesting. Mercer was hurt, but did not leave the field. When Jones handled in the penalty area the United appeal for a spot went unheard. The United had now got a strong grip on the game, which was decidedly poor. Naturally Geldard’s injury was a big handicap, but the United’s superiority was their half back line, which never gave the Everton attack the least bit of rope. Stevenson shot wide from a good position and was hurt. Furness made a great drive, Sagar saving grandly. Final Leeds United 3, Everton 1
STUD MARKS
April 18, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Tom Lawton, Burnley’s 16 year-old centre forward, has his rations of milk after each day’s training.
• Elie Hurel, Everton’s new boy from Jersey, is like most Channel Islanders a bi-linguist: is said to have passed his first test with honours when put through by “Dixie.” “Parley vous” sex Bill. “The same to you” sex Elie.
• It was fitting that Cunliffe should follow up his 100th League appearance with a “run of four” against the Albion. The Blackrod man has shown steady advances as a goal getter since his first season in the Everton senior team four years ago, thus; one goal, nine, fifteen and now twenty-two goals up to this morning.
• The Everton-Brentford match drew the second highest Goodison gate of the season –over 50,000.
• Three goals since mid-February is Tommy white’s little lot. Splendid
• Miller and Coulter are making a very good left wing blend, we hear.
LEEDS UNITED 3 EVERTON 1 (Game 1560 over-all)-(Div 1 1518)
April 20, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Below Form.
Leeds Half-Backs Hold Visitors.
Bell Scores In His First Game.
By “Stork.”
Everton have dropped into the danger zone once again by reason of their recent slump, and it now means that they have to win at least one of their two home games to be assured of First Division status next season. In their game against Leeds United at Elland-road they gave a distinctly poor display, and the United were full value for their 3-1 victory. If Saturday’s display was Everton’s usual at away grounds, I can fully understand that they have but won one game on foreign soil. Everton must have touched rock-bottom in this game, yet up to the time that Leeds got their equaliser there was the prospect of a draw, if not a win, but once the United had got on level terms they were always possible winners, for no section of the Everton side played up to its normal form. The Injury to Geldard in the first five minutes severely handicapped Everton, and on top of that there was a bad wind blowing across the ground which made accurate football impossible. One can hardly offer that up as an excuse for defeat, for Leeds United had to battle with it just as Everton had to do, so on that score all things were even. The plain fact of the matter was that Everton were not good enough on the day’s play, and they had only to be ordinary to beat the United, who were not a good side. One thing they had and that was the will to go into their game with determination, whereas Everton seemed to treat matters as though victory could be obtained any time.
Half-Back Power.
Leeds were just as keen to capture the two points as Everton, and they went about their task of obtaining them with more heart and grit than their opponents. Where Everton put a foot to the ball when they tackled, Leeds went in with everything they possessed, so was it any wonder that they usually came out with the ball? It was half-back strength where Leeds held the whip-hand, for Edwards, Browne and Kane were a better trio than White, Archer and Thomson. In such circumstances the Leeds forwards had a better backing. I cannot name one single Everton man who rose above his colleagues in the matter of football skill. Even mercer and White, who have been excellent week after week, fell to their lowest level, Mercer’s game was undoubtedly his worst since he came into the first team. White’s dominant personality left him in this game, and it was left to the old man of the party, Willis Edwards, to take the half-back honours. Edwards is still a grand footballer, for he keeps the ball on the turf when necessary and moves up with his attack ready to deliver a blow off his own bat, given the opportunity.
Bell’s Goal.
There was no Everton half-back capable of this. Edwards was responsible for Leed’s first two goal, after Bell, who was making his debut in Everton’s senior side, had scored a nice goal at 14 minutes. He swept the ball to Kelly from a free kick, and the centre forward hit the ball in the air and Sagar was beaten. His second success was a ground pass to Duggan who moved inwards before he lobbed the ball into the goalmouth. Brown, the former Huddersfield forward, had his back to the goal, but by a clever trick of scooping the ball up with one foot and wheeling about he was able to pivot on his heels and be facing the net when it came down again –goal! The last goal of the day, however, was the one which caused most discussion. Cochrane got the ball just over the half-way line, and started to run all round the ground. Jackson and Mercer tackled him and he fell, but he still retained possession of the ball. Again Jackson got at him, but Cochrane still held to the ball. Three times in all Jackson got to grips with Cochrane, but the outside left was still master of the situation, and finally worked his way towards goal. Mercer and others tried to bar his way, but Cochrane would not release the ball, and when he reached the penalty area, he shaped to pass the ball over to the right. Thomson rushed in, missed the ball, and at the same time interfered with Sagar, who had to make a late leap sideways in his attempt to get in touch with the ball, but failed to do so and it went into the net. Had Cochrane’s shot been a spell-blunder it would have been the goal of the season but really and truly. Cochrane should not have been allowed to retain the ball so long. The United should have had a penalty award when Jones definitely handled in the area; in fact Leeds were so much on top in the final 15 minutes that they should have scored more goals. Jones was a reliable back and Jackson produced patches of brilliance, but Everton’s forwards and half-backs were much below par. I should say Bell and Archer were the best of the five, for Cunliffe and Stevenson could do little against Leeds, strong half-back line. Geldard, of course was a passage due to his injury –sprained muscle in the side. . Teams: - Leeds United: - McInroy, goal; Sproston, and Milburn (J), backs; Edwards, Kane, and Browne, half-backs; Duggan, Brown, Kelly, Furness and Cochrane, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, White, and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Archer, forwards. Referee Mr. W. Walden (Nottingham).
EVERTON RESERVES 1 STOKE CITY RESERVES 1
April 20, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 40)
Although; Everton were persistent attackers, particularly in the first half they found goal scoring an exceedingly difficult problem because Stoke’ s rearguard of Spencer. Taylor and Smith covered each other admirably and formed a solid trinity of defenders. The home forwards, however, time and again did get through, but then the most difficult barrier of all was encountered because Goalkeeper Houldsworth was in brilliant form and death magnificently with shots from all angles although twice the upright saved his goal. Against the run of the play. Stoke snapped the opening goal. Westland scoring when Everton’s defence held off in vain, anticipating an offside decision. Prior to this Leyfield, Miller, and Webster had tested Houldsworth, while Coulter and Leyfield had hit the woodwork. After the interval Webster scored a deserved equaliser, but despite strenuous Everton efforts, the City defence hold up. Everton: - King, goal; Williams, and Morris, backs ; Britton, Jones, and Watson, half-backs ; Leyfield, Bentham, Webster, Miller, and Coulter, forwards.
Everton “A” 8 Prescot Cables Reserves 0
County Combination.
At Crosby, Everton, already League Champions, had no difficulty in defeating Prescot in their last League game. The visitors fielded only 10 men, and during the first half, in which the home side netted six goals, two other Prescot players were off the field for a time through injuries. In the second half the visitors had eight players for the major portion. Scorers for Everton: Hullett (3), Sandham (3), White (Penalty) and Holmes.
TWO POINTS OUT OF FOUR WILL PUT EVERTON SAFE
April 20, 1936. The Evening Express.
Two Home Games To Play
Greater Fire In Close Work Needed.
By The Pilot.
Everton must now secure two pints from their two remaining home matches to retain their First Division status. That is the position following the defeat at Leeds on Saturday by 3-1. The Blues in the past fortnight have earned only two out of the ten points played for. There must be improvement on Saturday’s display even allowing for the fact that an early injury to Geldard upset the attack. At one time it seemed that the Blues would at least earn a point at Leeds. Bell opened the scoring for them. Yet when Leeds equalised all the form seemed to go out of Everton. A general fault with the Blues was their lack of fire and certainty in the close work. Their tackling was feeble when compared with that of Leeds. Further, the United were always a yard quicker on the ball. Everton must make sure, in the game with Birmingham and Preston that they get first bite at the cherry. Bell has reason to be satisfied with his debut. His goal was excellent taken and he showed a fine body swerve and good ball-control. He suffered through lack of support. Archer brought improvement on the left wing and was Everton’s most genius raiders. But neither Cunliffe or Stevenson played as well as they can. Jackson was the better of the backs and Sagar made some good saves though being at fault when the first and third goals were scored. It was a poor game. Something is needed. Everton. Kelly, George Brown and Cochrane scored for Leeds.
EVERTON IN DANGER ZONE.
April 20, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes
Everton are back again in the trough throught their defeat at Elland road, and they must now win win one of their two home games to escape relegation. To do that they must produce different form to that which cost them defeat against Leeds United for such form would not win any game whether home or away (write “Stork”). Everton have suffered a slump in recent times as a result of low grade football, but Saturday’s display was one of the worst I have seen. Leeds United were not good which makes the defeat all the more bitter, but they were good enough to score three goals against a nasty cross wind, and a distinctly poor Everton side. What effect had Geldard’s injury on the flow of the game? It may have meant a whole-lot , for whole-lot, for even with a damaged side. Geldard could beat his man, so what could he have done had he been fit? I am not trying to make excuses, but nowadays the loss of a man is a tremendous handicap. Everton, however, were so much inferior to Leeds after the latter had obtained their equaliser that the issue was never in doubt. One would not have though that Everton were desperate for points, for there was no “bite” in play; in fact little that was interesting and had not Leeds produced a number of thrills, the game would have been past bearing. Everton touched rock bottom. Not one single man lived up to his reputation. Bell, making his first appearance, scored a nice goal, but I wonder what he thought of the support he got? He was entitled to something better than he received, but the forward line was out of balance, yet Bell did one or two smart things. His heading was sound, and he used a tricky body swerve to beat his man, but he was treading a lonesome path most of the time.
The Weakness
What had gone amiss with Everton. Just This. Their half-back line, man for man, failed to produce his normal form, so that Leeds dictated the run of the game after 20 minutes, Kane, Edwards, and Browne showed up White, Thomson and Mercer in a bad light. They tackled confidently, backed up their forwards, and dropped back when a strengthened defence was needed. Everton’s trio were running willy nilly, between their opponents instead of getting to close grips with them. Willie Edwards, one of the oldest men playing football gave them lessons in half back play. He retains his speed to a remarkable degree, but it was his passing and tackling which made Everton’s half back exhibition look paltry. White’s form has been of such quality that when he failed to produce it here it was rather startling, and with Mercer playing his poorest game since he joined the side, it was little wonder that the Leeds attack, which had such able backing, went on to win a comfortable victory. Everton’s fell away in recent games has been most marked, but in this case it was a case of the whole side being off its game, for I could not point to one man who played really well. Sagar was “fumbly.” Jackson good and had, the half-backs unreliable, and the forwards suffering from lack of support and their own ability to keep things running along smoothly. The wind was troublesome, but Leeds had to undergo the same handicap, so in that respect all things were equal.
Worth Telling.
The plain statement of fact is that Everton were decidedly poor, and had Leeds scored more than three goals there could not have been any quibbling, for they had chances galore in the late stages of the game. Kelly and Brown scored in the first half to negative Bell’s goal, but the goal of the match was that scored by Cochrane. I heard some say Brown scored it, but I do not remember Brown touching the ball which Cochane plotted into the net. I must, however, tell you of Cochrane’s goal, for it is worth the telling if only to prove that the Everton defence was not what it should have been. Cochrane picked up the ball near the half-way line. He ran this way, that way, every way, and actually fell, but never once did he lose the ball even though Jackson made three tackles without success, and when Mercer came to his aid the result was just the same. Cochrane ultimately found himself just outside the angle of the penalty line. Even then Everton men were clustered around him, but he swept the ball goalwards. Thomson ran in but missed the ball, and I feel sure that he unsighted Sagar, who only caught a last second glimpse of the ball as it was speeding towards his goal. He made a desperate leap sideways, but could not get his hand to the ball, which went into the net. Had Cochrane shot been a spell blunder it would have been the goal of the season, but no man should be allowed to go on his way as Cochrane did.
SAGAR AGAIN CHOSEN FOR ENGLAND.
April 21, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Six Arsenal players are in the England team which will oppose Austria in Vienna, on May 6 and Belgium in Brussels on May 9, Sagar, the Everton goalkeeper, has been selected, with his colleague Cunliffe, on reserve.
PROTECTING THE GOALKEEPER.
April 21, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
F.A. To Consider Instruction To Referee.
Ever since the death of Jame’s Thorpe, the Sunderland goalkeeper, it has been felt in many quarters that the goalkeeper should be given more protection. When the F.A. Council meet in London on Friday they will consider the following motion passed by the Referees’ committee –“Although a player is entitled to charge the goalkeeper when the latter is in possession of the ball –i.e., holding the ball, it is not permissible to kick or attempt to kick the ball under such circumstances. The use of the foot amounts to violent conduct and should be dealt with by the referee accordingly. “The Referee Committee desire that the recommendation be made to the Rules Revision Committee, and that it shall be adopted as an instruction to referees under Law 8.
EVERTON FOUR CHANGES
April 22, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Britton returns
By John Peel
For their vital home game with Birmingham on Saturday, the Everton side shows four chances from the one beaten at Leeds. Three are in attack, where Leyfield comes in on the right wing for Geldard, injured. Dean resumes in place of Bell, and Gillick takes the left flank for Archer. At half-back Britton reappears in place of Mercer, who crosses to the left half position in place of Thomson, injured. The side is: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. If Everton win this game they will be free from anxiety, and they still have another match at Goodison Park against Preston North End on May 2 to wind up the season. Everton would have to lose these matches to share the fate of Blackburn Rovers, but it would seem that the issue rests between West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, and for the latter to escape it would be necessary for the Albion (or Everton) to lose their matches and Villa to beat Blackburn. The Albion’s two games are at Brentford and Birmingham, so that the Albion must play hard to obtained the necessary points. Everton’s Central league eleven to play Blackpool Reserves is: - King; Cook, Morris; Tunney, Jones, Watson; Hughes, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
Everton Moves.
After ten years playing service at Goodison Park W. Cresswell is expected to finish his term with the Everton club at the end of the season. He has proved a most valuable asset to the club, and an ornament to the game. B. Williams is also expected to finish his playing association with the club.
Cunliffe’s Lead.
With two matches remaining to be played, and with a six goal lead over his nearest rival, it would appeal that Cunliffe, the Everton inside right, will gain the honour of being leading marksman of Everton and Liverpool players. His total to date is 21, this being six ahead, of How, the Liverpool leader. Dean is third in the list with 14 goals, while Nieuwenhuys (Liverpool) and Stevenson (Everton) with 11 and 10 each respectively come next. The other scorers of these rivals are Gillick (9), Geldard (7), Bentham (4), Leyfield and White (3), Archer (2), Mercer, Miller, Bell, Hartill (now with Bristol Rovers), and Kelly (Grimsby Town) (1)., for Everton, and Hodgoson (now of Aston Villa) (9), Carr (6), Glassey (4), Blamer (3), Johnson, Taylor (P.), McDougall, and Busby (1), for Liverpool.
Everton’s Visit To Germany.
In connection with Everton’s visit to Germany next month the following dates for matches against selected German sides have been arranged. May 9, at Hamberg, May 13 at Duisburg, May 16 at Frankfurt, May 21 at Stuggart, and May 24 at Nuremberg.
EVERTON’S FIVE TEAM CHANGES.
April 22, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton are making five team changes for their match with Birmingham at Goodison Park on Saturday. Dean has recovered from his groin injury and comes backs to centre-forward in place of Bell. Gillick is brought in again at outside left, in place of Archer Geldard’s side injury prevents the Bradford man from playing, so Leyfield comes in at outside-right, the position he has been occupying in the reserve team of late. Britton, the international right half, is brought back for the first time since January, when he lost his place through injury. He displaces, Mercer, who, in turn, crosses over to left half in place of Thomson. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
GEORGE MAHON CUP FINAL.
April 22, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
The final of the competition is being staged at Goodison Park on Saturday, April 25, kick-off 7.pm. –Everton “A” v. Earlestown Bohemians. The “A” team have won this cup on two previous occasions, whilst this is Earlestown Bohemians’ first cup final. The Bohemians have improved their playing strength the last two months, and are also running for the championship of the subsidiary Competition. The “A” team have already won the League championship. Mr. F. W. Lake will present the cup to the winners.
TWO POINTS TOMORROW, EVERTON!
April 24, 1936. The Evening Express.
Important Duel At Goodison Park.
Birmingham’s Visit
By The Pilot.
Two points means safety for Everton. They have two remaining home fixtures in which to secure them. Can they do it? The question may be answered tomorrow when the Blues oppose Birmingham at Goodison Park. With the Midlands in danger of losing a representative in either Aston Villa or West Browmwich Albion, it is certain that Birmingham will battle tooth and mail to help their neighbours by defeating Everton, while the Blues will lack nothing in enterprise and spirit. The game should be almost as good as a cup final. It is my opinion that Everton can win, and win well, if they recapture that verve, and incisiveness which characterised their play prior to the visit to Stoke City. In the last few matches the Blues have not been convincing, and the outcome has been that they have slipped back to a position from which I thought they were clear. The directors in an effort to bring improvement, have made team changes, and the most important effects the half back line, where Britton returns to right half and Mercer crosses over to the left. If the Everton half-backs get a grip on the young Birmingham attack then I think it will pave the way for a win. Dean returns to the leadership of the attack, and Gillick will be on the left, with Leyfield deputising for the injured Geldard. The forwards will meet one of the best defences in the First Division. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match At Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Birmingham, kick-off 3.15. Admission 1- Boys 4d, Stands extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
SPURRING A NOTE.
April 24, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton have to win one match out of two to be safe. Goal accounts can be of great help to them, as no club is so badly placed as the Aston Villa side. However, it is often when a side is “pressing” for the necessitous points that they fail to show their best form. With Dean back in the Everton line tomorrow against Birmingham, we shall doubtless see a steadier battle for supremacy. Everton will draw a big crowd on tip-toe of excitement and suspense, because home matches are not useful if the home side is not winning Tottenham Hotspur went away for a summer tour thinking third position was quite all right, but they came back a Second Division side. Let Everton beware, and let the Goodison Park spectators tomorrow give all encouragement to the home team to win against the much-improved side, and thus keep the First Division flag flying once more. Everton: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
4-3 VICTOTY CARRIES BLUES TO SAFETY.
April 25, 1936. The Evening Express, Football Edition.
Dean’s Brilliant Hat-Trick.
Birmingham’s Second Half Handicap
By Leaguer.
By defeating Birmingham 4-3 at Goodison Park, Everton made their position in the First Division safe. A brilliant hat-trick by dean –all scored with his head –brought his total to within one of Bloomer’s record of 352 League goals. Cunliffe scored the fourth goal for Everton, who were the better balanced side, although they missed many chances through being over-anxious. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar; goal Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Miller and Gillick, forwards. Birmingham City: - Clack, goal; Barkas and Hughes, backs; Loughran, Morrall, and Sykes, half-backs; Jennings, Dearson, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Referee Mr. S. Boardman, (Hale-Cheshire). The weather was fine, but the high wind was troublesome. There were over 20,000 present at the start. Everton kicked off against the wind, and immediately attacked on the right, Leyfield’s centre being headed away. The Birmingham ‘keeper had to run out to save a dangerous situation, Barkas providing relief with a header. A breakaway by the Birmingham left wing looked dangerous for Everton, Jones finally getting in a low shot from close range which brought Sagar to his knees.
Quick Goals.
Dean opened the score for Everton after nine minutes, as the result of a well-placed corner kick by Leyfield, Dean heading into the net. Sensational scoring followed, two goals by Birmingham coming in the next two minutes. Birmingham’s first goal was scored by Jones with a terrific 20 yards’ drive. Sagar sprang across the goal, but failed to reach the ball as it went just inside the far post. This goal came at the 10th minute. A minute later, Jennings, after a neat sprint placed to Jones, who deceived the Everton back by allowing the ball go past him and Guest who from an unmarked position, beat Sagar from close range. This quick scoring of three goals in three minutes roused the crowd to great excitement. There was an exciting melee in the Birmingham goalmouth, Clack clinging to the ball on the ground, surrounded by players. The game had to be stopped for a few seconds owing to an injury to Clack. Everton deserved an equaliser after dean had headed neatly to Gillick, whose fast rising shot was cleverly diverted over the bar by Clack.
Fast Play.
It was a fast and even game. A corner kick by Gillick was headed away, Mercer getting possession and sending in a long shot which just went wide. Everton were now doing most of the attacking, but were meeting a stubborn resistance, Morrall, as centre-half, being a great obstacle. Like the first goal, Everton’s second, after 21 minutes, followed a corner kick, this time by Gillick. Once again Dean showed his wonderful skill in meeting the ball with his head, steering it accurately into the net wide of Clack. Everton came again in lively fashion, and meeting a centre from the left, Dean kicked it over his head into the goalmouth, Clack getting it away just as Hughes and Leyfield came into violent collision, both of them being temporarily put out of action. A forward pass by Leyfield saw Cunliffe place to Dean in an unmarked position, but the Everton leader placed it outside. Everton were now fighting hard to gain the lead, but occasional breakaways by Birmingham were always fraught with danger. Following some neat passing which beat the Everton backs, Dearson sent in a low shot which gave Sagar no chance. This goal came after 30 minutes. Everton were unlucky to be in arrears. They had done most of the attacking, in front of goal. Birmingham, with fewer chances, had made the most of them. Jones, Birmingham’s leader, had to be assisted off the field just before the interval with an injury to his ankle.
Half-time Everton 2, Birmingham 3.
Jones, who had injured his instep, was absent when the game was resumed. Everton were the first to attack, Barkas was just in time to intercept Cunliffe when he was about to shoot from close range. Soon afterwards Jones returned, but was limping badly. Everton equaliser came in the 50th minute –again through Dean –who scored with a header from a forward pass. Dean had thus registered the hat trick with three headers, and he was only one goal now behind Bloomer’s goal scoring record. From a free kick for a foul against Dean, White grazed the crossbar. The game was held up for a while through an injury to Jones, the Everton full back. Jones, the Birmingham centre forward was almost a passenger now at outside right, and soon afterwards he left the field.
Dean’s Injury
Dean was injured in the penalty area, and when the referee refused to give a penalty kick the crowd howled with disappointment, and one spectator, who had rushed on to the playing area in anger, was put back by two policemen. Dean had to receive the assistance of the Ambulance men for an injured left shoulder, but he resumed soon afterwards. Everton frittered away chances although doing most of the attacking. Dean came near to getting another goal with his head from a pass by Cunliffe, Clack fisting away in the nick of time. Everton took the lead by a goal scored by Cunliffe after 74 minutes. Birmingham had been handicapped through the absence of Jones. Gillick gave Dean a grand chance of adding to his goals but the Everton leader was just too slow in getting in his shot. Final Everton 4, Birmingham 3
GOAL FEAST AT GOODISON.
April 25, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Dean Out For Record In Vital Game.
By Buzz.
Everton: - Sagar; goal Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Miller and Gillick, forwards. Birmingham City: - Clack, goal; Barkas and Hughes, backs; Loughran, Morrall, and Sykes, half-backs; Jennings, Dearson, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Referee Mr. S. Boardman, (Hale-Cheshire). Once again at Everton it was a vital match with a relegation bearing. Birmingham made two changes from their Wednesday team, and Everton had Miller at inside left in place of Stevenson. A down the middle pass by White made it a race between Dean and Clack, and the latter won, putting the ball down, and completing he clearance to end the first thrill of the day. The ex-Wrexham Jones was guilty of bad tactics when he attempted to shoot from an outrageous angle with colleagues waiting in a much better position for scoring. In any event, the centre forward dug into the ground with his toe. Notably through Loughran, Birmingham produced some attractive early play, and Harris was close with a useful shot to which Sagar dived in case of accident.
A Riot of Goals.
Thus early Leyfield had done good work, and he completed another good move by centring across in front of Clack to a point where Gillick, by a good header, kept the ball in play. Birmingham were glad in concede a corner kick; the goalkeeper did not make a clean catch, but Dean failed to seize the opportunity. On the next phase of play –at eight minutes to be exact –there began a three minute riot of goals scoring, in which Everton took the lead and then became 2-1 down. A Birmingham defender went up for a corner kick taken by Leyfield, and only succeeded in easing the ball across to Dean, who gently nodded the ball into an open goal. Almost straight from the kick off Birmingham went up the field, and from at least 25yards’ range Jones tried a chancy drive, which beat Sagar and equared the account again. This blow was followed by another, as Guest fastened on to a ball which came from the right, and which eluded another Birmingham forward in front of goal, and banged it past Sagar, to the utter astonishment of Everton and their followers. Everton might have got an equaliser with equal promptness, but while Clack was on the ground in possession of the ball the referee stopped play. Clack was hurt, but resumed and must have been glad to see a Dean shot sail over the bar. In another Everton attack Gillick seemed to have put in a successful shot, but Clack made an astonishing one-handled save, to put the ball over the bar. The football was hard and interesting with over-eagerness being noticeable in both defences.
A Dean Glider. There were still goals in the offing, Gillick’s corner kick curled in dangerously with the wind, and one of Dean’s traditional gliding headers, from among a ruck of players, did the rest. The home side in this way weathered the storm of goals, and took on a new lease of life. Leyfield, and Hughes bumped their heads in a collision in front of goal, but that was the only respite in the hard and earnest match. A special Gillick drives on the volley must have beaten Clack if it had been on instead of just off the mark. At twenty-nine minutes Birmingham got a third goal, and this time it was again not so much the result of a good football move as a sharp shot on the part of Dearson when he obtained possession of the ball 15 yards out. Dean carved his way through and almost beat Clack with a surprise shot. A goal here would have eased Everton’s position. Gillick’s shooting was excellent, and only a deflection saved Birmingham, the corner from Gillick’s side curling in and being nearly converted by Cunliffe.
Half-time Everton 2, Birmingham 3.
Jones, who had been injured in the last minute of the first half did not reappear with the Birmingham team in the second half. He came back just before Dean completed his hat-trick with another clever header at fifty-three minutes, which set the crowd anxious for their favourites to equal Steve Bloomer’s record in the number of goals scored by an individual in a career of League Football. Jones went to centre forward, and after a period t outside right, he had to go off altogether, and this preceded by a few moments an injury to Dean in the Birmingham goalmouth. I thought Dean slipped up and injured his shoulder, but the crowd claimed a penalty, and when Dean had to leave the field, Birmingham and the referee were subjects of the crowd’s displeasure. Indeed, one spectator, invaded the playing field and was firmly and kindly escorted back to the ranks by Barkas just as two policemen were making their way to do duty. Dean stood against the far post when the ball came over from the right, and a one-handed flick by Clack saved the Bloomer honour for a further spell. Everton took the lead as the result of one of Gillick’s curling corner kicks, which Clack did well to keep out only to be beaten at very short range by Cunliffe after 74 minutes. Dean, obviously in pain with his shoulder, and needing to hold his left arm to the side, made great efforts to score, and Clack had to make a grand save to stop one of Dean’s best efforts. Final Everton 4, Birmingham 3.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP FINAL
April 25, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo
This final game between Liverpool and Everton will be played at Anfield, on Monday evening, at 6.45, the first named club having won the toss for choice of grounds. The trophy is one of the finest in the country, and the competition was commenced over fifty years ago. For a long period the journey was confined to Liverpool and Everton clubs, the trophy having been won 26 times by Everton and 14 by Liverpool. The last time the two clubs met in the final was season 1929-30, and from this point following the introduction of the Third Division clubs, the trophy has been held by Southport, New Brighton and Tranmere Rovers. Both of our local First Division clubs are very keen on holding the trophy again, and when the teams are announced, following Saturday’s games, there are certain to be several surprising selections.
EVERTON 4 BIRMINGHAM 3 (Game 1561 over-all)-(Div 1 1519)
April 27, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Dean Nearing Record.
Hat-Trick Of Goals In Lively Duel.
As it happened it mattered not whether Everton were beaten by Birmingham t Goodison, but as the players could not foresee that Villa would lose at home they fought out a relegationally –keen match to the bitten end, and were rewarded by a 4-3 victory. Moreover, Dean head a hat-trick of goals and came within one goal of equalling Steve Bloomer’s aggregate of goals in a career of first-class football. The spectators would dearly have liked to cheer a fourth and record-equalling goal, but Dean slipped towards the end of the game and injured his shoulder, with the result that many good chances passed by because he was not able to take them properly. There have been few such fluctuating games on the ground this season, the highlight being a three minute goal rush in the first half , when Everton opened the scoring and Birmingham equalised in the next minute and then took the lead almost immediately afterwards. Everton almost equalised in the next phase, but Clack and company held out. Birmingham had to concede the equalising goal, however, but they led 3-2 at the interval, prior to which Jones was injured. Jones did not come back after the interval, until just before Dean got his third goal and made the score level. After a spell in the centre Jones went to outside right, but could only hobble and left the field for good soon afterwards. Cunliffe took advantage of Clack’s mishandling of a Gillick corner –Gillick was only happy when he was curling the ball in from corner kicks –and gave his side the lead.
Clack’s Saves.
From that point Dean made great efforts to get a fourth goal. Clack twice saved the situation, when the spectators were ready for the big-cheer, but in view of Dean’s handicap it was a miracle he could go so near to getting goals. Dean was the outstanding individual. He used his feet to good purpose, but his steering of a light ball with his head proved once again that he is without equal in this direction. Clack proved himself to be an excellent goalkeeper, but whereas h anticipated and saved many fast shots from close range, he was powerless to do anything to prevent Dean nodding the ball into the net on three occasions. Considering Leyfield was the only other Everton forward to play reasonably well, Dean’s performance was all the more remarkable. Gillick and Miller could do little right, and Cunliffe was not so successful as usual. True Morrall played as though he knew his football career was fast ending, but Barkas and company gave nothing away. Until he was injured Jones showed plenty of dash; his goal being the result of a first-class shot from 25 yards’ Range. Guest and Dearson scored Birmingham’s other goals. Neither defence played well, there being too much misunderstanding about both teams. Mercer and White were Everton’s best half-backs. Until they lost Jones. Birmingham impressed as being the better team. With a ten-men team for practically the whole of the second half, they could hardly be expected to hold their lead. Actually in the closing minutes they went very near to getting a draw. Everton: - Sagar; goal Jackson and Jones, backs; Britton, White and Mercer, half-backs; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Birmingham City: - Clack, goal; Barkas and Hughes, backs; Loughran, Morrall, and Sykes, half-backs; Jennings, Dearson, Jones, Harris, and Guest, forwards. Referee Mr. S. Boardman, (Hale-Cheshire)
BLACKPOOL RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 27, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central league (Game 41)
By their smarter forward play Everton won at Blackpool. Hughes and Bell scored. Blackpool had a large share of play, but their attack could do nothing against the fine Everton defence, in which T.G. Jones was an outstanding figure. Bell was a persistent leader and Hughes and Coulter were prominent wingers. Everton: - King, goal; Cook, and Morris, backs; Tunney, Jones, and Watson, half-backs; Hughes, Bentham, Bell, and Coulter, forwards
George Mahon Cup Final
Everton “3” Earlestown Bohemians 0
Everton “A” already County Combination champions, added another trophy to their collection at Goodison Park, beating Earlestown 3-0. Rotherham saved splendidly from Hullett. Two goals in ten minutes by Hullett gave Everton the lead. Ten minutes after the restart Hullett completed the hat-trick with a splendid shot. Fay, who was a dangerous raider on the Bohemians side, went near with a couple of good chances. Everton proved worthy winners.
EVERTON AND EXCITEMENT
April 27, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
By Buzz.
At Everton there was more excitement over the League games than the final tie. Everywhere round the ground each person seemed to be shouting to his neighbour “The Villa are down at home.” This at a time when Everton had left the enclosure with a deficit against the rather clever Birmingham side. Everton’s defence was not well paired –the need of an experienced man with one or other of the backs is of paramount importance for next’s season’s tests. Gillick played better than at any previous point, and he and Leyfield showed fine use of corner kicks. Gillick took his with his right foot, which suggests his natural position is on the right wing. Cunliffe has his moments of flight and much of his work might be saved by the man himself if he would do less and open out the game with a pass before his run has become elongated. Of course, nothing inspired the crowd so much as Dean’s brilliant work. Three goals, all headed as he alone can head them. The flick of Dean’s head is a thing no other forward can produce, and his damaged shoulder against Birmingham probably stopped him getting his equality with another master forward –Steve Bloomer. The pleasurable goals has been delayed till, shall we say, next Saturday, and if it arrives against Preston, the crowd at Goodison Park will signify in the usual manner how odd that Dean should have his second great record goal chance on the last day of the season, just as he had his sixtieth goal when the season was ended by Arsenal’s visit and a score of 3-3. Dean scoring all three! Dean’s feat will make Everton’s finale a fitting final to the season. The injury to Dean is a temporary affair, I learn this morning.
Liverpool Cup Final.
Tonight at the convenient kick-off hour of 6.45, at Anfield, Liverpool and Everton fight out their local Senior Cup Final. It has the local “needle” atmosphere and the teams make interesting reading, the bland of arty and able older men with the younger bloods ensuing this final will be of a stern character. The teams are: - Liverpool; Kane; Dabbs, Savage; Browing, Bush, Peters; Balmer, Eastham, Rogers, Carr, Hanson. Everton: - White; Williams, Cresswell; Kavanagh, Gee, Archer; Hughes, Bentham, Hullett, Miller, Stein.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 28, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool Senior Cup Final
Everton Draw At Anfield In Final Tie.
In the Liverpool Senior Cup Final at Anfield last evening Liverpool and Everton drew one goal each. Everton took a first half lead with a goal by Miller after 36 minutes against the run of play, and Liverpool equalised 16 minutes after the resumption through Carr, who was injured in the process and for the remainder of the game he limped up and down the left wing, it was his second injury during the game. Liverpool had more chances than their opponents and should have won instead of having to visit Goodison Park on Thursday for the replay. Williams and Cresswell proved sound and cool and got through a lot of work, rarely putting a foot wrong. Gee’s methods did not meet with the Kop’s approval, while Hullett and Miller were the best of the Everton forwards. Savage was Liverpool’s brightest player, doing a great deal of excellent work both in attack and defence, while Eastham was the best forward, Balmer being too strong with his centres after making much ground. Browning and Peters together with Bush made a hard-working half-back line. Teams: - Liverpool Reserves: - Kane, goal; Dabbs and Savage, backs; Browning, Bush and Peters, half-backs; Balmer, Eastham, Rogers, Carr and Hanson, forwards. Everton: - White, goal; Williams, Cresswell, backs; Kavanagh, Gee and Archer, half-backs; Hughes, Bentham, Hullett, Miller and Stein, forwards.
FINAL FOOTBALL MATCH
April 29, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Preston North End being the visitors to Goodison Park. Preston have a capital team and they will give Everton a good game. Special interest will be centred in the efforts of Dean to make a record. He requires two goals to beat the grand total of Steve Bloomer, made in the great player’s career in League football. The Everton side shows one change from the side that overcame Birmingham. Stevenson, after a bad cold, resuming at inside left in place of Miller. The team is: - Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. The Everton Reserve side to play Derby County Reserves at derby on Saturday will be: King; Williams, Morris; Kavanagh, Gee, Watson; Hughes, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter.
Senior Cup Replay
The Everton and Liverpool teams to play in the replay of the Liverpool Senior Cup Final at Goodison Park tomorrow night (the first match on Monday at Anfield ended in a draw of 101) are as follows:- Everton:- King; Williams, Cresswell; Kavangh, Gee, Archer; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Webster, Coulter. Liverpool: - Hobson; Cooper, Savage; Browing, Bush, Peters; Balmer, Eastham, Rogers, Carr, Hanson.
STEVENSON RESUMES
April 29, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton make one change for their final match of the season on Saturday against Preston North End at Goodison Park. Stevenson returns to inside left in place of Miller. Dean has recovered from his shoulder injury received in the game against Birmingham and will lead the attack. Dean requires two goals in this game to beat the 352 goals record set up by Steve Bloomer. Everton: Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, White, Mercer; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
Senior Cup Final
The replayed final of the Liverpool Senior Cup takes place at Goodison Park tomorrow evening between Everton and Liverpool, and the County F.A have decided to reduce the admission charge to sixpence. The teams drew 1-1 at Anfield on Monday. Everton: - King; Williams, Cresswell; Kavangh, Gee, Archer; Hughes, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter. Liverpool: - Hobson; Cooper, Savage; Browning, Bush, Peters; Balmer, Eastham, Rogers, Carr, Hanson.
Everton’s Tour.
Everton have decided to take sixteen players on tour to Germany. The party will also include three directors, Mr. Theo Kelly, secretary, and Mr. Harry Cooke, trainer.
LIVERPOOL CUP FINAL
April 30, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The replay Liverpool Senior Cup final between Everton and Liverpool will take place this evening at Goodison Park, kick-off at 6.45. The first game on Monday at Anfield produced much good football considering the hard turf. Both teams have been strengthened for the replay, and this game will see the last appearance at Goodison Park of those old favourites Williams and Cresswell, Everton’s international full backs. Another international back taking part in the game is Cooper of Liverpool. In view of the reduction in admission charges for the replay it is anticipated that a record crowd will attend what promises to be a most interesting game between the following sides:- Everton:- King; Williams, Cresswell; Kavangh, Gee, Archer; Hughes, Bentham, Bell, Webster, Coulter. Liverpool: - Hobson; Cooper, Savage; Browning, Bush, Peters; Balmer, Eastham, Rogers, Carr, Hanson.
April 1936