Everton Independent Research Data
SHEFFIELD UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
April 2, 1949. The Evening Express
‘Scouts’ from Oldham, Queen’s Park Ranger and Rotherham were present at Bramell-lane for the match between United Reserves and Everton Reserves. Everton were not in the picture for the first ten minutes, but clever covering by their defence kept Jones free from serious trouble. Everton improved and Stevenson’s throughout play brought both his wingers into action, but Brook and Latham stepped in to make timely clearance. A dangerous centre by Corr was headed past the post by Lewis, with Smith yard out of position. Jones did well to save drives from Ross and Smith, and again saved well from a dangerous scramble in front of the Everton goal. Half-time; Sheffield United Res 0, Everton Res 0. McCormick was limping badly after the interval, and after Jones had saved brilliantly from Loukes, Moore gave away a penalty from which Ross scored. Everton fought back, but made little impression on a sound United defence. After 63 minutes Lewis equalized for Everton. Laikes scored for Sheffield. Final; Sheffield United Res 2, Everton Res 1.
Everton “B” v. U.G.B. St. Helens
The Everton forwards were soon on the attack and the U.G.B. keeper did well to put a fine drive by Cronin over the bar. From the ensuing corner, Fairhurst netted for Everton. The same player increased the score a few minutes later. Croinin with a fine shot sent Everton further ahead. Shortly before half-time Wainwright, with a well-taken effort made the score four. Half-time; Everton “B” 4, U.G.B St Helens 0. Final; Everton “B” 8, U.G.B St Helens 1.
THEY COULD NOT HOLD VAUGHAN
April 4, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Well Beaten
Charlton Athletic 3, Everton 1
Everton are now on the relegation zone of the Football League because each club below them has played fewer matches. Certainty. Everton can have no complaints about their 3-1 defeat at Charlton. It was a one half game, too, for all four goals were scored prior to the interval. Charles Vaughan, Charlton centre forward married the previous day, was the match winner. He notched a perfect hat-trick. Everton had no forward of Vaughan’s class as a footballer, or as a marksman. Everton were unlucky to catch the Charlton player in one of their happiest moods. Perhaps it was because they had attended weddings on successive days. On Thursday the only daughter of Mr. Jimmy Seed, the Charlton manager was married. Charlton possessed everything that complete the make-up of a successful side. Nippy, fast moving forwards quick tackling half-backs, who never admitted defeat, and a defence that gave nothing away blended in ordered team work which Everton could not match.
Inconsistent
Although in a sense, Vaughan “stole” the match, Charlton had a splendid raider in Hurst at outside-right and a magnificent centre half back in Phipps. In the other eight positions, Everton compared favourably with Charlton, but their weakness was inconsistency. In the first half they played better at times than Charlton. On other occasions they were poor in attack and unreliable in defence. It was in their unsettled periods that Vaughan snapped up his chances. In the second half when they should have scored, at least once. Everton showed what they are capable of. In the last twenty minutes they produced mighty dash and enterprise that repeatedly had Charlton’s well-organised defence groggy, but there were no marksmen in their forward line. Had they possessed a sharp shooter of Vaughan’s quality, a point at least would have been their reward. Three Everton player did not have a good match –Saunders at right back, Jones at centre half back, and Powell at outside right. Through the inability of these men to strike normal form Everton’s football was patchy. As Sagar’s deputy, Burnett did splendidly. He saved at least a score of shots that had striking power behind them. Dugdale was a very sound left back. Both Everton wing half-backs, Farrell and Lello, put up a good show. Their tackling sometimes lacked bite, but there was a touch of class in their passing. Wainwright’s compared with Vaughan as the best forward on the field. No player could have tried harder. He foraged better than any other forward and shot better. In a way McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington did a lot of clever approach work, but against Charlton’s robust, and stick-at-nothing defence, a lot of their football was too dainty. Everton need more thrust in attack and quickly too, if they are to save themselves. Vaughan gave Charlton a quick lead. When Wainwright equalized Everton looked like making a fight for it. Then came Vaughan’s other two goals to settle it. Charlton Athletic; Bartram, goal; Shreeve and Lock, backs; Fenton, Phrons, and Revell, half-backs; Hurst, Lumley, Vaughan, Purves and Duffy, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee. J.G. Williams.
EVERTON MUST SPEED UP
April 4, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Not many months ago, Mr. James Seed, the Charlton Athletic manager said that “Charlie Vaughan, the centre-forward would before the season ended be talked about as one of the best leaders in the First Division. Vaughan who was married the previous day notched a perfect hat-trick, at the Valley against Everton –all in the first half too – and that was the reason for Charlton winning 3-1. Vaughan had a great match besides getting his side’s goals. He led Jones, the Everton centre half back a rare dance, after getting him running the wrong way. With their pivot almost played out of the game, Everton’s defray was not surprising. But Everton did make a magnificent recover in the last quarter of the game, when they practically ran Charlton off their feet. But there was this difference. Everton had class forwards, players who could weave patterns ball manipulation, no opportunities. In their position in the First Division, when every point is precious, Everton will have to speed up their form of play and the defenders will have to infuse more bite into their tackling. Territorially Everton were as good as Charlton –for-three-quarters of the game, but their football is too dainty for a side who go on the field dreading defeat and relegation. Burnett’s goalkeeping for Everton was good; no sign of nervousness. He was in no way to blame for the defeat. Dugdale was sound enough at left back. There was not much football of the wing half backs, Farrell and Lello except that they did not get stick into it enough. Wainwright, of the forwards possesses the necessary punch. He played splendidly and notched Everton’s equalizer after Vaughan had scored his first goal. In patches McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington did clever work, but their football was not consistent. A Powell as outside right for Everton had a day when nothing appeared to go right for him. Everton were not so well balanced as Charlton.
NO MORE SLIPS
April 4, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s position 4 points above the relegation zone gives rise to a little concern, but the Blues now have four games at home and only three away. The fact that Everton have had only one home game in their last four has tended to make their position appear worse, and as they are away at Sheffield United next week it means that their concluding games must be so much in their favour that they will keep well clear. During last week I mentioned to Manager Cliff Britton that if Everton could hold Vaughan, the Charlton leader, they would win. Well, at The Valley they failed in that mission and Vaughan helped himself to a hat-trick in a game in which Everton did well in midfield, but lacked punch apart from Wainwright’s goal. This was quite a good Everton show apparently, but the Charlton forwards made sure that Burnett and the defenders were kept busy. Wally Fielding was to have stayed the week-end in London, but has returned for treatment to a minor injury.
EVERTON’S TASK
April 8, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton’s visit to Sheffield is fraights with grave anxiety, for a defeat at the hands of the United will mean that they are right back in the relegation zone. The winners of the game can look upon the points –value as four. The United are just as much in the depths of despondency as Everton, which means that this result is going to be of tremendous important. Sheffield have shown an onward trend in recent games, whereas Everton have slipped a peg or two recently. They have been missing the vital factors –the scoring of goals. Their play up to the penalty area has been good, but their penetrative power has been found wanting. The injury to Wainwright is a bitter blow, for he is a driving power, the one man likely to rend a shot in the United defence. Good football is to be commended but unless it is rounded off with a goal it has no value, if the goals go to the other side. Sheffield on their own ground are difficult to beat and if Everton are to in themselves from the lower regions they must realizes that goals and goals alone count. There are no points for clever football. The defence has played its part. It is now up to the attack. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Stevenson, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
EVERTON’S BRAMALL LANE TEST
April 8, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s visit to Sheffield United is one of the most important of their outstanding engagements, for United are in similar league position to the Blues and this becomes almost a “desperation battle.” Everton are unfortunate in that Eddie Wainwright their leading scorer, is having a week’s rest in hospital, following a muscle injury, but rest assured they will battle hard to record their first “double” of the season. Hagan and McLaren are doubtful starters for United owing to injuries. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Stevenson, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
Everton Reserves; Burnett; Clinton, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Cameron, Grant; Mcllhatton, Pinchbeck, Lewis, Powell, Parker.
• Everton Reserves v. Manchester United Reserves at Goodison
• Everton v. Litherland, at Bellefield
McINTOSH LEVELS EARLY HAGAN GOAL
April 9, 1949. The Evening Express
Sheffield Utd, and Everton in Game Of Many Mistakes
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
A surprise shot by Jimmy McIntosh brought Everton back with a chance in an indifferent game with Sheffield United at Bramell-lane during an encouraging second half revival. Hagan gave United the lead in 12 minutes with a simple goal and subsequently Everton failed to strike anything like First Division football on a hard ground on which the ball played tricks. The United after having the game in their grasp –and believe me the points were vital to both –allowed Everton to take the initiative and in 52 minutes McIntosh’s goal gave the Blues a fighting chance. Outstanding player on the field was Dugdale, but Fielding got little response to some excellent building-up work. This was football typical of struggling sides. Jimmy hagan, the English international reported fit to play for Sheffield in the “Desperation Stakes,” battle on a ground which resembled solidified sand. There was no grass at all in the centre. The United changed every position in attack and Everton had Higgins and Stevenson as their right wing. Sheffield United; White, goal; Furness and Parkin, backs; Hitchen, Chisholm, and Shaw, half-backs; Jones, Hagan, Smith, Warhurst, and Collindridge, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, McIntosh, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher (Northwich). Everton opened on a high note with delicious inter-passing between Fielding, Stevenson, and McIntosh and suddenly Fielding darted away to the left to send Eglington away unchallenged. Eglington centred hard across the face of the goal, the ball beating attackers and defenders alike by sheer speed. When Hagan weaved a spell, Jones (T.) kicked across to outwit Smith and the in-running Jones (G.) and then from a corner by Jones, Smith headed the ball forward for Hagan to nod into the net. But he was yards offside and the referee was on the spot to say so. Everton had bad luck when in five minutes Higgins hooked the ball inside for McIntosh to drive in a ball with his left foot from 18 yards. The shot had White beaten all the way but took the inside of the far upright and bounded straight back across the goal. Chisholm twice held up McIntosh and there was some desultory midfield play before the United went ahead in 12 minutes through Hagan. This was a chapter of mistakes for Higgins instead of making the first time centre elected to try and beat Parkin. He paid two penalties. Firstly he lost possession and secondly he was knocked out and lay injured as Parkin shot the ball down the field. Tommy Jones mistimed it completely and Smith and Hagan went on as the ball bounced over Jones’s head. Hagan actually used Smith as a decoy and came from behind the centre-forward to hook the ball into the net.
Off The Mark
As Dugdale came across in a belated effort to clear McIntosh tried one from the penalty area but was a yard off the mark. Then after good work by Collindridge, George Jones, edged one in from two yards only to find Sagar right in position to save. Dugdale was knocked out but was able to resume and then the referee spoke to Higgins. Smith shot outside, but the United proceeded to hammer a dispirited Everton who seemed to take the goal against them far too much to heart and it was fortunate that Jones, Saunders, and Dugdale stood firm. Shaw was spoken to for a foul on Higgins and the free kick’s came in nothing as did most of Everton’s attempts at the short-passing game. Fielding made the pass perfect for Eglington who, however, in keeping with the game of many mistakes stubbed his toe when he went for the ball and a great opportunity was lost. Hagan with the United completely on attack fired a quick shot which hit Saunders on the legs and rebounded to George Jones who shot instantly the ball passing the wrong side of the post. Saunders made a bad back-pass as Sagar came out and Dugdale had to dash across to clear. Then United failed to profit by a close up free kick taken by Hagan. United were so much in command that on several occasions White was the only Sheffield player in the United half of the field. The Everton forwards simply could not get together despite some of the grandest promptings in the world by Fielding. Sagar dived full-length to turn aside a fierce shot by Warhurst and Tommy Jones twice headed away from these rampant Blades. Fielding ran half the length of the field, but Higgins was offside when the pass was made. His had been a colourless and oftimes aimless exhibitions by the Blues. Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0.
United A Yard Faster
Everton did shows signs of improvement on resuming, but the United playing even at leisurely pace, were still a yard faster on the ball. The only man one could not fault was Dugdale, who made not the slightest error, and even Ted Sagar, in coming out to pick up, over-ran the ball recovered in time. McIntosh centred from the right but there was no one near enough to take advantage, and then Everton forced two corners. When Stevenson and Eglington surprised Furness, Stevenson mistook the direction of the goal and shot outside. White dived to save from Stevenson –Everton’s best effort so far –and carried the ball over the line, but the referee refused a corner. Everton were certainly showing signs of a fight back, but that was not exactly high tribute for few shooting openings were created, although Farrell and Lello were coming more into the game as attacking forces. Everton should have had a penalty when Parkin beat away a Higgins centre with his hands but in 72 minutes Everton drew level with a surprise goal by McIntosh. Saunders started it when he came up to lob the ball to the United penalty area where it was just edged inside by McIntosh’s right foot. It looked at first as if McIntosh would try by to meanoeurve the ball to his left, but, instead he hit a shot with his right foot from 18 yards. It travelled all along the floor to the corner of the net. White being much too slow in diving. Everton kept it up, Stevenson shooting outside as the United lost most of their confidence. Farrell was injured in racing across to effect a clearance at the expense of George Jones, but it was well worth it, and as United hit back hard again; Tommy Jones dashed across with another last minute clearance. Everton got right on top, only quick tackling by Chisholm and Parkin preventing first Stevenson and then Higgns from getting through. A linesman was sadly at fault in pulling up Eglington for offside on the appeal of the crowd. Farrell made a grand run and centre from which Eglington headed just over the bar. It was just result and a happy one for both clubs in their present plight. Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V MAN UNITED RES
April 9, 1949. The Evening Express
United were the first to create danger, Burnett saving from Cassidy and Macmoram. The Blues however, took the lead in the 17th minute, Mcllhatton giving the United keeper no chance with a low drive. The United were always a source of danger. Cassidy looked a certain scorer, but Burnett anticipated the shot and brought off a grand clearance. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Manchester United Res 0. The United brought heavy pressure to bear on the home goal. Everton increased their score through Lewis. Final; Everton Res 3, Man United Res 0.
South Liverpool Res v Everton “A”
Everton took the lead after 20 minutes, when Doyle scrambled the ball through from a corner. South Liverpool equalizer after 30 minutes when Foxley neatly headed through a centre from Jones. Halt-time; South Liverpool Res 1, Everton “A” 1.
• Everton Colts 0, Litherland 3
McINTOSH GOAL GAINED A PONT FOR EVERTON
April 9, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sheffield Faded to End-of-The Season Amble
Blues Came to Life In Time
Sheffield United 1, Everton 1
By Contact
This was a point snatched from the burning by a snap shot from McIntosh. It all other respects, It was a most undistinguished game. Sheffield United; White, goal; Furness and Parkin, backs; Hitchen, Chisholm, and Shaw, half-backs; Jones, Hagan, Smith, Warhurst, and Collindridge, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, McIntosh, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Fletcher (Northwich). This was a most vital match for both clubs, Everton brought back Stevenson owing to the injury to Wainwright and Higgins was at outside right. Sheffield United changed their team until it was almost unrecognizable from that shown on the programme. The worst feature about it from the Everton point of view was that Hagan was fit to play, and the best that Collindridge was placed in the outside left position and not centre forward. The pitch was almost completely devoid of grass and was so heavily sanded it looked like the Sahara.
Made-To-Measure
Everton started brightly and a splendid piece of approach play by Fielding with a made-to-measure pass to Eglington made the way so clear for the winger that he was able to go on at his leisure to deliver a fast centre which beat everyone including the defence, sanding in the goalmouth.
Breath-Taking
There were two breath-taking moments in the first five minutes. The first when after Dugdale had tanged the ball for a corner to stop Jones, Hagan headed the ball beyond Sagar from an offside position, the goal being promptly disallowed. Secondly Higgins hitting a good shot from near the edge of the penalty area, found White unable to do more than finger the ball on the inside of the post. The rebound unfortunately for Everton, spun away from the post and out to play.
Early Disaster
The official award was not a corner but a goal kick. It was a corner, strange sort of match in that two sides with everything to gain were at great pains to do the right thing and so often did the wrong thing. United were ahead at 12 minutes in a disastrous sort of way. Hagan and Smith both challenged Jones as he shaped to do something about a high bouncing ball, and in the finish it was Hagan who got up to nod the ball forward for Smith to score almost as he pleased. While all this was happening Higgins lay injured far upfield having been winded when he collected a clearance amidships, Dugdale too was damaged in heading away and falling awkwardly when charged. Hagan was playing with more effect than usual and Sheffield were all the better for it, having started so well. Everton had now faded out a bit and Sagar just happened to be in the right spot to stop a Jones shot from close range.
Rought –And Tricky
Saunders was having a very good innings against Collindridge. The only sign of trouble in this needle match came when Higgins who had been pretty badly buffeted, indulged in a little rough stuff on his own account. This earned him a warming. It was a most undistinguished sort of match at this point and United were almost continually on the attack for minutes on end. A Fielding-McIntosh movement petered out in a tragic misunderstanding between the pair. Then Shaw was spoken to for yet another foul on Higgins. With a bright sun shinning in their faces, it was hardly surprising the Everton defence became a bit nervy when passing back to Sagar with United forward following up confidently and making all these occasions tricky business.
Not Everton’s Day
Collindridge was dangerous close to getting a second goal with a left-foot shot taken as he pivoted round when in the centre forward position. The ball swung a few feet wide of the foot of the post. This was a day on which little went right for Everton and a perfect pass by Fielding to Eglington went to waste unluckily. On the other hand, the Everton forwards though shaping well up to a point, were all too easily held by a robust. If not very clever, United defence. Jones was playing grandly, but the Everton defence was not as impressive as it has been. Hagan not only bamboozed, the defence completely, but he went on to make an angled shot which Saunders might easily have turned over the line instead of away from it.
Sagar at Full Stretch
Sagar put a Warhurst shot round the post in a full stretch save, and made a good catch from a shot by Smith. Everton’s forwards seemed not only to lack spirit but were thoroughly at sixes and sevens.
Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0
United were still on top at the opening of the second half, but Hagan had now reverted to the super finesse which enabled Everton to stop his gallop. No one did better than Dugdale, who was an outstanding figure in a game of few successes. Everton at last began to shoot, but not with accuracy or with power and White remained untroubled. Everton’s nerves had got to the stage at which Sagar, in attempting a simple pick-up temporarily let the ball behind in his anxiety to make a quick clearance.
There Show Normal Form
Rarely can there have been a match producing so many mistakes and so much indifferent football. Warhurst, Dugdale and Jones stood out as the only three who touched normal form. Stevenson made one on-the-targets shot from an Eglington centre and White could not prevent conceding a corner in saving but got away with it by pulling the ball back on the referee’s blind side. Everton sensed their chance and began to do a little better up front. When Lello took over from Saunders and banged a through pass to McIntosh at 72 minutes the big man merely moved the ball an inch or two from one foot to the other and then turned in a bow-at adventure shot which had the merit of good direction and found the net. At the same time, it was a shot which many goalkeeper’s would have saved. The Everton attack in this last 20 minutes showed signs of life, and for the 60,000 people at Sheffield the United’s performance must have seemed the worst ever seen on the ground. The one fainting cases stranded to by ambulance men must have been the man shocked by the half time at Wembley. With one minute play remaining Saunders scored a boundary hit to the other side of the cricket pitch. The ball went so far that the referee looked at the trainers bench inquiring as if to say “send another ball on.” Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V MAN UNITED RES
April 9, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
In a fast game the United were the more dangerous team, Clinton and Greenhalgh having an arduous task keeping them out. After 17 minutes play, the Blues took the lead, Mcllhatton with a low drive giving the keeper no chance. Shortly afterwards Burnett made a great save from Cassidy. Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Manchester Reserves 0. After the interval, Manchester made tracks on the home goal where Burnett was kept busy in dealing with timely shots from Cassidy and McMoran. Everton who were now a much improved side, increased their lead in the 62nd minute, when Lewis netted a grand goal from a lovely centre by Parker. Full time; Everton 3, Man United 0.
THE SPECTRE WHICH TAKES CHARGE OF FOOTBALL.
April 11, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sheffield United 1, Everton 1
By Leslie Edwards
Sides with the spectra of Dvision 2 peeping over their shoulders are much to be pitted. The weight of responsibity makes them tentative in their play and ideas, and they cannot do themselves justice. Perhaps one should not be critical in the circumstances the occasion and makes good football the last thing to expect. With due deference to the players of both seen two sides do more to present the points to each other. A draw, in the final reckonising, was the most handsome result. What a worrying businesses is the fear of relegation. Here before the start, the Sheffield United chairman, advising me of changes in his side, intentioned one, then after an interval another, and so on until the side as printed in the programme bore only the fainted resemblance to itself. It was almost as if he did not want the enemy to appreciate at one fell swoop just how much United had been forced in redeploy.
Collindridge Winger.
Fortunately for Everton someone had struck the notion of playing Collindridge at outside left –a position as remote from the Everton goal as any other on the field. You cannot in my experience have Collindridge too far from goal for absolute safety. On the other hand United found themselves able to include Hagan whose virtuosity with a football as so great he feels it incumbent on himself to maintain control of the ball even when his side is leading only 1-0 and others may be well placed to accept a pass. A brilliant footballer but not an effective one in the desperate moments of relegation battle. Hogan did his side best service when he and the ball Smith caught Tom Jones in two minds and Hagan was able to stride forward, picking up a headed past to score at twelve minutes.
Morale Jolt
This goal registered so unmistakably on the Everton morale, they could scarcely do anything right for the next hour and only after United had missed good changes and were logging complacently with a lead which could be wiped in a moment did Everton sense possibility of revival. They made some fruitful attacks, which eventually developed into sustained ones and when no one seemed capable of finding a shot to produce a goal McIntosh with a sharp movement of the ball from one foot to the other at seventy-two minutes, delivered the snap shot which saved the day. Everton’s needs are so clearly displayed there is no use pursuing the matter but apart from these the team, even generated by Stevenson, seems lethargic and dispirited and without confidence. Fielding in a good side would still be hailed as of England class but here his good deeds went to waste for a queer variety of reasons.
Outstanding
Dugdale’s main opposition may not have been testing, but he scarcely put a foot wrong even in the first half –Everton’s worst. He and Warhurst at inside left in the United front line were quite outstanding. Tom Jones had so much stern defence to get through even he could not pretend to use the ball effectively. Lello, Saunders, and Farrell each contributed much to the revival. Most thrilling moments were in the first five minutes, when Hagan headed a goal from an obviously offside position (but would the referee see it?) and when White fingered Higgins shot on the inside of the post from which the ball rebounded across goal and out of play.
UNITED’S MISTAKES
April 11, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
It was too much to expect two teams so vitally concerned in relegation matters to do much better than Everton and Sheffield United did at Bramell Lane (writes Contact). Each knew that defeat would be doubly damaging and each played with so little conviction and confidence the game became a dreary one of many mistakes. United I suppose should have had it won with something to spare by the interval. Instead they had only Hagan’s goal. They then made the further mistake of bogging along almost complacently, giving the impression that by no stretch of football form could Everton be expected to equalize. Everton’s first half approach play up to a point, had been good enough, but when moves reached the vital point there was always a mistakes or Everton misfortunes to come to United’s aid. McIntosh’s goal apart, Everton never impressed as likely scorers, although Fielding at times cleared the decks and pup up the ball perfectly for one or other of the line. Best things of the match from the Everton angle was the grand full-back play of Dugdale. He scarcely did anything wrong, and with Saunders and Jones got through an enormous moment of work. United, with Hagan overdoing the close dribbling and Collindridge out of the game through being played on the left wing have some stiff away fixture. If playing no better than this they can have little chance of gaining from them.
RELEGATION PROBLEM
April 11, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The relegation problem in the First Division has assumed a more complex look following the week-end games in which most of those in the danger zone secured a point. Everton did splendidly to gain a point at Sheffield United, and seeing that it was obtained from a club in similar position to themselves virtually it was worth two points. The Toffees now face the rather good prospect of having four games at home –to Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Wolves and Manchester United –and only two away –to Huddersfield and Bolton. Everything should work out all right if Everton continue to play with as much spirit as they did in the second half of a curiously-mixed game at Bramell-Lane. While they might easily have been two down at half-time Everton in the end, might have won by two, but I think a 1-1 draw was a fair result. Half-backs really dictated the trend, for it was only when Farrell and Lello swung into their real game that Everton got right on top. I thought both were excellent in the second half, not only blotting out Hagan and Warhust, but giving their own attackers the support they lacked during the opening half, when Hagan gave United the lead after Higgins had dallied and Tommy Jones had misjudged a windswept, bounding clearance kick. The side with the wind behind them had the advantage although the wind did cause the ball to play tricks. Everton’s defence was the steadier, in fact Dugdale and Saunders were two of the outstanding stars. I have never seen Collindridge to quiet as he was against Saunders, and Dugdale never made the slightest mistake. In attack there was much missing, but Fielding out-Haganed Hagan, and much of his good creative work should have paid better dividends. The other attackers had their moments and certainty McIntosh had his when he took a spilt-second shot to equalize with his right. All the Everton players contend that Parkin did handle in the penalty-area, and I am certain they are right but the referee was on the “blind side,” Incidentally Duggle Livingstone sends good wishes to his Merseyside friends and promises to bring some United players for the 1949 Footballers Championships.
Wainwright May Be Fit For Easter Games
Wainwright has been resting in a Waterloo Nursing Home following a groin injury which can be righted only by complete rest. Eddie is getting it. Everton have any other injuries of a major nature to report.
DEFENSIVE TUSSLE
April 14, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton very sensibly worked off one of their Easter games, so that they have only two matches to play, and as both of them are at home they may like themselves away from the relegation zone. Liverpool can help them quite a lot, for they meet Everton’s companison s in distress Huddersfield at home and away, and should take at least two points, if not more from the Yorkshiremen. But Everton must help themselves and that is not going to be easy against such a strong defensive team as Arsenal (Saturday) and Charlton Athletic on Monday.
The Arsenal are not what they were, but they still have one of the best defences in the country, and it will need a more punchful Everton to break it down. Goal scoring has not been one of Everton’s strong points this season. Had it been they would have been high and dry by now. Their defence, however, is moulded on Arsenal lines, without being quite so perfect. The Londoners are not prolific scorers, so it would seem that this is going to be a titanic defensive tussle. Everton were hopeful that Wainwright would be fit, for he is the driving force in the line and top scorer, but after a try-out on Wednesday h did not feel so good. His place will be taken by Stevenson. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Stevenson, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
EVERTON HAD NO SHOTS TO BREAK RSENAL DEFENCE
April 16, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Another Game With Plenty of Finesse But No Finish
Points Shared at Goodison
Everton 0, Arsenal 0
By Stork
Everton’s game from start to finish, yet they could not produce the goals which were so badly merited. They should have had them, and Eglington was unluky when he hit the post. This was only a shadow of Arsenal’s palmist days, Everton played good football, it just needed the shot, and Arsenal would have been well and truly beaten. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Barnes and Smith, backs; Mercer, Compton, and Forbes, half-backs; McPherson, Jones (B.), Brooks, Lishman and Roper, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.C. Green (Wolverhampton). There was a surprise when it became known that Wainwright was in the Everton team. The announcement that he would play was greeted with loud applause. Eddie tells me that it was on the advice of the specialist that he played. It would be better, it was explained to give the injury strength. Joe Mercer returned to the Arsenal side and thus played on the ground that made his name. There was nothing of any real important during the opening few minutes, except the handling case by Lishman in the Everton penalty area. But then Everton put through their left wing and made things awkward for even so confident a defence as the Arsenal’s, and when Eglington centred closed into goal, Swindin jumped up high to punch away as McIntosh charged into him. It was soon gathered that this was not the old, confident Arsenal, for Everton by their good-class football played on the ground, more than once prised open the Londoner’s defence in a manner which was starting. On one occasion the ball travelled between seven Everton players without an Arsenal man touching it. But there was no finality to this good work, for the first real shot by Everton came at the 15th minute, when Higgins closed in to take a centre from the left. He hit the ball fist time and it went crashing outside. There was a near thing to a goal when Compton with a collection of Everton men around him decided to make a lob-back to his goalkeeper and it was well that Swindin was alive to the movement. T.G. Jones twice put the ball back to Sagar in a way that suggested danger without there being any, for Sagar expected it. Wainwright hurt his elbow in a tackle with Forbes, but he was soon back on the field. When Fielding hooked the ball into the goalmouth McIntosh tried to squeeze the ball through but received a charge in the process and was injured. Eglington was having a particularly good day and his centres were always a source of danger. Everton might easily have taken a goal when Fielding switched the attack right over from the left wing to the right and Swindin sensing the danger rushed but to cut down Higgins shooting space. Higgins shot went outside, and the player went down with a leg injury. Jones once got the ball into the Arsenal goal area and Swindin standing on the goal line caught the ball just under the bar. He was charged and it seemed that nothing in earth could prevent an Everton goal, but the Arsenal goalkeeper did remarkably well to throw the ball round the upright as he hurled to the back of the net.
Perilous Moment
The next movement was a perilous one for the Arsenal defence, for Wainwright had the misfortune to see a shot handled and when he got a second shot at it the ball went bumping up against the upright. When Everton gained another corner, Mercer could be seen advising his colleagues as to the best methods of dealing with it. He knew that his bosom pal T.G. Jones, would be hovering round and that they must not let him get in contact. Everton were granted a free kick and when Jones came up to take it everyone expected him to try a shot instead of which he lobbed the ball over the far side of the goal, and McIntosh came to within an ace of heading it into the net.
Everton Still on Top
The Arsenal had done little of anything else but defence which explains in a nutshell just how completely Everton had got hold of this game. With a little better finishing they must have been a goal or two ahead. From a good half volley clearance by Saunders, McIntosh made a clever attempt to head a goal, just getting his forehead to the ball which was travelling pretty fast but Swindin was very alert and caught the ball confidently. I have never seen the Arsenal forwards so impotent. There was not one above a very ordinary standard and the Everton defence handled them with the greatest of ease. On balance of play Everton should have been leading at the interval.
Half-time; Everton 0, Arsenal 0.
Everton resumed as they left off – attacking and with the slightest bit of luck they might easily have scored a goal for Higgins was only just beaten. Then followed a shot by Farrell which was cannoned out. The Arsenal hereabouts made one of their few excursions to Everton’s quarters, but they were easily driven back and McIntosh who had moved over to the left wing, delivered a centre which had the Arsenal defence all tangled up.
Terrific Drive
Roper came along with a terrific drive which finished in the side netting. Wainwright replied to this with a whizz bang shot which was list wide of the mark and when McPherson looked like bringing a heap of trouble to the Everton goal. Dugdale stepped in with a great bit of defence which completely ruined the Arsenal’s ideas. Mercer put a through-pass up for Rooke, but the Arsenal centre forward never looked like getting the ball.
Boot Inspection
It was all Everton, and when Wainwright was charged in the back it looked as though a penalty should have been the award, but play went on and Wainwright shot for Swindin to save. Then came something I have not seen on a ground for many years. The referee inspected the boots of three Everton players. McPherson who has fine ball control broke clear and his centre which was intended for Rooke was taken by Sagar on the body. Wainwright had a weak shot saved and then Farrell put plenty of beef behind a drive and Swindin patted the ball down before he made his save. Another free kick came Everton’s way, and Jones long lob was punched away by Swindin. Then Jones faltered and let in the Arsenal left wing and things looked a bit desperate for a second or two.
A Little More Arsenal
The Arsenal, at this point, were having a little more say, not a great deal, I admit, but there was always the danger that they might pull that odd one out of the bag, which has been so common of their play for many seasons. Dugdale and Lello had kept the Arsenal right wing in check but I thought the Everton full back gave away a penalty when he “armed” the ball inside the penalty area. The linesman, however, who had a full view of everything, made no move Higgins was limping and was not getting his corner kicks over with any degree of accuracy. Roper had moved to centre-forward in the hope that he would break down the Everton defence –but he had no more success than Rooke who had moved to outside left. Lishman made a shot of some strength and perfect direction, but Sagar handled it with the greatest confidence just as Swindin did when McIntosh tried one from long distance.
Almost a Winner
With ten minutes to go Everton almost brought off a win. Higgins flashed the ball right across, the Arsenal goalmouth and McIntosh did his best to flash the ball in with his head. It curled away and went out to Eglington who returned it to the goalmouth where Compton, standing on the goalline, prevented the ball entering the net. Final; Everton 0, Arsenal 0. Attendance 56,987.
HUDDERSFIELD RESERVES V EVERTON RESEVRES
April 16, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Both teams found the ball difficult to control n the hard ground. Huddersfield however, were much more dangerous than Everton and Burnett, the visiting goalkeeper, has to make three excellent driving saves. Pinchbeck and Corr left the ball to each other and missed a grand scoring opportunity for Everton. Half-time; Huddersfield Res Nil, Everton Res Nil. Everton attacked on the resumption, Pinchbeck missing his kick in front of the home goal. Mason headed just wide of the upright, fired high over the bar, and with Burnett beaten Reid headed against the post. Full time; Huddersfield Res 3, Everton Res 0.
EVERTON TOY WITH THE ARSENAL
April 16, 1949. The Evening Express
Master the Conditions, but Keeper Swindin Thwarts Them
By Radar.
For fully an hour, Everton toyed with an Arsenal side which never seemed all out, at Goodison Park, but the Everton forwards, try as they might, just could not break down that brick-wall Arsenal defence. Throughout the game Everton, who played delightful approach football mastering the hard ground and light ball could do everything but score, which did not produce a goal. Before the interval, Everton were refused what seemed to be a legitimate claim for a penalty when a Wainwright drive, which eventually struck the upright appeared to be quite clearly handled. Even when Everton did manage to round-off their excellent midfield work with an effective shot, they always found the brilliant Swindin perfectly positioned to foil them. The Everton defence was rarely in trouble and Sagar had an uncommonly quiet day. It was not until ten minutes before the start that the announcement came through that Wainwright was ft to resume following an injury which kept him out of the side at Sheffield last Saturday. Added to the fact that they are always an unusual attraction the visit of Arsenal brought a hugh holiday crowd and there must have been a least 50,000 present before the kick off. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Barnes and Smith, backs; Mercer, Compton, and Forbes, half-backs; McPherson, Jones (B.), Brooks, Lishman and Roper, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.C. Green (Wolverhampton). It was obvious from the start that the hard ground and light ball were going to play tricks, and several times in the opening minutes, the awkward bounce of the ball bamboozled the players. After several preliminary incursions by Arsenal had been repulsed, the Everton left flank went to work, and Fielding and Eglington, between them, enable McIntosh who had moved out to the extreme left, to level a danger-laden cross. Swindin, however, just managed to punch the ball off Wainwright’s head. Eventually Farrell slipped the ball through for Wainwright to try a first timer but the ball flashed into the side netting. An unexpected chance came Everton’s way, when Barnes failed in his attempt to intercept a through pass from Wainwright. But Wainwright placed his centre straight to lanky Compton, and although the ball bobbed about in the Arsenal goal area for several seconds none of the Everton forwards seemed inclined to try a shot.
Everton on Top
Without doubt Everton were having the better of matters, and a nice move in which Higgins, Wainwright and Eglington combined opened up the way for Fielding, but his long range drive was lofted yards over the top. There was a close call for Arsenal following a throw in high up on the right, for a mistake between Compton and Swindin would have let in Eglington had the Everton left winger been quicker to size up his opportunity. Although the Arsenal defence was cool and confident in all its work they still found Everton making all the runnings and a neat link up between Lello and McIntosh produced a chance for Higgins, but his high-powerful drive slewed wide of its objective. Although Everton had far more of the attack there was not that thrust evident which suggested that the cultured Arsenal defence would be pierced. McIntosh was a casualty, following a gallaint attempt to reach a Fielding lobbed pass, and then Higgins was laid out after shooting wide with only Swindin to beat. Fortunately both were able to resume after attention. The game had livened up considerably now, for the Everton forwards were producing grand football of such caliber that the Arsenal defence did not now look so calm and collected. A long range free kick by Tommy Jones almost brought Everton the goal they were so urgently seeking for McIntosh, Wainwright and Higgins harassed Swindin so effectively that the Arsenal goalkeeper almost threw the ball into his own net. As it was the ball rolled behind for a corner, which brought no effective result. Almost straight afterwards however, Wainwright broke through on his own and an Arsenal defender appeared to handle his shot, which beat Swindin, but struck the far post and rolled behind. So much had the game gone in Everton’s favour so far that Sagar had not had a single shot of note to save. In a further spell of pressure, Higgins let one go on the volley, but once again the ball soared over the top. McIntosh, who was leading the Everton attack with splendid enthusiasm, made a magnificent effort to convert a long range clearance from Saunders but his flying header found Swindin perfectly positioned to save. Half-time; Everton 0, Arsenal 0.
Anxious Arsenal
Everton, resumed where they left off –on the attack –and the Arsenal defence was given several anxious moments. Particularly when McIntosh, on the left, followed up a lobbed pass from Fielding and centred from the line, and Compton and Barnes got themselves into a tangle. A fruitless corner was the only result, however. When Arsenal did swing into action, however, the Everton defence hesitated for the first time, and Roper caused the crowd to gasp with a full blooded left footer on the run which shook the rigging. Away went Everton for Fielding who was fetching and carrying in great style, to square the ball and Wainwright let go with his right foot only to see his shot flash a foot the wrong side of the upright. Yet again Fielding contrived to split the Arsenal defence and when Eglington took over, McIntosh managed to turn the ball aside but Wainwright’s shot lacked accuracy. The referee hated the game to examine the boots of a couple of Everton players and then Arsenal came into the picture. Sagar failed to gather McPherson’s short range centre, and it was short range centre, and it was fortunate that Saunders was on the spot to kick clear. It was only occasionally that Arsenal managed to move to the attack, and Everton were soon continuing their siege. This time Farrell took Fielding’s pass in his stride, to drive in powerfully, but Swindin was there to handle without difficulty. A free kick to Everton just inside the Arsenal half was the prelude to an astonishing Arsenal escape during which Eglington struck the position Barnes headed clear almost off the line and then Fielding lashed the ball yards wide with Wainwright standing unmarked. Still Everton kept it up, and McIntosh’s persistence enabled him to force a corner. From this Jones headed in and it looked a goal all the way until Swindin went up like a ballet dancer to claw the ball down magnificently. McIntosh unleashed a fierce rising left-footer which looked as though it must have beaten Swindin had it not shaved the bar. A badly sliced clearance by Dugdale might well have proved fatal had it not been for a splendid piece of defensive work by Saunders, who had had a fine game against Roper. Higgins was having one of those days when nothing would go right for him and once again he neutralized good work when, he allowed the ball to spin away from his foot after McIntosh had swept the ball across the face of the goal. Higgins did manage to gain possession but he only succeeded in sweeping the ball into Swindin’s hands. Dugdale was rather fortunate to be on the blind side of the referee when he quite clearly brought the ball down inside the area with his arm. Several corners to Everton still did not bring anything which looked likely to beat Swindon. Failure to complete his clearance by Jones gave Lishman the chance to try one without hesitating, but Sagar was just as safe as was Swindin. Yet again Everton came within inches of taking the lead. Eglington just failing to convert after McIntosh had glanced Wainwright’s centre out of Swindin’s reach. Final; Everton 0, Arsenal 0. The Official Attendance, 56,987.
HUDDERSFIELD RES V EVERTON RES
April 16, 1949. The Evening Express
Both teams found the light ball difficult to control on the hard ground. Huddersfield, however, were much more dangerous, and Burnett the visiting goalkeeper, had to make three diving saves. Pinhbeck and Corr had the Huddersfield goal at their mercy in one of Everton’s new attacks, but each left the ball to the other and the chance was lost. Half-time; Huddersfield Res 0, Everton Res 0.
EVERTON SCORE A GOOD POINT FROM A GOOD GAME
April 18, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 0, Arsenal 0. (Attendance 56,987)
Arsenal’s greatness was founded on co-ordinated defence, making an Iron Curtain, and to one or more geniuses in attack. Today the absence of Buchan, Jack Drake, James, or a Bastin makes the side quite unbalanced. The eminence that was Arsenal’s is shaken by Anno Domin. Always Arsenal will suffer the indiscriminate taunt that “they were lucky,” and goalless draws will ever be held against them. Yet, I put on record that Everton and their rivals gave a good deal of pleasure if only by the football “meat” provided in this match of effort versus frustration. One had to enjoy the steadfast way young Dugdale kept to his task of stemming Arsenal’s one enlivening forward, the elusive McPherson, who after the first 30 minutes, was held completely. The work of Arsenal goalkeeper Swindin has never been more emphatic and his quick brainwork which enabled him throw-away a ball at the moment he and the ball were to be charged into the net was positively startling, Swindin had his woodwork to aid him on two occasions and those who say he should have faced a penalty award must not obliterate the handling case by Dugdale.
Outclassed
In a game in which there was no offside decision, no arguments and much to remember one has to commend the combined method adopted by Everton who in style and portent outclassed Arsenal everywhere except defence wherein the tall Smith was the complete full back. I think Arsenal missed their way because Tom Jones held Rooke and others with the aplomb that is his forte. When he made two slight errors the gasp of the crowd could be felt. That is the natural result of a slip by Jones. It is so unexpected and rare he appears to offer a goal as his punishment. Yet free kicks he lands with unerring, accuracy to the goalmouth are models which some of out erring forwards should attempt to emulate. Farrell cutting in and cutting out, was in resilient form, and helped with a grand shot. Lello without show or advertisement of self made compelling passes hat would not have done injustice to one named Fielding. Which is very high praise as the little man did so many brainy things without the response he had a right to expect. Higgins much knocked about, was not happy, save in two centres and McIntosh met one his own size in the somber-mined Compton and therefore had few chances gave one spectacular diving header. Wainwright was brought in at the eleventh hour and was quite luckless. Time will heal this misfortune. Eglington worked desperately without gittering reward.
The Ancient Mariners
It was nice to see so much fluency in the Everton side and the game was never dully and remember this was Arsenal’s second day of toll, whereas Everton had been resting on Good Friday. Bryn Jones found the pace of the ball and ground most disconcerting as most of his passes fied over the touchline. Not an Saunders, the home back, who was solid without being showy and made a definite mark toward highest class. Arsenal’s lack of fire in attack was balanced to a degree by the side’s ability to head the ball by their tennis practicing. They are a tall lot and heading becomes an integral part of their curriculum. The trouble was Arsenal’s attack broke so easily upon the waves of Everton’s defence, Sagar having his most restful day as a consequence. It was good to see Mercer treading former paths and at the later stages passing to the centre forward with alluring preciseness. Arsenal will always be attractive, but without vast changes in the front line they will never take the high road to championship or cups. Years ago when a 26 year old was signed in this city people felt a grave mistake was being made. To-day the 34-year olds hold their own with the lads. Arsenal however, cannot hope to complete with rival defences if they trade two ancient mariners in their attack. It is asking too much.
‘LUCKY’ ARSENAL
April 18, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Sports Log
Portsmouth staked further claims in their Football League championship bat and at the other end of the table Liverpool atoned for their Anfield lapse against Huddersfield Town with a hard-won success over Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park on Saturday, and at the same time did a good turn to Everton who could do everything but score goals, against the sheet-anchor Arsenal defence. For once, one can tag the label “lucky” to Arsenal for fortune certainly favoured them in large measures at Goodison. Give the “Gunners” top marks for valiant defence – the uncanny positional sense of George Swindin, the towering Rock of Gabratar, Leslie Compton and the cultured defensive full-back work of Lionel Smith. But there must have been at least half-a-dozen occasions when even that mighty defensive force was at tea against a fast-moving Everton attack in which Wally Fielding schemed and plotted deliciously and which served up football worthy of a club holding a much higher position in the league chart. It was literally all-Everton for fully 80 minutes of this game. This was an Everton display which gave rise to added optimism, although there were a number of occasions when a little more steadiness in front of goal would have clinched the issue, irrespective of Swindin, Compton, luck or anything else. The defence had a comparatively easy day. Sagar was never to real trouble. Saunders was the more secure full back. Jones completely dominated sharp-shooting Ronnie Rooke, and Lello turned in a tip-top constructive display. With Fielding and Eglington he formed a left-flank triangle to which Mercer and his colleagues had no answer. McIntosh, although rarely able to elude Compton, always required watching, and Wainwright showed that he had completely recovered from his recent injury. Yet, definitely an encouragement Everton performance.
EVERTON’S POINT
April 18, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
If only Everton could have mustered a goal in their game with Arsenal, at Goodison Park on Saturday, It would have clinched a match which was all theirs, but for the missing link which carries the point. True, the get a point, a very valuable one, too, but such football as they produced should have riddled the Arsenal defence. It was a crying a shame that they could not land the ball in the net, for they were more than a goal superior to the Londoners, and let me say that it was not the Arsenal defence which saved their bacon. In part it was the woodwork –twice it was struck with the goalkeeper beaten – at other times it was Swindin. I have always claimed that the Arsenal were not a “lucky Arsenal,” but I must admit that they were favoured by fortune on those two occasions and when Barnes kicked off the line. I say some really high-class football for the first game for weeks and it was Everton, who provided it. In the first half they completely outwitted the Arsenal whose defensive plan is not working so well these days. Everton’s thoughtful football was the reason, and the only fly in the ointment was that there was no goal to finish it off. Goals were of paramount importance to Everton. They tried hard enough to get one or two, and their shooting was quite good; but just not good enough. The way the Everton forwards swept through the Arsenal defence must have given. Tom Whitaker room for though. He banks on his defence for such a lot but it was not the formidable thing it used to be; the stonewall against which so many attacks have perished. Were they feeling the strain of their Good Friday game? They played as though they had not a care in the world. Well, they haven’t for their championship bid had gone some weeks ago, and they were too high in the table to be concerned with relegation. Everton should have strode to a convincing victory. Even without the joy of a goal, I was thoroughly satisfied with Everton’s play it was not the panicky football associated with a team fighting for their existence for that senior circle. It was too good for that, especially in the first half. They just did as they liked with the Arsenal with one exception of landing the ball in the net and how a goal was desired. But half a loaf is better than no bread. Arsenal did not have a forward worthy the name I have never seen such an impotent attack Everton defenders handled it with the greatest of sense and completely snuffed it out. There should have been a penalty to blue side. The game became a bit boring because of its one-sideness. It was an Everton with the Arsenal showing only glimpse of its power on rare occasions. The Everton front line was heaps better than that of the Arsenal but no doubt the Highbury boys were satisfied with an away draw which they were indeed lucky to get. But wasn’t the old Arsenal story of the opposition having all the play without doing any damage?
ALL SQUARE AT GOODISON
April 18, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
No Goals In First Half
Many Thrills
By Stork
Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones (T.G.), and Lello, half-backs; Stevenson, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Charlton Athletic; Bartram (captain), goal; Campbell and Vitty, backs; Fenton, Phipps and Brown, half-backs; Hurst, Tumley, Vaughan, Purves, and Duffy, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.G. Williams (Nottingham). It was another glorious day with just that cooling breeze in the air which made conditions for football ideal. Everton made one change, Stevenson coming in at outside right instead of the injured Higgins. Charlton and two defensive alterations, Campbell deputizing for Shreeve at right back, and Vitty for Lock on the opposite wing. Everton were still in need of points. They were unlucky not to get two on Saturday. It was hoped they would have greater fortune with their shooting today. Sam Bartram won the toss for Charlton and he put Everton to face the strong sun, which was shinning into the Gwladys Street goal. Everton started in a manner which suggested that they might take an early lead. To prophesy, however, is a dangerous thing. But one had to admit that their opening more was full of promise until the Charlton defence got together.
Forced A Corner
This attack, however, was only a forerunner to what was to follow for after Stevenson had centred the ball into Bartram’s hands the Everton attack showed craft and ability and Fielding made a lovely push-through pass to Wainwright who got in his shot, and Bartram had to save. This he did at the expense of a corner which was soon cleared by the Charlton defenders. The Athletic then made their first forward move, and Sagar had to resort to the old-fashioned punch away effort to clear the danger. Back came Everton and McIntosh who had moved over to the right wing slung across a centre to the far post to which both Eglington and Campbell went and the Charlton full back just managed to flick the ball away from the Everton winger.
Visitors Danger Man
Everton had not forgotten that Vaughan had scored three goals against them at the Valley and when the Athletic centre forward got his first opportunity be looked as though he might carry on where he had left off. The ball had been crashed well upfield beyond Jones and the Charlton leader went off like a grey hound with a goal appearing his portion but right at the critical moment Lello came in to take the ball from Vaughan’s toes. So persistent was the Everton attack that the Charlton defence just had to clear at all costs and anywhere.
A Lovely Opening
A series of corners came Everton’s way without bringing the desired result. First there was the case of Wainwright when he was offered a lovely opening by McIntosh but he was bowled over just as he was about to make his shot. Ultimately the ball struck the right full back and went for a corner. Wainwright almost sneaked his way through a little later, but Bartram stood in his path. Everton were showing good football tactics and plenty of first in their efforts to snap an early goal, and on balance of play they should have had one.
Too Close For Comfort
When Jones scooned a ball up in the air, he calmly made mends with a perfect back header to Sagar. Hereabouts Charlton came bang into the picture with two near misses. They were too close to a Charlton goal to be comfortable. Fenton had beaten Lello, and then delivered his shot, but it had not the necessary sling. The one which followed made by Hurst, flashed across the Everton goal-face and just passed outside the upright. Everton, however, were the more dangerous side, and how they missed breaking down the Charlton defence was a mystery. Phipps was so desperate in one of his clearances that he spooned the ball into the air close into goal, and Bartram only saved the situation by cleverly edging the ball over his crossbar. Farrell came along with a shot for Bartram to save, but Bartram’s best work so far was his tip over the bar from Wainwright, who hooked the ball in from an acute angle.
Penalty Claim
Everton seemed justified in their claim for a penalty when Brown pushed Wainwright in the back as he was making for goal. But the referee would not listen to the appeal. There was a nasty-looking melee in front of the Everton goal, and It was not cleared away without some anxiety on the part of the Everton defence. At times the Everton half-backs were inclined to over kick their forwards, which, of course played into the hands of the Charlton defenders who were only too pleased with the presentation of the “free-kick.” The Charlton defence was having its share of luck, for several times it was only rank good fortune which got them out of their difficulties such as a cannon-out or a blocked centre. Dugdale sliced a clearance and Saunders followed suit, the result being that Charlton took a corner. But it did not yield anything, and when Wainwright was set off by Stevenson. Phipps came tearing across to elbow Wainwright off the ball. This had to be a free kick to Everton. Farrell took it, Jones came up and made a perfect header which Bartram only got to by a desperate rush across his goal to turn the ball outside. Bartram seemed very concerned when Jones was about for he beckoned to his colleagues to cover the Everton centre half. Hurst slipped the ball over to the inside left position, and it was immediately following this that Sagar had to catch a rising shot from Purves. There was a stoppage while Purves received attention. The inside left of the way had changed positions with Duffy. Fielding was working magnificently, and when McIntosh cleverly curled the ball over to him he tried to set the Everton attack in motion. The move however, came unstuck. Although Charlton made only spasmodic raids they were full of danger for the inside forwards were particularly lively. Vaughan tried a long distance drive, but it was easily taken by Sagar. Stevenson was doing famously on the wing in fact, Everton’s play all round had been a good quality, and near the interval McIntosh provided Wainwright with a grand opportunity, but the Everton insides right headed over. This should have been goal. Hurst was as dangerous as any of the other Charlton forwards, and just on half-time he put over an oblique not which Sagar saved.
Half-time; Everton 0, Charlton Athletic 0
Eglington scored for Everton after 56 minutes.
EGLINGTON PICTURE GOAL FOR BLUES
April 18, 1949. The Evening Express
Vaughan Nets For Charlton in Closing Minutes of Game
By J.A.R
Everton dropped another home point at Goodison Park today when after a grand display, they were unfortunate to find an 83rd minute goal by Vaughan neutralizing one scored by Eglington after 55 minutes. The Blues had kept Charlton at full stretch and in the first half particularly were unlucky in finding Bartram, the Charlton keeper in top form. Everton had one change from Saturday. Alec Stevenson, the Irish international came in for Higgins at outside-right. Charlton also made changes, full backs Shreeve and Lock being replaced by Campbell and Vitty. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones (T.G.), and Lello, half-backs; Stevenson, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Charlton Athletic; Bartram (captain), goal; Campbell and Vitty, backs; Fenton, Phipps and Brown, half-backs; Hurst, Lumley, Vaughan, Purves, and Duffy, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.G. Williams (Nottingham). Charlton set the Blues to face the sun, but this did not prevent an early Fielding-Eglington link-up which ended with McIntosh trying to find Stevenson with a headed pass. Bartram had to go full-length to turn a McIntosh shot round the post for a fruitless corner-kick. Sagar punched away from Hurst, and then Stevenson bamboozled the Charlton defence to provide an opening for Eglington but Campbell came across in the nick of time.
Penalty Appeal
Vaughan twice made use of his speed to burst through, but he was crowded out at the crucial moment. At the other end, when McIntosh cleverly sold Phipps a dummy from a Farrell throw-in, his inside pass found Wainwright bundled off the ball as he was about to shoot and the Everton appeal for a penalty went unheeded. Campbell was far too tentative with a pass back to Bartram and the keeper was happy to find touch with a lusty kick as Wainwright raced in to challenge. Bartram threw the ball outside the penalty area ad ran midway into his own half to land his kick well down the field. Jones landed a free-kick so close to goal that Bartram misjudged the bounce, the ball just passing wide. Charlton came into the picture when Lumley and Fenton combined cleverly for Hurst to go through and shoot just wide. Stevenson had the whole of the Charlton defence standing still while he directed Wainwright to take up position for a square pass which the Everton inside-right turned on to McIntosh, but Bartram was proof against the leader’s final ground shot. The Charlton goal escaped miraculously twice in almost as many seconds, first when Phipps hooked a Fielding header off the line with Bartram beaten and next when the ‘keeper himself, at full stretch, got his finger tips to a Wainwright lob to turn the ball inches over the bar. The Charlton defence was far from sure under pressure and Phipps was fortunate in that his miskick of an Eglington centre did not meet with any worse result than a lob shot from McIntosh which Bartram easily held. Vitty, emulating the mistake, let in Wainwright and it was only an out-stretched leg by Campbell that kept Eglington out. Duffy forced a corner which Jones headed away.
Great Save
When Farrell lobbed a free-kick from just outside the penalty area, Jones’s height took him up over everybody’s and Bartram once again proved what a great goalkeeper he is with a full-length save which “brought the house down.” Hurst was he live wire of the Charlton attack, and things looked black for Everton when he put Lumley through, but Jones was in the way of the shot. The Everton leader crossed a high ball which Wainwright reached but could not keep down, and Bartram heaved a sigh of relief as it dropped on top of the net. Sagar had to be quick to pull down a shot from Hurst as Vaughan was shaping to make contact. Half-time; Everton 0, Charlton Athletic 0
When the game restarted Phipps kicked recklessly behind to keep out McIntosh, and then Stevenson whipped in a shot which slashed into the side netting. Everton could not get in the telling blow, Phipps twice popping up in from of McIntosh when he seemed set fair to meet crosses from Fielding and Eglington. Everton got the reward they deserved when after 56 minutes Eglington scored a picture goal after McIntosh had done all the graft. The move started with a short range free kick from Saunders to Jones then down the right wing, where the Everton leader, evading two tackles, swept the ball over Bartram for Eglington to nod it into the corner of the net. Then Bartram once again pulled the Athletic out of the wood with a superb full-length save from a Wainwright whizz-bang. Wainwright and McIntosh were wearing each other’s jerseys in the second half and the different numbers were puzzling the crowd. Bartram was in luck’s way when Fielding shot against his legs. At the other end Vaughan was only robbed of the equalizer by an awkward bounce. For a time the Londoners swarmed round the home goal, but Sagar did not have one real shot of note to deal with. In the next Charlton visit Duffy hadn’t a hope of getting away with a handling offence right under the referee’s nose. Wainwright was limping and had gone to outside right, Stevenson moving inside. They reverted to their original positions a few minutes later and it was Wainwright who initiated the next Everton attack, which broke down because Stevenson was too short his intended pass to McIntosh. Charlton kept up their search for a goal and after 83 minutes it came when Duffy swung a hard low ball into the goalmouth and although Sagar blocked two attempts he was beaten in the ensuing scrimmage. Vaughan being credited with the goal. Jones twice got in the way of shots from Vaughan which looked net bound. Final; Everton 1, Charlton 1. Official attendance 45,058.
EVERTON ARITHMETIC WAS AWRY
April 19, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Nine into Eight Did “Go”
Everton 1, Charlton Athletic 1
By Leslie Edwards
Wainwright and McIntosh, Everton forwards, had trouble personalities yesterday. They were according to programme for forty-five minutes –McIntosh (No. 9) and Wainwright (No. 8) – but when they appeared for the second half McIntosh’s 9 had mysteriously become an 8 and Wainwright’s 8 was a 9. Was this a bambooze still further a defence which had already made enough mistakes to have left Everton easy winners? Or a case of the players picking up the wrong jerseys after the interval sponge down? Authority confirmed it as an accidental chance. How many (or how few) of the 45,000 spectators noticed? I wonder! What was more plainly seen and appreciated (in one sense) was that Everton did enough to have come out winners and ended up by appearing to tip into the Charlton lap a point as heavy with import as any Everton have required for a considerable time. Did Everton err in “playing for keeps,” with seven minutes remaining and Eglington’s fifteenth-minute goal standing good? It is easier to be critical of policy than to know what is best to do to hold a lead with time running out quickly and the other side finding them feet a little for the first time. An all-up Everton might have scored again, but, equally might have left the door open. The Everton team did what they thought best. It was cruel misfortunate that Charlton should score from their only really dangerous second half attack. A shot which slewed across Sagar and beyond the far post in the first half was the only occasion on which they had previously been within sight of scoring well as some of their forwards played.
Poor Defence
On the other hand, Everton were continually breaking through and indifferent defence and Bartram not only kept the goal well, he enjoyed the support of Phipps when all seemed lost and a goalline kick away –actually the ball came down close to the post, and the goalkeeper had to complete the save – was the only thing to prevent a goal. There was much to like about Everton I do not know who was the more valuable, Stevenson for his utility wingmanship allied to some cajolery which took our fancy and out breath of the fine workmanlike half-back performance of Lello who has come to stay. He is both good and strong physically a combination too rare. Also we had further proof of Fielding’s strength in command. If there is an inside forward who carves clearer paths for partners he is still much in hiding. Wainwright began well and deteriorated a little into a rather frothy style.
Value For Money
There is no mistaking the value and weight, contribution of McIntosh whom I still contend represent the best £4,000-worth a club has ever accepted with alacrity. Where would Everton be without it McIntosh these rainy days? Eglington name went on the register but the goal was unmistakably by permission of McIntosh. For Vaughan vainly trying to out head Tom Jones must have been like trying to out head Eiffel Tower. Bartram’s big kicks usually found not his own forwards but some member of a good Everton half-back line and much of their value was lost. Vaughan showed up an off times as a dangerous little fellow but Hursts until Dugdale measured him right was the sparkle in the line, and Fenton showed himself to be a capable as he was talkative. Which is saying a great deal.
• Leeds United Reserves 0, Everton Reserves 1
BARTRAM DEFIANT
April 19, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Log
Everton were fighting out their second successive drawn game at Goodison. It seems that once again they had nine-tenth of the play, but still were denied victory. Colleague “J.A.R.” in the absence, owing to injury, of Pilot was at Goodison, and here is what he has to say about the game:- “For fully 75 minutes Everton had this game in the bag. Vintage football served up on the true Everton plate had taken them to a point, when it seemed as though nothing could stop them from taking vitally needed points. Charlton rocked under the hammer blows of Fielding and McIntosh while wee Alex Stevenson, Irish international who came in at outside right, continually carved his way through a defence that at times was driven to near panic measures to keep the Everton forwards out. But here the Blues came to a full stop, not entirely due to their own inability to administer the crowning blow, but in the main because, for the second time in the space of three days they ran up against the goalkeeper bogy. On Saturday it was Swindin of Arsenal, and yesterday there can be no doubt that only Sam Bartram the sandy haired Charlton keeper, kept the score sheet blank, particularly in the first 25 minutes. From the moment McIntosh let loose a scorcher in the first couple of minutes, he continually thwarted Everton. One save from a Jones header was memory living.
PLAYING FOR “KEEPS”
April 19, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Did Not Pay Everton
Bad Policy
Stork’s Notes
It was bad policy on the part of Everton to go into defence with such a slender lead against Charlton Athletic as they now know to their cost. I have always understood that the best form of defence is attack, but Everton apparently do not think that way. At all events when they scored their goal at 55 minutes they thought they had the points safely locked up and their attacking plans which had kept Bartram busy went out in favour of defence. Now, a side that can score a goal can surely score another if they keep on trying, but it was obvious that Everton preferred to trust to their defence to hold what they had. What a mistake. It nearly cost them the game for once Charlton equalized they saw a flicker of hope for victory and how they went out for it. It was touch and go in the last few minutes, and the irony of it was that it need not have been had Everton persisted in their attack. I have seen it happen before and will again, no doubt but how wrong it was. A single goal lead is not enough for any team to take for granted a dip or a rally by the opposition and the damage is done. That is what happened at Goodison Park. It was a slap happy equalizer, for it had no real starting point, but the ball eventually was picked up by Duffy, who slung it into the Everton goalmouth. Four Charlton men rushed in and the ball twice struck Sagar before Vaughan finally sent it into the net. It was tragic for Everton had done enough to have won handsomely which only goes to show that it does not pat to “let up.” Goals are the one thing missing out Goodison Park way in all other respects the team is playing attractive football and hammering the opposition defence. Bartram’s charge had many lucky escapes during the first “45” when Everton were playing sound progressive football and shooting strongly. He made several sparkling saves – the best, in my opinion being his “palm” over of a Wainwright shot. It was not until five minutes off the hour that Everton took the lead, through and Eglington goal; a header from McIntosh square centre which left; the Irishman little to do but has forehead to the ball. The game immediately slowed down, became scrappy with Everton obviously playing for time. True, their defence looked good enough to hold down the Charlton attack, but a better right would have been to keep the Athletic away from have own goal and that could have been done by continuing their attacking ideas which had proved so successful –goal apart. The attack had moved a d the half-backs streaking and making attacks and the defence equal to any demands made upon if by a spasmodic Charlton attack. Victory seemed assured but from the moment of their goal Everton eased up as though they had half a dozen goal in hand. They thought they had Charlton where they wanted them and that was their undoing.
EVERTON AT HARROGATE
April 20, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton have not yet decided on their team to visit Huddersfield Town on Saturday. The team is to have a few days rest and will go to Harrogate on Thursday.
EVERTON MUST WIN
April 22, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton have taken thirteen players to Harrogate and a decision as to the final construction of the team to meet Huddersfield will not be announce until later. The chief doubt is among the forwards and Mcllhatton and Grant are standing by in case of need. Everton must win this game –a defeat would be calamitous. They must expect a stiff tussle at Leeds Road, for Huddersfield will fight tooth and nail; in fact, this is a cut-throat affair. Huddersfield are the poorest team I have seen this season, but they cannot be taken lightly. They surprised Liverpool on Good Friday, but the Anfenders took full revenge the following Monday. Everton are playing good football without getting their full reward. They slackened after they had scored against Charlton, and nearly lost the match. A one goal lead is not enough to allow them to “sit on the splice.” I hope they have learned their lesson on the folly of such tactics. Every post a winning post must be Everton’s motto tomorrow. Everton (from) Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Stevenson, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington, Grant, Mcllhatton.
TOFFEES MAY EMULATE REDS
April 22, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Log
If the Toffees can win the game at Leeds road, and basing my opinion on the display served up by Huddersfield against Liverpool earlier this week, I feel sure they can, them league position worries should be at an end. Everton are playing first rate football and all that is required is for the forwards to shoot hard and often. Huddersfield have lost eight home games this season, and Everton have a great chance of doubling their tally of away victories, and also recording their first “double” of the season. They defeated Huddersfield 2-0 at Goodison before the turn of the year. Everton; (from); Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Grant, Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
• Everton Reserves v. Blackburn Rovers Reserves, at Goodison Park
• Everton “B” v. English Electric Res, at Bellefield
• Picton Rangers v. Everton “B”
GOAL THAT MADE EVERTON GASP
April 23, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
But Luck Evened Matters After Seventy Minutes
Huddersfield safety Battle
Huddersfield 1, Everton 1
By Stork
A valuable point for Everton. A poor game nevertheless, Everton’s forwards had a bad day. Huddersfield Town; Mills, goal; Hayes and H. Stewart, backs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, and Boot, half-backs; McKenna, Nightingale, Hansen, Doherty, and Metcalfe, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Holt (Rochdale). Stevenson who had a knee injury was unable to play at outside right and Powell took his place. There was better news about Wainwright who had a try-out this morning and he came through the test satisfactorily. Hepplewhite returned to the Huddersfield team and Hansen, the Dane led the attack. This was a vital match for both teams, especially Huddersfield although Everton could do with every point they could collect. Huddersfield were quickly off the mark. After Dugdale had passed back to Sagar Doherty set his attack in motion with a pass out to Metcalfe whose return was headed goalwards by Hansen. Not a difficult one for Sagar, but it had to be noted by the Everton defence. The Town persisted and Sagar had to catch a bouncing centre from the left. Everton then made their forward move and Mills had to come out and clear while Hepplewhite covered him. Huddersfield showed plenty of spirit. When they were awarded a free kick Doherty was guilty of handling the ball in full vision of the referee. Hansen produced some nice touches and so did Eglington when he side-flicked the ball inside to start an attack, which was not sustained. Then came a blow to Everton, Metcalfe picked up a clearance and swept the ball over to McKenna. The outside right beat Dugdale and centred close in the goal. Sagar went up for the ball, and so did Doherty, but rather of them touched the ball as it swerved into the net. Sagar appealed for something or other, but the goal stood. For a few moments Everton were dumfounded, but they recovered their poise. They then launched an attack which brought Eglington into the centre forward position but he shot with his right foot and there was no sling behind the effort. Hansen was particularly good at lifting the ball over a rival and then sweeping round him. He did this a number of times. Lello, in his anxiety to clear, ballooned the ball, and Sagar had to come out to prevent a corner.
Sagar Was Ready
Powell and Wainwright cut through and Wainwright made a fierce shot, which passed outside. Hansen was called upon by the crowd to have a shot when he was 25 yards out. He had one, and it was a good one to which Sagar got to his hands and body. Hansen put a cross-field pass to Metcalfe but the winger centred too close to goal. The ball dropped on the top netting and Doherty was in the goalmouth in case the ball dropped short. A dog caused some amusement by appearing on the field. The game was stopped and Powell slipped the dog which, however turned on him and then went scampering off the pitch. The Town were much more progressive without being much better than Everton.
Town “Stone-wall.”
Jones received the ball to fire away from a free kick but made full amends by heading away two dangerous centres from the left wing, Hansen had a powerful shot charged down. The Everton attack could not break down the Town defence even on the few occasions they made contact with it. Hansen was on the right lines to shoot. He made another fine shot which Sagar saved. Whittaker was then spoken to by the referee. Dugdale pushed the ball up for Eglington, who dribbled beyond three Town defenders. He popped the ball into the centre, but there was no Everton player there to receive it. Fielding got the ball into the Huddersfield net, but the goal was disallowed being offside. Huddersfield were more dangerous near goal and Doherty headed narrowly wide. The football was not of a high standard. Everton could not get going and yet again a shot from Hansen cannoned outside. Mills had not had a single shot, yet the ball had been in the Huddersfield net on two occasions both offside.
Half-time; Huddersfield Town 1, Everton nil.
The opening phases of the second half did not provide any thrills but we did see an Everton shot. It followed a nice cross field movement and it culminated in McIntosh shooting hard and strong for Mills to make a good save. Doherty’s tactics again took Huddersfield close into the Everton goal, ready to turn any slip to account, but this time Sagar foiled him. After an Everton corner Hansen tried a lob with Sagar out of goal but the ball passed just over the bar. This followed a Powell centre which was soon collected by the Town defence. Hansen gave McKenna a chance. The winger fired across goal and just outside. Metcalfe “placed” the ball for Doherty who completely missed his kick. Huddersfield were well on top at this point of the game. McKenna would have brought great trouble to the Everton defence had he got across his centre as he should have done. Everton had been pressed in their own half without suffering injury.
Quick Tackling
At last their broke away and McIntosh had a shot blocked out. The Huddersfield tackling, was much quicker than that of Everton Whitaker was too slow in making his pass. This held up a Huddersfield attack. The Everton forward line was having one of its poorest days. It never knitted together in an endeavour to beat the Huddersfield defence. A slip by Huddersfield let in Eglington whose centre seemed to be well covered by Mills. He grabbed the ball, but upon being worried by Wainwright the dropped it behind him. Powell rushed in and shot into the net. Time 70 minutes. The goal was all against the run of play during this half. For a few minutes the Everton forwards were more prominent Wainwright was brought down just outside the penalty area. Wainwright and Powell changed positions. Fielding tried a long shot which finished yards outside the post.
Tonic For Everton
He had another. This time Mills was called upon to save. Everton saw the possibility of a victory. They were now playing better than at any time during the game. Wainwright was only just beaten in the nick of time by Hepplewhite, Sagar swept aside a dangerous centre. Final; Huddersfield Town 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN ROVERS RES
April 23, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res; Burnett, goal; Clinton and Greenhalgh, backs; Tansey, Humphreys and Lindley, half-backs; Corr, Pinchbeck, Juliussen, Bentham and Parker, forwards. Blackburn Rovers Res; Billington, goal; Quinn and Higgins, backs; Chadwick, Holiday and Barry, half-backs; McClair, Wilkinson, Jackson, Bee, and Woodcock, forwards. Referee; Mr. E. Collinge (Sale, Cheshire). Everton played Juliussen to lead their attack and had the better of the play. Billington the Rovers keeper having quite a busy time. The Everton goal had a narrow share when Burnett saved a fine shot from Bee at the expense of a fruitless corner. Just before the interval Parker put in a grand effort which the Rovers keeper handled. The linesman flagged for a goal but the referee took no notice. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Blackburn Rovers Res 0. After the interval Blackburn attacked and Bee got home a good shot which as cleverly handled by Burnett. Everton retaliated and made valiant effort to take the lead, Pinchbeck having very hard luck when he got home a beautiful drive which just skimmed the crossbar. Full time; Everton Res 0, Blackburn Rovers Res 1.
EVERTON GET POINT IN VITAL GAME
April 23, 1949. The Evening Express
Huddersfield’s Puzzling Goal
Powell Saves The Toffees By Netting at the 70th Minute
Everton found themselves a goal down inside 10 minutes in the vital relegation battle with Huddersfield Town at Leeds-Road today and a lucky goal it was too. Sagar appeared to be pushed by Peter Doherty as he went up to deal with a McKenna centre and the ball dropped over his arm and over the line. However, after 70 minutes, Powell made the score level. His apart it was a disappointing game. The Everton forwards were rarely in the hunt and with McIntosh well held by Hepplewhite there was an almost complete lack of thrust. The second half was ten minutes old before Mills, in the Huddersfield goal, had his first serious shot to save. In a puzzling wind and on a hard ground the Everton wing-halves gave Doherty and Nightingale far too much scope and the defence was not always as secure as it might have been. Alec Stevenson’s knee injury, had still not improved sufficiently to allow him to play, and Aubrey Powell came in at outside right. This was the only change in the Everton line up compared with the Charlton game last Monday, although it was only after a try-out at Harrogate this morning that Eddie Wainwright was declared fit. Huddersfield were strengthened by the return of George Hepplewhite at centre-half, while Karl Hansen, the Danish player, took over the leadership of the Town attack to the exclusion of Glazzard. Nightingale was introduced at inside-right the position in which he played against Liverpool on Good Friday. Huddersfield Town; Mills, goal; Hayes and H. Stewart, backs; Whittaker, Hepplewhite, and Boot, half-backs; McKenna, Nightingale, Hansen, Doherty, and Metcalfe, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Holt (Rochdale). Apart from Huddersfield’s poor display last Monday, the attendance was severely reduced by counter –attractions including Pontefact races and local League cricket. There could not have been more than 15,000 spectators present at the start. Hansen headed out a nice ball to Metcalfe and was right in position for the return but his long-range header was safely dealt with by Sagar. Everton, who were in white shirts made their first effective raid through Powell who earned a free kick. Whittaker partially cleared this and Wainwright hooked the ball over his head only to find both Fielding and McIntosh lying offside. So far neither side had shown ability to control the light ball on a hard surface and there had been little over which to enthuse. In just under 10 minutes, unexpectedly Huddersfield went away to take the lead with an extraordinary goal. Metcalfe took possession of a Jones clearance and crossed the ball into the middle. Eventually McKenna took over and lobbed the ball goalwards, obviously intending a centre. In the puzzling wind the ball dropped over Sagar’s hands into the net with Doherty harassing the Everton keeper. After an Everton excursion, Town came again and it needed a desperate tackle to prevent Nightingale from making his shot from just inside the area.
Everton Defence Shaky
In the scrappy game little had been seen of the Everton forwards so far, although Hepplewhite had to come across quickly on one occasion to prevent Eglington fastening on a through ball from Wainwright. The Everton defence was inclined to be shaky at this stage as was instanced when Lello sliced the ball towards his own goal, Sagar managing at the second attempt to prevent a corner. A chance came Everton’s way when Powell pushed the ball through invitingly for Wainwright, but Mills came out to tackle Wainwright and succeeded in forcing him to loft the ball high and wide. Sagar did well to deal with a high powered left-footer from the enterprising Hansen. Hesitance on Tommy Jones’ part might well have been fatal but he managed to recover and complete his clearance after which Mills was called on to save a lobbed shot of no great power from Powell. Metcalfe came close to repeating McKenna’s dose when he took over a diagonal pass from Hansen and with Sagar scrambling dropped the ball on top of the goal netting. Still the Everton forwards could not get going in any semblance of order, and McIntosh was given no rope whatsoever by the sturdy Hepplewhite. A small black dog who came on the field to liven matters up proved the only real item of interest for some minutes, and when Powell tried to take the animal off the field it snapped at him and then raced away. Three times in as many seconds Jones stood between the more progressive Town forwards and a second goal twice with his head and on the third occasion when he blocked a short-range drive from Hansen. Referee Holt’s whistle was working overtime as both sides were penalized for an unusual crop of minor infringements. Hansen was the one forward on the field who seemed willing to try a shot and again he brought Sagar into action to save a left-footer all along the ground. Whittaker was spoken to by the referee but the free kick just inside the Town half found two Everton forwards again offside. Dugdale and Eglington raised the Everton hope with effective combined work but when Lello took over and his intention and all the good work went to waste. Fielding netted just afterwards but was ruled offside and then Doherty went close with a glancing header from McKenna’s centre. The Everton goal escaped miraculously as Jones failed to intercept a square pass from Metcalfe and Doherty seemed too surprised to accept a grit chance. Twice the ball was charged down from point blank range. Half-time; Huddersfield Town 1, Everton 0.
A McIntosh Shot
A long clearance saw Jones again miss his kick almost straight from the restart, but Hansen was well off the mark with his quickly-taken shot. Generally speaking, however, the game was still marked by the same scrappy football, although McIntosh enlivened matters with Everton’s first real shot of the game. McIntosh took Powell’s pass in his stride to bring Mills to his knees with a powerful grounder. Farrell’s long cross punt might have proved fruitful if Hayes had not managed to a fraction to beat Eglington in a race for possession. Another spell of Huddersfield pressure ended when Metcalfe rather tamely hooked the ball wide of the post when well placed. Away went Everton through Fielding to force a corner, but Jones failed by inches to make contact with his head. There was danger when Hansen hooked the ball from a Sagar clearance, fortunate it flashed just over the top. Sagar must have been relieved to watch a terrific right-foot drive from McKenna shave the far post after the little Town winger had eluded Dugdale. Again there was a close call when Doherty missed making proper connection with a short range pass from Metcalfe. There were possibilities –good ones – when Fielding sent Eglington away in the inside-left position, but Doherty came from behind to dispossess Eglington just at the vital moment. Although Everton began to have more of the game, the ball was too often lobbed aimlessly into the Town penalty area with McIntosh a lone figure hopelessly outnumbered. The Huddersfield defence gave the impression that it might well have cracked under sustained pressure. But the Everton forwards times without number waited for the ball to come to them. Rarely have I seen an Everton forward line to colourless and ineffective. Hardly had I written the last sentence, however, when Everton equalized thanks largely to a slip by the Town defence. Eglington took advantage of this, and when he centred Wainwright challenged Mills so effectively that he dropped the ball behind him and Powell raced in to drive the ball into the net. Time 70 minutes. Wainwright was grassed as he went forward to a choice McIntosh pass, but the free kick brought nothing to test Mills. A run by Nightingale required the combined effort of Lello and Fielding to cope with it. Eventually Hansen gained possession to the right of the goal, but his low shot landed in the crowd at the back of the goal. Powell and Wainwright now exchanged positions and Fielding sped over to the right to try a long-ranger which Mills watched safely past the post. Another Fielding drive was right on the target but so was Mills, perfectly positioned to save high up. That equalizer certainly livened up the Everton forwards who were now moving more effectively than at any other period in the game. Matcalfe drove weakly wide when well-placed and in another surging Town raid Sagar had to move quickly to punch clear. As it was, the ball travelled out to McKenna whose return header finished in the side netting. The wind was still playing strange tricks with the ball but Sagar was very safe in dealing with Metcalfe’s centre-cum-shot. Final; Huddersfield Town 1, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN RES
April 23, 1949. The Evening Express
There was little to choose between the teams in the initial stages, but the Blues’ had the better of the argument. Blackburn were always making a loophole and a fine delivery by Bee caused Burnett to save at the expense of a fruitless corner. Just prior to the interval, Everton made a determined effort to take the lead, but were unlucky, for Parker got in a beautiful header, which Billington saved. The linesman signaled for a goal, but the referee disallowed it. Half-time; Everton Reserves 0, Blackburn Rovers 0.
It was a tense struggle after the restart, both sides striving to take the lead. Wild shooting spoiled any chance they had. Final; Everton Reserves 0, Blackburn Rovers 1.
NO ONE WANTED TO REMEMBER THIS 90 MINUTES
April 23, 149. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Huddersfield Town 1, Everton 1
Huddersfield and Everton are in their right position in the table. I have not seen such poor football for many a day. Apart from Huddersfield’s aggressive display in the first half the small crowd had little to enthuse over. It was truly end of the season stuff. Ground conditions were hard and there was a swirling wind, but even those factors are no excuse. The Everton forwards, in particular, touched a new low level. Never together at any stage of the game, they never threatened to score. It was 30 minutes before Mills was called upon to make a save, and throughout the game he did not have more than three shots. Huddersfield were little better with a dozen times more chances. They attacked persistence throughout the first half and should have had the game in safe keeping by the interval, but apart from a few shots by the Dane. Hansen there was no one to turn chances into goals.
The Goals
Huddersfield got a flucky one at the 10th minute and I am not sure Sagar was not justified in appealing for obstruction against Doherty when McKenna sent in a curling centre which passed over the Everton goalkeeper’s hands. Neither Doherty nor Sagar touched the ball as it dropped in. however, these things have a way of leveling themselves up, and at 70 minutes Mills suffered the same fate as Sagar in that he was unsettled by the presence of Wainwright, dropped it behind him, and Powell nipped in and cut it into the net. It was after Powell’s goal that Everton got into something like an attacking force, but it was maintained and the game petered out and was forgotten by most of the onlookers a minute after the final whistle. Doherty was a light of former days and Hansen and McKenna were the pack of the forwards. The Dane had some lovely touches and made opening after opening. The Huddersfield defence looked better than it was because of the ineptitude of the Everton attack. The Everton defence stood four square but the wing halves gave the Town wingers too much rope. Looking back over the game I saw very little combined movements from either side. Huddersfield relying upon the long ball into the goalmouth.
• Everton “B” 2, English Electric Res 0
EVERTON’S VITAL GAME WITH UNITED
April 25, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Log
With the First Division relegation issue still as obscure as ever, Everton’s re-arranged league game against Manchester United at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening becomes of vital importance, and it is all the more unfortunate that three of the players suffered knocks in the Huddersfield game. Aubrey Powell, Wally Fielding and Eddie Wainwright were all, limping after the game. Fielding in particular, was in pain with a twisted knee when he returned to Liverpool. Wainwright is still not 100 per cent fit, and it was a pre-match decision for him to switch positions with Powell. If Eddie was feeling the pace, that brought the goal which gave Everton’s priceless point at Leeds-road. It was in the 70th minute that Eglington took advantage of a defensive slip to cross a high centre and Wainwright came stealing in from the extreme right to force Mills to drop the ball behind him. A nice piece of quick thinking by Powell enabled him to be right on the spot to flash the ball into the net. There was justice in that goal, for there was a doubt about the Huddersfield goal – I thought Sagar was pushed –scored in the 10th minute, a blow which meant that Everton were fighting an uphill battle almost throughout. Sagar seemed to have McKenna’s cross well covered when he was lusted by Doherty and the ball dropped over his arms into the net. Everton only needed to have played half as well as they did against Arsenal to have won this game with something to spare, for Huddersfield were poor. Apart from an odd drive from Hansen, Sagar had an easy time. One or two miskicks excepted Jones was his usual dominate self in midfield while Saunders and Dugdale recovered from a shaky start to blot out the Town wingers almost completely. Neither Lello, not Farrell was completely convincing, while the forwards never looked an effective force. Eglington and Powell were the most likely raiders. McIntosh was well watched by Hepplewhite although he did deliver the best shot of the game.
POOR FORWARDS
April 25, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
There can be many variation in the composition of the First Division table before the final hurt-in drop on May 7, but I cannot see how Huddersfield are to escape relegation. True they are bracketed with two other clubs on the 30 points mark, but Preston and Middlesbrough are putting up a better fighting front. Everton need not have been a super side to win at Leeds Road on Saturday, but they made it the occasion for one of their most dismal displays at least so far as attack was concerned. They had played so well against Charlton and Arsenal that a reproduction of such form would have been good enough to account for Huddersfield but, no it was not one of their good days. I have searched through my notes to find a record of one really good combined effort on the part of the Everton forwards with which to outwit the “Town” defence and nary a one can I find. Huddersfield were not a great deal better, but they certainty held the balance of play, and should have made victory certain in the first half, when Everton were devoid of craft, shot or anything else excepting defence. On the showing both teams are in their rightful place in the table, for their football was poor in the extreme. Considering this was a vital game it was uncommonly quiet with little to commend it. The Town put plenty of heart into their play, but little else, but Everton did not even have that quality. They got a goal through a lucky chance just as Huddersfield got theirs. Neither Mills nor Sagar was blameless, although I did think the Everton keeper was interfered with as he moved to take McKenna;s harmless-looking centres which would not have beaten him once in a million times, It was the presence of Doherty that hindered him, and be claimed that the Irishman had pushed him. The Town’s goal was of a similar nature, Mills went up for an Eglington centre grabbed the ball, and then saw Wainwright out of the corners of his eye and when challenged he dropped the ball behind and Powell rushed in to put it into the net. Both goals should have been saved. I am not quibbling about that, but the poor standard of football produced. The Everton attack did not function as a line, and was easy “meat” for the Huddersfield defence which was made to look better than it was by the inability of the Everton forwards to get together. Mills had little to do, and so for that matter had Sagar despite all Huddersfield’s aggression. Yes, gentlemen it was a valuable point for Everton, but something better will have to be produced to beat Manchester United (Wednesday). Wolves the following week and Bolton Wanderers at Burden Park on the last Saturday of the season.
MANCHESTER UTD.’S VISIT
April 26, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Youthful Stars
They Are Not What They Were
Everton’s Doubt
Stork’s Notes
It is gratifying to know that of Everton’s three remaining games, two are at Goodison Park, but even so they have got to be won or should I say not lost. A draw against Manchester United and Wolverhampton would, I think be sufficient to keep them in the senior circle and judged on the manner in which the Cup holders have slumped during the past few weeks, a half share is not beyond Everton’s reach. Several of the players received knocks in the game with Huddersfield last Saturday, but Fielding who is being treated for a twisted knee, is the only doubt. Eddie Wainwright has fully recovered from his knock. The United’s fall-away is hard to explain unless it is that the team is feeling the strain of keeping on the top note for two successive seasons. They are nothing like the team of last season, when they were the outstanding football side. They will not be easily defeated.
EVERY POST MUST BE A WINNING ONE, EVERTON!
April 26, 1949. The Evening Express
By Radar
The visit of Cup-holders, Manchester United, to Goodison Park tomorrow evening –it is a re-arranged league game –provides Everton with an opportunity to make sure in their struggle to climb clear of the league danger zone. Victory over the United would almost certainly end Everton worries. The he gap between the Toffees and the four clubs at present beneath them in the league table is so narrow that the Goodison men cannot afford the slightest slip. Including Wednesday’s game, Everton have only three matches outstanding. They entertain the Wolves at Goodison tomorrow week and complete their programme, with a visit to Bolton on Saturday week. Apart from the vital nature of the game, the visit of United is certain to attract a hugh crowd for although Matt Busby’s team have rather fallen from grace in recent weeks they are still one of the biggest attractions in the country. Everton will take encouragement from the fact that Preston managed to force United to a draw at Maine-road on Saturday, but it must be remembered threat “Johnny Carey and his colleagues have taken full points from their last two league games away from home – at Burnley and Bolton –and Everton will have to improve considerably on Saturday’s display at Huddersfield if they are to see to secure those two points. It will be Manchester’s second visit to Goodison his month, for on April 2 they were beaten by the Wolves in that memorable replayed F.A. Cup semi-final. It will be the 24th league lash between the clubs at Goodison and of these Everton have won 13 and United six. At Maine-road earlier this term United won 2-0 thanks to goals by Delney and Johnny Morris now with Derby County. United have not taken both points from Goodison in a league game since the 1936-37 season when they won by the odd-goal-in-five.
WIN LIFTS RELEGATION CLOUDS
April 28, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton 2, Manchester United 0
Everton’s victory over Manchester United last night lifted the relegation clouds over Goodison Park, so that with the tension eased Everton car go into their last two matches with easier minds. Not only did they play excellent football, but they scored two glorious goals and should have had others. They outplayed out-manoeurved and outshone Manchester United, the team which last season won the Cup by superlative football. One would not have recognized the Manchester of a year ago, but this was as much due to Everton’s dominance as to their own inability. Everton certainly pleased the 39,000 spectators and considering the condition of the ground, it was bone hard, showed football artistry that did not seem possible. It was the best Everton I have seen for a long time, it was even better than that against the Arsenal and Charlton and that was good. Manchester United had no answer to it, and had Everton won by half a dozen goals they would not have been flattered. They were that much better so much so that Manchester had but three shots during the whole game. That also explains how good was the Everton defence. There were times when Manchester produced a flash of brilliance but it was not sustained and the only occasions when Sagar had any cause for anxiety was in the first minute when Mitten had a shot and the ball curled out.
Half-back Success
The United handicapped some-what by a forehead injury to Cassidy early on. The Everton wing halves were one of the secrets of Everton’s success. They kept up a creaseless steam of passes to their pressure after the interval and at the Manchester inside men. Manchester rarely had a look in. The Everton attack were right on their toes and changed position’s cleverly. At 18 minutes Wainwright cut in to nod home a centre by McIntosh. But the goal of the game was Everton’s second. It was the result of the first time shot by McIntosh and Compton was beaten to a frazzle. Wainwright took a big part in the making of this opening. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Manchester United; Crompton, goal; Carey and Aston, backs; Lowrie, Chilton, and Cockburn, half-backs; Delaney, Downie, Cassidy, Pearson, and Mitten, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. T. Wright (Macclesfield).
SATELY POINTS FOR EVERTON
April 28, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Log
Everton are now almost free of the danger zone in Division 1, thanks to last night’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Preston North End and Huddersfield Town are both five points behind Everton, and only by both winning outright their last three games and by the Toffees falling to gain a point from the outstanding two fixtures could they escape. The Everton defence was completely on top of its job and it was the finest display I have seen from an Everton intermediate line this season, with Jones master-mind. Farrell had his finest game, for many a day, and Lello’s was a gem of a performance, marked by resolute tackling and perfect constructive work. Sagar had a quiet evening, but earned his bonus money with one brilliant full-length dive in the first half to turn Downy’s header round the post. Dugdale and Saunders were solid and safe in everything they did. The highlight of the game was the magnificent leadership of McIntosh. He completely upset the United defence. His goal –to supplement Wainwright’s header was the result of a glorious drive which brought 39,106 spectators to their feet. Fielding was a grand schemer, and Eglington despite first half lapse was a more effective winger than Powell.
EVERTON’S BEST DISPLAY
April 28, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Manchester United Were Second Raters
Everton are nearly out of the wood, which at one time seemed like swallowing then up. The clouds are disappearing and the tension easing, but there are still points to be won. Three days ago a hard unpleasant task of telling you of a game which reached rock bottom. Let us how tell you of an Everton which played football of the highest order against Manchester United. I can honestly say that their play last night was the best of the season, and I am not unmindful of their two fines games against Arsenal and Charlton for which they should have had full points. Everton last night were inspired. They played as though they had not a care in the world when we knew that they were greatly troubled about, their position. They took a grip of things from the start and they made Manchester United look a poor side, but from the team which last year was voted and quoted as the best team seen for years. The conditions –a hard ground and a flighty ball had not the slightest effort upon Everton’s smart progress and exhilarating football, which played the United right out of the game. But good football has not been foreign –Huddersfield accepted –to Everton for some weeks but they lacked the final touch, the goal touch without which games cannot be won. They scored two beautiful goals against Manchester and should have had others in fact, they should have trounced the Cup holders who failed to show even a trace of their greatness. Manchester United have gone over the top; were just a moderate side, and it was Everton who were the mantle of distinction last night. They had fleetness of foot, splendid combined notions and the wing half halves gave superlative service to those in front. This has in my opinion been one of their fallings. We saw the difference very clearly, Jones, Saunders, and Dugdale handled the Manchester forwards to rightly that only three shots came from the United line. It was undoubtedly a fine performance, even though they were favoured at times by the referee. Now to the goals. They were so important that they must be bracketed with the play. The first came in 18 minutes when Eglington flipped out the ball to McIntosh, who had run out to the left. His centre was perfection, and Wainwright came in to head the ball over Crompton’s head. But the second was the one which took the eye. There is nothing the followers delights in more than a shot which speeds into the net like lightning. Wainwright turned the compliment, for he pushed the ball inside and McIntosh strode up and with his left foot crashed the ball into the net from fifteen yards range. Chilton once kicked off the line. Crompton made several saves, but this was Everton’s evening without a shadow of a doubt.
ONE OF SCOTLAND’S BEST CLUBS
April 29, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Log
Everton take a rest from league matters, but there is certain to be a large crowd at Goodison Park tomorrow to give a warm welcome to Third Lanark, one of the leading Scottish clubs, who have at one time or another gained all the honours. Several of the Everton players are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the mid-week game against Manchester United. Eddie Wainwright was feeling the effects of several; bad knocks in the second half of the United game, while Fieldings injured leg was again giving him trouble. In addition, Gordon Dugdale played for most of the game with plaster covering a cut over his left eye.
THIRD LANARK AT GOODISON
April 29, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton have as visitors to Goodison Park the Scottish club. Third Lanark. This should prove a good attraction for Scottish clubs are noted for their clever football. Their famous wing pair, Mapson and Mitchell is no more, for the latter transferred his allegiance to Newcastle United some weeks ago. Mason. However, will be in the side, so you will have the pleasure of seeing a player who was one of the successes of the Scottish side which defeated England at Wembley last Saturday week. Everton gave an exhilarating display against Manchester United – quite the best of the season –and if they can continue on the same lines. I think Lanark are in for a warm time. The score of the final at Wembley will be posted at frequent intervals. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Clinton; Farrell, Humphreys, Lello; Mcllhatton, Powell, Julliussen, Stevenson, Eglington.
• Everton “A” v Skelemerdale at Bellefield.
EVERTON HELD TO DRAW
April 30, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Third Lanark Put Up Great Fight
Everton 2, Third Lanark
Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders, and Clinton, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys and Lello, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Eglington, forwards. Third Lanark; Fraser, goal; Balunas and Harrower, backs; Orr, Christie, and Mooney, half-backs; McCulloch, Telfer, Scott, Henderson, and Starscik, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Jones (Rainhill). After early artistry by the Scotsmen during which the Everton defenders were frequently stretched in make desperate clearances, Everton scored in their first breakaway after five minutes. Lello started the movement along the left and when Eglington crossed a picture ball forwards goal Mcllhatton popped up to head into the net from the outstretched hands of Fraser. After Henderson had shot narrowly over the bar, Sagar accomplished a wonderful acrobatic feat to get to a ball headed in by McCulloch which seemed to be travelling towards the right-hand corner of the net. With the abundance of good football, there were also numerous thrills. One was at the Third Lanark goalmouth when Eglington flashed a hard ball which beat everyone. Juiussen and Mcllhatton were both in the goalmouth and the winger must have just missed the ball by the proverbial hairbreadth. Everton’s goal had a charmed life Time and again the clever play of the Third Lanark forwards raised the enthusiasm of the 15,000 spectators, but their brilliant outplay was negative by their own weakness in the goal area. Staroscik was perhaps the chief offender for he had many openings, and on one occasion after carrying the ball close in with the Everton defence, hopelessly spread-eagled he blazed the ball wildly past.
Staroscik Equalises
Nevertheless, in 36 minutes Staroscik made amends when he headed a perfect equalizer, Scott carried the ball forward, and Sagar was surprised to find the little winger beating him to the jump. Four minutes later Everton got ahead again. Eglington was allowed to progress from what was suspiciously an offside position, and when he swept the ball into the centre, Juliussen had merely to tap the ball into an empty goal. Half-time; Everton 2, Third Lanark 1.
It was Everton who entertained the crowd to football of the traditionally Scottish type in the early exchanges of the second half. When Juliussen took the ball back along the ground to Stevenson Scott put all the power he could behind his shot but the ball rebounded to safety off Balunas. It was a long time before Thirds got going and when they did Scott drew applause when he sent a shot of the lightning variety just past Sagar’s right-hand post. The Scottish team, from this point hemmed Everton into their own area, and Sagar was lucky on one occasion when he had a second chance after dropping the ball when challenged by Scott, who led the Scottish forward line in magnificent style. The Third Lanark defenders were inclined to position themselves rather near the centre line, and twice these tactics all but caught them napping. Peter Farrell and his half-backs played on this, and twice Juliussen sped on forwards goal with the opposition appealing in vain for off-side.
Second Equlaiser
Only desperate recovery work on the part of the Scottish defenders adverted further disaster. One of the finest pieces of play seen at Goodison for a long time led to Third Lanark’s second equalizing goal in 65 minutes. It was McCulloch who capped the brilliant triangular play by heading the ball past the bewildered Sagar. This friendly game was always full of interest. If served to give Everton an object lesson in along-the-floor type of football and first time powerful shooting and heading for in these soccer virtues. Third Lanark certainly proved themselves to be masters. The Official attendance 13,939. Final; Everton 2, Third Lanark 2.
DERBY RES V EVERTON RES
April 30, 1949. The Evening Express
Everton Res made three changes for their game at Baseball Ground this afternoon against Derby County Res. Bentham came in as inside left, Jones at outside right and Falder at centre half. Teams; Derby County Res; Townsend; Parr and McLachlan, backs; Edwards, Cunslow, and Thompson, half-backs; Mays, Tait, Parkin, Parry, and Poppitt, forwards. Everton Res; Mitton, goal; Jackson and Greenhalgh, backs; Tansey, Falder, and Grant, half-backs; Jones, Pinchbeck, Lewis, Bentham, and Higgins, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Wallace, Sheffield.
In an early Derby raid Mitton was hard-pressed and he had to run out of goal to collect from a bunch of Derby forwards. Thompson sent goalwards a long-range shot but it was easily gathered up by Mitten. Everton were forced on the defensive and when they tried to break through they were repeatedly caught in the Derby offside trap. Mitton excelled himself when he pushed out with one hand a great header by Tait. In 25 minutes Derby went ahead, Tait cracked a left-wing pass into the net with a first-time shot from point blank range, Mitton dived to hold the ball and he narrowly missed being injured as Tait shot out his boot. Everton broke through shortly afterwards. Lewis closed in and shot over the crossbar. Everton showed improvement towards the end of the first-half but the Derby defence was too good for them. Half-time Derby C Res 1, Everton Res 0
Everton “A” v. Skelmersdale
Powell, the Skelmersdale right winger, displayed some neat touches and had a hand. In each one of Skelmersdale’s four goals scored by H. Lowe, F. Lowe (2) and McKeating, Parker scored for Everton. H-T;- Everton “A” 1, Skelmersdale 4. Final score 4-1.
MCLLHATTON GOAL IN FOUR MINUTES
April 30, 1949. The Evening Express
Juliussen also Scores Against Third Lanark
Everton’s supporters were given the opportunity of seeing one of Scotland’s most popular clubs. Third Lanark, engaged in a friendly match at Goodison Park this afternoon (writes L.P). Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders, and Clinton, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys and Lello, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Eglington, forwards. Third Lanark; Fraser, goal; Balunas and Harrower, backs; Orr, Christie, and Mooney, half-backs; McCulloch, Telfer, Scott, Henderson, and Starscik, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. Jones (Rainhill). Scott caused thrill when he went close after receiving from Henderson. Everton half backs took command and Eglington forced a corner. His kick gave Mcllhatton, who was standing close in, his chance and he nodded the ball home to open Everton’s account in the fourth minute. A pass from Tepper saw Henderson sending in a swerving drive, which was well taken by Sagar. Farrell neatly tricked Moony, and Harrower, but Eglington could do little with his neat pass. Another attack by the Scots saw Henderson nearly evade the attention of Saunders to centre to Scott, but the Third Lanark centre-forward blazed the ball over the bar.
Close Call
A glorious touch-line run by Eglington, in which he outpaced Orr and Balunas, ended with a fierce drive that flashed across the face of the goal with Fraser well beaten, but the in-running Mcllhatton, failed narrowly to notch another goal. Stevenson and Eglington took part in another raid but Stevenson’s shot lacked power. At the other end a long lob from Mooney gave McCulloch an opportunity, but Sagar made a magnificent full length save. Staroisek, after beating Farrell and Saunders for possession, made progress to within a few yards of the Everton goal, but saw his shot pass across the goal-mouth. An attack, started by Mcllhatton saw Juliussen from inside the Third Lanark penalty, fire over the top. A miskick by Balunas gave Mcllhatton a great chance and Fraser was called upon to make a difficult save. Scott was finding the attentions of Humphreys too much for him on every occasion. A clever interchange of positions by Starosck and Scott left the centre forward in possession with only Sagar to beat, but Scott’s powerful drive passed outside the post. Third Lanark gained two successive corners, but Stevenson and Humphreys cleared the danger. From a Third corner Scott transferred to Staroisck and the winger neatly headed the equalizer after 36 minutes. Everton were not long in replying Eglington raced ahead of the Scots defenders and his ground centre was walked into the ne by Juliussen in the 39th minute. H-T.- Everton 2, Third Lanark 1.
April 1949