Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON RES V WEST BROM RES
April 1, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Saunders and Rankin, backs; Woods, Humphreys, and Lello, half-backs; Corr, Higgins, Hold, Hampson and Easthope, forwards. West Bromwich Res; Heath, goal; Guy and Cox, backs; Rawlings, Horne, and Wright, half-backs; Morrow, Dudley, Gordon, Betteridge and Inwood, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.S. Jackson. Everton attacked strongly in the first few minutes. They carried out several daring and charming raids, but came up against stiff opposition. After 25 minutes the game opened out and both goals were constantly threatened. Hold and Hampson repeatedly tore through the West Bromwich defence but were invariably held by Heath, the goalkeeper. Lello gave a good account of himself when twice, from 55 yards he narrowly missed the upright. Half-time; Everton Res nil, West Bromwich Albion nil. In the second half there was no denying the menace of the Everton attack. West Bromwich retaliated and Everton had a narrow escape. A drive from Betteridge was missed by O’Neill, the Everton goalkeeper, and was pushed out by Saunders. After 65 minutes there was still no score. Final; Everton Res 0, West Bromwich Albion Res 0.
A TIRED UNITED
April 3, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Point for Everton
By Stork
Manchester United 1, Everton 1
From an Everton point of view the result at Old Trafford was highly satisfactory, especially as United are candidates for championship honours. From the spectators viewpoint it was a game which will not live long in the memory; Mancunians will be anxious to forget it for they saw their side touch rock bottom and look anything but League leaders. United are feeling the strain of previous seasons, during which they have been twice runners-up, and cup winners. They played like tired men. Gone was their precision football and liveliness. It is going to take them all their time to hold their lead. Nevertheless they should have beaten Everton on balance of play. They were on the attack for most of the game, but the inside forwards were too slow and laborious. The Everton defence, of course, was partly responsible but not wholly, I have not seen the United forwards so inept in shooting, and the game looked like fading out to a goalless draw until a free kick taken by Mitten was headed home by Delaney at 56 minutes. Mitten’s free kick should have been cut out long before the ball arrived at Delaney’s head, but the fact remained that the goal looked like a winner, for Everton were strictly on the defensive. They had a good 10 minutes at the start of the first half and again in the second, but after the United were practically camped in the Everton penalty area. Only strong defensive measures prevented them taking goals. Rowley, Downie and Pearson could do little or nothing despite the flow of passes that came from their half-backs. They had not the ability to think out a move to beat Falder and company.
Grant’s Goal
Everton stood up to the forward line rated the best in the land, yet the two points seem to be out of their reach for their attack was just as helpless against Carey, Chilton and Cockburn. Suddenly a ball was slipped by Catterick into the centre, Grant was there collected it and when just on the penalty line shot with his left foot. Although Feehan got his hands to the ball he could not turn it out. That was at 81 minutes. Try how they would neither side could break down the respective defences afterwards and so Everton won a point that may save them, and United lost one which may cost the championship. United have picked up only one point from their last three games. Anyone looking in Old Trafford on Saturday would think this was a relegation battle instead of top of the League team meeting one near the foot of the table. One must give praise to Everton for the way they defended, even though United were right off from Mitten and Delaney were the only bright spots in the attack. It meant hard work for the Everton defence, but they are used to this sort of thing. It is their experience almost every week. Nevertheless a point at Old Trafford is something to boast about and due credit must be given to the defence. Moore was as excellent display against Mitten and Falder and Hedley rarely put a foot-wrong. Burnett, the goal apart made some top-class saves. What of the reorganized forward line? It was little better than its predecessors. At times the football was good, better than that of the United, but the hackneyed phrase. “No punch” must be used again. They fell easy prey to Carey, Chilton and Cockburn.
BLUES MOVE UP
April 3, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s point is the result of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford Old; was as precious as any they have secured this season. Quite apart from its winning there should be a beneficial psychological effect. Any side good enough to escape defeat at the hands of Manchester United is safe from the relegation worries and Everton should continue the upward which started on Saturday, when the Blues moved one up over Charlton, colleague Radar was at Old Trafford and writes;
“any team which brings a point away from Old Trafford is entitled to a feeling of satisfaction, and Everton were justifiably pleased with their performance even though it must be admitted they United had considerably more of the game from an attacking view point United seemed to the over aware of the fact that championship honours within their grasp, and although they worried the Everton defence to distraction at times, they were strangely inept in their finishing. Even then goal was tinged with luck, for Burnett misjudged Mitten’s free kick, a decision which the Everton defenders though erred on the harsh side to offer Delaney a chance he could hardly miss. “To Jackie Grant as much as anyone must go the credit for Everton returning with a heaven sent point. Apart from the fact that he was the man who nipped so many United raids in the bud, it was Grant who scored the vital equalizer eight minutes from the end. And the rounded off an display of grit and refusal to be beaten by the tireless North easterner. “The Everton attack suffered as a result of calls made on Farrell and Wainwright to adopt a defensive role for such prolonged spells but I thought they were more impressive with fewer chances than were United. C atterick who worked so hard and at no time spared himself, was unfortunate not to round off the best concerted move of the game early in the second half, his shot beating Feenhan but missing the target by inches. Buckle had a splendid first half, during which he was always popping up in unexpected places to startle the United defence, but his shooting was too often inaccurate. Powell never flagged in his efforts to break through and his use of the ball was always progressive. “The half-backs found themselves with plenty to do but Falder never allowed himself to be worried out of his normal composure by Rowley’s wandering tactics, and he time and again stemmed the United forwards. Lindley too, did his share of useful destructive and constructive work. Moore kept a stricter check on Mitten than Hedley was able to do with Delaney, and Burnett, his goal error apart, made several tip-top saves,. Yes it was a valuable sharing of the points gained by determined resistance and the opportunism of Grant.
UNITED SLUMP
April 3, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
I wonder what Matt Busby is thinking at this moment? He must be the most anxious manager in football today, for he can see his team losing its grip at the top of the table, and must be thinking in terms of “runner-up” once more. I have never seen a team slump so badly as Manchester United. Hailed as the team of the year a short time ago, the United are now just an ordinary side, with no glamour, and what is more no great skill. The “machine” of a few months ago is badly clogged, and not running smoothly, and why? Thousands of United supporters are asking that question. My reply is that they have been a top pressure all too long, and are feeling the strain (write Stork). For three seasons they have been concerned in championship bids, or involved in Cup games, and it has taken toll of some of the players – not so young as they were. They played like a worn-out side against Everton on Saturday. No “bite” no great skill, and laborious almost throughout. On chances they should have won, but the forwards of today are not the forwards of yesterday. Their pace and wizardry were their forte a year ago. Today they are just an ordinary side, playing ordinary football, in fact, it was nothing short of feeble against Everton. Matt Busby has a problem to face in the future, I saw Johnny Carey shake his head more than once, as if to say; “Whatever is the matter?”
Not Satisfying
That Everton took a point was gratifying in itself, even though the display of the team was not satisfying. To the defence must go all the honours, as it does week by week. Apart from two spells at the beginning of each half, Everton were tied down to defence, and for all their poorness the United had to be treated with a certain amount of respect, for they were more often than not in the Everton penalty area –too close to be pleasant. Regarding Delaney’s goal, I think it should never been scored. Admitting that Mitten’s centre was beautifully placed, Burnett should have cut it out before it landed on the scorer’s forehead. He had cut out others must more heavily laden with goal prospect. That goal looked like carrying the day for the United, for the Everton forwards had never suggested trouble for Feehan, the United goalkeeper. He had been superbly covered by his backs and half-backs, who handled the Everton forwards very surely.
Moore Was Best
It was following a prolonged attack by the United that Everton scored their equalizer. Grant found himself in the middle with the ball at his toe, with no Manchester man in the vicinity. Off he went and when he reached the penalty line he shot with his left foot. Feehan flew across his goal and got his hands to the ball, intending to turn it around the post. It must have been too hot for him, for he “palmed” it just inside the upright. If anything, Everton’s passing and scheming was better than that of United, but it was not maintained. Thus the laurels once again go to the defence, and none did better than Moore, coming on apace; Burnett, who punched away a whole lot of shots; Hedley, stern and reliable and Falder, who mastered Rowley both in the air and on the ground. Grant worked hard and Linley played his part. Of the forwards I like Farrell because of the enthusiasm, and Buckle did some nice things on the left wing without producing anything outstanding. Wainwright almost took a first-minute goal with a burst that almost caught the United napping. Not a game to be remembered but, oh, was what a valuable point for Everton.
LELLO RETURNS TO EVERTON TEAM
April 6, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Cyril Lello, the Everton left half-back returns to football league tomorrow, when he plays against Blackpool at Goodison Park. This will be Cyril’s first senior appearance since February 4, when he injured a knee playing against Aston Villa. Everton will have two more changes as compared with the side which drew at Manchester United, for Eglington has recovered from indispositions, and returns to outside left for Buckle, who reverts to outside right in place of Powell. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington.
Stanley Matthews passed a fitness test today, but will not play for Blackpool tomorrow. Blackpool manager Mr. Joe Smith, said after the test that it was possible he would play against Arsenal at Blackpool on Saturday. There is only one change from last week in Blackpool’s team selection for tomorrow, Bill Slater, who is playing in the amateur international at Southampton, is replaced by Willie McIntosh at inside right. Team; Farm; Shimwell, Wright; Johnston, Crosland, Kelly, Hobson, Mortensen, Mudie, McIntosh, Perry.
EASTER GAMES
April 6, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Easter is the vital time for soccer clubs. Three games in four days sometimes means a big change in the League tables. By Monday evening we may have a much better idea of the probable positions of the clubs concerned in the top and bottom struggle in each of the divisions. Everton have a particularly hard Easter programme. They are home and away to Blackpool tomorrow and Monday. The Seasiders, who have never won the championship, are all out to remedy that, and look to have an excellent prospect. They will test Everton to the full. Blackpool’s defence has been cast iron all season, and while one is always hopeful in Everton’s cause, the Goodison attack hardly looks strong enough to make any great impression on the visiting rear-guard. An Everton victory would not only be a great tonic both to club and players, but have the added virtue of helping Liverpool in their efforts to regain the league leadership, hopes of which have been revived during the past fortnight. A draw, however is as much as I can visualize tomorrow. The team has been switched around a bit sue to the return of Lello and Eglington. Buckle goes back to his usual position of outside right and Lello, who was injured against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on February 4, comes in at left half in place of Lindley. Farrell retains his place among the forwards.
Matthews Not to Play
Stanley Matthews passed a fitness test today, but will not play at Everton tomorrow. There is only one change from last week in Blackpool’s team. Bill Slater who is playing in the amateur international at Southampton is replaced by Willie McIntosh at inside left. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Blackpool; Farm; Shimwell, Wright; Johnston, Crosland, Kelly, Hobson, Mortensen, Mudie, McIntosh, Perry.
Saturday’s game at Goodison against Birmingham City might produce a couple of points. If so they would go a long way towards making a safety a certainty. Birmingham, however, are sure to fight desperately hard, for their waning hopes of remaining in the First Division have been revived by their improvement of recent weeks, during which they have averaged a point a game, despite having met some of the leading sides. Should Everton take full points they will probably be clear of any further fears of relegation, for Birmingham would then be so far behind that their chances of making up the leeway in the few remaining games would be pretty hopeless.
EVERTON 3 BLACKPOOL 0
April 8, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton returned a kindness by beating Blackpool (and they may beat them at Blackpool on Monday) and Birmingham beat Manchester United at Old Trafford). No wonder the pro-Liverpool section of 71,000 people at Goodison Park went home pinching then preening themselves. But paper prospects and what happens on the field are often two irreconcilable things. Take Everton’s 3-0 beating of Blackpool. Anyone dropping in not knowing his football form would have found Everton playing and looking more like champions than Blackpool, whose record made them out to be out of Everton’s class. This was proved beyond doubt but in the reverse way. From the moment Wainwright scored the first of his two goals (35 minutes) Everton went on getting better and better until they became unrecognizably good. Granting Blackpool the alibi of having Shimwell a full back, at outside left and McIntosh, a forward, at right back all the second half –both were injured –they did little enough to suggest they would score, much less win. Contrarily Everton before, between and after their goals were progressing as smoothly and with such a new spirit and joyousness that Farm might well have gone to the back of his net six and not three times.
Contributory Causes
Contributory causes of Everton’s almost staggering revival (survival in Division 1 hung heavily on the issue) were the reappearance of Lello at left half-back; Blackpool’s almost complete failure in attack, and some inspired inside forward may by Farrell. Wainwright, too, with a cracking shot for his first goal and a nicely glided header for the second, was much in the picture and Buckle conversion of the best move of the match for the third was alone worth the admission charge. It was an ill left flank beginning, with Hedley, Lello, Eglington and Farrell edging the ball through the Blackpool defence and Buckle stretching out a long leg to turn a hard chance into a triumphant ending. I believe that against yesterday’s Blackpool almost any defence could have got on top and stayed in command. That is by the way, Everton had to break down a defence which can be great and they did it ably backed by half-backs, so easily and persistently that Mr. Cliff Britton must at last sense he has the blend he seeks. With a Matthews and Slater to like with Mortensen (too much a lone hand on this occasion) Blackpool might have put up sterner opposition. Once they went a goal down it became Everton’s match and Farrell, with approach play worthy of international ranking got his line into perfect running order.
Buckle’s Best
Buckle had his best game for a long time. He had deserved to score with just such a similar side-footed “placed” shot as the one with which he scored, and his positional play was excellent. The Eglington who did much that was inexcusable also did much that profited his side not least his short length centre off which Wainwright made a goal at forty-three minutes. The earlier one had been from a right wing corner. The ball escaped everyone until it arrived at Wainwright’s controlling midriff, (or thereabouts). Once the ball sped ahead of him he was quick to follow it and ram it beyond Farm in the most definite way. For once that most consistent Blackpool half-back, Johnston was out of touch with his wing; for once Crosland and Shimwell looked indecisive and out of sorts. Blackpool lacked many things, chiefly as I saw it, the inspired touch which Everton had so unmistakably. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Shimwell and Wright, backs; Johnston (captain), Crosland, and Kelly, half-backs; Kelly, Hobson, Mortensen, Mudie, McIntosh, and Perry, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.W. Ellis (Halifax).
Everton, no Chance
Probable Birmingham city team to play Everton today; Merrick; Duckhouse, Jennings; Boyd, Atkins, Ferris;l Berry, Brannan, Trigg, Evans, Roberts. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington.
GOODISON GAME WAS AS DULL AS THE WEATHER
April 8, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 0, Birmingham 0
By Contact
Everton and Birmingham, top-class side yesterday, came down to earth with a bump today. An undistinguished match with no goals the only possible conclusion. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Birmingham; Merrick, goal; Duckhouse, and Jennings (captain), backs; Boyd, Atkins, Ferris, half-backs; Berry, Brennan, Trigg, Evans and Roberts, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.H. Blythe (London). Birmingham played in red. By winning the toss Jennings was able to force Everton to face the sun and the wind. The ball stubbornly refused to remain in play for two minutes on end in front of the main stand, but eventually Evans came straight down the centre of the field to lead up to a centring chance for Berry. This was too low to be of value and Everton death with it comfortably.
Rare Escape
Birmingham had a rare escape when Catterick and Farrell worked an opening which ended in a tentative Farrell shot which rolled harmlessly towards Merrick. Jennings intervened and lost the ball at his feet, so that there was a grave danger of Everton stealing a simple goal. Fortunately for Birmingham they escaped all trouble, without even having to pay the price of a corner. Both Hedley and Moore in turn did splendidly in some determined full-back play against their respective wingers.
Acrobatic Clearance
Then Buckle pulled the ball back squarely for Eglington to make a header, but Duckhouse first headed this upwards and then cleared acrobatically with his feet. Quite the best run of the game came from little Berry, who went on and on down his wing, shaking off Hedley’s challenge, and finished with a perfect centre which passed over the head of Roberts, who in other circumstances must have had a first rate chance of nodding a goal.
Uncertain Defence
The game was stopped for Boyd to have an eye injury-attended to. The Birmingham defence looked anything but good, even when facing an Everton not so forceful as yesterday’s line. With a long inward run Grant came into the attacking neigbour-hood and with luck might have opened up a way for a shot. Every time Berry had the ball there was an apprehensive murmur from the Everton following, now numbering about 50,000. After a bright start the game had gone more in Birmingham’s favour.
Penalty Claim
When Buckle centred close in and Jennings armed the ball away the decision might well have been a penalty, but although appeal was made there was no answer to it. Duckworth was slow and cumbersome and against a man like Eglington was hopelessly at sea, but Birmingham’s indifferent defence survived if only by hair’s breath. Trigg took a blow to the side of the head when taking a Berry centre, but was able to resume. The Birmingham forwards looked good enough when they got moving. It was the other departments of the side which gave cause for despondency.
Two Escapes
The game became almost dull until each side had a tremendous escape. It was Birmingham’s turn first. The lively Berry went his winging way, gave points in the beating of Hedley, and centred sharply, and an Everton foot in attempting to clear succeeded instead in ramming the ball at tremendous speed towards the goal line. There it appeared to strike Burnett on the shins and Birmingham following up just could not bring the ball under control to apply the finishing touch. In the next phrase of play Eglington caught the Birmingham defence all at sea and stood not more than five yards out with the ball at his feet and could not produce the telling shot. He almost kicked right round the ball and even so it ran awkwardly for Farrell, otherwise he must have succeeded where Eglington failed.
Burnett’s Good Deed
The Birmingham attack was far from negligible and when Brennan and Berry interchanged and Brennan went on to deliver a made-to-measure for outside left Roberts, a goal was always likely until Burnett came out and caused the Birmingham player to balloon his shot high over the top. Having done his day’s good deed Burnett picked up the fallen Roberts and placed him on his feet with the ease of a man picking up ten pounds of potatoes. A straight down the centre move from a Burnett free-kick could well have given Catterick a goal. The Birmingham defence was caught flat-footed and Catterick was able to dummy his way to a shooting angle from which he put the ball high and wide.
Free Kick Dispute
Jennings disputed the referee’s award of a free kick in favour of Wainwright and Boyd went down like a log when Grant’s free kick caught him on the side’s of the head. The referee had words with Boyd and Farrell when the former had recovered after attention. Everton’s defence had spells of jitters. There were times when Birmingham’s attack were working backwards. A good Everton attack with Eglington twice centring the ball failed because Birmingham crowded out Buckle and others who tried big shots. Jennings was spoken to a second time, this time for a foul on Buckle. Wainwright came nearest to scoring when Eglington turned the ball when he came in from the left and he hit a shot which Merrick fingered round the far post outside which the ball passed by a margin of inches. Birmingham’s retaliation was a fine move in which Brennan and Roberts played a leading part with some crisp passes, Brennan eventually putting the ball wide in a fierce shot from just outside the penalty box.
Half-time; Everton nil, Birmingham nil. A Ferris free kick skidded off the knockles of Burnett as he tried to punch away from the ruck in front of goal, but the goalkeeper did enough to ease the ball out if the left and to comparative safety. An Everton free kick which led to Grant going outside right to centre brought Merrick into the game, and his fielding of the ball overhead was beautifully done.
Hopelessly Wide
The slowness of the Birmingham defence was never evident than when Catterick was able to fling over a pass to Eglington when Birmingham should have had the ball cleared minute before. Eglington stood there all alone, and when a goal seemed 10 to 1 on pulled his shot hopelessly wide. Merrick protested that Lello’s centre had passed out of play when he covered it and it passed round the post, but the referee quite rightly I think, made his decision a corner. The Birmingham goalkeeper with a one-handed push away took Catterick’s excellent centre, but Eglington collected his clearance and there was a danger that the Birmingham defence would not recover in time to deal with his centre. Fortunately for them they were given time to do this.
More Chances Missed
Both sides were about as unconvincing as could be in this spell and the game was there for the taking if either could have produced any sort of punch in front of goal. Everton had an escape when Boyd’s free kick for a handling offence by Hedley passed beyond all, including the man beat placed to convert it into a goal –Evans, who seemed to be asleep and quite unprepared for such a gift offering. The game was just as dull as yesterday’s had been lively.
Ironic Applause
The best thing for ten minutes was Jenning’s tackle on Buckle, who tried to round the old man and succeeded only in giving Jennings the opportunity to do his best work so far. There was a hint of irony in the applause which greeted an Eglington shot which travelled over the goal angle. Jennings was a casualty to a head injury but was able to resume and one could not help but admire the way Duckhouse was overcoming his physical disadvantage against Eglington. Birmingham used Berry, their best forward, all too sparingly. In this half at least they had only rarely been near Burnett much less got within lethal range.
Thousands Leave
Thousands left the ground ten minutes before the end, plainly because they estimated the chance of seeing a goal pretty nearly nil. There was a moment when every Everton player except Burnett was in the Birmingham half, but this served only to increase the general confusion. Birmingham, for their part were quite content to take their useful point. They seemed to have no difficulty in keeping the ball out of play rather than in play. Final; Everton 0, Birmingham 0. Attendance 46,828.
BARNESLEY RES V EVERTON RES
April 8, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res fought well against a lively Barnsley side. It was not until the 35th minute that Bonnar headed Barnsley’s first goal. Sagar was applauded for several fine saves. Barnsley scored twice just before half time. through Griffths and Normanton. Forshaw and Clinton were sound Everton defenders, Hickson led their attacks and judgment. Halt-time; Barnsley Res 3, Everton Res Nil. Everton never gave up trying, Hickson shot wide when well-placed. Of the other forwards Corr was the most enterprising. Higgins scored a good goal for Everton after 85 minutes of the second half. Final; Barnsley Res 4, Everton Res 2.
POWELL, FIELDING?
April 10, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Birmingham 0.
By Leslie Edwards
Everton who go to Blackpool today have no injured, but Manager Cliff Britton (as mystified as anyone over his side’s failure on Saturday after playing so well the day before), is to make choice from the eleven which drew with Birmingham, plus Aubrey Powell and Wally Fielding.
What Everton need more than anything is someone calm enough, amid the nerves of relegation business, to put the ball into the net when the shooting chance has been hard-won. Eglington missed two glorious chances against Birmingham –one because he took too long to sense the ball was at his feet a few yards from goal, the other because he just could not get on target from the simplest of positions. All credit to him for being in the right spot to score no credit at all for so aggravatingly misjudging his timing and direction. Anyone who looks at league tables and form and attempts to with a fore-cast pool is crazy. This Birmingham match proved it. Within twenty-four hours we saw the best pair and possibly the worst Everton of the season. And Birmingham who had won so gallantly at Manchester skidded to a record low in sympathy. Why did both teams play so badly? Surely the gale (tampered to the thousands in the stands and terraces) was more than half the trouble? It is easy to be critical from the side lines; so difficult to speed the ball with precision passes on a windswept field. The fact that half-backs sometimes threw out when they attempted to throw in indicates that even over short distances the effect of the wind on the ball’s direction was marked.
Ripe for Defeat
Birmingham should not have escaped. They were ripe for defeat with Duckhouse slow and cumbersome and the reserve talent introduced not doing more than show promise. If they had used the sprightly young Berry – an Army find of their old half-back Fred Harris –they might have become “difficult.” Two fine turns apart, he was given few further chances. On this showing Birmingham’s survival in Division 1 is problematical. How they beat United the day before only they knew. But the same might be said of Everton and Blackpool. Strangely the two sides both rested on Friday –Arsenal and Stoke City, both lost, Blackpool may give a further run today against Everton to their all South African wing Falconer and Perry.
FEATURELESS
April 10, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Maybe it was reactions after their great wins of Friday that caused Everton and Birmingham City to provide such a featureless match at Goodison Park, but definitely it was an anti-climax after the joys of the Good Friday games, I never for a moment imagined that a First Division game could sink to such a low level. Main reason apart from leg weariness was that the City, desperate for points, set out to stop the machine which had scored three goals against Blackpool, and their 100 per cent, policy of destruction took all the charm out of the game. Withal the City concentrated defence, loopholes did arise by which Everton should have won to reward their endeavour to give us something constructive, and for all their pressure, but apart from one good Wainwright effort there was no accuracy in finishing and so the City survived. Grant became a sixth forward in Everton’s all-out bid to smash the power of Jennings and company and went as near as anyone, but really this was almost too poor to be true. Moore, Grant, Falder, Hedley and Catterick were just out of the common rut, and so was Jennings for the City, for who Merrick’s one great save ensured the point. Possibly the most-pleasing Everton features of the day was that their reserves scored two goals in defeat at Barnsley. Before than the reserves had gone for nice matches without scoring!
TANTALISING EVERTON
April 10, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton so far have had a tantalizing Easter. They played brilliantly against Blackpool, then when everyone expected them to repeat the performance against Birmingham they reverted to their most indifferent (writes Stork). Birmingham, who had expected to reproduce form, which took them to win at Old Trafford were even worse but in their praise there were extenuating circumstances; they were without both Badiham and Stewart. How much the gale which swept the ground affected play one can only guess, but when half backs failed even to throw in properly, it was easy to gauge the effect of the wind on efforts at good conditioned play. Both sides needed the points badly, Everton through Eglington had at least two first rate openings and Birmingham through Berry’s winging, found themselves with unexpected chances of which they used properly. Now that Lello is back Everton’s half back strength should began to tell, as it did so unmistakably against Blackpool. It is merely the inability of forwards to press home well worked forward movements which makes the side so ineffective. Moore is certainly playing better and better and with Farrell doing magnificently at inside forward and Buckle showing his old liveliness the side should escape the last two places with a little to spare.
BLUES LIVELY AT BLACKPOOL
April 10, 1950. The Evening Express
Moore Saves on Goal-Line
By Radar
They had what the Meteorological Office described as a “subtropical “hurrance at Blackpool in midmorning as a preliminary to Everton’s visit to Bloomfield road to complete their holiday programme. The wind had reached a force of 92 m.p.h and although it had subsided somewhat shortly before the start it was still of such strength that it was likely to produce unusual happenings. There was a fall of sleet half an hour before the kick off. Manager Britton did not finally choose his side until the Everton party reached Blackpool and then he decided to rely upon the team which played in the Good Friday and Easter Saturday games. Blackpool fielded the side which beat Arsenal on Saturday, which meant they gave a further chance to their all South-African right wing pair Perry and Falconer, with Stanley Mortensen leading the attack. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Garrett and Wright, backs; Johnston (captain) , Crosland, and Kelly, half-backs; Perry, Falconer, Mortensen, McCall and Wardle, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax).
Lively Everton
Johnston won the toss to give Blackpool the advantage of the wind but in pouring rain, Everton opened in the livelier mood. Wainwright brilliantly beat two men before crossing a ball which eluded Garrett but Eglington had to go backwards for it. Eglington lobbed the ball towards the far post where Farm failed to make contact, but the ball dropped behind before the in running Catterick could take advantage. Next we saw Farm just managing to pick up a Grant pass to beat both Wainwright and Catterick in a race for possession. When Blackpool went to work, Falder was alive to Kelly’s attempt to “find” Mortensen with a free kick from just outside the penalty area. There was much greater danger to Everton when Johnston dispossessed Eglington and slipped the ball through to Mortensen. The England leader side-flicked a glorious pass to Falconer, but Moore had sensed the possibilities and raced across to place his body in the direct line of flight of Falconer’s fierce point blank drive. Everton continued to have their fair share of the play, and a misplaced back pass by Crosland was brustling with possibilities until Farm dived full length to take possession as Catterick raced in for the kill. Blackpool made ground and Burnett at the second attempt disposed of a fierce 20 yards drive from left half Kelly. There was another close call for Blackpool when Catterick moved to the inside-left to turn the ball backwards and Eglington ‘s first time centre caught the Blackpool defence on the hop. Buckle who had come in pell-mell, found the ball soaring an inch or two too high for him to make connection with his head.
Pass Intercepted
So far in this game shooting had been at a premium and the half-backs of both sides had held command. Falder was keeping a vigilant watch on Mortsenson although the Everton centre-half on one occasion, completely missed his kick just inside the penalty area and was fortunate that Mortsenson’s first time short pass to McCall was intercepted. Everton were giving as good as they received against a team which was all out to erase the memory of Good Friday’s defeat, but so far there had been no indication that either attack hail the penetrative power to break down two solid defences.
MORE’S HEADER SAVES EVERTON
April 10, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Goalless First Half at Blackpool
By Stork
Blackpool; Farm, goal; Garrett and Wright, backs; Johnston (captain) , Crosland, and Kelly, half-backs; Perry, Falconer, Mortensen, McCall and Wardle, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax). There was a 90 mile-an-hour wind at Blackpool this morning, but it had dropped considerably by match time. Blackpool played the same team which defeated Arsenal on Saturday, so that their South Afrcian right wing was again on view. Everton were also unchanged and were hopeful that they could repeat their Good Friday win over the Seasiders. Just prior to the game a hailstorm swept the ground, but apart from the wind, the conditions at kick-off time were wonderfully good. Blackpool won the toss and naturally took the advantage of the wind. Just as the game started a hailstorm broke straight in the faces of the players.
Eglington Lob
McCall tried to set Wardle off but his pass was too strong and from Burnett’s goal kick Buckle made a long pass down his wing to Eglington who lobbed the ball into the Blackpool goalmouth. Farm went up to the ball and scooped it out. Mortensen made a lead towards his right wing, but the Everton defence stepped in to cut the idea out of existence. Wainwright was only beaten on the quick intervention of Farm, who won the duel by a split second. Perry and Falconer almost broke down the Everton defensive barrier when they linked up in what appeared to be a goal-laden pass under Moore rushed across to bar the way of Falconer. Farm was almost caught napping by Catterick and then Kelly came along with a shot that Burnett fielded confidently, despite the loss of a foothold immediately afterwards. Falder held up Mortensen, but Perry showed he knew what was required in English football when he stopped a short pass that looked dangerous, and caused some hurried thinking by the Everton defence. The hail had given way to brilliant sunshine, which brought its troubles to Everton. Johnston was keeping Falconer and Perry on the move and Falder nipped in at the right moment to prevent the former making a shot. Wardle later had a shot deflected, but Burnett’s eyes never left the ball and he made a save. This was followed by another, not a hard one, from Mortensen. Falder again cut out a ball intended for Mortensen, but when he went to intercept another from the Blackpool left he kicked round the ball, Hedley covered up his comrade’s slip.
Moore To Rescue
The best, Everton movement involved five players, and produced a corner which was speedily cleared when Eglington tried a second time to beat Garrett the full back proved his master. McCall was just beaten to the ball by Falder and the next minute produced the greatest thrill of the game thus far. Perry slipped a nice ball to Mortensen who after beating Hedley scooped the ball high over Burnett and it was turning into the net when Moore dashed in and headed out. Half-time; Blackpool nil, Everton nil.
Catterick scored for Everton after 51 minutes.
EVERTON 5 OUT OF 6
April 11, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Blackpool Double
By Stork
Blackpool 0, Everton 1
It has been a happy Easter for Everton. To get five points out of a position six is fine work, especially so as they had to meet Blackpool twice. While obtaining these points they have not had a goal scored against them. Although the club are still not out of the wood, such points will go far to steer them from the danger zone. I did not see the first match with Blackpool but from all accounts it was Everton at their best. They did not touch the height’s at Blackpool Road but they did well enough to bring off their first double of the season. Three games in four days is hard going it was no wonder players were dog-tired before the end. Furthermore it was not only a battle against the opposition but against the elements. There was a high wind, hail, rain and sunshine. Blackpool flattered to deceive. They always promised, but rarely fulfilled, Everton with considerably less of the attack, always appeared likely to score. Eventually they did score. Although it was a streak sort of goal, the lead to it was top class. I am afraid too much its expected of Mortensen. There is no greater trier in football but he has to have the ball served well, and this the Everton defence refused to allow.
Good Cover
For all their furry and tempestuous attack Blackpool made few calls on Burnett, because the Everton goalkeeper was admirably covered and the Blackpool forwards got themselves cluttered up in a concentrated area. Even the darting Mortensen could not and a trick to break down Everton’s defensive wall so all Blackpool could claim was the preponderance of attack. Everton gave themselves more space, and some of their movements were excellent and got Blackpool out of position. Everton kept the ball low and used the open spaces. They should have had a second goal when Catterick pushed the ball over to Wainwright, who ran on to the ball as he likes to, but instead of hitting it he “killed” it, and transferred it to his right too. Before shooting with power, without direction. Everton had good fortune when Mortensen cut through the Everton defence and lobbed the ball over Burnett. It seemed that nothing could prevent a goal for the ball was swinging in when Moore dashed across and headed it out. Burnett also made a topping save from Wardle, but apart from that I would not say he was hard worked.
Augmented Defence
Farm had as much, if not more to do, especially in the second half after Everton, had taken the full strain of the Blackpool onslaught and had suffered to damage. At times it needed an augmented defence to hold Blackpool but eventually they were quite easily held. Farrell started the goal with a pass to Eglington, at 51 minutes, Eglington swept the ball to the far side of the Blackpool goal and it seemed to be going-out as it passed in front of Farm who thought it necessary to check its progress to prevent it going on to Buckle. He got his hand to it but only pulled it down to the Everton outside right, who flicked it with his heel, leaving Catterick the simplest task of popping it into the net. It was after that Everton started to play some good football with Blackpool being mastered and eventually suffered but when they reached the penalty spot.
EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RES 1
April 11, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Quicker off the mark and with a vastly superior attacking force, Everton were good, winners of their Central League match against Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park yesterday.
CATTERICK WINNER
April 11, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
It was a goal by Harry Catterick which enabled Everton to beat Blackpool and so complete their third “double” for Huddersfield Town and Middleborough had already yielded full points. Here is Radar’s commentary of this latest success which brought the Blues through the holiday without a single goal against them:- “England leader Stan Mortensen will be glad that he will not have to face Everton’s Ted Falder at Hampden Park on Saturday. Falder proved once again, by the manner in which he subdued one of the greatest match winners in the country, that Manager Cliff Britton made a master-move when he brought him into the senior side. Only once in the 90 minutes did Mortensen manage to evade the Falder clutches and at no time did Falder lose his poise, even when the Blackpool assault late on reached its zenith. The entire Everton side fought with magnificent spirit the defence covering excellently, while the forwards were more dangerous with their limited opportunities than were Blackpool’s. Moore and Hedley were resolute full backs and Grant and Lello gave the Blackpool inside men the minimum of room in which to operate. Catterick was an enterprising leader and was unlucky not to score two others, apart from the victory goal, to which Farrell, Eglington and Buckle all contributed. Apart from the fact that Farrell and Wainwright tended to be a little too far back, I liked the work of this progressive Everton attack, which was brimful of confidence.”
TOP MARKS FOR BLUES
April 11, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have come through their Easter campaign with top marks. They took five points out of a possible six and on top of that did not have a goal scored against them from the three games played. Few expected such a harvest for one of the clubs they had to meet (twice) was Blackpool quietly fancied for the championship (writes Stork). It was not a good Easter from a playing point of view, for the high wind upset some of the football plans, but Everton are happy in the knowledge that they are steadily rising from the depths. The foot of the table still remains a problem but the five points gained are of double their value at this part of the season. Blackpool seemed to me to be suffering in the same manner as Manchester United –an all-round tiredness and a lost art of scoring. I am afraid there is too much “Mortensen” about things. In the early stages Everton had to have an augmented defence, so that their three point attack could not be expected to battle against five. Yet, when the Everton forwards moved off there was more ingenuity about their schemes than ever Blackpool produced. Take the Everton goal as an example. The actual goal may have had a lucky streak about it, but the build up to it was top-ranking football; in fact a lot of Everton’s moves were in that category. One could not say that about Blackpool. With the slightest luck Everton may have made it three –a penalty not granted and a sitter missed by Wainwright, who had the ball put on a plate for him by Catterick. Wainwright should have had that ball at the back of the net in quick sticks. He is so good when running on to a ball that I was surprised to see him “kill” it and get it over to his right foot, which blazed the shot outside –a joyous moment for goalkeeper Farm, who could have had no other through than going to the back of his net for the ball. After Catterick had scored, Everton did not sit on the splice. No, they went out for other goals, and the Blackpool defence was often hard put to keep Everton’s score down to one. Here is the goal from start to finish. Farrell to Eglington; a centre across goal; Farm must have seen Buckle about, for he shot out his hand to pull the ball away, dropping it at Buckle’s feet who, with his heel, pushed the ball across to Catterick, and the latter did all that was necessary. On the other side of the ledger Moore headed out a Mortensen shot and Burnett made a grand save from Wardle. To the Everton defence the big banquet for their magnificent stand when Blackpool were hitting hard. Falder, Moore and Heldey set up an impregnable, barrier, sometimes with assistance, true, but that is the Everton spirit at the moment –one for all and all for one. Catterick worked hard and so did Wainwright while Eglington was at every point of the compass when he thought he should be there. There were some weary limbs towards the end. Apart from three games in four gays, the elements had to be mastered as well as Blackpool.
Tommy Lawton has agreed to play in the game between ex-Everton v. ex-Liverpool stars at Holly Park on April 19, providing Notts County are certain of promotion by that time.
BLUES’ POSITION MORE SECURE
April 12, 1950. Evening Express
Still Need Four More Points
By Pilot (Don Kendall).
Everton’s position in the First Division was made all the more secure, because of yesterday’s results. Which meant Manchester City, Charlton Athletic, Huddersfield Town dropping further vital points. Despite the happier position, Everton still need four points from their last four matches to be absolutely sure, but that is only if all the clubs below them win all their remaining matches. Manchester City, who lost at Wolverhampton yesterday, can now reach only 33 points, and I think they are doomed. Birmingham City can reach 34 points, the same as Charlton Athletic, who failed to hold a goal lead at Villa yesterday and now can reach 34 only by winning their three remaining games. Huddersfield Town, all with three to play can attain 38 points, while Everton and Stoke City, with four outstanding matches apiece can get to 39 points. This looks sure enough in all conscience, for it, must be remembered that while Everton’s rivals must win all their remain points, Everton, at the same time, must lose all their matches. It is unlikely though possible. Everton’s great Easter returns has practically ensued that Goodison Park will have First Division football again for another season.
EVERTON SIGNING
April 12, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have signed Len Melville on professional forms. Melville, a left half who joined the Goodison camp from a junior side in the Stockport area, is 18, stands 5ft 11ins, weighs 11st 4lb, and has been a regular player in the Central league side for the past two months. Last season he was in the Liverpool F.A. Youth team, and is a lad of outstanding promise.
EVERTON-DERBY TEAMS
April 13, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will play the same team against Derby County as that which defeated Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Easter Monday. With Billy Steel in the Scottish international team, Derby County have switched centre forward Jackie Stamps to the inside left position. Twenty one year old reserve Geoff Parkin, leading the attack will make his 6th appearance in the league side this season. Goalkeeper Townsend is still on the injured list, and for the second match in succession Harry brown will deputies. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Derby County; Brown; Mozley, Parr; Ward, Oliver (K.), Musson; Mynard, Morris, Parkin, Stamps, McLaren.
EVERTON VISIT DERBY
April 14, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton, following their great five points out of six Easter, will for the fourth successive game play an unchanged team against Derby. While the County will be seeking a “double” I fancy the fact that Everton won at Derby 2-1 in the F.A. Cup will give them that extra confidence to go forward to another victory. Derby have not yet scored a “double” over any club this season and Everton’s great defence, which enabled them to defy the striking power of Stan Mortensen and his Blackpool colleagues for 180 minutes should pave the way for at least a division of the spoils. Everton still need another four points to make themselves absolutely safe, should all other struggling clubs win all remaining points. Everton must rely on their own powers rather than on the failings of others. The Blues are riding the crest of the wave whereas the County have not been practically impressive since the turn of the year. It is a hard test for Everton, but I fancy them to bring back a point.
BLUES AT DERBY
April 14, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, away to Derby County, will find the Rams anxious to take revenge for Everton’s fifth round Cup-tie victory. This was one of the surprises of the round, and what Everton did in the Cup might not be beyond them tomorrow. Following their two holiday victories over Blackpool. Everton will again be full of confidence and optimism and if only the forwards can cash-in on the excellence and reliability of the defence we may see the Blues well out of the wood by tomorrow evening. Derby have not been beaten on their own ground since Everton won there on March 4, but their away record now shows seven consecutive defeats. Three of the last four games have failed to produce a goal to the Derby attack, while the defence, at one time regarded as amongst the best has latterly shown signs of shakiness under pressure. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Derby County; Brown; Mozley, Parr; Ward, Oliver (K.), Musson; Mynard, Morris, Parkin, Stamps, McLaren.
Old-Time Stars Game
For their old-timers’ game at Holly Park next Wednesday, South Liverpool state that Tommy Lawton and Wally Boyes are practically certain to turn out. Guests who are standing by and are likely to appear are Alec Herd, Andrew Beattie, Bill Shanklin, and Eric Houghton. Tommy Griffiths is regarded as a certainty and an invitation has been sent to Ted Sagar. Several of those who took part in the floodlit game last January will again be on view, though managers Cliff Britton, matt Busby, and Jock Thomson will not be out.
TRAINER’S REWARD FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Shields Daily News - Saturday 15 April 1950
By Bill Bawden
Twenty years of yeoman service North Shields A.F.C. will be rewarded on Monday night at Appleby Park when a League eleven opposes a North Shields side for veteran trainer Alan Grenyer’s benefit. All concerned are anxious that there should be big crowd in order that the club can hand over handsome sum to Alan and they appeal to the public to make every effort to attend. A strong League side led by Newcastle United and England centre forward, Jackie Milburn will take the held and the game should be well worth watching. The kick-off is timed for 6.45. A late change has been made necessary through Hartlepool United withdrawing permission for J. -Cairns to turn out. They apparently require his services for the Reserve side to visit Consett Monday. Winters Gateshead will now appear in the inside right position
Alan ill
It is unfortunate that Alan Grenyer is at present ill and it is not known yet whether he will be well enough to attend the match. All will hope that he will recover in time to take his place in the stand. Many are the tributes which have been paid to the Robins’ popular trainer who is, of course a former Everton and England international centre half. Perhaps the biggest and most sincere compliment comes from former North shields player-manager Charlie Ferguson, who was with the club for three seasons.
“Alan the finest man ever met in football,’’ said Charlie. I hope to see the biggest crowd of the at Appleby Park. ”Here is the big chance for folks to show how much they appreciate t. . tremendous amount of work which Alan Grenyer has done for football in this district."
His record
It was in 1910 that Alan Grenyer left North Shields for Everton and he was with the Toffeemen until 1923 He was retained but released when he asked to be allowed to return Tyneside. Condition was that he played only for South Shields then in the Second Division.
While at Everton he acted as captain for many seasons. He gained Inter-League honours against Scotland at in 1919 and was selected for the return at Hampden Park. Owing to family bereavement, however had to withdraw. But the England selectors called on him again and gained full international honours against wales at Cardiff in 1920. Alan was with South Shields until 1928 and was for one year assistant trainer to George Lillycrop. He joined North Shields in 1929.
EVERTON LOSE DESPITE SECOND HALF RALLY THAT MIGHT HAVE MADE GOALS
April 15, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Derby County 2, Everton 0.
Everton well and truly beaten this time. The County were vastly different from what they were in the Cup. It was mainly a defensive battle on the part of Everton, who had to work “double time” against a very virile County attack. Derby County; Brown, goal; Mozley and Parr, backs; Ward, Oliver (K), and Musson, half-backs; Mynard, Morris, Parkin, Stamps, and McLaren, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. L. Richardson (Doncaster). Everton returned to the scene of their cup triumph at the Baseball ground today and were hopeful of the same result –a clear-cut win which would make them comparatively safe. For the fourth time in succession they played the same team, and with the confidence derived from their recent successes they believed that they would again defeat the County, who have not done so well as expected. Derby were without one of their key men for Steel was helping his country, Scotland, against England at Hampden Park. Naturally there was not the excitement of the previous meeting between the two teams although it was imperative that Everton won at least a point. The County had a new keeper in goal, and Stamps, the former New Brighton centre forward was at inside left. Everton were granted a free kick and this led to trouble, for Buckle headed over. Oliver’s head and Farrell ran round him, and although the goalkeeper came out he could not have saved had Farrell’s glide been a foot inside and not outside the upright. Morris, after giving the dummy offered Parkin the opportunity of going through, but Falder easily mastered him. Hereabout’s the County opened the Everton defence and Morris put all he knew behind his shot which, however, passed over the Everton crossbar.
Burnett’s Sure Catch
A Catterick-Wainwright interchange of position almost brought Everton a success, for the inside right was only beaten in the last fraction of a second. Mynard, after getting the better of the Everton defence, centred close in to goal, but Burnett made a very sure catch and clearance in face of strong opposition. Lello and Morris engaged in a short duel, which the Derby man won, and his pass out to Mynard was checked before it reached fruition. Hedley was in dominant mood, but it required the whole attention of the Everton defence at this moment for the County were attacking with determination. McLaren had a glorious opportunity of drawing first blood, for it needed only an accurate shot on his part to bring about the fall of Burnett but the winger pulled the ball wide of the upright. Eglington set the Everton machine in motion with an up-the-middle pass which had a goal look about it until Farrell came down as he was about to challenge Mozley.
Opportunity Missed
Morris had a weak shot at goal. The Everton goal hereabouts had a narrow escape. Actually the County should have scored for McLaren had the chance of a lifetime but he shot against Woodward much to the disappointment of the home crowd of about 14,000. This was the forerunner of a powerful, Derby attack, and Burnett almost allowed one shot to pass over the line. The County came again, and this time Stamps was unfortunate to see his shot strike the crossbar and bounce back into play. There was no denying that Derby were calling the tune at this point and the Everton defence was sorely tested. Stamps promised that he would have a shot, but he was forced over the wing and an obvious danger was cleared, but it was only momentary. There was one spell during which the whole of the County side, goalkeeper excepted, were crashing down on the Everton goal and after Burnett had swept aside one shot from the wing Hedley and Moore in turn kicked the ball off the goalline. It was the toughest bit of work the Everton defence had to do for some time. They stood up to it well, but there was no question that they had their moments of luck. Parkin after beating his man banged in a heavy shot that was cannoned down. After a quick Everton raid, Morris tried a drop kick when finished in the stand, Wainwright with a Cross field pass, “found” Eglington ready and after beating Mozley he slipped the ball back to Farrell, who was just that split second too late. Morris was all out for a goal, and he hit a fierce drive which Burnett did well to save low down. The Everton attack had few chances, with Derby so much on top, and when Stamps gave the dummy and allowed the ball to pass on to McLaren the County outlook was bright, but it was soon snuffed out. The long awaited goal came at last, but not in the manner expected by the Derby people, for Moore, in making the clearance, sliced the ball, and it went hurtling into his own goal, with Burnett helpless at 31 minutes. This was bad luck for the Everton full back but it had to be admitted that he was severely challenged at the time. Stamps almost added goal number two when he crashed in a pile-driver which Burnett turned aside. Buckle a little later almost balanced maters when he shot low and Brown was lucky to get his hands to the ball and sent it outside. Morris tried an angular shot which had too much “pull” about it and it went to an Everton man. The pace had slackened a shade, but Parkin appeared to have an opening for a shot but elected to try out his left wing. When wasted time and a definite opening. It was Grant who worried, Stamps off the ball when he seemed all set for a shot. Eglington and Farrell tried hard to snap an equalizer before half time, but Farrell was offside when Catterick pushed the ball through to him. Derby had been a very lively lot and should have had more than one goal for all their endeavour. Half-time; Derby County 1, Everton 0.
Derby were soon on the attack in the second half and Burnett had to bring off a smart save from a well-hit shot by Mynard. Moore was having an anxious time against McLaren and when the outside-left stepped in with a long length centre Burnett came well out of his goal to punch away.
Magnificent Save
He had to follow up and falling to get the ball, Mynard had a rare opportunity when he shot wide. Stamps and Morris got together in an effort to break down the Everton defence, but without success, although almost in the next breath Morris came along with a steam-roller shot that Burnett turned over the bar – a really magnificent save. The County were still the dominant party, and the Everton defenders had to do full-time duty to prevent them adding to their score. A high centre by McLaren dropped near the Everton goal, but both Morris and Parkin misjudged the flight of the ball. Falder won a round of applause for one bit of defensive work when surrounding by Derby men. Wainwright came near with the equalizer with a shot that swung across the Derby goal with Brown beaten. Catterick, however, could not make contact with the ball as it passed him. Burnett made another save from close in and Brown raced out for a long shot from Catterick just as Burnett had done a moment before-hand. The County set seal to their victory when at 83 minutes Parkin centred right across to McLaren, who moved up and got his head to the ball to send it to the back of the net with Burnett helpless. From a County point of view this goal just came at the right moment, for Everton had shown much better promise this half than in the first. True Everton did not give up trying but they met a very solid County defence in which Oliver played a big part. He is filling Leuty’s shoes with distinction. Near the end Buckle pulled a ball back for Eglington, whose shot slithered outside the far post. Final; Derby County 2, Everton 0.
• Everton Reserves 0, Derby County Res 0
DERBY ON TOP
April 17, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Derby County 2, Everton 0
The expected point did not materialize at Derby, where Everton had scored a convincing cup victory. The irony of it all was that an Everton player set Derby on the victory path. Everton met a team that employed high-powered methods from the first minute and they were never became balanced. There was a defensive battle almost throughout and only by some great defence by Burnett and some luck were Everton able to evade a heavy deficit at the interval. Derby four times struck the wood –work, Hedley and Moore kicked off the goal-line and Burnett did prodigious work in goal. Apart from Burnett no other player touched his known form and their anxiety was made apparent when they lashed the ball anywhere. Everton might have held on to the bitter end had not a slip by Moore presented Derby with an own goal at 31 minutes. Moore had not been happy against McLaren and in his anxiety to get the ball back to Falder or Burnett he slipped just as he made his kick and his toe-end sent the ball hurting beyond Burnett. The Derby attack could not help but progress with such a supply of passes as received from Ward and Musson. They provided the lubrication which produced smooth running attacks that should have produced a spate of goals.
Chance of Draw
It was a curious game in that Everton could have sneaked a draw when a Catterick header had beaten everyone until it bumped up against the crossbar and from the rebound the Everton centre forward shot outside Derby fell away during the second half land Everton came more into affairs without striking terror into the hearts of the Derby defence Buckle had given Brown his most difficult task with a low shot in the first half, but that and Catterick’s header were the only times Everton looked like scoring. Not until seven minutes from the end could Derby feel at ease, when McLaren headed through a Parkin centres, Everton never gave up the fight, but it was obvious that they were feeling their responsibility and their position. Except that they kept Derby’s score down to reasonable dimensions by dint of hand work there are few bouquets for anyone other than Burnett.
ALMOST SNEAKED DRAW
April 17, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton were not at one with each other at Derby on Saturday, where they were hopeful that they would relieve themselves of further relegation worries by at least a draw against the County, but right from the outset the County showed their teeth by a whirlwind attack that completely knocked Everton off their balance which they did not regain until well on in the second half. Everton had knocked Derby County out of the Cup; the County played as though they had the intention of knocking Everton out of the First Division and that they won only 2-0 was due to good fortune and a superlative display by Burnett. Four times the County cracked the ball against the woodwork; twice an Everton man kicked off the line; dozens of times Burnett defied the rampant “Rams” (writes Stork). Yet it was an Everton defender who supplied the County with their first goal. Then near the end Catterick almost equalized. It would have been a crazy result had Everton taken a “half” from the Baseball ground, for they had played second fiddle almost throughout with an occasional glimpse of good football which, however, had no finishing power.
Need of Moment
It was one of those games when the whole of the side was out of joint with itself and could do no right. To a great extent it was Derby who were responsible for this state of affairs, for they started off on the right foot, took charge of the game and had Everton toiling along in its effort to break down the incessant attack fired at them by the up-and-doing County attack. That Everton were not three goals down in 30 minutes was the great wonder, for they were hit with everything. It was grim, not classical, defence which checked the County. Get the ball away anywhere anyhow, was the need of the moment, so that there was no link up with defence and attack. Such tactics were forced upon Everton by the weight of Derby’s barrage. Wave after wave crashed down on the Everton defence, which was harassed and bewildered at times as to how to cope with such matters. Their only answer was a dour front; hasty kicking which meant that the ball often went to an opponent and they were once more under the hammer. Furthermore, there was not the usual covering tactics. There was no time to scheme, so insistent were the Derby forwards, ably supported by their wing half-backs, who backed up so that there were seven County forwards on occasions. At times only Buckle and Catterick were outside their own half. That should tell of the immense pressure the county brought to bear, yet all they (Derby) could boast seven minutes from the end was a single goal. The score belied Derby’s supremacy. True, Derby fell away in the second half and it was then and only than that Everton came into the game in an attacking sense and they almost pulled off a draw. Not that they would have been worth it, but it nearly came about when Catterick headed against the crossbar. A few minutes later McLaren scored for Derby and whatever chance Everton had of saving the game vanished.
Moore’s Goal
Let me tell you of Derby’s first goal. Moore who was never happy in the game, tried to get the ball back to Burnett, but as he made his kick he slipped and hot his toe-end to the ball to send it careering at pace into his own goal with Burnett holding a watching brief. I thought he might have made an effort to save but how can one be critical of a man who had done wonderful work under the Everton bar when an avalanche promised to descend upon him. Lello never quite got the hang of Morris – his best game since his appendix operation –and Falder was often beaten in the air by Parkin but rarely yielded with the ball on the “floor.” To my way of thinking there was too much concentration on defence, for to leave an attack to three –sometimes two – was asking too much. Wainwright is essentially an attacking forward with a short burst. His presence near the penalty area, where he is so deadly was sorely needed. Buckle could make nothing of Parr in the first half so crossed over to the left, but he enjoyed very little more success there. No, it was just not Everton’s day. Here’s a little private note concerning three of Everton’s players. Falder, Lello and Eglington are to be married during the close season after the tour of Sweden which follows on the last match of the season.
BELOW STANDARD
April 17, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton never quite struck their game against Derby County at the Baseball ground, where an “own goal” by Eric Moore brought the first of the County’s goals Derby might have made certain in the first half but in the second Everton might just as easily have pulled the game out of the fire. Still the County deserved to win and colleague Radar writes. “Straight away Derby despite the fact that they included three reserves, made it obvious that they were intent on gaining revenge for the cup defeat. Faster to the ball and superior in their passing, they proceeded to overrun the Everton defence, and had it not been for the mighty goalkeeping of George Burnett they must have chalked up a big score in the opening half. As it was Burnett aided by the woodwork and by a certain amount of wild finishing, held Stamps and company at bay and it was left to Eric Moore to place the County in front with a freakish “own goal” just after the half-hour. Burnett simply had no chance whatever with a ball which flew from Moore’s foot –in the wrong direction –like a rocket. “Although Everton at times reproduced the form which gained then four points from Blackpool, there was one period in the second half when they threatened to turn the game. It was then that Catterick struck the post with a magnificent header, and Wainwright was unlucky with a raking cross-shot which was inches the wrong side of the upright. But let me make it clear that it would have been an injustice to Derby had they not won this game. Their speed in control invariably had the Everton rearguard in a tangle, while the County forwards received such splendid support from Ward and Musson that they were able for the most part, to exploit a five-in-a-line attacking policy. In Everton’s case we all too often saw the galliant Catterick trying vainly to burst through on his own. For Catterick it must have been a heart-breaking task. “I thought Grant was the best half-back, for Falder found Parkin a lively Derby leader, and Lello was never really able to get to grips with Morris. Hedley enjoyed greater success against Mynard than did Moore in his many tussles with McLaren a lively Scot who headed the second goal, and looks made-to-measure for international honours.
EX-EVERTON 2, EX-LIVERPOOL 2
April 20, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
For nicety minutes last night Holly Park, Garston, was transformed into a school of science. Although there was no Matt Busby or Cliff Britton this time to lend additional football charm to this old timers affair, all the airs and graces which chartercised the first game were there be beguile 9,500 crowd. The game finished a 2-2 draw, but nobody was particularly concerned about that. What mattered was the appearance of such as W.R. Dean, Warney Cresswell, Tiny Bradshaw and the others and the fact that they could still show touches of brilliance. Everybody yearned for a Dean goal. That famous head came very near to getting one inside 10 minutes from a Leyfield centre, and in the end Dean drove home the first goal from another Leyfield offering to give Everton the lead at 30 minutes. Dean and Bradshaw retired at the interval, but the charm of the game remained. Age seems scarcely to have affected Warney Cresswell. There was the same majestic calm the unhurried step to retrieve the awkward situation and the perfectly placed clearance. Tommy Gardner leading the Liverpool attack, was speedy off the mark, and Savage did extraordinary well at right half. Stevenson captivated everyone, and to each and all –Sagar, Dunn, Done in particular –one said a grateful thank you. Other goals were scored by Stevenson for Everton and Hanson and Gardner for Liverpool. Ted Sagar brought off a save of distinction from a penalty kick taken by Bradshaw.
EVERTON’S TEAM
April 20, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Unchanged for Fifth Time
Ranger’s Notes
Everton for the fifth time in succession have chosen an unchanged team. This is how a manager likes it. Free from injuries, his task is made more simple. Against Burnley, Everton will find themselves up against one of the most compact defences in the country and it will need all the forward strength that can be gathered to bring about its downfall. The Turf Moorites are not prolific scorers themselves, so this may well become a defensive battle. Although Everton are not entirely free from relegation fears, it is my opinion that they are almost out of danger. Much, of course, will depend upon the doings of others, but a win over Burnley would make them absolutely safe. All that is needed at Everton is a united front. Defensively they can hold their own with any, but I would like to see a little more power in attack. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington.
The reserve team at Burden Park is; Sagar; Clinton, Jones (T.E.); Lindley, Humphreys, Melville, Higgins, Fielding, Hold, Powell, McIntosh.
Old-Timers Delight
Probably the least important thing about last night’s old-timers game at Holly Park was the result. It was actually two goals apiece but the 9,500 crowd weren’t particularly interested in that. What they had asked for was another “school of science” on similar lines to January’s flood-lit affair. They weren’t disappointed. Maybe Anno Domini told it’s tale on some of the players; that was only to be expected. But the arts and crafts remained throughout and some of the more closely-knit moves away a joy to watch. Everybody wanted Bill Dean to head a goal. H very nearly did so inside ten minutes, from a Leyfield centre; Stan Kanes only just managed to clutch the ball at the last gasp. Dean made amends in another way, however, by ramming home Everton’s opening goal at the half hour. Both he and Bradshaw retired at the interval. “Tiny” having given an entertaining display even if his penalty kick was saved at full-length by Ted Sagar. But Warney Cresswell, Ted Savage, Jimmy Dunn, Alex Stevenson (who captivated all and sundry), Tommy Gardner, Ted Sagar and the rest remained to make this happy memorable occasion. Cresswell who travelled down specially from Sunderland, hardly seems to have altered with the passage of the years. The same cool deliberation is there the same unhurried calm which graced Goodison in years gone by. Dean and Stevenson scored for Everton and Hanson and Gardner for Liverpool. For North-enders, there will be an old-timers repeat act on May 4 a Bootle Satdium. Many of those who took part in last night’s game have promised to turn out again.
EVERTON MAY BE ‘NEAR SAFETY’ TOMORROW
April 21, 1950. The Evening Express
Burnley at Goodison
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton have the chance to banish relegation fears when they face 62-year-old rivals, Burnley, at Goodison Park tomorrow. Two points cannot place Everton absolutely safe if Charlton, Manchester City and Birmingham City all win their matches, but a win today and it will be 100 to one against the Blues going down. The point is that Charlton are at home to Birmingham and so both cannot win, while Manchester City are at home to Derby County –their final home game. If Charlton are beaten they will to all extent be doomed, and that would also go for Manchester, whose outstanding matches are at West Bromwich and Everton. Everton must not rely on the failures of others to keep them out of trouble, but on their own abilities Everton, playing the same team for the fifth successive match, have lost only one of their last four and conceded only the two goals Derby registered against them last Saturday although one was an “own goal.” Burnley will bring an unchanged team and so those good youngest Stepheson and Aird will be on duty and Clarke, the former Crewe Alexandra centre-forward, will face Falder. Everton should have been well primed by manager Cliff Britton regarding Burnley’s set-up in defence, for Cliff laid the foundations for it when he was at Turf Moor, and Manager Frank Hill has added his touches of genius to a side which has secured 42 points from 40 matches and is nicely positioned in the top half of the table. Burnley will be seeking a “double” for they defeated the Blues 5-1 when they met at Turf Moor on December 3, and when Harry Potts scored three goals. Burnley have won as many wins away –seven –as Everton have suffered defeat at home, but although form indicates a Burnley success, I fancy Everton can rise to the occasion. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Burnley; Strong; Aird, Mather; Attwell, Cummings, Bray; Stepheson, Potts, Clarke, Martindale, Hays.
VICTORY MEANS SAFETY
April 21, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Everton can Make Sure of Division 1
Ranger’s Notes
Everton require but one victory to be certain of First Division status next season. They should get it tomorrow at Goodison Park where the visitors will be Burnley, not exactly a high-scoring side, but one with a cast-iron defence. Everton’s chief fault all during the season has been the lack of goal-scoring forwards. In their approach work the team lines up with some of the best, but when the penalty area has been reached they have failed with the reasonable chance. I don’t suppose any side has missed more goal-scoring chances than Everton. If only a fair proportion had been accepted they would not have been in the relegation zone. Everything points to a grim defensive battle between Everton and Burnley, for defence has been the strong point of both sides for a few seasons. It may not be attractive football but it has paid dividends on more than one occasion. Everton must be up and doing tomorrow. It will need the concerted action on the part of the whole five forwards –not just three –to bring about the fail of Burnley, as stubborn a set of players as any in the division. This is the fifth time in succession that Everton have played the same side, and there is any amount of confidence in the team at the moment. It is shots and shots only that will bring about the defeat of their fellow Lancashrians. Let’s have lots of them, even though some of them may fail. It is better to have shot and missed than not to have shot at all. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Burnley; Strong; Aird, Mather; Attwell, Cummings, Bray; Stepheson, Potts, Clarke, Martindale, Hays.
TWO GOALS IN A MINUTE WAS FEATURE OF EVERTON’S MATCH WITH BURNLEY
April 22, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Stork
Everton 1, Burnley 1.
Everton’s first half display was good enough for a win, but in the end they had to be content with a half. This one point should put them in the clear. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain), and Eglington, forwards. Burnley; Strong, goal; Aird and Mather, backs; Attwell, Cummings, and Bray, half-backs; Stephenson, Potts, Clarke, Martindale, and Hays, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.C. Denham (Preston). Everton’s mission today was two points, which would put them safe. Not that I consider that they are in any grave position, even without a victory over Burnley, but a win over the Turf Moor people would put the matter beyond all doubts. Everton for the fifth time in succession played the same team and there were no changes in the Burnley side. There was quite a nice attendance if not a hugh one, and they had the joy of seeing Everton in an attacking mood.
By Split Second
What was more satisfying was the fact that they had the ability and skill to find weaknesses in what was considered one of the soundest defences in the country and it was only by a split second that Catterick failed to connect with the ball after he had been sent through with a forward past. The trouble was not over for Burnley, for Everton produced such pressure that Aird with a back header brought out a magnificent save by his own goalkeeper, Strong, who flicked the ball over the bar to prevent it dropping to the back of the net. So far it had been the Burnley defence against the Everton attack, with the balance in the latter’s favour, and after Moore had cleverly cut down an attack by Hays and Martindale Everton struck again and Wainwright headed just outside. Catterick had an eye for his wingers and he brought Eglington into the game with a long sweeping pass, but the Irishman’s centre was successfully cleared. Buckle had a shot cannoned down and then Burnley, for the first time in five minutes tested their strength against the Everton defence and found it too strong for them. They had another attempt, but found the power of Falder too much for them and the next move was won by Everton which culminated in Wainwright bursting through and shooting hard and strong for goal. It required all the ability that Strong could muster to turn the ball out of the net. There was one tense moment in the Everton goal area and things looked dangerous for a moment, but Burnley’s bark was worse than their bite, and what looked desperate was of no consequence at all to an Everton defence which was completely at one with itself.
Sound Football
Everton were playing some sound football and were definitely the more progressive side at the moment at least, and Wainwright once again cut through only to find his shot charged down by Mather. Wainwright by his short darting raids kept the Burnley defence on tenterhooks and it was –due in a measure to his chasing of the ball to the line that Everton were enabled to get the ball across to Catterick, who although on the turn made a magnificent shot, which Strong did well to turn round his post. A little later Cummings was glad to concede a corner rather than court further disaster. Moore only just sneaked in to take the ball away from Martindale in the nick of time and then the same forward was responsible for his side’s first shot when he pulled his drive well wide of the Everton goal. Wainwright did likewise when he tried his next shot, slewing the ball well outside. Wainwright and Buckle got together in a two-piece to make an opening for Grant, but the little man’s shot was not accurate. Moore put a free kick into Strong’s hands, and following this Hays lifted one well above the Everton crossbar. Burnett’s task in the Everton goal had been simplicity itself, and there was no denying that the first half hour’s play, had been in Everton’s favour, yet they could not show goals for it. I thought they would get a goal when Buckle put Farrell through but the Everton captain did not get a true slap at the ball and it passed outside. Eglington once left Aird standing by his amazing burst of speed and he pulled the ball back to Farrell, but the latter was successfully challenged and the ball went into touch. Buckle from over on the left wing dug up a shot which missed the target, but it was something to see the shooting of the Everton side, even thought it did not bring the merited result. At long last it was Burnett’s turn to come into the limelight with a masterly save from Stepheson. Everton’s reply to this was a shot by Catterick which was deflected by Cummings and when Buckle cut in to take advantage of it he was tackled at the critical moment and so a possible was saved. With five minutes to go of the half Eglington raced his way round Aird only to put his centre to the opposition, Buckle “found” Catterick but as the latter was setting himself for a shot Cummings pounced down on him and took the ball away. With five minutes to go, Burnley took the lead. It was an uncommon goal, in that Burnett had caught Hays’ centre when Clarke dashed into him and knocked the ball out of his hands and sent it dropping into the net. Two minutes later Everton had equalized. Wainwright provided the perfect centre and Catterick with a nod of the head completely beat Strong and so the half closed down with no advantage to either side. Half-time; Everton 1, Burnley 1.
After a quick sally by Everton, Burnley got to grips with the Everton defence, which found that the visitors attack could be quite aggressive when it had its chances, and for some minutes Burnley were parked near the Everton penalty area, and it was not until Potts shot over that the tension eased. Falder was responsible for one bit of sound defensive play to hold down Clarke. Burnley were now playing with greater determination, and were having a much of the game as Everton. Catterick offered Eglington a chance to move forward, but the Irish winger missed the ball, which went into touch. The game at this point had fallen from its high estate, and became rather scrappy. Catterick gained a corner and this was headed outside by Wainwright. A long lob up-field by Falder was volleyed by Catterick, but the ball went on the wrong side of the woodwork.
Catterick Hurt
Hereabouts Catterick left the field, I noticed when he won his corner that he seemed to be suffering some sort of hurt. It was during his absence that Everton put on a spurt which was testing the Burnley defence, but not damaging. Burnley were quick in their raids, and Potts put a long shot into Burnett’s hands. When Wainwright slipped a long ball over to Eglington there seemed a possibility of another goal, but Cummings was successful in his tackle to cut out a potential danger. This was the forerunner to another Everton advance, which culminated in a shot by Buckle passing outside. Caterick came back just in time to see his side engaged in a corner kick. This was safely negotiated and Everton replied through Buckle, who had gone to centre forward and sent Eglington off, but the winger wasted too much time and was eventually beaten. Another corner to Burnley was disposed of, but it was not long before Everton had to face another flag-kick which suffered the same fate as the rest.
Lucky Escape
Corners were won rather easily by Burnley, and it was following one of them that Everton had their lucky escape. When Potts made his header the ball had beaten everyone until it bumped up against the inside of the upright and came straight to the hands of Burnett. The quality of the football at this stage was very high. It was darting raids rather than combined movements that produced the goal incidents. Everton got two free kicks but neither produced anything tangible. It brought down some boos on the heads of those responsible and the next item of note was a shot by Farrell which was blocked. Catterick who was still on the right wing was limping slightly. Everton were trying hard to find the winner, but the Burnley defence was very dour and gave nothing away. A centre by Catterick might have done the trick, for it was of nice length and although it passed beyond Buckle, it went to Eglington, who did not get the ball to his liking. Eglington after looking as though he had lost his chance, regained possession of the ball and “jinking” his way beyond Aird he finally dispatched a ball to the far side of the Burnley goal. Catterick was standing sentinel there ready for such an opening, but he hooked the ball outside. I am sure that had Catterick been 100 per cent fit the ball would have been in the net. Final; Everton 1, Burnley 1. Attendance; 35,784.
BOLTON WANDERERS RES V EVERTON RES
April 22, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Bolton W Res; Elvy, goal; Dougall and Kinsell, backs; Edwards, Aspinal, and Murphy, half-backs; Corfield, Webster, Jackson, Bradley, and Sinn, forwards. Everton Res; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Jones (T.E), backs; Lindley, Humphreys, and Melville, half-backs; Higgins, Fielding, Hold, Powell, and McIntosh, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Ollerton (Preston). Webster scored for Bolton in 17 minutes from a position which seemed well offside. Everton did much smart tackling but Powell wasted their best chance when he shot over. Everton’s forwards were over clever and made no impression on a solid defence. Half-time; Bolton Wanderers Res 1, Everton Res nil. Elvy dived to arrest a fine shot from Higgins. Bradley beat Sagar with a terrific drive from 25 yards range. Sagar diverted a Bradley shot from a corner. Full time; Bolton W Res 2, Everton Res 0.
EVERTON SCORNED CHANCES
April 24, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton 1, Burnley 1.
I think we can look upon Everton’s “half” against Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday as the means of them retaining their First Division status, for only something sensational on the part of these lower in the table could send Everton down. Furthermore, Everton have to meet Manchester City at Goodison Park on the last Saturday of the season. Against Burnley, before 35,000 spectators, Everton should have made certain but if goal scoring chances are scorned then they cannot complain. Their football was infinitely better than that of Burnley in the first half for they were the better craftsmen well able to rend holes in the Burnley defence. Strong had to make some smart saves from Catterick, Buckle and Wainwright during that period when Everton were masters. Whether the incident which produced Burnley’s goal had a disheartening effect I cannot say, but after the interval Everton lost their rythum and swing and the game lost much of its attraction. It became scratchy and full of free kicks, mainly against Burnley, yet Everton still had the chances to win. It was mainly a battle of defences and whereas Burnley’s defence showed signs of unsettlement under pressure the Everton defence was calm and methodical under what little pressure Burnley’s attack brought to bear. Yet as so often happens the side who have done all the attacking fell to a snap goal just before the interval. A curious goal it was too. Burnett had collected Hays centre confidently, but before he realized it Clarke swept into him and knocked the ball out of his hands and it went into the net.
Good Equaliser.
Two minutes later Everton had equalized by a goal that was a really good one. Everton accepted the misfortune of war with a spirited reply and a grand movement all along the front line ended with Catterick scooping the ball over to Wainwright who had positioned himself on the far side of the goal and with great deliberation headed the ball beyond Strong. This was practically the last incident of the half. Before this Farrell had missed a “sitter” from close in and later Buckle should have scored from an Eglington pass which left him in an unassailable position. He slewed the ball outside. Prior to that Everton had an escape when Potts had the disappointing sight of seeing the ball from his grand header strike the upright and rebound into the hands of Burnett. The second half was anything but thrilling. Everton lost their mastery and Burnley came more into the game but it was not high-class football. True Catterick had to go on the wing because of an injury and this to some extent upset the line.
• Everton “B” 7 Runcorn Athletic I.C.I 3
BLUES NEED ONE –AND TWO TO GO
April 24, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
There is relief at Goodison Park although not until next Saturday evening shall we know the exact result of Everton’s fight against relegation. At the moment it is 100 to one against the Blues going down, thanks to a point gained from the Burnley game, but which should have been two. Chartlic Athletic and Manchester City can drew level with Everton on points, provided Everton lose at Sunderland and at home to Manchester City, Birmingham City, having lost at Charlton, cannot gain more than 31 points; Manchester City have to visit West Bromwich and Everton, but have an inferior goal-average to all three, so would have to win those games by useful margins, the Midlanders are at home to Aston Villa and away to the Wolves, games they must win to escape. But, if Charlton win their final game (at Derby on Saturday), Birmingham must go down, and so I think will Manchester City because of goal-average. There you have it. If rivals secure full points, Everton need one point, if the rivals cannot finish with that essential 100 per cent then there s no worry for the Blues. Everton should have beaten Burnley, for three good openings were frittered away and Burnley’s goal never should have been. Luck was with Everton when the ball came back off a post right into Burnett’s arms, who at this time, made a quick clearance, instead of dallying, as he did after catching Hays’ centre so that Clarke could knock the ball out of his hands into the net and look as surprised as everyone else at Goodison. Everton were handicapped by Catterick pulled muscle in the left thigh during the last 30 minutes and it was this injury which made Harry miss a “sitter” for he had shown his real shooting abilities in the first half, when he pivoted for one of the best shots he ever has delivered. Jimmy Strong was there to dive and save, just as he saved so many goal-marked shots while Everton were striking hard. Burnley were a good defensive force, but withal I rated Moore the best defender of all, and Burnley had no forward to compare with Wainwright, who played himself almost to a standstill. Wainwright leaves for the F.A. Canadian tour on May 9, sailing from Liverpool. No one really could quibble at this result of a mixed game, but I still feel that Everton should have grabbed that other safety point.
ALMOST SAFE
April 24, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The relegation clouds have passed over Goodison Park, for only by a miracle can Everton be caught and passed by those below them in the League table. A clean cut victory over Burnley would have been more comforting for that would have put them high and dry no matter what the others do by the end of the season (writes Stork). What is more, Everton should have won this game, without any great difficulty even allowing for the many grand saves made by the Burnley keeper, Strong, for the chances were here but were allowed to slip by. The whole of the first half was well nigh a battle between the Burnley defence and the Everton attack, which was enterprising, progressive and not shot shy. Strong will bear me out about Everton shooting for he had smart saves to make from Wainwright, Catterick and his own full back, Aird. This acknowledged strong Burnley defence was often split asunder by the lively Everton attack so much so that corners were frequent, Everton played some nice football during this period and Farrell should have struck a blow when he was sent through by Buckle, but he dug at the ball and sent it wide. Other’s missed their way with half chances, but it was Strong who foiled Everton most times for Cummings and company were none too sure of themselves under severe pressure.
Terribly Expensive
A single slip in this great game of ours can be terribly expensive. Burnley, who had been safety handled for 40 minutes reared up as Hays was confidently caught by Burnett, but a second later Clarke swept into him and brushed the ball out of his hands and it curled up and dropped into the net. It would have been a calamity had that goal won the game. Fortunately it was not allowed to do so, for Everton replied instantly and a high-powered attack by Everton saw Catterick lift the ball on to Wainwright’s head and the equalizer was recorded in two minutes. A nicely made goal and fully merited. Came the second half and a considerable drop in the standard of play. Everton fell away tremendously and so Burnley entered into the affairs of the day for the first time and they almost took a second goal when a header bumped up against the upright and rebounded into Burnett’s hands – a lucky moment for the Everton goalkeeper Strong had his streak of good fortune when Buckle standing a few yards out, hooked the ball outside – unlike him.
The Vital Need
The play became scratchy passes went astray, the Everton progress did not function and Burnley’s mode of attack was more by quick raids than tactical moves. Furthermore, there were too many free kicks and defence became the most vital need. Let us hang on to a point at all cost seemed to be one idea, and as a consequence there was little to attract so far as attack was concerned. Everton were at a disadvantage in the second half when Catterick had to go the wing owing to a pulled thigh muscle and could not do himself full justice. Everton kept on trying but the Burnley defence had settled down and were able to hold out until the end of a half that had little commend it.
EVERTON AT ROKER
April 28, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Championship and relegation issues are at stake at Roker Park, where Everton needing one more point to make sure of retaining their senior status meet Sunderland, who have still a chance to carry off the First Division title. The Roker men were favourites for the honours until their successive defeats by Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Huddersfield, but will be all out to finish on a winning note. They were successful at Goodison Park last December and Everton will do well to avoid a “double” defeat. Everton; Burnett; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington.
EVERTON’S TASK AT ROKER PARK
April 28, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have only to gain one point from their match with Sunderland at Roker Park to make certain of First Division status for next season no matter what the other lowly clubs may do. While it is most unlikely that Everton will go down, that one vital point represents the margin between certainty and doubt. Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City and Manchester City must win all outstanding points to go above Everton, whose goal-average is superior to those of the Cities. This will be no easy matter, escaping defeat at Roker, for the Wearsiders are still in the championship race with a chance. Sunderland, who won at Goodison Park this season and so seek a “double” were favourites for the championship a month ago, but then suddenly collapsed and suffered three successive defeats including a home defeat at the hands of Manchester City. Sunderland could regain top place if they return to winning form and their rivals make slips, and with that possibility in their minds you can rest assured that Sunderland will take some holding. Main power of Sunderland lies in their attack but their defence has its periods of uncertainly.
EVERTON IN BLUNDERLAND AS DEFENCE HAS TWO MINDS
April 29, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sunderland;- Mapson, goal; Stelling and Hudgell, backs; Watson, Walsh and Scotson, half-backs; Duns, Broadis, Wright (T.), Shackleton, and Reynolds, forwards. Everton; Burnett, goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell (captain) and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.D. Coultas (Hull). After recent indifferent displays, in which championship hopes have almost disappeared, Sunderland again tired the experiment of their regular outside right Tommy Wright appearing at centre forward. The veteran outside right Duns, was called in to fill the vacancy. Another last-minute change was Scotson, at right-half in place of Wright (A.), absent with an injured knee. Everton have played the same team for four consecutive games. Everton kicked off before the smallest crowd of the season. Sunderland were soon on the attack and Burnett had to clear his line. A poor clearance by Walsh, the Sunderland pivot, allowed Catterick to go through, but he shot high over the bar. Stelling conceded an easy corner. This was well placed by Buckle, but Hudgell cleared with his head. In the first six minutes Sunderland had taken the lead, Broadis, from the outside left position, running the ball across. Burnett was challenged and he fisted the ball to Duns who headed a beautiful goal. Two minutes later Wainwright almost leveled the score with a drive which swerved away from Mapson. The Sunderland goalkeeper made a good save. Eglington next made the by-line. He put across a beautiful centre and Mapson held the ball in a confident manner. Sunderland increased their lead in the 14th minute. Wright received a through pass and he eluded Falder to shoot into the net wide of Burnett. Everton were not setting down against the threat of the Sunderland forwards. The defence was often caught in two minds. Eglington was showing some nice football and was the liveliest forward. During insipid midfield play Shackleton was injured and went on to the wing. A misunderstanding in the Everton good idea nearly led to another goal. Duns sent in a shot, but Moore deflected the ball wide of the goal for a corner. This corner was placed by Reynolds and after several attempts was cleared. Through sheer persistence Catterick forced the ball through. He whipped a shot across which was just wide of the angle of the post. A free kick on the left for Everton was well placed by Eglington. It went to Buckle, whose hook shot was fisted over the bar by Mapson. The corner kick was put out. A high centre from the right to Wright was headed just wide of the upright. Wainwright was trying hard for Everton, but he was kept well in check by Watson. Shackleton went back into position and put Duns in possession. He shot hard at goal and Burnett held the ball under the bar. Wainwright shot into the hands of Mapson when well placed. Half-time; Sunderland 2, Everton nil. Everton attacked on the restart. They were trying hard to score, but the forwards were not combining well in the face of keen tackling. In eight minutes Wainwright put across a lovely pass to Catterick, who was standing unmarked. He headed the ball under Mapson’s body into the net. Duns placed a corner and Wright bobbed up from a crowd of defenders to head the ball into the net. In the 63rd minute Hodgell, the Sunderland left back handled in the penalty area. Wainwright gave Mapson no chance with his shot, which entered the net well wide of him. Everton were now full of fight and were trying hard to get on level terms. In the 74th minute Wright scored again for Sunderland from across by Duns. Final; Sunderland 4, Everton 2. Attendance; 23,519.
EVERTON RES V LEEDS RES
April 29, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Reserves;- O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Saunders, backs; Lindley, Humphreys, and Melville, half-backs; Corr, Higgins, McIntosh, Powell, and Parker, forwards. Leeds United Reserves; J. Bannister, goal; E. Bannister, and Ingham, backs; Bullions, McCabe, and McAdams, half-backs; Sellars, Ingleton, Frost, Tapscott, and Taylor, forwards. Both teams found it difficult to control the slippery ball. Many passes went astray. Everton were in the lead when Parker sent over a neat pass, Higgins raced forward to give the Leeds goalkeeper no chance with a hard low shot. Leeds fought back, with Ingleton and Tapscott combining well to go close with several enterprising moves. Only the smart tackling of the Everton defence prevented them from scoring. After 34 minutes Everton increased their lead when from a breakaway, McIntosh cleverly eluded a Leeds defender to score from close range. A minute before the interval Powell put Everton further ahead when the ball slithered away from a defender to his foot. He made no mistake with a fast rising shot. Half-time; Everton Reserves 3, Leeds United Reserves Nil. Kick Everton were the more aggressive. Play on the restart was mainly centred around the Leeds goal area. The Leeds goalkeeper stopped shots from all angles. An overhead kick by Higgins nearly found the net. McIntosh fired in a shot which stuck in the mud a yard from the goal-line. Final; Everton Reserves 4, Leeds United Reserves 1.
April 1950