August 7 th 1886. Football Field
Everton has lost a very promising half-back in Fayer who owing to bad track has emigrated to New South Wales.

Everton v Rawtenstall
August 9 th 1886. The Liverpool Daily Post
The first match of the season was played on Saturday, in the presence of quite 1500 spectators. A start was not made until an hour after the time fixed. The game was evenly contested, and resulted in a win for the visitors by four goals to three. The home team was rather disorganised, and lacked cohesion. From a pass by Parry Briscoe scored first goal, Fleming supplementing this a little later on, but before half time Riley and Harper equalised matters, the score being two goals each. After crossing over Everton did some pressing, Farmer kicking a third. Nothing of importance transpired until shortly before time, when aided by a free kick Harper once more made the score level, and directly after from a corner kick, the winning point was notched. Teams; - Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dobson (captain) and Brown, backs; Higgins, Corey, and F. Parry half-backs; Farmer, Shaw, Wilding, Briscoe, and Fleming, forwards. Rawtenstall; - Kay, goal; Barnes and Lord, backs; Harper, Taylor and Spencer, half-backs; Andrews, Pickup, Entwistle, Kirk, and Riley forwards.

Everton Football Club
August 10 th 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
The Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir- Permit me to suggest that now that Everton have entered upon their present season, it would be of great advantage to the public attending the matches if more punctual time was adhered to in the starting of the game at the advertised time, and also if a turnstile was erected they would be able to check more accurately and ascertain the correct number attending these matches your's etc August 9 th 1886. Lover of Football.

August 14 th 1886. Football Field
Everton think Rawtenstall a good football team and likely to make a name this season. Harper at half-back is a “clinker” and their forwards are very fast on the ball. Everton supporters are offering odds on the Blue and White, beating them in the return match.

Everton v Bolton Wanderers
August 16 th 1886. The Liverpool Daily Post
These clubs met on the ground of the former on Saturday, when fully 3,000 spectators put in an appearance to witness the match. Owing to the train by which the visitors travelled being an hour late, the patience of the assemblage was severely tested. A fast and well contested game made up considerably for the long wait, and considering that the home tem are still rather upset a defeat of three goals to one is nothing to be ashamed of. Fleming was sadly missed on the right wing, Shaw being but a very indifferent substitute. Wilding set the ball rolling and Briscoe just shot outside the upright. Brogan replied, and Joliffe handed out Parry intercepting smartly soon after, just as the same player was about to shoot. George then passed to Wilding who sent in a nice shot, Trainor clearing smartly. After a lapse of fifteen minutes Fallow defeat Joliffe rather easily. Davenport was the next to being down the Everton colours, and then the home club had a look in. A characteristic throw in by Corey close to the Trotters goal caused a smart scrimmage and Shaw scored for Everton amid much enthusiasm. Soon after ends were changed and from a rush down the field by the whole of the visitors' forwards Fallon notched the third goal. Everton tried hard to make headway, but up to the call of time were unable to find an opening Trainor negotiating several grand shots by Farmer. Teams; - Bolton Wanderers; - Trainor, goal; Parkinson and Clare, backs; Roberts, Steel, and Bullough half-backs; Brogan, Davenport, Struthers, Howarth, and Fallon, forwards. Everton; - Joliffe, goal; W. Parry, and Dobson (captain), backs; Higgins, Gibson and Corey, half-backs; Farmer Briscoe, Wilding, George, and Shaw forwards.

 

The Wanderers Open Season at Everton.
(By “Rambler.”)
August 21 st 1887. Football Field.
Football is looking up Toffeewards, and so it should, for have not Everton showed their superiority over the other Liverpool clubs by winning the Liverpool cup? There is keen rivalry between the principal Liverpool clubs, and a general mixture of supporters of various organisations were present to see Everton well thrashed by the Wanderers on Saturday. However, the thrashing did not come off to the extent anticipated, and everything the Wanderers did was right, whilst the claims made by the home team were necessarily all wrong. It is true the spectators were kept a long time waiting, but this was not the fault of either the Wanderers or Everton, but a genuine case against the L. & Y. Railway Co. No doubt the Bootleians, the Stanleyites and others felt chagrined at this, as they had every cause to do, but it was scarcely the thing to blame the Everton people for it. On one occasion when there was a slight hoot a young swell, who I believe hailed from Bootle, remarked with an aristocratic sneer that “Everton had all the scum of the town, and they were quite welcome to it.” The Everton men went out for half an hour's practice to appease the wrath of the impatient spectators, and when the Wanderers arrived at 4-45 they were received with cheering. The “full cup team” was announced, but the eleven put into the field was rather better than the one that won the Lancashire cup. I missed the ancient visage of John Hutchinson, of Dumbarton, his place being taken by Clare, of Stoke. Davie Weir, with his scientific play, was also nonest , letting in Bullough. Joe Hewitson and the wily “snap” Hough were absent, the left wing being in charge of Fallon and P. Howarth, who played together four years ago for Great Lever. Howthings do change, to be sure! Struthers was there in new togs, as good-looking and good tempered as ever. Steel was all over the shop, as judicious as possible, with Bob Roberts' burly form freighting one of the Everton right wing. Jim Parkinson was behind him, more athletic looking than last year, whilst the active Trainor was in chare of the goal. The two “demons” were on the right wing, and thus was the Wanderers' team made up, Everton had George Dobson as captain, Farmer and Wilding, the Welshmen, but Fleming, one of their best forwards, was absent, his place being filled by a very mediocre player, whose only bit of good work during the afternoon was that of scoring a goal, and that he could not very well avoid. The Wanderers' committeemen assembled in force to see their team perform. Mr. Peter Parkinson was chatting with George Dobson pater with a very self-satisfied smile as Brogan and Dobson went for each other. The Doctor and Mr. Peter Connolly enjoyed their Havannas in the uncomfortable position of balancing themselves on the rails, whilst the host of the Britannia got as excited as ever over the “misconduct” of the referee. “Th' owd umpire” brandished his stick as usual, and last, but not least, the worthy Prince attended to the rubbling and Bootle department. The Everton executive were very waxy at the late arrivals, and had their men rubbed down an hour before. Mr. Nisbet, the new secretary, was wanted everywhere, from seeing to the gate arrangements to keeping the small boys off the touchlines but appeared to be quite happy contemplating the size of the gate. The small stand was packed and the proposed enlargement is evidently required. Hostilities were commenced by Wilding starting the ball down hill, and very soon the Everton men were at Trainor's posts. Parkinson chased and then Clare was called upon by Farmer and the little Briscoe, who are a pretty clever pair. After a time the Wanderers began to put on pressure Struthers rushing off on the left wing and coming a cropper –boots too large. Kenny got the ball on the other wing, Brogan tumbling Dobson over. Matters were getting exceedingly lively, the game being what is generally described as terrific. After a while the players toned down, Davenport putting in some rare sprints. Bob Roberts seemed to have startled his opponents, and then Fallon went across to the right wing and put a shot past Joliffe. This seemed to dishearten the Everton men somewhat, for the Wanderers had the best of matters for a long time, and eventually Davenport scored one of the best goals I have seen, shooting the ball through from within a foot of the line. Gibson and Steel now paid each other slight attentions, the Everton man getting rather the worst of the bargain. Wilding went through the lot but shot too soon, Trainor throwing away. The Wanderers again went up the field and shot, Jolliffe managed to get the ball away, but in my opinion not before it was through at least a foot. The referee didn't think so, and the play wore on. Parkinson kicked out, Carey threw in a scrimmage followed, and Shaw somewhat redeemed himself by landing a goal, a feat which he seemed to much appreciate. This brought about half-time after the usual drinkables had been disposed of the Wanderers went at it again. They soon scored a third, and the Everton had a look in. The ball was kicked up the field and Wilding rushed up. Parkinson partially kept him off, and some misunderstanding almost cost the Wanderers a goal, as Trainor was very lucky to get the ball out of danger. The Wanderers once more pressed, Brogan and Davenport putting in some capital centres. The ball was worked through once but disallowed for off-side. A change succeeded in flooring Brogan, at which the latter smiled heavily. The Everton men played up splendidly, and twice Trainor made almost impossible saves. Parkinson and Clare were kept fully employed, and Steel did plenty of work at centre half-back. The capital defence kept the Everton forwards at bay, and the Wanderers won by three goals to one, after a game with which Mr. Nisbet and his committee may feel satisfied.

Football Gleanings from Liverpool
The campaign has commenced. In three weeks the ball will have been set rolling by all our local clubs, but it cannot be said that at presented the outlook is very promising. There was much talk at the close of last season of a big team being run at Everton. Present indications would go to show that there was not much in these rumours. George Dobson is still at his post, notwithstanding all sorts of reports. Marriott has given way to Parry, an undoubted change for the worse. Mike Higgins is as juvenile as ever, Carey throws in his own particular patent style, but the place of Tommy Fayer, the best of the trio of half-backs, knows him no more. His position is taken –oh! Irony of fate –by the best-hated man from the rival camp. Events move quickly in these “fast” times. It seems but yesterday when howls of execration greeted a certain stalwart Bootle player as he dashed with all his might at the defenders of the Everton goal. He was then a “stiff'un” and something very more uncomplimentary, but he is now worth –well, so much a week. If Andy's new friends have much to forget his old ones have learned a lesson. It is not too much to say that amongst the followers of Bootle, Gibson was the most popular of all the Bootle players. His election as vice-captain is proof of this. No player either was more profuse in his protestation of loyalty. Nobody will deny that a professional player has a right to offer his services to the highest bidder, but people have an odd knack of remembering that there are such old fashioned virtues as gratitude, friendship, and loyalty, and that such are usually considered as beyond expression in current coin. Of the forward division, it cannot be said that matters are very promising. Briscoe, who partners Farmer on the left, is a plucky youngster, but lacking experience. This is a defect, however, which will mend every day and it is possible the St. Benedict's player will obtain a permanent place in the team. Wilding will gain play in the centre, but the right wing is still in a transition state. Shaw, the Sheffield blade, is not quite so sharp as was anticipated, and will not improve the wing, so that it is likely that Fleming and George will gain be seen at this side of the attack. Joliffe again holds the pass, and if in form may be depended on with confidence.

Everton v Darwen
August 23 rd 1886. The Liverpool Courier.
These teams met at the Anfield enclosure on Saturday in the presence a large assemblage of spectators, and after a well-contested game Everton scored their first victory for the season. Wilding started the ball and racing up the field corner kicks fell to Everton without result, but although a similar advantage fell to the lot of the “Darweners,” nothing came of it, and in the main the play for a length of time was in favour of the home team. Wilding appeared to hold a favourable chance in front of goal, but a little dilatorinces caused the opportunity to be lost. A moment later farmer had possession, but the Darwen left intercepted very cleverly, and the ball was kicked over the line. At length Darwen worked their way down the hill, and Crankshaw from the left sent in a stinging shot, which fortunately for Everton passed over the bar. Again the visitors invaded the Everton quarters, and Owen finished with an abortive shot which went wide of the mark and half-time reached without a point scored by either side. Shortly after restarting Whittle and Farmer had shots at goal, but in each instance the ball passed over the bar. J. Marsden met a subsequent attack in capital style, and in close following a splendid shot was sent in from the Darwen left. Dobson now saved grandly, but still the visitors kept the ball well in front of the Everton uprights Joliffe play at this time eliciting well-merited applause. Immediately afterwards Everton secured a corner kick, which Corey placed admirably. A succeeding shot struck one of the uprights amidst great excitement, while a moment later from a header by Pearson, the ball sailed agravatingly over the bar. At length from a claim for hands Dobson from midfield landed the ball in front of the upright, when Pearson, rushed up, and during a malee kicked the first goal amidst a wild outburst of applause. A moment later Holden in goal met an attack in magnificent style, which was succeeded by a clever run and centre on the Everton right by Pearson. Farmer followed with another abortive shot over the bar, a similar shot being sent in by Haresnape, much to the disappointment of the visiting team who being unable to get on level terms with their vigorous opponents were finally beaten by a goal to nothing. Both goalkeepers played admirably, Holden in particularly so, and but for whom the Everton score must have been considerably larger. Teams; - Everton; - Joliffe goal; G. Dobson (captain) and W. George, backs; Corey, A. Gibson and M. Higgins, half-backs; G. Farmer, Briscoe, G. Wilding, Pearson, and Whittle, forwards. Darwen; - Holden, goal; T. Marsden and J. Marsden backs; Thornber, Rostron, and D. Owen, half-backs; Crankshaw, Norris, Broughton, Haresnape, and Nightingale forwards.

Everton v Stanley
August 26 th 188. The Liverpool Daily Post
The meeting their local cracks on the Everton ground, yesterday evening, produced some excitement amongst the football fraternity, and the match was in consequence witnessed by a very large number of spectators. The play all round was very fair, but Everton held the trump card right throughout and won by three goals to one. Wilding kicked off, and Everton immediately brought hostilities uncomfortably, near the Stanley upright. Brown relieved by a dribble on the left, Wright tried a long shot, Joliffe threw out, and by good passing the home forwards were soon back, Wilding however, just sent the ball over. Farmer next had a chance, but twenty minutes elapsed before Fleming, from a well-placed corner kick by Costley, found an opening. From the kick off Wright threatened the Everton goal, Jones intercepted, and again Stanley were pressed and Farmer shot across, but Fleming and Wilding both missed their attempts. Pearson next shot well in, Jackson repelled, but a stiff scuffle ensued, from which the same player managed to rush the globe through. Farmer soon after supplemented this so that half time was reached with Everton three goals to nil ahead. After the changes of ends, play became more brisk. Jolliffe saved a shot by Brown, and then the Stanley back division had a warm time of it, Wilson defending in good style, whilst Jackson's goalkeeping was exceptionally good. Hughes broke through, and sent to Brown, who tried a longshot, which, to the astonishment of the onlookers took effect, mainly through Joliffe misjudging the distance, and the home backs being to far up the field. No further score was made up to the call of time, it was almost dark. Teams; - Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Marriott and Dobson (captain), backs; Corey, Gibson and Jones, half-backs; Farmer, Coshley, Wilding, Pearson and Fleming, forwards. Stanley; - Jackson goal; W. Wilson and Stewart, backs; Hughes, Ross and Thomas, half-backs; Wright, J. Wilson, McNeil, Brown and Pickering forwards.

Everton beat Darwen and Stanley
August 28 th 1886. Football Fields
There is much chopping going on in the Everton team just now. The combination for Saturday's game with Dawren was the worst yet seen at Anfield-road. And yet they accomplished what no other Everton team has yet achieved –the lowering of the Darwen colours. George was tried as full-back, but did not create a sensation, except by an occasional hugh kick. Shaw had disappeared, and the old Everton right wing was resuscitated. Whittle and Richards once promised to make a splendid right wing, but on Saturday were quite off it. The play of the whole team was inferior to that shown against Bolton Wanderers a week previous. The extreme youthfulness of the Darwen players was much noted. True, there were Rostrom and Owen, but where are the rest? The new men can play without doubt. They were decidedly unlucky to have to record defeat by one goal to nil, for as a team showed better form than their opponents. The game was not many minutes old before a feature of play was observed which had a familiar look about it. When the Blackburn Olympic was last here Haresnape, of Witton, was in the team, and gave Dobson no end of trouble. It was not long before he made his presence known to burly George. The youngster was loudly applauded on numerous occasions for his tricky play, and he afforded no end of amusement to a section of the spectators by his “dribbling” of the Everton full back. Joliffe kept goal in capital style for Everton.

And so Stanley have a team, and one which has an air of business too. As I intimated last week considerable changes have been made in the team, but it is not yet in a state of completion. Everton tried still another combination. Tom Marriott is again found to be indispensable. Mike Higgins was replaced by a youngster of considerable promise, whilst Farmer had for a partner a player with the historic name of Costley –one of the Costleys, in fact. Possibly this may turn out to be Everton's best turn up, that is if Master Costley will only infuse just a bit of spirit into his play. He has fair resource, is tolerably speedy, and can centre the ball with admirable precision. He is perhaps the best player Farmer has yet had. In the match with Stanley, Everton had a great advantage, for their opponents were making a first appearance, and were naturally a trifle slow to start. As the game proceeded they shaped much better. Everton scored three times in the first half, and Stanley once in the second. W. Wilson shaped very nicely as full back, and is a most useful man for any team, as he can play in any position. Stewart, too, is a powerful full back. For Everton Walter Richards improved on his Saturday's form, but Wilding is still off colour.

BOLTON WANDERERS V EVERTON
August 28, 1886. Blackburn Standard.
The Wanderers opened their football season with a match against Everton, at Liverpool on Saturday, and played the following team : - Trainor goal; Clare (Stoke), and Parkinson, backs; Bullough, Steel, and Roberts, half-backs; Brogan, Davenport, Struther, Farron, and Parry. The game was very fast, and ended in the defeat of Everton by three goals to one.

DARWEN V EVERTON.
August 28, 1886. Blackburn Standard.
Played at Liverpool on Saturday, before a large number of spectators. Play in the first half of the game was somewhat in favour of the home team, but no points were scored. On chance of ends Darwen had the hill against them, and were pressed and about 20 minutes from the finish Pearson kick a goal, the score of “No-side” being Everton 1 Darwen nil.

Everton v Accrington
August 30 th 1886. The Liverpool Courier
These teams met at the Anfield enclosure on Saturday in the presence of close upon 3,000 spectators, and after a brilliant game Everton beat the “Reds” by two goals to one. Early in the game Yates scored for Accrington, while Briscoe equalised for Everton. In the second portion of the game the excitement was intense, one side and then the other gaining the ascendancy. Three minutes from the call of time Briscoe added a second goal to the Everton score, and amidst a scene of the wildest enthusiasm Everton beat the Preston North End conquerors as above stated. Teams; - Everton; - Joliffe, goal; Dobson (captain) and George, backs; Gibson, Corey, and Higgins, half-backs; Fleming, Wilding, Farmer Whittle, and Briscoe. Accrington; - Cowell, goal; McLemman, and Stevenson, backs; Haworth, Bryce and Chippendale, half-backs; Mackereth, Yates, Mcbeth, Bonar, and Conway, forwards.