FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Athletic News - Monday 03 August 1925
Following upon the exclusive announcement which appeared in the  Athletic News, concerning the acquisition of A. J. Riley by the Liverpool club,  comes the information that David  Murray, who led the South African forwards  "when on tour last season, has been secured Everton.  Murray, native of the Western Province, stands 5ft. 10 ½ in. and weighs 12st.  11lb. Both Riley and Murray were due to leave Cape Town last Friday, and will arrive at Southampton in a fortnight.
G Salt, ex-Everton and Accrington plays for Wigan

REQUEST
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
“Loyal Blue” is responsible for the following;-
I desire to draw attention to an objectionable feature of the Everton Football Ground.  I allude to the position of the refreshment stall at the Walton end of the Goodison-road entrances.  This is located badly and unfortunately.  The insanitary effect on the foodstuffs exposed for sale is plain. 

CRICKET “WOLVES”
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 August 1925
JACK SHARP SMITES “BARRACKERS”
O.T, VERY O.T!
PLAYERS SACRIFICE THEIR WICKETS THROUGH SCORN
ASTOUNDING ALLEGATIONS
Echo Special
The Cricket world has been startled by Mr. Jack Sharp’s announcement of his refusal to play at Old Trafford.  In an interview with “Bee” this morning, Mr. Sharp made absolute denial of the suggestion given elsewhere that he complained of the heckling of the members of the club in the pavilion, or that he was so foolish as to say that “no self-respecting amateur will play at Old Trafford.” 
Mr. Sharp says the Old Trafford crowd is known as the “Wolves” –they don’t give a player a chance, said he, and there have been cases where barracking has so upset some of the best batsmen in the side that they have deliberately thrown away their wickets rather than suffer further scorn. 
THE FULL STORY
Mr. Jack Sharp, captain of Lancashire, was good enough to grant “Bee” an interview, although he said he had been bothered by a dozen and one people for a story, and had refused them point-blank.  All he had said to interviews was that the rumour that he would not play again at Old Trafford was quite true, and when asked his reason, his answer was “the crowd is too unkind.”  It had been stated in one paper that the Lancashire captain had expressed his annoyance at the constant heckling of the members of the club in the pavilion.  Mr. Sharp gave a categorical denial to this suggestion- “it is very unfair to publish such a statement,” said he.  “Why, they are my best friends; I have not the slightest complaint against them.  It is the crowd on the other side of the ground which is the barrier to a player.  Do you know our crowd is known in certain cricket circles by the extraordinary title of “The Wolves.” 
NOT TROUBLED BY ‘KIDDING.’
This is due to the fact that the crowds is all keen for the opposing side, and any home player who happens to make a mistake is never allowed to forget it.  The home players at Old Trafford simply cannot do themselves justice, owing to the remarks that are passed by the spectators around the crowd.  “We none of us object to bit of banter, such as you get at Sheffield, for instance, where in their own brogue, they will tell you that you are a bad player, but there is a difference between that gentle kidding and the brutal treatment our fellows have received in the last ten years. 
BURLESQUE APPLAUSE
“Let me give you an example.  A player misses a catch.  First of all he suffers very severe commends, which are not said with any semblance of fun, and this is followed up by burlesque applause.  Every time the delinquent handles the ball thereafter he receives ironic clapping.  If this is persisted in the man in the field naturally becomes fearful and expectant of the simplest of things being done in a wrong manner.  He cannot concentrate on the pick-up of a ball, for instance, and thus he is unable to do himself or his side justice.
IRREVOCABLE
I asked Mr. Sharp what he had to say in regard to the published statement, supposed to have been made in conversation that “shortly” no self-respecting amateur would play at Old Trafford.”  His answer as;-
“I never said such a thing; it has been entirely made up. 
 “Will you please make a strong denial of this; I never mentioned the word amateur’ at all. 
I asked him was his decision final.  This was the emphatic reply. “Certainly, I will not play at Old Trafford again under any circumstances.”   Have you finished with cricket? –Oh, no; but I simply will not play at Old Trafford. 
Scorned and scoffed
I asked Mr. Sharp whether all the players had come under the bark of the spectators, and he said, “I am sorry to say all of them in turn have suffered the type of barracking that is so unsettling to a player, whether he be professional or amateur, and the extent to which the criticism was carried can be estimated by a belief that batsmen have deliberately sacrificed their wickets at a certain point in their innings, rather than suffer a continuation of the scorn.  I know the feeling of the professionals on the matter, and I think it would  be all for the good of the game if some measure is taken to show the crowd at Old Trafford that they have gained this reputation and are not doing their own men common justice. 
“If anyone imagines that I have not cause for complaint, it is best to tell them that the barracking in my case- in connection with the Parkin benefit match- was kept up for three days. I asked Mr. Sharp whether it was what is known as a “dolly“  catch that he missed when the first ball was sent up, and he replied; “It was just the sort of catch that everybody some time in their cricket life slips; but I don’t mind their chipping me in a rational manner.  But when the whole side has cause to complain at the persistence of this barracking, some has to take action; and why not me, because I am an amateur now, and am playing the game for the joy of it.”
THE NEW CAPTAIN?
We understand that Mr. A.W. Pewtrees is likely to captain Lancashire at all their remaining home fixtures.  The position in regard o he away matches is rather peculiar, because if Sharp plays he will, of course, lead the team.  Mr. Sharp is known the country over for his sporting qualities in every direction.  He holds a directorship of the Everton Football Club with which club he made his name as a right winger after having started his football life in Heresford Thistle’s side, which about 1898 and 18999 had a wonderful set of young fellows, who afterwards became famous in cricket and football.  Sharp went from the Heresford to Aston Villa, which place he left with his brother Bert, a full back.  Mr. Sharp’s last words were, “Please give emphatic denial to the foolish statements you have brought to my notice.”

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 August 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• Marshall McEwan, the famous Bolton, &c., left winger, has only been reinstated as an amateur by the Irish F.A
• But has been appointed a member of the Irish F.A and his international Selection Committee
• On top of this is a director of the Linfield Club
• McEwan was at one time Everton fourth string outside left. 
• The Everton players have been in training for nearly two weeks. 

EVERTON LEADERS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 August 1925
TEAMS FOR THEIR GAME ON SATURDAY
Bee’s Notes
This is the weather to lead one to football thoughts! I was over at Hilbre for the first time in my life this week, visiting the place the Old Everton club used to frequent for special training- Hilbre Island is an ideal spot for such a happening, and there, under the care of the squire of the parish- an ardent Evertonian all his life- I gathered many old-time stories of the Blues from Squire Thomas.  Everton frequented the quaint land of rocks, caves, figs, and fags in the days when Danny Kirkwood and Geary were playing.  They stayed at Grant’s in the village, and it is said they painted the village red, not blue.  Be this as it may the fact remains that Liverpool and Everton are very partial to Hoylake for the day before the Cup-tie or local “Derby,” and mention of the magic word Derby reminds me that the great Derby race used to be run from Leasowe to Hoylake in the distant past.  So far I do not desire to indulge in prospects for I would sooner trust my eyes in football as in racing rather than list to the voice of the charmer who is prospecting on what is really simply hope. 
SOME CHANGE NAMES
My part for the moment is to tell you that the local teams have been chosen for trial games, and the name-plate suggests some rather intriguing games, for there is nothing to create so much interest as the appearance of new men of fellows on trial.  Everton kick off first.  They play on |Saturday at 3.15 and their team is poignant, because it shows Jack Peacock fit again.  For once in our lives, said an official, we are starting the season with an absolutely clean bill, and we are very thankful for it.  Everton’s sheet was issued last night, and with it the election of officers for the post of captain and sub-captain.  Hunter Hart, who had serious ideas of giving up football and going to America- not for football, but for other business, has stayed his hand and his passage per liner, and everyone is glad he has been honoured again; he is a most likeable fellow and a good general.  Sam Chedgzoy takes the duty post.  There should be a good attendance at Goodison Park on Saturday, when the receipts will help on charity’s sweet call.  The teams read;- Blues; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup.  Whites; Kendall; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Bain, Reid; Parry, Rand, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver. 

FIRS TRIAL GAME AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow is the opening day of the Everton season in their trial game is due to be played and many thousands of folk are all anxious to see how the men shape and judge for themselves whether Everton are going to improve on last season’s performance, wherein all their good work was done anywhere but in the goal area!  He teams “speak for themselves.” Thus;- Blues;- Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup.  Whites; Kendall; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Bain, Reid; Parry, Rand, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver.  Kick-off at Everton 3.15.
A NEW CLUB AND NEW STORY
St. Helens Town, admitted to the County Combination, is a new team in the old town.  Time was when they ran a big soccer side there, and once beat Everton in a famous Lancashire Cup-tie, Tom Jones, ex-Everton, scoring the only goal of the day.  That was years ago, and it coincided with a remarkable incident, which may interest readers.  I was ‘phoning Mr. W. C. Cuff about Jones being signed by the Midland club, Small Heath.  His answer was “How on earth do you get to know?”  Jones is here at this moment, and the ink of his signature is not yet dry.”  Another story to be added to that type is the story of Mr. Patterson, of Liverpool, asking me “How do you get hold of the news?” Next morning I was phoning him, and by some mischance my phone-call got mixed up with one of his calls to Mr. Director Bainbridge.  I could plainly tell the voices of the two, and just as they finished their conversation I chimed in “One moment, please.  This is ‘Bee’ calling,” Mr. Patterson was astonished to find me ‘on the line.’  Asked how it came about, I replied, “I don’t know; but it is a good answer to your query of yesterday when you wondered how we got hold of the news.”  It was a mere accident. 

TRYING ON NEW RULES OF THE GAME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 August 1925
BIG CROWD ATTEND
EVERTON MAKE THEIR BOW
By Bee
Football's cyclone is passing over the almanack and is due upon the sports world in a fortnight.  To-day the senior clubs started their trial games. The receipts—and they were big—go to charities.  The footballer to-day was in a testing mood.  New rules came into force. 
THE NEW THROW-IN. 
The throwing-in of the ball has led to many interruptions: the flow of the game has been ruined. New a player can throw the ball without breaking a law—or he should be able to—for the law allows him to stand behind the line and raise his heels.  The latter point was made clear through an exclusive statement published during the week in our columns. 
THE NEW OFFSIDE LAW. 
The offside bogey is to be reduced. Instead of the forwards needing to be spry to prevent a back jumping forward and throwing him offside by negative football there will now only be too defenders—a  goalkeeper and a back.  Will this lead to the old-time "poaching" policy?  No one could say, but the clubs in private, and again to-day in public, tried the new rule to see how it worked—and how it could be combatted
EVERTON KICK-OFF. 
Everton kicked off before a big-sized crowd—for a practice game—at Goodison Park, to-day. The teams lined up before Referee Constantine in this order: — BLUES.  Harland; McDonald, O'Donnell; Brown, MacBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy. The ground staff and the director in charge, Mr. Banks, deserve credit for the condition of the turf, which was excellent.  There were about 12,000 spectators laying in the sunshine, and they had the delight of a goal in two minutes. Parry and Rand were sprightly young men and they got through O'Donnell's defence, Harland making a good save. However, the danger was not cleared, and Broad made a sharp, sure shot to the left-hand corner of the net, and received Rand's benediction as well as that of the crowd.  It may have been the jerseys, but the fact remains that Peacock seemed to have thickened out. Raitt, on the other hand, seemed to have less poundage than of yore.  Offsides were conspicuous by their absence, and throws-in were taken in such a way that it seemed almost unnecessary for a linesman to be in attendance.  The first time that Chedgzoy and Irvine began to move up. Irvine worked his way well into goal, and Kendall, in diving to the foot of the post to make a good save, hurt his head, but was able to continue.  The next point of note was a nodding pass by Dean, which set Chedgzoy away on a good sprint and shot.  Jock McDonald had been playing splendid football, when he got a smack on the nose that was once put out of joint at West Bromwich. The Whites had been pressing him severely, and the Blues, while perhaps not so enthusiastic as their rivals,were doing some useful work. Chedgzoy was well on his toes, even though he could not quite get the shots on the mark; and his partner Irvine, crested a laugh by his juggling effort against David Reid and Livingstone. 
FIRST TIME DOES IT. 
Harland had to get down quickly to a bouncing ball delivered in Chadwick's best style, after which Parry, cannily putting spin on his centre, made him handle a second time. Dean showed his real promise by the way he lashed out instantly at an Irvine pass. Fortunately for Kendall, the ball clogged against a full-back.  Then followed a very line concerted movement by Chadwick, Weaver, and Broad, which ended with Broad diving into the back of the net without making contact with the ball.  Rand sized up one situation to an inch, and a square pass led to Broad standing alone in his glory, yet putting the ball over the bar. Chadwick did likewise, in fact, he hit the centre-board of the stand. Kendall made a nice catch, and Kennedy, out of position, did well to get the ball near goal with a back-header.  Kendall did not get down too well to a ball sent in by Irvine, whereas Harland finely judged a long curling centre. The heat of the day began to take toll of the players' stamina, but it did not prevent the crowd getting excited over Broad's attempt to convert Weaver's centre. He had to make it a first-time shot, and the ball soared into the top sector of the stand. A moment later Harland made a splendid double-handed save, with Broad in close attendance.  Half-time.—Whites I. Blues 0. 
THE SECOND HALF. 
The second half opened in rousing fashion,Kennedy scoring in two minutes after Dean had worked the ball to some tune. Dean followed up with a magnificent drive close in, Kendall patting out in surprising manner. 

BLUES 2 WHITES 4
August 17, 1925. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
ONLY ONE OFFIDE IN EVERTON'S TRIAL.
By "Bees."
The first semplances of the new football laws locally was shown at Everton's ground on Saturday when 12,000 spectators were present in summerlike weather. It was good football considering the conditions, and the main part of it was a sight of the new throw-in law and the new offside law that has now come into force for the purpose of stopping the one back game and the faulty throw in and the persistent kick out. So far the new rules have proved worth while. It was sixty-five minutes before an offside decision was made by Referee Constantine, and Kennedy was the player penalised. The spectators must have voted in favour of the new rules, because the game was carried on by real fast football and play was continuous, whereas in the past the game has been spoiled by players who could by a forward more dodge the real ethies of football. As far as play was concerned it was not perhaps altogether serious it never is in trial games –but it produced some enlivening passages, notably when Rand got his two goals. He is a nippy young forward who came from Chilton Colliery on trial towards the end of last season. He has a go-ahead style and is competent to shoot with either foot. The result of the game –a win for the reserves by 4 goals to 2 –will probably surprise those who were not present, but they need not take the score too seriously, for the Blues were plainly holding something in reserve for future occasions. This much may be said, Chadwick has fined down a bit and so has Raitt, and the former has still a strong direct shot, while the latter has mellowed and is likely to do well. Some of the younger members revelled in the outing. Parry had a good innings at outside right, and Broad, at centre forward, was always having a lot of shots at goal, refusing to waste a chance to shoot. Weaver, at outside left, was another success, and Bain at centre half was quite good. Broad scored in the first few minutes, Kennedy equalised right after the interval, and then there followed goals Rand (2), Chadwick, and Dean. The last-named still shows promise of developing into a good player. Of the back, none did better than McDonald, and both goalkeepers made some capital saves from awkward angles. Teams: - Blues: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and O'Donnell, backs Brown McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Whites: - Kendall, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs Peacock, Bain, Reid (captain), half-backs, Parry, Rand, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards.

PARTY GOALS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
Murray, will sign for Everton today.
From the top of the stand, while the noise and bustle was on, I heard two partisans discussing each other and “the other man’s team,” Said one; “McNabb? You talk of him when there’s McBain playing here before you.  Sherrrrrupppy!” thus early are favours and flavouring combined.  No game in the world produces so much comment and cross-patter; that is why football is so engrossing.  The new off-side rule and the new throw-in rule were, of course, on their first test on Saturday, and they came out of the ordeal very well.  We shall have a lot of goals, say the onlookers.  Maybe that won’t be so very interesting to onlookers –when the goals are “against” and not “for.”  The throw-in rule, so simple, seems to have made people sit up and work out all sorts of fancy ideas.  Some of the throwers on Saturday put their feet on the line- and they were not pulled up for their offence.  The feet must not be on the line.  The rule says so in very definite fashion.
RAND GOES UP
The trial at Everton was a trial of the players’ stamina, for the heat was terrific.  This did not prevent us from taking a more-than-mental note of the way Rand played.  Here is a nippy two-footed shooter-a rarity in these days of one-legged specialty acts.  Rand came from Chilton Colliery at the back end of the season, and making the very necessary allowances for trail games being a deception and a snare, I look to Rand to make a name in local football.  Broad was specially hot “on the drive,” and MacDonald gave one of his customary hearty games.  That the youngsters’ side should win was not surprising; the known men who have nothing to fear about their positions-or imagine they have no need to worry- do not let themselves go right out.  However, some of these young members are showing up as strong raiders and they will need severe consideration from the selectors, which body, I believe, has been reduced to the number of three, an innovation at Everton that has distinct wisdom in its vein.  The bigger the selection committee, the bigger the debate and the further you get from the ideal team.  An ideal selection committee is one! 
SOME OTHER PERSONALS
It was nice to see old faces, but some of them were “topped” by a new coiffure that made many wonder” who was who.”  For instance, Dug Livingstone was almost unrecognizable.  Perhaps he was trying to qualify against Chedgzoy and the writer! Parry put in some fine sharp touches, and some curling centres, and Bain did further good work at centre half back.  The goalkeeping was good on both counts and, therefore Everton can look o that department with more ease than a year ago.  It was good to see Hunter Hart back to the parade; also Jack Peacock, who, like Livingstone, wound up with a bad injury.  When the men settle down, Everton’s selectors will perhaps find a quandary.  It looks that way- and such a quandary is a good fault, because it shown all members of first and second sides that they will have to “play up.” 
S.A. TO EVERTON
Murray, the South African centre forward, duly signed for Everton today at Southampton. 

EVERTON’S TRAIL TONIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
The main point of tonight’s Everton trial game is the fact that Murray of South Africa makes his bow at inside right. 
COCKFIELD NURSERY
The anxieties of the Everton Club concerning inside forward positions sent them to the North-East during last term, and it was confidently expected in Darlington that Tom Scott would sign for the “Blues.” He went to Liverpool instead.  Now if Scott had become an Everton player his transfer would probably have cost something like 1,500 pounds.  Baulked of their objective, the Everton folks looked around the amateur ranks in Darlington and district, with the result that John. E. Rand, of the Cockfield Club, was invited for a month’s trial –and eventually signed as a “pro.”  Thus was a good player secured without payment if a fee- although it is probable that Cockfield (a poor struggling mining club) will get a donation from Everton.  Last season Merseyside people heard a good deal about Darlington and its players, but rarely have they heard of Cockfield.  Scott and O’Donnell know quite a good deal of the goings on at this little mining village; indeed the football world in general has come to recognize it as the greatest football nursery team in Britain.  And for this reason.  During the past three seasons, Cockfield has sent out the following players;-
William Robson (Leeds United)
J.E. Wilson (Blackpool)
Donald Ashman (Middlesbrough)
Mark Hooper (Darlington)
Cuthbert Robson (Leeds United)
Willaim Roe (Tottenham Hotspurs)
John McGuire (Charlton Athletic)
Alec Hooper (Charlton Athletic)
John Rand (Everton)
Jacob Iceton (Hull City)
Herold Teasdale, amateur (Middlesbrough)
John Brydon, amateur (Darlington)
Thus Rand comes from a village which knows a footballer. 

STANLEY CRICKET CLUB
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
The first time that an Australian team visited these shores was in 1878.  No match was played against the combined strength of England, but the visitors played a powerful team of the M.C.C at Lord’s.  The match was begun and ended in one day, and resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Colonials, due, in a great measure, to the extraordinary bowling of Spofforth.  It will, no doubt, be a surprise to the inhabitants of Liverpool and district to learn that this Australia team, in the same year were visitors to Stanley Cricket Club, whose ground was then situated in Mere Green, Anfield.  The players from Australia were;- Spofforth, Conway, Allan, Bailey, Horan, Garrett, Gregory (captain), A. Bannerman, Boyle, C. Bannerman, Murdoch, Blackham.  The match took place on the 8th, 9th, and 10th August, 1878 and the Stanley Club contributed 200 pounds towards the expenses of the visitors, and 100 pounds was presented to the club professional, J.H. Duckworth. A membership card of the club for the year mentioned gives the following particulars; - President J.K. Archer; Vice President W.M. Roberts, hon secretary, R.A. Dunlop, Goree Palmzar, hon treasurer, J.J. Savage, Marsh-lane, Bootle; captain, C. Greenwood; Committee.  G.W. Archer, A.R. Evans, R.F. Jones, W.G. Jackson, T. Jones, S.L. Roberts, T. Keats, J. Prescott, J. Mills; professionals, J.H. Duckworth.  Home and away matches; First eleven; Prescot, Breckfield club and ground, Walton club and ground, Ormskirk, Bromborough, Rainhill, St. Helens club and ground, Bootle club and ground, Wavertree, Mugilll, Second eleven; Liverpool College, Liverpool Press, Telegraphists, Midland Railway Co.
It would be interesting to learn if say members named above are still living, but so far as can be ascertained, the treasurer, Mr. J.J. Savage, is still an enthusiastic sportsman, and at Hoylake (in which district he now resides) can trundle a wood on the greensward in a skilful manner and to the discomfiture of many opponents, says good friend “Arabi.” 

BLUES 3 WHITES 3
August 20, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S LAST TRIAL GAME.
GOOD DEFENSIVE PLAY AT GOODISON PARK.
By "Bees."
Everton played their final trial game last night before 10,000 spectators, who enjoyed a spirited finish, after a dull period. The display was notable in that Rand failed to live up to early reputation, and Everton showed they had good young backs for the reserves –and possibly first team –Hamilton of New Brighton, and Jasper Kerr, the ragged young player who had an occasional spell with the first team till he got rather badly hurt. McDonald played his usual game –which is sufficient evidence of his "form"-and the half-backs work all round was of a splendid character. The forwards had little respite. Thus it is hard to reconcile the fact that each side scored three goals, unless one comes to the conclusion that there will be many goals scored though the new offside rule –it was broken but twice last night by the way. Bain, at centre half did very well. D. Reid who was prominent, and the appearance of Virr and Rooney in the Whites' half-back line enabled the onlookers who see little of the reserve side, to see that they are distinctly promising players. The goalkeeper was of the same character, and there is no doubt that Everton are stronger this season than they were a year ago.
BROAD PROFITS BY NEW RULE.
Kendall made one faulty "hold" and Harland made many saves, especially, so where Broad was concerned. Broad is profiting by the new rule and lying well up the field, and darts away and shoots from all angles. It was no wonder that he scored twice –he hit the bar twice too –and made Harland perform wonders to stop other goals. Kennedy got three goals "off his own bat. Weaver completed the scoring, Harland turning his back on the forward who was so close in that he could not miss. The appearance of Murray, of South Africa, was the main topic of the evening. He has not yet lost his sea-legs, and probably he wants some more training after the long journey to England. He has good ideas, has sized up the offside position quickly, and has adroit methods of going ahead. He presented Broad with one goal, and his play generally gaves hopes of happy results in the future. Rand was not the success he was on Saturday, and some of the other forwards persisted in close work when the policy nowadays is plain up-the-middle passes, ground gained, and first time shots. Teams: - Whites: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and O'Donnell, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Parry, Rand, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Whites: - Kendall, goal, Hamilton, and Kerr backs, Virr, Bain, Rooney, half-backs, Millington, Murrays, Broad Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards. Referee Mr. Constantine.

EVERTON GOALS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
GOODISON FEATURES
Murray came, saw, and –if he did not conquer he played quite well for a man who has been a sailor most of his time during the last five months! Possibly he has not yet lost his sea legs, and possibly, too, he has been more accustomed to centre forward work, I know that last night at Everton’s last trial game he was shooting with the left foot most of the time.  He is big enough, strong enough, and his gift goal to Broad was real football; and if that is a sample of better things to come, well, we shall be content that Everton have signed a good man.  There were other good features in last night’s test.  First the play of the young backs.  “Duke” Hamilton (why “Duke” I do not know; you must ask his Wallasey pals) and Jasper Kerr and two stout-hearted young men who have come to stay; there is a robustness about them that suggests their heart is in the right place.  Rooney had a hard task against Kennedy (three goals) and Troup, but he never flinched, and he kept the left wing working for position, which meant they were being covered.  Virr, with his raking stride and his headwork, got a tight rein on Rand, who was not so good as at the week-end; and Parry, twisting and turning, was not as practical as he might have been.
POLICIES.
The new offside rule makes us think out new attacking ideas. It seems plain that the up-the-middle pass rather than the square pass is to be the all and end-all of forward week in future. Therefore a lot of wheeling about with no shot at the finish likely is not the right mode of attack.  So far some wingers have not got the right idea of feeding a centre forward, and the latter has to be content with headers most of the time. On the other hand, one commends the wiliness of Jim Broad and his deadly shooting—he got two and would have had more but for Harland's intervention. Weaver, too, was a most gluttonous shooter; at times he was angled out of a chance and should have passed forward, but we saw so much futility in front of goal that I willingly commend him who has a pop at goal.  Kendall again did well in goal, save one high ball he "lost."  Bain, like Kennedy, is of Manchester United stock and whatever else they have taught Bain in his young days he certainly does not forget he was a forward, and he races tip to his own forwards without forgetting that if he is beaten he must chase back and give a hand at re-gathering the ball. I thought Bain and David Reid played very well indeed. I was much interested in Millington of Oswestry, who is a likeable fellow of immense speed. He has not yet the confidence and control one hopes will come with experience, but he is finely trimly built for the Job in hand,and with care should become a good player. Judged on what we have seen, Everton have some "right”reserves and the need of their introduction may become necessary; if it does there should be no hesitancy about putting the boys in the upper class. They have shown resoluteness, some skill and much driving force in their testing period. They are the sort that should be encouraged, if the recognized first team is failing. By the way, what is the recognized first team these days? I  suppose they will start against Sheffield United in much the same manner as they finished last season—so far as personnel is  concerned. 

“SOCCER’ HANDLING CODE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 August 1925
CLUBMOOR TACKLE EVERTON CRICKETERS
Bee’s Notes
Footballers are amazing persons, especially when they take it into their heads to try their luck at another brench of sport. Ducat, the old Aston Villa player; Thomas, of Northampton, Sharp  and Makepeace, of Everton, have all played the " big ball " game carefully enough to be able, to carry on as useful cricketer, and others who can hold their own at golf are Neil McBain, Jack Cock,  Dug. Livingstone, and several others, including Walter Wadsworth, who trots round the “pins“at Bidston!  Everton showed they have a versatile team at Clubmoor, when the home groundsman looked with pleasure on a nice crowd.  The occasion was a friendly match between a team picked from Everton footballers and the West Lancashire League Club, Clubmoor. The amazing part of the business was that Clubmoor were all out for a very moderate total of seventy-eight, whereas judging by the cricket form (if any) of the Everton players they should have been batting for their 500th run.  All the Everton players said they had never handled a bat before!  Kennedy demonstrated that he had handled a cricket ball before, and he bowled so well as to take five wickets for 26 runs.  Virr and Houghton, who are regular players with the Clubmoor team, also did well, but the feature of the play was the catches by Bain and Weaver.  Although there was little time left in which Everton had to start their innings, 29 were knocked up for the loss of Weaver’s wicket.  Hamilton, the “titled” full-back, with a good chance of being “the king of full-backs,” was not out, with Houghton as his partner.  The second half of the match will be played tonight.  Everton players to bat are;- R. Jones, A. Virr, F. Parry, W. Rooney, F. Kennedy, D. Bain, W. Dean, and J. Kerr. 

EVERTON MEET CLUBMOOR
August 22, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
The match between Clubmoor and Everton football club was continued last night, despite the pitch being rain-sodden. Clubmoor had made 78, and Everton 29 for one wicket overnight. It was appropriate that Houghton and Virr, in partnership, should win the match for they are regular Clubmoor players and were plainly keen to do well against their colleagues. There were many laughable incidents during the last half-hour's play, but, the batsmen, although obviously inexperienced, did well, and their innings closed at 130, after the match the players were entertained by the club.
Scores: - club moor, Dr J Rumishn c Rooney b Kennedy 19, JB Duff b Weaver 15, M Somerville b Houghton TP Jones c Dean b Houghton o, FB Gamidie run out 0, b Mylrea b Kennedy 0, A Bloomfield c Parry b Kennedy 11, F Ross c Bain b Kennedy 5, AM Roberts c Virr b Kennedy 0, J Morgan c Weaver b Virr 11, L Povey not out 0 extras 11 total 78
Everton, W. Weaver b Broomfield 16, H Hamilton c sub Jones 15, H Houghton, retired 35, R Jones c Duff b Morgan 0 A Virr retired 34, F Parry not out 12 W Rooney b Povey 2 F Kennedy b Povey 1, D Bain b Povey 0 WR (ean c Roberts 5, J Kerr c and b Povey 5 extras 5 total 130

EVERTON AND THE ADVENT OF ONE MACAULEY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 August 1925
A mysterious message to a London paper states that Macauley is leaving America to sign for Everton.  The truth is that Macauley was back in Canada when Sam Chedgzoy was over there a year ago, and he is coming over to have a trial with Everton. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 August 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• And as usual the Everton and Liverpool practice match receipts look like topping the bill
• The fact that Everton set off with a “reserve” win (the same that happened at Huddersfield, by the way) is really satisfactory from the “emergency strength” point of view.
• The two big South African fish, Riley and Murray, were duly landed all right on Monday.
• They come from many miles apart “down under.”
• Riley has been engaged in the mines out there, whilst engineering is Murray’s forte.
• Also that Murray many successfully engineer not a few goal-getting raids, and keep the Blues machinery in good working order.
• The Everton crowds of yore were pretty good judges of a centre forward, when they had such experts as Southworth, “Sandy” Young, and others, under their ken.
• Hence the “men of to-morrow” have much appreciated that special boys’ paddock at Anfield-road. 
• This has been now improved by running off the adults dividing line obliquely, instead of a right angles as formerly.
• Thus the views of the boys on the back rows when looking towards the Walton Breck gal are no longer impeded.
• It is the intention of the Everton and Liverpool programme publishers to reduce the price to the popular penny for the ensuing season.
• In other words a mere matter of o-pin-ion.  It was good to see the three erstwhile cripples, Livingstone, Peacock, and Hart, out again.
• Messrs. Accident and Injury have given the Everton club some rather unkind cuts in recent years.
• Bain, as a centre-half, is going to prove a real live wire once again.
• Rand favourably impressed us last spring, and he was again a most impressionable forward in the opening prelim.
• Everton have an attractive opening event next Saturday with the Cup-holders as visitors to Goodison Park.
• If memory serves aright, it was Sheffield United who provided the opposition when Everton played their first League match on their present fine enclosure way back some thirty-two years ago.
• Stan Fazack- a wolf in sheep’s clothing for 1925-26
• In other words the ex-Everton man has joined Derby from Wolverhampton.

EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 24 August 1925
By Junius
Little changes has taken place at Goodison Park.  That the results last season were not in keeping with the unknown ability of the players was generally recognized and the management did not go into a state of panic.  Following upon the migration of Cock and Forbes to Plymouth and Williams to Blackpool during the closing weeks of the last campaign, Hargreaves has returned to Oldham, Wall has gone to Swindon, Glover to Southport, Caddick to Stockport County, and McGrae and Barton to Tranmere Rovers.  The only player signed since last season, apart from Murray, the South African centre forward, is J. Rand, from Cockfield, Co. Durham, who played a month on trial in April.  By his display in the practice games he bids well to run a close race for a position in the premier eleven.  There are strong contestants for the position of centre-forward in Murray, who was top scorer with 17 goals out of 82 for the South Africans when on tour, Broad and Dean, and altogether there is every prospect of better results from forward play.  Harry Makepeace is not with the club, as the directors have dispensed with a coach.  The playing pitch has been redrained. 

EVERTON CHAIRMAN’S APPEAL TO SPECTATORS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON F.C. APPEAL
One of the most enjoyable ‘smokers” in the history of the E.F.C took place in the Exchange Station Hotel. Mr. Will Cuff (chairman) presided over a large attendance of shareholders, and was supported by Directors Banks, Coffey, Green, Gibbons, Sawyer, and Wade, and the “indoor” staff.  Several well-known artists contributed to a very fine programme.  A feature of the evening, an extempore item, was the simultaneous part singing of “The Three Blind Mice” and “John Brown’s Body,” Mr. Cuff leading and conducting he “community choir” in a manner redolent of his choirmaster days.  Naturally it went with great gusto, and afforded the conductor an ovation.  During the interval, Mr. Becket, in a felicitous speech proposed the toast of “The Everton Football Club,” and Mr. Wright seconded.  Mr. Cuff, in the course of his reply, made the pleasing announcement that at the next “smoker: in midseason the Everton players would be invited.  He appealed to the shareholders, as proprietors of the club, to do their utmost to put a stop to the offensive and unseemly remarks bawled at the players during the course of the game at Goodison Park by a noisy section of the spectators.  It had pained the directors to bear complaints of bad language from the paddock side, where one would expect-and where the players would expect –fair criticism.  Continuing, Mr. Cuff declared that everything augured well for a successful season.  They had a loyal band of players who would give of their best throughout the season. A very pleasant evening ended with a singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem. 

STANLEY LORE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 25 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
Mr. Chas, Hy. Ashton, of the Shrewbridge Hall Brine Baths Hotel, Nantwich, writes re Stanley Cricket Club;-
I was much pleased to read in the “Echo” a short history of the above club, and thought it might interest you to know something of its formation.  About the year 1861 a few youths used to play cricket in a field behind Bootle-lane, now called Westminister-road, myself included, and my father took a great interest in us.  Ultimately we had a meeting of the elder boys, and it was decided to form a club, and the following names were the principal founders; - Messrs. Tomas Skelmersdine (late City Surveyor), S.L. Roberts, Samuel Smallpage, my father (Jas. Ashton) and myself, and it was decided to call it “The Stanley Club.”  We then approached the late Mr. Wm. Gaskell gentleman farmer, Mere-lane, Walton, and he generously lent us a field, which the Everton Football Club now occupies.  The first season we won every match.  A few years it was decided to remove to the ground known as “Mere Green.” I omitted to state that in our second season the late Mr. Chas Howson, of Sandhills, presented the club with a corrugated iron tent.  For a number of years the club was most successful and a number of players of the old “Breckfield” joined the Stanley, including Messrs, Chas. Greenwood, Thos. Jones, George Plank, and others. 
SONS OF THEIR FATHERS
In Bolton’s practice game there were two other interesting personalities, the sons of two former Wanderers, Sam Greenhlagh, a local half-back, renowned for his penchant form heading; and “Wattie” White, the Scottish international inside-left, who at one time assisted Everton.  Neither, however, quite fulfilled expectations.  White played in the same position as his father and though he seemed to have craft, he was too easily knocked off the ball, being too sparsely built.  He stands only 5ft high, and is about the weight of a jockey. 

EVERTON'S PROSPECTS.
August 26, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Everton have good cause to view their prospects with pleasure. Their list of players is a large one, but they will get good value from each man and their only difficulty is; will they be able to blend successfully? The class is there and therefore when they do choose a winning lot it is right that they should not be interfered with. The club's penchant for players who have made their name is happily now eclipsed by their very sensible policy of taking players when they are still on the upward grade and moulding them into the team's ideas. It is a paying policy. Most of the signing was done at the back end of last season, and players booked in the closing stages of the last campaign –such as Dean, Weaver, O'Donnell, and Kennedy –will start their work knowing the style of play wanted. Everton are no doubt pleased with the improvement in goal, and from Livingstone, Raitt, McDonald, Kerr, O'Donnell, and Hamilton, a sturdy defence should be framed. Not less strong is the half-back line, with Hart and Peacock fit again. In this department also there are first-class reserves, notably Bain and Reid. Everton have three centre-forwards in Murray Broad and Dean, so that the club is fortunately placed in this respect. Everton are likely to fall in the front line only if they carry on with their over –elaboration, which will be useless against some defence they will meet. Swiftly moving wingers will be favoureed by the new offside law, and if they adopt the correct methods their should be no fault to find with the Goodison team's attack. If Everton do not score a lot of goals it will not be the fault of the half backs, who as a line will rank with joy in the game. The Everton team (v Sheffield United at Goodison Park is: - Harland McDonald, O'Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup. Everton Reserves v Sheffield United Reserves at Sheffield: - Kendall; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Parry, Band, Murray, Chadwick, Weaver. Everton Reserves meet Birmingham Reserves on Monday kick off 5.30 at Goodison Park, and the team will probably be the same.
EVERTON PEN FOR BOYS.
The Everton club is making a pen for boys only at the north end of the Paddock. The entrance will be at the Gwlady's street end of Bullen-road, and will be ready for Saturday.

EVERTON HOME SIDE V CUP-HOLDERS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
Everton (v. Sheffield United, at Goodison Park);- Harland; MacDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup. 
Everton Reserves v. Sheffield United Reserves, at Sheffield. - Kendall; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Parry, Rand, Murray, Chadwick, Weaver, Everton reserves meet Birmingham Reserves on Monday, kick-off 6.30, at Goodison Park, and the team will problem be the same.
Everton club is making a pen for boys at the north end of the paddock.  The entrance will be at the Gwladys-street end of Bullens-road, and will be ready for Saturday.
EVERTON "AT HOME." 
The meeting Everton and the cup-holders is a tit-bit, as an opening fixture.  Everton, as almost anticipated, work on the lines lines as the end of last season, the half-back line being as per usual, and the three defending positions ditto. The attack is as per yore, and it is significant, and wise, that Murray, in the second eleven, should be given his rightful place- centre-forward.  Everton are very optimistic about the future, and everyone hopes that their fond hope will be realized, for there is no doubt about the personality in the team, and the prospect of some in the team, and the prospect of some youngsters knocking hard at the door of promotion.  But all Everton must beware the faultiness of over-dribbling.  I have noticed young boys, even this season, sporting the jersey marked “EFC,” who have no sooner done well, and been given credit for so doing, than they have developed the idea of dribbling round themselves.  A forward is no use to Everton unless he make progress. 

EVERTON ARE AFTER DUMBARTON BOY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 August 1925
Echo Special
McDonald, outside right of Dumbarton, is wanted by more than one First League club, in England and in Scotland.  Amongst these is Everton, who for many years have had a liking for players from this district.  McDonald is in his first season with the Dumbarton club, having come out of one of the local school teams, where he was spotted by Donald Coleman, manager of Dumbarton Club.  Already this season, in his two opening games, he has shown wonderful skill for a young player.  He is only eighteen years of age, and is built on similar lines to Alec Jackson, Aberdeen, who has gone to Huddersfield Town.  The only difficulty in the way of the transfer to Everton is that his parents wish him to remain at his present employment for another couple of years.  This obstacle, Everton say, they can overcome. 

McDONALD POSSIBLE SIGNING.
August 28, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
McDonald, outside right of Dumbarton is said to be wanted by several clubs, in England and Scotland, including Everton. McDonald is in his first season with Dumbarton club, and in the two opening games has shown a wonderful skill for a young player. He is only eighteen years of age.

EVERTON’S CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
The game of first import to us in this city is the meeting of Everton and the Cup-holders.  Sheffield are a force in the football land, and though we may all agree that their full backs have stood the test of time longer than any of us imagined, we cannot get away from the ability of the left wing, the generalship of the Cup-winners' captain, Wullie Gillespie, Tunstall's strides towards the goal, plus his fast drive. Mercer's  chirpy little runs (he was the best Wembley forward), and Johnson's prospective record score in football—he is the one centre who looks likely to be up and doing this season in view of the changed conditions and rules  —and he is the one man whose name is mentioned when we think of the record goal-getter or goal-breaker. I spoke to a famous international goalkeeper this week, and asked him his view of the possibilities of scoring, and he said:  "The goalkeeper is going to be heavily worked this season. They say there won't be a glut of goals. I am confident there will, and that the goalkeeper who stays at home is not going to do any good.  Of course, by the same token the goalkeeper who takes many risks is not going to do himself any good.  He’ll be in the infirmary before he has done a month “hard.” 
BUCKING UP. 
Everton hope and believe they will improve on last season's debacle. Their case is too well known to repeat statement; it is too sad to bear further inspection! We hope it is a thing of the past, became no one denies that Everton have the ability; it is all question of blend and "bucking-up"measures. Already we have seen Broad, among others, showing a spiritedness that must count for good—if not goals.  Everton did not show up well last season is the final game with United, spite of the latter side playing two days after the Final tie celebrations, and it will need something better than that to quell Sheffield to-morrow. I feel sure Everton can produce a better fashion in front of goal—that's the great barrier with the side. In front of goal they should be encouraged to shoot!  We will forgive them the odd miss if they will but take a chance somewhere near goal. 
TEAM SHEETS
Everton, with their new pen for the boys, are hoping for a fine kick-off and a great day’s sport.  I wish them well.  A victory over the Sheffield side is a victory worthwhile, because United in spite of a trifle variableness, can be looked upon as one of the best-balanced sides in the tournament.  They are big, strong, and can never be though beaten till the final whistle goes.  They have in Green perhaps one of the best club half-backs playing –he does not produce his best for international games, but he is yet young and will do so later on.  Meanwhile, I think Everton can win through their ability to break through such as Pantling, Milton, and Cook.  Their goalkeeper, Sutcliffe, is, of course, a brother of the famous old-time goalkeeper; a stately fellow with a good punch.  Here’s a glad hand to the teams, which line up in this manner;- Everton; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall. 

EVERTON’S CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
The game of first import to us in this city is the meeting of Everton and the Cup-holders.  Sheffield are a force in the football land, and though we may all agree that their full backs have stood the test of time longer than any of us imagined, we cannot get away from the ability of the left wing, the generalship of the Cup-winners' captain, Wullie Gillespie, Tunstall's strides towards the goal, plus his fast drive. Mercer's  chirpy little runs (he was the best Wembley forward), and Johnson's prospective record score in football—he is the one centre who looks likely to be up and doing this season in view of the changed conditions and rules  —and he is the one man whose name is mentioned when we think of the record goal-getter or goal-breaker. I spoke to a famous international goalkeeper this week, and asked him his view of the possibilities of scoring, and he said:  "The goalkeeper is going to be heavily worked this season. They say there won't be a glut of goals. I am confident there will, and that the goalkeeper who stays at home is not going to do any good.  Of course, by the same token the goalkeeper who takes many risks is not going to do himself any good.  He’ll be in the infirmary before he has done a month “hard.” 
BUCKING UP. 
Everton hope and believe they will improve on last season's debacle. Their case is too well known to repeat statement; it is too sad to bear further inspection! We hope it is a thing of the past, became no one denies that Everton have the ability; it is all question of blend and "bucking-up"measures. Already we have seen Broad, among others, showing a spiritedness that must count for good—if not goals.  Everton did not show up well last season is the final game with United, spite of the latter side playing two days after the Final tie celebrations, and it will need something better than that to quell Sheffield to-morrow. I feel sure Everton can produce a better fashion in front of goal—that's the great barrier with the side. In front of goal they should be encouraged to shoot!  We will forgive them the odd miss if they will but take a chance somewhere near goal. 
TEAM SHEETS
Everton, with their new pen for the boys, are hoping for a fine kick-off and a great day’s sport.  I wish them well.  A victory over the Sheffield side is a victory worthwhile, because United in spite of a trifle variableness, can be looked upon as one of the best-balanced sides in the tournament.  They are big, strong, and can never be though beaten till the final whistle goes.  They have in Green perhaps one of the best club half-backs playing –he does not produce his best for international games, but he is yet young and will do so later on.  Meanwhile, I think Everton can win through their ability to break through such as Pantling, Milton, and Cook.  Their goalkeeper, Sutcliffe, is, of course, a brother of the famous old-time goalkeeper; a stately fellow with a good punch.  Here’s a glad hand to the teams, which line up in this manner;- Everton; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall. 

UNITED MAKE SPARKLES FLY
Star Green 'un - Saturday 29 August 1925
LEAD NAT ONE TIME, BUT “TUNNY” HAS TO GIVE ‘EM POINT FROM PENALTY
EACH SIDE HAS GOAL DISALLOWED
EVERTON N2, SHEFFIELD UNITED 2
By Free Lance
United started the season with the tough task of facing Everton on their own ground, but with the full Cup winning eleven available, they were hopeful that their visit to Goodison Park would not be fruitless. Everton, like United, are a ''balanced and polished side, even though the visitors’ front line was recognized as the speedier set. As we have seen on previous occasions, the Sheffielders generally go well when opposed by a team of their class. Neither club had any new men on view, though O'Donnell, the ex-Darlington back, was a stranger to the United players. The entry of King Football caused a stir in Liverpool and excited enthusiasm was obvious on all hands. Roads leading to Goodison Park were crowded with people and traffic, and there was every prospect of a big crowd to see the Cup-holders. And also to see how the new off-side rule would work.  The weather was fine,if cloudy and windy, and all was “O.K.* for the game.  Everton.—Harland; McDonald, O'Donnell, Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, and Milton; Pantling, King and Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie (captain), and Tunstall.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Casey, of Wolverhampton. Robert Evans, the old double International winger, was amongst those to welcome the United.  Getting on for 30,000 spectators gave United a rousing cheer, but Gillespie lost the toss. In the first minute, in spite ofchangeable wind, the United attacked.  Gillespie staved off McBain and passed toTunstall. The winger crossed to Johnson and Harry blazed away, but Harland picked up and cleared.  At first the teams did not seem to settle and the backs and half-backs were successful with prompt and forceful intervention.  The backs stayed at home! 
UNITED SPELL DANGER. 
United, however, were the more forceful in attack, and Johnson sent Mercer away, for the winger to test Harland. Twice the Everton ’keeper had been called upon and in each movement United had advanced without an Everton man having touched the ball.  Hart was applauded for a piece of finedeceptive footwork against Boyle.  United were swinging the ball about, and their forwards were much more dangerous than those of Everton.  Cook and Milton kicked faultlessly, and Green checked Chedgzoy handsomely. Troup tried a long shot, but Milton stopped it and cleared.  United were back the offensive, and Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall harmonizedfinely. At length Tunstall fired in a glorious, high-powered drive which just flew over the bar. Gillespie had done likewise some time earlier.  Urged by the crowd, Everton “bucked up " and attacked determined fashion 
NARROW SHAVE FROM BROAD. 
Play became fast, hot and the Red and White lines yet Everton could not escape the attention of the Cupholders backs and halves, who never once hesitated in their tackles. However, Irvine was able to plant the ball over the bar from long range.  No offside stoppages yet; but Green once made a faulty thow-in, standing on the line apparently.  After 18 minutes Boyle gave the ball to Johnson who, surprised, was caught offside; but he did not quite realise it and the ball flew from his foot to the bar.  United forced corners and now harassed the Blues considerably; yet Everton blocked the way by concentrating in the penalty area and shot cannoned off them. Even Troup went back to lend a hand and cleared one rush.  Everton’s forwards were not so decisive and so good in understanding as those of the opposition, though once Broad was fed and he adroitly beat Milton to drive but inches wide of the foot of the post-a narrow shave. 
UNITED GOAL DISALLOWED. 
Immediately afterwards Mercer skillfullyoutwitted O’Donnell and crossed to Johnson to the left of the goal. Johnson headed goal wards, and O’Donnell only retrieved the ball as it was about to pass over the line.  A minute later, from a free-kick by Tunstall, the ball cannoned off a defender to Gillespie, who shot, only for it to cannon again, when "Tunny" had another pot.  But then it bounced to Johnson, who fired. As the ball was flying towards goal, the whistle went, for a foul on O’Donnell apparently, and while Harland was beaten and the ball was in the net, no goal was allowed.  It was a brisk, lively game, with plenty of splendid football.  Everton’s crowd rallied, and certainly got into touch with Sutcliffe, but not convincingly so. Green was holding Chedgzoy splendidly. Milton got a knock, but nothing serious and was soon on duty again.  United were the better team, playing with praiseworthymethods and Everton were lucky not to be down. 
NOT A SCORER THIS TIME. 
Tunstall twice tested Harland from the wing. Still, the outside left missed one chance by missing the ball when trying the special drive of his—the one which won the Cup.  After that the Cup-holders came again, and Boyle went very near with a glorious drive. It was all United hereabouts, with the home backs playing staunchly. Harland had save header from Johnson.  Everton were being “sat on,” and, if the United men had been able to hit the ball just right, they would have been four goals up, and on their merits.  Half-time Everton 0 Sheffield United 0
In an interview, the referee said that an Everton man had been fouled in the back by a United forward and that the ball was dead before it reached the net. This referred to the incident reported in the first half. 
BALL IN NET AGAIN— OFF-SIDE. 
Restarting, it was amusing to see Green start take the throw-in in the old way.  A colleague put him wide. The crowd implored Everton to get a move on, and, after four minutes. Broad netted the ball; but he was given off-side—well off-side.  Later Troup danced a jig against Cook and Pantling with the same result. He lost the ball, which went into touch.  Green and Irvine had a collision, and, though the referee had blown his whistle, Broad sent on and shot for the empty goal as Sutcliffe had come out and had been given the slip.  However, Milton bobbed up and the ball went by the post.  All this, and then they realized that the referee was waiting for a free-kick to be taken.  The Toffee men were very breezy for ten minutes, and the United had pull together to hold out. They did, and then began to take the initiative.  A spectator, who had collapsed, was carried off on a stretcher and was removed to hospital.  EVERTON ROUSED TO HIGH PITCH 
The next minute saw Broad faced with an open goal, but he shot wide. The visiting halves and backs were now on their mettle against a team roused to a high pitch by an excited crowd. Right royally did the Sheffielders do their part though, now and again, Sutcliffe was called on, once by good effort by Kennedy. O’Donnell was now beginning to tread on Mercer’s corns and twice fouled him.  The free kick, however, did not bear fruit. Green next embraced Irvine, and from the kick Chedgzoy drove the ball fiercely against the rigging. Then Tunstall made a delightful run, passing Macdonald by clever foot-work and following up with a long shot. This Harland held safely, though the goalkeeper was fortunate to escape trouble when Boyle ran through. 
SENSATIONAL TWO MINUTES. 
While the play continued be mostly in the visiting quarters, Everton finished badly.  A sensational two minutes followed, JOHNSON scoring for the United and TROUP equalizing. The goals came this way. Mercer set off and O’Donnell, in a tight corner, failed to put the ball back satisfactorily to Harland, who ran out. Before the goalkeeper got to the ball Mercer had put it over to Johnson, who put it simply into the empty net after 23 minutes of this half.  The next minute Everton had wiped out the deficit. Cook handled the ball just a yard out of the penalty area, and Kennedy took the free-kick after the referee had lined up the players ten yards away.  Sutcliffe made a wonderful save from a grand drive, but TROUP, who had dashed in, secured the ball and promptly banged it past Sutcliffe into the top of the goal.  Everton’s spectators yelled with sheer joy. 
EVER AN "GO MAD,’’ BUT— 
After 32 minutes KENNEDY gave the home team the lead following aggressive work, in which the visiting backs could not get the ball away. It slipped from a defender, and Kennedy came up from nowhere and hotly drove home, giving Sutcliffe no chance. Chedgzoy nearly got another, and Sutcliffe saved brilliantly.  “Going mad," as were, Everton ran round United, and Sutcliffe magnificently stopped a pile-driver from Troup and foiled Broad when he was about to walk the ball in.  United then rallied and, Tunstall worried Harland with a fine effort.  Four minutes from the end, O’Donnell handled a shot from Johnson at full length and from the penalty TUNSTALL equalize for the United. Johnson's shot, however would have certainly scored.  Result; Everton 2, Sheffield United 2. 
COMMENTS ON THE GAME. 
In the first half Sheffield United were streets ahead of Everton, showing greater speed, more decision, and superior ideas of combination. Had the United forwards hit the ball a fraction better they would have had an overwhelming lead In spite of the valiant resistance of Macdonald and O’Donnell, but the ball was in an impish mood and Everton survived most fortunately.  Every one of the cupholders played splendidly, and the way Green held Chedgeoy was magnificent.  The backs, too, were grand. Everton’s halves and forwards were very hazy.  In the second half, the pace continued to be very hot, with Everton showing an extraordinary recovery and hammering away at the Bramall Lane defence, but it was not until late on that accurate finishing was provided, and, while United were over-run for period, they revived again and drew level, and they fully deserved do so, especially as the penalty was quite justified.  There were only two stoppages for offside and it was most strenuous play.  United gave general satisfaction and there was not a weak link in the side. They will make things hum for most teams.  It is their second draw at Goodison Park since the war; the other games have been lost. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES V EVERTON RESERVES
Star Green 'un - Saturday 29 August 1925
CENTRAL LEAGUE
UNITED SECONDS LEAD OFF WITH NARROW WIN
WAUGH TIES UP AFRICAN
Sheffield United Reserves welcomed Everton’s second string afternoon at Bramall Lane and both clubs fielded strong teams. Special interest was centred in the appearance for the first time for their respective teams of  Alderson, the ex-Palace keeper, and J. Roxburgh, the ex-Villa and Leicester amateur, just signed on for United, and Murray, who has signed a professional form for Everton, and who played with the South Africans when they were on tour. Teams: — Sheffield United; - Alderson; Sampey (W.), and Harris; Longsworth, Waugh (Captain), and Green (H.); Partridge, Sampy (T.), Menlove, J. Roxburgh and Stevenson; Everton Reserves; - Kendall; Raitt and Livingstone; Peacock, Bain and Virr; Parry, Rand, Murray, Chadwick, and Weaver.  Referee; Mr. T. Hardwood, of Padiham.  Waugh won the toes for United and before 8,000 spectators Everton kicked off against a stiff breeze blowing from Bramall Lane end. United got away and gained corner kick.  From this Partridge had a good chance but failed badly.  It was touch and go when Harris and Alderson were in two minds in front of but the former managed to turn the ball round the post for a fruitless corner.  Very shortly afterwards Parry gave United another fright when he worked his way into a good position and put in a drop shot, but Alderson saved.  It was certainly speedier football with the new offside rule operating as was seen when Livingstone had to run like the wind in order to intercept Partridge who had got possession and was well up the field.  I Shortly before half time Raitt was injured in a collision and had to retire to the dressing room but came out again just before the half-time whistle wentshortly after this incident Alderson was well applauded when he stopped a ground shot across  his goal. Good work by Roxburgh gave Menlove a splendid opportunity of putting his side ahead but failed to gather the ball when it was practically on the goal line. A minute before half-time the United goal had a narrow escape. 
Half-time:-Sheffield United Res 0, Everton Res 0. 
Partridge and Sampy were prominent in the opening stages of the second half and this led to a series of attacks on the Everton goal which were only thwarted by the good goalkeeping of Kendall. 
First Menlove had a shot, then Stevenson dashed in from the wing, giving the visitors another fright but the crowning feat of all was when Kendall ran out and took the ball off Roxburgh’s head when a goal seemed certain. Then we saw Alderson on the ground with the ball beneath him and three or four Everton forwards kicking at it.  United were certainly the better team this half and the opposing forwards had little chance to shine.  Murray, the South African never seemed to settle down and besides that a Waugh kept a sharp look-out on his movements.  After 30 minutes’ play United scored.  It was really Stevenson’s goal for his splendid play on the wing enabled him to get in a centre to SAMPY and Menloe who were well up and the former put the finishing touch to the movement by putting the ball over the line.  Result; Sheffield United Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 0.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Echo – Saturday 29 August 1925
PLAYERS WHO TOOK UP THE PEN, AND PENMEN WHO KNEW THEIR SUBJECT
By Victor Hall
One hopes for the best ever at the beginning of a new season’s games, and  Everton and Liverpool will both look to the future with their accustomed optimism.  Nor will their faithful followers be wanting in the hopes that spring eternal.  Both clubs would gladly pay tribute to the grand backing they have had from those who record their doings in the columns of those newspapers mainly concerned with sport.  It is a matter of interest to followers of the winter game to lose their football fare served up to them by writers in whom they are as interested, as in many cases they are, in the individual players.
PLAYERS JOURNALISTS OF THE PAST
The game has always had a strong support from those of its playing members who were either journalists by profession or frequent or regular contributors to the Press.  In this regard one’s thoughts turn naturally to those Lancashire names in the past, whose writings were familiar to them by reason of their regular or prominent contributions.  “J.”.B.” was a case in point, the initials being those of the late
J.J. Bentley, president of the Football League, and associated in the editorial control of the “Athletic News,” in which chair he was later succeeded by Mr. James Catton –recently retired –and one of the most gifted writers on sport of the generation.  Mr. Bentley reported and wrote on football for a number of years prior to and after his selection for journalistic distinction, and added to the popularity of a most engaging personality a lucidity I style and descriptive writing that endeared him to football lovers whenever his duties took him.  He had the rare faculty of clothing his descriptive matter with a form of narrative at once picturesque and critical.  He never followed the incidents of the game with labored description, but seemed to pick out those elements of each match that formed its most salient feature, so that after reading one of “J.J.B,’s” descriptions –which were also critiques –one finished the accounts with a very real mental picture of the changing fortunes of the day. 
HOW PRESSMEN HELP PLAYERS
He had too, a gentle hand with the unlucky ones.  Rarely had a real trier a fault to find with the kindly-expressed critic.  Where he had to blame, it was done so gently, with so kindly a pat, as it were, that the defaulter really felt as if a kindly schoolmaster had worked out the sum for him and said, “Now, go on, lad; do it better next time.”  That was, and is, the spirit of the writer who desires to help on the patient toiler.  But, J.J. B.,” as well as being a journalist and a high and honoured official in the football world, was himself a football player, and knew all the hard knocks of the game.  He knew, as well, how keenly the player himself knows his failures.  He knew that no lashing in the newspaper can lacerate as deeply as the knowledge each player has of his own shortcomings.  Mistakes we all make; the missed pass, the over-run ball, or the deflected shot are all in the run of the game.  No player who is sensible takes those things too much to heart.  It is when a player knows that the fault is within himself, and knows the remedy he has neglected to take that the knowledge hurts.  That is when he is restive of criticism, and when that state arrives there are only two courses to take.  One is the sensible one; profit by the hint from what-ever quarter it come. 
DO BETTER NEXT TIME.
The other course generally leads in the opposite direction, and we all know where that lands us.  It was in those racy days of football writing that Mr. Bentley came most directly into touch with the great football public.  They got to know the man through his writing, and no column in his day was turned to more eagerly than that one, where the nom de plume of “The Free Critic” carried his description of the match he had attended.  Liverpool was then, as now well served in its journalists, who devoted special service to the game of games.  The "Football Echo" had, in the genial personality of the late James Brown, a strong sincere admirer of the winter game, who spared no effort in brilliance or organisation to secure the best of everything for his readers. Associated with him he had as brilliant junior our present popular and esteemed " F.F.H.” then winning those jeweled spurs of descriptive writing that have since urged on many a  Orr  'jawing those jeweled spars of descriptive  writing Met have since urged on many a team to ultimate victory.  But on Mr. Brown fell the organization and compilation of the Saturday afternoon's issue that even in those early days of the game, were lifting the "Echo" into a position in provincial journalism that few could challenge.  Mr. Brown wrote an football with all the keen discernment of his native race, and, while he wrote for his readers, his influence and genially of expression had marked approval from those players who appreciated the wisdom of his words.  So to-day many new players will be reading for the first time the criticism of writers and journalists who are new to them.  They may not be all old journalists, they may not be all-like one I know –even young journalists, but they are all doing their best for the game. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

•  Everton’s mid-week supporters will be pleased to note that there will be two home League matches decided on Wednesday at Goodison during September –v. West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham.
• There are god judges who consider that there are great possibilities of Everton’s Kendall achieving wonderful things in the not distant future
• Everton have some splendid reserve half-back material to call upon in men like Virr, Rooney, and Bain.
• There wasn’t a player in Everton’s League ranks last season who succeeded in reaching double figures as a scorist, only Preston and Forest being similarly placed in this respect
• We trust Kennedy and Co. will remedy the stigma in no half-hearted fashion this winter

AN EVERTON PIONEER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
Bee’s Letters
The following extract from a recent latter from Western Australia to a Liverpool correspondent will be of interest generally, and may also find some of his friends;-
Yesterday I went to Kathleen Valley to play tennis and Jack Currie, who owns this place, the mine (Yellow Aster), and the hotel, was telling me of an old prospector, who died last May 5.  This prospector’s name is George Alexander Burnett.  He was well over sixty years old, being in receipt of a Government pension.  A native of Everton, he was related to Burnett’s shipping people.  Mr. Currie wished me to communicate with you, that you might through the local papers be able to let his friends and relative know of his decease.  Holly Currie nursed him to the last, and he used to talk of Everton village, the Toffee House, Rupert-lane, Everton crescent, the Watch House, and a hundred and one things about Liverpool.  He appears to been well educated and much travelled, especially in South America, Paraguay I believe.  He was resident in this State for over twenty years; must have come over soon after the Hannans’ find at Kalgoorlie.  He was one of the syndicate that worked the Leinster Lease, South of Lawler’s, in the early days, when this desolate back county, with its abandoned mines, was a humming hive of busy goal-seekers, and, like many more, he had good luck on some ventures, and did it in on others which were not so successful.  Towards the end his thoughts turned homeward; but he was too proud and independent to communicate with his more fortunate relatives, whom he had overlooked or forgotten in his more successful periods.  He lies buried in the Fit! Cemetery at Kathleen Valley long with half-a-dozen other ponors of the Never Never.  There they lie, on a little hill overlooking the valley alluvial workings on the south and the hills with the reef mines on the north side.  He, George Alexander Burnett was a toiler and a man, and now he will never chase another “weight” in Kathleen Valley.  But you can bet your boots he will rig up a dry blower on the Golden Strand and apply to St. Peter for a “minor’s right!” 

THE NOT GAME AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Bee’s
Everton; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), Tunstall.  Everton started the season with a very fine attendance, for the appearance of the Cup-holders, Sheffield United, who wound up the season by appearing at Goodison, and to-day fielded their full cup side.  Everton were much-as-expected in the team sheet, and their confidence, as compared with last season, was fourfold.  Hart and his merry men had a splendid reception, and the crowd of 27,000 strong were just as generous to the United when the bald of Gillespie was seen to rise from out the players subway.  Sheffield struck me as a thick-set, plugging sort of side, judged on appearances. 
HART GUESSED CORRECTLY
Hart began his work well by naming the toss, and when Mr. Casey, of Wolverhampton, got the teams going the air was alive with expectancy.  Gillespie at once showed his plan of campaign by a long pass from outside left to outside right.  The United went right up to goal without any Everton man touching the ball, and Tunstall opened a way for Johnson to have a “pop” so that he must have been the first man this season to have a shot at goal.
THRUSTFUL UNITED
Harland picked up with ease, but then found further difficulty awaiting him, because Everton, still unable to reach the ball, found Gillespie, about twenty yards out, having a chance shot that had too much loft upon it, otherwise Harland would have been a busy man.  Milton was caught on the leg in Broad’s first run, but pluckily continued.  Early play showed definitely that Sheffield had a good idea of the requirements of the day.  Long swinging passes without hesitation were the order, and as a consequence that side was on the attack for some considerable time.  When Everton did get away Cook made a bad blunder, but Milton recovered for him, and when Green delayed a clearance and Chedgzoy snapped a half chance of blocking the ball, Green came a second time with a splendid clearance to retrieve himself. 
HEADING AS AN ART
Two very fine specimens of heading were offered by Troup and McBain and O’Donnell made a very handsome return to his captain, who in turn bamboozled a campaigner of the versatility of Mercer.  The nearest approach to a goal came when Tunstall drove in a sharp sure shot, its only fault being a loft which turned the ball the higher the longer it was in transit. 
PACKING THE GOAL
Broad was all for instant effort in front of goal, and at one time Sheffield parked their goals so well, that three men kept watch on the home centre.  Everton spurred on to some tune without quite making a mark, Irvine’s two shots rising in the wind, and Hart’s jazz effort sending the ball over to the corner flag.  Sheffield had got busy in the attacking portion again, and after there had been one false throw-in by Green –when will half backs learn the simple duty of throwing in? –and one unexpected offside against Johnson, corners came to the United and provided McDonald and O’Donnell with a fund of work. 
THE LIVE SPARK OF THE LINE
McDonald was particularly sound and enterprising, not to say enthusiastic, and got a really all for himself.  He deserved it.  The was probably as relieved as all those present, save the Sheffielders, when Harry Johnson had a shooting chance but completely missed the ball through falling down.  Broad was the live spark of the home attack, and when a snap chance came be rounded Milton, and from close but crowded range he lashed out to within a yard of goal.  It was a fine idea, lacking only in accurate marksmanship, and Broad had to be so quick to seize the half chance that he could be secured his failure.  Everything seemed lost to the home team when Mercer trickily beat Hart and centred across, the ball going pretty far to the left, where Johnson was posted.  Johnson headed across the goalmouth, and with Harland beaten a goal seemed assured.  Fortunately, O’Donnell ran up and hooked the ball out of danger. 
REFEREE REFUSES APPEAL
Sheffield appealed hard for a goal, but the referee would not listen to them, nor would be listen to them when, in a sensational attack on Harland and company, the ball actually passed the Everton goalkeeper.  The whistle was heard to sound most distinctly before the ball cannoned from Tunstall’s shot off another Sheffield player to the right-hand side of the net.  Apparently a Sheffield man had been adjudged guilty of a foul.  Certainly it was an escape for Everton, and Gillespie warmly contested the decision; in a gentlemanly manner, that is. 
STANDLY ON THE GOAL LINE.
The birth of the bother arose from a strong foul by McDonald on Johnson, and the manner of the taking of the free kick was worth studying.  O’Donnell went into goal to help Harland to keep the coast clear, and the home men were started to find Johnson standing on the goal line.  It was a perfectly legitimate piece of tactics, and showed the value of thinking out one’s game in every phrase.
A DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY
Milton was hurt for the second time, and after Harland had made a good catch he was saved trouble by McDonald performing in circular movement which was too much for Tunstall.  Before half-time, Pantling forgot himself, and stood on the line to throw in, thus creating an unnecessary stoppage.  Everton were frankly very disappointing in this half.  Their forwards had to punch, no life, and little success against defenders who could not claim speed nor height to favour them.  Everyone hoped they would do better in the second half. 
Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield United 0.
REFEREE EXPLAINS
The referee, interviewed, said that before the ball entered the net in the first half a Sheffield player without doubt charged a rival in the middle of the back, and there could be no debate about the decisions, because the ball was “dead” immediately that occurred.  Events in the second half crowded one upon the other.  Kennedy hut his left leg, Broad scored from an offside position, and Everton began as though they had determined to finished with their first half fatuities. 
AN ONLOOKER COLLAPSES
Then there was an incident of a spectator being carried off on a stretcher, and a further incident where Green, standing on the touchline for a throw-in, was told by his captain to go outside of play (as per rule).  Sheffield were rattled by this sudden access of enthusiasm on the part of Everton, but, as often happens, the Everton forwards no sooner did something good than they instantly attempted to dribble a second time and lost the ball.  Still further astonishment was created by Broad continuing to play towards an empty goal when the whistle had gone for a foul as the quarter distance.  Broad went on his way and headed the ball, in spite of Milton, but was able to get the ball into the net.  Broad chased about a good deal, and when Kennedy offered him a gift he shot tamely outside.  Irvine followed with a desperate run at outside right, and at this point Milton and Cook began to show signs of wear and tear. 
WHAT WAS LACKING
The crowd joined in the enthusiasm, and gave every encouragement to the Everton men to go on with their improved work, but so far not a goal had come, and one must confess that, so far as the home side was concerned, there would be need for very much improved shooting if a goal was to come.  Of shooting there had been precious little, and much of that was bad, which sounds Irish, but is true. It came as a relief to see Chedgzoy hitting the goal supports with a free kick against Green for a charge on Irvine, who now got the full weight of Milton’s body to make him feel seedy.  The standard of play was poor and streaky, and inexplicable.  Sheffield replied per Tunstall, who made a nice, swinging centre, which Harland got down to by falling on the knee. 
A RUSH OF INCIDENTS
There could be no denying the value of every move by made by Tunstall and Mercer.  There was splendid co-operation between certain of the Sheffield players, and Green once more proved how good he can be in club games as compared to his representative appearance.  All the main plums of the game were concentrated in the 67th and 69th minutes.  A calamity was the first incident.  McDonald, in trying to pass to his goalkeeper, was a shade under strength, and his fall to the ground meant that Mercer had only to pass the ball inward to Johnson for a goal to be the easiest thing under the sun.
TROUP’S JOYFUL GOAL.
But Sheffield enjoyed their lead for two minutes only, and then there came a combination of circumstances that ended with Sutcliffe being well-beaten.  Cook conceded a free kick for a foul just outside the penalty area.  Kennedy took the kick so soon as the Sheffield side, had formed fours, as in a review, and Sutcliffe, after making a great save by punching away, found the ball travel on to Troup, who, from close in, was able to make a joyful goal. 
KENNEDY’S BRILLIANT GOAL
At the 77th minute Everton took the lead for the first time through a goal scored by Kennedy.  Everton had applied pressure for some time, and Cook was hampered by Broad, in an attempt to clear the ball.  He could only head it away, and it went straight to Kennedy, who, without hesitation, shot hard and straight for the new.  This was followed by a really brilliant shot by Irvine, which struck the crossbar.  Everton came to the attack with some brilliant play and the Sheffield defence, had to take a lot of hard work, Broad narrowly missing with Sutcliffe on the ground after the Sheffield goalkeeper had saved from Troup. 
PENALTY GOAL
Although Everton improved considerably, Sheffield made a fine rally in the closing stages, and, with Harland out of his goal, O’Donnell fisted the ball out from Johnson, Tunstall scoring from a penalty which followed.  Final; Everton 2, Sheffield United 2.

WHAT OFFSIDE WILL MEAN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Bees
Gillespie captain of Sheffield United, in an interview, told me that he believed the new offside rule had worked for the benefit of the forwards.  He was delighted with the new throw-in, and though that everyone would get used to full-backs having to stay in their own particular den. 
Hunter Hart, the Everton captain, on the same topic, said it was revolutionizing defensive play.  Half-backs would have to consider whether they should go well up the field, and of they went up the full-backs would have to stay well behind.  He felt sure that this season would produce a lot of goals. 
The new pen for boys opened at Goodison to-day, and the youngsters seemed to fill half of the paddock on the Bullens-road side. 

UNITED MAKE SPARKLES FLY
Star Green 'un - Saturday 29 August 1925
LEAD NAT ONE TIME, BUT “TUNNY” HAS TO GIVE ‘EM POINT FROM PENALTY
EACH SIDE HAS GOAL DISALLOWED
EVERTON N2, SHEFFIELD UNITED 2
By Free Lance
United started the season with the tough task of facing Everton on their own ground, but with the full Cup winning eleven available, they were hopeful that their visit to Goodison Park would not be fruitless. Everton, like United, are a ''balanced and polished side, even though the visitors’ front line was recognized as the speedier set. As we have seen on previous occasions, the Sheffielders generally go well when opposed by a team of their class. Neither club had any new men on view, though O'Donnell, the ex-Darlington back, was a stranger to the United players. The entry of King Football caused a stir in Liverpool and excited enthusiasm was obvious on all hands. Roads leading to Goodison Park were crowded with people and traffic, and there was every prospect of a big crowd to see the Cup-holders. And also to see how the new off-side rule would work.  The weather was fine,if cloudy and windy, and all was “O.K.* for the game.  Everton.—Harland; McDonald, O'Donnell, Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, and Milton; Pantling, King and Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie (captain), and Tunstall.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Casey, of Wolverhampton. Robert Evans, the old double International winger, was amongst those to welcome the United.  Getting on for 30,000 spectators gave United a rousing cheer, but Gillespie lost the toss. In the first minute, in spite ofchangeable wind, the United attacked.  Gillespie staved off McBain and passed toTunstall. The winger crossed to Johnson and Harry blazed away, but Harland picked up and cleared.  At first the teams did not seem to settle and the backs and half-backs were successful with prompt and forceful intervention.  The backs stayed at home! 
UNITED SPELL DANGER. 
United, however, were the more forceful in attack, and Johnson sent Mercer away, for the winger to test Harland. Twice the Everton ’keeper had been called upon and in each movement United had advanced without an Everton man having touched the ball.  Hart was applauded for a piece of finedeceptive footwork against Boyle.  United were swinging the ball about, and their forwards were much more dangerous than those of Everton.  Cook and Milton kicked faultlessly, and Green checked Chedgzoy handsomely. Troup tried a long shot, but Milton stopped it and cleared.  United were back the offensive, and Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall harmonizedfinely. At length Tunstall fired in a glorious, high-powered drive which just flew over the bar. Gillespie had done likewise some time earlier.  Urged by the crowd, Everton “bucked up " and attacked determined fashion 
NARROW SHAVE FROM BROAD. 
Play became fast, hot and the Red and White lines yet Everton could not escape the attention of the Cupholders backs and halves, who never once hesitated in their tackles. However, Irvine was able to plant the ball over the bar from long range.  No offside stoppages yet; but Green once made a faulty thow-in, standing on the line apparently.  After 18 minutes Boyle gave the ball to Johnson who, surprised, was caught offside; but he did not quite realise it and the ball flew from his foot to the bar.  United forced corners and now harassed the Blues considerably; yet Everton blocked the way by concentrating in the penalty area and shot cannoned off them. Even Troup went back to lend a hand and cleared one rush.  Everton’s forwards were not so decisive and so good in understanding as those of the opposition, though once Broad was fed and he adroitly beat Milton to drive but inches wide of the foot of the post-a narrow shave. 
UNITED GOAL DISALLOWED. 
Immediately afterwards Mercer skillfullyoutwitted O’Donnell and crossed to Johnson to the left of the goal. Johnson headed goal wards, and O’Donnell only retrieved the ball as it was about to pass over the line.  A minute later, from a free-kick by Tunstall, the ball cannoned off a defender to Gillespie, who shot, only for it to cannon again, when "Tunny" had another pot.  But then it bounced to Johnson, who fired. As the ball was flying towards goal, the whistle went, for a foul on O’Donnell apparently, and while Harland was beaten and the ball was in the net, no goal was allowed.  It was a brisk, lively game, with plenty of splendid football.  Everton’s crowd rallied, and certainly got into touch with Sutcliffe, but not convincingly so. Green was holding Chedgzoy splendidly. Milton got a knock, but nothing serious and was soon on duty again.  United were the better team, playing with praiseworthymethods and Everton were lucky not to be down. 
NOT A SCORER THIS TIME. 
Tunstall twice tested Harland from the wing. Still, the outside left missed one chance by missing the ball when trying the special drive of his—the one which won the Cup.  After that the Cup-holders came again, and Boyle went very near with a glorious drive. It was all United hereabouts, with the home backs playing staunchly. Harland had save header from Johnson.  Everton were being “sat on,” and, if the United men had been able to hit the ball just right, they would have been four goals up, and on their merits.  Half-time Everton 0 Sheffield United 0
In an interview, the referee said that an Everton man had been fouled in the back by a United forward and that the ball was dead before it reached the net. This referred to the incident reported in the first half. 
BALL IN NET AGAIN— OFF-SIDE. 
Restarting, it was amusing to see Green start take the throw-in in the old way.  A colleague put him wide. The crowd implored Everton to get a move on, and, after four minutes. Broad netted the ball; but he was given off-side—well off-side.  Later Troup danced a jig against Cook and Pantling with the same result. He lost the ball, which went into touch.  Green and Irvine had a collision, and, though the referee had blown his whistle, Broad sent on and shot for the empty goal as Sutcliffe had come out and had been given the slip.  However, Milton bobbed up and the ball went by the post.  All this, and then they realized that the referee was waiting for a free-kick to be taken.  The Toffee men were very breezy for ten minutes, and the United had pull together to hold out. They did, and then began to take the initiative.  A spectator, who had collapsed, was carried off on a stretcher and was removed to hospital.  EVERTON ROUSED TO HIGH PITCH 
The next minute saw Broad faced with an open goal, but he shot wide. The visiting halves and backs were now on their mettle against a team roused to a high pitch by an excited crowd. Right royally did the Sheffielders do their part though, now and again, Sutcliffe was called on, once by good effort by Kennedy. O’Donnell was now beginning to tread on Mercer’s corns and twice fouled him.  The free kick, however, did not bear fruit. Green next embraced Irvine, and from the kick Chedgzoy drove the ball fiercely against the rigging. Then Tunstall made a delightful run, passing Macdonald by clever foot-work and following up with a long shot. This Harland held safely, though the goalkeeper was fortunate to escape trouble when Boyle ran through. 
SENSATIONAL TWO MINUTES. 
While the play continued be mostly in the visiting quarters, Everton finished badly.  A sensational two minutes followed, JOHNSON scoring for the United and TROUP equalizing. The goals came this way. Mercer set off and O’Donnell, in a tight corner, failed to put the ball back satisfactorily to Harland, who ran out. Before the goalkeeper got to the ball Mercer had put it over to Johnson, who put it simply into the empty net after 23 minutes of this half.  The next minute Everton had wiped out the deficit. Cook handled the ball just a yard out of the penalty area, and Kennedy took the free-kick after the referee had lined up the players ten yards away.  Sutcliffe made a wonderful save from a grand drive, but TROUP, who had dashed in, secured the ball and promptly banged it past Sutcliffe into the top of the goal.  Everton’s spectators yelled with sheer joy. 
EVER AN "GO MAD,’’ BUT— 
After 32 minutes KENNEDY gave the home team the lead following aggressive work, in which the visiting backs could not get the ball away. It slipped from a defender, and Kennedy came up from nowhere and hotly drove home, giving Sutcliffe no chance. Chedgzoy nearly got another, and Sutcliffe saved brilliantly.  “Going mad," as were, Everton ran round United, and Sutcliffe magnificently stopped a pile-driver from Troup and foiled Broad when he was about to walk the ball in.  United then rallied and, Tunstall worried Harland with a fine effort.  Four minutes from the end, O’Donnell handled a shot from Johnson at full length and from the penalty TUNSTALL equalize for the United. Johnson's shot, however would have certainly scored.  Result; Everton 2, Sheffield United 2. 
COMMENTS ON THE GAME. 
In the first half Sheffield United were streets ahead of Everton, showing greater speed, more decision, and superior ideas of combination. Had the United forwards hit the ball a fraction better they would have had an overwhelming lead In spite of the valiant resistance of Macdonald and O’Donnell, but the ball was in an impish mood and Everton survived most fortunately.  Every one of the cupholders played splendidly, and the way Green held Chedgeoy was magnificent.  The backs, too, were grand. Everton’s halves and forwards were very hazy.  In the second half, the pace continued to be very hot, with Everton showing an extraordinary recovery and hammering away at the Bramall Lane defence, but it was not until late on that accurate finishing was provided, and, while United were over-run for period, they revived again and drew level, and they fully deserved do so, especially as the penalty was quite justified.  There were only two stoppages for offside and it was most strenuous play.  United gave general satisfaction and there was not a weak link in the side. They will make things hum for most teams.  It is their second draw at Goodison Park since the war; the other games have been lost. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES V EVERTON RESERVES
Star Green 'un - Saturday 29 August 1925
CENTRAL LEAGUE
UNITED SECONDS LEAD OFF WITH NARROW WIN
WAUGH TIES UP AFRICAN
Sheffield United Reserves welcomed Everton’s second string afternoon at Bramall Lane and both clubs fielded strong teams. Special interest was centred in the appearance for the first time for their respective teams of  Alderson, the ex-Palace keeper, and J. Roxburgh, the ex-Villa and Leicester amateur, just signed on for United, and Murray, who has signed a professional form for Everton, and who played with the South Africans when they were on tour. Teams: — Sheffield United; - Alderson; Sampey (W.), and Harris; Longsworth, Waugh (Captain), and Green (H.); Partridge, Sampy (T.), Menlove, J. Roxburgh and Stevenson; Everton Reserves; - Kendall; Raitt and Livingstone; Peacock, Bain and Virr; Parry, Rand, Murray, Chadwick, and Weaver.  Referee; Mr. T. Hardwood, of Padiham.  Waugh won the toes for United and before 8,000 spectators Everton kicked off against a stiff breeze blowing from Bramall Lane end. United got away and gained corner kick.  From this Partridge had a good chance but failed badly.  It was touch and go when Harris and Alderson were in two minds in front of but the former managed to turn the ball round the post for a fruitless corner.  Very shortly afterwards Parry gave United another fright when he worked his way into a good position and put in a drop shot, but Alderson saved.  It was certainly speedier football with the new offside rule operating as was seen when Livingstone had to run like the wind in order to intercept Partridge who had got possession and was well up the field.  I Shortly before half time Raitt was injured in a collision and had to retire to the dressing room but came out again just before the half-time whistle wentshortly after this incident Alderson was well applauded when he stopped a ground shot across  his goal. Good work by Roxburgh gave Menlove a splendid opportunity of putting his side ahead but failed to gather the ball when it was practically on the goal line. A minute before half-time the United goal had a narrow escape. 
Half-time:-Sheffield United Res 0, Everton Res 0. 
Partridge and Sampy were prominent in the opening stages of the second half and this led to a series of attacks on the Everton goal which were only thwarted by the good goalkeeping of Kendall. 
First Menlove had a shot, then Stevenson dashed in from the wing, giving the visitors another fright but the crowning feat of all was when Kendall ran out and took the ball off Roxburgh’s head when a goal seemed certain. Then we saw Alderson on the ground with the ball beneath him and three or four Everton forwards kicking at it.  United were certainly the better team this half and the opposing forwards had little chance to shine.  Murray, the South African never seemed to settle down and besides that a Waugh kept a sharp look-out on his movements.  After 30 minutes’ play United scored.  It was really Stevenson’s goal for his splendid play on the wing enabled him to get in a centre to SAMPY and Menloe who were well up and the former put the finishing touch to the movement by putting the ball over the line.  Result; Sheffield United Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 0.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Echo – Saturday 29 August 1925
PLAYERS WHO TOOK UP THE PEN, AND PENMEN WHO KNEW THEIR SUBJECT
By Victor Hall
One hopes for the best ever at the beginning of a new season’s games, and  Everton and Liverpool will both look to the future with their accustomed optimism.  Nor will their faithful followers be wanting in the hopes that spring eternal.  Both clubs would gladly pay tribute to the grand backing they have had from those who record their doings in the columns of those newspapers mainly concerned with sport.  It is a matter of interest to followers of the winter game to lose their football fare served up to them by writers in whom they are as interested, as in many cases they are, in the individual players.
PLAYERS JOURNALISTS OF THE PAST
The game has always had a strong support from those of its playing members who were either journalists by profession or frequent or regular contributors to the Press.  In this regard one’s thoughts turn naturally to those Lancashire names in the past, whose writings were familiar to them by reason of their regular or prominent contributions.  “J.”.B.” was a case in point, the initials being those of the late
J.J. Bentley, president of the Football League, and associated in the editorial control of the “Athletic News,” in which chair he was later succeeded by Mr. James Catton –recently retired –and one of the most gifted writers on sport of the generation.  Mr. Bentley reported and wrote on football for a number of years prior to and after his selection for journalistic distinction, and added to the popularity of a most engaging personality a lucidity I style and descriptive writing that endeared him to football lovers whenever his duties took him.  He had the rare faculty of clothing his descriptive matter with a form of narrative at once picturesque and critical.  He never followed the incidents of the game with labored description, but seemed to pick out those elements of each match that formed its most salient feature, so that after reading one of “J.J.B,’s” descriptions –which were also critiques –one finished the accounts with a very real mental picture of the changing fortunes of the day. 
HOW PRESSMEN HELP PLAYERS
He had too, a gentle hand with the unlucky ones.  Rarely had a real trier a fault to find with the kindly-expressed critic.  Where he had to blame, it was done so gently, with so kindly a pat, as it were, that the defaulter really felt as if a kindly schoolmaster had worked out the sum for him and said, “Now, go on, lad; do it better next time.”  That was, and is, the spirit of the writer who desires to help on the patient toiler.  But, J.J. B.,” as well as being a journalist and a high and honoured official in the football world, was himself a football player, and knew all the hard knocks of the game.  He knew, as well, how keenly the player himself knows his failures.  He knew that no lashing in the newspaper can lacerate as deeply as the knowledge each player has of his own shortcomings.  Mistakes we all make; the missed pass, the over-run ball, or the deflected shot are all in the run of the game.  No player who is sensible takes those things too much to heart.  It is when a player knows that the fault is within himself, and knows the remedy he has neglected to take that the knowledge hurts.  That is when he is restive of criticism, and when that state arrives there are only two courses to take.  One is the sensible one; profit by the hint from what-ever quarter it come. 
DO BETTER NEXT TIME.
The other course generally leads in the opposite direction, and we all know where that lands us.  It was in those racy days of football writing that Mr. Bentley came most directly into touch with the great football public.  They got to know the man through his writing, and no column in his day was turned to more eagerly than that one, where the nom de plume of “The Free Critic” carried his description of the match he had attended.  Liverpool was then, as now well served in its journalists, who devoted special service to the game of games.  The "Football Echo" had, in the genial personality of the late James Brown, a strong sincere admirer of the winter game, who spared no effort in brilliance or organisation to secure the best of everything for his readers. Associated with him he had as brilliant junior our present popular and esteemed " F.F.H.” then winning those jeweled spurs of descriptive writing that have since urged on many a  Orr  'jawing those jeweled spars of descriptive  writing Met have since urged on many a team to ultimate victory.  But on Mr. Brown fell the organization and compilation of the Saturday afternoon's issue that even in those early days of the game, were lifting the "Echo" into a position in provincial journalism that few could challenge.  Mr. Brown wrote an football with all the keen discernment of his native race, and, while he wrote for his readers, his influence and genially of expression had marked approval from those players who appreciated the wisdom of his words.  So to-day many new players will be reading for the first time the criticism of writers and journalists who are new to them.  They may not be all old journalists, they may not be all-like one I know –even young journalists, but they are all doing their best for the game. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

•  Everton’s mid-week supporters will be pleased to note that there will be two home League matches decided on Wednesday at Goodison during September –v. West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham.
• There are god judges who consider that there are great possibilities of Everton’s Kendall achieving wonderful things in the not distant future
• Everton have some splendid reserve half-back material to call upon in men like Virr, Rooney, and Bain.
• There wasn’t a player in Everton’s League ranks last season who succeeded in reaching double figures as a scorist, only Preston and Forest being similarly placed in this respect
• We trust Kennedy and Co. will remedy the stigma in no half-hearted fashion this winter

AN EVERTON PIONEER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
Bee’s Letters
The following extract from a recent latter from Western Australia to a Liverpool correspondent will be of interest generally, and may also find some of his friends;-
Yesterday I went to Kathleen Valley to play tennis and Jack Currie, who owns this place, the mine (Yellow Aster), and the hotel, was telling me of an old prospector, who died last May 5.  This prospector’s name is George Alexander Burnett.  He was well over sixty years old, being in receipt of a Government pension.  A native of Everton, he was related to Burnett’s shipping people.  Mr. Currie wished me to communicate with you, that you might through the local papers be able to let his friends and relative know of his decease.  Holly Currie nursed him to the last, and he used to talk of Everton village, the Toffee House, Rupert-lane, Everton crescent, the Watch House, and a hundred and one things about Liverpool.  He appears to been well educated and much travelled, especially in South America, Paraguay I believe.  He was resident in this State for over twenty years; must have come over soon after the Hannans’ find at Kalgoorlie.  He was one of the syndicate that worked the Leinster Lease, South of Lawler’s, in the early days, when this desolate back county, with its abandoned mines, was a humming hive of busy goal-seekers, and, like many more, he had good luck on some ventures, and did it in on others which were not so successful.  Towards the end his thoughts turned homeward; but he was too proud and independent to communicate with his more fortunate relatives, whom he had overlooked or forgotten in his more successful periods.  He lies buried in the Fit! Cemetery at Kathleen Valley long with half-a-dozen other ponors of the Never Never.  There they lie, on a little hill overlooking the valley alluvial workings on the south and the hills with the reef mines on the north side.  He, George Alexander Burnett was a toiler and a man, and now he will never chase another “weight” in Kathleen Valley.  But you can bet your boots he will rig up a dry blower on the Golden Strand and apply to St. Peter for a “minor’s right!” 

THE NOT GAME AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Bee’s
Everton; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, Troup.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), Tunstall.  Everton started the season with a very fine attendance, for the appearance of the Cup-holders, Sheffield United, who wound up the season by appearing at Goodison, and to-day fielded their full cup side.  Everton were much-as-expected in the team sheet, and their confidence, as compared with last season, was fourfold.  Hart and his merry men had a splendid reception, and the crowd of 27,000 strong were just as generous to the United when the bald of Gillespie was seen to rise from out the players subway.  Sheffield struck me as a thick-set, plugging sort of side, judged on appearances. 
HART GUESSED CORRECTLY
Hart began his work well by naming the toss, and when Mr. Casey, of Wolverhampton, got the teams going the air was alive with expectancy.  Gillespie at once showed his plan of campaign by a long pass from outside left to outside right.  The United went right up to goal without any Everton man touching the ball, and Tunstall opened a way for Johnson to have a “pop” so that he must have been the first man this season to have a shot at goal.
THRUSTFUL UNITED
Harland picked up with ease, but then found further difficulty awaiting him, because Everton, still unable to reach the ball, found Gillespie, about twenty yards out, having a chance shot that had too much loft upon it, otherwise Harland would have been a busy man.  Milton was caught on the leg in Broad’s first run, but pluckily continued.  Early play showed definitely that Sheffield had a good idea of the requirements of the day.  Long swinging passes without hesitation were the order, and as a consequence that side was on the attack for some considerable time.  When Everton did get away Cook made a bad blunder, but Milton recovered for him, and when Green delayed a clearance and Chedgzoy snapped a half chance of blocking the ball, Green came a second time with a splendid clearance to retrieve himself. 
HEADING AS AN ART
Two very fine specimens of heading were offered by Troup and McBain and O’Donnell made a very handsome return to his captain, who in turn bamboozled a campaigner of the versatility of Mercer.  The nearest approach to a goal came when Tunstall drove in a sharp sure shot, its only fault being a loft which turned the ball the higher the longer it was in transit. 
PACKING THE GOAL
Broad was all for instant effort in front of goal, and at one time Sheffield parked their goals so well, that three men kept watch on the home centre.  Everton spurred on to some tune without quite making a mark, Irvine’s two shots rising in the wind, and Hart’s jazz effort sending the ball over to the corner flag.  Sheffield had got busy in the attacking portion again, and after there had been one false throw-in by Green –when will half backs learn the simple duty of throwing in? –and one unexpected offside against Johnson, corners came to the United and provided McDonald and O’Donnell with a fund of work. 
THE LIVE SPARK OF THE LINE
McDonald was particularly sound and enterprising, not to say enthusiastic, and got a really all for himself.  He deserved it.  The was probably as relieved as all those present, save the Sheffielders, when Harry Johnson had a shooting chance but completely missed the ball through falling down.  Broad was the live spark of the home attack, and when a snap chance came be rounded Milton, and from close but crowded range he lashed out to within a yard of goal.  It was a fine idea, lacking only in accurate marksmanship, and Broad had to be so quick to seize the half chance that he could be secured his failure.  Everything seemed lost to the home team when Mercer trickily beat Hart and centred across, the ball going pretty far to the left, where Johnson was posted.  Johnson headed across the goalmouth, and with Harland beaten a goal seemed assured.  Fortunately, O’Donnell ran up and hooked the ball out of danger. 
REFEREE REFUSES APPEAL
Sheffield appealed hard for a goal, but the referee would not listen to them, nor would be listen to them when, in a sensational attack on Harland and company, the ball actually passed the Everton goalkeeper.  The whistle was heard to sound most distinctly before the ball cannoned from Tunstall’s shot off another Sheffield player to the right-hand side of the net.  Apparently a Sheffield man had been adjudged guilty of a foul.  Certainly it was an escape for Everton, and Gillespie warmly contested the decision; in a gentlemanly manner, that is. 
STANDLY ON THE GOAL LINE.
The birth of the bother arose from a strong foul by McDonald on Johnson, and the manner of the taking of the free kick was worth studying.  O’Donnell went into goal to help Harland to keep the coast clear, and the home men were started to find Johnson standing on the goal line.  It was a perfectly legitimate piece of tactics, and showed the value of thinking out one’s game in every phrase.
A DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY
Milton was hurt for the second time, and after Harland had made a good catch he was saved trouble by McDonald performing in circular movement which was too much for Tunstall.  Before half-time, Pantling forgot himself, and stood on the line to throw in, thus creating an unnecessary stoppage.  Everton were frankly very disappointing in this half.  Their forwards had to punch, no life, and little success against defenders who could not claim speed nor height to favour them.  Everyone hoped they would do better in the second half. 
Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield United 0.
REFEREE EXPLAINS
The referee, interviewed, said that before the ball entered the net in the first half a Sheffield player without doubt charged a rival in the middle of the back, and there could be no debate about the decisions, because the ball was “dead” immediately that occurred.  Events in the second half crowded one upon the other.  Kennedy hut his left leg, Broad scored from an offside position, and Everton began as though they had determined to finished with their first half fatuities. 
AN ONLOOKER COLLAPSES
Then there was an incident of a spectator being carried off on a stretcher, and a further incident where Green, standing on the touchline for a throw-in, was told by his captain to go outside of play (as per rule).  Sheffield were rattled by this sudden access of enthusiasm on the part of Everton, but, as often happens, the Everton forwards no sooner did something good than they instantly attempted to dribble a second time and lost the ball.  Still further astonishment was created by Broad continuing to play towards an empty goal when the whistle had gone for a foul as the quarter distance.  Broad went on his way and headed the ball, in spite of Milton, but was able to get the ball into the net.  Broad chased about a good deal, and when Kennedy offered him a gift he shot tamely outside.  Irvine followed with a desperate run at outside right, and at this point Milton and Cook began to show signs of wear and tear. 
WHAT WAS LACKING
The crowd joined in the enthusiasm, and gave every encouragement to the Everton men to go on with their improved work, but so far not a goal had come, and one must confess that, so far as the home side was concerned, there would be need for very much improved shooting if a goal was to come.  Of shooting there had been precious little, and much of that was bad, which sounds Irish, but is true. It came as a relief to see Chedgzoy hitting the goal supports with a free kick against Green for a charge on Irvine, who now got the full weight of Milton’s body to make him feel seedy.  The standard of play was poor and streaky, and inexplicable.  Sheffield replied per Tunstall, who made a nice, swinging centre, which Harland got down to by falling on the knee. 
A RUSH OF INCIDENTS
There could be no denying the value of every move by made by Tunstall and Mercer.  There was splendid co-operation between certain of the Sheffield players, and Green once more proved how good he can be in club games as compared to his representative appearance.  All the main plums of the game were concentrated in the 67th and 69th minutes.  A calamity was the first incident.  McDonald, in trying to pass to his goalkeeper, was a shade under strength, and his fall to the ground meant that Mercer had only to pass the ball inward to Johnson for a goal to be the easiest thing under the sun.
TROUP’S JOYFUL GOAL.
But Sheffield enjoyed their lead for two minutes only, and then there came a combination of circumstances that ended with Sutcliffe being well-beaten.  Cook conceded a free kick for a foul just outside the penalty area.  Kennedy took the kick so soon as the Sheffield side, had formed fours, as in a review, and Sutcliffe, after making a great save by punching away, found the ball travel on to Troup, who, from close in, was able to make a joyful goal. 
KENNEDY’S BRILLIANT GOAL
At the 77th minute Everton took the lead for the first time through a goal scored by Kennedy.  Everton had applied pressure for some time, and Cook was hampered by Broad, in an attempt to clear the ball.  He could only head it away, and it went straight to Kennedy, who, without hesitation, shot hard and straight for the new.  This was followed by a really brilliant shot by Irvine, which struck the crossbar.  Everton came to the attack with some brilliant play and the Sheffield defence, had to take a lot of hard work, Broad narrowly missing with Sutcliffe on the ground after the Sheffield goalkeeper had saved from Troup. 
PENALTY GOAL
Although Everton improved considerably, Sheffield made a fine rally in the closing stages, and, with Harland out of his goal, O’Donnell fisted the ball out from Johnson, Tunstall scoring from a penalty which followed.  Final; Everton 2, Sheffield United 2.

WHAT OFFSIDE WILL MEAN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1925
By Bees
Gillespie captain of Sheffield United, in an interview, told me that he believed the new offside rule had worked for the benefit of the forwards.  He was delighted with the new throw-in, and though that everyone would get used to full-backs having to stay in their own particular den. 
Hunter Hart, the Everton captain, on the same topic, said it was revolutionizing defensive play.  Half-backs would have to consider whether they should go well up the field, and of they went up the full-backs would have to stay well behind.  He felt sure that this season would produce a lot of goals. 
The new pen for boys opened at Goodison to-day, and the youngsters seemed to fill half of the paddock on the Bullens-road side. 

EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 2
August 31, 1925. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON DROP A POINT.
FINE SECOND HALF RALLY.
Although Sheffield United managed to take a point home with them in their opening game with Everton, on Saturday they were rather lucky to do so. The score was two goals each. The match attracted about 35,000 spectators, and although play was a little scrappy at times the match was quite enjoyable one as the hearty applause of the large crowd frequently testified. The opening exchanges favoured the visitors, and it was some time before the home attack got going in a way that looked productive of goals. When they did however, they pleased their supporters immensely with the business like way they set about it. In spite of the new offside rule there was no score before half-time was no longer young when scoring began with a goal for the Blades by Johnson.
McDONALD BLUNDERS.
The first goal had a decided streak of luck about it. It came half-way though the second half, and was the result of a blunder by McDonald. Sheffield had been pressing so hard that McDonald appeared to think that a pass back to Harland was the best means of clearing. In making the kick, however, he stumbled, so that the ball went only a few yards. Harland dashed out of goal in an effort to clear, but Boyle beat him for quickness, and, passing to Johnson that player had nothing to do but steer it into the net. The Sheffield partisans –and there seemed to be quite a number of them, judging by the cheering –showed their satisfaction in no half-hearted fashion. Their triumph, however, was short-lived. Scarcely had the applause subsided before the Blues were on equal terms. It happened this way, Everton were awarded a free kick for a foul on Broad. It was fortunate for the visitors really, that it was not a penalty because it happened only just outside the penalty line. The Blades lined up in front of the goal like a platoon on parade. But the Blues had a card up their sleeves. Two of their players ran up to the ball when the whistle blew as if either might take it. This obviously puzzled the defence. Kennedy was the man, however, who actually took the kick. He drove hard for goal, and the ball, rebounding sideways off a defender went to Troup, who made no bones about sending it where Everton supporters desired to see it go. Everton had been playing a strong game just before their success and now heartened by a tangible token of it, they set about the Blades' defence in fine style, and it was not long before they again broke it down. It followed some excellent work between Chedgzoy and Irvine, the last named finally passing to Kennedy who being well placed, promptly sent into the net with a low drive. By this time the game was nearing the end, and many spectators confident that it was all over bar the shouting, began to leave the ground. They were a little precipitates, however, because Sheffield in one of their few raids on the home citadel, at the period managed to cheat Everton of what looked like a certain victory. The goal was deserved certainly, but it had to come from a penalty kick , which came about in this way. Tunstall set up an attack on the wing and finished with a well-judged centre. Harland did his best to save his charge by rushing but to clear. But he could not reach the ball in time, and his goal was left open. Johnson fastened on the ball and shot hard and low O'Donnell threw himself into the goalmouth, and intercepted the shot, but in doing so handled. Tunstall who took the penalty kick made no mistake with it. Almost immediately after the whistle blew for time.
GOOD MATCH.
As an opening match it was a good 0ne. It is true that the Sheffield attack, led by Johnson with such able allies as Gillespie, Tunstall and Mercer to aid him, was more effective than that of the home side in the first half. But the Everton line put much more style and effectiveness into their play after the interval. They gave the visiting team some anxious moments in the second half, and I do not think many have though the result unfair if the Blues had won. Broad and Irvine on two occasions looked to have Sutcliffe beaten, but he was saved by the crossbar. It was not till after the interval, however, that the Everton front line began to show their possibilities at a combination. The halves were good, and Hart and McBain put in some useful work. McDonald and O'Donnell played a sound game at back. McDonald's error in passing back when he might have cleared was the one blemish in his otherwise good play. Harland could not be blamed for either of the goals registered against him. To sum up, Everton's play was promising, and I for one should not be surprised if the end of the season finds them in a considerably. more exalt position in the table than last year. The Cupholders defence struck one as not being so good as their attack. More than once it was good luck that saved them rather than good play, and Milton and Crook back were frequently harassed by the keenness of the Blues attacks. Judging from Saturday, there seems little doubt that the new offside rule has brightened the game and made it faster. In the first half there was only one off-side, and few in the second. The new throw-in rule, too, is an improvement, and there is now no irritating waiting while a player is finnicking about on the touchline with his feet before throwing in. Teams: - Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and O'Donnell, backs, Brown, McBain and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield United: - Sutcliffe, goal, Cook, and Milton, backs, Pantling, King, and Green, half-backs, Mercer Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
August 31 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 1)
Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt and Livingstone backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Parry, Rand, Murray Chadwick, and Weaver. Forwards.

EVERTON "A" 1 POULTON ROVERS 2
August 31 1925. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Townends lane. Although the Rovers only secured the odd goals, they were by fare the better team, and had they taken chances in front of goal the score would have been a large one. Webb opened the score, and after the interval, Wadsworth increased the lead, but Shaw, who played extremely well in the Blues' middle line headed in from a corner. Everton's defence played finely under much pressure. Braithwaite's in particular giving a rousing display. The forwards were poor with the exception of Harrington who sent across some fine centres which the inside forwards failed to convert. The Rovers forced many corners, and Jones in Everton's goal made many good saves. Webb, Ford, and W.Jones proved themselves to be trustful forwards for the Rovers.

SAME SHEFFIELD
Athletic News - Monday 31 August 1925
PRACTICAL CUPHOLDERS’ WORTHY DIVISION
PACIFIC EVERTON
EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 2
By Impressionist
MAN may propose law and edict, but everything depends the intelligence of the individual as to the quality of expression. Hence the humdrum character of the play at Goodison Park. Four goals were crowded into the last eighteen minutes, and far as Everton were concerned this was the one saving grace.  They became a goal in arrears, and it seemed almost enough to settle the issue, so superior had Sheffield United been in generalship and tactics. Not that the Cupholders made any specific reconstruction to meet the new order.  On the contrary, they played Sheffield United football, which is to say they kept the ball open, and wore a combination of schemers and craftsmen.  Such dominance as they exerted was bound to produce a goal, and when it came, to all appearances it sounded the knell of a rather tawdry Everton—compared with the team knew which had the quality refined football, even if the results were exasperatingly inadequate.  Not one of the goals had a really constructive flavour, but it happened that no sooner had the United taken the lead than Everton responded in kind, and indeed went ahead. 
A HAPPY RESTORATION. 
This transformation had merits and misgivings until two minutes from the end, when United gained a point for a penalty kick. For it would have been something of minor tragedy had the issue fallen short of this.  The United resumed just where they left off, a virile intrusive side, each individual able to fend for himself and for the common cause. Only they omitted to make the game a winning one for themselves in the first half.  Whatever additional scope is vouchsafed to forwards, there will still be tire element of human frailty in front of the posts.  Apart from the chances neglected the marksmanship was negligible. Harland and Sutcliffe had practiced intuition for advancing to the support of their backs, and that was about the extent of their occupation. Even so, Sheffield United were the belter front of the posts.  Through the piece they made the ball do what they wanted, and Everton waited to see what they would with it. The latter, indeed, struck me as a team obsessed with caution. They were low-ridden,sensing some dark, forbidding scheme to be hurled at them any moment.
RETREATING HALF-BACKS. 
The transition was most marked in respect the reputed half-backs. They subsided into a policy of resistance, and essayed to bridge the gap between themselves and their forwards with drives upon the Sheffield backs. But Cook and Milton, both long service men, were alert to give the ball dispatch, what time Everton’s attack thought challenge. From the moment the ball was given motion to the striking denouement William Gillespie was the personality.  Wheeling and wheedling, he made position after position, but nothing would go just right, not even when Harland was out of position to a deftly-headed ball by Johnson, which O’Donnell spurned back off the line. Still this was very fine effort the back’s part. Everton can repose every faith.  In McDonald—the most polished and efficient of the quartette—and O’Donnell the backs, but the goalkeeping was somewhat patchy. It was significant to me that Harland was absent from his charge when both Sheffield goals were scored.  True, was drawn away when McDonald slipped, so that Mercer's pass was easily slipped through by Johnson, but later Harland ought to have disposed Tunstall’s centre.  He followed the bail in vain, and Johnson's shot would assuredly have found the net had not O’Donnell despairingly handled. Of course scored Tunstall scored from the penalty award.  In the meantime Troup look the ball from Sutcliffe, who had repelled Kennedy’s free kick, while a ball which flew off Cook’s head at tangent left Kennedy with simple goal. All was well in the end with not a weak spot in the Sheffield ranks, embodying a particular menace for future in the wing elusiveness of Mercer and Tunstall.  Everton.—Harland; McDonald, O'Donnell; Brown, McBain, Hart: Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Kennedy, and Troup.  Sheffield United.—Sutcliffe: Cook, Wilton; Pantting, King, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Referee: R. E. Caseley, Wolverhampton.

UNITED WELL TESTED
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 31 August 1925
TWO DISTINCT PERIODS BRING BEST OUT OF EVEY MAN
PENALTY DECIDER FOLLOWS CHECK OF GREAT EVERTON ONSLAUGHT
Since 1893-4, Sheffield United had only won half-a-dozen of 23 League engagements with Everton at Goodison Park, that their draw of 2—2 on that ground on Saturday must be considered a useful achievement. However, it not only the result which gave satisfaction, but also the quality of the play, in view of the strength of the Everton team and the uncertainty which existed under the new offside rule. The Cupholders got off the mark well; their exhibition of the first half suggests that they will present a tough proposition to any team in the First Division.  The Sheffield attacks were fast and wide-flung, enabling both Tunstall and Mercer to make skilful advances and, had the shooting of the forwards been less hasty and a little moreaccurate, they would have enjoyed a comfortable lead at the interval. As it was, the half was goal-less. To this state affairs the fine defensive play of the home backs, Macdonald and O’Donnell, contributed in no small degree, together with good recovery work on the part of the half-backs.  Yet Everton were fortunate not be in arrears. In one bombardment Tunstall netted the ball, but a point was disallowed as Johnson was adjudged to have fouled a defender while the ball was speeding goal wards,and on another occasion, following excellent work by Mercer, Johnson headed in obliquely, O’Donnell clearing with one foot on the goal-line and the other in the goal. The Sheffielders claim the ball was foot inside, but the referee is the judge. 
A. Great Transformation.
Certainly before half-time there was no comparison between the teams in the matter of attack. The United had definite plans, most of them initiated by Gillespie, and the method and combination indicated preliminary studies.  On the other hand, Everton’s forwards never worked in harmony and were disjointed. Consequently, though Broad invariably stood well up and once or twice got through, United were never in serious jeopardy. Of course, considerable credit is due to the determined and forceful tackling of the backs and half-backs. Green was in excellent vein against Chedgzoy, Milton never put foot a wrong, and the prompt decisions of the lot were praiseworthy.  However, in the second half, there was a transformation, and Everton became the chief aggressors; indeed, one time they almost over-ran the opposition. The half-backs fed their forwards cleverly and tackled soundly, Troup and Chedgzoy making the most many opportunities. However, the inside forwards missed openings by faulty shooting and at other times were foiled by large-hearted backs and brilliant goalkeeping. In consequence of this tremendous pressure the United forwards did not see lot of the ball. Nevertheless they were the first to score. Mercer harassed O’Donnell, who endeavoured to put back to Harland. The goalkeeper ran out, only see Mercer secure the ball and place it to Johnson, who put it into the untenanted goal. This was after 69 minutes’ play, and the next minute Everton had equalized. A free-kick was given against Cook for “handling” a yard or so outside the penalty area. Kennedy, although faced a wall of players, made a glorious drive which Sutcliffe fisted away magnificently.  Troup, however, had cut and he banged the ball into the top of the net in the twinkling of an eye.  It was this success which inspired Everton, who took the lead eight minutes later, when Kennedy dashed to score a worried defence could not get the ball clear. 
Justice Done. 
With time flying United rallied determinedlyand, after Harland had saved from Tunstall, Johnson drove in a fierce ball. A goal was sure, but O’Donnell flung himself full length and fisted away. Tunstall had no difficulty in scoring from the ensuing penalty kick four minutes from the end. Justice was done.  There were only two stoppages for offside, and play was exceedingly strenuous, always entertaining, and, at times, exciting.  The various departments of United were well tested. Before half-time the forwards proved their mettle, though they quietened down later and Johnson and Boyle were only seen in flashes. They were always dangerous when on the move.  At half-back there could be no complaint, and Green in particular stood out. Both Pantling and Green, however, were victims once each to the old throw-in habit and were penalised.  Cook and Milton were always challenging backs, if not quite clean-out in their work as the Everton pair. Milton was very effective. Sutcliffe acquitted himself splendidly when hotly assailed in the second half.  Troup and Chedgzoy were crafty wingmen, though the Scot was apt to be too elaborate.  There were 35,000 spectators. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE. 
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 31 August 1925
United’s Fine Reserve Backs. 
In their first match of the season United Reserves deservedly beat Everton Reserves 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Three players made their debuts for their new clubs; Alderson the ex-Palace goalkeeper, and J. Roxburgh, an amateur, for United and Murray who toured with the South Africans when they were here last season centre-forward for Everton.  The game was fast throughout and the first half goalless. In the second United showed marked superiority and the Everton goal had several narrow escapes. Sampy (T.) scored after 70 minutes play following a clever and strenuous effort Stevenson on the left.  Alderson kept goal coolly for United and Roxburgh gave Menlove several good openings. Partridge, who was injured just before half-time, could do very little in the second half in consequence. Murray was ineffective for Everton owing to the strength of Waugh.  Harris, gave a splendid display and he and Sampy (W.), were an excellent pair of defenders for United. 

EVERTON’S NEED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 August 1925
Bee’s Notes
Whatever happens we can expect goals- if the forwards shape better than those we saw at Everton when the cup-holders came to pay their annual respects.  Sheffield United are known as mud larks.  They are not used to grass courts; slops for them all the time and they’ll win any championship.  But these are dry days (vide U.S.A reports), and United put up so good a show in midfield, that one began to quake for Everton’s chances.
WAIT FOR IT!
It would be unfair to be hasty in a judgement of the club or a player, but this much can be said; “Sheffield should have won with ease in the first half-hour.  That they didn’t should be a lesson to Everton, to judge the players as they played and not in the light of a very lucky drawn game.  I don’t say Everton were not worth a drew; I say that Sheffield ought to be soundly smacked for letting have a chance to get a point and a pound bonus.  Why was the fiery second half start not produced at the first blush of the season ? Why could not Everton –as a whole; mark you- produce that McDonald “texture” from start to finish? What is that makes Everton sleep through some spells of their game?  They want an alarm clock to call them to attention at 3.30! It should not be necessary. 
REAL BACKS
I was glad to see O’Donnell doing so much more steadily than in the past.  Here is a good back who will still want time to settle down to senior style.  He has been hasty beyond words; now he is putting on the brake, and he doing all the better as a result.  Jack McDonald alongside of him also bore up bravely against a forward line that had much to commend it.  McDonald is tireless in his determination to get the ball and clear it –up the field, mark you, not to touch.  The pair were very much in front of Milton and Cook, and the age and slowness of the pair made it more inexplicable that the Everton forwards did not take their benefit performance.  There was little to commend in the shooting; there was a liveliness on the left flank that was worthy special attention, and one would only ask the left wing pair not to hang on too long, but to get yards of space eaten up and a centre across at the first moment, not the last possible moment. 
THE NEW RULES
Many thought Everton would romp home, because they had a new spirit in the team; the bogey of a year ago had been put to rest.  It is not yet, sirs; there are grievous faults, but it was good to see the half back members standing to their guns and not chasing so far up the field as to become sixth forwards-the day of the sixth forward has been knocked into last week by the now offside rule, I have quoted you some of the players’ statements regarding the what some of them say is true; but I am not converted to the rule even yet; we shall be able to tell better when we see whether backs stay at home, or go ahead and then incline to the trip.  That’s the acid test of the rule.  The throw-in rule however, simple it may have become, is apparently too fearsome for some half-backs –and forwards.  It is inconceivable that the paltry throw-in of the ball, with no rules to concern the thrower in the matter of toeing the line, should lead to free kicks.  The men should be fined for such offences!