TIT-BITS OF “THE” LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, December 2 1903
By “Montesuma”
I withdrew the statement, possibly made recently, to the effect that Everton can’t score goals. They have five of ‘em against Small Heath, which just brings them up to an average of one per time for their last five matches. The Blues reconstructed their forwards by introducing Corrin at outside left and Taylor in his old-time position as partner to Sharp. Hardman, it seems, is studying hard just now, “reading” for an important “exam.,” whilst McDermott was dropped. For half the battle Small Heath showed a bold front; afterwards they were simply overwhelmed. They happened to catch Everton at the very top of their form. Booth played brilliantly, and Corrin was a stupendous success, his runs and centres being as repeated as they were deadly accurate. Taylor helped to infuse the vim so much lacking recently, whilst the whole forward line shaped as though goal-getting were an everyday occupation. For Small Heath only Robinson, Wigmore and Athersmith played pleasingly. Everton by the way, have recently fixed up a well-equipped gymnasium on the ground, and the men should derive considerable benefit therefrom.

DUNCAN McEWAN
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 03 December 1903
With a determination to improve the Blackpool team, the officials have signed on McEwan, from Everton, the transfer fee being a considerable one. He has been playing a sound game with Everton reserve, and it was with some difficulty that Blackpool secured him. He will partner Anderton in the match at Bristol on Saturday.

SCOTSMAN TRANSFERRED BY EVERTON
Dundee Evening Post - Friday 04 December 1903
Duncan McEwan
The Everton club have transfered Duncan McEwan, outside left, to the Blackpool club and he will play against Bristol City tomorrow. He has been with Everton two seasons, but has not had many opportunities of playing with the League team. He is fast and clever, but rather light. He is a Scottish junior international, and a very promising player.

EVERTON v WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post – Friday 4 December 1903
These teams meet to-morrow at Wolverhampton and after the brilliant form displayed by Everton at Goodison Park last week, much interest attaches to the match. The London and North-Western Company are running excursions to Birmingham at 10.5 a.m. and 11.30 a.m., and each of these trains will stop at Wolverhampton for the convenience of those attending the match. The team is to travel by one of these trains.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 05 December 1903
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
League match at Wolverhampton; train leaves Lime-street Station at 10.5; kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Corrin, forwards.
Everton Combination v Colne
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 2.30
Everton Combination- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, McDermott, Dilly, Sheridan, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON v  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 5 1903
A GAME IN THE FOG EVERTON 2 DOWN AT HALF-TIME
On Leaving Liverpool to-day the weather outlook was far from promising, and on reaching the borders of the Black Country the fog was found to be even thicker. On arriving at Wolverhampton the town was enveloped in a dense haze, but at one o’clock the atmosphere cleared most agreeably, and an hour later there was every prospect of the match being played. The Everton club relied on the same eleven that did duty last week, with one exception, namely Young, who was dropped. His place was taken by Settle, and McDermott to partner Corrin. The Wanderers played the same eleven as last week. Towards two o’clock the weather thickened again, and the atmosphere of the Molyneux Ground was absolutely enveloped. Nevertheless at a quarter-past two the referee decided to start. It was absolutely impossible for any of the spectators to see even half way across the field; but the game, for some extraordinary reason, was started. The teams lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott and Corrin.
Wolves.- Baddeley; Jones and Betteley; Whitehouse, Walker, and Annis; Baynam, Heywood, Woolridge, Smith, and Miller.
Everton started, and from what could be seen of the shadowy figures the Wanderers at once made play on the left, Smith sending in a long shot, which Kitchen saved by throwing himself full length on the ground. The whole proceedings were in the nature of a farce- at least, from a spectator’s point of view- and after the game had been in progress a few minutes the officials let the crowd inside the rails on to the enclosure, where they could at least follow something of the play. After a breakaway by Everton, the Wanderers again got down, and Smith shot in. Kitchen saved, but the ball went to the foot of Miller, who shot in strongly, and registered a goal after 8 minutes play. Following upon this there was end to end play, but it was quite impossible to follow the individual movements with any degree of accuracy. Settle at one moment, was seen shaping towards the home goal, but a second later he was lost in the midst of the thick fog, and the next visible movement was on the part of the Wanderers right, who ran down very swiftly. Abbott tried to check then, but he was beaten, and the leather was passed to Woolridge, who scored a second goal for the Wanderers. This second success have the home eleven great heart, and for a time monopolised the attack. But the Everton defence had pulled themselves together and Brook at length cleared his lines. The result was that the visitors attacked in determined fashion, and Sharp and Taylor between them forced a corner. This, however, came to nothing, although the Evertonians made desperate effects to pierce the home defence. These efforts, however, were not nearly so desperate as those of the spectators in trying to follow the fortunes of this positive burlesque of a League encounter. After some work in midfield. Everton again made ground, and we could discern Taylor and Settle in front of Baddeley, but what ultimately became of the movement it was impossible to tell. From the Press-box at the time the scene was absolutely opaque and on our special reporter going up to the touch line the outlook was practically no better. Sharp was noticed to be concerned in the next movement, but whither the ball travelled we could not see. The only indication that the shot had missed its marks was afforded in the exclamations of the crowd near the goal, who remarked that it passed outside. Ultimately a lift in the fog made the task of observation a little less difficult, but it was still a source of wonderment that the referee, Mr. Smith of Doncaster should allow this apology for a game to continue. For a long time the Wanderers enjoyed the bulk of the play, and on one occasion Heywood tested Kitchen with a low, swift shot. The Evertonians, however, cleared in fine fashion, and Booth, giving him forwards possession, they moved down in nice combined order. Both the home backs were beaten, and a hot shot was put into Baddeley, who fisted away adroitly. After this the Wanderers once more took up the attack and Balmer and Crelly were given an anxious time. Baynum and Heywood both got in warm shots, but the shadowy figure of Kitchen was observed to clear. Then Wolstenholme, Taylor, and Sharp moved along in promising fashion, but the outside man was knocked off the ball when close in. the game had been in progress forty minutes when the referee blew his whistle, apparently for half-time, and the players left the field. Mr. Smith, however, was apparently in a fog in a double sense, for it was pointed out that the proper time had not been played, and, after some delay, the men returned to the field. This mistake was thoroughly in keeping with the whole spirit of the game, for on resuming it was impossible, as before, to follow the fortunes of the game. It could be gathered that Everton were pressing, but they failed to get behind the home defence, and half-time arrived with the score-
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 goals, Everton Nil.
Without waiting for an interval the players crossed over, and the game was continued in a denser haze than before. The visitors at once moved down in combined ordered, and the ball was netted, but who scored it was quite impossible to see without a personal interview with the player concerned. Indeed it was only the fact that the men formed up at the centre line that indicated that a goal had been scored. Following upon this, the Wolves’ right wing rushed down strongly, and Heywood looked like scoring, when Crelly cleared. The succeeding stages of one of the most absurd and ridiculous games on record was seen only by the participates therein. Certain it is that not a single spectator could see what happened. Final Result; Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Everton 2
A draw of 1 goal each was the result of the corresponding game last season.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Sports Argus - Saturday 05 December 1903
By “Wulfruna.”
At Molineux Grounds. Play opened in a gathering fog, before a moderate gate. The Wanderers had the same team that defeated Middlesbrough. Teams;-
Wolverhampton; Baddeley; Jones, Betteley; Whitehouse, Walker, Annis; Baynam, Haywood, Wooldridge, Smith, Miller.
Everton;- Kitchen; Balmer, Crelly; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, Corrin.  Referee, Mr. Smith, Doncaster.
Owing to the fog Everton kicked off at 2.15 on a dry and rapid ground. The Wanderers early got to close quarters. After Everton had a momentary spell of pressing, Miller ran the ball into their quarters, but it went outside. Kitchen from Smith, and next Miller rushed across and, getting possession, scored for the Wanderers after a quarter of an hour’s play. Following this, good work was put in on both sides, and the Wanderers’ left were frustrated. Then Everton had a foul against them, and from this the Wanderers scored the second in twenty minutes. Wooldridge had scored the second goal, though fog prevented his identification by the spectators. After this, Balmer cleared well and a dash by the visitors ensued, but the pressure was short-lived. The Wanderers’ left wing again became dangerous and Wolverhampton had to tackle, and successfully checked an onrush. Cheers greeted excellent work close in by the home forwards. Wolstenholme had a run and passed neatly to Sharpe, who got away but was checked and the venue transferred. After the whistle had blown it transpired that the referee had misjudged the time by nine minutes, and the men resumed play, but the score was unaltered at the end of the forty-five minutes.
Half-time;- Wanderers 2 Everton 0
After the change of ends the Wanderers recommenced pressing. Crelly took a foul against the homesters, but the ball was returned. A dangerous run by Baynam and Haywood was checked by the Everton halves, and Betteley, with a long kick, cleared at the right moment. Increasing fog now rendered the players like phantoms, but the game proceeded. Everton came out best from several throws in, and then Settle, getting the leather, dashed away, but Baddeley and the backs were all there. The visitors continued to play pluckily, but their shooting was erratic. Haywood was injured, but resumed play. The pressure was still all on the side of the Wanderers, but Everton from a run down scored, Settle putting the final touch. The Wanderers resumed the aggressive, but McDermott scored again for Everton. Result Everton 2 Wolves 2
GOSSIP ON THE GAME
From the spectators’ point of view the game was little better than a farce, for it was impossible to plant oneself in such a position as to see both goalposts. The Wanderers started in irresistible form, completely surprising Everton’s defence Wooldridge was in rare form, his dashes down the centre and timely passes to his wings being much enjoyed by the home partisans.
At time wore on Everton more than held their own, the Wanderers’ splendid defence alone averting disaster. In the second half Everton were the superior side, their forward work being much in advance of that of the halves. Sharp was in rare trim, most of the forward movements being initiated by the ex-Villian and his partner. The Everton halves played a very telling game in the second moiety, giving the home attackers little chance of troubling Kitchen. The Wanderers tried hard to maintain their record of securing all home points, which is now the boast of Aston Villa only.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V. EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 07 December 1903
Played at Molyneux Grounds, in a fog, before 3,000 spectators. Within seven minutes of the start Miller put in a fast shot, which gave Kitchen no chance whatever. A few minutes later Wooldridge placed the Wanderers two goals ahead. Wolverhampton led by two to none at the interval. Immediately on resuming Everton scored. There was a combined run by the home forwards, but the final effort failed. Haywood was temporarily injured, and an atatck on the Wolves goal resulted in McDermott equalising the score. Result; a draw of 2 all.

PHANTASMAGORIA AT MOLINEUX.
Athletic News - Monday 07 December 1903
By Wulf
Molinenx Grounds on Saturday was a medley, for the arena seemed to contain a circle of transitory phantasmal characters, which, flitting here and there through the banks of white fog, produced one of those weird effects which really should not be associated with the winter game of football. After all is said and done, one wonders why the game should have been concluded at all, for the foggy visitation on Saturday seemed to preclude any idea of a match being played at all, but there it is. The final score of two goals each seems unmistakably clear, yet in the course of long experience, measuring a few years of two decades, I have never seen an important League game and concluded under such conditions. I say important advisedly, for it was greatly to the interests of the Wanderers that a win should have accrued as the result of the meeting. Those who have followed the “Wolves” will know how disastrous it was to them to lose a point at home on Saturday, but now that has happened it cannot be helped. Whether the fog at Wolverhampton was very serious or not on Saturday, it seems strange that the neighboring match at the Hawthorns, a few miles away, between the Albion and Derby County, should have been postponed and yet it was so, though one cannot understand it, for Molineux Grounds lie in a hollow, and are, of course, doubly susceptible to the tog.
FUMBLING FOOTBALLERS.
Well, to cut a long story short, for it will be impossible to correctly outline the play from start to finish, the teams fumbled out, and at the sound of the referee’s whistle got into position. Then the game began, and we began to reflect upon the apparent stupidity of playing a match under such conditions. To Pressmen who were doing their work in the biting open air, consequent upon the condition of the press box window panes, the players seemed like a mixed gathering of figures undistinguishable, and to quote the words of Byron, “The man was a phantasmagoria in himself.”  Not at only time were the whole or the players visible to the naked eve. Now and then we heard a perfect howl of approval from the other side of the ground, as one of the local forwards got to work. We could not see unless the men crowded upon our side of the patch. Luckily, we were favoured with the first goal.  A neat dribble on the left wing let in Smith, who, with Miller, dashed to the other end. Smith passed across, and Crelley, I think, must have badly miskicked, for the ball came out to Miller, who, running at a good turn of speed, caught the leather with his left foot, and it dashed into the corner of the net amid an indescribable pandemonium. The spectators at the other end of the field, hearing the howl, set up another, and for a minute all was enthusiasm. Then we set to work again, and our eyes ached as we strained to watch the play. There was another cry from the spectators on our side the field, and looking upon the field of play we saw several of the home forwards and half-backs hurrying towards the Everton goal. There were varying shouts from the players, and then another perfect howl from the Molineux-street end, which betokened a score, and it was, for we were afterwards told that Wooldridge had done the trick.  Backwards and forwards the players hurried, and only by the shouts of the spectators from the various quarters could we tell how things were progressing.
A CUBIOUS INCIDENT.
Then an extraordinary thing happened. The whistle sounded and the players left the field. We looked at our watches and found that half-time had been reached by fully nine minutes. There were various inquiries, and several were of opinion that the referee had decided to abandon the game. We waited patiently, and then through the gloom the players be seen on the field again. When they re-started in the same positions as before we came to the conclusion that the referee had made a mistake of about nine minutes. Whether it was or not the players dashed through the fog, got a kick in here and there, and turned round at the interval, without going back to their dressing-room quarters. The second half was more of a phantasy than ever. The fog grew thicker, and the actions of the players less distinguishable.  We guessed however, that Haywood had been injured in a collision with one of the Everton half back*, and were full of regret when the little man was taken off. Unfortunately for the “Wolves” a score to Everton came in his absence. As far as we knew the visiting forwards dashed up and McDermott, with a long shot, resented the margin of goals, this success being hailed with much handshaking. This was not all, however. Everton were going very strongly, and now and then we could tell that Baddeley was doing great things, while occasionally there came a long volleying kick from Jones, the ball soaring high the white fog.  Harwood came on again, and we knew that it could not be long before the final whistle came.  We looked into the white funereal pall, and your eyes wandered to the spot from whence various shouts from the spectral spectators resounded.  Everton were off again, and then came a murmur as if someone had obtained a success.  We found afterwards that Baddeley had been beaten by a long shot from McDermott, and so it was that Everton snatched a lucky point.
BEFOGGED
It would be impossible to give a well-defined criticism of such a game.  Everton must surely be accounted lucky to share the spoils, especially when the “Wolves” were two goals ahead, for, of all teams to fight and retain their ascendancy, the “Wolves” are the lot to mention.  It was exceedingly hard for them; they were striving for an unbeaten home record in every sense, but the fact that they lost point annuls it somewhat.  Owing to the fog we cannot praise; therefore we cannot individualize.  Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Baddley; Jones and Bentley; Whitehouse Walker, and Annis; Baynam, Haywood, Wooldridge, Smith, and Miller.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin.  Referee; J.H. Smith, Doncastle. 

HAROLD HARDMAN
Athletic News - Monday 07 December 1903
By Junius
Hardman, the clever outside left of the Everton Club, is enjoying a well-earned rest.  In connection with his studies of late he has been slightly overworked, and the Everton directors thought it would be beneficial if he took a fortnight’s holiday.  I am assured, however, that his re-inclusion in the League eleven will be a certainty at the completion of his period of inactivity, and the left winger is such a favourable at Goodison Park that his return will be heartily welcomed by the crowd.  I see that Marshall McEwan has been transferred by Everton to Blackpool-a case or reciprocity presumably.  McEwan is a very promising youth, with any amount of football in him. 

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 07 December 1903
At Molyneux ground, in foggy weather, these teams played a drawn game of two goals each. Both clubs were well represented, but it was almost impossible for the 3,000 spectators to distinguish the various players. About seven minutes from the start Smith passed out to Miller, who beat the Everton goalkeeper with a splendid shot. Wooldridge increased the Wanderers' lead, and sometime after this the players left the field. A mistake however, had been made by the referee of nine minutes, and the teams returned to finish the half. Ends were changed with Wolverhampton still leading by a couple of points. The second half took place under great difficulties, the fog becoming worse than ever. McDermott twice scored for Everton, who were somewhat lucky in saving the match.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 2
December 7, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
The weather in the Black Country on Saturday was by no means favourable, as on arrival a heavy fog prevailed, and at one time it almost seemed if it would be impossible to start the game. Everton made one change in the team, which did duty at Goodison-park last Saturday. In the absence of Young, Settle was tried in the unusual position for him at centre forward, while McDermott partnered Corrin on the left wing. This time fixed for the kick off was half-past two o'clock, but a quarter of an hour earlier the teams appeared on the field, and started upon a burlesque of the game. Indeed so difficult was it to follow the play that the crowd went through the barriers and took up positions as near as possible to the touch-line. The Teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain) and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers: - Baddeley goal, Jones and Betteley, backs, Whitehouse, G.Walker, and Annis, half-backs, Baynham, Heywood, Woolridge, J.Smith, and Miller, forwards. Referee Smith. Everton opened the game, but it was quite impossible to follow the course of the ball, as from the touch-line one could not see beyond midfield. The movements of the players indicated an attack on the Wolves goal, and in this movement Settle was greatly in evidence. From the appearance at the far goal, Kitchen had brought off a save, and when the players had come within a view from the press box, it was seen that Heywood was in possession and gave trouble to the Everton defenders. A further attack was levelled at the visitors goal after Settle had failed to get a shot at Baddeley, and as the result of some smart passing Miller succeeded in defeating Kitchen some eight minutes from the opening of the game. Following this the Wolves backs were kept busy. For some few minutes, Everton held their ground, but another hugh roar revealed the fact that the Wolves had scored a second goal, which was generally attributed to Woolridge. The crowd, had been dubious about giving the game their support, now came into the ground in fair numbers, but it was manifest that the game was reduced to nothing short of a farce. What play that could be seen was fortunately confined to the select side of the ground. More than once Sharp and Taylor were noted in several movements towards the home goal, and still there was no indication of earnest effort shown, probably owing to the hope that the game would come to an untimely end. Again were Sharp and Taylor prominent, but little quarter could be exacted from the Wolves defenders, who covered Baddley repeatedly. Probably never was a First League match contested under such unfavourable conditions, and as the game progressed it seemed absurd to continue a contest in which valuable points were at stake. Some smart work between Wolstenholme, Taylor, and Sharp looked promising for Everton, when at this juncture the whistle was blown, apparently for half-time, three quarters of an hour had not expired since the game had started. Whether it was owing to the fog or to a mistake on the part of the referee in regard to time was not apparent but after a brief. Interval the players returned to the field, evidently with the object of completing the first half. The fog became worse than ever, and from the stand it was absolutely impossible to follow the progress of the ball. Half-time Wanderers 2, Everton nil.
Without leaving the field, the second half proceeded with, and immediately the Everton forwards moved along and opened the scoring in the first minute. This was only apparently by the fact that the players took up their positions at the half-way line again, (McDermott Scored) and the players getting way a movement was made to the other end, when Kitchen came out and saved from Heywood. Crelly checked another attack by the Wolves right, and the game went on amidst impenetrable fog. About six minutes had gone when the Everton forwards rushed down, and Baddeley was beaten by McDermott. Baddeley caught a long shot, and the Wolves going away Kitchen was beaten, but the referee disallowed the point for offside. Everton were now playing well, Baddeley saving. Heywood was injured, and McDermott again beat Baddeley, who fell. Another exciting scrimmage in the Everton goal followed Kitchen saving well, and a draw off two goals each resulted.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 7, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton on Saturday accomplished what no other club has done this season, on the Molineux Ground. They shared the points with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The game was played in a dense fog, and at no time was it possible for the spectators to follow the progress of the play. Really under many conditions First Division League football was reduced to the level of an absolute farce. The referee of course, is the sole judge as to weather the match should be played, and there can be little doubt that Mr.Smith, of Doncastle, the official who controlled the proceedings, must have strained a point in coming to the conclusion that a serious game of football was possible. From no position was it practicable for a spectator to obtain a view of both goal posts. Indeed from the touch line it was barely possible to see half-way across the playing pitch. Under such circumstances it will at once be apparent that no really accurate idea could be formed of the general tenour of the game. As a matter of fact, the only indication that a goal had been scored was either by the applause, which one heard from those in the vicinity of the goal posts, or the ball being brought to the centre of the field. Serious criticism therefore of a League fixture under such abnormal conditions is absolutely out of the question. The main feature was the Everton extracted a point from the Wolves, and possibly this was about the best thing that could have happened, for it was scarcely fair that either team should have been called upon to participate in such a perfect farce. A part from the fog, the alleged game was notable for the fact that the referee blew his whistle for the interval at least five minutes before the proper time. He discovered his mistake when the players retired, and the result was that they came on the field again, and completed the full three-quarters of an hour. With out returning to the dressing room rooms, the teams entered upon the second half of what must be described as a pure burlesque.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 07 December 1903
It is quite impossible to offer any serious comments upon the game between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Grounds on Saturday. The fog, which descended upon the country generally, was particularly thick in the natural amphitheatre which forms the Wanderers famous fighting enclosure. Nevertheless Mr. Smith, of Dancaster, the referee, in the exercise of his judgment, considered the conditions as such as to admit of the match being played.
But from the Press box, the grand stand, or the touch line, it was impossible to follow the progress of the game. The players appeared and disappeared like so many shadowy phantoms, and, to put the matter in a nutshell, the whole proceedings were reduced to a burlesque on what a First League engagement ought to be. Four goals were scored in the course of the ninety minutes, but it is not too much to say that few except the actual scorers know who netted the ball. Under all the circumstances it is probably just as well that the game ended in a draw.

A FOG AND A DRAW AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 07 December 1903
So far this season the Wolverhampton Wanderers had been fortunate enough to win all their home League fixtures, but on Saturday, with Everton as their opponents, they secured only one point. The Wolves played the same team which inflicted defeat on Middlesbrough a week ago, and Everton were well represented. From the commencement to the finish of the match the fog was so thick that only a few of the players could be seen at the same time, and it was an absolute impossibility to attempt to follow the details of the game. There appears to be little doubt that the visitors kicked off. Shortly after the shadowy forms of the Wolves’ front string could be seen making tracks for the Everton goal, and Press men learned within seven minutes of the start that Miller had scored the first goal. A few minutes later there was another shout, and as far as could be ascertained from the spectators who were allowed to assemble on the cycle track. Wooldridge and Baynam between them had placed the home team two goals ahead. The Wolves had certainly made satisfactory progress in spite of the unfavourable weather. Everton then attacked, and Baddeley was forced to clear on more than one occasion. Six minutes before the interval the whistle blew, and the teams left the field. It was at once suggested that the game had been abandoned, but the real reason was that the referee had miscalculated the time. The men returned, played out the first half, and at once resumed the second portion of the game. It was evident from the movements of bodies of players in the home quarters that Everton were having the advantage and in a short time McDermott had beaten Baddeley. The visitors kept pegging away, and eventually McDermott put on the equalising goal. The remainder of the game appeared to be pretty evenly divided, both teams working hard to obtain the point which would have given them the victory. It is a pity that there was such a dense fog, because under ordinary conditions the spectators view with interest a contest between the Wolves and Everton, and in addition there is the fact, owing to the unfavourable weather, the Wanderers’ exchequer suffered considerably by the diminished attendance.
At Molineux Ground, Wolverhampton, before 3,000 spectators. Owing to a fog the visitors kicked off fifteen minutes before the advertised time. Half-time;- Wolves 2 goals, Everton 0.
Final; Wolves 2 goals, Everton 2. Teams;-
Wolves; Baddeley, goal; Jones and Betteley, backs; Whitehouse, Walker, and Annis, half-backs; Baynam, Haywood, Wooldridge, Smith, and Miller, forwards.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott and Corrin, forwards. Referee Mr. J.T. Smith (Doncaster).

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 07 December 1903
Played at Molineux Grounds, in a fog, before 3000 spectators. Within seven minutes of the start Miller put in a fast shot which gave Kitchen no chance whatever. A few minutes later Wooldridge placed the Wanderers two goals ahead. From what could be seen, Wolverhampton had most of the play, Kitchen being frequently called upon to defend his goal.
Half-time- Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Everton nil.
Immediately on resuming Everton scored, apparently through McDermott. They were frequently dangerous, and Baddeley’s services were often requisitioned. There was a combined run by the home forwards, but the final effort failed. Heywood was temporarily injured, and an attack on the Wolves’ goal resulted in McDermott equalising the score. Play now was fairly even, but the fog became thicker, and it was impossible to see the players.
Result; Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Everton 2.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Wolverhampton Wanderers.- Baddeley, goal; Jones and Betteley, backs; Whitehouse, G. Walker, and Annis, half-backs; Baynham, Heywood, Wooldridge, J. Smith, and Miller, forwards.

PLAY PREVENTED
Burnley Express - Wednesday 09 December 1903
Colne and Everton Reserve had an idle day through the postponment of their Combination fixture owing to fog enveloping the Everton ground and making play impossible.

TIT-BITS OF “THE” LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, December 9 1903
By Montezuma
Everton during the week disposed of some surplus stock by transferring Duncan McEwan, one of their many outside-left to Blackpool. He is a similar type of player to Hardman, and should render the seasiders good service.
Everton fulfilled my prophecy in taking the first home point of the season from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but in the opinion of many the referee should never have started Saturday’s game, which was nothing other than a burlesque, and no comments are necessary thereon. I know the rules point to the playing of matches wherever possible, but it was carrying the thing a trifle far to play at Molineux when the course of the ball could only be followed a yard or two. Under the circumstances it is just as well the points were divided. Everton taking the season through, are not fulfilling expectations. ‘Twas ever thus- where Everton were concerned! Their defence, however, is equal to any in the country, but their inside forwards have frequently failed in a forward’s chief duty- that of shooting hard and often. McDermott, the ex-Celt, has trained off badly, and with even one link faulty of course the whole machinery goes out of gear. Hardman, if small, has proved a “find” but there are some who prefer Corrin, who is more powerful in his finishes. A big mistake seems to have been made in keeping the veteran Taylor so long in the back-ground, but now “Jockie” has got in again I fancy he will “stick.” The canny Scot is a terror for sticking.

COLNE’S FUTILE VISIT TO GOODISON PARK
Northern Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 09 December 1903
The fact that Colne’s visit to Everton was rendered futile by the exasperating fog was a keen disappointment alike to the home club’s and visitors’ supporters. It was Colne’s first return engagement, and although in the first match Everton annexed two points, the prospect was by no means one-sided. Colne’s improved form, together with the knowledge that last season they brought away a point from Everton had nerved the men. Some 4,000 spectators were awaiting admission, but the gates were not opened. Had the match taken place, the Colne team would have undergone no change in two consecutive matches, for the first time since the two opening matches of the season. The Combination executive will doubtless see the club right in the matter of expenses.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 10 December 1903
The Everton Football Club journey to Stoke on Saturday, and judging by previous experience, and the form recently shown by the Stoke team, a keen and exciting contest may be expected. A London and North-western excursion train leaves Lime-street at 11.30 a.m. at the cheap fare of 3s for the return journey and no doubt many Evertonians will take the opportunity of seeing the club perform away, the train is due at Stoke at 1.20 p.m., in ample time for the match.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 12 December 1903
League match at Stoke; train leaves Lime-street Station 11.30; Kick-off 2.30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Everton v Bolton Wanderers Reserve
Combination match, at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.15;
Everton;- Dent, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Henderson, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON v.  STOKE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, November 12 1903
The Everton team was due at Stoke this afternoon, and the players left Liverpool in good time this morning. The weather was intensely cold, and there was a slight suggestion of fog in the air. Nevertheless a capital crowd turned out to witness the first meeting of the teams this season. Last year Stoke won by 2 goals to nil, but the Everton contingent were confident of reversing this verdict to-day. The same eleven with appeared against the Wolves at Molyneux Ground last Saturday was relied upon, and the Stoke team was at full available strength. Both Bradley and Higginson were absent their places being taken by Sturgess and Davies. The prospect was dull, cold, and cheerless when the teams faced each other as follows;-
Stoke; Roose, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Holford, and Sturgess, half-backs; Whitehouse, Davies, Watkins, Holford, and Coxon, forwards.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Morton, Sheffield.
The visitors won the toss, and Watkins set the ball in motion against a cross breeze, in the presence of 5,000 spectators. After the opening exchanges the home forwards made play on the right, but Crelly administered a clever check, and a moment later Corrin and McDermott raced down the wing at top speed, the ball eventually going over the line. From the goal kick the Stoke forwards again advanced, and after both Booth and Abbott had been beaten, Crelly cleared. Midfield work followed, and the visitors getting the better of the exchange pressed the home forwards strongly. McDermott and Settle, however, were too slow to take advantage of the favourable opening, and Burgess clearing his lines, put the home side once more on the aggressive. The Stoke forwards, like their opponents were weak in front of goal, and Balmer had no difficulty in relieving slight pressure. This led to another advance movement on the part of the visitors but this only ended in Wolstenholme shooting wide of the mark. Hitherto the game had been both fast and even in character end to end play following in quick succession. The visitors, however, proved rather cleverer than their opponents, and a fine breakaway by Sharp ended in that player shooting strongly. Roose threw himself on the ball, and made a partial clearance, and Settle rushed up at the open goal in front of him, but he shot ridiculously wide. More play in the centre line ensued, and the Potters got down in dangerous fashion. Watkins gave Kitchen a warm handful, but the Everton custodian rising grandly to the occasion effected a brilliant clearance. Some smart work on the part of the Everton right wing was spoiled by Sharp failing at the critical moment, and the succeeding stages of the game were all in favour of the home eleven, Davies on one occasion going perilously near scoring, both backs being beaten. Fortunately for Everton, Kitchen was on the look-out and he saved the situation. Some pretty and effective work by the Everton half backs looked promising, but the forward line failed to profit by the opportunities given, and it was not long before the home contingent once more took up the attack. They moved down on the left, and Balmer, making a blind rush at the ball missed it altogether, with the result that Watkins got possession and scored a capital goal. This success naturally stimulated the Potters, and they played up very strongly for some time. Everton, however, were not the less determined and Booth initiated a movement which put his forwards in possession. McDermott sent in a stinging shot, but Roose cleared it, and Taylor, meeting the return, sent the ball outside, but persisting in their intentions on the home goal, the visitors again attacked strongly, and Sharp put in a low, swift shot, which passed right across the goalmouth. A dangerous movement on the part of the home left ended in a corner being forced off Balmer. This came to nothing, and a few seconds later Corrin and McDermott moved along the wing at top speed, the outside man finishing with a fine shot, which passed just outside. The pace continued to be very fast, in spite of the heavy nature of the turf, and a fine breakaway by the Everton left looked very much like bearing good fruit, but Roose just managed to scoop Corrin’s shot out of the corner of the net just in the nick of time. After this play ruled fairly even, and it could not be said that either side held any great advantage though the Evertonians were rather the cleverer and more persistent. There was no doubt that the bulk of the attacking, so far as Everton was concerned, was being done by Corrin and McDermott and on two occasions the former, who was playing a fine and vigorous game, gave Roose considerable trouble, and the attack of the visitors, however, was lacking in effective combination, and though they enjoyed all the best of the argument towards the end of the first half they failed altogether to take advantage of the openings offered. Just before the interval the Stoke right wing rushed down strongly, and Crelly was badly grassed in trying to stop them, and he had only just been assisted to his feet when the whistle sounded for half-time, the score being.
Half-time score; Stoke 1 goal, Everton Nil.
EVERTON PULL THROUGH
TAYLOR SCORES TWICE FOR THE WINNERS
When the game was resumed the weather was even more dismal, but there was an increased crowd. From the kick off the visitors broke ground on the right, and Sharp shot right across the goalmouth. Corrin was well up, and fastened on the ball neatly and hanged it into the net. From the centre-line the home forwards got away, and their determination was speedily rewarded, for Davies sent in a shot, which Kitchen fumbled, and, before the Everton goalkeeper had time to recover himself, Coxon nipped in and scored, the Potters being thus ahead once more. The succeeding stages of the game were contested in deadly earnest.
Final Result Everton 3 goals, Stoke 2 goals.

EVERTON v  BOLTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 12, 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION -DIV A
There was a good gate at Goodison Park this afternoon, when the following teams faced each other;-
Everton.- Dent, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Henderson, Russell, and Wildman, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.
Bolton Wanderers.- Broomfield, goal; Osbeck and Watson, backs; Hanson, Clifford, and Barlow, half-backs; Marshall, Shaw, Yenson, Gittins, and Slade, forwards.
Dilly started on behalf of Everton, and the opening exchanges were of a give and take character, either side having tries at goal without success. Everton eventually asserted themselves, and by a good combined forward movement got to the front of Broomfield, the Bolton custodian being defeated by Dilly, who sent in a grand shot. A corner next fell to Everton, but nothing tangible resulted from this, and the visitors took play to the other end, and after several unsuccessful attempts to equalise, Gittins found the net, making the score 1 all.
Everton again got down and forced a fruitless corner, followed by a smart run up the field by the Wanderers. Another corner to Everton availed them nothing, and the scene of hostilities was the centre of the field for a time. Everton were now playing only ten men, one of their players having to leave the field through an injury. Bolton pressed, a corner was given them, which they failed to turn to account. O’Hagan  was conspicuous in the home quarter during the next few minutes, though nothing further was scored
Final; Everton Com 4 Bolton Wanderers Reserves 1.

STOKE v  EVERTON
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 12 December 1903
HOME DEFEAT FOR THE POTTERS
EVERTON 3 STOKE 2
Everything pointed to a grand game of football at Stoke to-day. The visitors were Everton, a team always to be respected if not exactly feared, and the frosty weather of this morning promised much more favourable atmospheric and geological conditions than have obtained in recent matches. Everton have had rather a checkered career this season, but they now appear to be settling down to good form, for last Saturday they made a very creditable draw with the Wolves in their own country. Stoke on the other hand were beaten at Small heath, and it was only natural to assume that they would make a big effort to retrieve that humiliation. Last year, with Wilkes, Ashworth, Bradley, Higginson, capes, and Harris in the ranks, they beat the Toffeemen at Stoke by two goals to nil, after having defeated them at Goodison Park by one clear goal. This was the first time they had gained two points out of Everton for three seasons. Since last season’s meetings, however, the Everton team has been completely reorganised, and they came to Stoke in full strength. The Potters on the other hand were without Bradley, who has been suffering from neuralgia, and played Sturgess for substitute. There was another change in the forward rank, Lloyd Davies being given a trial as inside right to Whitehouse in place of Higginson, whose shooting is a weak point in his play. Afternoon the weather became less pleasant and there seemed to be a cold thaw in the air. The ground was consequently rather sticky. The teams turned out as follows;-
Stoke,- Roose, goal; Burgess right back, Benson, left back; Baddeley, right half-back, Holford, centre Half-back, Sturgess, Left Half-back; Whitehouse, Outside Right, Lloyd Davies, Inside Right, Watkins, Centre, Holdcroft, Inside Left, Coxon, Outside Left.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer, right Back, Crelly, Left back; Wolstenholme, Right Half-back, Booth (Captain), Centre Half-back, Abbott, Left half-back; Sharp Outside right, Taylor, Inside right, Settle, centre; McDermott, Inside left, Corrin, Outside left.
The referee was Mr. J. Morton, of Sheffield; and the linesmen Mr. J. Gibbs (West Bromwich), and Mr. J. Matthews (Oldbury).
THE GAME
The gate did not promise to be quite so large as at previous matches. There was a strong but very shifty wind. Stoke started, but Booth at once stopped Watkins and gave to Settle. The latter, dribbling trickily, ran along and finely touched to his left wing, but Burgess checked McDermott. Abbott gave the ball to Settle again, and this time he passed to his right wing. Benson, however, intervened, and as a result Sturgess kicked down to Holford, who touched to Whitehouse. Passing in to Watkins and receiving back, the Stoke right wing got well down and Watkins was popping at goal from shot range when he was robbed by Balmer. Then Holdcroft made a fast run down the wing and touched to Coxon. The latter got in a lovely centre, but the inside men were again beaten, and Everton attacked. Their forward play was delightfully nippy, but Roose was not called upon. Sturgess however, made one very opportune clearance and this set the left wing going again. Holdcroft was in a grand shooting position when the referee made a bad mistake by stopping the game to give Stoke a foul. The free kick was cleared, and it was after this that Roose saved his charge for the first time. Everton had put in some very fine play, and the ball finally went out to Sharp, who had a clear kick and drove in low down. Roose dived and fisted back, but the ball went to the toe of Settle. He, however, lifted the ball over the bar. A minute later Roose saved a similar shot from Sharp, and then a high one from the same forward. Everton at this stage were having the better of the game, and Roose had several more, but less difficult shots to negotiate. He acquitted himself finely, as did also the Stoke backs,. Baddley made many mistakes, but it was he who initiated Stoke’s next move, the outcome of which was that Watkins put the ball in from the right wing. Kitchen made his first save, and the second was immediately afterwards when Watkins screwed in from a very difficult position. He subsequently saved a very fast shot from Coxon, and then Holdcroft was shouldered off the ball when he had a glorious opportunity of converting a centre from the right wing, who had been too cleverly watched by Crelly to do much. Some off-side decisions of the referee, and there was rather an unseemly demonstration on the part of the spectators. At length the Potters succeeded in opening the score. The left wing came down again, and Coxon got in another good centre, Balmer miskicked and Watkins promptly netted the ball, getting it in just below the bar. Everton tried hard to draw level, and Roose made one very wonderful save. Everton had got well up and Settle had the ball. He was tackled by Benson and back-heeled to McDermott. The latter show low and as far out of Roose’s way as he could, but the custodian flung himself at the ball and put it round the post. The corner was safely got away, but Roose had several shots to save before Stoke resumed the aggressive. Baddeley (now playing very much better) and Holford gave the forwards plenty of work. Coxon played grandly, though he spoiled one or two openings by over-running himself. Just before half-time Everton played up finely. Their half-backs tackled well, and the forwards were decidedly fast and clever. The outside men did most of the shooting. Corrin gave the Stoke defence little anxiety, but Sharp hanged in strongly, and Settle always required a lot of watching. The Stoke backs intercepted most of the shots, and Roose saved the others in his best style. The interval arrived with the score;-
Stoke 1 Everton 0.
The game was resumed in the presence of about 7,000 spectators. The commencing play was sensational. The Stoke right wing rushed off, and Whitehouse was centring when he was baulked by Crelly, who made him kick behind. From the goal kick Taylor took up the play, and passed out to Sharp. The latter rushed on at full speed, and shot across goal and Corrin meeting the ball easily banged it into the net. The players lined up in the centre again, and Stoke at once rushed towards goal. Lloyd Davies, who had played a good game all through the first half, received from Watkins in the neighbourhood of the penalty line, and gave Kitchen a hot shot. The keeper could not grapple with the ball, and Coxon taking up the rebound, put Stoke ahead again. This was only three minutes after the resumption. Next Holdcroft was hit in the face by the ball, which had just left the foot of Wolstenholme, and he had to leave the field. He quickly returned, but before the spectators had noted his re-appearance he took up a pass from Whitehouse and netted the ball. The point was disallowed for offside. Then some exciting play was seen in the Stoke half. Everton played for all they knew, and they gave the Stoke defence a great deal of exciting pressure. Sharp easily beat Sturgess, got round Benson, and hanged centres in repeatedly. Once when he did this an exciting scrimmage occurred in the goalmouth. Eventually the ball was put into goal, but there were three or four players on top of Roose, and the point was disallowed. Everton, however, continued to pen Stoke into their own quarters, the play of their half backs being quite overpowering. They forced a number of corners and several shots only missed the goal by a very narrow margin. In one assault on goal Roose made a number of brilliant save; but at length Taylor got in a shot through a ruck of players, and Roose had no chance of saving it. With the teams on level terms again the game became more exciting than ever. The Everton attack had the Stoke defence in frequent difficulties. Another goal fell to them a few minutes later. Corrin made a dash down his wing and put across. The Stoke defenders were all too far up field, and Taylor easily scored a third goal for his side. The spectators became vociferous in trying to stir up the homesters, but they fell away woefully. The half-backs were not so effective as usual, and the passing of the forwards was faulty. As the game advanced they made desperate efforts, and Baddeley put in a grand long shot, Kitchen saved, and he also proved himself adequate to the other not very exacting demands made upon him. The light became so bad at the last that it was impossible to follow the ball. Just before the end Stoke played desperately, but they could not draw level, and the game ended in semi-darkness.
NOTTS AND COMMENTS
There was a ding-dong start before an attendance smaller than usual. Whitehouse worked hard to get through forthwith. Then Settle and McDermott initiated a delicious tit-bit in the passing line.
The ball was sent deftly from man to man and every pass brought the Evertonians in still more dangerous proximity to Roose. Just as the movement was highest to fruition in stepped Sturgess and- Stoke attacked. But in both attacks the strong defence of the backs did not allow of the goalkeepers being tested. Balmer had seemed endowed with superhuman defensive powers, rendering futile all Stoke’s attempts to break through. Everton returned and Sharp put in a grand shot which Roose coolly handed out, and Settle, with a glorious chance shot over.
Time after time Everton were beaten back, but Crelly this time emulated his partner, to Stoke’s discomfiture. At the end of twenty-two minutes- Roose having twice shown his best form-Coxon centred. Balmer failed to kick away, and Watkins scored with one of his won peculiar twist-just-under-the-bar variety. Directly after this success Roose saved wonderfully from McDermott, just as the ball seemed fated to go through. The next raid, provided by Stoke, led to Kitchen saving from Coxon; and Watkins with a chance to convert, lifted the ball far over. The game first veered in Stoke’s favour, then inclined to Everton, and only good defensive play on both sides kept down the scoring. Everton’s attack showed the more method, many of Stoke’s passes finding an opponent rather than a partner. Thus much play was thrown to waste. The opening of the second half was sensational. At one end Whitehouse appealed for a corner. Then Sharp secured at once away on the Everton right. Sharp crossed to the left, and Corrin dashing in, scored without affording Roose a ghost of a chance. Hardly had the ball been kicked off from the centre when away went Stoke. Kitchen hit away from Davies, and Coxen chipped in, putting Stoke once more in front. Afterwards Everton pressed hard, and Roose performed marvellously in goal. Once he was sat upon by about half the Everton team, and the question was asked- How many men must lie on the goalkeeper before the referee shall blow his whistle for obstruction! 
Certainly Roose was “nearly mauled to death,” as the saying is, before play (?) was stopped by the whistle. Stoke were afterwards penned in, and Everton shot time after time, but could not beat Roose. Till at length he cleared from Settle, and while on his knees Taylor laid hold and equalised again. Sharp was now a continual thorn, and an ever-present source of danger. But a dash by all the Everton front rank brought a centre from their left, and Taylor put Everton in front. In the concluding stages it was hardly possible to see the play, and utterly impossible to get down one’s impressions owing to failure of the light. Stoke lost mainly through lack of method among the forwards.

STOKE CITY V EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 14 December 1903
A good game at Stoke, played before 7,000 perople, ended in the victory of Everton by three goals to two. Davis and Sturgess played for Stoke instead of Higginson and Bradley. The home side atatcked strongly in the first half, and Watkins, aided by a miskick on the part of Balmer, scored for them. Everton then pressed hard, but could not get through, Stoke thus crossing over with the lead of a goal. Corrin equalised for Everton in the first minute of the second half, this being followed immediately by Coxon scoreing for Stoke. Taylor afterwards scored twice for Everton.

A CLEVER VICTORY FOR EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 14 December 1903
By Onward
Everton were a much better side than Stoke in Saturday’s match at the Victoria Ground. Stoke. The men from Goodison Park played football of quite a superior class to their opponents and after being twice led during the game they pluckily faced up each time, and won cleverly and most deservedly by three goals to two.  A typical raw December atmosphere, with a keen east wind blowing, probably accounted mainly for the poor attendance of 5,000, but an early kick-off always effects the “gates” owing to the scattered district from which Stoke draw their support.  Everton were able to place the side in the field, which thrashed Small heath and drew at Wolverhampton.  Lloyd Davies deposed Higginson at inside-right and Bardley was an enforced absentee from the half-back line owing to an attack of neuralgia, his place being taken by Sturgess.
STOKE LUCKY
The first half was of a fairly even character, but Stoke were a trifle lucky in securing the only goal obtained before the change of ends.  Everton started away at a great pace, and their forwards, by quick, nippy movements very early had the Stoke halves and backs in trouble.  Roose’s charge had one or two narrow escapes, and once after he had smartly stopped a fast trimmer from Sharp, Settle pounced upon the ball from the return and whizzed it high over the bar.  It seemed impossible for the latter player to miss the mark, as he was no more than four yards away, but he did.  Stoke’s goal came after twenty minutes, and was obtained in this way.  Coxon ran down the left-wing and centred.  Balmer kicked at the ball and missed it, and Watkins, who was close at hand, beat Kitchen with a high shot.  Everton faced up with great pluck after this reverse and showed some very fine play at both half-back and forward.  The Stoke defence was kept very busy, and Roose made some really wonderful saves.  Watkins and Holdcroft were both presented with glorious chances of increasing the Stoke lead, but each failed lamentably, and Stoke crossed over leading by a goal to nothing. It was quite as much as they deferred. EVERTON FINE PLAY.
The opening of the second half was sensational. Sharp, who had been playing a grand game at outside right, banged the ball right across the Stoke goal mouth, and Corrin, who was lying well up, scored easily. There was more than a suspicion of off-side about the point, but it was allowed to count. Stoke quickly and effectively replied, and within a minute had regained their lost lead. Davies put in a shot which Kitchen failed to hold, and as the Everton keeper, could only get the ball a few yards away, Coxon embraced the opportunity to dash in and plant it in the rigging. It was from this point that Everton began to clearly and unmistakably overplay the Stoke team. Their half-backs were magnificent, and backed up by such a trio the forwards were again and again dangerous. After a goal had been struck off for obstructing Roose-four or five Everton men were lying on the Stoke keeper in the net—Taylor scored an equalizing goal through a crowd of players, and the same player added the winning goal, whilst the Stoke defenders stood helpless.  They had been overplayed and literally run to a standstill.  So Everton triumphed by three goals to two, and, I repeat, they fully deserved their victory.
WOLSTENHOLME, BOOTH, AND ABOBOTT
The Everton half-backs deserve a head- line all to themselves.  They bear a reputation as being one of the best club trios playing football, and on Saturday they excelled themselves.  They gave one of the finest exhibitions of half-back play, individually and collectively, it has ever been the lot of the writer to see during a long experience of first class football.  They completely shattered the attacks of the Stoke forwards in the second “45” and so supported their own line of attack that it seemed that the Stoke half-backs were trying to cope with eight forwards.  In the half-back line was the real strength of Everton, and through their half-backs mainly they triumphed.  The forwards, too, were quick and incisive and in the second half Jack Sharp played a wonderful game, beating the defenders time and again and placing the ball with unfailing accuracy across goal.  Taylor and McDermott also played clever football; and in the closing stages, when Stoke were pressing desperately in a fast failing light, Balmer and Crelley showed their best form.  In the first half they were somewhat weak.
STOKE’S WEAKNESSES
 Stoke were weakest where Everton were strongest—in the half-back division, and when the half-backs are below form there is usually trouble. Holford was a long way below his usual form. In the latter part of the game he seemed distressed, and went all to pieces.  Baddeley, too, was below form, and was given to rambling and leaving his wing uncovered: and Sturgess, who strained the muscles of his thigh early in the second half, found more than he could manage in Sharp and Taylor. The backs, in consequence, were overworked, and if at times they showed weakness, they did not, on the whole, play badly. Behind them, Roose was quite at his best. The outside men, Coxon and Whitehouse, were the most persistent and the most dangerous forwards. The display of the three inside men was very moderate. Davies was not a success. Holdcroft played a very poor game, and Watkins did little except score a goal. Mr. J. Morton, of Sheffield, made many bad mistakes in refereeing the game, and seemed quite unable to go the pace necessary to follow the play properly. Stoke; L.R. Roose; Burgress, and Benson; Baddeley, Holford, and Sturgess; Whitehouse, Davies, Watkins, Holdcroft and Coxon.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin.  Referee; Mr. J. Morton, Sheffield. 

STOKE v. EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 14 December 1903
Played at Stoke, before 7.000 spectators, Everton were unaltered, while Stoke were without Bradley, and played LLoyd Davies in place of Higginson. Interval -Stoke 1 goal, Everton none. Everton at once ran the ball up to close quarters, where Corrin acored, while a minute later Coxon again put Stoke ahead. The visitors exerted great pressure for a long time subsequently and when the half was twenty minutes old Taylor equalised. The same player added a third point. Result; Everton 3 goals; Stoke 2.

STOKE CITY 2 EVERTON 3
December 14, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
For the second Saturday in succession Everton were away from home. Their destination was the Pottery district, where they met Stoke for the first time this season in the League encounters. The Weather was very raw and cold, but there was a fair attendance of spectators. Everton relied upon the team, which effected the draw against the Wolves, while on the home side Sturgess and Davies displaced Bradley and Higginson. Teams: - Stoke: - Roose, goal, Burgess, and Benson, backs, Badeley, Holford, and Sturgess, half-backs, Whitehouse, Davies, Watkins, Holdcroft, and Coxon, forwards. W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Referee J.Morton. There, would be about five thousands spectators when, Everton having lost the toss, Watlins kicked off, against the wind. The game started at a lively pace, the Everton men being the first to become prominent. They were quickly beaten back, and Whitley, and Davies by pretty passing worked the ball down towards the Everton goal, Booth dispossessed Watkins, and the visiting forwards raced away, only to find the Stoke backs on the alert. In a moment the home left were in evidence, and the Everton goal was endangered until Crelly kicked clear. Everton took up the attack on the left, Corrin putting in some smart work. The Stoke halves, however, were difficult to shake off, and when Everton looked like getting through Corrin unfortunately found himself in an offside position. From a well sustained attack Sharp shot in hard at Roose, and the experienced custodian was only able to partially clear, Settle was presented with a nice chance, but to the delight of the crowd his shot was hopelessly feeble. Everton continued to press vigorously and Settle this time brought out all Roose's resource with a line shot. Suddenly Stoke dashed away, and Kitchen cleverly negotiated a dangerous shot from Watkins. Then Everton again had a good look in, though without troubling Roose. The Stoke left wing next took up the running, but Coxon was obviously offside when he sent in an oblique shot, which Kitchen kicked away just after the whistle had gone. Stoke were now having more of the play, and the Everton defence was severely taxed. Watkins again shot in hard, only to find Kitchen safe. Immediately afterwards Kitchen cleared again from Coxon, and this led to a neat movement by the Everton right. It was unproductive. Stoke were quickly making matters warm for the Everton defence, and owing to a miskick by Balmer, Watkins easily opened the score for Stoke. Taylor was conspicuous and Roose brought off a magnificent save. Stoke forced a fruitless corner, and at the other end Roose negotiated a difficulty shot from Corrin. On the heavy ground the footwork was by no means from fault, but considering the conditions it was astonishing that such a fast pace should have maintained. Watkins sent over when well placed. Everton had another good try to equalise, but Corrin's final effort went just the wrong end of the upright. As the interval approached the pace seemed to tell somewhat upon the players. Once more Corrin gained distinction by a very clever cross, which gave Roose no little trouble, and for some the Stoke defenders were hard pressed. Just before the whistle blew for the interval Crelly was injured but limped off the field with his colleagues. Half-time Stoke 1, Everton nil. On resumption Crelly reappeared, and after the Stoke forwards had rushed down Everton returned on the right, Sharp finishing with fine centre from which Corrin defeated Roose. Hardly had the game been restarted when the Stoke forwards faced off in irresistible style and Davies shot in hard, Kitchen was enable to clear effectively with the result that Coxon scored a second goal for the homesters. Everton returned to the attack, and the Stoke goal had a narrow escape. Subsequently Everton had the best of matters and Taylor scored two goals. Result Stoke 2, Everton 3.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BOLTON WANDERERS 1
December 14, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 11)
At Goodison Park. Dent mulled over s hot from Marshall, Simpson after scored the equalise, and Sheridan added a third and O'Hagan scored a fourth. Everton: - Dent, goal, Gordon, and Murray, backs, Wildman Russell, and Henderson half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan Dilly, O'Hagan, and Simpson forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 14, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
At Stoke on Saturday Everton even improved upon their meritorious draw in the fog in the previous week. They defeat the “Potters” by three goals to two, and in every respect the victory was earned last season Everton were unable to extract a single point from home, and their latest encounter therefore, was all the more gratifying. The game was contested on very heavy ground, and this seemed to favour the Evertonians. Somehow or another the Stoke forwards in particular found is a matter of great difficulty to keep their feet, but when this could not be regarded as a responsible excuse for their defeat. Unquestionably a better side beat they a fact which was acknowledged even by the local supporters. It was unfortunate that the kick off should have been fixed for such a late hour as 2-30. The day was raw and bitterly cold, and with the mist, which prevailed, it was obvious when the game started that it would have to be concluded in semi-darkness. This turned out to be the case, and in consequence the spectators were robbed of the pleasure of witnessing, with anything like accuracy, the proceedings of the play during the last half-hour of the match. One can understand to some extent the desire of club managers to delay the kick off to as late a time as possible, but after all in First Division football it is somewhat farcical that a contest should be concluded when it is difficult, indeed to fellow the varying fortune of an important game. In the first half Stoke credited themselves with the only goal, which was obtained in this period. At the same time they did not show any superiority bye the general tactics displayed by the Everton side. It might even be stated that the visitors were slightly superior to their opponents, whose success was the result, not so much of finished movements, as of vigorous and determined dashed for goal. When the teams resumed there was some rather sensational scoring. Sharp raced away, and finished with a superb centre, which Corrin, who had previously been distinguishing himself easily converted into a goal. No sooner had the ball been kicked off from midfield than the Stoke forwards swooped down upon Kitchen who, after a partial clearance, was beaten for the second time by Coxon. At this stage Stoke seemed to have a fair chance of winning, but the Evertonians quickly placed a different complexion upon the game and, despite the smart goalkeeping of Roose, that custodian was twice beaten by Taylor. There is no doubt whatever that during the second half Everton were immeasurably superior to the “Potters” They simply ran than off their feet, and once more gave evidence of what a splendidly trained team they are. Everton are to be congratulated upon their really creditable victory. Throughout they displayed an amount of determination, which nearly always suggested danger to the Stoke defenders. The half-backs were again a great stumbling block in the way of the home attack, and it was well they were in such capital form because both backs were at times not so reliable as customary. Both Sharp and Corrin did extremely well, and the right wings especially during the second half and despite the heavy ground, not only tricked opponents, but also got in many brilliant centre. Settle, though not by any means an ideal centre forward, distributed the work with good judgement, and he was ably, supported by his inside men. No one worked harder than Taylor, and none congratulated the veteran on his success in scoring a couple of goals more heartily than did his colleagues in the front line. Kitchen at times was severely tested, but he once more proved his capabilities at a resourceful custodian. Stoke's greatest weakness was in their half-back line, where the absence of Bradley was somewhat severely felt. The backs came though a trying ordeal with some success, but their forwards rarely exhibited any powers of combination likely to lead to a successful issue.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post – Monday 14 December 1903
Everton are to be cordially congratulated upon their 3 goals to 2 victory at Stoke. In past seasons the Goodison Park brigade have suffered severe defeat at the hands of the Potters and their triumph on the present occasion is, therefore, all the more agreeable. Although the ground presented exceedingly heavy going, the game was a fast one from start to finish. In the first half there was really very little to choose between the teams, and when the interval arrived the home eleven led by a goal to nil. In the second portion, however, the visitors showed up remarkably well, and towards the end of the game there was only one team in it. The Stoke forwards are a very light lot, and they experienced a considerable difficulty in retaining their foothold on the greasy turf. The result was that they were not often dangerous in front of goal, and their combination was repeatedly broken up by that sterling trio of half backs. Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott. The Everton forwards, on the other hand showed at times rare dash and determination, the wing man being especially prominent. Corrin proved himself an absolute glutton for work, and he was responsible for the first of the three goals. The other two stand to the credit of the veteran Jack Taylor, who exhibited his finest form. Settle seemed scarcely at home in the centre position, though once or twice he showed characteristic cleverness and Sharp on the right wing was exceedingly fast and tricky. Allusion has already been made to the excellence of the half backs, but a similar compliment cannot be paid to the backs, neither of whom were seen to the best advantage. It is only fair, however, to say that Balmer was suffering from an inflamed eye. Between the sticks Kitchen did very well, though he had nothing like the same amount of work as his vis-à-vis Roose.

LIVERPOOL NEWSBOY AND NEWSGIRLS CHARITY
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 14 December 1903
It will be seen from the subjoined list that a ready response has been made to the committee’s appeal for funds for the above charity, and any further contributions will be welcomed by the treasurer, Mr. J. Ellis, at the “Echo”-office. In connection with the football match, “Press v. Railways,” to be played on the Everton ground, on Boxing-day, Mr. jack Sharp, Whitechapel, has given the football, while Messrs Campbell and Lumby, the well-known jewellers, have generously promised medals for the winning team.

STOKE v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 14 December 1903
At Stoke before 7,000 spectators. Everton were unaltered, while Stoke were without Bradley, and played Lloyd Davies in place of Higginson. The Potters started against a variable wind, and the visitors had slightly the best of the early play. Settle missed an easy chance. Later Watkins scored for Stoke after Balmer had missed his kick, and thereafter the Potters did most of the attacking.
Half-time- Stoke 1 Everton nil.
The second half opened in a sensational way. Everton at once ran the ball up to close quarters where Corrin scored while a minute later Coxon again put Stoke ahead. The visitors exerted great pressure for a long time subsequently, and when the half was 20 minutes old Taylor again equalised, the same player later adding a third. Result; Everton 3 Stoke 2.
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Stoke.- Roose, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Holford, and Sturgess, half-backs; Whitehouse, Davies, Watkins, Holdcroft, and Coxon, forwards.

TIT-BITS OF “THE” LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, 16 1903
By Montezuma
Stoke succumbed to Everton by 3 goals to 2 at home on Saturday, where they have hitherto proved so powerful; whilst Everton’s success has revived the hopes of their long-punished followers. They are without Young’s centre-forward services just now, but Settle is framing as a useful emergency man. Corrin scored 1 goal at Stoke, and Taylor the other two. These are the forwards just drafted into service-a good move.

TODAY TEAMS NEW
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 19 December 1903
Everton v Derby County
League match, at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.15.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Oswaldtwistle Rovers
Lancashire Combination match at Oswaldtwistle; Exchange Station 11.35; Kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Wildman and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Murray, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 19 1903
DERBY LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
Derby County, who visited the Goodison Park enclosure this afternoon, have never perhaps occupied before such a lowly position in the football world. On the other hand, they have in days gone by achieved great things, and as to-day’s result would be of the highest importance to them as far as their League position is concerned, a very stern struggle was anticipated, and accentuated the interest in the game. The recent reconstruction of the Everton front rank has had such satisfactory results that the same combination was again told off for duty to-day. Luckily for the Peakites, they will be strengthened by Maskey, who is sure to defend his sticks courageously.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Taylor, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Settle, Sheridan, and Corrin, forwards.
Derby County.- Maskery, goal; Methven, and Morris, backs; Leckie, Hall, and May, half-backs; Mercer, Bloomer, Warren, Richards, and Davis, forwards.
It turned out that Abbott was suffering from quinsy, and this necessitated a shuffling of the home front rank, McDermott crossing over to Taylor’s place, and Sheridan going inside left. Taylor passing among the halves. Among the 10,000 spectators present were Lord Elcho, Lord Arthur Stanley, and his brother, who came over from Knowsley. Settle commenced the game, Everton going straight to close quarters, and McDermott shooting over shortly afterwards, Bloomer had a very good try at the other end, and then Hall, who came into collision with Sheridan, had to retire for repairs. Corners fell to either side, and after McDermott had another try for goal, the home side gained another on the right, this also proving unproductive. Some rather pretty touches were now met with by the Derby forwards, Davis, Richards and Bloomer passing very smartly, and causing the Everton defence a peck of trouble. The Derby terror nearly through at the finish, but Crelly had a bit of luck, and scored. Hall now came back, and Everton took up play on both wings. Sharp and McDermott got on very well, but could not pass Morris; and on the opposite wing Methven proved an effective check to Sheridan and his partner, the Evertonians finishing very poorly indeed. May got the ball, and passed forward. Richards taking the ball along, and finally, after a lot of football, Bloomer shot wide of the mark. Following the kick out Sharp received, and dashed along his wing, but again finished badly. Taylor now put in effective work, but the County front rank advanced in full force and Crelly was bowled over in an attempt to check. He managed however, to keep the weather between his feet, although attacked at one time by Davis, Richards and Warren. It was a plucky resistance, as Kitchen was in sore strain. The Peakmen were now very stubborn in attack, although their combination was very clumsy, but a chance shot might early have proved fatal to Everton. After some dreary work in midfield, Settle made an abortive effort to get off, but was easily robbed by May, Richards next had a nice chance, and put over to Bloomer, who shot wretchedly. Derby kept to their work with rare good will, and troubled the home backs considerably. At last Mercer forced a corner, from which Hall planted well before Richards, and the smart left wing netted in a trice. This was a sore reverse to the Blues, who had bene much more brilliant in attack, though their efforts in front of the goal were by no means effective. Restarting Everton came away in promising style, but as usual their final efforts were not pressed home. At last a good centre came from Corrin, but Sharp could not turn it to account. Tyler then exerted himself, and by a capital effort checked a dash by Bloomer.
Hal-time score; Derby County 1 goal, Everton Nil.

EVERTON v. DERBY COUNTY
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 21 December 1903
This match was played at Goodison Park, before eleven thousand spectators. Owing to the illness of Abbott and Hodgkinson, Sheridan appeared for Everton and Lecky for Derby. In the early stages of the game Everton gained several corners, and after thirty minuets' play Richards scored for the County. Everton failed to equalise, and Mercer missed two splendid openings. Interval; Derby 1 Everton none. Nothing more was scored in the second half.

A HOT PACE AT OSWALDTWISTLE
Athletic News - Monday 21 December 1903
An exciting game on the ground of the Oswaldtwisle Rovers ended in a win for Everton Reserve by 2-1, the victors having to fight every inch of the ground to keep the lead.  The home forwards played an unusually smart game in the first half, Banks being frequently conspicuous.  Hindle the home custodian, was frequently called upon, Rankin doing most of the work for the visitors.  The latter, however, had hard lines, and it was only Hindle’s clever saves that kept the toffeemen clever.  In the second half, with Everton leading, the game became rough, two of the home eleven having to retire.  Everton replied on their defence, and in Balmer and Whitley they had nothing to fear. 

DISAPPOINTING DISPLAY BY EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 21 December 1903
By Junius
Everton hare earned an unenviable name for inconsistency, and they seem determined to maintain their reputation in this respect. For their League fixture with Derby County they had to alter the constitution of their half-back line—which has been their bedrock of support in many a tussle—owing to the absence of Abbott, who was suffering from quinsy, and as Makepeace, who would otherwise have filled the vacancy, was also incapacitated, Taylor drawn from the forward line to left half, and Sheridan introduced as inside left to Corrin. This change exercised a potent influence on the game, for the Irish International was in one of his roving moods and proved himself a poor substitute for Taylor, in fact, after the interval he was transferred to the inside right position, and McDermott crossed over to the left wing. Derby had to make one alteration in their front line, owing to Hodgkinson's absence—due to a sudden attack of biliousness—and Warren took his place.  Despite these chances it was generally anticipated that Everton would prevail, and that they failed to do so was due more to their own weaknesses than to any superiority on the part their opponents
THE GAME IN BRIEF.
Although Everton made a most invigorating start, and should have scored through McDermott in the first minute, they soon afterwards displayed that weakness which eventually cost them the game. This was an utter inability on the part of the forwards to turn to account the chancre which their clever work in midfield had gained for them, and Everton, I consider, lost the match in the first half. Derby were by no means idle, but their prospects were dimmed somewhat when Hall in a Collison with Sheridan was so badly hurt that he had to retire for ten minutes. Even with four forwards the visitors were by no means inert, and from a corner, forced by Richards, Kitchen had to clear an awkward drive from Bloomer. Still, Everton were showing a ragged sort of attack at close quarters, and for thirty minutes the play, after waging mostly in their favour, brought them no reward. The only goal of the game then came. Mercer broke away, and from long range drooped in a shot that Kitchen fisted over the line. From the flag kick Hall headed into goal, and Richards doing ditto from close range found his effort successful, the ball hitting the under part the bar before finding the net. Everton now roused themselves, and had they shown more keenness in shooting they must quickly have equalised, for Maskrey was twice floored with the ball in his possession. Then Mercer got an open goal after clever work by Davis, but shot wide, and when Crelly had to leave the field five minutes before the interval the outside right again got possession, and had a clear course, and the visitors seemed certain to be two goals ahead. The Irishman, however, after drawing Kitchen out, shot feebly outside. Judging the first half altogether, the visitors just deserved their lead.
A ROUSING FINISH.
Everton had been playing the one back game after Crelly’s retirement, and they resumed under the same conditions. Warren broke clean past Balmer, and with only Kitchen to beat found that worthy equal to his final shot, but the custodian could only partially clear. Bloomer pounced on the leather and a goal appeared certain, but again did Kitchen save his charge by a brilliant effort. This looked ominous, but still the crowd did not despair of victory even yet. Crelley entered the arena again and it was noticed that Sheridan and McDermott bad changed places. A slight improvement was witnessed in the Everton attack, and Maskrey just scooped behind a trimmer from Sharp, while Corrin headed a centre from Sheridan over the bar, when such an accomplishment seemed almost impossible. In the last quarter of an hour we saw the real Everton, not the flimsy substitute that had been paraded before our gaze for the previous portion of the game, but the Derby defenders played grandly, and fought desperately for the points which now seemed well within their grasp. Still, the home players infused such vigour and determination into their work that one felt they ought to draw level. Derby, however, were not to be vanquished; Maskrey and his backs had not an idle moment, and so splendidly did they resist the tremendous, onslaught of the home players, now worked up to their proper form, that they maintained an intact defence throughout, and , fairly deserved to capture the points, which at present are simply invaluable to them.
INCONSISTENT EVERTON.
After being unbeaten in two successive, away matches. I naturally, in common with others, anticipated something different from the Everton team. At the same time it is impossible to get away from the fact that Abbott’s enforced absence made a wonderful difference to the efficacy of the home side. Settle was a very moderate sort of centre, and I should imagine Everton would not mind signing a big cheque for a decent player in this position. Sheridan is much of a nomad, and though fairly clever in midfield, easily bustled when close quarters are reached. Of the forwards, Corrin pleased me most; there is a robustness about his play which is very enticing, and this is the quality in which the Everton attacking line as a body showed themselves deficient. The half-backs gave them numberless openings. In the closing stages of the contest they did much to efface this impression, but it was then too late to redeem themselves. They had allowed the glorious chances of the earlier portions of the game to slip away unheeded, and now their best efforts went for nought. Booth played a grand game at centre half, and Wolstenholme also shaped excellently, whilst the veteran emergency man, Taylor, was ever plugging away with solid determination writ in every move. Balmer was in fine trim further behind, but Crelley received a nasty knock in the first half which so completely upset his subsequent play that it would be unfair to adjudicate upon his work. Kitchen made some excellent clearances, but that was a bad one that gave a corner and led to the only goal of the match.
DERBY'S DETERMINED DEFENCE
This was the quality that pulled Derby safely through the game, and secured for them the eagerly coveted points. Their forwards were fairly smart, particularly the left wing, but Bloomer was seldom in evidence, and Mercer was erratic in his final efforts, whilst Warren filled the unaccustomed position—for him—of centre forward as well as could be expected. Having once secured the lead the visitors played as if they meant retaining the advantage, and whilst their half-backs stuck to their work determinedly it was the solid display of Morris and Methven that pulled them out of their difficulties. This pair kicked splendidly, and though Maskrey had a few awkward long dropping shots to deal with he never seemed likely to be beaten.  The Derby backs and halves worried the Everton attackers at close quarters and caused them to shoot anywhere and everywhere but in the goal mouth, and owing to their sterling resistance in the last quarter of an hour the Midlands’s brought off a most unexpected success. The visitors exhibited a marked anxiety during this period, and when one considers the attendant circumstances their subsequently jubilation need not be wondered at.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Taylor; Sharp, McDermott, Settle, Sheridan, and Corrin.  Derby County; Maskery; Methven, and Morris; Leckie, Hall and May; Mercer, Bloomer, Warren, Richards, and Davis.  Referee; J. Adams, Birmingham. 

EVERTON’S DOWNFALL
Athletic News - Monday 21 December 1903
By Junius
The defeat of Everton at Goodison Park was but another example of the manner in which the team disappoints the supporters at the most unexpected times.  Owing to the insecure position of the Midlanders, their visit to Goodison Park was of the utmost importance and the two points they have secured may be of inestimable value to them.  I was somewhat curious to see how the reorganized Everton forward line, which had proved so successful at Wolverhampton and Stoke, would work, and Now I am bound to wonder how the points were obtained in those two away fixtures.  As a centre-forward Settle can only be looked upon as a temporary stop-gap, and on the form shown in the home games there is only one centre that the directors possess who seems to understand the requirement of the position, despite his failings, and that is Young.  He injured himself in the recently equipped gymnasium which the directors have rigged up under the large stand, and it was here, I understand, that Makepeace their half-back, also came to grief.  It would not surprise me to find Everton giving a precisely opposite exhibition next Saturday at Manchester, for with the splendid set of backs they possess everything depends upon their forwards, and if these latter happen to be in a deadly humour- well, there will be trouble for someone.
CONCERNING CUP-TIES
Everton have again been fortunate in the draw for the first round of ties in connection with the Association Cup competition, and as was the case last year, when they met Portsmouth at home, they will be visited by another Southern League team on the first Saturday in February.  The ‘Sours will undoubtedly prove a great attraction; in fact, any of the prominent Southern clubs would in this city, and the past reputation of the North Londoners in the national tourney will simply be an additional incentive to view the game.  The Portsmouth chimes remain with us even yet, though they are generally voiced forth somewhat sarcastically against losing clubs that come to Liverpool and one of the subtle charms of the competition is that it introduces to us other clubs and other manners.  In the Lancashire Senior Cup competition Everton are indulged wild a mild sort of canter at home against the “Recs” of St. Helens. 

EVERTON 0 DERBY COUNTY 1
December 21, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Derby County visited Goodison-park, on Saturday to oppose Everton in the first of the season's engagements. Everton were without the services for the first time since the season opened of Abbott who was suffering from quinsey, and his place was taken by Taylor, Sheridan partnering Corrin on the left, while McDermott took up his old position at inside right. Derby were without Hodkinson, the teams being as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Taylor, half-backs, Sharp McDermott, Settle, Sheridan, and Corrin, forwards. Derby County: - Maskery goal, Methven, and Morris backs, Leckie, Hall, and May, half-backs, Mercer, Bloomer, Warren, Richards, and Davis, forwards. Referee J.Adams. The weather, though dull, was fine, but owing to the early kick off the attendance at the start was not very large. The Hon Arthur Stanley, M.P., with his brother and Lord Elcho, drove from Knowsley in a motor car, and were provided with seats in the director's box. Derby having won the toss, Settle kicked off in the presence of about 10,000 spectators. A rattling good movement was a once made towards the Derby goal. Sharp and McDermott indulged in pretty passing, with the result that the latter put in a beautiful centre, which McDermott just lifted over the bar. The play remained in Derby's half, and Booth set Everton on the attack again, and smart work by the left wing ended in Corrin shooting at lighting speed the wrong side of the upright. More clever bits of play followed, and Sheridan dallied too long when he had a good chance of taking a shot at goal. Sharp, with the aid of McDermott secured a corner. The ball was beautifully placed in the goalmouth, but the Derby defenders were alert. Everton were outplaying their opponents at this time, though in front of goal their efforts were not very dangerous. Davis was responsible for some pretty touches, but as a rule the combination of the visiting forwards was at fault. On the other hand, the Everton halves were very hard to beat. Again Corrin initiated a dashing onslaught, and it was only with difficulty that his centre was disposed of, Everton claimed much the better of the play, their finishing touches however, not being of a high order. Derby had now the assistance of Hall, on whose appearance the County forwards swooped down on Kitchen's charge. Though hampered Bloomer got his toe to the ball, but there was no force behind it, and Kitchen cleared very easily. In the course of another attack, Crelly failed to effectually intercept a centre from Hall. Still Booth stepped in to the rescue, and led to another attack by the Everton right. Yet another abortive corner fell to Everton, and play for the most part was of a scrambling nature. The County exerted pressure, and were rewarded with a corner. This was nicely taken, and the ball after going from Hall to Richards was headed into the net by the latter player. This resevse seemed to rouse the Evertonians who swarmed round Maskery, who had to grant a corner, which was badly utilised. Richards again netted the ball, only to be ruled offside. Then Sharp went down and centred to Wolstenholme, who had a nice chance but shot wide. After scrambling play in the Everton goalmouth, during which Kitchen came out, the ball went to Mercer, who, with an open goal, shot into the stand. Next Booth sent in a terrific shot, which missed by inches. Crelly, who had been limping, left the field, and during his absence Mercer finished a brilliant run by a ridiculous attempt to score a second goal. Half time Everton nil, Derby County 1. When the players returned Crelly was still an absentee, and Everton adopted the one back game from which Mercer early on suffered. Settle dashed through, but in the race for possession, Maskery just got to the ball in time. Then Sharp forced yet another fruitless corner, and in a twinkling the County forwards were at the other end, where Kitchen saved from Warren and Bloomer. For a time Everton were kept on the defensive, and there was a hearty round of applause when Crelly came out to the assistance of his colleagues. McDermott and Sheridan had changed places with the view of bringing about an improvement in the home attack. At length McDermott and Booth tested Maskery, and maintaining the pressure Taylor also had a really good try, Everton at this period attacking a most determined fashion. During a rush down to the Everton end, Mercer was at fault, and then Maskery's charge had a remarkable escape following a brilliant effort by Sharp. In the latter part of the game Everton attacked with great persistency, but failed to penetrate the County defence. The Derby goal escaped in marvellous fashion on several occasions. Everton pressed to the finish, but could not get the ball into the net. Final result Everton nil Derby County 1.

OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 21,1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 12)
On the Rhoden around. Everton broke away, and Dilly scored as beautiful goal. Immediately afterwards Everton missed another chance. Half-time Everton 1, Rovers nil Jones scored from a penalty and equalised for the Rovers, but Rankin put his side ahead, and Everton won by two goals to nil. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Wildman and R.Balmer backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Murray, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O'Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 21, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
For the third time this season Everton were defeated at Goodison Park, and the reverse came from a quarter which was generally unexpected. Derby County have had a chequered experience during the present campaign, and previous to their visit to Everton had only gained one point away from home this coming as a result of their fixture at West Bromwich on Monday last. As Everton had drawn at Wolverhampton and won at Stoke in successive away games, there was thus some substantial foundation for anticipating a victory at home over such opponents as the Peakites, and that this did not occur was due more to weakness in the Everton ranks than to any marked superiority on the part of the visitors. With Abbott absent through illness. Taylor had to be drafted to the half back line, and Sheridan introduced to the forward rank, a charge which did not produce satisfactory results. Derby were deprived of the services of their centre forwards, Hodgkinson and Warren filled the position, so that the teams faced each other on an even basis, as far as representation is concerned. Everton did not display their real form until the last quarter of an hour, and then they failed to redeem themselves for they were unable to equalise. Derby were the first to score from a corner kick forced by Mercer after half-an-hour's play, and Kitchen in fisting out, skied the ball behind the line. The flag kick landed the leather wide-of goal, and Hall headed in, but as it was dropping Richards applied his head, and after hitting the under part of the crossbar, the ball entered the net. This was the only point registered during the game, for though Richards again netted shortly afterwards he was palpably offside. But Mercer should easily have scored two further goals, for he received a centre from Davis and had only Kitchen to beat, whilst just before the second half was reached he ran clean through the backs and again failed to net the ball. So erratic were the home forwards when it came to a question of shooting that they never once managed to find the net, and it was this weakness which eventually brought about their downfall. After the interval Sheridan and McDermott changed places, and Crelly, who had retired five minutes before breathing time, again came on after ten minutes play, during which, period Everton adopted the one back game with almost disastrous consequences, but little improvement effected. They rallied in the last quarter and fairly penned in their opponents by they were exceedingly lenient with Maskery the Derby keeper, and the shots, which did reach him, occasioned but little anxiety. The visitors defence offered a cool and determined resistance and the goal was effectually and successfully packed. As will be gathered from what has already been stated, the Everton forwards were completely off colour, and to their inefficiency is the defeat attributable. They did not shape badly is midfield, but they finished their movements most erratically, and McDermott's failure to convert Sharp's centre in the first minutes was first a prelude of what was forthcoming. Particularly was the lack of scoring power noticeable in the first half, and many of the efforts were crude in the extreme. Corrin was the most effective forward on the home side, for he infused plenty of dash into his work that was missing in that of the inside players, but even he failed to head a centre from Sheridan into the net when he was but a couple of yards from goal. The latter was very weak, and his roaming tendencies did not conduce towards the harmonious working of the front line. Settle was also a failure in the centre. McDermott did many clever things, but was utterly useless when shooting; whilst Sharp appeared to be tainted with the same infection, and twice in succession placed corner kicks behind the netting. Booth and Wolstenholme were in good trim and Taylor fared very well against the Derby right wing pair, whilst further behind Balmer defended splendidly. Crelly received a nasty kick in the first half, which seriously affected his play, but he struck pluckily to his task, and under the circumstances was fairly reliable. Kitchen saved some excellent shots, notably two in the first minute of the second half, from Warren and Bloomer respectively. But it was a mis-hit, which gave the corner that led to Richards scoring, and this was the only fault in an otherwise capital performance. Derby were not a particularly brilliant side, but after scoring they managed to maintained the integrity of their defence, and thus they prevailed capturing two points thereby which are of incalculable value to them at the present juncture. Their forwards displayed some neat footwork, especially on the left wing, and Richards was the most conspicuous member of the line. Bloomer put in many neat touches, but was not as noticeable as usual in shooting whilst Mercer was about equal to the Everton forwards in this respect, and blundered badly in two cases. The halves were a fairly level trio, Hall rendering the most effective service in this department but further behind Morris and Methven kicked and tackled unflinchingly, and they had a warm time of it in the closing stages of the game. Maskery seems a very capable keeper, and in his methods, reminds one forcibly of Baddeley especially in his manner of anticipating a shot. The result was disappointing to the bulk of the crowd, though the fine work displayed in the closing stages somewhat compensated for the earlier failings. Interested spectators of the game were the Hon. Arthur Stanley and Lord Elcho, and the former has announced by willingness to present the Liverpool cup to the winning team on New Year's Day.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 21 December 1903
Everton were very much off colour, and not nearly so effective in any single department as they have been of late. Derby County won, it is true, and the goal they scored was a creditable one, but on the general run of the play the home lot were considerably superior. The attack on both sides was energetic and determined, but that was the best that could be said about it, as there was a distinct lack of method and combination. The individual shooting of the Peakites, as well as the Evertonians, was frequently remarkably accurate; but the goalkeeping of Maskery was quite a revelation to the crowd. And added to his undoubted skill was an element of luck almost supernatural; in fact, he seemed absolutely invulnerable. Sharp was a long way from the top of his form, and seldom centred effectively, nor was he nearly so speedy as usual. Morris and Methven bustled Settle up pretty considerably, so that he seldom tested Maskery severely. During a portion of the second half the home halves utterly failed to held the County forwards, and had the two backs not been on their very best behaviour, Kitchen would certainly not have escaped scathless. Strange to say, Everton’s best work was in the last fifteen minutes. They suddenly roused themselves as if beset with frantic haste to score. Every man of the forwards had a pop at Maskery, who defied them one and all. The halves took up the shooting and increased the severity of the bombardment, but though ever in jeopardy, Maskery’s charge remained intact to the end of the chapter.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 21 December 1903
This match was played at Goodison Park, before 15,000 spectators. Owing to the illness of Abbott and Hodgkinson, Sheridan appeared for Everton and Leckie for Derby. In the early stages of the game Everton gained several corners, but after 30 minutes’ play Richards scored for the County. Everton failed to equalise, and Mercer missed two splendid openings. Half-time; Derby County 1 goal, Everton nil. In the second half, Everton were without the services of Crelly for ten minutes. After even play, the home side attacked with great persistency, but Derby defended stubbornly, and their goal had several narrow escapes. Meanwhile Kitchen had effected smart clearances from Warren and Bloomer. Though pressing most determinedly, Everton were unsuccessful.
Result Derby County 1 Everton 0.

DARWEN v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 23 January 1904
At Darwen. before 3,000 spectators. Everton won the toss and early in the game Sheridan missed scoring with an open goal. Darwen. however, were very aggressive, and Whitley made splendid save out of a scrimmage. Crook next shaved the upright with a capital shot, and five minutes later from a free kick the same player had very hard lines with a shot at six yards' range. The game was very fast, both teams showing excellent form. Whitley saved a shot from Crook throwing himself full length. The balance of play was with Darwen. but the forwards missed several chances. Some good work by the Everton left wing ended in O'Hagan beating Lill with a good shot. Darwen were awarded a free kick close the penalty area. but the visitors packed their goal, and the shot was cleared. Darwen tried hard to draw: level, but Henderson and Balmer played good defensive game. Hincks made a poor attempt from a good pass from the right wine. Even play followed to the interval. Half-time—Everton Reserve 1. Darwen 0. Everton were the first to attack, but Rankin ran the ball out. Darwen were soon on the move, and a free kick against Chadwick led considerable pressure on the visitors' goal. Whitley had to concede a corner, and though it was well placed the Everton defence could not beaten. The Everton forwards showed pretty passing movements, and the Darwen backs were hard pressed. Corrin put a good centre in, and Duckworth, in meeting the ball, put it through his own goal. Darwen were awarded a penalty, but Whitley made great save. The fast pace began to tell on Darwen. and Everton weri continually pressing. Dilly scored a third goal with a fast shot, and in the last minute the same player again beat Lill. The home team had much the worse of the play, and were well beaten. Result-EVERTON RES. 4. DARWEN 0.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 24 December 1903
Train Arrangements
It is expected that a large number of people will go over to Manchester on Boxing Day (Saturday) to witness the football match between Everton and Manchester City on the ground of the latter, at Hyde-road, and, for the convenience of passengers, the Cheshire Lines Railway will issue cheap tickets at a return fare of 3s from Liverpool (Central) to Manchester (Central), available going to any of the hourly express, trains from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 pm., and on return by any express after 5 p.m., and by fast late train at 10.50 p.m., which is being run to enable people to visit the Manchester pantomimes the principal theatres being close to the Central Station in Manchester.

CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 24 December 1903
The annual match between the Press and Railways will be played on the ground of the Everton club, Goodison-park, on Boxing-day, the kick-off taking place at 11 o’clock. These matches always provide exciting contests, and with strong elevens selected it is expected that this year’s game will be no exception to the rule. Those who attend the match will, in addition to witnessing a good game, support a worthy object, the Liverpool Newsboys and Girls Charity, to which the whole of the proceeds are devoted. The teams have been selected as follows;-
Press.- Smith (“Echo”) goal; Taylor (“Express”) and Riley (“Express”) backs; Lewis (“Express”), Gibbs (“Echo”) and Leak (“Echo”) half-backs; Matthews (“Express”), Wright (“Express”), Rycroft (“Mercury”), Robinson (“Echo”), and Bon (”Echo”), forwards. Reserves; Parry (“Express”) and O’Brien (“Mercury”).
Railway.- Smith (G.N), goal; E. Lynch (Mid) and J.A. Woodruffe (L.N.W), backs; A. Williams (Mid), G. Taylor (L.N.W), and G. Woodruffe (G.N.) half-backs; P. Marquis (C.L.C), E. Baker (L.N.W), J. Gaukrodger (L and Y), W. Lesson (L and Y), and F. Scothern (G.C), forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
December 26, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 13)
The above Lancashire Combination match was decided yesterday at Goodison Park before a crowd numbering fully 15,000 spectators. The teams were: - Everton: - Whitley goal, Gordon and R.Balmer, backs, Wildman, Russell, and Murray, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O'Hagan, and Simpson, forwards. Liverpool: - Cotton, goal, McLean, and Hoare, backs, Morgan, Latham, and Craik, half-backs, Chadburn, Buck, Hendren, Carlin, and Raisebeck, forwards. Everton were the more aggressive at the start, but met with a stubborn defence. Hoaro accomplishing some capital work in this respect. For 30 minutes play was carried on without score, but from a sudden rush on Liverpool's left the ball was sent across, and Buck tipped the leather to Chadburn, who beat Whitley with a fast ground shot. Carlin ran clean through, but Whitley saved and at the interval Liverpool led by a goal to nil. On resuming Everton shaped more effectively, and from a free kick Dilly equalised, the ball hitting the upright and glancing into the net. Several dangerous centres were put in by Simpson from one of which Sheridan neatly placed his side ahead, but Liverpool returned to attack in determined fashion, and Carlin once more placed his side on level terms. Both goals had narrow escape, but eventually Rankin received from Russell, when apparently offside, and running on centred to Dilly, who gained the third goal close on time. Result Everton 3 goals Liverpool 2.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 26 December 1903
EVERTON v.  LIVERPOOL
There was a “gate” of quite 15,000 spectators at the first meeting of the above teams in the Lancashire Combination, which took place at Goodison Park yesterday afternoon. The teams faced as follows;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and R. Balmer, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Murray, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Simpson, forwards.
Liverpool.- Cotton, goal; Mclean and Hoare, backs; Morgan, Lathom, and Craik, half-backs; Chadburn, Buck, Henderson, Carlin, and Raisbeck, forwards.
Everton lost the toss, and Dilly kicked off. Play favoured the home side for some time, and soon after the start Cotton saved a fine shot from Sheridan. The Blues also forced a corner without result, and then Liverpool got down, Whitley having to save from a free kick. The Reds were prominent on the right wing, and Buck called upon Whitley, who was fouled while saving. The free kick led to Everton again taking up the running, and Rankin put in a capital bit of work, which, however, was nullified by the vigilance of the Liverpool backs. Even play followed for some time, the respective defences being too good for the opposition, although on one occasion O’Hagan just tipped the bar with a beauty. Carlin was prominent in the Liverpool front rank, but prominent in the Liverpool front rank, but could not score, owing to the united efforts of the Everton defenders. From a centre by Simpson the visitors’ goal was nearly captured, Hoare shinning with fine defence. Sheridan just missed with a good attempt, and a little later Cotton saved after he had put the ball against the post. Everton might have scored had the forwards been up, but at the other end the Liverpool forwards in quick succession three away a couple of grand chances of opening their account. However, they were the first to score, Chadburn beating Whitley from close quarters. Simpson was hurt, and Everton played ten men to the interval, when Liverpool led by 1 goal to nil. Play in the second half was wonderfully exciting. Simpson turned out after a few minutes, and after each goal had narrow escapes Dilly equalised from a free kick. The same player, about five minutes later, was successful in giving his side the lead from a centre by Simpson, but not many minutes had elapsed before Whitley was beaten by Carlin. With both sides level there was a ding-dong struggle for the leading goal, and, amidst great excitement, this was scored by Dilly for Everton. This was the last incident in a vigorously-centred game. Result; Everton 3 goals, Liverpool 2 goals.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 26 December 1903
Everton v Manchester City
League match at Manchester; train leaves Exchange Station at 12 non; kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Manchester City Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Murray, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, Makepeace, and Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER CITY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 26, 1903
HONOURS EASY AT THE INTYERVAL
For their Boxing Day fixture the Everton eleven travelled over to Manchester in order to meet the redoubtable City team, who are just now performing prodigies in the League tourney. In spite of the difficulty of the task the Evertonians were confident of giving a good account of themselves and in view of a fine game there was a great holiday crowd present on the Hyde-road enclosure. The afternoon was mild and fine and the conditions generally were favourable. Prompt to time the men lined out as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Manchester City; Hillman, goal; Davidson, and Slater, backs; Hynds, and Ashworth, half-backs; Meredith, Livingstone, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall, forwards. Referee. T. Kirkham.
It will be seen that both the regular backs, McMahon and Burgess, were absentees. When operations commenced there were fully 30,000 spectators, and the air was full of excitement. The visitors won the toss, and elected to play with their faces to the sun. after the opening exchanges the City forwards moved down on the right, but effected a clever clearance, and then Abbott served up nicely to Taylor, and Corrin, and the former rushing along, put in a warm shot, which Hillman cleared. End to end play followed, neither side holding any great advantage, but the Evertonians gradually worked their way down, and Settle had a fine opening; but instead of shooting he passed out to Sharp, and the latter lost possession. The City took up the attack in turn, and a brilliant run by Meredith looked dangerous, but Crelly saved his lines well. If you want to know the time as a darwau. After a further spell of midfield work, the visitors again pressed in fine fashion, and a free kick close in gave them a further opening. It was splendidly taken by Wolstenholme, who planted the leather in front of the goal mouth. McDermott nipping in, calmly headed the ball right out of Hillman’s reach. This success came after ten minutes’ play, and from the several thousands had journeyed from Liverpool to witness the game. Elated by their success, the visitors played up in grand style, and for several minutes they literally ran round great roared that went up it was evident that their opponents. Settle on one occasion put in a low, swift shot, which proved difficult to in negotiating. Then Sharp dashed down on the right, and finished with a terrific shot, which just skimmed the crossbar. There was now no mistaking the superiority of the Evertonians, who were cleverer in all departments and the City defence was given a very anxious time. At length, however, the home halves succeeded in relieving the pressure, and Frost, passing out to Meredith the home skipper flew along the wing at top speed. He finished with a long dropping shot, and Balmer was rather lucky in intercepting it with his heel, the home forwards were now asserting themselves more strongly, and their opponents in turn were forced to fall back on the defensive. A clever combined movement on the part of Livingstone, Gillespie and Turnbull after the latter had been in collision, terminated in the ex-Liverpool player giving Kitchen a warm handful, but the Everton custodian dealt with it cleverly. The visitors then resumed their aggressive tactics, and Sharp took the ball right down the field, but he was hampered by Slater, and his final shot was very feeble. Keeping up the pressure the Everton forwards continued to worry the home defence, and Hillman was very smart in throwing clear an exceedingly swift shot by Settle. Everton continued as hitherto, in spite of the heavy ground. The pace had been both fast and exciting, but now it slowed down considerably, and there were frequent cries of exhortation from the packed assembly. Free kicks to both sides proved of no advantage, but Everton gradually made ground on the right, and from a judicious centre by Sharp, McDermott sent the ball with full force to Hillman, who saved his goal at the expense of a corner. This led to another hot bully in front of the home goal, but McDermott and Settle trying to find the net, but eventually they were cleared out, and the City forwards ran down on the right, Livingstone sending in a clinking good shot, which passed outside. Then Everton took up the argument on the left, and Livingstone was penalised for unfairly charging Abbott, whom he knocked over the touch line. The free kick nearly let the visitors in, but Davidson cleared cleverly, and there was a further spell of midfield work. It was not long, however, before the Evertonians were again paying attention to Hillman and his charge and Settle was just about to shoot from close range Ashworth took the ball from his toes. In doing so the Manchester player injured his leg, and the game was suspended for some seconds. On resuming the home right wing pair took the ball down, but Meredith’s final effort lacked string, and Kitchen cleared easily. Just before the interval the home team made desperate efforts to get on level terms. A breakaway by Threlfall ended in the latter shooting wide, and then Livingstone from long range sent in a terrific drive, which passed just over. There was no mistaking the determination of the home contingent, and another completed movement was crowned with success, for from a pass by Livingstone, Gillespie netted the ball amidst great excitement. End-to-end play followed and a breakaway on the Everton left terminated in Corrin centring finely, but Sharp was too late to reach it. Both sides put on double pressure, and Settle and Hillman came into collision, but nothing resulted, and at half-time the score read;-
Half-time score Manchester City 1 goal, Everton 1 goal.
On the resumption Settle made a grand run, and when jammed between the two City men shot out of the reach of Hillman, but the whistle had just gone against him. The game continued very fast, but though the contestants were straining every nerve, it at times was absolutely free from incident. At they received new vitality the City effected a fierce attack and Frost collided with Settle. He was carried off the field, and no sooner had he left than Settle drove hard and low, quite out of Hillman’s reach. The City forward line compared very unfavourably with that of their opponents. Three minutes from time Taylor scored from a corner taken by Corrin.
Final result; Everton 3 goals, Manchester City 1 goal.

EVERTON COMBINATION v MANCHESTER CITY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 26 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION-DIV A
At the Goodison Park before about 10,000 spectators. The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Wildman, Russell and Makepeace, half-backs; Dilly, Sheridan, Young, O’Hagan, and Hardman, forwards.
Manchester City.- Edmondson, goal; Davidson and Slater, backs; Robinson, Dearden, and Cravie, half-backs; Forman, Drummond, Moffatt, Dennison, and Jones, forwards.
Moffatt kicked off on behalf of the City. Everton were early prominent, and that promising and clever forward O’Hagan drew first blood for the Goodison contingent. Manchester retaliated but with out result. Everton again attacked superb combination being shown by their forwards, and Sheridan put on two goals within ten minutes. The Mancunians made determined efforts to reduce the margin against them, but without avail, the home defence being perfect. Tricky play by the “Blues” followed without tangible result. The City took up the attack, but a foul spoiled their efforts. Everton raced away, Young putting on a fourth goal for the home team. Whitley was called upon a minute later to save a long shot from Slater. Everton were back again in front of Edmondson in a trice, the City defence being jeopardised. The danger however was averted by brilliant back play, and the visitors swarmed round the home goal. Erratic shooting prevented the City forwards from notching another point. The game was in favour of Everton to the interval.
Half-time Everton Reserves 4 goals, Manchester City Reserve nil.
Final Everton Reserve 6 goals, Manchester City Reserve 2 goals.

CHRISTMAS BOX FOR EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 28 December 1903
By Tityrus
We’re going beat the City today.” said Mr. Cuff, the secretary of Everton, in the most confident manner. I rather demurred, and suggested that such a victory would be a glorious Christmas-box but the present of a brace of points was the fortune of Everton when time had expired. The word fortune was chosen with design, to convey the impression that the fickle dame was a mysterious presence hovering around the Evertonians, but I should be sorry to suggest that there was no merit in the victory of the visitors. On the contrary, Everton excelled, and I have not seen them so quick on the ball, so dashing in all their movements, so keen and eager to drive home any advantage, and so strong both fore and aft—from centre-forward to goalkeeper—during the present campaign. Moreover, they always seemed confident of success, and the I-fear-no-foe feeling is a powerful stimulus. And yet it is only just to point out that Manchester City were deprived of both their brilliant backs, McMahon and Burgess, who are laid by for repairs owing to accidents at Small Heath. Moreover, the weakness at back was patent from the first kick to the last, for the visitors rushed past the last line as easily as a fair equestrienne crisply cracks through the hoops of tissue paper which the circus attendants glide towards the lady in scarlet skirt and spangles. Then an accident to Frost came in the last quarter of an hour. This was the crowning disaster, for during the popular half-back's temporary absence Everton took the lead, and, emphasizing their superiority again eventually won 3—l.
THE OPENING STRUGGLE.
On fast turf the game was always played at an exhilarating pace, and was a spectacle well worth watching. The Citizens were first dangerous, a long bouncing centre from , Turnbull giving Kitchen some little anxiety as the ball was evidently livelier when rising from the turf than he had anticipated, but Everton soon gave the impression that they were as the short-haired fraternity of boxers say “on business bent.” They were very quick on the ball and showed us thrusting football, with the result that only seven minutes had elapsed when the Goodison Paik team took the lead. From a free-kick for an infringement by Ashworth against Sharp, Wolstenholme swung nicely in front of goal and McDermott, who seemed quite unmarked, bobbed up and serenely and cleverly applying his head, placed the ball just inside the wing of the goal and in the opposite corner to where Hillman was standing. The point was well got, and encouraged by this early success the visitors proved themselves far the better attacking party. The forwards were dexterously plied by the half backs, and once Taylor looked like increasing the advantage but there was no resource in his parting shot, and Sharp with splendid effort was just above the angle of the bar and the post.  It was evident that Manchester City were to be severely tested. Settle feeding his wings and darting through by himself time after time. The bantam centre was in happy mood and most difficult to keep hand. It was well that Hillman once took the ball off his toes at the expense of a fruitless corner. Sharp, too, was speedy and elusive, and once when he skipped past Slater he dribbled ahead and looked like scorings, but unluckily for him he lost precise control of the ball when he needed most to have it under command —and his flying trek was all in vain. There was no understanding among the City forwards, who were by comparison playing a poor and disjointed game, enlivened now and again by a fine pass or a surprise long shot from Livingstone. One of these struck the bar with force. Still the honours clearly rested with Everton, and a superb centre by Sharp was met by McDermott, who drove in a grand shot, which was as grandly bailed out by the burly Hillman. So the game wagged, and we were within five minutes of the interval when the City equalised the score. Livingstone with a long pass to the left enabled Threlfall to give Kitchen an awkward ball. He did not clear, and after Turnbull had but grazed the leather Gillespie with a low shot found the net, this being the first time that Kitchen had been troubled from short range.
A FROST SETS IN
So on crossing over the teams were as they began, but in the second portion Manchester showed better football in attack, but neither Threlfall nor Livingstone seemed to make the best of their opportunities. Settle was determined to give Sharp every chance, and the Everton dasher made Slater toil and toil without reward, for the City back seldom took up the right position for Sharp. Hillman was,  however, generally a final stumbling block, and the custodian old particularly well to hand out a short sharp shock of a shot from Taylor. The home team were again aggressive, but they encountered a rolling back defence. Manchester were attacking when Settle tiled to raise the siege. He and frost kicked simultaneously at the ball, but Settle’s boot came in contact with the inside of Frost’s right knee. Frost dropped like a log and was carried the -dressing-room, where a doctor found that his leg was locked from the knee to the thigh. This was put right, and Frost returned with his undetectable smile just the same as usual. But the mishap had taken some of steel out of him.  He was away about seven minutes,  and in the interim Settle took the opportunity to nip in and score, while two minutes from the close Taylor headed a third goal from a corner—Hillman with upraised arm being beaten most entirely. So Everton gained all the kudos and the points.
EVERTONIAN EFTTSIONS
There is no escaping from the conclusion that Everton played the cooler, the more resourceful, and the more intelligent game.  There was a stamp of talent about the winners, who were far more concerted it their maneuvers than the City. They were quicker on the ball, cleverer with it, and beyond compare superior in attack to the Mancunians. The Everton vanguard were fast, thrusting, and full of vitality and marksmanship.   Booth kept the ball in the middle, and by giving it to Settle allowed the centre to dispose of it to the wings—a policy which was continually gaining ground and bothering the home backs, who were quite unable to cope with the swift swoops of the opposition.  England are in want of a centre forward; at least, I have heard it said so. Now Settle was merely keeping the place snug and warm for Young who has had a bad ankle, and was tried with the reserves on Saturday. But Settle's conception of the part always spelt danger.  He lay well forward, and one never knew whether he was bent on bustling through “on his own,” as the music-hall comedian phrases it, or whether he would feed the wing. His enemies were mixed up. Settle who could be tricky on a three-penny piece, kept the game going splendidly, and was something more than a pivot; he was a capital shot, although he did not utilize four fine chances from McDermott. Now touching this same McDermott.  This inside left stood in a class by himself- a vigorous darting, dribbling, putting forward, always doing something and somebody. I have never seen McDermott such a force for woe to his adversaries.   And he is not easy to move off the ball.   With Taylor, as ever, a  worker, it will be seen that the three inside forwards were a fine set, and Sharp was not a whit less effective, his thrilling turn of speed on the top of the ground enabled him to outstrip everybody and once possession he dribbled in dashing style, and centred with rare precision. At half-back Booth was a strategic as  if he were playing billiards, but without that delicacy of touch which is required on the green cloth. Abbott dogged the footstep of Meredith with considerable success. A most unobtrusive player, this Abbott; nearly as quiet as Wolstenholme.  But they are always ready for any emergency, and Everton are indeed lucky to have preserved their half-back line so completely this season. Only once has any one of the three been absent this winter. The defence of Everton was excellent, and it looked safer than ever by comparison with that of the other side.
MANCUNIAN MURMURING
Primarily Hillman was beyond reproach —and if everyone had done his duty as well as he, despite the three goals, a different tale might be told. But the home backs were a weak pair. Against McDermott and Settle, Davidson was quite feeble; the former could run rings round him. Davidson's kicking was lacking in accuracy and length, and form his boot the ball went in all directions save that which was desired on more occasions than I could count. Slater did not play half as well as I  have seen him, and the pair never inspired the least confidence. It should, however, not be forgotten that both of them have had practically no acquaintance with first-class football this winter. From the Lancashire Combination to the first Division of the; League is a great leap. Far and away the most crafty and clever of the half-backs was Hynds, although his companions were rare triers, if not so successful as usual. The Everton forwards were too smart for them. Nor can I say much in praise of the Manchester frontal division. In ordinary phraseology the forwards were never together. Livingstone filled the eye occasionally by his determined onslaughts, and Meredita sparkled now and then like a spluttering electric lamp—but there was no sustained and brilliant light.  I have only seen Manchester City thrice this season, but on Saturday, when they were supposed to be at their zenith, they were really weakest. The band played” See the Conquering Hero” when the Citizens first trooped on in Sunderland shirts and it is said that pride goeth before a fall. Manchester City; Hillman; Davidson, and Slater; Frost, Hynds, and S.B. Ashworth; Meredith, Livingstone, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin.  Referee; F. Kirkham, Preston. 

EVERTON THEMSELVES AGAIN
Athletic News - Monday 28 December 1903
By Junius
I was not surprised at Everton’s victory at Manchester, for a more inconsistent team exists not in the kingdom.  As I stated a week ago, Everton possess a superb rear division, and when their forwards are in a fairly aggressive humour there are few teams that win take points from them.  To defeat Manchester on their own ground by a margin of two goals was a rare achievement, and no doubt the presence of Abbott in the half-back line, with Taylor once more in the van, gave the side that impetus which was so lacking in the movements against Derby.  This result shows the absurdity of attempting to forecast with any degree of certainty the chances of Everton in the League.  They fail on the most unexpected occasions and succeed when one might naturally expect them to be overthrown, and I suppose this will continue to the end of the chapter.  Variety is the spice of existence, and the Everton players give their supporters a full benefit of this spice.  With an effective centre forward in their ranks I should feel inclined to back Everton for any of the honours offered in the football world; but judging from recent games they seem to reserve their best displays for their matches away from Goodison Park. 

RESERVES CALLED OUT
The attraction on Christmas Day was the Lancashire Combination match at Anfield between the reserve teams of Everton and Liverpool.  Strong sides were placed on the held, but a poor game ended in favour of the home contingent by three goals to two.  Chadwick opened the scoring for Liverpool, and after the interval Dilly and Sheridan obtained goals for Everton.  Then Carlin equalized, but close on time Dilly scored the winning points.  The game was most disappointing, and a draw would have been a more fitting result.  Liverpool spoiled many nice chances by dallying near goal, and instead of a rattling shot being sent in the ball was passed and repassed until an Everton defenders put a stop to the proceedings.  The best player on the Liverpool side was Hoare at left back, and in the forward line Carlin bore off the honours.  For Everton O’Hagan played a capital game, his passing being excellently timed, and he combined very well with Simpson, considering the few chances he obtained.  Murray was an utter failure at left half-back.  Wildman played very finely at right half-back, and further behind, Gordon proved a most capable full-back.  But with the quality of the play I was utterly disappointed.  Had either side possessed a forward that could shoot with any degree of accuracy the game would have been redeemed from the commonplace.  As it was there was any amount of aimless kicking, skying the ball and trusting to luck, and plenty of tripping and hacking, which simply destroyed all interest in the contest.  If this is the best we can get from the reserve teams the less we see of it and the better, and on the face of it I cannot understand the Anfielders’ position in the results table. 
EVERTON RESERVES IN FINE FORM
Against the second eleven of Manchester City, which prior to the preceding Friday had boasted an unbeaten certificate, the Everton reserve eleven gave a capital exhibition, and can now alone boast of an untarnished record in their division.  O’Hagan, Sheridan (twice) and Young scored for Everton before the interval; but afterwards the lead was reduced by a free kick.  Makepeace then added the fifth from a penalty and Young put on the sixth; whilst Dennison was responsible for the City’s second point.  The score scarcely represents the general character of the play, for Everton were not four goals better than their opponents.  The forwards however, made no mistake when it came to a question of shooting, and despite the fact that Edmondson kept a good goal he was beaten on six occasions with shots which gave him no chance whatever.  O’Hagan again played a very fine game for Everton, and I should fancy this youth, who was secured from the Old Xaverion has a future if given proper scope for his abilities by the other professionals in the team.  Henderson at full back, and Whitley were responsible for much sound defensive work and Sheridan improved upon his display of the previous day by exhibiting some really clever bits of work.  The result places Everton in a very favourably position for the Championship, and their defence is so reliable that they can view with equanimity occasional lapses by their forwards.  In this respect they are exactly like their seniors, but as they have gone through the first half of the season without a reverse their prospects are very encouraging, for they have a big proportion of home matches during the next half. 

MANCHESTER CITY v. EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 28 December 1903
Manchester City on their own ground were beaten by Everton after an interesting game by three goals to one. The weather was fine, and about 25.000 people were present. McDermott headed through fur Everton about ten minutes from the start as the result of a free kick by Wolstenholme. Gillespie equalised, and for the rest of the first half Manchester pressed strongly. At the interval however, the scores were still level. In the second half Everlon had most of the play, and obtained goals through Settle and Taylor. Frost, the home centre half, was injured, and had retire. Manchester subsequently playing one-back game.

MANCHESTER CITY 1 EVERTON 3
December 28, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Everton's holiday fixture was with Manchester City at Hyde road. Some 30,000 people turned up in fine weather to witness the encounter, the greatest enthusiasm being shown by the holiday crowd. Everton had a strong eleven in the field, but the City were without Burgess and McMahon. The players lined up as follows: - Manchester City: - Hillman, goal, Davidson, and Slater, backs, Frost, Hinds, and Ashworth, half-backs, Mereidith, Livingston, Grilespie, Turnbull, and Trelfall forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin forwards. Referee Fred Kirkman
The game opened at a hot pace, both sides at once putting their full energies into the struggle. Each end was visited in the first few moments, but the defence prevailed on either side. A free kick was given against Everton, but this was put behind. Everton then made tracks for the other end, but Davidson cleared. Again the Blues got down, and Settle missed a possible chance by passing out to Sharp instead of shooting. Everton were now working hard, especially on the right-wing, where Sharp and Taylor gave the City defence plenty to do. At Length the home centre having got the ball away a grand run was made by Meredith, which aroused the enthusiasm of the crowd. He centred magnificently but Crelly cleared. Everton then attacked on the right and a foul was given against Manchester City close in. Wolstenholme took the kick, and placed the ball grandly in front of goal. McDermott got at it, and headed the ball easily past Hillman into the net. The Citizens were not the least dismayed by this reverse, and they played up with determination.

The left wing made progess, but Wolstenholme was in the way, and passing the ball across the boys in blue again attacked, and Settle banged in a shot which Hillman cleared. Still attacking, the visiting right made play. Sharp, taking his time, sent in a fine shot, which unluckily for Everton travelled inches over the crossbar. The City defence could not cope with the Everton right wing, who were giving a dashing exhibition. A foul against Settle close up relieved the pressure, and another carried play to Kitchen's end, but the ball travelled harmlessly outside. A nice passing movement by the visitors threatened danger, but the rush was checked by a foul against the City centre-half, which proved useless. The City right then made an attack, and the ball was centred, Balmer cleared very cleverly. The game was maintained at a hot pace, both teams putting plenty of vigour into their work. The game was stopped for a moment when Turnbull was hurt, but he soon resumed. Everton renewed the attack, and Settle beating Davidson, who was a trifle slow in clearing. Looked like having an open goal, when Hillman rushed out and cleared at the expense of a fruitless corner. An attack by the homester ended in Livingstone putting in a grand shot, which Kitchen cleared just under the bar while at the other end Settle called on Hillman with a hot one at close quarters which the custodian saved cleverly. Even play followed, excellent tactics being shown by Ashworth, who checked the visiting right wing in clever fashion. Free kicks were given against either side, but no harm was done, Sharp got down and centred well, McDermott, who was unmarked, receiving the ball in an excellent position. He lost no time in shooting, but Hillman brought off a clever clearance. For a few minutes the ball bobbed about the goalmouth, but the defence prevailed. At length the City worked away on the right, and a long shot was sent in by Livingstone, which Kitchen had no difficulty in clearing. Everton worked down by a series of throw-ins, and the ball coming across, Settle shot at close quarters, but the leather travelled over the bar, Meredith was penalised for a foul, and from this Settle with some smart dribbling nearly worked through. Ashworth just stopping him in the nick of time. The City player was hurt in effecting the rescue. Threlfall was prominent with some good dribbling, ending in a soft shot, which Kitchen cleared. The City forward, struck to their work, and Livingstone sent in another shot, which went wide. Still the home team were not to be denied, and a combined attack was made. Crelly failed to check the rush, and the ball travelled to Gillespie. Amid a ruck of players in the goalmouth, he coolly tipped the leather out of Kitchen reach into the net. The City supporters were enraptured at this equalising point, which came at a few minutes only from the interval. Everton tried desperately for the lead, but although the corner was forced they could get no further. Hillman caught a long shot, and Settle and Taylor vainly tried to charge the big man into the net. Then the whistle sounded the interval. Half-time Manchester City 1 Everton 1.
In the second half Everton did most of the attacking, and but for the fine defence of Hillman would have added to their score. The home team lost Frost, owing to an injury, and while Manchester were playing with ten men, Settle put Everton ahead. Frost returned, but Everton continued to press, and five minutes from the finish Taylor added another. Everton continued to hold the upper hand, and finally gained a decisive victory. Result Manchester City 1, Everton 3.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
December 28, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 14)
At Goodison-park, before 10,000 spectators. The Everton forwards line, which included Hardman and Young gave a brilliant display, and O'hagan, Sheridan (2), and Young scored in the first half. On resuming the City scored from a free kick but Makepeace (from a penalty) O'Hagan being tripped, and Young scored for Everton. The City obtained a second goal through Dennison, and Everton won in fine style by six goals to two. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and R.Balmer backs, Wildman Russell, and Murray, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, Makepeace, Young, and Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
December 28, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Inconsistent in their inconsistency, Everton after sustaining an unexpected defeat at home, accomplished on Saturday what has only been done by one other team this season. This was to overcome Manchester City, who, when the match started, occupied the honourable position of League leaders. When the City, who, after a season in the Second Division, had exhibited surprising form, which previously beaten on their own ground by Sheffield United, a considerable elements of luck attended the game. On Saturday, however, there was absolutely nothing of a fluky nature about Everton's brilliant victory. In every respect they fully deserved their three goals to one success, for, while recognizing that the League leaders were unfortunate in being deprived of the services of their usual backs, there is no doubt that the winning side gave an exhibition which reached a standard quite sufficient to bring them on such form the highest honours of the Association world. Where Everton particularly shone was in the half-back line. Abbott return, after a week a rest owing to illness, seemed to have an electrifying effect upon the generally excellent work rendered by the exceptionally strong trio of halves whom. Everton are fortunate in possessing. Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott were unquestionably thorns in the side of Manchester City, and contributed in no small degree to the undoing of that hitherto surprisingly successful team. Moreover, the presence in the forward line of that enthusiastic veteran, Taylor imparted an element of dash, which was lacking the previous week, when the forwards were incapable of anything like effective work in front of goal. Right from the start, the Evertonians gave one the impression that nothing would be left undone whereby they might stem the successful career of their opponents, and after six minutes play they succeeded in securing a tangible point from a free kick, converted by McDermott. They continued to keep well in front so far as general footwork was concerned, though there were occasions when the City forwards got off in dangerous stride, and would easily have defeated a less resourceful set of defenders than those representing Everton. Kitchen was rarely called upon, and it was not until five minutes from the interval that the home side managed to break through and score the point being notched by Gillespie. The opening stages of the second half were heatedly and earnestly contested, and though the visitors were concerned in most attacks there was not much luck attached to their efforts, and again Hillman was in great form. The ubiquitous Frost was responsible in some measure for preventing final shots at goal. He risked a great deal, and on one occasion came into collision with Settle, and had to retire for some minutes. It was during this period that a really clever movement along the Everton right wing ended in Settle giving his side the lead, and from this point on the back of the City was sealed. Still they played up in forcible fashion, but they never really got a grip of the Everton defence, and just before time Taylor, ever on the lookout for possible openings, rushed in and prevented Hillman from negotiating a corner kick, and promptly put on a third goal. In view of the fact that the whole of the Everton team may be said to have appeared to greater advantage than on any previous occasions this season, it is almost unnecessary to single out any particular player for special commendation. Each in his particular position did his utmost to command success, and each had the satisfaction that he contributed to a general exposition of a game better than which cannot have been seen at Hyde road this season. It is questionable whether Settle ever considered himself a centre-forward, but while he may not be an altogether orthodox pivot, he certainly in Saturdays match had a great deal to do in the securing of a splendid victory for his side. He entered into his work with conspicuous energy, and it was only fitting that he should have been credited with the goal, which gave Everton the lead after the City had drawn level. The City forwards were held well in check by the Everton halves, and probably, Meredith and Livingstone have not before this season been as helpless as they were against Abbott. The half-backs of the City were fairly good; the rear division suffered from enforced chances, but Hillman gave a good exhibition of goalkeeping. Of course Boxing Day, apart from an attraction such as is afforded by the visit of Everton, would have packed the City ground. Certainly in view of the support the club receives, it is hightime either that they acquired a new home of greatly extended accommodation. In any case, one might reasonably expect the management of the City club would make even decent arrangement for press representatives visiting Manchester on the occasion of their matches. It is to be hoped that the difficulties experienced on Saturday in reporting the match will be coviated when another visit is paid to the ground.

EVERTON GIVE MANCHESTER A FALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 28 December 1903
Frequent lessons teach us that we ought always to be prepared for surprises. They happen often-and often at this festive season of the year there comes a big un. This time it comes from the Hyde-road enclosure of Manchester City- just a 3 to 1 victory for Everton. Our erratic team from Goodison Park occasionally bring about the unexpected. No one dreamt they were such consummate artists as they showed themselves to be on Saturday afternoon and the shock caused in Liverpool by their brilliant achievement at the expense of Cottonopolis had the effect almost of an earthquake- at any rate many glasses jungled and jangled, and the result was much discussed afterwards-almost as much as the victory of Derby County was at Goodison Park a week ago. The encounter was witnessed by a holiday crowd of over 30,000 and the general consensus of opinion was that the match was quite one of the best ever seen on this enclosure. From an Everton point of view, this was certainly the case, for the Goodison Park brigade have rarely appeared to better advantage. From first to last they displayed an understanding and combination which at times surely perplexed their opponents and at the end of ninety minutes they were going as strong and as fresh as ever. In considering the victory, one ought not to lose sight of the fact that the City team were without both their regular backs, neither McMahon not Burgess being fit to turn out. This naturally had the effect of weakening the defence, but even had the absentees been playing, we venture to think that the Evertonians would still have held the best of the argument. From the commencement the visitors began to force the pace, and the game had been in progress rather less than ten minutes when McDermott headed a glorious goal. Throughout the match this player exhibited rare cleverness, and more than once he commanded the expressed admiration of even the Manchester supporters. Playing with considerable tenacity of purpose, the City succeeded in equalising just before the interval. Gillespie completely beating Kitchen. In the second portion of the game the balance of play was altogether in favour of Everton, and after Settle had one more placed his side ahead Taylor clinched the matter by adding a third goal three minutes from time. Reference has already been made to McDermott, and an equally cordial tribute must be paid to Settle. The little Bury man was absolutely at the top of his form, and he showed that in the centre forward position he can, when he likes figure with the cleverest of the cracks. He rarely made a mistake, and his speed and skill in manipulating the ball was a treat to witness. On one occasion he rushed clean through and netted the ball, but unfortunately the referee had just blown the whistle for a foul against him. This was a striking instance of the penalty falling altogether on the wrong shoulders. The right wing pair gave a capital exhibition. Sharp’s lightning-like flashes quite electrifying the crowd. He have young Slater an awful gruelling, and more than one missed the net by inches only. Corrin on the opposite wing, was not at his best, though several times he put in useful centres. The half back trio maintained the high standard of excellence which has characterised and rendered famous their play this season. Booth was watchful, alert, and worrying, and it was delightfully to see the way in which Abbott bottled up Meredith. Both backs played well, Balmer being especially conspicuous for the cool and confident way in which he met the opposing forwards, and Kitchen kept goal with customary reliability, though several of his clearances were, to say the least of it, risky. The City team all things considered, gave a capital account of themselves and it is easy to understand how they have attained the high position they hold in the League table. Their forwards possess both speed and dash, and once or twice they were exceedingly dangerous when in front of Kitchen. The half-backs also are a clever set, and here a word must be said of the pluck and hardihood displayed by Frost. Coming into collision with an opponent, he received a kick on the leg. Everybody thought the limb was broken, and he was carried from the field under the care of a doctor. Greatly to the relief of the spectators, the injury was not so serious, and the fair-haired lad received a tremendous ovation when some time afterwards be limped on to the field. Considering the powerful opponents they had to face, both Davidson and Slater did very well, though they were scarcely equal to the responsibility and between the sticks Hillman- much thinner than formally- kept an excellent goal.
Everton Reserves 6 Manchester City Reserve 2 Lancashire Combination result.

MANCHESTER CITY v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 28 December 1903
On the first-named’s ground, before close upon 30,000 spectators. City were without their regular backs McMahon and Burgess, and from the start Everton, who played brilliant football, had the best of matters. McDermott headed through from a free kick six minutes from the start, Hillman making no attempt to save. Five minutes from the interval Gillespie equalised after exciting play, and at half-time the score stood- Manchester City 1; Everton 1.
On resuming play was fast and exciting to a degree. Settle after a clever dribble, scored a fine goal, but unfortunately for Everton the whistle had gone for a foul. Both goals had many narrow escapes, and considerable feeling was imparted into the game. In the closing stages Frost was hurt, and was absent for five minutes. During his absence Settle, scored, and Taylor added another from a corner three minutes from time. Result; Everton 3 Manchester City 1.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Manchester City.- Hillman, goal; Davidson, and Slater, backs; Frost, Hynds, and Ashworth, half-backs; Meredith, Livingstone, Gillespie, Turnbull, and Threlfall, forwards.

THE NEW YEARS-DAY MATCH AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 29 December 1903
THE FULL LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON TEAMS TO COMPLETE
Mr. W.C. Cuff, secretary of the Everton Football Club, writes to us as follows;-
May I ask you to give publicity to the fact that in the final tie of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Goodison-park on New Year’s day the full League teams of Liverpool and Everton will complete. As it is probable that Raybould will fill the centre forward position for Liverpool on this occasion, additional interest will attach to the contest. The Hon. Arthur Stanley, M.P. has promised to present the cup and medals at the close of the game, as it is expected that the Lord Major and Lady Mayoress and party will be present. Kick-off 2.15.

RICHARD MOLYNEUX
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 30 December 1903
Mr. Richard Molyneux, the ex-Everton F.C Secretary, now connected with Brentford Club, has signed on Watson, the Glasgow Bellshill Athletic goalkeeper.

NORTHERN NOMADS v  OLD CARTHUSIANS
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 30 December 1903
By the kindness of the directors of the Everton Football Club these prominent amateur sides will meet on the Goodison-park enclosure to-morrow, when a capital game may be expected. The kick-off is times for 2.30 prompt, and Jack McGill will officiate as referee. Amongst the Carthusians are such well-known names as Wreford Brown, Birch, and Evans, whilst the Nomads will be represented by A.E Wigan (Casuals), goal; Fletcher (Owens College) and Walmsley (Etrurians), backs; Connor (Hesketh Park), Cooper (Blackburn Etrurians) and Bell (Marlborough), half-backs; H.W. Carrington (Ramblers), McKenna (Old Xaverians), Greenwood (Marine), Gaukrodger (Casuals), and Davison (Crosshill), forwards.

EVERTON v  LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 30 December 1903
In the final tie of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day the full League teams of Liverpool and Everton will compete. It is probable Raybould will fill the centre forward position for Liverpool on this occasion, which will give additional interest to the match. The Hon Athur Stanley M.P has promised to present the cup and medals at the close of the game, and it is expected the Lord Major and Lady Mayoress and party will be present. Kick-off 2.15.

ELECTRIFICATION OF THE LIVERPOOL AND SOUTHPORT RAILWAY
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 31 December 1903
APPRAOCHING COMPLETION OF THE SCHEME
When, about a year ago, the announcement was made that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company intended to “electrify” the line between Liverpool and Southport it was estimated that the new service would be opened some time in November, 1903. The time fixed upon has been a little exceeded, but the company are now in a position to announce the completion of the undertaking, an event eagerly looked forward to by the large population whose needs this busy section of railway serves. The work was entered upon early this year, and of the twenty-three miles of double line to be electrified almost the whole has been dealt with. As a fact, the new service would have now been in working had it not been deemed advisable to extend the electrical section as far as Crossens, on the north side of Southport. At the moment the position in which the work stands is this;- All the high tension alternating cables have been laid. The sub-station building are all completed, and progress is being made with the erection of the machinery. The rolling stock, all in an advanced state, is being up with the electrical equipment. The power house building also is complete. Every effort is being made to get the machinery ready for operation early in the New Year. A promising sign of the approaching completion was noticeable yesterday, when an entirely satisfactory experimental run was made with one of the new four-car trains between Southport and Formby, the high tension alternating current being obtained from the power house at Formby, and transformed into direct current at Birkdale sub-station to supply the current for the train. A general description of the electrification will be interesting. Briefly, the trains generally are composed of two first and two third class cars; the third-class cars are  equipped with four motors of 150 horse-power each, making a total of 1,200 horse-power per train. To operate these motors current is obtained from a live rail alongside the running tacks, which is fed with direct current at about 600 volts from four sub-stations, three of which are situated at Birkdale, Seaforth, and Sandhills respectively, and another in the main power house building at Formby. These sub-stations are provided to transform and convert the high tension alternating current from the main power station at 7,500 volts, into direct current. The power station adjoining the railway, on the banks of the river Alt, at Formby, is a building 290 feet long by 130 feet wide, and consists of an independent steel structure, the steel stanchions of which, in addition to carrying the roof, support travelling cranes over the engine-room. The spaces between the stanchions are filled with brickwork. The station has two spans, one containing sixteen Lancashire boilers, each 8 feet 6 inches in diameter, by 32 feet long, for a working pressure of 160 lbs. per square inch, together with superheaters, feed pumps, induced draught plant, &c. The other and larger span contains four horizontal cross compound condensing engines of 1,500 k.w. capacity, and also one subsidiary vertical compound condensing engine of 750 k.w. capacity, capable of taking large overload for short periods. The generators in connection with these engines are of the three-phase type, with a periodicity of 25,and a voltage of 7,500. The engine-room also contains steam-driven exciters, sub-station plant, and a main switchboard. Three-core paper insulated metallic sheathed cables convey the high tension current to the sub-stations, and are laid on what is known as the “solid system,” at a suitable depth along the company’s permanent way. The sub-station equipments similar in character, consist of static transformers, which transform the three-phase alternating current of 7,500 volts to low tension alternating current, from which it is converted in rotary converters to direct current at 600 volts. The rotary converters are nominally of 600 k.w. capacity, four being provided in each sub-station, and three static transformers, cooled by means of sir blasts, are provided in connection with each rotary. The connections from these sub-stations to the third rail are made by insulated copper cables, run underground in troughing. The permanent way equipment consists generally of a love rail, of Vigoles section, commonly termed the “third rail,” supported at intervals of 10 feet on insulators, the centre of the rail being exactly 3 feet 11 ½ inches from the centre line of the track, and the top of the rail three inches above the surface of the track rails, these being dimensions agreed upon between all the railway companies. This third rail is of special steel, and, of course, of ample section, weighing 70lbs, to the yard, in order to convey to the trains the full amount of current required between two sub-stations without causing any appreciable loss in voltage. The different lengths of this rail are bonded with copper to maintain the conductivity; it is carried by special insulators, and generally placed in the six-foot way, but occasionally brought to the outside of the track to suit special conditions. At all level crossing gaps in this rail have been provided of such a length that there can be no risk whatever to the public, and where those gaps do occur the third rails are bonded with cable underground. Timber guarding is being provided at all the busy places on the line to prevent the possibility of any person coming in contact with the third rail, though even if they did the consequences would be unpleasant, but not serious. In order to ensure an excellent return circuit an exactly similar rail to the third rail, supported on wooden blocks, has been placed in the four-foot way, bonded, of course, to each running rail, this method of return interfering least with the running tacks, and permitting the easy removal of any running rail at any time. The electric cars for this service naturally concern the public most, and are all new. They are sixty feet long and 10 feet wide, being the widest carriages in this country. This width was adopted because it was found before any operations were begun that it was possible on the Southport line, as distinguished from other parts of the main line, to have wider stock, some slight alterations to the permanent way and some trifling ones to the platforms along this length alone being necessary. The carriages have centre passages throughout, with vestibules to allow passage from one carriage to the next. The motor vehicles are at the end. The outer end has a small compartment for the motorman, containing all the apparatus for controlling the train. Near this is a luggage compartment. Most of the seats are crosswise, to seat three on one side of the passage, and two on the other; but at the ends they are fixed lengthwise, to allow more room for passengers entering or leaving the cars. The cross seats are reversible, so that passengers may sit as they choose. The seats in the third-class are all covered with rattan, a very clean and healthy kind of cane seating. The interior of the cars is fitted with oak, giving a very light appearance. They present the comfort of ordinary first-class carriages. The trailers or first-class cars have seats arranged after the same design, but only two on each side of the passage; they are upholstered in “epingle,” the interior decoration being mahogany, with light wood panelling, and the roof covered with millboard. Special attention has been given to the electric lighting and heating of these vehicles, and the public will doubtless find their comfort has been amply provided for in this very important particular. The question of cleaning has been carefully considered, and a new vacuum cleaning plant, embodying the latest principles for extracting dust and dirt from cushions, &c., is being installed, with which all these trains will be regularly cleaned. A four-car train will carry 270 passengers, the third-class seating sixty-nine, and the first class sixty-six. Perhaps it is well to mention that in order to run a satisfactory suburban service, it is necessary that the delay at stations should be reduced to the smallest possible amount. This will entail alterations in the method of dealing with baggage, as it is not to be expected that the electric trains can carry heavy luggage. Notice boards will be hung on the platforms showing passengers where to stand to await their class, and in order to ensure quick loading and unloading of passengers will be made that every passenger is to enter the carriages at the end door and leave by the front door, thus ensuring a continuous circulation. In view of the alarm caused within recent months of fires on electric trains, it will be interesting to note that the company have taken all possible precaution. The motor compartments have, with the exception of the roof, which is covered with sheet-steel plates, been lined with uralite, a well-known fireproof material, the floor also being fireproof. In addition to the cable throughs, in which the cables are placed for conveying current to the motors, and equipment being lined with uralite, the whole of the floor over the motors is covered with the same material and thin steel plates. All the trains carry fire appliances, and ample steps have been taken to ensure safely in this respect, though the danger on surface lines is practically nil. The passengers will be able to feel that they are just as comfortable and as safe as in any steam-worked train. The vacuum brake used on the trains is, with some slight differences, the same as that used all over the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, it is fitted with quick-acting valves, and, as will be seen, an exhauster must be provided in place of the steam ejector on the locomotive. This is the first case of the use of the vacuum brake upon electrically worked trains. The electrical equipment consists of four 150 horse-power motors on each motor-car, with a controller capable of controlling all the motors on the train, together with the necessary switches, gauges and circuit breakers in each motor compartment. Under the floor of the car are placed the resistances and reversers for the electrical control. On each side of the bogie are cast-steel shoes, or slippers, which pick up the current from the live rail. The current is returned through the wheels to the running rails, and thence to the centre rail, and then on to the power-house. Between the carriages connections are provided for operating the rear motors from the front end. When the service starts there will be stopping trains in both directions between Liverpool and Hall-road with not more than ten minutes’ interval; every second train will go on as a stopping train to, or come from, Southport, thus forming a service to Southport every twenty minutes. In addition to this, however, there will be an hourly express in each direction between Liverpool and Southport, and at certain times the trains arriving at Southport from Liverpool will go on to Crossens. The stopping trains between Liverpool and Hall-road and those between Liverpool and Southport will be run in less time than at present, but it is not intended that the expresses to Southport shall do the journey in less time than the fastest stream trains now running. Inquiry has elicited the fact that the company have no intention of making any changes in the charges for season tickets, the public obtaining their advantages in a more rapid and more frequent service. The whole of the work, with the exception of the rolling-stock, which is being made at the Horwich and Newton Heath works of the railway company, is being carried out by Messrs Dick, Kerr, and Co., Ltd., of London and Preston, who are now fast competing at their Preston works the main and subsidiary generators, the sub-station equipment, the control equipments of the trains, and other electrical plant.