EVERTON RESERVES 6 COLNE 2
December 2, 1908. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 13)
At Goodison-Park yesterday in foggy weather Everton defeated Colne by 6 goals to 2. It was almost impossible at times to follow the progress of the game from the press box, and little could be seen of the play towards the finish. Everton were the better side, and with more steadiness near goal would have piled up a big score. On the slippery turf, however, it was not an easy matter to shoot with precision, and all the goals were put on at close quarters. Everton scored soon after the start through Chetwood as the outcome of a fine run by Crews, and just before the interval Jones put on a second goal. Colne's forward were only moderate this half, but they were unlucky in not scoring. The visitors claimed that a shot from Lewis had crossed the line before being sent behind. All they got was a corner, from which they hit the bar. Early in the second half, Timmins scored for the visitors. Chetwood replying with another goal, for Everton. Timmins once more hit the bar, but Colne scored again from a penalty taken by Lee. Jones then put on a fourth for Everton, who added two more in the closing stages, though who scored it was not possible to tell owing to the fog. A feature of the play was the capital work of Crews who at outside left made many fine runs and centred accurately every time. Two of the goals were from his centres, and more would have resulted but, for bad shooting by the other forwards. Evertom had a big advantage forward, while Borthwick played a capital game at centre half. Despite the score against him, Bairstow kept a good goal for Colne, while Leak at back, Neild at half, and Timmins the inside right rendered good service. The following were the teams: - Everton: - Berry, goal, Osborne, and Strettell, backs, Pratt, Borthwick, and Rafferty, half-backs, Buck, Chetwood, Jones, Bolton, and Crews, forwards. Colne: - Bairstow, goal, Lowe, and Leah, back, Nield, Lee, and Plews, half-backs, McGrain, Timmins, Danson Lewis, and Tracy, forwards.

EVERTON HEAVILY FIND.
December 3, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
ANOTHER PENALTY FOR WEAK CUP-TIE.
At the Lancashire Football Association meeting at Preston last night, a letter of explanation was read from Everton Football Club as to a weak team played in the Semi-Final of the Lancashire Senior Cup-tie against Liverpool. Medical certificates were sent regarding certain players, it was considered that the certificates, did not explain the whole of the absentees, and it was unanimously decided that Everton Football Club be fined £100; and also forfeit to the Association their shares of the gate receipts of the match. This represents £90 to £100, so that Everton's total penalty is nearly £200. It will be remembered the Association only recently fine Everton for playing a weak team in a previous tie against Blackpool.

EVERTON'S THIRD DRAWN
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 05 December 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton, like former day League leaders, are paying the penalty of such greatness. Of late they have been passing through critical series of exciting encounters such as are likely to try the nerves, i.e.. Footballers in general are troubled with nerves (I know that certain secretaries and trainers are!). Against Chelsea, Blackburn and Bradford in turn have Everton been forced to rest content with a division of the spoil, after a struggle ’varied and exciting enough to satisfy the most exacting the most exacting enthusiast in each instance.  In each encounter Everton have held a lead of one or more goals at some stage in the second half, yet in the end their opponents’ determination or desperation has been rewarded, and from that and upwards to the call the Blues’ adversaries-have been inclined to  make matters uncomfortably warm despite winter's nipping advent. It was so again at Bradford where Everton were the more powerful, aggressive, and convincing side up to the interval, and claimed their usual clear goal lead. But Bradford were scon encouraged with an equalizing goal, and ever afterwards-urged on frantically by the crowd-played like demons. Truly the tails of these League tail enders wagged to a remarkable tune, but Irishman Scott brilliantly barred the way to the end of the piece.
Scott's Sterling Saves.
It was a grueling game, in which Everton did not display the anticipated superiority. But, after all the disparity in ability between Nos. 1 and 20 in the League table is nowadays more apparent than real. The City fought as for dear life in the second stage, and there was the additional distinction to fight for —that being No.1 to lower the Blues’ colours away from home. That Everton succeeded in returning with one point was chiefly due to Scott’s brilliant defence near the end. Yes, Scott was a better custodian than Hardy on Saturday. In defence Balmer was again some little measure in advance of McConnachie, who has not quite satisfied himself of late. Contrary to expectation Harris formed one of the half back line, and performed creditably. Taylor was also useful, with Makepeace carrying off chief honours.  I was glad to learn that Barlow was a distinct improvement on Everton’s recent Barlow. Freeman scored his 20th goal, a performance which last season’s champion scorist West, of the Forest—did not achieve until February’s advent. The Everton vanguard, on the whole, did not do itself full justice at Bradford, however, partly by reason of this cramped playing portion at Manningham-lane. Everton had a severe trial down to face this afternoon, also week hence, and sure are all anxious to see them recovering that measure of brilliant effectiveness as witnessed earlier in the season against Sunderland and others. Don’t want to see the copy hook blotched this side of Christmas at least.
THE LATEST EVERTON SENSATION.
A big fine of close upon £2OO imposed the Lancashire Football Association this week, because the Blues played a non-representative team against Liverpool in the recent Lancashire Cup semi-final tie, has created quite a sensation locally. Prior to the match in question it will recalled that number of the recognized “invincible” League team players were scanned by certain of the Lancashire Association authorities as being unfit for service. In other instances, too, doctor’s note was forthcoming, I understand. These and others were tendered at the County Association’s gathering at Preston on Wednesday evening.  However, Everton s explanation regarding certain of the absentees did not, satisfy the powers that be, as is reflected in the tremendously heavy fine and confiscation inflicted. The Everton club is naturally sore over the matter, for they hold that the team was the “best available” one for that day, having regard to the club's position in the League and the need there was to judiciously husband the men’s strength for the serious duties lying in front and around them—that certain men must be rested if they were to be made fit for the match at Bradford last Saturday. Everton maintain that the League and English Cup demands are totally changed to-day compared with ten or a dozen years ago. It would seem as if the Lancashire authorities, after allowing clubs almost as they liked for years re teams and match playing, are now going to the other extreme in dealing with contestants in such severe manner as has now been doled out to Everton —this is, of course, looking at the matter from a purely club point of view—and such penalty findings are scarcely likely to .win clubs round to giving the county competition that warm support the authorities are now said to be seeking. The fact is League clubs cannot afford to jeopardize their League positions for county hunt (this is the purely business aspect, of course), for if men get hurt and points and position are lost, the Lancashire Association certainly cannot assist clubs to win their way back to the upper house. It seems a fairly reasonable prophecy to state that if the Lancashire F.A. are going to insist on full League teams always being played the club directorates will insist upon holding aloof from future Lancashire Cup tourneys. My own opinion is that, if clubs can show they are playing eleven men who are each in receipt, of the club’s maximum wage, this should suffice, or failing this that the selection of the Lancashire ties teams might reasonably .be left to the players themselves with the co-operation of their directors. Far better have a team of men who are anxious to secure the medals in this way than place indifferent set of stars on the field.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 05 December 1908

• It is curious that Sheffield Wednesday, after tackling the two Manchester clubs on successive Saturdays should follow this up by engaging with the two Merseyside teams, Everton and Liverpool.
• Has Freeman attained his majority today? Evertonians hope so.
• Two certainties for International caps –bar accident in opposition –Makepeace and Meredith.
• “Nudger” Needham, like Everton’s Jack Taylor, is taking an immensity of crowding out of First League life.  Both men put up capital displays last week-end.
• The Everton players consider that they were handicapped by the narrowness of Bradford’s ground, the outside men having little space in which to outwit the home back.
• Since the Everton-Blackburn match a lot of people are suggesting that jack Taylor be dropped. They evidently overlook the fact that it would tax to the utmost the best centre-halves of the day to stop the impetuous rushes of such men as Davies, Hilsdon and Thornley.
• Everton people think they have made the best bargain of the lot.
• Two great centres of attraction at Goodison Park –Roberts and Freeman.
• Everton retained their unbeaten away certificate, but more by good luck than good play.
• Three draws in succession suggest Everton are falling away.  Their supporters are hoping that they have today returned to their best form.
• Clifford and White have played for both Bolton and Everton Reserves against Carlisle United within a month without helping either of them to victory.
• Bradford made desperate efforts to check Everton’s away success, their position at the foot of the League table and the honour of being the first to overthrow the leaders away, acting as an incentive to their players.
• Everton are still undefeated away.
• Everton’s latest recruits were on view at Goodison on Saturday.  McKay was rather erractic in his movements, but the ex-Trotters were quite class. 
• Adamson, Everton’s half, is in great form at present and quite worthy of a place in the senior team; but the directors will be well advised to let well alone.
• Everton are indeed Fortune’s favourities this season.  The point they secured at Bradford was hardly their due, as the City were by far the better team in the second half.
• Tom McDermott should make an ideal Wanderer. In four seasons he has service with Celtic, Everton, Chelsea, Dundee, Bradford City, and Gainsborough Trinity, a fortnight’s play with the latter club being sufficient. 

LEAGUE LEADERS v. CHAMPIONS AT GOODISON.
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 05 December 1908
HARRY MAKEPEACE AND “BOB” BALMER’S BENEFIT.
FREEMAN’S 21st GOAL.
Several things conspired to make this meeting between Everton and Manchester United a match of supreme importance at Goodison Park. The one club posed as League leaders and the other — last season’s champions—were practically but a point worse off; indeed, to date Everton and Manchester United had dropped fewer points than any of their rivals.  But still more interesting was the fact that to-day’s "gate" proceeds were being equally divided between Harry Makepeace and Robert Balmer, these popular local beneficiaries further being guaranteed the useful sum of 300 each.  The only doubt respecting the financial success of the match from a benefit standpoint was the weather —whether it would be reasonable or atrocious. Fortunately the day proved an improvement on recent samples re light in its early stages, but only a kindly breeze kept the atmosphere clear of fog. Both clubs were anxious to parade full teams, but the United were, of course, without Burgess, whilst A. Turnbull—Meredith s Copingstone —was also away, having been anything but sound all season. However, George Wall, who did so well against Blackburn at inside left recently, was again tried in this position, and had none other than that popular erstwhile Everton amateur, Harold Hardman, as partner. This in itself doubtless constituted a "draw." - Everton were not quite certain what their full constitution would be until this morning, captain Sharp being a doubtful starter in consequence of an unsound knee. McConnachie was also a doubtful beginner owing to domestic illness. United made two late changes, J.Turnbull being an absentee, Halse going centre, and Bannister being brought in to feed Meredith. Teams:— EVERTON. Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), Right-back, and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Taylor, Centre half-back and Makepeace, Left half-back; Sharp (captain), Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left  and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  MANCHESTER UNITED;- Moger, goal; Stacey, Right-back and Hayes, Left-back; Duckworth, Right-right-half, Roberts, Centrer half-back, and Bell, Left half-back; Meredith, Outside-right, Bannister, Inside-right, Halse, Centre, Wall, Inside-left, and H.P. Hardman, Outside-left.  Everton; Mr. J. Mason, Burslem.
A Splendid Gate  
There were early evidences of a capital crowd, and when the teams appeared there could not have been far short of 25,000, the stands being particularly well patronised. As will be seen, Sharp decided to turn out, a rather risky proceeding in the case of an unsound knee, and with the ground surface so muddy and treacherous. It was noticed that his right knee was well bandaged. Both teams were well received, and lost no time in getting to business, Freeman started, Roberts having won the toss.  After Harris had twice cleared his lines smartly, Freeman was set going; he passed out splendidly to Barlow, the referee ignoring an appeal for offside. Barlow raced in nicely, and passing to Young at the right moment the latter brought Moger to his knees with a glorious oblique shot. However, Moger proved equal to this huge demand. The Everton men continued the pressure, and Makepeace was heartily applauded for some fine work, from which Sharp came into possession.
The Everton Captain levelled a brilliant shot at goal from 20 yards' range. Moger was well beaten, but the ball crashed with terrific force against the top angle the near goal post and crossbar, leaving a big black mark on the spot, but most luckily for United, leaving the goal record clean. An accident to Coleman stopped the game for a brief space. On the re-start Hardman was seen careering away in unfamiliar red jersey, but he centred behind the goal. Following this, Hardman and Wall proved troublesome, but Balmer twice effected rescues. A little later Bob played the ball into touch, and this was the prelude to Everton’s downfall, as from the throw-in, Halse came into possession, and with a bouncing shot, he found the netting, the ball entering the haven after first hitting the underside of the crossbar. Time, six minutes. It was Halse’s 10th goal of the season. This was a set-back to Everton, and for some time United were the aggressors, once or twice going dangerously near adding to their lead. However, four minutes after the opening goal, Everton brilliantly equalized, and Freeman proved the dazzling executant. Receiving, 40 yards out, from Coleman, he beautifully tricked the Internationalist Roberta, and raced on towards goal. Here Stacey and Duckworth came on the scene lessen the pace of the goal, but Freeman, nothing daunted, took wonderful aim, and found the far corner of the goal. This equalizing point was rapturously received, as it deserved to be, for it was one of Freeman's greatest individual efforts of the season and worthy of the occasion, for it represented the ex-Gunner’s "majority" goal of the season.  By the way, Freeman has now scored at least one goal in nine successive matches. Splendid football was the order during the next quarter-hour.  Everton, rather enjoyed the pull, Sharp, Young, Balmer, and Makepeace all shone. Makepeace on the whole watching Meredith beautifully. Twice Sharp’s finely-executed centres troubled the Mancunians.  Roberts’ mission seemed to be to "shadow" the referee, as though the fog, which now descended thickly, were not sufficient! Young’s footwork was ’amazingly clever, and one could detect that his object was to draw the defence to his side, and thus give Freeman greater freedom for fatal action. The latter’s phenomenal bursts of speed were a continual menace to the visiting defence. The game was carried along on beautiful open footwork lines, and must have delighted the crowd which had long since still further increased in numbers. Harris fed Sharp in most approved fashion, but the captain was not happy with his knee hereabouts, and Harris was deputed to take corners, which generally managed to place behind. The fog now lifted again to the general relief. A close study of the play revealed this fact that both half-back lines were superfine. Two swinging centre from Barlow nearly won Everton the lead, Freeman in the first instance just missing the cross by inches when within two yards of Moger, and in the second case he headed into the keeper's hands. There was no diminution of pace as the interval drew near. The game was evenly fought. Meredith tried hard to force home his first goal of the season. Once he shot past at great pace, and twice he had hard shots charged down. Just on half-time McConnachie handled the ball barely outside the penalty area, but Meredith s shot was saved by Scott. A rousing first 45 ended with the honours even. Everton 1, Manchester United 1.
COMMENTS.
It had been a rousing battle, in which the two middle lines had been rather overpowering. Consequently the forwards didn’t get the hoped-for full shooting scope. Young had stood out as the finest forward on the field. Barlow had also done well, but Sharp was handicapped by his damaged leg, whilst Coleman also appeared none too sound. As for United, they had set up a noble fight, and their forwards were frequently dangerous.
CHAMPIONS BEATEN.
Resuming in a capital light, the issue was considered very open, for Everton’s right wing appeared to be none too sound. However, it was soon seen that United were a man short, Bell for some reason being two minutes late in reappearing. Short though his absence was, it proved long enough to witness Everton take the lead. Right from ‘the kick-off almost Barlow had darted down and centred splendidly to Freeman, who managed to loft the ball. As it came down in front of goal again, Moger secured it. But for some reason, he hesitated in getting rid of it, with the result that Barlow, in most approved Hardman fashion, rushed in and challenged the keeper for possession. Moger surrendered, strange to say, and Barlow, from an awkward angle, drove the ball into the net. United protested against the goal being allowed, but Mr. Mason was firm in deciding against them. Bell came out and looked very much surprised at the news. Whether his presence would have made "all the difference" or not, the moral seems to read, "Don’t be late.” Freeman a little later missed converting a fine centre from Young, and then the latter paid his comrade back in his own coin by banging the ball over the bar wildly when the consummation to delightful work by Freeman should have been a walk through. Coleman was further damaged soon after the interval, and could only limp along. He therefore changed places with Sharp. Nor was the latter able to move at his usual pace. In making a drive for goal Sharp again hurt his leg, and danced momentarily with the pain. Everton’s main point of attack was therefore vested in the centre and left wing, and each man worked nobly. The visiting halves were still very powerful, and their vanguard in consequence was repeatedly assisted in bearing down upon Scott’s charge. Once Hardman hit the side netting, and then a great centre flashed across by Meredith was missed by all his fellow forwards. The fog here returned, United were still moving well towards am eqauliser. Roberts's great work at half-back was very potent, and the Everton defence was heavily worked. A free-kick just outside the penalty area was cleared with difficulty, and Everton could not get a footing in the United half of the field. Midway through this half United deservedly equalized, Bannister from 20 yards out sending in the finest shot of the day, and finding the net. The angle was a difficult one but the ball travelled at a great pace, and Scott despite a big effort, had to acknowledge himself beaten.  Everton, despite their cripples, played up manfully. Young and Sharp sent in shots. Five minutes after United’s second goal, however, Everton brilliantly regained the lead. Sharp ran along at inside right and passed the backs. At the right minute he passed to Freeman who was behind the ball, and thus onside.  Freeman dribbled right in, beautifully controlling the ball, and scored in unmistakable fashion. Despite the oncoming darkness the game continued at exciting pace, during which fortune fluctuated. United were in no sense done with, and play raged near Scott for a spell. At last Halse fired in brilliantly, Scott bringing off the save of the day. McConnachie and Balmer also defended splendidly. Everton rallied and forced three corners in quick succession, but the goal did not fall. United responded and tried hard for the equalizer to the end. It had been a great and memorable match, which both sets of players gained high honours. Final; Everton 3, Manchester United 2.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVE V. EVERTON RESERVE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 05 December 1908
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1.)
At Clayton, before a poor gate.  Everton were early aggressive, Jones scoring finely, while a second followed from the same player, after Hulme had miskicked badly.  At the other end, Wall missed when close in, while Berry saved well from Donnelly.  Still keeping up the pressure, Bolton tested Wilcox, while another shot from Crewe went close.  The United attacked strongly just before half-time.  Interval; Everton Res 2, United Res 0.
On resuming the United were seen to better advantage, and Donnelly forced Berry to make a great save, while the custodian also cleared from Jackson.  Fine work by Currie was followed by a bad miss by Bolton.  Wilcox had to save from lacey.  Both Donnelly and Jackson shot well, but Everton defended grandly.  Jones scored the visitors third.  Christie missed a penalty for the United, and Quinn scored just on time.  Final; Manchester United Reserve 1, Everton Reserve 3.

EVERTON 3 MANCHESTER UNITED 2
December 7, 1908. The Liverpool Courier .
LEADERS V CHAMPIONS.
EVERTON'S FINE VICTORY.
HARRY MAKEPEACE AND ROBERT BALMER BENEFIR MATCH
The League leaders and the champions gave an exhibition worthy of their high reputations at Goodison-park on Saturday Everton prevailed by three goals to two, and not even the most ardent supporters of Manchester United could begrudge the Evertonians their victory. They were always the better team, even though the champions did open the score, but there was so little in it that interest was maintained right to the end. It was a great struggle, befitting the occasion of a benefit to two Everton's most faithfully servants –Harry Makepeace and Robert Balmer. The prospect of witnessing two of the finest teams in the country fighting for points would, under any circumstances, have attracted a big crowd, but it was particularly pleasing on account of the beneat to find that the gate realised upwards of £1,000. As a matter of fact, the amount of the cheque which each received on Saturday night was £500 10s 6d. The Everton directors never do things in half-hearted fashion. They arranged a little dinner, to which all the club's players, and officials were invited, and it fell to Mr., E. A. Bainbridge the chairman to hand over cheques to the amount stated to the grateful beneficiaries.

FIVE GOALS.
But to the game itself, it started as it finished with rare determination on both sides. Right away Young tested Moger with a terrific shot, and only four minutes had elapsed when the champions were a goal to the good. Harold Hardman raced past Harris, and middling the ball in his old style, Halse had Scott beaten, though apparently ere it reached the net, the ball glided MaConnachie. The success had no depressing effect upon the Evertonians, whose brilliant work roused the enthusiasm of the crowd, Young was a hest in himself, but it was from a pass by Sharp that Freeman fastened onto the ball, and in his own characteristic manner raced past all opposition, and scored a great goal. Incident followed incident, and though no other goals were forthcoming before the interval, Everton, on the play, certainly deserved to lead. The resumption partook of the sensational order. A raid on the Everton goal was soon repelled, and in a twinkling the home side were one ahead. This time Barlow did the trick. Taking the ball from Freeman, he put in a tremendous drive, and following up he caused Moger to drop the ball, with the result that the amateur tipped it over the line. The Manchester men never gave in, and following a throw in a magnificent shot by Bannister again equalised matters. Then it was a fight for a deciding goal, and this welcome reward came the way of Everton, who had to thank Freeman once more for a fine effort. It was a desperate struggle to the finish, a really grand game ending in favour of the Evertonians by three goals to two.

THE PLAYERS.
Bot sets of players are to be complimented upon a capital display of the finer points of Association football. The game, too, was contested in the best spirit. Everton undoubtedly held an advantage forward, although at times Sharp appeared afraid to let himself go, and Coleman sustained am injury, which prevented him doing himself, anything like justice. In the later stages of the proceedings these players changed places, and it was while figuring at inside right that the captain was most prominent. Apart from his two goals –they were beauties –Freeman always in the picture. Young was the most resourceful on the field. His play at times was simply bewilding to his opponents, but why didn't he walk that ball into the net when he had a glorious chance instead of lofting it over the bar. Nothing more need be said about Barlow than that he played his best game since accession to the Everton ranks. As for the halves it is no discredit to Taylor that he had to take a back seat to Makepeace and Harris. Makepeace's play was a treat to watch, and it is some time since the redoubtable Meredith had to deal with such a warm customer. Balmer and MaConnachie were both in splendid trim, and Scott kept charge with his accustomed success. Manchester United obviously missed Turnbull in the front line, although Halse was by no means ineffective in the centre forward position. Hardman was tricky now and again, but neither Balmer nor Harris allowed him much chance of shinning. Altogether man for man the winners compared favourably with their antagonists. Teams: - Everton: - Scott goal, R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), Coleman Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Manchester United: - Moger, goal, Stacey, and Hayes, backs, Meredith, Roberts, and Bell, half-back, Hardman, Livingstone, Halse, Bannister and Wall, forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 7, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 14)
While their seniors were disposing of the League champions Everton Reserves were defeating Manchester United Reserves, and thus completed the double event. The margin in favour of the Blues' second string was 3 goals to 1, and was thoroughly deserved. The forward play of Everton quite took the fancy of the Clayton crowd, and Jones in particular had reason to be satisfied with his afternoon's work, for he scored all the Everton goals. Crews, after his clever display against Colne, was given another opportunity, and performed well, as did Lacey on the other wing. The halves did well, while the defenders got through their little work with cleverness and despatch, the United scoring their goal in the last minute.

EVERTON AND BOOTH'S TRANSFER.
December 10 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The question of T. Booth's transfer to Carlise was deterred until an agreement has been reached.

DEATH OF GEORGE MAHON
Sheffield Evening Telegraph - Friday 11 December 1908
The news, although not unexpected, was received with much regret in Liverpool yesterday of the death of Mr. George Mahon, Chairman of the Everton Club for a long period.  He was elected in 1892 and only resigned in May last.  His was the guiding hand in the club's affairs when the removal was made from Anfield to Goodison Park, and he was connected with all the progressive policies that the club took upon themselves.  As it is generally believed nowadays that Everton are the richest league club in the country, the great service he has done the sports-loving public of Liverpool will be readily recognized.
It is a sad circumstance that Mr. Mahon's son who was three years ago admitted a junior member of his father's firm, died only a week ago, and this sad loss must have hastened the end.

DEATH OF MR. GEORGE MAHON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908
By Richard Samuel
It was only a week ago that one regretted greatly to learn of the death of Mr. Herbert Mahon, eldest son of Mr. George Mahon, Everton’s ex-chairman and on Wednesday of the current week came the additional sad news of the latter gentleman’s demise, the one event doubtlessly hastening the other.  Mr. George Mahon was probably more closely linked up with the fortunes of what is now the wealthiest club in then land than any other gentleman.  He was the leading spirit when Everton “broke” from its former Anfield holding in the early nineties and had a big share in the discovery of untenanted land at Goodison-road, which pickaxe and spade have helped to turn into a gold mine.  A successful chartered accountant in the City, music and football were Mr. Mahon’s great recreative hobbies.  As a chairman he was indeed beau ideal.  In bygone days the chair was a much more onerous duty than is happily now the case, but Mr.Mahon always carried a store of oil for the troubled waters of club management.  I am sure all “Field” readers will join in forming a chain of deepest sympathy towards sorrowing relatives who have been thus visited by the hand of death twice within one short week.

EVERTON INCREASE THEIR LEAD
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908
By Richard Samuel.
(Unfortunately the Football Fields newspaper was torn at the start of the article and was missing, so I have continued from the tip of the missing corresponding).
To give Everton the lead, Sharp thrice so far forgot his injury as to level tremendous shots at Moger, with the result that his injured limb was raised in grievous protest ever afterwards.  Coleman was even more completely crippled through an unceremonious opponent standing on him.  Hence Manchester United were fortunate in having only to face a lopsided attack.  On the other hand, the Champions were somewhat unfortunate in seeing Barlow’s doubtful goal allowed by the usually correct Mr. Mahon.  Those in the Press box had not a clear view, but I have heard of spectators who were well placed saying that in his excitement to dispossess Moger, Barlow to an extent handled the ball ere driving it into the net.  If this is the fact, then Everton were lucky to claim the goal.  Again, later in the day Macconnachie’s handling infringement appeared clearly to have taken place inside the “box” a yard or so, but the referee’s consultation with a linesman resulted in the free kick being given a yard outside the dreaded area; so that apparently what Everton lost in injury, they gained in kindness.
Some Fine Half-Backs
All round it was a glorious game –well worth the journey, even from North Wales and Mid-Cheshire (which so many indulged in), and well worthy the occasion.  Such games live in the memory and cause the game’s lovers to take a new lease of enthusiasm.  It was varied, thrilling, even, open, clever and clean.  What more could even the most exacting sportsman desire?  As I said last week, the half-back play overshadowed everything.  Roberts proved both a leader like the Clayton directors to put a price on his head.  Nearly everything was fish that came to the ex-Grimbarian’s net.  Makepeace was scarcely a whit behind in general ability, with Val Harris close up; indeed, inches only separated this trio, as they “broke the tape,” Alec Bell and Dickworth also won high marks, whilst Taylor worked his hardest throughout the 90 minutes.  Apropos Everton’s luck, it even extended to the two minutes absence of Bell just after the interval.  For the Everton forwards one has little but praise.  Young was the cleverest forward on view to the interval, and if he would only shoot half as well as he feints, dribbles and passes.  Freeman’s goal record would surely be challenged.  Barlow played better than for several weeks past. 
Freeman’s Record
Freeman gave another characteristic display in the centre.  He exercised great judgement in parting with the ball when to retain it would have been suicidal; his bursts of speed periodically made his opponents recall” the cat among the pigeons” and then what could have been finer than his two goals?  An army of Roberts would find him hard to held for 90 minutes.  His 22 total brings Freeman to within five goals of last season’s best, with 22 matches still to play!  He is now but nine points behind the individual record, held by Sam Raybould in First League football.  It is also worthy of note that Freeman’s goals up to this morning equaled the whole of Everton’s goals against.  Sharp and Coleman well under the circumstances, especially Sharp at inside right.  The defence on the whole was very good, the backs being about equal, whilst Scott kept a splendid goal.  Everton’s recent goals against, however, have been a trifle perturbing –ten lost in four matches –and it is only their splendid attack that has saved the flag.  Concerning United, I may add that their halves were a delight and their backs an improving quantity.

DEATH OF EVERTON S LATE CHAIRMAN.
Nottingham Journal - Saturday 12 December 1908
The news, although not unexpected, was revived with much regret in Liverpool on Thursday the death of Mr. George Mahon, chairman of the Everton Club for a long period. He was elected in 1892, and only resigned in May last. His was the guiding hand in the club’s affairs when the removal was made from Anfeld to Goodison Park, and he was connected with all the progressive policies that the club took upon themselves. As it is generally believed nowadays that Everton are the richest League club in the country, the great service he has done the sports-loving public of Liverpool will be readily recognized.
EX-EVERTONIAN’S DEATH
Liverpool Echo-Friday 18 July 1941The passing of yet another old Everton player is announced in the death of Mr. Ted Griffiths, who played as a full back for the Blues away back In their Stanley Park days. Later had several seasons with Liverpool Leeks, a well-known amateur side those days. He was also a good sprinter, winning the Jersey championship and many other trophies, while in his later years he regularly lifted the veteran’s prize at Orrell sports. He was member of the Olympic Bowling Club for many years, and was well-known in the city the wholesale fruit trade.

STRAYS MEMS FROM MERSEYSIDE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908

• Jones scored seven goals in two matches for Everton reserves last week; evidently he has caught the Freeman infection.
• Everton v. Notts County on Christmas Day will start at 11 a.m., Wives and mothers will appreciate this change.
• Makepeace and R. Balmer were each presented with a cheque value a trifle over 500 on Saturday evening.  The “gate” exceeded a thousand pounds, so that the attendance must have reached some 35,000.  Their “benefit” was therefore a record one for the district.

WITH MANCHESTER UNITED
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908
By "Mancunian."
Well done, United!   It was a splendid fight you made of it at Goodison, and even the great Everton team were fully extended. Up the very last minute we never gave up hope of the Reds equalizing—and how near Halse came to doing it! It was a wonderful save by Scott, a save that prevented a division of the spoils, and such a one as Moger had not been forced to all through the game, though he had undoubtedly been much harder worked than his vis-a-vis. Still, I think this was directly due to the slow and cumbersome efforts our backs to deal with such an "electric” centre as Freeman. How we longed for a back with Burgess’s nippiness and intuition. Mind you, neither Stacey nor Hayes did at all badly, and their greatest fault was a fatal hesitation in getting off the mark tackling the opposing front rank, and in this respect Stacey was the bigger sinner. The Blues got within shooting distance of Moger oftener than did our front rank of Scott, but came out of ordeal very well. Freeman’s final flashes past the backs were so nicely done that he could hardly fail to score from such close quarters. A comparison of the two sets of half-backs is in our favour. Duckworth, Roberts and Bell were in fine form. The mastermind of Roberts was very apparent, and he was the best man on the field. I was glad to see Bell play such a rattling good game too, but he did not get much encouragement from the left wing, and often went off on his own when spied a favourable opening. Duckworth took some little time, to settle down, but he performed well against what was the strongest Everton wing. How happy could we have been with either (or both) of the two Turnbulls! The front rank as constituted was far from strong, and the presence of a bit more weight would have been worth a great deal, while James Turnbull’s dash would have made a difference. The most dangerous man and the pick of the line was Halse, but he did not get that support that was necessary to crown his many good efforts, though his shooting was always deadly.  It is not often that Bannister earns the distinction of scoring the best goal of the match, but it was really a fine shot that beat Scott and it is pity he does not more often try his luck.  Meredith was good and had in turns, but when the good predominated he was an source of much trouble to the Blues’ defence.
The Reserve Game at Clayton ended in a victory for the Everton Reserve by 3-1, and one must confess that the home team shaped so poorly as to deserve the beating, for only at rare intervals did they reach the standard of the visitors, who played really fine football.  Their centre forward (Jones) kept up his reputation as a scorer of goals by claiming all three, but not a little of the credit for them belongs to Hugh Bolton. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908

• Did the Evertonians thank Dunlop and Co, for Liverpool’s obliging victory at Sheffield?
• Barnsley are a robust side, if not a clever one.  Will Everton therefore please remember?
• Recent matches at Everton have been intensely thrilling.  What a contrast to last season.
• Val Harris is in great form, and the way he tackled and placed to his forwards was a treat to witness.
• The Manchester United team, as paraded against Everton, is worthy of an extend trial on Saturday’s form.
• Freeman has scored in nine successful matches, Brown of Sunderland, once scored in eight games, running, for Sheffield United.
• Crews, the outside left, who came with Freeman and Coleman, is beginning to make his presence felt.  On form he is next on turn for a place in the League team.
• Tim Coleman stuck to his guns very pluckily, considering the hard rap he received early in the game.  The same may be said of his partner Sharp.  We trust they have both recovered.
• Jones in the Everton Combination team, is following in Freeman’s footsteps as regards goal-scoring, and it is a coincidence that they have both scored 22 goals for their respective teams.
• Settle has been doing so well for Stockport County that it is surprising that he had not scored for them before Saturday last.  This he accomplished after failing with a penalty-kick earlier in the game.
• That Everton’s victory over United was fully deserved all will agree, especially when one takes into consideration the fact that their famous right wing pair were practically hors-de-combat for three parts of the game.
• Both Liverpool and Everton have had good luck in draw for the Cup.  The latter may have the hardest task, Barnsley, while not boasting much science, may delight in worrying their more classy opponents.
• Sharp’s enthusiastic desire to play in the Balmer and Makepeace benefit match exceeded his discretion, and very early in the game it was noticed that he was laboring under difficulties, so much so that he had to call up Harris to take the corner kicks.
• 509 pounds apiece for Balmer and Makepeace must make some of our present veterans, who have just retired from the game, wish they had been born 10 years later than was the fact.  However, some of these veterans had the pull when there were no maximum wage restrictions in evidence.
• Jack Taylor’s critics may say that quite a number of goals put up against Everton this season have bene recorded by the opposing centre forward.  As a set-off to this, however, Taylor may point to the number of goals that opposing centre half-backs have allowed Freeman to record against them in the aggregate.
• Freeman’s methods are very puzzling.
• Everton got the benefit of two serious doubts in last week’s benefit match.
• Donnachie looked rather down-hearted after the third goal was registered against his side.
• Barlow is learning a few tricks from his partner, Young.  Sandy just now is in his best Everton form.
• The question that seemed to bother Manchester United most was –Who shall we watch, Young or Freeman?
• Young was in glorious form last week.  It was a real treat for all who saw him, and Duckworth was never more nonplussed in his life.
• Sharp, for a cripple, did very well at inside right.  When he and Coleman exchanged places it savored of one lame duck endeavoring to help another over the stile.
• Did not Barlow compare favorably with Hardman at Goodison?  On the day’s play, Barlow was the better man, but Hardman was allowed little latitude, for Harris and Balmer were on their best behavior.
• The fact that he was facing England’s best centre half in Roberts by no means overawed Freeman, and though playing brilliantly Roberts found in Young and Freeman two of the liveliest forwards he is unlikely to meet this season.
• Sandy Young played with the energy of six men against the United.
• S. Wolstenholmes was the best half-back on the field at Bradford Park Avenue.
• A great game, a good gate, and a good display by the beneficiaries at Goodison.
• On the general run of the game Manchester United were just about entitled to share the points with Everton.
• If Everton score as freely in the second half of the season they will record the 100 goals –a feat only previously accomplished by Sunderland.
• Sloan acquitted himself splendidly as Hardy’s deputy.  He was apparently nervous in the opening stages, but in the closing stages he made some good saves when severely tested.
• Oldham Athletic have a very smart and clever outside left.  We would remind Everton, if it is really the fact that the Toffees are on the lookout to have this position strengthened.
• The Everton benefit match produced a record gate for such an event, and a record for speed in that Makepeace and Balmer were handed their cheques on the same night.  This latter feature could only be beaten in the case where the poor beneficiaries’ coins have been counted on one hand, so to speak.
• It was rather difficult for Evertonians to recognize Harold Hardman in a red Jersey, and without Jimmy Settle.
• Freeman’s 22 goals just equal the total goals recorded “against” Everton by all the players who have opposed them.
• Those artistic touches of Macconnachie in the last few minutes when he took the ball from the toes of Meredith sent the crowd wild with enthusiasm.
• That Everton were relieved to hear the final whistle last Saturday there is no doubt, for the United looked like equalizing during the last few minutes, during which Scott cleared when most keepers would have been defeated.
• It was Barlow who centered for Freeman to make a hash of a shot in the case of Everton’s second goal.  Then when the ball had dropped from the clouds, as it were, again it was secured by Moger, who blundered so long ere clearing that Barlow was enabled to rush in and dispossesses him.  All reports save the “F.F” credited Barlow with the shot which Freeman really made.

WORKINGTON V EVERTON RES
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908
At Workington.  The referee was Mr. Asher, of Preston.  There was a tremendous gate.  Workington won the toss, and fast played ensued, slightly to the advantage of the home men.  Dribbling was the feature, the visitors showing up well, and after pretty passing Buck shot poorly from a corner.  Buck raced up, but was circumvented by Gallacher.  Immediately afterwards Garlands beautifully centred, and Rafferty accidentally scored for Workington.  From close footwork Musgrave added a second, and from a penalty Jones scored one for the visitors.  Half-time; Workington 2, Everton 1.   Final; Workington 2, Everton Reserve 2.

EVERTON V.SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
(League -First Division.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 12 December 1908
FREEMAN’S 23rd GOAL WINS THE GAME.
Delightful weather favoured the meeting of these clubs at Goodison Park this afternoon and really, football Saturdays throughout the season have been remarkably blessed in the matter of weather. Sheffield Wednesday are always attraction on Merseyside, for they invariably play sound, hard —if not exactly brilliant—football. Their downfall before Liverpool a week earlier had somewhat prejudiced their championship prospects, but they were expected to press Everton hard for victory to-day. They had McConnell again in his place at centre half, vice Spoors, whilst Bolland crossed over to the right wing. Lloyd dropping out and Foxall resuming at outside left. After witnessing their crippled condition last week it was a surprise to find both Coleman and Sharp selected for duty again to-day. Taylor, however, was rested from the half-back line—this being his first miss of the season.  Thus each team was minus a familiar face and form at centre half, both former-day captains and centre halves Taylor and Crawshaw were not on view. In Everton's case the opportunity was taken of trying the ex-Boltonian Clifford for the first time in the League team, this event creating additional interest in the match. As feared, Coleman found himself unfit at the 14th hour, and White partnered Sharp. Thus both the Bolton recruits made their initial appearance. Teams: Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), Right-back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Clifford, centre half-back and Makepeace, Left half-back; Sharp (captain), Outside-right, White, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left and G.H. Barlow, Outside-right.  Sheffield Wednesday;- Lyall, goal;  Layton, Right-back and Burton, left-back; Brittleton, Right half-back, McConnell, centre half-back, and Bartletts, Left half-back; Llody, Outside-right, Chapman, Inside-right, Wilson, centre, Bradshaw, Inside-left, and Foxall, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. A.W. McQue, London.
THE LATE MR. MAHON.
The Everton .players wore black armlets in token of the death Mr. George Mahon, the club’s ex-chairman and one of its pioneers, whose interment took place at noon to-day before a large concourse of people.  There would be about 12,000 present when the Sheffielders kicked off, and in the very first minute Wilson had a somewhat tame shot charged down.  Quiet exchanges marked the opening play, but Sheffield had somewhat the advantage until Macconnachie cleared the situation with a fine long punt.  This led up to the first Everton attack, ending in Sharp forcing a corner off Burton.  From the ensuing kick, Clifford kicked forward to Young who, without hesitation, beat Lyall.  However, to the evident chargin of the crowd, Mr. McQue disallowed the point.  This “let-off” appeared to stimulate the Baldes, and Turton and Taylor played with great vigour, Young evidently being a kind of human target for their attentions.  Play continued very open, and Bolland threatened danger, but Makepeace in characteristic fashion, saved a critical situation.
Young was fouled and by this means Everton were given a strong attacking advantage.  First White and then the ubiquitous Sandy tried shots, but it finally rested with Barlow to bring to a conclusion a smart cannondade on Lyall’s charge the amateur firing yards over when well placed.  Still Everton held the upper hand, and the ex-Boltonian White had a rare opportunity, but again the ball soared high above the bar.  The pressure was relieved at length, and Foxall and Bradshaw made play up the left, but Balmer forced an unproductive corner.  Everton were favoured by a wrong decision of the referee.  Wilson being judged off-side with the Everton back well in front of him.  Fouls appeared rather too frequently, and some nice movements were in consequence thwarted.  Freeman appeared to be thirsting for his usual goal, and the crowd on one occasion commenced to cheer when the crack goal getter shot just inches wide.  Still, on the whole, the goalkeepers had a rather easy afternoon, the defence on both sides being well-nigh perfect.  McConnell was in great form against the dashing Freeman, and evidently his mission was simply to circumvent the famous scorist.  Young and Burton made great efforts to open the scoring, and one fine effort of the inside winger caused Lyall some anxiety.  Tameness was marked in nearly every movement at this period, and the only redeeming feature to relieve the monotony was a palpable miss by Wilson when only a couple of strides out from Scott.  Sheffield gradually gained the upper hand, and Balmer and Macconanchie were hard pressed.  Wilson was prominent with a fine long shot, and Bolland also exhibited smart footwork.  As half-time approached Everton made determined efforts to open the score.  Barlow being exceptionally prominent with some fine dribbling.  His cleverness, however, came to an abrupt conclusion, for Layton vigorously fouled the diminutive winger.  From the ensuing free-kick White made a brilliant effort to head past Lyall but inches and luck saved the Blades’ downfall.  Hands against Foxall saved Everton some anxiety, but on the whole the game was lacking in exciting incidents.  Just on the interval Barlow well fed by Freeman centred well to white, who was within an ace of defeating Lyall with a judicious header.  However, half-time arrived with a clean sheet.  Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield 0.
Comments.
The game during the first half had not reached the anticipated standard by any means. The redeeming feature had been the sterling defence shown on both sides. As evidence of this it may be stated that during the first half hour neither custodian had been really tested. Everton’s rear division was really splendid, Balmer’s kicking excelled, and McConnachie never displayed greater resolution in tackling. Makepeace and Harris were equally successful in reducing the visiting attack to mediocrity, but Clifford had not seemed to settle down. He didn’t warm to his work, nor was the aggressiveness of Taylor in evidence. But, course, due allowance for a first appearance and strange comrades be taken into consideration. The Everton attack failed to approach their usual standard, and for this the Sheffield defence must fake some measure of credit. They played “hard” on the Blues without exception, and in some cases were by means too scrupulously fair in their methods. Freeman was held better by McConnell and Co, than he has ever previously been this season. The home center’s dash was not so much in evidence as usually, and he struck one as not being quite too sound in condition. The most prominent Everton forwards were Barlow and White. The former was a rare terrier, whilst White made a capital beginning for his new "masters", being distinctly unlucky with one or two scoring attempts. The Wednesday defence had been excellent with McConnell exceptionally fine.
A BIG CROWD.
When the second stage opened the now 22.000 crowd doubtless hoped for better things in the quality of the play.  No sooner than realized. The second half was barely two minutes old when White gave Freeman a lovely “running” pass.  The Everton centre forward took up the link in his old familiar way, and dribbling to the left wing sent in a tremendous drive which hit the upright low down.  Before Lyall could gather in the situation or the ball Freeman, who had partially stumbled, followed up and drove the ball into the net from an awkward angle .  This was just what the crowd – and Everton –relished.  Further heated attacks followed upon Lyall’s charge, but the keeper maintained a sterling defence, which time his backs worked very hard.  During this period White was a prominent man for Everton.  His placing, with both head and feet was very good indeed.  The Blades made one or two counter attacks, but as a rule they were repulsed with some measure of comfort.  Barlow won a fruitless corner from Brittleton, and then the play settled down into a quiet grove until a dashing combined move by Sharp and White ended in the former shooting into Lyall’s hands.  As the keeper threw clear Sharp in his excitement tried to recapture the ball, with upstretched arm to the general amusement of the crowd.  The Blades never ceased from using their weight and repeatedly floored the opposition. These tactics, however, presented no terrors for Barlow, who played with refreshing dash, here winning a corner which he placed admirably, but Lyall saved.  Following a “lunging” kick by Layton, White was laid out temporarily –Wednesday being a trifle too vigorous.
A free-kick given against Harris threatened danger, but Scott proved safe and then from Everton’s right wing work Freeman missed two favourable opportunities of increasing Everton’s lead.  As the Blades sought again to equalize Balmer twice affected timely clearances. Indeed up to now the home defence all round had been wonderfully sure, bordering at times on over-confidence, when it is considered that Everton were only a goal on the right side.  White showed further neat foot work against two fine defenders like Bartlett and Burton. From a forward pass Clifford, White made a great scoring attempt, missing the goal by inches. Only a minute later Freeman made a great individual attempt, ending his run with a shot which Lyall brilliantly saved by going full length. Everton were now going great guns, and from a shot by White Lyall lost the ball, and Barlow netted. The goal was disallowed, although if could not have been for an offside reason. Young’s puny shots twice denied Everton goals, and then Lyall saved a hurricane shot from Sharp. From a breakaway by Wednesday Wilson missed a rare opportunity for equalizing the score shooting wildly wide when well placed. As the end approached Everton tried to increase their lead, but somehow there seemed to be something lacking about the Everton team of to-day— which is not surprising when we remember that two well-oiled wheels in their machinery were replaced by two that had been out of use for some time. Still White made a really capital start in new colours.  Final; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 0.

EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0
December 14, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON STILL WINNING.
THE TWO BOLTON RECRUITS.
Everton gained the narrowest possible victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park on Saturday. Nothing could have been more satisfactory than the acquisition of a couple of points, but for all that the standard of play by no stretch of imagination could be described as above the average. It was not Everton's real form, and under the circumstances, a win by a goal to nothing was quite acceptable. Although below form, Everton were value for their victory, inasmuch' as they compared more than favourably with their Sheffield antagonists. Each attack seemed to fall to pieces when in sight of goal, and the fault was much more noticeable on the Sheffield side than on that of the home vanguard. For the first time for weeks the leaders made a couple of changes from the team which had escaped defeat since the early part of September. That greathearted player Jack Taylor was given a well-earned rest, and at the last moment it was found that Coleman's injured leg had not sufficiently recovered to allow off his taking his place on the field. Thus there was room for White, the consequence being that the two recent captures from Bolton Wanderers had their baptism under the auspiece of the new club.

INCIDENTS OF PLAY.
The game, though fought in keen enough spirit, was unproductive so far as the nicer points of play are concerned. The Blades started against the wind in rather promising fashion, but they rarely afforded the home defenders any real anxiety, Young who was lucky though erratic had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside. White on more than one occasion caught the eye, but try as they would the Everton quintette seemed unable to produce anything in the nature of the combination of which, they are capable. For all that they always gave one the impression that they had some reserves force. Barlow just topped the bar, and Freeman, though provided with openings, was too well looked after by McConnell to do desperate deeds. The visiting forwards showed really capable form in midfield, but when nearing for goal Balmer and MaConnachie were altogether too much for them, the consequence being that Scott was only occasionally troubled. Lyall had more calls upon him than his vis-à-vis, and managed to maintain a clean record up to the interval. Hardy had the game been resumed than the one and only Freeman added to his already long list of goals. Receiving from Young, he dashed ahead, and although Lyall stopped his shot, Freeman followed up, and ere the custodian could clear the Everton centre had the ball in the net. In some respects it might have appeared a lucky point, or, rather unlucky for Lyall. For all that, there was no detraction so far as regarded Freeman from the credit, which was his due. This goal proved to be the only one of the match. True, Freeman netted once again, only to find the point disallowed. One need not suggest that the referee's ruling was wrong, but some of his decisions especially in the later stages, seemed rather curious.

THE PLAYERS.
It was a game in which there was no outstanding player. As already indicated, the work of the Everton forwards was of the scrappy order, which has not been associated with the home quintette for some weeks past. Naturally interest centred in the performance of White, who partnered Sharp. It is perhaps unfair to be too critical –a similar remark applies to Clifford –in respect of a player's first appearance with new comrades. White exhibited clever touches, which suggest that he is capable of rendering good work in the Everton front line. Certainly he fed Sharp time after time in true workman-like fashion, and there was a spirit of determination about his play, which promises to be of value to his new club. Clifford was not quite so successful. At times his headwork was really brilliant, but for effective breaking up of the opposing attack he was quite overshadowed by Makepeace and Harris. Both Balmer and MaConnachie maintained a solid defence against the erratic, though at times dangerous rushes of the Wednesday front line. Neither Scott nor Lyall had much to do, and this is testimony both to the cleverness of the defence and the comparative ineffectiveness of both sets of forwards. Altogether Everton earned their victory, though failing to give of their best. Teams: - Scott, goals, R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs, Harris, Clifford, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), White, Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Layton and Burton, backs, Brittleton, McConnell, and Bartlett, half-backs, Lloyd, Bolland Wilson (Captain), Chapman, and Forrall forwards.

WORTHINGTON 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 14, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 15)
Few clubs return from Worthington with even a point, so that Everton did well to effect a draw at the Cumberland town. The score was two goals all –on the whole a fair reflex of a very hard game. Everton were a goal behind at the interval but had the advantage after the chance of ends, and might even have won had the Workington defenders shown any falling off. Jones got his usual goal for Everton (on this occasion from a penalty) while Bolton did the needful after the change of ends. Everton: - Berry, goal, Stevenson and Meunier, backs, Platt, Borthwick, and Rafferty, half-backs, Buck, Lacey, Jones, Bolton, and Crews, forwards.

BRUCE RANKIN
Nottingham Evening Post - Thursday 17 December 1908
Wrexham have signed Bruce Rankin, who at one time played for Everton and West Bromwich Albion, and took part in North v. South match a few seasons ago. He has been playing, recently for A Wirral club. HE will make his, first appearance for Wrexham at outside left, against Wellington Town on Saturday.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 19 December 1908

• Everton are now only a dozen goals behind last season’s full total.
• Sheffield Wednesday’s intention was to spoil Everton’s combination, and they succeeded admirably.  But this resulted in the game being spoiled as a spectacle.
• Notts County are the visitors to Goodison Park on Christmas Day, and after their victory over Blackburn Rovers they are likely to make Everton go all the way to secure two points.
• Is not Bob Balmer worthy of consideration by the Selection Committee?  His play against Sheffield Wednesday was quite the feature of the match, but what chance is there for a right full back while the great Crompton continues to show such form?
• White was a success for Everton against the Cutlers.
• Hardman had a rough time against the Fosse, and twice had to leave the field as the result of injuries.
• Two goals were disallowed Everton for offside, one of which to most people appeared quite legitimate.
• If Everton have steered clear of defeat today the men should strive to create a record in the way of non-defeat.
• If the Everton directors have decided to rest Jock Taylor, why not try the following trio;- Adamson, Harris, and Makepeace?
• Preston North End picked up their first away point on Saturday since their “amazing success” match at Goodison Park last mid-September.
• In our season’s prospects “Young Everton” were hopefully spoken of.  The Toffees, as a matter of fact, have exceeded the anticipations of our correspondent.
• Val Harris is, without doubt, one of Everton’s most consistent players.  The neat manner in which he breaks up combination and his judicious passes to the forwards quite take the eye of his Goodison admirers.
• Freeman to the rescue.
• Hardman has been unlucky in his League team appearances with the Manchester club.
• Bert Freeman isn’t a Young at heading the ball.  Evidently he copies the Corinthians in this respect.
• The League table on form has become a fearfully distorted thing this season.  What a good thing that Everton have proved so consistent!
• Everton were hoping today that the Rovers would retain their unbeaten away ticket, for this would do the Toffees good turn in pegging Newcastle back.
• Freeman is a much more likely pivot to succeed for England against a centre-half like Thomson, of Sunderland, than is Hildson, in the writer’s opinion.
• Macconnachie said recently that nothing would make him change his style of play.  He certainly did so on Saturday, however, and the crowd enjoyed his brilliant tackling.
• The Everton forward line against Sheffield Wednesday was not too effective.  Freeman evidently missed Coleman, and his usual goal was about his most effective bit of work during the afternoon.
• There was a delightful confidence about the movements of the entire Everton defensive section last week – with the exception of Clifford, who, of course, appeared strange.  The other five played with a perfect understanding, covering each other admirably.  Small wonder the Blades found goals impossible to get.
• Freeman was again to the front with his specialty goal.
• Everton scored three goals, but only two were allowed to count.  Mr. McQue gave some peculiar decisions. 
• It would have seemed strange had Liverpool won the Lancashire Cup, after Everton paying such heavy forfeits.
• Taylor, who was rested against Sheffield Wednesday, is not the only Evertonian who is needing a rest.  Sharp, for instance, is far from sound and with the heavy holiday programme in view, a rest might restore the outside man’s confidence and dash, which until lately has been such a feature of his play this season.

EVERTON RESERVE V NELSON
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 19 December 1908
At Goodison, before a moderate attendance.  From a centre by Lacey, Jones gave Hirst a warm handful to deal with.  Couper was ruled offside when in a good position, but a minute later he shot into Hirst’s hands when within a yard of the goal, and Bolton dashing up gave Everton the lead by bundling the goalkeeper into the net.  White made a good attempt to score, the ball going over the crossbar.  From a centre by White, Couper further increased Everton’s lead.  The Nelson defence was very strong, and Beeton was the best of the forwards.  Half-time; Everton 2, Nelson 0.
Resuming W. Balmer put the ball into his own goal.  Soon after, Jones scored a third goal for the Blues.  Everton were in the Nelson half of the field the chief part of the time, but Nelson broke away and Buckley scored.  Jones forced a corner, from which Balmer shot outside.  Berry had little to do in goal for Everton.  The mist was very thick over the ground.  Rimmer equalized for Nelson.  Final; Everton Reserve 3, Nelson 3.

LEICESTER FOSSE V EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 19 December 1908
(League -Division 1.)
A drizzling rain affected the attendance at Leicester for this match, the spectators not exceeding 10,000. The League leaders made but one change from the side which beat Sheffield Wednesday, substituting Tim Coleman for White at inside rights; but the Fosse made several changes from the side, defeated at Clayton last week. Mackie displaced Vincett at left back and Goldie was substituted for Randle at left half, while Sidney Owen, the amateur was able to resume his position at inside left. Teams;- Leicester Fosse;- Starbuck, goal; Hedley, Right-back and Mackie, Left-back; P. Buck, Right half-back, Webster, Centre half-back and Goldie, Left half-back; Durrant, Outside-right, Donnelly, Inside-right, Hubbard, Centre, A.S. Owen, Inside-left and Turner, Outside-left.  Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), Right-back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Clifford, Centre, and Makepeace, Left half-back; Sharp (captain), Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Freeman, Centre, Young, Inside-left, and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. H. Poltitis, Manchester.
Everton Two up at The Interval
The Fosse won the toss, but Everton at once attacked through Coleman and Wright, and from a good centre Young headed wide. The Fosse retaliated, and Durrant was looking dangerous when fouled. Hubbard dribbled through prettily, but made a weak shot, but a good effort by Donnelly compelled Scott to concede a corner.  In midfield play Pollock got his head injured in a collision with Barlow, but there was only a brief delay. Webster, who only made his debut the previous week was again prominent for good tackling and the judicious feeding of his forwards which led to a further abortive corner. Everton by easy stages took play to the Fosse half, the finished passing of their forwards causing the Fosse defence considerable trouble. Starbuck, who was keeping goal in the absence of the amateur, Bailey, was at fault with a shot from Young, but Mackie cleverly retrieved the situation. Then, however, a free-kick was given against Goldie, and Sharp netted the ball with low drive, Everton thus drawing the first blood after quarter of an hour’s play. Leicester strove hard to equalise, but could make little progress against the visitors’ superb backs.  Freeman dribbled through the Fosse defence in magnificent style, and looked to have the goal at his mercy, but Pollock raced across and beat him in the nick of time. Directly after, following a free kick against Fosse, Young scored Everton’s second goal with a high shot. Fosse’s right were very persistent, Donnelly in particular making desperate efforts to break through the visitors defence, and once Freeman appealed for a foul on him in the penalty area, but the referee declined to accede to it. Twice Mackie was vigorously applauded for clever tackling, but there was no question that Everton held the upper hand. Ten minutes from the interval the home side set up a protracted assault on the visitors’ goal, but Everton's splendid back division stalled off disaster at the cost of an abortive corner. A brilliant tackle by Webster alone prevented Freeman increasing the visitors score, and later Mackie made another very fine clearance. When the Fosse had chances they spoilt them by sheer slowness in front of goal, but the visitors always packed their defence when danger threatened. Half-time came with the score; Everton 2. Leicester Fosse 0.
FREEMAN’S MISSES INCHES.
The Fosse began the second half in aggressive style, and though Durrant was penalized they maintained the pressure for some minutes. Play then went to the Fosse end, where Starbuck unnecessarily conceded a corner.  Fortunately for Leicester nothing resulted. Owen clearing with a clever kick. Later, Freeman missed by inches only when Sharp had centre.  The Fosse took up the running again, and free-kicks against Freeman and Makepeace kept Everton penned to their own half.   A weak kick by Makepeace imperiled the home goal again, but he recovered himself very cleverly, and averted disaster. Play fell off after this, but the Fosse quite held their own in field work, and there was not the disparity between the sides that marked the first half. Makepeace was winded, but speedily resumed. The home forwards did not lack sting this half, but Balmer and Macconachie were sound and had in front of them very clever half-back line. Everton’s work in front of goal was not always above criticism, as when Coleman shot wide from close range, and Freeman failed to find the net after previously drawing Starbrick out of his charge. A splendid shot from Turner provided Scott with one few opportunities of showing his skill. Following a free-kick against Clifford, Durrant planted the ball just over the goal-post, while Owen made a brilliant but ineffective header. In the end Everton were victorious, thus maintaining their splendid away record. Final; Leicester Fosse 0, Everton 2.

LEICESTER FOSSE 0 EVERTON 2
December 21, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
UNIQUE EVERTON.
ANOTHER "AWAY" VICTORY.
Everton have established a record for the season, of which the management players and supporters alike are justifiably proud. The "Blues" are the only club in the League, which can boast of an unbeaten "away" certificate. Until Saturday last they shared the honour with Blackburn Rovers. But, while the Rovers were vanquished by the United of Newcastle, the Evertonians visited Leicester and with consummate ease gained a victory over the Fosse by two goals to nil. Thus Everton's remarkable record. Before the end of the year they have only another match to play away from Goodison Park, and that is with Notts County on Boxing Day. It would be a pity if this were to prove their undoing. However, we have faith in the progress of the Everton team to maintain their unique record until at least the New Year is welcome. The performance in away fixtures are worth reading. Here they are: - V Woolwich Arsenal 1-0, v Bristol City 2-0, v Middlesbrough 3-2, v Liverpool 1-0, v Sheffield United 5-1, v Notts Forest 2-1, v Chelsea 3-3 v Bradford City 1-1, and V Leicester Fosee 2-0. Of the eighteen points at stake Everton have captured to and possess a goal account of 23 to 8. This is an achievement unequalled in modern League football.

A MODERATE GAME.
It was by no means a great game at Leicester, but at no time did Everton look like losing. As a matter of fact those who have followed the Evertonians this season –barring those early finascos against Woolwich Arsenal and Preston North End –have seen them exhibit such grand football that they are inclined to expect them always to be on the top of their form. The Sheffield Wednesday game was nothing like as good as that against the League champions, and so on. Saturday the play was nothing out of the ordinary –that is from an Everton point of view. But the Leicester crowd being accustomed apparently to class football found much to admire in Everton's work. They scarcely expected their favourities to win, and though they gave them plenty of vocal encouragement they accepted the situation like sportsman, and frankly –judging by what we heard in the stand –Everton's right to the spoil. There was a suggestion that both goals were of the lucky order. And there was some justification for the comments. The goals certainly were not of the brilliant description, which we have had served up of late, and both followed free kicks. The first was the direct outcome of a free kick from just beyond the penalty area take by Sharp. The Everton skipper spotted a opening in the Fosse armour and bang went the ball in that direction. Starbuck getting his hands to the ball without being able to divert it outside the net. Young soon followed with another goal, which ensued upon another freekick. This time after some skilful manipulation, Young shot in hard, and the ball striking the underpart of the bar, found the desired haven. Twenty minutes had gone, but there was no more scoring on either side, although Everton in particular had several good chances. On one occasion Freeman worked his way through, and appeared a certained scorer, but evidently thwarted by an onrushing defender. Leicester Fosse had more of the game in the later periods, but this was due not so much to any ability they made, but to the easing up tactics of the Evertonians.

THE PLAYERS.
In point of cleverness, there was no comparison between the two sides. The Evertonians did better on the narrow sticky ground than one anticipated. The defence especially was a revelation to the Leicester football public. Scott was so well covered that he had few calls upon him. Balmer kicked with judgement and tackled resolutely but MaConnachie was quite the outstanding back on the field. Alike in coolness and judgement he excelled himself and gave as fine an exhibition of left back play as one could wish to see. The halves had no great stress of work, and it was satisfactory to note that Clifford in the middle position improved upon his previous week's display. He did not loft the ball as much, and for the most part indulged in ground passes with nice discretion. There was no particular star among the forward line. Freeman failed for the first time in eleven matches to figure amongst the scorers, but this was through no want of attention on the part of his colleaguers, who afforded him openings which if he had been in form, would have been turned to account. There is this, however, to be said for him, that he was closely watched by the Fosse centre half, Webster, who for a second appearance in League football performed in very promising style. Leicester Fosse are not a good team. The latest display explains their lowly position in the League table. They want some forwards who can shot. Those who were doing duty on Saturday were hopeless when it came to put the finishing touch upon quite passable midfield play. Leicester Fosse were without their amateur goalkeeper, Bailey, but it would be unfair to suggest that his deputy, Starbuck, was responsible for the defeat. Teams: - Leicester Fosse: - Starbuck, goal, Hedley, and Mackie, backs, Pollock (Captain), Webster, and Goldie, half-backs, Dorset, Donnelly, Husband, Asowen and Turner, forwards. Everton: - Scott R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs, Harris Clifford, and Makepeace, half-backs Sharp (Captain), Coleman, Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Referee N. McNeil.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 NELSON 0
December 21, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 16)
Nelson accomplished a fine performance by playing Everton to a draw at Goodison-park on Saturday, the score being three goals each. In the initial half the Blues were immeasurably the superior team, but the visitors defence played a resolute game, and only two goals were scored, Bolton, and Couper being the executants. The second half opened disastrously for the home side, Balmer turning a centre by Gow into his own goal. Jones them scored the best goal of the match, shooting from the outside line into the far corner of the net. The game then turned in favour of the visitors, who attacked with vigour, and after a splendid run and centre by Gow, Buckley scored. Barlow equalising with a long shot just on time. Jones in the unusual position of outside right, was far, and away the best man on the Everton side, but he received little assistance from his colleagues. In the defence Rafferty was the most successful performer although he was opposed to the smartest wing on view. Becton and Gow were the most prominent of the visitors forwards, the latter player, by the way, being a local ma. Nelson had a strong pair of backs, and a capital custodian. Everton: - Berry goal, W. Balmer, and Meunier, backs, Pratt, Borthwick, and Rafferty, half-backs, Jones, Bolton, Couper White, and Lacey, forwards.

EVERTON 0 NOTTS COUNTY 1
December 26, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
LEAGUE LEADERS DEFEATED.
When the whistle went for "time" at Goodison-Park yesterday Everton's run of success had been interrupted most uncomfortably, and in the most exasperating been unbeaten, but against Notts County yesterday, though they had the bulk of the play, and most of the chances they lost by the only goal of the match. They were not defeated for want of trying, nor for want of skill in midfield. It was poor shooting and one fatal mistake by Scott that brought about the downfall. The game started briskly, and each side paid a visit to the other's end of the field. Then it seemed as if the Notts goal was going to be captured, for the visiting halves failed altogether to hold Sharp and White (vice Coleman, injured), and at close range the latter passed suddenly to Young, who screwed in a low, quick shot. The lengthy, Iremonger was taken by surprise, but just reached the ball and cleared. From this Notts were dangerous on the left, but not sufficiently so to give the home supporters any need for alarm. The County's forward work at this stage was sufficiently dashing, as, indeed, it was all, through the game, but they had not settled down to the nice combination they occasionally showed later on in the first half. Then came another tottering of the Notts goal and the crowd rose to great excitement. The incident commenced with a shot by White, and in throwing away. Iremonger, who had stepped just outside his goal was hustled over the line with the ball. From the corner kick Everton kept play for some minutes right in front, and then Balmer put to Freeman. The centre-forward was in a lovely position, and the chance was golden, but he shot high over the bar. It was the first of the series of mistakes, not to be it understood, all by him, but by others in the forward line, which continued all through the match. Before half time the County men had no occasional spell of pressure, but the bulk of the play was in the home side's favour.

COUNTY'S LUCKY GOAL.
Just after the interval there came the lucky goal which sealed the fate of the match. Notts were getting nicely along, but nothing serious seemed threatened, when Walker sent in a long shot. Scott stood in the centre of the goalmouth watching it, apparently thinking the ball was going wide, and the next second it was in the net. The whole thing was so unexpected that even Notts did not at first realise that they had scored, and the Everton supporters could only marvel at what had happened. The explanation probably is that a gust of wind caught the ball and turned it into the goal, but whatever the explanation, there it was, and Everton could do was to try to get level. This they did, but Notts have a great defence, and aided by a little luck, they held out to the end. There were at least two occasions on which Everton deserved a goal. Once when Freeman hit the post with a terrific shot, with Iremonger all the time completely beaten, and later Barlow hit the crossbar.

THE PLAYERS.
Almost all the Everton chances in the second half came from the magnificent play of Sharp, the one forward of the home brigade who did himself justice. Had it been possible for one man alone to break down the iron defence, he must have succeeded, and it was pitiful to see his work wasted time after time. The half-backs were good, Taylor, who appeared in place of Clifford, playing with all his old skill. The backs also were sound, though their kicking was at times a little at fault. With the exception of the one mistake. Scott's goalkeeping was equal to his great reputation. As for Notts, the game was won for them by the defence. Three men have rarely worked harder and to more purpose than Morley. Montgomeryt, and Iremonger. The half-backs were good, and of the forwards, Dean and Walker were the most conspicuous. Teams : - Everton: - Scott goal, R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs, Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace, half-backs Sharp (Captain), White, Freeman, Young, and G.H. Barlow, forwards Notts County: - Iremonger, goal, Morley and Montogomery, backs, Emberton, Cramp, and Craythorne, half-backs, Dean, Matthews, Cantrell, Dodd, and Walker, forwards. Referee F.H. Dennis.

EVERTON AT LEICESTER.
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton pursued their conquering march at the expense of Leicester Fosse, and whilst their 2 —0 win strengthened the Blues in their leadership, it served to push the Fossils into the ditch, or wooden spoonship. But the result also went to place Everton high and dry as the only League club of note in the land unbeaten on foreign soil for season 1938-9, Blackburn "away" record going astray on Tyneside. While glad to see Everton’s remarkable "away" performances thus left isolated, we would have preferred Blackburn delay that defeat, as their conquerors, Newcastle constitute one the Blues’ two most dangerous rivals for the championship.
Brilliant Blues
There was no question respecting Everton's superiorary at Leicester.  Fore and aft they were the better side.  Balmer and Macconnachie continued   their fine work in defence, the Scot being brilliant in the extreme. It is only just a year ago that Mac’s masters was on the verge of despairing that he would ever come up to the long-looked-for League team standard, after trying him in all three half back positions. He is a different MacConnachie today as a full back, however. Makepeace and Harris were again excellent, and I was pleased to learn that Clifford on his second trial proved a great advance upon the Clifford of the previous week. Freeman at the 11th time of asking missed the goal, but with Sharp and Young equal to “bulls” after weeks of weary waiting the void was nicely filled in.
Looking Back.
Everton can look back with almost unqualified satisfaction upon their sixteen weeks’ exploiting. If we substitute Bradford City for Bolton Wanderers and Leicester Fosse for Birmingham, Everton’s record to yesterday shows an astonishing gain of 15 points on the returns of last season’s corresponding matches! Thirteen of their first 18 have been won, whereas during the whole of 1907-8 season Everton only won 15 matches out of their 38 schedule fixtures. Can anything speak more eloquently of the wonderful strides made by the club which I was pleased to dub "Young Everton" in last August’s "F.F.” prospects of the season ? The development of such men as MacConnachie, Harris, and Freeman has been nothing short of remarkable, and to this fact as much as anything I attribute Everton’s wonderful advance in the League world.
The Players.
Scott has kept a brilliantly able goal on the whole, while Robert Balmer’s back play has improved almost out of recognition. Of Mac I have spoken. Harris, like Balmer, has now rare sheen like polish, whilst Makepeace has been simply superb throughout the piece. Of rare John Taylor it can be said that he is still good enough for many a fight; also that his unsparing endeavours went a long way towards building up a solid foundation in the earlier matches. Forward, Freeman has proved a revelation, for he savoured only of a clumsy centre last spring. He has a copyrighted style of centre forward play which has produced goals galore. Sharp and Coleman have constituted a tellingly forceful right wing, such as England might profitably rely upon, whilst the advent of Barlow as partner to Young happily solved the left wing problem at a critical stage. With men like Adamson, Clifford, White, Jones, Lacey, Etc., to fall back on, the end of Everton’s tether should not be yet awhile.  Of course, the club has been helped through the absence of serious injury to men, as the following attendances out of a possible 18 show;
Scott 18, R. Balmer 19, Macconnachie 18; Harris 18, Taylor 16, Makepeace 17; Sharp 17, Coleman 17, Freeman 18, Bolton 4, Donnachie 3; Dawson 3, Young 14, Barlow 13; Clifford 2; Adamson 1; White.
Goal-getters
Freeman 23, Coleman 10, Young 6, Sharp 4, Barlow 3, Taylor 1, R Crompton (Blackburn Rovers) 1; Total 48.

EVERTON’S PROUD RECORD GONE.
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908
By Richard Samuel
NOTTS VICTORIOUS GOODISON.
The two leading Merseyside clubs must really steer clear of Christmas morning kick-offs in the future. A year ago Liverpool were humiliated at home by  Chelsea, following an early start, and yesterday at noon Everton’s unbeaten 14 weeks record was quite unexpectedly checked by Notts County by 1 —0. It is remarkable that Everton's only failures to date should have been at home, and before a trio of clubs who depend as much upon force as skill. The weather was beautiful.  Notts were fully represented, but Everton lacked Coleman’s services, White again partnering Sharp. Taylor was in the half-back line again vice Clifford. During the first half Everton exerted by far the greater pressure. Scott seldom being tested. Everton’s attacks however, fell much below expectations, with the exception of Barlow. They were sadly lacking in enterprise and cohesion, whilst their tactics were ill wrong in hugging the ball closely against defenders of the robust Notts County type. Coleman was missed by Sharp, the latter seldom getting going, whilst Freeman, closely shadowed, did little beyond what was common-place. The Blues also finished badly near goal, and once Freeman when located almost under the bar., kicked a centre from Barlow wildly over. Young on one occasion, however, drew from Iremonger a great save. A weak goal kick by Scott nearly proved fatal, but the keeper compensated with a splendid save from Matthews. Dean also once got the better of Macconnachie very smartly, but his effort to-score went foot or two wide. To the interval Everton never raised much hopes of breaking down the opposing defence. The second half was only a few minutes old when Notts secured the only goal of the day, and it was one of the softest imaginable. Notts had a throw-in on the right, and the ball went to Dodd, who from inside left passed square out to Walker, who tried a long shot, to find it enter the net without Scott making the slightest effort to save. He must have expected Macconnachie to fall back and deal with the shot. Matthews followed with a fine shot, but from now onwards Scott behaved faultlessly. Everton were thoroughly roused, with the result that excitement raged, with the play alongside Iremonger. Sharp shot over when splendidly placed, after Barlow had admirably centred; and a little later Freeman crashed the ball against the post from another great centre by Barlow. Then the last-named struck the crossbar from centre by Sharp. Notts were undoubtedly having all the luck hereabouts. From this point the features of the match were Sharp's brilliant runs and centres and Iremonger's goalkeeping.  Freeman missed scoring twice, but Iremonger had to save sensationally from Sharp and Young in turn. After this Notts had a greater share of the game, Everton apparently losing heart at their repeated failures. Apart from Scott's one vital mistake, Everton's defence was all that could be desired. The halves all worked hard and well, but wrong tactics were adopted in attack. The inside forwards were at fault.  White was most disappointing, and showed poor judgment time and again. Freeman did next to nothing, and although Young worked hard the results were not commensurate. Iremonger in the second half was simply ubiquitous, whilst Morley gave a surprisingly fine show. The halves never spared themselves, and their reward came in the shape of the points. Forward, the tactics were more effective than usual, with Matthews an inside right of great judgment.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908

• Mackie is a warm favourite at Leicester, and was repeatedly cheered for his fine work against Everton.
• Freeman, Everton’s pivot and probably England’s, failed to find the net for the first time in the last ten weeks.
• Clifford showed his best form for Everton League team against Leicester, a repetition of which will keep even Taylor in the back ground.
• Everton only required the double victory over Notts County to equal their League wins for the entire 1907-9 campaign.  This would represent a stupendous advance, if it has materalised.
• The League’s finest defence was opposed to the League’s finest attack at Goodison yesterday.  Notts defensive record was all the more remarkable, because their team does not include any stars in defence.
• Everton and Notts County are fond of Christmas meetings.
• Woolwich have tried five centre-forwards, but as yet a successor to Freeman appears to be as far off as ever.
• It is in Everton’s favour, perhaps, that the Toffees have decided more out matches than either Manchester United or Newcastle.
• Everton and Manchester United, the present leaders and last seaosn’s champions respectively, were the only clubs to bag both points on foreign soil in the First division last week.
• Roose, it is said, likes to play with his Milton before him.
• Everton will have had to fight hard today, but then it’s Boxing Day.
• An Everton surprise –the Goodison Park team won by two goals to none, and Freeman failed to score.
• Everton’s directors and secretary must be written down as among the best judges of a footballer that we have.  The capture of Val Harris is a case in point.
• If Everton have managed to avert defeat at Nottingham they have achieved the marvelous performance of going through the opening half of the season without defeat, away from home.

EVERTON RESERVE V. ST. HELENS RECS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908
This match was played at Goodison before a good attendance.  Six minutes from the start Hamlett scored for the Recs.  Pratt received a blow in the face with the ball, but soon resumed.  St. Helens had the best of matters until Doig had to save from lacey.  Strettle cleared in fine fashion, when the Everton goal was in danger.  From the melee in the goal mouth Doig saved well from lacey, who had a good chance of scoring but shot wide.  Doig saved a hot shot from Mountford.  Another good chance was missed by Buck, who shot wide of the post.  Doig played a grand game in the St. Helens goal.  Half-time; St. Helens 1, Everton 0.
Following the restart Borthwick almost equalized.  Shortly after Wilding scored two goals in quick succession.  Midfield play followed the Blues having the best of it.  Evans cleared well from Dawson.  Clegg stopped an ugly rush in fine fashion.  Strettle was the better of the Everton backs; Final; Everton Reserve 2, St. Helens Recreation 1.

NOTTS COUNTY V EVERTON
(League—First Division.1)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908
 Notts’ win over Everton yesterday aroused tremendous interest in today’s return, and fully 18,000 people were present at Trent Bridge. Notts had Griffiths for Craythorne, and Everton played Stevenson and Clifford for Balmer (indisposed) and Taylor. Teams: Notts;- Iremonger, goal; Morley, right-back and Montgomery, Left-back; Emmerton, Right half-back, Clamp, Centre half-back and Griffiths, Left half-back; Dean, Outside-right, Matthews, Inside-right, Cantrell, centre, Dodd, Inside-left, and Walker, Outside-left.  Everton; Scott, goal; Stevenson, Right back and Macconnachie, Left-back; Harris, Right half-back, Clifford, centre half-back and Makepeace, Left half-back; Sharp, Outside-right, White, Inside-right, Freeman, centre, Young, Inside-left and G.H. Barlow, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. F.H. Dennis, Middlesbrough.
Hard Fight For Goals
Everton won the toss, but this conferred no advantage, there being no wind. Notts were the first to show in front, two determined attacks being made on the Everton goal, but it was early apparent that the game was going to be a strenuous one. Scott saved a great shot from Dean at point-blank range, and though he failed to hold the ball, he got it away before Dodd could reach it. Then Everton paid a visit to the other end, where Emberton kicked out in stopping Freeman, and Morley made another fine clearance. Freeman and Young headed another dash, but they kept the ball too close, and Notts were soon in front again. Matthews heading the ball in for MacConnachie to clear. Iremonger ran out to beat White in a race for the ball, and Dodd had a fine shot charged down when Notts retaliated. The ball went from end to end in the most exciting fashion, and Scott had another shot from Dean, to negotiate, while Cantrell sent wide when he had an opening. Play ran very much in favour Notts, and only Scott's agility saved the game on more than one occasion. The Notts back kicked in rare form, and the home right were far too lively for the opposition.  Dean again called upon Scott, who saved under great pressure.  At last Everton got going and the home goal had a very near squeak nothing but the sheer determination of the home backs keeping the visitors out, and when Notts delievened a fine assault on the visitors’ goal they were only held out by the weight of numbers.  The pace was not slackened in the least, and twice Everton were all but through, while on another occasion Sharp was pulled up on a very fine point of offside.   A free kick to Everton in front was of no avail, and Notts again came to the attack, only for Walker to be stopped by good defence, and then Stevenson checked another rush from the left, and then Morley ran from the centre to tested Scott with a hard long shot. Which Scott saved well, while Stevenson prevented on another occasion.  Interval; Notts County 0, Everton 0.
There were 25,000 people present on resumption and at the bottom goal the spectators stood right up to the touch line.  Play was delayed in consequence.  Everton were the first to make a move, but Sharp twice failed to get past Montgomery’s head was in the way, and White, who tried to get at it at the same time, was temporarily laid out.  Everton had a corner, but this came to nothing.  Hands spoiled an advance by Notts, but although Everton again got down, they did not shape any too well in front.  Still they did more pressing than in the first half, and had they been accurate in front they might have got through.  At last Notts raised an advance, and Scott was called upon but he saved finely from Dean and Matthews at close quarters.  The Notts goal had two very lucky escapes from Young and Freeman, and how Everton missed scoring was a marvel.  White and Freeman both missed chances.  Sharp shot behind, and White skimmed the bar with a fine effort.  Walker also finished weakly for Notts.  Barlow made a grand run and centre, but it was not improved upon.  Dodd shot an offside goal, and Everton then pressed to the finish.  Final; Notts 0, Everton 0.

GOSSIP FOR FOOTBALLERS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 26 December 1908
Goal Scorers—
As Everton have still half of their League programme to complete it seems quite clear that Freeman should, bar accident, set up an individual goal-scoring record, so far as First League football is concerned. This at present, we fancy, is claimed by Raybould, who, when with Liverpool in 1902-3, registered 31 goals, or only eight in advance of Freemans total up to yesterday morning. It is strange that Raybould should now he found at Woolwich - Freeman's former club. Freeman would no doubt be amongst the first to admit that the co-operation of his comrades has contributed largely to his outstanding in success shooting. It is one of the notormus evils of reckoning up goal-scorers that helpers do not get their due; but the ready retort to this is that the precision of the last man to touch the ball is the crucial factor. Granted, but there are many League players to-day who, if they were more selfish and shot oftener, would get many cheer, and perhaps also few extra chalks on the goal-getters' register. There were cases last Saturday where the work of the wings in every way, culminating in accurate centres, was worthy of all praise; but these men do not receive credit on the scorers chart.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL 3 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 26, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 17)
At Southport, before about 5,000 spectators. Central started, and within the first ten minutes Graham scored for Central. For half-an-hour play ruled even, and then from a pass by Dawson Jones headed through the home goal. Everton continued to press until the interval when the teams crossed over Centrel leading by two goals to one. In the second half Gates put in a corner kick with great judgement, and Berry tipped it the wrong side of the line. With the score three to one, Centrel looked certain of a win, but Jones scored from a penalty kick from a fault by Taylor, and then in the last minute, the same player put on an equalising point, and the match ended in a draw of three each. Everton: - Berry, goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs Pratt, Borthwick, and Rafferty, half-backs, Buck, Lacey, Jones, Bolton and Dawson, forwards.

NOTTS COUNTY 0 EVERTON 0
December 28, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
STILL UNBEATEN "AWAY"
Everton have completed engagement for the first half of the season and have still an unbeaten "away" certificate. This is, indeed, a performance upon which Mr. Bainbridge and his colleagues in the management, the players, the trainer, and all concerned are entitled to hearty congratulations. The curious fact is that where Everton have throwaway points has been at Goodison, park. There were those two inexplicable defeats in September, when Woolwich Arsenal and Preston North End prevailed and, of course the Christmas Day reverse, administered by Notts County. Singularly enough in each of the fixtures Everton failed to score. They did likewise on Saturday when their conquerors of the previous day could no more than share the honours of a goalless draw at Trent Brigade. It is worthy of mention that in seven successive engagements Notts County have only had one goal scored against them, and that was when Bradford City drew last Saturday week at Trent Bridge. There is no doubt that the County players meant if possible to spoil Everton's "away" record, and it was certainly through no lack of energy on their part that Everton did not concede both points.

NO GOALS.
The game attracted the largest crowd that has ever been seen at a football match at Trent Bridge. The ground is not calculated to hold comfortably more than about 20,000 people, but more than that number must have been present. So great was the crush outside that certain of the gates were rushed and spectators adopted all sorts of devices –dangerous or not did not seem to matter –in order to catch a glimpse of the play. Unquestionably the game was one of the most determinedly contested in which Everton have participated this season. In sporting parlance the Notts County men were "out for blood." In the first half they could claim an undoubted advantage. They simply tried to rush through the visiting defence. they were always looking for work, and the tactics of certain of their defenders, were by no means of a lady-like description. There was not such science about their methods, but they used their weight, and threw themselves into the fray, with wonderful enthusiasm. Fortunately, the Everton defence held out gallantly. They never lost their heads and no matters, how shots came Scott gave one the impression that he would never be beaten. His saves particularly from cantrell, Matthews, and Morley, were brilliant in the extreme. While Everton had the worse of the first half they turned the tables after the change of ends so much so that viewing the game as a whole, a goalless draw was a fair reflex of the proceedings. Both sides missed chances, and once the Notts goal had a marvellous escape. Young had banged the ball in and Iremonger was at fault. He dropped the leather, and just before an Everton man could get up Griffiths dashed in and kicked it out of danger. This was a relief to the Notts spectators. The energy of both sets of players was never relaxed to the final blowing of the whistle, which brought welcome relief to players whose stamina had been fully taxed.

THE PLAYERS.
As already indicated, Scott in goal was in his happiest mood. He picked up and fisted away in the manner of a\ born goalkeeper. Though MaConnachie was suffering from a painful injury to his foot he played a rare good game. His partner Stevenson –R. Balmer at the last moment was unable to make the journey to Nottingham through illness, -also acquitted himself most creditable. Ever alert, he anticipated danger, and though he made mistakes, his display proved to be a right back of merit. Indeed on one occasion his judgement in running across the goalmouth and taking the ball from Dean's toe prevented an almost certain score. The halves –Harris, Clifford, and Makepeace –were all good, the centre man continuing to show improvement. Young was the outstanding figure in the attack. Freeman was not as successful as usual, either in distributing the play or in his own individual efforts. Barlow, despite the close attentions of Emberton displayed wonderful pluck, and white was an effective partner to Sharp, putting in one of the finest shots of the match. Notts County certainly possesses a strong defence. With Morley and Montgomery in front of Iremonger one can understand the fact that the County have had fewer goals scored against them than any other club in the League. The team do not play a scientific game, but they never miss a chance of going for the ball. Hence their recent successes. Teams: - Notts County: - Iremonger, goal, Morley, and Montgomery, backs, Emberton, Clamp, and Craythone, half-backs, Dean, Matthews, Cantrell, Dodds, and Walker, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, Stevenson, and MaConnachie, backs, Harris, Clifford, and Makepeace, half-backs, Sharp (Captain), White, Freeman, Young, and Barlow, forwards. Referee P.H. Dennis.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 ST HELENS RECREATION 3
December 28, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 18)
Everton Reserves succumbed top St Helens Recs, at Goodison-park by three goals to one. At the opening the Glassmen displayed fine combination and dash. The game had only been in progress five minutes when Hamlett defeated Berry with a well-judged header from a corner taken by Cunliffe. This early reverse had a stimulating effect on the home team, and shot after shot was rained at Doig, but the ex-Liverpool custodian was not to be defeated. After changing ends the visitors had matters all their own way, and Wildman scored on two occasions. In the concluding stages of the game Jones got away and defeated Doig from close range. The feature of the game was the magnificent custodianship of Doig, the old international saving shots innumerable in his own inimitable style. Hamlett was also conspicuous in the defence, while Wildman proved himself to better marksman of the side. The home team exhibited very poor form, and with the exception of Lacey no player was worthy of mention. Everton: - Berry, goal, W. Balmer, and Strettell, backs, Pratt, Borthwick, and Rafferty, half-backs, Buck, Lacey, Jones, Bolton, and Dawson, forwards.

HUGH BOLTON LEAVES.
December 31, 1908, The Liverpool Echo.
EVERTON TRANSFER HIM TO BRADFORD PARK AVENUE.
Hugh Bolton leaves us this day, and tomorrow turns out for a new club. Everton having transferred him yesterday to Bradford Park Avenue, who have been really lacking a class forward. Hugh Bolton came to Everton at a critical moment. McDermott had been transferred, and the club could find no one to take the little dribbling teaser's place. All and sundry were tried, but it was of no use. Everton had to search elsewhere than Walton way for a suitable partner to Jack Sharp. Bolton fitted the position like a glove. I remember well the day he was signed on, nearly three years ago. Mr. Cuff had tried his pervasive powers effect upon the Newcastle United executive. The player, however, was playing billiards and positively refused to leave his game for anyone who was desiring his services. However, later on (I am not sure whether an other journey to the North was necessitated) Bolton decided to come to Everton to fill the breach, in which it may be mentioned. Harry Makepeace had been tried! He did fill it, and with immense satisfaction. His Newcastle style just suited Sharp, and praise was showered upon him, he helped Everton to win the Cup, against his old side, Newcastle United and has played many very bright and useful games for the club. His best scoring work was seen when the club played Oldham Athletic, "down here" (thanks to Settle's ninetieth minute miss at Oldham's charming ground). Bolton had a day out that day, and popped on three or four, the latter, if I remember rightly. He is small of stature, and has a capital idea of forward work. Latterly, however, he hasn't shown his best form, and once Coleman was signed on the inside right position was lost to the ex-Novocastrian. He was transferred to inside left, and there did much good work. This season he was crowded out again, owing to the excellent displays of "sandy " Young at inside left. Bolton manner causes no one to eavil, but his shooting hasn't enough boot in it.