Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON FACE OLDFASHIONED SIDE.
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 December 1914
Through adversity the Albion club have worked their way, and from the point of view of economic working I know of no Senior club to contend with the West Bromwich side. They seem to grow their players in and around the Black Country, and albeit once they tried to grow with the tide by signing a highish-priced player. That member let them down so badly that they have ever stuck their old-fashioned notion about players being " juniors some time of their career." The Albion is a lovable c'ub : its history makes fascinating reading, and its players have always been noted for fairness and grit. From the days of the long-trousered goalkeeper, Reader, who saved more goals by kicking the ball away than by handling the ball, and big Billy Williams, to the present time, the Albion has been well handled. In recent times they have been adept in making forwards into centre half-backs, Buck being a special case, and Bowser being the second trial that has turned out trumps. The Albion's visit to Everton to-morrow will be certain to draw well even though the kick-off is timed for 2.20. Everton'3 successes —big, complete, and without semblance of denial —against Sunderland and Wednesday show their calibre, and after the glut of goals locally during the last month I am curious see what happens to-morrow Walton. F.A. conference has said "Away with Internationals," but otherwise football must go as usual. Perhaps this verdict will bring back some who have stayed away. Teams for the marrow: (v. West Bromwich Albion).—Fern; Thompson. Fleetwood, Galt, Makepeace; Chedtaoy, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison.
EVERTON 2 WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1
December 7, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S LUCKY WI.
LAPSES OF ALBION DEFENDERS .
It has been said that West Bromwich Albion team play a totally different game when H. G. Bache leads the match. The Corinthian did not appear with the Albion side at Goodison, and the forwards were certainly weak, particularly in their opponents' goal area. Although Everton won by the odd goal in three, there was really little to choice between the sides, and the goals that gave Everton the verdict should have been saved by the Albion custodian, so that Everton's success was to some extent due to the lapses of their opponents. The game lacked much from a spectators point of view, although it was well and keenly fought. A blank first half was attributable to missed chances by both sets of forwards. Soon after the start Macconnachie failed to check the Albion right wing, and Bently hit the crossbar with a hard drive, Morris sending over the bar from the rebound. Parker was the next forward to fail, but it was really Pearson's skill that thwarted him, for the home centre outwitted Smith, and when right in front of the Albion goal, shot hard, Pearson fielding the ball, but the force of the shot almost compelled the custodian to drop it. Before the interval the Albion goal had another remarkable escape from downfall, for Pearson came forward to anticipate a shot from Parker, but he was a trifle late and the ball went soaring into the air and dropped into the Albion goal. Fortunately for the visitors Smith had taken Pearson's place, and kept the ball out with his head. Bentley retired with an injured knee, and took no further part in the contest. With the second half five minutes old, Clennell scored. Chedgzoy drove the ball goalwards almost from the touchline, and Pearson tried to scoop it away as it touched the ground, but Clennell was standing adjacent to him, and with a swift movement whipped the ball into the net. Six minutes later, Crisp, who was making his first appearance in First League football, equalised. Macconnachie ought to have stopped the movement as Poulton fought his way towards the Everton goal. Crisp joined issue with the Albion centre, and drove the ball against the foot of the upright and into the net. Then Pearson made his most costly mistake by failing to stop a long drive from Parker, the ball passing over the custodian hand's. The Everton forwards did many smart things, but they also missed many favourable openings, failing to clinch their good preliminary work. Clennell and Parker worked untiringly, and were the most successful of the line. The half-backs played an excellent game, Makepeace often-redeeming bad defensive work. Macconnachie improved after a bad start, and Thompson was vigorous and confident. Crisp, the seventeen-year-old youth, made a promising initial appearance, and Poulton performed creditably in the centre. The half-backs were not equal to the task of coping with the Everton forwards, and Smith was much better than Pennington, who was often beaten for speed. Pearson displayed ability in dealing with high shots and centres, but low shots often had him in difficulties. Teams: - Everton: - Fern goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Makepeace, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. West Bromwich Albion: - Pearson, goal, J. Smith, and Pennington, backs, Waterhouse, Bowser, and McNeal, half-backs, Crisp, Bentley, Poulton, Morris, and Bookman, forwards.
SOUTHPORT CENTRAL 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 7, 1914.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 13)
GALT AND PARKER OF EVERTON
Daily Record - Tuesday 08 December 1914
At the opening last night of the new Lorne Picture House, Cornwall Street, in which both -James Gordon, of the Rangers, and James Galt, of Everton, are interested, the latter, upon addressing full house, was given a cordial welcome home. Robert Parker, like Galt an ex-Ranger, was also present, the two of them having taken a run north for the week-end.
SOILDER BLUE TAIL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 December 1914
In another letter from hospital in Rouen, Private Clinton writes: I was wounded in the trenches. Somebody struck a conversation about football. Of course I joined in, backing up my old team the Blues. A few minutes afterwards something struck me in the shoulder. It was like penalty kick, and so I was knocked out of that conversation, just like Everton was knocked out of the Cup by Glossop. I won't say Everton is the best team again in a hurry.
TWIN PLAYER FOR EVERTON
December 12, 1914 Cheshire Observer
Harry Faulkner, the right full back of the Town Club has been selected to play for Everton against St. Helens at St Helens on Saturday. Faulkner is a Chester lad, and plays a splendid game.
• Thanks to Kjell Hanssen for this
MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 14, 1914.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 14)
At Hyde road in the fine weather. Both sides made changes, Everton started and Cartwright in the first minute, forced a corner, which was easily got rid of. Houston was placed in possession, with a lovely long pass from Challinor, but his centre went behind. Everton again returned to the attack, and a low centre by Palmer was headed away by Hall. The City, however, transferred the play to the visitors end, and Bromilow saved a great drive from A. Fairclought, and in doing so conceded a corner, which was well placed by Cartwright, and Peter well placed by Cartwright. Fairclough getting his head to the ball opened the scoring for the home team after seven minutes play. City continued to press the game, and Nuttall, which Simpson eventually cleared, conceded a corner. Following some midfield play, Houston got away on the right, but ran the ball out. Half-time City Res 2, Everton nil. Full Time Manchester City 2 Everton 1. Everton: - Bromilow, goal, Simpson, and Stewart, backs, not-known, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs, Houston, Nuttall, Wright, Howarth, and Palmer forwards.
EVERTON MAKE HEADWAY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP.
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 December 1914
It would seem that my selections for championship honours come a year too soon. Last season Everton disappointed greatly. This season they are moving ahead steadily, and will shortly be challenging the leaders for top place. The club has not won the chamipionship since 1890-91, when 29 points were efficient to gain the honour, and it is a blow that club of Everton's resources has so long been unable to take the Consistency Stakes. However, this season look likely to change the black-looking affair, and with it will probably come an interesting record, namely, Parker's excelling Freeman's rccord of 38 goals in a season. Parker, after Saturday's hat trick, stands at 21; therefore he is "of age." I would lay emphasis on the fact that he is "of age," and would remind him that players of that age should know that the retalister is the man who is generally seen by the referee. Parker kicked Hanney after the latter had hacked him, and with wide-awake referee and linesmen Parker would have suffered. Further, Harrison must not repeat the jump lunge that knocked out Hughes or there'll trouble for a decent fellow. Parker and Harrison played splendidly, and sense of sportsmanship is to that makes me give the black side as well as the bright side. I hope and believe Parker will pass the record score, for he is shooting dead on the target, and his dribbles in zig-zag fashion to goal are beating more than one set of defenders. Jefferis hasn't played a more virile game for weeks, and his work would have shown better results had Chedgzoy .refused to beat his man more than once.
A Find.
At half back Everton have ever been noted for strength, lines such as Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, Wolstenho!me, Taylor, and Abbott, and Harris, Taylor, and Makepeace being lines that backed a team admirably and prevented many goals against and ensured many goals for. Saturday the big line was lacking Fleetwood's and Makepeace's services, and Brown, from Cambushing, made a start in senior football life that, pleased everyone. He is only eighteen years old. yet is heady player, his game being of the Harris type. Wareing too, played a capital game and showed that he could stilly "go some" in his old berth.
MILITARY CENSUS OF FOOTBALL FOLLOWERS
December 15, 1914. Dundee Courier
Lord Derby's Attractive Recruiting Scheme
At a conference between Lord Derby and representatives of the Directorates of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs last night it was decided to put into operation an attractive form of recruiting amongst the followers of football, for reserve battalions, at the two big matches on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The scheme, which has he approval of Lord Kitchener, is for the presentation of postcards to eligible's attending the matches, on which they are requested to signify their desire to serve or to state reasons for not doing so. In this way, Lord Derby explained, a proper census of the position in regard to football followers would be obtained, and the accusations of lack of patriotism in this connection dealt with. The scheme was readily approved by football club representatives, who promised it every assistance.
EVERTON 4 MANCHESTER CITY 1
December 16, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S GOOD VICTORY.
GAME MARRED BY ROUGH PLAY.
PARKER SCORED ANOTHER “HAT-TRICK” (TWENTY-ONE GOALS FOR THE SEASON)
Notwithstanding the fact that Everton were compelled to make two important changes to their usual side. Makepeace, and Fleetwood being disposed they inflicted upon Manchester City the second and heaviest defeat the City have sustained this season. It was a pity that a good game should have been spoiled by an unnecessary amount of roughness and temper, which originated by a discreditable foul by a home player. Fortunately, the players saw the folly of their tactics, and during the closing half-hour the game was contested in a fair and strenuous spirit. Everton were unquestionably the better side during the initial half. The forwards adopted the right game, and although McGuire and Fletcher were a dour pair of backs, the Everton attack was a very forceful quantity. Clennell got the first goal after the game had been in progress three minutes, but the ball touched one of the City defenders as it felt Clennell's foot was deflected into the net. The City forwards were so weak during the half that the only shot that gave Fern the slightest trouble was a short-range effort by Taylor. Following the chance of ends, Everton opened vigorously, but the City were not disposed to take matters lying down, and rallied to such purpose that after Howard had equalised in eleven minutes, the City had rather the better of the argument, and looked to be good value for a draw. Even after Parker had again placed Everton ahead, Howard and Taylor both missed easy chances to score, but they never got another opportunity, as Everton took charge of the game from this point and pressed home their attacks vigorously and successfully. Parker's first goal, and the one that gave Everton the lead for the second time led to such arguments, and from the Press box it certainly looked as though Parker was offside when he received the ball. However, one of the linesmen acquiesced in the referee's decision and the goal counted. Parker scored two more goals, in fact in the last five minutes, thus again accomplishing the “hat-trick,” and bringing his total for the present season up to twenty-one. Everton were fully entitled to their victory, although there may not have been such a disparity between the sides as the score suggests. The great difference between the sides lay in the forwards for whereas the Everton attack was energetic and methodical, the City forwards seemed incapable of any combined effort. Clennell, Parker, and Jefferis displayed a perfect understanding, and this inside trio was responsible for the bulk of the pressure on the City defence. Harrison made some good runs until he committed the foul on Hughes, and afterwards little was seen of him. Chedgzoy attempted to beat his opponents two or three times instead of once, and generally lost the ball in the process. Brown, an eighteen year-old youth from Cambuslang, made his debut, in League football vice Fleetwood, and displayed much neat and effective work. The Everton defence was very reliable, and compared favourably with the rear division of the City, which was certainly the best part of the visitors side. Hanney was the pick of the half back line, and Taylor the best of a poor lot of forwards. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie, backs, Brown, Galt (Captain), and Wareing, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Manchester City: - Smith, goal, McGuire, and Fletcher, backs, Hughes, Hanney, and Brennan, half-backs, Cumming, Taylor, Howell, Browell, and Gaughan, forwards. Referee L. Hitchen.
ST MARY'S F.C.
December 19, 1914. The Cheshire Observer
The Saints had a very successful outing on Saturday, when they visited Dominion in a league match, and gained a capital victory by 2-0. They also did a good stroke of business in signing Wright, formerly full back of Everton and recently ex-captain of South Liverpool. He will play for St. Mary's today (Saturday), when Wirral Railway, the league leaders visit the Port.
• Thanks to Kjell Hanssen for this
ST. MARY'S F.C.
December 19, 1914 Cheshire Observer
The Saints' had a very successful outing on Saturday, when they visited Dominion in a league match, and gained a capital victory by 2-0. They also did a good stroke of business in signing Wright, formerly full back for Everton, and recently ex-captain of South Liverpool. He will play for St. Mary's today (Saturday), when Wirral Railway, the league leaders, visit the Port.
A TRIAL WITH BVERTON.
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 19 December 1914
Faulkner, the Town full back, gave good exhibition for Everton “A,” at St. Helens, on Saturday, and will probably have a further trial
EVERTON RESERVES 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 2
December 21 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. The ground was very heavy owing to the recent rain. Everton enjoyed a spell of pressure at the commencement of the game, but the first business like movement came from the visitors. Sladen winning through the Everton defence and passing to B. Smith who shot wide and Shields followed suit. Houston replied with good work, and Kirsopp headed over. Challinor drove strength, and caused James much trouble and Mclaren nearly put in a shot from Kirsopp through his own goal. Everton took corners, but these ensued little anxiety to the Huddersfield defence. Bromilow saved from Shields, but Sladen followed up, and scored. James saved from Palmer, and Shields shot wide of the Everton goal. The Huddersfield forwards combined well and were often dangerous. James saved smartly from Johnston. Subsequently the Everton attack fell flat halt-time Huddersfield 1 Everton Res nil. Commencing the second half Huddersfield were often dangerous. Shields hit the upright, and Sladen scored a second goal. Some time elsaped before Everton showed any promise, but eventually the wretched centre spoiled a good move by Palmer. The Huddersfield forwards combined well considering the slippery state of the ground, Bromilow on one occasion saved cleverly from Robertshaw. Wright scored for Everton, and Simpson missed a penalty kick, Wright scored a second, and the game finish 2 goals each.
Everton: - Bromilow, goal, Simpson, and Stewart, backs, Brown, Challinor, and Roy, half-backs, Houston, Kirsopp, Wright, Johnston, and Palmer, forwards.
CHELSEA 2 EVERTON 0
December 21, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON CHECKED AT CHELSEA.
Truly it is the unexpected that happened. The Evertonians had enjoyed such a long and brilliant sequence in the gathering of points and the getting of goals that a victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday was regarded by many as an almost foregone conclusion. We all know, of course, that in football, as in all other forms of legitimates sport, there are no such things as “dead certs,” yet “form” is a Known quantity of which due account must always be taken. And on “form,” Everton's chances of adding yet another scalp to their belt were of the rosiest decription. The fact that they were once more at full strength, while the Pensioners were without at least one notable player, was a great element in their favour, and even the heavy state of the ground was by no means inimical to their chance. Fortune, however, like weather, was in churlish mood, and nothing went right with the wearers of the blue jersey. On the general run of the game they were undeniably the cleverer side, and ought to have easily led at the turn. They were, however, one down, and though they maintained their superiority in the earlier stages of the second half they gradually permitted the Chelsea halves and forwards to settle down into effective methods, and seven minutes from the close a second goal from Freeman put the issue beyond doubt. The torrential downpour, which had lasted from early morning until an hour past the meridian, had laid the ground under an inch of water, and though this was partially drained off, it left the going very heavy. So sodden indeed, was the turf and so greasy the ball that one scarcely looked for a fast or even an exciting trial of strength. But those spectators who had dared to brave the elements were rewarded with a wonderfully smart and dashing exhibition, in which the brilliant footwork of the Evertonians was generally admired. Chelsea, however, were wiser than their opponents in at once adapting themselves to the treacherness conditions by swinging the ball about from wing to wing and trusting to haphazard shots rather than nicely-calculated efforts in front of goal. These tactics prevailed but, as we have already indicated, there could be no question as to which was the most polished and praiseworthy side. After once finding their feet, the visitors proceeded to a series of sharpshooting tactics, which must have culminated successfully, had Molyneux been less alert and Bettridge and Sharp less vigilant. Jefferis led the way with two shots that deserved a better fate, and Parker followed suit with at least half-a-dozen individual attempts to break through the home defence. Parker's persistence, indeed was quite one of the features of the match, but it was his over-anxiety that proved his undoing. From the first he was a marked man, and when had gained the better of Logan he was more often than not so blanketed –if one may use a yachting phrase –by the backs that his final efforts were rendered futile. Meanwhile the rushing methods of the home side were keeping the Everton halves and backs constantly on the run. Both the outside men, Ford and McNeil, put in a dangerous series of oblique centres, many of which were pounced upon by Thomson and directed towards Fern. After less than half-an-hour's play Chelsea got through. The movement started on the left, where McNeil swung the leather right across to Ford. The latter passed back, and Freeman shooting from close range, the ball glanced off Galt into the net. In the second period Everton were again the first to make the pace, and it was the scorers ill-luck that prevented them from equalising. Harrison, Clennell, and Parker, all experiencing the hardest of lines. The left wing pair were particularly unfortunate in finding Bettridge on the best defensive manners –otherwise some of their swify daisycutters must have found the mark. In the closing stages Chelsea again came away with a dash, and from a combined attack in front of Fern, Freeman, taking the ball from the ruck, netted a second time. Everton rallied desperately, but it was too late. Their spell of success had been broken. Fern, all things considered, kept a good goal, and the backs played well, though the home left wing gave both Thompson and Fleetwood a rare gruelling. The former was not infrequently in difficulties, but Fleetwood ploughed along with dogged pertinacity. Galt, as usual, exercised his breaking-up faculty on many occasions, while the judgement of Makepeace was always beyond cavil. We have spoken of Parker's great endeavours to add to his goal crop, and it only needs to be added that both wings gave us of their best, the left pair being the more brilliant. Without being at all a “first flight” team, Chelsea certainly rose to the occasion on Saturday, and though their victory was tinged with a certain amount of luck, it should not be begrudged them. Teams: - Chelsea: - Molyneux, goal, Bettridge, and Sharp, backs, Taylor, Logan, and Abrams, half-backs, Ford, Freeman, Thomson, Croal, and McNeal, forwards. Everrton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Makepeace, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Warner.
Will Everton cause their supporters smile to-morrow night?
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 23 December 1914
LORD DERBY'S CENSUS
December 26, 1914. Liverpool Daily Post
The directors of the Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs will take it as a personal favour if those receiving Lord Derby's postcards, who are unable to enlist by reason of their employment on Government work or from any other cause whatever, will not fail to return the postcard to Lord Derby stating their reasons for non-enlistment. If this is done Lord Derby, the War Office, and the public generally will know, what the club officials already know, that the few eligible young men who still partonise football matches have no right to be considered slackers, but that on the contrary there are legitimate reasons why they do not enlist, and that they are nevertheless working as well for their country's good as those who have enlisted.
EVERTON 1 BRADFORD CITY 1
December 26, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON SHARE POINTS.
BRADFORD SCORE THROUGH ICE BOUND TURF.
There was one redeeming feature of the Everton-Bradford City game at Goodison Park yesterday, it was the interlude when in wounded Tommy and a sailor went on to the field of play and dribbled in approved style. Even the referee was cajoled into joining in the fun, and the crowd of 18,000 spectators roared at the spectacle novel and really funny. As for the game or the play, well, truth to tell, the spectators got bored, though' they would be the first to admit that the players were not to blame, the ice bound turf being most awkward and dangerous. Shots were very rare and the players on both sides failed to take encouragement from Shepherd's goal three minutes from the start. Fleetwood had fouled Shepherd, who took the free kick and did not put any pace behind the ball. Macconnachie accompanied fern on the goal line, and everyone expected to see Fern pick up the slowly travelling ball. He was operating on ice, however, and the ball trickled through and started the crowd. It was a soft goal and showed that the goalkeepers were handicapped. Yet so strong a shot as Shepherd was not anxious to try long or short shots in the after proceedings. In truth Shepherd walked through the game, and after his lucky goal, was content to pass the ball out to the wings. Bond in particularly finishing the effort tamely. Bradford in the half-back line showed such skill, and Torrance was the best man of the day. His dashing was more sure than Galt's and his thirst for work was never quenched. It reads strange,. But it is true that the Everton goalkeeper had one shot put past him, one centre which he msthumphed, and for the rest was idle. Ewart on the other hand, was busy throughout, the first half, and kept a remarkable good goal, fielding the ball accurately and daring and doing throughout the “forty five.” He could not prevent Jefferis converting a corner from Harrison, through he made the forward take two shots before finally yielding. Considering the conditions, the game in the first half was capital; but afterwards the players risked nothing, and the proceedings simply became a kicking display. Chedgzoy and Jefferis paired well, but Clennell was the home side's best forward, and found time to do some rare good defencing work when necessary. One shot charged down was an almost certain goalfinder, and it was hard on Clennell that he event through without a goal. At half back Makepeace was the most skilled player, and he it was who kept Bond in subjection in speed and football. Bradford share a good side, and Shepherd is back to something like his old form-build and football ability. Although he did not overexert himself yesterday, it is plain he is playing better than his late. Newcastle day's McDonald was cute and drafty, but it was in the rear that the Yorkshire men held Everton tight. Boocock was a reliable back; kicking good lengths and tackling well, ands the half backs were rage stumbling blocks. McIlvenny being the artisle and Torrance the ever working and worrying pivot. Teams (referee Mr. A Warner) Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Makepeace, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Bradford City:- Ewart, goal, Campbell, and Boocock, backs, Hargreaves, Torrance, and MciLvenny, half-back, Bond, Fox, Shepherd, McDonald, and Marshall, forwards.
BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 4
December 26, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 16)
Everton Reserves gained a fine Central League victory over Bradford City Reserves at Valley Parade, yesterday by 4 goals to 2. Wright opened the scoring but Anderson and Grimsby gave the City the lead before the interval. In the second half Everton played much better on the hard ground keeping the ball down well and Houston (twice) and Wright scored for them. Houston played a fine game at outside right and the team fully deserved their victory, the conditions were all against clever forward play.
EVERTON RESERVES 4 BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 3
December 26, 1914. The Liverpool Football Echo.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 17)
At Goodison Park. Everton commenced very strongly and Roberts was mainly responsible for a great attempt on the Bradford goal. The first was after gaining a corner, and then he sent in a straight shot, which Mellor saved. A struggle in front of the City goal followed, during which Wright missed at short range, and Roy forced a further corner, the same player finishing the move by shooting wide. Bradford broke away twice, but Everton were soon clustering in front of goal Roy again shooting wide. For some little time Everton concerned their opponents, but suddenly Grimshaw dashed away on his own, steadied himself, and scored easily. Bromilow was in sore trouble for a while, but after he had saved splendidly from Anderson Everton broke loose and the ball was passed out to Houston from whose work Wright equalised. Kirsopp scored a second, Howarth a third, and Logan a second for Bradford. Interval Everton Reserves 3 Bradford City Reserves 2. Commencing the second half Bradford pressed hard for a few minutes, and then Kirsopp and Wright led the way into Bradford's quarters. Roberts shooting into Mellor's hands and Kirsopp putting the ball wide Roberts threatened his way down and centred, Wright scoring Everton's fourth goal. During the Bradford attack neither Grimshaw nor Storer had any luck, and a corner, forced by the latter gave no trouble. Grimshaw afterwards put the ball wide of the mark.
Everton's Triumph.
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 December 1914
It was a performance for Everton to beat Bradford City. Chedgzoy scored from inside right, .Jefferis at the time walking off the field through an injury. Everton had the satisfaction of inflicting the first League defeat which the Yorkshire club has sustained at Park Avenue this season. The contest may perhaps be best described as study in contrasted. In the first period Bradford City practically monopolised the attack. Time after time they stormed Everton goal struck the uprights and cross bar with flying shots, and yet failed to penetrate Fern's charge. The second half witnessed a complete change in the general scheme of things. The Evertonians, who had hitherto played the short passing game-pretty enough to watch, but ineffective—now opened out the game. A series of long swinging passes took them frequently into home territory and served to baffle the City defence. The backs were saved more than once by the superb work of the but halves but despite the achievements the two the Evertonians managed to get successfully through ten minutes before the finish. The goal was gained under somewhat curious circumstances. A halt had been called wing to an injury to Galt - who was seriously charged by Bond -and the referee restarted the game without noticing that Jefferis who was hors de combat. The latter was limping to the outside right position when Chedgzoy coming in got the ball and scored with a fast shot from a difficult angle. This set the seal upon Everton's success, and reviewing the game it was no more than their deserts.
BRADFORD CITY 0 EVERTON 1
December 28, 1914. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON IN FORM AGAIN.
CLEVER WIN AT BRADFORD.
Everton not only got the better of their two holiday engagements with Bradford City but experienced the additional satisfaction of inflicting the first League defeat, which the Yorkshire club has sustained at Park-avenue this season. In spite of a heavy and treacherous ground –a surface upon which the players occasionally slipped and floundered in the most disconcerting fashion-the game was throughout good one. It was fast and exciting, and provided a crowd, roughly estimated as elightly over 30,000, with a succession of thrills. The contest may perhaps be best described as a sturdy in contrasts. In the first period Bradford City practically monopolised the attack. Time after time they stormed the Everton goal struck the upright and crossbar' with flying shots, and yet failed to penetrate Fern's charge. This “ineffectual fire” was principally due to Shepherd, and his wings getting in their own way, and so falling upon each other's heels in the shooting zone that the Everton defenders were given time to clear. At the same time, full credit must be given to the custodian for dealing with at least a score of shots in the most handsome manner. The second half witnessed a complete change in the general scheme of things. The Evertonians, who had hitherto played the short pasting game –pretty enough to watch, but quite ineffective –now opened out the game. A series of long swinging passes took them. Frequenly into home territory and served to battle the City defence. The backs were saved more than once by the superb work of the halves, but despite the achievement of this trio the Evertonians managed to get successfully through ten minutes before the finish. The goal was gained under somewhat carious circumstances. A halt had been called owing to an injury to Galt –who was seriously charged by Bond –and the referee restarted the game without noticing that Jefferis also was hors de combat. The latter was limping to the outside right position when Chedgzoy, coming in, got the ball and scored with a fast shot from a difficult angle. This set the seal upon Everton's success, and reviewing the game it was no more than their deserts. Bradford City had failed to make hay while the sun shone in the first half –their opponents reaped the harvest in the second. As has been intimated, play was all in favour of the Valley Parade team in the first forty-five minutes. Shepherd led a distinctly dangerous quintet, and he and Fox both hit the woodwork on more than one occasion. The visitors found it extremely difficult to make ground, and for some time they were to all intents and purposes a negligible quantity. The change in their tactics in the second period was soon manifest. The left wing pair were a constant thorn in the side of Hargreaves and Campbell though to the former's credit be it said that he played a wonderfully fine game. In the closing stages there threatened to be a little roughness on the part of several of the players but though feeling ran high nothing untoward occurred, and Bradford took their beating in fairly good part. Fern added to his record for consistent good custodianship in keeping a clean sheet, though it must be admitted that Dame Fortune befriended him once or twice. Both the backs played finely, and the work of the halves, especially that of Makepeace, must be commended. Harrison and Clennell were the most conspicuous of the Everton forwards, in spite of the fact that the only goal came from the opposite wing. Parker strove valiantly, but he was too closely watched by Torrance to be dangerous except upon occasions. The outstanding feature of the City team was the fine work of the half-backs, who cannot be too highly commended. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Macconnachie, backs, Fleetwood, Galt (Captain), and Makepeace (Captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Clennell, and Harrison, forwards. Bradford City: - Ewart, goal, Campbell, and Boocock, backs, Hargreaves, Torrance, and McIlveney, half-backs, Bond, Fox, Shepherd, McDonald, and Marshall, forwards. Referee Mr. A. Warner.
December 1914