HARRISON LEAVES EVERTON.
December 1, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
LEFT WINGER TO PLAY FOR PRESTON NORTH END.
George Harrison, the Everton outside left, was the last evening transferred to Preston North End. He should prove a capable recruit for the present wooden spoonists, for he has been showing fine form with the Blues Central League team, and can deliver a powerful left-footed drive that can score without the help of the inside forwards. Coming to Everton a couple of seasons before the war from Leicester Fosse, along with Thompson a full back, who has now retired from the game, he has proved a most useful servant to the Everton Club. Prior to the signing of Troup he was the first choice for the outside left berth, but with the arrival of the little Scottish International during he lean days of last season. Harrison was relegated to the reserves notwithstanding a certain amount of popular clamour, for the player was always a favourite with the spectators. To an extent a player of Harrison's ability was wasted in the Reserves, and some time ago his name was connected with Manchester United, but it remained only a rumour.

GEORGE HARRISON
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 01 December 1923
Preston North Knd signed on George Harrison, the Everton and England international outside-left, yesterday afternoon. A native of Church Gresley, played for Gresley Rovers before passing to the Leicester club, and joined Everton in the summer 1913. He played for England against Ireland in 1922, but, with the advent of Troup last season his chances in the first team became limited. Still, Harrison is a fast and clever raider, possessed a powerful shot, and, standing 5ft. 8in., weighs 11st. 71b.

BLUES MUST THRUST.
December 1, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
BIRMINGHAM IMPROVING SIDE.
Everton match with Birmingham at Goodison Park should prove an interesting game for the visitors are improving weekly to the advent of Islip, the Huddersfield man who has proved an excellent partner to Bradford. The blues will be all out to avenge disaster at the Hawthorn last Saturday, it was too bad to be true, and it is quite that they will repeat last season's home result. Of course, McDonald, whose nose was broken last week, will be away, but Raitt by many competent judges to be the best back in the Everton side –will take his place. A great deal depends upon Neil McBain's to smother the elusive Bradford, but so to is the Scot been playing lately that no fairs need be felt on this score. The Blues need today is more thrust in the forward line, especially with the inside men Jack Cock unselfishness has been over done in recent matches, and a few more efforts would be greatly to the benefit of the team in general. The Birmingham rear guard is a bustling, vigorous combination, but is a suspicion of anno domini about it, which may prove a drawback in dealing with the wingers like Troup and Chedgzoy. Everton Fern, Raitt, Livingstone, Brown, McBain, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, Birmingham City: - Tremelling, Ashurst, Womack, Daws, Cringan, Barton, Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, Islip, and Clarke.

EVERTON TO WIN
Liverpool Echo, Saturday, December 1, 1923
By Stork
What a shock -Everton beaten 5-0. At first glance it read bad, but a further reading and an analysis of the conditions lessened the shock. With a full back off the field for two-thirds of the game they were unable to hold out before the West Bromwich attack. Is it to be wondered at? Liverpool will not readily forget the Birmingham sides, for we were expecting a double, instead of which we only got a double beating. Another Midland side are visitors to-day. What is to be our fate? Birmingham, with their Bradford, voted by many to be England’s centre-forward for many international matches to come, are doing badly. Bradford is undoubtedly a rare-good leader, and McBain will have to be on his mettle to cope with his opponent. Personally I think McBain equal to the task; and further, I think Everton capable enough to account for Bradford and his colleagues. Birmingham in late weeks have shown signs of improvement, but are still a long way behind the true form of the Evertonians- a difficult team to defeat at Goodison park, where few have come and conquered. McDonald, through his injury last week, stands down for Raitt. That is the only change from the previous week. Everton have my confident vote.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 1, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton’s luck has been dead out in their last two 2out” matches. Defeats of 4-0 and 5-0 in succession are almost without precedent so far as the resourceful Goodison club is concerned.
• McBain was the Toffees’ outstanding performer at West Bromwich.
• Irvine has had no more success than Cock as a scorist this season.
• Saturday’s “double” reverse was the first of the season as far as Everton and Liverpool are concerned.

HOYLAKE v.  EVERTON “A”
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 1, 1923
At Hoylake. Hodge missed an open goal for Hoylake in the first few minutes, and Cowie made a similar weak effort. Nelson centred, but the movement came to nothing. Everton improved and Forrest centred for Houghton to head against the crossbar. Everton continued to attack, and Houghton again struck the crossbar with a fats drive. Offside spoiled Everton on two occasions. Lawson saved from Kelly at one end, and after Hale had secured a shot from Forrest the latter forced a corner which was placed behind. Nearing the interval, neither side had scored.

COCK HAS NODDING ACQUINTANCE WITH GOAL
The Liverpool Football Echo -Saturday, December 1, 1923
“BEE” DESCRIBES BIRMINGHAM’S OLD FAULT OF FAULTY FORWARDS AND TROUP’S SWIVEL SHOULDER
EVERTON WIN 2-0
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Daws, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, Islip, Clark. Raitt for McDonald was the only change in this game at Goodison Park, McDonald having broken his nose last week at the Albion ground. Birmingham, having done well against Notts County’s sturdy defence, hoped for a continuance of at least a point. Birmingham, who played in white jerseys and black knickers, started with an over-dose of passing, and thus let in Livingstone, who made a tricky dribble to beat Harvey.
BRILLIANT DEFENCE
Thereafter came the surprise packet, McBain cleverly dispossessed his opponent and let in Cock, who hit a sharp low drive that led Tremelling to save by throwing himself at the ball. The Birmingham goalkeeper turned the ball a matter of four yards out of goal, and when Chadwick steadied himself to fire into what was an undefended goal, the spectators got ready to shout, only to find that Tremelling had effected a fine catch. Everton kept up the pressure for some time, and after Irvine had been just over the bar Chedgzoy went near, and from a free kick for a foul on Chadwick, taken by himself, although Birmingham covered their goal well, it looked odds on a goal when Chadwick hit one of his own specials with the “dead” ball. The ball rose a matter of knee height, and Tremelling caught the red hot ball; and although he released his grip for a moment, the save was a capital one. The Birmingham defence continued to find the opposition harassing and Cock got a surprising openings, but applied some pull to the ball. Incidentally, it should be mentioned that Harrison, the Everton player, who was signed on by Preston yesterday, was a spectator to-day.
Play was interesting considering the ground was sticky, and although Everton enjoyed the majority of the attacks, Birmingham were pretty sharp in their forward movements with the exception of Harvey, who does not get under way very quickly. Clark was near with a lobbing centre, and Daws made a drive which caught Fern unsighted, yet the Everton man cleared his lines.
TREMEMLLING ONCE AGAIN
There followed an exciting chapter when Chadwick fell, and rising in a laboured manner, he hit out as though in a temper and his shot went like a gun shot, and Tremelling once again kept the ball out of goal, even though he had to field it twice before he could get it away. Irvine, when in front, could not shoot instantly, and thus was a good chance lost. Following this came the case of Bradford, who broke through and hit a dangerous centre that one looked for a goal, only to find the conditions beat the Birmingham man. He fell, and a good chance went astray. Raitt startled everybody by opening from the half-way line and making Tremelling save; and Troup, who, like Chedgzoy, had not been over-prominent, gave Tremelling another good chance of shining, and when the Scotchman bumped into Ashurst he put his shoulder out for the second time this season.
A SWIVEL SHOULDER BLADE
He has often had this trouble, and he was off the field for a few minutes receiving attention to a shoulder blade that would seem to work on a swivel. Birmingham made two dangerous raids, the first when Brown did not pass back with sufficient sting and make allowances for a tricky goal area, Bradford pushing the ball between Fern’s legs, and being disappointed to find that the ball had travelled out not more than six inches. The second was when Crosbie, for once in a way, got in a shot.  Chadwick was caught on one leg with a full shoulder charge, and a cry for a penalty was a sin because it was an honest and straightforward charge. Birmingham had a good innings before the interval, and Harvey, who was one of the tourists to South Africa with Longworth and Bamber, did some dainty work that gained him applause from the local spectators.
COCK’S NODDING TRICK
However, at the 41st minute Cock headed a goal. He has headed more goals than any centre forward in the land, and he got his chance to do the nodding trick through Irvine and Chedgzoy changing places. The interchange was successful, because Irvine from the outside right position was able to make an unfettered centre, and Cock instantly directed it with his head into the left-hand portion of the goal.
Half-time; Everton 1, Birmingham 0
In the second half Chedgzoy hurt his knee and went to the line for a time, and Fern picked up rather cleverly when pestered by Birmingham attackers. Birmingham’s attack has for many years been below standard, and to-day the Everton half backs held them without much trouble. Islip, the ex-Huddersfield man, does not seem to have mended the faults, and considering that the Midlanders have a useful half-back line and a reliable defence, it seems a pity that they cannot find forwards who will move to some purpose.
A PLEASURABLE CONTRAST!
Certainly the Birmingham backs made one blunder just about now, and Womack, passing back, was quite out of his reckoning. However, Womack kicked away when on the goal-line and thus prevented Cock getting his second goal. One of the pleasures of the day was the duel between big Dawson and little Troup. Troup was naturally careful about his shoulder, but his heartiness was, as ever, a prominent portion of his play. Cringham, Birmingham’s new centre-half, is a likely young lad with height, strength, and a sharp tackle, as well as a good feeding power.
EVERTON’S QUEST.
I have news from my listening-in that Everton went to Ireland last night in quest of a defender. I have information also that Everton are in negotiation for a man near home who has made a big reputation in Lancashire. Play went very tame until Bradford ploughed through the defence and had the pleasure of seeing two defenders on the floor charging each other, and when he passed back to Crosbie he did the wisest thing possible, Crosbie, for the second time, loftedover the bar, and this movement so shook up the Everton fellows that McBain went in on his own and made a fine drive that was a matter of inches from getting goal number two. Chedgzoy and Barton met at close grips, and the Everton man was tripped, and arising from that Chedgzoy had a chance of scoring, but after tricking Womack he did not properly get hold of the ball, which spun out of the goal area. Irvine, who wound up the first half with a good effort, now tried a shot, to which Tremelling dived all too quickly, and the ball hit his body and went for a corner, which came to nothing. The dull light and the dull game led to some of the 26,000 people leaving before the finish. Hart, who had played good football all the way through, was injured, and Crosbie once again failed to test the goalkeeper from a reasonable position.
TREMELLING AS HERO.
Tremelling saved Birmingham a heavy defeat, and his late-on catch from Troup showed hi sure fielding. Chedgzoy, although hurt and gaining a free kick against Barton was sportsman enough to help up a Birmingham man who was also hurt. Hart scored for Everton after 89 minutes.
Final; Everton 2, Birmingham 0.

THE USUAL
The Sports Argus, Saturday, December 1 1923
BIRMINGHAM WELL BEATEN AT GOODISON PARK
TREMELLING EXCELS
By “Old Blue”
Having shown improved form in recent matches, it was hoped that Birmingham would rather in another useful point as a result of their visit to Goodison Park to-day. Birmingham relied on the same side as that which drew twice with Notts County, but owing to the injury he sustained at West Bromwich a week ago, McDonald was unable to take his place in the Everton team.
The teams were as follows;-
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Daws, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, Islip, Clark. Referee; Mr. Bunnell (Preston). About 15,000 people were present when Birmingham kicked off against the wind. Everton were the first to press, and it was only brilliant work on the part of Tremelling that stopped the home side from scoring. Cock got past the defence but Tremelling fisted out his shot and Chadwick was left with an open goal. Tremelling, however, brought off a magnificent save, and when next the home side pressed, Irvine shot high over. Birmingham twice attacked without causing any harm and Everton continued to have the better of matters, but Irvine shot over from long range. There was a free kick against Birmingham near the penalty line and Tremelling brought off another beautiful save under difficulties. He was undoubtedly the saviour of the Birmingham team. The home team played smart football, and were very quick in taking advantage of opportunities, Troup being smart on the wing. He got in a couple of clever runs and the visiting defence was fortunate to get rid of both of his centres. Cock shot yards wide when he was in a good shooting position but there was no doubt about the superiority of the home side in the early stages. Birmingham’s only raid of any account resulted in a corner and from this Harvey shot into the hands of Fern. After this effort Birmingham livened up for a time and twice Fern was called upon to clear his charge, though on neither occasion was the home goal in serious peril.
EVERTON ON TOP
Everton played the better game and were a far more dangerous combination than the visitors, Tremelling bringing off another brilliant save from Chadwick. The home side appeared in a very merry mood and they certainly carried out their raids in a convincing style, their passing being always accurate and smart. After several Hard raids had been beaten off by the visiting defence a long forward pass gave Bradford his opportunity, but after he had passed Raitt he had the misfortune to fall and the other back cleared easily. Birmingham made a gallant raid through the enterprise of Islip, and Bradford kicked the ball between the legs of the goalkeeper, but the ball went wide of the post. Birmingham’s attacks were few and far between, and most of the excitement was seen around the visiting goal, which fortunately was ably defended by a stout pair of backs and a most stylish goalkeeper. During the temporary absence of Troup who injured his hand, Birmingham again livened up and made a couple of strong raids on the home goal, but they did no more than force a corner. A beautiful bit of work by Crosbie set Harvey going, and the wing man made full use of a pass, his centre enabling Crosbie to have a shot at goal, though Fern was not seriously challenged. The play of the home side fell off to a considerable degree, and the Birmingham defence did not have so much difficulty in getting rid of the Everton attacks, which in the early stages had caused serious anxiety. Everton still remained the better side, and it could not be said that Birmingham did themselves justice, although one bright raid produced a corner from which Davis had a shot at goal. Bradford was the most troublesome of the Birmingham forwards but he did not get any real openings and had a very close guard in McBain. Islip and Crosbie rendered him all the assistance they could, but Clark did not make good use of his passes, and was beaten every time by Raitt. Fortunately, Birmingham’s defence served the side well, and it was due mainly to their fine work that Everton were held out so long. At the end of 41 minutes, however, Irvine got a clever centre, and COCK headed into the far corner of the net, giving Everton the lead their play merited. Half-time; Everton 1 Birmingham 0.
The spectators gave Tremelling a big cheer after the interval, and Birmingham made a good attack on the right, and as a result of which Harvey put in a fine pass, but Raitt got the ball away just in the nick of time to stop Bradford. Birmingham’s advantage was not of long duration, and Everton soon attacked again, Womack giving a corner to cover up an error his partner. The kick was well place, and Cock turned the ball towards the corner of the net, but Womack, standing on the goal-line, kicked the ball away, effecting a clearance. It was a narrow escape for Birmingham, who found the home team too good for them. Most of the play continued in the region of the visitors’ goal, which was fortunately well guarded, especially by Womack. Crosbie made a beautiful solo effort and when he was tackled he only out the ball to Bradford, who returned it to the inside right. With his shot Crosbie came very near the mark. Everton, however, continued to have the better of matters and when McBain got a chance he sent in a terrific shot that was perilously near the goal. Chedgzoy then attacked, but when he got close in he sent the ball tamely outside. There was no doubt about the superiority of Everton and it was only on very rare occasions when Birmingham displayed anything like their true form in attack. Tremelling made brilliant saves from both Irvine and Cock, but as the game progressed the play degenerated and failed to produce anything exciting until Crosbie missed equalising by a very narrow margin. Everton remained the better side throughout and three minutes from the end HART put in a shot which went off a Birmingham defender into the net.
Result; Everton 2 Birmingham 0. 

EVERTON 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 0
December 3, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
ST. ANDREWS DAY WAS OVER.
THEIR PATRON SAINT FAILS BIRMINGHAM .
By Adams.
To Paraphrase W.S. Gilberts: -
Both of the teams were strong and stout.
And, considering all things, clever.
And as to the result: - of that there was no possible doubt,
No possible, probable shadow of doubt.
No shadow of doubt whatever!
The analogy between the game at Goodison Park and varoy opera might be carried still further, for it was a capital entertainment, with a stirring curtain to the end of each of the two acts. Cock scored a goal two minutes from half-time, and Hart scored a lucky one just on the final minute, the Blues just wining by two clear goals.
TWO IN THE GLUE.
It may be written that Everton deserved to win by a greater margin, for the game, with a few moments;' exception, was theirs through out, and had the surface of the field been less glue-like, and Tremelling less agile, more goals would have accrued. Still, "considering all things," it was a fine victory, and Jack Cock's point will act as a tonic to him just when it was most needed. The men from St. Andrews have quite a good side, but their defence is greatly superior to their attack, even with the great Bradford as leader. The coming International was wonderfully well held by McBain, and if these two, as is quite likely, meet in the England-Scotland game the fur should fly in earnest. Bradford is a fine centre, but he cannot carry his side on his own shoulders. He received little support from Islip and Crosbie, while both wings, Harvey and Clarke, were either hampered by the bog or were physically too slow. Cringan, the centre-half promises to make a good pivot, but Daws is inclined to "rough it," and should be told to moderate his transports. Womack and Ashurst kicked a heavy ball very well, while Tremelling was time and again the saviour of his side.
A FINE TRIO.
It there be a better half-back line in England than Everton's at the present minute, I have yet to see it. All three men dominated the play throughout, and Hart was in rare form. Raitt played a forceful and resourceful game in place of McDonald, and Livingstone improves with every match. Fern had a holiday. The front five showed a refreshing tendency to shoot often and hard, and the ball was slung about in quite a novel way for Goodison Park. Chedgzoy was in the wars, and so was Troup, but both produced high-class football. Cock was entertaining in circumstances alien to his liking while Irvine and Chadwick deserved better luck in first-time efforts. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Ashurst, and Womack (captain) backs, Daws, Cringan, and Barton, half-backs, Harvey, Crosbie, Bradshaw, Islip, and Clarke, forwards.

CENTRAL LEAGUE.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 03 December 1923
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN v. EVERTON
The visit of to Leeds Road on Saturday attracted 2,500 spectators, and a interesting game ended well-merited victory for the home team. Huddersfield were the superior force and Brown gave them the lead after 13 minutes play. Everton's spasmodic attacks brought an equaliser before the interval, Swindells netting from close range. In the second half strong and persistent attacks by the home forwards resulted in Brown adding further two goals. Everton's front rank was subdued by the capable defence of Cawthorne and Gray, and Boot, the custodian, held what waa practically a watching brief. Huddersfield's success was largely due the virile raids initiated by Richardson and the opportunism of Brown at centre forward. A. W. Smith was the most successful of the half-back trio. Result : Huddersheld Town 3 goals; Everton 1 goal.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 3, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Reserves were well beaten in their match at Huddersfield. The home team were thoughout the game more aggressive, but the Everton defence was sound and effective. Harland played well in goal and repeatedly saved his side by excellent anticipation. The half-back line was only moderate, and Williams was the most virile forward on the Everton side. Brown completed the "hat-trick" for Huddersfield and Swindles scored Everton's consolation point.

EVERTON’S SKILL
The Athletic News- Monday, December 3, 1923
FIERY ORDEAL THAT CAME TO TREMELLING
BUSY CHADWICK
EVERTON 2 BIRMINGHAM 0
By Junius
FOLLOWING upon their heavy defeat the previous week, Everton resumed their winning ways at the expense their visitors from Birmingham. It was a cheerless sort of game, for the nicer points of play were practically confined to one side, and that not the combination from St. Andrew's. The Midlanders throughout were fighting a losing battle against a cleverer, more combined team, and had the score recorded against them been more pronounced it would not have been against the general run of the play. The most thrilling incidents were crowded into the first three minutes of the game, during which Tremelling bore a charmed existence, saving shots when his position seemed hopeless. Cock levelled the first, which the Keeper kept out by throwing himself full length, and scarcely had he regained his feet than Chadwick, five yards out, drove in at terrific rate, and again from a free kick just outside the penalty line, hut all came alike to Tremelling.
In Splendid Form.
The Everton forwards during the earlier stages were in splendid form. They kept the ball on the turf, passed accurately, and generally had the full measure of the opposition. Every movement suggested peril to the Birmingham goal, and the Midlanders’ defenders were kept busily employed. Chadwick and even Raitt, who returned to the right-back position owing to McDonald s injury, made great efforts to reduce Tremelling's charge, but it was not to be. Having survived the heavy onslaught, Bradford became the danger carrier for the visitors, and on one occasion made much ground, only to be beaten the slippery turf when he appeared to have made a promising position for himself. He opened out the play with swinging passes, but his colleagues did not respond, especially from the wings, where Harvey was on the slow side, and Clark rarely got in a telling centre. I have not seen weaker forward play on Merseyside this season than that served by Birmingham in this match. They displayed a sufficiency of energy, but it was misdirected, and they had not the ability to exact quarter from the Everton half-backs.
CROSBIE’S CHANCE
Even with the breeze behind them in the second half of the game, Birmingham were in difficulties, but there was one occasion towards the close when Crosbie had a glorious chance of scoring when Fern was unprotected, but he maintained the even tenor by driving ridiculously wide. Everton certainly had earned their goal, which was delayed until the fortieth minute of the game. Chedgzoy and Irvine had interchanged, and, on the Irishman lobbing the ball to the centre, Cock nodded it quite out of the reach of Tremelling. Only a couple of minutes were left for play, when Hart, well out, drove in a ball that Tremelling anticipated, only to find that Womack was in the line of flight, and it was deflected slowly into the net. Foothold was difficult, for the turf was on the soft side, yet the Everton forwards impressed bytheir dainty footwork, though their qualities were discounted by the fact that they did not employ more direct efforts towards goal. Only Chadwick appeared to have a shot in his boots, and in his eagerness he was frequently in the centre position. Chedgzoy and Irvine contributed much good work, and Troup had quite a lively time at the expense of Daws. For the second time this season the diminutive Everton wing player had to leave the field owing to his shoulder blade being displaced, but it was quickly put right, and he was absent but few minutes.
A MASTER MIND
The Birmingham forwards were well held by Everton’s middle line, in which McBain was the master-mind. He was flanked by able interveners in Hart and Brown, who excelled in placing the ball to useful purpose. Barton was the most successful the Birmingham middle line, but, like his colleagues, he was kept so busily employed in arresting Everton’s forward movements that constructive play did not soar to any great heights. Raitt and Livingstone were not overworked. but there were times when both overkicked their forwards. Ashurst, like Daws, gave a weak display, for both were bent on finding touch on the least sign of Troup coming their way. Womack put up a stubborn resistance, but all Tremelling was the one man of the side, for he stood between Everton and a big crop goals. Everton.—Fern; Livingstone, Brown; McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, Birmingham. –Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Daws, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, lslip, and Clark. Referee: W. F. Bunnell. Preston.

TREMELLING, THE HERO
The Birmingham Gazette, Monday, December 3 1923
GOODISON NOT HAPPY HUNTING GROUND FOR “BLUES”
EVERTON WIN AGAIN
By Forward
EVERTON 2 BIRMINGHAM 0
Goodison park has not been a happy venue for Birmingham since they returned to the First Division, and for the third year in succession they have met with defeat by Everton, who undoubtedly deserved the points in the latest encounter. Except at very rare intervals Birmingham failed to find their best form, and never shaped like a successful side, two or three weaknesses being manifest all through the game. The attack never got going into its proper stride, and it was only the capital defence exhibited by Birmingham which saved them from a more decisive defeat. The hero of the match without question was Tremelling. He played a wonderful game in goal and negotiated the whole of the shots put in by the Everton sharp-shooters with a confidence that compelled the admiration of the 25,000 people present.
STYLISH CLEARANCES
They repeatedly cheered his stylish clearances, and he well deserved their approval. Right from the very start the very start the home forwards set a pace that was at once convincing, and they were very deadly in their shooting except on two or three occasions. Each of the inside men sent the ball in the direction of the net at the very first opportunity, and the shots had plenty of power behind them, but Tremelling was never found waiting. The only one that beat him was just before the interval, when Cock sharply flicked the ball into the net from Irvine’s pass, and the goalkeeper had no possible chance. The form shown by Birmingham’s goalkeeper this season certainly deserves some recognition from the selectors.
WELL-SERVED IN DEFENCE
But Birmingham were particularly well served in defence on this occasion. Womack played another great game and displayed masterly judgement in checking a very smart opposition, while Ashurst did quite creditably considering the pressure he had to face, though he was none too confident against Troup.  Daws was not up to the standard of the other two half-backs, and was quite unable to restrain his wing, but the other two half-backs, notably Cringan got in a lot of hard work, often under difficulties. The centre-half was equally effective in attack and defence, and he covered a tremendous amount of ground in smashing up the well-planned raids of the lively Everton forwards. Though he had a tremendous lot to do the young player never tired and quite late in the game always kept well up with the attack.
POWERFUL HALF-BACKS
Everton were undoubtedly the better side. They were admirably served by a powerful set of half-backs, and their forwards made every possible use of the openings, invariably using a great deal of skill in working their way goalwards. Birmingham forwards were off colour and did not appear to be able to settle down to anything approaching their form shown in the previous three games. Clark was again poor on the left wing and failed to make any use of the passes offered him by Islip, who was quite effective and forceful in all he attempted. Once again Bradford was not permitted to reveal his true qualities as a leader, but Crosbie showed his usual ingenuity in opening out the play and came nearest to scoring for Birmingham. It was by no means an exciting game, Everton went off at a rare pace and made several dashing attacks in the early stages but their subsequently work, though clever was not so forceful and dangerous as in the first quarter of an hour. Still they were a hot lot top deal with and always held the advantages being a much more skilful attack than that presented by Birmingham. Their second goal almost on time, was a very lucky affair, Hart sent in a hot shot and Tremelling dived to clear it, but the ball hit Womack on the shoulder and while the goalkeeper lay helpless on the ground the ball trickled over the line. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Daws, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Crosbie, Bradford, Islip, Clark. Referee; Mr. W.F. Bunnell (Preston).

WHY BIRMINGHAM LOSE
The Liverpool Echo Monday December 3, 1923
Bee’s Notes
A lot of Birmingham teams have come to Merseyside in their time, all afflicted with Heathenitis. There was a time when in turn they fielded forward like Bob McRoberts, F. Wilcock, Leonard, W.H. Jones, and now Bradford; in fact, they have never been seriously troubled about a centre forward; but they can’t find the blend in attack, and their wing work has been a misnomer for a long time. Yet they go on playing men who can’t shoot, and whose easy grace is one thing, but whose unfailing futility in front of goal is another thing that should not be looked over week after week. Islip does not seem to have mended the matter, and I think it is time they found wingers better than Harvey and Clarke. They have certainly found a good lad in Cringan, brother of the Sunderland man of years gone by, and the wing half backs are all right; defence ditto. But the forward work of the side has been chronically bad for a generation. Even Bradford was blotted out on Saturday-and he is a centre forward; strong, swift to move and shoot, and capable of much feinting for position and for constructional measures. Of course, in condemning the Brum forward line I am at the same time sort of casting stones at the Everton half-backs and backs. Well, they can take care of this criticism. The opinions I have given about the half-back line stand to-day, just as they did weeks, aye, months ago. Livingstone has come on a stone in form- through confidence, and on Saturday he was the best back on the field. Raitt, too, did a lot of good work, so that Fern had an easy afternoon compared with Tremelling, whose display was a very sound one considering the state of the ball-case and the state of the stuff in which he walked. No, I am putting Brums’ forward work into its proper place and “salting it” with the statement that Hart played a fine game and Everton’s forward line was curiously uneven. Chadwick had a good first half; Troup ditto. The right wing saved their best till the second half, and Cock bore out what my correspondent “Chiming Bells” has often said-that he has a brainy head and a willing foot where there is any reasonable chance of getting the ball. His headed goal was sweet enough for anything, and came through an interchange of thought and ideas on the part of Chedgzoy and Irvine, the latter centreing the ball. It was the sort of day that one expected Everton to shine, so their win of 2-0 can be counted quite good.

EVERTON QUEST-CURRAN OF IRISH CLUB
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, December 4, 1923
Bee’s Notes
On Saturday last I gave information of Everton’s quest in Ireland. It now appears that they were after Curran, the Glenavon back and Irish International, Stoke made a four-figure offer, which was not accepted. Glenavon are said to require £1,500.

LIVERPOOL RES v.  EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, December 5, 1923
It will be noticed from the following teams that Forbes, a centre, figured on the right wing for Everton. Teams;- Liverpool; Wilkinson; Gamer, Parry; Mitchell, McDevitt, Pratt, Gilhespy, Shone, Owen, Keetley, and Chalmers. Everton;- Harland; Caddick, Downs; Peacock, Reid, Grenyer; F. Parry, Swindells, H. Parry, Wall, and Forbes. This semi—final tie of the Liverpool Senior Cup was played at Goodison Park. There was a thick mist over the ground, and it was difficult to see what was going on at the Walton end. Still, the mist did not hide a miss by H. Parry. Keetley was keen to shoot, but was wrong in direction, and Owen scored for Liverpool-a nice goal, which was the outcome of good work by Gilhespy and Shone. Forbes was clever, and caused Wilkinson to “angle” him to prevent a goal. Downs tickled the crowd when his ”faithful watch he kept” what time Gilhespy put the ball into touch. Everton had a narrow escape when Harland advanced from goal and had to face three Liverpool forwards. The Irishman triumphed, however. Near half-time Peacock scored with a penalty kick, awarded for a foul on F. Parry.
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Liverpool Res 1
There was an interval, in spite of the fog, F. Parry took a corner that sent the ball along the face of the crossbar, and Forbes got a return from a corner, and Wilkinson was unable to hold it first time yet got it away at the second effort. Grenyer, Wall, and Keetley tried shots without result.
Final; Everton Reserves 1, Liverpool Reserves 1.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
December 6 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
SCRAPPY SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL.
LIVERPOOL RESERBES DRAW AT GOODISON.
The first of the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-finals provided a scrappy game in a very bad light at Goodison Park, yesterday, when Everton and Liverpool divided a couple of goals. The fog was so thick that for most part it was practically impossible to follow the play on the far side of the ground. Liverpool were rather the more direct in their attacks, and opened the score after 25 minutes through Owen. The centre seized on a pass, and with a clear course down the middle of the field took the ball to close range before defeating Harland, who was given no chance to save. Liverpool continued on the aggressive until nearing the interval, when Parry the Everton winger, got the better of a duel with his namesake and cut in towards goal. PENALTY EQUALISER.
He was heavily brought down inside the penalty area, and the referee awarded the Blues a penalty kick from which Peacock levelled the scores. This was the state of affairs at the interval and though Harland saved in capital fashion from Keetley, and Forbes went close for Everton, neither side added to the score. The Reds' inside men shot at every opportunity with the result that Harland was more busily employed than Williams, though both keepers made several good saves. Still, the shooting of both sides left much to be desired, with Everton the cleverer quintet in midfield. Forbes who was tried at outside left for the Blues, gave a capital display. He centred accurately, being very nippy and frequenly.came out successful in his tussles with his immediate opponents. All three half backs did well, particularly in serving their forwards, whom they fed with accurate passes, while Downs and Caddick put up a sturdy defence. Parry was the Reds' better back, his interventions being well timed, though he was rather inclined to kick wildly. McDevitt and Pratt were good halves, but the wingmen were prone to waste opportunities and Keetley, Owens and Shone were most prominent of the forwards. Teams : - Everton: - Harland goal, Caddick, and Downs, backs, Peacock, Reid (captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, F. Parry, Swindles, H. Parry, Wall, and Forbes, forwards. Liverpool: - Wilkinson, goal, Evans and Parry, backs Mitchell, McDervitt, and Pratt, half-backs, Gilhespy, Shone, Owens, Keetly, and Chalmers, forwards .

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, December 6, 1923
Everton have chosen the same side to face Birmingham as that which won last week. As I was able exclusively to announce yesterday, Birmingham have taken a very severe step with one of their crack players, Crosbie, and have also dropped two other members, so Everton will have a tougher side to face this week.
FOR THE THIRD TIME
“Spectator” writes; I raised my voice in the wilderness just after the second of our “Derbies” pointing out the need of Everton to get backs. This took a bit of courage, in view of their ten recent triumphs. Everton, however, justified my remark. “Chiming bells” had not at that time seen any need to chime. I see that the club are now after a  full-back. I think if action is taken in time, we shall see Everton top of the League after all, and thus bring off the “treble” for Liverpool. Again thanking you for the enjoyment I derive from your notes.

A GREATER TEST
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, December 7, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Birmingham will give Everton a greater test than a week ago, for they are a much better side at home than away from it thanks to some of the newcomers of the eleven not having had much experience of First Division grounds- and such matters count to a lad who is newish to the game. They don’t get the “feel” of the turf, nor yet the surroundings. Can Everton go ahead with the duplicate win? It will be a big task. Yet it must be remembered that last week, whereas Tremelling had a bundle of work to attend to, Fern had comparatively little. Therefore Birmingham were more over-played than a score of 1-0 at the 88th minute suggested. Everything, in the Everton eye, depends upon whether the Everton forwards continue their shooting efforts. If they do, then I plump for an Everton victory away. Birmingham can hardly ever expect to get goals when they continue to play men who have had but one point every three months -from the most suitable positions for goal getting, remember. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Womack, Ashurst; Dale, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Phoenix, Bradford, Islip, Lane.

BLUES AT BRUM.
December 8, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
WILL MEET SOME FRESH FACES TODAY.
We have not been informed officially as to the constitution of the Everton side against Birmingham, at St. Andrew's today, but it is to be assumed that the same team as last Saturday will do duty. Whether it will carry the Goodison Park, however, to victory again is problematical, for not only are Birmingham an extremely difficult proposition to tackle on their own "midden" but they are dropping one or two passengers for the match, and the re-shuffle appears to make for added strength. At right half the erratic Davis is deposed in favour of Dale, while Wallace Clark, who has signally failed to live up, to his reputation, goes out to give Moses Lane another chance. Johnnie Crosbie, the Scottish International forward disappears, and a Glossop lad, rejoicing in the name of Phoenix make his fourth appearance with the premier eleven. The Birmingham directors believe that these alterations will work to the advantage of the team, which is badly in need of a win or two. The defence is first class a fact amply demonstrated here last week; but although the Bradford –Islip combination is improving week by week there still exists the necessity for fast outside men, who can start quickly and centre on the run. On form, of course today's game looks good for Everton; but so did the match at West Bromwich! In the corresponding game last season there was a draw of 1-1, and it is quite possible history will repeat itself.

EVERTON AT BIRMINGHAM
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, December 8, 1923
By Stork
Birmingham have an excellent centre forward, but that is not sufficient. There are weak places in the side, and I would like to see their forwards shooting more often than is their wont. They have made several changes for the return game with Everton at St. Andrew’s ground, but even so I fail to see how they are going to fare any better than a week ago. True, they are not playing as bad as their position denotes, and there does seem to be a slight improvement, and they will be certain to make a brave show before their own ring of spectators this afternoon. Whether the changes will have the desired effect is a matter of doubt. Tremelling, the goalkeeper, is one of the best in the League. He overcomes the handicap of inches by his amazing agility. Week in week out he is still the man of the day, and Birmingham are fortunate in having such a man to guard their goal. The Everton forwards know that only shots placed out of this goalkeeper’s reach are likely to tell in their favour, so they must see to it that shots, where possible, must be placed rather than banged into goal without any semblance of direction. If this is done I am confident that Everton will return with the full points, for their half-back line is good enough to hold up the Birmingham boys.

SWEET MEMOROES OF OLD EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 8, 1923
Our photograph (kindly loaned to us by a wee McGregor, whose wife holds the proud distinction of being the West Bromwich Albion mascot, having only once seen them lose in twelve years- yet a persistent visitor to their games upon Merseyside) gives some of the lads of the village an idea of the famous Everton side that used to play at Anfield. It is a very rare specimen and has been well kept. The team shown will revive many pleasant memories to old fogeys who like to talk of the old days when football was football, forgetting that it is something similar nowadays. Let me tell you the names of those old-fashioned fathers of ours (writes “Bee”)
First row;- D. Waugh, trainer; Andy Hannah, Bob Smalley, Dan Doyle, and a former secretary, Mr. Richard Molyneux.
Second row;- Alec Latta, J. Weir, George Farmer, Edgar Chadwick (still playing football, coaching and scouting for players), who left Everton for Liverpool in or about 1903.
At foot of the picture.- Charlie Parry, Fred Geary, still going strong in the bowls and billiard world, and one of the best shootists that the game ever knew- note his size, boys, and remember that football can come from the wee fellows as well as the hefty players- and last and not least Alec Brady. That was a team, I hear Forrestian friends telling their follow-readers of the paper. Too true, it was. A team of personality, of skill, of combination yet having a dribbling propensity, that always made it a joyous side to watch. The period of the photograph is 1899-1900. When will their glory fade- if ever?

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 8, 1923
By Louis T, Kelly

• Everton have rarely displayed better “home” form than has been the case this season.
• It would be nice to see them go unbeaten at Goodison to the end of the piece.
• Everton’s last three home matches have all ended alike, 2-0, “final,” after a 1-0 interval lead.
• Hart has scored against two Midlanders at Goodison-Forest and Birmingham.
• Some of Tremelling’s work last week reminded one of Jack Hillman in his busiest and best Burnley days.
• McBain’s praises are being sung every-where on Merseyside save in visitors’ dressing-rooms.

EVERTON MIDLANDS
The Liverpool Football Echo, Saturday, December 8, 1923
HOW THE SIDE SHAPED AT ST. ANDREW’S GROUND
A MUCH-CHANGED SIDE
F.E.H. TELLS OF THE RUN OF PLAY AND PLAYERS
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Birmingham; Tremelling; Womack, Ashurst; Dale, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Phoenix, Bradford, Islip, Lane. Referee;- Mr. W.F. Brunell, of Preston.
Everton, unchanged again- Raitt appearing at full-back, that means-were at Birmingham to-day, where in times gone by they have had variable luck, notably when they were beaten in a Cup-tie test. Birmingham after their 2-0 defeat last week, decided at long last to drop Crosbie- a pretty but ineffective player. They also left out Daws and Clark-as stated exclusively in the “Echo” during the week. Dale and Lane reappeared in the St. Andrew’s side, and Phoenix, a Glossop youth, played in the forward line. The team accompanied by directors arrived at Birmingham at noon, where the conditions were ideal and bright. There were only about 10,000 people present when play opened. Everton kicked off, and there began a series of free kicks, which led to the home side making ground on the left, only to find the movement muddled by the operation of the appeal rule. Birmingham, however, returned on the right, and Phoenix put in a cross ground shot which Fern gathered. Still, the home vanguard prevailed, and Bradford tried his luck with a pass to Lane, who put the ball outside. Everton now took a hand in the attack, and Cock got possession close in from Hart, but was ruled offside. The visitors had not got into their proper stride, and they moved along on the right, the pattern weaving of Chedgzoy and Irvine was really a treat, but when the ball was passed across, one of the home defenders in the person of Cringan managed to clear the danger. Considering the soft-going, the pace was brisk and lively, and there was a thrill of excitement when Phoenix came through, and Bradford put the ball high over the bar.
A FAR-FLUNG MISS
Play for a time was evenly balanced, and when Everton attacked there was a masterful bit of work on the part of Irvine. The effort failed through Cock once again lying too far up the field. The right wing work of the Everton continued to be pretty if ineffective, and when Troup got off the mark at top speed he sent his shot with great velocity, though a long way off the mark. Birmingham were next busy on the right where Harvey looked dangerous until pulled up in the nick of time by Hart. The home side was still active through the cleverness of their right wing pair, and Everton’s forces were weakened through an injury to Chedgzoy, who, after being attended to limped rather badly. He quickly found his stride again, however, and put in a perfect centre to Cock who made a very disappointing miss. On one occasion Raitt showed great powers of recovery when he kept Lane and Islip at bay, but still Bradford and his wings were very aggressive, and the centre forward hesitated when he should have shot, and thereby missed an open goal.
TREMELLING IN TIGHT PLACE
Everton made play through Troup, who beat both Dale and Ashurst, and forced Tremelling to come out in order to clear. Further fusillades on the part of the Midlanders was followed by their shooting wild, and it was for this reason that Islip twice failed to make hay while the sun shines. Brown once paved the way to a promising movement, which was developed by Chedgzoy but Womack cleared, and then Troup fired wide from long range. Birmingham next paid attention to Fern’s charge with a concerted movement on the part of the three inside men, but Lane was offside when he tried to negotiate the goal. At this period the home attack had very much the better of the argument, and more than once the Everton defence appeared to be flurried. Livingstone was hard pressed when trying to stop Harvey, and Raitt had trouble in dealing with Islip. Everton got down nicely on the right, and Chedgzoy put in a shot which sent the leather curling just outside. An attempt by Chadwick to give his side the lead was well scotched, and there were further rough and ready actions in front of the visitors goal. Bradford tried hard to force the pace, but he was shadowed by McBain, who showed fine defensive tactics. A long spell of midfield work proved of no value to either side, and at length Everton made progress on the left, where a corner was forced. This was well placed by Troup, and from the kick Tremelling put the ball into his own goal.
Half-time; Birmingham 0, Everton 1.
EVERTON’S LIVELY GAME
A GIFT GOAL FROM THE BRUMS
BRILLIANT ATATCK BY BLUES
EVERTON WON 1-0
There were 18,000 present when play was resumed in a fading light. The first period had been fast and level, and Everton were lucky to be leading at the interval. The goal that counted was scored in a rather extraordinary way. Booth, the back, and the goalkeeper were grouped together when the ball glanced off Tremelling’s elbow into the net.
CROWD ELECTRIFIED
Birmingham were the first to make play in the second half, and Phoenix sent in a regular teaser which just missed the mark. Everton attempted to get away on the right, but they were well held, and for a long spell play was desultory in character. Cock tried to get through, but he was promptly stopped, and then Chedgzoy electrified the crowd with a lightning spurt which Irvine just missed to profit by. Good distributive work on the part of the Everton halves led to Troup wriggling his way to the opposite wing, where his final shot was intercepted. The little outside left came down again in gallant fashion and finished with a fine centre, but it was well met and Chadwick might have mended matters if he had not allowed Ashurst to nip in, and clear.
GOING GREAT GUNS
The Evertonians were now going great guns, and in the later stages of the game they simply dominated play. Chadwick tried his fortune with a drive which passed just outside, and a hot from Cock was distinctly well intentioned, but unsuccessful Womack proved a tower of strength in the matter of defence, and on more than one occasion came to the assistance of his partner. Several of Everton’s cleverest movements were spoiled by the referee and the offside rule and more than once the crowd applauded loudly when the visiting centre and his wings were pulled up just as they were sailing through. Shortly before the close Bradford hit the post with a great shot, but fortunately it cannoned back into play. Final; Birmingham nil, Everton 1.

EVERTON RES v  HUDDERSFIELD RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 8, 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
In the opening exchanges Everton were very aggressive. T. Parry was prominent on the right. Forbes sent in a fine shot, which Boot cleverly saved. Another fine attempt by H. Parry went just wide of the past. The visitors then made progress on the right, and Powell compelled Harland to save a straight shot. Play was fast and interesting. Downs made one fine punt which greatly relieved the pressure on the home goal. McDonald was also in fine trim and was sire in his clearances. H. Parry, for Everton, looked like running through, but preferred a long shot, the ball travelling over the bar. At the other end Harland, the home keeper, was applauded for bringing off a glorious save from Brown after that player had passed the backs. Forbes, on the Everton left, was conspicuous with a good centre, which both Wall and H. Parry failed to gather when only a few yards from goal. Brown and Roberts scored for Huddersfield. Half-time; Everton Reserve nil, Huddersfield Reserve 2.
After 25 minutes in the second half Johnstone scored a third for Huddersfield and ten minutes later Forbes reduced the lead. Three-quarter-time; Everton Res 1, Huddersfield Res 3.

EVERTON A v HOYLAKE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 8, 1923
Everton were the first to become dangerous, Burton forcing Hale to save. Goldberg went down on the visitors’ right, and from his centre Bullough sent in a strong shot which Lawson saved. Will Moore opened the score Everton, and Houghton made a good attempt to increase the lead, but missed by inches. After thirty minutes the home team were leading 1-0.

LUCKY EVERTON
The Sports Argus- Saturday, December 8, 1923
ANOTHER TWO POINTS OUT OF THE “BLUES”
TREMELLING’S MISFORTUNE
By “Old Club”
With only two clubs below them in the League table, points were urgently needed by Birmingham and in the hope of bringing about an improvement in the play, three changes were made to-day from the side that had done duty for three successive weeks. Lane was introduced in place of Clark at outside-left, Phoenix was given another trail on the opposite wing, and Dale returned to the half-back line for Daws. Everton relied upon last week’s successful eleven, and the teams were as follows;- Birmingham.- Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Dale, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Phoenix, Islip, Lane. Everton;- Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee; Mr. W.F. Bunnell (Preston).
The weather was fine, but the early start affected the attendance, and only 10,000 people saw Bradford make his first dash for goal. Raitt handled the ball unseen by the referee, and in this way stopped the centre-forward, but on two subsequent occasions the visiting defence got in trouble. With a bit of luck they beat off the pressure, only to find the home attack a much more lively force than a week ago, and eager to return to the assault. Lane led the side in one raid, and then Everton manged to get to the other end, where a corner gave them a temporary advantage. Birmingham quickly attacked again with rare energy, and when Islip put across a neat pass, the ball went off Bradford straight to the goalkeeper. Before he could get rid of the ball Bradford knocked the goalkeeper over, and Islip got in a shot which went off Raitt for a corner. Some excellent football by Everton’s right wing brought trouble to the home defenders but they managed to beat off a dangerous attack without calling in the aid of the goalkeeper. The visitors, however, were quick to make progress, and all their efforts were marked by accurate first-time passes, which kept the home half-backs on the run. Birmingham also made a strong raid and Bradford forced a corner, but this was disposed of without serious harm. Their next effort, however, caused anxiety to Fern, while he fisted away a shot from right just as Lane dashed up. After Islip had tried a long shot without success, Irvine made a smart run right up to the goal and tipped across a capital pass, which both Dale and Ashurst missed. Fortunately Chadwick failed badly when the ball went to him. Birmingham made further good attacks and the visiting defenders had several lively moments, especially when Harvey as the result of a neat bit of work by Phoenix, put in a capital centre. Islip dashed forward and his shot missed by the narrowest margin. For a brief interval Everton held the upper hand, but all the efforts ended with a long shot from McBain that went high over. When lane had a good chance of going through, the referee pulled him up for offside, but the home attack a more lively and forceful combination than last week, took every opportunity to attack, and Bradford again came near scoring when Harvey centred badly. Easily the best shot was one from Crewe, but Tremelling was not caught napping, and at the other end Birmingham did not make the best of a good opening produced as the result of Bradford’s capital work. Birmingham had quite as much of the play as the visitors, and much of their attacking was of a high order. Phoenix fitting into the line quite satisfactorily. He displayed plenty of dash, and was one of the most thrustful forwards. Islip was a great trouble, but he was brought down when he had forced a likely opening, and three times in succession Lane spoiled attacks by being offside. Troup forced a corner, and when the ball was lobbed in front of goal the home defenders missed it completely. As it dropped TREMELLING had the misfortune to knock the ball with his elbow into goal.
Half-time; Birmingham 0 Everton 1
On resuming, a good chance was given to Harvey, but he shot over the bar, and when Birmingham renewed the pressure Lane was again wrongly pulled up, the crowd of 18,000 yelling their disapproval. A beautiful centre from lane was deliberately brought down by Livingstone with his hand, and following the free kick Barton sent in the best shot of the match. It went behind for a corner, and again Birmingham bombarded the visiting goal, which was lucky to escape from the determined raids of the home forwards. Through Bradford’s dash and enterprise Islip came within an ace of equalising, and the play of the home side merited the scores being in this position, his shot from Bradford’s centre hitting the side net. A couple of attacks by Everton ended in Irvine and Chadwick shooting wide, and a similar fate befell another attack by the visiting forwards, who failed to get very near goal. Birmingham attacked again very hotly, and when the visiting defence was hopelessly beaten Lane tried a shot from an impossible angle when he should have passed the ball in front of goal. As it was, Fern easily turned the ball round the post, and following the corner, Barton headed wide. The home side made desperate efforts to bring the scores level, and the visiting defenders always took the shortest cut to safety. A centre from lane found Fern guessing; he missed the ball completely, but though Phoenix made a big attempt, he was prevented from getting the equaliser. Islip hit the far post with Fern completely beaten and the goalkeeper cleared another strong shot from the same player, who was subsequently tripped in the penalty area, the referee ignoring the appeal. In the closing stages Everton were a completely beaten side, but Birmingham had no luck at all, and lost when they deserved at least one point.
Result; Birmingham 0, Everton 1
THE GAME AT A GLANCE
After 44 minutes;-
Everton 1, Birmingham 0
(Tremelling through own goal).

TREMMLING’S MISFORTUNE
The Birmingham Weekly Mercury, Sunday December 9 1923
AN ACCIDENT THAT PRESENTED EVERTON WITH VICTORY
BIRMINGHAM 0 EVERTON 1
For the fifth time this season Birmingham were beaten at home, but against Everton they were distinctly unfortunate to lose both points. Their improved display was certainly deserving of at least a division of the honours, and only the cruellest of luck robbed them of their just reward. The luck went all the one way, and in consequence Birmingham suffered another reverse when they can ill afford to drop points in view of their perilous position near the foot of the table. The changes made in the Birmingham team had the effect of improving the attack. Almost from the start the forward line moved with greater freedom than has been the case in recent games, and in the vicinity of goal the men were more thrustful, although they did not find the happy knack of polishing off their raids as one would have wished. There was, however, a distinct improvement in this department, and it was a great pity the better work did not bring its proper reward. Phoenix, admittedly not so clever as the man he was displaced, kept well abreast of the line, and was particularly thrustful in his efforts to bring about success, but Lane rather marred some good work on the wing by a tendency to be offside. Furthermore the visiting defenders kept a very close eye upon him, and rarely allowed him any scope.
INCREASED LIVELINESS
The general effect of the alterations brought about an increased liveliness in the attack and the supporters were given a generally improved display though it did not bring the success anticipated. As already indicated, whatever luck there was going went in favour of Everton, who will certainly have good cause to remember their visit to St. Andrews. The goal which gave them success was a real fluke- there is no other word to describe it. A minute from the interval Troup forced a corner and placed the ball directly in front of goal, where Tremelling, hampered by his own colleagues, made an unsuccessful attempt to clear. As the ball dropped the goalkeeper turned sharply to make another effort, and had the misfortune to knock the ball into his own goal. It was a particularly unfortunate incident for Birmingham, but no blame whatever attached to Tremelling. This great piece of luck was only one evidence of Everton’s good fortune. In the second half when Birmingham were undoubtedly the superior side, the visiting goal had several thrilling escapes. Once Islip hit the far upright with Fern completely beaten, and the same player also come within inches of equalising with another fine shot from short range, while Phoenix and Lane also came very near to scoring. The crowd was by no means pleased with the way the referee handled the game. On several occasions Harvey was fouled by the opposition, but the referee failed to observe either of the incidents, and once Islip was tripped well within the penalty area, but the official completely ignored the appeal for a penalty. Several of his offside decisions were open to criticism, the spectators showing their disapproval of his rulings in emphatic fashion. Everton posses a remarkably fine half-back line, and the wonderful work of this department was mainly responsible for the success of their forwards, who, to give them credit made full use of the openings made for them.
A TRYING TIME.
Cock was closely watched by Cringan, and was not able to do much harm, but both wings showed such a complete understanding that the home wing halves had a very trying time. However, they got through their work in good style, and the defence was generally so safe that it was not often the visiting forwards had any really good openings. Most of their shooting was done from long range and Tremelling was never seriously troubled. Everton held some slight advantage in the first half, but after the change of ends the home side were admittedly superior, and for a long period Everton were completely outplayed. The pressure was so great during the last fifteen minutes that the visiting backs were only too glad to send the ball among the spectators to get some relief, and on two occasions Fern was fortunate to get rid of the ball before either of the home inside forwards could force it through. There was never the slightest doubt as to Birmingham’s superiority in the second half, and their forceful attacks deserved a much better reward. It was one of those occasions when things go all the one way for the fortunate side and the reverse for the unlucky team. Birmingham represented the latter, and it was all the more unfortunate because their defeat coincided with a generally improved display. Cringan put in some mobile work at centre-half, and kept Cock in check throughout the game, while the wing halves got through a trying time with credit to themselves. Bradford did not have a very happy time. He was, of course, well watched, and the ball never came to him as he would have wished, while several of his solo attempts were frustrated by sheer ill-luck.

BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 EVERTON 1
December 10, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
THE GREAT ELBOW MYSTERY.
EVERTON'S GOAL A HUMERUS ADFFAIR
By Adams.
Who fired that shot?
The truth at once declare, My Lord' 'twas I,
To rashly judge forbear!
One might imagine the above operatic except forming a most successful trio between Tremelling and Ashurst of Birmingham, and Jack Cock, of Everton. All three might lay claim to the distinction of having scored the only goal on Saturday, but probably the two Birmingham men will not care to "make a song about it." It was a most mysterious affair altogether, this solitary winning goal. Troup forced a corner, lobbed the ball slap in front of goal. The next second the Birmingham and Everton players were gaining in stupefaction at the ball in the net. How it get there nobody's knows –not even the referee, who was close up.
WHOSE ELBOW.
From the press box it appeared as if Ashurst, in endeavouring to clear, hit the ball with his arm past Tremelling, but it was officially stated by the home directors at half-time that Tremelling was the involuntary culprit. Cock, however, claims to have headed the ball on the goalkeeper's elbow, and so far as the Everton score-sheet is concerned the credit goes to him; but the referee said after the game that if the ball had not gone over the line he would have given a penalty against Ashurst for handling! There it is –a case of "Who killed Cock Robins?" –and under the circumstances, I will not take the responsibility of robbin' Cock of his reward.
PATTERN-WEAVING.
If Everton were distinctly lucky as to his vital goal, there are few who were present at St. Andrew's who will deny that they played delightful football. There were periods when Birmingham were run off their feet, especially in the second half, when one or two rather debatable offside decisions checked dangerous bursts by the inside men. Still, Birmingham were "up against it" on several occasions, once when justifiably they might have had a penalty given them, and again when Islip hit the upright with Fern a spectator five yards away. To be fair, Birmingham played a much better game than at Goodison, although Bradford was obliterated, as before by McBain . Lane was a great improvement upon Clarke, and Pheonix ably supplanted Crosbie. Harvey was the best winger on the field, and Islip very nearly the best inside forward.
THE BIG THREE.
A light ball rather bothered Everton in the early stages, but on setting down the constructive play was a treat to behold. The three most improved players in a fine side are Irvine, Brown, and Livingstone. Raitt, too, was a great success. For once in a way Troup and Chedgzoy were rather subdued, the former have one or two raps he did not relish. As to the halves, they stand in a class alone, a fact which Scotland will probably recognise if what I am told is true. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Ashurst, and Womack (captain), backs, Dale, Cringan, and Barton, half-backs, Harvey, Phoenix, Bradford, Islip, and Lane, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee WF. Bunnell.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 3
December 10, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 19)
Huddersfield's fine defence largely determined the result of this game, the light Everton forwards being easily held. It was only when they rearranged their attack in the second half, Forbes taking up the centre forward position that some improvement was shown. Although Everton were frequently in the visitors' half Boot had only two good shots to stop, one by Wall and the other by Swindlels. Huddersfield scored their first goal through Brown, who was the most conspicuous forward on view. The goal followed a corner kick, and Harland was well beaten. The second goal came ten minutes from the interval Roberts being the scorer. With two goals in arrears Everton started well in the second half, and both Walls and Reid made good attempts. H. Parry in the centre, was very weak, and after Johnstone had scored a third goal Forbes went centre and soon reduced the lead with a fine shot. There was then a marked improvement in Everton's play and although they enjoyed most of the attack they failed to score again.

EVERTON "A" 2 HOYLAKE 3
December 10, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Hoylake were rather at Townsend lane to take away the full points. The first half was well contested. Barton, in the opening stages, sent in an excellent shot, which Hale saved. Lawson also saved well from Bullough after good work by Goldberg, Moore opened the score for Everton after 26 minutes, and the visitors equalised through Goldberg close on the interval. The second half furnished some good football, and in turn both teams showed to advantage. The home forwards missed some good chances, and Houghton had a powerful drive well saved by Hale. Cowie put the visitors ahead after Lawson had saved previously from Hodge and Bullough, and Forrest, after some good footwork put the home team on equal terms. Five minutes from time Nelson gave the visitors the winning goal.

VICTIMS OF A FICKLE FATE
The Birmingham Gazette -Monday, December 10 1923
“BLUES” UNLUCKILY BEATEN AT ST. ANDREWS
EVERTON’S FLUKE GOAL
BIRMINGHAM 0, EVERTON 1
By Forward
Birmingham had the unhappy experience of showing improved form in their home match with Everton and then losing both points. Without question, a draw would have been a far better termination to a game in which Birmingham were quite as good as their conquerors. The fortune of war, however, went all one way, and had Birmingham maintained their advantage for double the length of time it is questionable if success would have come in their direction because the fates were dead against them. To everything they did in the way of attacking, and good as their efforts were on many occasions, there was always the same ending-the goal missed by a narrow margin. It was admitted on all hands- and Everton were quite ready to share in the admission-that Birmingham deserved a share in the honours.
A “FLUKE” GOAL
Everton gained both points as the result of a goal which can only be described as a pure fluke. Troup lobbed in a corner-kick directly in front of goal, and Tremelling hampered by his own colleagues, was not quite able to get his fist to the ball. As it descended he turned round sharply to make another effort, and then had the misfortune to knock it into the net with his elbow. But this was only one illustration of Birmingham’s bad luck, and, of course, it was the worst. During the second half of the match, when they were unquestionably the superior side, Birmingham missed scoring by the merest fraction. Islip hit the far upright with Fern hopelessly beaten; the same player missed by inches with another shot; and both Lane, Phoenix and Bradford each had very hard lines in their efforts to get an equalising goal, while the visiting defenders only beat off many strong raids in fluky style.
LIVELIER ATTACK
Birmingham, however, may take consolation in their improved work. The changes made in the forward line certainly added to the liveliness of the attack, which was also a good deal more thrustful and dangerous than in recent weeks. Phoenix kept well abreast of his colleagues and put in a lot of good work, showing rare dash when occasion demanded it of him. On the other wing Lane was forceful and hard working, though he was rather inclined to forget the position of the Everton backs and spoiled several attacks by lying offside. Islip and Bradford did their utmost to get goals, and despite the vigorous attentions of the opposition they both came very near on more than one occasion. The pair were always the most dangerous in the home attack and their efforts certainly deserved a better fate. Harvey got in a few nice centres, but the opposition did not treat him at all quietly and a closer vigil on the part of the referee would have brought several free kicks to Birmingham for pushing or elbowing the winger.
QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS
But the referee’s handling of the match was not the most satisfactory feature of the game. His offside decisions were often open to criticism, and once there appeared to be just cause for giving a penalty to Birmingham when Islip was tripped well within the penalty area, but he ignored the appeal. All this was only in keeping with Birmingham’s typical ill-luck, however, and Everton had every reason to congratulate themselves on the termination of the match. Birmingham’s defence played well all through. Barton gave another splendid display in opposing a very hot wing and the backs were never at fault in beating off the raids carried out by Everton’s fast and clever attack, which had wonderful support from what is probably the best half-back line in the country. Birmingham; Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Dale, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Phoenix, Bradford, Islip, Lane. Lane. Everton;- Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee Mr. W.F. Burwell (Preston).

FALLING FORTUNE
The Athletic News- Monday, December 10, 1923
BIRMINGHAM AGAIN ASSIST EVERTON TO WIN
BIRMINGHAM 0 EVERTON 1
By Brum
Birmingham had by far the better of the play in their match with Everton at St. Andrew’s, but they could not turn this advantage to account. And not only did they fritter away their chances, but, for the second week in succession, they gave a goal away. This was decidedly unfortunate. The incident occurred a minute before the interval. Troup took a corner, and dropped the ball nicely into the mouth of the goal. As the Everton forwards were boring their way towards the custodian, the Birmingham backs seemed to get confused. Ashurst somewhat unsighted Tremelling, and just as someone bundled into the home custodian the ball dropped on his elbow and passed into the net.The Birmingham players version was that the ball passed off Tremelling, whereas to the onlookers appeared as though ASHURST  was the unfortunate player who conceded the point.
Much Cry, No Wool.
Birmingham needed a victory badly; indeed, the match was a somewhat momentous one for them. They never ought to have been defeated. They were constantly swarming round the Everton goal, and some of their openings were of the most acceptable character. But the old habit of getting into each other’s way and failing to take up proper positions proved their undoing, while Bradford did not take his passes at all cleanly. Admittedly they were not always skilfully and accurately given, but even when they were of an advantageous character he did not gather the ball all well. Nor were his shots specially well directed. Islip got in several magnificent efforts, but Fern seemed to particularly watchful whenever the ex-Huddersfield man essayed to shoot. The skill with which, the Birmingham forwards contrived to gain so large a share of the attack was very creditable, but until they can translate their ability into goals of what avail is it? They had a revised forward line. Clark, who has been shaping poorly of late, was supplanted by Lane, who did some fairly clever things and was at least as good as the man he superseded, but if he could have gauged the offside position a little more carefully he would have had added effectiveness. Four or five times he was pulled up when, had not the ball been diverted to his wing, his more practical passes might have been made. Phoenix was at least energetic and earnest. He is somewhat deficient in skill, but he tries hard to justify his position, and his display was by no means a bad one. The chief fault was that the men did not make clean passes at close quarters, and when clean passes were made they were not taken advantage of. Bradford and Islip were the most skilful forwards, although both were unsuccessful in their marksmanship. Dale was hard working at half-back, but Cringan’s feeding was not specially noticeable, and Barton made some bad passes, while he was apt to leave Chedgzoy too much room to work. Ashurst and Womack were keen and alert, and Tremelling was not overburdened with work, though some of the shots he had to deal with were high quality.
Everton’s Strong Men.
Everton were excellently served by Fern, who is still among the ablest of custodians, and Raitt and Livingstone were well together as partners, and individually did sound work. The half-back line, however, was the backbone of the eleven. Assuredly Brown, McBain, and Hart were strenuous in their tackling and accurate in their placing, but when pressed they did anything so long as the ball was got away. That is where Birmingham often fail. Their clearances invite disaster. Everton’s did not. Chedgzoy was not only fleet but adroit, and some of his runs were delightful to watch. Chadwick did clever work, too, while Troup played like a great artist, his dodging and centring being polished and effective.  There were 20,000 people present, and they saw some good football. Birmingham. Tremelling; Ashurst, Womack; Dale, Cringan, Barton; Harvey, Phoenix, Bradford, Islip. and Lane. Everton. Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain. Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cook, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee: W. F. Bunnell, Preston.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Athletic News- Monday, December 10, 1923
Huddersfield Reserves repeated their performance of the previous week in defeating Everton at Goodison Park, by three goals to one. The feature of the game was the fine defence of the visitors, both Cawthorne and Barker playing brilliantly. Huddersfield opened the score after thirty minutes through Brown, from a clever centre by Langhorn, and the latter again centred for Roberts to add a second point. The second portion was evenly and spiritedly contested, Johnston scoring a  third goal for Huddersfield, while Forbes reduced the lead for Everton.

EVERTON GOING STRONG
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, December 10, 1923
 A BRIGHT RAY
By F.E.H
It is always considered an ungracious thing to look a gift horse in the mouth. Everton may justly return thanks, therefore, for the goal with which Birmingham unwittingly presented them at St. Andrew’s on Saturday. It was the fortune of war that was in their favour- and if I may call a sporting colloquialism- they received “just a point above the odds.” They were certainly quite good value for a draw. For their combined work was much more studied and better designed than that of their opponents. The home side attacked with a vigour that should have brought success in its train, and both the Everton backs were more than once beaten when Bradford and his wings threw fine openings away. The temper of the spectators was not improved by several decisions of the referee, whose rulings on the offside question were, to say the least of it, original. And when he declined to accede to an appeal for a penalty in the closing stages, a certain section of the crowd was obviously very angry. However, as was the case at Aston Villa three weeks ago when Liverpool were playing, nothing serious happened. The solitary goal which meant so much occurred just before the interval, and it was initiated by that ubiquitous little wonder Troup, who was here, there, and everywhere. He put in a perfect corner kick, and the home backs in their anxiety to clear “got into a knot” so to speak. The result was that the goalkeeper was handicapped, and in a desperate effort to avert disaster he accidentally elbowed the leather into the net. Subsequently the home forwards extended themselves in serious fashion and the Everton backs were more than once in difficulties, but they luckily won through. Bradford and Islip were both unfortunate in their final shots, though it was not often that the first named was permitted to elude the watched McBain. Chedgzoy and Irvine, helped by Brown, gave the onlookers several instances of glorious combination, and the other wing did well on occasion, as I have already attempted to suggest. The half back line took the eye of even the most biased Birmingham spectator.

EVERTON’S OFFER FOR IRISH LEFT BACK
Dundee Courier-Tuesday December 11, 1923
Everton have made an offer of £1300 to Glenavon for the transfer of Curran, the Irish international left back. Representatives of the Goodison Park Club crossed over to Ireland to see Curran play. It is understood that Glenavon require £1500 for the player.

COCK A DOUBTFUL STARTER FOR EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, December 13 1923
We learn that there is a doubt about J. Cock appearing for Everton, at Manchester City’s ground, and the choice of deputy would most likely fall on either Peacock or Forbes.

CITY AT HOME TO EVERTON
The Manchester Evening News, Friday, December 14, 1923
BARNES BACK IN THE CITY SIDE
It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the Manchester City forwards without Barnes are very much like “Hamlet” without the Dane. His absence, owing first to a damaged ankle and afterwards to a cold, has been severely felt, for he is essentially a player who must be carefully watched by the opposing defenders, and that, of course, gives the other forwards a better chance. His return leads to the exclusion of Johnson, who has done well as a substitute save in the all-important matter of scoring. This will be the only change compared with last Saturday. It was feared that Roberts would have to stand down owing to the nasty bump he got against Notts, but he is reported to be fit. His help will be needed, as Everton are much stronger than they were last season. With McBain, the City centre-forward should have a duel worth watching. Upon the result of it much will depend. Certainly City will have to play better than they did last week if they are to win. One thing is clear, and that is the better the opposition the better the Moss Siders play.

EVERTON’S GOOD CHANCE
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, December 14, 1923
WHAT FAMOUS PLAYER SAID
Bee’s Notes
As soon as the Liverpool game was over on Wednesday at Manchester City’s ground, a famous Anfield forward said to me, “What about Everton’s chance? They will win against this lot, I’m sure.” I felt the same way; and though I may be chided for stating that I fancy Everton away again, I must say that I fancy them this time, because the ground is big and will suit their wingers; and also if Roberts finds himself unable to turn out and Browell takes the vacancy again, I can see the Everton half-backs having a grip of the game- which means that they would at once begin to use the ball for the benefit of their forwards. Moreover, while I have always claimed this season that City are a better side than even their own critics give them credit for, I must confess that I am not enamoured of the defence. In short, I believe that the Everton forwards by definite methods and by incessant shooting at first chance can win through to-morrow. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, ?, Chadwick, Troup. Manchester City; Mitchell; Cookson, Fletcher; Sharp, Hamill, Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Johnson, Murphy.

COCK WILL PLAY BUT BROWN A DOUBTFUL STARTER
The Liverpool Echo- Friday December 14, 1923
Seen this morning, Jack Cock, the Everton centre-forward, said that his cold was much better, and that he will play to-morrow at Manchester. Brown’s thigh is troubling him, and he may not turn out.
Everton “A” against Port Sunlight, at Clubmoor, play; Lawson; Davis, Helsby; Rooney, Weir, Virr; Mulholland (from Bootle), Barton, H. Parry, Houghton and Forrest. Kick-off 2.30.

LATE FOOTBALL NEWS
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, December 14, 1923
Brown, the Everton right half-back will not be fit to play against Manchester City. Peacock takes his place. In the Reserve side the half-back line reads;- Rooney, Caddick and Virr, Weller, Reid and Grenyer all being on the sick list.

BLUES WITHOUT BROWN.
December 15, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
PROBLEMS OF FIRST VISIT TO MAINE ROAD.
The prospects of a win for Everton in their first appearance at Maine road against Manchester City are not enhanced by the inability of Brown to play, and the semi-convalescene of Jack Cock after a severe cold. Brown's absence is more regrettable because it may upset the cohesion of a half-back line, which is the admiration of friends and foes alike. Peacock, who deputises, is however, well acquitted with the methods of McBain and Hart, and the inachinery of the Chedgzoy, Irvine wing,, so that the misfortune of the loss of the clever Scot may be more apparent on paper than in actually. Cock was an extremely doubtful starter last night, but latest information is that he will turn out. Raitt, continues to appear at right back in place of McDonald, a policy justified by his display at Birmingham. The City are not without their troubles, for Roberts, at centre, is not unlikely to be absent. If away, "Boy" Browell will lead the attack and renew acquaintance with old clubmates. Last season Everton were able to extract but one point from their two games with the City –but lost at Hyde-road 20-1 –but the fine new enclosure may suit their style of play better, and it is quite on the cards the "Blues" will achieve their third consective win and the tenth of the season. Their position in the League table in this case will be a gratifying strong one. Teams: - Manchester City, JF Miitchell, Cookson, Fletcher, Sharp, Hamll, Pringle, Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, and Murphy, Everton: - Fern, Raitt, Livingstone, Peacock, McBain, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock (or Forbes), Chadwick, and Troup. Everton Reserves (v Liverpool Res, at Goodison Park, 2-15) Harland, Downs, McDonald, Rooney, Caddick, and Virr, Parry, Swindells, McGrae, Williams, and Forbes, Everton "A" (v Port Sunlight; at Clubmoor 2-30), Lawson, Davies, Helsby, Rooney, Weir, A.N. Other, Mulholland, Barton, H. Parry, Houghton, and Forrest.

EVERTON CAN WIN AT MANCHESTER -PLAYING IN THE BACKS
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, December 15, 1923
By Stork
EVERTON AT MANCHESTER
Everton did well to win at Birmingham, even if the goal savoured of luck. Luck must play its part in the game, and Everton, for a season, had it all the other way, so they only got their deserts a week ago. Today, they go to Manchester City’s new ground, and I warn you not to be surprised if they return with two points, Manchester City are a lively lot, but they are not the equal of the Everton brigade in science- few clubs are these days. The rumour in the week that Cock would be out of the side is fortunately only a myth, for Cock will play. Manchester City have a brilliant goalkeeper in J.F. Mitchell, the amateur international and the Everton forwards must be dead on the mark if they are to defeat him. Cookson and Fletcher, after a long spell in the reserves, have been revived, and when I saw them against Cardiff City, only a few weeks ago, they did well; but if Everton will only play right on top of them, they have a chance, for I can see these backs crumpling up under persistent pressure. Fletcher is an old head- all the tricks of the trade are at his command-but he has slowed down considerably. Cookson is more robust than scientific. A big punter and a daring tackler, he fears nought. Sharp, Hamill, and Pringle are terrier-like half-backs. Quick on the ball, they make use of it with judgement. Hamill is filling the position vacated by Max Woosnam with credit. The Everton wing halves will have to keep a sure eye upon the Manchester wingers, Morris and Murphy, who are speedy and direct with their centres; while Roberts, who displaces Browell, Johnson and Warner (the last named being the schemer of the line), are ever on the alert when the ball arrives in the middle. Get right on top of the defence. Everton. It’s your one great chance. I expect a couple of points to Everton will be the outcome of this game, and will be disappointed if they let me down.

A RIGHT WING PLEA
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 15 1923
Bee’s Notes
“Mac” writes about Everton Reserves; After experiencing many ups and downs with my favourite team, Everton, I feel compelled to take up my pen to you for the first time, unfortunately to growl. It is with reference to the Blues’ Central League team. Now, “Bee,” I want you to thoroughly understand that I quite appreciate the action of the directors in endeavouring to develop local talent. At the same time, not only is the League position serious, but that loyal section of enthusiastic supporters who regularly attend Goodison Park every Saturday in the season are entitled to be served with the best possible fare, and there is no denying the material is on the books. The recent forward displays have been deplorable, especially against Liverpool Res, and Huddersfield Res. They never looked like scoring, and have only done so with the aid of a penalty kick and when Forbes was moved to his legitimate position. Why one of the classiest centre-forwards should be messed about like this passes my comprehension. Again, can you or anyone name a more brilliant right wing in the Central League than Parry and Miller? They would do credit to many First League clubs. Of course, I don’t know why Miller hasn’t played recently. He may be on the injured list, but I have noticed he hasn’t played for quite a while, and I think, to use your own words, “Bee,” soon after this player joined Everton, that he has the making of another Frank Jefferis. I know the crowd miss those lovely passes of his down the middle to Forbes, and those deft flicks that sent Parry down the wing like a greyhound. Oh! How I sigh for a return of the same forward line (with the exception of Harrison, of course) which was such a delight to watch last season.
THE OTHER “SMILER.”
“Smiler” Wilson, who performed so brilliantly on Newcastle and Everton’s left wings years ago, has gone to Vancouver, British Columbia, as player-coach-manager to a football club.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, December 15, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

• Saturday’s was Everton’s first clear goal” win away from home
• In the five matches lost by Everton this season they have been debited with 14 goals to nil!
• Hence their moderate goal average
• Chedgzoy is a great favourite with Midland crowds, whilst Troup is fast becoming such.
• He is the trickiest forward in League football to-day.
• Congratulations to George Harrison upon his bright start for Preston

EVERTON WITHOUT BROWN
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 15, 1923
HARD GAME AT THE NEW MANCHESTER GROUND
CITY’S STRENGTHENED SIDE
F.E.H. DESCRIBES FAST DISPLAY AND MUCH THAT WAS PRETTY
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Manchester City; Mitchell; Cookson, Fletcher; Sharp, Hamill, Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, Murphy. Referee; Mr. J.R. McFarlane, of Mold.
Everton visited the new Manchester City ground to-day at Maine-road, and they were sorry they had not their usual side, Brown being out through injury. However, they had the capable deputy, Peacock, at half-back again. Manchester City, too, have had some injuries lately, and Barnes and Roberts have been absent. However, Frank Roberts was due to return to the forward line. There had been some doubt about Cock leading the Everton line, but he assured me just before the match that he felt well. With the return of Barnes to inside left, the City were at full strength.
EARLY ATTACK ON FERN
In spite of the early start there was a crowd of well over 20,000 present when play started on a soft playing pitch and with a fitful breeze. Everton won the toss and Manchester had rather the best of the slight breeze. They began in the most sensational fashion, for right from the centre, Roberts sent in a long drive which Fern skilfully gathered. Everton at once replied on the left, and Troup put in a clever centre, which was well dealt with. There were crisp exchanges, and the visiting halves distributed the play with remarkable cleverness, which enabled Cock to put in a good shot which was just wide of the mark.  The Everton vanguard were obviously out to show the Manchester spectators what they could do, for they came along again in fine fashion and Chadwick, taking the ball in his stride, propelled the leather just over the bar. It was an admirable effort, and even the home spectators applauded. The City were then dangerous on the left, and from a pass by Murphy, Barnes sent in a stinging shot, which was unsuccessful. Both teams were showing quick, clever, and polished football, and the pace, considering the soft going, was exceptionally fast. Chedgzoy raced away, but he came a cropper against Fletcher, and Troup attempted to improve the shinning hour with a timely centre, but Cookson dashed in and cleared. The City forwards took up the gauntlet again on the right, and Morris, showing a rare turn of speed, finished with an oblique shot, which Fern saved in his very best style.
ROBERTS SCORES FOR CITY
The work of the Everton halves continued to command admiration, and McBain was especially good in breaking up the City advances. Once Raitt put the ball to Troup, who centred neatly to Cock, but the latter just failed at the critical point. He was equally unfortunate a moment later in failing to elude Fletcher, and a few seconds afterwards, Irvine sent in a flying shot that went wide. At the other end the City forwards were active on the right, and Livingstone was in troubled waters when Warner put in a swift shot, which was smartly fielded by Fern. So far there had not been very much in the balance of play, though Everton’s manipulation of the ball had been cleverer than that of their opponents. The City attack, however, was very thrustful, and as a result of this they drew first blood. Breaking away on the left, Barnes sent in a good shot, which Fern got to and cleared. But he only put the ball a couple of yards away, and before he had recovered himself Roberts had pounced upon the leather and netted amid great excitement. Everton replied to this reverse in sprightly fashion, but it seemed to me that the forwards were now rather trying to overdo the finessing in front of goal, with the result that the home backs were able to clear their lines with comparative ease. A tricky bit of work on the part of Troup let in Chadwick, but the lengthy Lancastrian was yards off target when he fired.
GOALS GOES A BEGGING
To his credit be it said that he immediately tried to make amends, for he got past Hamill and put in a swift ground shot, which was promptly dealt with by Mitchell. The Evertonian continued to press strongly, and Cock missed a chance of a lifetime when, Mitchell having been drawn from his charge, the Everton centre with an open goal before him put outside. The Manchester crowd, which now numbered 30,000, simply shrieked with glee at the escape from an equaliser. The visitors, however, were in serious mood, and after good work by Chadwick, Troup gave Mitchell a very warm handful. The visitors’ right wing, which had been rather quiet for a time now wakened up, but Irvine was dispossessed by Fletcher when well placed. Murphy and Barnes gained good ground, but found Raitt a ready tackler, and the next episode of interest was a joint move by Chadwick and Troup, which was rather luckily cleared by Cookson. Half-time; Manchester City 1, Everton 0.

EVERTON BEATEN
COCK EQUALISES BUT CITY SCORE AGAIN
A BRILLIANT EXPOSITION
BUT MOVEMENTS LACK FINISHING TOUCH
MANCHESTER C. WIN 2-1
A WARM TRIBUTE
The first half, as I have tried to tell you had shown Everton in their happiest and cleverest vein, and the chairman of the Manchester City club frankly admitted to me that the Blues had given the most delightful exhibition of clever football seen since the new ground was opened. They should never have been a goal down, but the fact is that the Evertonians rather spoiled by attempting to waltz round the City defence. On the other hand Manchester’s goal was much in the nature of a gift, and was primarily due to faulty defence. There were 40,000 people present when the contest was resumed in a gathering mist. Everton, at once, got off the mark in great style, and Cock having worked through cleverly, put wide. He repeated this a little later, and subsequent shots from both wings went astray. Everything was done, as a famous comedian said, “in a very gentlemanly way.” Hart tried his luck with a long shot, which passed over, and the next item was the failure of Chedgzoy at short range to put the ball under the bar. A breakaway on the part of the home left was well checked by Peacock and Everton were well in the picture when Chadwick sent in a long, oblique shot which passed outside. The visitors continued to show wonderful skill in commanding the ball, and the City defenders were given a terrible gruelling. Further mistakes followed, and we had the unhappy experience of seeing a side absolutely dominating the play and doing everything but score. A brilliant bit of work on the part of Chedgzoy led to a corner that was well cleared, but a shot from Chadwick gave the home keeper something to think about. The concluding stages, like the earlier period, were greatly in favour of Everton, and Troup maintained the vein of ill-luck when he had a shot charged down.
COCK EQUALISERS
Five minutes from the close Troup got away, and as the result of a concerted movement, in which Peacock was concerned, Cock equalised after the keeper had fallen. Barnes scored the second goal for Manchester city just before time. Final; Manchester City 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON A v  PORT SUNLIGHT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 15, 1923
At Townsend-lane.  The opening exchanges were even. Barton opened the score for Everton after ten minutes. Loxham sent in an excellent shot, which caused Lawson to save at full length. Parry next gave Connell a warm handful, which he saved well. Moore added a second for Everton.
Half-time;- Everton 2, Port Sunlight nil.

EVERTON RES v.  LIVERPOOL RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 15 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. Liverpool won the toss, and in the first minute Wilkinson had to run out to clear, and McCrea in close attendance. Parry was next pulled up for offside. At the other end McDonald miskicked, but Downs came to the rescue with a timely clearance. The best shot came from Rooney from 20 yards range, which Wilkinson cleverly negotiated. Play went slightly in Everton’s favour, and Williams drove in a long shot, which went over Gilhespie and Shone then carried play towards the home goal, but Chalmers when in a good position was adjudged offside. Considering it was a local junior Derby, both sides were playing a clean game. Wilkinson, the Liverpool keeper, was called upon frequently to make saves from Forbes. McCrae and Rooney, and one shot in particular from McCrae was well cleared. The ball was travelling at a fast pace, and the keeper was only able to clear at the second attempt. McCrea, who Everton was playing in the centre forward position, was feeding his wings judiciously; and, consequently, Parry and Forbes so ably responded that Wilkinson had far more work to do than Harland. Five minutes from the interval the Liverpool goal had several very narrow escapes, but no scoring had taken place at half-time.
Half-time.- Everton Res 0, Liverpool Res 0.
Everton pressed hotly in the second half and sent in several well-directed shots which just failed to find a billet, and although the general run of the play was in the homesters favour Liverpool were the first to score, Keetley, after some good individual play, beating Harland easily. After ten minutes the same player headed a second. With twenty minutes to go Liverpool were leading 2-0.

MANCHESTER CITY 2 EVERTON 1
December 17, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
FORTUNE FROWNS ON EVERTON.
A WONDERFUL BUT LUCKLESS DISPLAY.
By Adams.
It is not in the nature of things that a football team can count on " the little cherub that sits up aloft" as a permanent twelfth member of the side, and if Everton were desperately unlucky to lose to Manchester City, they were extremely lucky the week before at Birmingham. Hence the philosophic calm with which the directors and players accept Saturday's result. It may at once be said that on no occasion this season has Everton played such delightful football. The work of halves and forwards was bewildering, and had the Blues been two or three goals up in the first half few among the 40,000 sportsmen and sportswomen who thronged the fine new ground at Maine Road would have caviled. For at least three parts of the entire game the City defence was on tenterhooks. Shot after shot was rained in from all distances and angles, but on each occasion something went wrong at the critical moment. Once Cock was right through, but his final flick went inches wide with Mitchell on the turf. This was only one instance of the perverse fortune, which followed the Blues' efforts. At times the home halves and backs were made to look like novices, and the big crowd gasped with mingled admiration and apprehension. "The most wonderful football we've seen this season" said one of the City directors at half-time.
THE UNEXPECTED.
However, it usually follows in this sort of game that the unexpected exercises a levelling influence, and after 25 minutes' play an awkwardly-bouncing ball on the unsettled turf caused hesitation in the Everton defence, and Roberts, the opportunist, ran through to beat Fern at the record attempt. It was a calamity of the first magnitude, but the Blues if possible, played better football afterwards than before. Still, it was ten minutes from time when Troup worked an opening, which allowed Cock to walk the ball into the net and score a loudly applauded equaliser. "This is where you ought to declare the Everton innings closed," said a friend to Jack Sharp, the Lancashire cricket captain and Everton director. Alas, just as hundreds were leaving the ground Raitt and Livingstone impeded each other, the latter miskicked, and Barnes fastened on to the ball ran in to defeat Fern and thus the history of last season repeated itself in a 2-1 win for the City.
BLUES' BEST.
In a remarkable game the outstanding players on the Everton side were, in the forwards, Troup, Chedgzoy and Cock, the latter giving his best display of the season. Irvine had countless shots at goal but had left his shooting boots in the dressing-room, and Chadwick was just a trifle on the slow side, although he never neglected a chance of a "pot." The half-backs again played a splendid game, and Peacock ably deputised for the injured Brown. Both Hart and McBain were at the top of their form, and Raitt and Livingstone are more to be congratulated than blamed. Fern had little to do, did it masterfully. Murphy was a great winger for the winners, and Warner showed considerable enterprise. A sensational move of his at the kick off provided a big thrill and the novel spectacle of a goalkeeper saving in less than ten seconds. Roberts was always dangerous when he got the ball, and Barnes got his customary goal. So supreme were Everton in midfield that the home halves and backs were mostly on the run, but it is a striking commentary on the ill-luck which attended the Blues finishing that Mitchell had had one difficult shot to stop during the contest . Manchester City: - Mitchell, goal, Cookson, and Fletcher, backs, Sharp, Hamill, Pringle, half-backs Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, and Murphy, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. JR. McFarlane.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
December 17 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. Liverpool turned out a strong side including Longsworth at right full back. Everton had to play a purely third team half-back line owing to illness and other causes, but it must be said they acquitted themselves creditably. During the first half Everton were certainly the more aggressive side, and McGrae, in the centre, fed his wings with fine judgement. Consequently, Forbes and Parry, on the wings, sent in many fine centres, which ought to have been converted. Wilkinson had far more work to do than Harland, and had it not been for his fine anticipation, Everton would have had a comfortable lead at half-time, which arrived without any score. When the second half opened Liverpool improved greatly, and for some time held the balance of play, during which time Keetley, through fine individual work, opened the score for Liverpool. Then Everton fought hard for the equaliser, and both Downs and Swindles went very close. Shortly before the close Liverpool made a strong advance through good wing work by Shone and Gillespie, and a fine shot by the latter was met by Keetley, who headed past Harland. Everton's forwards were very energetic, and although many fine attempts were made to score, including fruitless penalty taken by Virr, they were unfortunate in being beaten. For Everton, Downs, Caddick, Rooney, McGrae, and Forbes were most prominent, and Liverpool were best represented by Wilkinson, Longsworth, McDevitt, Gillespie, and Keetley. Everton: - Harland, goal, Downs, and McDonald backs, Rooney, Caddick, and Virr, half-backs, Parry, Swindles, McGrae, Williams and Forbes, forwards .

EVERTON "A" 5 PORT SUNLIGHT 2
December 17, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Although having to make changes from the originally selected side, Everton had little to accounting for Port Sunlight at Townsend-lane. In the opening stages the visiting forwards were very smart, but were up against a strong defence in Davies and Helsby. Barton gave the Blues the lead, after ten minutes and later Luxham sent in a hot shot from close range, which Lawson saved well at full length. Parry had a fine chance of increasing the lead, but with only Connell to beat he shot wide. Moore added a second for Everton, and Sweeney reduced the lead before the interval. The second half saw some good football by both sides, but Everton proved the more aggressive, Barton, Parry, and Houghton scoring four goals for them, while Sweeney and Loxham (penalty) added goals for the visitors. Davies, Rooney, Mulholland and Barton played well for the home tea, while Gale. Loxham, Scott, and Sweeney were the pick of the losers . Everton: - Lawson, goal, Davies and Helsby, backs, Rooney, Weir, and Moore, half-backs, Mulholland, Barton H. Parry, Houghton, and Forrerst, forwards.

EVERTON’S ERRORS
Athletic News- Monday, December 17, 1923
FORWARDS’ EXTRAORDINARY FAILURES AT MANCHESTER
DAY OF BLUNDERS
MANCHESTER CITY 2 EVERTON 1
By The Pilgrim
As an old Scottish International of my acquaintance would say, Everton are a “gey fine team. They are the cleverest team I have seen this season. They can manoeuvre a ball round the proverbial “ sixpence, and they can deceive a football Sherlock Holmes, but they cannot score goals. I am, of course, taking them on their display in the match with Manchester City at Moss Side. With what has happened before or what they can do. I am not concerned. They must be able to do better, but on this occasion the ineptitude of their forwards in front of goal was such that, with the possible exception of Chedgzoy and Troup, it would only have been just punishment for their sins had they been made to walk back to Liverpool. Although he scored their goal, or rather gratefully accepted the present that was offered him. I would not exempt Cock. He was as baa any. There was one good trait in his play. He always lay well on the backs, and a goal covers a multitude of sins, but like his colleagues he was too clever, or he tried to be too clever, and it is my impression that had Everton commanded the services an Appleyard they would have won the match easily.
JOY AND SORROW
I can well imagine Manchester City laughing up their sleeves. They must still be wondering how they managed to win, for as a team they were thoroughly outmatched and overplayed. And yet who would begrudge them their victory? Like Everton, they received a present of a goal, though not so much of a present as that of the visitors, but who can sympathise with a team that so persistently and egregiously fails to take advantage of what the gods offer? Everton must blame themselves for their defeat. They had chances enough to have won the match three times over, and on the run of the game they should have succeeded by a far greater margin than that by which the City prevailed, but the goal was not anything like wide enough for their inside forwards. Even when they did not make themselves dizzy by their mazy manoeuvring they could not shoot within yards of the target, and with all the skill they showed and with all the pressure they exerted I do not think they troubled Mitchell on half a dozen occasions in the match. The City were undoubtedly the weaker side. Their defenders played as if in awe of the opposition, but their forwards were never lacking in spirit, and, with not anything like a tithe of the chances that came the way of the visitors’ quintette, they scored twice and would have had more had Fern permitted. It was not the fault Fern that they scored at all. He did everything that a goalkeeper could expected to do, and the defenders generally acquitted themselves splendidly until Livingstone was guilty of his only lapse, which, as it happened, cost his side a point. Warner might have scored in the first minute, for as the ball was sent well forward by Barnes, he dashed between the backs and was right the mark with a hard, low shot. Fern, however, saved the situation, and also saved the difficult ball which resulted in the only goal at the end of twenty-six minutes play. Roberts had diverted a centre from Murphy with his head, and although Fern got to it he was so harassed by the centre-forward that to save was all he could do, and as he released the ball Roberts promptly swept it into the net. That was the only goal until nine minutes from the finish, when Troup made an innocuous sort of centre, which apparently Fletcher ought to have cleared easily. Evidently there was some misunderstanding, for Mitchell stepped across to him, but Cock was there first, and, with the goalkeeper away from his charge, all the Everton leader had to do was to tickle the ball over the line.  Though the City were playing very doggedly, Everton seemed assured of a point, but, with two minutes left for play. Hamill lobbed the ball high in the air, and Livingstone, somewhat nonchalantly, endeavoured to return it on the full volley. He, however, miskicked. The ball seemed to graze his instep and pass forward in the direction of his goal. BARNES went after it like a hound released from the leash, and, though Fern closed with him and narrowed the angle to the smallest possible limit, he shot cleverly and truly into the far corner of the net.  ‘Twas exceptionally well done – a very fine goal.
Artists Without Finish.
Thus were Everton sent away sorrowing'’. They could not blame Fern. He did his work very well, and one sympathised with Livingstone in his misfortune. It was the one blot on an otherwise excellent display, for in addition to his own duties he repeatedly went across to the assistance of Raitt, who was not too comfortable with the City left wing in the second half. The half-back line was not weakened by the absence of Brown, for Peacock played a strong game even if he shared in the demerits of the forwards in his shooting. He made one very fine effort shortly after the start, but he caught the infection of misdirection afterwards. Without being conspicuous McBain played cleverly, but the man who filled theeye was Hart —an artist, even if he has an elbow. Some of his passes down the centre ought to have made Cock leap with Joy, and one of his back-heeling movements in the second half was a masterpiece of astuteness and deception. In midfield the forwards were entrancingly clever, but the only men who did any shooting worthy of the name were Chedgzoy and Troup—a greyhound and a wizard. Irvine has the feet of a dancing master. He charmed the ball, but he simply could not shoot, and similarly Chadwick and Cock could not have fared worse in the respect. It was Everton’s failing, and the cause of their defeat. The City had neither the cleverness nor the combined efficiency of their opponents, but they did not intensify their difficulties by unnecessary embroidery. They were always more direct, and they made far better use of what chances came their way. The forwards were the best part of the team. Barnes must be given every credit for his goal, but the most persevering and consistent men in line were Roberts and Warner, the latter of whom shot better than ever I have seen him do before. He made two excellent efforts in the first half. Murphy played cleverly and gave a lot of trouble,but like Morris, he did not always finish well. The half-backs were somewhat haphazard. They did not seem to have any set purpose, but they defended tenaciously and worked untiringly throughout. Some of their work was very good, but they were often inclined to hang off, and they did not attain the standard of the Everton trio. Nor was the back division so sound. Fletcher met with an injury shortly after the start, the imprint of the eyelets of his boot being left on his foot, and this accounted for his weak returns, and maybe the fatal error in which he was concerned, but Cookson played well, and Mitchell utilised what few opportunities had to show that he can keep goal. Manchester City.—J. F. Mitchell; Cookson, Fletcher; Sharp, Hamill. Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, and Murphy. Everton.—Fern; Raitt, Peacock, McBain. Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee: J. R. Macfarlane, Mold.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Athletic News- Monday, December 17, 1923
MERSEYSIDE FOES
The first of the season’s local “Derby” games between the Reserves of Everton and Liverpool resulted at Goodison Park in a victory to the Anfield players by 2-0. Everton were superior in the first portion of the game, but could not find the net, although both Rooney and Williams hit the posts. McDonald, following upon his recent injury, had a run with the second team, and, with Downs, formed a strong cover for Harland, who had an easy task. After the change of ends, however, Liverpool had more of the play, and Keetley twice scored. Wilkinson towards the close, saved a penalty. For Liverpool Longworth and Keetley were prominent.

A CLOSE THING
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, December 17 1923
By F.E.H
Everton, by all accounts, were playing better football than ordinary defeat suggests. Read what our own correspondent says of the encounter;-
As I was leaving the fine new enclosure of the Manchester City Club in melancholy mood I overhead a philosophic pedestrian remark; “Well, it was pretty to watch-but it is the goals that count.” It seems to me that sums up the whole situation in a nutshell. I am not prone to indulge in adulation, but really Everton’s display on Saturday-certain blemishes apart -was quite one of the most inspiriting and sparkling I have seen this season. On the run of the play, they should certainly have won “hands down,” and it was only in the last flicker of the encounter that they lost that precious half-loaf which is so much better than no bread. Cock was in happy vein in leading his forces, but the whole quintet failed just when they should have asserted themselves. They began with a series of long shots which shortened the odds about their success, and at the least moment the City snatched a surprising victory. The Mancunians opened the ball in very merry fashion, though they were speedily checked by the Everton halves, who throughout the whole ninety minutes showed the spectators what such a middle line should be. It was no fault of theirs that the opening point was scored. Hesitation on the part of the backs and a partial clearance by Fern enabled Roberts to pave the way to the City’s victory at a second attempt, and so they led at the turn.  In the second “forty-five” the visitors showed better form still, but they delayed the issue and Cock’s equaliser nine minutes from the finish only raised hopes that were bound to deceive, for a bad miskick on the part of Livingstone let in Barton, to gain for his side an invaluable couple of points. The Evertonians ought certainly to have made more of their opportunities, especially in view of the good service of the two outside wingers, and the magnificent “spade work” of the halves. Hunter Hart, however, may well console himself by quoting Addison’s famous lines from “Cato” and saying, “ “Tis not in mortals to command success; but we’ll do more, Sempronius, we’ll deserve it!” 

ON THE FILM
Lincolnshire Echo - Tuesday 18 December 1923
THE PICTURE HOUSE
Pathe’s Weekly Pictorial will be of particular interest to Lincoln sportsmen, for it introduce pictures of the Everton F.C. there is an excellent close-up of Tommy Fern, the ex-Lincoln goalkeeper, and a slow motion of him making a spectacular save.

SEEDS OF KINDNESS
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, December 18, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Ex- “Manchester Guardian”- It is a strange reflection on the courtesies of this popular game that when Cock went out of his way to retrieve a “dead ball” for Mitchell hundreds of voices gave vent to a cheer of acknowledgment. Everton, indeed, have digested the unwritten as well as the written rules of the game, and one can only hope that wherever they go they may sow a few seeds of that sportsmanship which is going to keep the game cleaner than all the referees and governing bodies together can accomplish.

GEORGE BEARE
Nottingham Evening Post - Wednesday 19 December 1923
Northern Section, last night signed on G. Beare, outside-right, of Cardiff City. Beare formerly played for Everton.

EVERTON’S NEED
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, December 19, 1923
Bee’s Notes
It has been apparent for a time (says “old Blue”) the Everton staff want backs of class. What about approaching Middlesbrough for the transfer of Marshall, now with Llanelly? Everton are also now suffering the same as Newcastle United did years ago; they could do anything with the ball except score goals, and goals count. A Puddefoot would be worth his weight in gold to Everton.
GOOD EVERTON
“N.O.P” (Kirkdale) writes;- “Don’t you think the following speaks well for the Everton defence at home; Commencing with September 8 up to December 15, they have played eight matches with the following results;- Sept 8, Blackburn Rovers, 0-0; Sept 19, Aston Villa, 2-0; Sept 22, Huddersfield, 1-1; Oct 6, Liverpool, 1-0; Oct 27, Notts County, 3-0; Nov 30, 10, Sheffield United 2-0; Nov 17, West Bromwich Albion, 2-0; Dec 1, Birmingham, 2-0. One goal only against, and that by Huddersfield. Not a bad record.
Everton’s team against Manchester City is the same as last week. The Reserve team against Liverpool Reserve, at Anfield-road, is; Harland; Caddick, McDonald; Rooney, Reid, Virr; Parry, Miller, McGrea, Williams, Forbes. Same team against Manchester United Reserve, Xmas Day; kick-off 2.15.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo-Friday December 21 1923
Everton are at home to Manchester City, and for once in a way we find the Manchester critics were unanimous is saying that our side was the better side last week, and that they ought to have won by a bagful. As it was a mistake late on let in Barnes, who, like Frank Roberts, has only just returned to the City side. City are a peculiar lot this season. They have done some splendid things, and have suggested that they were a good side. Then they have fallen from grace and looked the have fallen from grace and looked the verist novices, so much so that even their own critics have laughed at the idea of City doing any good. Well, I shall be curious to see them, and to see Everton again tomorrow, for it should be bright football, and should provide entertainment of a first class charterer. Have a look at them yourself, reader, and let me know your judgement of the visiting side. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Manchester City; JF Mitchell; Cookson, Calderwood; Sharp, Hamill, Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, Murphy.
EVERTON “A” TEAM
Everton “A” have an attractive game at Clubmoor to-morrow when they meet Prescot in the Liverpool County Combination. The Everton third string have put some capital games, and if you cannot get in at Goodison-road, don’t forget the other “Blues” at Clubmoor. Team;- Lawson; Davies, Gilmour; H. Rooney, Weir, Oliver; Mulholland, Barton, Parry, Houghton, and Forrest. Kick-off 2.15.

EVERTON SHOULD WIN.
December 22, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
A LITTLE LUCK AND GOALS SHOULD COME.
If Everton play the same type of football that they did at Maine-Road last week, and have just the tiniest bit of luck, they should have no difficulty in turning the tables on Manchester City. Their display on Saturday, on a boggy, unsettled new turf, was a masterpiece, and the directors wisely have selected the same side, which includes Peacock at right half in place of Brown, whose strain, contracted at Birmingham is still troublesome. If any criticism be needed it is that the Everton forwards, who are nowadays showing commendable enterprise in having a go at goal whenever occasions offers, should modify their transport when they get the ball twenty or thirty yards out. There were several shots at Manchester, which, quite clever in their conception had lost all sting when they reached Mitchell. It is, however, only fair to the players concerned to state that they were "riding to order." In the City team Calderwood comes in vice Fletcher who sustained an injury. The Blues' position in the table is such that a win to-day and another on Boxing Day, when they entertain Sunderland, would put them in the first three, and all good sportsmen will wish Hunter Hart and his merry men a good appetite and a contended mind, more especially as for once in a way, they dine at home!

EVERTON RES v.  LIVERPOOL RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 22, 1923
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Anfield, before a small attendance. Everton winning the toss, played with the wind behind them. Parry was soon away on the right, and Machrae finished with a shot which was only just wide. An attack by Liverpool through Wadsworth resulted in a centre being placed in front of the Everton goalmouth, but Owens allowed McDonald to clear. Everton were again to the fore, and a fine effort by Forbes was well cleared by Wilkinson. Everton afterwards claimed for a penalty, but the referee ruled otherwise. After fifteen minutes the first goal came to Everton. Parry receiving from Rooney, raced past his namesake and sent in a square centre which Williams met and netted easily. Strong efforts were made by Liverpool to get on even terms again, and on two occasions the Everton goal had narrow escapes. McCrae and Reid went very close. The game was evenly nought, and McDevitt for Liverpool almost got through Harland being first rate in clearing. Just on the interval Wadworth equalised the score. Half-time; Liverpool Reserves 1, Everton Reserves 1

EVERTON “A” v. PRESCOT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 22, 1923
At Townsend-lane. A late start was made playing with the wind behind them. Everton at once pressed, and after Swindells had put across a perfect centre. Guttridge, in saving a second attack, nearly headed through his own goal. Everton monopolised the play until Prescot got away and gained the lead through Tunstall, who scored a  good goal for the visitors after twenty minutes’ play.

EVERTON TAKE A HOLIDAY AGAINST CITY
The Liverpool Football Echo- December 22, 1923
MANCHESTER’S “MAINE” SIDE THOROUGHLY BEATEN ON A MUD PLATCH-“BEE’S” COMMENTS
CHADWICK SCORES FOUR GOALS ON THE RUN
EVERTON WIN 6-1
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Manchester City; JF Mitchell; Cookson, Calderwood; Sharp, Hamill, Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, Murphy. It was a pity the weather broke down at Goodison Park to-day, for Manchester City are old friends, and in view of their rather lucky win last week a big holiday gathering was expected. Even with the weather unkind, Goodison offers good, covered accommodation, and the crowd tucked themselves under the big stands. I imagine there must have been about 26,000 spectators present.
IRVINE’S EASY CHANCE
Manchester kicked off, and in the first minute Cock would have scored but for a long slide in slushy, thick mud. In another minute Chedgzoy forced a corner, and Irvine and Cocks were again on the doorstep of a goal without quite reaching their objective. Manchester had started with a new back for Fletcher, who is a veteran these days. Everton were just as clever as a week ago and to-day were determined to be more emphatic in front of goal, this being noticeable when Cock followed up to an up-the-middle pass by McBain. Chedgzoy was having a field day against pringle and the full-back, and when he slipped the ball across to the centre, Cock made a trimmer of a header; and when Mitchell patted out the ball he simply turned it to Troup, and Irvine eventually had a comfortable chance which he took with ease.
EVERTON “TOY” WITH CITY.
Mitchell was disgusted, the ball having hit Cock in transit. Manchester City’s response was poverty-stricken for some time and when Barnes tried to hit a ball with the right foot, he applied no direction or pace. As against that Irvine hit a splendid drive from out in the country, and Mitchell made a sound catch. The football was most engaging, even though it was one sided, and Everton simply pulverised Manchester for long stretches on end. The question became how many? Cock waded up towards goal, and when he went to grass e cry was in vein. A little later he same forward left it to Irvine to get another goal, but the Irishman this time did not get hold of the very greasy ball, and therefore Mitchell was not troubled.
A PICTURE IN GOAL
Mitchell, by the way, looked more like an American baseball expect than a soccer footballer, with his spectators and his cap drawn low down on his forehead. He looked anything but the real thing, and it was noticeable that at times he had to pull out his handkerchief and wipe his glasses. The former Preston amateur is certainly a picturesque goalkeeper, and to-day he was a busy goalkeeper, for there was only one side in it. Cock actually scored a point, only to find that offside had be sounded. The City did not take advantage of this escape to make work for Fern. In a quarter-of-an-hour the only trouble in Fern’s Christmas holiday was a long pass back by Livingstone, after which Cock, let in by Hamill, seemed all over a scorer on his own, until the City’s defence gathered around him like the ‘flue round the farm. I do not think Cock has ever been quite so deadly since he came here. As often happens in a case where one team overruns another, Manchester City broke away, and in each case they should have scored, Warner being unlucky first time, and very little out at the second time.
BARNES EQUALISES
These surprise attacks shook Everton into action, and it was not encouraging to find McBain troubled with a foot injury. The game had a curious coupling to a week ago. For instance, Livingstone near the half-way line made a great lunge at the straight up the middle and fired into the left-hand side of the goal to make the scores level. City’s joy was short-lived, as within two minutes Everton attacked again, and when a dispute about a corner or a throw-in had been settled by a throw, the ball went over to the left winger, Chadwick, whose shot was punched away by Mitchell, and Cock running up from seemingly nowhere made a shot at a most frightful angle, squeezing the ball between Mitchell and half a yard of space.
THREE TO ONE
Troup, after having joined the ranks of the unemployed for over half an hour, got a pass, and centred so well that Chadwick converted, making the score 3-1, the ball touching the reserve back before it entered goal. Chadwick could do everything but score.
CHADWICK’S DOUBLE
Everton took a margin of three goals lead within a minute of the resumption, Chadwick taking the centre forward berth, started to dribble past his man, and was perhaps a bit lucky that the ball went to him after he had once lost it. Chadwick went straight ahead, and hit the ball to the foot of the left post, and it cannoned across to the back of the goal. Everton having a comfortable lead began to play with more freedom and liberty than at any other point of the game, and they showed what excellent fare they can serve up. Even Hart tried to plough his way through and score, without any more luck than that which came to Warner when he hesitated just the fraction of a moment that makes a difference between a goal and an effort covered up.
OLD CRY RENEWED
Everton had a chance to-day to make football records. They should have been about eight in the first half, and in the second half, certainly in the first quarter of an hour, they had half-a-dozen chances which they did not take. The crowd even started to chant “1,2,3,4,5,” an anthem that used to be associated with Liverpool, but has now apparently gone across the park. McBain and Chadwick tested Mitchell, Peacock made a long drive, and Cock was two yards when he missed and made a much more determined effort a moment later when Mitchell saved. Then Cock had a game of solo, and beat four men in turn, and wound up with a shot that led the crowd to say, “Well saved, Mitchell.” A corner brought further escapes for Mitchell, who was saved by his backs, and Irvine went inches over the bar with another drive.
CHADWICK’S HAT-TRICK
The hour had just struck and the light begun to fail when Cookson gave away a penalty kick in a riad made by Chadwick who took the spot kick, and in spite of Mitchell leaving his goal, contrary to rule, and dancing the Highland Fling to prevent Chadwick keeping his eye on the ball, the shot entered the right-hand corner safe and sound to make a lead of 5-1. Mitchell, throwing the ball to his full-back was anticipated by Cock, who was inches short in an endeavour to stop the ruse. Manchester City were out-played, over-played, and beaten to a frazzle, and the spectators could not realise how Everton came to lose last week against this side.
A WORD FOR THE REFEREE
The finish was in semi-darkness, but this did not prevent Peacock testing Mitchell with a tremendous drive that led the goalkeeper to call for the trainer’s attentions owing to the save hurting his hand. With Everton not caring whether they got 5, 15 or 55 goals, the game faded out somewhat because of its one-sidedness. However, it would be unfair to conclude the report without a reference to Referee Macfarlane, of Mold, one of the most sensible referees I have ever seen.
CHADWICK CLINCHES
Chadwick scored his fourth successive goal at seven minutes from time. It is the first time in his senior career that he has done this feat, and for his final point he had to thank Cock for a perfect pass. Final; Everton 6, Manchester City 1.

JASPER KERR
Dundee Courier - Monday 24 December 1923
Everton have come to terms with the Bathgate officals for the transfer of Jasper Kerr, left back.  The actual transfer is now left in the hands of the player himself, whom the Everton officials hope to persuade to go South.  Kerr came to Bathgate last September from Larkhill Thistle. 

EVERTON 6 MANCHESTER CITY 1
December 24, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
WILFRED, THE WONDERFUL
CHADWICK FOUR FOR EVERTON.
By Adams.
That Everton obliterated Manchester City by six goals to one is not surprising as the fact the final score was not double. It was not a football "match" at all. It was a prolonged shooting practice for the Blues, who simply made hay of their opponents while the rain fell. As the score indicates, comment is more or less needless. There are, however, one or two outstanding incidents, which may be set on record. Of the six goals scored by Everton, no fewer than four came successively from Chadwick, whose season's tally is now sixteen, a total equalled only by Charles Buchan, who by the way, will be in antagonism to Chadwick at Goodison park on Boxing day. Three of the goals were the result of splendid opportunism, the fourth was from a penalty kick , which Mitchell never saw. (Chadwick grassed by Cookson-Echo)
MIXTURE –AS BEFORE.
Another point to note was the confidence attending the City's only score, for the two players principally involved were those concerned in an almost exactly similar affairs at Maine-road the week previously. Livingstone miskicked, and Barnes ran through and scored a cool goal. The criticism might be ventured that of the Everton team the backs were the weakest link, although it is only human nature to take risks when the men in front are in such wonderful form. Of the forwards it would be impossible to speak too highly. Each of them was at the top of his form, although Chedgzoy and Troup did not score they had a big hand –or foot –in each of the points. Chedgzoy had a regular field day, and he made Pringle and Calderwood look like novices. Troup never wasted a ball, and the very first time he received a pass his centre to Irvine was so perfect that the Irishman had time to sing a couple of verses of a Christmas carol before beating Mitchell, Cock, who has been on the up-grade for a month, gave a sparkling display, and a common sense referee Mr. MaFarnace of Mold, gave him legitimate immunity from his usual "off-side" fate. The halves were splendid, and the City forwards were never allowed to get going in combination. It is true, however, that Sharp, Hamill, and Pringle were far too busy to attempt to feed their front line. With the result that spasmodic breakaways were the City's only visible means of attack.
SPECTACLES.
Fern began his Christmas holidays before he hoped to. His vis-à-vis the amateur Mitchell, will not soon forget his ordeal. With a big peaked cap pulled down the shield his spectacles from the rain, he presented a perfect picture of harassed anxiety, but, nevertheless, did much better than the score against him would indicate. With Everton in such remarkable form, and fielding the same team, the game on Boxing Day at Goodison Park against Sunderland should produce football worth going a long way to see. Teams: - Everton: - Fern goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Manchester City:- JF. Mitchell, goal, Cookson, and Calderwood, backs, Sharp, Mamill, and Pringle, half-backs, Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes, and Murphy, forwards. Referee, Mr. JR McFarlance.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 24, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The return fixture at Anfield was played before a small attendance. Considering the heavily state of the ground, both sides played well. The first half was very evenly fought, and each goalkeeper had some well-directed shots to contend with. Everton were the first to score after 35 minutes' Parry when centering the ball, was assisted by his namesake, the Liverpool back edging the ball to the foot of Williams, who made no mistake in beating Wilkinson. In the last half minute before the interval Wadsworth rounded Caddick and scored a fine equaliser. Everton were overplayed in the second half, but the defence of Harland, Caddick, and McDonald stood the test well, and prevented Liverpool getting the winning point. A fast drive by McDevitt and another by Owen showed Harland in his best form. Parry and Miller were Everton's most dangerous wing, but they were well held by Mitchell, who was the best player on view, Liverpool also played a new outside right in Reid, and his performance was most creditable.

EVERTON "A" 2 PRESCOT 2
December 24, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
The fixture at Townsend lane resulted in a fast and even game, with honours divided. Although there was a strong wind blowing, neither side scored when they had its assistance, Everton had this advantage in the first half, but Prescot scored twice through Tunstall and Booth, but in the second portion the home side got on level terms though Barton and Parry. A ding-dong struggle than caused for the winning goal, both goals having very narrow escapes but the defence prevailed.

EVERTON SIGNING
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, December 24, 1923
Everton have signed a new Scottish full back from the Second Division Scottish League team, Bathgate. His name is J. Kerr, and he is only 21 years of age, stands 5ft 8 ¼ in., and weighs 11st 7lb. he has only played a month for Bathgate, and is thought a deal of in Scottish circles. Everton play the same team against Sunderland at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, and the reserve side to meet Manchester United Res, at Goodison Park tomorrow is unaltered. Kick-off in each case is 2.15.

EVERTON’S GREAT WIN OVER MANCHESTER
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, December 24, 1923
CHADWICK GETS FOUR ON OWN
By Bees
Well, Everton certainly got off their Christmas mark with avidity-and goals. Their win of 6-1 shows how definitely emphatic the forwards can be if they shoot. The previous week even Manchester said Everton should have been winners by a bag-full; and Saturday’s result showed such a difference between the sides that I marvel how City came to win at all at Maine-road. However, any side that plays prettily, as does Everton’s, and does not round off the early work with a goal may easily pay heavily for their failings near goal. The gods don’t forget and don’t forgive. Considering the game afresh, I must say that Everton surprised me; and I begin to think that they can act on soft going. Looking at the formation of the side one would hardly incline to the belief that the side would do well in sticky turf, but they proved conclusively that they could push the ball on the soft turf and yet preserve their interesting style of play. Everything depends upon whether they push the ball sufficiently strong to reach the objective. They did their work well, and Chadwick and Cock got a crop of goals.
FOUR OF THE BEST
Chadwick put “paid” to the critics who have said he is slow, and not quick enough to deliver his shot. He scored four successive goals -an uncommon feat, and one that he had never before perpetrated. Wilfred put some “Pip” and “Squeak” into the City defence. His goals were good ones, and there was a working agreement between him and Cock that had good results. Irvine had the first half shots, and Chadwick the last half, and the crowd and players recognised the part that Cock had played in this important and hefty victory- the like of which we have not seen for many a day at Everton. All the side played good football, and Peacock, returning to the fold, served up the football we know he is capable of. Brown is now fit and well, so here is a pretty selection problem. Manchester City were a bit disappointing, and even in goal Mitchell struck me as doing good things and then spoiling them by a rather then physical display and a manner of patting the ball away instead of catching it, a method that suggested all sorts of things- one a confidence that was not a confidence.
CITY ANALYSED
The City had no defence; their half backs were easily beaten and well beaten. Hamill was rarely seen, and Sharp and Pringle did not get a grip of the game till late on in the contest. We know their form is better than that, but it strikes me that City’s great trouble will be in defence. The backs want mending and the forwards need a little more weight and more certainly in front of goal. Morris and Murphy were hardly ever seen, and Barnes has rarely had such a tieing up, in the same manner that Frank Roberts could rarely get going. It is a long time since I saw such an uneven match with a score brought in for the losing side. City, however had two chances early on, and Warner was at fault with them. This is the boy there was so much bother about; and his work on fry grounds is much in front of what the crowd saw from him on Saturday.

THE DELUGE
The Athletic News- Monday, December 24, 1923
EVERTON ARTISTRY TRIUMPHS OVER CONDITIONS
FOUR FOR CHADWICK
EVERTON 6 MANCHESTER CITY 1
By Junius
BY this time Manchester City will probably have recovered from the first shock attendant from their visit to Goodison Park, but they have something rueful to ruminate over. They had prevailed the previous week in a game in which it was generally admitted that the honours were not theirs from the point of view of an exhibition the nicer touches of play. On Saturday the Everton players demonstrated that the result at Moss Side was all wrong, and when they had settled down into harmonious and thorough working order it became merely a question of the extent of their margin. The game was contested under the most depressing conditions, for rain fell throughout on to a ground already soaked, with the result that the conditions were exceedingly treacherous and trying. But this handicap mattered little so far as the Everton team were concerned, for they took absolute command, and by their intricate footwork, neat and accurate passing, even under the terribly difficult circumstances, kept the City defenders continually extended. Everton commanded the exchanges. The whole forward line was in City's penalty area time and time again, and only elevation in the numerous shots rained in and clever anticipation by Mitchell prevented something worse than the six goals debited against the visitors. The first portion had found Everton so superior that much of the interest in the proceedings evaporated, as it was evident that the City team were outpaced and outclassed. Even the goal they obtained came as a complete surprise to the onlookers, but Barnes is to complimented upon taking the Chance.
Brilliant Co-operation.
In my opinion Everton’s great strength lay in the half-back line, for the forwards were fed with rare precision and ingenuity. Ido not suggest that the latter were lacking; as a matter of fact they responded in very able fashion to the efforts of their providers, and both departments had a perfect field day. The standard of play in the rear lines, too, reached a high level of merit, and the team all round certainly gave their best display of the season. Really the teams could not compared, but to contrast them is an easy task. Everton were speedier, cleverer, more combined. Their polished play had the virtue of precision and finish, and on occasion the City players appeared as mere novices. Right from the start Irvine and Chedgzoy were scintillating, and it befitted the occasion when, after play had been some five minutes in progress. Irvine found the net after Mitchell had attended to a headed ball from Cook. The Irishman was in great shooting form, for he persistently fired in from possible scoring positions, but the wet ball evidently accounted for lack of direction, though there were times when both he and Chedgzoy went very close. Cock, McBain, and Chadwick too made capable efforts to augment the lead, which must have been lost had Warner accepted a gift from Roberts. However, Livingstone, from practically the only mistake he made the game, miskicked for Barnes to dart ahead and level up the scoring. Two minutes later Cock scored from a difficult angle after Mitchell had pushed away a ball from Irvine and Chadwick just before the interval fired in a ball that glanced off Calderwood’s outstretched leg. The early stages of the second half, with the failing light, found it a case of Mitchell standing almost alone against the Everton attack. The play had only been going three minutes when Chadwick put on the fourth goal with a ball that crashed into the net from the post. After fifteen minutes Chadwick completed his “hat-trick” from a penalty given against Cookson, who handled as Cock was going through. Then came a neat piece of play by the Everton centre, who back-heeled for Chadwick to complete the scoring.  As I have indicated, the whole Everton team were right on the top of their form, and it would appear somewhat superfluous to go into the individual merits of the players. However, criticism of the game would not be complete without reference to the outstanding incidents in which certain players were concerned.
A GREAT SHOT
For instance, Chedgzoy’s speed was a constant source of worry and anxiety to both Pringle and Calderwood, who were labouring, unavailingly usually, to curb his flashes down the right wing. With Irvine’s collaboration was formed a splendid wing, and the first goal was the direct result of their clever work. Cock was a capable leader, and his great shot under difficulties was the result of quick thinking and direct action. Chadwick and Troup were more in the picture during the second portion, and completed a line all too formidable for the opposition to cope with. McBain maintained his reputation in the pivotal position, and came remarkably close with two fine drives. Flanked by Hart, who was brilliant, and Peacock, this line gave the main defenders an easy afternoon.  It would, perhaps, be kinder for me to draw a veil over the performance of the players. It was not their day. They cut a sorry figure. They were totally outclassed. Roberts strove hard to get the line working with a semblance of cohesive movement, and occasionally Murphy swung in a ball that troubled Fern. The half-backs could not counter the movements of the Everton forwards and consequently were unable to support their own vanguard, while the defence floundered about powerless to cope with the clever yet intensive assaults on their charge. Mitchell performed wonders, beating down the ball, catching it, repelling it and accomplishing all that one could reasonably expect. Behind backs who were never reliable the value of his display, despite the big margin, could scarcely be over-estimated. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Manchester City; J.F. Mitchell; Cookson, Calderwood; Sharp, Hamill, Pringle; Morris, Warner, Roberts, Barnes and Murphy. Referee; J.R. McFarlane, Mold.

THE WINNING WAY
Sunderland Daily Echo-Wednesday, December 26, 1923
SUNDERLAND’S TRIUMPHANT AT EVERTON
SECOND HALF RALLY
GOALS FOR HAWES, BUCHAN, AND PATTERSON
By Argus
Sunderland made the journey to Liverpool on Monday in order to meet Everton at Goodison Park to-day. On the journey up there was a slight accident at Holbeck Station, Leeds, the coupling of the saloon breaking. Fortunately the train was being brought to a standstill when the accident occurred. The journey was continued in another saloon. Yesterday, the players, officials, and party witnessed the game between Liverpool and Newcastle United. The conditions yesterday suggested the possibility of there being no match to-day, for there was a heavy frost and a fall of snow, but rain fell heavily yesterday evening and washed away the slush and the Goodison Park ground made a good recovery, and was just on the soft side without being in any way heavy except in the centre. There was some doubt about Grimshaw’s ability to play consequent upon the ankle injury he received at Newcastle, but when he turned up at Liverpool this morning he was quite sound and Prior was therefore not required. Ferguson was also in attendance as Parker had been complaining of traces of muscular rheumatism. Parker, however, improved yesterday, and the team was exactly as on Saturday. Everton were also at full strength. They have not been beaten at home this season, but Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield had all been able to claim a point.
The teams were as follow;-
Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell and England; Clunas, Parker, and Andrews; Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, and Ellis.
Everton; Fern; Raitt, and Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, and Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. – Referee; Mr. E.C. Lines.
THE GAME
There was an attendance of about 40,000. Hunter Hart won the toss and had the advantage in the first half of a slight breeze. Within the first couple of minutes McInroy cleverly fielded a swift drive from Chadwick. Play was very fast, with Everton holding the advantage, but Sunderland got in on their right, and from an overhead kick by Paterson, McBain headed behind to prevent Hawes reaching the ball. Clunas twice pulled up Troup, but once the winger got clear and ran to the line only to send behind the goal post. The Sunderland forwards were up against a fine half-back line and found it difficult to make progress. Once Irvine charged down a kick by England; evaded the back and sent a great drive just over the bar. Hawes fed Ellis cleverly, but when the winger centred Buchan was yards offside. Again Troup bore in and centred. The position looked promising for Irvine, but England dived for the ball with his head, and turned the ball away from goal. The Evertonians were very aggressive, and Chedgzoy forced a corner off Andrews, but it proved of no avail. Against the Sunderland defence Troup was being given.
FAR TOO MUCH ROOM
And he repeatedly had time to centre without an opponent tackling him. One of his crossed led Andrews to handle just outside the penalty area, and Peacock drove the free kick just wide of the upright, McInroy diving after it for safely. Everton played clever football and kept the Sunderland men in their own half for a long spell, but their finishing was poor, and Troup in particular finished his efforts badly. From a free-kick against Parker, Chadwick sent in a terrific low drive, which Cresswell charged down, and he followed up by beating Troup when that player got possession. The efforts of the Sunderland forwards to get going were few, and they seldom got within shooting distance, so cleverly did the home halves play. Some neat passing between Chadwick and Troup was neutralized by the last-named getting offside. Buchan was similarly placed a minute or so later. It was well for Sunderland that Cresswell and England defended with sound judgement for the Sunderland halves failed completely against the home forwards who were very clever in their dribbling. Almost half-an-hour had gone by without any serious raid by the Sunderland forwards, and it was all Everton’s game.  The Everton backs were continually playing the Sunderland forwards into off-side positions, but once Grimshaw forged a passenger through and centred. McBain headed away with difficulty, and a fast raid by Chedgzoy forced England to give a corner and this led to the opening goal of the game, after 32 minutes. Chedgzoy placed it well, and COCK, almost under the bar.
BREASTED THE BALL INTO THE NET
Sunderland then forced a corner through Ellis, but it was cleared, and another corner followed. This eld to a scrimmage and a third corner. When this was placed and the ball forced to the right, hart handled the ball in the penalty area. The referee failed to see it, although everybody in the Press box admitted that it was deliberately done. Straight away Everton burst away on their right, and from Chedgzoy’s inward pass IRVINE shot a second goal. Two minutes later Ellis got away and centred. Paterson was prevented from shooting by McBain, but HAWES fastened on to the ball and shot into the net. Everton protested that Hawes was offside, but the referee had no doubts about it and refused even to consult a linesman. Immediately afterwards Ellis again got clear from Parker’s pass, and had he lifted his centre Buchan might easily have scored but the ball came over low, and McBain intercepted and just managed to clear. At the other end McInroy punched away a high drive from Cock. Half-time; Everton 2, Sunderland 1.
Buchan opened the second half with a lovely dribble, but he was checked in time. Cresswell earned a round of applause for skilfully beating Troup. The crowd was now about 45,000. Troup beat Clunas rather smartly and centred. Cock turned the ball goal-wards with his head, and McInroy gathered it in the air and threw clear. Cock lost a fine chance when making a grand effort on his own by allowing the ball to get a yard too far in front, and then Chedgzoy dribbled in and shot against the side netting. Racing in again Cock was just beaten by England, who could only push the ball away to the foot of Troup, who placed wide. Everton were playing grand football, and their left wing was much too clever for Clunas. A great drive from Chadwick found McInroy prepared, and the goalkeeper also safely dealt with a high drive from Cock. Ten minutes after the restart Andrews punted the ball to the right, and Buchan sent PATERSON off. Two defenders closed in upon the centre-forward who shot wide of the goalkeeper, and the
BALL ENTERED THE NET.
After striking the inside of the upright. On level terms again Sunderland played with great vim, and Hawes made a fine attempt to set Ellis on the move. Cock opened out the play for Chedgzoy to raid and centre finely. Cresswell made a smart clearance, and aided by a series of touch-throws Sunderland got down, but caused no danger to Fern’s charge. About this time a number of free kicks were awarded against Sunderland for minor offences, but none of them was close up, and the Sunderland defence was not troubled. Cock had a good chance, but shot wide, and when Sunderland invaded on their left Hawes was wrongly given off-side. Coming again, Sunderland invaded on their right, made rapid ground, and cutting in towards goal Grimshaw sent in.
A TERRIFIC LOW DRIVE
The ball went across the goal, and Ellis returned it for Paterson to shoot, and Fern to stop the ball dead. Before Buchan could reach it Livingstone saved the situation. Buchan made one of his old time dribbles and beat man after man, but just before he reached the penalty area McBain tripped him. The free kick was slipped out to Grimshaw by Parker, but the winger was beaten by inches only by the back, Livingstone. The game was now very fast and by open football and accurate passing Everton strove to regain the lead. After a fine passing bout Chadwick shot wide when well placed. Another beautiful dribble by Buchan deserved better success than for him to see the ball swerving away from his foot when the final effort was to be made. Later Buchan was fouled just outside the penalty area, and Clunas sent in a drive, and Fern only just stopped the ball, clearing a second time. After a corner to Everton had been cleared, they again got in by a clever passing movement, but the ball went over. Three minutes from the end
SUNDERLAND GOT THE LEAD.
Ellis and Hawes got away, and the winger forced his way to the right. When he centred BUCHAN had the easiest of tasks to shoot into the net from a few yards range. Just before the end Chedgzoy almost equalised with a swift drive from close range. Final; Everton 2 Sunderland 3.
NOTES AND COMMENTS
Sunderland deservedly looked a beaten side at the interval, but their recovery in the second half was remarkably good, and it was stated that their defence was as good as any seen on the Everton ground this season. Certainly Cresswell and England showed marked judgement, and kicked with unerring aim. In the first half the half-backs, with the exception of Parker, were rather easily beaten by the wing forwards, but in the second half Clunas and Andrews reached their best form, thus completing a fine defence. Buchan was at his best in the second half. It is a long time since he dribbled so effectively, but the whole of his colleagues realised the correct game to play, and that was when the Everton defence had become partially an attacking unit to swing the ball out to the speedy Grimshaw. Altogether it was a fine success, but it must be admitted that Everton played football good enough to have won the game. They had much kore of the play, and their passing was remarkably accurate and well- conceived. Had they finished as well as they did their work in midfield they would undoubtedly have won. Everton’s great strength lies at half-back, for their backs were none too sure under pressure.

BOXING DAY FOOTBALL SURPRISES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, December 26, 1923
EVERTON & SUNDERLAND GIVE GOOD-CLASS EXHIBITION
CROWD BREAKS IN
HUNDREDS TURNED AWAY
“BEE’S” REVIEW OF THE GAME
A SENSATIONAL FINISH
BUCHAN SCORES IN THE LAST MINUTE OF PLAY
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, England; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, Ellis. There was an enormous attendance at Goodison Park this afternoon, the 2.15 kick off being much more suitable than that of 2 o’clock yesterday at Anfield. Sunderland have been here two days, and were watching Liverpool yesterday. Fortunately the weather was fine, and the rain and wind of the early morning had washed away the snowfall. Both sides were strongly represented. Everton started with a merry rattle, and it seemed that they had their eyes on business, because Chadwick early on struggled hard against the big half-back against him, beat him, and made a chance drive, low, strong, and ticklesome.
HIS GOODISON DEBUT
McInroy, who has never before appeared on this ground, did well to pick up in so clean a fashion. He was not so sure when he conceded a corner kick from Troup’s daring centre shot. The ground was in a wonderful condition considering the amount of rain, and the going was amazing. For a long time Sunderland could not get going, and when they did it is needless to say that it was on the right wing. While Buchan was claiming that eh should have had a free kick against Hart for a foul near the corner flag Grimshaw took the throw-in, and a goal seemed absolutely certain when Raitt took a tremendous risk, but one that paid for itself, because he headed the ball just outside for a corner. Then followed some enterprising work by Chedgzoy, who came well over to the left wing and offered Troup a nice chance, but Troup, for once in a way, spooned the ball out of everybody’s reach.
BUCHAN’S TOUCH
Cresswell made one rather striking blunder, and Troup made at least three blunders in finishing. A finishing touch- such as appears in the “Echo” every night -would have made Troup a hero, because he was full of tricks against Clunas and Cresswell, and he had them beaten on the score of tactics, so that his wastage of the centre was more than usually patent. Sunderland had no sort of a show for quite a long spell, and it was only when Buchan opened the game by sweeping the ball across to the left wing that Sunderland’s attack started to move up. It was a typical Buchan pass, fill of wisdom, sense, strength, and direction, but Ellis did not use his chance, and Everton came back again to attack upon attack. In one case Andrews took a risk by handing out not more than a yard from the penalty area. Chedgzoy took this free kick, and many of the 40,000 spectators thought the ball had entered the net. They thought the ball would mend its ways Chedgzoy took a free kick, but Cresswell, standing around the goal line, found the ball hit him. The pace of the ball was such that it made his leg sting, and in fact he was limping about for quite a long time afterwards. Irvine did some fine solo work, and he, like Hart, introduced the feint to beat the opposition, Hart’s glide being very effective, and causing England to head out. Sunderland had a very severe period without respite for thirty minutes, but so far it could not be said that McInroy had been engaged with the real stuff that counts. Moreover, Fern had not been called upon to do anything else but warm his hands by “flapping.” It was once more abundantly patent that Everton were playing attractive football, and that the only question that arose in the minds of the holidaymakers was “will they finish off their work in the right manner?”
FIRST GOAL BY COCK
Grimshaw showed some fine speed, and all in a moment Buchan broke out with some admirable instructive lessons as to how to hook a ball without waste of time, but Irvine was equally brilliant, and it was a pity that one of his best efforts should fail through a trip on the party of England. It was England who, by tackling Chedgzoy, just after the half hour, when the winger was caressing off at an especially good pace, that eld to Cock scoring. Chedgzoy tried hard to scramble to his feet to get in a centre, but England’s body was in the way, and this was a blessing in disguise, for when the corner was taken the ball went off Irvine on to Cock, who was so close in that he only needed to breast the ball beyond the goalkeeper. Sunderland after this had their very best innings; in fact, there were those who thought the referee would have given a penalty kick against hart, who handled in the penalty area. From the manner in which Hart looked round and swung his arm back after the alleged offence, thought-readers considered a penalty kick would have been a just decision.
SECOND GOAL BY IRVINE
CROWD BREAKS IN
The gates had been closed long ago, but by some extraordinary happening people kept pouring out of the players’ subway. At one corner of the ground the crowd broke in, and had to be marshalled along the touchline and at the back of the goal. There were quite a number of elderly women-folk, and from information received there were several hundreds outside the ground utterly unable to get inside and see the fun of the fair. Sensational goals came in succession.
HAWES SCORES FOR SUNDERLAND
Providence came to the aid of Sunderland, when Hawes scored, first of all because Paterson missed the easiest of chances, and yet a goal arose from his mistake, Hawes scoring from less than four yards distance at the thirty-seventh minute. Everton claimed that this point was all wrong on the score of offside, but the referee refused to be mobbed, even in debate and as he was right on the spot it struck me that the ball touched McBain and thereby put Hawes onside. The score was 2-1, and interest was now more broadened, and McBain’s work brought out some new phases of footwork, the like of which we have not seen since our schooldays. Sunderland made a solid effort to get an equaliser, and it needed Livingstone’s sure foot to prevent the left wing scoring again. Irvine made a telling shot and McInroy clean going, and very enjoyable stuff in the fielded at the foot of the post. It was good, eyes of the holiday crowd. The luck of the game was made evident, because at this point Sunderland were very hard to hold. However, as a consequence of the turn of events, Cock got his left wing going, and Troup this time made a perfect centre, and Irvine running up, headed through to make goal number two, after thirty-five minutes. Everton claimed a penalty just to keep the honours of the day equal, and McInroy jumped up and pushed away a very awkward centre.
Half-time; Everton 2, Sunderland 1
FERN’S EASY PASSAGE
The second half was engaging as the first, and Hart, McBain and Peacock were outstanding figures in a well-knit side, whose form surprised the local people, Fern had an easy passage, and McInroy would have had two handful if Troup and Chedgzoy had been a little more forward with their drives. Cock tried hard to take an up-the-middle pass by McBain and over-ran the ball, while earlier on Troup had swung across a subtle centre to which Cock slipped at the crucial moment. The best shot of the match was that which Chadwick tried from fully ten yards outside the penalty area. McInroy caught the ball, but the very pace of it caused the ball to jump out of his grip. It was a fine shot and a fine save, and Everton were well on top of their opponents, even though they had only a goal margin. The duels between Cresswell and Troup were amongst the titbits of the day, because Cresswell was just as willing to produce a feint and a shadow move as was the little Scotchman.
PATERSON EQUALISES
It looked any odds on Everton increasing their lead, but when we came to actualities Sunderland just after the hour were on level terms again. Buchan, some said, was offside but when the ball was last played Buchan was on-side, and he opened the way for Paterson to score. It was a curious goal, because the centre-forward had gone to inside left, and when Fern and a back came out to meet the Scotchman a shot was applied to the right-hand side. It was more of a place effort than anything else, and the ball trekked slowly along until it reached the foot of the post. The great question was whether the ball, in hitting the post, would turn outside. The answer was that it turned inside and over the line. Sunderland could be commended for their continued efforts against odds, but certainly a score of 2-2 at this point was very much against the run of the play. Sunderland were seen to better advantage in the last twenty minutes than at any other period of the game, and after Fern had made one fine save Buchan made a joyous opening for Grimshaw, and it was only Hart crashing in that prevented Buchan taking the lead. There was not a pin’s point between the teams at this stage. Some idea of how the Everton defence was pressed could be gauged from the fact that when Buchan mowed his way through an avenue of legs Raitt showed some signs of temper, and was spoken to by the referee about his lapse.
CHADWICK’S VAIN EFFORT
Chadwick made one drive, and when McInroy slipped up it seemed that a goal must come, but the goalkeeper recovered himself and saved a foot off the line. Chadwick came again with a strong drive, but this time he was out of touch by a yard. Livingstone was spoken to about his trip of Buchan. Irvine should have scored in the last minute of the game.
SENSATIONAL FINISH
Buchan scored in the last minute, thanks to Ellis playing a beautiful centre. Thus the game had a sensational finish, and Sunderland won against odds. Final; Everton 2, Sunderland 3.

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 26 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
No details in local papers except score.

EVERTON 2 SUNDERLAND 3
December 27, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S GROUND RECORD GOES.
ATROCIOUS LUCK IN TREMENDOUS GAME.
By Adams.
Everton were desperately unlucky to lose their ground record yesterday, but they will, I think, admit they could have lost it to no worthier foemen than Sunderland, who, after being in subjection for over an hour, came with a rare rattle to snatch a victory in the last few minutes. It was a tremendous game of contrasting styles, Everton's "pretty-pretty" tactics being nullified by the "sling-it-about" style of the Wearsiders. As a spectacle it will long remain in the minds of the 50,000 odd people who squeezed into Goodison Park. At half-time with the Blues leading by the odd goal in three it looked a gift for them, for not only had Sunderland been rendered impotent by some remarkable work from the home halves and forwards, but their goal scored by Hawes was very doubtful legitimacy, whereas Everton's couple were well worked for and culminated delighted work by the attack.
TWO FINE GOALS.
The first came from a corner by Chedgzoy, whose ball was so accurate that Irvine's flick to Cock was simply walked past McInroy. The second was a gem. Cock's pass out to Chedgzoy was returned to the middle, where the centre forward swung the ball out to Troup The latter carried on up to the line and centred. Irvine jumped for it at the right moment, and McInroy never saw the leather until he picked it out of the net. The second half opening told the same tale of persistent thrust by the Blues, but nothing seemed to go right, despite the undoubted science displayed. Then came the breakaway with which Hart and his men must be all too familiar by now. Paterson fired in a slow 20 yarder with a bit of spin on it. Fern went down, but the ball twisted away from him, doddled to the upright, and turned into the goal.
BUCHAN THE BOGIE.
After this Sunderland played as if inspired, and their vigour rather rattled the defence, which was all at sea five minutes from time, when Buchan was left with an open goal and made no error. In the concluding minutes Chedgzoy nearly made the score equal, but his great effort was just wide. The winners of a great game were best served by their backs, of whom Cresswell was the better, but had little in hand of Troup, and their centre-half, Parker, was consistently sound and sometimes great. Ellis was the better wing, but Buchan, was subdued for three-parts of the match, and only came into his own in the last quarter of an hour. It is a way he has, however, and there can be no caviling at his splendid opportunism. For Everton the halves were again wonderful, although Peacock did not impress so much as he did on Saturday. Troup played his best game of the season, which is "saying a mouthful," as they remark at the Landing stage. Chedgzoy was in top form, and all the inside men displayed great dash and vim.
THE WEAK LINK.
It may be said, however, that the backs were neither fast nor heavy enough to cope with fast moving forwards, and this fault as before this season, has proved fatal to a side which is admittedly, one of the best attacking forces in League football today. With two stern tussles to face within the next week –the visit to Bolton on Saturday and the return at Roker on New years Day –something will have to be done to strengthen the weak link. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Sunderland: - McInroy, goal, Cresswell, and England, backs, Clunas Parker, and Andrews, half-backs, Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, and Ellis, forwards.

BUCHAN’S WINNING NOD
North Mail and Newcastle Chronicle, Thursday, December 27, 1923
FATE OF EVERTON SEALED IN LAST FIVE MINUTES
Buchan’s head ended Everton’s interest in the League tussle with Sunderland at Goodison Park, yesterday, the Wearsiders winning 3-2. With five minutes left for play, it looked odds on a draw when Ellis went careering down the touch line to send across one of those centres that Buchan delights in, and “Charlie” getting his head to the ball, steered it into the net well out of the reach of Fern. The Everton team was unchanged from that which so handsomely beat Manchester City on Saturday. The homesters won the toss, and, from the kick off, went straight down, McInroy having to clear from Troup, and immediately after from Chadwick. Sunderland then took a turn, and from a centre by Ellis, Livingstone nearly put through his own goal. Offside spoiled a promising movement by the homesters, and Sunderland went down, but McBain cleared. Everton exerted strong pressure, but had hard lines when Irvine shot just over. Buchan now spoilt a likely movement by getting offside, and Everton again went down, Irvine putting outside. Some beautiful passing by Irvine and Chedgzoy again put the visitors’ goal in jeopardy. A foul for Everton close in, looked bad for Sunderland, but Cresswell kicked clear in the nick of time. Towards the interval Chedgzoy forced a corner off England, and from the place kick Cock headed through. This success put Sunderland on their mettle, but only three abortive corners resulted and Everton once more went down. Troup sent in a fine centre, which Irvine headed through for the second goal. From the centre kick the visitors got down, and, after a beautiful exhibition of passing, Hawes scored for Sunderland.
The second half started with some fast football, each side attacking in turn. A grand triangular movement by the Everton right looked dangerous, McInroy clearing. Cock now went through on his own, but put behind, and immediately afterwards Chedgzoy hit the upright. Sunderland equalised as the result of a grand passing movement between Buchan and Paterson, the latter scoring with a shot which went in off the post. Rough play crept into the game at this stage. Buchan showed some fine football, and beating several opponents, put across to Grimshaw, whose centre was very luckily got away. Everton put on great pressure, and McInroy had to exert himself to clear from Irvine. A grand run and centre by Ellis enabled Buchan to head Sunderland’s third goal, five minutes before the end. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, England; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, Ellis.

SENSATIONAL MATCH
North Star (Darlington) - Thursday 27 December 1923
SUNDERLAND’S WIN AT EVERTON
ON THE COLLAR
Everton lost at home to Sunderland 3-2. The bare statement of fact does not nearly give the reader any idea of the beauty of the game and its fluctuating character. It was a game that was one-sided for quite a long spell, but it provided a thrilling finish, and Sunderland have the pleasure of knowing that after being two goals down they ran out winners. This is a very uncommon feat, and it was due entirely to the fact that Sunderland found Everton imagining a vain thing, and wasting opportunities when they held a good lead. This lead was insufficient, but Everton combined in such a way that they made attacks look easy, and their forwards were lulled into a sense of security in front of goal that was their undoing. It was the old, old story. With Everton there was not a definite crowning point to their brilliant footwork, but Sunderland must not be left out of the honours list. They were on the collar fully half-an-hour, and goals to Cock and Irvine did not shake their ardour. Hawes reduced the lead before half-time, what time Everton were claiming that Paterson was offside. There were appeals for a penalty, and there were times when the Everton backs had to be spoken to, but taken all round it was a game of real thrills from start to finish, and the football on either side was of a character that is rarely seen. Paterson, like Buchan, was always prepared for the emergency attack, and really that is what Sunderland had to concentrate upon. They were so hard pressed for long stretches that one could have imagined the patience of their forwards giving out. However, when Sunderland got away in their rare excursions they were dangerous, and Paterson took a gift from Buchan, the ball stroking the post as it entered the net, while to complete the day’s enjoyment Ellis centred so well that Buchan snapped up the most definite goal of the day. In the second half Sunderland were a vastly improved side. Their backs had begun to get the hang of the opposition, yet Irvine and Troup always seemed to be able to dribble around at will. In view of that it was starting that Cock and company did not get more goals. Chadwick was a bit unlucky with his shots, but no more unlucky than Buchan when Hart came from the clouds and saved the situation. There was another occasion when Sunderland claimed they should have had a penalty kick against Hart for hands.

HOW EVERTON LOST
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, December 27, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton lost at home to Sunderland yesterday before 45,000 spectators by 3-2. The bare statement of fact does not nearly give the reader any idea of the beauty of the game and its fluctuating character. It was a game that was one-sided for quite a long spell, but it provided a thrilling finish, and Sunderland have the pleasure of knowing that after being 2 goals down they ran out winners. This is an uncommon feat, and it was due entirely to the fact that Sunderland found Everton imagining a vain thing and wasting opportunities when they held a good lead. The lead was insufficient; but Everton combined in such a way that they made attacks looked easy, and their forwards were lulled into a sense of security in front of goal that was their undoing. It was the odd, old story with Everton; there was not a definite crowning point to their brilliant footwork. But Sunderland must not be left out of the honours list. They were on the collar for fully half an hour, and goals to Cock and Irvine did not shake their ardour. Hawes reduced the lead before half-time, what time Everton were claiming that Paterson was offside. There were appeals for a penalty, and there were times when the Everton backs had to be spoken to; but, taken all round, it was a game of rare thrills from start to finish, and the footwork on either side was of a character that is rarely seen. Paterson, like Buchan was always prepared for the emergency attack, and really that is what Sunderland had to concentrate upon. They were so hard pressed for long stretches that one could have imagined the patience of their forwards giving out. However, when Sunderland got away in their rare excursions they were dangerous, and Paterson took a gift from Buchan, the ball striking the post ere it entered the net, while to complete the day’s enjoyment Ellis centred so well that Buchan snapped up the most definite goal of the day.
BRILLIANT FOOTWORK
In the second half Sunderland were a vastly improvedside. Their backs had begun to get the hang of the opposition, yet Irvine and Troup always seemed to be able to dribble around at will. In view of that it was starting that Cock and company did not get more goals. Chadwick was a but unlucky with his shots, but no more unlucky than Buchan when Hart came from the clouds and saved the situation. There was another occasion when Sunderland claimed that they should have had a penalty kick against Hart for hands. As an exhibition of football it was a joy, because the ball was kept on the ground, and there were intricacies of footwork that are not often seen, yet withal there was a lot of misfiring, and McInroy had far more to do than the goalkeeper on the losing side. The crowd certainly enjoyed the artistic display, notably Everton’s continued brilliance at half-back, and Buchan and Irvine seemed to vie with each other in appealing by their gentle touch. The Sunderland left wing was rather below par, and Grimshaw had peculiar spells of idleness. Probably the best winger on the field was Troup, who was rarely at a loss to beat his man, but early on was not sure in his centre, thus spoiling much good initiative work. As a game it will long live in the memory on the score of sheer brilliance of footwork, and as a blow to Everton’s prestige it will stand for a long period as an outstanding surprise. The crowd by the way broke in at certain corners of the ground, but there was no damage done.

KERR SIGNS FOR EVERTON
Linlithgowshire Gazette - Friday 28 December 1923
Jasper Kerr, Bathgate’s popular left back, who joined the club from Larkhall Thistle in September, has signed for Everton, and left for training with the English League club on Monday. While the transfer fee has not been divulged, it is stated that Bathgate Club will benefit to the extent of £500 by the deal, the player also benefiting handsomely by the transaction. Everton are esteemed by the critics to have the finest half-back line in the English League, and are evidently out to build up their team on that pattern. In Kerr they have secured a courageous and resourceful back, whom place will be hard to fill at Mill Park.

JASPER KERR FOR EVERTON
West Lothian Courier - Friday 28 December 1923
On Saturday, Jasper Kerr, Bathgate’s outstanding left back signed on for Everton. After the match with Alloa, in which Kerr gave a magnificent display, representatives of Everton F.C approached Bathgate F.C committee, with a view to getting him transferred to their club. A lengthy sederunt was held, and at a late hour, terms between the two clubs were fixed. After this the Everton representatives motored to Jasper’s residence and were successful in getting his approval to the transfer. Kerr came to Bathgate from Larkhill in September and has proved, in all his game a big asset to the Bathgate club. He was very popular with Bathgate supporters, who will wish him all good luck in the Upper Circle.
Following the transfer of Jasper Kerr to Everton, Bathgate F.C directors immediately set about securing another player in his stead. On Tuesday night they were able to fix up with Jasper’s older brother, John Kerr, left back with Hamilton Academicals. It is believed that in the new player the club have a worthy successor to Jasper.

BROWN REAPPEAR
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, December 28, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Bolton, whose ground at the present moment is a skating ring. There was a good depth of ice on the turf this morning, but Bolton are getting it off in readiness for the great contest to-morrow. It should be another enjoyable game, and Everton should by now have learned the folly of easing up when they have taken the lead. They will have to go all out against Bolton, because the Wanderers have just come to their best, and their half-back line is one of the hardest in the land, while in the forward line J.R. and J. Smith and Vizard are names to conjure with, and those who follow Bolton regularly say that Butler is an international in the making. Altogether the match at Bolton promises very fine and intricate football. Bolton Wanderers;- Pym; Howard, Finney; Longworth, Seddon, Jennings; Butler, Jack, J.R. Smith, J. Smith, Vizard. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Train leaves Exchange 10.55. The reserve side at Goodison Park to meet The Wednesday includes the new Scottish left full back Kerr from Bathgate club. The team which takes the field at 2.15 is; Harland; McDonald, Kerr; Rooney, Reid, Virr; Parry, Miller, McGrae, Williams, and Forbes. Same eleven will oppose Stoke at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day, kick-off, 2.15.

EVERTON WILL BE HIGHLY TRIED.
December 29 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
GREAT DUEL IN VIEW AT BOLTON.
Everton take to Bolton today one of the best all-round sides which has ever represented the old club, and the Burnden Park spectators will whatever the result, be assured of a delightful afternoon's football. Whether the Blues' dainty and intricate work will prevail against the robust go-ahead tactics of the Cupholders remains to be seen, but with a little more steadiness in attack in the rear line of defence it is quite on the cards that they may return with a couple of points. If so, it will be way of compensation for a very unlucky defeat by Sunderland at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, when after having two-thirds of the game they went under by a Buchan "special" in the last minutes. Today's game Brown, now thoroughly fit again from his strain takes up his old position at right half to the exclusion of Peacock. This move, one fancies is only dictated by ground conditions for Peacock has played admirably in the last few matches. The official Bolton side contains the name of "Jack," but whether this be David or his younger brother Rollo is not known at this end at the moment of writing. In either case the home side will be well served, for the youngster played a great game at Nottingham on Saturday. The Everton halves will be highly tested today, but there need be no qualms as to their ability obstructive as well as constructive. It should be a great game, and the cheap excursions advertised by the L.M.S.R. from exchange will probably be well patronised. Teams: - Bolton, Pym, goal, Howarth, and Finney, Longsworth, Rowley, and Jenning, Butler, Jack, Smith (JR), Smith (J), and Vizard. Everton: - Fern, Raitt, Livingstone, Brown, McBain, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday December 29, 1923
By Louis T. Kelly

• Way back in ’93 the writer trekked it to Bramall-lane (Sheffield) and enter to Ewood Park (Blackburn), to watch two famous Everton and Preston elevens battle for supremacy in an English Cup semi-final.
• And if memory serves aright it was not until the third time of asking, and in the last few minutes of the game, that Edgar Chadwick scored the winning goal for the Toffees from a corner.
• Then it was that Everton ordered their famous “band” for the final, but alas! It only turned out to be a hat-band, one that had, so to speak, a funeral note on it.
• We fancy Everton to do better justice to their present considerable reputation three weeks hence
• And what a Boxing Day surprise at Everton
• The Blues started well enough to have romped home, and certainly looked like doing so when they had established a two goal lead
• But the Wearsiders’ recovery was a wonderful one and reminiscent of the exploits of the famous team of all the talents way back in the nineties.
• It was in every sense a battle of giants and beyond all doubt the finest match of the season at Goodison
• Everton had the balance of play, taking the match in its entirely, but still Sunderland’s uphill fight and triumphant finish was worthy of all praise.
• They appealed to one as a side endowed with splendid stamina, and gradually but surely wore down some of the enemy, whose wing halves in particular weakened during the last half-hour.
• It was noticeable, too, how the men of the far North swung the ball about from wing to wing in marked contrast to the Blues, and this quick changing of the base of operations had not a little to do with the Wearsiders’ ultimate success.
• Patterson proved a spirited and capable pivot. His vis-à-vis, Cock, whilst showing skill, adopted the wrong tactics, we thought, against such stalwart foes in trying to go through single-handed so repeatedly.
• The young Sunderland keeper, McInroy – smuggled right away from under Preston’s nose- is one of the coming sort, and recalls the great Doig in that he favours the use of the left hand and foot.
• The Troup-Cresswell duels were a treat, and the back proved his ability and worth more than on any previous visit to Merseyside.
• Their middle line of Clunas, Captain Parker, and Andrews, are a fine upstanding trio and in keeping with the Wearside fondness for good weighty men.
• Their physique stood them in good stead in those telling closing ten minutes
• Clunas is not a showy one, but for a new-comer to English League football he shows a wonderful knowledge of adroit defence and attack
• Whilst the Blues were concentrating on watching the famous Sunderland right wing pair, Ellis and Hawes were given the greater scope for doing damaging work
• Buchan may have been very harmless looking and apparently inert prior to half-time, but when some of the men were holding out signals of distress the Northern long fellow was delighting with his poetry of motion

BOLTON TEST EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 29, 1923
BATTLE OF HALF-BACKS WITS AT BURDEN PARK
RE-ENTER WILLIAM BROWN
F.E.H. TELLS HOW THE SMITH FAMILY WORKED
Bolton; Pym; Howard, Finney; Longworth, Seddon, Jennings; Butler, Jack, J.R. Smith, J. Smith, Vizard. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. There was a battle of class players to-day at Burden Park, and all Bolton was curious to see how the Smith family would shape against the famous Everton half-back line, in which line W. Brown reappeared after an absence of a fortnight through a strained thigh. We broke the journey at Manchester, where the players had lunch, and on resuming the second stage to the Trotters’ ground it was discovered that Hart, Grenyer and Chedgzoy were not with the rest of the team, having missed the train. There was a thick fog, and it was questionable whether the game could be played, for the goals were only just discernible. To make matters worse, the playing pitch, which had been liberally sprinkled with sand, still possessed a lot of “bone” underneath the surface. There was a further surprise in the general proceedings which I should have mentioned earlier and this was that McBain was prevented from turning out owing to an injured ankle. His place was taken by Reid, who is now new to the position. The missing men turned up by a later train, just in the nick of time, and a prompt start was made before a good attendance.
EVERTON START THE ATTACK
Everton won the toss, and in the first of the game Irvine received the ball and shot from fifteen yards range, but without success, the ball rebounding from Howard. Further pressure followed, and there was an extremely pretty movement by Troup, Chadwick and Cock, which was nullified when the latter was ruled offside. The home forwards then took the game in hand, and Butler and Jack were dimly seen through the fog testing Fern, who also cleared a hot one from the Bolton centre. Everton took up the running in deadly earnest, and Troup sent in a cross shot which was very luckily cleared. Then Cock came through in gallant fashion, but Pym anticipated the movement and saved his charge. Irvine forced a corner with a clever shot, but the place kick was well dealt with, and the next episode, was a dangerous breakaway by Bolton’s right wing.
OBSCURED BY FOG
Butler put the ball up in puzzling fashion, but Fern ran out and fielded it smartly, and following upon this the visitors attacked with great persistence. The fog, however, seemed to obscure even their vision, for shots from both wings went away. Troup was twice pulled up for being offside, and when Chadwick worked his way though he was dispossessed by Howarth. Seddon sustained a slight injury and had to leave the field, but he speedily returned, and the contest continued under conditions that were practically becoming worse from the sightseers’ point of view. The Bolton left wing pair were “wasp-like” in their attention to the Everton goal, and J. Smith, taking a pass from Vizard, headed in dangerously, but fortunately Fern was on guard and got the ball away in fine fashion. A few minutes later Vizard flaw along the wing with the speed of a greyhound, but he stumbled just as he should have short from an oblique angle. At the other end the Everton right made pretty play, and Irvine was well placed when the opening was lost through a foul. The Wanderers left were next on the job, and Smith looked all over a winner until Brown headed the ball over the line. The corner was safely negotiated. For a time the luck of the attack lay with Everton, who were fast and clever, but just a wee bit disappointing when it came to clinching the argument. Once Irvine made a brilliant move and put the ball right across to Troup, but the latter shot harmlessly into touch. Bolton got away on the right, and from a free kick, taken by Butler, Seddon nearly defeated Fern with a swift ground shot.
A THRILLING MOMENT
The Wanderers exercised greater pressure than ever just before the interval, and from a pass by Butler, who was playing a great game, Jack sent in a magnificent shot, which was wonderfully well field by Fern. Everton replied in most determined fashion and they should have scored a goal, Irvine working through, finished with a fast shot which struck the upright, and Cock getting the rebound shot into Pym’s arms. It was a thrilling incident, and the home supporters showed their relief by loud cheering. An injury to Chedgzoy stopped play for a moment, and then Cock sent in a short, straight drive which was well dealt with by Pym. At the other end Butler and Jack were once more conspicuous, but the latter shot badly at the critical moment. Half-time; Bolton 0, Everton 0.
EVERTON LOSE IN FOG
VIZARD AND JACK SCORE FOR BOLTON
HARD AND LEVEL GAME
WANDERERS SOUND DEFENSIVE WORK
BOLTON WIN 2-0
The first period considering the state of the ground had provided very pretty football. The football of the Evertonians as well as that of their opponents was really brilliant at times, and the balance of the play had been equable. Reed at centre-half showed perfect command of the ball and proved himself a very worthy deputy for McBain.
VIZARD SCORES
The fog was much denser when play was resumed before 25,000 people. Everton were the first to make ground, through the medium of Cock; but his pass to Chadwick went astray. At the other end Seddon was rather unfortunate in not getting a long shot home. The Wanderers, however, kept up the attack, and Vizard, getting a clean run through, put in a great high centre, which struck the inside of the far upright, and glanced into the net without giving Fern any possible chance of saving. It was a quite a chance goal, for the intention of the Welsh International was obviously to centre and not to shoot.
JACK’S BOUNCING GOAL
Everton responded with good work on the right wing, which was well countered by Finney. Seddon paved the way to a second goal by judicious work, which put the home forward line in action. Joe Smith made ground, and slipping through the Everton defence put the ball to Jack, who caught it on the bounce and scored a simple goal at close range. The light at this point was so bad that it was difficult to follow all the moves of the game, but the contest still fluctuated in spite of the fact that the visitors were two down. The later stages of the match were played in semi-darkness, and a quarter of an hour before the finish it was well nigh impossible to accurately follow the flight of the ball. A shot from Irvine was seen by at least a section of the crowd, and an effort on the part of Troup was applauded by those who had the visibilities of that little player. It had been a hard and good game, and there was not very much to choose between the teams. Bolton’s victory lay largely in the sound defence work of Howarth and Finney, for both lines of forwards were equally busy.
Final; Bolton 2, Everton nil.

EVERTON RES v.  WEDNESDAY RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, December 29, 1923
At Goodison Park. Everton started operations with thick fog hanging over the ground, and were soon in front of the visitors. Reid tried a shot that went just wide. An advance by Sheffield on the left and a nice movement between Trotter and Eyre ending in the latter firing over the bar. Another piece of smart play by the Sheffielders caused McDonald some difficulty in stopping Wilson from getting in his shot. Everton right wings were the most prominent, and Parry several times beat his man and centred the ball, which was not accepted. The left wing for some time had been neglected, but Forbes got a chance through Birr and racing towards goal finished by sending a shot from Brown to negotiate. After twenty minutes’ play Wilson beat McDonald, and Harvey headed in his centre giving Harland no chance whatever. Everton improved after this goal, and made many attempts for the equaliser. At ten minutes from the interval the score stood;- Sheffield 1, Everton nil.
Within half off the interval, Williams equalised from the result of a corner kick.
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Sheff Wed Res 1.

BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 0
December 31, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON OUT OF LUCK AGAIN.
WEAKENED SIDE FALLS AT BOLTON.
By Adams.
For the second week in succession Everton, after playing ninety minutes' beautiful football, had the mortification of losing both points in a League match. The result at Bolton on Saturday should have been a draw. Several factors contributed to the downfall of the Blues. In the first place they were with Neil McBain, the mainspring of the side; in the second Jack Cock was upset by some bad news of a domestic nature; and in the third, the conditions under which the game was played were deplorable in the extreme, the ground, slightly thawing on top, being as hard as a brick underneath and all against Everton's dainty-embroiled stle of play. Half-an-hour before the advertised time of kicking off it was doubtful if the match would be played at all, so dense was the fog. In addition, Chedgzoy, Hart, and Grenyer (the reserve man) missed a train connection from Manchester and the team and officials were wracked with anxiety. However, the missing ones turned up four minutes from the kick off.
NOTHING IN IT.
The first half was a give and take sort of affair, in which so far as could be seen, honours, were even, and both sides played remarkable good football in the circumstances. There were no goals at half-time, but Fern had made a wonderful save from a powerful shot by Jack, and Cock had shot into Pym's hands after Irvine had crashed in a beauty on the upright. Bolton had all the luck that was going after the interval, for their first goal was a pure fluke. Vizard ran down and attempted to centre. Fern shaped to receive the obvious drive from the inside forward, but the ball "pulled" in the air, and instead of dropping in front of the posts went over his arm and cannoned off the post into the net. It was this goal which won and lost the match for Everton were rattled at the reverse, and Bolton were correspondingly "bucked," and Jack's second goal was more or less a grit.
GREAT BACKS.
The cupholders are a good team this year, and they have in Howarth and Finney two of the best backs, I have seen this season. Both in kicking and tackling they were immense, and Chedgzoy had an anxious afternoon. Troup had few chances, but he was risking nothing on the hard ground, and Howarth was rather flattered. The lengthy Seddon was the pick of the halves, while Butler's runs on the right wing were a feature. Vizard came into prominence in the second half. Taken all round Bolton appeared to adapt themselves better to the conditions, but the forwards and half-backs must learn to restrain a tendency to use their elbows when tackled. It was reassuring to note that Everton backs played a much better game than on the last few Saturdays. Both Raitt and Livingstone were plucky and persevering, while Fern gave a fine display. David Reid, who deputised for McBain was by no means the worst of the intermediate men, whose constructive work under difficulties was constantly recognised by the crowd. Irvine's thrust deserved a better fate, he was the live wire of the Everton attack, although neither Cock nor Chadwick evaded mixing it when it came to a hefty charge in the goalmouth. There were many infringements' principally handling, which Mr. Baker very sensibly overlooked, for on a field such as Burnden Park on Saturday, the ball played all sorts of tricks. Everton go to Sunderland today for their New Year's Day fixture. McBain will not be risked in view of the forthcoming Cup-tie. Cock was yesterday in London at the Redside of his sick mothers, but it is hoped the side will be the same as on Saturday. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Howard, and Finney, backs, Longsworth, Seddon, and Jennings, half-backs Butler, Jack, JR. Smith, J. Smith, and Vizard, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 2
December 31, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
This match at Goodison Park was played in a mist, which made it doubtful whether the game would be finished, but the interval was cut out, and the game was carried to a conclusion. Considering the conditions, it was quite an interesting match, with Everton attacking most. Sheffield certainly had most of the play during the first half, and fully deserved their lead of a goal scored after twenty minutes' through Harvey, who headed in from a centre by Wilson after the latter player had rounded McDonald. Everton equaliser came through Williams just before the interval, the teams crossing over with one goal each. In the second half Everton had most of the play and continually bombarded the visitors' goal, Miller, in particular, being straight on the target, but brown, the keeper, was in splendid form and repeatedly saved his charge. A second goal fell to the visitors in rather lucky fashion. A misunderstanding between McDonald and Harland gave them the lead, the former intending to place to his keeper, putting the ball into his own goal. Afterwards Everton made strenuous efforts to get on level terms, and did not deserve to lose.

BOLTON ‘S AMBITION
Athletic News- Monday, December 31, 1923
A FULL FORTNIGHT OF PROFIT AND KUDOS
EVERTON ON THE WRACK
BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 0
By Tityrus
The year which is dying has given life for evermore to the Bolton Wanderers who won the Association Cup in the spring and are now, with grounds in the grip of winter, struggling with more than energy to retain the championship of The League in Lancashire. As the Bolton Wanderers have never been the premier team of the First Division they have mighty host of well-wishers within the County Palatine now that Liverpool have lost their firm foothold the peak Eminence. It is not without reason that the Wanderers have this ambition. Only four matches have been decided against them, and they have never been more than a goal in arrear on these occasions. In the last fortnight of the old year the Boltonians have shown as much thrilling thrustfulness in front of goal as they have proved their strength in defence. Nine points out of ten, secured by aggregate of 17 goals to 2, is a return which would justify a certain suggestion of pride if the Wanderers were not fully aware, like all true sportsmen, that that is feeling which goeth before a fall. If the Wanderers can add honours to their colours in 1924 they will have made two chapters of history within twelve months—an achievement in any walk of life. The latest victims of the Bolton Wanderers are Everton, who were beaten at Burnden on Saturday under conditions which were difficult, for the frozen turf was plentifully sprinkled with sand, while fog was unpleasant, particularly for the 23,000 spectators who braved the rigours of the climate and saw only patches of play. The fact that nearly 21,000 people paid for admission on such a day suggested that there would have been twice as many folks had there been a wintry sun.  Considering the conditions and that the bounce of the ball was wayward the game was good. Everton were without their renowned centre half-back. In spite of his absence they did not deserve to be beaten without the consolation of a goal Still, they were not quite so capable as the Wanderers in any phase of the game.  Their attacks were spasmodic, while the Wanderers exerted such sustained pressure on the goal that the Everton defenders were tortured on the wrack of  suspense. Therewas this difference between the two sets of forwards —Bolton had the more balance, combination, and incisiveness. This turned the tide of events in their favour. In fact in every section of the team I thought, from what I could see, that the Wanderers always had the winning ace concealed within their jersey.
A TENSE STRUGGLE
Not a goal was registered in the first half, but each position was so threatened that one wondered how downfall was averted because it was not possible to follow the ball in every situation. Fog does not lend enchantment to the view of a football match. The Wanderers were soon swarming round Everton’s goal, and it appeared as if John Smith and Butler could not help scoring, but as my neighbour said: “Somebody bobbed up out of the mist. That is all.”  Chedgzoy and Butler were the raiders in chief, and once when Butler, while on the run, passed to the centre for John Smith it seemed that Fern could not help himself. Not a bit of it, for Fern ran out and just got the ball before John Smith. This was a nice and a swift calculation with decisive action. Again Chedgzoy’s feet rattled the hard ground, and he delivered a fine centre to the middle of the penalty zone. Cock tried to hook the ball, but Irvine could never quite gain position. Eventually the match largely resolved itself, in the first half, into a duel between Butler and Everton’s backs, while Jack and the Smiths teased Fern, whose fielding of the ball was excellent ’Twas  long before Pym had really any serious call upon him. But he might have been beaten by a splendid drive from Irvine that bounced and left a mark a foot from the ground on the post, to the keeper’s right. This was luckless for Everton, as when Cock took the rebound Pym saved -as he did again from the same player. In this way the interval arrived without a goal, but only eight minutes of the second half had flown when Bolton put themselves in a favourable position. Everton’s attack was turned by one move -a kick by Finney, who placed the ball kick by Finney, who placed the ball so that Vizard could nod it to his feet and prance past Raitt. VIZARD centred with his left foot from just outside the penalty area, and the ball swerving inwards, when it seemed likely to pass the far post, went into the net. Maybe the goalkeeper was deceived, and maybe Vizard had not thought to score himself. As the ball was brought to rest in the haven the crowd cheered heartily, because it was not only a goal, but the first from the popular Welsh artist during the season. Much will have more. So the proverb runs. Adopting long passing the Wanderers swarmed the Everton position, and at the end of 15 minutes the second goal arrived. The ball was swung over from left to right, and JACK with one touch brought it under control and shot along the ground into the net as he was felled. This was a very clever goal indeed, for it was a feat to make such a ball obedient. Only Jack’s length of leg enabled him to turn the centre to such permanent profit. Grimly did Everton fight out of issue, Pym making one or two remarkable saves at close quarters. Spectators behind the goal burst into cheers, but from the grandstand I could not see who shot. In the closing stages Fern distinguished himself by diverting and catching two superb drives from Joseph Smith. From these impressions of the whirlpool it will be gathered that the goalkeeping of both sides was such that no reasonable man could find fault with it.
FINNEY’S FINISH AND BUTLER’S RESOURCE.
On a day when visibility was poor, was the Admiralty used to say a few years ago, and the ground difficult, with the ball often beating more than one man, charity becometh the critic. Every man did his best, but naturally some were better than others. Next to Pym the Wanderers were indebted for the solidity of their defence to Finney, a left-back with the highest credentials. He may not have the stately style of Wadsworth, of Huddersfield, nor his heaving power by half a stone, but in no other respect is he surpassed, for he is as cool as a block of ice, plays a cover-goal game, kicks from any position with either foot, and is not one of these long drivers who just send the ball to the other back. Finney is the personification of thought and calm confidence, however quaint and humorous he may be in hours of ease. A man who knows told me that when Finney was signed by the Wanderers he remarked; “If I once get into the team I shall stay there.” He has been as good as his word-and many a forward has been hypnotised by the way Finney either waits for a mistake, his position being so good, or by the timeliness of his tackle. While Seddon was generally prominent, in spite of an injury to his left thigh, and Bruce Longworth, a sturdy intervenor, the most polished half-back was Jennings, who seems to take little out of himself and yet is always handy and a are support to the left wing. In the first half I could not see much of Joseph Smith and Vizard, but they were the more aggressive afterwards, and played with cunning and skill. Prior to the interval Butler, plied by Jack and Longworth, was the cleverest forward in the game. Always in position for a pass Butler took the ball well- often with his left foot,” worked” to advantage, and with either a sure pass to Jack or the men beyond him. Had Jack been in his happiest vein he could have scored twice in the first half. A good connecting link was J.R. Smith- who is always bothering the other man and making straight the way for his mates; a valuable characteristic.
EVERTON’S IRISH INTERNATIONAL
No doubt Everton missed McBain, suffering from an injured ankle, for he is a shrewd provider for the forwards. Chedgzoy and Irvine were the better pair, for very little was seen of Troup, as Chadwick was not able to set him on the road to success very often. Indeed, I was rather disappointed with Chadwick, but of course every man has his day. Cock was useful. Irvine, although I have seen him play a more telling game, struck me as a most likely man to make a really first-class artist at inside right. We all know that he has played for Ireland, but he is developing fast, and when his shooting equals his midfield manoeuvring he will be a treasure. Chedgzoy has good reason to be pleased with his partner and says so. Chedgzoy is fast and skilful, but Finney has a “way wid him” when these men with wings on their ankles are beating “the half-second,” as runners say. The versatile Reid was a hard worker, but the wing half-backs could not always find their elusive adversaries- well as they acquitted themselves at times. As a back I liked Livingstone, who has greatly developed even during this season. Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Longworth, Seddon, Jennings; Butler, Jack, Smith (J.R), Smith (Joe), and Vizard. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; I. Baker, Crewe.

NEW BACK FOR EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday, December 31, 1923
Everton have signed Jasper Kerr, a left full-back, who was born at Burnbank 21 years ago. He stands 5ft 8 ½ in., and weighs 11 ½ stones, Kerr played for Larkhill Thistle, and was signed by the Bathgate club at the end of September. He is a younger brother of the ex-Hamilton Academicals’ right back, and it is interesting to note that his father played for the same club as Everton’s present trainer -J. Elliott-before he came to Everton. Kerr joined his new colleagues last Thursday, and had a run in the Central League game against The Wednesday on Saturday, he gave a very promising display.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Athletic News- Monday, December 31, 1923
The Wednesday prevailed at Goodison Park by 2-1. They scored a very lucky deciding goal. McDonald, the Everton right back, in passing back to Harland, out the ball into the net. In the first portion, Wednesday scored through Harvey, and Williams equalised from a corner kick taken by Parry. Both sides were excellent in defence. Kerr, the new Everton back played well.

EVERTON AT BOLTON
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, December 31, 1923
By F.E.H
Fog and a frosty ground were the prevailing conditions at Burnden Park on Saturday; yet we had quite a good game of football, and although Everton were discomfited, they were by no means disgraced. I was particularly pleased by the easy in which the forwards knit together and made for goal. Luck, however, was not on their side, and though the Evertonians kept Bolton at bay for the first forty-five minutes they were gradually worn down and eventually beaten by a couple of goals. The first of these came from fleet-footed Vizard, who practically scored “off his own bat” and the second was achieved in rather simple manner by Jack, though the initial movement was very clever. All things considered, the Wanderers deserved their win, though the visitors gave them a very good run for their money. Indeed, if Irvine’s early shot had only glanced into the net, the history of the game might have had to be rewritten. As it was, fate, and the ball, took the other course. It is incidents such as these that help to maintain the more or less delightful uncertainty of the game. Cock played a very good game-plunging into it with more than customary vigour- and the rest of the line acquitted themselves very well on the hard, though well-sanded ground. Reid made a capital understudy for McBain, and no fault could be found with the two last lines of defence. Altogether it was a pleasurable display amid the most dismal and depressing surroundings.