Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON V CARDIFF
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 01 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
Owing to the very large number of inquiries re booking of seats for the Cardiff City match on December 26, the directors of the Everton Football Club have decided to book the Bullens-road stand, in addition to the usual bookings in the Goodison-road stand.  The prices will be 5s for the members’ stand, and 3s 6d for the north and south ends, first come first served.  The season ticket holders will have seats reserved, and these will be kept for them up to time of kick-off.  Seats may be booked at either the ground or at Mr. J. Sharp’s 38, Whitechapel.  No orders will be taken by telephone. 

RUNCORN V EVERTON A
Runcorn Weekly News - Friday 02 December 1927
Runcorn Reserves entertain Everton A tomorrow with the following team; Tyler; Peacock, Stringer; Shaw, Wilding, Houghton; Adams, Higginson, Bevan, Cross, Brewer. 

EVERTON’S CENTRAL LEAGUE TEAM
Derby Daily Telegraph - Friday 02 December 1927
When visiting Derby County to fulfil a Central League fixture to-morrow Everton will be represented on the Baseball ground by;- Davies; Raitt, Curr; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; I. Roscoe, Irvine, White, Dominy, Kendrick. 

EVERTON HOME AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
The home chance is this week at Everton, where the mercurial team, Sheffield United make appearance.  Sheffield United have generally built their side upon big men.  In recent years they have slipped from grace, and, after Gillespie has been barracked out of the team, the directors had to bring him back, to form some sense of combination among the forwards.  To-day Sheffield United beat a new out-look in that they have signed Johnnie Blair, who had intentions of going to America when he was suspended, but apparently revoked and decided not to risk the danger mark of U.S.A.  Blair has been to me one of the greatest disappointments.  He is a born footballer; a tall lad, he has youth, skill, ability and every chance; he played one game that made me suggest he was a wonder-man.  Everyone who knows his inner football history says “something similar,” but there must be a “kink” in his constitution, or else he has a moody period.  Certainly, his form is fanciful and at times is so severe that he “crosses” the opposition benches.  To-morrow he will be one of the personalities of the United side., and Fred Tunstall will be another.  This young man rakes his way through oppositions, and Sheffield will doubtless prove they are a better side than their record suggests, for their attacking five assuredly has the hall-mark of wisdom.  Having lost to Sunderland, at Home, Everton are naturally keen to recover their home balance, and to keep their position at the head of affairs.  As showing the enthusiasm for the club and its players, it can be said that the railways had to out on extra trains last week to accommodate the excursionists to Bury.  What then is the home outlook if the weather is at all decent?  The club have lost thousands of pounds thus far through wet Saturdays, so they hope the morrow is going to produce a wave of sunshine.  The kick-off is at 2.30 –an unusual time; hence the special mention.  The teams are.- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell;  Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
The programme of music for Saturday, at Goodison Park, v. Sheffield United;- Aigburth Silver Prize Band- Contest march, “Senator” overtune.  “The Bohenian Girl,” waltz, “Perhaps You’ll Think of Me,” selection.  “Echoes of the Opera” fox trot, “Souvenirs” march, “King’s Royal Rifles.” 

SHEFFIELD UNITED AT GOODISON
December 3 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton are due to meet Sheffield United at Goodison Park, and in view of the team a victory at Bury and their general high standard of play a large crowd may be looked for, though it will be a rush for many to get to the Park in time for the kick off at 2.20. There is little light towards the end of a game in these dark days and Everton have timed the start on the safety line. Although Sheffield United are on the lower steps of the ladder the team is not to be held lightly, and I always find that these lowly placed sides generally contrive to make a sterner fight than relative table positions would lead one to expect. There are several attractive players in the Sheffield side, and Dunne's inclusion at centre half given local colour to the team, for Dunne formerly assisted New Brighton and Matthews played for Tranmere. Everton will be at full strength, with Weldon in his old place at inside-left. It should prove a hard fast game, with Everton finishing on the right side. The teams are: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Sheffield United: - Alderman; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorpe, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Blair, Dunne, Gilliespie, Tunstall.

EVERTON F.C
Portadown News - Saturday 03 December 1927
Mr. McIntosh, secretary of Everton F.C., was an interested spectator at the Portsdown v. Ards game on Saturday last.  His mission was to have a look at Jack Doherty, but whether any business was done has not been made known. 

PLAYED UNITED! GREAT REARGUARD ACTION FOR A POINT
Star Green 'un - Saturday 03 December 1927
EVERTON NET LATE ON- OFFSIDE!
TUNNY HAS MANY A “POT” BUT OTHER FORWARDS LACK DECISION
EVERTON 0, SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
By “Looker-On”
Sheffield United were faced with one of their stiffest propositions of the season this afternoon in visiting Everton, the League leaders at Goodison Park.  United’s only change from the side which lost at home to Cardiff was Dunne at centre-forward for Harry Johnson.  Three of Everton’s regular team, Taylor, Hart and Weldon, were doubtful starters early in the week, but yesterday they were all declared fit and they took their places in the side. 
ORGE WALLER’S BIRTHDAY
George Walker, the veteran trainer of Sheffield United, celebrated his birthday to-day.  He was the recipient of many congratulations.  George holds the record in the League for long service as a club trainer.  It was cold enough for snow on Merseyside, and one would rather have played than look on.  United made no changes from the team selected, and Everton had their best eleven out, the men lining up as follows;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderman; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, Matthews, Green; Patrridge, Blair, Dunne, Gillsespie, Tunstall.  Referee.- Mr. A. Howarth, of Blackburn.  A cross wind blew and, although Cresswell won the toss, the advantage was not very material.  At the first United forwards indulged in some pretty midfield play, but decisive passes were weak, and Everton were not worried.  Suddenly Dean got the ball and, in order to stop Weldon, whom the centre-forward had put in possession, Chandler had to yield a corner, which was futile.  Tunstall made a couple of runs then, only to be thwarted by Cresswell and when Everton advanced Forshaw put in a useful drive which was about a foot wide of the post. 
SPLENDID SAVE BY ALDERSON
Alderson made a splendid save in the top corner from a brilliant long shot by Kelly, and at the other end, from a dropping centre by Tunstall, Dunne headed over the bar when Taylor had been beaten in his dash for the ball.  Everton forced a couple of corners, and, although these were cleared, Dean later almost skimmed the bar with a magnificent shot.  Gillespie made one beautiful pass to the outside-right, but, unfortunately for him, Partridge was not there.  Everton were the more methodical and the more dangerous near the goal, but they were not having matters all their own way.  At the same time, United’s passes too often went to the wrong man, and when they had maneuvered near to goal, there was a lack of confidence and daring to risk a shot- hit or miss.  Blair again showed some masterly touches, doing his best to get Dunne through, but Everton’s defenders were usually on the centre before he could do anything.  Meanwhile, the visiting backs both did a lot of really good tackling and kicking.  Blair got into hot water for one or two spirited charges. 
MASS ATATCKS
Dean was always seeking to dash through from long passes, and he worried Birks especially.  However, the dangerous customer did not get a goal.  As the game progressed Everton attacked in solid formation and relentlessly and Alderson had to fist away shots from Troup.  Critchly and Kelly in fairly quick succession so that for some few minutes there was a hectic struggle in the visiting rear lines until Cawthorne thankfully cleared.  Tunstall was once able to get in a good run and one of his special cross-shots, which Taylor stopped.  He dropped the ball; but Cresswell kicked away.  Tunstall made another run but United did not have the well-timed thrust in the middle to catch the Everton backs napping.  Alderman was having the danger shots to stop, one being a good one from close in by Dean.  Everton continued to play well-balanced football, and it required ceaseless attention by United’s halves and backs to keeping on a clever, scheming set of forwards.
“TUNNY” LONE STAR IN ATATCK
They stuck in and they shook the defence on the home fellows somewhat.  Still all the excitement continued in United’s lines and Birks had to kick one shot away from the goalmouth alongside Alderson.  Thereafter Weldon hit the side net.  However, there came a change when United forced an Everton retirement and Tunstall drove the ball fiercely inches over the bar.  He had been the only United forward to show real live shooting capacity.  Partridge seemed to be neglected an there was too much concentrations on the left wing when United did rally.  Everton’s forwards did not shirk shots and, by virtue of his heights, Alderson three times turned great sweeping centres, two from Dean, over the bar for futile corners.  The goalkeeper, like the rest of the visiting defence, was playing his part in praiseworthy style.  Five minutes from half-time following a centre by Partridge, Tunstall made a further drive, only to see it blocked by Kelly, but Everton were pressing when half-time came.
Half-time;- Everton 0, Sheffield United 0.
When the second half started there would be about 35,000 people present.  Again it was Tunstall, fed by Gillespie, who caused Taylor to save early on, though it was a lone squib, and so Everton were again attacking ere long, yet put off their stroke by earnest defenders, who were great in obstruction.  Cawthorne saved one situation by checking Weldon close in, and then Critchley missed a sharp chance from an angle. 
A PARTRIDGE-DUNNE EFFORT.
By and by United raised the siege and Partridge got in a fine centre, which Dunne nearly headed through for a goal, Taylor having to be smart to save.  The Blues returned the compliment, and Alderson, Birks and Critchley all collided and fell when the Everton winger tried to bore his way through.  Then Alderson saved his charge when he stuck out a foot in the nick of time to divert a strong shot by Critchley after he had just fisted away from Troup.  Tunstall came into the picture with a long shot which went just over the bar; but United were not pulling together in attack as they did in the rear lines.  Offside pulled Everton up three or four times and the promotion candidates were getting annoyed at their failure to crown advances successfully.  United were most alarmed when Dean took a free kick just outside the penalty area in front of goal.  However, the ball was diverted for an uneventful corner.  Cresswell was now watching Tunstall closely and the left winger had to fight for every inch of ground.  The ball was placed more to the middle in consequence but Dunn, a trier, was not experienced enough to get through and he and Blair occasionally lacked understanding.
UNITED RALLY
With 20 minutes to go the Sheffielders were showing up much better.  They had put Everton off their balance.  Dean could make nothing of United backs and Matthews.  Partridge went down in style and when he crossed Tunstall shot for goal, but Taylor gathered the ball in his arms.  At the other end from a header by Dean, Weldon brought Alderson to full length to save near the post and it hardly seemed as though United’s strong defensive play would foil Everton to the end.
EVERTON NET- OFFSIDE.
Dean swung a shot from the corner flag on to the United crossbar.  He was trying to score hard enough.  United could make little progress in the middle of the field and raids on the wing were attempted.  Taylor was most seriously perturbed.  When Alderman punched away from Troup, Dean bowled him over, but the ball had gone.  In a fierce scrimmage from a corner kick Everton netted the ball, Troup actually touching it last, but he was given offside.  Everybody thought it was a goal and the crowd yelled in disgust.  Five minutes to go and United had definitely thrown Everton off their balance.  Result; Everton 0, Sheffield United 0. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 December 1927
TILT AGAINST SHEFFIELD U
By Stork
WELDON’S RETURN
STRIVING TO KEEP THE LEAD IN THE ELAGUE
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderman; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, Matthews, Green; Patrridge, Blair, Dunne, Gillsespie, Tunstall.  Referee.- Mr. Howarth, of Blackburn.  The weather was very cold, but just the right type for football.  The light, however, was none too good, but the early kick-off would enable the game to come to a definite conclusion.  Considering the hour, there was quite a good crowd present, with a promise of more to follow.  Everton met an early raid through their left wing, but Weldon was unable to “find” Dean when he sent a ball to the centre of the ground.  Sheffield retaliated on their left wing, and Cresswell made a mighty tackle to prevent those dangerous wing players Gillespie and Tunstall from becoming a menace to Taylor and his charge. 
A PRECISE PARTRIDGE
Play in the first few minutes travelled from end to end like lightning, and Dean showed a wise head when, finding he would be blotted out himself if he had thought of going through. He slipped the ball forward for Weldon.  Before the inside left could get into contact with the pass, Chandler came dashing up and cleared.  Partridge and Blair, with an interpassing movement, made tracks for the Everton goal-line, and the former’s centre was accurate in every detail.  His inside forwards, however, spoiled the idea of getting offside.  Then came the first real shot of the game, and Alderson had to make a smart save to prevent Kelly from scoring.  Kelly was quite a long way out when he elected to shoot, but such was the pace of his drive that Alderson had to have two nibbles at it before he put it away into safety.  The former New Brighton forward, Dunne, went very near when he headed over the bar from a Tunstall centre.  Taylor had come out to intercept the centre, and Dunne got there first, and with a little elevation on his header it was certain to have been a goal.  So far there had been little to choose between the sides, both having a fair share in attack, and when Troup moved to centre forward in an effort to surprise the United defence he was soon bundled out of the way. 
FIERCE AND FUTILE
Dean put in one of the fiercest shots seen for some time, and the only thing that was wrong with it was the direction.  He had taken the ball to inside right, and when everybody was looking for a lob centre, he hit the face of the ball with terrific force, but, unfortunately, it was just a shade wrong in its flight.  Dean entranced the spectators when he was dashing through the goal, the ball bobbing up and down on his foot.  How he kept it under control was remarkable, especially when it had to be considered that Chandler was running alongside him the whole time.  Delightful at this movement was, it brought no result, and when O’Donnell, who had not been kicking as well as usual, allowed the United right wing, Partridge and Blair, to rattle past him, it meant a lot of danger to the Everton goal.  As a matter of fact, but for Cresswell, Dunne would have had an open goal; and even then there were other chances which the Sheffielders refused to accept.  One of the best recoveries I have seen was made by Green, for he was beaten by Critchley and seemed to have little chance of catching the Everton man; but he never gave up hope, and chasing Critchley for all he was worth, he made a superb tackle which ended with the ball being left in his possession.
ALDERMAN AT BAY
For a period of about three minutes the Sheffield defence underwent a severe grueling, and were fortunate to escape having a goal against them.  First Alderman had to save from Troup, and again when he pushed ball out Critchley was unable to accept the offering.  Still, the danger was not yet cleared, and Alderman had to make three more saves before his goal was relieved.  Sheffield’s reply to this nearly brought a goal, for Tunstall, one of the most dangerous wingers in the game, got under way, and went on to deliver a swift shot which Taylor parried and then eventually kicked clear.  During this incident the linesman on the far side had been vigorously flagging for offside, I did not think Tunstall was offside.  It was astonishing the way the game fluctuated. E ach goalkeeper had a fair share of the day’s work, Alderman perhaps having slightly more to do than Taylor.  He should have been left stone cold when Dean was left slap-bang in front of goal, but as he shot, Dean half slipped over and the ball went straight to Alderman who, a moment later, had to capture a lob effort from Forshaw. 
ALDERMAN FOILS DEAN
Taylor had to save a similar type of effort from Tunstall.  Birks had to kick out of goal when Forshaw out the ball towards the net, and when Weldon was crowded out could do no better than shoot under the side netting.  Old man Gillespie was as brainy as ever, and he gave his old-time pal Tunstall a great chance to score.  The winger wasted no time with a drive that skimmed the crossbar.  Dean was dead on the target with another furious shot which Alderman saved brilliantly by tipping over the bar.  Tunstall, the only real dangerous Sheffield forward, cannoned a ball on to Kelly when he had a high-class opportunity. Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield Utd 0. 
Seats for Bullens-road stand for Everton’s match versus Cardiff on Boxing Day may be booked at the ground or Sharp’s Whitechapel, from Wednesday onwards.
TROUP IS DISALLOWED A GOAL
A BLANK DRAW
REFEREE AND ALDERSON’S BAR TRICK
Practically throughout the whole of the second half Sheffield United were hemmed in their own quarters.  How their goal escaped at times was really miraculous for instance, Alderman was the luckiest men on earth to prevent Critchley from scoring, for he only put his foot out on chance, but it was good enough, for it kept Critchley’s shot out of the net.  Dunne had one chance, but was not up to his job, and when Birks handled just outside the penalty line Dean forced a corner from his free kick, but it brought no advantage. 
CRESSWELL AT THE FRONT
Tunstall had one of the best chances of the match, but his shot bore no power, and Taylor was able to pick up with ease,.  Alderman made another save when he flung himself full length at Troup’s shot.  Cresswell even came into the front line with a shot, which was deflected from its true direction.  The referee spoke to Alderman for swinging on the bar.  All the pulling in the world would have been of little avail when Critchley shot for the ball was yards, not inches, over the woodwork.  Sheffield fought hard against Everton’s strong attack, so much so that Alderson had little difficult work to do, although it would be safe to say that Everton dominated the game throughout the whole of this half. 
WAS IT A GOAL?
With five minutes remaining for play Troup netted the ball after Dean had made a header, and, although most people thought Everton had scored, the referee disallowed the point for some reason or other.  Both Sheffield and Everton players debated the question; but the referee stuck to his original idea that it was not a legitimate goal.  The only thing to my mind that nullified the shot was the fact that Troup must have been offside.  Final; Everton 0, Sheffield United 0.

DERBY COUNTY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 December 1927
Everton’s Central League team was very strong at half-back against a lively forward line, yet Davies was called upon to deal with some hot shots.  White, of Everton, registered two offside goals.  Half-time.- No Score.  Dominy scored after four minutes of the second half, and White scored from a penalty after nine minutes. 

RUNCORN V EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 December 1927
Runcorn goal came in for some attention during the opening half but Everton failed to make any tangible impression on the defence through poor shooting.  The ball struck the referee in the face and the game was stopped a few minutes while the trainer attended to his injuries.  Tyler and Hughes, the respective custodians, made some brilliant saves in the first half,  immediately on resuming Runcorn attacked and Cross scored.  Further goals were added by Adams and James.  Three-quarter-time. - Runcorn 3, Everton “A” 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 December 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 0 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
December 5 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
POOR DISPLAY BY EVERTON
GOALLESS DRAW WITH SHEFFIELD UNITED
Everton experienced an unexpected check by failing to beat Sheffield United at Goodison Park on Saturday. A goalless draw was the measure of consolation of two moderate sides, and neither deserved more. Throughout the game there was little attempt at constructive work; there was more energy than skill. Everton gave a disappointing display and allowed their opponents, whose tactics were of the negative type, to dominate the game. Sheffield are known for their destructive qualities, and on Saturday they employed those methods, much to their own advantage. Sheffield's gain was Everton's loss, because the latter are seldom seen to advantage in that type of game. Everton, however, should have been proof against such methods. They certainly did most of the attacking, but it was more or less haphazard. Passes frequently miscarried, and any attempt at combined work was smartly frustrated by the rustless tackling of the United backs and half-backs.
GOOD OPENING MISSED.
It could not be said that the Everton forwards made the most of their scoring chances. They certainly missed some easy ones and others were well saved by Alderson, whose work, however, was fairly straightforward. Twice in the second half he had some luck when he divid full length and just turned the ball round the post and again when he got his foot to the ball and diverted it for a corner. Five minutes from the end Everton got the ball into the net, but Dean was judged to have handled it before Troup netted. It was by no means a good game; indeed, much of the play was exceedingly poor, and Everton's lapse is the more difficult to explain in view of the fact that Sheffield are known as a moderate side.
O'DONNELL'S SOUND GAME.
Taylor had not a great deal to do. He made several good saves, but his judgement in tackling high shots was not always sound. O'Donnell was a better back than Cresswell, because the latter was inclined to underestimate the pace of Tunstall; whereas O'Donnell after making a couple of mistakes early on played a sound and confident game. Of the half-backs Hart came nearer his usual form either Virr or Kelly, and the line as a whole was below its normal strength. The wing half-backs were frequently out of touch with their forwards. They did not offer sufficient support, and the forwards missed the backing they usually receive. Dean played as earnestly as ever, but he was not as successful. He was hampered and bustled and unable to rid himself of the cluster of opponents that generally surrounded him. Several times however, he broke away and made good efforts to score, but he was not the outstanding personally of other games. The line did not hand well together, and although Weldon and Forshaw work hard individually they did little towards consolidating the attack. Troup was dangerous once or twice, as also was Critchley, but both finished rather indifferently.
UNITED DEFENCE.
Sheffield had a useful defence, and in the pivotal position Matthew's was a fine destructive agent. Tunstall was the dangerous man in the forward line, but he was poorly supported.
Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield United: - Alderson, goal, Chandler, and Mirks, backs, Cawthorpe, Matthews, and Green, half-backs, Patridge, Blair, Dunne, Gilliespie, and Tunstall, forwards.

DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 5 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 15)
Everton had largely to thank a powerful half-back line and the genius of Irvine in the forward line for the Central League victory at Derby. Dominy, White (penalty), and Irvine, scored after the interval without reply. Griffiths played very finely at centre-half, and the work of Raitt and Curr at full back could not have been better. Everton: - Davies, goal, Raitt and R. Curr, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Roscoe, Irvine, White, Dominy, Kendrick

RUNCORN 4 EVERTON “A” 2
December 5 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
The game produced two-district style of football, and the whole of the six goals were registered in the second half. During the proceedings the referee received a glancing blow on the face with the ball, and the game was stopped while the trainer rendered attention to the official's injuries. Everton played attractive football, then Runcorn were the more robust set, and from resuming had three goals up in as many minutes. Adams, Higginson, James and Cross scored for Runcorn. Causfield and French reduced the margins for Everton. Tyler played cleverly in goal for Runcorn, Fisher was the pick of the Everton team.

EVERTON AT BAY
Athletic News - Monday 05 December 1927
SHEFFIELD UNITED START AT THE GALLOP AND THEN DEFEND
EVERTON 0, SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
By Junius
The unexpected happened at Goodison Park, for the majority of the 30,000 spectators looked forward to Everton stabilizing their position at the head of the table against the lowly Sheffield United.  The opening stages suggested that the game was likely to produce a thrilling contest, for in the first five minutes the United were quite the equal of their more renowned opponents in constructive work, and might have taken the lead when, after a clever movement all along the line, Dunne was only inches out of his reckoning with a ball from Tunstall.  But during this limited period were confined practically the only sustained all-round movements of the United side, for as the Everton players gradually got into their stride the United had no attack worthy of the name.  The Everton forwards became a potent, but were prone to overelaboratetheir movements, keeping the ball too close on the holding turf, and were certainly not so effective in the goal area as in previous games.  Passing touches lacked direction or were intercepted by watchful half-backs.  Still there were times when nothing would go right for Everton.  They were consistently on the attack, but were against a side tackling with precision and keenness.  The United, following upon the early stages to which I have alluded. Concentrated upon defensive measures with all their available forces, and in the first half, especially, Tunstall was left to carry through practically the only raiding movements. 
ASCCORDING TO PLAN.
The nicer points of play were rarely developed, and where an Everton forward was there were two or three opponents in attendance.  Especially was Dean crowded out.  That was clearly preconceived plan of campaign, while the exploitation of the offside trick relieved the Sheffield defence of anxious moments.  In the closing minutes Everton appealed strongly for a goal adjusted to have been legitimately scored following upon a corner kick.  Dean met the ball, which would, in all probability have entered the net, but Troup nipped in to clinch the movement.  The wing man asserts he was not offside at the moment the ball left Dean, but the referee ruled otherwise.  There was always the possibility of the United snatching a goal as the outcome of fine work by Tunstall.  He was the raider-in-chief, and both Kelly and Cresswell found in him a clever and versatile opponent, so much so that they were occasionally left behind, for the outside man to level distinctly clever shots at Taylor.  Three of these efforts were outstanding in the first half, and made the saving grace of an otherwise featureless attack.  Partridge after a listless first half, came more into view later on, but he got few passes of a favourite nature from Blair, and generally had to fend for himself.  The remainder of the United forwards might be classed as grafters who experienced little success against the Everton half-backs, though Gillespie’s footcraft led to Tunstall’s success.
DOUR REARGUARD.
Members of the whole line, if lacking in cleverness, were not short of energy, and carried on strenuously for the full ninety minutes.  They were opposed to sound defenders in Cresswell and O’Donnell, the latter of whom, playing consistently well throughout, tackling and cutting in with timely effect, was in my opinion, the best defender on view.  Chandler and Birks were a pair of sound defenders who never spared themselves.  Both displayed the temperament to fight an uphill battle, and while Chandler had the more incisive wing to combat and was occasionally unsuccessful, Birks, who put up a dour defence, was always there when a crisis came; but he handled once to cause his side much trouble, as the infringement was just outside the penalty line.  Taylor, as may be inferred, was not so busily employed as Alderman and considering the vast amount of work that the Sheffield custodian had to accomplish his part was one of distinct merit.  There was little to choose between the sides in half-back play, that little favouring Everton by reason of better constructive ideas, in which Hart and Virr played a prominent part.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Sheffield United;- Alderson; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Blair, Dunne, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Referee; A. Haworth, Blackburn. 

FINE CENTRE LEAGUE FOOTBALL NOW POPULAR
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 05 December 1927
IRVINE OF EVERTON
There is no wonder that Central League football is increasing in popularity in Derby, for the competition is producing some excellent games.  Derby County Reserves were beaten on the Baseball Ground on Saturday, but beaten by a very clever team in Everton Reserves.  The visitors had at inside right in Irvine a genius in ball control, whose transfer Derby vainly endeavored to obtain some months ago; and at inside left Dominie who was formerly a star with Southampton. Kendrick, their outside left, secured from Ireland, but been coached for six months, and was given his first game, as were also Roscoe, at outside right, and Curr, at left back.  Griffiths, the centre half, played a magnificent game, and Bain, from Sheffield, was very strong at right half.  Derby’s team, which included Crilly, Thornewell, Gill, and Murphy, till recently recognized as first team players, was patchy.  Graceful O’Brien, not at his best stood out in the half-back line, and Gill was the best forward, though it is not likely his health will permit him to play again for some time.  Hampton was impressive in goal, and Robson, young, but of good physique, continues to improve.  White, at centre-forward, had little chance, for the ball came to him in the air almost every time.  Scott on Saturday was not sufficiently robust with his tackling, but McLaverty, the other wing half, was too much inclined to use “rough stuff” rather than play football. 

EVERTON CHECKED AT HOME
Sheffield Independent - Monday 05 December 1927
UNITED TAKE A POINT FROM THE LEAGUE ELADERS
DEAN SUBDUED
EVERTON 0, SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
By Merseysider
Sheffield United accomplished a good performance on Saturday in taking a point from Goodison Park in a goalless game which contained few thrills.  For this the United have to thank in the main their fine defence, coupled with the fact that Everton played much below their normal form.  Still, Alderson made several capital saves, while Chandler and Birks were a pair of fine backs who rarely failed to judge the position when their goal was in danger, while they thwarted Dean in most convincing fashion.  The backs certainly carried out a plan of campaign which was very effective against the Everton forwards.  The Sheffield half-backs too, took a fair share of the credit.  Matthews proving a rare spoiler while Green also did well.
FORWARD WEAKNESS
The forwards, however, left a lot to be desired.  Apart from Tunstall the others were not capable of surmounting the Everton half-back line.  Tunstall was frequently dangerous and his raids on several occasions came within an ace of a score.  Partridge occasionally flashed out, but the inside forwards did little.  On the Everton side Taylor caught one or two flying balls from Tunstall, but otherwise he was not seriously troubled, so well was he covered by O’Donnell and Cresswell, the former probably the best back on the field. 
STRONG EVERTON HALVES
The Everton half-back line was strong, Hart particularly showing up well, while Virr and Kelly usually kept their opponents in check.  Forward, Everton have not played so poorly this season, and Dean missed those flicks and side-steps at which he is usually so clever, but none of the men reached his true form.  On the whole the game was a ragged exposition on a ground which was rather holding in the centre, where the new turf had cut up rather badly.  Everton had the greater share of attacking, but as indicated the attempts at combination were so poor that they rarely overcame the attentions of the Sheffield rearguard.
DEAN’S MISTAKE
In the closing minutes the ball was actually netted from a corner, Troup rushing the ball into the net.  There was a great clamour of Everton and Sheffield players round the referee and when the official emerged it was seen that he had disallowed the point and awarded a free kick to Sheffield.  It transpired afterwards that the referee had given the free kick for a handling offence against Dean.  Everton’s last four home games provide a curious contrast.  In the first two of these they scored seven goals in each; in the last two matches at Goodison Park they have failed to score a single goal, and claim but one point.  Teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Sheffield United;- Alderson; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Blair, Dunne, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Referee; A. Haworth. 

BRILLANT IN DEFENCE
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 05 December 1927
HOW SHEFFIELD UNITED TOOK POINT FROM ELADERS
ATATCK STILL WEAK
 A splendid rearguard action was mainly responsible for Sheffield United obtaining a must valuable point from the First Division leaders, Everton, at Goodison Park, on Saturday.  Neither side scored, and the failure of the Everton “stars” was a bitter disappointment to some 35,000 spectators.  If the forwards of the Sheffield team, as a body, had risen to the occasion as valiantly as did the men behind them, Everton would have been beaten.  It has to be recorded, however, that the Sheffield attack had scarcely any more edge to it than in previous games.  What virile shooting there was came from the feet of Tunstall, the outside left, and no team can afford to rely solely on one marksman.  True, there were several pretty midfield operations.  Gillespie in his distinctive style, fed first Tunstall, then Dunne, and occasionally created a diversion by swinging the ball out to Partridge.  The Irishman plainly showed his knowledge, but the results are not forthcoming as two years ago.  There is not the power elsewhere to compensate for Gillespie’s slower action when operations require rounding off.
BLAIR SHOOTING LITTLE.
On the right, Blair displayed artistic football and turned many a pass to Dunne in the centre, yet he frequently hung back and the “W” formation was too pronounced.  The Scot did very little shooting at goal, and one thought he might have fostered Partridge more.  However, allowance have to be made for him until he becomes acquainted fully with United’s style.  In the centre, Dunne was always a trier.  In his anxiety not to be selfish he did not always do the right thing, and he showed a lack of experience.  He has possibilities, however, and got in two headers which were extremely dangerous.  It was not until the second half that Partridge receivedadequate support, and then, aided by his speed, he was able to centre with effect.  One turns to a happier theme when taking stock of the other departments of the team.  It is questionable if the backs have ever played better.  Chandler and Birks never put a foot wrong.  Chandler made many spectacular tackles and clearances and Birks made several brilliant recoveries, while Alderson in goal, especially in the first half, executed many praiseworthy saves.
REFEREE ON DISALLOWED ‘GOAL”
As for the half-backs, Matthews attended Dean relentlessly, so that the scoring centre had a lean afternoon.  When he did get beyond the pivot, the backs were on him.  On the flanks Cawthorne and Green held Weldon and Forshaw respectively in excellent fashion.  Cawthorne played in a manner approaching his greatness against Huddersfield Town at Huddersfield last season.  Everton are said to have been much below their usual form.  That is no excuse.  The United threw them out of their stride by their keen and spirited challenges.  They certainly were far oftener on the offensive than United, but they were compelled to part with the ball more quickly than they wanted to do, hence most of their shooting, much of it accurate admittedly, was from some distance out.  The game was a hard one and fast, yet one of those encounters curiously lacking in sparkling incidents.  This, no doubt was due to halves and backs dominating attackers.  Everton did net the ball towards the end, but Troup was offside when he touched it.  Interviewed after the match, however the referee stated that there had been a “handling” offence by Dean a second before, and that was the actual reason why he disallowed the point.  Everton’s forwards had not a happy day, though Dean shot whenever he had the chance.  Their halves were good, and O’Donnell was a dashing back.  Cresswell was much worried by Tunstall, notably before the interval, and it was Tunstall whom Taylor had most to fear in goal.  It only remains to be said, that the United distinguished themselves in foiling Everton and thoroughly deserved their point. 
Teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Sheffield United;- Alderson; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, Matthews, Green; Partridge, Blair, Dunne, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Referee; A. Haworth. 

FOOTBALL AND ARGUMENTS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 December 1927
By Stork
If there were no arguments nor controversies in football, the game lose a deal of its spice, for it is these things which keep the tongue wagging throughout the following week, and what is better for the game than a wagging tongue, providing, of course, that it was righteously.  If there had not been an incident late on in the Everton-Sheffield match the game would soon be forgotten, for there was so little in it that it would really be as well if it was allowed to slip from the memory.  The incident under discussion will be argued threadbare in places where men foregather, and the pros and cons will be thrashed out to the bitter end, so to settle all arguments I made it my business to get first-hand information concerning the issue.  I am not going to divulge names, for that would be breaking faith with my informants, but they are the statements of men whose words can be relied upon, whether the referee’s decision to disallow Troup’s goal was against or in their favour.  My own opinion was that when Dean headed into goal, and Troup collared the ball almost on the line and sent it into the net, someone had handled, or that Troup was offside; and I favoured the offside idea, but a Sheffield player who was right on the spot gave it out that a colleague had handled after dean made his header; while several members of the Everton side bore out that statement to the very letter.  So the goal was a legitimate one.  So that’s that!  But after all the explanation brings us nowhere, for the referee’s decision is the only one to count.
THE POOREST GAME.
The game was the poorest I have seen at Goodison Park this season.  How to account for it is beyond me, for the conditions were ideal for perfect football.  However, I have not lost sight of the Everton turf, which is a bother to both friend and foe, and this no doubt explains why Everton play so much better away from their own head-quarters.  The machine-like passes of Everton were missing, and more often than not a ball sent out to a colleague went to an opponent.  The turf could not be made responsible for that.  It was just another case that Everton could not do the right thing; and with Sheffield defending like tigers the machinery did not function properly, and so for the second home match Everton were unable to score, and there will be many who will say that Everton arte sliding back.  That is nonsense, but I must admit that there has been a lack of penetration in home games lately, while the half-back line, Everton’s strong point, has not maintained the high standard it had set itself.  Kelly does not appear to have got over his thigh injury, and Hart must be feeling the strain, and in this game I thought Virr the best of the trio.  Dean had two big bangs at Alderson’s goal, and the goalkeeper was one of the best spots in his side, although he had not the work to do that he should have had considering the amount of attack that Everton enjoyed. Chandler and Birks covered him well, and the half-backs, Green, Matthews (Tranmere Rovers), and Cawthorne, never spared themselves.  Matthews is a constructive pivot, but in this game he undertook another task, that of defending, and he proved highly successful; at all events he gave Dean little rope.
THE WORK OF TUNSTALL
Tunstall was the best of the Sheffield forwards, and that without the help of Gillespie, who, is not nearly the force he used to be.  He still has ideas, but his speed is sadly diminished.  Tunstall was the danger man of the line, for Dunne, New Brighton F.C., is nothing more than a dashing centre forward; while Blair and Partridge got little chance out of O’Donnell, who did not start too well, only to burst forth into a blaze as the game proceeded and become the best back on the field, and there were three other good ones.  Taylor made one or two fine saves and Cresswell some superb tackles to stop the fiery Tunstall, who only requires the slightest opportunity to have a shie at goal, and he is some shooter, let me tell you.  Weldon was not as good as usual, neither was Troup, but Critchley made some sparkling runs, only to waste them by poor finishing.  Forshaw did his best for Dean, who rarely got a decent ball, and so could do little. 
A GROUSE AGAINST EVERTON
“J.N. Justice” writes;- I was greatly surprised to read in the “Echo” that Everton F.C., are increasing their prices for their game on Boxing Day.  I wonder would they have done so had the club been in the same position as this time last year.  In this the return they are giving to those who paid 3s 4d all last year to watch football unworthy of any First Division team?  Some people, perhaps will pay the extra charge.  I. for one, will not do so. 

FAMILY AFFAIRS
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, December 6, 1927
Bee’s Notes
Although they only had twelve days in which to work their Picton concert for the Fleetwood Disaster Fund, “Mr. and Mrs Stud Marks and Family” (“Football Echo”) got busy and made a complete, enjoyable and successful evening.  Indeed, the cheque has already been sent to the Lord Mayor of Liverpool –a handsome sum, 71 pounds 5s.  There is no Everton F.C worker more loyal than Mr. W. Barnes, who is known by his works for charity and every other good cause.  Therefore, I desire to make public reference to our gladness when the news came through that he had passed the crisis in a serious and sudden illness at the week-end.  A Football Sunday will be held next Sunday (3 to 4 p.m) at Anfield P.S.A, when the chairman will be T. Bromilow, the Liverpool half-back, and the speaker the Rev. T. Cunningham Fraser, M.A (Everton Valley Presbyterian Church).  Messrs L.T. Kelly (“Stud-marks”) S.J. Ashcroft (see., United Church League), A. Dominy (Everton F.C), and T. Fern (Colwyn Bay F.C) will assist.  The soloists are; The Misses Stud Marks (Melba and Daphne Kelly). 

THE INCREASE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 December 1927
Bee’s notes
May I also add mu protest against the increased charge for admission to the stand at Goodison on Boxing Day, says F.O.H. Since I have resided in Liverpool (October, 1926) I have not missed Goodison or Anfield and have always paid 2s entrance to stand, until last Saturday, when I only paid 1s, and this I intend to do in future when attending Goodison.  Until last season I was a regular attendant at Swindon’s matches, and the football served up there was certainly far better than that witnessed at Everton last season, and this despite the so-called supremacy of First Division football.  however, I am glad to see both Liverpool and Everton doing well this season.  All the games, I consider 3s 6d far too much to charge on Boxing Day, and I feel very much inclined to spring the other few shillings and follow Liverpool to London, where, no doubt, Arsenal’s charges will be as usual. 
PARTS OF A PARITIZAN
I understand from your reports that the Everton soccer team have, at long last, succeeded in scoring an occasional goal and winning an occasional match against teams who allowed themselves to get the “wind up.”  I cannot, however, understand why these victories secure for Everton first place in matters of publicity, writes “Faithful.” I refer to your dealing with the Everton match in your report last week in spite of the fact that they were playing away from home,.  Next week-end it will be a case of Everton- Everton- and more Everton, until people will think them the only team on the Merseyside.  Please, “Bee,” home team first in your chats, whether it is Everton or Liverpool.  It must be remembered, “Bee” that there are quite a large number of people who support those lion-hearted hard-working, ninety-minute fighters from the Anfield ground.  That team, “Bee” have proved time and time again that they are worthy of us.  There is no team in existence who look on Liverpool as “an easy thing,”  There have, I am sure, been many teams to visit the Everton ground who know well that victory would be theirs.  Come, come, “Bee,” don’t let these few wins crowd out the past and make you think that the team across the way is a heaven-sent one.  They will crack up when the Cup matches com round and you’ll have to club down a bit, don’t you know. 
And so the bad word goes on from the “Faithful” one.  Apparently I am to ask readers what shall be shall not appear at the head of the column.  What a mercy I placed the Liverpool critique top on Monday, before I had seen the letter quoted, I only give space to the correspondent’s letter to show to what depths of argument partisanship can carry folk in this splendid city!
Ticket for the Boxing Day match between Everton and Cardiff are now on sale, and may be obtained at the offices, Goodison Park, or at Sharp’s Whitechapel. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 December 1927
Everton at Birmingham, v Aston Villa will be Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  In the Central League match at Goodison Park, against Leeds United on Saturday kick-off at 2.15, Everton will be represented by; Davies; Raitt, Curr; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Roscoe, Irvine, White, Doming, Kendrick.

RESERVES’ FAILURE
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - Friday 09 December 1927
LACK OF COMBINATION AND FINISH
A crowd of practically five thousand witnessed the match between Derby County Reserves and Everton Reserves on the Baseball Ground on Saturday.  Derby failed ingloriously.  They should have been leading at half-time, but they missed golden opportunities.  They did-once or twice- brighten up a bit during the second half, but all to no avail.  Irvine, Everton’s inside right, was the most brilliant man on the field, and for speed and ball control he was unequalled.  When Derby were pressing in the second half.  White, Gill, and Mann fought valiantly but unsuccessfully.  Lack of combination and finish was Derby’s fault, and while Murphy was a source of anxiety to the visitors, Thornewell, at outside right, was not in form.  Play opened with spirit, and in the first five minutes Murphy and Gill headed over for Derby.  Some clever work by Dominy and White made a goal for Everton seen inevitable, when Hampton rushed out and saved.  From a splendid centre from Murphy, Gill should have scored, but he shot high over the bar.  A few moments later Gill neatly drew the goalkeeper, only to shoot wide.  Twice White beat the Derby custodian, but on both occasions- fortunately for Derby –the whistle had blown for offside.  Mann missed a chance of an easy goal when receiving the ball from Murphy; he made a bad pass to Gill instead of shooting for goal.  Everton’s defence in the first half was a strong feature and, of the two, Derby were the more aggressive.  At half-time there were no goals.  Four minutes after play resumed, Dominy netted Everton’s first goal from a  grand pass from Roscoe on the right wing, and five minutes later White scored from a penalty against McLaverty for charging an opponent.  Irvine brought the score up to three, twenty-six minutes after the interval, with a magnificent long distance drive.  Whenever Derby pressed they could find no opening.  Result; Derby County Reserves 0, Everton Reserves 3. 

RUNCORN RESERVES. 
Runcorn Weekly News - Friday 09 December 1927
EVERTON DEFEATED. 
Runcorn Reserves atoned for their defeat in the "George Mahon" cup by trouncing Everton at Canal Street on Saturday to the extent of four goals to two. The home team were beaten in the cup by the same margin by Everton.  Saturday's game produced two distinct styles of football, and the team adopted the more vigorous methods predominated. The spectators had to wait until the second half for the goals, but within ten minutes after the interval Runcorn had registered three goals.  The first half was entirely in favour of the visitors, who failed to drive home their superiority. In mid-field they were the cleverer combination, and it was only the skill of Tyler in goal that kept the visitors out. Cansfield, French, and Timperley, the Everton inside trio, had many chancre but they bundled them at the critical moment. Peacock and Stringer gave Tyler much assistance, but the home forwards were disjointed, and many good moves were spoiled by selfish efforts. Hughes, the Everton custodian, was not confident when pressed, and he gave way when the teams turned round. There was an unusual happening during the first half when the trainers of the respective teams went on the field to attend to the referee who had been injured when struck on the side of the face with the ball. The game was stopped a few moments while the official's injuries were treated. Immediately the teams recommenced, Cross burst through the defence and scored a clever goal. Adams and James augmented the score with goals almost in as many minute, and Runcorn appeared to have the game well in hand.  Higginson scored the fourth goal from a centre from Brewer. Everton, during the closing stages, strove hard to reduce the margin, and their efforts were rewarded when Tickie took the initiative and made an opening for Cansfield to score. French added a second from a centre from Millington.  The result overrated the superiority of Runcorn. Who were fortunate to keeptheir lines intact in the first half. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 December 1927
Much has been written and said about the failure of Everton to win at home when the match seemed to offer them an “easy.”  The draw last week shows the players that they will need to be severely practical and direct in their shooting if they are to amend their fallen angled estate.  Playing away, the Everton side have certainly shown more ferocity of action than in home games; indeed, they seem to have reserved their best for the visiting-card period.  Let us hope they produce their finest to-morrow at Aston Villa’s palatial ground for the Villa, although defeated by Cardiff are still a convincing side, and generally manage to store up some big spectacle for the Everton people.  However, the Aston Villa side is lacking in force at wing half-back and a certain phases of forward play; therefore there is a nice change of double victory over the Midland side.  Team at Aston;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr. Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Darrell. 

EVERTON MINUS VIRR.
December 10 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
Everton have had the misfortune to be compelled to make a last-minute change in their tem to visit Aston Villa. Virr being unfit and Rooney being introduced in his place. This is bad luck for the Blues, whose task today will not be lightened there by. There are people at the present time who are saying that Everton have boarded the toboggan, pointing out that they have failed to score in two successive home matches. This is not, however, the writer's own opinion. At the same time, it is difficult to understand their failure to register a legitimate goal last week against Sunderland. The fact, too, remains that the visitors to Goodison this season –the season of Everton fireworks –have collared no fewer than half-a-dozen points, while four have been dropped by the Blues in foreign territory. Despite what that alarmists are saying, the writer is fairly confident that Everton will not be beaten today. There is just the possibility though, if the Everton forwards do really find themselves in trouble again, that a drew will be a result. The teams are appended kick-off being at 2:15: - Teams: - Everton: Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Aston Villa: - Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr. Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Dorrell.

ASTON VILLA MASTERED BY EVERTON- AND “DIXI” DEAN
Sports Argus - Saturday 10 December 1927
ANOTHER BIITER ONE
ASTON VILLA FAIL BEFORE EVERTON
DIXIE DEAN’S TRIO
By “Crusader”
One of the most interesting local matches of the season was staged at Villa Park to-day, when Aston Villa met Everton, who are regarded as one of the great teams of the year.  Last season when the clubs met at Aston, Everton were struggling to get clear of the danger zone, and, in the first half, played in such spirited style that they led at the interval by three to one.  In the second half, however, Villa rallied in remarkable fashion, and won by five goals to three.  Villa’s recent form did not encourage the hope that they would repeat such an excellent performance.  As Moss was still unfit, Villa were represented by the same team has played at Cardiff.  There was an alternation in the Everton team at the last minute, when Rooney appeared for Virr, who had not recovered from an injury.  Aston Villa; Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr. Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Troup, Hart; Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Mr. T. Crew (Leicester).  Everton kicked off in the presence of about 30,000.  Dean’s first pass to Troup had too much force behind it, and the ball travelled over the line.  There was more promise in a right wing raid by Villa, initiated by a pass by Kingdon, and O’Donnell had to kick into touch to shack Chester.  Everton returned to the attack, and Dean got the ball out to Critchley, who had a clear run, but he finished weakly and shot over the bar.  Cool work by Walker, who made a neat pass to Dorrell, led to a dangerous situation for Everton, and two shots were charged down before Cresswell intercepted the ball as it was travelling across to Dorrell.  From a free kick against Villa, Forshaw headed a foot wide, and the home side raced away in a line.  They were within inches of scoring when Cook interchanged places with Dorrell and centred, but the latter shot over.  Villa’s promise of an early goal was frustrated.  Everton proceeded to the attack, and scored an extraordinary goal after eight minutes.  Critchley again broke through and centred squarely.  There seemed to be ample opportunity for the defence to get the ball away, but there was an air of indecision about them.  DEAN nipped in and sent in a low, slow shot.  Jackson got the ball, but before he could get it away Dean had kicked it through his hands, and it rolled into the net.  This unlooked-for reverse put life into Villa’s tactics, and there was a dash and spirit about their display which previously had been lacking.  For several minutes there was heavy pressure on the Everton goal, and, after Chester had shot inches wide, the same player hit the bar.  Everton survived the rally, and then broke away to score another unexpected goal.  Dean passed to Critchley, who, avoiding Yates’ attempt to clear, ran on and centred.  The ball swerved.  Jackson made an effort to turn it over, but it touched the bar and, as it dropped, DEAN put it into the net with ease.  This was after 18 minutes’ play.  Thus Jackson’s faulty work had placed Everton in a flattering position.  Once more Villa got to grips in their effort to make up the leeway, and from a centre by Kingdon, Walker headed against the angle of the bar and post in masterly style.  A minute later the same forward smashed in a magnificent drive which Taylor fielded by throwing himself across the goalmouth and touching the ball out.  Everton thus further encouraged, developed admirable team work and their methods were cool and collected as compared with the desperate character of the Villa’s efforts.  The visitors became very sure and certain in their passes and were very dangerous in front of goal.  In the course of a breakaway by the Villa, Cook and Cresswell collided and the Villa player lay on the ground holding his head while the home team carried out their attack.  This was concluded without result and then Cook was attended to and speedily resumed.  The Villa improved and after Beresford had a fast shot charged down, Walker forced a corner-kick.  The ball was sent into the goalmouth and then an exciting scrimmage took place.  Taylor saved one shot as he lay on the ground, and then the ball was volleyed in twice in succession and again charged down, and eventually COOK turned it into the net amid a scene of excitement after 37 minutes’ play.  The half closed with a prolonged series of thrills caused primarily by Villa’s sustained rally to equalize.  In the course of one of their raids Dorrell showed brilliant footwork in defeating a challenge by Cresswell and centring in capital style from the line, but saw Taylor clear when the ball was shot in.  Walker almost caught the Everton defence napping when he made a long range shot instead of passing to Cook, and Taylor was only just in time to stop the shot at the foot of the post. 
Half-time; Aston Villa 1, Everton 2
Over 35,000 people were present when the game was resumed.  Villa at once attacked and were carrying everything before them when Chester was pulled up for offside-a decision that did not meet with the approval of the crowd.  Then Dorrell earned applause for another fine bit of work when after a fall in a collision with Cresswell, he recovered and ran in and centred to Chester who headed just wide of the post.  A breakaway by Everton left Dean in possession and matters looked ominous for Villa, but he was hampered by Bowen and the famous centre-forward shot inches wide.  Villa gained another corner when O’Donnell kicked wildly behind to checkmate an attack, and from the flag kick Walker headed the wrong side of the post.  After 56 minutes’ play Villa equalized as the result of a magnificent spell of work by the home right wing.  Kingdon, Beresford and Chester figured at the head of the attack until the ball went to CHESTERwho scored with a fast, low shot, which went between the outstretched hands of Taylor and the post.  Villa should have taken the lead a leader later, for Chester again got possession and made a discreet centre to Beresford who, however, was wide with a drive.  (Last four lines unreadable at bottom of page-bluecorrespondent)  - Continued from;-
Start to gain the lead, but Villa’s defence prevailed.  After some open passing by Villa forwards Rooney handled, and from the free-kick Taylor punched away a raking drive.  Towards the end of the light became bad and it was difficult to follow the flight of the ball.  Jackson saved twice in capital style.  His anticipation in running out and fielding the ball was in marked contrast to his early display.  Cook had an open goal after an opening had been forced for him by Beresford, and as Taylor stumbled in his attempt to stop Cook struck the bar with a rising shot.  Six minutes from the end Everton took the lead again with another remarkable goal.  Cresswell volleyed the ball down the centre, and Dean ran up as Jackson advanced to clear.  The goalkeeper appeared to touch the ball, but DEAN was the quicker and he headed into the net.  Villa towards the end, made a great rally.  They shot again and again, but the Everton goal bore a charmed life.  Many shots were charged down, and on one occasion during a scrimmage Villa players appealed for a penalty on the ground that a defender had handled, but the referee refused the appeal.  An extraordinary game thus ended with Everton winning by a narrow margin.  Result; Aston Villa 2, Everton 3. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 December 1927
EFFORTS AGAINST THE ASTON VILLA SIDE
BEE’S COMMENTS
DEAN SCORES TWICE BEFORE INTERVAL
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa;- Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr.Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Dorrall.  There was a big crowd of excursionists from Liverpool, most of whom had never before seen this wonderfully compact ground.  The attendance was lower than had been expected for this attractive match owing to Christmas calls, but even so it was a good attendance.  Everton played Rooney for Virr, wo has damaged a muscle.  Strangely enough, Rooney played here in the Hull City replay when Hull scored with a burst ball.  Everton kicked off, and straight away Forshaw worked through, Weldon being over-strong with his pass.  Dr.Milne and Dean soon had a duel, and the Everton man won this, the first round.  O’Donnell began as if he had brought up the whole course, while Rooney did splendid work, and from his work Dean received the ball and put out to Critchley.  Unfortunately that young man wasted a priceless chance by putting the ball outside.  The Villa then had a turn, O’Donnell being off the field for a time with a damage right leg.  He returned in time to head away, and later, when Taylor had handled an easy one. O’Donnell took a free kick for an offence on Weldon, Forshaw heading very near to goal.  The Villa should have scored when Dorrell found himself in front of goal as a consequence of both Everton backs falling down.  This upset the home team, and it was made worse when the Villa defenders stopped to appeal for offside against Dean, instead of playing to the whistle.  The ball had been pushed towards goal, and there was only a faint appeal by the home defenders for offside.
DEAN’S TWENTY-EIGHTH.
The offside belief looked worse because Dean did not start to go for the ball in the belief that he was offside.  However, when it came to a challenge between Jackson and Dean the goalkeeper muffled his pick-up, and Dean practically hooked the ball out of his hands into the empty net.  It was an unlovely goal, making the twenty-right the Everton centre has notched this season.  Still, to Everton it was a very comforting lead, and totally unexpected.  The goal was scored in ten minutes and the crowd had now become a very big one.  With both sides playing clean and hard football, the outlook at Villa Park was very encouraging.  Chester was near making the score equal, and Smart, with a free-kick, put rare power, if not direction, behind the ball.
DOUBLE BY DEAN
Dean scored again in nineteen minutes.  It was a quick two-decker incident.  Dean spoon-fed Critchley, who more than got the better of Yates, the clever centre-half, by speed.  The winger recovered his balance after getting over a leg, and centred in such a way that one felt he had screwed the ball too near goal.  However, this was not Jackson’s gala day.  This goalkeeper merely touched the ball without getting it away with the result that Dean ran up and scored with ease again.  The Villa were not without response, notably when Walker headed against the angle of the crossbar, and later when the same player, in a rousing five minutes, hit one of the best drives I have ever seen.  Taylor pushed his great weight across the goalmouth to his right-hand corner, and made a stupendous save.  Walker went off for a while with thigh trouble.  While he was off, the Villa backs began to work the offside trick.  However, Forshaw pushed the ball well up, to get the beauty and the benefit out of Critchley, whose centre once again bothered the Villa goalkeeper.  Everton were now beginning to move off in their sweeping fashion, and the crowd took delight in Dean’s well-judged passes, also in Weldon’s dribbles and Hart’s cool and collected part in defence.  Cook went down through a crack on the head, and the referee allowed play to go on for an absurd length of time, till one began to wonder whether he remembered the rate regarding the stoppage of play. 
COOK LESSENS THE LEAD
Villa had a good chance when Rooney headed out, and they had little chance when Dr.Milne was too fanciful.  Walker and Cook offered one of the prettiest pierces of passing one could wish to see reminiscent of the old days.  Cook scored for the Villa after thirty-eight minutes, this being the third peculiar and unsatisfying goal.  Hart conceded a corner, taken by Dorrell.  The Villa stand well out to receive a corner kick, and rush forward in their stride.  The ball was cleared and came back two or three times and Taylor got to it once without being able to get on his feet and kick away.  There was a crowd of players on the goal line, any of them off their feet, and it was a surprise when Cook smuggled the ball through.  Three goals and not a picture-postcard among them!  Right on half-time Taylor stopped Billy Walker again with a lovely drive to the left-hand side to save the equalizer; and so to the coffee.  Half-time; Everton 2, Villa 1. 
BEAT ASTON VILLA BY 3 GOALS TO 2
HAT TRICK FOR DEAN
REFEREE DRAWS CROWD’S RESENTMENT
It was a lively resumption, and the Villa considered themselves the aggrieved party when the referee, Mr. Crew, of Leicester, gave another baffling offside decision.  This was followed by Dorrell’s best wing work, and when Chester headed in Taylor slipped at the critical moment, and was therefore thankful to see the ball swing outside.  After Dean had made two dandy dribbles and a shot and a header, the Villa had an innings in which Chester wasted a golden chance.  Dean gave the backs the “dummy”: and Weldon was unable to get a firm shot.  Kelly got a firm hold on Dorrell, however, and Rooney, as against Hull on this ground, was a success.  Troup found his shooting boots barred, and O’Donnell rather unwisely passed back needlessly to Taylor, and this was the beginning of a really brilliant goal at the hour. 
A BRILLIANT  EQUALISER.
Chester, the reserve inside left, ran inward and kicked a lightning drive to equalize the scores.  This was a brilliant should have taken the lead in the minute if Cook had been able to accept an easy chance.  Cresswell did the most daring thing in passing back to the goalkeeper at long range, and after some ragged play, Everton got going in smoother fashion than for some time.  Then Taylor had to make a one-handed punch from Smart’s free-kick.  Some reason for Villa’s ascendency in this half could be traced to Kingdon’s good half back play and Everton’s failure to make the most of Smart’s slowness. 
BRINGING TAYLOR TO HIS KNEES.
The Everton forwards tried hard to place Dean for his hat-trick, and while Weldon headed into the goalkeeper’s hands, I must suggest that the policy of incessant upward passing defeats its own end.  O’Donnell stopped Chester making his second point, but a limit was reached when Cook closed in and Taylor went on his knees, but had no chance with a ball that crashed against the cross-bar. 
DEAN FINISHES HAT TRICK.
This was the best luck coming at the best of times, seven minutes from the finish.  The game took a startling turn at eighty-five minutes, Dean reaching his hat-trick performance, and scoring one of the most novel goals seen on the ground.  A high lobbing ball was headed backwards by him, and remarkable to relate the ball entered the empty goal, Jackson having gone forward.  Taylor made his third brilliant save of the match within a moment of this exciting interlude, and in the last two minutes Walker was cautioned for arguing, and the Villa hammered away without result.  Everton being lucky to keep their goal intact.  The referee was loudly booed at the end.  Final; Aston Villa 2, Everton 3. 

EVERTON RES V LEEDS RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 December 1927
Everton had Irvine at inside right, and at the start only two brilliant clearances by the Leeds keeper from Griffiths and Dominy prevented an early lead.  The home side certainly did most of the attacking during the first half, but they were inclined to hold the ball too long.  The spasmodic raids of the United attack often spelt danger because of the direct manner in which they advanced.  Dominy opened the scoring for Everton.  Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Leeds United Reserves nil.  Irvine scored a second and Kendrick a third for Everton and a couple of minutes from the finish Roberts reduced the lead with a penalty. Final; Everton Res 3, Leeds U Res 1. 

EVERTON “A” v. WAVERTREE ATH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 December 1927
Davies missed a good opening for Everton and at the other end Hughes saved well from Green.  Templeman scored for Everton after fifteen minutes’ play and later added a second.  Hughes brought off some clever saves.  Half-time; Everton “A” 2, Wavertree Athletic 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 December 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON DIRECTORS
December 11, 1927. The Sunday Post
Director W.C. Cuff and Manager Tom McIntosh, of the Everton club, went off to Perth on the 10 o'clock train yesterday from Glasgow. Their objective? Neil McBain? It's not improbable. Mr. McIntosh always considered Neil to be the best centre half Everton ever had.

ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 3
December 12 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
DEAN ENABLES EVERTON TO SCRAPE THROUGH AGAINST ASTON VILLA
“DIXIES” THREE.
BLUES' GOAL SURVIVES FIERCE ONSLAUGHT.
Everton were lucky to secure both points at Villa Park. Aston Villa did most of the attacking at least in the second half. Their forwards were better balanced and more virile in their movements. Taylor, the Everton goalkeeper had more shots to stop then, and he was fortunate not to be beaten in the closing stages, when the Everton goal was overwhelmed. Taylor was more reliable in goal than the Villa goalkeeper. Everton were superior to the Villa in defence, both Cresswell and O'Donnell kicking and tackling with sureness. Cresswell also snowing mature judgement in anticipation. It was the opportunism and thrust unless of Dean that were the main factors in Everton's success. He scored all three of Everton's goals, bringing his total for the season upto thirty. Jackson was to blame for not saving all three. Two of them were obtained in the first half when the Everton forwards had a fair share of the attack, although never rising to their best form.
VILLA GOALKEEPER'S LAPSES.
Alter ten minutes play Jackson stopped a straight drive from Dean, but fumbled with the ball, Dean dashing up, knocking the ball out of his hands, and placing into the net. Eight minutes later Critchley eluded the backs, and running in hit the crossbar. Jackson knocked the ball down, but once again Dean was too quick for him, rushing the ball into the net. Following this second reverse the Villa forwards redoubled their efforts Walker, the Villa captain, hit the crossbar and later had a lighting shot saved by Taylor. Eight minutes from half-time the Villa scored during a mix-up in front of the Everton goal, Taylor jumped out of goal to beat down a corner kick. He was lying on the ground out of goal when he made another save, only for Cook to recover possession and place into goal. The second half was all in favour of the Villa forwards. They played with rare dash and cohesion, and kept up an almost continuous attack. Chester, receiving a short pass from Kingdon drove hard into the net, both O'Donnell and Rooney being caught napping in not tackling him. It was against the run of the play that Dean scored the winning goal for Everton five minutes from the end. Cresswell placed a long lofty clearance kick down the centre, and Dean was standing with his back to the Villa goal, he backed headed over Jackson into the net. Dean was placed onside by the Villa backs running up as he was waiting for the ball, and Jackson, in coming out of goal, showed fatal hesitancy in not jumping at the ball when Dean met it with his head. In the last five minutes the Everton goal had several narrow escapes. Time after time the ball was charged down at critical moments it was banged against the crossbar, and Taylor saved from Cook at point-blank range. The Everton forwards were most disappointing in the second half, Dean seldom had a pass of the right side and none of the other forwards looked like scoring. Teams: - Aston Villa: - Jackson, goal, Smart, and Bowen, backs, Kingdon, Dr. Milne, and Yates, half-backs, Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, and Dorrell, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 1
December 12 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 16)
Everton's victory over Leeds was thoroughly deserved, as they were always the superior side, Griffiths went close to giving the Blues a lead with a shot which the visiting custodian turned against the bar. A stubborn, if at times lucky defence, however, prevented a score until ten minutes from the interval, when Dominy netted from an opening made by White. In the second half, although Irvine and Kendrick scored further goals, Leeds never give up, and near the close Roberts gave Davies no chance from a penalty kick. Everton: - Davies, goal, Raitt and R. Curr, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Roscoe, Irvine, White, Dominy, and Kendrick, forwards .

VILLA FAIL TO SECURE THEIR DUE REWARD
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 12 December 1927
DEAN’S PERSONALITY A FASTER IN EVERTON GAME
PUZZLED DEFENDERS
ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 3
By Touchstone
Aston Villa failed against Everton by the odd goal in five in the presence of 40,000 people at Villa Park.  They ought not to have lost the game.  In a great struggle for the points they were for the most part exerting heavy pressure, but whilst they had a definite advantage as far as attack was concerned, they were unable to obtain their due reward for their fast and clever football.  On the other hand, Dean snatched three goals for his side under fortuitous circumstances, two of the points being scored when the Villa defenders confidently expected him to be pulled up for offside.  Dean’s personality turned the game in favour of his side.  Whilst he showed little finesse in midfield, he was a great opportunist in front goal, where his presence had an unnerving influence upon the defenders.  This was apparent very early in the game, after promise of a swift goal for the Villa as the result of their fierce raids had been frustrated.  Critchley broke through on the right, and Jackson ran out, a trifle too hastily, to clear a low centre from the winger.  Dean was “on the premises,” but the defenders were evidently under the impression that he was in an offside position, as there was an air of indecision in their movements.  With Jackson over the ball instead of behind it, and with circumstances favouring Dean in every way, the centre smartly kicked the ball out of the goalkeeper’s hands, and it rolled slowly over the line.  This unexpectedly reverse stimulated Villa to further effort, and there were signs that the Everton defence was breaking down under the terrific pressure, when another unlooked-for disaster befell the home team.  Critchley again broke through, and on this occasion delivered a high centre.  Dean was once more on the spot, and when Jackson attempted to clear, the ball was forced against the bar, and upon the rebound Dean flicked it into the net.  Villa redoubled their efforts to make up the leeway, and during the next half-hour they slowly but surely overhauled their opponents.  In a thrilling scrimmage almost under the Everton bar a couple of shots were charged down, and as Taylor saved again and fell in the middle of a group of players Cook dashed in and drove the ball into the net. 
VILLA’S DESPERATE WORK
In the second half Villa gave a dashing display and a lot of desperate work was rounded off when Chester equalized with the best goal of the match.  The shot was a beautiful long drive which had Taylor guessing.  Villa had their opportunities of winning the game in their subsequent raids, but Beresford was wide with a first-time drive, and Cook, with an open goal, made a sad miss. A long volley down the centre by one of the Everton defenders led to the deciding goal.  The Villa defenders were again under the impression that Dean was off-side when he ran in to meet Jackson, who advanced from goal.  Dean, however, ran on and headed over the goalkeeper’s head into the net, colliding with Jackson at the same time.  In dean’s personal triumph there was a big element of fortune.  The Villa attack was the better, but the home side lacked an opportunist to finish successfully the clever work of Waller and Dorrell on the one wing and Chester and Beresford on the other.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa;- Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr.Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Dorrall. Referee; Mr. T. Crew (Leicester). 

DEADLY DEAN
Athletic News - Monday 12 December 1927
EVERTON PROFIT BY VILLA ERRORS
ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 3
By Brum
It is never a congenial task to depreciate a winning side, and especially one that wins way from home, but an impartial observer who watched the game at Villa Park would have said that the cleverer, more persistent, and better-balanced side lost.  Jackson lost the game for his side.  He is not a goalkeeper of the same class as Taylor.  Eight minutes after the start Critchley centred and Jackson caught the ball.  He had ample time in which to clear, but he fumbled with it.  DEAN rushed up and practically kicked it out of his hands into the net.  A little later, a similar centre came from the same wingman, Jackson again failed to clear and once more the irrepressible DEAN was on the spot and again scored.  Thus the Villa were two goals in arrears after having had rather the better of the play. 
WEAK NEAR GOAL.
Then COOK  scored from a scrimmage, while CHESTER contributed a stylish goal as the result of a brilliant low shot with which he beat a man who wants a great deal of beating.  After this the Villa had a mild monopoly of the attack, and should have made the game safe, but the forwards were tame and colourless in front of goal.  Five minutes from the end DEAN once more score in a somewhat unconventional manner.  While facing his own goal he headed a third and winning point.  It will thus be seen that victory was produced by a trio of queer goals.  The game was an exceedingly bright and attractive one.  Play was always open, and if the Villa did not get full value for their attack or if the Everton raids produced more than they deserved. , that was always part of the game.  Everton were without Virr, who has an injured knee, and Rooney filled his place with great credit.
DEAN THE OPPORTUNIST.
There were few weak spots in either side.  Except as an opportunist moving in a narrow circle, Dean did little, but most teams would be glad of a man who, if not particularly prominent in midfield, found the net three times.  Cricthley and Troup were the cleverest forwards.  Both made progress skillfully and Critchley centred with exceptional effect.  Troup was not quite so successful, but his midfield work was that of a true artist, and he retains all his deftness in controlling the ball.  Forshaw and Weldon were inclined to dribble too much.  Weldon several times went ahead with the ball when there did not seem to be the semblance of a chance of getting through.  Kelly was conspicuously clever.  He was the outstanding figure in a game in which the half-back play was maintained at a high level.  He was very clever alike I capturing the ball from an adversary and placing it when once he had obtained possession.  The Villa were not at their best, although much of their work was full of skill.  Jackson ha a day on which he could do nothing right, but Smart was at his best and his judgement in tackling was unerring.  He always kicked a good length.  He and Everton were a well-balanced pair.  The half-back work was admirable, although Gibson and Moss were missing, Yates is a good footballer and never appeared to be out of his class.  Chester and Beresford formed a strong wing.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Aston Villa;- Jackson; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Dr.Milne, Yates; Chester, Beresford, Cook, Walker, Dorrall. Referee; Mr. T. Crew (Leicester). 

WHY EVERTON SUCCEEDED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
I was at Birmingham- without the permission of the correspondent “Faithful,” who wanted to know why I praised Everton so highly.  While giving Everton praise for an away win, it must be stated that they were fortunate-not so much in the matter of winning, but in the luck they had in finding the Villa goalkeeper of his game and the Villa forwards without penetration in front of goal.  It is true that luck balance itself; at this ground we had seen Everton overplay Hull without getting the verdict; and now they won 3-2 in a game that was full of pitfalls, debates, and twists and turns that go to make the game so entrancing.  Everyone agreed that the game had been enjoying, and it was more than that- it was a turn-and-turn-again sort of match.  Having a two goals lead presented to them per Jackson and Dean, the issue seemed safe, but a goal near half-time always encourages the side scoring it.  They got off for a breather and return to take up the confidence that has just come upon them. 
VILLA’S MAIN FAULT
The fault of the Villa was that their centre half-back tried to wheel about too much with the ball; added to which Cook could not score from a ridiculously tiny range; he fell to the cross for bursting the netting instead of placing the ball out of the goalkeeper’s reach.  When a player hits the crossbar, as Cook did, the crowd say “Hard lines,.”  It is no such thing; it is rank bad play.  A freeman touch would have crowned Villa’s day; as it was Walker was their prime shooter and Taylor’s method of taking three shots (two from the player named) was wholly admirable.  Walker, arriving at the ground per his motor, said “I am always happy to play against a side like Everton; they play football; that’s a big difference to some of the sides we meet,” and he who could not enjoy the fruity excitement of this game should take to ludo- with others!  Villa were not convincing in the forward line, the left flank being below par and Chester, an outside left brought in at out-side right, was perhaps, their most dangerous man.  One reason for their failure was the fine concerted action of the three visiting half-backs; Hart goes from praise to wonder; Rooney, for whom I have ever spoken freely and highly, was never at fault and linked up with the Everton pattern of play in the matter of keeping the ball on the turf and making a pass; Kelly played better than for some weeks, probably through his fitness; at full back both men were kept on the move by the side that has its own style of progress- a Villa stamp that can readily be discerned; so that we are now left with the Everton forwards for comment.
A THOUGHT.
Here one is not quite so confident; Dean got three goals, passed quickly when smothered as is his won’t these days –he got his 30th goal through a header; his 29th through a mistake by the goalkeeper, and the 28th through a mistake by the referee on the point of offside.  The offside bogey cost Villa the draw, because they were so busy thinking out an offside scheme that Dean was able to await the fall of the ball and yank it into goal.  But Dean’s greatest asset was his trapping of the ball and deadening it with one and the same action-here was an object lesson that can be seen this week in our picturedromes, per the Pathe series, dean having been made their subject of the week.  But is it nice to comptemplate all the forwards providing Dean with a chance of goalling, and none of the others making a shot?  Certainly not.  The attack is unbalanced at the moment; Troup got little chance through the roaming of Weldon, and Weldon did not produce the shot one expects from a little man with the big engine (booting force); Forshaw and he held off the help the half backs, whereas an open and upward policy would have paid the easier; they could beat the Villa by attacking, not by falling back and courting the onrush of the opposing forwards.  It is just a though for the day, and made with the future before us; the inner forwards of the line should take their share of shooting, and Critchley, lively game as he played, must learn to “pull” a ball; at the moment he screws too many outside; it is only a passing fault and is not condemnation –criticism; it is made with the purpose of gaining the result deserved from Critchley’s initiation sprints and dribbles.  Having escaped a penalty late on, the referee let the player go on and shoot, as he was not unbalanced by the trip, and had a better goal-scoring chance; having seen Walker head against the woodwork; having had two soft goals offered to them, Everton can be thankful for the large mercy vouchsafed them.  Tom Webster, who was present, said;  “Change the goalkeepers and change the score- and add a bit on to the margin.” Which represented the match in a sentence. 
Raitt is on the open-to-transfer list, and Fulham are among the clubs inquiring after him. 

EVERTON TACKLE PRESTON NORTH END
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 December 1927
The Everton side go to Preston North End’s ground, and meet North End for the first time for many years in Cup warfare.  Preston, as a matter of fact, have already beaten Everton in a cup tie this season, the Lancashire Cup tie providing a rich turn up, even though Everton side was a weakened one.  That game was played at Goodison Park.  This time Everton are the visitors, and of course an English Cup-tie compared to a Lancashire cup-tie alters matters a great deal.  However, one man will be keen to win for the home side- Harrison, the former Everton player, who is still acting well for North End at outside left. 

AN EVERTON MEM CRY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
PRESTON’S CUP-TIE
Preston can look to record gate, for the Everton enthusiasts are now travelling each week with their pets.  There are thousands going to the various away matches, and I reckoned last week that Everton had a warmer reception when Cresswell led his men on than the home team had.  Thus Preston will not have all the diapasons in their favour.  Jud Harrison, of course, has been longing for this contact, and with Preston’s easy win over Everton in a Lancs, Cup-tie recently, North-end will say they can prove the form is reliable.  They forget that Dean was not playing that day, and that, generally speaking, the least reliable form is that produced in the Lancashire Cup-tie fixtures.  Preston were not too cleverly beaten in their last English Cup-tie meeting with Everton –I remember quite well that though Everton won they were not a bit convincing, and so went out of the competition afterwards.  Of course, the greatest meeting of the pair was ages ago, when they met three times before settling the issue, and then Everton went on to walk through the Wolves’ Cup final tie- in the manner that had been rehearsed in a League match..  The hand was engaged, but the Cup did not come to Liverpool, and Everton returned less cocksure about life and things in general than for many a year.  The lesson was not lost on them, with the result that when Everton won the Cup in 1906 there was no band, and, apart from the amazing street scenes, there was little to mark the occasion in the reception sense.  The memory of Jack Taylor hoisting the Cup aloft is a memory one will never forget. 

EVERTON’S WEEK-END TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
Of their next six League games, Everton have but two at Goodison Park, so that much depends on how they fare over the holiday period.  On Saturday Burnley are due at Goodison Park.  The team is; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Everton’s reserve team to meet Bradford City at Bradford, on Saturday, includes Templeman a local player who has graduated with the A team.  The eleven is; Davies; Raitt, Curr; Brown, Griffiths, Rooney; Millington, Irvine, White, Templeman, Kendrick. 
Dean who has scored eight-five times in eight-eight games, and hopes to double the 100 mark in due course, has been filmed, and this week at the Trecadego one is able to follow the birth and life of a racehorse, and also see Dean’s method of trapping a ball and back-heeling it, in slow-motion process. 

NEWS
Peterborough Standard - Friday 16 December 1927
Aldershot possessed a strong set of half-backs, Garratt the old Everton and Exeter City, player, being outstanding for constructive ability. 

DIXIE DEAN’S AMBITION
Daily Mirror - Friday 16 December 1927
Dixie Dean, the Everton crack, is within measureable distance of setting up a new record in football, namely scoring 100 goals in his first 100 games in senior circles.  Already he has scored eighty-five goals in eight-eight matches.  He has some stiff work ahead with two matches with the Cup-holders and engagements with Newcastle, Blackburn, Tottenham, and Middlesbrough.  Still, Dixie may attain his ambition. 

EVERTON’S RETURNED
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton, the home team tomorrow, are still at variance with fortune in their home games.  The starter from Sunderland was followed by the half-blow from Sheffield United, and now they tackle Burnley, wondering whether this is to be another bogey side.  Burnley have, though their captain and leader, Hill, being doing big things against the top sides, and having drawn at Newcastle –luckily they admitted –they will go into Goodison Park’s affair with some sort of confidence and comfort.  That they should be beaten on all general reckoning admits no doubt, but nowadays there is so little between any of the First Division sides in the first sixteen in the League, that nothing can be looked upon as a certainly.  The Everton side revived their winning ways last week at Aston, perhaps gaining the bit of luck they required in the previous games; and they are expected to have Virr in the old fold again; thus the team-sheet has to all intents and purposes been identical from the first match to that of the present day; all of which means confidence and a measure of success because the players have got to know each other’s whims and needs, and I think that though Burnley are a big side and Hill will take special pleasure in attempting to hold up his pal Dean- a great treat this should be- the home man should win the duel, because Hill has lately been playing as though a trifle tired, and it is inconceivable that Everton will persevere with the idea that the inner forwards must fall back to half-back and court defending tactics, or fail to realise the need for spreading passes somewhere other than to the middle, for Hill’s height must be an advantage in taking ballooned balls.  Having won away, there should be no doubt the leaders holding their own and pushing the advantage two points further ahead.  The team went to Hoylake last mid-week; this week they have spread themselves at Southport.  These are the teams;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Burnley; Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Parkin; Bruton, Freeman, Beel, Devine, Page. 

EVERTON'S 3-1 HOME GOAL AVERAGE OMINOUL
December 17 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
For every ball picked up of the net at Goodison Park, Everton have taken a three fold average; that is, they have scored three goals for every one scored against them on their native heath. This fact as well as others to follow –is given for a very special reason. For the more recent performance of Everton at home have given rise to certain doubt's among some that can only be described as seriocomic. The avoiliating ones are now rather inclined to view an Everton away match with less misgivings than a game at Goodison these days. Therefore, some more stone cold truths may help to allay any fears that the first division readers will be denyed their sixth home win today when Burnley will be on the other side of the line. Burnley's goal average in away fixtures is well in the way to being the reverse of that of the Blues at home, 30 of the best having been toffed up against them to which they have “replied with 12. Burnley have dropped 13 points out of a possible 18 on strangers grounds, Everton have dropped six points out of a possible 20 at home. In the recent games in foreign soil Burnley have gained but one point –this though at Newcastle, overlooking the home sides recent lapses one may be excused for looking them as probable winning today. They are at full strength again, Virr resuming, while the visitors make no changes in the side beaten at home by Huddersfield last week. The match starts at 2:15 and the chosen sides are Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Burnley: - Downs, McCluggage, Waterfield, Steel, Hill, Parkin, Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Dougall, Page.

CENTRE FORWARD PLAY THAT TRIUMPHS TODAY
By Dixie Dean
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press - Saturday 17 December 1927
That brilliant centre-forward of Everton and England.
Everton's winning form this season has caused many experts to point to me as "the reason for it."   I hasten to say at once that no single man ever yet made a team.  In fact, it is very selday that a man alone ever succeeds even in scoring a goal.  Ninetty-nine goals out of every hundred scored are the direct result of clever team work -sound scheming by the inside forwards or a good run and a well-placed centre by the wing forwards, or some strategic backing-up by the half-backs.   "Lucky" goals fall to the lot of most footballers.  An error by goalkeepers or back places the ball at the feet of a man who has done little to earn the honour.  I have had my share of these goals, and I do not think I shall be accused of undue egotism if I say that the form of the centre forward does make a big difference to the play of any team.  There is a marked shortage of first-class centre-forwards at the moment.  
Why?
Experts have many explanations to offer.  For example, it is said that new off-side rule has changed centre-forward tactics considerably, and that many of the older generation are not able to adapt themselves to the new methods.  Again, the speed at which football today is played is pointed out as the reason for the shortage of centre-forwards.  many men have the ball control and the shooting skill, but they just lack the natural turn of extra speed that enables the centre-forward to take advantage of the openings that can be made by a clever centre-forward today. 
Speed and Success.
Speed undoubtedly has a lot to do with success in the centre-forward position, but not quite in the way that many followers of the game believe.  Team-builders, i believe, are barking up the wrong tree when they place too much reliance on speed.  A man with the gift of speed is an asset in any team -a tremendous asset -but just because a man lacks extraordinary speed there is no reason to condemn him as a failure before he starts.  What we need as centre-forwards are men who can play football.  I honestly believe that we are in danger of overlooking this fact.  When I say that we need men who can play football I mean that the first thing a centre-forward had got to realise is that football is a team game.  If you take a man who has speed, ball control, and ability to shoot unerringly with head and foot, you have a footballer.  if to these talents you add the ability to exploit tactical openings with the co-operation of the other players, to keep the line together, and to inspire the others in a crisis, you have a man who can play football.  You see the difference. 
Few centre-forwards can do all these things.  Certainly not me!  But it is the ideal I aim after. 
Player Who Inspire
There is no room for criticism of one's team mates in modern football.  If the other men are not playing up to the centre-forward as they should it is more than likely his own fault.  If a centre-forward makes a few mistakes when he has a clear opening in front of the goal, the other players can be excused if they begin to lose confidence in him and do not feed him to the extent that they should.  Everybody fails sometimes.  Very often it is the easiest of shots that fail you, because you are over-confident and hold the ball too long, or do not take a careful enough aim, or fail to allow for what the goalkeeper can do in a very tight corner if he makes a superhuman effort.  Undoubtedly, every player has moments when he wishes he could kick himself.  But if he is obviously trying his hardest every minute of the time, and achieving a certain success, he can reply on the co-operation of his team mates.  Another fault that may mar co-operation in a team is any small habit -either on or off the field - that makes a man disliked.  The other players have got to be glad to see the centre-forward scoring goals, or otherwise they will not give him the help that they should.  The only way to win this co-operation is for the centre-forward to admit frankly just how much credit is due to the others for the part they play in his best and most successful movements.  A centre forward must credit his team, and not accept all the praise that is offered to him by enthusiastic supporters who think that it is only the head or the boot of the centre-forward that has scored the goal.
Tactical Work
Men must have confidence in their -forward.  They must feel in a tight corner that if only they could get the ball through him, everything would all right. And it is up to the centre-forward earn this confidence. That is-why I say that we need footballers-real footballers—in the centre-forward position. There is nothing like a little reciprocity in football as in other things. I mean, a man who expects to receive good passes should be able to give good passes.  Inside men are clever schemers, and I am not suggesting that the centre-forward should attempt to do their work for them.  All the same, it is much more encouraging to make openings for a centre-forward who takes a lively interest in the tactical proceedings than it is to strain continuously to get the ball through for a centre-forward who is doing little but wait for the ball, and who is does not even recognize a strategic and "penetrative" position when he sees it.
A centre-forward must work hard to win his place in a leading team, and keep it. It is nonsense to say that a man in a small team never gets a chance to be seen by the men who matter, why try? I suppose that when i was with Tranmere Rovers I must have been " watched" by a dozen managers, until eventually I went to Everton.   Goodison Park, the Everton headquarters, is near enough to my own birthplace—Birkenhead— to make my present club the ideal one from my point of view. (NEXT WEEK Dixie Dean writes of how and when to shoot, and the various shots that defeat the goalkeeper.)

SCOTS MANAGER RESIGNS
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Saturday 17 December 1927
Mr. George Wilson, the manager of Raith Rovers, has resigned for health reasons.  The news revealed yesterday was not unexpected.  Mr. Wilson has been off duty for some time, and Birrell, the Old Middleborough player having acted in his stead, is now likely to be given the job as player-manager.  George Wilson, as a manager served Hearts, Everton, and Newcastle United. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 December 1927
LANCASHIRE BATTLE WITH BURNLEY
By Stork
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Burnley; Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill (Captain), Parkin; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Dougall, Page.  Referee; Mr. R.J. Kelso, of Chelsea.  Burnley had several misfortunates, Freeman and Devine had suddenly developed throat trouble, and Pollard, a local, and Dougall, took their places, the latter, by the way, having slight knee trouble, but had to be called to duty.  Everton, of course, were the same as last week, with the exception of Virr for Rooney.  Despite the intense cold, there was quite a good crowd present, and they saw Dean well placed for a shot in the very first minute, but the light ball defeated him.  Then came a Burnley raid, and Beel put the cat among the pigeons when he cleverly kept a ball in play, and put it back in the Everton goalmouth, where Taylor edged it away from goal with a gliding blow.  O’Donnell, in his eagerness to make certain of a complete clearance, conceded a corner.  Bruton’s kick was of perfect height, reach, and judgment, but Taylor had anticipated it to the fraction of an inch and, advancing from his goal, he punched clear. 
JUST HESITATING
The turf was as solid as concrete, and a foothold was a difficult matter, as was seen when Dean pushed a ball out to Critchley, who could not get under way quickly enough.  Dean, finding he was well under “suspicion,” tried to ease his own position and at the same time help the cause.  He glided a ball right to the toes of Forshaw, who, however, hesitated in shooting just long enough to spoil his chance, for it enabled the Burnley defenders to get in the way of his shot.  Hart also came into the shooting business, but was too high with his effort, as was Forshaw a little later.  The advances of the Burnley attack were at this point quite easily held and most of the play was close up to the Burnley goal.  Dean, Weldon, and Troup participated in a movement which completely defeated the Burnley left full back, Waterfield, and there was every reason to anticipate a shot from any one of them.  But it was not to be, and so the Burnley goal was let off lightly when it should have been hammered.
HILL’S PRIMER
Hill, who has played along with Dean in international matches, knows what a danger the Everton man is, and I have not the slightest doubt that he had primed his comrades on what methods to adapt to stop the leading scorer from crashing his way through as he did against Scotland.  At all events, Dean got very little scope, three men being almost within nodding reach of him, and once when Dean was in possession it took the three players to stop him from getting in his shot.  Page, in an effort to head a centre from his right wing into the Everton goal, fell heavily on the frozen ground, and was hurt to such an extent that he had to leave the field for attention.  There was very little shooting seen; in fact, there was very little in the match to create a real thrill, and it was left to Dean to provide the chief one thus far.  Only a matter of numbers prevented him from going nearer to scoring than he did.  He was buffeted about when trying to settle the ball for a shot, and then found it cannon out to colleague Virr, who brought the incident to a conclusion by shooting over.
TRIFTING WITH THE WHISTLE
Everton’s decision not to “play the whistle” might have ended in much more drastic fashion than it did.  Bruton found himself away from everybody, and could have enabled goalwards almost at his leisure for the Everton players stopped playing in the belief that Bruton was off-side, but the referee said he was not.  Then Virr had to go chasing like mad across the field to try and curb Bruton’s run.  He was successful up to a point, but not until Bruton had made a centre, which Hart headed away.  A good piece of anticipation by Down prevented Dean from getting amongst the goals.  The slightest semblance of misjudgment would have been fatal, for Dean was up and ready in case of necessity.  Considering the conditions, it was not at all a bad game, in which Hill showed the value of height in a centre half-back.  He was always “there” with his head, although Dean beat him to it once or twice. 
PARKIN MISSES A CHANCE
A misheader by Virr let in Bruton, and, although O’Donnell, with two clever pieces of work, foiled Pollard and McCluggage, the light ball beat him in the end, and when Virr, who had covered up O’Donnell’s tracks clear, it improved Burnley’s scoring chance, for the ball dropped right to Parkin just on the fringe of the penalty line, but the half-back’s shot was of poor direction, and Taylor was out of work. 
TROUP LANDS ONE.
The Burnley half and full backs stopped Everton chiefly because they defied the Everton forwards in that they anticipated the pass before it was made, and so were able to meet them half-way on their journey.  However, at the 35th minute the Burnley defence was beaten, aye, and well beaten, too, by wee Troup.  The little Scot was terrier-like in his efforts and when a ball came his way, he had to beat McCluggage before he could think of attempting a shot.  He was successful in accomplishing this feat, and, with a powerful left-foot drive, he aimed for the far side of the Burnley goal.  Down went full length to the shot, and appeared to me to have touched it, but such was the power of the shot that he could not send it far enough away, and it travelled inside the far upright.  It was a fine effort, as was an effort by Hill a few minutes later, but in this case the shot was just a shade too high, and whizzed like lightning over the crossbar. 
DOWN’S FINE SAVE
Dean was given offside when he had two players in front of him, but even so, his header was saved by Down.  Just before the interval Dean got through, and veering over to his right, delivered a terrific shot, which it seemed would beat the Burnley goalkeeper, but at the very last second Down flung himself at the ball and turned it round the post.  It was truly a remarkable fine save.  Burnley made a last-minute effort to try and get on terms, and O’Donnell nearly helped them when he elected to dribble in front of his own goal.  Half-time; Everton 1, Burnley 0. 
FOUR-TO-ONE VICTORY OVER BURNLEY
THE DEAN-HILL DUEL
GOALS BY TROUP, CRITCHLEY, KELLY AND FORSHAW
The second half was only six minutes old when Everton went further ahead.  McCluggage mistimed a ball, and Dean went round him like a flash, and shooting with power he saw Down making a great save.  Down, however, could do no more than turn the ball away from his goal, and before he could get back, Critchley came rushing up and drove the ball into the net.  Little was seen of the Burnley attack for quite a time, and when it did get on the move, it became easy prey to Cresswell and O’Donnell, especially the former, whose anticipation was never at fault.  Forshaw had a chance to score a third goal, but Down patted hi shot out, and there was no one near enough to take advantage of the opening made for them.  Parkin had another shot, but was not successful in finding Down unwary, and when Troup was sent away on his lonesome, only a timely intervention by Beel prevented a dangerous centre by the winger from getting the danger zone. 
KELLY IN LUCK
Troup with a fine centre offered Critchley a pass but the latter, instead of taking a first-time shot desired to get the ball under control, and this was his undoing, for the Burnley defence had time to concentrate.  Everton’s third goal, which arrived at the seventieth minute was, without doubt a lucky one, for Kelly’s free kick was going well away from the goal when Waterfield got in the way of its flight, and turned the ball beyond his own goalkeeper. 
BEEL REDUCES
Burnley then got a goal which in the estimation of many should not have been allowed, on the score of offside.  Beel, who was the successful marksman, appeared to me to be well off-side when he headed on to the crossbar, but the referee allowed him to go, take the rebound, and put it into the net.  There was an appeal against the quinines of the goal, but the referee had evidently decided in his own mind that there had been no infringement, therefore the goal as allowed to count.  Everton’s reply was strong, and Weldon was offered a gilt-edged chance, but failed rather badly, his shot going yards over the crossbar.  Burnley were overplayed for a period, and Dean forced Down to save magnificently.  It was a brilliant effort by the Everton centre in which he was aided by Troup and Forshaw. 
FORSHAW THE FOURTH
At the end of 86 minutes Everton scored a fourth goal.  Critchley was so well placed that he had heaps of time to make a deliberate centre, which Forshaw headed into the net. Final; Everton 4, Burnley 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 December 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

FOOTBALL TODAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 December 1927
CENTRE-FORWARD PLAY THAT TRIUMPHS.- BY “DIXIE” DEAN (EVERTON’S CENTRE FORWARD)
Everton’s winning form this season has caused many experts to point to me as “the reason for it.”  I hasten to say at once that no single man ever yet made a team.  In fact, it is very seldom that a man alone ever succeeds even in scoring a goal.  Ninety- nine goals out of every hundred scored are the direct result of clever teamwork-sound scheming by the inside forwards, or a good run and a well-placed centre by the wing forwards, or some strategic backing up by the half-backs.  “Lucky” goals fall to the lot of most-footballers.  An error by goalkeeper or back places the ball at the feet of a man who has done little to earn the honour.  I have had my share of these goals, and I certainly have all I can ask for in the way of backing up.  When all is said and done, however, and the luck of the game has been fully allowed for, I do not think I shall be accused of undue egotism if I say that the form of the centre forward does make a big difference to the play of any team.  There is a marked shortage of first-class centre forwards at the moment.  Why?  Experts have many explanations to offer.  For example, it is said that the new off-side rule has changed centre-forward tactics considerably, and that many of the older generation are not able to adapt themselves to the new methods.  Again, the speed at which football to-day is played is pointed out at the reason for the shortage of centre-forwards. 
SPEED AND SUCCESS
Speed undoubtedly has a lot to do with success in the centre-forward position, but not quite in the way that many followers of the game believe.  Team-builders, I believe, are barking up the wrong tree when they place too much reliance on speed.  A man with the gift of speed is an asset in any team=a tremendous asset-but just because a man lacks extraordinary speed there is no reason to condemn him as a failure before he starts.  What we need as centre-forwards are men who can football.  I honestly believe that we are in danger of overlooking this fact.  When I say that we need men who can play football, I mean that the first thing a centre-forward has got to realise is that football is a team game.  If you take a man who has speed, ball control, and ability to shoot unerringly with head and foot, you have a footballer.  If, to these talents you add the ability to exploit tactical openings with the co-operation of the other players to keep the line together, and to inspire the others in a crisis you have a man who can play football.  You see the difference?  Few centre-forwards can do these things. Certainly not me!  But it is the ideal I aim at.
PLAYERS WHO INSPIRE
There is no room for criticism of one’s team mates in modern football.  If the other men are not playing up to the centre-forward as they should, it is more than likely his own fault.  If a centre-forward makes a few mistakes when he has a clear opening in front of the goal, the other players can be excused if they begin to lose confidence in him and do not feed him to the extent that they should.  Everybody fails sometimes.  Very often it is the easiest of shots that fail you, because you are over-confident and hold the ball too long, or do not take a careful enough aim, or fail to allow for what the goalkeeper can do in a very tight corner, if he makes a superhuman effort.  Undoubtedly every player has moments when he wishes he could kick himself.  But if he is obviously trying his hardest every minute of the time, and achieving a certain success, he can rely on the co-operation of his team mates.  Another fault that may mar co-operation in a team is may small habit-either on or off the field- that makes a man disliked.  The other players have got to be glad to see the centre-forward scoring goals, or otherwise they will not give him the help that they should.  The only way to win this co-operation is for the centre-forward to admit frankly just how much credit is due to the others for the part they play in his best and most successful movements.  A centre-forward must credit his team, and not accept all the praise that is offered to him by enthusiastic supporters who think that it is only the head or the boot of the centre-forward that has scored the goal.
TACTICAL WORK
Men must have confidence in their centre-forward.  They must feel in a tight corner that if only they could get the ball through to him everything would be all right.  And it is up to the centre-forward to earn his confidence.  That is why I say that we need footballers- real footballers-in the centre-forward position.  There is nothing like a little reciprocity in football as in other things.  I mean, a man who expects to receive good passes should be able to give good passes.  Inside men are clever schemers, and I am not suggesting that the centre-forward should attempt to do their work for them.  All the same, it is much more encouraging to make openings for a centre-forward who takes a lively interest in the tactical proceedings than it is to strain continuously to get the ball through for a centre-forward who is doing little but wait for the ball and who does not even recognize a strategic and “penetrative” position when he sees it.  A centre-forward must work hard to win his place in a leading team,. And keep it.  It is nonsense to say that a man in a small team never gets a chance to be seen by the man who matter, so why try?  I suppose that when I was with Tranmere Rovers I must have been “watched” by a dozen managers, until eventually I went to Everton, Goodison Park, the Everton headquarters, is near enough my own birth-place, Birkenhead to make my present club the ideal one from my point of view.
Next week “Dixie” Dean writes of how and when to shoot and the various shots that defeat the goalkeeper. 

HUNT FOR PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 December 1927
JACK COCK BELIEVES THE CRYING NEED IS STILL FOR CENTRE-FORWARD
The demand for footballers of the right type continues to be greater than the supply.  We have had plenty of evidence of this during recent times. Almost every day of the week news of transfers of players from one club to another has come through, and on top of this there are many stories being told of efforts by this or that club to make additions to their staff.  One of these days the supply of first-class footballers may be equal to the demand, but that day has not arrived yet- that is a certainly.  When I consider carefully, however the lessons of the recent rush of transfers, and try to gather therefrom a proper idea of the men most in demand, I am forced to the conclusion that it is the centre-forwards who come easily at the top of the list.  Centre-forwards of one type or another seem to be wanted everywhere.  The hunt for players for other positions on the field may be pretty through, but I think the hunt for centre-forwards take first place, generally speaking.  Considering some of the happenings of the last few weeks in which centre-forwards have been concerned.  Eddie Harper has gone from Blackburn Rovers to Sheffield Wednesday and incidentally had no sooner arrived with his new club than he helped them materially to gain their first away victory for many months.  Then Davey, the Irish International centre-forward of Reading, has gone to Portsmouth, parker has gone from Millwall to Watford, and I have moved once more.  Moving seems to be my pet hobby, incidentally, but that is neither here or there. 
BIG PRICE PLAYERS
There are other instance of centre-forwards having moved, but the foregoing will be quite sufficient to make the point that it is centre-forwards, who are most in demand.  It has been the same for many years past.  I have no means of reckoning up the matter accurately, but I should say that roughly there have more centre-forwards tried in big football since the war than in any other position on the field- many more.  And I believe that if you could get the information, and added up the figures, you would find that more money has been paid for the transfer of centre-forwards in the period since the war than for the players of any two other positions put together. 
CENTRE HALVES SECOND.
It is rather strange that it should be so.  I don’t think the general body of either football followers or football writers have ever considered that the centre forward held the most important position on the field.  That honour has usually been given to the centre-half. We have said that of all the men he was the fellows who must be strong, forceful, and the complete footballer.  Yet for every centre has, who has changed his club during the last few years there have been three of four centre forward chances.  I don’t think there is any exaggeration in the preceding paragraph, and if you agree with me that I have merely stated the fact’s then it may be interesting if we discuss for a minute or two the why and the wherefore of this demand for centre forwards.  How is it that the place proves so consistently difficult to fill; so difficult to fill satisfactorily that in the few years since the war the number of centre forwards who have been capped for England runs to nearly a score?  Probably different people would give different answers to the question of why the centre forwards are the men most in demand.  One obvious answer to the question is, of course, that of all the positions on the field, that of centre forward, is the most difficult to fill.  I am inclined to agree with this summing-up.  I don’t say that the centre-forward has most work; he hasn’t.  But I believe that the complete centre forward must possess a greater variety of footballing qualities than any other player on the field.  He must be able to dodge and dribble; he must be able to use both feet; he must be quick off the mark, and must be strong enough to hustle the opposition, and also, obviously, he must keep cool in front of goal and be able to send in a telling shot from all sorts of angles.  Consider the fore-going little list of qualifications and you see one reason why centre forwards have been the men in demand in the past, and why they remain first and foremost in the list of players wanted.  I believe that another reason why centre forwards don’t satisfy their clubs for very long is that they occupy a position which is especially open to criticism and comparison. When a team doesn’t get goals, the blame is usually put on the shoulders of the centre forward, and when the centre forward doesn’t get goals he is never considered ideal.  In the comparison line a player is judged partly by what he himself has done in the scoring business previously and partly by what others do in the same direction. 

EVERTON 4 BURNLEY 1
December 19 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON WIN, NUT TAKE A LONG TIME TO BREAK THE ICE ON IRON-BOUND GROUND.
KELLY AMONG THE GOAL SCORERS FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SEASON
Everton's superb-victory over Burnley at Goodison Park was the eleventh League match in which they have scored three or more goals. They have obtained seven goals twice, but have yet to beat Liverpool's record of eight goals in a single match. The Blues have played 19 matches in the League Competition, scoring 57 goals altogether, and they are widening the gap between themselves and other aspirants to the leadership. Newcastle have been submerged somewhat. Cardiff City at present occupy the second place on the First Division table, five points behind Everton. Everton's display in the first half of the match with Burnley was not too convincing. They realised, however, that facts must be faced, and in the second half they stepped right in and won in good style. It was a story in several reels, but the goal incident just before the final fade-out remains in the memory. This was just football with frills with a goal as the finale, by Forshaw, which could be seem coming all the way. Dean, who glided up had been bothered all the afternoon by England's long legged captain, John Hill. It was a duel between England centre half-back and England's centre-forward. This time Dixie worked the feint dodge on one of the men who invented it, passed to Critchley, who in turn sent Forshaw into goal. There was nothing streaky about a goal like that. Burnley started the match evidently with a winning feeling, with their Scots, the prominent men. They kept at it with long swinging passes, whereas Everton's passes were not well directed, and they were not adapting, themselves to the iron-bound ground. Burnley did not certainly take full advantage of shooting chances, and many of their shots were the wrong material. Yet at the interval the balance of the play, if not the score sheet, was in their favour. Dean ought to have given his side a goal in the first few minutes, but as he did not trap the light ball it evidently beat him. Everton's defence during this time was doing its duty, while Taylor throughout pleased with some confident handling. Troup's persistency was rewarded by Everton;s only goal in the first session, and he deserves all the credit for sticking to, or rather evading McCluggage, for Ireland's right back is a hefty tackler and fearless, and he was kicking a splendid length. Dean found himself well policed by Burnley's giant centre half-back, who seemed to be enjoying the strenuous struggle. His long legs were continuously coming in the way of “Dixie.” Dean, however, made the most of what freedom permitted him.
BLOOD-TINGLING BURSTS.
Weldon had the power but not the direction, in some of his shots, while Forshaw's moves were too plain, for he continually tried to put Dean through. Critchley made the blood tingle with some of his bursts, but he was inclined to manceurve for the whole chance instead of acting instantly, as he certainly did in scoring that fine goal of his after Down had made a great save from Dean. Kelly deserves a pat on the lack for his display, but his goal from a free kick was lucky, for Waterfield deflected the ball into the net. It was Kelly's first goal this season. Beel, who three seasons was Burnley's top scorer, was shooting with either foot, but his leadership might be criticised. His goal soon after the restart certainly had the offside look, for he appeared to be in front of Everton backs when he sent the ball against the bar and scored from the rebound. Dougal, who is really a half-back showed his versatility as a forward, but after starting well he was not first class afterwards. He made the debut for his club at Goodison Park last season. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Burnley: - Down goal, Waterfield and McCluggage, backs, Steel, Hill, and Parkin, half-backs, Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Dougall, and Page, forwards.

LLANDUDNO 1 EVERTON “A” 3
December 19 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
The Everton directors send a very serviceable team to play an exhibition at Llandundno. Both sets of players found it difficult to control the ball in the first half, owing to the frosh-bound ground, but this was quite a bright exhibition in the second half. Hardy in the Everton goal, was applauded often for his clever catches just below the bar, and his vis-à-vis also did some good work. On the whole the visitors deserved to win, but with a less experienced custodian against them the home team might have drawn level. The scorers were French (2), and Lewis for Everton and Hughes for Llandudno.
DENT TO VISIT LLANDUDNO
With the consent of the directors of Everton, Dean will visit Llandudno to present prizes at a whist drive in aid of the funds of the local club. He will also autograph a football, to be subsequently sold to swell the funds.

BURNLEY WOES
Athletic News - Monday 19 December 1927
TWO MORE PLAYERS ON THE CASULATY ROLL
LEADERS MARCHING ON
DEAN WITHOUT A GOAL
EVERTON 4, BURNLEY 1
By Junius
Burnley must surely be reckoned among the luckless teams of the season.  Apart from not having been able to field their full strength, further trouble was in store for their game at Goodison Park.  Devine was not fit to play, and appendicitis is feared, while Freeman has developed influenza, so that Dougall, who played his first game for the reserves the previous week after a long absence on account of injury, was brought in to partner Page, and Pollard took up the inside right position.  Yet the team for at least half the game fully extended the opposition and should have been a goal in hand before play had been in progress two minutes.  Beel, for instance, might reasonably have been expected to open the scoring when only Taylor was left to overcome, and at close range.  Then from a misunderstanding by Cresswell who left a ball to pass out, Dougall recovered it before it reached the line and centred to an open goal, for Taylor had left his charge.  No one was up to take advantage but had these simple chances materialized Everton would probably have been set a task which might have proved beyond their power to accomplish. 
BURNLEY’S BRISK START
In the first half Burnley were undoubtedly the better side, for they kept their balance with greater ease and were the more mobile team.  They moved about with more freedom, were keener on the ball, and used it to advantage, but the forwards did not finish affectively.  Everton’s passing in the first period was generally inaccurate or perhaps it was the nippiness of the Burnley players that made it appear so.  Everton’s first goal, at the 35th minute, was scarcely a correct reflex of the play up to then, but its execution by TROUP was one of the cleverest moves in the game.  The little outside man got round Steel and McCluggage in his own inimitable fashion, and taking a first time drive, hard and left-footed, left Down helpless,. Such was the state of the game at the interval, and, as I have stated against the run of the play.  The point, however, served as a tonic to Everton who appeared previously to have been feeling their way, keeping the ball too close under conditions that did not justify the policy.  But they were seen in their usual form during the second portion when the forwards became more practical, with Dean enjoying more scope than had previously been allowed.  The second goal was produced when a ball bounced awkwardly past McCluggage for Dean to drive in a beauty which Down, in miraculous fashion, pushed out, only to find CRITCHLEY dash in to score.
HILL VERSUS DEAN.
This came eight minutes after the resumption, and at the half-hour, Everton were presented with an easy goal.  KELLY took a free kick as the result of Dougall pushing Hart and the ball cannoned from Waterfield’s head over Down into the net.  Two minutes later Burnley went away and BEEL, heading against the crossbar, net the rebound and reduced the lead.  It was then Everton’s game to the end, and after Dean and Troup had tested Down with great shots, FORSHAW eluded Parkin and headed past Down from the return by Critchley three minutes from the finish.  Much interest centred as to how Hill and Dean would fare in opposition.  I thought Hill was the mainspring of Burnley’s movements, for he opened out the game to his’s advantage, and in his unoccupied moments so to speak kept a watchful eye on England’s leader.  Honours were even here, and Parkin was not a whit behind his colleagues, as he kept a tight hand upon Forshaw and Critchley. 
IMPROVED ATATCK
But there was little between the half-back play on either side, for Hart was as skillful as the opposing captain; but the outstanding player in this department was Virr, who was always moving upward and forward –in, fact, an attacking half-back who went to meet trouble.  Everton’s defence saved the side in the first half, when O’Donnell was outstanding at critical times with Cresswell the cool, calculating general, while McCluggage and Waterfield were equally dependable.  The best of Everton’s forward play was seen in the second half when the inside players became more effective.  Forshaw spoon-fed Critchley, whom I have often seen more thrustful, while on the other flank Troup was variable.  Some humorous touches were provided when the little wing player tried conclusions with Hill with honours to the latter.  Page and Bruton played as well as Kelly and Virr would allow them, but all along the line there was little in Burnley’s marksmanship to commend itself.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Burnley; - Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Parkin; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Dougall, and Page.  Referee; Mr. R.J. Kelso, Sheffield. 

GOALS COME EASILY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 December 1927
By Stork
Playing football on Saturday was no big task, for the state of the turf- the laying arena at Goodison Park –was as hard as flint; and one could not expect footballers, who are only human after all, to take risks which they would smile at then the ground is soft.  To keep a foot-hold was a difficulty; to slip and fall was to court an injury; so the players of Everton and Burnley participated in a game which, while being of excellent quality, considering the conditions, had not the “bite” displayed on other occasions.  Everton final score suggests a comfortable victory, but in reality it was not until the second half that their superiority was obvious and their goal lead at the interval was just a little more than they deserved, for Burnley had quite as many smacks at the Everton goal as the Everton attack had at Down, the Burnley custodian.  During the first “45” there were very few shots; while Everton’s pattern play was not allowed to materialize for the Burnley defenders by their anticipation, seemed to define the workings of the Evertonians’ minds, and were in position to meet the pass ere it reached its destination; and it was not until the thirty-fifth minute of the game that Troup found a way through to net a charming goal.  Of the four goals that Everton scored it is passing strange that Dean, the leading marksman, was not one of the scorers, but the real surprise is that Dean ever scores, so carefully is he watched by the opposition.  Hill, who has been a colleague of Dean in international games, knew the danger of Dean, and it is more than probable that he had versed his colleagues as to what methods would be required to curb this prolific scorer.  Hill, Waterfield, and McCluggage were always hovering round Dean, and while they very often stopped him from shooting, they could not prevent him from distributing some perfect passes, and once he had the whole three of them beaten, but found Down the barrier in his way.  Down appeared to be well beaten by the power and direction of Dean’s shot, but by a superhuman effort he just got his hands to the ball and turned it away. 
MAKING GOALS
Everton were much the superior side in the second half, and it was Dean who “made” the second goal, for he forced Down to make a half clearance which gave Critchley his shooting chance.  Then Wakefield, by getting in the way of a shot from Kelly, turned a ball, which was going well outside the goal posts, into his own net- that was rank bad luck but Everton contended that till-luck was counter-balanced, when the referee allowed Beel to go on and score when he was, to many minds, offside.  Disputed goals are becoming commonplace at Goodison, but I thought the Everton players had every reason to claim against the validity of Beel’s goal, for he seemed to me to be yards offside when he headed on to the crossbar ere he snapped up the rebound and piloted it into the net.  However, that goal did not matter a great deal, for Forshaw scored a fourth from a perfect centre by Critchley.  In Waterfield, Burnley have one of the fastest full backs in the game.  He is quite as fast as the former left back, David Taylor.  Not only is Waterfield fast, but he is a sure tackler, and he was responsible for curbing many Everton raids.  McCluggage is also sturdy, but neither of them had anything on Cresswell and O’Donnell, who are in grand form nowadays.  Hill was not always master of Dean, even with his great height, but he was, nevertheless, a fine pivot, while Steel and Parkin were able lieutenants.  Troup very often foiled Steel and McCluggage by his canniness, while Critchley’s speed was a valuable asset, and these two, along with Dean were the best of the Everton attack.  Weldon missed a “sitter” but showed an improvement upon his last home form, while Forshaw did a lot of good work without a great deal of show.
BURNLEY’S BEST
Louis Page, who once belonged to Everton, got little scope to show his wares, and Bruton was the most dangerous Burnley winger, for he parted with the ball at the right moment and made some excellent centres, which however, were more often than not “claimed” by Cresswell, O’Donnell, or Hart.  It must be stated however, that Page was working with a new partner.  Dougall is a half-back, and had a bad knee into the bargain.  Pollard, local youth, paired off with Bruton rather well, but Beel got little chance against the strong Everton half-back line. 

EVERTON’S CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 20 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
So that there will not be a rush of applications at the last minute, Everton F.C ask you to make early application at Sharp’s or the ground for tickets for the Cardiff match.  Tickets for the Cup-tie v. Preston will be on sale from to-morrow at Sharp’s, Whitechapel and the ground-centre stand 7s 6d, ends 5s.  A pair of gloves and a bunch a keys were left at Goodison on Saturday.  Owners should apply to Mr. McIntosh at the club offices. 

GEORGE WILSON
Falkirk Herald - Wednesday 21 December 1927
George Wilson, the old Hearts of Midlothian and Scottish left winger has resigned the managership of the Raith Rovers.  he also played for Everton, Newcastle United and the Rovers themselves.  

MARKSMEN WANTED
Burnley Express - Wednesday 21 December 1927
EVERTON (1) 4; BURNLEY (0) 1
By Sportsman
TROUP scored after 36 minutes, CRITCHLEY finding the net six minutes after the resumption.  Twenty minutes later KELLY scored a freak goal from a free-kick, BEEL, following with a curious point for Burnley two minutes afterwards.  FORSHAW notched Everton’s fourth four minutes from the end. 
WHAT BAGPIPES CAN DO.
The fresh-bound ground at Everton, on Saturday, coupled with the light ball, militated against good football, but in this respect the home team were the more unfortunate, and with a bit of luck Burnley should have at least drawn.  While Everton are worthy leaders of the League, they cannot get into their stride under conditions like those of Saturday, aid they must admit that on the whole they were fortunate to retire at the half-way stage with a goal lead. A light ball on a queer pitch (the middle of Goodison Park is (disbudded of grass, only the approaches to the goals showing green), and two sides struggling to control the vagaries which the elements caused the leather to perform; that is an adequate summary of the match.  Perhaps Burnley were unsettled by the bagpipes which the troops of local scouts played before the match began.  Certainly there was a decidedly Scotch atmosphere which did much to unsettle everything except the threatened fog.  The latter settled down rapidly when the skill of the pipes was heard, and the greater part of the match was played in a baffling mist which made the various stages difficult to follow.
INJURED HALF AS FORWARD.
At the outset Burnley were dogged by ill-luck, Devine being taken rather seriously ill at the last moment, and having to stand down, while Freeman was compelled to rest with a sore throat.  Pollard thus gained his second chance in the premier team this season, while “Billy” Dougal made his season’s debut at inside-left, a position, curiously enough, which he filled at Goodison on February 27th, 1926.  On the latter occasion he made his League debut with Burnley, playing under more auspicious circumstances.  The irony of Saturday’s game was that Dougal, before the match commenced, was considered a rather serious “knee” case, having to visit Liverpool afresh on Monday to be examined by a specialist.  The game was fast throughout, but the nature of the ground was al against a class exhibition, lack of turf in mid-field causing the ball to bounce awkwardly, while the presence of frosted turf near the goals caused undue slipping in finishing work.  Thus it was that neither attack finished with any degree of certainly, but that does not excuse Burnley for one or two sad misses in the opening stages.  At the commencement they adapted themselves to the conditions much better than did the home team, being quicker in recovery and more alert on the ball.  In consequence we saw the home team very much on the defensive, but Burnley failed to profit by two early openings.  Beel might reasonably have been expected to turn to advantage a clear opening in the first minute, while Bruton’s centre to page in the second minute should have borne fruit.  Instead, Page sent to Beel, who had an exciting but futile race with Taylor, the latter reaching the ball fist.  Given an early goal, Burnley would have made things very difficult for Everton, who never settled down properly until Troup had scored his point.  That was rather in the nature of a grit, the ball coming at Down after passing a group of players.  Whether he was unsighted or not I could not say, but certain it is that he flung at the ball too late to stand a chance of reaching it. 
VALUE OF EARLY GOAL
An early goal meant much, and it was evident soon after the commencement that the side which scored first would most probably lift the points.  Burnley would undoubtedly have taken the lead, even following for their early miss, had not the forwards finnicked about in front of goal.  No one seemed to like risking his reputation with a direct shot.  Instead of shooting when at ball favourably placed, the attackers apparently shirked the responsibility.  Page sinned grievously in this direction when he and Dougal were both within striking distance.  The winger should have tried his luck, but he tapped to Dougal, who hesitated as though not liking the look of the situation, and Taylor gained a precious second and recovered.  Such tactics could not, and did not pay in the face of such a resolute defence.  It was not often that Taylor and his backs (of whom Cresswell was outstanding) were all the more reason that when the Burnley attack did catch them nodding, they should drive home their advantage at once.  Burnley’s first half superiority was in no small measure due to the forceful leadership of Beel, who was well supplied by Steel and Parkin, Hill having a full-time job in dealing with Dean.  Of the latter we saw little, the centre-half smothering him entirely, except that Dean did occasionally find time to feed his wingers.  That was about all he could accomplish, and further than that he was never seen.  It is not often that dean fails to score when Everton notch four goals, but whenever he meets Hill he seems doomed to disappointment. 
LUCK AND QUEER GOALS
It was generally conceded that the home team were lucky to lead at the interval, but afterwards they became the smarter side on the ball, and they then began to justify their lead.  However, for the ampleness of the margin of their victory they had a great deal to thank their luck.  Their second goal was attributable to McCluggage mis-kicking, this being the Irishman’s only mistake in a grueling afternoon.  He and Waterfield had a great deal of work to do, and they did it well, being fearless tacklers and good in covering each other up.  The home team’s third goal was a freak affair altogether. A free-kick, taken just outside the penalty area was misdirected by Kelly, whose shot travelled towards the corner-flag, but hit Hill on the ear.  By this route it travelled goalwards, the captain’s auricular appendage deflecting it sharply and making it double in its tracks and enter the net at a farcical angle.  Burnley’s point was, however, equally as lucky.  Steel sent in a long dropping shot which Beel, from an apparently off-side position, headed against the bar.  He netted from the rebound, but Taylor and Cresswell were placing the ball for the generally expected free-kick when the referee pointed to the centre of the field.  I think Beel was the most astounded of the 30,000 people present when the officials decision began to be realized fully.  The last goal was also a rather lucky one.  Parkin was drawn by Critchley, whom the Burnley man apparently imagined to be offside, the winger putting across a centre which Forshaw met and promptly drove home. 
OVER ELABORATION
Thus if there was any luck going it fell to Everton’s lot.  Burnley, however, had only themselves to blame for faulty finishing after they had made the home team look poor in midfield.  Pollard was a success in the first half, failing away only when damaged later in the game. Beel was, as I have said, a live wire leader, with Bruton the best winger.  Page had an off day, but this was partly attributable to Dougal’s inability to ply him with a sufficiency of passes.  The half-back was ill at ease, and he constantly wandered to his accustomed position, where he proved a valuable ally to Parkin.  Hill was inclined to held the ball too long in exaggerated dribbles which only served to draw the whole defence upon him.  His defensive play was of high standard, and his smothering of Dean perfect.  Steel gave a better display than last week, standing the strain better, and being at his best in the second portion.  Parkin was consistent without ever being brilliant, while the two backs left nothing to be desired.  Down was not so steady in goal, and I am of the opinion that Everton’s second goal should have been saved.  It was a hard shot which Dean put in after he had beaten McCluggage, and it was a brilliant effort on the part of Down to reach the ball.  But instead of pulling the ball round the post, he punched it out to Critchley, who had only to tap it back again to score.  Everton were very much at sea with the lively ball, but once they struck their form they gave evidence of exceptional balance and aggressiveness.  Troup was a brilliant winger, with Weldon a tricky inside man.  It is in the inside positions that Everton’s power lies; their three middle men all possess power and pace, and adequate service from a half-back line which is not above the ordinary is never ignored.  The defence is the most brilliant part of the team, and an example of the wisdom of including some old heads in the best of elevens. 
HOW THE GOALS CAME
The opening stages of the game were in Burnley’s favour, and given luck and more decision, the Turf Moor side should have recorded the first goal.  Hill twice deserved to score with long shots which missed by fractions, while Beel was once slow in recovering, after slipping in reaching for a centre from Page.  The frozen turf near the goals caused foothold to be precarious, and this unduly affected both sides in approach play.  Dougal headed wide following a series of beautiful triangular moves on the left wing, after which Parkin was unlucky with a hefty drive from beyond the penalty area border.  Then came a fatal goalmouth scrimmage around Down, and the ball travelled to Troup, who was standing yard away from the posts, but unmarked.  A first-time shot which went past a number of players found Down too late with his dive, and Burnley were one behind.  The lead was all against the run of the play, but it did not deter Burnley, for whom Hill was once more just over the bar from long range in the next minute.  Then O’Donnell clearly handled in the area, but the referee was unable to see the offence, and a chance was lost.  Dean deserved to score in the 40th minute, when Down stopped a terrific drive by diving on the ball and pinning it to the ground with his left hand.  Having killed the shot, the goalkeeper then brilliantly recovered an cleared, a fine piece of work which deserved all the applause it obtained.  Burnley were overelaborated in front of goal, unnecessary finesse costing them dearly when more direct methods would have brought a just reward.  In addition, the Everton defenders had a habit of intervening at the crucial moment in a most eerie fashion, several of their saves being decidedly fortunate. 
EVERTON’S SUPERIORITY
The second half brought a charge, and the Burnley defence had a grueling time.  Six minutes after the resumption, McCluggage missed his kick when clearing a ball which had over-run Dean’s toe and the leader tested.  Down, who punched the ball to Critchley.  The result was a rather tame goal.  The treacherous turf was the cause of many minor fouls, and Pollard received a nasty knock which stopped his liveliness for the rest of the game.  Then came Kelly’s freak goal and Beel’s equally curious point.  It was significant that in the whole match there was only one really good goals cored, and that Down might have saved.  Everton’s forwards became overelaborate in front of goal, and the defence had an easier task.  Down, however, made another great clearance from Troup, once more pinning the ball to the ground with one hand before completing a capital save.  Forshaw’s goal followed immediately, and then Beel all but broke the side net in an endeavor to bang Taylor into the back of the net with a stinging drive.  The end came with Burnley on the attack.  Teams;- Burnley; Down; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill (Captain), Parkin; Bruton, Pollard, Beel, Dougal (W.), and Page.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R.J. Kelso, Sheffield. 

EVERTON TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 21 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Liverpool playing three games in four days.  The Arsenal, I note entertain both the Merseyside clubs, Everton on Saturday and Liverpool on Monday.  The Goodison Park team, after visiting Highbury, are at home to Cardiff City on Monday, and travel to Ninian Park on Tuesday, so that it is fortunate that the recognized first eleven at the moment are all fit.  Everton’s full strength will tackle the London side.  Providing the men escape injury, at Goodison Park on Monday, kick-off at 2.15.  The side selected is; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

EVERTON AND McINALLY
Daily Mirror - Thursday 22 December 1927
Everton are said to be keen on securing the transfer of Tom McInally, Glasgow Celtic’s international forward.  I believe they have always had a liking for the Celt, but in Scotland the general opinion is that McInally and Celtic will soon be on the best of terms again. 

EVERTON AT HIGHBURY
December 24 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
Everton will be ready to do a lot of cavcuting at Highbury, and this match might very well provide a surprise result. The Arsenal are not much of a force away, as readers of the column have been told before, and the writer's forewit of a Manchester United win last week was proved correct, and with a little to spare. The Gunners, whose, away record is not one that can stand too much advertisement, were whipped 4-1. Here we arrival at the peanut in the popcorn stage. In other words, where the fly is caught making an unwelcome meal of the ointment. For despite their poor showing on foreign soil, they have nearly always managed to monopise, like the attentions of the gallery at home, at least this term. They have had to bite the dust –such as it was –once only at Highbury so far, although they have been held there twice. They have gained no fewer than 12 points out of a possible 16 at home, which is rather good for the 1927-28 Gunners, and now that Charles Buchan, who used to carry a £100 weight on each of his shooting boots, is in the team once more it looks like business in North London with a capital B. The glamour of Everton is widespread at the moment, and deserving so, for they play together ideally, bit their followers may experience a cold douche at their inability to defeat the Gunners today. A draw is the present scribe's notion of how the match should end, all this considered. The sides chosen are as follows, kick –off being at 2:30: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw Dean, Weldon, Troup. Arsenal: - Lewis, Parker, Cope, Baker, Butler, John Hulme, Buchan, Brain, Blyth, Hoar.

SCORING SHOTS IN THE MODERN GAME
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press - Saturday 24 December 1927
By "Dixie Dean"
(Who Heads the list of Goal Scorers this Year)
Every player remembers goals that pleased him -either because they were scored when urgently needed, or because of it peculiarity in the way they were scored.  A most exceptional goal came my way quite recently -in the match in which Everton beat Bury by three goals to two.  This was the goal that put us one up, just before half-time.  Forshaw, by inside comrade, rose to head the ball, but slipped.  As he fell, he was able to head the ball forward. The ball came to me with the two opposing backs almost on top of me.  I was able to outwit the first back with my first step, the second back with my second, and to shoot with my third - scoring the goal.  It was all done in a few seconds, and in the space of a couple of yards, but it made a memorable goal.  The presence of mind of Forshaw in heading the ball in the right direction even though falling made, of course, all the difference.  Far too few players are careful enough with their heading.  It is not sufficient to get your head to the ball.  You must guide it in the way you want it to go.  You must know before you jump where you intend to place the ball, and you must time your jump so that you have enough energy in hand when you reach it to direct as well as strike. 
Shooting Methods
A critic has said that forwards today are doing too much shooting with the head.  He thinks they ought to use their feet more.  My own idea on the subject is that the footballer must use the first weapon that comes handy, when shooting -his left foot, his right foot, or his head.  You cannot stop to pick and choose.  If the goal is what we call a "gift" and you have ample time to do what you like without fear of interference by the backs, then obviously you can trap the ball, steady it neatly in front of you with the instep on your right boot into the exact spot in the net that the goalkeeper cannot reach, no matter how hard he tries.  Chances of shooting in this way, however, occur about as often as do chances of walking the ball round the goalkeeper without opposition -sometimes, but not very often. 
Last Moment Surprise
A shot with the head -though it may look soft compared with one with the foot - has one advantage over a direct kick.  It is usually quicker, and quite apart from the elements of surprise there is the peculiar fact –and I know this to be true – that even the cleverest goalkeepers cannot anticipate the way in which you intend to head a ball, but they can nearly all get a shrewd idea of the direction in which you intend to kick it.  Goalkeepers often move to get into line with your shot before the ball leaves your foot.  You see them do this, but cannot change the direction of a kick at the last moment.  In heading, it is the final flick that imparts direction, and this is likely to beat the shrewdest goalkeeper.  Naturally enough, however, I kick the ball whenever I get a chance of a shot in this way.  I should say that given a few moments to prepare, and a range of twenty yards or less, a forward ought to be able to beat the goalkeeper every time if he kicks the ball.  The out-stretched arms of the goalkeeper cover seven feet at most.  The goal is eight yards wide.  The forward, therefore has two clear yards on each side of the goalkeeper in which to place his shot - assuming that the goalkeeper stands in the middle of his area.   The most effective way of finding the uncoverable portion -even allowing for a spring on the part of the alert custodian -is to shoot across him.  When the ball is put across the goalkeeper in the direection of the far post, he may get his fingers to it by stretching out at full length on the ground, but as the direction of his spring will be the same direction as the flight of the ball, he is not likely to check it.  Failing a cross shot, the best kind of direct shot must be considered.  A ball that comes to the goalkeeper about the height of the top of his legs is the easiest of the lot to save.  He can bend so that his hands and his stomach form a kind of basket, and a goalkeeper of any class is almost bound to catch even the fiercest drive in the excellent natural basket thus formed.  If his hands fail him, he has his body in the way.  A ball that comes straight at the goalkeeper's chest is much more difficult. 
HUSTLING THE GOALKEEPER.
When the ball comes at this height it may strike the chest and bounce out of control before the goalkeeper can get his hands round it. A ball that bounces back to the oncoming forward is something in the nature of a present.  A good forward should always be ready to hustle the goalkeeper when he attempts to side-step him, or when he bounces the ball to avoid being pulled up for running with it. Low shots are always more difficult to handle than any kind of high shot, and the forward who is practising shooting must first learn to keep low.
I have already described the low cross shot, and will only add that this can—and shouldl -be done with either foot. That is to say, it can be shot into the right-hand corner of the net with your left foot, and the left-hand corner with your right foot. If these two cross kicks are freely intermixed, and sometimes varied by means of straight kicks, the goalkeeper will never know what to expect-and that is important. When taking penalty kick from the spot terrific force is not necessary. In view of the size of the space in which the forward has to shoot, it is more luck than skill if the goalkeeper manages to stop a ball of even moderate pace. Therefore, take your time and take aim. (NEXT WEEK Dixie Dean continues his fascinating series with some hints on combination moves in which the forwards take part'.)

ARSENAL 3 EVERTON 2
December 24 th 1927. The Liverpool Football Echo
BEES LONDON WIRE.
VISITORS ATTACKED WITH SICKNESS.
MORNING SENSATION
Teams: - Everton: - Taylor goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Arsenal: - Lewis, goal, Cope, and Parker backs, John, Butler, and Baker, half-backs, Hulme, Blythe, Brain, Tricker, and Hulme, forwards. The Everton footballers were early astir this morning and a pretty sensation would have been created had their condition not improved. Every player suffered a minor Illness this morning through the effects of some food. Instantly my mind went back to Anfield twenty-six years ago, when five or Six Stoke players left the field through sickness consequent upon some fish they had eaten that day. Fortunately by midday the Everton players were all fit again. This visit to the Arsenal was to be the first of a big Christmas list of fixtures in which the greatest trouble was the means by which the teams would get tom Cardiff. Everton tried to get the League to rearrange dates and failed to do so.
EYES ON CHARLTON.
Everton will spilt the journey by going to Birmingham on Monday night. Directors Ernest Green and A. Coffey, with Secretary McIntosh and the reserve player, Dominy, made the journey, but as soon as the Arsenal ground was reached two were posted missing and the game looked like being put into the same mist. Messar Green and McIntosh had gone out scouting for new players and my Football Recorder” tells me that Charlton are playing at home. At ten minutes to two the gates had not been opened, and the large crowd outside became a bit restive. However, Referee Harper decided then to take a risk and imagine there was no fog and that the kick-off was not at the late hour of 2.30. The Arsenal Club who have had such a pack of trouble this year seemed fated to be unlucky. Their meeting with the ‘Spurs was ruined by the weather, and today one of their best fixtures was certainly curbed. In fact although the referee ordered the start of the game, I felt it could not be finished.
EVERTON'S HOPES.
The brilliant band at the ground put the crowd in good humour and there were no eleventh hour change. Buchan was stated to be not playing but you will notice that he plays in nearly all the home games, and very few of the away games. As Everton have won their last five away games the London test became a very important one. They hope to add to victories at Aston, Derby, Portsmouth, Bury, and Tottenham, a victory at Highbury.
FLASHLAMPS WANTED.
The start was five minutes before time and Everton kicked off in dense gloom. I was fortunate enough to have a flashlamp to guild my way. Billy Blythe was soon hurt, and Cresswell stepped into the breach twice, and Critchley made a lovely touch that even the London crowd cheered. Taylor made the first catch of the festive season, and when Dean worked forward it was plain the Arsenal backs like the Aston backs were going to work the offside trick. From a free kick for this position Brain shot outside. Brain made an overhead shot, Kelly crossed Hoar and made a corner that led the spectators to think a penalty kick had been given. Actually it was a free kick to Everton. Critchley tricked Cope, took the ball and shot outside being followed by Hulme, who worked a good chance. Taylor punched away when Blythe was on top of him, and this suggested to me that the players had a better view of the ball there the spectations. Dean was near heading a goal from a centre from the left, and O'Donnell crossed over to make Hoar's winter of discontent. Dean slipped in front of goal, and Critchley shot when harassed and Lewis started to go the wrong way with the ball but recovered himself and saved. At this point the fog lifted a bit.
WELDON'S DRIVE.
Arsenal's football drafted into quite a high realm, combination being good and Buchan using the long leg to some tune Dean sent Critchley off on a sprint, and John was just in time to make a corner of it. Everton's best effort came from this corner. Weldon produced a fiery drive, which Lewis caught at the top of the goal. Hoar was one of Arsenal's best raiders, and the way he doubled back and later back headed the ball gained him good marks. The fog came in banks, so that one minute it was light fog, and another a “black-out.” Hulme had a Christmas grit affected to him by Brain and again was off the target Hart was hurt O'Donnell was wonderful with his head, and Cresswell moved upto make one of his priceless passes.
A FOOT OUTSIDE.
The ball drifted to the right. Dean scampered after it, and although angled Dean shot well, the ball swinging out beyond the far post. The fog now lifted so that the crowd could see a joyous bit of work by Dean. Another long kick up the middle, and Dean was just onside. The Goalkeeper, advanced, full backs chased him, and Dean did the only thing possible. He drifted the ball towards goal. The back could not reach it, the goallie could not either. Where would the ball finish? The crowd looked on with awe. The ball trickled a foot outside the post. Everton were now playing well, and when Troup made Lewis back handle the ball for a corner Critchley took the kick, and Dean nodded the ball no more than a foot from the goal.
HULME BEATS ALL.
In the thirty-five minute, however, Arsenal scored through Hulme. Buchan was fouled well out on the right wing; Hulme took it and three or four players went upto head it, and Taylor raised his hand to a ball that evaded and entered the net. This was a shock and worse was to follow, Forshaw was cautioned and from the free kick something happened between Cresswell and Hoar. Thereupon Cresswell retaliated viciously, got a caution from the referee and intense booing which was continued so long that eventually the referee stopped the game and refused to continue until the ground stand occupants and eased their noise. When some peace had been obtained the referee sermonised, the crowd cheered, and the game went on in high tension. Arsenal gave a free kick and Cope put his leg dangerously into Kelly's chest fists being raised for a second. This was unlike Everton and the Arsenal and it upset the game of play.
BUCHAN SCORES.
Everyone wondered what value could be attached to the referee's lecture, and the players turned straight round owing to the danger of fog returning. This, was so far as my memory serves me, only the second time Everton had been down at half-time, the second week of the season, when Middlesbrough won. The game had turned inside out when Dean narrowly failed twice at the twentieth minutes.
TROUP'S REPLY.
However, the game was sort of reopened when Troup scored at the 47 th minute. Hart sent Dean going, and he shot, and Troup dragged the ball into the empty net. Everton had a now heart, and if Critchley had centred quickly they might have had a second goal. Taylor had run out and kicked away, and while he was out of goal, Hulme tried to balloon the ball into empty net. Taylor made a lovely catch and clearance, and followed it with a further safe clearance, but only after he had been to earth twice.
DEAN EQUALISER.
When Dean was out on his own on the left wing he had to wait for forwards to come up to take his centre. O'Donnell put a ball on top of the stands, and it took quite a time to come down to the field again. When it did fall like Humpty-Dumpty, the ball went out to the right, and when it was middled, Dean as usual had three men on him. He was seen on the ground, yet was able to rise and score in the extreme left hand corner. This is in just under the hour the teams were level, and the recovery had been a really remarkable one. Dean had made his thirty-first goal of the season. As Arsenal defender nearly put through his own goal, Lewis jumping upto make a good catch, and at the other end O'Donnell played as if it were a cup final. The game was surely one of the most exciting the London crowd has witnessed. Forshaw's best work was a gliding header, and a fine shot was charged down luckily. Lewis did a lot of running to the corner flag that suggested he had developed a new style. Critchley was tripped in a rough and tumble on the wing, and from the free kick Lewis prevented Dean from taking the lead.
BLYTHE GIVES LEAD.
Taylor caught Buchan's attempt to score in the mist as it came back again, and with a quarter of an hour to go it was a question of whether this was a case of love's labour lost. However, Blythe scored in seventy-five minutes to take the lead for the Londoners who had five minutes attacking. Some of the Everton attacks were inclined to dwell upon defence, and Arsenal's offside tactics nearly cost them another goal to Dean.
A PEACE PARLEY.
The game ended with the referee being Dean, Cope, and O'Donnell, and Hulme together in a peace parley.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 5
December 24 th 1927. The Liverpool Football Echo
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 17)
Although Everton well at Goodison Park the heavy going soon took toll on the players. The visitors eventually demonstrated that their attack was the more dangerous. The City forwards were faster and well constructed' movements led to Everton's defence being heavily worked. A characterials Irvine dribble lead to White opening the scoring and Gorring equaliser. Allen scored City's second, and Gorringe a third. White headed a second and Templeman made the score level in the second half, Foster scored a fourth and Gorrine a fifth for Manchester City, and White scored Everton fourth.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 December 1927
HOW THE ELADERS FARED AGAINST ARSENAL
“BEE’S” LONDON WIRE
VISITORS ATTACKED WITH SICKNESS
MORNING SENSATION
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Arsenal; Lewis; Parker, Cope ; Baker, Butler, John; Hulme, Tricker, Brain, Blythe, Hoar. 
The Everton footballers were early astir this morning, and a pretty sensation would have been created had their condition not improved.  Every player suffered a minor illness this morning through the effects of some food.  Instantly my mind went back to Anfield twenty-six years ago, when five or six Stoke players left the field through sickness, consequent upon some fish they had eaten that day.  Fortunately by midday the Everton players were all fit again.  This visit to the Arsenal was to be the first of a big Christmas list of fixtures in which the greatest trouble was the means by which the team would get to Cardiff.  Everton tried to get the League to rearrange dates, and failed to do so. 
EYES ON CHARLTON
Everton will split the journey by going to Birmingham on Monday night.  Directors Ernest Green and A. Coffey, with Secretary McIntosh and the reserve player, Dominy, made the journey, but as soon as the Arsenal ground was reached two were posted missing, and the game looked like being put into the same mist.  Messrs, Green and McIntosh had gone out scouting for new players, and my “Football Recorder” tells me that Charlton are playing at home.  At the minutes to two the gates had not been opened, and the large crowd outside became a bit restive.  However, Referee Harper decided then to take a risk and imagine there was no fog, and that the kick-off was not at the late hour of 2.30.  The Arsenal Club, who have had such a peck of trouble this year, seemed fated to be unlucky.  Their meeting with the ‘Spurs was ruined by the weather, and to-day one of their best fixtures was certainly curbed.  In fact, although the referee ordered the start of the game, I felt it could not be finished.
EVERTON’S HOPES
The brilliant band at this ground put the crowd in good humour, and there were no eleventh hour changes.  Buchan was stated to be not playing, but you will notice that he plays in nearly all the home games, and very few of the away games.  As Everton have won their last five away games, this London test became a very important one.  They hope to add to victories at Aston, Derby, Portsmouth, Bury, and Tottenham, a victory at Highbury. 
FLASHLAMPS WANTED
The start was five minutes before time, and Everton kicked off in dense gloom.  I was fortunate enough to have a flashlamp to guide my way..  Billy Blythe was soon hurt, and Cresswell stepped into the breach twice, and Critchley made a lovely touch that even the London crowd cheered, Taylor made the first catch of the festive season, and when Dean worked forward it was plain the Arsenal backs, like the Aston backs, were going to work the off-side trick.  From a free kick for this purpose Brain shot outside.  Brain made an overhead shot.  Kelly crossed Hoar and made a corner that led the spectators to think a penalty kick had been given.  Actually it was a free kick to Everton.  Critchly tricked Cope, took the ball and shot outside, being followed by Hulme, who wasted a good chance.  Taylor punched away when Blythe was on top of him, and this suggested to me that the players had a better view of the ball than the spectators.  Dean was near heading a goal from a centre from the left, and O’Donnell crossed over to make Hoar’s winter of discontent,.  Dean slipped in front of goal, and Critchley shot when harassed, and Lewis started to go the wrong way with the ball, but recovered himself and saved.  At this point the fog lifted a bit.
WELDON’S DRIVE
Arsenal’s football drifted into quite a high realm, combination being good, and Buchan using the long leg to some tune.  Dean sent Critchley off on a sprint, and John was just in time to make a corner of it.  Everton’s best effort came from this corner.  Weldon producing a fiery drive which Lewis caught at the top of the goal.  Hoar was one of Arsenal’s best raiders, and the way he doubted back and later back-heeled the ball gained him good marks.  The fog came in banks, so that one minute it was light fog, and another a “black-out.”  Hulme had a Christmas gift offered to him by Brain, and again was off the target.  Hart was hurt, O’Donnell was wonderful with his head, and Cresswell moved up to make one of his priceless passes. 
A FOOT OUTSIDE
The ball rifted to the right.  Dean scampered after it, and although angled Dean shot well, the ball swinging out beyond the far post.  The fog now lifted so that the crowd could see a joyous bit of work by Dean.  Another long kick up the middle, and Dean was just onside.  The goalkeeper advanced, full backs chased him, and Dean did the only thing possible.  He drifted the ball towards goal.  The back could not reach it, the goalline could not either.  Where would the ball finish?  The crowd looked on with awe.  The ball trickled a foot outside the post!  Everton were now playing well; and when Troup made Lewis back-handle the ball for a corner Critchley took the kick, and Dean nodded the ball no more than a foot from the goal. 
HULME BEATS ALL.
In thirty-five minutes, however, Arsenal scored through Hulme.  Buchan was fouled well out on the right wing; Hulme took it, and three or four players went up to head it, and Taylor raised his hand to a ball that evaded everyone and entered the net.  This was a shock and worse was to follow.  Forshaw was cautioned, and from the free kick smoothing happened between Cresswell and Hoar.  Thereupon Cresswell retaliated viciously, got a caution from the referee and intense booing, which was continued so long that eventually the referee stopped the game and refused to continue until the grand stand occupants had ceased their noise.  When some peace had been obtained, the referee sermonized, the crowd cheered, and the game went on in high tension.  Arsenal gave a free kick and Cope put his leg dangerously into Kelly’s chest, fists being raised for a second.  This was unlike Everton and the Arsenal, and it upset the balance of play.
BUCHAN SCORES.
Everyone wondered what value could be attached to the referee’s lecture, and whether he was not exceeding his orders.  However, with three minutes to go Buchan scored with a lovely shot, Hulme’s centre having been charged down.  Weldon made Lewis jump to catch a hot shot.  Half-time; Arsenal 2, Everton 0. 
REMARKABLE RECOVERY V. THE ARSENAL
BLTHE-LY DOES IT
DEAN’S EQUALISER COMES IN FOR DISCOUNT
The players turned straight round owing to the danger of fog returning.  This was, so far as my memory serves me, only the second time Everton had been down at half-time, the other occasion being the second week of the season, when Middesbrough won.  The game had turned inside out when Dean narrowly failed twice at the twentieth minute. 
TROUP’S REPLY
However, the game was sort of reopened when Troup scored at the 47th minute.  Hart set Dean going, and he shot, and Troup dragged the ball into the empty net.  Everton had a new heart, and if Critchley had centred quickly they might have had a second goal.  Taylor had run out and kicked away, and while he was out of goal, Hulme tried to balloon the ball into an empty goal.  Taylor made a lovely catch and clearance, and followed it with a further safe clearance, but only after he had been to earth twice. 
DEAN EQUALISES.
When Dean was out on his own on the left wing he had to wait for forwards to come up to take his centre.  O’Donnell put a ball on top of the stands, and it took quite a time to come down on to the field again.  When it did fall, like Humpty-Dumpty, the ball went out to the right, and when it was middle Dean as usual, had three men on him.  He was seen on the ground, yet was able to rise and score in the extreme left-hand corner.  Thus in just under the hour the teams were level, and the recovery had been a really remarkable one.  Dean had made his thirty-first goal of the season.  An Arsenal defender nearly put through his own goal, Lewis jumping up to make a good catch, and at the other end O’Donnell played as if it were a cup final.  The game was surely one of the most exciting the London crowd has witnessed.  Forshaw’s best work was a gliding header, and a fine shot was charged down luckily.  Lewis did a lot of running to the corner flag that suggested he had developed a new style.  Critchly was tripped in rough and tumble on the wing, and from the free kick Lewis prevented Dean from taking the lead. 
BLYTH GIVES LEAD
Taylor caught Buchan’s attempt to score in the mist as it came back again, and with a quarter of an hour to go it was a question of whether this was a case of love’s labour lost.  However, Blyth scored in seventy-five minutes to take the lead for the Londoners, who had five minutes’ intensive attacking.  Some of the Everton attack was inclined to dwell upon defence, and Arsenal’s off-side tactics nearly cost them another goal to dean. 
A PEACE PARLEY
The game ended with the referee bringing dean , Cope and O’Donnell and Hulme together in a peace parley.  Final; Arsenal 3, Everton 2

EVERTON RES V MAN CITY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 December 1927
Although Everton opened well at Goodison Park the heavy going soon took toll of the players.  The visitors eventually demonstrated that their attack was the more dangerous.  The City forwards were faster and their well-constructed movements led to Everton’s defence being heavily worked.  A characteristic Irvine dribble lead to White opening the scoring, and Gorringe equalized.  Allen scored City’s second, and Gorringe a third.  Half-time; Manchester City Res 3, Everton Res 1.  White headed a second and Templeman made the scores level.  Foster scored a fourth and Gorringe a fifth for Manchester.  At this stage; Manchester City Res 5, Everton res 3.  White scored a fourth for Everton reserves.  Final; Everton Reserves 4, Manchester City Res 5. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 December 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

SCORING SHOTS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 December 1927
BY DIXIE DEAN, WHO HEADS THE LIST OF SCORERS THIS YEAR
Every player remembers goals that pleased him –either because they were scored when urgently needed, or because of a peculiarity in the way they were scored. A most exceptional goal came my way quite recently –in the match in which Everton beat Bury by three goals to two.  This was the goal that put us one up, just before half-time.  Forshaw, my inside comrade, rose to head the ball, but slipped.  As he fell, he was able to head the ball forward.  The ball came to me with the two opposing backs almost on top of me.  I was able to outwit the first back with my first step, the second back with my second, and to shoot with my third-scoring the goal.  It was all done in a few seconds, and in the space of a couple of yards, but it made a memorable goal.  The presence of mind of Forshaw in heading the ball in the right direction even though falling made, of course, all the difference.  Far too few players are careful enough with their heading.  It is not sufficient to get your head to the ball.  You must guide it in the way you want it to go.  You must know before you jump where you intend to place the ball, and you must time your jump so that you have enough energy in hand when you reach it to direct as well as strike.
SHOOTING METHODS
A critic has said that forwards to-day are doing too much shooting with the head.  He thinks they ought to use their feet more.  My own idea on this subject is that the footballer must use the first weapon that comes handy when shooting –his left foot, his right foot, or his head.  You cannot stop to pick and choose.  If the goal is what we call a “gift” and you have ample time to do what you like without fear of interference by the backs, than obviously you can trap the ball, steady it neatly in front of you with your left foot, and clout it vigorously with the instep of your right boot into the exact spot in the net that the goalkeeper cannot reach, no matter how hard he tries.  Chances of shooting in this way, however, occur about as often as do chances of walking the ball round the goalkeeper without opposition-sometimes, but not very often. 
LAST MOMENT SURPRISES
A shot with the head-though it may look soft compared with one with the foot –has one advantage over a direct kick.  It is usually quicker, and quite apart from the element of surprise there is the peculiar fact- and I know this to be true- that even the cleverest goalkeeper cannot anticipate the way in which you intend to head a ball, but they can early all get a shrewd idea of the direction in which you intend to kick it.  Goalkeepers often move to get into line with your shot before the ball leaves your foot.  You see them do this, but cannot change the direction of a kick at the last moment.  In heading, it is the final flick that imparts direction, and this is likely to beat the shrewdest goalkeeper.  Naturally enough, however, I kick the ball whenever I get a chance of a shot in this way.  I should say that, given a few moments to prepare, and a range of twenty yards or less, a forward ought to be able to beat the goalkeeper every time if he kicks the ball.  The outstretched arms of the goalkeeper cover seven feet at most.  The goal is eight yards wide.  The forward, therefore, has two clear yards on each side of the goalkeeper in which to place his shot- assuming that the goalkeeper stands in the middle of his area.  The most effective way of finding the uncoverable portion, even allowing for a spring on the part of the alert custodian, is to shoot across him.  When the ball is put across the goalkeeper in the direction of the far post, he may get his fingers to it by stretching out at full-length on the ground, but as the direction of his spring will be the same direction as the flight of the ball, he is not likely to check it.  Failing a cross shot, the best kind of direct shot must be considered.  A ball that comes to the goalkeeper about the height of the top of his legs is the easiest of the lot to save.  He can bend so that his hands and his stomach form a kid of basket, and a goalkeeper of any class is almost bound to catch even the fiercest drive in the excellent natural basket thus formed.  If his hands fail him, he has his body in the way.  A ball that course straight at the goalkeeper’s chest is much more difficult. 
HUSTLING THE GOALKEEPER.
When the ball comes at this height it may strike the chest and bounce out of control before the goalkeeper can get his hands round it.  a ball that bounces back to the oncoming forward is something in the nature of a present. A good forward should always be ready to hustle the goalkeeper when he attempts to sidestep him, or when he bounces the ball to avoid being pulled up for running with it.  low shots are always more difficult to handle than any kind of high shot, and the forward who is practising shooting must first learn to keep low.  I have already described the low cross shot and will only add that this can- and should –be done with either foot.  That is to say, it can be shot into the right-hand corner of the net with your left foot, and the left-hand corner with your right foot.  If these two cross kicks are freely intermixed, and sometimes varied by means of straight kicks, the goalkeeper will never know what to expect –and that is important.  When taking a penalty kick from the spot terrific force is not necessary.  In view of the size of the space in which the forward has to shoot, it is more luck than skill if the goalkeeper manages to stop a ball of even moderate pace.  Therefore, take your time and take aim. 

LIKE CUP-TIE
Athletic News - Monday 26 December 1927
REFEREE’S CURTAIN LECTURE FOR BOOING CROWD
ARSENAL 3, EVERTON 2
By Kay
The big problem of Highbury on Saturday was not so much weather the Arsenal could check Everton’s all-conquering career, but whether the game would be started, and, if started, whether it would be possible to play through the full ninety minutes.  Heavy fog hung over the north London district all the morning, but it lifted a little in the afternoon, and play was possible, though it was extremely difficult to discern the movements of the ball and players.  Before the visit to the Arsenal head-quarters Everton had the proud and formidable record of having dropped only four points away from home.  But just as Newcastle were beaten here a fortnight previously, so Everton fell.  Certainly they put up a stouter resistance than did the Champions, and until the last minute there was always the possibility that the home club would be robbed of a point. 
BUCHAN’S COOL MARKSMANSHIP
Even when two goals behind at the interval, the visitors played so confidently that they conveyed the impression of having plenty to spare.  The early reverses did not appear to worry them to any great extent, though the Arsenal, by their determination alone, always looked like increasing their winning margin.  HULME scored the first Arsenal goal direct from a well-placed free kick.  The flight of the ball deceived Taylor, who jumped too soon and could not recover in time.  Shortly after this success BUCHAN steadied himself for a shot at goal, and he had Taylor beaten all the way without putting any power behind the kick.  It was a great goal and was the result of cool marksmanship.  In the second half Dixie Dean and Co, attacked with such determination that the visitors were soon on level terms.  It was a wonderful revival and worthy of a side firmly established at the top of the League table.  Dean had worried the Arsenal for some time without success, but he managed to get in a pass which TROUP, the brilliant left wingman, converted into a goal, and from that point the home supporters were given cause for considerable anxiety.  The home defence was all at seas, and more trouble came their way when DEAN forced his way through and although tackled by both Parker and Cope, he worked his way clear and beat Lewis with a hard drive.  In the 30th minute Brain received a through pass from Butler and side tapped the ball to BLYTH, who placed the ball past Taylor to score the winning goal.  The honour had fallen to the man who deserved it most.  Blyth throughout had played a great unselfish game.  He was among the half-backs when required and always fetching and carrying the ball for his wing partner and Brain.  The Arsenal would not be far behind the leaders if all their forwards worked as hard and effectively as Blyth.  The game was more like a Cup-tie than an introduction to the holiday match series.  There were one or two regrettable incidents, one in particular being caused by an indiscretion on the part of Cresswell.  He made an unusual mistake by badly fouling Hoar when there was absolutely no need for it.  The referee cautioned him, and a section of the crowd commenced to show disapproval by booing.  The referee, W.P. Harper, immediately took action and stopped play.
ASRENAL’S FAULT
His next move was to demand silence in the stands, and he gave a few words of advice to the unruly spectators.  This course, although not exactly popular was most effective, and on result alone was justified.  The players also took the warning to heart, and there were no further cases of bad feeling.  Nowadays it is the rule rather than the exception for half-backs to drop back and allow the inside forwards to assist them in their duties.  In my opinion the Arsenal trio were too anxious to assist the attack, and Parker and Cope were overworked.  Too much respect was paid to Dean, a fatal policy when he is flanked by men of the calibre of Forshaw and Weldon.  Hoar was the outstanding winger.  He was always too fast and cunning for Kelly and Cresswell, and many more goals would have been scored had the inside men been up in position to take advantage of the centres he put across.  Arsenal; Lewis; Parker, Cope; Baker, Butler, John; Hulme, Buchan, Brian, Blyth and Hoar.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. 

EVERTON 2 CARDIFF CITY 1
December 27 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
50,000 SEE EVERTON ATONE FOR LONDON FALL.
BLUES DELAY AT GOODISON PARK.
CARDIFF'S SUPERB DEFENCE FALLS IN THE END.
KEENOR V DEAN.
Everton deserved their win at Goodison Park yesterday, but they left it till 15 minutes to time before they obtained the lead. Honours must go to Cardiff for a superb defence throughout. The backs held the fort desperately, with Fred Keenor, although not really fit, the outstanding half on the field. A rugged, unceremonious player, the, nevertheless played his usual clean game, although this encomiums could not unfortunately be universally applied. Keenor took care of Dean in the first half, had Keenor does not seem quite the full 90 minutes' man these days, and did not finish so strongly. Cardiff made the best showing in the first half, when the Everton forwards were self-flattening in front of goal to no purpose. Cardiff scored their first goal in six minutes, when Wake beat Taylor at the second time of asking after the goalkeeper had pushed one shot out. There was however, little doing on Taylor's doorstep. Wake was duputising for Irvine, whom Cardiff had left in a nursing home at Burnley with a severe chill. Cardiff, in fact, were not a familiar side, for Willie Davies is ill and Curtis came in, Hardy that backbone of the side and an institution, was missed owing to indisposition, and Blackburn stepped into the breach.
CRESSWELL'S INJURY.
Everton, too, had their troubles for Cresswell had strained the muscles of his thigh, and Raitt was introduced. Try as they would, Cardiff could not keep Everton out of their territory in the second half, and could not complain of being two down, although there was just the chance the Blues would be kept out. Dean's first goal was a beauty, after Kelly had given him the chance. It was too much for that fine Irish international goalkeeper, Farquharson, who had caught some high shots brilliantly. Six minutes from time Dean again although closely in, made no mistake with Critchley fine centre. It must be remembered, too, that dean received a nasty shaking seen after the interval. Weldon received a blow in the face and Forshaw, who went off five minutes before half-time, played through the second session with one sound and a swinger and was little more than a passager. Both sides were shots in playing through on intermitted driving snowstorm and the arts and graces could not be expected on an ironbound treacherous surface. The game naturally, was disappointing as a spectacle, and the Everton forwards were by no means as impressive as they can be. Neither were the halves, on their toes, although Hart introduced some nice touches and Virr did some smart things.
REFEREE'S TASK.
Referee Walden had a not altogether enviable task in keeping the game in hand, for the meeting is always a “needle” match. Just before Dean netted his first goal Everton made a most insistent but unsuccessful demand for a penalty, and if their persistence went for anything there would he something in it. A linesman, on being consulted, agreed with the referee. The contention was that Nelson had handled, but the players were all in a bunch at the time. Everton failed to avail of early chances. Their defence was not too impressive. It was frequently a case of “any port in a storm” with O'Donnell, who was impetuous. Yet he was able to clear, although on one occasion he was able to clear, although on one occasion he gave Taylor a shock when with an overhead kick, he lifted the ball over the crossbar. O'Donnell could not altogether he blamed, for he was a dilemma when the ball hit him awkwardly on the chest. He did not, it seemed give Taylor any inking of his intention. Teams: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Cardiff City: - Farquharson, goal, Nelson, and Watson, backs, Wake, Kennor, and Blackburn, half-backs, Thirlaway, Curtis, Ferguson, Len Davies, and McLauhian, forwards. Attendance 50,000.

TWO POINTS LOST IN THE SHOW
Western Mail - Tuesday 27 December 1927
EVERTON 2 (DEAN) CARDIFF CITY 1 (WAKE)
Cardiff City lost a great chance of beating Everton at Goodison Park by their inability to take their chances, and in the end were unluckily beaten by the old goal in three.  Cardiff City made four changes in their side, Curtis, Blackburn, Keenor, and Wake taking the places of Davies (W>), Hardy, Sloan, and Irving respectively, while Everton played Raitt for Cresswell.  Both sides found the conditions against good football, the ground being frost-bound, while snow fell throughout at times rather heavily.  Nevertheless, Cardiff were quicker into their strides than Everton, and when Wake gave them the lead in six minutes it looked as though they would have no difficulty in retaining it to the end.  They kept the ball down and with swinging passes gave the Everton defenders a rare grueling, but although Cardiff over-ran the Everton defence Taylor did not find much to do in goal so poorly did the inside men finish off their work.  Ferguson did get the ball once in the net, but the referee ruled him offside, which from the stand seemed a doubtful decision. 
THE CITY ON TOP
However, Cardiff continued to dominate play, and when Forshaw retired with an injured leg they should have got more than one goal, for Everton at this point were putting up a poor show.  An injury to Keenor may have shakened the confidence of the Welshmen, for though they retained their goal lead at the interval, the side seemed more bent on defence than attack, and although Forshaw returned after the change of ends, he and his partner Critchley were more or less passengers owing to injuries.  Numerous falls were not to the liking of the players and tempers were easily ruffled.  Both sides indulged in tactics that were not only foolish but dangerous in the circumstances.  Weldon, O’Donnell, and Dean were hurt on Everton’s side, while Nelson and Blackburn of Cardiff also had to receive attention.  The inability of Cardiff to increase their lead seemed to give Everton heart and in the second half the home lot were more dangerous.  Keenor and his backs, however, defended grandly and Dean could do nothing against the first-named.
EVERTON’S QUICK GOALS
After putting up such a fine defence for 75 minutes Cardiff fell away, and from this point Everton took command of the situation.  Dean, who up to this point had been well watched, got his chance, and catching Nelson and Watson off their guard, the Everton man crashed the ball into the net.  Five minutes he again scored, but much of his success was due to fine work of Critchley.  With the last kick of the match Len Davies had a chance of snatching a point for his side, but with only Taylor to beat he shot wide.  Thus Cardiff, after having the best of the play, were rather unlucky in being beaten.  This, however, have themselves to blame in not establishing a sound lead in the first half when Everton were undoubtedly a poor side.  There were many injuries on both sides and these will probably cause changes for the return game.  Teams; Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City; Farquharson; Nelson, Watson; Wake, Keenor, Blackburn; Thirlaway, Curtis, Ferguson, Davies (L), McLachlan.  The attendance was one of the best of the season fully 50,000 seeing a keen game in which snow made play at times difficult to follow. 

“BOXING DAY FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
“Peace on earth; goodwill to all men.”  The footballers at Everton yesterday must have forgotten the lines thus early, for this was a game where players took such risks as to warrant a general calling over of the law card by Referee Walden, who could have thus performed in “Fanny’s First Play.”  It was not a nice game to see in many respects, yet it was a ferocious non-stop sort of game, and no one could expect good football with snowflakes floating across the eye and tempers being ruffled by the “bite” of the wintry conditions.  The amount of fouling that went on from the first minute- when Keenor was marked-was such that a general warning was justified, yet throughout the collisions and the complaints and calls for two penalty kicks for Everton, the referee did not think fit to issue one word of caution.  He was right in his decisions and wrong in his tactics on the score of really rough play.  Threats, the raising of fists, and a very early suggestion that the game would be rough escaped all official attention.  We are not in the habit of talking this way about a side like Everton, but candour compels a warning note.  Undoubtedly the international game remembrance (when Keenor and Dean had words through something said by Keenor that troubled the Everton forward) had been carried on to Boxing Day-Boxing Day- this was a happy title for this contest, even though a blow was not struck there were cases of raising the eyebrow and the heel, and I wonder Dean once got away without injury when a sly back kick by a full back attempted to make him suffer. 
HIS THIRTY-THIRD,
Dean seemed to want to wipe out the memory of the international failure against Keenor, and he worked and worried himself through the game with a resoluteness that made one marvel from whence comes his inspiration and his staying power.  He was irresistible, spite of Len Davies falling back to keep an eye on him- together with two or three others.  It took him a long time to get his reward, but eventually Kelly made it possible to get his first goal, and Critchley helped him to make his 33rd goal of the season- this marked man, wo had suffered a collision that threatened to throw the line out of gear, came back to score two goals- one a 75 and one at 80, and all went from the ground, and content that the better side had lost.  But it took them an outrageously long time to win, and Farquharson kept such an admirable goal against critchly and one wondered whether he would.
HARD AT IT
Undoubtedly Cardiff had the benefit of a wind that was more stubborn than most of the 50,000 spectators imagined.  In the second half Everton played well on top of their rivals, but it took the side a long-time to forget that a goal had been scored by Wake early in the first half; and they also had visions –the vision of O’Donnell hooking the ball back to goal and nearly scoring against his own side was a vision that was not pleasant.  Yet O’Donnell and Raitt did wonderful work, and no one could complain of the way Raitt deputized for Cresswell who does not look like being fit for some three weeks.  Raitt’s game as wall the more pleasant in view of the fact that he had been “listed,” and inquired after by other clubs.  Virr played magnificently –and I don’t wonder someone in authority has named him as a possible for England.  I would not do it because there would be a taint that I was running an Evertonian; but as Jack Hill, of Burnley, has said it then it counts as a genuine piece of admiration.  Dean is having a rollicking time these days, working at the double; and he, in common with the other players was working at the double throughout the second half; and Cardiff were simply worn down after making a brave show in which their goalkeeper, backs, and Blackburn did splendid work.  Len Davies missed the chance of the match with practically the last kick- his only fault in a good day’s scheming.  Weldon got a damaged nose for his pains.  Forshaw was a cripple throughout, and Critchley was damaged late on, yet managed to put in some desperate shots, as did Troup.  It was a hard-won victory, and made one wonder what was likely to happen to-day at Ninian Park. 
THIS MORNING’S REPORT.
The Everton team to meet Cardiff City at Ninian Park to-day showed one change, Irvine replacing Forshaw, who twisted his knee in yesterday’s match.  This was rather a surprise, for more changes were anticipated.  However, O’Donnell, who was limping last evening, will turn out, while Hart, who had a bad leg, is also due to take his usual position.  Dean has a nasty lump on his temple, but it is otherwise sound, and Weldon has an injured nose.  Rooney travelled with the team in case of emergency.  Cresswell is suffering from a strained thigh muscle.  The team is;- Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Mr. George Latham, the Cardiff City trainer, told our representative that several of the City players are bruised, Keener, in particular, being in rather a bad way. 

EVERTON DOWN
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 December 1927
LEN DAVIES ATONES FOR YESTERDAY
MANY SORE PLAYERS
By Stork.
Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Virr, Rooney; Critchley, Irvine, Dean (Captain), Weldon, Troup.  Cardiff City;- Hiller; Nelson, Jennings; Blackburn, Sloan, Hardy; Thirlway, Wake, Miles, L. Davies, McLachlan.  Referee.- Mr. Weldon (Derby).  There were many sore players en route for Cardiff last night, both sides having suffered, Cardiff in particular showing a heap of changes.  Everton had to bring Irvine in for Forshaw, and Hunter Hart dropped out of the side for the first time this season.  He has had knee trouble for some weeks.  Virr moved into the centre and Rooney came in at left half.  There are now, by the way, only two ever-presents in the Everton side –Troup and O’Donnell, and the latter was none too fit, but, lion-hearted, he turned out.  Dean captained the side.  The weather was very cold, but the ground was in pretty god condition, considering the state of some ground is the country.  About 20,000 saw the opening. Taylor was the first to handle, partly catching a free-kick taken by Blackburn, and disposing of it cleverly in spite of two oncoming Cardiff forwards.  O’Donnell stopped a right-wing raid with a mighty punt, and when the Everton left-wing made a move forward, initiated by Rooney, Weldon kept the ball too close when passing to Troup, with Dean asking for the ball. 
CARDIFF’S QUICK TACKLES
So far Cardiff had been the more dangerous side, and Taylor had to make several clearances, whereas Hillier had yet to handle.  Virr headed away right in front of goal.  Miles had an excellent opportunity of drawing first blood, but mistimed his head.  Cardiff continued their strong attack, and the Everton goal had a narrow escape when McLachlan dashed in and headed on to the cross bar.  Some of Everton’s footwork was nice to watch, but the closeness of it helped the Cardiff half-backs, who were very quick in their tackling.
DAVIES LANDS ONE.
Nelson looked after dean so much that he got very little chance in having a tilt at Hillier, whose first call to duty was to stop a centre from Troup.  Hardy had a shot that was not far off the mark, and when Dean put Weldon though, offside ruined the movement.  Len Davies scored for Cardiff after thirty minutes.  Blackburn was playing grand football, and it was from his initiative that Cardiff took the lead at the half-hour.  He set Thirlaway off, and although Rooney, and then Virr, tried to stay his progress, they could not do so, and the winger, darting down the touchline, made a perfect centre, which Len Davies headed into the net.  Taylor made an effort, but could not keep the ball out.  Irvine tried to brush his way through from inside left, but was crowded out.  Sloan with a long shot, grazed the top side of the cross bar.  Irvine got across the crowd for an attempted kick upon Jennings.  Troup missed a centre when Dean was admirably placed.  A Dean overhead kick was caught by Hillier.  Everton attacked strongly at the interval.  Half-time; Cardiff City 1, Everton nil.
CARDIFF CLING TO LEAD.
Cardiff had an opportunity in the first minute of the second half, but although four forwards tried to find the net none was successful.  The game had been much cleaner that of yesterday and none played better than Jennings and Virr.  Critchly wasted a corner, and Weldon put a fiery ball over the bar.  Miles was rather inclined to get offside, and this put an end to many of Cardiff’s promising attacks.  He was enthusiastic, but a little impetuosity prevented him from scoring.  Cardiff were not going to lead if defence could hold it, and Nelson and Jennings rarely put a foot wrong, while hardy, Sloan, and Blackburn all went into defence when necessary, while Len Davies could be found among the full backs when Everton were pressing.  Five minutes from the end Cardiff went further ahead.  Getting a corner, Thirlaway made a perfect-centre that was headed into the Everton net.  Taylor made a save from Miles.  A free kick against Cardiff was a near squeak.  Final; Cardiff 2, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 27 December 1927
Football of quite a good class was served during the first half; and if Bolton infused more method into the attacks, Everton were always dangerous when on the move by reason of the smartness of their inside trio.  After 15 minutes the half-back Curr handled in the penalty area, and from the spot kick Wright scored for Bolton.  Everton, keeping up the attack, soon had the qualiser, Dominy and White providing Millington with a scoring chance that was accepted.  Bolton soon went to the front again, a shot from Jones going beyond Hardy off R. Davies.  Half-time; Everton 1, Bolton 2.  Final.- Everton Res 1 goal; Bolton Wanderers Res 2. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
December 28 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 18)
Everton were defeated by the odd goal in three at Goodiosn Park yesterday, thus failing to collect a point from the holiday matches. Bolton were value for their victory, as collectively they played the better football, Everton's attacks at times being uneven, the forwards, and halves failing to keep in touch, while the winners were unreliable. Wright opened the score with a penalty for hands against Carr, and Millington registered the equalizer after White and Dominy had made the goal possible. Prior to the interval Jones put Bolton in front, the second half being evenly fight, though lacking in incident.

CARDIFF CITY 2 EVERTON 0
December 28 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON WELL BEATEN.
SWEETS OF REVENGE FOR CARDIFF CITY.
Two much weakened sides strove hard for supremacy at Ninian Park yesterday, but it has to be admitted that Everton on the general play were clearly and squarely beaten. Disorganised by the absence of Hart and Forshaw, the team never seemed properly knitted together, and it was rarely that a scoring chance presented itself. Cardiff, who were forced to introduce half a dozen reserves including two who had never previously played First Division football, undoubtedly showed the better teamwork, especially during the initial half, when the wingers, McLachlan and Thirlaway, had a good service of the ball, and made full use of it. The result was that a great amount of work fell on Raitt, who again deputised for Cresswell, and O'Donnell. The latter really should not have been playing, for he was obviously suffering from injuries.
A GREAT GOAL.
Still, with Raitt, he repeatedly beat off the swiftly developed Cardiff attacks, for half an hour before the pair capitulated. Cardiff first goal came when Thirlway, having got the better of a tackle with O'Donnell, centred almost on the goalline and Len Davies jumping in headed out of Taylor reach. It was a great goal and the result of persistent attacks. There were times after this score when the Everton halves made real efforts to give Dean his chance in the centre, but the Cardiff backs were always alert. Nelson in particular seeing to it that Dean did not repeat his performance of the previous day. He was helped in this spoiling work by Sloan, who was a trenchant tackler.
EVERTON IMPROVED.
There was considerable improvement in Everton's approach work during the second half, though their shooting was still weak. This was, however, to a great extent due to the fearlessness of Nelson and Jennings, the latter playing his first game this season. He was quite as effective as Nelson, especially in first time clearances. Cardiff reserve halve also played on the top of their form and never allowed the Everton attack to develop to be a real menace. There were occasions when Weldon and Troup showed good ball control, but Dean's dashes were entirely absent, owing to the stopping work of Sloan and Nelson. Although they had showed marked improvement, Everton found themselves further in arrears 10 minutes from the end, when Wake headed through from a corner. Again it was a well-deserved goal, and Taylor had no chance to save. The attendance was about 25,000. Teams: - Cardiff City: - Hillier, goal, Nelson, and Jennings, backs, Blackburn, Sloan, and Hardy, half-backs, Thirlway, Wake, L. Miles, Len Davies, and McLarclan, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Virr, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Weldon.

CITY RESERVES OF THE RIGHT SORT
Western Mail - Wednesday 28 December 1927
CARDIFF CITY 2 (LEN DAVIES, WAKE), EVERTON 0
By Citizen
With a team which included no fewer than six reserve players Cardiff City gave a fine account of themselves against Everton, the First Division leaders, at Ninian Park on Tuesday, and thoroughly deserved their clear-out victory by a margin of two goals.  Indeed, the reserves acquitted themselves so well that Everton were fortunate to escape so lightly.  From the start Cardiff City secured a strong grip on the game, and, never relaxing it, they outplayed their opponents to such an extent that one was left wondering how Everton have managed to rise to such heights in the league table.  The much-vaunted “Dixie” dean, whose accurate marksmanship has been so devastating to nearly every defence in the country, was so completely subdued by Sloan that he hardly did an effecting thing throughout the game.  It is surprising how famous players like the Everton centre-forward occasionally fall to the commonplace level.  Cardiff City must be one of Dean’s “bogey” teams, for I have seen the prince of goal-getters play several times, but I have yet to be impressed with anything about him except his splendid physique.  Dean’s ineffectiveness was not, however, the cause of Everton’s downfall.  The explanation lies in the fact that a much changed and experimental City team were much too good for their opponents in every phrase of the game; in fact, for long stretches Everton never crossed the half-way line, and when they did they invariably met their masters in Nelson and Jennings.  The last-named gave a very sound and polished display, which should earn him further recognition.  There, however, is the rub.  On the form shown in this game every player, if he received his deserts, would be assured of an extended trial, but what is to happen when players like Keenor, Irving, Watson, and Ferguson are again fit, and most of them will be in the course of a day or two?  I liked this City team for their high degree of football craft an cleverness, but I liked it best of all for the grand fighting qualities of every man, and the team spirit which characterized every move of the side.  As an illustration I need only mention that in the one serious attack which Everton developed in the first half Len Davies saved practically a certain goal by dropping back, while in the second half Thirlaway, who had a very lean time at one period through play being concentrated on the other side of the field, was not content to remain idle, so he cut across the field and delivered a couple of brilliant centres, which, with a little luck, might have produced goals.  I am not one who advocates a roving commission for every player, but there are times when such tactics as Thirlaway and other City players exploited against Everton can serve a very useful purpose.  In any case, the zeal of Thirlaway typified the spirit of Cardiff City on Tuesday, and it was this spirit which made victory possible. 
 A PROMISING YOUNGSTER.
Naturally, a great deal of attention was

CARDIFF’S VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 December 1927
By Stork
When I heard that Cardiff were to make many changes for their return match with Everton, I thought that it was all to their disadvantage, but as matters turned out it was just the reverse, for the new men has had the benefit of a rest, and were as fresh as paint, whilst they were also keen to show their worth in the hope of getting into this senior eleven.  Everton have set themselves such a big standard of scientific football that it was really surprising to see the scrappy display they put up against the Cup holders.  This never seemed to get together during the whole period of the game, and only the defence stood its ground.  The forwards were never a line, and Dean, who, by the way was captain, in the absence of Hart, rarely got a kick at the ball; at all events he got few kicks at the Cardiff goal.  As a matter of fact shooting was not a feature of the game, and the two goals which gave Cardiff the spoils was made with the head, Thirlaway in ach of providing the centre.  The best shot of the match was made by Troup, and only a brilliant, if somewhat lucky, save by Hillier prevented him from scoring.  A goal to Everton at this point of the game would have worked wonders, for it would have enlivened the team up.  It was, however, not to be, and Cardiff’s defence carried the day.  Nelson and Jennings, give assisted by the half-backs kept the Everton attack under a lock and key.  Speed and doggedness was Cardiff’s asset, and the halves would not let then settle on the ball for one solitary moment.  Virr did a not of good defensive work as pivot, but he had not the knack of keeping his forwards together, while Rooney dead out after a rather promising start.  Raitt and O’Donnell (the latter, by the way was limping before he went on the field) defended cleverly, and Taylor was unable to stop the two headers which went into his net.  Len Davies got the first and Wake the second.  In the second half Everton attacked practically throughout, but there were no shots coming from their boots and the Cardiff defence seem well able to deal with each and every attack.  The ground was in fairly good condition, and the pleasing feature of the game was its immunity from dirty play.  It was a funny sight to see the Everton players running for their taxis attired just they left the field.  Dean in football tog wearing a bowler hat, was only one of the sights enjoyed by the people of the station.  It was worth the rush, however, for it meant many extra hours indeed. 

EVERTON’S HOPE AT HILLSBOROUGH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 December 1927
Bee’s Notes
TOP V BOTTOM
Everton go to the Hillsborough ground, where they have won a Cup-tie and generally had a useful time.  Huddersfield won at Hillsborough this week, and Everton must go and do likewise if they are to keep their post at the head of the League.  Forshaw and Cresswell are, of course, absentees.  This is a meeting of the top and the bottom side, and Everton have been knocked about a bit lately, and having suffered that “tired feeling” that comes to all who lead the League early in the season, want recounting with a victory away from home.  Hillsborough’s side is not a good one, and I am banking on the ability of the visiting forwards to carry the day and gain goals against the home lot, who are given to slowness while their half back line has not been satisfying the followers of the old club.  The defence should not be cut up by the Blades, spite of their finery on the race-line.  It is a Cup-tie for Everton, as must be all other games till, if ever, they take a stronger lead over the Huddersfield side, who are ever stout challenges.  Teams;- Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
WHAT THEY THINK.
I trust you will pardon the liberty I am taking in writing you, but I feel that perhaps the supporters of the Everton Football Club would like to hear what the impartial observer thinks about their favourites, says J. Lloyd Williams, of Birmingham.   I have only been a resident in Liverpool for the last six months, but from a boy the name of “Everton” has always meant to me something above the ordinary.  My father used to say to me as a boy, when Everton were due to play my home town team, “You will witness a real football match to-day where it is absolutely necessary to have a ball.”  After having attended all the games at Goodison Park this season, I have formed the following opinion of the side; - The defence, with Cresswell a little more consistent, would be quite sound; the half-backs, now Kelly has returned to form, the finest defending and attacking lies in the league; but the forwards, with the exception of Dean and Troup, not satisfactory.  This, of course, reads odd, for have not these forwards scored over fifty goals?  But I stick to my convictions.  For Dean to score thirty-one goals playing in this line is wonderful, and must prove that he is the greatest footballer who ever played in this position.  The inside forwards do put the ball up the middle it is true, but the passes are lacking in direction or judgement of pace.  Having seen Middlesbro’ perform on a number of occasions last season, I do not hesitate to say that had Dean been their centre-forward he would have exceeded Camsell’s total of goals.  Birrell and Carr simply made their colleague play by their brilliant moves, and Camsell’s work down the middle was easy, so long as he could shoot, and this he can do.  My contention is therefore that Everton require inside men, and the type of players I would suggest are Crosbie (Birmingham) and McKay (Middlesbro’), both wonderful ball-controllers and position players.  I would not be too hasty in my criticism of Critchley until I have seen him partnered by a player like Crosbie.  I trust I have not bored you with this Christmas card, and hope you will be able to find space in your valuable columns to insert it.  Wishing you the very best of health and happiness in the coming years. 

EVERTON AT HILLSBOROUGH.
December 31 st 1927. The Daily Courier.
Everton's visit to Hillsborough today should be productive of several bones, and a bean or two for the boys in blue –that is, something sweet to follow bitter pills –although bottom dogs have been known to emulate the worm and bite (not that worms really bite!) like –well anything. A recent case in point is the Newcastle-Portsmouth slam at St. James's Park, when the then lowest club on the First Division figure board thrashed a “top of the biller.” This might be taken as a warming for a measure of caution on the part of those attempting today to find out what is going to happen tomorrow. Well, nothing is impossible in football, anyway, especially around the festive season, but while this is so it does really look as if the Everton people are going to obtain some compensation for their holiday disappointments, although minus the services of Cresswell and Forshaw.
“DUCK” –A SEASONABLE GRIF
Wednesday have had a wretched Christmas, too, having lost their three games –the last at home by five goals to a duck –and as they have now apparently taken a lease of the basement, with a record, home and away, which it would be a shame to publish, their chances are but the chances of a butterfly growing fat at the North Pole. Everton, it might be mentioned casually, whacked the Wednesday at Goodison Park on August 27, the score being 4-0. To misquote a once popular ditty: “When it is half-time at Hillesborough, Wednesday should be all at sea. Following are the selected sides: - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart Virr, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Sheffield Wednesday: Brown; Walker, Blenkinson, Leich, Kean, Smith; Hooper, Hill, Harper, Seed, Wilkinson.

ATTACKING MOVES FOR THE FORWARD LINE
Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press - Saturday 31 December 1927
By "Dixie" Dean
Most footballers begin their career with an amateur club, go on to a third division club, and finally -if they have the ability -win a place in a crack first division team.  The first difficulty of the footballer who rises to the first league is that of becoming accustomed to the close style of play that is still adopted by many of the most important teams.  There is much to be said for the open game, in which the ball passes freely from wing to wing, but it is undoubtedly a fact that some of the leading English and Scottish sides continue to prefer the short-passing game.   Even where the team adopt what is perhaps the last game of all -a clever combination of the two styles - the player from other leagues may still find difficulty in adjusting himself.  Goalkeepers often say that they prefer to play against teams which indulge in short passing -there are less surprise rushes.  Half-backs also prefer to face teams that play this game.  In fact, in view of the almost unanimous opinion among footballers that the open game is the best, it is a little difficult to see what some of our best teams keep to their short passing.  The truth is that, given the right type of ground, and a well-balanced and well-trained combination, there is nothing to beat short passing.  Scottish teams of first-class rank reveal this fact very convincingly.  Where there is a weak link in the short-passing combination, or where the ground is heavy and the men are just not physically strong enough to keep it up for the full period, the short-passing game may prove a serious failure. 
The Melting Pot
In the English second division we have the peculiar fortune to see some teams which have recently been relagated keeping to their short-passing in the hope that they will win back to the senior league, and other teams newly promoted showing how the open tactics of League three are used to keep the ball moving with considerable vigour.  The second league is an excellent training ground for the young footballer.  He sees all styles.  The success of the open game in bad conditions accounts for the many surprises in Cup matches, when the stars of the first league are defeated by third division clubs.  The gaints of the game are caught on a day when the ground is against them, and the juniors reap the reward of their more open tacics. 
Cup-Tie Tactics
Cardiff City, who won the Cup last year, have a style of their own, which is ideal for Cup matches.  This is a form of the open game, with the inside men playing even farther behind the other three forwards than is customary today.  Thus the defence is automatically strengthened, since the inside men are able to help the halves readily, and should one of the forwards get away the three advanced forwards are likely to score the goal that so often decides the result of cup tie.  I liken this kind of football to an attack in which spears are used.  The three advanced forwards are the spearheads, and they are skillfully guided by the inside men.  Short passing is difficult to learn, and it puts a considerable strain on his physique.  The ball passes like a shuttle on a machine.  It is wonderfully effective to watch, but I am afraid that it is likely to die out within the next few years since under the conditions that have ruled since 1925 the open game seems more effective unless -the short-passing is done very brilliantly indeed. 
A feature of the short passing game that will always survive -despite the difficulties under which modern half-backs play - is the triangle combination in which a half takes part with two forwards usually the wing forward and his inside men.  It is not important who gets the ball so long as he makes some ground with it, draws the opposing man who comes to tackle, and sends the ball either back or forward to one of the other two players who is best placed.  What usually happens is that one of the two forwards get the ball draws the defence and sends theball back to the half.  The half makes some ground with it, and sends it forward when tackled to the man who is able to give the opponents combination, and can often be dropped into the open game as a change.
A Speedy Move
Another short-passing combination for which there will always be room in football is that which can best be described as a race for the goal three players. This has the advantage of being faster than the other triangle combination just described. Fundamentally, the idea is the same. The player in possession draws the defence and passes the ball to one of the other two. In this game, however, there is no back passing. The men not in possession run as hard as they can to get ahead, so that the ball can always be passed forward. The ball, instead of being passed direct, is put more ahead of the man for whom it intended. Forward passing on these lines can be very swift, and the lines weaved by the passing of the ball are most baffling to the defenders. Another move that can be extremely effective depends on the co-operation of the half-back. He brings the ball forward, forcing the opposing half to tackle him. Then he passes wing. The wing man is promptly tackled by the opposing back, but as the half has been tackled by the enemy half, and the wing man has been tackled by the back, the inside forward is temporarily unmarked. It is only necessary for the wing forward to push the ball through in the direction of his own inside man. The inside man, expecting it, is after it before the defenders can turn. These moves depend on their unexpectedness for success. They must be well varied to produce the necessary surprise. (NEXT WEEK “Dixie” Dean tells of the duty of the centre-forward “penetrate.”)

Once a Defender.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 31 December 1927
One of Barnsley's ever-present players to date is George Caddick, and if goes through the season without missing engagement he will have crowned a remarkable career. He used to be a full back with Bootle and Everton, and four seasons at Goodison Park never once played in League football. When he tried his luck with Stockport County he only played in ten games, but Barnsley saw his promise as centre-half, and acted upon their convictions.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 December 1927
A GAME AT HILLSBOROUGH V. WEDNESDAY
TOPS AND BOTTOMS
STORK SHOWS THE RUN OF THE GAME AND THE BALL
Everton; Taylor; Raitt, O’;Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop; Leach, Keen, Smith; Hooper, Marsden, Trotter, Strange, Wilkinson.  Referee; Mr. Caseley, of Wolverhampton.  The Wednesday team showed five changes from that which was defeated by Huddersfield on Tuesday.  Everton however, had Hart back at centre half, Virr resuming at his old position.  There was plenty of snow about the Sheffield district, and at one time it was questionable whether football would be possible at Owlerton, but on arrival this famous ground was found in excellent conditions, due to a liberal sprinkling of sand, on which had fallen a thin coating of snow.  It was very cold, but there was quite a good crowd present when the teams entered the field.  The Wednesday showed a spice of dash the first few minutes, and the Everton defence had to keep a watchful eye on their opponents’ winger for it appeared that the most danger would arise from these quarters.  As a matter of fact, it was Hooper, the inside right, who made such a fine centre that the Everton goal had an anxious few minutes, for when Taylor left his goal to wedge the ball farther away, he misjudged it, and only the presence of Raitt prevented an awkward situation. 
WEDNESDAY’S WISH.
Everton’s first blow at The Wednesday goal was made by Dean, but for once in a way the leading marksman was off the mark, and Brown was left with nothing to do when he should have been asked to save a fierce and accurate shot.  The Wednesday’s position in the League table is such that they were desperately keen to do something big, and at quarter-time they were without a doubt the more dangerous side when it came to making an attack, but there the good work ended, because their inside men could not, or would not, take the chances which were offered to them by two fine wing forwards in Hooper and Wilkinson.  The former, in fact, was in excellent trim, his centres being timed to the minute, and put in such a way that they simply called out to be netted.  Several shots were delivered at the Everton goal, but only one or two of them brought Taylor to make saves, and the majority of them were put aside the woodwork.  Dean opened out a way to a possible goal simply and solely through his habit of following up and waiting for half a chance.  He beat Walker for possession, and just when most folk thought he would turn inward and have a shot, he did just the opposite and slipped the ball out to Critchley, whose centre, however, was not of the kind the forwards could take at random, and the Sheffield defence got in first and cleared. 
VIRR AVERTS
Everton’s narrowest escape so far came when Marsden wormed his way clean through, and although he was tackled he retained possession, and Taylor had nothing else to do but come out of his goal.  Marsden, however, had evidently contemplated such a move, for he slipped the ball beyond Taylor and a goal seemed a certainty until Virr dashed in and kicked the ball off the goalline.  Weldon seem to have lost his shooting boots nowadays.  He gets under the ball too much, whereas he used to hit a low drive, and it was one of these lofty efforts which went spinning over the crossbar that probably saved the Wednesday from being in arrears.  He was admirably placed to have scored.  Dean also was well placed a little later, and he unfortunately lifted the ball over the bar. 
EVERTON EFFORTS
Everton were now having more of the play.  They had stemmed the early rush of the Wednesday, although it had to be admitted the Wednesday on the move were always a dangerous factor, providing, of course, that they could put the finishing touch to their field work.  Everton had more efforts at goal in the next five minutes than they had up to this point, and when Troup flashed a centre across Brown’s goalmouth Sheffield were fortunate to get off with a fruitless corner.  Troup was again the instigator of an Everton attack, and Dean made a quick shot and Brown a smart save, but both pieces of work were of no avail, for Dean had been whistled off-side.
MARSDEN LEADS OFF.
Everton had attacked for such a lengthy period that it was surprising to find Wednesday taking the lead in the twenty-eight minute.  They made a quick dash down through their left wing, and, with an Everton defender making a slip, Trotter was able to make a pass to Marsden.  The latter could not help but score, for he was left in an unassailable position and Taylor in a hopeless position, and it was small wonder to find Marsden had scored with ease.  Dean tried hard for a “leveler,” and but for a fine save by Brown would have got it.  Dean had to trick at least three men before he could have a tilt at Brown, and the way he accomplished the feat was really clever.  The Wednesday, heartened by their success, came again through Hooper, whose centre was punched away by Taylor.  It did not travel far, however, and if the Wednesday forwards had been able to nip in and take advantage of the opportunity things would have looked black for Everton.  As it was, Raitt came to the rescue and kicked clear.  Weldon put in one of his old-time drives, which Brown saved in confident manner, and when Trotter sent the ball out to Wilkinson, offside spoilt the winger’s prospects.
DEAN EQUALISES
Everton were not dismayed, and went on with their work as usual.  Critchley put in one of his fine centres, the like of which has provided Dean with many goals.  It dropped close in to goal, and both Dean and Brown went after it together.  The centre forward, however, just got there first and headed the ball on to the underneath side of the crossbar.  Brown then punched it sideways, and the ball hit the side netting, but there was no doubt that the ball had crossed the line long before it hit the net.  The unfortunate part about this point was that Brown was badly hurt, and had to leave the field, Blenkinsop the full back, taking over his goalkeeper’s task.  The Wednesday’s great fault, poor finishing, was again demonstrated when both Trotter and Wilkinson failed to accept a gift that was offered to them by Hooper.  When Everton were offered a free kick, there were bright prospects of Dean scoring against the deputy-goalkeeper.  He was just about to shoot when Brown came up from behind the goal, and asked to be allowed to return to his goal.  Dean went on with his shot, but Brown was saved work by the barrier provided for him by his colleagues.  Troup slived his drive when he had rather a nice chance, and Taylor had to come out of his goal to kick away to prevent Trotter making a goal.  Thus ended the story of the first half.  Half-time; The Wednesday 1, Everton 1. 
WEDNESDAY BEATEN BY THE ODD GOAL
DEAN’S THIRTY-FIFTH
TWO FINE GOALS TO-DAY AT OWLERTON
The very first incident of the second half was another failure by the Sheffielders to take a chance, but when Dean got going the Wednesday defenders took no chance whatever, and Blenkinsopp was delighted to put the ball out of play to save his face.  Weldon was “over the top” once again, and Troup hit the side netting, and also made a poor centre when a number of his colleagues were patiently awaiting its arrival in the centre.  Trotter and Wilkinson between them had a perfect opportunity, which a little indecision ruined.  If Trotter had done what he intended to do in the first instance, taken a shot, Taylor would have had but little chance, but he changed his mind at the last moment and left it to Wilkinson, who shot wide.  Irvine was also out in his direction after he had made himself a good opening.  The shooting was never really of top class, and when Strange got through with only Taylor to face him, he could not do no better than bang the ball straight into the Everton custodian’s waiting hands.  Dean was tripped a trip which undoubtedly saved the Wednesday defence, for the free kick was not nearly as useful, Brown having a simple job in pushing it away from his goal, whereas if Dean could have gone on it was almost certain that he would have scored. 
SAVE OF THE SEASON
A free kick against Everton led to a hot melee in front of Taylor’s charge and when Trotter shot Taylor seemed to be going the other way for the ball, but by shooting out his left leg he made the save of the season.  Of course, a save of his character must be considered somewhat fortunate, but there was design in Taylor’s effort, and, although he was a shade lucky, it was nevertheless a remarkable save.
ANOTHER FOR DEAN
He made another half a minute later when Strange drove in a shot from out of a bunch of players.  At this point of the game Wednesday were putting up a keen battle.  They gave no quarter, neither did they ask for it.  Everton, however, were playing well within themselves, and at the sixth-seventh minute they scored their second goal, Dean again being the scorer.  It was a similar sort of goal to his first one.  Troup lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, and Dean again beat Brown in getting up to it.  many blamed Brown for this goal, but those who know what Dean can do with that head of his were not in the least surprised to find the ball in the back of the net.
DEAN’S THIRTY-FIFTH
This made Dean’s bag of goals for the season into thirty-five.  The Wednesday were quite up to a point.  They made ground swiftly, and had good ideals, but there was no confidence when they came in front of goal.  I remember another team being in such a plight not so very long ago.  Dean worked like two men, first he was over on the left wing, then on the right, and the surprising thing about it all was to find him in the middle, ready when the centres came his way.  Dean and Critchley paired off in one little episode that looked extremely promising until a handling case cropped up to spoil it all, and spoil it all.  Raitt and O’Donnell, with sound judgement, got themselves out of many awkward corners, while one could not help but see the work of Hart in the halves.  He cut the heart out of many powerful-looking raids by the Sheffielders. 
A STRONG APPEAL
The Wednesday forced a corner, and there was a strong appeal for a goal by the Wednesday players that Taylor had carried the ball over his goal-line, but the referee was so well placed that I cannot see that they had any argument.  Mr. Caseley, of course, would not listen to their complaint.  Brown made a save from Critchley just at the same moment that Dean was beating across, and the game ended.  Final; Sheffield Wednesday 1, Everton 2. 

EVERTON RES V SHEFF WED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 December 1927
A snow-bound ground made play exceedingly difficulty at Goodison Park, and it was to the credit of the respective teams that they were able to play pretty fair and interesting football, although many tempers were lost through inaccurate shooting, this was to be expected when the state of the ground was considered.  Everton were slightly the more dangerous in the first half, and Dominy, White, and Easton had all tested Mellors.  At the other end Wednesday had frequently extended the Everton defence, but their attack had not the same snap about it as the home side, who shot whenever an opportunity presented itself.  At the fifty-fifth minute Everton took the lead when Bain Fired in a fast drive that Mellors touched but could not stop.  Everton after this came very near to increasing their lead, but at all times they found the Sheffield defence steady.  Half-time Everton 1, Wednesday nil.  Midway through the second half Easton scored a second goal for Everton.  Final; Everton 2, Wednesday 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 December 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

DIXIE DEAN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 December 1927
WRITES ABOUT ATATCKING MOVES FOR THE FORWARD LINE
Most footballers begin their career with an amateur club, go on to a third division club, and finally –if they have the ability –win a place in a crack first division team.  The first difficulty of the footballer who risers to the first league is that of becoming accustomed to the close style of play that is still adopted by many of the most import ant teams.  There is much to be said for the open game, in which the ball passes freely from wing to wing, but it is undoubtedly a fact that some of the leading English and Scottish sides continue to prefer the short-passing game.  Even where the team adopts what is perhaps the best game of all- a clever combination of the two style- the player from other leagues may still find difficulty in adjusting himself.  Goalkeepers often say that they prefer to play against teams which indulge in short passing-there are less surprise rushes.  Half-backs also prefer to face teams that play this game.  In fact, in view of the almost unanimous opinion among footballers that the open game is the best, it it is a little difficult to see why some of our best teams keep to their short passing.  The truth is that given the right type of ground, and a well-balanced and well-trained combination, there is nothing to beat short passing. Scottish teams of first-class rank reveal this fact very convincingly.  Where there is a weak link in the short-passing combination, or where the ground is heavy and the men are just not physically strong enough to keep it up for the full period, the short-passing game may prove a serious failure. 
THE MELTING POT
In the English Second Division we have the peculiar fortune to see some teams which have recently relegated keeping to their short passing in the hope that they will win back to the senior League, and other, teams newly promoted showing how the open tactics of League 111, are used to keep the ball moving with considerable vigour.  The Second League is an excellent training ground for the young footballer.  He sees all styles.  The success of the open game in bad conditions accounts for the many surprises in Cup matches, when the stars of the First League are defeated by Third Division clubs.  The giants of the game are caught on a day when the ground is against them, and the juniors reap the reward of their more open tactics
CUP-TIE TACTICS
Cardiff City, who won the Cup last year, have a style of their own, which is ideal for Cup matches.  This is a form of the open game, with the inside men playing even farther behind the other three forwards than is customary to-day.  Thus the defence is automatically strengthened, since the inside men are able to help the halves readily, and should one of the forwards get away the three advanced forwards are likely to score the goal that so often decides the result of a Cup-tie.  I liken this kind of football to an attack in which spears are used.  The three advanced forwards are the spearheads and they are skillfully guided by the inside men.  Short passing is difficult to learn, and it puts a considerable strain on the physique.  The ball passes like a shuttle on a machine.  It is wonderfully effective to watch, but I am afraid that it is likely to die out within the next few years, since under the conditions that have ruled since 1925 the open game seems more effective unless the short passing is done very brilliantly indeed.  A feature of the short passing game that will always survive-despite the difficulties under which modern half-backs play- in the triangle combination in which a half takes part with two forwards, usually the wing forward and his inside man.  It is not important who gets the ball so long as he makes some ground with it, draws the opposing man who comes to tackle, and sends the ball either back or forward to one of the other two players who is best placed.  What usually happens is that one of the two forwards got the ball, draws the defence, and sends the ball back to the half.  The half makes some ground with it, and sends it forward when tackled to the man who is able to give the opponent marking him the slip.  This is a most effective combination, and can often be dropped into the open game as a change. 
A SPEEDY MOVE
Another short passing combination or which there will always be room in football is that which can best be described as a race for the goal by three players.  This has the advantage of being faster than the other triangle combination just described.  Fundamentally, the idea is the same.  The player in possession draws the defence and passes the ball to one of the other two.  In this game, however there is no back passing.  The men not in possession run as hard as they can to get ahead, so that the ball can always be passed forward.  The ball instead of being passed direct, is put more ahead of the man for whom it is intended.  Forward passing on these lines can be very swift, and the line weaved by the passing of the ball are most baffling to the defenders.  Another move that can be extremely effective depends on the co-operation of the half-back.  He brings the ball forward, forcing the opposing half to tackle him.  Then he passes to wing.  The wing man is promptly tackled by the opposing back, but as the half has been tackled by the enemy half, and the wing man has been tackled by the back, the inside forward is temporarily unmarked.  It is only necessary for the wing forward to push the ball through in the direction of his own inside man.  The inside man, expecting it, is after it before the defenders can turn.  These moves depend on their unexpectedness for success.  They must be well varied to produce the necessary surprise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 1927