DEAN AND HIS PARTNERSHIP.
December 1 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
REPETITION OF "HAT-TRICK" AT VILLA PARK DOUBTFUL.
The surprise of the week in local Soccer circles has been the reshuffle of the Everton attack, bring Forshaw and Martin to the inside positions in place of Dunn, and Weldon. Still, something of the kind was to be expected with the Champions, deterioration of late. Whether Dean will obtain enough support through the changes to enable him to repeat his "hat-trick," at Villa Park last season, remains to be seen, but it is exceedingly doubtful. The Villa, with Pongo Wareing (ex-Tranmere Rovers) leading the attack, are in winning mood at the moment, and in the opinion of one at any rate, Everton will be just lucky to draw. By the way, Waring scored three of the Villa goals, when they battered the Arsenal at Highbury last week by five goals to two. The match begins at 2-20, the teams are: - Everton, Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Aston Villa: - Olney; Smart, Bowen; Kingdon, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, and Dorrell.

EVERTON'S SCORING FAILURES
Hull Daily Mail - Saturday 01 December 1928
MARTIN BROUGHT BACK TO INSIDE POSITION
All the well laid plans of Everton have gone wrong (says Arbiter of the London ''Daily Mail.") They have not approached the standard of last season, when they carried off the League championship. The most obvious fact that Dean has declined as a scorer.  For every two goals obtained last season he has only got one this, but it does not follow that this is his fault.  As a matter of fact that club plainly do not take this view.  They have put the blame on the centre-forward's inside partners, and for day s match against Aston Villa at Birmingham both Dunn and Weldon, the little Scottish players, have been superseded by Martin and Forshaw.  Martin was secured towards the end of last season from Hull City, and was one the least expensive players signed on.  Forshaw the old Liverpool man who has been with Everton for three seasons.

VILLA FULL STEAM AHEAD
Sports Argus - Saturday 01 December 1928
EMPHATIC VICTORY OVER THE CHAMPIONS
WARING AND WALKER AGAIN
EVERTON HALF-BACK DISLOCATES HIS SHOULDER
By “Crusader.”
One of the most attractive engagements in Aston Villa’s programme was staged at Villa Park this afternoon when Villa met Everton.  Though the champions had not maintained last season’s high standard, due to a decline in Dean’s prominence as a goal scorer, they were one of the most dangerous sides in the League.  The Villa had during the past couple of months struck their best form, and accordingly a keen and exciting contest was promised.  Last season there was some excellent football shown in the corresponding match, which was won by Everton by 3-2. 
Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Jakeman, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Referee; G.D. Nunnerley (Ellesmere Sulop).  At the last minute, Villa were called upon to make a change in their team, Kingdom was found to be suffering from influenza, and Jakeman was called from the reserves to fill the vacancy.  There were two alterations in the Everton attack.  Forshaw and Martin were preferred for Dunn and Weldon.  Everton won the toss, and had the advantage of a strong wind, Villa, however, became dangerous on the left, where Dorrell preserved to get the ball through and when he was successfully challenged by Cresswell, Talbot dashed up and gave assistance.  Then Walker flashed the ball across to York, who shooting when Hart took the ball from his toe at the expense of a flag kick.  From the kick Walker ballooned the ball over the bar.  Then followed a clever movement initiated by Tate.  He headed the ball forward to Dorrell, who darted through and made a low centre, which was gathered at the foot of the post by Davies.  Everton’s reply to this encouraging opening was easily thwarted by Olney, who punched away as Dean tried to head through.  A minute later the Everton goal had a thrilling and lucky escape, Davies was forced off the ball by Waring when he was at right-angles to his goal, and Walker touched the ball to York, who promptly shot.  The ball was first headed out by Cresswell, who had fallen back to the line, and then was sent over by Jakeman.  Almost immediately afterwards the Everton goal survived a similar stroke of good fortune.  Dorrell had got through after receiving a delightful pass from Walker, and the latter raced in and shot, only to see the ball charged down by Davies.  Then followed a fierce scrimmage, during which Waring had a straight drive turned aside, and then the ball was scrambled away.  Thus twice within four minutes the Everton goal had escaped most fortunately.  This gave the visitors encouragement, and they became more prominent.  Troup swung the ball well up into the centre to give Dean a chance.  Smart, however, saw the manceuvre, and coolly intercepted the pass and cleared.  At the other end Davies was fielding a long range drive when Waring dashed up.  The goalkeeper cleared the charge, and Waring hit the post with his shoulder.  Villa were soon raiding in a series of swift movements which caused the Everton defenders anxiety.  Hart headed over the bar a fierce drive from Beresford and the ball was then put the wrong side of the post during a melee.  In another attack Walker and Dorrell exchanged places and the former’s centre was well-place.  After Waring had made a fine effort to burst through, York got up and hit the crossbar.  For the first half hour the Villa had given a bright display, full of energy and dash.  They, however, found the Everton defenders in excellent form.  Cresswell and his colleagues had good fortune on their side when it seemed inevitable that their goal must fall.  The Villa half-backs were playing well The Villa half-backs were playing well.  The two young wing-halves were showing skill as interveners and were passing with accuracy and feeding their wings intelligently and skillfully.  On one occasion there was a thrilling duel between the Villa forwards and the Everton backs.  Cresswell and O’Donnell, however, never faltered under the extreme pressure, and made their returns with delightful precision. The Villa pressure, however, could have only one sequel and their reward came after 35 minutes, when Walker put the ball forward to Dorrell.  The Everton defenders momentarily paused, believing the winger was offside, and then made a gallant effort at recovery and the back fell into goal.  Walker put the ball at close range across of Waring, who scooped it into the net with the side of his foot. Griffiths was hurt and had to leave the field, and the depleted forces Everton could only reply feebly, and Villa were soon attacking fiercely again.  From a centre York cut in and hit the post.  A couple of minutes before the interval Dean forced a corner, and Olney saved well when he put the ball round the post.  The Villa deserved their lead at the interval.  They had given a capital display and on the run of the game should have bene leading by a bigger margin.  The Everton goal, however, seemed to bear a charmed life. Half-time; Aston Villa 1, Everton 0. 
There were upwards of 45,000 people present when the game was resumed.  Everton were without Griffiths, but were the first to attack and for a couple of minutes worried the home defenders until Smart cleared and York made a pass across the field to Dorrell whose centre led to a fruitless corner.  On inquiry it was learned that Griffiths, the Everton right half-back, was suffering from a dislocated shoulder.  Everton were putting up a brighter show then in the first half and their forwards broke through and Dean sent in a fierce drive which hit the bar and was cleared by Tate upon the rebound.  In the next minute the ball was crossed to Ritchie who after a short run put it to the centre, where Dean was waiting and the international headed in.   Olney however, cleared brilliantly by tipping the ball over the bar-he had no time to field it so quick was the movement.  Villa swiftly dashed to the attack in a movement full of menace, and should have scored when they had only Davies to beat.  Once more the ball was got away during a scrimmage.  Then Beresford and York changed the procedure by sending in long-range shots but were wide on both occasions.  With only a goal between the teams and with Everton much the better attacking force despite their handicap, the contest continued close and thrilling.  During sustained pressure on the Villa goal, Olney once more cleared well by tipping a header over the bar.  From this, Dorrell went through twice, after receiving the ball from Walker, and first put across the goalmouth and then hit the side net.  The struggle swung from one goal to the other and never flagged in interests.  After Hart had skimmed the bar Walker centred to Waring, who headed in smartly.  Davies, however, caught the ball at the side of the post and cleared.  Then there was another excellent move by the home players who passed from man to man until Beresford shot over.  Immediately afterwards Dorrell ran in but instead of placing the ball to the foot of a colleague shot fiercely across the goalmouth.  Ten minutes from the end Villa increased their lead as the result of a cool and calculated raid.  Beresford finally touched the ball across to Walker who headed into the net, falling as he got to the ball.  It was a brilliant bit of work on the part of the Villa captain.  In the next few seconds there was an exciting incident, on Villa’s penalty line.  Bowen fell upon the ball in attempting to clear and handled it.  All Villa players lined up in front of goal when Cresswell took the kick.  The ball was charged down by a solid line of men.  Villa deserved their victory but Everton were not disgraced.  They played fine football during the second half when handicapped by the absence of Griffiths and their plucky display was a feature of the game.  Cresswell and O’Donnell were brilliant and were never flustered under the heaviest pressure.  It was a great game and quite in keeping with the traditions of these two fine teams.  Result; Villa 2, Everton 0.
THE GAME AT A GLANCE
After 35 minutes, Aston Villa 1, Everton 0  (Waring scored)
After 80 minutes, Aston Villa 2, Everton 0  (Walker scored).

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 December 1928
CLASHING OF TWO CLASSIC SIDE AT VILLA PARK
By Bee
Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Jakeman, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Meetings between Everton and Villa are always interesting.  They bring memories of the most famous of our Cup finals.  Today’s match at Aston brought some special features.  Villa had won at Arsenal’s ground last week, and thus set Villa Park on fire.  The sight of Dean and Waring in opposition was another pointer to make a good crowd.  Then, from the Mersey point of view, there was the fact of Dunn and Weldon being omitted for Martin and Forshaw –a big break in the customary lines of Everton, Weldon never having bene absent from the side since he left Scotland save for a week ordered by the F.A.  Kingdom could not play owing to flu, this being the home side’s only change.  There was a fair sprinkling of visitors from Liverpool.  The first news I got here was that Jimmie Gibson, the Villa half-back, far from ceasing to play according to report, actually turned out for the Colts, and his damaged leg stood the test well.  There were about 30,000 spectators present at the start, the day being fine, the ground dry, and the wind rather variable.  The early kick-off was against attracting a huge crowd.  Everton won the toss, and Walker was at only baulked by Hart, and Creswell forced Dorrell to allow a goal kick.  Forshaw’s first point was a lovely header, but, generally speaking, things were tame for some time until Hart tried to play Ritchie, and Cresswell snapped up a Dorrell run as if he were a policeman applying the handcuffs. 
WAS IT A CORNER?
Cresswell suffered a corner kick decision from Referee Nunnerley that was, in my estimation, wrong, and from it Walker shot high into the Spion Kop portion.  Villa were now very bright on the left wing, offering fine combination, but Dorrell’s shot was easily saved.  Troup was very canny until he centred upwards, and then realized that Dean could not take the chance, because he was offside.  The teams had now settled to work, and Olney had to punch away as well as thank the referee for another offside decision against Dean.  There looked like being trouble when the Everton backs got in each other’s way, but Davies reached out very ably for a high ball, and dragging it away produced a safe clearance.  O’Donnell also made a staunch and true tackle on the speedy York, but at a later point Davies was caught in the act of racing to bounce a ball and kick away.  He got away with his first try, but meeting Waring at a second time he was startled to find himself charged off the ball.  Back raced the defenders into goal, and first Hart and next Cresswell nodded down what time the goalkeeper went back to his position.  Everton had an innings thanks to Griffiths being strong in tackle and pass, and Olney had to punch away from a Ritchie centre of fine length. 
CHEAP GOAL NOT ACCEPTED
Ritchie followed with another, only to find Forshaw wheeling beyond a full back.  Forshaw was apparently through when his shot was covered truly by a defender.  This was an escape, and it was followed by something more important in the same manner.  The ball bumped up against Davies’ body, and two Villa men were offered the cheapest of goals.  The first could not reach it through running on and the other messed it up- a fortunate business for Everton.  Right away went Everton, and Dean centred rather clumsily, Forshaw running up and blazing away with the left foot from the inside left position, and the ball sailed over the bar, so that thus early it had been a game of miss chances.  Virr and O’Donnell did some stirring leading work, and the way the ball hung it seemed that though Everton had won the toss they had not the advantage of the wind.  Cresswell made a spectacular clearance from Waring when that worthy was racing through, owing to a clearance by O’Donnell catching Hart in the back.  Martin and Forshaw at this point brought into view their trickery, even though no great ground was gathered thereby.  Davies easily dodged Waring, who tried to charge in and found his body collide with the upright.  He was rubbing his shoulder for some time.  Much of the footwork and football was of fine quality.  Smart’s lusty kicking pleased the local crowd.  Beresford made the best shot up to now, and Hart by nodding it back took a risk of injury, but also the praise for saving a goal.  Everton indeed were having a hard time in defence, and little help came to the forwards. 
STUBBORN DEFENCE
Local folk said it was the best crowd of the season, and was full 50,000 strong.  There did not seem to me 40,000.  Villa kept them in good spirits, and after a Villa run, Everton were lucky to escape, a ball from Waring hitting the crossbar when Davies was beaten.  The ball would not go in owing to Cresswell and O’Donnell offering stern resistance, and Griffiths hooking the ball out of harm’s way.  It was in effect one very long series of attacks by Villa, and Everton were fortunate to have half an hour of this without a goal being recorded.  For a change Everton got a corner, and Ritchie’s centre led him to the ground, but offered Martin a chance.  The ex-Tranmere man was crowded out of his gift, however, Jakeman was doing big work against the visitors’ left wing, and Bowen came across to rob Dean when he had an upwards pass delivered towards him.  Ritchie made one fast run outpacing his rivals, in which were two very tall half-backs; in fact the Villa half-back line had gained the medals thus far, and Hart earned one now.  Griffiths was doing a high-jumping act when he hurt his shoulder. 
WARING EDGES IN
O’Donnell had a three-piece clearance that gained him the applause of the crowd, who were very generous in their assistance to any player who stood out.  O’Donnell added a lusty kick that must have reminded the locals of Welford’s kick at this ground some years ago.  All this attacking business was bound to gather a goal, and so at 35 minutes Cresswell jumped forward, appealed for an offside decision, failed to get it, and Walker was able to cross the ball and make a chance for Waring.  There was not much room for the ex-Tranmere centre, who was on the extreme right-hand side of the goal, but he just edged it in past the goalpost and beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.  Now Griffiths left the field, his shoulder blade appearing to be pretty bad.  When shall we finish a Mersey match with the full twenty-two players this season?  York hit the upright soon after, and Everton were consequently fortunate to be lightly let off with a goal down.  O’Donnell and York cracked their heads, yet kept the peace, and continued to play on.  Dean broke into a sweat as an outside right, but found no one to take his centre.  Everton late on got two corners cleverly, and Ritchie shot one tautly, Olney saving, and the other was headed nearby Dean.  This was Everton’s brightest bit this half, and it came when the damage had been done.  Half-time; Aston Villa 1, Everton nil. 
GRIFIFTHS BADLY INJURED
LOSE AGAINST VILLA
VISITORS PLAY TEN MEN IN SECOND HALF
Griffiths was not present when the teams turned out again, so that it was plain Everton were to play ten men this half.  Davies dodged one of Waring’s Hamptonian charges, and then we saw Villa rather break up in defence for the first time, O’Donnell miskicked also, and Cresswell, saving for his partner, kicked against a Villa forward.  I had not seen Everton for six weeks, and the change from their old form was sombre, Ritchie made a lovely pull back and centre, and Forshaw, after intricate working of the ball, went just one step too far to be practical and lost his shooting chance. 
GRIFIFTHS BADLY INJURED
News came through that Griffiths had dislocated his shoulder, bad luck to a good young player, Kelly, I hear, resumed playing to-day with the reserve side.  Smart and Cresswell were star turns in this big act, and when Martin tried to squeeze in a shot the ball rebound to the left when Dean was standing.  Dean shot hard, hastily, and without result for the ball soared right over.  Dean tried to make amends by taking the ball in his stride and had the bad luck to hit the left upright, Ritchie being unable to reach the ball as it spun back into play.  Everton suddenly broke into a roaring attack.  Forshaw spoon-fed Ritchie, and the latter’s hanging centre was nodded in with fine deliberation by Dean.  Olney made a very fine save to stop the equalizer.  It went dark for a moment, so Forshaw, tried for a surprise goal, but did not hit the ball properly.  York did, and he found it a lofted effort.  Here was a curious thing; the goalkeeper had been unemployed to all intents and purposes.  Waring and Dorrell missed two of the easiest things imaginable, so that Everton’s good fortune was still in.  Villa forwards went tame and timid, and were easily held considering that Everton were working their usual formation and not playing a forward and half-back. 
COMIC INTERLUDE
Ritchie made one enlivening run that set Martin and Forshaw in turn nearly heading a goal.  The visiting forwards at this stage were doing well and Olney got work of an awkward character.  Dean ploughed through and shot hard and low, only to find the ball crash against the burly body of Smart.  York nearly headed through in a manner that recalled Dean’s back-header on this ground a year ago.  A comic interlude came when Hart and Walker sat down side by side, interlegging it with each other, the referee looking on.  Hart won, and then Forshaw electrified the crowd with a shot of twenty odd yards’ range.  A perfect shot, which beat the goalkeeper, and swung no more than half-a-yard over the bar.  Waring dug up the ball for Dorrell’s benefit, and the little man was out of place, so there was still only one goal between the clubs. 
VILLA’S SECOND
Villa forwards were in a wretched mood, and could not take the simplest chances.  Cresswell by dainty steps, got the greatest applause of the game.  O’Donnell copied him to good purpose and similar result.  A second goal came to the Villa, and again Everton stood still for a moment to appeal for a foul on Virr.  The referee waved them on, and Walker, bending very low, headed in simple fashion into the left-hand corner of the net.  Martin made Olney give us the best save of the match.  There was only twelve minutes to go, so that the game was as good as good as won now.  Villa had offered Everton every chance to make the score one all, and even though allowance had to be made for Everton being one man short throughout the whole half, there still remained the fact that Villa were on top everywhere save in the matter of shooting.  Final; Aston Villa 2, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V OLDHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 December 1928
Everton throughout the first half were the more aggressive.  Oldham did sufficient attacking to make the work of Common and Kennedy fairly heavy, but Maher, in goal, had a comparatively easy first half in consideration to Floyd.  The Everton goalkeeper on one occasion was fortunate to find Kelly head out from the goalline, and Stainton missed a glorious opportunity giving Oldham an early goal.  White scored twice for Everton, and Stein was the provider of the opportunity.  Floyd made one particular fine save from Stein, and the home crowd were particularly impressed with the defensive work of Dixon at centre-half, a new signing from up North.  Harris scored both goals for Oldham, the second the result of persistency in following up.  Half-time; Everton 2, Oldham Ath 2. 
Easton scored the third, White then fourth, and Jones the fifth for Everton.  Three quarter-time.- Everton 5, Oldham Athletic 2. 

WHISTON V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 December 1928
At Whiston.  Play was of an even character, Taylor scoring for Whiston, Webster and Roscoe scored for Everton.  Five minutes from the interval Short equalized with a long-range shot. Half-time; Whiston 2, Everton A 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 December 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

• It is unlikely that Weaver, the ex-Everton winger, will again be seen in harness as he broke down badly in his final trial with Bolton Wanderers.  Thus does hard luck loom up.
• Everton’s defence has only been penetrated in three home matches
• Everton, Leeds, and Bury stand alone in that all their scoring to date has been confined to their forwards.

ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 0
December 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON LOSE GRIFFITHS
SHOULDER DISLOCATED IN GAME WITH VILLA.
To fight against odds to the best of your ability is no disgrace, and so the men of Everton who strove to gain a point or two at Villa Park against Aston Villa, need not worry that success did not come their way. The Villa deserved their two goals to nil victory –let us admit that from the start –but had not the Champions been victims of misfortune, an entirely different tale might have to be told. Before anything had been chalked up on the score sheet, Dorrell, the Villa left-winger, challenged Griffiths for a ball in the air, and as he dropped he brought the point of his elbow right on Griffith's shoulder. Griffiths was undoubtedly in pain, but he struck to his task with the same will and grit that any other man, who has his side at heart, would have done. Some minutes after, the Villa took the lead, and then Griffiths had to leave the field. He did not return because his right shoulder had been dislocated, and it is through, cracked, so far an hour the Blues laboured under the disadvantage of having to oppose one of the cleverest football sides in the League with only ten men.
A STIFF PROPOSITION.
A goal behind, and only ten men a stiff proposition everyone one will agree, but did the men flinch at the battle which lay before them? Not a little bit. They put their all into the work, and that they failed was not their faults. It is a fact that, judging the play as it was, one could only come to the conclusion that had the Champions been at full strength from start to finish, they would have brought back the spoils to Liverpool, or at least half of them. There were times when only solid backing kept the highly capable Villians out –many shots were charged down with Davies beaten –but yet the Evertonian always promised good football, and were ever alive to an opening. The half produced one goal, which was contributed to because the Blues stopped, thinking that Dorrell was offside. He was, but he did not attempt to play the ball, and Walker ran forward to pick up the pass and deliver the centre which Waring screwed the ball just inside the post. That waiting for the whistle proved fatal to the Blues, for a moment's hesitation brought about the second point after the interval. True, the referee erred in not suspending play, but it was not the right policy of the Champions to anticipate his thoughts, so that when O'Donnell had his legs kicked from under him they should have kept going until they heard the sound of the whistle. As it was, they stopped, and York put across a low centre, which Walker headed home by throwing himself full-length on the ground.
BLUES OUT OF LUCK.
Luck was not with the Blues, but they put up a great flight against overwhelming odds, and gained honour all round. The new forward line was a success for Forshaw played clever, thoughtful, football, and Martin always strived to do things, which no one expected. True, Dean had little room in which to operate, but this was because of the methods adopted by the Villa defence. They hung to him like ivy to a garden wall, and gave further proof that the path of such a talented centre-forward is anything but a smooth one. Ritchie was the better of the wingers, and the halves all played excellently. Cresswell was by far the brainiest back on the field –some of his work was positively delightful. Teams: - Aston Villa: - Olney, goal, Smart and Bowen, backs, Jakeman, Talbot, and Tate, half-backs, York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, and Dorrell, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 2
December 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 17)
Everton gave one of their brightest displays at Goodison Park. Stein was a great raider, he pared the way to two goals by White before the interval. Harris levelled the scores, Easton, White and Jones scored for Everton in the second half Dixon a northern Eastern pivot, made a promising debut. Everton: - Maher, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Kelly, Dixon, and White, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, Williams, Jones, and Stein, forwards.

VILLA VALUE FOR VICTORY ALTHOUGH EVERTON WERE UNLUCKY
Athletic News - Monday 03 December 1928
ASTON VILLA 2, EVERTON 0
By Brum
A really thrilling game was seen at Villa Park, and although it would be unfair to say that the Villa did not deserve their victory, it is competent for anyone to pay a well-merited tribute to the gallant fight that Everton made.  They had all the worst of the luck, too, for not long before the interval Griffiths, the Everton right half-back, had the misfortune to dislocate his shoulder, and he naturally had no chance of taking further part in the game.  This meant that Forshaw had to fall back into the intermediate line, and that Everton had to continue the conflict with only four forwards.  This was a serious handicap, but they put up a gallant flight.  Waring scored for the Villa in the opening half, taking a centre from Walker rather adroitly and finding the corner of the net in a manner that gave Davies no chance of saving. 
SENSATIONAL GOAL
Not long before the end Walker obtained a goal that bordered on the sensational. While lying full length on the turf he deftly headed the ball into the net.  Everton deserved to score, but with ordinary luck the Villa would have had far more goals than actually fell to them.  It was not ill luck which dogged their footsteps, it was rank bad play.  So far as shooting went the Villa unquestionably had far more chances than their opponents, but not a man on the side gained distinction when in front of the posts.  Dorrell, who played brilliantly, last week, was fitful and never seemed to know what to do with the ball even when he had it under control, and with no one near him.  Rarely has he made such poor use of favourable openings.  Waring lost opportunities by not keeping his head, and so did Beresford, although next to Walker he was the best of the Villa forwards. 
JAKEMAN PLEASES
The half-backs played particularly good football.  It is true the Villa had to take the field without Kingdon, who has played remarkably well. But Jakeman showed excellent football in his place, and the wonderful half-back from the Villa have bene showing of late was well maintained.  Talbot again gave a great show, and on the day was a far more deadly opponent than Dean could face with success.  Tate is also playing at his best and his tackling and placing were admirable Smart and Bowen held their own well, and Olney has not often kept goal better.  As a matter of fact, both goalkeepers had exceptionally heavy work to do.  Everton had far worse luck than the Villa.  They were really unfortunate in that they had so many fine shots charged down.  Dean never moved with his usual freedom, but the credit for that must go to the Villa half-backs.  Dean was full of dash and enterprise, but the defensive would not let him shoot from a favourable position, and, of course, with only four forwards they could scarcely hope to press their advantage home. 
CRESSWELL’S SKILL
A fair amount of the attack they assuredly had.  Troup and Ritchie did well, Hart was useful at centre half, and Cresswell was the most skilful and prominent full-back in the game.  There was a magnificent gate, fully 50,000 people being present a distinct compliment to Everton, and also to the Villa who are naturally high in favour with their supporters.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Jakeman, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Referee; G.D. Nunnerley, Ellesmere

CHAMPIONS’ PLUCKY FIGHT AT ASTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 03 December 1928
DEPELETED TEAM BEATEN AFTER THRILLING TUSSLE
CRESSWELL’S BRILLIANT PLAY
ASTON VILLA 2, EVERTON 0
By Touchstone
A great crowd of nearly 50,000 people at Villa Park on Saturday saw a fine game between those old opponents, Aston Villa and Everton.  Villa won after a thrilling struggle by 2-0.  The fortunes of the sides fluctuated in a marked manner.  During the first half the luck was with the men from the Merseyside, and their goal bore a charmed life; the Villa could find the net only once, and that solitary goal seemed a poor reward for all the capital football they had dismayed.  In the second half ill-luck was the lot of the champions.  They lost the services of Griffiths, their right half-back, who dislocated his shoulder a couple of minutes before the interval, and he took no further part in the match.  With ten men Everton gave a plucky display; and fought back so sternly and to such purpose that the issue was in doubt until Villa scored their second goal.  The best football was seen in the first half.  After the interval the game was inclined to be scrappy, but before the men crossed over the crowd witnessed a series of fast raids, carefully planned with the ball under control.  Villa predominated in these fine movements, and the Everton defence had a most anxious time.  There was a regular battle of wits, with Walker and Cresswell directing operations.  Villa, striking their best form, raced in and bombarded the goal; the Everton defence, reinforced by the middle men, and the two inside forwards, fell back to assist Davies.  It was impossible for the Villa to get the ball through this phalanx of men, and many shots were charged down.  In this pressure the figure of Cresswell was the outstanding defender.  When the Villa were straining every nerve to score he held up the more dangerous wing in superb style.  He never wavered, but played the ball beautifully, often side steeping an opponent and always clearing coolly.  His display was a lesson in the high art of defence.  Walker’s work was that of a genius in attack.  He was ever searching for a weak point to press home Villa’s advantage and the manner in which he distributed the ball accurately was most meritorious.  Many in the crowd had paid a special visit to see Dean, whose personality influenced the game in a marked degree.  His colleagues made numerous attempts to provide him with openings to their own neglect, as the Villa defenders did not repeat the mistake in the corresponding game last season.  Dean was so carefully guarded that he had few chances, but these he took in a flash.  Once he struck the bar with a fierce shot, and on another occasion he headed in a centre from Ritchie so quickly that Olney had to turn the ball over the bar; he had no time to field it. 
CLEVER HALF-BACKS
The eclipse of Dean was largely due to the way in which he was mastered by Talbot, whose tall figure was noticed constantly overshadowing the alert centre forward.  The Villa wing halves played a prominent part in the victory.  Jakeman appeared for Kingdon, who was absent through influenza, and came through the ordeal of the big match with great credit.  The brilliant performance of these three men clearly turned the scale in Villa’s favour.  In the early stages of the game Villa outpointed Everton, but 35 minutes elapsed before they scored.  Then Dorrell raced through and the defence paused for a moment believing him to be offside.  They recovered position, and Dorrell passed to Walker, who darted away and, skillfully avoiding Creswell’s challenge, passed squarely across the goal-mouth to Waring and the Villa centre-half netted, with the side of his foot, there being just room for the ball to pass between the goalkeeper and the post.  Ten minutes from the end Walker scored a brilliant goal.  A rousing movement was rounded off by Beresford with a low centre, and Walker had to fling himself forward to get his head to the ball.  As the ball flashed into the net he fell prone.  It was a thrilling goal.  Aston Villa; Olney; Smart, Bowen; Jakeman, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Walker, Dorrell.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Referee; G.D. Nunnerley, Ellesmere

GRIFFITHS OUT FOR SOME WEEKS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 December 1928
EVERTON’S TEN-MEN TASK
BRILLIANT BACK PLAY
VILLA ON THE RISE
By Bees
With Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Secretary McIntosh on Saturday at Birmingham, was one Alec Lomax, one-time referee, many times organizer of sports events of interest, and a railway man who has now started to enjoy his years of leisure after forty-seven years of service.  A Stoke man, who has done much for local football in this city, he now looks on big football with pleasure, and recalls the day when he put through the goals seven times-good old days- when it was possible to deal with a goalkeeper as one desired, the rule being totally different from to-day!  The pity of it was that he and we did not have a happier result to a visit to Villa Park, because Villa Park is always a gala game when these teams meet; and one imagined Everton would at least produce some of their previous form, whereas they did not rise to the fullness of the occasion.  What happened was this; Villa were on top for some time, and threw away goal chances.  They only led by a goal, however, and when Everton started to fight against Fate and the goal deficit one would have thought the visiting side was ahead, so severe was their pressure and dominating their attacking force.  Yet the memory of missed goals continued-Dorrell should have collected a bagful, especially as he had no half-back against him for fifty minutes.  Griffiths got a curious accident that will keep him out for some time.  He rose to a ball and Dorrell coming down, knocked his elbow on Griffiths’ shoulder, and broke a collar-bone.  This was bad luck; and with two sloppy sort of goals scored against the side, a bad accident to a man who had made good, it will be seen that the game did not go Everton’s way; especially as Dean hit the goal-post and Olney saved two, one from a Dean header and one from Martin, that did not look like being handled.  However, it’s all in the game; and one can only sympathize with Griffiths on this, his first accident, coming as it does at an inconvenient time.  Everton have such a nice collection of home games prior to the New Year that one felt if they got over the Villa hurdle they would have a long, strong run that would carry them far.  Had Griffiths been with the side to the end, no one can say what would have happened; but be being absent, I can tell you the team played harder and better in the second half than in the first, and Villa got nervy about their slender lead. 
THE CHANGES
Of course everyone wants to know about the rather vital changes made in the attack.  Admittedly the attack has been doing moderately for some time.  So Martin and Forshaw were brought in, and two well-known Scottish members left out.  Forshaw nearly scored two, Martin got the best save of the match put up for his benefit, Martin was inclined to hold the ball just a shade too long and get covered, but Forshaw and Ritchie made a telling wing, notably in the second half, when Ritchie gave admirable response with lovely centres and some close, hugging dribbling in which one would have bet he could not defeat the opposition –yet he did.  However the secret of the day was the stalwart work of the two tall half-backs, Tate and Talbot, and the added excellence of Jakeman with Smart towering in the defence and “stopping at nothing,” while the clever little stiff-built Bowen was doing his share of work.  I though the forwards did not court a rally with the big back.  It is not wise to judge one single performance, so that judgement must be suspended; there was an idea of uniformity in the way the forwards played, but the ball did not run smoothly for them.  One could not wish for better defence than that served by Cresswell and O’Donnell.  Remember that Cresswell had to tackle the left wing himself in the second half, and he was studious in going it at the right moment and holding off wisely.  His interventions were admirable, O’Donnell lent him much aid, and Davies could only be faulted once, yet the three suffered a severe bombardment in the first half, and at times had their luck.  Had the home forwards taken easy chances the game would have been a severe rate of goals against; let us not forget that fact.  And having said that, the necessity of telling exactly how well the whole ten men played in the second half must be dealt with.  Villa had only a goal lead for an hour or more, and it was the was the second half that showed up the visitors as a fighting force.  They could easily have snapped a goal with any degree of fortune.  Indeed, they claim they were unfortunate with both goals, because each came after a slight stoppage by a defender thinking he was going to get the referee’s verdict. A linesman is said to have flagged a foul when O’Donnell was hooked down, Walker scoring through getting his head a few feet from the ground.  Waring squeezed the ball through for the first goal when Cresswell had stopped for an offside call that was not answered.  It was gallant fighting against a side that fielded good forwards in Walker and Beresford, and disappointed through misses by Dorrell and Waring.  Had there been some good shooting the game would have turned into a brilliant match.  As it was it was just hard and interesting, and very even until the closing moments.  As showing how easy it is to miss a goal-scoring, I would like to put on record the incident of Saturday, when a friend from the city put me wise Walker’s goal, when with a dozen or so others, Villa and Everton people, the goal had been reckoned as Dorrell’s.  Perhaps it was because Dorrell had missed so many that his name became an obsession.  After the game there were fierce debates about the matter, and even now I feel constrained to write to Dorrell about it- in praise or condemnation? 

DEATH OF MR. DAVID HUGHES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
The death has occurred at Aberdovey of Mr. David Hughes, well-remembered in the North-end of the city of Liverpool.  He was for many years treasurer of the Westminster-road Congregational Church, was a man of song, and was originally connected with the old Albert Hall gospel services in Cazneau-street.  He was one of the oldest Everton F.C shareholders. 
CUP-TIE TO-MORROW
The Lancashire Cup-ties are reaching towards the final stage, and to-morrow, at Goodison Park we shall see a meeting of Everton and Blackburn Rovers.  The pair have been having quite a lot of gatherings this season –one a notable ease, where they decided as between Cup-holders and League winners at Manchester; a very fine game, in which Everton triumphed after a heavy struggle.  The pair are pals, and to-morrow, when they meet at Goodion Park to decide which club shall go into the final tie, the teams are likely to line up in the order given below.  Meantime, it is good to know that David Raitt, playing for Blackburn Reserves gave another great display on Saturday.  He has more than satisfied the Rovers after his opening week.  Everton (probable).  Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Stein.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Healless, Rankin, Campbell; Thornewell, Puddlefoot, Bourton, McLean, Rigby. 

EVERTON'S TWO CHANGES.
December 5 th 1928. The Daily Courier
TIODAY'S GOODISON PARK LANCASHIRE CUP SEMI-FINAL TIE.
BLACKBURN SATISFIELD.
Everton make two changes from the League team who lost at Villa Park for the Semi-final tie of the Lancashire Senior Cup with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park today (kick-off 2-20). Kelly has been chosen as substitute for Griffiths, who had his shoulder dislocated in the Villa match and Dunn is brought back as partner to Ritchie in place of Forshaw. The Everton team, therefore will be: - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin and Troup. This will be the third occasion on which the League champions have meet the Cup-holders this season. The other clashes being in the F.A. Charity-shield final at Manchester on October 24; when Everton won 2-1. And in the League on October 8, when Blackburn Rovers won 2-1 at home. Bourton's success as centre forward for the Rovers 0he scored four goals on Saturday, put a comical touch on Blackburn Rovers search for a leader of the attack, Bourton will turn out today, when the Rovers team will be the same eleven who beat Manchester United on Saturday, Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Healess, Rankin, Campbell; Thormewell, Puddlefoot, Bourton, McLean, and Rigby.

LANCASHIRE CUP-TIE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 December 1928
BLACKBURN SURPRISE BLUES IN SEMI-FINAL
By Bee
There was a poor attendance at Goodison Park, to see Everton and Blackburn Rovers play off the semi-final tie of the Lancashire Senior Cup.  The winners meet Bolton or Manchester United in the final.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Roxburgh, Jones; Whyte, Rankin, Campbell; Thornewell, Puddlefoot (Captain), Bourton, McLean, Rigby.  Although there was an injury to Jones’s left knee in the first few minutes of play, the game was quite enjoyable, and Everton were the chief attackers.  Puddlefoot was captain of the Blackburn side, and he kicked towards the Aintree end.  Ritchie opened the match with some very fine centres, and Dunn was close with a shot after Dean had been fouled.  Dean was more than once troubled by Rankin’s devil-may-care ideas (once in the penalty area), and Referee Hole, of Burnley, had to decide whether it was an intentional charge in the back or not, and he decided against a penalty kick.  Martin, Troup, and Dean had a round of attack, which ended when Dean made a first-time slam against the concrete wall.  Dean followed with a spinning header from Troup’s centre, the winger having beaten the opposition by an encircling move. 
MARTIN’S GOAL
Crawford saved from Dean, and it was a Ritchie shot and tackle that hurt Jones.  Everton’s goal was no surprise, as Everton had played the more convincing game in every department.  Martin scored in the roof of the netting, and there was no “ifs” or “buts” about this point, which came from the middle and was helped on by Troup.  O’Donnell had his daring moments, and when he espied a chance of movement at the abnormal distance of a third of the length of the field, Crawford had to make a very clever catch to prevent a second goal.  Much easier was the Blackburn goalkeeper’s save from Troup. On the Rovers’ side, Mclean was a confident forward, but he lacked finality.  Blackburn’s right wing was having a poor time against Virr and O’Donnell.   Everton were playing above their normal grade, and more like their old side. 
LEVEL AGAIN
Everton, however, were level again in half an hour, Bourton scoring.  It was the first time Bourton had been seen in this game, and Rigby and Thornwell made a chance for him that he mulled when two yards out.  However, be redeemed his error and managed to glance the ball into goal with his head.  Afterwards Bourton nipped his way through another attack, finishing moderately.  Rankin dragged his leg over to make a spectacular save just as Martin was taking a gift.  Puddlefoot broke through; got rid of the hampering O’Donnell, and found himself with only Davies to beat.  For a man of his years his finishing touch was poor, and he showed his own vexation when he pushed the ball outside.  O’Donnell was hurt and off the field for a moment, and Davies fell in a tackle with Thorpewell, but did not release his grip of the ball.  Right on half-time Dunn came near scoring, Crawford making a good save. 
Half-time; Everton 1, Blackburn R 1.
There was a lot of poor football early in the second half.  Bourton, who headed over, had a chance when O’Donnell kicked over the ball, but Saturday’s crack scorer tamely put the ball outside. 
THREE QUICK GOALS
The referee might have given a penalty kick to Everton when Dunn was charged in the back in the penalty area.  This was the turning point in the game, because after Dean had offered Dunn a present McLean was hurt in a tackle, and Rigby scored with a free kick that touched an Everton player in transit.  This was the signal for an outburst on the part of Blackburn.  They scored three goals in three minutes.  Bourton went right away to score a beautiful goal, giving Davies no chance, the Blackburn centre making a swift and clever dribble before finishing his effort.  No sooner the words than the deed, as Whyte, the half-back, turned the score into four goals to one.  Considering Everton had taken the lead in the game, the turn round to this figure was a startler.  Goals have never been scored in quicker fashion than these three, which came at the sixth-eight, sixty-ninth, and seventy first minutes.  Rovers were well worth their lead, and their shooting in this half, as also their general play, had been excellent.  Davies made a catch from Cresswell when he (Davies) was on the ground, and Dean wound up the doleful day for Everton by making a bad foul on Rankin.  Blackburn were well worth their margin.  Final; Everton 1, Blackburn Rovers 4. 

SAID “QUIETY!”
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
An Old Player” writes; - “It is sad to see our team of stars slowly but surely getting lower in the League table, and of course there must be a good reason, for I think you will agree there is no team in the League that should beat us.  I have followed Everton for over 30 years, and would like to find the reason.  The half-backs are about the best, if not the best in the League in defence; they tackle the forwards splendidly, work like demons and almost always get the ball, and if only they passed to their own forwards all would go well; but may I take the Leeds match for an example.  I think I am conservative in saying seven out of ten of their passes went to the Leeds full backs, who sent the ball to their forwards and put them on the attack again.  If only seven out of ten passes had found our men it is hard to estimate how many goals Everton would have got.  I blame our insides a bit, for when they saw every pass going to the backs they should have stood in front of them and tried to intercept an odd one.  Tell the Everton halves quietly to find their own men when passing and you will soon see the team climbing to the top, where it should be.” 

EVERTON 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 4
December 6 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
LANCASHIRE SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
BLACKBURN TROUNCE EVERTON.
3 GOALS IN 2 MINUTES
BLUES' POOR LANCASHIRE CUP SEMI-FINAL DISPLAY.
Everton gave a poor exhibition at Goodison Park, yesterday, against Blackburn Rovers in the Semi-final of the Lancashire Senior Cup, and, indirectly contributed to the victory of the Rovers –reputed cup-fighters –by four goals to one. Evertoin in the first half, played as if they had the opposition "on toast." They could do just as they pleased, and in the first quarter of an hour the Rovers only made two brief incursions into the champions' territory. Honestly, one, felt inclined to sit back with a piece of paper and a sharpened pencil to keep a tally of the Everton goals. In addition, the Blues were obviously not exerting themselves overmuch, but at times they toyed with the Rovers. Martin scored the best goal of the match with a drive from the edge of the penalty area, and the Evertonians sprang to the attack, eager for more. Some minutes later, however, Boulton, who was playing his fourth game with Blackburn senior eleven, muffed a gilt-edged chance to gain a corner, Thornewell's flag-kick touched him on the forehead, and lo and behold! The sides were level. The game ran on even lines for a space after that, but just before the interval one could see the Blackburn steamroller looming on the horizon. The second half saw Blackburn more dominant than the Blues were earlier on. The Rovers like their opponents, did not work themselves to death, but their efforts were far too good for those of the Blues, who laboured along without method and little ability.
ROVERS' RAPID FIRE.
In two hectic minutes –the 71 st and 72 nd –the Rovers put on three goals. Rigby secured the first from a free kick, Bourton ran through to notch the second, and Whyte levelled a drive from the edge of the area for the third, Davies in no instance having the slightest chance. Everton never looked like retrieving the lost ground, and so the end came with the better –infinitely better side passing into the final for the first time since the war. One can forgive a poor team playing badly, but to see a team of the standard of Everton giving such a mediocre display as this was akin to a nightmare. In the opening half they did not care much, but in the second half, when they knew that their reputation were at stake, and endeavoured to make a show, they were incapable. Cresswell was the only man on the side who could find a colleague when disposing of the ball, and the halves failed hopelessly in the matter of feeding. Troup was the one forward to show any promise, and not once this season has Dean been so ineffective. He appeared to have lost all his art of trapping a ball and only delivered one praiseworthy shot. The fact, is granted that the men were not exactly serious, but no team should allow themselves to sink to the level of the Blues yesterday. The Rovers were not all out, but still they contrived to produce entertaining football. Puddefoot was excellent –the best forward on the field, and Campbell was a brilliant half-back. Roxburgh and Jones defended excellently, and Crawford could not been better, though he had no points over Davies.
FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.
The form of the Blues was too bad to be true, for all know that they can operate with some idea of collaboration and display skill in passing, but yesterday they did neither. It would have been all right had they recognised the fact that in the Rovers they were opposing a team hard to beat, but their great superiority in the opening passages gave them a false sense of security, and they paid the penalty. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford, goal, Roxburgh, and Jones, backs, Whyte, Rankin and Campbell, half-backs, Thornewell, Puddefoot, Bourton, Mclean, and Rigby, forwards.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH EVERTON?
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
it is not a question of what’s wrong with football, but what’s wrong with Everton?  Their defeat yesterday in the Lancashire Cup-tie does not need much explanation.  Rather should there be a search for the cause of the fall-away.  Otherwise the club will drop into the lower League regions once again.  The cause of yesterday’s degeneration was that the players seem to think that their name and fame was sufficient to carry a lead of one goal.  In short, there is too much confidence and not sufficient sparkling effort by the team as a whole.  Davies has been consistency itself; the backs have been through a severe mill and have done well.  At half-back there is an absence of the wise pass and winging work that is not of solid character.  Forward, however, is the main fear Dean- surrounded yesterday, as usual –showed that he had been overworked by his two, and sometimes three, games, and many buffetings, per week.  He has lost something of his speed and dash and confidence all at the same moment.  But there is much finicky, unsettled football team from the other members, Troup was a dandy dribbler yesterday, yet he did as much as was necessary, and then “beat it” as the Americans say.  The standard of attack in Everton’s team has gone fifty per cent; indeed it is inexplicable fall-away.  Everton played well for half an hour,.  A goal lead seemed to undo them.  Blackburn completed the process with three goals in three minutes, and a well-earned victory.  Everton need to be spurred on in the future and to forget the past season’s notable campaign.  That is history; Everton must make fresh history this season, and it will not be done without the whole team takes a tug at itself and begins to work harder and play to make a name, rather than on a name. 

EVERTON “ON RESUMPTION”
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow Everton are at home to the fascinating Leicester City side, and is hoped that with the heavier ground, through the rainfall, and the reappearance of Forshaw and White, the Bury victory will be added to by a game of much charm and point.  Many have asked “Why White?” White was a centre forward from Southport; he became centre half back through force of circumstances, and eventually drifted to the wing where, according to one famous player, he has turned trumps.  Tomorrow you can see for yourself.  Certainly the Everton team is passing through a crisis and everyone is acting the part of doctor, and their mixture of medicine and advice is overbearing and “killing.”  It is amazing that a team could play so well for a season, and again for a period of this season, and then fell away to nothing,. Even in the middle of a game after they have started right.  A strong, log pull! Leicester and Everton between them will always draw a big crowd, and I have no doubt about the standard of play which will be served up tomorrow when these teams turn out;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing-March “The Defender” (Greenwood). Waltz  “Mistakes” (Lawrence Wright) Selection “Verdi” (Rimmer) Foxtrot, “Sasqutcherwan “ (Lawrence Wright).  Review “Patriotic” (Rimmer)’ Wally.  “The Sunshine of Your Smile” (Lawrence Wright); March “Nutgrove” (George Hart). 

OLD EVERTON METHODS TO BE DUMPED
December 8 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
LUSTROUS LECIESTER'S VISIT TO GOODISON PARK.
The Champions have lost tufts of valuable for in recent squabbles, and it appears that today's argument with it appears that today's argument with the fast and stylish Leciester City fellows at Goodison Park will provide little compensation, unless the decline in form is brought to a sharp and sudden stop. Everton are going to make a mighty effort today to put their heads above the half-way line on the First Division chart, and if they succeed in doing that it will be only after a tremendous struggle –and after they have thrown on the scrap heap stereotyped methods which have produced nothing but sadness for the fans this season. The City's goal average, compared to that of Everton, is a handsome one (43 to 29), the champions' figures being (26-26); they have never lost at home this season, dropping only four points there, but they have lost 10 points in away matches out of 16. Despite this sound general record, Everton with their teenth clenched, are capable of gaining a point at this minor crisis of their career. Everton introduce White, signed as a centre-forward from Southport, at right half-back in place of Kelly, and Forshawe again comes in at inside-right. The kick off is 2-15; and the teams will as follows: - Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Leciester City: - Campbell; Black, Brown; Finday, Carr, Ritchie; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lockhead, and Bell.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 December 1928
LEICESTER CITY’S EFFORT AT WALTON
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup.  Leicester City; McLaren; Black, Brown; Findlay, Carr, Ritchie; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lockhead, Barry.  Referee E. Pinckston of Birmingham.  The early kick-off had its effect upon the gate, for when the game was started there was only a meagre crowd present.  There was an eleventh-hour change in the Everton team, Ritchie being on the injured list and Critchley resuming his old position at outside right.  I am told that Edwards of the Leeds City and England’s captain, is down with scarlet fever.  A better piece of news is that Rooney is getting on nicely after his hospital treatment.  Prior to the kick-off there was a very impressive scene when the band struck up “God Save the Ling.”  Every head was bared, and one could have heard a pin drop.  Leicester started through their right wing, and Barry, having slipped past Virr, made a centre that promised to prove dangerous to the Everton defence, but the gift-offering was not taken up, and O’Donnell was able to clear the Everton line.  From the point Everton set up an attack, and Troup, as on Wednesday last, was wonderfully accurate with his centre.  He made one or two that put Dean in a champion position, but the centre forward did not get them under control quite so quickly as he used to do.  Once in particular he mis-judged a ball that had bene back-headed by Black, otherwise he was sure to have had a shot, whereas Black was only to make a recovery and save his goalkeeper any work. 
FIRST BY TROUP
Everton’s attack showed up quite well; in fact, there was some wonderful football in it, Forshaw’s feeding being one of the features.  He made a wise pass to Troup which will always deceive a defender, and this move was, in the main, responsible for the opening goal of the day.  Four players, however, had a hand in it.  Dean, in trying a header, put the ball back to Forshaw, who, finding his way barred, lobbed the ball over to Troup, who was standing close in, and the wee fellow without the slightest hesitation slammed the ball into the net.  This pleased the crowd immensely, as did a tackle by White, for if this half-back had not been successful Barry would have had a clear course to goal.  Leicester were not idle during these moments’ in fact, some of their football was of excellent standard, the ball going from man to man in clock-like fashion, but when they got to the penalty area there was a lack of good shooting, and Davies was not called upon.
SECOND BY DEAN
At the end of sixteen minutes Everton went further ahead.  Dean was the scorer in this case, and it was a self-made goal, too, for although O’Donnell’s pass was one of great wisdom, Dean had still to overcome the attentions of a defender before he could work out of his shooting position. He accomplished this feat by simply nodding the ball to his toes and driving a ferocious shot well wide of McLaren.  The goal was particularly pleasing because it took Dean off the 13 mark.  Cresswell, by two wonderful pieces of anticipation, prevented Chandler from boring his way through, while O’Donnell was equally successful in holding Hine at bay.  Critchly shot over, Martin made McLaren save smartly, and Dean nearly got the better of the goalkeeper when he shot past a back and had a race for the ball with McLaren.  The very presence of Dean has a panicky effect upon some goalkeepers.  When McLaren saw Dean’s figure loom up just as he was about to catch a Critchley centre, he became so hot and bothered that he dropped the ball and Black kicked away.  If Dean could only have defined what did happen, McLaren would have been made to pay for his error. 
SPARKLING PASSING
If the game was taken purely in the football sense, Leicester would have to be given the honours, for some of their combination was bewildering.  At times the ball would be passed six or seven times without an Everton man touching it.  But, while this was all very pretty to the eye, it did not give the City much advantage, for when they got close into goal they were lacking in shot, although Cresswell and O’Donnell had some anxious moments running here, there, and everywhere in pursuit of the ball.  If any of the Leicester players should have scored, it should have been Findlay, the former Liverpool player, who was presented with an easy chance, but instead of keeping his shot low, he scooped it over the crossbar.  The Leicester defence made one or two errors, they were not the least bit concerned when the crowd shouted “Windy” when they resorted to driving the ball into the crowd.  It is a long time since I saw Everton try their wing to the extent to which they did to-day, while there was much more fire about their forward play than had been the case in the Lancashire Cup semi-final, Dean once looked annoyed when his colleagues did not go on with the good work when he knew that by moving he would be offside.  He stuck still and waved his hands to Martin and Forshaw to go onwards and upwards, but the time they had lost in making up their minds could not be regained.  Just on the finish of the first half McLaren made another glaring error, and was not made to suffer.  He absolutely failed to grasp a lob centre from Troup, and all that was required was the presence of an Everton forward or player of any description to be somewhere handy and the half-time score would have read 3-0. 
Half-time; Everton 2, Leicester City 0.
LECIESTER BEATEN BY 3 TO 1
DEAN, TROUP, MARTIN
CENTRE-FORWARD PASSES HIS THIRTEENTH MARK
In the first minute after resumption Dean slipped the ball through so nicely for Forshaw that another goal to Everton became possible, until Forshaw pushed the ball a trifle too far forward, and was unable to regain possession.  Everton were keen attackers, but for all that Chandler had hard lines to fine a good effort cannon away from goal.  The City still persisted with their pretty play, and for once in a way it nearly ended in success, for Chandler was able to slip between Cresswell and O’Donnell and rattle the crossbar with a fine drive. 
TESTED BY TROUP
Lockhead too, took a blow at the Everton defence, but Davies was able to deal with his troublesome shot.  That little rally on the part of the City took the Everton side to further effort, and Troup had two shots, both of which caused McLaren a deal of concern before he successfully negotiated them.  Leicester’s shooting efforts had been almost negligible, whereas for the next ten minutes McLaren had quite a furore of shots, one from Troup which carried enough pace to have knocked his hands up if he had not had his knuckles there.  Then Martin tried to beat him, but McLaren, although obviously nervous when Dean was about, was quite safe when handling the ball.  White shot over, and then we saw Davies in action after his lengthy spell of inactivity. 
GOAL BY CHANDLER
It was a semi-centre shot by Barry who could not make a pass simply because none of his colleagues were up near the goal, so he tried his fortune from a difficult angle, but Davies saved.  It was strange to see Troup in his own penalty area heading away when danger showed itself.  Dean had a header smartly caught by McLaren and then a round of passing by the Leicester forwards a goal at the 75th minute, Chandler beating Davies with a strong shot. 
DECIEVED BY MARTIN
Three minutes later Martin scored a curious goal.  There was a big element of luck about it, for when he shot the ball curled off a defender, and thereby deceived the goalkeeper, who was unable to prevent the ball dropping in the net.  Final; Everton 3, Leicester City 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 December 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton are seven points below last season’s figures to date
• Only twice have Everton been debited with more than two goals in a match this season
• Everton proved a semi-detached lot against the Villa.  Per contra, Smart and Company were regular bricks wherein clever half-back work went to cement the side
• Everton’s Hart is now the only man who has figured at centre-half in every First Division match for his club this season
• Forshaw’s last appearance at inside right at Goodison dates back to last Boxing Day
• Griffiths loss at Aston proved irreparable
• Everton have only earned one point out of ten against Yorkshire rivals this season
• George Harrison is Preston’s leading scorer.  He and Kerr have proved good investments. 
• Indeed this has generally been characteristic of the men transferred from the Goodison Club to Deepdale.

EVERTON 3 LECIESTER CITY 1
December 10 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
ENIGMATIC EVERTON WHIP MOST STYLISH TEAM.
LECIESTER CITY BEATEN BY NEW ATTACKING METHODS AT GOODISON PARK.
TROUP THE MAN OF A GREAT MATCH
DEAN'S CHAMPAGNE GOAL.
BLUES AT THEIR BEST.
DIRECT, INCISIVE TACTICSN SHOW A PROFIT.
Everton proved on Saturday, at Goodison Park, that they are something of an enigma. After a period of in-and-out form they defeated the most stylish team in the First Division, Leicester City, by three goals to one, and gave one of their best displays of the campaign in the matter of fast direct football. One would not go so far as to say that the visitors were inferior to the Blues with references to scientific football, but the trouble with them was that they carried these methods too far. It was elaboration to excess. Everton themselves often have been guilty of the mistaken policy of trying to walk the ball into the net, but on Saturday they kept it moving in a refreshing manner and made direct incisive tactics show a profit. They had all the better of the proceedings, and they were periods when Leciester could not get out of their own half, no matter how hard they tried. Davies being a spectator. The Champions swarmed around the Leciester goal like a lot of bees, and several times only desperate defence kept them out.
TROUP'S EARLY GOAL.
Troup scored a goal after seven minutes, improving an effort by Forshaw, and his success appeared to give him confidence, for he proceeded to treat the crowd to his finest display of the season, and finished up with the distinction of being the best player on the field. He was brilliant in all phases of the game. Dean came into his own again with a characteristic goal after 16 minarets, crashing the ball home while on the run. This type of goal from Dean is as good as a bottle of champagne. Leciester must have realised during the interval, that they were keeping the ball too close –every one of them seemed disinclined to part company with it –so in the second half they made more direct efforts to net. Then, however, they went right to the other extreme, and shot when the distance between them and the goal made a score highly improbable. Chandler had some luck with one beautiful drive delivered from just inside the penalty area, but in three minutes Martin had taken full advantage of a centre from Troup to restore the two-goals' margin. This was a game productive of some of the best possible football, and though a lot of it ended in smoke it was a treat to watch the delicacy with which the Leciester forward line worked. Hines and Lockhead controlled the ball on the treacherous turf with surprising skill, and Chandler was excellent, but when it came to doping the most simple thing –shooting –they failed ingloriously, not because they could not aim accurately but just because they would not try. The whole Everton side played well and, taking department for department, they were superior to the City. Davies had little work to do; still, he made no mistakes. The Everton intermediates were excellent, White who deputised for Griffiths, coming out of his tussles with the Lochhead-Barry wing with honour, and it was gratifying to see him taking his cues from Warny Cresswell and keeping good position. Hart and Virr never gave up working and always made the best use of the ball.
O'DONNELL'S DAY.
O'Donnell had no superior on the field for clean cut defensive play, and Cresswell invariably placed brians before brute force. They formed an ideal combination. One could but admire the way in which the forwards kept scheming for openings and also widened out of the game. Troup and Dean were the sharpest "arrows" with Martin filling the role of forager: Forshaw, the mastermind behind the scenes; and Critchley, the speed-merchant. It was a pity that Critchley failed so badly in regard to his finishing. He simply could not keep the ball in play, and so the excellence of his touch-line work was nullified. This new attack is proving a success, for the men are making the ball do the work, and getting on with the business on hand, as quickly as possible. If this form is maintained the Blues will soon be overtaking some of the teams above them. It was rather remarkable that there was not one off-side decision during the whole 90 minutes. Teams:- Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, White, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Leciester City: - McLaren, goal, Black and Brown, backs, Findlay, Carr and Ritchie, half-backs, Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, and Barry, forwards.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 10 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 18)
After being behind, Sheffield United gained a narrow victory over Everton Reserves, at Bramell-lane. Everton took an early lead, French scoring in five minutes, but Spice equalised three minutes later after a goalmouth Scamble, and Kennedy put United ahead while Everton defenders stood appealing for offside. Easton equalised, however, and Kennedy put United ahead.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RES 3 EVERTON RES 2
Sheffield Independent - Monday 10 December 1928
At Bramell lane, Sheffield United Reserves were fully entitled to their victory by the odd goal of five over Everton Reserves.  In fact, but for some faulty shooting by the forwards and clever goalkeeping by Maher during the early stages of the second half, this success would have been more pronounced.  Considering the slippery turf, which made football difficult the game was full of interesting football.  During the first half United managed to obtain the lead after French had opened the scoring for the visitors.  The equaliser by Spicer was a rather fluky one, but Kennedy's goal was a good one.  As stated United superiority early in the second half was in evidence, but Everton managed to again drew level with a goal from Easton.  However, another goal by Kennedy from one of the many fine centres by Gibson, who played a smart game throughout, settled matters in United's favour. 

EVERTON EXCEL IN TACTICS.
Athletic News - Monday 10 December 1928
Revised Forward Line Succeeds
Everton 3, Leicester City 1
By Junius
The strains of the National Anthem, with the teams at attention and 38,000 spectators bareheaded, presented an impressive setting as a prelude to the game at Goodison Park.  There were two good teams on view, and while Everton deprived full value for their work, Leicester certainly did not.  But the visitors had themselves to blame.  The forwards, while masters in foot craft, persisted in their efforts to make openings too certain, and failed to realize that Cresswell and O’Donnell were too sound a pair of defenders to allow liberties.  Everton replaced the Scottish right wing pair – Ritchie and Dunn –by the old formation Critchley and Forshaw, while Martin again formed the connecting link on the left.  The changes were a decided success, for at all periods of the game the players were both in touch and cognizant of the requirements of each other.  The M and W formations had no appeal to them, and there was an even distribution of the work, followed by smart finishing, that was bound to make for success.  The forwards acquitted themselves in able fashion and approached the form that marked many of their best games of last season.
Stylists Without Punch
The Leicester forwards were speedy, and while displaying good ball control their combined play was always accurate.  They were stylists, but lacked the necessary punch.  They treated matters leisurely and the second half had been going ten minutes before Davies had a real test of any merit.  Little was seen of Adcock as Virr and O’Donnell had a sound understanding that subdued Leicester’s right wing play, but on the other flank Barry was a powerful raider, though he, too, came under the close attention of Cresswell, who was in one of his best moods.  Chandler was inclined to do too much, and a departure in the earlier stages from the close inside forward play, at which all three were capable exponents, would have enhanced prospects of success.  Dean in this game was not slavishly attended to by his colleagues –a change that was all to the advantage of the side.  The scoring of the goals was a pointer to the altered conditions.  Troup had a good day, but Critchley’s work was patchy, as advantage was lost by dallying when first-time centres would have been of more avail.  At half-back Everton I thought, held their most substantial advantage.  The three were left to play their own game without the aid of onside forwards, and right well was it accomplished.  White preferred to Kelly, did well against Barry and Lochhead, and while Hart kept Chandler well in check, Virr did much towards preventing Hine and Adcock from taking toll at close quarters. 
Carr Conspicuous
Carr got through much good work at centre half-back and met with a good measure of success in his challenges to Dean, but the line as a whole did not support their forwards as effectively as the Everton trio.  The scoring was opened by Troup after six minutes, the little man hooking a ball that seemed to be going out of play after dean had headed across.  The second came from Dean, who got control by heading the ball down before making his drive at the end of 16 minutes.  Chandler reduced the lead in the second half after play had been in progress 32 minutes, but two minutes later Martin, from Troup’s pass, lobbed a ball over the advancing Mclaren into goal.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin and Troup.  Leicester City; McLaren; Black, Brown; Findlay, Carr, Ritchie; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, and Barry.  Referee; E. Pinckston, Birmingham. 

EVERTON GET BACK TO THE SMILE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 December 1928
A FOOTBALL FEAST
By Stork
After witnessing the Lancashire Cup game between Everton and Blackburn Rovers I went to Goodison Park full of misgiving, for, truth to tell, I had lost faith in the Everton team.  Their football has always been enchanting, but one desires more than spectacular football.  Goals are the very salt of the game and all the pretty play goes for naught if there is not a goal or two at the end of it.  I am speaking for the masses, who dearly love the sight of a ball travelling into the net, and if that is not forthcoming they soon lose the memory of clever combination.  Everton have always been noted for their scientific football, and I trust that they will continue to live up to tradition, for kick and rush football, although it sometimes proves more effective, cannot be compared as a spectacle. 
AN OBSESSION
Everton beat Leicester City because they could deliver a shot, not because they were superior in their craft, for, strange to say, Everton played second fiddle to the City in the matter of combination, and their experience should bring the realization that overelaborationwithout football’s chief feature- will not bring in many points.  Leicester were the cleverer on Saturday, and they suffered because their interpassing became an obsession with them.  They worked the ball in bewildering fashion until they reached the penalty area, then suddenly stopped, either because they thought the ball could be walked into the net (that sort of thing is very sure these days), or played into the hands of their opponents by their desire for just a little more finesse; and the result was that Davies had an easy task when he should have been hammered with shots.  I will give you an example of what I mean.  Seven Leicester players once passed the ball without an Everton man getting in touch with it, but there was no real danger, for one had become so used to their failing at the last fence that it called to mind the story of “The Wolf.” 
VALUE OF A SHOT
Everton have suffered in the same way in their time, but on this occasion they trusted in a shot as well as clever football to gain the day.  They got three goals, but that was not all, for McLaren kept out three times that many when he might easily have been beaten; for Troup was in his brightest shooting form, and he alone had six good efforts turned aside, apart from the one that opened the day’s scoring.  He was the best forward on the field, although Dean was more like his old self that has been the case for some weeks.  He scored a grand goal, beating two full-backs to do so, but it was the way he led his line that pleased most.  He slipped delicious passes through to colleagues unmarked, and then got into position to await developments.  The Everton attack has been under the lash for some weeks, but there was more “blaze” about in this game; and Forshaw and Martin had not a little to do with it, for they opened out the game with sweeping cross passes which are always unsettling to a defence.  Troup, however, was the big noise of the attack.  I could find no fault with the half backs, for White, if not quite up to the standard of Hart in point of skill, was a grim tackler who more than once put a stopper on the Barry-Lochhead wing, while Hart and Virr tackled Chandler and Hine so that they became impotent.  Hine, whom Kenny Campbell says has got a kick as strong as a horse, never got in one solitary shot, and it was left to Chandler to score a consolation goal and also hit the crossbar.  Adcock, usually a fiery winger, rarely got the better of O’Donnell, the best back on the field,
“O.D” is playing great stuff at the moment, even though he inclined to take risks now and again.  Cresswell was also safe and sound; in fact, the Everton defence was more confident than that set up by Black and Brown, who wavered when severely pressed, and resorted to kicking out under the slightest provocation. 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 December 1928
Everton (v. Manchester United)- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin and Troup
Reserves (v. Preston North End Res, Goodison Park, 2.15)- Maher; Common, Kennedy; Kelly, Dixon, Curr; Critchley, Jones, French, Weldon and Stein

EVERTON AT MANCHESTER
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Manchester United’s ground, where they have had mixed fortunes in their time.  At the last meeting there Blackburn were put to sleep in the Charity Shield.  That is no criterion as to to-morrow’s match.  Everton can be sure of one thing; Manchester United are slipping back into a place that calls them to the one long, strong pull.  In short, Manchester United have been changing their side till the players have lost confidence in themselves and perhaps lost touch with the boardroom.  Spencer, Mann, Hilditch, and others have been in and out in various weeks, and defeats from the Arsenal and (at home) to Blackburn Rovers suggest that Everton should win their match to-morrow, until you remember the fierceness with which teams near the foot of the ladder can rise up against players who adopt a certain line of action in play.  Everton have brought Ritchie to the right flank, and the line, therefore, carries some weight and skill.  The Everton side should be able to beat Manchester, judging by team sheets, records, and general knowledge of the pair, but Everton will have to be hearty to gain a victory away from home; they cannot win without dour effort and persistency, and in front of goal there must be capable shooting to beat the goalkeeper Manchester field, whether it be the big Stewart or the Shields-star Richardson, who has his own ideas about going out into the country to meet oncoming forwards.  Richardson’s tactics are uncommon, and if he plays it will be curious to see if Dean can revive a five-some he recorded last season against the Manchester man.  Richardson, you may remember, came off the field shaking Dean’s hand in token of his belief in the centre forward.  Happy days!  There is plenty of time for a revival of old-time glory, for it is not known to most people that Dean has been playing when a muscle of the thigh has been a big bother to him for a period of weeks.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
I am told that there never was such an array of excellent Christmas fare as will be on sale at the Stork Hotel on Tuesday when the Cuefollows play Everton F.C.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 December 1928
MANCHESTER U. ATTEMPT TO “LOWER AWAY.”
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup.
Manchester United;- Richardson; Moore, Dale; Hilditch, Spencer, Wilson (captain) ; Spence, Hanson, Nicol, Sweeney, Partridge.  Referee; Mr. Robinson, Blackburn.
Manchester was in the throes of fog and frost, and Everton determined to leave on hour earlier than was originally arranged rather than catch a fine such as occurred to Manchester City when they visited Goodison Park.  All along the line one wondered whether there would be a match at all owing to the fog. The ground was not so bad as one had expected, although it was naturally treacherous and awkward.  Everton had to send Kelly post haste with Director Banks after the other members of the team had left Central Station owing to Dean finding himself unable to play because of a damaged arm and muscle trouble.  He has been playing under difficulties for some months, but his absence for anything except international calls is so uncommon that it became an important feature. 
WHITE AS LEADER
White, of Southport, went to centre forward, at which place he started his football life, and Kelly became right half-back.  It was one of the poorest crowds I have seen at this ground, when Referee Robinson started the day’s play, Everton having won the toss.  However, when the people found that play was possible the crowd began to roll in numbers, and there was soon an attendance of 12,000.  Everton began with a useful attack in which White and Forshaw were prominent; but a more important factor came from Manchester’s left.  Cresswell forcing Hanson offside.  The inside forward kicked against the upright after the whistle had gone.  There was a reunion on the touchline between Director Harold Hardman, of Manchester United and Harry Cooke, the Everton trainer, which pair used to play together round about 1906 in the Everton colours.  Referee Robinson showed plainly that he would not allow my undue charging owing to the icy conditions and from one of these stoppages created by the keen referee Cresswell placed a free kick outside, and later Martin tried a shot believing that insistent and quick methods were everything to-day.  He did not get hold of the ball properly, and the consequence was that he sent outside O’Donnell was a busy man in punts and tackles and from the early play it could be seen that the mere touch of fortune to-day would lead to victory.  The players slid about a good deal, and were very tender in their attempts. 
LEADING TO A GOAL
I ought to mention that the crowd stood reverently at the beginning of the game while the National Anthem was played, this being a copy of what was instituted at Everton last week.  Sweeney pulled a shot just over the bar, and after Wilson had tried a long one from half back, Forshaw tried an equally long one which kept low but did not pass through.  There was danger when O’Donnell passed back indifferently to Cresswell, having telegraphed his pace to a Manchester forward, who fortunately was given off-side. Not that excused the Darlington man.  The only real shot of the match came now and Sweeny was again the shooter, Davies making quite a good catch, after which came a semblance of White’s heading to turn the ball near Richardson, but not beyond him.  Spence, of Newcastle United, was playing one of the best games I have seen from him, and Dale prevented Ritchie doing any harm when the latter got unbalanced on an icy patch.  Simple mistakes might be productive of a goal; and the man who pressed when he punted was liable to find his feet go under him.  Cresswell passed back short of his goalkeeper, and Manchester should have scored, and would have done so but for Davies running out and taking a sort of free kick, which came off.  This incident arose through Martin roaming to inside right and getting in the way of Forshaw, and it was followed by Spence hooking a hail to the skies when he ran to within three yards of goal to take a stray ball from the left. 
UNITED IN ATATCK
When Hanson was hurt in an endeavor to head the ball at the same time as O’Donnell, one feared something serious.  Fortunately, the unlucky Hanson was soon up again.  Spence found himself played in front of Davies with no one to interfere with the goal, but he foolishly took a wild shot where a gentle tap must have meant a goal.  The ball went far out of reckoning.  Still Manchester pressed, and chiefly through work on the left and three superb pieces of heading by Virr, O’Donnell, and Cresswell, kept the United side out.  The United have been described as a really bad side, but although this is no day to judge them, they were certainly going ahead merrily and very doggedly.  Ritchie made a mice centre, Forshaw heading over and then producing work for Richardson for the first time.  Manchester had much attack, yet Davies was rarely called into action, although a punch away at this moment was a useful effort.  Kelly improved, and in a dogged run he forced the ball up to White who had gone to outside right.  White, however, could do little with the centre, and Ritchie was equally poor when he pulled a centre too far back after the forwards had placed themselves for a centre. 
TROUP’S SLICE OF LUCK
No one acted quite so well on the bad turf as Forshaw and Hart, and just over the half hour a goal came to Troup.  There was work on the right, and a good centre from Ritchie, which was partially smothered.  It went out to Forshaw, who from the centre-forward position began to wheel round so that he could make a shot.  The turf did not allow him to make a first time try, and the delay turned out a trump card, because the ball drifted to Troup, who took steady aim, but seemed to me to slice his shot.  However the trickiness of the day and the conditions were made evident when the ball, rather slowly, considering it was Troup’s shot, turned to the right hand corner of the post and entered the net.  It seemed probable he would make number two when a similar type of movement on the right brought him another shooting chance, but this time he got his full power to the ball, which, however, caught Moore.  Troup made a claim against the full back for handling, but the referee would hear nothing of this, nor would he allow a claim for a penalty by Manchester when they were in the box and Nicol was seen on the ground.  Though this was not a let-off because it was not a penalty, but Everton were certainly fortunate when Spence failed to get the right angle with the header and also when Manchester were attacking hot and strong, if not cleverly, and as usual, finishing like weaklings.  Moore was the better back on the Manchester side.  The United in the main were earnest players, and clever and far from convincing.  They have the relegation bogey very strong and it affects their play considerably.  The players on the instructions of the referee turned right round at half-time without any interval; but when Wilson, the Manchester United captain, found Forshaw had gone off he pointed out his claim and finally the referee said, “Well, if you insist on going off, off you go and be quick about it.”  The light was bad, and the Manchester captain was taking a chance by accepting and interval when the fog was still pretty heavy.  Half-time; Manchester United 0, Everton 1. 
A “RARE” MISS BY DEAN
DRAW AT MANCHESTER
PENALTY KICK BY HANSON FAILS
The second half opened with a lot of rustling, rash attacks by Manchester United.  Fortunately the Everton backs and half-backs judged the United at the right standard, so that the United often beat themselves, and when Everton broke away they generally used the offside trick to save their face.  Undoubtedly Everton were the better movers in every department, but there came a time when Wilson from half-back made a nice long shot that Davies pushed away a for a corner.  From this corner Cresswell emerged with honours, yet it was plain Everton had their fortunate moments, notably when Hanson was nearly through from four yards’ range, and also when Spence ran in and drove a terrific ball which made the goalkeeper shake.  Everton’s fortune lay in the fact that the ball hit a defender. 
HART’S SMART CONTROL
O’Donnell was great with his head when Kelly gave a free kick unwisely, and the same back made a tip-top juggle and completed his clearance, this being one of the spectacular moves of the day.  Similarly Hart in the penalty area brought the ball down as though he was juggling with a tennis ball.  The Everton left wing had not been busy until now when Ritchie centred across and Martin shot in very practical manner, the ball rolling over the bar with the goalkeeper nonplussed.  Martin was crowded out with a further shot, and United went back to the attack.  In fact, territorially, they had three fifths of the advantage, but they were unable to push home that advantage.  Forshaw giving a hand to Kelly at half-back.  United’s supporters felt that their chance had come when the referee unhesitatingly gave a penalty kick against Cresswell for an incident just outside the goalmouth, when the Everton captain ran forward, leapt and in doing so pushed Nicol in the back. 
HANSON FAILS AT PENALTY
There was no doubt about the push, the question was whether Cresswell could have stop himself in his run and leap.  However, the incident was forgotten by Everton when Hanson shot over the bar.  A great save was made at the right hand corner of the posts by Davies when Sweeney, Manchester’s best shooter, produced a low shot.  It was quite the best shot of the game, and quite the best save of  game that produced a lot of bad shooting from Manchester.  Spence made another hash of an easy chance.  He went among the forwards, to try and push the business on, but the whole of the Manchester forwards were ragged and disorganized. 
HANSON LEVELS SCORE
Ten minutes from the end, after White had surprised a full back, and Ritchie’s pass had failed him, Manchester United went on to score through Hanson.  The ball was crossed from the right when there was little or no defence on the Everton right flank and Cresswell attempted to head an over-high ball Manchester smothering the ball through as two of their men crowded in pell-mell.  Davies had no chance, and, considering the enormous advantage in attack that Manchester had experienced and the fact that Richardson had no work to do all day, the equalizer was not out of place, nor yet a surprise.  The wonder was that it had not arisen earlier.  However, a draw away from home against a desperate side is no mean performance and the honours of the day, undoubtedly went to the Everton fill-backs and Hart.  The game finished in darkness, Manchester still pressing, and a corner was the closing incident, the United bringing all their players into the goalmouth without getting the ball through, for what would have been an amazing finish.  Final; Manchester United 1, Everton 1. 

EVERTON RES V PRESTON  RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 December 1928
The hard frost-bound surface at Goodison Park made football difficult and dangerous.  Everton launched a determined raid on the North End defence in the first minute, which caught them unsettled and when Stein centred, French rounded off the movement was an early goal.  After this Preston gained confidence in their movements, but Common and Kennedy were very reliable.  Nevertheless, the Everton goal was lucky to escape when Maher lost his hold of a free kick from Parry, but, unfortunately, Kennedy had raced back and was able to prevent what would have been a certain goal.  Everton had a nice shot saved by Foster.  Considering the conditions both teams were playing well, the lack of incidents being made up by wholehearted endeavor despite the risk to limbs.  Half-time; Everton 1, Preston North End 0.  A minute after resuming Smith headed the equalizer for North End.  Bargh scored a second for Preston and Weldon hit the crossbar with a terrific drive.  Final; Everton Res 1, Preston N.E Res 3. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 December 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

• Last week’s surprise –to find four famous Scotsmen dropped from the Everton side.
• Here was something like 12,000 pounds in the shape of combined transfer fees sort of going a begging
• Martin played a brainy, inspired sort of game for Everton on Saturday
• We ask for nothing better than the ex-Hull man’s display of a week ago
• Forshaw, too, at inside right, made for increased effectiveness
• As for Critchley, personal opinion is that he would be a still greater success if left more to play his normal game instead of being shouted out of it by some of those in the crowd, who probably never kicked a ball in their lives
• When Everton were at Old Trafford last March they were beaten by the only goal of the match, scored by Rawlings, who the previous day had been transferred by Southampton.
• Yet when United were at Goodison earlier in the season they were beaten 5-2 all five goals being scored by Dean
• After today Everton have a fine run of four home League matches in succession
• Newcastle United, who come to Goodison a week hence, will be found a much changed side.
• Men like Wilson, Hudspeth, Spencer, Urwin, McDonald, Seymour, and Curry are nowadays passed over or have passed into new service.
• Indeed, it is a Newcastle that has arisen, and Mersey folks will be interested to take a first peep at such as Boyd, Lang, and McCurley.
• Last season Newcastle were beaten 3-0 here, the match being rendered most notable in that Tony Weldon found the net for the first time after a five months interval.
• Have you noticed how often Troup’s goal has been the “opening” one for his side?
• Of his last eight goals for Everton six of them have been of this type
• It was Troup’s 103rd consecutive cup and League match on Saturday, and rarely has he given a cleverer show
• Given more inches Troup would have made a rare goalkeeper, so wonderful is his anticipation and quick-thinking bump

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 EVERTON 1
December 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON WITH "DIXIE" DRAW AT OLD TRAFFORD.
DEAN'S INJURED ARM.
WHITE DEPUTISES AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED.
HANSON PENALTY MISS
It was THE Everton defenders who earned the point at Old Trafford on Saturday, when the Blues ran Manchester United to a draw on a frosh bound ground. The game was something of a paradox for while the Manchester men pressed for fully 80 per cent of the game they did not deserve to win, and everyone will agree that a division was just to all parties. Things ran badly for the Champions right at the start of the day, for on Saturday morning it was found that Billy Dean had injured an arm, and so it was necessary to move White to centre-forward and bring in Kelly at right-half. In addition, the United turned out in rubber soften boots, whereas the Blues adhered to the ordinary leather. Consequently, one saw the United operating with confidence on the treacherous ground, but the Evertonians were slipping and tipping all over the place. This was a handicap, but in the opening half the Blues gave more than they took and crossed over with a goal lead-scored in brilliant style by Alec Troup with a swift grounder after Forshaw had indulged in a sinuous run across the goalmouth to give him the opportunity. That was the one great chance the Champions had in this period, although they often went near.
UNITED'S WEAKNESS.
United's forwards on the other hand, made ground quickly, but when it only needed an accurate shot to clinch the deal they failed ingloriously. Joe Spence had three open goals himself, but missed, and Nicol and Hanson both miskicked when about to deliver shots. At other times the defence of Cresswell, O'Donnell, and Hart, backed up by two dour wing halves, easily held the forceful Manchester attack. The second half was practically a duel between the United attack and the visitors defence, and it must be recorded that the defenders won hands down, although they did capitulate once. This was 24 minutes from the end, when Hanson headed home a finely placed centre by Partridge. There were times when the entire Everton team, with the exception of White and Ritchie, were back-kicking here and there to save their citadel. Even Troup had left his usual position to try and lend the rearguard a hand. It was thrilling stuff, to be sure, but while United contributed to their nonsuccess to the extend that their shooting was deplorable, it was first and foremost the whole-hearted endeavour of Cresswell and company which kept them at bay. The United even went so far as to throw away a penalty. Cresswell was adjudged to have pushed Hanson in the back, but it appeared as if Hanson had bent forward himself. Anyway, a penalty it was, but Hanson put the ball a couple of feet over the bar. There was not a great deal of good football, but the bad ground was mainly the cause of this.
HEROES OF THE DAY.
Cresswell and O'Donnell were the heroes of the day, but this does not detract from the credit of the performances of Hart, Davies, Kelly, and Virr. Davies made may brilliant saves, and Hart was cue of the hardest workers. Kelly had a grand second half and twice saved certain goals, while Virr was as relentless as usual. Ritchie was the pick of the forwards from an attacking point a view, and the two inside men was excellent fourth and fifth halves. Teams:- Manchester United:- Richardson, goal, Moore and Dale, backs, Hilditch, Spencer, and Wilson, half-backs, Spence, Hanson, Nicol, Sweeney, and Partridge, forwards. Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3
December 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 19)
The frost-bound ground at Goodison Park made the ball control difficult, and the same suffered in consequence. Everton had a goal scored by French in the first minute as a stimulant, and were the better side during the first half. The second half went in favour of Preston North End, and Smith, Burgh, and Nelson scored good goals. The Blues never gave up, and Easton often put forward some good passes. The Preston North End defence, in which Hamilton (ex-Evertonian) appeared, was very sound, however, and kept their lines intact. Everton: - Mather, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Kelly, Dixon, Curr, half-backs, Critchley, Jones, French, Weldon and Stein, forwards.

MASTER MISSED.
Athletic News - Monday 17 December 1928
Manchester United 1 Everton 1
By RUFUS.
WHEN a team is in the tolls fortune frequently deserts them. Manchester United, with but two points earned in the last seven engagements, have some reason to lament their ill luck, especially in their latest fixture with the champions, who were thoroughly overplayed by the Old Trafford men. Everton were clearly fortunate to return to Merseyside with a point. Still, when team loses the power to prevail at home there is clearly a more potent reason than mere misfortune for the side’s shortcomings. In the case of Manchester United this is not difficult to discover. With three exceptions the forward line has proved the least effective as a scoring force of any attack in the premier division, and on Saturday’s showing only one member of the line has any pretensions to senior standard. Defensive power remains the side’s sheet anchor, but the most accomplished rearguard cannot save a club from descent if no support is forthcoming from the attack. The United’s forward forces clearly require reorganizing. And what of Everton? On this exhibition the champions have shed much of the lustre of last season’s triumphant campaign. They were then side of classical poise and finish. Now there is little to distinguish them from the Leagues many mediocrities. On Saturday, however, there was some excuse for the comparatively feeble nature of their forward work. The great master, Dean, was absent from his post as leader of the attack owing to an arm injury, and his successor, White, drafted in from right half back, had apparently little conception of a centre-forward s duties. His lack of success, however, was hardly surprising in view of the scant support he received from his inside colleagues. Another factor in Everton's decline is the deterioration of their middle men as an effective support in attack.  Here again, however, the champions bemoaned the absence of a stalwart in Griffiths, for whom Kelly, on his return to the side, did not make an efficient substitute where attacking play was concerned. It is clearly the duty of the United half-backs to improve their purveying faculties if the side is to steer clear relegation pitfalls. Of the play of the home forwards the less said the better. When a team is on the offensive practically without cessation and can only pierce the opposing defence once there is clearly room for improvement. All three inside men were at fault in front of goal, for though Sweeney accomplished the best shot in the game, his display had defects, while Nicol has still much to learn about a centre-forwards art. Only HANSON, who scored the equaliser, revealed the qualities of first-class forward, and even he failed from penalty mark, while Spence appears have lost his form completely. No less innocuous, however, was the exhibition of the Goodlson attack. Without Dean it was a line mere struggling units. Troup did not trust the frozen turf, and accomplished little beyond scoring excellent goal. Manchester United.—Richardson ; Moore, Dale; Hilditch. Spencer, Wilson : Spence. Hanson, Nicol. Sweeney, and Partridge. Everton.—Davies ; Cresswell, O Donnell; Kelly. Hart. Virr: Ritchie. Forshaw, White, Martin, and Tronp. Referee ; P. Robinson, Blackburn.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 December 1928
Everton Were on top at Manchester (only so far as goal-getting was concerned) until near the finish, when Manchester got their deserts.  It was not a good game, and it showed Manchester up in a very bad light- the city and the player of the United –and if the game were played again to-morrow on softish going I would stake my reputation –if any is left- on Everton winning handsomely. The Everton side were slip shod.  They turned down the supply of rubber-soled boots; Manchester United accepted the chance of using these things on the iced turf, and the result was that Manchester stood their ground much better than Everton.  This is not said in the spirit of excusing or robbing the result of its merit, it was a result that was kind to Everton when one remembered that there were twenty raids by Manchester to Everton’s single case; but against that do not forget that Manchester raids were easily repelled by Cresswell and O’Donnell.  In fact Manchester battered themselves against a wall and there was little difficulty keeping them out, so badly did they finish; so blustering was their mad-rush and so impotent their penalty-area work.  They could not convert a penalty-kick, and only got a goal through the rush in of two men. 
TAKING A CHANCE
It was plain early on that Everton being slip-shod with studs as compared with Manchester who were slip-shot with four gilt-edged chances- Everton, I say, weren’t going to take under risks.  Manchester who had lost for five weeks, had not to do something big, and their dash contrasted icily with Everton’s demure and close working way.  Manchester took the risk Everton would not, and Troup, who has been a wonder-worker for six seasons with Everton, did little else than shoot the goal, and the shot had so much curl upon it that I feel sure he had sliced his shot rather than planted the ball in the brilliant way some suggest it was planted.  The curl and the drag on the ball was consequent upon the ball not being hit as Troup generally hits it.  I am not drawing any kudos from the goal-getter; he is too experienced a man to take any credit where none is due; he is content to have had his shot and registered his point.  Richardson, as a matter of fact, had nothing to do, and Davies, as usual, was especially good in high catches and punches, and a save low down to the foot of the post was quite the best thing he did during the game.  It was not football; it was chance-ball, and by a chance Everton had no need to worry over a penalty kick because Hanson pushed it high over the bar.  Manchester were all tarred with the same brush.  Hanson, Partridge, Nichol and Spence were all racers who forgot to take the ball with them.  Spence has gone back a lot but Spencer, I am happy to record, came to a fine level of centre half-back brightness, Hart being just in front of him in the honours’ list, mainly because Hart dominates a situation without flurry and with an artistic manner that would not suit Spencer’s cloak.  Best of all I like the way Moore and the young back, Dale, played against a forward line lacking Dean’s leadership.  Dean was present with Jimmy Dunn as a looker-on, and everyone must have agreed that there was no fault with White.  He was in a good position and carried the attack finely some times, but generally speaking it was no day for the Everton attack, only Ritchie producing big guns and Forshaw had to lie back to gave a hand to Kelly, who had been rushed to the ground hastily, and seemed to feel his position in the first half, when he held off at times as though lacking confidence at his return to the senior old.  In the second half Kelly improved considerably but generally speaking this game only served to show how poor Manchester can be in front of goal and how easily the visitors’ backs could hold them for long stretches.  In among a number of meetings with old friends it was interesting to see the brothers Sharp, Jack and Bert of that ilk.  The pair I remember well at Aston and afterwards at Everton.  To-day Jack Sharp is a director and Bert is with Anderson’s Garage, at Fallowfield, a name that conjures up memories of a meeting between Wolves and Everton, a hand and all hat-sort-of-thing.  The band was a bit previous that year, and later, when Everton won the Cup, no band was arranged for, and it was one of the biggest things in the history of the city without any musical accompaniment. 

DAN KIRKWOOD ILLNESS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 18 December 1928
Bee’s Notes
I am sorry to hear that one of the Everton staff, Mr. Danny Kirkwood, has been laid up with a rather severe illness.  The old man of the house, who makes Scottish broth and Scottish jokes “upstairs” (offices, that is), must really buck up his ideas and get scouting well again! 

A CALL TO GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 December 1928.  
Bee’s Notes
Dean has recovered from his injury, and he will turn out with Dunn on his left in place of Forshaw, while White, who figured at centre-forward last week, will resume at right half in place of Kelly, White has proved his worth in the half-back line, and he is improving as he gains experience in first-class football.  The team is; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Troup
Everton meet Burnley in a Central League game at Burnley on Saturday, and they will be represented b; Maher, Common, Kennedy; Kelly, Dixon, Curr; Critchley, Forshaw, French, Weldon, Stein. 
DANNY KIRKWOOD AND McGREGOR DEATH
I hear that Mr. Danny Kirkwood is improving in health but will not be out till the New Year and that the death announced of Mr. McGregor, aged 75, was one of the earliest Everton footballers. 

EVERTON TAKE THE AIR AT BRIGHTON
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 December 1928
By Bees
Everton F.C’s Cup-tie is a Chelsea, and it is expected a good number of Everton people will see the game.  Tickets from Sharp’s Whitechapel, or the office; price 5s.  stamped addressed envelope, if letter application.  Everton F.C are not going in for special Cup training but as they have to go to Portsmouth and Chelsea in successive weeks, they are sending the players to Bournemouth and, in the second period, Brighton, to given them a rest after the Christmas stress. 
Everton A (v. Southport High Park, at Strawsberry-lane, 2.30) from;- Calvert; Edwards, Platt, Bebbington, Slater, Jones, Wright, Roscoe, Webster, Vaughan, Templeman, and Clough. 

EVERTON CUP TONIC.
December 21 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
Sea breezes at Brighton, as well as Bournemouth, with refreshing walks over the Sussex Downs, and spells of Golf on the Links around the "Quuen of watering places," comprise the special training programme drawn up for the Everton players in preparation for their great Cup-tie with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 13, when the Champions travel South to meet Portsmouth, January 5 th for one of their stiff holiday League games, the journey will be broken at Bournemouth for a short stay, and after the Portsmouth match the Evertonians will go into Brighton. The Southern seaside outing will be relished, no doubt, for Everton are faced with a strenuous Christmas and New Year campaign. They will have to play five League matches in 15 day's, their opponents being Newcastle United, Dec 22; Sunderland Dec 25; Bolton Wanderers Dec 29; Derby County Jan 1; and Portsmouth Jan 5; The Portsmouth game, however, is the only away fixture.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 December 1928
Everton are blessed with home fixtures and a rest on Boxing Day, which means they have every advantage offered to them.  This is their biggest testing time in the matter of honours.  If they can get through these rather –arranged fixtures they cannot hope to create a race for the cup they won a year ago.  Tackling Newcastle to-morrow is the first step, and a mighty one it is, because Newcastle, since taking Jack Hill to their fold and Thompson from Sunderland, have become a new side.  I had a word with Mr. Watt yesterday regarding the big loss the club has sustained in the death of the mother-in-law of Tom Watson (Mr. J.P.Oliver was one of the nature’s gentlemen) and turning to the Newcastle team Mr. Watt said; “They are playing extremely well, and have a good fighting chance for the championship,”   Everton’s team-sheet has become one of the promise the game offers.  It is all a question of inside forwards, and after a solitary failures ay an ice palace changes in the front line have been made. Tomorrow the keen, storm Everton critics will be alive in the situation, and as a meeting between these two clubs always during a lone Cup final victory ghost to our mind’s eye and the promise of grand football, there should be an enormous gathering at Goodison Park tomorrow.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunne, Dean, Martin, Troup. 

EVERTON VICTORY ?
December 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton should beat Newcastle United, it is hardly likely that there will be a three clear goals margin for them, as in the corresponding game last season; but, at any rate, and with Dean feeling more like the Dean we used to know, the Champions are a better team by a goal at Goodison Park than their visitors, on present form, Dunn, as well as Dean, returns to the fold, while we still have friend White as a wing half of honest purpose, if not of Healless like implacability. The Novocastrians, satisfied that their victory over Derby County was a true reflex of class, make no changes. So the teams will be as follows with the time of kick off fixed, at 2-15: - Everton; Davies Cresswell, O'Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn Dean, Martin, Troup. Newcastle United: - Burns; Harris, Thomson; McKenzie, Hill, Gibson; Boyd, Chalmers, Gallacher, McCurley, Lang.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 December 1928
FAMOUS N. EASTERNERS AT GOODISON
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Troup.  Newcastle United; Burns; Harris, Thompson; McKenzie, Hill (Captain) , Gibson; Body, Chalmers, Gallacher, McCurley, Lang.  Referee; Mr. Harper, of Stourbridge.  The dismal day and the early kick-off most probably spoiled the prospect of a record crowd at Goodison to-day, for the visit of Newcastle is always considered as the football titbit on Merseyside.  As it was the crowd at the start was very small, 15,000 being, quite a liberal estimation.  This figure, of course, would be considerably increased as time went on, for the cars were well packed as I came along the main roads to the ground.  Newcastle kicked of on a ground that was rain-sodden, but as the conditions were said to be favourable to both sides, there was every prospect of a great game.  The light was poor, and this fact robbed some of the spectators of a close up view of the proceedings. 
GALLACHER’S GIFT
There was little of note in the first two minutes of play which was generally confined to the centre of the field, but, all in a flash, Hughie Gallacher started a sinuous dribble, and in his path to goal beat at least three Everton men by the nearest flick of the boot, and having drawn the Everton defence towards him, he slipped the ball through to the left of the Everton goal, where Chalmers, the inside right, had stationed himself in readiness for Gallacher’s presentation.  A presentation it was too, and Davies had no chance to prevent Newcastle from drawing first blood.  Everton, although naturally taken by surprise, were in no way dismayed, and when the ball was punted down the middle piece, Jack Hill used his great height to beat Dean, who naturally makes it a habit of scoring against his international pal, Hill.  Everton made yet another advance, and Dean sent out a nice pass to Troup, who, instead of having a shot, fancied a centre would be of better use to his side, and it certainly opened a possible scoring opportunity, for Dean cleverly glided the ball with his head on to Ritchie, who centre was admirably placed, but was allowed to travel out over the line before Troup could get in touch with it. 
DEAN MAKES EVEN
It was funny to see Hill scampering back towards his own goal in his great endeavor to get alongside Dean, and though the tactic failed he brooked no denial, for he was able to take a long pass that was intent for the Everton centre forward; and If it had reached the latter, trouble to the Newcastle goal would certainly have been the result.  Dunn had a shot saved by Burns, who was delighted to see another go over the bar.  Everton had been on the attack ever since Newcastle’s goal had been marked up, and much of their work had shown promise, and when fifteen minutes had elapsed Dean was put in a perfect position by a pass by Ritchie, the desired goal arriving.  I was surprised to see Hill claim for offside, for he had not the slightest justification, for Harris had run in between the goalkeeper and Dean when the latter took up the ball.  Dean moved up a few paces and delivered a “grand slam,” Burns actually got his hands to the ball, but such was the pace and power of it that he was unable to keep it out of the net, the ball squeezing in between goalkeeper and the right-hand upright.  This was what the crowd had wanted, and they did not forget to acknowledge Everton’s goal; and this little bit of enthusiasm certainly gave the Everton boys a lot of encouragement. 
THE VILGILENT BURNS
For the next five minutes, the United goal defenders had a worrying period, and Thompson and Harris were once completely beaten by Dean, who, however, was unable to get in his final blow at Burns.  Cresswell once sliced his drive, but it yielded Newcastle nothing, and then we saw Hart in the role of a shooter.  He has not scored many goals for Everton, but if it had not been for the vigilance of Burns he would have added another to his small crop today, for it was only a superb bit of work by Newcastle’s young keeper that kept his hot drive out.  It brought a corner, but that was all, McCurley once showed his football sense by the way he exploited his right wing.  There was one curious incident in front of the Everton goal, and it was fortunate for Everton that there was not a forward near enough to take advantage of the mix-up.  Gallaher had charged O’Donnell just as the latter and Davies were about to make a clearance.  O’Donnell went to earth and the ball flashed across the Everton goalmouth.  The ground was churning up badly, and there were often errors in judgement as a result.  I might mention that Harris once dug Dean in the back, and might have found himself debited with a penalty award against him.  A clever watch was being kept on Gallacher,  who had not done anything since he made his goal scoring dribble in the early minutes, but at the same time he had to be closely watched. 
SHARP SHOOTING BY MARTIN
At the end of thirty-eight minutes’ play, another great goal was scored, Martin being the marksman in this instance, although it was Dean who made him the bullet.  It was a header, back to the inside man, by Dean that we so often see utilized as it should be, but in this case Martin, without the slightest hesitation, let loose a terrific shot and the ball was in the net in the twinkling of an eye.  This put the Everton folk on good terms with themselves, but it brought a curious incident in its train.  Gallacher, in kicking off, failed to put the ball forward, and the referee ordered it to be retaken.  Gallacher was so annoyed that he moved to inside left until Hill, who now captains the Newcastle side, came up to him and asked him to resume in his proper position.  I must say that the play of Everton had showed much improvement on the last few weeks.  As the players left the ground, Gallagher and another Newcastle player had a heart to heart talk with the referee.  Half-time; Everton 2, Newcastle United 1. 
BRILLIANT HOLIDAY PLAY
THREE BY DEAN
NEWCASTLE SCORE EARLY BUT OVERCOME
There were many tense moments in the first ten minutes of the second half, and on one occasion the Everton goal was a trifle lucky to avoid defeat.  Lang had made a centre which looked to be passing Davies, but the goalkeeper shout out his long arm and knocked the ball down, with several Newcastle man standing around.  The position was undoubtedly a critical one, but Davies, fortunately, did not lose his head, and he went on and kicked clear.  Hill, is stopping a ball from Dean, handled, but the referee would not listen to the claim for a penalty, and then Davies made a fine catch when McCursey made a shot over everybody’s head.  Chalmers tried a back heel when in front of goal, and then a third goal came to Everton.  It was a quickly made goal, too. 
ADEAN DOUBLE
This is how it came.  Dean to Dunn, Dunn a back header to Dean- result a goal, with a shot of the unstoppable type.  Some of Newcastle’s passing was charming and effective, especially when it had to be recalled that it was done on a sticky turf.  There were no shooters, through.  That was one of their greatest troubles.  The forwards would persist in trying to walk the ball through, when it was obvious that (had not Everton set them an example by their first time shooting) this was a bad policy in the circumstances.  Everton got a free kick, which ended in Burns saving from Troup.  Dean was full of his and danger, and he had the Newcastle defence in a state of nerves.  So unsettled was Burns at one time that he failed to pick a ball off the ground when he saw Dean coming to challenge him.  The next fifteen minute provided the onlookers with plenty to talk about, especially in the matter of goalkeeper, for both Burns and Davies had some awkward stuff to deal with, and through their ordeal with credit.  Davies having stopped a header by McCurley, it became Burns’ opportunity to shine, and he made three saves that brought down the house.  
LANG AND RITCHIE
One was from Troup, and two from Dean, each and all good enough to have scored.  As a matter of fact, Dean looked a certain scorer until Burns left his goal and got his hands to Dean’s shot to turn it over; then Lang did his best work of the day when he turned to good account a perfect pass by Gallacher, who, by the way, had gone to inside right.  Gallacher appealed for a penalty when he came down in the area, but the claim went unheard.  At the 80th minute Ritchie scored Everton’s fourth goal.  To my mind, Ritchie was well offside, but I did not see a signal from the linesman. 
DEAN’S THIRD
Everton had played their best game this season, and it was all because they were not afraid to make first-time shots.  With eight minutes left for play Dean got his head to a Ritchie centre to make the score 5-2.  To conclude I must say that the Everton defence was also brilliant.  Final; Everton 5, Newcastle United 2. 

EVERTON RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 December 1928
Burnley had more of the play against Everton, but the visitors got the only goal of the first half, this coming from Stein after fifteen minutes through a misunderstanding in the home defence.  Burnley had more chances, but they finished weakly.  Both defences, however, had the measure of the attack. Mantle was fouled, but he netted as the whistle went, the referee giving a free-kick. 
EVERTON A V HIGH PARK SOUTHPORT
The opening play was evenly contested.  Marshall saved good shots from Vaughan and Templeman.  The Everton goal had a narrow escape when Platt luckily kicked away off the goal line.  Both sides did a lot of pressing up to the interval, but there was no score. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 December 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

• Locally the current year has not served us badly, seeing that Everton have won one of the two premier honours, whilst Liverpool have done much to interest their followers.
• Across the park the changes and developments have been rather fewer and less marked
• But it is pleasing to record that one local keeper in Ted Taylor has been followed by a second in Guardsman Davies
• The old firm of Cresswell and O’Donnell have kept on a doing it in defence; nor is there a big middle line change to record where Hart and Virr have proved equally consistent. 
• But that tall ex-Wrexham boy, Griffiths, signed as a centre-half, has added to his value and virtues by showing variety in his work, having made the right half position his own until the recent Villa crash came along to dislocate matters.
• Forward the year now clearly closed has witnessed some “topping” work on the whole, with Dean the big noise in chief, and one Troup a host in himself so to speak. 
• The directors (as usual) have been criticized for introducing other two Scottish internationals in Ritchie and Dunn as a right wing pair, rather than “leave well alone.”
• But as against this it must be remembered that Forshaw was a crocked man for the four closing months of last season, while the directors were also keen to improve upon their previous best if that were possible.
• Everton have a fine Christmas Day home attraction, in Sunderland; popular visitors here ever since their entrance into the League arena two seasons before Everton crossed the park from Anfield-road.
• Two years ago they rang in Christmas Day, as now, on the Everton ground.  And what a feast of goals we had!  Nine in all; the chairman’s “casting vote” in the shape of a decider coming late on, from Bobby Irvine of all men
• Dean, you will remember set the seal on his fame that day by scoring four goals in succession for the first time in a League match
• Last season Sunderland’s visit here did not end so happily, for after Everton had enjoyed nearly all the play Sunderland ran off with the only goal and all the points, on a vile November afternoon.  This by the way, put an end to a long run of success by Everton who had gone unbeaten for nearly three months.
• Dean was out of the Everton side on Saturday, through unfitness for the first time since resuming after his motor-cycle injury over two years ago.
• We hear there is a good demand being set up for tickets locally for the Chelsea-Everton Cup-tie

EVERTON 5 NEWCASTLE UNITED 2
December 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BRIGHT HOLIDAY START BY EVERTON.
CHAMPIONS' TRIUMPHANT RECOVERY OF FORM AGAINST NEWCASTLE.
SEVEN GOALS AT GOODISON.
"DIXIE" AND HIS COLLEAGUES AT THEIR BEST.
DEANS "HAT-TRICK."
Everton, like their friendly rivals from "across the Park" opened the Christmas holiday programme with a victory on Saturday, defeating Newcastle United, a highly polished combination, by five goals to two at Goodison Park, and thus they were able to rise to a creditable position on the League chart with Liverpool a place lower. Newcastle's one weakness was a penchant for endeavouring to make the extra pass before letting go the scoring effort. Football between two accomplished teams is always a source of complete enjoyment, and when that game producers no fewer than seven goals, it is "extra." This match was all that, and the spoils undoubtedly went to the better, and more incisive team.
NEWCASTLE'S EARLY GOAL.
At the start one would have though that the United –an entirely different team since Jack Hill, the ex-Burnley International made his debut with them –were going to walk away with it. Anyway they took the lead inside four minutes, but the Blues displayed such an indomitable spirit that they were level again, on merit, before the encounter was 15 minutes old and, when the leading goal came they hardly looken back. The Novcastians had one brief period when everything seemed to run well for them –this was at the opening of the second half –but that desire to make doubly sure saved the Champions, who relentless defenders did not stand on the slightest ceremony. One was convinced early on that the rests given to Dean and Dunn had made a world of difference, for the forward line worked with an understanding only excelled once this season. Needless to add, this was at West Ham in the never-to-be-forgotten match. Newcastle like Everton, had five capable attackers, but the Blues knew that it was a wise policy to open out the game, and so the ball was given plenty of air with the natural consequence that the extreme wingers were receiving when there was no in immediate attendance. Everton did so well because in the first place, Dean touched his best form, and Dunn revealed those equalities which have made his first choice for his position in the Scottish eleven. With Troup and Ritchie ever ready to build on the material sent their way, and Martin teaching Newcastle a lesson by repeatedly doing the thing least expected –swinging the ball to the opposite wing –this attack, on the day's showing was qual to any in the land. Result five goals. The Everton halves were splendid, for they could operate with complete confidence owing to the overpowering play of O'Donnell and Cresswell at back, and the confidence of Davies.
THE MASTER-MINDS.
Hill and Gallacher were the master-minds behind the machinations of the United, and these international rivals proved an invaluable combination for the visitors. All five Everton forwards did grandly, Dean besides scoring three goals playing the ideal game, while his four supporters thrived on good passes from the rear, and fine openings won by their own ingenuity. Each of the seven goals could be styled "classic," for all were the outcome of perfect football, and subtle deception on the part of the executants. They were obtained as follows: Chalmers, 3 and half minutes; Dean, 15 minutes; Martin (what a great drive) 37 minuyes; Dean, 57 minutes; Lang, 74 minutes; Ritchie, 76 minutes; and Dean 83 minutes. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, White, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Newcastle United: - Burns, goal, Harris and Thomson, backs, McKenzie, Hill, and Gibson, half-backs, Boyd, Chalmers, Gallacher, McCurley, and Lang, forwards.

BURNLEY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 24 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 20)
Burnley although having two-thirds, of the play and most of the second half in the home match with Everton Reserves, were beaten by the odd goal in three; Stein obtained a breakaway goal in each half and Helsop scored for Burnley, which finishing was bad. Everton, however, deserve credit for the splendid defence, the backs covering Maher well . Everton: -Maher, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Kelly, Dixon and Curr, half-backs, Critchley, Lewis, French, Weldon and Stein, forwards.

VAL HARRIS
Athletic News - Monday 24 December 1928
Often I have heard about how Val Harris was secured by Everton. Well, he was signed in the train travelling from Aberdare, in South Wales. The Everton people were then Dr. Whitford, Dr. Baker, and Mr. William Cuff, the last-named then the secretary. Val Harris came over to me and said Everton were desirous in having his services, and his club, Shelbourne, and himself were willing. In fact, when I was brought into the discussion Mr. Kenyon, who was then secretary of Shelbourne, had signed the necessary papers, and if Everton had desired they need not have given a solitary farthing. But they are not built that way. They gave all the club asked, and I know the player was also satisfied. When tell you that the whole transaction cost less than £2OO, it will admitted the Everted people made a good deal.

A CHAMPIONSHIP REVIVAL AT GOODISON PARK.  
Athletic News - Monday 24 December 1928
Back To Their Best
Everton, A Five-Man Forward Line Again, Open Way To Goals
Dean Effects
Everton 5, Newcastle United 2
When Everton were a goal down to Newcastle United in three minutes they struck me as a team suffering from want of confidence on this season’s work, and accepting the reverse rather lamely.  It was a sort of passive resistance, hoping for something turning up.  It did, in the potency of a goal from Dean after fifteen minutes.  That event galvanized the whole, and for the remainder they were champions indeed.  No other standard of play could have discounted Newcastle United into a score of five goals to two.  For the Tynesiders played their part in a game leaving fragrant impressions, worthy of clubs with rich traditions.  One saw much of the old Newcastle artistry, but not the effect, and that, in short, is how Everton’s balance of goals is to be explained. 
Exploited Defence
The champions were a spectacular company of neat, strategic combination, and always that foot or two the faster.  Newcastle wove some pleasing designs, torn to shreds, however, round about the goal, towards which Everton were always driving to big purpose.  In this manner they exploited an inferior defence – excepting Burns.  Thomson made two errors of judgement which might easily have cost goals, and never really settled down afterwards.  Harris is being asked much in the way of utility.  The last time I saw this half-back he played left back, now being on the other flank.  It betrays Newcastle’s limitations in reserve defenders that they use Harris so, for his primary instincts are all for following up to the forwards.  Thus we had the resistance strung out slantwise, with Hill striding about ubiquitous from middle to flanks.  Hill and Burns were the factors stemming the tide of Everton’s assertion flowing by devious channels.  For this revival it is pertinent to point out to the champions that a departure from the hackneyed up the middle pursuit, with Dean as the objective, was largely the means to this triumph.  Dunn is still inclined to fall behind, but he made a line of it, and gave Ritchie ample room by releasing the ball subtly at the moment of tackle.  The wings materialized in strength, opening wide the door to Dean, and the significant sequel of three goals to the centre-forward and two by others.  This was the real live, penetrating Dean, master of the ball as he moved on with it, and shrewd in the placing of his shots.  His duels with Hill were quite a feature, with honours even, for if Dean got the scope it was because Hill had so many other responsibilities.  A comparison between the centre-forwards of England and Scotland certainly left Gallacher in the shade for once.  He had no chance whatever when inviting the through pass, and stood too sentinel-like to distribute the play.  As the game ran it was relatively easy for one of Hunter Hart’s anticipation, ball flick, and body faint to overcome Gallacher, who eventually sought sanctuary at inside right, Chalmers going in the middle.  The one great thing Gallacher did in the match was to make the goal which virtually opened the game.  Everton were nonplussed when converging on him in expectation of a characteristic, dashing dribble through, he adroitly tapped the ball aside for Chalmers to send it through.  Gallacher is soon ruffled.  Hence the incident when Everton obtained the leading goal.  First dean sailed through and sent the ball fairly fizzing along the ground to the net.  Martin’s goal could only be realized in the gloom by the ball rebounding from the net, so fast was the flight.
A Captain’s Example
To restart the game the ball must be played forward.  Twice was Gallacher brought back by the referee for putting the ball into his own half of the field from the centre spot.  The third time, after being spoken to by Hill, he told McCurley to kick-off, but Hill would have not have this, insisting that Gallacher should do so, and that properly.  It was a piece of captaincy and a display of the spirit of the game to be admired.  Dunn’s dazzling foot craft enabled Dean to score the third, and Everton were romping to victory until Lang went right through and reduced the margin.  This made the champions pause, but they were on their pinnacle this day, and Ritchie and Dean clinched the matter.  Distinctions among the forwards would be invidious.  One can go further and say there was the hall mark of class team work.  The successes in Newcastle’s ranks could be singled out as few, and it was in departmental fluctuations from excellence to mediocrity that they fell short.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell,  O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, and Troup.  Newcastle United; Burns; Harris, Thomson; McKenzie, Hill, Gibson; Boyd, Chalmers, Gallacher, McCurley, and Lang.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. 

DEAN AT HIS BEST
Newcastle Journal - Monday 24 December 1928
CHAMPIONS IN CHAMPIONSHIP FORM
EVERTON’S FREE-SHOOTING FORWARDS
EVERTON 5, NEWCASTLE UNITED 2
Though they were beaten by five goals to two. Newcastle United were nothing like three goals inferior to Everton at Goodison Park. It was a rousing struggle, in which for more than halt the game the United were cleverer in attack, and though Everton were on top in the closing stages, the game ran their way. A better game on a heavy ground one could not wish to see. Everton, however, could claim some superiority when it came to shooting.  They lost no time in having a go at goal, whereas the United were rather inclined to hold on a shade too long. They had bad luck at times, notably in the first half, when Gallacher was through, and Cresswell saved luckily, and again soon after the chance of ends when Davies lost the ball after saving from Gallacher's shot which hit the goalkeeper.  Against this, Ritchie was off-side when he scored the fourth goal at a period when Newcastle had made the score 3-2 and were fighting back splendidly.
HILL'S FINE WORK. 
Everton were fortunate to win by a margin of three goals, but they returned to their championship form, with Dean giving his heat display for a couple of months. And that despite the fine work of Hill, who had some great struggles with the centre forward, and found time frequently to help his backs, who had a busy time against clever forwards.  Gibson was another fine half-back, the best of the Line in attacking work, while Harris was surer in his kicking of a greasy hall than Thomson. Burns, if beaten five times, kept goal splendidly.  Gallacher did not score. but paved the way  for both Newcastle goals, and he did well  whether at centre or inside right when lie  changed places with Chalmers in the  second half Newcastle's inside forwards  were quite good, and both Boyd and Lang  made many good runs, but they did not  round off their work so well as Ritchie  and Troup.  Next to Dean, Dunn was the outstanding Everton forward, while Virr was a smart half-back, O'Donnell a sturdy back, and Davies a very sound goalkeeper. Everton  bad a shock when Chalmers scored  Beverly in three minutes, but Dean  equalized twelve minutes later, when Hill  was appealing for off-side, and Martin  added a second goal. Dean got another soon after the interval, and after Lang had replied in half an hour Ritchie and Dean got goals in 35 and 38 minutes. 

EVERTON F.C. OFFICER’S DEATH
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 December 1928
MR.DANNY KIRKWOOD’S WORK FOR WALTON CLUB
Football has lost quite a large number of its old friends and workers during the last month.  Following on the greats of Mr. Robert Lythgoe, T.H. Sidney, and J.P.Oliver comes a further local blow, and its unexpectedness makes it the more surprising.  Mr. Danny Kirkwood, of Everton F.C., died at home last night after a very short illness.  Mr. Kirkwood was in his day, thirty odd years ago, a capable player for the Everton club.  Twenty years ago he had a long innings as a director of the club, but went off the board when a spilt occurred.  However, he resumed operations with Everton when he was appointed to be a scout for the side, which position he held to the last, together with his position as chief of the A team.  Danny Kirkwood was known throughout England and Scotland as a shrewd, reliable man.  He was short of stature, but, as on the field, so in his later business life, he was a staunch, trustworthy man-a real worker in football’s cause.  He gained many a good man for the Everton club through his insight into what was needful for Everton, and he had an encouraging way with him that was helpful to the juniors of the side.  He had two boys, one of whom (Alec) plays for Cadby Hall, and four daughters.  The funeral is on Thursday at Everton Cemetery. 

EVERTON’S DELIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 December 1928
EVERTON’S BRIGHTEST & BEST
DEAN THREE GOALS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL COLLEAGUE
By Stork
Jack Hill, who now captains the Newcastle United team, must consider Goodison Park his “bogey” ground, for he rarely does well out Walton way, and if Dean also figures in the opposing side it adds to his burden of trouble, for Dean usually has a good day against “Big Jack,” and scores several goals.  At Turf Moor last season, Dean got four goals against Burnley with Hill facing him, and he nearly repeated the dose yesterday when Hill was in command of the Newcastle side.  If anyone should know Dean, Hill should be the one, for he played behind him in the historic match, at Hampden Park, last season, and should have learned something from the experience.  Hill tried t “policeman” Dean, and that was too big a job, for Dean was in one of his brightest moods, and that means that he is difficult to hold; in fact, the whole Everton side was in capital form, and for once in a way all the shooting was not left to Dean, for Troup, Martin, Dunn, Ritchie, and Hart entered the shooting gallery, and were often on the mark without recording a bull’s eye, simply because Burns, the United’s young goalkeeper, stood in their way.  Everton’s play was more open than it has been for many a week, and this no doubt upset the plan of the Newcastle defence, which had made up its mind that Dean was the one man to curb to render the Everton attack impotent.  Many times this plan of campaign has proved successful, but it was of no avail on Saturday, and consequently Everton displayed their best game of the season, and got back to something like championship form just when their supporters were becoming scared of them.
A GREAT MATCH
It was a pity that the day was dull and dismal, for it not only kept people away, but also prevented many of those at the back of the stands from seeing many of the incidents.  Those who stayed away missed a great match, for while the score sheet suggests a runaway victory that was not the case, for Newcastle had almost as many chances as their opponents, but their great fault was that they wanted to work out a certain scoring position, and the Everton defence would not allow them to do so.  The Northerners obtained a goal in three minutes, due to a wonderful dribble by Hughie Gallacher, who, after beating three rivals by the merest flick of the foot, presented Chalmers with a golden opportunity.  Gallacher afterwards was very quiet.  True, he did not get a lot of support and, unlike Dean, will not forage for the ball which must come to toe.  He got so little of the ball that immediately after the interval he changed places with Chalmers and it was then that we saw what a great little footballer this Scotsman can be, and he was responsible for the pass that enabled Lang to clinch a poor display with a goal. 
GALLACHER DISGRUNTLED
Rarely does a match in which Gallacher takes a part go by without he is concerned in some sort of incident or other.  He came up against the referee for twice playing the ball forward from a kick-off and after some cross-talk tried to avoid taking the kick by moving to inside left, but Hill persuaded him to go back and take it properly.  Gallacher was disgruntled, and did not try to hide it, but, despite his mannerisms, he is undoubtedly a grand centre-forward.  Everton’s first goal, obtained by Dean, was a smasher.  Burns got his hands to it, but such was the power behind it that he hardly turned it an inch out of its course, while Martin’s goal came through the inside left being up and wary to the fact that Dean would head back to him.  That was what happened, and Burns had to simply watch Martin’s shot crash into his net.  Newcastle played clever football, despite the heavy turf.  They sent the ball from man to man with amazing accuracy, and could carry the fight to close quarters but they would not attempt a shot unless it was a certain scorer, and while Davies had many fine saves to his credit, there were times when he should not have been given the opportunity to stand between Newcastle and goals.  Everton had set a rare example as to what was required, for they shot often and hard, but the United refused to take a leaf out of their book, and so they were beaten.
TEAM WORK
Dean scored two further goals, had several others saved; and Ritchie joined up with him in the goal-scoring business, Burns was wonderful, and he had not the best of help from Thompson and Harris, who were uncertain when put under the strain; while I thought Hill made a big mistake when he fell back in the second half, for up to the interval he had enjoyed a fair measure of success.  Newcastle have unearthed some clever forwards.  McCurley took my eye, for he played a thoughtful game, while Chalmers and Boyd made up a cute right wing, who, unfortunately for the, ran into Virr and O’Donnell, who were at the top of their form.  Regarding Everton, there was not a fault to be found.  White was perhaps a wee bit slow in making his tackles, but he was not a weakness, for there were no weaknesses in the team, which realized the big task on hand, and went to show that they could master it.  Dunn and Dean had benefited from their rest, some of the little fellow’s work being of top class.  But I swill conclude by saving that Everton’s success was a team success. 

DANNY KIRKWOOD
The Scotsman - Wednesday 26 December 1928
Mr. “Danny “Kirkwood, a well-known figure with the Everton F.C died at his residence in Wallasey on Sunday night at the age of 61.  Thirty years ago, a product of Scotland, “Danny” did yeoman service for the Everton Club, and eventually became a director.  Owing to a split in the board, he retired, but eventually came back as a “scout” for the club.  It was in this capacity that he was so well known in England and Scotland and he was able to secure many good players. 

EVERTON 0 SUNDERLAND 0
December 27 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
SUNDERLAND DRAW IN GOODISON GAME OF THRILLS.
VISTORS GOAL AGAINST EVERTON DISALLOWED.
WHITE'S GREAT 30 YARDS SHOT.
DRAMATIC DRAW WITHOUT GOALS.
CHAMPIONS HAVE TROUP AND RITCHIE HURT.
There was the essence of true drama in the Christmas day encounter at Goodison Park when Sunderland ran Everton to a goalless draw. In the last 15 minutes there was sufficient excitement to compensate for the lack of thrills during this periods when the ball was in touch as much as in the field of play earlier on. First of all Halliday missed a "sitter" –it was not the first that the Sunderland attackers had thrown away be any means; then fired in a ball from 30 yards, which shook the whitewash from the Sunderland crossbar. To crown it all, in the final two minutes the visitors won a corner, and Allan their burly pivot, ran in about 15 yards to head the ball into the net. The people roared audibly, but the referee had spotted a little bit of fouling as the ball was coming in, so instead of Sunderland obtaining a goal, the Blues were awarded a free kick. Sunderland had the better of the game territorially, but their forwards, so clever in creating openings, were absolutely inept when it came to accepting one. They were all alike in this respect, so that the Champions could consider themselves fortunate in coming through such ordeals without loss. They had ill-fortune in another respect, however, and this was that they played for the greater portion of the game without Troup, who damaged a leg early on. Then Ritchie hurt his foot in shooting so that there were only three sound forwards left to worry the solid Sunderland defence.
PENALTY CLAIMS REFUSED.
Again ill-luck ran their way when Dunn was twice obviously fouled in the penalty area, but the referee refused to allow the claims. He had seen nothing but was cute enough to notice that Mclean centred from behind the line when his cross was deflected into the net by Davies. The Everton halves were not up to standard, with the exception of Virr, who played gloriously all through. While was deficient in his feeling, and Hart took a little time to settled down. However, he was all right later. O'Donnell was the best back on the field. Davies kept goal brilliantly while Dean, though always shadowed by four men, did grandly on none too good material. It is true that he a shot over from the one real chance the Blues had, but he worked harder than any one else against overwhelming adds. Dunn could not "kill" the ball as well as usual, and Martin suffered because he had no partner for the most part Ritchie was good until he received the knock-out. Sunderland surely must possess two of the cleverest inside forwards in the land in McInally and McKay, but their shooting was very poor. Halliday tried desperately hard to obtained a goal, but he was well watched, and the backs gave nothing away, Clunas was the pick of the intermediates, but Allan did well in a rugged way. Clunas, by the way hit the post from a free kick in the first half. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain), and O'Donnell, backs, White, Hart and Virr, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Sunderland: - McInroy, goal, Oakley and England, backs, Clunas, Allan, and Andrews, half-backs, Robinson, McKay, Halliday, McInally, and McLean, forwards.

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRED LEAGUE (Game 21)
Played on Christmas Day. Eight thousand spectators witnessed a hard-fought encounter at Blackpool. Everton were the better-balanced and more polished side, but Blackpool were first to score. Crook netting after forty minutes, Kennedy equalised from a free kick four minutes later . Everton: - Maher, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Kelly Dixon, and Curr half-backs, Critchley Lewis, French, Weldon and Stein forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 3
December 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 22)
AT Goodison Park. The game was one of the best of the season. The ultimate losers were always fighting hard against a side that revelled in good fast, and open football. Everton in the first half were the better finishers and if the frequent raids only brought three first half goals it was the brilliance of Cope in the Rovers goal during the second half that prevented the score being increased by no more than two goals. The scores were Meston (2), French, Lewis and Easton (Penalty) for Everton, and Watson, Crompton, and Cunlie for Blackburn. D Raitt captained the Tovers team.

DEATH OF DANNY KIRKWOOD
December 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
The death has taken place of Mr. Danny Kirkwood, of Everton F.C., after a short illness. Mr. Kirkwood was in his day a capable player for Everton Club. He afterwards served as a director, and later as an official who travelled in search of players.

EVERTON’S HALF
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 December 1928
Bee’s  Notes
On returning from Everton on Christmas Day I bumped into Tranmere Rovers, who had made an electric return from Wigan, there taking two points from a side that will make Sheffield Wednesday go all the way in the Cup- according to my good old friend, Jackson, one of Tranmere’s long-service men, and no relative to the Scottish centre-half-back.  Tranmere were in happy frame of mind through this surprise victory, and their former centre, Dean, was not quite so happy, because, although they had got a half against Sunderland, no one could debate the superiority of the forward line.  Sunderland “Murdered” Everton for long stretches, and there are those behind the goal who vow that when Davies scooped the ball into the net the ball had not previously passed over the line, therefore it was a good goal.  White hit the bar; so did Clunas; but really Sunderland should smack themselves for finishing such brilliant inside forward work per McKay (wanted by Everton years ago) and McInally.  Halliday (wanted by Liverpool for years) was rather clumsy, but needed a lot of attention, and McInally in his own boyish manner made impish tricks in the first half to delight the eye and football sense.  Troup was damaged- he pulled a muscle, so that the return of Stein is practically assured. 

EVERTON’S TASK WITH BOLTON’S NEW SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 December 1928
THE HOME TIE
Bee’s Notes
Everton are at home again to-morrow, and, having rested while the Bolton Wanderers were playing, the home side should be the stronger and better.  Naturally the display against Sunderland, at home on Christmas Day, was not satisfying and changes were expected.  Troup could not play, and thus the side lost its most consistent player for some seasons.  Stein is known as a big, striding and capable footballer, so that the left-wing’s extremity does not bother one very much, the inner berths are the more troublesome, unless they produce the form they offered against Newcastle last Saturday.  Let us hope they are in a good mood tomorrow, for Bolton Wanderers stay the course, and have a useful defence and a forward line that can be as good as Everton’s, when they are in the mood.  They have brought (and paid for!) Cook as Vizard’s deputy, and this wee fellow is going to be a great treat for the Everton spectators-he is a dandy winger, in spite of his lack of inches.  The side will look curious without David Jack, but the evidence of McClelland and Gibson will be such that it becomes necessary for the home defence to stick manfully to their task.  Cresswell by the way, has not been feeling too well lately.  Let us hope he’s ready for this game, and the important games, of the near future- Portsmouth, and Chelsea in particular.  Everton (?); Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Stein. 
Programme for Goodison Park (Aigburth Silver Prize Band: conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing); March “Southleigh,” Newby; overtune.  “The Bohermian Girl; “Balfe; waltz,  “For Old Time’s Sake,’ Campbell and Connelly; foxtrot,  “Blue Bird Sing Me a Song,”  Campbell and Connelly; waltz  “Was it a Dream,”  Campbell and Connelly;  foxtrot,  “All By Yourself in the Moonlight,”Campbell and Connolly; march, Death or Glory,”  Hall.
Everton F.C kick-off at 2.20 tomorrow.  Five minutes grace for the spectator.  Their team will be chosen tonight.  Rooney is out of hospital and resumes training in a week’s time. 

EVERTON TROUBLES.
December 29 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Things with Everton are not going with same boyish abandon and oiled regularity we used to know, and, not quite satisfied with the display of the team against Sunderland two changes have been made in the front line, it is Ritchie's injured leg though, that influenced the directors to bring in Critchley in the Scot's place at outside-right while the little man Troup disappears for Stein, who is capable of making a success in the outside left position. Cresswell too, has not been feeling in the best of form latterly, but he continues to carry on in that coldly determined way so characteristic of him. The Wanderers will have a strong side for this Lancashire clash at Goodison Park, but they will be without Kean their stout and crafty half-back. Kean is standing down with an injury, if football tradition means anything the champions should win. They have lost only one of the last seven games with Bolton. Still, Boltton have great "drawing" power. The match starts at 2-20 and the teams are: - Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Martin, and Stein. Bolton Wanderers: - Pym; Haworth, Finney; Cope, Seddon, Nuttall; Butler, McClelland, Blackmore, Gibson, and Cook.

POOR DISPLAY BY RESERVES
Burnley News - Saturday 29 December 1928
Burnley Reserves last Saturday, in common parlance, made a mess of it.  They had fully three-quarters of the attack, but scored only once, in the second half, whilst Everton Reserves in two break-aways –one in each half- scored through two long shots by Stein, the outside-left.  Sommerville took up bad position for the latter, not expecting a shot.  Mantle played very badly indeed, and missed several good chances through refusing to shoot.  Indecision, bad finishing, and no finishing at all, robbed the reserve of points.  The teams were; Burnley Reserve; Sommerville; Willinghan, Heap; Conway, Spargo, Forrest; Heslop, Stage, Mantle, Pemberton, Freeman.  Everton Reserve; Maher, Common, Kennedy; Kelly, Dixon, Curr; Critchley, Forshaw, French, Weldon, Stein.  Referee; Mr. G. Nixon, Manchester. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 December 1928
RETURN OF WANDERERS TO GOODISON
By stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Stein.  Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Haworth, Finney; Cope, Seddon, Nuttall; Butler, McClelland, Blackmore, Gibson, Cook.  Referee; Mr. E. Beards. 
There was a capital crowd.  Those who had made it their business to be on time enjoyed the advantage of seeing some clever football which had the Everton goal in difficulties; in fact, it was a wonder Bolton did not take the lead in the first minute or so, for Butler was given a perfect opportunity by McClelland, who cleverly headed a ball over Virr’s head so as to allow Butler an uninterrupted view of the Everton goal.  The winger, however, failed to make proper use of it, and when Dean squeezed a ball between two players so that it would reach Stein, Everton’s outlook became brighter until the winger failed to gather the ball through a swift and successful tackle by Haworth.  Back went the Bolton attack, and some of their footwork was, to say the least, startling, while at the same time effective.
EVERTON IN SPASMS.
Cook, Bolton’s new left-winger, soon demonstrated that he possesses not only twinkling feet by a quick-thinking brain, and the way he zig-zagged in and out, despite the presence of one or two Everton men, brought cheers from both friend and foe.  Everton were being out-played, and if it had not been for a daring one-handed save by Davies, goal No. 1 would have been marked up against them, for Blackmore shot in with accuracy and a certain amount of strength, but Davies pushed out his arm and patted the ball down to go on and conclude a clever clearance.  The visitors to Goodison Park are so used to seeing Everton the superior set where football is concerned that it really astonished some of them to find that the Wanderers could give them points in the matter of football artistry.  Time and again Blackmore and his colleagues simple fogbound the Everton defenders; and it was only when the last obstacle was reached that they failed; but even so, they should have had a goal, for the way the ball was put through to Blackmore by Cook, Gibson, and McClelland gave the centre-forward every opportunity to show his driving power. 
DEAN TAKES HIS CHANCE.
So little had been seen of the Everton attack that when Stein was sent through, few people anticipated that it would end with a goal, for when Stein collected the ball, Howarth was very close at hand.  For some reason or other he failed to tackle Stein, who dropped in a centre that fell right to Dean’s head and you know what that means- the ball in the net.  It had taken Everton thirteen minutes to make the goal, and 13 had proved an unlucky number for Wanderers, for they did not deserve to be in arrears.  Still such is the luck of the game.  Everton might have had a second one a little later, for Dean slipped round Finney, and the, veering over to the right, hit a glorious shot that just crashed over the crossbar.  Everton, from this point, had quite as much of the game at Bolton; in fact, Dean, by means of one of his amazing dashes, which often lead to a couple of bull backs wondering what has happened, forced a corner which was not turned to account; and then the Bolton right wing-Butler and McClelland (the latter had some gorgeous little touches) –made an onslaught on the Everton goal, and Davies had to go down on one knee to effect a save from Butler.
DAVIES TO THE RESCUE
It looked a dangerous situation from the Press-box, for Cresswell appeared to run right across Davies’s vision; but from the way Davies picked up the ball, it could not have been quite so difficult as it appeared.  Martin was consistent with his up-the-middle passes for Dean, and from one of them the centre-forward drove fiercely over the woodwork.  Then Cook came out in the light of a shooter, and Davies had to be very sure in his handling of a shot that carried quite a deal of punch considering that it was delivered by a little fellow.  Cook, by the way, was proving a rare handful to White, who, however, gave little away.  There was a tense moment in front of the Everton goal when Gibson, a canny player, had the chance of a lifetime, and he failed simply because he wanted to take the ball a yard or two closer, in what time Davies dashed out of his goal and forced Gibson to take a hasty and inaccurate shot, the ball trickling outside the upright. The crowd got up against Seddon for a hefty charge on Critchley.  Pym had to save from Martin, and also from Dean, Seddon and Finney misheaded and let in Dean, and things looked anything but rosy for Pym, for Dean had got right through the defence, but in taking his shot he did not quite get hold of the ball and Pym was able to pick up a slow-moving ball instead of the usual fire-driver which invariably comes from Dean’s foot.  Critchley wasted a corner, as did Cook, the latter bringing a shout of surprise from the crowd.  Half-time; Everton 1, Bolton 0. 
BOLTON WANDERERS FADE AWAY
HAT TRICK FOR DEAN
THREE TO NONE VICTORY AT HOME
Everton resumed is a matter which suggested that they were keen to add to their goal lead.  Dunn shot on the wrong side of the goal, and when Finney displayed a little over-confidence it opened up a way for Critchley, who, however, could not get the ball down to his liking.  Stein, in taking a corner, curled the ball so much that Pym had to punch it out from under the bar; while, during a hot raid, in which Stein had two shots a Bolton man undoubtedly handled, but the question to decide was whether intentional or otherwise. 
WANDERERS FADE AWAY
A lot of the brilliance which Bolton showed in the first half was now missing, and Everton were top dogs for quite a long spell.  The next ten minutes was full of football “meat,” but it was mostly Everton who suppled it, for Bolton had fallen off considerably, although Cook, who changed his tactics (the centred instantly now instead of trying to work the ball), nearly brought a goal for his side, for Davies came out too late for his centre, but unfortunately Blackmore was off the mark. 
DEAN COMPLETES HAT-TRICK
At the hour Dean scored his second goal.  It came because Dunn, realizing the futility of trying to crowd through a number of players, side-tapped the ball to his comrade, who snapped up the chance in the twinkling of an eye, and had it in the net in a flash.  Dunn nearly followed suit a minute later with a long drive, and Blackmore delivered a drop shot, which was safely caught by Davies.  At the seventy-five minute Dean completed his hat-trick.  It was a peculiar sort of goal, for Stein’s centre was turned to Dunn by Haworth, and, of course, the centre was only too willing to accept the gift offering by promptly sending the ball into the net.  This brings Dean’s goal crop for the season t twenty.  Towards the end the light failed, and it was difficult to follow the flight of the ball.  Just before the finish, Haworth was hurt, and had to leave the field.  Final; Everton 3, Bolton Wanderers 0. 

SHEFF WED RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 December 1928
At Hillsborough, in fine weather, on a heavy ground, before 4,000 spectators, Wednesday were the more dangerous, and opened the score after a quarter of an hour’s play, a centre from Wilkinson curling into the net.  Five minutes later Barridge hit the bar from a free kick, and dean headed the rebound through.  Half-time; Sheffield Wednesday 2, Everton 0.  After the resumption Wednesday had almost all the play, and scored four times in the first twenty minutes through Harper (3) and Goddard.

HARPER’S “HAT-TRICK”
Star Green 'un - Saturday 29 December 1928
WEDNESDAY RESERVES HIT EVERTON FOR SIX
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Sheffield Wednesday Reserves playing at home for the second time this week, had Everton Reserves as visitors in the Central League this afternoon.  Everton had three changes from the published side, Easton playing centre-forward in place of French.  Webster at inside-right for Jones, and Griffiths took Easton’s former place at right-half.  Wednesday had several changes from the team that lost to Manchester City on Wednesday.  The teams were;- Wednesday Res; Mellows; Hodgkiss, and Felton; Dodd, Burridge, and Smith (W); Goddard, Trotter, Harper, Dean, and Wilkinson.  Everton Res;- Maher; Common, and Kennedy; Griffiths, Dixon, and Curr; Meston, Webster, Easton, Weldon, and Lewis.  Referee; Mr. A. Wall (Ashton-under-Lyne).  An inch of mud on the surface made playing conditions difficult.  In spite of this some neat play was seen in the opening stages.  Wednesday were a more virile lot, and they carried out some very well planned attacks.  The inclusion of Trotter strengthened the forward line.  Dean was unlucky after five minutes’ play when a good shot of his was saved, but only with difficulty.  The Wednesday deservedly opened the scoring after 15 minutes play, Wilkinson netting with a fine oblique shot.  Maher pushed the ball up against the bar, but it curled round his hands into the net.  A few minutes later the home side went further ahead when Dean had an easy task to head the ball in after Maher had saved a free-kick, well taken by Burridge.  Everton seldom got going, but on one of the rare occasions when they did their right wing played well, though Meston’s finishing shot went well wide.  A pretty bit of play by Goddard and Harper came ten minutes before the interval, but Harper hit the bottom of the post with close-in shot, the ball going outside.  Some long shots by the Wednesday forwards tested Maher, and they showed that the Everton goalkeeper was none too safe.  However, a good shot from Wilkinson was saved very cleanly.  Just before half-time Dean had a good chance, but shot well over.  Half-time; Wednesday Reserves 2, Everton Reserves 0
At the start of the second half, before 5,000 spectators, some clever play was seen on both sides.  The Wednesday were slightly on top, however, and after five minutes’ play they scored a third goal, Harper shooting low into the net after receiving a good pass from Trotter.  Again they went up, thanks to Burridge, and Goddard scored Wednesday’s fourth goal, shooting in through a crowd of players from ten yards out.  Wednesday went still further ahead after 15 minutes of this half.  Dean and Harper worked the ball well together and Harper’s shot from 12 yards out easily beat Maher.  Everton were now a demoralized side, and the Wednesday launched attack after attack.  Everton did get to the other end occasionally, chiefly through their left wing, but Hodgkiss and Felton cleared their line excellently.  Wilkinson beat two opponents and put in a grand shot, which Maher did well to save at the expense of a fruitless corner.
HARPER’S “HAT-TRICK”
Shortly after this, Wilkinson was again prominent.  He got well ahead of the Everton backs and passed to Harper who headed a fine goal thus completing his “hat-trick.”  Result; Sheffield Wednesday Res 6, Everton Res 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 December 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton, to Newcastle –“Many of em.”
• Eight of the ten forwards on view at Goodison on Christmas Day were Scots
• What price Everton v Chelsea yielding the biggest gate on January 12.
• First Troup to Everton and now Cook to Bolton, Dundee F.C have provided English League clubs with skillful outside lefts of the diminutive type
• Two ex-Dundee left wing midgets would be on view at Everton to-day, provided Troup was fit to turn out
• The late Danny Kirkwood was a capital wing half for Everton prior to Dicky Boyle’s advent

EVERTON 3 BOLTON WANDERERS 0
December 31 st 1918. The Daily Courier.
DEAN HAT-TRICK
BOLTON FAIL TO SCORE AFTER FIRST HALF DOMINATION AT GOODISON PARK.
REMARKABLE REVERSAL OF FORM IN THRILLING GAME.
STEIN'S SUCCESS FOR BLUES.
SKILFUL WING DISPLAY HELPS "DIXIE" TO SCORE.
Rarely has such a reversal of form been witnessed as that in the match between Everton and Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday, when the Champions collected their fourth and fifth holiday points by virtue of a clever three clear goals victory. In the first half it was all Bolton, for they pressed practically the whole 45 minutes, yet retired for the "breather" a goal down. On resuming the Wanderers were entirely obliterated, and it was only on isolated occasions that they were within the Everton penalty area. It speaks well for the Champions that even when their tide was at its lowest, they could teach the visitors a lesson, and this was when Dean headed home a lovely centre from Stein. Dean proceeded to collect his second "hat-trick" of the season at the expense of Bolton, later on, and so was responsible for the Blues bringing off their first "double" of the campaign. His goals were excellent, not exactly from their spectators nature, but by the manner in which the scorer delivered his thrusts. The second was the prettiest, for Dean, and Dunn worked their way right through the defence by judicious inter-passing before Dean almost ripped the meshes of the net. His third goal came from a cross by Stein, which was deflected to his feet by Haworth.
100 PER-CENT FOOTBALL.
There was plenty of excellent preconceived football to be seen, and this, coupled with the fact that thrills followed each other in quick succession, made for an encounter drawing very near the 100 per cent, mark. It is best in the circumstances, to draw a veil over the display of the Blues in the early period, for it was then that the Wanderers called the tune, and it was a good one. Cook, their new Scottish outside left, combined with Gibson to make the best wing on view, and there is no doubt that he will prove a potent force in English football. Small, but as agile as a cat, he varies his methods of beating a man with remarkable ingenuity, and his twinkling feet and clever crossing won for him the plaudits of all onlookers. His success, however, contributed to the fact that the Wanderers obtained no goals, for they persisted in feeding him so much that the Everton defeders knew just what was going to happen. Everton did this when they were at their best, Critchley and Stein seeing the ball with equal frequency, so that raids were continually emanating from both sides of the field –and the Wanderers were kept guessing the whole time. Dean, played magnificently, for let alone his goals, he kept his line going smoothly in open order, and the precise manner in which his distributed his passes was wonderful. Stein and Critchley, the two reserve wingers introduced, exemplified the strength of the Goodison second string, and they not err once after the interval. Stein is to be congratulated on his initial first team appearance, for he showed that he has speed, skill, and above all heart. Critchley has never finished his work so cleanly as he did in the second moiety.
VALIANT WHITE.
Dunn outshone Martin at inside forward, and Virr was once more the pick of the intermediaries, Hart fed with discretion from start to finish and White, though nonplussed by the "kitten-like" Cook for a long time, fought back well. The three chief defenders, Cresswell, O'Donnell and Davies, covered up grandly under heavy pressure, and left few loopholes. O'Donnell's unceremonious and rentlentless interventions were a feature. Blackmore promisingly for the Wanderers and levelled a number of fine shots, but he still lacks penetrative powers and the ability to snap up a through pass quickly. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, White, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Martin, and Stein, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Haworth and Finney, backs, Cope, Seddon, and Nuttall, half-backs, Butler, McClelland, Blackmore, Gibson, and Cook, forwards .

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 6 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 31 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 23)
Everton found themselves's no match for the Wednesday, who won decisively. The feature was a capital, but trickery by Harper the old Blackburn Rovers and England centre forward, who scored all his goals in the second half, before the interval Wilkinson and Dean had scored for the Wednesday, while Goddard later added the sixth. Everton were demoralised, and Maher was anything but reliable in their goal. The ground was in a bad state.

ONE CHANGE
December 31 st 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Ggriffiths the Everton half-back, who broke his collar bone in the match against Aston Villa, at Birmingham about five weeks ago turned out with the Reserves side on Saturday, and he has been chosen to fill the right0back position in place of White on New Years day at Goodison Park, thus this beening the only change for the match against Derby County.

OLD EVERTON STALWART
Athletic News - Monday 31 December 1928
Death continues to take toll of notable football personalities.  Especially has Merseyside suffered lately.  By the passing of Mr. D. Kirkwood in his 62nd year another link with Everton past is broken.  The news of his death came as a great shock, although he was ill.  Mr. Kirkwood, as a player some 30 years ago, was one of the Everton stalwarts.  Eventually he became a director of the club and rose to the position of chairman in the season 1909-10.  Following upon changes in personnel of the Everton board, Mr. Kirkwood eventually returned to the club in an official capacity, and for several seasons directed his attention towards securing new players.  In recent years “Danny” as he was familiarly known, had charge of the “A” team which has produced some promising League players, among them being Virr and Rooney. 

DEAN A WINNER
Athletic News - Monday 31 December 1928
WANDERERS WILT UNDER EVERTON PRESSURE
EVERTON 3, BOLTON WANDERERS 0
By Junius
Everton were seen in two distinctly opposite moods.  In the first half there was a weakness on the right, which led to the Wanderers concentrating there; wrongly, I thought, for Cresswell pulled out his best at the critical times when Cook, who was clever and combined well with Gibson, had the complete mastery of White.  The little outside left was a box of tricks, precise, but he should not have been plied so frequently to the almost complete neglect of the right wing pair.  The Wanderers were the more aggressive in the first half, and with better marksmanship might easily have placed themselves beyond defeat at the interval.  Rarely did Everton indulge in movements that characterized many of their previous games, for Critchley, deputizing for Ritchie, could do little against Nuttall, and Stein, playing for Troup, injured against Sunderland, was in similar straits against Cope. 
THE ATTACKER
As a matter of fact, Dean was the Everton attack in the first portion.  Compelled to forage for himself, he distributed the play without response, and in the first real raid, after 13 minutes, scored a lovely goal which was altogether against the run of the play.  I could not locate a weak position in the Wanderers ranks in the initial stage, during which the Everton backs were heavily taxed, and though I cannot pay tribute to Bolton’s marksmanship, there was a lucky escape when a ball from Blackmore was diverted by Cresswell’s foot with Davies out of goal.  There may have been a heart-to-heart talk in the Everton dressing-room at the interval; at any rate the players were a vastly different combination in the second portion.  Dean scored all their three goals, the first, as indicated, being a first-class sample of opportunism in converting a centre from Stein.  His second, 15 minutes after the resumption, was the climax to collaboration with Dunn, and his third, at the half-hour, when he lobbed in a ball that glanced off the foot of Haworth.  But Blackmore before the third goal was scored, had forced his way through only to make Davies the target. 
BUTLER NEGLECTED
It was surprising that Butler was not utilized more. Early on he was a potent factor in dangerous raids, but afterwards he was little seen, and in the second half his services were very rarely called upon.  The Wanderers were a beaten team by this time, and completely subdued.  All the same there was sufficient seen to class them as a combination to be feared.  The Wanderers’ strength lay chiefly at half-back, where Seddon and Nuttall were outstanding, though the trio neglected to distribute the play-equitably, and against such an expert as Cresswell it was not wise to direct their attacks so persistently to one quarter.  Hart and Virr were consistent half-backs, while Cresswell and O’Donnell had a capital working arrangement in support of Davies, who kept goal well.  The Wanderers’ last lines, too, did well under the heavy fusillade of the second half.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Martin and Stein.  Bolton Wanderers;- Pym; Haworth, Finney; Cope, Seddon, Nuttall; Butler, McClelland, Blackmore, Gibson, and Cook.  Referee; Mr. E. Beards. Wolverhampton. 

TYNESIDE PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Newcastle Journal - Monday 31 December 1928
Matthew Dixon, the centre-half of Walker Park, the Tyneside League Club, for whom Notts Forest, were said to be angling, has now been definitely fixed up by Everton after playing in a trial match for them.  Well-built for the position Dixon, provided he is given the opportunity, should blossom into a first-class player.  He is brainy and can kick well with either foot. 

THE SCENE CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 December 1928
DEAN’S GREAT DISPLAY AGAINST BOLTON WANDERERS
By Stork
For more than half an hour of their game with Bolton Wanderers Everton were as clay in the hands of the potter, for the Wanderers gave an artistic display of football that made even the Everton style look very ordinary, and it appeared only a matter of time before they would find a way through to goal.  We have heard a lot of talk about the upward march of the men from Bolton, but had not anticipated such a vast change in their make-up; and, while their football pleased the eye, it was not pleasing to see Everton overplayed with an ease and grace that was disconcerting and brought the opinion that another defeat stared us in the face.  If it had not been for a wonderful one-handed save by Davies in the first minutes of the game, a beating would not have been out of the question, for a goal at that period would have set the Wanderers hot on the trail of further honours.  For thirteen minutes the Bolton attack swept through the Everton lines until it reached Cresswell and O’Donnell, and even went further than that, but either Davies frustrated them or Blackburn was at fault with his shooting.  Then all in a moment the Everton left-wing broke away, and Stein caught Haworth in two minds, and while the Wanderers was determining what action to take Stein had planted the ball on to Dean’s forehead, and it was in the back of the net in the twinkling of an eye.  It was all against the run of the play, but just goes to show how a game can be turned in one stroke, for from that moment Bolton gradually lost their confidence and grip of the game, what time Everton took command and turned a prospective defeat into a brilliant and easy victory. 
COOK’S TOUR
To my mind the Wanderers overfed their new winger, Cook.  True, he had a grand innings during Bolton’s greatness, but once White and Cresswell got the hang of his game they snuffed him out to such an extent that he had perforce to alter his tactics –centring as quickly as possible, whereas he had juggled and k=jockeyed with the ball and mesmerized White, who did not know how to cope with the wee player from Dundee, whose twinkling footwork remind me of the days of Fanny Walden.  He was dazzling, and along with another canny Scotsman in Gibson will lead more than White a dog’s life.  Why Bolton did not exploit the opposite wing (Butler was starved) is beyond me, for Butler is a very capable player given the opportunity, but he could do nothing without the ball.  Of course, Virr was in once of his brightest moods, and that may have been the reason for “Cook’s tour.”  McClennard has forgotten his role of centre forward, and has remodeled his game to suit the goal-scoring Blackmore, and he gave the centre forward some excellent opportunities by the cutest of passes but Blackmore could not get his eye in, and Everton were saved from battling against an early lead.  The second half was a one-sided affair, and, apart from Dean’s two goals, Pym had to make a number of saves of more than average merit.  He had to be on the alert when Dean was about and I would like to tell you of one incident that I cannot get out of my mind.  It is in reference to a linking up process between Dean and Stein.  Dean, when on the half-way line, gave Stein a great pass, that was taken well up before a centre was made.  Dean had sped up unseen by the defenders and met Stein’s centre with his head, and only clever anticipation by Pym saved a goal.  Dean’s second goal came as a result of a clever side of the boot tap by Dunn.  The third goal was made possible through an error in the Bolton defence.  Stein centred, and, although the consensus of opinion was that Haworth touched the ball on to Dean, I am practically certain that it was Seddon.  Whoever it was, it enabled Dean to score his twentieth goal of that season. 
STEIN AND CRITCHLEY
Stein did well, and Critchley, too, had his joyous time, especially in the second half, but he was helped by Finney, who seemed to take matters too easy.  He is a beautiful placer of a ball, but his coolness will let him down one of these days.  I saw it prove his undoing in a sensational Cup-tie some seasons ago.  Howarth had a good first half, and Seddon and Nuttall were good half-backs, but none did better in the middle than Virr, who was in great form.  Once the Everton attack found that goals could be scored they played well together, but of course, the palm must go to Dean or his three goals.  He got a lot of assistance from Dunn and Martin.  I liked the way Martin nursed Stein, and Dun gave Critchley invaluable aid.  Of Davies I have told you, but I must say a word about O’Donnell and Cresswell, who had to hear the full fury of the Wanderers skill in the early part of the game and it was their bold front and fearlessness which made victory possible. 
Derby County, the costless side so ably managed by Mr. Jobey, who sat in the accountants’ chair with Mr. Gillespie, of Mess Empires, and Yeoman Walker, of local laughs fame, is at Goodison Park tomorrow to celebrate the opening of another year.  Everton are happy to announce that Griffiths who broke his collar bone at Aston five or six weeks ago has now fully recovered and will take his customary place.  He had a trial with the reserves on Saturday and shaped remarkably well.  This is the only change from Saturday’s victorious side.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell (W); White, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Stein.