Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON 4 LEICESTER CITY 5
December 2 nd 1929. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON SECURE FOUR GOALS WITHOUT SUCCESS
FIVE FOR LEICESTER CITY AT GOODISON PARK
DEFENDERS TO BLAME FOR BLUES' LATEST HOME FAILURE.
CROWD OF 30,000 THILLED BY EXCITING STRUGGLE.
By The Pilot.
A remarkable match was contested by Everton and Leicester city at Goodison Park on Saturday when Everton conceded yet another brace of home points by going down to the strange score of five goals to four. A more pulsating and exciting game I do not wish to see, and yet there was so much in it, which savoured of the tragic. Every crowd loves goals, and this gathering of 30,000 was no exception, but they also love good football, and in this respect they were not disappointed. Leciester served up some delicious materials, with Duncan generally in the forefront when it came to scheming, and I certainly think that the spoils went to the better combination. Everton lacked defence of ability, and it is to the defence that one must point for the cause of the failure. The attack with the exception of Critchley, was good, and the half-backs were a sound line, but the backs and goalkeeper never touched anything like the form we know they are capable of producing. Well, when you come to consider that three of the City goals were in the nature of gifts, it will be seen that there were flaws somewhere. Leicester's first and third goals were the only ones, which you could say were scored without any flagrant errors on the part of the Everton defenders, and even in these instances faulty positional play led to the downfalls. At one time I honestly thought Everton were going to have a walk-over. At any rate, they were two goals to the good at the end of 17 minutes, and yet by the 47-minute they were three goals in arrears.
LOVATT JUST TOO LATE.
Again, I like everyone else on the field, was dumb bounded when the Blues participated in a brilliant revival and reduced the deficit to a single goal. They fought back grandly –gallantly –but resolute defence on the part of the City pulled them through this decidedly awkward period, and just as the final whistle blew Lovatt was netting from Adcock's centre. The goal did not count however, for Referee lines was piping as the ball was yet on its way to the net. Everton began with the utmost confidence and made ground well with direct rather than subtle methods. Leicester were still in the settling down stage when Rigsby who throughout was the Blues' most potent attacking force brought joy to the camp by securing a magnificent opening goal. He took Critchley's centre on the run and killed the ball as he shot. The ball sped low to the back of the net before McLaren had a chance to move. That happened after 15 minutes, and two minutes later a goal from Martin –another beauty –caused victory to loom large on the horizon. Martin brought Stein's corner down to his feet cleverly and banged the ball home with a fine cross effort.
BLUES' FATAL MISTAKE.
Now Everton made a fatal mistake. They counted their chicken and when the defence took things easy the City sprang to the attack with that zest and brilliant football ability which they have demonstrated so many times before. Langford thankfully stepped forward to a low through pass and though Cresswell ran up to force him to part Langford still retained possession, and with O'Donnell floundering on the far side of the field –totally out of position –Langford scored with a fast rising shot taken from just inside the box. This happened after 20 minutes and with some hope facing them, the City continued to –do the dictating, so much so that they secured a grit goal after 26 minutes. Adcock and Barry centres were diverted before Barry lobbed the ball for Langford to head with no great speed towards the net. Davies could have cleared easily, but O'Donnell ran in harassed him, and then allowed the ball to strike his knees and bounce into the net.
APPEAL IGNORED.
What a tragedy! Langford's attempt would not have borne fruit once out of a hundred times –this was the hundredth. At the same time the City should never have been allowed to attack, Critchley had been badly fouled just before, and the referee ignored the just appeal. With the score level Leicester took complete command and played the football which has made them famous. Never once was the ball placed in the air, and there was guile and thought in their every move. Before the interval Lovatt and Barry had secured further goals, but Barry's effort was another present, for Davies completely missed in his attempt to fist away Adcock's centre and the ball hit Barry's foot and trickled into the net. Two minutes after the resumption Adcock centering from the touchline, joyfully saw the ball swerve towards the goal. Davies miss it hopelessly in trying to flick it over the bar, and then the ball lying snugly in the net. The home goal underwent many other narrow escapes before Hart took a strong hand in bringing about the Everton revival. His fine tackling and clever feeding set the Blues on the crest of a wave, and Rigsby did the trick after 33 minutes in this half when he back headed Harts lob pass, past Mclaren.
EXCITEMENT.
This started the excitement –it was thrilling! Everton swept through the City like fire through a copse and six minutes later White headed a brilliant goal off Critchley. Still they kept at it with the spectators cheering them to the echo. Then the visitors shook themselves and not only did the defence settle down to calmer methods but the forward machine started to operate again in a menacing manner. At the end the City were worthy winners. The Everton defence was poor all through, Cresswell pushed off too much of his own work on to the shoulders of young Robson, who however, accepted it gladly, and O'Donnell was never once in position and performed many wild things. In addition, they seldom, they seldom worked in harmony. Davies lacked judgement, and never seemed to me to be confident. He was guilty of the most fatal errors and was certainly responsible for two goals, though he had occasion to blame the men in front of him more than once. The halves were good, Hart was none too decisive early on, but in the second half he played grandly and his feeding was approached only by that of Duncan, the cleverest and most scientific footballer on view. Robson did the work of two men and did it well, and Virr's slowness in recovery was more than balanced by the incisiveness in tackling and the shrewd manner in which he disposed of the ball.
RIGSBY THE BEST.
Once again Rigsby was the most potent attacking force and he endeared himself into the hearts of the crowd by his sheer honesty gluttony for work, subtlety and shooting abilities. Stein responded to him well, and crowned good touchline work with delectable centres. White was none too comfortable in another strange role, but tried all he knew, and Martin after a fine first half, faded out later on because he was inclined to hold the ball too long. Critchley was a big disappointment, and I think that had he been able to fulfill his task during the Everton rally, other goals would have accrued. He had one good period in the first half, but was deficient at other times. Leicester are a fine football side who know the advantage of the ground pass. The backs were far better than the home pair, and McLaren was rocklike in goal. Duncan was the pick of the intermediates, but Watson made his presence left with reduce defensive work. Forward, Lochhead, though not a scorer was the mastermind, and Adcock and Langford also did well. This was a game, which will long be remembered. Scientific football won on the day. Teams ; - Everton; - Davies, goal; Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, White, Rigsby, and Stein, forwards. Leicester City; - McLaren, goal, Black and Brown, backs, Duncan, Watson, and Ritchie, half-backs, Adcock, Lochhead, Lovatt, Langford, and Barry, forwards.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 2 nd 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 16)
Everton looked like making a fight of it against Sheffield United at Bramall-lane up to the interval, but later on they fell away and Sheffield won comfortably. Weldon gave Everton the lead in three minutes following a centre from Troup, but Gibson equalised after twenty minutes. Soon after the interval Gillespie put Sheffield ahead Spicer and Stevenson later adding goals.

EVERTON’S SERIOUS POSITION
Liverpool Echo - Monday 02 December 1929
WONDER-RESULTS WILL NEVER CEASE
EVERTON OUTLOOK
THE GOAL STORM
WHY EVERTON WERE BEATEN BY LECIESTER
Bee’s Notes
Goals and plenty of them are a necessity to Everton at this point, for their League position is undoubtedly a grave one, for they are but a point ahead of the bottom club, Sunderland, who have  played a match less, which makes Everton's position more perilous than ever.  Goals, however, are of no account unless you can boast more than your rivals.  Four goals are generally good enough to win most games, but not so against, Leicester, who got five.  Heavy scoring has been traditional in the meeting of these two teams, and the next time Leicester visit Goodison Park.  I intend to take an official time-keeper, for it is no light task to keep a faithful record of the goal-scoring, the goal scorer, and the manner in which the goals were scored, when nine are crushed into the game.  It was a sensational game in that Everton took a two-goal lead inside seventeen minutes, but a series of defensive blunders enabled Leicester to score four goals in twenty minutes, and so Everton were right up against it at the interval, but even worse was to follow, for within two minutes another goal found its way into their net, and that appeared to be the finishing stroke. To fight against such a commanding lead is not an easy matter, but Everton surprised everyone by their grit and determination, and all but drew level ten minutes from the end, and if only Critchley had remained calm when a ball came to him does in, he would possibly have beaten McLaren, but he made a wild stripe at the ball and sliced it into the crowd.  Everton “gave “Leicester three of their goals, which rather robs them of some of their glory, but unfortunately it does not rob them of the point, and that is the big thing in football. 
OVER-ANXIETY. 
Over anxiety can often prove a hindrance rather than a help, and it did so in the case of Leicester's second goal, for if O'Donnell could have held up his rush across goal, Davies would most certainly have disposed of Langford's header. He did pat it out of goal, but O'Donnell unintentionally patted it back with his legs, and this so unsettled Davies that he made two astonishing mistakes which resulted in two goals.  Barry dropped in two centres one which scored direct, the other going to Adcock after Davies had failed to punch clear, the winger shoving the ball tamely into the net. Langford's first goal and Lovatt's goal were the result of good shots, as were Rigby's opening point  and Martin's goal. Rigby's boot carries a punch. He never hesitated a moment with Critchley's centre, but there was nothing wild about his effort, which kept low and beat McLaren to pieces.  The Everton forward line had done well, but of what use is that if the defence gives away the advantage gained? It is a long time since I saw Davies, Cresswell, and O'Donnell so unbalanced, but in this game there was no cover, no backing up, and very  frequently O'Donnell was away up the field when he should have been helping Cresswell and Davies in his goal area.  They did improve, but the damage had been done, even though Everton came with a late-on rally that was magnificent to see, and scored two goals to reduce Leicester's lead to a single goal with ten minutes remaining to play.  They crowded on immense pressure, and several shags just missed their mark, but when Critchley was given his great chance he failed, and that was the end of a match which produced more enthusiasm from the Everton spectators than I had given them credit. Every Everton rally was greeted with a roar of encouragement, and it proves beyond all doubt, that vocal help can go a long way to help a team.  
SCIENTIFIC FOOTBALL. 
The ground was difficult to act upon, but both sides showed clever footwork, but where Leicester were superior was in the matter of quick tackling and accurate passing. No half-back on the field played better than Duncan, who as an ex-forward, naturally linked up with the attack when it was moving forward. He gave Lovett, a go-ahead leader, many excellent opportunities, while Lockheed was a schemer all the time, with Langford scoring two goals and playing exceedingly well at inside left. The wing men were dangerous I when in possession, but I thought Robson kept Adcock well under his thumb, working like a carthorse and showing more constructional play than heretofore. Rigby was our best forward.  I saw his value at Birmingham a week ago, and his display here only enhanced his reputation, the crowd taking him to heart for his clever football and two goals. Martin was another player who could be placed in the category of scientific footballers. He made opening after opening for Critchley, who, apart from a spell just after Everton's second goal, was wasteful, yet he made two goals. 

DEAN AND WIRRALL F.A.
Liverpool Echo – Monday, December 2 1929
Bee’s Notes
Mr. J. Parkinson, hon, secretary Mersey All Whites A.F.C., Birkenhead, writes;-
“I have the honour to be secretary of the club whose two players were barred from playing in the Wirral Junior Cup, and I would like to state when and why the said players were barred by the Wirral F.A.  “When the draw for the first round of the Wirral Junior Cup was made we were drawn against a club who, it was rumoured, were about to disband.  The rumour turned out to be a fact; the club did disband and we received a bye.  If the club had not disbanded the Dixie Dean and Wirral F.A, case would have been heard of two weeks ago, as I would have taken the same action then as I took afterwards.  “About two weeks ago I wrote to Mr. R. Hughes, hon, secretary of the Wirral F.A., informing him that I had two players who, during the close season (I will give you the rule of close season play later in my letter) played in a six-a-side competition.  I asked Mr. Hughes whether the players were eligible to play in the Wirral Junior Cup, as I was not certain on the matter, as I was given to understand that the competition was some sort of a charity game.  “Mr. Hughes replied and I was asked to bring the players, in question to the Wirral F.A. meeting on Monday evening, November 18.  Mr. George Johnson, one of the players, was unable to attend, but Mr. Lew. Griffiths, the other player, attended the meeting, and was able to give the council all the facts of how he and his club mate became a member of Dixie Dean’s team, where they played, and whom they played.  “The verdict of the council was that they would not be allowed to play in the Wirral Junior Cup this season, as they had broken rule 20 of the Wirral and District Football Association, Rule 20 reads;- ‘Any club or player taking part in a football contest (other than practice matches or matches played in camp) between the first Saturday in May and the last Saturday in August shell be debarred from competing in these cup competitions, notwithstanding that such player may have been suspended or otherwise dealt with for the offence by any association,’ (That is the close season rule).  “There are plenty of people who, knowing these two players, have asked me why I wrote to the Wirral F.A. secretary asking if they were eligible or not.  Well, we will suppose that I had not written and these two players played in the cup games, and we will assume that we got into the final, and the opposing team secretary got to know about the two players playing in a six-a-side competition.  He would lodge a protest, and according to what has happened, the protest would be won.  “My club would be fined; I myself would very likely be suspended sine die.  “I am sorry if the action I took has got Dixie into any trouble, but I don’t think it has Dixie, I am sure, did not intend to break any rules, if he has broken them.  “In conclusion, I would like to say that my club tenacious their chance in the Wirral Junior Cup, but being unable to play our two star forwards we were beaten in the second round by the odd goal in three.  “Before I close I would like to ask you whether you are ‘Bee Bee’ who tipped horses in a London paper about four years ago.”  I was living in London and I often wondered if our Liverpool “Bee” was also London’s ‘Bee Bee,” - the answer to Mr. Parkinson is in the negative. 

OLD STORIES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 03 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
“Old-Times” writes;-
My attention was drawn to the heading.  “How long is it since the E.F.C played in the field behind Belmont House, Belmont-road.”  As a youth I remember the occasion very well.  It was the beginning of the season 1887-88, and the directors of that time of the original E.F.C (ground, Anfield-road) want the turf to be in the best of condition for the kick-off in September.  That was the season E.F.C arranged to play off their practice matches in the field at the back of Belmont House, their supporters being admitted free.  Those days were great; each club was as good as the other for poaching players (E.F.C included).  What about Bootle F.C? Now then for a tit-bit.  The beginning of the season 1887-88 was rather unfortunate.  E.F.C. had brought in several Scotch players, and at that time Sandon Hotel was the header quarters where all the talent met.  Certain rumours got flying round.  The old E.F.C got in the soup and had to appear before the Football Association.  The players were suspended and the ground closed for a month, so the boys of that time had to stick up for Bootle F.C and good old Stanley F.C during E.F.E holidays.  One more it; E.F.C. in the draw for the English Cup round drew to play Glasgow Rangers at Anfield; the Rangers won 2-1.  Before the kick-off E.F.C gave the match to the Rangers for E.F.C were playing men not qualified to play.  That was the last season that Scotch teams played in the competition for the English Cup. 
“PEEPS” AND OVER-STRONG TEAM
I have quite enjoyed your “peeps” into the past” letters on the Kaffirs.  Memory has played many of the details falsely. The match mentioned by “Millersdale" was between the English and Scottish players from the Everton and Liverpool teams. This match was played at Goodison Park on Monday, September 10, 1900 (and the Scots won by two goals to one), for the benefit of W Muir, Everton's goalkeeper. He came from Glenbuck„ In Scotland, and signed on for Everton from Kilmarnock in 1897. He was a big chap about 5ft 11ins, and about last 12st 71bs. 
“H. C." mentions Bert Sharp, who came to Everton in 1899, as a back, and Diary “says that G. Molyneux and W Balmer played. Three full backs!  An error somewhere. And “Cotton “mentions Eccles and Henderson—both full backs. Five full backs! And Muir, Kitchen, and Smalley are mentioned.  Three goalkeepers! Perhaps some of your correspondents can now give us details of a similar match between Everton and the West Indians (1 think), which was won by 9 goals to 3 (1 fancy). But your readers will know. Good wishes to you for your ever-interesting column, say, “Alpho."  One of the joys of such debates is that people have to depend upon their memories for old-time lore, and you would see by the columns I published that there was great variance between the correspondents, with the result that the Kaffirs seem to have played about fifteen players! No wonder they lost heavily! 
LOOKING AHEAD
E.I.R.B, writes;-
As a lifelong supporter of the Everton Football Club, I am sure that I am only one of many who were pleased to learn that the slight operation performed on W.R (Dixie) Dean’s foot had met with such success, and in wishing him a complete recovery and an early return to the team.  I feel that we will shortly see the “Heading Wonder” present us with the Goodison thrills which we have missed in Dixie’s absence, and which call for the applause of old and young alike, and the little section of the stand representing “Maghull.”  More power to Dixie. 

TROUP BACK IN TEAM
December 4 th 1929. Liverpool Post and Mercury
A must interesting feature of the side is that Troup the dashing little Scot, is due to make his first appearance of the season, in the senior side. He was injured in the practice matches, and it was only recently that he turned out in centre-league games. He has shown form, sufficiently good to justify his re-appearances in senior football, and I am sure his spell well known ability, to cut in and shoot with that great power, and accuracy which have always been features of his play. He will add to the strength of the Everton attack, hart the captain stands down in favour of Griffiths. This ‘'dropping of the pilot'' may cause some surprise, but at his best Griffiths is a power at centre-half and hart has had a strenuous time, may benefit by the rest.

THE “SATURDAY INTERNATIONALS”
Liverpool Echo – Wednesday, December 4 1929
WILL 1884 HISTORY BE REPEATED?
THE DANGER OF ANOTHER REBELLION
EVERTON F.C “DOCTORS.”
AN EVERTON MEMBER EXPRESSES HIMSELF
Bee’s Notes
The situation which is developing in the football world as a result of the determination of the League clubs to resist the attempt of the four national associations to adhere to the Saturday as the day on which international matches shall be played recalls what happened 45 years ago, when the English F.A., with similar density, sought to weep back the tide of professionalism.  And the question arises as to what is likely to happen unless the legislators at Russell-square see the red light as they so stubbornly refused to do for a long time in 1884.  In 1883 the first hint of investigations into what was suspected to be veiled professionalism at Preston was given, but at that time the authorities were unable to discover anything wrong. The late Major Sudell, who was the head and front of the offending, afterwards admitted that "elaborate precautions were taken to hoodwink them," but a year later payments to players were admitted not only in Lancashire but in the Midlands and in Scotland, and the matter was bound to come to a head. 
IMPORTATIONS WERE BARRED. 
At that time there a rule of the English Cup competition in force which declared that "no club shall play any member of different nationality to the club, nor any player imported from any other district, except by special permission of the committee” (of the Association) and in pursuance of that provision Preston North End were thrown out of the tournament under protest from protest Park after their tie of Preston on January 19, 1884-which led to their disappearance from the Cup-ties  in the following season.  On October 6 of the same year—that is 1884—the Football Association set its face against the recognition of professionalism, and drew up stringent rules, which post-dated two years, relating to the playing of imported players and payments, which, according to the records of the time, created "dire consternation in Lancashire." A return had to be made by every affiliated club showing (1) name of player, (2) occupation.  (3) wages, (4) length of residence in district, (5) place of last residence, (6) occupation at last residence. (7) wages at last residence, and (8) reason for change of residence.  But the clubs in Lancashire were not minded to accept this quietly, and, as now, set other forces in motion with the result that within a week they had met at Bolton and decided to withdraw from the Cup competition. At that time it was recognised that the F.A. was perfectly in order in legislating in this manner for that competition, but the application of the same principle to ordinary fixtures was contested, and counsel’s opinion was taken on it. 
START OF RIVAL ASSOCIATION. 
Events marched rapidly, for at a meeting the following week of what were called the " Associated Clubs of Lancashire" it was decided to form " The British Football Association," to which forty clubs subscribed at the outset; and it is interesting at this distance of time to recall that one of those who were prominent in this movement was the late Mr. J. J. Bentley, who afterwards became president and chairman of the Football League and vice-president of the Football Association.  The disaffection spread to the Midlands and North, Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Walsall Swifts joining,  and on counsel's opinion, the clubs were told that they had right of action against the Association and a title to damages for exclusion from the Cup competition, and to go on playing clubs  outside the jurisdiction of the Association.  The ruling body was also informed that it could not demand the information required by the tabulated form referred to.  The Lancashire Association, too, was on the side of the rebels, and its  secretary, the late "Dick " Gregson, was empowered to attend the meeting of the Football Association at which the battle was staged and more an amendment to the rule which interfered with ordinary club fixtures. 
HOW THE F.A. GAVE WAY
The story of the epic fight that he made along with two or three others has been told more than once. Briefly, it may be said that an ultimatum was presented to the F.A., which suddenly saw that unless it gave way there would be one governing body for amateur football and one for professional.  The concession to the agitation was not made without great opposition even from quarters where it was known payments were being made, such as Nottingham, but once the Association gave way it did so handsomely, not only legalizing professionalism " under stringent  conditions " (that is its own term), but  permitting professionals to play in all club or Cup matches if they were born within twelve miles of the club's headquarters or by residence within these limits for two years on the ground that the Cup competition was a national  one."   The victory was signal for the voting was said at the time to be 13 for and 5 against. That residential qualification for the Cup remained in force for several years, in fact the late "Jimmy " Trainer was prevented from getting his Cup medals with North End when they were in their pomp, Dr. Mills Roberts playing his stead. 
SCOTTISH “OUTLAWS”
Later this was revoked, and the conditions that now apply were brought into being as professionalism became a recognized part of the football fabric.  But one sidelight of the change was that for a time the Scotsmen, who had came to England were proscribed by the Scottish Association, each one receiving an intimation that he would not be allowed to return and play with any club within the jurisdiction of that association without permission. A t that time Preston had 11, Burnley 9, Bolton Wanderers 5, Blackburn Rovers 3, and even clubs like Padiham, Great Lever, Darwen, Church, Halliwell, and Preston Zingari, that no longer exist, in their original form at least, had a number of these “outlaws.”  That in short is the history of what happened in 1884, when the F.A refused to realise changed events, and it will be interesting to see whether that history will be repeated in another form in 1929, in the shape of a League rebellion and breakaway should the ruling body be so short-sighted as to ignore the expressed opinion of the principal clubs on the subject of scrapping the Saturday Internationals. 
WHAT IS WRONG
 “A Member” writes; - I feel that the question “What is wrong with Everton?” requires an answer, and I venture to supply same.  Make the best use of the players at command.  When a player outgrows his usefulness he is disposed of, but the directors are apparently like Tennyson’s brook.  I think they have the ability and necessary qualifications, but we find that whilst certain players are dropped on the slightest pretext, others who have not played well for months are chosen.  On Saturday the first goal was one of the finest seen on the ground.  Martin obtained the ball on the half-way line, drew the half-back, passed to critchly, asked and received the ball back, left the full-backs standing, and then demonstrated how an outside right should centre, with the result that Rigby was able to score a really brilliant goal.  Why go “abroad” for an outside-right when they have in Martin a player who, if given the opportunity, would prove, I think, one of the finest in the country?  Dunn is far too good to be idle, and if he were played inside right as partner to Martin, this wing would become an automatic selection for the rest of the season.  The left wing is a splendid one, and when Dean returns this forward line would make holes in any defence.  The defence is wrong.  Davies is erratic, but deserves elbow room.  Common should be given an extended trial.  The half-backs at one time were Everton’s long suit, but this season –no! The following would put up a good show; Robson, Griffiths, and White, and I venture to assert that my selection, viz., Davies; Common and O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, and White; Martin, Dunn, Wilkinson, Rigby, and Stein (including Dean, of course, when fit) would bring back points and prestige to Goodison Park.  In conclusion, I may say that I have been a follower of Everton for more years than I care to remember, but I am only a member, and members have no means of expressing their opinions.  The shareholders who brought a share or two for a few pounds years ago- and have been getting practically free admission ever since- can have their say at the annual meetings.  The supporters on the popular side can show their displeasure by staying away, but the members merely pay their 2 pounds 10s in advance and grin and bear it. 
HARD LYING
Tell Everton directors, &c., and spectators in general the honest and plain fact, i.e. half-backs, the mainstay of any team, were woefully lacking up till Saturday, against Leicester, when the welcome appearance of Virr improved matters somewhat.  Last season forwards were moved about wholesale, and backs also changed, but the real trouble was not touched.  Everton have not a pivot key man.  It’s a hard theory, but the Second Division is also hard-lying.  There are still thousands of us who don’t want to see them there, but unless that centre position is filled they look like going down.- TE-EF.
PRAISE
Just a line to pay a tribute to the Everton forwards for their display.  Had they been supported by the defence as they should have been nothing would have stopped them scoring a dozen goals.  I hope that the directors of the Everton Club will not blame the forwards this time for the only too apparent weakness of the defence, backs and half backs- Bluey.  Everton need a new goalkeeper badly.  Maybe you could pass the hint on to the proper quarter that there is a ready-made, first-class goalkeeper playing for Chester in the Cheshire County League.  He is only nineteen years of age, but is hefty for his age, standing over 5ft 11in, I have seen him playing in seven games this season.  His positioning and anticipation are wonderful for a youngster, and grit and pluck there is no one to equal him.  His name is Sterling! I know that there have been several First Division scouts watching him, including the Villa, and if Everton are not very slick they will lose his second edition of Elisha Scott.  Wishing you the best of luck, and, if I may be so premature, a happy Christmas. - Yours, Well-wisher.  Why do Everton persist in playing Stein and Troup is displaying splendid form with the reserves?  They would be well advised to bring in Common.  Then, the new man, McClure, should be worth a trial at left half, as was the case with Robson on the opposite flank.  Here is the complete team; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Robson, Hart, McClure; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup, (says V.D.R.). 
OLD, OLD EVERTON
Mr. T.H. Draper says; Everton Football Club occupied our ground in Belmond-road during the season of 1888-89.  It was the Belmont Football Club’s ground.  Our president was Mr. Bradley, licensee of the “Lord Clive” Hotel, nearly opposite, the same hotel being our headquarters.  The same season I was offered a trial in their Everton’s reserve team, but did not accept.
MERSEY TEAMS. 
A feature of Everton's selection is that Troup, the dashing little Scot, is due to make his first appearance of the season in the senior side. Hart, the captain, stands down in favour of Griffiths. This "dropping of the Pilot" may cause some surprise, but at his best Griffith is a power at centre-half, and Hart, who has had a strenuous time, may benefit by a rest. The team is: — Davies; Cresswell. O'Donnell: Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup.  


FOOTBALLER'S FUNERAL
Derby Daily Telegraph - Thursday 05 December 1929
Derby County Players Among Mourners
Mr. Archie Goodall, the former Derby County centre-half and Irish International, who died at East Finchley, London, on Friday, was buried in the Nottingham-road Cemetery, Derby, today. The Rev. L. S. Currey, vicar of St. Osmund's church, Derby, officiated. The mourners included a number of former footballers and members of the theatrical profession. The directors of Derby County Football Club sent a wreath of pink and white flowers. Mr. Richard Goodall (son), Mrs. Dorothy Chisholm (daughter) and Mrs. A. Dakin (sister-in-law), were the only relatives present. Among those present at the cemetery were: Mr. J. Methven (a fellow player and former manager of County F.C.), Mr. Harry Dakin (a former trainer), Mr. Walter Dakin, Mr. E. Bancroft, Mr. W. S. Moore (secretary Derby County F.C.). Messrs. Steve Bloomer and A. W, (the former Derby County players), J. F. Balkwill (brother of the former County player), John Ryle (former director, Derby County F.C.), and Mr. C. B. Dunnicliff (representing the Derby Referees' Society). Messrs. A. Dakin, P. Felix, J. Rayner, L. V. Fowke. Thomas Eley, Hayden Green, A. Poult on. J. Vince, Walter Yeomans. J. loon, C. Roberts. W. Custance, J. Longdon, George Newton, H. Rawling, W. Tunmcliffe, and J. T. Joynes. Messrs. Bussell & Son, of East Finchley, carried out the funeral arrangements, the coaches being supplied by the Derby and District Funeral Co., Ltd.

WANTS TWO FROM BURNLEY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 05 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
I wrote you a few weeks ago (says “Custard”) mentioning the fact that Everton required new players, and that the cheque-book should at once be opened, otherwise the Second Division was staring them in the face.  Since then, however, one player has been secured (Rigby to note).  Now I understand Burnley are receiving offers.  Well, if so, Everton should bang for Page and Bruton.  I imagine, if they are lucky enough to secure them, this forward line would lift the Blues to a prominent position in the League; - Bruton, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Page. 
HE KNEW. 
When will we get a change at Everton?  Asks "Zero” When the gates fall to zero the management will wake up. If the present playing staff isn’t good enough, let's have the goods that can win matches. I tipped Everton for the Second Division last season, when they lost all their remaining home matches.  Yet we had no signings of any note.  Everton could do with about seven first class players.

ARCHIE GOODALL.
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - Friday 06 December 1929
Many Friends at Footballer’s Funeral.
Many former football companions and friends attended the funeral at Nottingham-road Cemetery, on Thursday, of Mr. Archie Goodall, the former Derby County footballer.  As stated on the sports page of our issue of his week, Mr. Goodall had lived at East Finchley for some time and collapsed in the street last Friday afternoon at East Finchley.  The funeral service was conducted in the church at the Cemetery by the vicar of St. Osmund's Derby, the Rev L.S. Currey.  The family were Mr. Richard Goodall (son), and Mrs. D. Chrisholm (daugter), while Mr. P. Felix and Miss Felix also followed.  Among those present at the cemetery were Messrs. S. Bloomer, J. Methven, (former team mates), H. Dakin (trainer), Walter Dakin, W.S. Moore (Secretary of Derby County Football Club), C. Baincroft, W. Tunnicliff, H. Rawlings (theatrical friend), J.T. Joynes, J.F. Balkwill (brother of a former team mate), A.W. Waltis (formerly a noted referee and footballer), J. Paynor, Arthur Daykin, A. Poulton, T. Heeley, J. Vince, John Ryley (former director of Derby County)., F.V. Fowke, C.B. Dunnicliff, W. Yeomans, C. Roberts, Hayden Greene, and J. Toone.  The directors of Derby County Football Club sent a beautiful wreath composed of white chrysanthemums, lilies and while carnations.  The plate on the coffin bore the inscription "Archibald Goodall, at rest November 29th, 1929, aged 65."

AND SO TO GRIMSBY _FOR THE FIRST TIME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 06 December 1929
BREAKING NEW GROUND
By Bee’s
Liverpool Echo - Friday 06 December 1929
There are not many grounds the country over that L have missed, but Grimsby is one of them, and as I have made so many personal friends in that enterprising club I must take the chance to see the Fisher folk to-morrow, when Everton tackle this much-debated  side. Grimsby kicked off this season in a way that suggested they would be in the Leeds-Manchester City category, but so soon as the heavy grounds arrived they fell off their form, only to find it as late as last Saturday, when they created a real home blow for Bolton Wanderers.  Thus they go before their supporters with a hearty remembrance, whereas Everton make a visit with the knowledge that their fiery endeavour of the last half of the Leicester game brought no tangible result. The Goodison Park brigade have made changes—not for the  first time—but there is something shout  the changes that will tend to create big interest in the club's performances.  Troup,  at outside left, can he the most dominating of little fellows; he sometimes takes charge of the attacking division, and everyone knows that when  he let, out a reef for a shot the goal-  keeper can look for a real handful.  Griffiths for Hart may appease those who were astonished that Griffiths was out the same week that he played for Wales. The Welshman has not been playing so well as last season, but I like his power, his reach, his heading out of corner kicks given against his side, and his heading in of corner kicks given to the Everton side. Grimsby are tough opponents; they never stop running, and they have a slashing style that does not leave its pace in the dressing room at half-time. So Everton will need to tighten up their defence and continue the forward work that brought them four, goals last week.  I am not without hope that this voyage of discovery to far-off Grimsby will provide a shock for the home crowd and give Everton a little heart.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup. 
A NORTH END TREAT
At the Everton “A” ground on Saturday, the young Livers will be at home to the Barrow Schoolboys in the Lancashire County Schoolboys Championship, the kick-off. 
WILL PLAY FOR RUNCORN TOMORROW
Runcorn have signed G. Hughes, formerly of Earle and Everton.
He will appear in goal tomorrow against Port Vale, at Canel-street. 
Everton A meet Burscough Rangers at Burscough, to-morrow, in the second round of the Liverpool Charity Cup, and will field the following team;- Calvert; Johnson, Leyland; Byron, Haycock, Wright; Liggins, Chedgzoy, French, Webster, and Lewis. 
Cables and Wireless Pref. ¼ lower at 96 ¼, the A losing a point at 77, the B also weak, falling 1 ½ to 37.  Everton Football Club 55s, Liverpool Football Club 30s.
TRANSFER NEWS
Everton we learn have been in at three international players and have not yet anything to report. 

WHAT EVERTON “FANS” ARE WONDERING.
December 7 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
WILL TODAY;S GAME PROVIDE THE TURNING POINT?
By Ijay
Will today's game against Grimsby Town provide the turning point in Everton's effort to escape the relegation bogy? This is what every Everton supporters is wondering at the present time. Every club experience a lean period at some time or another, but when Everton escaped entering the Second Division nearly three seasons ago and won the League championship a season later it was expected that their troubles had ended for a long time at any rate. However, the Blues find themselves in a serious position once again and the only thing to save them is concerted action and a quick restoration of confidence, with the possibility of a couple of acquisition to the playing strength. Grimsby are also in the throes of desperation, for, like Everton, they can only boast 14 points, although the Fishermen have played a match less. Everton's chance lies in the fact that Grimsby have a poor home record. They have only won two of their eight home games. Everton have preformed as well away as they have at Goodison, and I expect to see them start on the upward grade with two valuable points. The Blues' directors have brought in Alec Troup for the first time this season, while Griffiths has been included as centre-half. I think Everton can take the full points, but the defence must not repeat the blunders made against Leicester. Goals are hard enough to get, but easily thrown away. Rigsby has worked wonders with the Everton forward line, judging by the display last week, and the members of it infused a life into their play that has been lacking for many weeks. Everton have a hard road to travel, but there seems little reason why they should not make an early rise in the table. A change of luck will mean renewed confidence. It should be a fine, hard game, full of fast football, with both sides going all out for the full 90 minutes in their efforts to retrieve their fortunes. Teams; - Grimsby Town; (probably) Read; Wilson, Jacobson; Preistley Swift, Calderwood; Barley, Cooper, Robson, Cogin, Marshall. Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Risgby, Troup.

EVERTON VIEWING SCOTTISH PLAYERS
December 7 th 1929. The Liverpool Football Echo
DUNDEE AND RANGERS WING HALVES FANCIED.
Everton were represented in Glasgow today, by Jack Fare, who has come North for the best wing half-backs in the country. He spent the afternoon at Ibrox, where fine first class wing halves were on view. The Dundee pair have been under observation on several occasions and bids have been made for the services of McNab and Thomson, but today, they were being compared with the Rangers two, McDonald and Craig. If Mr. Fare consider that the Ibrox men were better, an offer many materialise. Criag is the Scottish International, and McDonald is one of the Rangers captures from American, picked up while on tour two summers ago. Everton are also said to want an inside-wing forward from Scotland. Newcastle United are on the same quest and they too, were at Ibrox watching McPhail, the International, who cannot keep his place regularly in the Rangers team.

A WELCOME WIN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 December 1929
EVERTON WIN BY HEARTY PLAY
CAPTAIN TROUP’S GOAL
GRIMSBY TOWN BEATEN BY THREE CLEAR GOALS
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup.  Grimsby Town;- Reed; Wilson, Jacobson; Priestley, Swaby, Calderwood; Barley, Cooper, Robson, Coglin, Wright.  Referee; Mr. Cousins, of Sheffield. 
The gale at Grimsby was terrible.  The day was a deluge of rain until half an hour before the start, when the wind continued to make things uncomfortable.  The ground was waterlogged, and the man in charge of the game who, by the  way, abandoned the Arsenal game  three weeks ago, was presented another  task of deciding whether the ground  was fit for play.  Incidentally, I ought to mention here that Everton, expect, hope, and believe, they will announce two very important signings this week end. They have had some bad fortune lately, but this has not prevented them from proceeding with the necessary work on hand.  There were 4,000 present at the Park five minutes before the start. No wonder! The day was not one on which you would send out your worst enemy for a newspaper. 
TROUT CAPTAIN. 
Alec Troup, for the first time in his Everton history, led the team on to the field. He was captain for the day, and this is his first senior game this season.  Hunter Hart was present, looking on.  Everton lost the toss, and faced the wind—a rare trial. Griffiths opened with a slice, so did O'Donnell, but do not imagine that these were mistakes.  They were excusable errors. Almost everything must be forgiven to-day, yet Grimsby passed, and repassed so, much that it needed Robson to cut in, and save them shooting.  Coglin was more practical. He deadened the ball and shot at once.  Not a scoring shot, but a good try.  Cooper, an enormous-sized forward followed Coglin, but was mush further away. The ball, when played by O'Donnell, skidded along at express speed. It was most difficult to time the ball at any point. Cresswell sliced his drive.  A third time Cresswell failed to connect, and the home centre, who knows no fear of Camera, dashed forward. As he attempted to shoot Virr crossed him, and the shot was turned for a corner that counted for nothing.  Thera was a further crash and dash on Everton through Coglin making a wise pass, and Robson got stuck in the mud just at the penalty spot. Troup's first move was a good one. He went up for White, who had gone to outside left.  Troup held the centre that followed, and, finally Griffiths tried a long one, six yards wide. 
WILD SHOOTING. 
It was wild, wild, shooting to-day, at any angle, as was proved a moment later when Critchley and White paired  off nicely, and the Grimsby goalkeeper ran out, fell, had a slide of a half-yard  and would have conceded a goal had  someone on the left flank been up and  doing.  Critchley made the first goalkeeping save, Read catching clean.  In eleven minutes Egerton went to the front. The forwards had been scheming well, and passing with confidence and a fine sense of mud-touch. 
A RIGBY GOAL. 
White started a move again, and when the ball was put towards the left area Martin, who had gone out of his wing-way, gently guided the ball towards Rigby, who had the pleasure of screwing the ball across the goal and taking the lead.  Robson, of Grimsby, was not so far the holy terror he generally it, and he tried to work the ball through a morass of mud, which was fatal today. Troup sent a full cross towards. Critchley, but the goalkeeper ran out and kicked away. So badly did he kick, that if Martin had been looking that way he could have taken snap chance.  Everton's forwards combined with a freshness and freedom that was a very pleasing feature. White narrowly failed to finish a corner with a flash-headed goal. Rigby nearly snatched goal No. 2 against a defence that wavered.  How the ball flew can he guested when I tell you a goal-kick for Grimsby sent the ball skidderine along, beating attempted headers by Robson, the halfback, and then passed to Critchley, whose centre was mulled on the left.  Yet Troup eventually had the ball, and made Read go down at the foot of the post to stop a sharpish shot.  O'Donnell and Griffiths took too long over a clearance that should have been easy, and White pitched up when Rigby gave him a prime upward pass.  Cooper got the glad hand of the crowd for a shot after the home side had shown more sense than usual in their progress forward.
A SPECTABULAR DRIBBLE, 
O'Donnell went well up the field, and White took his punt first thus without quite getting hold of the ball. Even so the goalkeeper, Read, had to save.  Davies had to make his best punch owing to a foul for a bad throw-in. He saved in spite on onrushing forwards.  Martin was favouring the left wing, and did a one, two, three dribble of spectacular interest. Griffiths trapped the ball like a master, and Rigby's overhead kick was clever.  A free kick against Griffiths led to Davies stretching out to pick up the effort. His feet slipped up, he fell, the ball stuck in the mud, and O'Donnell dropped back to kick dear. A second time Davies handled the greasy ball, which bobbed out of his hands, and he made a safe catch to complete the clearance.
REFEREE ARGUES. 
The referee foolishly started to argue with Critchley while the play went on, with the result that the referee had his back to the incident and Robson might have claimed to have scored.  He was well stopped to-day, this rushing centre. Troup gave Read a nasty one to handle, and Martin did brilliant dribbling. Everton had played really well all round, and there was no fault to find with them up to this stage.  Half-time.—Grimsby 0, Everton 1. 
GRIFFITHS GRIPS A HALF CHANCE. 
Everton started the second half joyful about their lead and more than happy that the gale of wind had not gone down. Moreover, they increased their lead in less than two minutes.  The ball had been placed to the right wing. Griffiths, the centre half back, chased the halt chance. He began to dribble around the penalty box line.  He was hindered and hampered and charged, but he kept his feet, and when he got square with the goal he tried a shot through the mud barrage.  The ball skidded in, and White tried to connect with it. Some defender touched the ball very slightly, but without effect. Everton were two goals up. They were this way last week, and therefore it was, disappointing to find a defender not clearing when he could.  It led to Grimsby thinking they had a chance of breaking down the lead just as Leicester had done. 
GRIMSBY SETTLE. 
Grimsby nearly sacrificed a third goal when Critchley took up a pass through a back falling. White back-heeled the ball but no one accepted the chance and Grimsby went off at a merry bat, and Robson shot very hard a flashing ball near to goal.  Grimsby had now become a trifle more settled in their game, and Rigby dribbled beyond three to turn the tide of affairs.  Griffiths was again in the picture with a long shot that was worthy if wide.  Robson had been a lovely working half-back, clean and convincing, and it was he who fell back to clear the delayed rally three times. Critchley made Read save, and Griffiths followed with a better one. The goalkeeper kicked the ball to clear, but it came back to him aided by the wind.  Rigby had a tap on the knee, but thus far it had been clean football all the way, save for the mud patches.
TROUP DECIDES
Critchley made the best shot of the match, and Read handled it with confidence.  Some would blame him for shooting, but I won’t.  This was a day for attempted long drives, and so it proved at the seventieth minutes when Critchley made a nice dribble, turned the ball over to the right, he having gone inwards, for Martin to try a shot.  The ball sped along the goalmouth, and Troup, running in, was able to put the ball into the net and practically settle the issue with a three goals’ lead.  Read had to save again, and when Calderwood left the field through an injured knee there was little else probable in the verdict of the day.  Everton were good winners. 
HEARTY DOES IT
Read made a great save from Martin after a perfect pass back by White.  Grimsby had been disappointing, but Everton had won worthily, and could not do more than show good work in mud that suggested combination was out of the question.  Everton showed it was possible.  Everton were hearty as well as clever.  Final; Grimsby Town 0, Everton 3. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 December 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

NORTHWICH V CONGLETON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 December 1929
DIXIE DEAN WATCHES
Dixie Dean, the popular Everton player, was an interested spectator.  In the first ten minutes each side had registered a goal.  Moore scored Northwich’s second goal, and Chesters added a third. 

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 December 1929
WILKINSON COLLIDES BUT SCORES TWICE
At Goodison Park.   Feature of the first half was the smart goalkeeping of Harrison, the Bury custodian, who made three splendid saves from Stein, the winger also striking the post.  Wilkinson collided with the goalkeeper but recovered first and opened the scoring for Everton.  Ritchie centred well, and Wilkinson scored a second.  Alexander was dangerous for the visitors during breakaways, but the inside forwards were weak in front of goal.  Half-time;- Everton Res 2, Bury Res nil.  On resuming, Dunn scored a third goal from a corner by Stein. 
BURSCOUGH RANGERS V EVERTON A
(Russell county Cup)
At Burscough.  With the wind Burscough pressed incessantly, but Talbot, in the Everton goal, played a wonderful game.  Though his charge was repeatedly attacked, he withstood all demands in the first half.  From a breakaway five minutes from the interval Lewis scored a fine goal for Everton, Half-time, Everton 1 Burscough nil. 

EVERTON ON TOP.
Hull Daily Mail-Monday 9 December 1929
GRIMSBY FAIL TO ADAPT THEMSELVES TO GROUND CONDITIONS.
Never adapting themselves to the wretched conditions that prevailed, Grimsby Town at home gave a very poor display, and were beaten by Everton three goals to nil. spite ofa gale wind and greasy surface, the forwards and half backs controlled the ball with marked skill, and before interval R'ghy, who was recently transferred from Blackburn Rovers, gave Everton the lead. Two minutes after the interval Griffiths, the Everton centre half-back, scored a second goal, after which Grimsby were handicapped through Calderwood being injured. Everton continued to monopolise the attack, and before the end Troup added a third goal.

Troup's Return as Everton Skipper
Dundee Courier-Monday 9 December 1929
I HEAR that Huddersfield and Everton have taken a lease with certain Scottish football names, but maybe Everton will revoke after the way their Scots played at Grimsby. They had believed that Martin was mercurial; that Hart was tired through accident to the eye; that Kelly, Ritchie, Dunn, and all the others of the camp there had not fitted their bill. THEY dropped their pilot, Hunter Hart, and brought in the Welshman, Griffiths. Hart looked on, relishing the chance of a rest. He has missed only 25 games in nine years' service with them. I can tell you. too, that the club has a notion that he shall not leave the club even when his playing days are over—the idea is that he shall be added to the staff. He tells me that he goes to America to see his rich uncle this summer, and I forecast here that he will have benefit number two ere many months are out. EVERTON had become nervy, and one way out of their troubles was to bring back the consistent old man, the silent man of the field—Alec Troup, of Forfar—and Alec became captain for the first time with his club. He took the honour with modesty.

GRIMSBY TOWN 0 EVERTON 3
December 9 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
BLUES, TRIUMPH OVER GRIMSBY AND THE ELEMENTS.
EVERTON'S GLORIOUS EXHIBITIOIN AT BLUNDELL PARK IN DUEL BY DESPERATE TEAMS
BATTLE AGAINST GALE AND BITING WIND.
By The Pilot.
Everton completely mastered not only deplorable conditions, but the robust Grimsby Town side at Blundell Park by 3 clear goals, in a desperate struggle by desperate clubs, each seeking to escape from the tentacles of the danger zone octopus. Not for many a day have the Evertonians put up such a grand, glorious almost heroic struggle, and that they richly deserved the spoils is being dispute. Early on there was a doubt about the match being played at all, for water was inches deep on the ground, but an army of workers contrived to make a playable, though it still remained a veritable mud-patch. In addition a terrific gale raged incessantly, and it was against this biting perishing wind that the Blues had to battle for the first half. How they did battle too! The opening exchanges were even, the players endeavouring to ascertain the best way of conquering the conditions, but early on it was obvious that the Everton machinery was going to run much more smoothly than that of the Town. In eleven minutes Rigsby gave them the lead with a goal, the fruit of pure, unadulterated football. It was a gem. Keeping the ball low, the men participated in a\ faultless combined movement, with each man applying the necessary touch. The town defence was spread-eagled by the accuracy of the passing, and when Martin slipped the final pass forward with delicious skill, Rigsby drove the ball low into the net before Read could move. A sporting Grimsby crowd greeted the score in the manner fitting.
MUD, WATER AND WIND ASSETS!
A single goal is no sense a secure lead, but I felt convinced, as Rigsby's shot hit the net, that the Blues were sure winners. Instead of worrying about mud, water and wind, they set out to make them assets, and their football often reached the acme of perfection. The fishermen were a resolute, rather than methodical combination and their tactics were just those the Everton defence wanted. There was no ceremony about Cresswell or O'Donnell, and with Griffiths, Robson and Virr fighting tooth and nail, yet always with thought and consideration, the Town were held in subjection. The bull-like rushes of Robson, the leading Town scorer, looked the efforts of a novice against this intrepid Everton defence, and so completely did the rearguard hold up the opposing forwards that the intermediates found plenty of time to support a line of incisive forwards. True, Everton goal had one or two narrow escapes during the first period when Grimsby had the advantage of the wind, particularly when Davies slipped in the mud and Barley's centre landed plump in the mire on the goal-line for O'Donnell to boot it away. The football of the home side, however, was elementary as compared with that of the Blues, who added fleetness of foot to brilliant constructive ability and combined endeavour. There was not a single weakness in the side and there was a rare spirit of teamwork to prove an additional thorn in the side of the Fishermen.
ANOTHER SPECTATOR GOAL.
The second half was only two minutes old when Griffiths scored the second goal. Gathering from a throw-in he neatly trickled three opponents in the penalty area before netting with a low cross shot which struck Wright's foot before entering the net. This was also a spectacular goal. That spelled the end of Grimsby except for one incident when Barley struck the foot of the post from a yard out after Davies had saved from Cooper, who had the goal at his mercy. Whereas the Town deteriorated the Blues went from good to better, and at times it looked as if they were merely toying with the Town like a cat toys with a half-dead mouse. The mud saved Grimsby more than their defence for on two of three occasions scoring shots, all delivered from the edge of the penalty area, held fast in the mud and so enabled Read to save whereas on an ordinary ground they would have been in the net before he could have had a chance of averting the disaster. Griffiths, Martin, and Robson all and hard luck in this respect. The 70 th minute brought the third goal, when Critchley dropped over a tasty offering to the unmarked Troup, who promptly sent into the net. Wilson in a desperate attempt to keep the ball out, only succeeded in helping it into net where it would have gone had he not touched it.
GRIMSBY DEMORALISED.
Grimsby never looked like pulling the game out of the fore, so complete mastery did the Evertonians hold and had efforts by Martin and White borne fruit it would have surprised no one. The Town were completely demoralised by a team which operated with astonishing skill on the worst of pitches. Everton had a team of eleven good players whose endeavours were almost beyond critics. Davies had not a lot of work to do –hardly enough to keep him warm, in fact –but on the other occasions he was called on he acquitted himself well. Cresswell and O'Donnell were never really truly beaten and the very style of the Town's forwards suited them down to the ground. Their was relentlessness as well as thought about the work, and the ease and confidence with which they took the ball from the feet of the bustling attackers was a source of extreme delight off everyone. The point which pleased me most about the way of the intermediates was the coolness and way they employed in their feeding. It must be remembered that they had to fight with every available weapon in defence, and yet after the most strenuous tackles they came away to delightful delectable passes along the ground. Griffiths besides being one of the outstanding defenders, personalities showed welcome improvement in this respect and Robson, the Everton right half, is fast approaching the standard of Hart in this manner in which he gave the dummy and he made his transfer. He was the essence of artistic youth.
CHAMPIONSHIP FORM
When I saw that Virr played as well as he did in the championship season it will be gathered that he had all virtues and no faults. He was invaluable in holding up the nippy Barley, who was always nicely fed by Priestley, and his swinging passes to the opposite wing were a menace to the opposition. Forward we saw the five well-nigh tea and schemers and executors. Martin, I think was the pick though this in no way detracts from the merits of the others. He put scores of well plans into operation, shot with refreshing accuracy and pace, and employed both long and short passing methods with deadly effect. In addition his ball control was fine, and he had a most creditable partner in Critchley, who was ever ready to join in the change of positions move. The pair worked together like a book, and with wonderfully speed, so that Martin was crossing the ball as often as the winger. Calderwood, who went off injury in the second half, never once stopped them, and Jackson was rendered helpless. Martin and Critchley were excellent. Troup, on the other side made an auspicious reappearance as captain and centred with all off his old time skill. He also had a splendid partner in Rigsby, who did as much work and covered much ground as anyone. He was another such customer, though so versatile that he could use his weight when the occasion demanded.
THE KEY.
In the centre was a cool, clever, fast, robust and totally unselfish leader in White, who though is springing into the limelight quite so much than the others was the trusty producer in the art of good attack. He was the key to the situation used himself well. Grimsby were a purposeful side; lacking in confidence and football skill. Robson was a disappointment, and the other men were merely ordinary. Barley, the winger was the best attacker and Priestly was the most accomplished of the side, for he always tried to do the right thing. The backs were kickers only, and had it been no mud I think Read would have been an quite an ordinary custodian. It was surprisingly fast game and wholly entertaining with the Blues pulling out every ounce and every artifice to gain the end game. Teams; - Grimsby Town; - Read, goal, Wilson and Jacobson, backs, Priestly, Swahy, and Calderwood, half-backs, Barley, Cooper, Robson, Goglin, and Wright, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Griffiths, and Virr, half-backs, Critchely, Martin, White, Rigsby and Troup (captain), forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BURY RESERVES 1
December 9 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 17)
Considering the conditions prevailing Everton played brilliant football against Bury and but for the excellent custodianship of Harrison would have won by an even bigger margin. Wilkinson, at times, showed a penchant for lying offside, but nevertheless played well. In addition of scoring three goals –the first rather lucky, as Harrison was lying injured he hit the woodwork on other occasions. Stein was also a fine marksman and Dunn who netted the Blues other point, made with Ritchie a fine wing. McClure, J. Whyte and Kelly formed a clever constructive middle line. The Bury forwards were well led by Johnson, who scored but the halves and backs were not too successful. Everton; - Sagar, goal, Common and Wilson, backs, Kelly, McClure, and J. Whyte, half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Wilkinson, Weldon, and Stein, forwards.

BURSCOUGH RANGERS 0 EVERTON “A” 4
Liverpool county combination
Burscough Rangers were surprised at home. With the wind behind them in the first half they pressed hard, but were never really dangerous, because they would persist in the close passing game. Everton's more open tactics were for more effective, and they deservedly won. Lewis, French, and Bryan scored for Everton. Hagesen, one of the home backs, kicking through his own goal

WHITE WILL GET GOALS FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 December 1929
MUD-SWAMPERS
EVERTON, THE ELEVEN OF THEM, PLAYED WELL
Bee’s Notes
You can’t bank, or rate, on the mud-banks football of Saturday, but you must take it as it stands –take it in thick chunks, with a gale of wind as an accompaniment and a lot of rain drenching the world.  And through the storm outcome the orphans –otherwise, Everton F.C.  They had been going badly; I had feared to meet them; only once had I seen them swamped away from home, at West Ham, when things went wrong.  I would chance my solo-luck and try new ground.  Grimsby, famed for its fine weather, said our good friends, Messrs.  W.H. Cartwright (ex-Sefton) and J.W. McTaggart.  We must have turned the tide, for we dare not go out to see Grimsby town, apart from a swift journey to see where Wallace bled, per a drama.  It was awful weather, but meeting former Liverpool people, in bus and threatre, helped to make the voyage of discovery interesting.  Everton’s eleven players made it a success as well as an interest.  They all played well.  Make no error about that; it hides no one; it shields no one,; it was a good, all-round performance with every man pulling a heartiness in effort and determination in going through that, I fear, had been rather foreign to the previous matches. 
WELL DONE
I say you can’t bank on the mud-bank football, but you must take the game as it stands, and I say definitely that if one allows for Grimsby’s weakness at half-back left, particularly, plus inexperienced young men at extreme wing positions, one is still faced with the memory that this side beat Bolton at Bolton a week earlier and that Robson is hailed as a possible Huddersfield centre-forward, with Naylor, the half-back, in exchange.  I mentioned these things because Everton arte placed in a way that cells for still further effort. The way they played, the way they stayed, the way they worked, each for the other, and the ability they put up- all these are sufficient to indicate to me that the side, as played on Saturday, will soon put matters right.  Their dribbling was a delight.  Rigby has a big-framed body, though he has no height; Martin has caught the shooting infection; Griffiths is adding his height and head, and, more important, a very earnest tackle that brooks no denial; Virr has left the memory of muscles and hospital limps behind him.  At his physical best Virr is very dour and strong, and his pass is a definite one, rather strong and rather long.  It makes for ground-theft, if you might think of it in that light.  Saturday was a day when sense of direction counted for a lot, and the man who counted most was he who put the ball” towards their goal or touchline.” Actually, the standard of football played by Everton in this glue-pot was remarkably good, and was quite a joy to those who like to see a ball turned over in the heavy going.  I have mentioned two half-backs. A word to the wee fellow, Robson. A great display, young man.  Keep your head, keep your bright ideas, and be sure you’ll make a name.  Remember the flood; keep learning.  This game’s harder than the “uke” or any other alleged musical instrument! 
WHITE IS RIGHT AT CENTRE
Thomas White (the Southport member, not the City chief) is a happy-go-lucky fellow who seems to care not where he plays.  I should suggest that on this showing he is kept at centre forward for as long as possible.  He has been moved from pillar to half-back post, and on what I saw at Grimsby and Sunderland I say the middle of the field is his bent.  He is big, is clever in the use of the ball, takes a bump, can race a lump better than his big body suggests, and he takes everything in his stride –bumps, shots, the crowd’s cat-call or what you will.  It is all the same to him; so leave him there and see him get some goals by good football.  He, like Martin and Rigby and Griffiths, had no fortune with their shots on Saturday, otherwise there would have been a startling result.  White had to take the ball first time when he was on the half turn, and he barely got “hold” of it properly through being hindered by the hearty Grimsby backs, otherwise he must have scored some goals- plural, you will notice.  I feel sorry for Grimsby; they are good sports, they owe not any man- which is what few clubs can say.  They have an age-old history and having started well in Division 1, they hope to stay there- their stays may be short, as the comedian says, for the play on a ground that doesn’t suit the present team’s physical strength; I think they will play better away than at home.  I liked Swaby at centre half; Robson can easily be a rare trouble on drier grounds, but here he failed me- and I was so anxious to see him.  Perhaps Ronald Coleman will take his place, if a transfer deal is made by Mr. W. Gillow.  Grimsby take their defeats and victories in a sensible way, and they are an object lesson to some clubs I know, who blow hot and cold and find in victory a perfect day and all that is bright.  Grimsby sensibly told themselves that their win at Bolton was a fluke- and they built their beliefs for the future accordingly.  There is another personal note- Rigby, Griffiths, and Troup scored.  Sandy Troup came back to the fold to be once again the model of consistency on the field and silence off the field.  He captained the team, he led them with deeds and words, and was many times found dropping back to join in the all-round help-mate game these Everton players put up.  We travelled home as far as Manchester by rail and then McShaned our way to Liverpool in the small hours of the morning.  Grimsby is far-off; we must see it again in spite of its levy of hours in the train. 

CAUSE OF SLOW PLAY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 December 1929
Lancashire County Cricket Club’s president to-day announced that their players are to be barred writing to the Press, save in the out-season, and they must them submit their articles to the club.  This follows a lead of the Everton Football Club in a similar direction with their professionals.  Sir Edwin Stockton stated that slow play was caused through the doped pitches-provided to tame the fast bowlers. 

EVERTON WATCHING PLAYERS.
August 10 th 1929. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton were said to be watching a Dundee half-back and a Aberdeen, forward. There are tales going the rounds the Everton are prepared to transfer some players as part of the deal, when securing new men. But all the stories that emanate, from Scotland regarding football transfer should be taken like porridge, with salt.

IS GAIN THE BEST-OF-ALL
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 10 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
Tuesday seems to be Postman’s Knock Day.  A week ago it was Everton who were lashed by the homely critics who build castles in the air and teams in the front parlour!  Everton have silenced these critics, and may sleep soundly again.  Many clubs think that this type of correspondence is out of place, wrong, not helpful, and quite uncalled for.  I merely desire to show the club what their followers are thinking.  Without their followers there would not be a football team at Goodison Park or Anfield.  I met a man on Sunday when returning from the Grimsby glut, and he told me some stories of ships’ life.  He said; “You’d be amazed if you travelled abroad a boat and listened to the talk of football, and see the rush for the wirelessed results.  Your ears would burn too.  They have nothing else in common to talk about, and football saves them becoming dried up for conversation.”  I knew something of this converse.  Do I not stand it week by week, year by year, from friends who imagine that my only hope, fear, boost, or knowledge or lack of knowledge, is football, football, football!  I don’t want to talk shop.  They start that way.  Then they made a statement, and –off we go.  In one minute we are in the earnest discussion as to rights and wrongs of play, players, and clubs.  Here and there a man writing me does overstep the mark; but he gets no show in this column.  Directors may scorn, or even laugh at the effusions, but this is the only channel by which a supporter may show his desires.  And I reckon these people count on the score of loyalty and patience, if nothing else.  Having said that, let me introduce you to Knocker No 1, an old friend of Blue-Red persuasion;-
It is so entertaining to read in your columns the effusions emanating from correspondents such as “Custard” and “Zero” (writes “Chiming Bells”) both of these, with that charming irresponsibility so indicative of youth and inexperience, are perfectly prepared to solve, off-handedly, any problem of management that may confront the responsible officers of the Everton Football Club.  “Produce the cheque-book,” cries “Custard,”  “purchase me the services of Mr. J. Bruton and Mr. L. Page, combine these with the magically-cured ankle of Mr. W.R. Dean, and –Voila!  The thing is done.”  Reminding one so excitingly of the dear days of our youth, when, in the market-place of our native village, we listened enraptured to the voice of the cure-all quack as he declaimed; “Take one tablet in the finger and thumb of the right hand, place upon the tongue- so –and allow it to dissolve in the mouth; when the cough, cold, asthma, sore throat, or bronchitis will instantly disappear!”  alas, my poor “Custard,” if the selecting, blending, and building up of a successful football team were –as you appear to be convinced –as simple as mixing the egg and milk content of the confection which provides you with a nom-de-plume, football management would be a couch of rose leaves, and not the bed of thorns it actually is.  The really surprising thing is the moderation you display, my dear “Custard,” What! Only Bruton and Page?  Surely a heaven-sent football manager such as you are can do better than that?  What is the matter with John Hill, McCluggage, Michael Keeping, Willis Edwards, Hibbs, Wm Walker, Ernest Hine, and Joe Bradford that you omit them?  You will, I think agree that the Everton F.C., by engaging these, could ensure for themselves not only the League championship, Football Association Cup, Liverpool Association Cup, and the Dewar Charity Shield, but also the first prize for idiocy.  Would it be too much to suggest, mildly, that your “Custard” is but half-baked?
“DOWN ON ITS LUCK.”
Then we have the gentle and benevolent minded “Zero,” who prognosticated so long ago as last season that Everton were bound for the Second Division; and still there” have been no signings” that appease the appetite of “Zero” for expensive and sensational captures (continues my correspondent).  How can the Everton managers expect to cultivate a winning team when they so palpably neglect to follow the advice of a gifted genius like “Custard,” or the sage counsel of a prophet like “Zero”? It will be good news, and soothing withal, to these and other of your correspondents to learn, on my authority (if that is of any value), that the playing staff of Everton F.C embraces a large number of men for the services of whom most football managers would be willing to sacrifice their cars, and that, with the possible exception of Newcastle United, probably no other club in the kingdom has a larger staff of competent, accomplished, and talented football players.  The truth is that the team is “down on its luck,” and what they need is a smile of two from Dame Fortune, without which no team can be consistently successful, one or two smashing wins to restore lost confidence, and less cheap advice and gibes from “Custard” and “Zero” and others of their kidney.”  “Tipping them for the Second Division,” will not help them, nor any similar impertinent insult to men who are battling with misfortune.  Let us keep in our minds the recent experience of Sheffield Wednesday, and remain confident that the tide must turn for Everton as it does for all football clubs, and when the ebb of misfortune is ended the team, probably of the self-same players, will rise again to the full height of public esteem, borne on the flood tide of success. 
GOODFELLOWS-ATTENTION!
Each year patrons of the senior local matches have generously helped the Goodfellow Fund when collecting-boxes and sheets have been passed around.  This support has meant Christmas cheer for a large number of families, and emphasizes the point- EVERY PENNY/COUNTS.  You will be asked for support again on Saturday at Goodison Park, when Everton play Manchester United, and on December 21 at Anfield, at the Arsenal match.  Give what you can afford-give it quickly, please.  We want a few volunteers as collectors.  Will those willing to act kindly report at this office tomorrow night between 7.30 p.m. and 8. p.m? 
ARCHIE GOODALL AT STANLEY
As an old and confirmed Evertonian, may I supplement and correct the very interesting letter from an old-timer?  Says Mr. C. W. Marshall.  He mentioned the Cup-tie with Glasgow Rangers which, owing to some players being ineligible, Everton “scratched” and played an ordinary friendly game.  The result was 1-0, not 2-1, for Rangers, I was at the game, and may say that their centre, Heggie, was the scorer.  When the club was suspended owing to “veiled professionalism,” I think the players chiefly concerned were the Scotchmen, Jack Weir, Bobby Watson, and Izatt.  It was said that the players were being overpaid for what they were doing, “bottle-washing” at Houlding’s By the way, I see the announcement of the death of Archall Goodall.  Do any of your readers remember when he played for Stanley.  Their ground was near where City-road no is; and I was at a match there, seeing them play Everton.  Goodall was irritable and “floored” Mike Higgins, but was not ordered off; referees hadn’t such power then.  The first game I ever saw the old Blues play were one Eastertide, and I’m not sure whether it was 1884-85 or 1885-6.  The games were; Good Friday, against a North-Eastern team, result 8-1; Saturday, Northwich and Daveham, 3-1; and on Easter Monday it was, I think, the first visit of Sheffield Wednesday, result 4-1, Everton winners in each instance.  After these games I became- and am yet –an out-and-out Evertonian; but I’d like to know the year these games were played.  Good luck to the good old club, say I, So cheerio, “Bee.” 

LET WELL ALONE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
“Blue Beat” writes; - I have not had the pleasure of writing you before, and I must apologise for sending you my first letter when I am in a state of exasperation.  I am not one of those who howled at the directors to spend thousands on the acquisition of new players during Everton’s recent bad spell, but constantly maintained that, with the possible exception of one or two positions needing improvement, Everton had the men to take them to a respectable position in the League.  It was a good move signing Rigby, and I think that the only position now needing improvement is outside right.  I suggest Martin with Dunn as his partner.  Now the maddening moment came when I observed in the “Football Echo,” of Saturday that Everton were represented in Scotland on that afternoon with a view to signing two “star” wing half-backs.  Why?  Don’t the directors thin that the club is strongly enough represented at half-back at present?  If not, I submit that there is something sadly wrong with their reason in.  Robson has been playing brilliant football and is one of the “finds” of the season.  Apparently the directors don’t think so, for they are attempting the displace him.  At left half Hart and Virr are available.  Hart is one of the best club half-backs in the country, and Virr, who seems to have fully recovered, is good enough for a place in most elevens.  The directors would be well advised to let well alone, instead of signing Scottish “stars” who may very easily, and often do, turn out to be failure in English football.  If a player is doing well and he finds that the directors are attempting to displace him it is most annoying, and tends to give the team an unsettled feeling, which in turn is detrimental to the welfare of the club.  Everton has been the most unfortunate team in the country in regard to injuries this season and given a little more luck in this respect between now and May I feel confident that the club will finish the season in a good position in the League, and that without the introduction of expensive Scottish half-backs; Best wishes to you and may you long continue to present your interesting reading matter to the sportsmen of this city every evening. 
QUERYSITIES
Mr. J.J. Pittman, of New Brighton, writes;-
I have an ambitious suggestion to put before you which I venture to think would be a huge success.  At every gathering of football fans and at every match one hears comparisons between the players of today and those that have played in the past.  In other words one has a football idol.  You yourself make no secret of the fact that Crabtree was your idol, and, personally, I applaud your choice.  In Everton alone they have had some wonderful centre forwards.  Geary, Southworth, Sandy Young, Bert Freeman, and Dixie Dean, Liverpool have had Georgdie Allan, Parkinson, Raybould, Hewitt, and the present one, Smith.  Now if all the old players were in the prime to-day what would be Everton’s choice.  The following team would be a handful;-
Goal; W. Scott; Cresswell, McConnachie; Val Harris, Galt, Makepeace; Chedgzoy, Brady, Dean, Chadwick, Milward.  However, one could pick a hundred different teams.  The same applies to Liverpool.  Now you inaugurate the idea as a competition, and offer decent prizes for the winner who forecasted the chosen as Liverpool teams.  What arguments there would be, and what a scoop.  The players would get their place in the team according to the number of votes they got.  A happy thought, sir, but I do not like competitions. 

EVERTON UNCHANGED. 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 December 1929
TEAM CHOSEN TO OPPOSE MANCHESTER UNITED. 
Everton make no change in their side to meet Manchester United, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Team: — Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup.  The team to meet Blackpool Reserves, at Blackpool, will be—Sagar; Common, O’Donnell (W.); Kelly, McClure, White (J.); Ritchie, Easton, Wilkinson, Weldon, Stein.

EVERTON’S ELEVEN
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 12 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
Everton make no change in their side to meet Manchester United, at Goodison Park, on Saturday.  The team is;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup. 
The team to meet Blackpool in the Central League at Blackpool is; Sagar; Common, O’Donnell (W.); Kelly, McClure, White (J); Ritchie, Easton, Wilkinson, Weldon, Stein. 

EVERTON’S HOME TIES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 13 December 1929
HOME, JOHN!
Bee’s Notes
Everton have not found home a homely place in the last year, but their display against Grimsby showed them in the nature of real mudlarks.  Indeed, I greatly fancy Everton on this, form to beat most teams.  This may, in the light of future events, look a rosy forecast; but had the local spectators seen the exhibition of footcraft, shot, and steadiness, as well as prettiness, they could not have done otherwise than share my optimism.  White, at centre, and Griffiths, as pivot, did a lot of stern and clever work, and the whole side could not be faulted.  This is high praise.  In meeting Manchester United they tackle a side that has medals for North-east wins- at Middlesbrough and Sunderland.  And it behoves the Everton players to realise that the visiting side will be more than keen to put their position straight in the League –a victory at Everton would bear a double strength, for it would put Manchester United up and throw Everton to the depths.  This must not be.  Everton, with the following side, should be good enough, clever enough, and hearty enough to carry on the good goal-getting work that has been their lot of the last fortnight, when they have scored seven goals.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup. 
GOODISON PARK MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. H. Wearing);- March, “Utopia” (Clark); valse “Anita” (Keith Prowse); fox trot.  “What Did The Village Blacksmith Say;” (Keith Browse); selection “Faust” (Ground); fox trot, “The Wedding of The Painted Doll” (Keith Prowse); waltz, “Dream River” (Keith Prowse), march, “Deeds of Daring” (Rimmer). 
DEAN AGAIN TODDLING
Dixie Dean is now walking comfortably, and resumes training on Tuesday –good news for Goodison Park. 
EVERTON “A” V. SHELL MEX
Everton “A” v. Shell Mex, at Stopgate-lane, 2.30 p.m.; Calvert; Johnson, Wilson; Bryan, Haycock, Wright, Liggins, Dyke, French, Webster, Blair. 

EVERTON ON THE UPGRADE
December 14 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
REFRESHING NEWS OF DEAN'S IMPROVEMENT.
By Ijay.
Everton seem to have a one chance of improving their position in the First Division table as a result of Manchester United's visit to Goodison Park. Home points have been few and far between, but the Blues' form last week suggests that they are on the up-grade. Both sides are still in the depths, and a loss to either means a serious position to fail over the holidays. With this in mind, the home players must go all out and if the forwards can produce the form they showed against Leciester there should be no doubt about the result. By the way, it is good to hear that Dixie Dean has so improved from his recent operation that he reports for duty on Tuesday. We all hope that he will soon be in his old form, and we are already wondering what will happen when the famous centre-forward finds himself alongside such an artist as Arthur Rigby. Manchester United have lost seven of their nine away games this season, and can hardly expect to improve this record as “results of their visit to Everton.” A win today will relieve a lot of our anxiety and give us hope of a sustained revival for the crowded programme, which is coming on shortly. Naturally enough the home side are relying on the same team which defeated Grimsby which means Griffiths is still centre half and Alec Troup will figure at outside left for the first time this season in a league game. The teams are as follows, kick-off being at 2-15; Everton; Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup. Manchester United; Stewart; Moore, Dale; Hildithch, Taylor, Wilson; Spence, Hanson, Ball, Rowley, Thomas.

GOALLESS HALF AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 December 1929
MANCHESTER UNITED AND EVERTON TUSSLE
TOSS MADE THRICE
HOME GOAL ALL BUT GIVES WAY NEAR INTERVAL
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, Troup.  Manchester United; Steward; Moore, Dale; Hilditch, Taylor, Wilson; Spence, Hanson, Ball, Rowley, Thomas.  Referee; Mr. E.R. Gooch, Middlesbrough. 
Saturdays at Liverpool have been anything but pleasant recently, and we had another wet one for the match between Everton and Manchester United.  It must be some time since such a small crowd encircled Goodison ten minutes before the start.  The turf looked well, but whether it would play well remained to be seen.  In the middle it was so bad that the toss had to be taken three times, but once the game started some really good class football was seen.  Thomas, the United outside left, made a strong centre that O'Donnell headed on to Spence, who essayed a back heel touch which would have been of value if his club-mate had sized up his intention,.  As it was, it made difficulties for the Everton defence, but Creswell was able to clear the danger. Troup was early in the picture with two magnificent centres, while Virr was also prominent through the manner in which he plied his wingmen.  There was a mild sensation when  Troup tried a shot which, although not  lot much power, caused Steward to drop  the ball, and things were looking mighty  bad for him until Ball dashed in and  cleared what was undoubtedly a difficult  problem.
DAVIES I NTERPOSES 
Rowley once had the beating of Cresswell by a single move, and he went on to gain a corner. He should really hare done better, but the corner proved of little danger, although Davies had to interpose when Thomas dropped his flag kick into a bunch of United forwards.  Robson, as usual, made a feature of tackling, and not only that, but he made a perfect low to Troup that was worth anything.  Everton had been more persistent in their advances than the United, and Steward had much more work than Davies. True, it was not difficult sort of stuff, as he was able to cope with it, as was Davies when Rowley shot, and  later, when Spence made an oblique drive, Davies caught the ball and was immediately charged by Ball, who was penalised the offence. 
OVER THE BAR. 
This was an infringement that was not an offence), because it was a perfectly fair shoulder charge. Martin made two shots, the latter of which afforded Steward the opportunity of making a brilliant one-handed save.  Rigby also took a hand in the shooting, but he was well off the mark, because he had to take his shot hurriedly if he was to shoot at all, for the United defence wasted little time in their tackling.  Rowley beat Cresswell a second time, but was too keen to shoot. He could have gone on a few yards and made a better opening for himself by so doing.  As it was, he fired the ball over the crossbar.  Martin, playing excellent football, made one of the sweetest hook centres I have seen for some time. It was a pity that such an effort could not have been turned to account. White did his best with his header, but did not connect with the ball aright. 
SPENCE RATTLES THE BAR. 
Martin, Rigby, and White took part in pretty movement that faded out just when it promised well, and then Manchester United, through Thomas, got very close to a goal. Thomas is strong in his centres, and this suited Spence, who always had an inclination to close in. When he got in to meet Thomas's centre, the outlook was distinctly black for Davies, but his luck was in, for Spence's header rattled against the crossbar, and the ball bounded back into play.  Joe Spence, the United's most consistent forward, nearly snatched up a surprise goal, and Martin should have certainly scored when Troup offered him a chance. First-time methods were desired on such a day, and Martin, in his desire to bring this into practice, made a faulty kick and sliced the ball away from instead of into the goal.  Griffiths counterbalanced Spence's crossbar incident by heading on to the Manchester crossbar, so in that respect the sides were all square. Later Robson hit a good shot that, was cannoned out, and Griffiths with a long-range drive of power pat the half a foot or two wide of the upright.
 STEWARD FULL LENGTH. 
One of the best best movement of the movements of the game was one in which Robson, Critchley, Martin, and White were concerned. It ended with the Everton centre forward shooting quickly and accurately, Steward going length to turn the ball out of his goal.  Rigby took up a ball from Troup and shot inches wide, and Martin sent Critchley away right out on his own, but although Critchley made a good centre the United defence stood firm.  Spence and Hanson missed a possible chance by leaving it to one another, but almost at the death the Everton goal nearly capitulated. Davies kicking away a centre by Thomas in risky fashion.  Half-time.—Everton 0, Manchester United 0 the referee decided to dispose of the interval. 
A GOODISON POINT
EVERTON SHARE WITH MANCHESTER UNITED
STEWART’S SAVES
FOIL HOME SIDE’S BEST EFFORTS
By Stork
There was no score in the first half.  Manchester’s attack had produced so little punch in the first half that it came at once as a surprise when they opened the second session with a prolonged attack and, but for Davies, Ball would have opened their account.  He made a rattling good shot, but Davies made just as good a save, going full length to do so.  There could be no doubt, however, that Everton were much the superior-force, but try as they would they could not put a ball into the United net.  They made many efforts, some good ones, which Stewart saved, and some poor ones which went outside the woodwork.  Robson made one solo dribble and beat three men on route before he parted successfully to Martin, but White had got into an offside position to receive Martin’s expected pass.  Davies had to punch over from Thomas, and when Wilson took a free kick the ball hung dangerously before it dropped close to the Everton crossbar, Davies punching over promptly.  Rowley made a first-timer shot that Davies caught in a nonchalant manner, and for some moments the United defence, which had not been good, enjoyed a respite, although Stewart had to go down slick to stop a Troup shot.  One of the United’s chief weaknesses was at half-back, where Taylor, the centre-half, was distinctly poor.  He was not sure in his tackling, neither was he helpful to his colleagues in front of him. 
WHITE’S CHOICE
Robson was knocked out, but had not to leave the ground.  White, when undoubtedly offside, was allowed to go on.  He had the choice of two things. One was to shoot with little chance, the other to lob the ball over to Troup, who was in a great position.  He decided on the former, and Stewart, who had come out to narrow White’s angle, made an easy save.  A pass to Troup; I feel sure, would have done the trick. There was not a lot to enthuse over, but one had to admire the way Steward pounced on a centre by Virr and took the risk of an injury.  The spectators were simply yearning for a goal, but were not appeased.  Final; Everton 0, Manchester United 0. 

BLACKPOOL RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 December 1929
THREE-GOAL LEAD PROVES TO BE INSUFFICENT
It was a fast and exciting game in which Everton in the early stages had the advantage with the greater resource and liveliness of their attackers, and they got a three goal lead early on through goals by Wilkinson (2) and Ritchie.  Blackpool, however, were not satisfied with the state of affairs, and a big rally before half-time resulted in them equalizing, goals being scored by Ritchie (2) and Hughes.  Two of the goals were from free-kicks, one being against the Everton goalkeeper for carrying.  After the interval Blackpool, showing increasing liveliness, made some hot attacks, but the Everton defence was excellent. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 December 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 0
December 16 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
STEWART TAKES A POINT FROM EVERTON.
MASNCHESTER UNITED GOALKEEPR'S BRILLIANCE AT GOODISON PARK.
FURTHER PROOF OF BLUES' INCONSISTENCY IN GOALLESS DRAW.
By The Pilot.
Everton's display against Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday was further proof of their inconsistency, for, following a brilliant victory a Grimsby, they allowed the lowly-placed Mancunians to force a goalless draw, after having enjoyed much the better of the proceedings. It was the poorest encounter I have seen at the Park this season, and, while I do not advance this as an excuse for the indifferent football served up, especially in the second half, the fact that the ground was like clay made accurate combination difficult. The first half produced the better football, and in this period Everton should have established a substantial lead, for only on isolated occasions did the United make ground. The visiting forwards were in the grip of the home halves, at this stage.two matters in particular kept the score sheet blank. The first was the masterly display by Stewart, the hero of this uninteresting battle by struggling clubs. He made not a single error throughout, and had half-a-dozen shots to stop to every one by Davies. The second was the monotonous manner in which the Everton forwards “fed” Stewart with their approach centres and transfers. This contributed to Stewart's prominence. Balls were coming right on top of him time after time, but I admired the way in which he placed them out of danger with confident fisting. It must be admitted that Everton occasionally shot well, but ill-luck dogged these essays. There were, however, other times when the finishing was weak. Once White got clean through with only Steward to beat, but he hit it straight to the advancing goalkeeper. In the second half there was a deal of indecision in front of goal, which enabled the sturdy, relentless United defenders to dash in and cover up. The United were a really poor side in the first half and in their frenzy they ballooned the ball anywhere. Rarely have I seen so much haphazard kicking by First Division footballers. On the other hand, Everton did attempt good football and there were some delicious passing movements between the halves and the forwards. Still, they should have swung the ball about more on such a holding pitch, for many of their short passes struck dead in the mud. The United backs were just the sort to become hopelessly at sea had the Blues kept the ball moving from wing to wing.
NARROW ESCAPES.
Everton had a narrow escape in the first half, when Thomas levelled a pretty centre for Spence to dart in and head against the cross-bar, but some minutes later this was balanced when the Manchester bar kept out a praiseworthy header from Griffiths. Yes, the first half had its points, but the second period was absolutely void of thrills or good football save for one clever move by Robson, and a bout of accurate inter-passing between Martin and Critchley. The United threw discretion to the winds in their determination to hold on to a point, and relied on tenacity and a lusty boot to pull them out of difficulties. Then, it was obvious that the heavy going was taking its toll on the home men, and even Griffiths was leg –weary 15 minutes before the end. He was not the only one, either. The United had equally as much of the poor play after the change of ends, not because they were such a greatly improved side, but because the Blues had deteriorated. Any luck that was going went the way of the United, and particularly do I refer to a great cross drive by Martin which struck Dale full in the chest and bounded outside. I think Stewart would have been left helpless with this shot. Then White, after getting clean through, found the mud slipping away from his feet when he was about to do the necessary.
ROBSON EVERTON'S BEST.
Davies had a quite a easy time in the Everton goal, receiving mostly distance calls, which offered no difficulty. Cresswell kicked a nice length, but would persist in running away from his man when a sharp incisive tackle was the obvious order. This threw work of the shoulders of Robson and O'Donnell to a marked degree, and accounted for the fact that Thomas was able to get clear so often in the second half. O'Donnell tackled finely and was a zealous intervene, but he ruined what would have been a fast exhibition by faulty place-kicking. Robson was the best man on the side, for he combined incisiveness with skill. He would never except defeat, and willingly lent a helping hand to one in an uncomfortable position. He has become a master at giving the “dummy,” and clever ball control and deceptive body swerving enabled him to be prime mover in many a raid on the Manchester citadel. Griffiths worked hard and creditably in the opening period, but was beaten for pace and staying powers later on. Occasionally he was floundering near the centre-line when the United were prancing round the home goal, Virr, played with his usual dash and thought without getting his name in electric lights.
MARTIN MAKES MUD AN ASSET.
Forward, Martin was the outstanding player, he was one who could make the mud an asset. He held the ball for just the requisite time and shot well when he had the chance. Still, the adroit book passes to Critchley and White are the big feature. Critchley had a really good first half and again combined artistically with his partner. Dale simply could not hold him this stage, and his crossing was good. Later on he was not such a potent force because he hesitated too much. Troup was given a great chance with a good pass, but even then he failed to produce his usual standard of centring. More often than not a the first half he placed to Stewart. Rigby was hardly happy, and White, though earnest, was so good as usual. Thomas was the pick of a disjointed Manchester attack, but he was only better than Spencer because he received more attention from his colleagues. Hilditch is still a clever half-backs, but Taylor was the man who bumped the best out of the picture later on. Dale and Moore were poor backs, from a scientific point of view and were fortunate in that Everton played in their hands as the game progressed. Steward was the man who won the United a point is grand display, but the Blues should have scored goals in spite of him.
FORGET IT!
This was a game best forgotten. Early on Evertton promised well, then slowly but surely it became a veritable scramble. Teams; - Everton; Davies, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Griffiths and Virr, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, White, Rigby, and Troup (captain), Manchester United;- Steward, goal, Moore, and Dale, backs, Mitchditch, Taylor and Wilson, half-backs, Spence, Hanson, Ball, Rowley, and Thomas, forwards.

BLACKPOOL RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 3
December 16 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 18)
After being the more promising side in a strenuous game at Blackpool, Everton fell away in attack, and Blackpool gathering confidence, turned what had seemed certain defeat into a victory. Everton secured a three goals lead by clever forward work in which Wilkinson was prominent. Wilkinson score twice and Ritchie got the third goal. Three of the Blackpool goals were the result of free kick. The scores for Blackpool were Ritchie (aw) (2), Hughes (2), and Oxberry.

EVERTON “A” 6 SHALL MEX 0
Liverpool county combination.
At Shrewberry lane. The League leaders suffered their heaviest defeat. The winners played clever football. Calvert in the home goal, gave a creditable display. Bryan, Webster, Dyke (3), and French were the scorers. McIntilly and Roberts did well for the visitors, Hodgkinson was the better of the halves and Jones made some excellent saves.

EVERTON SLIP ANOTHER HOME POINT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 December 1929
EVERTON’S SCOTTISH FANCIES
Bee’s Notes
Everton search for players in Scotland has for the past two months been of the intensive order.  For a long time it was thought that either McNab or Thomson, Dundee’s two wing half backs, would be the man chosen.  Everton’s latest moves in Scotland, however, suggest that other players are also taking their fancy.  Recently they paid a visit to Ibrox, and were impressed by Rangers’ two middlemen, McDonald and Craig.  That nothing was done was probably because Newcastle had already been on the scene inquiring for the former, and Rangers would not want to part with the latter.  Since then Everton have been displaying more interest in the Scottish League leaders, Aberdeen, and it appears that the have a very genuine fancy for Love, the outside right, a rare two-footed player, and Hill, a small, but remarkably clever, left half.  Hill probably does not stand more than 5ft. 6in., but he is creating a big impression in the North with his forging, constructive play.  He is, on present form, just about the nest man in the country in his position. 

DRAB FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 December 1929
EVERTON & UNITED IN GOALLESS DRAW
By Stork
Games in which no goals are recorded rarely if ever thrill, and I can only recall one such case where one and all voted the game a brilliant one despite the absence of a goal, ad that was played at Goodison some years ago when Cardiff City were visitors.  There was however, enough good football in that match to make up for the deficiency of goals; but such was not the case at Goodison on Saturday, for the football served up by Manchester United and Everton never rose to any great height.  Naturally, the conditions were against finesse, for there were patches of turf on which it was almost impossible to work the ball or get it out to a partner.  The ‘Open road” was the correct procedure on such an occasion, but Everton despised this method in favour to close passing, which did not pay. Time and again a ball intended for a colleague never reached its objective, because the ball stuck in the mud, and this gave the defences every opportunity to get themselves out of difficulties, when a wide and long pass would have had them in sore straights.  Everton were admittedly the superior force in the matter in which they worked the ball, but there was little punch at the end of it all, and the one or two shots that Steward had to handle were not in the least severe enough to bring about his downfall.  His closet call was from a header by Griffiths, who struck the crossbar, and strange to relate, Davies was also beaten by Spence, who headed on to the crossbar.  Other scoring shots could be counted on the fingers, and none of them struck terror into the hearts of the goalkeepers.
A GOAL LOST
I do say that White should have given Troup a goal when he was allowed to proceed from an offside position, for he had only to slip the ball across to Troup for the Scot to take a crack at goal with Stewart out of his lair.  He had come out to angle White, and he succeeded in doing it, so that White put the ball right to his hands, Troup would have had him in a different position.  “Ifs” and “buts,” however, are of no avail at this time of day, and Manchester would be thankful with the point they could hardly have expected to capture.  The heavy rain had soaked the ground, and in the centerpiece and the goal ends it must have been like fly-paper.  The coin had to be spun three times, for twice it landed on its edge.  Yet here we had players trying to slip a ball through with little hope of it traversing more than a yard or two.  Everton, however, had sufficient chances in the first session to have taken a lead, but their marksmanship was faulty.  Rigby, Griffiths, and even Cresswell got the right idea when they elected a first-time effort.  Each was off the mark, but there can be no doubt that their methods were the correct ones on such a day.  The United’s inside men were just as bad, for Thomas and Spence supplied enough centres, but Hanson and Ball never levelled a decent shot at Davies, and Rowley was the only one to strike a bow at a venture, and, unfortunately for his side, his sense of direction was distinctly bad.
AN EVERTON PUZZLE
Critchly is a puzzle to me.  He does some excellent things in the field, but just when you look to him to carry on with his good work he finishes tamely with his centres.  Martin, by clever passes, gave him unlimited rope, but he failed to tie the Manchester defence into a knot.  Troup gave him a lesson in the art of centreing, but here again the ball was too often sent too close in, so that Steward was able to clear it away.  With Dean under the bar such balls would have created trouble for a goalkeeper, but with no Dean there the ‘keeper had nothing to worry about. White and company could not cavil at the support they received from their half-backs, for Robson and Virr, the latter in particular, were all out for construction “Virr pushed them up for Troup and Rigby, so that the left wing came out best.  Robson is gaining more friends with each match.  He is the James Jackson of the Everton side- tireless and never done with –while I saw improvement in his passing.  Griffiths, too, was stern in his defence, but I could ask him to keep the ball down when he wants to help a forward, otherwise the opposing half-back gains the day.  Cresswell and O’Donnell had little to fear from the United inside forwards, and they showed that they had no fear by their manner of play.  Davies made one or two good saves, but the goalkeeping honours went to Steward. 

THE CUP DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 December 1929
EVERTON GO TO NEW GROUND –CARLISLE UNITED
By Bee
The Cup’s “first round” is its third round.  And a first-class mixture it has offered the football world.  Everton go to Carlisle, a place that has been unknown to them except that they have taken a fancy to the genuine boy Cape, who plays outside rights, and last season scored 250 goals from centre forward position for a local school side. 
ON A GOOD PITCH
Everton before today have suffered defeat from these supposed lowly clubs –Glossop, &c.- and they will take no chance with the Northern people who, on Saturday, beat Crewe 4-2 before a crowd of 8,000 spectators.  It is a lovely playing pitch and should suit Everton’s stars.  McConnell the great scoring centre-forward, if, of course, the biggest noise of the Carlisle side, and Miller, the ex-Liverpool half-back, also plays in the team. 

EVERTON SATISFACTION
December 17 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CASUALTY LIST SUBSIDING; DEAN'S RECOVERY.
Now, as to Everton's prospects, hear what Hunter Hart, the captain says; “I think you will find Everton in the fourth round. Personally, I am of the opinion it is a good draw, because Carlisle represent a comparatively easy obstacle in the path to Wembley and, incidentally, more important matches.” Everton will be playing on a new ground, but as Hunter Hart points out, the opposition is not very severe, and with Dixie Dean in the team the Goodison Park side should have no anxieties as far as this particular round is concerned. At the same time it is well to remember that Everton have been given shocks in the Cup competition by the lowly clubs and Carlisle have the grit and ability to manage to do the same with that extra bit of luck that plays havoc with “form.” Still, Everton classic style should overwhelm them.
DEAN TRAINING.
As for Dean, the famous Everton centre-forward has made a rapid recovery from the operation on his foot, and began training again at Goodison Park yesterday. He sprinted round the ground several times and also did some muscle loosening in the gymnasium. With the handicap of a big casualty list disappearing, Everton should make up leeway in both Cup and League competition. By the way, Cape, the Carlisle outside-right, has aroused Everton's interest. He scored 250 goals while a centre forward for a school team last season, and scored two of the four goals for Carlisle against Crewe in the Cup-tie last Saturday.

GOODFELLOW EVENTS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 17 December 1929
Thursday. - Cuefellows v. Everton F.C., at the Victoria Hotel, St. John’s Lane. 

FOOTBALL INQUIRY.
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 17 December 1929
DEAN, PAGE & MACKINLAY GIVE EVIDENCE
SIX-A-SIDE CONTEST DEBATE
COMMISSION SITS IN LIVERPOOL
By “Bee”
A football commission is sitting in Liverpool this afternoon, to consider the cases of three international players;-
Dixie Dean, Donald Mackinlay (former Liverpool captain, and now Prescot player) and Louis Page, the Liverpool-born player now with Burnley.  All three are international players of note.  The charge against them is that they assisted in a six-a-side boys’ football match.  The commission acting for the Football Association consisted of Messrs, R.F. James (president Liverpool Football Association), Mr. J. Butterfield (L.F.A.), and Messrs, Clayton (Southport) and T. Laithwaite (Wigan).  Mr. James Grant (L.F.A) was present on behalf of the Football Association). 
INNOCENTLY DONE. 
The complaint against the three players arose through a six-a-side contest being played "out of season." A boys' tournament was arranged for charity, and Dean was asked to bring a team.  Dean gave evidence before the commission that everything he did was innocently done. He was asked to help charity's cause—as so often he is asked  —and he got six Birkenheld boys together for the tournament. It was a game with no gate charges; there were no payments; there was a collection, but the boys got nothing. However, his boys were very small, and were so clever that they won, and he thought it was a pity the boys should be without a memento of the occasion, so he bought them medals and paid for their expenses. Mr. T. McIntosh, secretary of the Everton Football Club, was resent at the inquiry, which is proceeding. 

EVERTON CHANGES
December 18 th 1929. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton are due to meet Sheffield United at Bramell lane on Saturday, owing to Critchley being injured, changes are necessary in the forward line, and martin takes the outside right berth with Dunn as his partner. The wing perth is not a new one for Martin, as he was a great force in this position when playing for Hull City though I fancy it is his first turn on the wing while at Goodison Park. Dunn has now thoroughly recovery now, his injury a and may be expected to make an excellent partner for Martin, who played a prominent part in the defeat of his present club in an FA cup-tie by his forceful and accurate play at outside right.
Cape
Derby Daily Telegraph -Friday 20 December 1929
Though Cape, the Carlisle United outside-right, declined an offer to go to Everton, the Goodison club is very anxious to secure this youngster, who, I am told, is one of the most promising forwards in the Third Division. Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton chairman, watched Cape playing three times. Everton will have a further opportunity of seeing him play, for he will be against them in the next round of the cup competition. Bourton, the former Bristol City centre-forward, does not seem to be in form with Blackburn Rovers this season, though during the last campaign he figured in 28 League matches for the Ewood team and scored a dozen goals. I know a First Division club that took a great fancy to Bourton last season, and they would be open to make a deal if the Rovers have any idea of parting with the player. Everton this season have secured two Rovers' players in Whyte, a half-back, and Rigby, a forward. Bourlon might make a fine deputy for Dean at centre.

EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD MEET RISING SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 20 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Sheffield United’s ground, and having done their best work away from home it is hoped they will continue in the good strain, for without a victory to-morrow the strain of the relegation area will be harassing us throughout the Christmas holidays and right on to the Cup-ties.  The feature of the opposition team is that they have suddenly taken a turn upward, and the reason for this is centred in the man Dunne, of New Brighton, a centre in whom I have always believed, even to the extent of suggesting to Secretary Watson that he should be Ireland’s centre-forward.  Dunne is a big fellow, and, like Freeman, he is most dangerous when he seems to be sauntering through the game.  He continues to get goals regularly, and I look for an international battle between Wales and Ireland when Griffiths and Dunne get together tomorrow.  It is a very important match for the visiting side, and having seen them play so well in bad conditions at Grimsby, I am expecting to see them play well to-morrow at Bramall-lane against a defence I have not a great belief in.  Your “Football Echo,” will tell you everything about this game and all other important games.  We have our own correspondents at every big ground; our First Division reports are commentaries and critical surveys of the teams in which you place your greatest concern.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Martin, Dunn, White, Rigby, Troup. 
EVERTON “A” AT HAYDOCK
Haydock “soccer” fans will have an opportunity of seeing an Everton side on Saturday, when the “A” team meet a St. Helens and District Football X1 at the Haydock Central vics, ground, 2.30.  Everton “A”. - Jackson; Johnson, Leyland; Bryan, Bainbridge, Wright; McClory, Webster, French, Amery, Blair. 

The First Goals Nets
Lancashire Evening Post- December 21, 1929
Robert Smalley
interesting question was put to me during the week by a Preston. friend the correct answer to which, thinks, might appreciated by others. He warned to know when goal nets were first used, and his own impression was that the occasion was the international at Blackburn, the famous “boycott” match. Off hand. I thought it was about 1890, but this did not square with the opinion of our old friend “ Bob '' Smalley, who happened to come along in timely fashion, and who, going back on his own experience goalkeeper in Everton's first big side, placed the date at 1892. On reference records I find that goal nets were invented and patented by Mr.. Brodie, of Liverpool, in 1890, but that is not to say that they were actually used that year. They underwent a lot of testing and experimenting before they into general adoption. But on turning back the file to that match at the then new Park in April, 1881. I failed find such reference to tho nets as would certainly have been made to them had they been an innovation. In the course of tho account of the game there is an allusion to an incident when the ball seemed to enter the net and come out again,'' which is evidence of the fact that they were in use on that occasion without their creating any surprise, so that it may reasonably assumed that it was not the first time any means that they had been seen. Without going through tho files with a tooth-comb it is impossible to say when they were originally tried, but it is fairly clear that it was sometime about, or just after, the beginning of season 1890-1.
A Goalkeeper's Famous Header
In talking over the question Mr. Goalkeeper's Smalley recalled two instances in his experience which showed the Header, kind of thing that used to happen before the nets came into use, and how results were not always quite what they ought to have been. The first occurred in a match in which he was playing for Everton, and which was refereed by the late Mr. J. J. Bentley. A shot was driven in sharply following a save, and as he could not get his hands up to it quickly enough he actually headed the ball over the bar, feat he was pardonably proud of as something that did not happen every day in goalkeeper's life. Judge, then, of his amazement when “J. J. B.” allowed goal , under the impression that the ball had beaten him and gone through. Protestations were all in vain, for the man who afterwards became president of the Football League refused to listen, and the goal stood In the second instance the scene was the old Barley Bank ground of the then powerful Darwen club, and as a hard shot from the wing was made. Bob turned it just inside the far post. The ball undoubtedly went through, but it passed undetected by the referee, and play went on. A short time afterwards one of the Darwen team said to Smalley, Hey, that ba' was through, wasn't it?” ‘‘Oh, yes,” he admitted, “but that doesn't matter now.” Two illustrations, one for and the other against the goalkeeper, of the importance of the nets, which not long afterwards were brought in. Incidentallv, Mr. Smalley recalls the time that Everton, when they had just developed real team, had a visit from North End at Anfield, where they then played, and had five goals driven through them in 20 minutes by football that made the ball talk.” One of the goals was shot through at such pace by Gordon that the luckless goalkeeper did not know what had happened, and he was placing the ball for a goal-kick when Gordon asked him what he was dreaming about. Nets certainly have been useful things!

DEFENDERS SHOW THE WAY
DECEMBER 21 ST 1929. The Daily Courier.
ONUS ON EVERTON FORWARDS NOW.
Everton have shown just a glimpse of the form we expect from them, during the last two weeks, during which period their defence has returned a clean sheet. Three points out of four have been taken, and if the forwards can show a little improvement in the shooting department, the team should have another two today. Sheffield United, even at Bramall-lane, are not unbeatable, but, like the Blues they are in some need of points, and will not go down without a great flight. Everton have been forced to make two changes from the side, which divided against Manchester United. Martin takes the place of the injured Critchley on the extreme right wing, and Dunn comes back into the side to take Martin's usual position at inside right. This forward formation should not weaken the side, and White should have many chances of showing his shooting ability between such fine exponents as Dunn and Rigby, two of the greatest artists in the game at the present time. Two points will give the Blues confidence for the holiday programme, and a good start is half the battle. Plenty of first time shooting and a continuance of the excellent defensive work should ensure the points for the Goodison Park side. Following are the teams; - Everton; Davies; Cresswell and O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr, Martin, Dunn, White, Rigby, Troup. Sheffield United; Wharlton; Gibson (Jr) Birks, Sampey, Matthews, Green, Gibson (s), Pickering, Dunne, Phillipson, Tunstall.

SHEFFIELD UNITED MISS CHANCES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 December 1929
DUNNE FAILS WITH HEAVY
SHOT NEAR INTERVAL
NOT ENTERTAINING
EVERTON’S GOOD EFFORTS BAULKED BY WHARTON
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Martin, Dunn, White, Rigby, Troup.  Sheffield United; Wharton; Gibson, (J.R.), Birks; Sample, Matthews, Green; Gibson, (S.), Pickering, Dunne, Phillipson, Tunstall.  Referee.- Mr. G. R. Westwood (Walsall).  Conditions at Sheffield were quite good, and the turf, which had a rare soaking, was expected to play well.  At least that was opinion of some of the Everton players.  I learned that Dean was out yesterday with a light ball, and stood the test uncommonly well.  There was plenty of snow about en route to Sheffield, but the ground was clear.  Sheffield started off in bright style, and Phillipson was early responsible with a long-distance shot which Davies caught well.  Everton had not settled down but the United were early into their stride and after S. Gibson had made a centre which Davies pushed out Tunstall, as usual, closed in with the idea of snapping up any chance thus offered.  He was right in his surmise, and he hit a ferocious shot that touched O’Donnell in its journey to goal; otherwise it was certainly a shot that would have counted.  The referee did not think the ball had touched an Everton, but I can vouch that it had.  The very first time Martin got the ball he slipped up on the greasy surface, but later he cut well into goal, only to find Wharton handle his shot with safety. 
UNITED SWING THE BALL. 
It must be noted that Everton had to face a rather glaring sun, and this, no doubt, would handicap them a little United showed the right tactics by the manner in which they swung the ball about. The wing men were exploited to the full, and Tunstall and Gibson were very quick to put the ball into the centre-piece.  Matthews once had to kick out speedily to stop Jimmy Dunn from going through, and at this point Everton were just about holding their own.  The Sheffield goal had a narrow escape at the tenth minute. Robson, who was tackling with his customary confidence, sent the ball between two Sheffield men right to the foot of White who, without a fraction of delay, hit a grand shot that Wharton fumbled and dropped.  Fortunately, he had come out a yard or so, and was able to get the ball round the post for a corner, which was undoubtedly better than conceding a goal Dunne, of Sheffield, was very live and forceful in front of goal, and he once gave Davies a rare handful, although he was badly angled for a shot. 
A TOUCH OF BLUE. 
S. Gibson ran into the middle to offer Tunstall a chance to test the ability of Davies, but Robson interfered with the idea.  Everton then came into the picture with two movements that were undoubtedly a danger to Sheffield.  Martin started both of them.  In the first he tricked Birks with the slightest movement of his foot and then centred. Wharton did actually connect with the ball, but he did not push it out far enough, and Dunn was able to make a shot. Wharton, however, came yards out of his goal to catch the Scot's effort.  When Martin got away a second time he time gave White a chance and the Everton leader made Wharton go down on his knees to keep out his drive. Five United men were concerned in one of the sweetest little movements seen thus far. It was, however, only a spectacle, for it brought nothing.  Cresswell at the final moment stepping into the plans with a determined and sure tackle.  The United s early punch was not maintained, and the mantle fell on the Everton forwards. When White was put through, he made a charming shot that Wharton flicked high over the crossbar.  O'Donnell and Cresswell defended with great effect. They kicked with power and judgment and covered up in clever manner. Rigby collaborated with Troup, but the little winger's first centre was blotted out by Birks. Troup, however, came again, and scooping the ball over Green's head worked round him to make a fine centre that was not taken up as it should have been.
UNITED LOST CHANCES
The United lost a fine chance when Gibson and Pickering decided to leave it to one another, what time Virr stepped in and cleared an obvious danger. It was not a very entertaining match, although at times there was some excellent combination shown by both sides. There was still ten minutes to go to the interval, when Dunne, the former New Brighton man, forced Davies to tip over a header of good merit.  Wharton had had undoubtedly much more work than Davies, but on the score of attack the United had perhaps equal opportunities. At times they flung away chances in unaccountable manner. Robson was winded, but resumed without leaving, and Phillipson tried a winning hazard only to see Davies foil him.  Sheffield’s Dunne was remarkably clever with his head. In fact one local critic went far as to say that he was the nearest approach to Dixie Dean in heading a ball. That is remarkable praise, isn't it.  At all events he twice tested Davies with goal headers, which were tipped over, and then Tunstall got an opening and showed the power of his boot when driving the ball less than a yard outside the upright.  Toward, the interval Wharton was lucky not to have been beaten. He saved a first shot, and fell as he did so, but by a remarkable bit of agility he sprang to his feet to collect the second shot that was fired at his charge, and was able to prevent it entering his net.
THE MISS OF THE HALF
That was, indeed, an escape, but it was nothing to what occurred almost a minute later, when Dunne was perfectly placed five yards out of goal, and had only Davies in front of him.  A placed shot would have worked the oracle, but, like many other present day footballers, he decided upon power; and although his shot was of the heavy-gun type, it was straight at the goalkeeper, who made a good, if somewhat lucky clearance.  Such a gift may not come the way of Dunne again for many a long day.  It was without doubt the miss of the first half, which ended all square. 
Half-time.- Sheffield Utd 0, Everton 0. 
EVERTON BEATEN
PICKERING AND DUNNE SCORE.
WHARTON THE BLOCK
SHEFFIELD UNITED KEEPER’S FINE GAME
Thera was a lot of aimless kicking in the opening phases of the second half, and neither goalkeeper was unduly pressed.  Tunstall made a great effort to beat Davies. He defeated Robson and Cresswell, but Davies was able to get the tips of his fingers to the international winger's hard-rising shot. The corner kick caused a certain moment of trouble to the Everton defence, but at last the difficulty was staved off.  Before the Everton front line get within touch of Wharton, Birks held them up.
DEFENDERS DOMINANT. 
True, Troup tried a shot, but there was not his usual pace behind it, and Wharton was able to put down. Devise had to make two saves from Pickering, and White was given of-side when he got clear of Birks and Gibson.  The crowd became ironical. They wanted a goal, and they saw little chance of it coming, for the coming, for the defences were more than equal to the attacks.  Tunstall, who was one of the danger spots in the United front line, was responsible for another shot that Davies punched away with one hand in courageous fashion.  Tunstall was undoubtedly the big man of the Sheffield side. Everton had most to fear from his work.  Davies kicked a ball away from this winger. Rigby, with outstretched legs, tried to turn a header from White into the Sheffield goal, but missed the ball by a fraction. 
PICKERING SCORES. 
Tunstall gave us another excellent centre, and although this did not bring a goal, it was the forerunner for one, for at the 68th minute a splendid movement between Matthews, Dunne, and Pickering ended with the last-named beating Davies with a capital shot.  .One could almost see this goal coming, for the movement had the Everton defence in a bit of a hole. A minute later Tunstall netted the ball after Davies had fisted away, but for some reason the referee disallowed the point. 
DUNNE SUPPLEMENTS. 
This gave the Sheffield crowd and players a heap of encouragement, and when a free kick was awarded against them J. R. Gibson surprised his namesake with the ball, and S. Gibson simply walked past Virr and made such a fine centre that Dunn simply had to let loose at the ball and make it into a goal at the 75th minute.  A mist was falling, and was difficult at this point to see every incident.  Everson hit back, and Rigby found himself within an ace of scoring, but met in Wharton a fine goalkeeper, who, although he had left his goal just previously, was able to get back and get his hand to Rigby's effort. Wharton also caught a square pass from Martin.  Tunstall’s display had been of such good quality that he deserved a goal, but luck was against him, for be hit the upright with as good a drive as one could wish to see, and Davies would have been beaten by the shot for he was nowhere near it. 
Final –Sheffield United 2, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, December 21 1929
RESERVES IN SHOOTING FORM
There was not a great deal to interest in the early stages, for Everton were combining effectively without pushing home an advantage.  Their forwards were faster than the Blackburn defenders, but Hutton was offering stern resistance to Everton’s frequent onslaughts.  The Rovers attacked frequently, but lacked effective combination.  Ritchie was indirectly responsible for the first goal, a brilliant run-through being finished off by Wilkinson with a goal.  Then followed two goals inside four minutes.  Wilkinson snapped an up the middle pass, to score the second, and Easton, from a Ritchie centre, headed the third.  Sagar saved brilliantly from Crompton, and Groves opened the score for the Rovers.  Everton were now playing persistent football, and with Blackburn fighting hard the interest to the interval was sustained.  Sagar had played splendidly.  Half-time,- Everton 3, Blackburn Rovers 1. 
Bourton scored for Rovers Res.
Final;- Everton Res 3, Blackburn Res 2. 

EVERTON V CHESTER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 December 1929
FRED GEARY’S FIRST SHOW FOR THE BLUES
“Old ‘U” (Edge Hill) writes;- In your last Saturday night’s Studmarks there is a little mistake I would like to point out.  It says that Fred Geary’s first appearance for Everton after leaving Notts Rangers was against Preston North End.  Now, that’s wrong.  His very first show for Everton was against Chester (just to show the team off) on the Wednesday night before the first League match on the Saturday against Blackburn Rovers. 
Re Notts Rangers, Geary played for them against Everton during the first week or two in May, as they used to do those days.  Everton won 14-0, the highest score ever I saw, and I remember we were all a bit disappointed at Geary not scoring.  The Rangers had George Toone in goal, who played for Notts County afterwards, and many time international also, Alf Shelton, a left-half, who went to the County to play, also for his country many times.  Going back again to the Chester match, Everton won 11-0.  The forwards were Latta, Parry, Geary, Chadwick, and Brady.  Everton had signed a Scot (W. Groves) for inside-right, but Celtic got the better of him, so he didn’t turn up.  Aston Villa signed him on two or three years afterwards.  They had to fall back on Charlie Parry (the White of those days).  Now, between the Wednesday and Saturday there was a Football Association meeting, and Mr. Alex Brady got suspended for two months for signing for two clubs.  Burnley was the other one, so against the Rovers on Saturday Alf Milward was put outside-left for the first time.  That was how the afterwards famous Chadwick-Milward wing started, as when Brady came out of his suspension he went inside to Sandy Latta, and, by the way, scored four goals out of 8-0 against Stoke in his first League match.  The Saturday match, as I have said, was against the Rovers, who were toppers these days, and I quite remember Fred Gearys most thrilling run with the whole Rovers team after him, also Charlie Parry got ordered off for fouling Jimmy Forrest, and Mr. C. Crump, of Birmingham a little fat chap, was the referee.  He was running about bareheaded and in his shirt sleeves, ia was so hot.  Everton won 3-2.  I can remember the teams, except the Rovers centre half.  Rovers Henry Arthur, Jim Southworth, Jack Forbes, (in my opinion the best left back I ever saw); Douglas (3), and Jimmy Forrest; Joe Lofthouse, Harry Campbell, Skimmy Southworth, Walton Nat, Billy Townley.  Everton.- Smalley; Hannah, Doyle; Weir, Holt, Farmer; Latta, Parry, Geary, Chadwick, Milward.  I wonder what Mr. Herbert Chapman would give now for a Brady, Geary, Chadwick.  One thing, his present stars (???) would soon be in the reserve team! And now to wind-up, pass the “Custard.” He says in to-night’s Notes, Everton’s first League match at Goodison Park was against Notts Forest.  Well, “Custard,” it wasn’t.  It was against Sheffield United, and what’s more Sheffield won 3-2.  Also it was the United’s first match as a First Division club. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo –Saturday, December 21 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

THE HISTORY OF THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 December 1929
THE START OF DIVISION II –WHEN “TEST” MATCHES DECIDED PROMOTION.
The events of the early years of football, prior to the formation of the League, were outlined in the first instalment last week of this exclusive “Football Echo " feature. The second of the four articles follows.  Last week we saw how the advent of professionalism and the growth in popularity of the game resulted in the formation of the League in 1888. There were twelve clubs at the outset, namely —Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Twenty-two played as were played by each of these clubs during the first season, and Preston topped the chart with 40 out of a possible 44 points.  They had an unbeaten record, winning 18 and drawing 4 matches, with a goal average of 75-15. The Villa were second with 29 points, and the Wolves third with one less. Stoke and Notts County were the wooden spoonists.  Each had 12 points so that thus early the management committee discovered that the points method of reckoning was incomplete as a means of deciding a club's position. This snag had not been foreseen, but the following year provision was made for a similar happening by the embodiment in the rules of the principal of goal average. So successful was the League from its inception that it was not surpassing to find and the system copied up and down the country. A strong body, known as the Football Alliance, was formed in opposition. It did not flourish for long, being eventually absorbed by the Second Division when the latter was inaugurated in 1892. Season 1889-90 again saw Preston top the League, but with a much reduced margin of superiority. They obtained 33 points, against Everton's 31 for second place, and once more Stoke had the misfortune to find themselves at the foot.  At the annual meeting the Potters failed to secure reelection, and Sunderland, stepped into the vacant place. The following season Everton succeeded in displacing Preston from the top of the table. The "invincible" failed to live up to their proud title, just missing their third successive championship by two points. 1891-92 saw the scope of the League extended to embrace fourteen clubs—the newcomers being Glossop and Stoke (reelected)—and also the commencement of the series of matches between the English and Scottish Leagues, though international games between the two countries had already been in progress for nineteen years.  By this time the League was well and truly established. The game was progressing in public favour by leaps and bounds: gates were going up to almost unthought-of of heights. Clubs, which so far had been content to sit on the fence and wait the outcome of the experiment, were climbing down from their perches and seeking admission, while new clubs were in process of formation up and down the country. The applications for affiliation, indeed. Became so numerous that it was evident a big extension would be necessary if they were all to be admitted to the fold.  Accordingly, in 1892, the League was increased to sixteen clubs, and a Second Division was formed of twelve clubs, thus doubling the number of registered organisations at one stroke. Sheffield Wednesday and Notts Forest took the extra places in the First Division, while Newton Heath (now Manchester United) came in to supplant Darwen.  The names of the teams comprising the Second Division make interesting reading to-day. Some of them are now defunct; others are in lower spheres of activity. While three are to-day members of the First Division. The clubs were:  Small Heath (Birmingham). Sheffield  United. Darwen, Grimsby Town.  Ardwick, Burton Swifts, Northwich Victoria. Bootle, Lincoln Crewe Alexandra, Bunion, Port Vale, and Walsall Town Swifts.  With the introduction of a Second Division it became' necessary to devise some means of promotion and relegation.  The difficulty was solved by arranging that the three bottom clubs in Division I, should play the three top clubs in Division 11, in "test" matches. The winners—if a First Division side—stayed where they were; if a Second Division side, they came up in place of the First Division club they had defeated. A single game decided the issue, the top club in Division 11, playing the bottom in Division 1., the next to the top  playing the next to the bottom, and so on. In addition, it was decided that the four bottom clubs in Division 11. Should retire at the end of each season, though they could offer themselves for reelection if desired. 
AUTOMATIC PROMOTION. 
After three years of this rough and ready method the Second Division clubs  pressed for a more equitable system,  pointing out how unfair - it was that a single game should decide the issue, and  how ill-back or injuries might undo the consistent work of a whole season. The system was than altered so that the two tops teams in Division 11. placed the two bottom clubs of Division I. in home  and away matches, but after three years  this was also scrapped in favour of automatic promotion and relegation, as we know it to-day, so that consistency at  last got its just reword.  It is impossible to refer to all the changes in the composition of the two divisions from this point onwards. A few outstanding events, however, are worthy of mention. Newcomers to Div. 11, in its second season (1893-94) were Liverpool. Woolwich Arsenal, Newcastle United, Middlesbrough Ironopolis, and Rotherham Town, Liverpool distinguished themselves by topping the table at the first time of asking, and by virtue of a test match victory they joined the senior division the following year. Their sojourn was short-lived, for they finished at the bottom and went back to Division 11. But you couldn't keep a good side down in those days any more than you can to-day, and once more Liverpool won the championship at the first attempt. Since then they have had only one spell in the Second Division,  and curiously enough on that  occasion (1904-05) they again carried off  premier honours, following it with the championship of the First Division the  following season, a double-barreled distinction which no other club in the  country has achieved  (To be continued).

SHEFFIELD UNITED 2 EVERTON 0
December 23 rd 1929. The Daily Courier.
LESSON OF THE BRAMAL-LANE CRASH-NI COMBIINATION
WRONG KIND OF CHRISTMAS BOX FROM SHEFFIELD UNITED
By The Pilot.


Everton started their holiday programme in a disappointing manner Bramall-lane, where Sheffield United fully deserved their victory by two clear goals. The margin just represented the difference between the sides –no more, no less. On an extremely slippery ground neither side reached a high standard of football, and the match throughout was scrappy and uninteresting. The United is true, had a couple of bright patches, and the Blues one, but even then the football was not completely satisfying, for there was a distinct absence of finishing ability. The outstanding lesson of the encounter was that the Everton team, as not constituted, will not get the club out of the parlous position it is in at this moment. Changes will have to be made –not many, but such as will transforms this so-and-so combination into a good one. There was almost a complete absence of scientific football on the part of the Blues, though the intentions were good. The number of good attacking moves could be counted on the fingers of one hand. It was a source of great disappointment to find the Goodison men so out of touch with each other. There was not the slightest vestige of dovetailing and the various departments rarely connection in the manner we know they can. The United opened in a highly promising manner, their sharp, snappy passes getting the Blues on the run right away, but it was then that the Everton defence showed up well, especially O'Donnell, on whose willing shoulders fell the largest share of the work. Time after time the Sheffield men were crowded out right on the post, but at other times their own ineptitude came to the rescue of Everton. Had the home players been as incisive in their shooting as they were in these early passing bouts they must have scored.
WHITE'S GREAT SHOT.
When Everton did break away it was through individuals, and the clever Wharton dealt with these raids in the effective manner of dashing out of goal before giving the forward the chance to shoot. It is true that White once broke through and delivered one of the best shots of the match from an acute angle. Wharton flung himself out and succeeded in hitting the ball against the post and then scrambling it behind. The only other occasion when Everton became really dangerous in the first half was when Martin received the two passes his colleagues thought fit to bestow on him. I had become reconciled to a goallless draw soon after the resumption, for the United attacked only in a half-hearted manner and the Everton machinery would not operate in a workmanlike manner. The football was poor and the 20,000 people became depressed. Suddenly there was a bright spark when Troup forced Wharton to beat down a fast rising shot, to be followed by some commendable shooting efforts by Tunstall, who seemed to despair that his inside men would do the trick. It was he who enabled Davies to shine.
YAWNS AND YEARNING.
Even the pressman were yawning and yearning for some incident when Pickering gave the United the lead at the end of 68 minutes, and the manner in which the goal was secured was like an oasis in a desert of mediocre football. Matthews deliciously slipped forward Birks' free kick and Pickering it over to Dunne before running into position. Dunne gave him the ball just as he wanted it and a swift, low shot into the near corner gave Davies no chance. A heavy mist then came on top add to the somber picture and Tunstall crashed the ball into the Everton net to raise a cheer. That shout and the handshaking were premature, however, for the referee had spotted handling by Phillipson. Seven minutes later Dunne set the seal of defeat on the blues by cleverly hooking home a hip-high cross by S. Gibson, who had walked past Virr and the latter had been standing still. People began to leave the ground in hundreds then and I for one, did not blame them. This was a brief rally by the Blues, and how Wharton kept out Rigby's shot remains a mystery to me. He leapt backwards and across the goal to his left hand to it. A great drive from Tunstall which impinged on the post; the final whistle went and we left the ground far from inspired. There were two Evertonians who stoodout and head and shoulders above the rest –Davies, and O'Donnell. Davies had plenty of difficult shots to discharge, but he displayed excellent judgement and showed keen anticipation. O'Donnell relentlessness in tackling and intervening, his kicking, and the willingness with which he always help a colleague should have inspired others to greater things.
WILY TUNSTALL.
Neither Cresswell nor Robson was comfortable against the speedy and wily Tunstall, who is still one of the greatest left-wingers in the country. Robson held him during the first half, but could not pick up Tunstall's route later. Griffiths was a strong defender who rarely tried to “put his man away” when it came to tackle, but Virr was far from happy. The only trouble with the halves was that they gave the right support to the forwards only in space and this seriously hampered the operations of the men in front. I pitied Martin in whom was vested the responsibilities of trying to solve the outside-right position for he only received four workable passes in the whole afternoon. White played a worrying game on poor material. Rigby performed earlier without bringing a deal of grist to the mill and certainly think he would do better on the wing. where Troup was unconvincing, except when ball was clear of all opposition. It was not so much as individuals, but a team, that the Blues failed. There was a semblance of combination, and so players try to look around to find their men more often than not. The home team deserved the points, and their heartiest thanks must go to Wharton grand goalkeeper, the tall Matthews, an Green, who completed the half-line which is turned the scale's in favour of the United, Dunne a virile leader; Tunstall and Pickering. Everton must find a side that will walk a scientific football if they are to cut any points in the Christmas matches. Sheffield United; - Wharton, goal, Gibson (Jr), and Birks, backs, Sampy, Matthews and Green, half-backs, Gibson (s), Pickering, Dunne, Phillipson, and Tunstall, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal, Cresswell and O; Donnell, backs, Robson, Griffiths, and Virr, half-backs, Martin, Dunn, White, Rigby and Troup (captain), forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2
December 23 rd 1929. The Daily Courier
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 19)
Everton gave another capital display, and when they held a three goals' lead an easy win seemed assured. The Rovers, however, rallied, and at the close there was only a goal separating the sides, which just about represented Everton's superiority. Wilkinson scored Everton's first two goals. Easton headed a third, but within a minute or so Graves opened Blackburn's account. Bourton scored the Rovers second near the end. Everton; Sagar, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Kelly, McClure and Lewis, half-backs, Ritchie, Easton, Wilkinson, Weldon, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON’S HAPPY CHRISTMAS?
Liverpool Echo - Monday 23 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
I ought to have a “good-box” from the local clubs; when I visit them, they always win; when I leave them, they nearly always falter.  And the position of the Everton club has been serious enough in all conscience; what of Christmas? They will need to battle on and brighten considerably or the worst will happen, and the jubilee year will be followed by the downfall-period. 
NIPPY AND UNITED
Just when we were contemplating a division of the points at Bramall-lane, Sheffield came along with two late-on goals to sadden our hearts.  For over an hour the Everton team had held up every attack that the United had launched, and at the same time had levelled several praiseworthy attacks at Wharton’s goal; in fact, this youthful goalkeeper had a spot of luck when a shot hit the base of the upright and dropped into his hands so that he could turn it round the post and give away a corner instead of a goal.  A goal then would have had a big effect upon the United, for they were languishing for a goal themselves, and. truth to tell, did not look like obtaining  one, well were the Everton backs  defending their charge. However, when Matthews pushed a ball up the middle it  looked all over a goal, for the Everton  backs were not in position, and I remarked to a neighbour, " Here's a  goal and it was so, for Phillipson,  once a sharpshooter himself, slipped the ball towards Pickering, so that that player had a clear opening and shot hard and true, and the Sheffield spectators,  who were getting anxious, were saved  any further need from issuing instructions  to their men, and were also able to forget their ironical remarks. Later came a goal from Dunne, one time on New Brighton's list, and this ex-Army player showed his worth by the manner in which he hooked a knee-high ball into the Everton net.  That was the full extent of the scoring, but if Tunstall had the slightest bit of luck he would have had at least two goals. He would have been worth them, for he gave a fine display and was the greatest menace to the Everton defenders. In the first minute he would have registered a goal if it had not been for O'Donnell, who touched the ball and sent it hurtling over the bar.  The referee did not think it had touched anyone after it left Tunstall's foot, but if it had not done so I tell you straight that a goal would have resulted, for Tunstall’s shot was going underneath the crossbar. It has been said that Tunstall has lost a lot of his power since his mentor. Billy Gillespie, went out of the side. Don't believe it. He is still the great player he always was and even now is worth another international cap.  (Writes “Stork”).
WORTH THEIR SALT. 
Tunstall hit the post a tremendous smack, and also cracked the back of the net with another great drive, but a colleague had handled the ball just beforehand. I liked the manner in which he centred when running away from goal, and any inside forward worth his salt should score goals with the chances that Tunstall supplies. He took some time to get the better of swift-tackling Robson and the calm and methodical Cresswell, but he is not the sort to turn it up just because things are not going his way. He persists in the belief that his turn will come; and it did on Saturday, and although no goals came from his direction it was he who kept the Everton defenders working hard by his speedy raids and excellent centres and shots.  Dunne, who scored, is a great header of a ball. One man at my side said that he was a second Dean, and while I agree that he was best with his head, he is not near a Dean when it comes to heading.  He hits them. Dean guides them.  There is a great difference. Still, Dunne is doing quite well in Yorkshire. He must do to keep out Johnson, whose best displays have been given on grounds which are topped with mud, as they are to –day. The difference between Everton's display and that of the United's was that the latter were much quicker on the ball.  They chased bit, no matter what their prospects of gathering it, whereas Everson waited its arrival, and they appeared decidedly slow by comparison. A quick tackle forces a rival to work hurriedly, and consequently not so accurately, and Everton found that this was the case and many faulty passes were made. Martin, tried at outride right, got very few chances to show us what he could do.  Robson had his hands full looking after Tunstall, so could not give his full attention to Dunn and Martin.  The inside man was not at his best; in fact, the Everton attack was unbalanced.  Rigby was not so good as he has been, and Troup was not the fiery little fellow we know.  White, although he tried desperately hard, found Matthews a difficult proposition.  In fairness, I must say that Martin was poorly supported.
WORKMANLIKE
I would not dub Sheffield United a clever side, but they have a great left winger, a dominating centre half, and a confident young goalkeeper.  They could be designated a workmanlike side, and that is often much better than the ultra-clever team- the Arsenal to wit, Wharton had not the work of Davies, but he impressed me by his clean and confident style.  Rigby nearly beat him towards the end, and would have done so if it had not been for his agility and anticipation.  Davies made some grand saves, but if Phillipson had relied on the placed shot instead of putting his whole trust in power of boot, he could have beaten Davies with the utmost ease, for he was only five yards out when offered the chance.  When Dunne got his I thought there was a semblance of slackness on the part of the Everton defence.  Virr was left standing still when Sampy slipped the ball to S. Gibson, and even when the latter centred there seemed a desire to hold off the tackle a shade too long- it was too long in this case, for Dunne whipped the ball into the net exceptionally quick.  Cresswell and O’Donnell had been simply great in the first half.  They were much better than Birks and J.R. Gibson, for they covered each other with rare effect.  One slip, however, undid all their great work.  Griffith showed up in the light of a good defender, and at times got the ball away to his partners, but he still persisted to lift the ball, when a ball along the turf was what was required. 

RETURN OF “DIXIE” DEAN
December 24 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON MAKE SIX CHANGES.
RIGBY OUTSIDE-LEFT; CRESSWELL TO REST.
The Christmas holiday is not a holiday for the professional footballer, and as usual (writes Ijay) he is faced with the task of playing through a heavy programme without being able to enjoy the usual festivities. Liverpool have the easier task on paper than Everton. The Everton directors are fully cognisant of the danger ahead, and they have made half-a-dozen alterations in their team to meet the Wednesday tomorrow (kick off 2.15). The most important of these concerns “Dixie” Dean, the International centre-forward, who, now fit, again following the operation on his foot, will return to lead the attack. This will be joyous news for friends of the Goodison park side. Critchley and White are chosen as the right wing pair in place of Martin and Dunn. Martin goes into inside-left, while Rigby will be his partner on the outside.
CHANGE IN DEFENCE.
One change is made in the defence. As Cresswell has played in every match this season, he is being given a well deserved rest tomorrow. His deputy will be Common. Everton, therefore will field the following team; Davies; Common, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Virr; Critchley, White, Dean, Martin, Rigby.
DEAN TONIC.
Everton's forwards have been out of form, and seem to have lost their shooting boots, but “Dixie” Dean's return for the home game tomorrow have the necessary effect on the side. Everton's task on Boxing Day at Hillisbrough is no enviable one, and I shall be surprised if they return with a point. Last season Everton did well over the holiday period, and similar success would be welcome.

EVERTON’S XMAS GREETINGS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 24 December 1929
DEAN RETURNS TO RE-FORM SIDE
Bee’s Notes
Everton
Christmas Day-Everton v. Sheffield Wednesday (2.15); Sheffield Wednesday Res v Everton v. Res
Boxing Day.- Sheffield Wednesday v. Everton.  Everton Res v. Sheffield Wednesday Res (2.15).
Saturday- Bolton Wanderers v. Everton.  Everton Res v Burnley Res (2.15)
New Year’s Day.- Everton Res v Leeds United Res (2.15)
The position at Everton has become so acute that the directors must have had grave consideration for their team against Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison tomorrow.  The necessity for reforming the side was altogether too plain, and their good fortune and ours is the fact that Dixie Dean finds himself able to reappear much earlier than one anticipated, and his very coming will be an inspiration to the side.  It will also lead the laggard enthusiast to take up his Christmas cigar and attend tomorrow’s function.  There are other points in the team selection that make for comment, the most notable being the appearance of Common, Cresswell being rested –that is the official term.  Common played a great game for Cresswell when the latter was in Ireland on international duty.  The full back becomes two of a kind, and as compared to two direct contrasts.  The right wing is Critchley and White, Martin goes inside left, and Rigby continues in the attack, but becomes an outside left.  As I read the team it is a typical Everton team.  The names are there, the ability is there, and everyone of the five forwards can and should make a stinging shot.  The question always arises –will this team blend and be consistent?  I imagine that the club has picked this eleven not for a day but for a long run, in the hope and belief that they have framed a side that will prove a stirring and attractive side with considerable power and punch.  Their idea is to find a real Cup-tie collection.  Time alone will tell whether their choice is well founded.  At any rate, the success of tomorrow’s game is assured, for Sheffield Wednesday are still playing like a championship side, and Everton’s team-sheet with Dean in front of the goalposts, will command a huge attendance. 
Everton reserves meet Sheffield Wednesday Reserves at Hillsborough in the morning, kick-off at eleven, and the return game will be played at Goodison Park on Thursday, kick-off 2.15.  The Everton team is;- Sagar; O’Donnell (W.), Kennedy; Bryan, McClure, Lewis; Ritchie, Dunn, Wilkinson, Weldon, Stein. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize (conductor, Mr. H. Wearing) will give the following programme at Goodison Park tomorrow; March, “Simplicity” (Arr Hume); waltz, “Blue Danube” (Strauss); selection, “Faust” (Ground); piece, “In A Monastery Garden” (Ketelhy); selection, “Sullivan’s Operas” (Arr Hume); march, “The Black Diamond” (Anon); grand chorus (by special request), “Hallelujah” (Handel). 

EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDBNESDAY 4
December 27 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
The Christmas Day match found the Wednesday on the top of their form and the Blues all at sixes and sevens. The score, in fact, by no means demonstrated the superiority of the Yorkshiremen. They gave a classic exhibition of fast, combined penetrative football. With the return of Dean it was hoped for something-extra good from the Blues, but, unfortunately, he found himself hardly “ripe,” and after receiving a nasty blow from Brown, could do little. In addition, the Everton half-backs were absolutely off colour, and so there was not the slightest trace of a link between defence and attack. The Wednesday were two seconds quicker on the ball, and their machinery worked so smoothly that the Blues were always kept on the run. Everton it is true opened up well, and I expected them to make a show, but they gradually faded right out of the picture until the pace became so hot that they could not stand it. Allen scored a lovely goal with his left foot after eight minutes, and Hooper proceeded to collect a hat-trick. Two minutes from the White gained a consolation goal for the Blues. Everton; - Davies, goal, Common and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Griffiths, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Martin, and Rigby, forwards. Sheffield Wedbesday; - Brown, goal, Walker, and Blnkinsopp, backs, Strange, Leach and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Seed, Allen, Burgess, and Rimmer, forwards.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 4 EVERTON 0
December 27 TH 1929. The Daily Courier.
DRASTIC CHANGES BY EVERTON
McCLURE BARRACKED ON HIS DEBUT
By the Pilot
For the return match between Everton and the Wednesday drastic changes were made in the Goodison side, and several of them proved successful. Particularly do I prefer to the introduction of an unceremonious pivot from Wallsey McClure, and the return of Hart. Everton did well yesterday up to half-time, but were later outclassed by a smarter, more incisive team. This despite the fact that the Champions had a rearranged side owing to injury. Strange to say, Leach, who was injured so that he had to go to the outside left, scored two goals. Prior to the reshuffle, however, Everton had chirped a merry tune to the Wednesday, and from Rigby Weldon and Hart came the prettiest and most scientific football I have seen from any Everton side since the Grimsby match. The Champions did not reach the Everton goalmouth at all during the first five minutes, and made only half-hearted attacks up to 16 minutes, when they took the lead with a goal secured through real football. Everton had been going great guns with McClure an intrepid tackler and break-up, and a judicious feeder. Wilkinson hit the post after snapping up one of his through passes, and then when the Champions were making ground on the right. Strange undoubtedly their best player, surprised friend and foe with a low swinging pass right to the feet of Rimmer on the left. Rimmer sliced the ball a few yards in to the waiting Burgess, who, unmarked stabbed it into the roof of the net. It was just before the interval that the referee had occasion to speak to McClure, though never admonishing Allen, and this seemed to upset the debutant. At least he did not do so well after, in addition, he was subjected to barracking from the crowd just because he did not stand on ceremony. With Seed the versatile acting as pivot, the Wednesday got down to more series and better work on resuming, and after Davies had made a great one handed save from Allen after 49 minutes he merely tapped down Hooper's subsequent corner, and Leach had nothing to do but slip the ball into the net.
ALLEN'S WONDERFUL SHOT.
Everton were beaten from that point onwards and even the erstwhile clever left wing became disjoined, though Rigby still continued to play excellently. In 79 minutes when O'Donnell made a feeble attempt to pass back to Cresswell, Allen nipped through and let go a beauty, which Davies parried. Before he could recover Leach had scraped the ball inst. inside the post with Cresswell fighting valiantly to force it out. Two minutes from the end Allen scored the fourth goal with a wonderful shot from the edge of the “box” after Robson had headed out from a corner. It was a marvellous effort. In the first half Everton were good. There was some semblance of cohesion and real ground football, but the shock of the goal after having had equally as much of the opening play, seemed to upset them. It changed a promising team into a bad one. The Champions were eager to take all the license given them, and with their halves again operating grandly, they steeped boldly forward to victory. The Wednesday were quicker on the ball, and possessed the better ideals, but they must have considered themselves children of fortune to turn over with a lead. Teams; - Sheffield Wednesday; - Brown, goal, Walker, and Blenkinson, backs, Strange, Leach, and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Seed, Allen, Burgess, and Rimmer, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Robson McClure and Hart (captain), half-backs, Ritchie, Martin, Wilkinson, Weldon, Rigby, forwards.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 20)
No Details.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 3
December 27 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 21)
Everton introducing “A” team players in Leyland (right fullback) and Liggins (out-side right). The home side played inspired football in the first half and although Sheffield did the major portion of the attacking Sagar's brilliance in goal prevented many of the Wednesday's fine passing bouts terminating successfully. Easton scored the first goal, and Dunn made it possible for Attwood to add the second. Persistent Sheffield pressure was rewarded with a goal to Whitehouse, and Johnson follow with the equaliser, but Everton by spirited determination went to the front again, Easton scoring with a penalty, and Stein adding a fourth before the interval. After resuming Wilkinson made the score 4-3 and when the Wednesday were fighting hard for the equaliser Sagar saved many times from the Yorkshire forwards.

EVERTON’S NEW PIVOT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 27 December 1929
HOW THEY PLAYED AT HILLSBOROUGH
Bee’s Notes 
Although Everton were again defeated by Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough they gave a much brighter display than on the occasion of their first meeting on Christmas Day; in fact, the four-goal margin in favour of the champions was a little exaggerated, for Everton, with their greatly-changed  eleven, played football quite as good as  their opponents.  In the first half Everton had an equal share of the attack, their left wing being  exceptionally effective, and the goal deficit at the interval did not appear a burden, because Everton were playing  well, and were in the game with a chance of snapping at least a draw.  There was no finish, however, to their raids, and with the Wednesday obtaining three more goals they were ultimately worthy winners (writes “Stork ").  Everton were forced to make many changes—six in all—for Dean and Virr were injured, and Griffiths was not at all well on Christmas Day. Cresswell, Ritchie, Weldon, and Hart returned, and the new player, McClure, son of the famous Sam McClure, of Birmingham, was given his first run with the senior side, and, in the circumstance, he gave a fine display. He is a dominating sort, a forceful type of centre half-back, who will worry many of the leading marksmen, but his game was spoiled by the fact that the referee warned him and the crowd got at him, but when you know the full strength of the case (he was constantly being elbowed by Allen) it will be realized that he was more sinned against than sinning. He had a good first half. His tackling was made with determination, and some of his passes were of good strength and length. He gave Wilkinson one which should have produced a goal—he actually hit the upright—and with time he may develop into a really useful pivot. 
THE LEFT KING. 
Weldon, who was hurt the previous day. Rigby, and Hart opened up as if they were going to murder “Strange and Walker, who were undoubtedly unsettled by the way this trio worked the ball round them, and when Leach got hurt and bad to go outside left it opened up possibilities for Everton, but instead of Leach being a passenger he actually scored two of the four goals, touching the ball into the Everton net after goal-mouth incidents. Burgess had opened the scoring with a simply made point.  Strange paved the way with a perfect cross pass to Rimmer, and then Allen slammed home a terrific drive from a corner kick just before time.  In the first encounter the Wednesday undoubtedly held the whip hand, but in this game they had to fight tooth and nail, and it was not until the third goal that they got on top. It was a pass back by O'Donnell that gave Leach his second goal, but Cresswell and O'Donnell had played a great defensive game. Cresswell had no superior on the field—that is a Sheffield version, too, so it is praise indeed Wilkinson was a "goer" all the time, with a rare turn of speed, but he did a lot of useless running about.  Martin put in one of the best shots of the day, and Brown had to tumble on it to keep it out, but Ritchie was only moderate. He centred well on occasion, and also hit the upright, but the best of the forwards was Rigby, who was well plied by Weldon and Hart. 
SHEFFIELD "MANAGER." 
Jimmy Seed, the Sheffield "manager," has made the Wednesday. He took up three roles yesterday through Leach's injury, and did well in all of them.  He finished at centre half. Hooper did not come to his best until Late on, while Burgess could not get his passes to his man. Rimmer, at inside left, worked hard, but the Wednesday's strength lay in its half-back line, where Strange was outstanding.  New blood is needed, and the Everton directors are fully aware of it. They were in the Sheffield district, yesterday, running the rule over some player.  Dean, by the way, is suffering with an ankle injury- fortunately not the ankle which has just been operated upon. 
EVERTON SIGN INTERNATIONAL FULL-BACK
Everton have signed B.J. Williams, international full back, of Swansea, who has been capped five times for Wales.  He is 5ft. 10ins, in height, and 12 ½ st, in weight. 
Everton go to Bolton, and the desperate position in which they find themselves will lead them to strive hard against a side that has only eight victories to its credit and at home has proved as uncertain as Everton at Goodison Park.  Everton’s team is not yet chosen, and it would be foolish to anticipate a selection.  It has been anything but a happy Christmas for the club, and certain signings which were prospected by them weeks ago my now become an assured fact.  Indeed, I can almost hear the rumblings of two “Gunners,” both forwards.  When I say “gunners,” I mean “shooters.” 
ON THE SURFACE
Christmas Day was a regular blow-out in every sense.  Boxing Day was bright and cheerful, and there the good tidings end.  Everton have a very second division look; in fact, this morning they looked even more second divisionish than the lads who were being pushed to work by heartless and grasping relatives.  Evidently it has not been a happy Christmas for everybody.  However, to-morrow is Saturday, when Everton again trot forth to… But away with melancholy. 

WELSH INTERNATIONAL FOR EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post-Saturday 28 December 1929
Everton have secured the transfer Ben Williams, the Swansea. Town and Welsh International right, back. Negotiations were completed the end of the match between Swansea Town and Notts County on Boxing Day. Williams holds four international caps, having secured two them this season.

SWANSEA BACK JOINS EVERTON.
Hull Daily Mail-Saturday 28 December 1929
Everton Football Club have secured the transfer of Ben Williams, the Swansea Town and Welsh international right back. Negotiations were completed at tho conclusion of the match between Swansea Town and Notts County on Boxing Day. . Williams, who is in his season with Swansea, was born Penrhiwoeiber, and played for tho local Welsh League club before going to Swansea. He holds four international " caps," having secured two them this season.

BEN WILLIAMS SIGNS FROM SWANSEA
December 28 th 1929. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have secured the transfer of Ben Williams the Swansea Town and welsh international right full back, and he will make his first appearance for his new club on new year's day. Negotiations were completed the conclusion of the match between stoke Swansea and Notts County on Boxing Day. Williams who is in his sixth season with Swansea was born at Penrhiwceiber, and played for the local Welsh league club, before going to Swansea. Williams holds four international caps, having secured two this season. Twenty-five years-of-age, Williams is well built, standing 5ft 11ins, in height and weighting 12 and half stone. Apart from one period when injury kept him inactive for many months he his appeared regularly at right back and has this season been the most conspicuous defender in the team. Swansea town, who are the bottom of division three table have no experienced player up to Williams standard to fill the vacancy, but there are several promising younger attracted to the club
FURTHER CHANGES
Further changes were decided on last night. Griffiths is suffering from a cold and Virr is nursing an injured knee, white is to take the pivotal position. While McClure who played at centre-half on Thursday moves to left half in place of hart, while Critchley returns to the right wing, with Troup in the left, as Rigby partner. . Meanwhile I am officially , informed that when Dean was hurt in the Christmas day it was not the foot which had been operated on that was injured. He sustained a kick on the other ankle and this prevented the centre-forward taking his customary active part in the proceedings.

EVERTON TOO CLOSE ON THE BALL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 December 1929
BOLTON, CUPHOLDERS, IN CUP FORM
A GRAND DEFENCE
BUT GIBSON AND BLACKMORE FIND A WAY IN
By Stork
Everton; Davies, O’Donnell; Robson, White, McClure; Critchley, Martin, Wilkinson, Rigby, Troup.  Bolton Wanderers;- Pym; Howarth, Finney; Kean, Round, Nuttall; Butler, McKay, Blackmore, Gibson, Cook.  Referee; Mr. H.E. Hull, of Burnley.  Despite the wretched weather, the attendance at Burnden Park was quite good, but the turf looked in a terrible state, so much so that the goalmouth had to be forked prior to the opening.  The only notable change in the Wanderers side was Round for Seddon.  Everton opened in brisk fashion, and Martin was early prominent with a shot that just went outside the upright, with Pym keeping a watchful eye on the ball in case it played any tricks.  Everton hovered round the Wanderers’ goal for some minutes, but Martin’s shot was the only one that Pym was troubled about.  Rigby was foiled when he tried to send a pass out to Critchley, because Round put his hand to the ball.  Rigby and Troup engaged in a passing movement, and the Scot got an opportunity to shoot.  He did so, but Pym stopped the ball at the foot of the post.  So far the only raid the Wanderers had levelled at Everton had been long balls sent from the half-backs, although Butler once dropped in a centre that Davies punched away only to find the ball returned to him and travel just outside the upright. 
GIBSON GOALS
Many goals have been given away this season in a like manner.  Gibson, always a bonny footballer, was always prominent in the Bolton attack.  He put passes to the right and left of him, but they were not used, so he took upon himself the role of shooter, and Davies had to make a fine save to keep out his rasping drives.  At the tenth minute a corner proved fatal to Everton.  Cook’s centre was put right back, an uncommon thing nowadays, and the goalkeeper had not a chance, for Mackay made a shot which was turned into the net by Gibson.  This was indeed a setback, and for a time the Wanderers took control of the game was Davies, Cresswell, and O’Donnell, had much duty to perform.  Fortunately they did it well, although Cresswell once mistimed his pass and opened a way or the sharp-shooting Blackmore, who, however, could not keep his feet in the mud. Butler was in the same position when he was offered a chance.  He tried to pull up, but slithered about five yards on his back.  Everton pushed on with their work despite the reverse, and Critchley scooped a ball close into the Bolton goal, and matters were decidedly unpleasant for Pym, for both Rigby and Wilkinson were standing under the bar.
HARD FOR HEADS
Both went up to head it at once, but the ball went over, and the Everton men returned up the field rubbing their heads.  It was not a case of two heads being better than one on this occasion.  O’Donnell was once praised by the home crowd for a cool yet clever tackle which prevented Blackmore from going through to an open goal.  Later, when Troup got round Howarth, he offered Wilkinson the chance to move forward, but the centre-forward decided to return the ball, and so a possible opportunity was lost.  The Everton backs were very confident, and they had some hot work to deal with too.  O’Donnell once headed out and gave away a corner, but I feel sure that if O’Donnell had not captured the ball Davies would have done so, for he was well in position for it. 
BLACKMORE’S SHOTS
Blackmore may not be all that is required as a footballer, but when he is near goal he is a veritable demon, for he shoots with amazing power.  Everton’s left wing made inroads into the Bolton defence, and when everybody thought the ball had gone for a goal kick it went for a throw-in, and Troup, seeing a possible opportunity with a quick throw-in, gave the ball to Rigby, who immediately slung it into the middle, and Martin, with the side of his foot, put in a shot that Pym had to edge away from the base of the upright.  Considering the conditions, the football had been quite good, and the 12,000 spectators had quite a number of thrills that repaid them for their bravery in venturing out on such a day.  A free kick to Everton, taken by White, was saved by Pym, and Troup was completely disgusted with himself for his poor shot, which travelled outside the woodwork.  Troup gave Pym two bumping balls to deal with, and O’Donnell, in trying to take a ball away from Butler, made a slight error, but it was not of much account, and then we had the sight of Round trying a shot that went round the post.  So he lived up to his name. 
BLACKMORE TOUCHES IN
The 35th minute gave Blackmore his first goal.  When Nuttall sent the ball up the middle it was Blackmore’s ball from the outset, and though Davies came out of his goal to narrow the angle, and though he turned the ball slightly aside, it ran on to the foot of the upright, and before Davies could get back Blackmore had travelled up to administer the finishing touch.  The Everton attack made a big error in trying to keep the ball close.  The open road was the way to-day, and the Wanderers took it, and you see with what result.  The Everton defence, however, was simply grand, Cresswell and O’Donnell putting up a splendid fight to a set of forwards that had never ceased for one moment.  In the last five minutes the Everton defence was worked to death.  Cook had two shots that Davies saved exceedingly well well, while he (Davies) also caught a header from Gibson.  Blackmore at this point was passing admirably, and he was responsible for quiet a lot of the work that the Everton defenders had to get through. Half-time; Bolton Wan, 2, Everton 0. 
J. Hill, 54, Harewood-street Everton, lost shareholder’s ticket, Finder please return.
EVERTON’S FOURTH DEFEAT IN LINE
THIRTEEN GOALS LOST IN THREE GAMES
BLACKMORE’S FOUR
BOLTON WIN BY FIVE TO NOTHING
In the first half Gibson and Blackmore scored for Bolton.
In the second half, Cresswell entered the list of shooters with an effort that Pym had to tip over, while Martin had a header turned out by Nuttall. Still, the Wanderers were the better team, for they adapted themselves better to the conditions.  Pym, however, had his greatest work now, and he had to get rid of a nasty-looking ball from Troup, who immediately afterwards overdid the business when he tried to beat three men where two would have done. 
CRESSWELL SHINES 
Cook, who, like Troup, is a little Scot, had the chance to make goal No.3 for his side, but He dallied so long that Cresswell, who had no superior on the field, took the ball away from him and saved a desperate situation.
BLACKMORE HAT-TRICK
Davies made a Save from Blackmore and White kicked off the goal-line, but within two minutes Blackmore had got two goals, the result of quick shooting.  In the first instance the Wanderers'  centre forward hit out at a ball that came from Kean without troubling to deaden it, and it was its the net in a  flash.  Butler supplied Blackmore with his next goal, but in this instance the centre had to beat Cresswell before he got in his shot. He did beat the Everton man and also the Everton goalkeeper, to make a fourth, goal, the twelfth goal against them in three matches. 
O'DONNELL INJURED. 
The Wanderers were complete masters of affairs, and Davies had to save from Gibson, while Cresswell stopped many raids when the position looked hopeless.  In fact, Cresswell was the mighty man of the Everton side, but it must be stated that the Goodison team were unfortunate to lose the services of O’Donnell fifteen minutes from the end, after he had been operating at outside left with a damaged ankle. 
BLACKMORE AGAIN. 
Blackmore missed a sitter near the end. Eight minutes from the end Blackmore scored a fifth goal, his fourth. It was with another first-time effort that he did the trick.  I learned that O'Donnell had twisted his knee rather badly. There is a suggestion of cartilage trouble, but I hope not.  Final; - Bolton Wanderers 5, Everton 0. 

STUDMARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 December 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

THE HISTORY OF THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 December 1929
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES –HOW THE DIVISIONS CONTINUED TO GROW
This is the third "Football Echo” articles. The two previous articles outlined the history of the formation of the League in 1888, and the inauguration of the Second Division in 1892.
The people who aver that football to-day is ruined by too much goal-scoring should make a note of the fact that in 1896-97, when they topped the Second Division  for tire second time in three years, Liverpool scored 106 goals in thirty matches.  This was the highest ever registered in either division up to that time, and indeed, it remained a record for the  Second Division until as recently as 1926-27, when Middlesbrough ran up 122 goals in forty-two matches.  Liverpool's average per game, however, works out at approximately 3.5, compared with the Borough's 3, and this, despite the fact that forwards in those discs had two full backs to beat instead of one. A few of those old-time marksmen would be welcomed at Anfield to-day!  Another old scoring record is worthy of mention. In 1898-99 Darwen conceded 141 goals in thirty-four Second Division games. No side before or since has done so badly, and none is anxious to “surpass “so unenviable a record.  Another old scoring record is worthy of mention.  In 1898-99 Darwen conceded 141 goals in thirty-four Second Division games.  No side before or since has done so badly, and none is anxious to “surpass” so unenviable a record.  Following the formation of Division II the next incident of note was in 1893 when Mr. William McGregor resigned his position as president.  He was succeeded by the late Mr. J.J. Bentley, who held the post until his retirement in 1910-11, when Mr. J. McKenna took up the reins.  Thus during its long career the League has had only three presidents, a fact which has been largely responsible for the continuity of policy that has characterized it throughout. 
VICTIMS OF POOR SUPPORT
A glance over the records of the Football League from the early nineties up to the outbreak of the war disclosed considerable change in the composition of the two divisions year by year.  Apart from the alterations necessitated by promotion and relegation, extensions were necessary from time to time to take in the new clubs which sought admission.  As many as four teams were admitted some seasons, while occasionally some of the older ones dropped out through stress of circumstances.  The problem of finance was as troublous then as it is to-day, but with this difference, that nowadays, though we hear a great deal about the parlous state of the coffers of a number of clubs, it is rare that an organization is wound up on this account.  Years ago, however, quite a number disappeared from view through lack of support.  In 1894-95 Ardwick dropped out, after a “life "of only two seasons, and with Division 11, extended from fifteen to sixteen clubs, Leicester Fosse  and Bury were enabled to make their first bow to the football public.  Loughborough Town came in the following year in place of Walsall Town Swifts, but their sojourn was comparatively short. Northwich Victoria's League career was another to suffer early demise. They lasted but two seasons, in the second of which they secured nine points only out of twenty-eight games.  Newcomers In 1896 were Blackpool, Walsall, and Gainsborough Trinity, the unfortunates who made way for them being Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham, and Burslen Port Vale. Two years later the League was extended from sixteen to eighteen clubs in each division.  Burnley and Newcastle went up into the higher sphere, leaving four vacancies down below, which were filled by Barnsley, Glossop, New Brighton Tower, and the return of Port Vale. 
EXIT NEW BRIGHTON TOWER. 
The three year, saw four new clubs successful in gaining admission to  the Second Division, namely, Chesterfield, Stockport County, Bristol City, and Doncaster Rovers, the clubs they displaced  being Darwen, Loughborough  Town, New Brighton Tower, and Walsall.  Some of the newcomers began their League career immediately following their formation. Others, such as Blackpool, were not so ambitious, and were content to spend a year or two in lesser spheres before seeking membership. 
The Foot hall League was now definitely and soundly established. It grew in importance year by year, and in 1905-06 yet another expansion was needed to cope with the growing numbers of applicants. The two divisions were accordingly extended to take in twenty clubs each, at which figure they remained until after the war.  Between 1905 and 1908 London's representation was increased by four. Chelsea and Clanton Orient, along with Hull and Leeds City, came in for season 1905-06, when the expansion of the divisions resulted in four vacancies in Division II.  Fulham forsook the Southern League -which at that time had no connection with the Football League—in 1907, to take the place of Burton United, and the following year Tottenham Hotspur and Bradford came in, to the exclusion of  Stoke and Port Vale. The only other changes of note up to the outbreak of the war were the birth of Huddersfield, in 1910, and the exit of Gainsborough Trinity.

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 December 1929
RESERVES SCORE THRICE IN LIVELY FASHION
Considering the conditions, the football was interesting and with Everton showing the better finish in front of goal, they secured an early lead, Higgins finishing off a Stein movement with a goal.  Burnley had quite a few opportunities, but hesitated to shoot, and Sagar and O’Donnell cut in to clear with an earnestness that thwarted the lively Burnley forwards.  Down saved from Attwood and Stein, but the Burnley keeper was completely beaten by a well-judged drive from Easton.  Everton, who were by far the more convincing side, went further ahead, when Stein placed a corner so well that Down missed his punch, and Dunn netted easily.  Half-time.- Everton 3, Burnley Res nil.  On resuming the Burnley keeper saved from Easton. 

EVERTON DOWN IN THE DEPTHS
Dundee Courier -Monday 30 1929
A Hint for Players to Escape Relegation Grip
By Larry Lincoln
CHRISTMAS always produces plenty of surprises, but this holiday period, plus last Saturday's games, produced perhaps the greatest upsets the game has known. The outstanding feature has been the steadiness of the champions and the failure of the former champions, Everton, who have never suffered so hefty eclipse, four games on the run having been lost, and two cases of four goals against, and one of five. THERE is a thorough panic in the Everton camp, and as Dean cannot play owing to a damaged ankle —not the one operated upon a few weeks ago—they have hardly any hope of relieving the situation. As a fact, Everton have two fine features to help them, time and money. I hear that they have already put out feelers to the Arsenal Club for the purpose of signing Brain, the centre-forward, and Charlie Jones, the outside-left, who likes to play inside-left and cannot get a show owing to Alex. Jamesbeing there before him. Arsenal cannot drop James because he is playing their type of game, compared to some of the others, who have a slap-dash method Mr Chapman won't encourage. Jones, therefore, smarts on the extreme wing, and when James sends a ball across to the right wing Jones perhaps feels he is being neglected in the cause of high art. It may denied, but you can take it from me official and trustworthy that Jones is on offer. Arsenal will not sell cheap.
EVERTON'S position has become so urgent that the club is going to delve into the Scottish camps. Tney are after Love and Hill and other Scots. Meantime, their selectors have bobbed and shingled the side till the men cannot settle down. Hunter Hart came back for one match only. Troup had two matches only, and Rigby, the new man was outside and inside left in quick turn. Martin has been outside right, inside-right, inside-left in successive moves. O'Donnell crocked a leg. He is the seventh man for hospital from Goodison Park. Ritchie may yet get back, because he is playing rather well, whereas Dunn is playing too far back to be convincing.
EVERTON will not sell at any price, and Dunn will first on the list, I believe. Then Everton will buy. They had scouts Glasgow on Saturday, and I believe there were no fewer than 13 scouts out with special instructions make trustworthy side that shall get out the relegation grip. BOLTON put on five against Everton, and Gibson ' got one and provided three by his fine intuition. He is the genius of a line that has gone back in twelve months.

BOLTON WANDERERS 5 EVERTON 0 (Game 3024)
December 30 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
“WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERTON”
QUERY ANSWERED
HALF-BACKS TOTALLY INADEQUATE –REFLECTIONS ON THE LATEST DEBACLE.
BLACKMORE'S FOUR OF BOLTON'S FIVE GOALS.
BLUES' MISTAKEN TACTIS –O'DONNELL RETIRES WITH INJURED KNEE
By The Pilot.
Everton wound up a sad and sorry Christmas with a five clear goals defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park, on Saturday, and now occupy one of the danger positions in the League table. Out of the three holiday matches they have gained no points and only one goal to put against thirteen secured by opponents. Their position is more than serious. On Christmas Day against the Wednesday they gave a poor exhibition, but opposed by the cunning Wanderers they were demoralised from start to finish, and were never in the hurt with a chance. The ground was like a quagmire and rain pelted down all the time, but yet the Blues thought fit to try and force the ball through the mud instead of making full use of the extreme wingers, who could operate on solid ground, like Bolton did. It was a case of mistaken tactics all through, but there was more in it than that –the half-backs were totally inadequate. In that lies the secret of Bolton's success. Their middle line supported both attack and defence in the correct manner, but the Everton trio were kept running hither and thither, never giving a workable pass to the men in front, and scarcely helping the galliant defence, which alone saved the side from an even greater reverse. The Everton forwards had some excuse in that they received no support whatever, but then it was only the half-starved wingers who brought any danger to the home goal. The inside men, while working as hard as they could, were pursing a totally wrong method to ever bring success. The credit in this game, speaking only from the Everton standpoint goes to Davies, Cresswell and O'Donnell. It seems passing strange that an outplayed, outmanceovred side should possess the outstanding player on the field, but Everton had him in Cresswell, who has not played better this season. I say this while cognisant of the fact that he was one of the regular star performers at the beginning of the campaign. O'Donnell also operated grandly, but had the misfortune to injure his right knee midway in the second half, and after a spell on the wing, went off for good. He was later examined by a specialist, who states that he has stretched a ligament, which will necessitate his knee being in splints for ten days. It is yet another blow to the club, but there is hope O'Donnell will be ready for the Cup-tie. Davies was the third man to do well, and he had no chance with the shots, which beat him, for when Blackmore, who got four, is in a shooting mood, few goalkeepers have an earthly.
UNFORTUNATE GOALS.
Bolton had fortune on their side, in the first half, not so much in the matter of play, but in the manner in which the goals were obtained. There was no denying the fact that they were the better team on the day and their fast-moving forwards played havoc with the Blues' halves, so that Cresswell and O'Donnell had to take most of the responsibility from first to last. They stood up to it manfully, and I was inclined to pity them that two such unfortunate goals should been chalked against them at the change-over. The first came after ten minutes when McKay shot, following a corner. The ball was going wide, but Gibson managed to flick it into the net at the last minute. There was an element of luck about this. After 33 minutes Kean only half hit the ball up the middle, where Blackmore took command and ran through on his own. His low shot was diverted by Davies, but hardly far enough for it hit the post struck in the mud, and was thankfully tapped home by the menacing Blackmore before any defender could come up to save the situation. All through the half Everton had kept the ball too close, but Troup and Critchley did well when given the chance. Those chances were very few and far between, however. Pym's sole exacting tasks were to handle shots from Troup and Martin. It was almost akin to a procession in the second half, for Bolton liberally toyed with the Blues until they came against the backs, whose efforts undoubtedly kept the score down. Even when McClure and White changed places there was little difference. Bolton adopted the right measures, whereas Everton were always placing additional obstances in their own path.
THREE MORE FOR BLACKMORE.
In the 63 rd and 64 th minutes Blackmore completed his hat-trick with lighting drives. In the first instance he hit Kean's pass as it dropped, and there were few people who saw the ball until it lay peacefully in the net, and the second time he snapped up a pass from Cook, wheeled round Cresswell and almost broke the net, so powerful was his shot. No once did the Blues raise a hope of retrieving their lost position, and it came as no surprise when Blackmore added a fifth by ramming home after Cresswell had headed to his feet. I felt sorry for Cresswell this time for it was his one error during the match. A great record, though. Everton made changes, which can only be written down as failures. The full backs and goalkeeper were excellent, well, neither of the three has played better this season. The tackling anticipation and kicking of the backs was perfect, and Davies did his work with a coolness and readiness that needed no improvement. Even when Cresswell was left on his own he was the dominating personality of the game, and it was small wonder that the crowd rose to him. I had expected big things with White as centre half again, but he was left floundering by the astute Bolton forwards, who realised how essential it was to make play of Cook and Butler. McClure was a robust as at Hillsbrough, but that carried him nowhere, and, to put it plainly, he was outclassed. Robson was a fighter to the end, but accomplished little in defence and less in attack. Facts must be faced in the present circumstances, and I emphatically assert that the cause of Everton's lapse is weakness at half-back.
TRIAL OF DEFEAT.
Troup and Critchley did as well as anyone would have expected on the material they were given, especially in the first half, but they lacked the right support, because the inside men were always trying to traverse a hopeless trial down the mud-strewn centre. Martin seemed loath to part with the ball, and Rigby made the mistake of always trying to put Wilkinson through. Still he is, without doubt, a winger, not an inside forward, so there is excuse for him. Wilkinson relied on speed, but his ball control was not good enough, and he fell easy prey to the lanky Round. The game was quite good in the circumstances for the Wanderers played today lovely football at times. They could afford to by the way, for the opposition was poor. The defence had an easy time, for the halves bore the brunt of the work and could accomplish it easily. Kean was the pick of the line. Cook played better than I have ever seen him, and he was the one man on the field, who could luggle with the ball. Butler was a great asset to the side, but then both these men succeeded because the team wisely decided that they were the trustiest rapiers to use. I wish Everton had though the same Troup and Critchley. In Blackmore the Wanderers had the right man to finish off the work. Rarely have I seen such brilliant shooting as his while his wide passes were flung with the utmost accuracy. Gibson was the mastermind in this splendid attack, but McKay to my mind, constituted a comparatively weak link. He lacked ideas. Everton failed utterly to give anything approaching good football, and were well and truly defeated by an infinitely superior combination. The teams ; - Bolton Wanderers; - Pym, goal, Haworth and Finney, backs, Kean, Round, and Nuttall, half-backs, Butler, McKay, Blackmore, Gibson and Cook, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, White, and McClure, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Wilkinson, Rigby and Troup (captain), forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BURNLEY RESERVES 1
December 30 th 1929. The Daily Courier
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 22)
The game was played under atrocious conditions, but, until the later stages, when play became almost farcical, both sides gave an excellent exhibition. Everton were the better side and scored through Liggins, Easton and Dunn, and Pemberton scored for Burnley. Features of the game were the brilliant goalkeeping of Sagar and some excellent work by Stein.
WHISTON 0 EVERTON “A” 2
Liverpool county combination.
Despite the bad weather conditions at Whiston. The opening play in this Liverpool county combination game was good and interesting. Forshaw, Vaughan and Collins each extended Calvert, but the visiting goalkeeper was safe. French was a clever leader for Everton, and scored two capital goals. After the interval the referee (Mr. Keating) deemed it advisable to abandon the game.

EVERTON-WEEK BY WEEK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 30 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
Weakness at half-back and a mistaken idea in trying to plough the ball through, ankle-deep mud instead of making full use of the extreme wingers were the main causes of Everton’s five nil defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers at Burnden Park on Saturday, a defeat which makes the club virtually bottom dogs in the League, Everton were demoralized by the more adaptable Wanderers, who held a complete masterly almost throughout.  True, Troup and Martin went close with shots which Pym handled well and every man was an honest trier, but there was a complete lack of scientific football and the side perused a hopeless trail with tantalizing persistence.  The ground was in a shocking state, and yet the Everton inside forwards kept the ball close and endeavoured to indulge in intricate dribbling –the walk-the-ball-through variety –which made them easy prey to the strong Bolton middle line, who, incidentally, must have given the Blues a lesson in how intermediates should operate, says “Stork.” There was one bright spot in the Everton display, this being the grand work of Cresswell-the best man on the field –O’Donnell, and Davies.  Owing to the shortcomings of the halves, they had to shoulder a double dose of work, but discharged their task with a skill and determination positively amazing.  Unfortunately O’Donnell stretched a ligament in his right knee midway through the second half and had to go off.  He will have to keep the limb in splints for ten days, so that he might not be available for the cup-tie at Carlisle. 
THEY FAILED
The Everton changes were a complete failure both at half and forward.  White was outmanceuved by the fast moving and direct Bolton insides and though Robson and McClure worked, hard enough they were outclassed.  Martin was too individual, especially in view of the conditions, and Wilkinson was easily crowded out.  He would have done better to make use of Troup and critchly, who did well on solid soil, when given the opportunity, Rigby was out of his element at inside-left, and will serve the side better on the wing. 
 What now? 
 What next?
That the cry of the Everton supporters! 
Will the championship side be called up? 

EVERTON THE PUNCHINELLO OF FOOTBALL.
December 31 st 1929. The Daily Courier.
“LAUGH FOR THE PAIN” WHILE DANGER THREATENS
REDS FOR GOODSION
Everton's poor form at present is giving Anfielders hope that the 3-0 defeat sustained on September 7 th last at Anfield will be wiped out in the second great clash of the teams at Goodison park on Saturday. But Everton, in travail, cry, like poor “Punchinello” Laughs, for the pain that is eating they Hearts. The weakness that coast Liverpool the September match –forward deficiency –has now been practically wiped out, but, curiously enough, Everton then revealed a fault to which their present sad plight is ascribed, that is, the inadequacy of Hunter Hart, who is not likely to talk part in Saturday's game. Everton were indebted to the subtlety of Dean mainly for the victory in the first game between the rivals this season, he scored two fine goals, Martin adding the other.

TEAMS OF LAST SEPTEMBER
It will be of interest to give the teams in that match; - they were; - Liverpool; Riley; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, McDougall; Edmed, Clark, Hidgson, Race, Hopkins. Everton; - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, White Hartt; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Martin, Stein.
It must be mentioned that Liverpool were without Clark for all the second half owing to injury. The same referee as in the first match (Mr. A.J. Caseley) (Wolverhampton) will officiate next Saturday. The corresponding game to next Saturday's last season was won by Everton 1-0, by the way, the whole of the reserved seating accommodation for the game has been sold. There are, however, 12,000 unreserved seats, pay at the turnstiles.
CARLISLE CONFIDENT
Now, as to Everton;s Cup-tie at Carlisle on Saturday 11? Well, the Carlisle people are becoming as confident almost as Everton about feeding the Blues. While Everton have been doing badly, Carlisle have been doing quite the reverse. During the last two months they have played eleven Third Division matches and F.A. Cup-ties and of those they have won nine, lost one, and drawn one. Carlisle have put on 37 goals to their opponents 17. Carslisle are hopeful of forcing a reply, so as to share in the big “gate” in the return match at Goodison park. The prices for admission were announced yesterday by Everton. Tickets for the Cup-tie are now available at the ground, Jack Sharp's and Thomas Cook and sons, the price being 3s, and 5s. Applications must be accompanied by remittance and stamped addressed envelope.
BEN WILLIAMS DEBUT.
Ben Williams, Everton's new full back from Swansea Town, will make his first appearance in the Goodison Club's colours at the Park tomorrow against the Leeds United Reserves in the Central league game.

GET TOGETHER
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 31 December 1929
Bee’s Notes
After the Huddersfield match I ventured an opinion on what was the matter with Everton (says “Old Player”).  In confirmation of that opinion, may I draw your attention to the Grimsby match?  In the report of the game in the “Echo” I read; “There was a happy understanding between the Everton halves and forwards.”  Result, Everton 3 goals.  For the same reason it was evident the full backs had less to do, and were able to go the full ninety minutes without getting distressed.  Result; Grimsby no goal.  Alas! this understanding only lasted one match, and the team have gone back to the old dismal tale.  There is nothing wrong with the players; they are good enough, but they must learn to play to one another, and not to the other side! If they could have seen the Arsenal passing at Anfield it would have been an object-lesson to them, especially in the first half.  If they could pass like that there isn’t any doubt of what would happen.  By the way, if Riley had not been in the most wonderful form the score-board might have shown a very different result. 

 

December 1929