DEAN LEADS THE FIELD.
December 1 st 1931. Evening Express.
23 Goals all scored in Seven goals.
By the Pilot.
Dixie's leading! Eight Weeks ago he had scored but four goals in League football; today he has 23 goals to his credit, one more than any other player in the four divisions of the League, and all scored in seven matches! Here are Dean's figures this season :- 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 5 0 2 5 0 4 –23.
Dean last topped the Football League scorers' with his total of 60 goals secured in Everton's championship season, 1927-28. The aggregate still stands, as a record in his history of the competition. His average up to date is 1.533 goals a match, which is not as good as in his record season, but if he continues to score at the present rate he should have an excellent opportunity of regaining his crown as England's most prolific scorer. Pearce (Swansea Town) so long the leader of the League, has how been joined by Keetley (Notts County) in the leadership of the Second Division. Last season Keetley was second in the Third Division (Southern Section) scorers with 39 goals.
Here are the leading scorers in the League; -
Division One
Dean (Everton) 23 Mangnall (Huddersfield) 11
Waring (Aston Villa) 20 Camsell (Middlesbrough) 11
Richardson W.G. (WBA) 14 Ball (Wednesday) 11
Jack (Arsenal) 13 Hampson (Blackpool) 10
Bradford (Birmingham) 13 Hodgson (Liverpool) 10
Johnson (Everton) 12 Hine (Leicester) 10
Bowers (Derby 12 Glidden (WBA) 10
Halliday (Manchester City) 12 Wright (Liverpol) 9
Boyd 12 Hulme (Arsenal) 9
White (Everton) 11 Houghton (Aston Villa) 9
Lambert (Arsenal) 11 Jackson (Chelsea) 9
Blackmore (Bolton) 11 Chandler (Leicester) 9
Dunne (Sheffield United) 9

Division two
Keetley (Notts County) 21 Hartill (Wolves) 11
Pearce (Swansea Town) 21 Spence (Man United) 10
Dickinson (Notts Forest) 13 Bottrill (Wolves) 10
Smith (Millwall) 12 Lindsay (Bury) 9
Wallbanks (Barnsley) 11 Leslie (Plymouth) 9
Keetley (Leeds United) 11 Haddleton (Southampton) 9
Arnold (Southampton) 11 Hunt (Tottenham) 9

Division Three (Northern Section)
Williams (Crewe) 16 McConnell (Carlise) 11
Hall (Lincoln City) 16 Jennings (Chester) 10
Bamford (Wrexham) 14 Wellock (Darlington) 10
McNaughton (Gateshead) 12 Riley (Lincoln City) 10

Division Third (Southern Section)
Bourton (Coventrey) 22 Simpson (Crystal Palace) 15
Newton (Fulham 18 James (Watford) 14

THE EVERTON “BLUR”
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 01 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
People have been talking about the glut of goals and suggesting that heavy goal-crop do not make the game interesting.  I talked with a man who saw Everton win on Saturday, and he said “It was really a blurred match after a while.  It had an unbalanced appearance.  I felt the game had lost its point.”  Another feature; it had been said that Dean handled the first goal.  Photographs have been produced to prove this.  When will the people realise that it is not an offence to handle; it must be intentional to be a foul.  The photograph shows Dean’s hands above his head and his dive made it impossible for him intentionally to handle the ball. We live and learn –and smile!  London has bene told recently that it has the most servile and incompetent set of sporting journalists in the world.  Now let me point you to the suggestion made regarding Everton’s trinity in the game v Spain.  They say; “We hope Johnson will not forget his left wing partner, for the sake of serving Dean,”   The critics get a wrong idea of Everton’s means and methods.  When Dean got his 60 goals he got them chiefly through his own unaided work plus Troup’s beautiful hanging centres-half-centres.  Since then the cry “Give it to Dixie” has been lost to the vocal cords.  The truth is that Everton this season have not had the fetish of “Give it to Dean” they merely take a goal when it is offered-any of them; half-backs included.  The wonder is that Thomson and Gee have not collected a lot of goals. 
PASS-AND NO MORE
Everton have completely changed their style.  They are making a pass where a dribble might do.  They are making easy combination.  They started the scissors pass when they played Liverpool and when they went to Sheffield United’s ground.  They have continued in that’s strain.  They start the game as they mean to go on.  The centre passes to his inside left, and Johnson immediately slogs the ball to outside right.  Watch critchly prancing at the start of the game, knowing the move that will come.  The talk of the up-pass is not consistent with fact.  Dean is getting most of his goals by his header of a centre from left or right wing.  The London critic need not worry his head about Johnson forgetting Rimmer; Johnson offers very few through passes to Dean.  He knows a better way for Dean to get the ball unmarked.  In any case Johnson is so competent and capable that he varies his game to suit circumstances, and he will see that Rimmer gets his rightful show.  For my part I am delighted that Rimmer has got back to a place he should never have left.  He was forgotten, I fear, in the call for the Bastins and Houghtons.  Here again London, through one of its supposed mightiest channels, says, No one anticipated the deposal of Bastin.”  Bastin, as all Liverpool has been told for days, has been off the game for weeks.  His one great show was at Glasgow.  Dean, on the other hand, has not been successful in recent representative games because of one defeat.  The forward line played for itself with no thought of combination.  Waring suffered them in Anfield game; no one could have done better than he did at Anfield.  However, with Johnson and Gee in the side and Rimmer alongside I think there is a great chance of combination taking its proper place against a very fast and fine side. 
HONOURING THE DIRECTORS
“Where it is Due” writes;-
There is no doubt about it Everton are playing great football, to the delight of their followers.  There was a time when ill-luck seemed to dog their foot-steps, such as accidents at the beginning of the season, &c,  whilst the old team had to battle hard against the tide, the critics let go at full steam against the directors, blaming them in no half-hearted manner for the defeats.  Where are these so-called critics for the good of the team now?  The team has received great praise, along with the trainer, but not a word of credit to the directors!  I take this opportunity of thanking the Everton directors for the great part they have taken in the present successful period the Everton team are enjoying. 

EVERTON AT WEST HAM
December 2nd 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
Everton journey to London this weekend, and I have no doubt the high scoring of the team, recently will be added to an already attractive fixture on the West Ham United card. Everton more than ever today are a great magnet, and the Upton-Park club, will no doubt benefit by a largely increased gate. The Spanish players who are to oppose England next Wednesday are expected to see the match, and they will have an opportunity of watching the methods of Johnson, Gee and Dean, who are to oppose them next week. Everton will field the team, which has broke scoring records; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

WHEN EVERTON GOT THEIR DOZEN IN A GAME
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
Mr. J. Simmerskill, a follower of the local clubs, has been having a clearance sale. He found that his programmes had accumulated to a point that suggested he would need to increase them, and, as usual with old lore, I got embedded in results and old-fashioned things that occurred so many years ago. I won't bore you with them, but I will set the old folks at home talking, and I will also be up-to-date.  People have asked whether Everton have ever known such a collection of goals as this season. Let me cast their minds back to 1887-88, when the club put up a twelve against St. John's in the Liverpool Cup, nine against Bury at home, then eight against Haydock at. James's, ten against Cliftonville, of Ireland, who were the only club of the number I have named to get the consolation of a goal.  That season Everton played a cup-tie with Bolton and lost, and afterwards played three more ties with the same club who had a pro, suspended for some offence. " Sourbuttas" was due to  play for Everton against the Wolves,  I see, but eventually dropped out;  R. Baugh was the Wolves' back those days  —it is his son who plays for the Midland  side to-day. I believe. The programme of those days was rather kind to its patrons: They gave all the Wolves results, and I see from them that the hungry Wolves took a 12 in one match, a 14 and a 17 in successive weeks.  Another card shows Everton and Boole playing a combined East Lancashire side for the benefit of Tom Veitch, the man who afterwards became a local preacher, and was one of the earliest instigators and organisers of footballers Sundays. Everton Combination started their '92 season with 9-0, 14-0, 10-1, 6-0, and 4-0. And 10-0—surely the greatest regularity of goal crops the game has known. Then with the late Bob Lythgoe refereeing they slammed the local Caledonians, whose aide is worth giving: Whitehead;  Lyon. Wilson; Kirkwood, Farmer, Parry; J. and T.  Deighton, McCabe, Jones, and Hastings. Jack Elliott was ceasing his pathway along the outside left berth those days, and his goalkeeper was Pinnel. 

EVERTON AT UPTON
December 4 th 1931. Evening Express
By Ijay.
Can West Ham Stop the Blues?
Ben Williams and White have not played in a beaten First Division team this season and I don't think they will do so when Everton play West Ham United tomorrow at Upton. West Ham have been inconsistent this season and have secured but 14 points from 17 matches, as compared with Everton's 27 from a similar number of matches. In view of their success against Blackburn Rovers last week West ham will play an unchanged side tomorrow, and this means that Tony Weldon, the former Everton player, will not figure against his former colleagues. Teams are; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. West Ham; Dixon; Earl, Chalkley; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell, Wood, Phillips, Watson (v), Gibbins, Ruffell.

EVERTON TACKLE THE MERCURIAL WEST HAM SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 December 1931
SPAIN WILL BE LOOKING ON
LONDON ABLAZE WITH ENTHUSIASM
Bee’s Notes
Going to West Ham, where they bar fancy transfer fees and typewriters in the Press box, is always an enjoyment.  This enjoyment is added to when we  know we shall he resuming acquaints  since with Tony Weldon, who was  described in the game played across the  park as the best forward on the field. “A little toff, Tony not built for the hurly-burly of Hull and Third Division strife. He told me in this Hive that he would rather scrap his profession than go back to the Third Division rush, where football was forgotten and sometimes the ball was forgotten in their haste to show off their capers and their speed. West Ham took him and found him one of their missing links.  Now Everton go to London to show the natives how to make goals. Everyone will expect the side to collect a bag full against Hutton and his henchmen.  Dean knows that Hutton is one of the bogey men of the football world. He has broken many a heart as well as nearly every bone in his body. Everton have created enormous enthusiasm in London. All London is talking about them, but the Everton players realise full well that every game is a final tie now, and that any slip on their part will be magnified. If Dean does not score, the centre half-back is hailed as a hero as in the Grimsby game, where Dean ‘hardly got a ball all the game; if Everton settle to their sound game, then there is no doubt about the verdict.  Perhaps it would do Everton a good  stroke—as it did the Springboks—if  they could have, interspersed, another  defeat, and thus become almost human again, instead of the noise-news of the week’s sport.  At West Ham there will be tough work and there will be the Spanish team looking on at their future opponents- three of them, at any rate-Dean, Johnson, and Gee.  So tomorrow’s game becomes a very important one.  I go to it for the reader’s benefit, and also for the purpose of trying to catch Everton in one of those “eight-nine” moods that have been so prevalent when I did not happen to be there.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.

THE CRACK IN EVERTON’S COGS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1931
SPANIARDS SEE A HAT-TRICK FOR WEST HAM’S OUTSIDE LEFT
THE SURPRISE RESULT OF THE SEASON
A “RUFFELLING” PERFORMANCE SHAKES THE CONFIDENCE OF THE EVETON SIDE
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  West Ham United; Dixon; Earl, Chalkley; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell, Wood, Phillips, Watson, V. Gibbins, Ruffell.  Referee; Mr. J.H. Whittle, Worcester. 
We had been told Gandhi is “looking on." To we were told, and saw for ourselves, that Spain was looking on.  The scene was West Ham, the type-writers silent by order of the stern management. The game, as usual in all visitations of Everton, was hailed as the game of the season. -  Record crowd— this is customary. A fine day--it has been customary to me this melon. A dryish ground—a ground that delighted the hearts of the Spanish footballers present.  They came in seeming battalions, and Critchley had an introduction to Zimaro, the famous goalkeeper. We try and talk as best we can. A Spanish friend tells us all shout him, and then tells him all about Everton.  The ground is agog with excitement, it is in air, Everton, the devouring, goal-making machine, are said to be here to give West Ham some of their medicine.”  The club official and players don’t like this extravagant southern ‘‘screamer” per a “streamer.  Everton are not nervous or apprehensive about the game. They simply say, “These things should not be said about the side, because they know that sooner or later the bomb will be dropped in their midst, and their long immunity from defeat will break in twain. Then the papers will scream afresh about the crash.  Everton are but human. One of their main features is their continued freedom from accident. “Same team." says the chairman. Mr. W.Cuff, after the expense sheet has been scanned and the pennies have been totted up.  West Ham were not so happy about their side. Tony Weldon could not play against his old side—much to his regret.  One point of importance is the announcement that at long last, after everyone has panted severely, the club has decided to get a move on, or have a lift. Their staircase to the directors' room is known for its steepness and its severity.  I am sorry to say Jack Sharp was not present owing to continued illness. The Spanish footballers paraded in the playing pitch, and the cinema to-day paid special attention to the thirty-year-old goalkeeper, who is said to be the world’s best. I think on Wednesday you will find that he will be beaten a number of times, and England will win with a degree of ease.  Everton had an enormous reception Dean shook the Spanish captain’s hand heartily, after which a positive army of cameramen shot their bolt, and a Spaniola playfully boxed Cresswell’s ears. Mr. Whittle, of Worcester refereed, and that is the end of the pre-match details.
ORDERS TO RATTLE 
Everton's opening move was according to plan, and Critchley stole forty yards before West Ham knew where they were.  The ball was centred and Dean fell, and that ended that. White was counted as making a foul close in, and for a time West Ham were awkward. They had orders to rattle Everton early on, and  Everton on the left wing were rather  inclined to keep the ball too close, so  that West Ham were sharp and strong  for quite a longish spell.  Phillips was quite a feature of West Ham's raids, and when Thomson failed to realise he was not marking the right man for a throw-in, trouble came from the home right wing. Sagar handling nicely and giving the air of confidence that has become necessary. Johnson again attempted a cross-the-field pass, and Cresswell stopped Watson when the centre was apparently right through.  Everton now combined with nice effect, so that White was able to head hard and so near that Dixon decided he must touch the hell round the post.  West Ham struck me as rattled in defence, yet their forward line went away with fine spirit, thanks to a magnificent ankle pass by Watson and Ruffell.  Clark made a perfection pass from his extreme right-half position to outside left, and Dean and Stein paired perfectly in a fine duo run. Dean headed so well that a goal threatened, Critchley shot so hard and on the run that only a good save by Dixon could turn the ball out.  Then Williams took rather a risk against Watson, and off-side came to the aid of the Blues just as Ruffell shot hard against the corner of the post.  Cresswell went up three parts the length of the field, helping in a passing movement and even dribbling en route, and then a dash—a sort of personality move that was helping his side to believe in themselves.  Williams also brought in some lusty kicking, and Clark’s throws were of great length, while Barrett threw Critchley in a tackle when the latter was going at sixty miles an hour. Fortunately no bones were broken. Cresswell played with a degree of ease and pleasantry that startled the local people. 
DIXON'S FINE SAVE 
Wet Ham's people said this was their team's most inspired going—for my put  Everton were playing much better football, and only Dixon's soundness with low shots saved the situation.  Here, for instance, was Critchley making so long and winding a run that he brought the house down, even if he did not bring the goal down. It was a wonderfully intricate run, full of feint and guile, and it ended with a magnificent save by Dixon.  Dixon was the hero He saved a lovely shot by Dean from Critchley, and then hurt himself in another clearance where Everton should have scored with ease. Thomson tried two shots high and over, and the passing movements of the Everton side now became:  "clockwise." Johnson made a shot that struck the crossbar, and then Dixon, by some great effort, reached a shot from White that it seemed impossible for him to see—he must have sensed it. 
TWO FOR RUFFELL
In twenty-two minutes West Ham had scored through Ruffell.  The ball went out to the right in simple fashion; then a centre by Wood with a ball that was just out of the reach of Williams, who unavailingly called to Sagar to reach-he, could not get there in time, and Ruffell scored with the greatest of ease.  The crowd broke in on one corner of the ground, and the police lifted a number of others over, and the call for the ambulance was insistent.  Everton failed in their mission to equalize and when Williams made a fine tackle the ball bumped against Gibbons, and West Ham should have been two up through this simple piece of luck.  They did not attain their object because Sagar made a surprising and brilliant save from Ruffell.  Easily as Everton seemed to combine in the open, there seemed to be a blunting of Everton through their failure to score in the first twenty minutes.  Again West Ham broke away as if it were a mere detail to them, again the right wing centred, again Everton had not closed up the left wing avenue. A cross passes made a goal for Ruffell child’s play, and although Sagar touched the ball he could never hope to stop the second goal in twenty-eight minutes.  The crowd were frantic with delight- they cheered Dixon for a simple catch off Clark’s lob shot.  West Ham were now reveling in this surprising glory.  Everton had not been beaten since they went to Derby early in September.  Here there were signs and portents that the break in the record run was arriving.  It seemed that if Everton could take one goal, West Ham would fade considerably, but Everton’s left wing were finding Phillips an Wood a swift and sound pair.  All the danger had arisen on this side of the field. 
THE HAT-TRICK
At last Ruffell got his hat-trick.  In 35 minutes he got a stray ball, and he took the risk of an injury.  Sagar this time ran out, taking his pluck in both hands- Ruffell did likewise.  There was a collision o feet, but Ruffell’s foot touched the ball first, and it went into the empty net to make a hat-trick performance against the leaders.  An outside-left had scored three goals –it is the modern way- and Ruffell had done particularly nothing else except goal-making chances.  What more could one expect.  Everton had not scored in their twenty minutes’ of good football at a time when Dixon did masterly work in the Wet Ham goal.  Then Ruffell came along and smashed Everton’s hopes.  Right on half-time White drove in an excellent shot, which the goalkeeper turned round the post, and prior to that Phillips had missed a sitter. Half-time; West Ham 3, Everton 0. 
EVERTON BOW THE KNEE
WEST HAM END RUN OF SUCCESS
RUFFELL AND DIXON
HEROES IN THE LONDON SENSATION
WOOD COLLAPSES
This is the story of Everton's great fell— after months' multitudinous goals Everton lost their lean sheet to-day, being thoroughly mastered by West Ham and their goalkeeper Dixon.  The defeat will do Everton good.  They had been all toe successful all too long. The blow can be healed.  There was ever-anxiety in the camp, to-day, when Dixon made half a dozen saves in a quarter of an hour and stemmed the flowing tide.  White was our only shot for the best part of an hour, and when he hit the upright the ball cannoned out. Prior to this Ruffell, at outside left, had been unmarked three times, and had scored three goals, each from a range of half a dozen yards.  London went crazy ever this  victory, and then were times when Everton, in their vexation, lost  their sense et balance and began to  let every chance of scoring pass by and then held a round-table conference  each with the other as to  why he didn't do this and why he  didn't do that.  Ruffell is match winner. To register a hat-trick from outside left is a great feat, I am sure Everton lost this match through the fine goalkeeping of Dixon and the allowance made to Ruffell by the defenders.  After appearing outpaced and outplayed, Everton were down a 3-0 deficit, Johnsen and Stein scoring late on, and transforming a game that had seemingly been hopeless to them Wood, however, scored in the darkness, and collapsed as soon as he had scored. This was eight minutes from the end of the London sensation.
In the first half Ruffell scored thrice.  West Ham were still bubbling over with enthusiasm and extravagant praise, when White opened the second half with a big drive over the bar. To prevent any further goals to the Hammers, there was a need for a covering of Ruffell. So far there had been none, and the second half started with the same player still left unmarked, which was not promising from Everton's point of view.  Gee was again passing too hard towards the centre, but White made a  very useful shot, and Thomson made a  miss-pass—it was cleared by Cresswell  A free kick by Clark on Ruffel was the  first sign of gripping the scoring winger,  and Williams, from the goal-line,  stopped a goal from a corner taken by  the promising Woods.  White tried to head a free kick into the “wood space," Cresswell ended a fierce run by Ruffell, and although Everton broke into a nice sense of combination again Stein dragged his centre and a chance went by.  Everton were finding their good work go wrong. Where they had been in the habit of putting the ball just in, they were now putting the ball just out. In ten minutes after the hour White struck the upright with a wonderful shot and headed one badly when one expected him to score, and the three inside forwards each left to the other a simple chance.  JOHNSON AND STEIN 
At last Johnson broke down the West Ham barrier with a nice effort after he had collected a line together—really a solo goal. The task was not insurmountable if Everton were able to return to their front-of-goal sureness of weeks gone by.  I had my doubt, about the light that went dark, and about Everton’s 100 to I chance.  A .230 kick-off was a risk Stein scored a quarter of an hour from the finish.  Stein kicked right over a nice chance and then magnificent heading by Dean near the corner flag gave Stein a chance he took with tremendous relish and vigour.  Could Everton equal Aston Villa’s performance it Manchester lust week?  Wood went from outside right to centre-forward and thereby altered the face of the game with a goal eight minutes from the end.  Final; West Ham 4, Everton 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1931
BY LOUIS t. KELLY

• Bill dean is proving a real “good fellow” –that is, in razing the hopes of his opponents.
• The Everton side, as constituted on Saturday, have picked up every possible point to date-16 points in eight matches.
• Everton’s record of 33 goals in four successive home mathes is a record.
• Everton’s home total to date for 1931-32 riches 41 goals in eight games; but this is not as good as Blackburn’s, home figures as far back as 1889-1890 when they registered 59 goals in eleven games at their old Leamington-street enclosure.
• Everton and the Army are to play a match at Goodison on April 6
• Charlie Gee, the Everton centre half, was once recommended to Bolton Wanderers by Joe Smith, when the latter was a member of the Stockport County team
• The Everton defence has still to keep a clean slate for the first time at home
• With two exceptions, Dean has had all his goals in batches of threes, fours and fives.
• An Everton player has scored three goals or more in a match on seven occasions this term
• And, curiously, much of this greed of goals has been due to unselfishness
• Three Toffee men have bene called in by England with a view of licking the Spanish.  Let us hope they succeed. 
• Everton are a most “benign” eleven

EVERTON RES V WOLVES RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1931
Wolverhampton took an early lead, Buttery opening the scorer within five minutes.  Everton took time to settle down, and although Webster and Dunn had a couple of brilliant efforts cleared, there was a lack of sharp accurate finality about Everton’s advances. A misunderstanding in the home defence led to Buttery scoring the Wolves’ second goal, and the same player might have completed the “hat-trick,” but for a brilliant save by Coggins.  Webster, who, with Rigby, had been Everton’s most dangerous attacker, reduced the lead, and then Martin hit the cross-bar with a fine header.  Everton’s attack had improved, and they were advancing with a thrust that was causing the Wanderers’ defence some anxiety, but at the other end the home defence under pressure were not too convincing.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Wolves  Res 2.  Final; Everton Reserves 1, Wolverhampton Reserves 2. 
BOOTLE V EVERTON A
The opening play was well contested Bootle forced the pace, and Tole sent in a shot which parker deflected through his own goal.  Robinson was then tested by Cunliffe and Reed, and at the other end a free kick against Holdscroft for carrying gave Bootle an opening, but the ball was put over.  Worrall equalized, and later added a second.  Half-time; Bootle 1, Everton A 2. 

WEST HAM UNITED 4 EVERTON 2
December 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's Effort in West Ham defeat.
Ruffell scored a hat-trick
By “Bee.”
Everton have fallen by the London wayside. There were deservedly beaten by the more effective side. West Ham had none of the science of attack and defence that Everton paraded, but they had something more. They were out to stop this machine made goal-making scheme of Everton's that had brought the side remarkable prominence. The verdict was 4-2 in favour of the West Ham side, but those who were not of the 41,0000 gate could have little idea how the game flowed fell, faded out, blossomed into a rallying finish and a possibly draw. The first three goals were taken with rare freedom and without a player, save the goalkeeper, to say nay to Ruffell the hard hitting outside-left who has played for England. His task was made the easier by reason of the manner in which he was allowed to stay unguarded. He is one of the quickest wingers of his mark, and he soon cut into a scoring position, and when he took his hat-trick he was each time he scored, no more than six yards from goal. There was weakness in positional play that led to these goals, and there was deadliness by Ruffell that was commendable. But prior to these goals Everton had moved so sweetly that they may have got a false notion of what was going to happen.
White's ill-luck.
Their had seemed to be easy until they got to Dixon's goal area, and then this young man, acting for Hufton, turned half a dozen scoring shots and headers from their mark and that was the reigning factor in the surprise conquest. Everton began to lose confidence in themselves, Dixon had inspired the West Ham side they were very sure and speedy. A nippy little man named Phillips added his effects, and whereas Everton had been the commanding team by reason of their craft and their sound passing, they now became erratic, and even appeared slow. The game seemed to be won and settled when White hit the upright, he missed with a header with which he should have scored, he was the only Everton forward who had allowed himself the pleasure of an attempted shot. But all in a minute Johnson, playing a lone hand and trying to reinforce Everton's side, got a goal by his own unaided efforts. There was a chance of a draw, especially when Stein shot hard and clean in from a heading effect made by dean at an angle that suggested no such thing. Dean had been sluggish, and with little chance to shine had concentrated upon offering the other forwards changes. Here he showed his ability to turn a game with his wonderful head. The game now stood at 3-2, and Everton for five minutes were again masters of themselves, which was more important than being masters of West ham. They passed and re-passed they threatened to score the equaliser at any moment.
Critical Moment.
The light became bad, but that did not prevent everyone seeing Dixon make his only mistake of the day, his goal gaped. A forward charged in furiously –he did not take the ball with him, and it lay near the goal line. That was the most critical moment of the game, because two moments later Wood the feet foot at outside right drifted to centre-forward, and as Everton had been all for attack the defence had gone as far up the field. Wood struck the blow at the right moment –a great goal, and the end of a brave battle by a side that had seemed to have no chance of fighting back, yet had come to the region of a draw, which would have satisfied them. They had not deserved a draw so that the final was a just one. West Ham had ended the brilliant sequence of successes to Everton, who had lost a game since they went to Highbury in September. One draw and a narrow squeak at Grimsby had been a means of warning the Everton people that the crowning blow was near at hand. Home is the best place for Everton, and they will not cavil at this defeat. Everton left their effort far too late. They were too easily rattled out of their normal confidence through a goalkeeper's magnificent saves in the first stages of play. It seemed that Everton had taken the game a trie too easily, judging by some of the defensive actions and the lack of forward play and shot.
Machine Breaks Down.
Everton will perhaps appreciate the change they had gone up so far that everyone went to the ground to see them make the machine like goal. The machine broke down. Yet one had to give credit to such as Johnson and Critchley for their effort; to White for his persistence in shooting where others held off. At half-back there were signs of a break against a rousing forward line which included new names. Phillips was a busybody. Ruffell was the swept raider, the modern type of wing man who will take a shot a copy of these methods by Critchley and Stein might have altered the whole outlook on the fine fiery game, in which there was a good deal of strong relentless football with West Ham's defence very sure and Everton's not quite so secure. Sagar had an inevitable task. It was a great match to watch, although the late start and the heavy weather made visibility poor. The Spanish footballers were present to see their first game in England –and to take stock of Dean, Johnson, and Gee. They do not like these muddy conditions . Teams; - West Ham United; - Dixon, goal; Earl and Chalkey, backs; Collins, Barrett, and Cadwell, half-backs; Wood, Phillips, Watson (v), Gibbons, and Ruffell, forwards. Everton; - Sagar goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
December 7 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League
At Goodison Park. Wolverhampton when on the advance, were always dangerous although their attack were not as consistent as Everton's. The home defence played well for the most part, but they had spasm of uncertainly, and it was during these spells that the Wolves scored their goals. Buttery opened the score in three minutes and after Dunn, Martin and Webster had been very near, Buttery took advantage of a defensive lapse to score the visitors second goal. Martin headed against the crossbar, and then Webster reduced the lead, with a good goal. Everton did most of the second half pressure without being able to get the equaliser. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; McPherson, McClure, and Archer, half-backs; Birkley, Dunn, Martin, Webster, and Rigby, forwards.
Cap for Griffiths
Wales lost by four clear goals to Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, about 10,0000 spectators were at the game, Griffiths the centre half was the mainstay of the visiting team. He often checked the Irish forwards, and his constructive work deserved better results from his colleagues in the front rank.

EVERTON'S BRILLIANT FINIS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1931
A BAD COIN IN THE GOAL MACHINERY
REMARKABLE END AT WEST HAM
A DEFEAT THAT WILL DO THEM GOOD
Bee’s Notes
It had to come; perhaps it was as well it came before Xmas. Everton looked hits being losers from the moment, we went to Grimsby. Away from home they do not seem to find the turf, and the true “turf “suits them.  They had suffered the customary slavish reference to the leadership of the League—a lot of exaggerated non- sense had been written about them.  Talking with the players one found they were not taking kindly to this sort of “praise.  They were expected to win every game by an amazing margin. Grimsby gave them their first notion of a defeat. Then came West Ham, away. And with it a defeat. Yet an honorable defeat. I don't think any other side would have fought back as did Everton. Here were a side beating against a wall stamped Dixon.  There seemed to be no way of beating this follower of Hufton. He saved them when he was unsighted; he saved them when he seemed to have no opportunity of reaching the ball. By this means Everton lost their hold on a game that had been in their grip. The machinery had broken down. Confidence and shot deserted them at the same time. In fact, for an hour only White attempted a shot apart from Thomson. Dixon had blunted their goal-glut. They talked of the goal-machine with a sort of sneer, these Londoners who blow hot and cold. They said the West Ham aide was inspired.  Dixon had inspired them. The notion had been that Everton had only to put a penny in the slot and out came a goal. They must have used a bent penny.
USEFUL SERVICE 
The defeat will do Everton no great harm. It has reopened the whole issue. It has shown the world that they are quite normal and human, and not the certainties of the football globe.  What pleased me most in a most enjoyable game was the fight back made by the losers. Dixon, I say, had stayed their progress in half an hour. Ruffell, unmarked as though he had net got any medals for his masterful jump off cut in, with a crash shot as his final mode. Ruffell was unattended. This game was made for him by false tactics on the part of the men opposed to him.  His path was cleared; the way was easy for a modern wing type such as Rimmer or Ruffell. He scored three—each from easy range. Sagar stayed in his goal for two of them, and the third time he decided that if the cross-centre from the right was not to be taken by a back or half-back then he would race out to smother the chance. His idea was right;   but Ruffell got there first and scored. The game seemed over, and London in this foggy and wet atmosphere was alight with enthusiasm.  They had stopped the great goal-glut.  Everton, however, fought back with rare tenacity of purpose, and more settled policy of tip-tap. Johnson got a goal;   White deserved two: once White hit the upright with a smack: he headed wide.  Everton had got the West Ham defence where they wanted them. The chance of a draw was all that Everton desired—just to keep the record clean and unsullied.   There was every prospect of an electric  finish when Johnson got his solo-goal, and when Stein took him chance from  the able heading of Dean far out  towards the right wing, but parallel  with the goal-line, he did a masterly  thing. Stein wound it off. The score was 3-2: it was anybody's game. 
FRANTIC FINISH
Here Dixon made his solitary mistake of the day. It was a mistake that should have cost him dearly; but Everton were never intended to win this game. The team that had beaten Blackburn away from home now showed their ability to get rid of these giants.  The goal-line did not carry Dixon's boot-marks.  He had failed, but a goal did not arise, as an Everton man dived in headlong and did not take the ball with him. A home defender kicked away, and we watched the continued battle against odds and fate. It could just be a draw if Everton could keep up their renewed vigour and their better combined notions. It was "on” this half in three’s.  All the defenders went into this attack; they all moved up to join in the last great gamble for a goal. The ball came out at a pare and Wood,  the  fast right winger, swung into centre-forward  position and shot out a magnificent low drive that ended all  hopes—it was a great goal, and it ended  a great rally. There is no need for recriminations—it was defeat with some honour and without disgrace. Everton had lost to a side that was very effective and in some eyes a “better side "—with which verdict I do not agree. In the  wealth of football effort and skill  produced in this game one had to realize  that the losers had played awfully well  with that streak of defensive uncertainty  regarding positional play that had been  fatal AFTER Everton had been worth  goals, and Dixon was the reason for  their opening failure. It strikes me as  odd that they should go into this battle  without being warned—if they did not  know already—that Ruffell is essentially  a flyer from the word " go" and that  one cannot give him yards of apace into  which he packs his speedy legs. He is a tremendous shot, but here he merely took the right winger's pass and scored just as you or I could have done.  It was a frantic finish to a glorious game in which one had to pay tribute to the goaling of Ruffell, to the solidity of Barrett, who surrounded Dean; Phillips at inside-right was quite a personality in this game—a Shea come to new life, as it were. Dixon, however, took the main honours, and on the losing side one had to confess that the half-hacks were good in their collaboration in attack but not secure in their tackling. The forward line lacked shot in front of goal, and was roused to their best through the persistence of the home defenders. And so Everton went to bed, not worried in defeat, but sorry their finals had not been attended with a goal that had been earned. They were ready to admit that they had not played as well as usual, and that the victors had earned their full measure of success. Victor Watson made the win possible by a superb hit of meandering and football skill. It is a small world, missing a conveyance back from the ground I chanced to take an underground, and a tall young man asked if I were "Bee." He played for Earle F.C., and had been in the Metropolitan Police Force for seven months. Like the curate, he doesn't like London, believing that Liverpool is a “marvelous city." “There’s no place like home.

PLUCKY EX-EVERTON PLAYER
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1931
PLAYED NOT KNOWING HE HAD FRACTURED LEG 
Jasper Kerr, the Preston North  End full-back, and former Everton  player, walked on to Notts  County's ground, on Saturday, unaware that In tackling a player  he had fractured the fibula of his  left leg.  Kerr had been injured in the first half and after receiving attention on the touch-line, limped back to his position.  When he attempted to kick the ball, he fell forward.  An X-ray examination revealed the fracture and in order to allow him to proceed home to Preston the limb was set in plaster of Paris.  Preston went to make a draw largely through the brilliance of their amateur goalkeeper, G. Hughes, a Liverpool man, who was formerly with Everton “A” and Runcorn.  His good judgement and safe handling earned him an ovation at the close.  

EVERTON'S BRILLIANT FINIS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1931
A BAD COIN IN THE GOAL MACHINERY
REMARKABLE END AT WEST HAM
A DEFEAT THAT WILL DO THEM GOOD
Bee’s Notes
It had to come; perhaps it was as well it came before Xmas. Everton looked hits being losers from the moment, we went to Grimsby. Away from home they do not seem to find the turf, and the true “turf “suits them.  They had suffered the customary slavish reference to the leadership of the League—a lot of exaggerated non- sense had been written about them.  Talking with the players one found they were not taking kindly to this sort of “praise.  They were expected to win every game by an amazing margin. Grimsby gave them their first notion of a defeat. Then came West Ham, away. And with it a defeat. Yet an honorable defeat. I don't think any other side would have fought back as did Everton. Here were a side beating against a wall stamped Dixon.  There seemed to be no way of beating this follower of Hufton. He saved them when he was unsighted; he saved them when he seemed to have no opportunity of reaching the ball. By this means Everton lost their hold on a game that had been in their grip. The machinery had broken down. Confidence and shot deserted them at the same time. In fact, for an hour only White attempted a shot apart from Thomson. Dixon had blunted their goal-glut. They talked of the goal-machine with a sort of sneer, these Londoners who blow hot and cold. They said the West Ham aide was inspired.  Dixon had inspired them. The notion had been that Everton had only to put a penny in the slot and out came a goal. They must have used a bent penny.
USEFUL SERVICE 
The defeat will do Everton no great harm. It has reopened the whole issue. It has shown the world that they are quite normal and human, and not the certainties of the football globe.  What pleased me most in a most enjoyable game was the fight back made by the losers. Dixon, I say, had stayed their progress in half an hour. Ruffell, unmarked as though he had net got any medals for his masterful jump off cut in, with a crash shot as his final mode. Ruffell was unattended. This game was made for him by false tactics on the part of the men opposed to him.  His path was cleared; the way was easy for a modern wing type such as Rimmer or Ruffell. He scored three—each from easy range. Sagar stayed in his goal for two of them, and the third time he decided that if the cross-centre from the right was not to be taken by a back or half-back then he would race out to smother the chance. His idea was right;   but Ruffell got there first and scored. The game seemed over, and London in this foggy and wet atmosphere was alight with enthusiasm.  They had stopped the great goal-glut.  Everton, however, fought back with rare tenacity of purpose, and more settled policy of tip-tap. Johnson got a goal;   White deserved two: once White hit the upright with a smack: he headed wide.  Everton had got the West Ham defence where they wanted them. The chance of a draw was all that Everton desired—just to keep the record clean and unsullied.   There was every prospect of an electric  finish when Johnson got his solo-goal, and when Stein took him chance from  the able heading of Dean far out  towards the right wing, but parallel  with the goal-line, he did a masterly  thing. Stein wound it off. The score was 3-2: it was anybody's game. 
FRANTIC FINISH
Here Dixon made his solitary mistake of the day. It was a mistake that should have cost him dearly; but Everton were never intended to win this game. The team that had beaten Blackburn away from home now showed their ability to get rid of these giants.  The goal-line did not carry Dixon's boot-marks.  He had failed, but a goal did not arise, as an Everton man dived in headlong and did not take the ball with him. A home defender kicked away, and we watched the continued battle against odds and fate. It could just be a draw if Everton could keep up their renewed vigour and their better combined notions. It was "on” this half in three’s.  All the defenders went into this attack; they all moved up to join in the last great gamble for a goal. The ball came out at a pare and Wood,  the  fast right winger, swung into centre-forward  position and shot out a magnificent low drive that ended all  hopes—it was a great goal, and it ended  a great rally. There is no need for recriminations—it was defeat with some honour and without disgrace. Everton had lost to a side that was very effective and in some eyes a “better side "—with which verdict I do not agree. In the  wealth of football effort and skill  produced in this game one had to realize  that the losers had played awfully well  with that streak of defensive uncertainty  regarding positional play that had been  fatal AFTER Everton had been worth  goals, and Dixon was the reason for  their opening failure. It strikes me as  odd that they should go into this battle  without being warned—if they did not  know already—that Ruffell is essentially  a flyer from the word " go" and that  one cannot give him yards of apace into  which he packs his speedy legs. He is a tremendous shot, but here he merely took the right winger's pass and scored just as you or I could have done.  It was a frantic finish to a glorious game in which one had to pay tribute to the goaling of Ruffell, to the solidity of Barrett, who surrounded Dean; Phillips at inside-right was quite a personality in this game—a Shea come to new life, as it were. Dixon, however, took the main honours, and on the losing side one had to confess that the half-hacks were good in their collaboration in attack but not secure in their tackling. The forward line lacked shot in front of goal, and was roused to their best through the persistence of the home defenders. And so Everton went to bed, not worried in defeat, but sorry their finals had not been attended with a goal that had been earned. They were ready to admit that they had not played as well as usual, and that the victors had earned their full measure of success. Victor Watson made the win possible by a superb hit of meandering and football skill. It is a small world, missing a conveyance back from the ground I chanced to take an underground, and a tall young man asked if I were "Bee." He played for Earle F.C., and had been in the Metropolitan Police Force for seven months. Like the curate, he doesn't like London, believing that Liverpool is a “marvelous city." “There’s no place like home.

PLUCKY EX-EVERTON PLAYER
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1931
PLAYED NOT KNOWING HE HAD FRACTURED LEG 
Jasper Kerr, the Preston North  End full-back, and former Everton  player, walked on to Notts  County's ground, on Saturday, unaware that In tackling a player  he had fractured the fibula of his  left leg.  Kerr had been injured in the first half and after receiving attention on the touch-line, limped back to his position.  When he attempted to kick the ball, he fell forward.  An X-ray examination revealed the fracture and in order to allow him to proceed home to Preston the limb was set in plaster of Paris.  Preston went to make a draw largely through the brilliance of their amateur goalkeeper, G. Hughes, a Liverpool man, who was formerly with Everton “A” and Runcorn.  His good judgement and safe handling earned him an ovation at the close.  

WHAT THE SPANIARDS THINK OF EVERTON
December 7 1931. Evening Express.
Dean Disappoints Samatier; Johnson Impresses.
Wonderful Team in Spite of Defeat.
Samatier, the Spainish centre-forward, who will lead his country's attack against England at Highbury on Wednesday, is the most disappointed member of the team. The cause is Dixie Dean. West Ham v. Everton game at Upton Park, full of the greatness of Dixie, and expected to see a revelation in centre-forwards. Dixie had one of his rare off-days. Samatier dejected, and says so. It was Johnson who most impressed them of the three Everton players who will figure in Wednesday's international game. The Spaniards are full of praise for the clever way in which he scored Everton's first goal. “You are the masters. We are the pupils and we still have a lot to learn. Yet the pupil sometimes beats his master and it may happen next Wednesday.” Senor Alcarez, the manager of the Spainish football team, expressed himself thus when I saw him and his charges after they had seen Everton beaten at West Ham. As no member of the Spanish team speaks a word of English their collective views were expressed to me though Senor Alcarez. “The boys are already planning their campaign for the great match.” Senor Alcarez told me with a smile. “They naturally followed every move and countermove in the West ham-Everton game –the first all-English game any of them has seen –and have already sized up the three Everton men they will meet at Stamford Bridge. The match as a whole made a deep impression on the Spainish boys, and, despite Everton's defeat; they think them a wonderful team, and unlucky not to have made a draw of the game. I gathered that the chief topic of discussion among the Spanish players after the match was the charging of the goalkeeper. “Zamora, the Spanish goalkeeper, is fully prepared,” said Senor Alcarez. “He is the tallest and hardiest member of the team, and is confident that he can withstand whatever charging is in store. All the team expect to get some nasty knocks, but they are a tough lot of fighters and brimful of confidence. They do not expect to win, but if defeated will not be disgraced. “After all,” Senior Alcarez added, “neither team has met before, and our men may be able to show the English men something new in tactics. “Our most fervent hope is that the weather charges in time for the ground to become harder.
Why Everton Lost. Attack Without Thought of Defence.
By the Pilot.
Over-confidence in thinking that to attack only was to win matches was the cause of Everton's downfall at West Ham. At a period when they were right on top and defied only by a wonderful goalkeeper in Dixon, the half-backs took extreme risks in coming too far up the field. Thomson and Gee were to be seen fighting among the forwards for openings. No doubt in their enthusiasm they did not realise that by so doing they were leaving wide open spaces behind them. The fact was forced home to them, however, before the interval, for it was entirely due to their methods that West Ham assumed the ascendancy and piled on three goals before the interval, all from the foot of Ruffell. A quick pass would be flung down the right flank, where Thomson was not. Watson would run over to receive and gently flash it across the goal to the umarked Ruffell. There you have it. The game was won and lost. I agree that attack is the best defence, but Everton attacked without though of defence.
Went Down fighting.
It must be said of the Blues that they went under fighting. With the least bit of luck they would still be happy that their unbeaten certificate held since Sept. 26 was intact. Dixon alone saved the Hammers in the first half, and he was a great defender after the interval when the Blues launched their great “fight-back campaign. How superior the Blues were to the Londoners in the second half may be gauged when I state that West ham launched but six real attacks during the second half.
Sports Pie
• TP Griffiths and Phil Griffiths were capped for Wales against Ireland, Ireland winning by 4goals to nil at Windor Park, Belfast.

EVERTON PLAYERS LEAVE FOR HARROW
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, December 8, 1931
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON OFF FOR BATTLE
There was quite a big and happy party at Lime-street at midday today. Players and officials left at two O’clock.  Dean, Johnson and Gee (three of the chosen few) were accompanied by Clark, the twelfth man.  The players go to Harrow, which has become a fashionable, if not a disease, among the superstitious football people.  The idea sprang from a Cup Final team that went there to hide themselves from the lure of London’s lights-and from busy-body inquires.  The team won the Cup-tie and from that date Harrow has become the magnet of all teams in the running for the Cup-tie medals.  From an international point of view, of course, no such thought enters the head; it is merely a gathering together of the clans, and the players can be “with each other” overnight, possibly talking about plans of defence and attack-oh,, yes, they do these things nowadays. 

THREE CAPS FOR EVERTON PLAYERS.
December 9 th 1931.
William Dean scored for England last night at Highbury, and Tommy Johnson scoring a brace as England beat Spain by seven goals to one, Charlie Gee also won his second cap for England. Dean scored after 63 minutes, a perfect centre, which Dean headed into the net in a flash. Dean help Johnson to Englands sixth goal, when he hooked back Copper's kick, and one of Johnson's left footed daisy cutters did the remainder.

THREE GOALS WILL GIVE BLUES ANOTHER RECORD.
December 11 th 1931. Evening Express.
Inside Trio's chance for Half-Century.
By the Pilot.
White, Dean, and Johnson, the Everton inside forwards, are within reach of another goal scoring record, and they may accomplish it against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park tomorrow. If they score three goals they will not only have the distinction of being the first inside trio in the Football league to obtain 50 goals between them, but in doing so in 18 minutes will create a post-war record as far as the competition is concerned. Their 47 goals to date have been distributed as follows; Dean, 23; Johnson, 13; White, 11. This is a remarkable achievement that though Everton have played 18 matches Dean has missed two matches and White seven. The Everton team which will oppose the Borough is unchanged, and this will be the tenth occasion since October 3 that the side has represented the club. The only exception since that date was on the occasion of the visit to Huddersfield, when Dean was absent owing to a Football League call.
Blues Home Record.
The Blues should improve their record at the expense of the North-Easterners, for whereas they have dropped only two points out of 16 played at Goodison Park, Middlesbrough have secured only seven of the 18 points at stake in their away engagement. This includes two victories. The Borough will still be without Warren, their Welsh International outside left, who was injured some weeks ago, but Cameron is proving a capable deputy. Notable figures in the side will be Elkes, the tall centre half, Camsell the goal scoring leader, and Pease, the clever right winger. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Ashman, Freeman; Webster, Elkes, Forrest; Pease, Scott, Camsell, Bruce, Cameron.

HOME AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton are home again and rather glad of it.  wherever they went last week-end they were the subject of hand-shakes and excessively optimistic talks about “cricket scores”  Even when the chara stopped in mid-London opposite a packed tramcar the people of the tramcar realized the load of goal-mischief alongside them and held up their hands as token of “ten goals today.”  Everton players got very waxy about it, they sensed the bump that was to be their lot.  And they were wise enough after the game to admit they had been beaten and deservedly so.  The lesson has been learned.  You can’t have everyone “up and doing” if a stray ball is slung to the outside left and no one is there to challenge-that was the whole secret of the West ha game.  Tomorrow we receive the Middlesbrough people, knowing full well how dainty they can be and how excellently their team-frame can rout a side, if the mood is on their little members, such as Bruce.  Middlesbrough can be extremely hard to beat, despite the fact they were swamped at Anfield in one of Liverpool’s specially destructive moods.  If the Borough goalkeeper can be beaten early on there may be another big score; but the point of most import is that Everton are playing so much better at home than away that one is left with a faint notion (perhaps underserved, but worthy of notice), that Dean is greatest of all at home.  This is strangely differing from the notion I kept putting up last season; when Everton played better away from home than at home.  It is all making the Goodison football fever the more burning.  My view is that Everton will resume their striking ways again tomorrow, when the usual team turns out.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 

RADIOPHONE FOR GOODISON
December 12 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
I understand the Everton directors have decided to introduce the latest method of Radiophone to Goodison Park, and that two loud speakers are to be installed. For years a band provided music before the match and during the interval, the directors have felt that something more is required to entertain the thousands of spectators. Consequently they, have been in negotiations for the installation of modern equipment, which will not only enable them to broadcast the latest in music, but provide them with the opportunity of making various club announcements. Moreever, everyone will be able to hear the new Radiophone was recently demonstrated to the board, and a sub committee was appointed to consider it. I hear that the test have been successful so that the days of the band appears to be numbered.

EVERTON HELD AT BAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1931
MIDDLESBROUGH SCORE FIRST BUT ALLOW EQUALISER HARD ON THE INTERVAL
By Duval
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Ashman, Freeman; Webster, Elkes, Forest; Pease, Scott, Camsell, Bruce, Cameron.  Referee; Mr. E. Wood, Sheffield.  Would Everton resume their sequence of big scoring.  That was the problem freely discussed before to-day's game with Middlesbrough. It was a fairly clear day, and there was a fine crowd at the start.  Middlesbrough tried a nice movement that was going well until Clark interfered and Dean had had a tussle with Webster. This was followed by Webster giving Cantrell a pass down the middle, and the Middlesbrough man went through, but finished with a wild sort of shot that went high over the bar.  Bruce tried to put Pease into a favorable position, but the direction was badly judged, and the ball went out over the goal-line. A free-kick to Everton brought nothing tangible, and Dean was the first on the Everton side to get in a shot.  There was, however, little between  the silks in the early play, Middlesbrough  being quite as prominent with  effective footwork as were Everton.  Then came a smart movement by the Everton forwards, which originated when stein, with an overhead kick, put Dean in possession, and the Everton centre flashed out a beautiful pass to Critchley, who, however, was unable to make much use of the opening.  Critchley was more dangerous a moment afterwards when he drop the ball beautifully into the Middlesbrough goal, where Mathieson, by coming out, took it and cleared safely. 
A CAMERON GOAL 
Prior to this Cameron had headed over, and then there was a real danger to the Everton goal. Cameron slammed in a shot which Sagar had difficulty in holding. In fact, he dropped the ball, and was rather fortunate to get it again while surrounded by several opponents.  Then, after twelve minutes' play, Cameron scored for Middlesbrough.  Camsell made the opening when he put the outside man in possession, and Cameron, cutting in, had the satisfaction of opening the score which placed Everton in arrears for the first time for many weeks in their home games.  Pease got the better of Cresswell, but there was little danger, and twice Mathieson showed excellent judgment in leaving his goal to intercept strong shots from the Everton right wing.  Thus far Everton had not produced the dash and fire of some of their earlier games. Peace was responsible for some clever work, and Bruce tried a shot at random that was very wide.  After Mathieson had punched clear from a free kick taken by Cresswell, Stein, with a wild lunge, made poor use of a chance, and there was a nice bit of triangular work between Clark, Critchley and White.  Play was good without being particularly attractive, and some of the crowd was rather disappointed that Everton had not got their customary few goals early on. Still, it was more of a match, because Middlesbrough were quite as good as Everton so far. Everton did not profit from a free-kick when Ashman handled   the ball just outside the penalty line.  Cameron’s pace and dainty footwork almost carried him through, and Webster placed a free kick just over the crossbar.  Sagar let the ball go over the goal line for a corner when Pease lobbed it in, and Everton hereabout had a fair spell of defensive work.  Without doubt Everton were below the form that has characterized their home play for the past month.  Or was it that Middlesbrough were a shade better than recent opponents? 
DEAN JUST FAILS
Everton, however came to life when Dean put in one of his famous headers, and the ball struck the crossbar.  That was indeed a narrow escape, and the nearest Everton had been to a goal.  They kept up the attack, and Dean tried hard to get through, but the Middesbrough defenders were continually alert and the Everton attack had by no means an easy task.  There was a capital movement between Critchley and Clark, and the latter rounded off with a shot that finished wide of the post.  Then came two dangerous attacks by Middlesbrough, but the forwards showed little definite work in finishing, and the same could be said about Everton forwards; they, too, did not finish well. 
WHITE EQUALISES
At the thirty-sixth minute White equalized.  The goal came after several attempts by practically the whole of the Everton forwards to get the ball into the net, and the Middlesbrough defenders were certainly slow in refusing chances to get the ball away.  Then Stein drove the ball across, and White sent it into the net.  Dean almost got another when he shot as he turned –it was a narrow miss.  Sagar had to save a hard drive from Cameron after the Everton defence had faltered, and then Dean had the greatest of ill-luck when he almost bundled the ball through with his body what time Mathieson was out of his goal.  A thrill came near the interval, when Cameron broke through, and, taking the ball almost to the goalline, he passed squarely to Bruce, who was admirably placed; but Sagar, by throwing himself full-length to the ball, got there first and took possession.  Half-time; Everton 1, Middlesbrough 1. 
FIVE GOALS FOR EVERTON
A GRAND RALLY IN THE SECOND HALF
SPORTY MIDDLESBRO
After being a goal down at the end  of twelve minutes, Everton won, as  they deserved to do  They did not display the same  spirit as in some of their earlier  games, especially in the first half,  but afterwards there were times  when Middlesbrough were over  played, and following two goals in  the second half the issue was beyond  doubt. In the first half Cameron and White scored.  Although Middlesbrough were the first away after the interval, they were another goal down at forty-nine minutes and a further goal in arrears at sixty minutes.  Critchley got the first and Johnson the second. Thus Everton led by 3-1 at the end of an hour's play.  Critchley got his opportunity by a pass from Johnson, and when Johnson scored he had worked over to the right wing.  One of the best shots of the day came from Clark. It was a fine hard drive, and Mathieson did well to take the ball cleanly.  It was plain Everton were aroused to  a sense of their responsibilities, and  their work in the second half had far  more fire and spirit than in the first half.  Indeed, the Middlesbrough defence had so much work to do that for a time, at any rate, they seemed to lose some of their balance.  They got rid of the ball almost anyhow and anywhere. Still Middlesbrough  found occasion to break away,  and Sagar had one or two rather  ticklish shots to stop; but it looked as  though Everton had now found their  strength, and with a 2-goals' lead were  well on their way to victory.  Mathieson made a number of fine saves, and his judgment in running out was excellent. However, he ought to have been beaten by Stein, who completely missed the ball when he attempted to shoot with only Mathieson in front of him.  Middlesbrough had a chance from a free kick, and when the ball came out to Cameron he missed badly. The visitors’ defence steadied after undergoing severe pressure, and Elkes worked tremendously hard to put has side on the attack. He was partly successful, but the Middlesbrough attack had not a great deal of driving power. 
WHITE AND DEAN
It was following a corner that the ball came out to White, and he scored a fourth, goal for Everton after eighty minutes.  Although Middlesbrough were beaten, they continued to play in a fine sporting spirit, and at times their work was really good. Still Everton deserved their success. They were, in the second half, much smarter on the ball and tackled without hesitation.   Dean made the score 5-1 for Everton at eighty-five minutes, when he took up a pass from Johnson and put in a shot  that Mathieson had not the slightest  chance of saving. Middlesbrough broke away occasionally, and one Cameron gave Sagar a warm handful to deal with.   Final. — Everton 5, Middlesbrough 1.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton certainly got it “in the neck” from West Ham’ Ruffell.
• Everton had a half-back named Hanlin on their books some twenty-five years ago.  He came from Darvel Athletic with the reputation of being the best junior half back in Scotland, but he never won a place in Everton’s League team.
• It’s not the goals that count at Everton; the crowd usually do it for them.
• If there’s one thing the crowd likes better than a goal, it’s another.
• Every match at Everton of late seems to set the men on fire.  But how today?
• Middlesbro’s first visit to Goodison in search of League points was made at New Year 1904.
• It remains in one’s memory chiefly because it marked the debut of the famous English International goalkeeper, Tim Williamson. Whitley was in Everton’s goal; Wolstenholmes was among the half-backs, and Settle and Jack Bell were on the left wing, with J. Sharp and Jack Taylor on the right.  Everton won 3-0.
• But the chief feature was that Jack Brearley, a Liverpool-born centre forward who displaced Sandy Young that day, scored all three goals late on in the game.
• The particular irony of it all was that Brearley not long before had been transferred from Middlesbro’ to Everton. 
• Brearley, a very gentlemanly player, was a much-travelled young man, for his clubs included Kettering, Chatham, Notts County (three times), Middlesbro, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. 
• When the Teesiders last visited Goodison they put up a brave fight, only losing in the last minute 3-2, Tommy White then getting the winning goal.
• It was in this match that the “Boro” tried Elkes for the first time as a half-back.
• Whether they win or lose, Everton should certainly drew well at Bolton a week hence.
• When last there they came a fearful cropper in the mud
• But luck was surely against them in having O’Donnell damaged and in having to take the field minus Hart, Dunn, Dean, Virr, and Griffiths.
• This game, by the way, marked the farewell appearance of popular little Alec Troup
• Blackmore, for the Wanderers, had a personal triumph with four goals in succession.
• Since being thrashed 8-1 at Goodison, Newcastle have not lost a game to date, and earned eight points.

EVERTON 5 MIDDLESBOUGH 1
December 14 th 1931. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Early Reverse Wiped Out.
Everton Improve in Second Half.
Although Everton did not show the same superiority over Middlesbrough in the first half as in most of their recent home games, they were so much the better side afterwards that they merited their 5-1 victory. Middlesbrough scored first through Cameron after 12 minutes and White equalised at 16 minutes. That was the extent of the scoring in the first half and gave a fair indication of the play. Everton were not the speedy, irresistible side of earlier games. The machine did not function with the same well-ordered smoothness and much of the fire had gone out of the attack. At the same time, it must not be overlooked that Middlesbrough played good football. It was more of a match with nothing definitely outstanding between the sides. After the interval Everton played with far more spirit and earnestness, and for a time the Middlesbrough defenders seemed enable to cope with the volume of work thrust upon them.
Defence Hammered.
A goal by Critchley four minutes after the interval when Everton took the lead for the first time, found a weakness in the Middlesbrough defence. That goal had much to do with setting the issue, because Everton appeared to realise that the Borough defence was not impregnable. They hammered the defence hard and goals to Johnson (60 minutes), White (80 minutes), and Dean (85 minutes) emphasized the improvement in the Everton attack. At intervals Middlebrough turned the tables, and although their attack were fairly well-planned, there was little driving power behind them. Sagar kept a good goal although once he dropped the ball and it narrowly missed crossing the line before he recovered it. Cresswell was not as prominent as usual. He did much useful work in his customary neat way, but he has often been better. Williams had a good match because he met the attack and saved many awkward positions before they become dangerous.
Careful Guard on Dean.
In the first half Thomson found Pease and Scott rather difficult to hold, but he improved, while Gee and Clark were good all through. None did better than Clark, who in addition to showing capital defence, was one of the best shooters on the Everton side. A careful guard was put on Dean, which frequently he managed to elude. He did capital work with his head, passed well, and was always thrustful. Johnson was a hard worker always popping up in the right place and when least expected, while White was another effective link, in an excellent inside trio. Stein finished badly, and twice he missed the ball at crucial moment. Better work came from Critchley, whose centres were generally accurate and of good length. The best on the Middlesbrough side were Mathieson, Elkles, Pease, Cameron, and Forest. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Middlesbrough; - Mathieson, goal; Ashman and Freeman, backs; Webster, Elkes and Foreest, half-backs; Pease, Bruce, Camsell, Bruce, and Cameron, forwards.

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Centrel League
At Villa Park. Cunliffe opened the score for Everton, but before the interval Brown and Beresford put the Villa in front. Brown appeared to be offside when he scored. The second half was well contested, and Beresford scored a great goal. Both keepers saved many good shots. Coggins and Biddleston being equally skillful in this direction. Blair and Griffiths on their respective sides stood out in defence, while Reed and Rigby were prominent for Everton in attack, and Brown, Beresford, and Stephenson were good for the Villa.

Everton “A” 2 Liverpool Cables 0
Liverpool County Combination .
At Stopgate lane. Goals by Worrall, one in each half, gave Everton a well-earned victory. Both sides displayed clever combination, but the home side had the better understanding. A penalty kick was awarded to both sides and the respective keepers made clever saves. Stration of the Cables damaged his wrist in saving from Parker and retired. Kennedy taking his place. Bryan, Everton's right half played after nearly two years absence through injury, but received a knock and had to leave the field before the finish.

EVERTON’S 5-1 SUCCESS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 December 1931
Everton’s first half display in the game with Middlesbrough was not of the same inspiring quality as in their recent home games, yet they wiped out the Borough’s early lead and merited a comfortably win.  There was improvement all round, and once the Everton forwards realized the Borough’s weakness, that the defence could be unbalanced, they played with far more spirit than in the early stages, when they seemed to lack their usual fire.  What will happen when Everton lose a home match or win only by a small margin is a point to ponder over.  On Saturday there was much restlessness on the part of those who expected what has come to be regarded as the usual big score, and the lack of goals in the first half gave cause for anxiety.  However, Everton got on their toes in the second half and all was well.  At the same time, it could not be overlooked that Everton for the first “forty-five” were not there bright, sparkling side of the past few weeks.  Cresswell was not quite up to his usual standard, but Williams made up the deficiently, and altogether the defence was sound, as also was the middle line, with Clark a great worker and good shooter.  The inside trio, Dean, Johnson, and White, had a fine understanding, but Stein made a number of misses.  Critchley got the ball across well and was too speedy for the Borough defence. 

NO MORE TIP-TAP TACTICS.
December 14 th 1931. Evening Express.
Everton Prove that they do not Pay.
Boro' Cave in when Blues open out.
By the Pilot.
If Everton ever had any doubts concerning the advantage of open football methods compared with tip-tap tactics they were dispelled –or, ever, I hope –in the match with Middlesbrough. Thirty minutes of ineffective close passing saw the all-conquering Blues a goal down. Then they mended their ways. The ball was swung about from wing to wing and in five minutes the scores were equal. From the restart, after the interval, these same methods simply blotted out Middlesbrough. The completeness of the victory already is another page in Everton's book of triumph, but instead of five goals it might easily have been eight if Stein had accepted glit-edged chances. Still Middlesbrough struck me as a particularly able combination with power in the intermediary division. They were stern tacklers who never finished; in fact, sometimes they were too robust in their interventions. Dean suffered considerably through this, and the Blues would have got no more than they deserved had they been awarded a penalty in the first half when Dixie was so pushed in the back that he staggered fully five yards. In this highly enjoyable game the Everton defence took time to settle down, but I have no doubts that the slippery nature of the ground accounted for easy mis-tackles and interventions in the early stages.
Dixie's Clever Move.
The best department of the Everton side was attack, where only Stein failed to play well. Stein had a particularly unhappy day, in that nothing would run right for him, though it was he who developed the centre from which White equalised. Incidentally; it was a fine team move by Dean in this incident, which enabled White to reach the ball. Dixie was in the way, so he flung himself full length to the ground and opened up the path. Johnson had a poor first half, but came back to his best form afterwards, and White and Critchley constituted the better wing. Although well watched Dean led the line splendidly and was a master at creating cute openings. Clark took the honours at half-back, his ball control and feeding being a feature, and Thomson and Gee improved as the game grew older. Cresswell was prone to rest on the ball at the outlet, leaving too much of the gratying to Williams, yet once we saw the alerted Blues so did the pair become once again the ideal pair. Sagar was brilliant in goal, one save from Cameron being masterly. The Boro' were excellently served by Mathieson, Asman, Webster, Elkes, Cameron, Bruce and Camsell. Their defence cracked in the second half, but there is distinct soundness about this team.

CLAMOUR FOR CUP SEATS AT GOODISON
December 15 th 1931.Evening Express.
The most worried man in the city.
What the captains think of the draw.
By the Pilot.
The most worried man in the Liverpool is Mr. Tom McIntosh, Everton's secretary. He has the job of bring arrangements for the Everton v. Liverpool third round F.A. Cup-tie at Goodison Park, on January 9. It should give a small fortune to somebody who could invent a method of expanding Everton's 67,000 spacious ground into something twice at size. With a few minutes of the draw was announced by the Evening Express. Mr. McIntosh's telephone was ringing. Dozens of inquires for seats many into the club officers, and this morning mail brought sheaves of letters containing varying sums of inquires by eager would be supporters. The trouble is that he cannot yet send any application for seats, no matter how much money is enclosed as the engagement have yet been made –It would break the heart of any secretary to have to refuse money! Everton directors are meeting tonight1, on the allocation of tickets and arrangements. The Liverpool of course, will have to be allotted a section of the seating accommodation.
Captains view of the draw.
Dixie Dean (Everton) We have the men who are honest triers –every one of them –and I think we shall beat Liverpool. It will be a pleasure to meet our local rivals in a Cup-tie, and a joyful game should result. I have confidence because I know that my team has the ability.
Bradshaw (Liverpool); We could not have wished for a better draw, it glorious. It gives us a chance to revenge that the League forms at Anfield –our home defeat of the season –Every player in the camp is determined that Everton will be surprised on January 9.
Two Records within Everton's Grasp.
Bourton Displaces Dean as Goals Leader.
Everton have the chance of making two-goal-scoring records this season –the highest aggregate ever attained in the Football league and the higgest total ever secured by an inside forward line. The first is now held jointly by Aston Villa and Bradford with 128 goals, and the second by Watts, Dixon and Kennedy, of Tranmere who last season found the net 92 times in League matches. With only 13 games –played this season, Everton have already scored 69 goals, and of the total Dean, White and Johnson share 51. With four goals last Saturday, Bourton of Coventry City, resumes leadership of individual League goal-getters. Dean shares second place with Pearce, of Swansea Town on 24 goals.

EVERTON CUP-TIE ARRANGEMENTS
December 16, 1931. Evening Express.
Rush for Seats at Goodison.
How to get your Tickets.
By the Pilot.
The rush has started. Applications for tickets for the cup-tie between Everton and Liverpool are pouring into the Goodison Park offices. “Book early” seems to be the motto. Here are the arrangements made by the Everton directors at their Board meeting last night. Every grand stand seat will be reserved. The prices will be; - Ground, 1s, Boys, 4d'; Paddock 1s 6d; Bullen-road grandstand (reserved) 5s; Goodison –road grandstand (reserved), 5s; goal double decker grandstand (reserved) 3s 6d. It is essential that every application for tickets must be accompanied by a remittance, otherwise they will be ignored. Applications for tickets can be made either to Mr. McIntosh at Goodison Park or Mr. G. Patterson at Anfield. They will be dealt with an strict rotation, so it is advisable to write or call immediately. Mr. T.H. McIntosh, the Everton secretary stated that although applications will be received from now on, no tickets will be issued until after Monday next. The Everton directors have not yet discussed plans regarding training for the match, but I understand it is extremely doubtful that the players will be given any training, which differs from the ordinary routine. The question was also passed over by the Liverpool directors at their meeting, but it is expected some announcement regarding the matter will be made shortly.
What Alex Jackson Thinks of Everton.
Aggressive but not Defensive.
Commenting on Cup-tie prospects, Alex Jackson, Chelsea's captain, writes in the London Evening news; - Everton are not defensive, they are aggressive first and foremost. They are all out for goals. Even Warneford Cresswell, that great and stylish back, is always playing with the object in his mind or reaching Dean with a pass. Everton have the great finisher in Dean. They have other fine Marksmen, too, but they do not play to the defensive pattern. Quite apart from their match with Liverpool in the opening round, Everton would not be in my list to win the cup. Brilliant, but not according to history book.
Sports pie.
• Jimmy Dunn the Everton inside right, is suffering from a cut eye. He received the injury while in training last week.

EVERTON CONTINUE TO SAY “SAME AGAIN”
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, December 16, 1931
Bee’s Notes
The Everton team shows no change from the side which defeated Middlesbrough at Goodison Park last Saturday, namely –Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  The Reserve side to meet Manchester United in a Central League game at Goodison Park will be Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths (T), Archer, Griffiths (P), Cunliffe, Reed, Martin, Rigby. 

TOMMY GRIFFITHS AS SIGNED FOR BOLTON WANDERERS.
December 17 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Griffiths has been transferred to Bolton Wanderers, Griffiths is a fine defensive player, and if he can developed the constructive part of the game with more accurate passes, he should prove a worthy successor to Seddon. That tall hard working pivot, who has rendered the Wanderers such good services, the acquisition of Griffiths should rekindle enthusiasm in a district, where it owing to lack of success has been somewhat on the wane. The new Bolton player gain his first cap for Wales against England, when he was twenty in 1927, and has played for his country on eight occasions; - three times this year, I recall the Cup-Tie at Anfield, between Wrexham and New Brighton, when Griffiths was the man of the match, and the display decided Everton to secure his services, which they did, despite strong opposition from Aston Villa and Manchester United. The fee at the time to the Wrexham club was stated to be £1,750, so that Everton must have done well out of the deal. A regular of the senior Everton side up to the beginning of the year, Griffiths sustained an injury and Gee gained his place, and made the centre-half position his own. Griffiths who is a native of Summerhill, Wrexham stands at 6 feet and weights 12 stone.
Radiophone in stalled for Liverpool match
I understand that the Everton officials hope to have the latest methods of Radiophone in stalled at Goodison Park in time for the match against Liverpool on January 30. It will be one of the finest installations in the country. I stated on Saturday, that the new Radiophones has been recently demonstrated to the Everton board and that a sub-committee appointed to consider it has decided in favour of the system being installed at the ground. The equipment will not only enable the club to broadcast the latest in music but provide the officials with the opportunity of making various club announcements. Moreover, everyone will be able to hear.

EVERTON AWAY BUT GRIFFITHS AT HOME.
December 18 th 1931. Evening Express.
Three days ago clubmates, now rivals. This is the curious position, which arises following the transfer of Griffiths from Everton to Bolton Wanderers. These clubs meet at Burnden Park tomorrow, and though early in the week Tommy Griffiths was anxious that Everton should win and so consolidate their position at the head of the table; now he will do his best to prevent them succeeding. I expect Everton to win, and steal a further march on their championship rivals. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein; Bolton Wanderers; Jones; Wagstaff, Finney; Goslin, Griffiths, Wright; Butler, Blackmore, Milsom, Gibson, Westwood.

Sports Pie.
• Everton F.C. announced that no further applications for 3s 6d tickets for the Everton v. Liverpool F.A., Cup-tie can be entertained.

ALL UP IN ATTACK.
Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - Saturday 19 December 1931
EVERTON’S METHODS BRING GOALS.
By Warney Cresswell, England International Back of Everton.
How comes it that Everton, in the Second Division last season, are now occupying the top place in the First Division, with a record of goals scored far in excess of the total put up by the next best? These are questions which I have been asked repeatedly in recent times. I am not sure whether I can give really conclusive answers. Indeed, my inclination is to get out of answering the question at all by saying that these things have happened in football in the past, and that the game will cease top happen. However, that way out might not be considered satisfactory, and so I will try to give some real reasons for the progress of the Everton side. In the first place, I am convinced in my own mind that the success which has attended the Everton team this season cannot wholly be seperated from the successful time we had in the Second Division last season. It will be remembered that for the most part we swept evenything before us in the Second Division last season, meeting with very few rebuffs.
With Almost The Same Team
Now in football, as in other things, there is nothing which succeeds like success, and I am very confident that the successes of last season had the effect of giving the whole of the people associated with the Everton club a feeling of supreme confidence for this present season. Almost invariably, since the start of the season, we have played in that confident way which takes a side such a long disatance on the road to victory. There is nothing like the feeling that you will win a match as a quick means of winning it. I think there must be quite a lot in this confidence business, because, although a lot of people do not seem to remmeber it, the side which has mainly done duty for Everton this season has been largely the same as that which did duty last season. Indeed our present side is not very different, in make-up, in fact from the side which went down to the Second Division at the end of the season before last. Only three players are playing regularly in our team who were not regularly in the side which went down to the Second Division. During that spell in the First Division which ended in the first fall of Everton, the side as a whole lacked confidence. There was the feeling that things would not go kindly for us, and I suppose it naturally followed that things did not go well for us. Confidence is the great asset to a football team, and will carry a side far.
Second Division A Good Training Ground
Then I think that in another respect the spell in the Second Division did the Everton side good. The side which would be successful in the Second Division must play hard fast football. The players must not dilly-dally with the ball, otherwise the strong determined tackling of the Second Division opponents will prevent them from doing much good with it. The Second Division experience of Everton speeded up our game in the general sense; decided us, as a principle, to take the frills out of our play, and go for goal by the shortest possible route. We have carried out the same idea in the First Division this season, and for the most part it has proved to be paying policy. Possibly the success of West Bromwich Albion, while not so marked as that of Everton this season, shows that there is something in the contention that a spell in the Second Division is very good training for a rise to the higher circles. If Combined with the pace which is necessary, in a general sense, in Second Division football, there is a fair degree of science applied when First Division games are played, I think the quick methods are the way to success.
All The Forwards Can Shoot
The open game which we now play -or perhaps I should say the varied game - has been wholly beneficial to the team, and particularly to our ever-dangerous centre-forward. When the play is open; when the ball is swung about, quickly, and yet scientifically, it is very difficult, for any centre half to keep an eye, all the time, on the centre-forward. Even if the centre-half does the shadowing effectively, this does not necessarily lead to defeat so long as the other members of the atatck can do their share in the goal getting line. One of the big features of Everton's goal scoring this season has been the fact that all the forwards have taken their part in it. Incidentally, this leads me to another secret of Everton's rise to the top of the table, the team-spsirit. I am not going to dwell at length on this aspect of the maqtter. Everybody who knows anything about football ought to know by now that the team spirit; as its very foundation, there must be the idea that it doesn't matter who gets the goals as long as the goals are duly got.
All Up In Attack.
That our scoring of so many goal has been partly due to all the forwards having a shot is undeniable. Another reason why we have so often run up the goals is because we have insisted, in most of our games, in throwing almost everything into the atatck. We have been critcised for this idea more than once; have bene told that it lays our defence open to concede goals. This may well be true. Indeed,, I am prepared to admit that it is true. Surely, however, the critics will allow us this point; that the team which does throw everything into attack is likely to produce more attractive football from the watchers' point of view, than the team which has mainly defensive, or destructive ideas. is it not very necessary, in these times, to play the game attractively? What if we lose an occasional match by throwing all into the attack provided we win most of our games? It has been in our favour that our players have, for the most partr, escaped serious injury, which means that we have been able to keep the same side together, helping to a better understanding. Even the matter of injuries is closely associated with success or failure. The men who are playing confidently and playing well within themselves don't run the risks which have to be run by players of a side in desperate straits. With a last word a tribute to our trainer too. He is so often forgotten -there are few bouquets for the man with the towel. But the work of Harry Cooke behind the scenes has certainly been a definite contributory factor.
A Safety First Hint
The defenders of a side should not run unnecessary risks, for the taking of risks is the short cut to goals given away. As a safetly first move don't forget the pass back to the goalkeeper. I know onlookers do not always appreciate this move; often regard it as a sign of weakness. It is nothing of co-operation and confidence among the defenders. Slip the ball back to your goalkeeper when hard pressed. He can then bang the ball up the field to start an attack.

EVERTON LEAD ON ICE-TRACK
Liverpool Echo – Saturday, 19 December 1931
BIGGEST ATTENDANCE AT BOLTON FOR THREE YEARS FOR DEBUT OF GRIFFITHS V DEAN
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Bolton Wanderers; Jones; Wagstaffe, Finney; Goslin, Griffiths, Nuttall, Butler, Blackmore, Milson, Gibson, Westwood.  Referee; Mr. P. Snape, Blackpool. 
It was a thousand pities that Everton V. Bolton, at Bolton should have been ruined by fog and a frosty ground.  Bolton had depended upon it to bring  them some of the money they had spent,  upon the transfer Tom Griffiths to  Bolton—a noteworthy transfer in many  respects, and one that tickled the palates  of the Bolton people, who had lost the  love they had and were now stirred in  attendance and action , so much so that  Bolton reported the biggest crowd they  have had for any match for three seasons.  Had the fog in the surrounding areas not been present the attendance would have been 50,000. What a pity such good prospects ware ruined by the elements. The ground was icy, and had to be sanded down the middle, and there seemed little prospect of really good football, because the players slithered about in a manner thoroughly disconcerting.  It was most treacherous turf, and when a Bolton defender made a blunder to a Critchley centre Stein might have and should have scored. Instead, he turned the ball just to the left of the post. This game was bound to be a lottery. A slide on the ice and the club would go out of favour.   Blackmore adopted the right attitude.  Tiled in the uncommon position of  inside-right in a much-changed side,  he  shot without delay and with much  strength, and although Sagar was at the  right angle yet one could see how  difficult the shot would have been but  for a slight slice. Williams did a lot of good work at full-back, and Tom Griffiths soon became the black edition of James Seddon.  Once he jumped op to his full height, which is uncommon and out-headed Dean. This in itself was a happy feature for the Bolton people. Bolton  had a chance of creating consternation  and a goal when Butler slipped, or  rather slid, beyond Cresswell, centred to  Westwood, the other winger, who  stumbled, and even then should have  scored without hesitation. His marksmanship was wrong, so that each out- side left had had a chance.  Gee passed back so sharply to Sagar that, though the goalkeeper gathered the ball, it had passed over the line for a corner. From this corner there loomed trouble that even the fog could not minimize.  Griffiths had passed out admirably to Butler, and Milsom tried a header that Sagar caught and took with almost an essay mind, although he was charged.  Ben Williams was doing a lot of grand work, and this did not prevent Westwood having a second chance after Bolton had appealed for hands against Clark. The ball travelled square, and Westwood put the ball outside in rather surprising fashion.
A MILSON TOUCH
Johnson was deadly in his pass and dribble, and Williams again made notable play by tricky football, although it struck one as risky that he should dare to dribble in front of his own goal.  The neatest touch so far came from Milson, back-heel feature of little distance but perfect sense.  The first time that Young Jones, ex-Everton, was called into action was when Johnson made a longish lob, and this seemed to me to be the point at which Everton were beginning to make their intensive attacks.  However, the ball was cleared, and Gee had to bring out a valuable hook over the head to prevent the Bolton forwards gathering speed and shooting position. Jones made another catch, and then Milson, in whom I have such great faith, shot erratically when placed for a goal, hitting the side net when the call of the moment was a gentle centre to a point where his comrade awaited a goal.  Gee hurt his thigh in a fall, and Gibson hurt Cresswell's head when he shot sharp and straight to a point that suggested a goal, but still one remembered Cresswell’s brainy forehead.  Everton replied in a manner quite satisfying until the shot necessary was found to be absent.  Stein and Critchley each decided to centre when they might have shot, taking their luck in both hands, and Jones made a pick-up from a header from Dean.  Gee faced Milsom single-handed and beat him cleverly. One had no right to expect good football, yet such was the sporting method of both sides that the first half hour was productive of quite good play, and seven minutes before that period was up Dean scored what may easily prove to be the vital goal of the day. 
EASY FOR DEAN 
It seemed a rather clumsily-got goal, because the players slipped about a good deal. Critchley put the ball to the centre of the field and Dean headed it towards the goal. It struck a defender  and cannoned back to Johnson, who  tried one of his left shots, and again  the ball struck a defender, but this time  spun off his boot slightly to the right,  and Dean bad all the goal to shoot at,  and elected to place the ball well beyond  the reach of Jones.  Bolton fought in a curiously single-handed manner. Milsom went through on his own, bearing to the right, and when he centred not one comrade had considered it a sensible move to advance and receive a centre. A second time Milsom was working unaided, and this time there was nothing left for it but a shot, because he was again without helpmates.  Sagar got down to the ball and cleared, whereas Jones, at the other end, went towards a ball that cannoned away for a corner and slipped over so that one was able to appreciate Sagar's good save.  The battle between Dean and Griffiths was not what the stunters would like it to have been. They did not get together, and there must have been a plan of campaign on the part of the Everton players with this object in view, but Griffiths went up for corner kicks in his real Everton fashion, and once Dean out-headed his rival, but to me the feature of to-day was the extra ordinary ability and organising genius of Tom Johnson.  Cresswell now became a pretty defender, but Thomson found the icy part under the sand very troublesome, and when Gee passed forward weakly Milsom let out a shot of fine stinging power, Sager throwing himself at the ball and being very happy that a corner was the verdict.  Before half-time Sager made two further saves of note. White got a header into Jones's bands, but towards the interval the game went rather flat.  Half-time.—Bolton W. 0. Everton 1. 
EVERTON LOSE 2-1
BOLTON WANDERERS’ SURPRISE VICTORY
GRIFFITHS SUCCEEDS
2 ASTONISHING GOALS AND GRAND FINALE
An Everton player at three days age was one of the main instruments in defeating Everton 2-1 on an ice-pack before the best crowd Bolton had enjoyed for three years. Tom Griffiths was a success in a match that turned violently against the leaders at the League, after they had enjoyed the lead for the best part of an hour.  Dean had scored but 2 goals in three minutes, turned Bolton from a rank bad side to a fiery eleven.  Everton had been so much superior in craft that one goal was plainly not sufficient, but in front of goal they had been remiss, where in previous matches this season they had been meet successful. 
Milsom scored while the defence stood paralyzed by the notion of offside, and Westwood struck the crossbar with a ball Everton said did net cross the line, but the referee vower had passed beyond.  So Everton lest their second away  in succession, and, remembering  how unfortunate they were, at  Grimsby, the last three visiting days  have not been entirely happy.  Griffiths, of Everton and now a Bolton Wanderer, had a special cheer from the 32,196 spectators who paid to see through the fog and frost an attractive game, considering the very difficult conditions. 
In the first half Dean scored. There no interval.  Bolton threw both Everton's wingers offside, and Gee was putting in big work in attack and defence. Everton’s trouble was that they were too easily able to dribble and pass beyond their rivals without producing anything more than elusiveness. There was a lack of fire in front of goal.  Bolton had few chances to equalize, but one notable case arose when Westwood offered Gibson a priceless chance the inside left stood eight yards out and shot atrociously. Bolton were encouraged by this attack, and Everton should have been awakened to the necessity of a further lead.   Clark made a delicious pass for Critchley to centre, and Dean to make one of his marvellous glance headers. The ball spun outside, after which, through, the fog, the spectators saw a Bolton attack, in which Sagar, Cresswell and others were humped to the ground, and Sagar apparently saved a certainty and escaped injury at the same time. 
TWO QUICK GOALS 
After Jones had made one more good catch from Johnson the game took a sensational turn, two goals being scored  in quick time, and Bolton taking the lead through Milsom and Westwood.
Both were extraordinary goals. In the first case Nuttall lobbed the ball quite gently towards the middle, and eventually the Everton defence. Spread-eagled, stood bewildered, and in the belief that an offside most arrive, took no action, with the result that Milsom’s shot stunned the defence.  Bolton were a changed side, and when  Westwood shot hard for goal the ball  struck the crossbar and seemed to fly  out into play. The referee instantly pointed for a goal, but on appeal consulted a linesman, who was as far away from the scene of action as I was.  The decision was a goal, and Cresswell went to the centre of the field when the game was being restarted still arguing the point with the referee.   A spectator could not tell what had happened even if the confident way in which Sager ran out with the ball suggested it had not crossed the line.  Officially the goal is credited to Milsom. This was a turn round, and was punishment for Everton for not making the game secure long before this, when they had a demoralized side to contend with. Now Bolton were a fiery and confident side.   When Dean forced a corner there were ten Bolton men in the goalmouth to accept Stein's centre.  Jones made short work of Clark's cross-drive, and Griffiths all through this half stood hard by Dean to prevent him doing any further damage.  The most exciting moment came when Dean charged Jones off possession, and the goalkeeper lay on the ground, while first White and then Critchley tried to push the ball into the empty net. The ball struck Jones' foot as he lay on the  ground, and that's how the equaliser  failed to materialize in an exciting  finale  Final;- Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton 1.

DEAN AND GRIFFITHS DUEL.
December 19 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton go to Bolton with the knowledge that they will find in the Wanderers a determined team anxious to improve the position of the club and to take down, if possible, the winning colours of the leader. In the effort to achieve the object the Wanderers, have the assistance of a player who should be familiar with all the moves which go to make up the Everton plan of campaign, so that in that respect the Wanderers are strengthened by the inclusion of Griffiths, whose transfer the club secured this week. Apart from his experience of Everton, however, Griffiths is a player of great skill and energy. His sliding tackle is one which has surprised many forwards and his general defensive ability is most marked. He will directly oppose Dean and duel should prove highly interesting. Everton are anxious to consolidate their position, and the leaders are called on for a special effort to add to their store of points. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Bolton Wanderers; Jones; Wagstaff, Finney; Goslin, Griffiths, Wright; Butler, Blackmore, Milson, Gibson, Westwood.

EVERTON LEAD ON ICE-TRACK
Liverpool Echo – Saturday, 19 December 1931
BIGGEST ATTENDANCE AT BOLTON FOR THREE YEARS FOR DEBUT OF GRIFFITHS V DEAN
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Bolton Wanderers; Jones; Wagstaffe, Finney; Goslin, Griffiths, Nuttall, Butler, Blackmore, Milson, Gibson, Westwood.  Referee; Mr. P. Snape, Blackpool. 
It was a thousand pities that Everton V. Bolton, at Bolton should have been ruined by fog and a frosty ground.  Bolton had depended upon it to bring  them some of the money they had spent,  upon the transfer Tom Griffiths to  Bolton—a noteworthy transfer in many  respects, and one that tickled the palates  of the Bolton people, who had lost the  love they had and were now stirred in  attendance and action , so much so that  Bolton reported the biggest crowd they  have had for any match for three seasons.  Had the fog in the surrounding areas not been present the attendance would have been 50,000. What a pity such good prospects ware ruined by the elements. The ground was icy, and had to be sanded down the middle, and there seemed little prospect of really good football, because the players slithered about in a manner thoroughly disconcerting.  It was most treacherous turf, and when a Bolton defender made a blunder to a Critchley centre Stein might have and should have scored. Instead, he turned the ball just to the left of the post. This game was bound to be a lottery. A slide on the ice and the club would go out of favour.   Blackmore adopted the right attitude.  Tiled in the uncommon position of  inside-right in a much-changed side,  he  shot without delay and with much  strength, and although Sagar was at the  right angle yet one could see how  difficult the shot would have been but  for a slight slice. Williams did a lot of good work at full-back, and Tom Griffiths soon became the black edition of James Seddon.  Once he jumped op to his full height, which is uncommon and out-headed Dean. This in itself was a happy feature for the Bolton people. Bolton  had a chance of creating consternation  and a goal when Butler slipped, or  rather slid, beyond Cresswell, centred to  Westwood, the other winger, who  stumbled, and even then should have  scored without hesitation. His marksmanship was wrong, so that each out- side left had had a chance.  Gee passed back so sharply to Sagar that, though the goalkeeper gathered the ball, it had passed over the line for a corner. From this corner there loomed trouble that even the fog could not minimize.  Griffiths had passed out admirably to Butler, and Milsom tried a header that Sagar caught and took with almost an essay mind, although he was charged.  Ben Williams was doing a lot of grand work, and this did not prevent Westwood having a second chance after Bolton had appealed for hands against Clark. The ball travelled square, and Westwood put the ball outside in rather surprising fashion.
A MILSON TOUCH
Johnson was deadly in his pass and dribble, and Williams again made notable play by tricky football, although it struck one as risky that he should dare to dribble in front of his own goal.  The neatest touch so far came from Milson, back-heel feature of little distance but perfect sense.  The first time that Young Jones, ex-Everton, was called into action was when Johnson made a longish lob, and this seemed to me to be the point at which Everton were beginning to make their intensive attacks.  However, the ball was cleared, and Gee had to bring out a valuable hook over the head to prevent the Bolton forwards gathering speed and shooting position. Jones made another catch, and then Milson, in whom I have such great faith, shot erratically when placed for a goal, hitting the side net when the call of the moment was a gentle centre to a point where his comrade awaited a goal.  Gee hurt his thigh in a fall, and Gibson hurt Cresswell's head when he shot sharp and straight to a point that suggested a goal, but still one remembered Cresswell’s brainy forehead.  Everton replied in a manner quite satisfying until the shot necessary was found to be absent.  Stein and Critchley each decided to centre when they might have shot, taking their luck in both hands, and Jones made a pick-up from a header from Dean.  Gee faced Milsom single-handed and beat him cleverly. One had no right to expect good football, yet such was the sporting method of both sides that the first half hour was productive of quite good play, and seven minutes before that period was up Dean scored what may easily prove to be the vital goal of the day. 
EASY FOR DEAN 
It seemed a rather clumsily-got goal, because the players slipped about a good deal. Critchley put the ball to the centre of the field and Dean headed it towards the goal. It struck a defender  and cannoned back to Johnson, who  tried one of his left shots, and again  the ball struck a defender, but this time  spun off his boot slightly to the right,  and Dean bad all the goal to shoot at,  and elected to place the ball well beyond  the reach of Jones.  Bolton fought in a curiously single-handed manner. Milsom went through on his own, bearing to the right, and when he centred not one comrade had considered it a sensible move to advance and receive a centre. A second time Milsom was working unaided, and this time there was nothing left for it but a shot, because he was again without helpmates.  Sagar got down to the ball and cleared, whereas Jones, at the other end, went towards a ball that cannoned away for a corner and slipped over so that one was able to appreciate Sagar's good save.  The battle between Dean and Griffiths was not what the stunters would like it to have been. They did not get together, and there must have been a plan of campaign on the part of the Everton players with this object in view, but Griffiths went up for corner kicks in his real Everton fashion, and once Dean out-headed his rival, but to me the feature of to-day was the extra ordinary ability and organising genius of Tom Johnson.  Cresswell now became a pretty defender, but Thomson found the icy part under the sand very troublesome, and when Gee passed forward weakly Milsom let out a shot of fine stinging power, Sager throwing himself at the ball and being very happy that a corner was the verdict.  Before half-time Sager made two further saves of note. White got a header into Jones's bands, but towards the interval the game went rather flat.  Half-time.—Bolton W. 0. Everton 1. 
EVERTON LOSE 2-1
BOLTON WANDERERS’ SURPRISE VICTORY
GRIFFITHS SUCCEEDS
2 ASTONISHING GOALS AND GRAND FINALE
An Everton player at three days age was one of the main instruments in defeating Everton 2-1 on an ice-pack before the best crowd Bolton had enjoyed for three years. Tom Griffiths was a success in a match that turned violently against the leaders at the League, after they had enjoyed the lead for the best part of an hour.  Dean had scored but 2 goals in three minutes, turned Bolton from a rank bad side to a fiery eleven.  Everton had been so much superior in craft that one goal was plainly not sufficient, but in front of goal they had been remiss, where in previous matches this season they had been meet successful. 
Milsom scored while the defence stood paralyzed by the notion of offside, and Westwood struck the crossbar with a ball Everton said did net cross the line, but the referee vower had passed beyond.  So Everton lest their second away  in succession, and, remembering  how unfortunate they were, at  Grimsby, the last three visiting days  have not been entirely happy.  Griffiths, of Everton and now a Bolton Wanderer, had a special cheer from the 32,196 spectators who paid to see through the fog and frost an attractive game, considering the very difficult conditions. 
In the first half Dean scored. There no interval.  Bolton threw both Everton's wingers offside, and Gee was putting in big work in attack and defence. Everton’s trouble was that they were too easily able to dribble and pass beyond their rivals without producing anything more than elusiveness. There was a lack of fire in front of goal.  Bolton had few chances to equalize, but one notable case arose when Westwood offered Gibson a priceless chance the inside left stood eight yards out and shot atrociously. Bolton were encouraged by this attack, and Everton should have been awakened to the necessity of a further lead.   Clark made a delicious pass for Critchley to centre, and Dean to make one of his marvellous glance headers. The ball spun outside, after which, through, the fog, the spectators saw a Bolton attack, in which Sagar, Cresswell and others were humped to the ground, and Sagar apparently saved a certainty and escaped injury at the same time. 
TWO QUICK GOALS 
After Jones had made one more good catch from Johnson the game took a sensational turn, two goals being scored  in quick time, and Bolton taking the lead through Milsom and Westwood.
Both were extraordinary goals. In the first case Nuttall lobbed the ball quite gently towards the middle, and eventually the Everton defence. Spread-eagled, stood bewildered, and in the belief that an offside most arrive, took no action, with the result that Milsom’s shot stunned the defence.  Bolton were a changed side, and when  Westwood shot hard for goal the ball  struck the crossbar and seemed to fly  out into play. The referee instantly pointed for a goal, but on appeal consulted a linesman, who was as far away from the scene of action as I was.  The decision was a goal, and Cresswell went to the centre of the field when the game was being restarted still arguing the point with the referee.   A spectator could not tell what had happened even if the confident way in which Sager ran out with the ball suggested it had not crossed the line.  Officially the goal is credited to Milsom. This was a turn round, and was punishment for Everton for not making the game secure long before this, when they had a demoralized side to contend with. Now Bolton were a fiery and confident side.   When Dean forced a corner there were ten Bolton men in the goalmouth to accept Stein's centre.  Jones made short work of Clark's cross-drive, and Griffiths all through this half stood hard by Dean to prevent him doing any further damage.  The most exciting moment came when Dean charged Jones off possession, and the goalkeeper lay on the ground, while first White and then Critchley tried to push the ball into the empty net. The ball struck Jones' foot as he lay on the  ground, and that's how the equaliser  failed to materialize in an exciting  finale  Final;- Bolton Wanderers 2, Everton 1.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton v Liverpool!  Nothing theses” pairing” about a meeting of this sort.
• When the two first met in the opening round in 1902 at Anfield, Liverpool had been beaten at Goodison the previous week by 4 goals to nil in a League match
• Yet the “Reds” drew on January 25, at Goodison, and won the replay 2-0 at Anfield four days later
• The rivals sides were somewhat as follow;- Kitchen; W. Balmer, Eccles; Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott, J. Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, J. Bell. Liverpool; Perkin; Glover, Dunlop; Fleming. Raisebeck, W. Goldie, Robertson, McGuigan, Raybould, Walker, Cox
• When Blues and Reds were again drawn to meet, in 1905 (again in Round 1), Liverpool were Second Division members and the venue was Anfield-road
• Jack Parkinson scored after twenty seven minutes, and it was nearing the close when Harry Makepeace equalized from a penalty
• Everton won the replay 2-1, scoring four minutes after the start and four minutes from the end, after Liverpool had equalized early in the second half.  McDermott, Hardman, and Goddard were the goal getters
• Yet Liverpool were voted the better side in both these historic struggles
• Then a year later came Liverpool’s 2-0 undoing in the great semi-final on the Villa ground, when going strong for both Cup and League
• But as Everton won the Cup, and Liverpool the League both sides were able to cry quits.
• This brings one up to their final “pairing” (prior to the present week) in 1911
• Goodison was the scene, and 42,000 people attended to pay in 1,930
• Liverpool forced the pace again, and crossed over 1-0, per a goal again scored by Jack Parkinson
• But Everton stayed the better, and with Young in positively dazzling mood the Blues pulled off a 2-1 victory, “Sandy” twice finding the net
• The rivals elevens that day were; - Scott; Stevenson, and Macconnachie; Harris, R. Young, and Makepeace; Lacey, Gourlay, Magner, “Sandy” Young, and Beare.  Liverpool; Hardy; Longsworth, and Crawford; Robinson, Harrop, and McConnell; Goddard, Stewart, Parkinson, Orr and Uren.
• Alex Young, it will been seen, figured at inside left, Magner, now a coach at Amsterdam, being centre, whilst Billy Lacey, be it noted, had not then crossed over to Anfield, not had Harold Uren deserted the Liverpool fold for Goodison
• Notable absentees were Alfred West, from the Liverpool side, and Balmer from Everton’s ranks.
• Following that victory Everton had to visit Derby County in the third round, but came home humiliated, beaten fore and after by 5 goals to nil
• The Rams were indeed a team of busy “B’s” for they included Bloomer, Bagshaw, Barbour, Bentley, Bauchop and Barnes.
• Bloomer struck the first and fourth blow
• Everton, with nine internationals on their books, recall the days of Geary, Chadwick, Milward, Holt, Balmer, Boyle, Taylor, Bell, and Kirwan

EVERTON RES V MAN UNITED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1931
Both sides indulged in some lively exchanges, and after five minutes United opened the score, Hopkinson scoring following some smart work on the left.  Everton retaliated and stormed the Manchester goal Thompson and his defence mixed good fortune with smart defensive work.  Everton were consistent attackers, and the outstanding of a number of good efforts was McPherson’s shot smartly saved by Thompson.  Manchester in their spasmodic bursts revealed danger, but there was an element of good fortune in their second goal, scored by Bennett.  A prolonged Everton bombardment ended with Reed forcing the ball into the net, Griffiths missed a possible equalizer.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Manchester United Res 2.  On resuming, Reed registered the equalizer, and later scored Everton’s third goal.  Final; Everton Res 3, Manchester United Res 2

BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 1
December 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Miss Chances.
Griffiths Takes Big Part in Bolton Win.
By “Bee .”
The debut of Griffiths, the former Everton centre half-back, against his former comrades, at Bolton, on Saturday, produced a gate of nearly 40,000 and provided Bolton with a welcome refresher. Bolton won deservedly by 2 goals to 1 in a game that could have been Everton's if the leaders of the League had been as definite and powerful in the penalty area as they were in the other portions of the icy field. Fog threatened to spoil the game, and the hard ground certainly prevented both sides taking normal risks. Yet it has to be confessed that Everton played so much better than their rivals for an hour that there should have been no doubt about victory going to the all-conquering Everton side. The bone in the ground was inclined was inclined to deter a player going through with his run or his shot, but one has to remember that Everton adapted themselves better than Bolton to the conditions afoot for an hour, and the chances that came to them in that period were created by good football, sound football, and much artistry, and yet the Bolton goalkeeper was not nearly so busy with awkward shots to save as his rival. Bolton played like a side without confidence or ability, but neat goal they were insistent upon a shot and their direction was so good that Sagar performed remarkably well and was blameless. The game was in effect, a story of Everton's missed chances, and Bolton's doggedness, and a transformation scene that came over the fog-ridden ground after an hour's play.
Play to the Whistle!
Dean had scored in 23 minutes with ease and a placed shot after the ball had struck defenders, and after 23 minutes of the second half Milsom scored a point which staggered Everton. The defenders stood still, appearing to imagine that offside must spoil the effort. There did not seem any cause for this deduction, and the referee certainly offered none. Three minutes later Milsom scored again, after Westwood had shot the ball against the crossbar. Everton debating the claim of a goal for some minutes and even after a linesman had been consulted. From this point onwards Bolton took charge of the game, yet Everton, crowding on all their members as attackers should have scored in the last minute of play when Jones was dispossessed in a charge by Dean, and White and Critchley tried to put the ball into the empty net, the ball once striking Jone's foot when the goalkeeper was still on the ground. Bolton were highly elated over their return to form, as well they might he, because they seemed to have no chance of winning until Everton took matters rather too easily, believing that this side would not score one goal during the day. Every credit is due to Bolton for their perseverance and their punishing attack in the second half, when Westwood was a very prominent figure. On the other hand, Stein was very rarely seen, and Thomson had a half-hour in the first portion of play. Goslin, at left back, also started moderately, and the conditions were plenty troubling the Bolton captain, Gibson. However, Milsom was quite a success at centre-forward, although he had to work almost entirely on his own, there being no attempt at combination, which is not surprising when one remembers that Blackmore was tried at an inside-right.
Griffiths Takes the Honours.
Certainly Griffiths took big honours against his old team and kept a firm hold on Dean, with the exception f one header that glanced outside. The work of Johnson was of the highest possible character. He was the one man who worked the ball successfully and ably throughout the game. In additional, he shot, which was not a feature of Everton's play. Sagar, the backs, Gee and Clark and Johnson were the dependable players, while the others were erratic in the goal-making area. Teams; - Bolton Wanderers; - Jones goal; Wagstaff, and Finney, backs; Goslin, Griffths and Nuttall, half-backs; Butler, Blackmore, Milsom, Gibson (captain) and Westwood, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 2
December 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 19)
Everton deservedly won a hard fought encounter, but the visitors had the satisfaction of making then fight for every inch of ground. The winners did most of the attacking, but accurate finishing became decidedly difficult against the sturdy first time tackling of the United defence, while Thompson in goal was responsible for some remarkable fine clearances. Manchester in their spasmodic attacks revealed practical ideas, and inside 35 minutes they had established a two goal lead. Hopkinson and Bennett scoring. Just before the half-time Reed scored for Everton, who in the second half crowded on heavy pressure and harassed, the United defence. Reed, who had played well throughout added two more goals to complete a hat-trick and give Everton victory. The winners were good, without being really too convincing all round . Everton; Coggins, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths and Archer, half-backs; PH Griffiths, Cunliffe, Reed, Martin and Rigby, forwards.
Bethesda 1 Everton “A” 9
Friendly Match
At Bethesda. This match was in aid of the Pavillion Fund, and close on £50 was realised. The onlookers were delighted with the exhibition given by the visitors. At the interval Everton led by 4-1. Everton's scorers were Bluedell (3), Webster (2), Fryer, Birtley, Leyfield, Common, Griffiths scored for Bethesda.

WHY EVERTON FAILED.
December 21, 1931. Evening Express.
A doubtful goal and poor finishing.
By the Pilot.
Everton were beaten at Bolton by a doubtful goal, but had they displayed their customary goal-getting abilities this would not have influenced the result. Everton had all the play for an hour, and in ordinary circumstances would have had the game well in hand. They failed, however, in that praise of football, which has made then famous –shooting. The Everton players, and Sagar in particular are emphatic in their belief that the winning goal was in fact, no goal. The ball struck Cresswell's foot and shot up against the flat face of the crossbar. Next it bounded down to the ground, and the referee, standing in the edge of the penalty area, immediately signalled a goal. I discussed the goal with the Everton players and Sagar said,” the ball did not cross the line by a yard. As soon as the ball touch the ground I ran out of goal and gathered it, so it couldn't possibly have been over the line.” However, Everton toyed with the Wanderers so much especially for 25 minutes in the second half, that they should have piled up three or four goals. Only Tommy Griffiths, presented any real barrier to Dean and company for a long period, and the Blues were generally to be found hovering near the Bolton goal. Everton played the open game well, and there was no more effective man in this respect than Johnson, who was easily the best forward on view. He schemed and fed with delicious skill, and Critchley had a good day, mainly because Johnson's sound ground-work. White was a rare opening creator and Dean demanded attention but they failed when it came to the final touches, Stein had an off day. Clark was the pick of the half-backs, and Cresswell was more certain than Williams, who took time to get used to the conditions.

EVERTON ERR? 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton did not moan over their defeat at Bolton. They sat back, looked quiet, and said nothing. It was a peaceful homecoming. They had learned a lesson. Three away matches have been showing us the trend of the club. They had won at Grimsby,  fortunately—not as wrongly stated in  Saturday's issue, unfortunately--and  thus with West Ham and Bolton  following in a similar strain, Everton  have earned the reputation of being “homers." Yet West Ham was as near as can be a 3-3 verdict; and Bolton should have been a victory. Everton do not snarl in defeat; they hid shown the wise habit of admitting their faults when beaten. West Ham found them abusing themselves about positional play; Bolton found them annoyed that they had not pushed home their unmistakable advantage and superior football for one hour. Think of the game in this light. One hour of superiority. A goal to Dean. Bolton an unworthy side. Only the appearance of the brave heart Tom Griffiths seemed to hold them up and give them imaginary confidence.  Griffiths had a tremendous influence on this game. He would leap high, stretch forward his neck like a swan reaching for park-food, leave away, head away, hook away, and kick away. By degrees he got Bolton to imagine they had a chance. Everton were still playing very neat football on an ice-pack, and Johnson's display was positively memorable. I reckon he played the most amazing game of his career. He could keep his feet and his head where others got lost in the fog. But Everton were not shooting; the wing centre did not come across too often, and our boyfriend Jones (ex-Everton, too, you may remember, after a sojourn at Southport) caught a Critchley or Clark centre or a Johnson drive of straight marking.  Time was going ahead at the same time as Bolton. The Everton forward line were not shooting. Where they had been strongest and world-renowned they were now weakest. The easy chance was not taken. Dean slowed a header inches out —a truly great endeavor. That was the turn of the head and the turn of the tide. Everton defenders stood paralyzed while ‘a goal was scored by Milson. Bolton's fog seemed to evaporate.  Some 40,000 people shouted them “home," and a second goal came in a moment.  Sager said, "That's the worst goal ever. The ball struck the bar and it was a yard over the line on the right side."  Cresswell said, “I told the referee that, if there is a doubt, the rules say the defence must have the benefit of it, but in this case there was no doubt at all. The ball was never crossing the line and In addition.  I was fouled. Sagar picked up the rebound, and when the referee consulted the linesman we had no doubt about what would happen, because we had seen the linesman flag. Yet a goal was recorded against us." 

THE “NO CHANCE” BLUES.
December 23 rd 1931. Evening Express.
Same Team for Six Games.
By the Pilot.
Everton will play an unchanged team for the sixth game in succession when they meet Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Christmas Day. The side, which has played in no fewer than eleven matches this season, has also been chosen, provisionally, for the return game at Goodison park on Boxing Day. Blackburn Rovers have also decided to make no change in the team, which defeated Aston Villa by 5-1 at Villa Park last Saturday. This is purely an experimental eleven, yet they have won five of the last six points played for. Moreover, they have scored 12 goals in those three games. Hutton, at left back; Imrie, at centre half; and McClean, at inside right are all out of their usual positions, but they are considered the key men of the team. Thompson, the young centre forward from Bath City, will again lead the attack. Everton make the journey to Blackburn by motor-coach owing to difficulties of finding suitable trains. Teams; Everton; - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Blackurn Rovers; - Binns; Gorman, Hutton, Healess, Imrie, Britton; Bruton, McLean, Thompson, Groves, Cunliffe.
Reserves' Game.
Everton Reserves will meet West Bromwich Albion Reserves in Central League match on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the first match-taking place at Goodison Park.
The team for both games is a strong one, and it has fallen to McClure's lot to take the place of the recent-transfer Griffiths. Team; - Everton Reserves; - Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; McPherson, McClure, Archer; Birtley, Cunliffe, Reed, Martin, Rigby.

THE “DIXIE” DEAN CONTROVERSY DISCUSSED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 23 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
A SURREY VIEW 
I am going into detail regarding this  matter, because I have been privileged  into the private life of a footballer after  the variety of critics have carved our  memorable player into portions headed :  "Out of the Picture," " Hasn't the  Temperament for a Big Match," and  " Has Gone Off." From far sway  Surrey.; Mr. Harry Barlow has taken  the trouble to write Dean—and you  know in these days people are positively  lazy shout putting pen to paper, however much they may argue points or  tend to write—and this is the gist of  his letter:—  I attended the Highbury match. and  have read a certain critic who I feel  is most unjust. I have written him, and I enclose you a copy of his reply, which you should destroy after perusal. In common fairness to you I felt I could not allow the sweeping criticism to go unchallenged. I was responsible for a party of twelve people going to the match, and we were all delighted with your play. So you may take this as a set-off to anything the critic written.  Unfortunately the paper is read by thousand, and our voices are only very circumscribed. May you continue to delight your spectators in helping to keep the good name of Everton at the top of the League? I could say more, but will refrain, as I don't want you to think I am a crank. I am out to crush the biased spirit in sport or anything else.  Another letter says'— I was present at Highhury, and looked for a fair and healthy notice, of things that happened there. Your criticism of Dean's play is unjust and biased. To imply that he was a failure shows that you do not agree that he was a marked man. This  was obvious early in the game, but  visualize three of his efforts, namely,  the ball centred by the right wing to  a distance three yards out of the goalposts  and Dean back-headed on each  occasion (with two backs and a centre  half in attendance), leaving a forward  well only the goalkeeper to beat. He made these goals and scored one himself. How, then, was he a failure?  I hold no brief for Dean or anyone else, but I have been a supporter of the game for forty years and, like everyone else, am entitled to offer an opinion. It is a slight on my judgment and the judgment of others around me to applaud Dean's efforts as we did and then read that we were all wrong. 

EVERTON'S DUEL WITH THE ROVERS.
December 24 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have not solved the problem of imparting their magic powers, at Goodison park to their work on “foreign” fields, but the players are likely to make a strong effort tomorrow to pick up the winning thread at Ewood Park, Blackburn. The team had lost two of the last three matches, and if they wish to retain their hold on the top step it is essential that they should do well tomorrow, and again on Saturday, when Blackburn Rovers pay the return visit to Goodison park, kick off 2.15. The race for the championship is now settling down into a real test, and Everton's rivals in the race, I am sure, will strain every nerve over the holiday to get on terms with the leaders. Blackburn Rovers have given some mixed displays, but they jumped into their best trim to gave Aston Villa a shock last Saturday, and on this form they should press Everton to the full. Blackburn Rovers will have the same side as in the last three matches,. Teams; Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Hutton; Healless, Imrie, Britton; Bruton, McLean, Thompson, Groves, Cunliffe.

BLUES HOPE TO LAY EWOOD BOGEY
December 24 th 1931. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Everton must take two points from their Christmas holiday match with Blackburn Rovers if they are to be certain if retaining their leadership of the First Division, it is a factor that Everton have not been displaying such convincing form away from home as at Goodison Park, and they will need to show something better than at West Ham or Bolton, if they are to win at Ewood Park, which is certainly one of their bogy grounds Everton have not gained any success at Blackburn Rovers since October 1926, when they forced a draw of 3-3, and in addition to League defeats there they also lost a cup-tie. They have something to wiper out tomorrow. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Hutton; Healess, Imrie, Britton; Bruton, McLean, Thompson, Groves, Cunliffe.

EVERTON GO TO GOAL-RAIDERS’ HOME
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Blackburn, where the side has collared some of the leaders’ thunder through their collection of goals. Everton away have not been successful for a month; Blackburn, however, were a bad side until big Jock Hutton brought them back into the  confident state, and a Bath boy,  Thompson, was brought into the side to  show how youngsters can he dropped  from the clouds of football into the fiery  furnace of First Division football.  Everton will find the turf more kindly disposed than was at Bolton. I  think Everton will win if the wingers  take a shooting chance, and if the half=backs  continue their sterling game, and  aim once more at all attack, knowing  that the backs and the able young goal keeper can look after their part of the  machinery. Everton needed but a little determination to get their realization in the Bolton game. Where shots had been “just going in" they were” just going out "—and there was an absence of shots from all the forwards, save, say, Johnson. I look to a revival of the shots of the regiment, with additions to Whites bag, to Critchley's bag, and to Stein’s number. These three have a good strong shot.  Blackburn will know of it tomorrow if the Everton side recaptures the “homely” mood.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 5 EVERTON 3
Everton Guile v. Blackburn Thrust.
December 26, 1931. Evening Express.
Four penalties in match
Goalkeepers conceded three penalties
Four penalty-kicks –three awarded for alleged fouls by goalkeepers. These were some of the many features of a really brilliant game at Ewood Park, when Blackburn Rovers defeated Everton by five goals to three. The score, in itself, flattered the Rovers just a little. One could not begrudge them the points, but had the score been the other way my opinion would have been precisely the same. As a matter of fact true field play and general exchanges reflected a draw as a good result. They were other vital things in this game, however, which counted so much. First of all there was the Rovers opening goal though Bruton in 12 minutes. There is not the slightest doubt that Bruton was two yards offside when he received the through-pass. One linesman noticed it and flagged persistently until the game was restarted, but Referee Fogg, of Bolton, refused to consult him. The came the equaliser in 32 minutes, when Binns leaped into the air to check Dean and injured the international by fouling him with his knee. White scored from the penalty kick . Three minutes later McLean scored with one of the finest goals it has been my lot to see. Within a minute Dean had equalised, thanks to his own enterprise and a mistake by Hutton. Everton then took the lead for the first and only time. Stein was cutting towards goal when Gorman handled, and White from the penalty spot . Thompson however, levelled matters with a cross shot which constituted the last kick of a really exhilarating first half, in which the Rovers had been quicker on the ball and rather more incisive in their general work. The second half saw the Blues the better team. It is a fact that the Rovers had rather played themselves out in their first half endeavours to check the league leaders, and the quiet smoother, shrewder manceuves of the Evertonians were the more effective.
Sagar's Brilliant Save.
When Thompson broke through Sagar dived at his feet and caught them. A penalty kick was awarded but Sagar made a wonderful full-length save from Hutton's shot. This was a master stroke. Except for one period of ten minutes Everton were right on top without bringing their artillery into action. Everyone had made up their minds on a drawn game until the last five minutes when fate served the Blues badly. Groves pulled a ball down with his hands, before shooting into the net. The referee adhered to his goal decision after consulting a linesman who, before that, had been flagging. Then Hutton was dribbling through when Sagar dived to save, and moreover, got the ball, but Referee Fogg awarded a penalty kick , from which McLean made it five. Mr. Fogg refused to explain why he had given the penalty. The two men who stood out were Williams and Imrie. Williams never put a foot wrong and some of his tackling was marvelous in its timing. Imrie's positional play was perfect. He was always there to intercept a ball, which was running Dean-wards, and he used it with consummate skill. Johnson and White were Everton's best attackers. Clark was again the pick of the half-backs, and Thomson was a stern intervener. Gee took time to settle to his game. Cresswell was cool and clever, and Sagar did brilliantly. Teams;' Blackburn Rovers; - Binns goal; Gorman and Hutton (captain), backs; Healless, Imrie, and Britton half-backs; Bruton (j), McLean, Thompson, Groves and Cunliffe, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON REPAY COMPLIMENT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 December 1931
BLACKBURN ROVERS THREE DOWN IN FIRST HALF AT GOODISON
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thompson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Hutton; Roscamp, Imrie, Britton, McLean, Thompson, Groves, Cunliffe.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Fogg, Bolton
Despite the inclement weather, there was a massive crowd at Goodison, to-day. It was a pity the drizzle set in just when it did, for it meant a wetting for many thousands stationed in the paddock.  Everton's card showed no change, while them was one in the Rovers’ team. Roscamp, of Cup-tie fame, appearing at right half in the place of Heelless.  Jock Hutton and Dean tossed for choice of ends, the Scot looking mightier than ever. Everton, with yesterday’s defeat in mind, were keen to show that the game at Ewood Park had run all against them, and when Gee sent a ball through the middle. Dean went after it  hot-foot, but Gorman had the measure  of the Everton man in the matter of  speed, and all that Everton got out of  the deal wee a throw-in.  There was much enthusiasm displayed by the Everton spectators, which even the damp atmosphere could not curtail, and when Gee came across to hold up the prancing Cunliffe there was a special cheer for the Everton centre-half. This was the forerunner to a rather powerful Everton attack in which Critchley figured prominently.  Hutton does not usually get caught napping, but Critchley's experience against the big man yesterday had apparently taught him something. It taught him that Hutton could not turn quits as nimbly as a normal man, so his made Hutton do a fancy turn and beat him to a frazzle, supplying two centres that were not taken up in the true Everton fashion.
TWO FOR DEAN 
White, when everybody thought he could do nothing with the ball, sprang a surprise when he dragged the ball practically off the goal-line and then hooked it right across the face of the goal. In fact, he nearly took a goal with his fine effort. Everton by this time had found their feet, and the Rovers’ defense had put in some strong work before it was eventually defeated by Dean, who scored in four minute. It was sheer delight to see Dean running forward and at the same time judging the flight of the ball. I think it was Gee who sent the ball upwards and onwards, but Dean never lost sight of it for one solitary moment, and when it landed in front of him he just tipped it a foot forward and then sent it hurtling into the net.  It was a good goal, and Binns appeared to be blaming Gorman for not making a quicker tackle on Dean.  However, it is all very well to talk in this strain, but Dean is a man who can avoid a tackle better than any know.  Everton had got back to their old ways—an early goal, and they were so much on top at this period that it was not surprising that they should take a second three minutes after the first.  Here again was a typical Dean goal, headed down and away from Binns in masterly style. Imrie, although tall, was out-headed time and again by Dean, and it was just after this that White and Britton put at cross purposes, and Mr. Fogg had occasion to have a few words with both of them.  The Rovers made their really first attack through their right winger.  Bruton, and he offered Thompson, who  had only a few days ago startled the  Villa people with three goals, a prime  scoring chance, but the Blackburn leader was right off the mark this trip, sweeping the ball yards away from the  goal.  Gee was winded, but was not long out of the game, giving his right wing such support that it could not help but do well. Critchley, White, and Clark played havoc with Britton and Hutton, who must have wondered what manner of men these were who could make rings round them. Dean was the recipient of another run through, but on this occasion he touched the ball a shade too far forward and had to take his shot at a puerile angle.  Even so he made Binns stretch himself to prevent the ball from going to the other side of the goal, where other Everton men were in waiting.  So far the two famed Rovers wingers, Cunliffe and Bruton, had been well held by the solid Everton defence, and twenty minutes had gone by and Sagar was still without a shot to handle.
JOHNSON INCREASES
By comparison Everton were full of shots. Of course, some missed their mark, but at twenty minutes Everton brought their goal crop to three, Johnson nearly bursting the back of the net with a ferocious left-foot shot, after Dean had operated his famous back-heading trick.  Three nothing at twenty minutes was highly satisfactory, but it did seem to satisfy Everton, for they blazed away at Binns goal at every conceivable opportunity.  Johnson tried a repeat order, but was not quite so accurate or so strong in his drive, but a little later the same player gave Binns powerful free kick to negotiate, the Rovers' goalkeeper having to pat it down as a measure of safety first. Hereabouts Sagar had to handle, but it was not the sort of shot likely to beat so capable goalkeeper, for it bore no pace whatever.  Everton were soon back with their hammer and tongs, and Binns was distinctly fortunate to see a Critchley header rattle up against the crossbar.  Binns could only watch the ball, for he was in such a position that he was helpless to do anything else.  Stein was offered the chance of a lifetime.  Dean had “fought" three men  for possession, and finding he could not  go on himself he swept the ball right  across to Stein, who was standing all  on his ownsome, but delayed so long  that it was to all that ha was  ruining his prospects of a goal. All that was needed was a quiet shot, but it was not forthcoming, and Stein was subsequently beaten by Gorman.  That was a let-off for the Rovers, but it was nothing to what followed. Stein, who was putting his centres a shade too  far back, altered his tactics, and one  of his centres landed at the feet of  White, whose shot struck the upright  and came back to him. 
DEAN INSPIRED 
Again White made a shot only to do precisely the same thing, crash the ball against the upright. It was rank bad luck for the Everton man, who a few minutes later was warned by the referee for a foul.  Dean was in one of his most inspired moods. He led his line in masterly fashion, spoon-feeding the men on either side of him, and he came very near to scoring a fourth goal after Binns had made an error of judgment and allowed the ball to go over his hands.  Dean was round him in a flash, and touched the ball a shade to the left of the far upright. The Rovers had an uncommonly quiet time in all except defence. This section of the side had been overworked, but I caught a glimpse of what their forward line could do if given half a chance.  Thompson, of Blackburn, showed his shooting power when given the chance, and Sager had to act warily to keep his slate clean.  Half-time.—Everton 3. Blackburn Rovers 0. 
BLACKBURN OUT-ROVERED
EVERTON RUN UP FIVE MORE GOALS
THREE FOR DEAN
LEADERS’ STRANGLEHOLD TIGHTENED
Everton returned to normal, and although they only scored five goals, with the slightest bit of luck they might have had many more.  They were greatly superior to the Rovers, who were held in a grip of iron, and never suggested that they would ever trouble Sagar.  The longer the game progressed the greater Everton's superiority became, and there were when the winners simply toyed with their rivals. I felt sorry for Hutton, Critchley and White murdered him, and he will be a tired man long before nightfall.  I had to ask myself how the Rovers came to beat Everton at Ewood Park if they played anything like they did at Goodison.  In the first half Dean (2) and Johnson scored.  As the players left the ground at the interval a section of the crowd greeted Hutton with shouts of “boo," and the Rovers’ man, to show that he had not meant his trip on Critchley, waved his hands to the spectators as if to denote that it was unintentional.  Everton were not long in obtaining their fourth goal, Dean helping along a shot from Clark that appeared to going out of play.  From this point it was all Everton, who simply toyed with their opponents, who could do nothing to stop Everton or help themselves.  Gee's work all through had been superb, and Dean was only foiled another goal when, at the last fraction of a second Gorman swept the ball from off his toe. Dean had shown just how simply he could out-manceuvre a man. He and another, a Rover, were both waiting the ball's arrival, and at the last moment Dean turned around and ran away from his opponent, knowing in his own mind that his rival would be beaten by the flight of the ball, and he was so.  Critchley, plied by Dean, hit a grand shot that Binns saved smartly. Stein was not having a happy time; things were not running his way and once, after he had run close in, he made a faulty pass which went to a Rovers man instead of one of his own.  It was a lob-sided sort of game for, truth to tell, the Rovers were never a menace. They could not get past the strong Everton half-backs, and even if they did Creswell and Williams were equal to all the demands made upon them.  A miskick by Hutton let Critchley through, the winger shooting wide of the objective when an inward pass might have been of much more value.  Some of the Rovers' inter-passing movements were of high class.  They were, however, just a shade slow, and this enabled the Everton defenders to get in amongst it with a vengeance.  Stein sent one along for Dean to head, but Binns was not going to allow the home leader a gift goal, for he came out and punched the ball away just as Dean charged into him. Poor old Hutton was having a sorry time against Critchley and company. He was always trailing a loansome furrow, with little prospects of getting in touch with the ball.  There was certainly no powder in  Blackburn’s front line, and their best  shot was credited to McLean, who came  up while Everton were indulging in a  little hit of finery in their own goalmouth and sent the ball smashing over  the crossbar.  Here was a guide to what was wanted if they cared to take notice of it; all their fanciful work had come unstuck, while this one effort by McLean might very easily have found a billet.  Critchley's finishing this half had been so far from good. He had numerous chances given to him, but he was usually off the mark, and when he did pilot the ball into the Rovers' net he ass promptly given offside.
WHITE THE FIFTH
At eighty-two minutes Everton increased their bagful of goals, White scoring a fifth through Imrie failing to get the ball clear once he had it in his possession.  White charged Imrie off the ball, and calmly steadier himself before shooting.  Sagar had to race out of his goal to stop Groves, and although he made the inside forward make a hasty shot, it was Ben Williams who finally cleared the situation.  Final; Everton 5, Blackburn Rovers 0

• Everton A 2, Marine 0

REED SCORERS FIVE FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 December 1931
Everton played brilliantly throughout and in so decisively defeating the Albion gave their best display of the season.  The attack found able support from the halves, and, in consequence, the front line moved ahead with admirable precision.  The Albion started well, and Lowe, clearing off the goal-line, saved an early goal to Gale.  At the seventh minute Postin scored for West Bromwich, and then to the interval followed an avalanche of Everton goals, in which Reed figured conspicuously.  The young Everton centre was in irresistible form, his speed, sharp shooting, and the ball completely non-plussing the Albion defenders.  In scoring five goals Reed accomplished a remarkably fine performance.  Scorers for Everton Reed (5), Cunliffe and Birtley, and for the Albion Postin and Fitton netted.  Everton Res 7, West Bromwich 2.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 December 1931
BY Louis T. Kelly

• Tommy Johnson and Stein are the only left wing pair who have been played together in every match this season
• In fact, they were due to appear today in partnership in their fiftieth consecutive match
• As with income, Everton’s seating accommodation looks like being heavy taxed a fortnight hence.
• There are only three bachelors in the Everton League side
• Yet there is no more whole-hearted side in the country
• Griffiths and Cresswell made their League debut for Everton in the self-same match
• McClure has now a chance to settle down as centre-half understudy; centre-half was his father’s position for years in Blackburn’s side.
• Bryan, Everton’s promising young local half back, who was injured in collision with Hodgson at Anfield over twelve months ago, only recently recovered sufficiently to take the field and then got injured again.

DEAN AND HIS CRITICS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 December 1931
A FREE TRANSLATION OF THE HOME AND FOREIGN CRITICS
"Uncle Stalky," our valued Hopefuls' contributor, has been good enough to send us chapter and verse for the “Dean and his critcis” article that appeared in French paper.  He says: In reading the paper through I noticed a claim that, following the report that "god mother" Josephine Baker, of the R.U. Alger Club, kicked-off to start a game with the Boufarik team, it is stated that never before has a woman kicked off at a football match.  Do I not remember theatrical star actresses kicking-oft on occasions when the theatrical gala match used to be played at Anfield? And have we not other instances of ladies starting other games?  Yes, sir; Ella Retford and many others. 
DIXIE DEAN ET LES CRITIQUES, DIXIE DEAN AND THE CRITICS 
Some of us French were present at the     7-1 England-Spain football match, and, without in the least influencing one another, we were of opinion, when we reached the Stadium gates, in Piccadilly, or on the Channel boat that dean, the English team centre forward, had played a wonderful game.  Similarly, the leading players of the Spanish eleven themselves were full of praises for the swarthy “Dixie.”  They had allowed him no rope.  Two or three of them were told off to mark him; yet he managed to score a goal himself, and indirectly was responsible for the other six.  A section of the English Press is firmly of this opinion.  Charles Buchan, the old international, who played, and won the 1923 France-England match at the Stade Pershing, writes.  “The Spaniards devoted too much attention to Dean, who had little space in which to move, but nevertheless succeeded in doing a great deal with his head.  The News Chronicle says; “As Dean only scored once, the Spaniards may consider that their plan of defence was justified; but in concentrating round Dean they gave Smith and Johnson far too much freedom of movement.  It followed, as usual, from these tactics, that both inside forwards were enabled to score twice.  And our contemporary adds; “Dean was remarkably clever with his head.”  Here, however, is the opposite view.  We read in the Daily Sketch: It must be said that if Dean could only manage to score a single goal against an opponent of Isthmian League level, he is not the centre-forward for England's team.  He was, contrary to expectation, often  beaten in heading the ball, the very  game in which he is a specialist  The Star is even more plain:  “Dean who is of no account outsides his own  team, and in an international match is  like a man hopelessly at sea."  What is one to think?  Well, one must conclude that for certain English critics a centre-forward is merely a goal-scoring machine, but for others more clear-sighted, he is well worth his place if, whilst too, keenly watched himself, he manages to make his partners play.  Dean, who was the bogey of the Spaniards never, enjoyed a minute’s respite.  Camborena, Quincoces, and Zabala were constantly on his heels.  I know more than one player who would have given up the struggle.  Dean took this policing in the greatest good humour, and I can assure you that he had his revenge on his detectives by keeping them ever-lastingly on the run.  The centre forward spent his time in dashing here and there, to get unmarked, to ask for a pass through to use his great pace, and to threaten Zamora as often as he (Zamora) blocked or awaited a shot.  And though, despite the dancing attendance on him, Dean received the centres and openings from his partners, he was not working in the open, but very much to the contrary almost every time with his back to the goal, and strove either with head or foot to give the precious ball to a neighbor who was unwatched and unobstructed.  Johnson and Smith chiefly benefited from the situation.  Finally, if the right winger Crooks managed to lower the Spanish colours by scoring a couple of goals, it was only because Dean had at his heels a pack which never let go of him, but preferred to leave Crooks to himself than give an inch to Dean.  And this was the man that the Star describes as a man overboard.  In journalism, as in other operations of human activity, it is easier to put forward ready-made judgements than to try to understand. 

THE “PENALTY” OF SUCCESS.
December 26, 1931. Liverpool Echo
Everton's Starting Game.
Four “Spot” Kicks.
Sagar Saves One in Spasmodic Side.
There were four penalty kicks in Everton's game with Blackburn Rovers, at Ewood Park yesterday, yet the match was clean and full of good football. Everton got two of their three goals through White's shot from the penalty spot and the other came from Dean, who took advantage of a feeble effort by Hutton to put back to his own goalkeeper. All that happened in the first half, with the Rovers also netting three times through Britton, McClean, and Thompson. Blackburn's were the more satisfactory goals, but Everton deserved to be level at the interval, and though there were signs of weakness indefence they attack was active. The pace was slacker in the second half, and the Rovers were the brighter side. Sagar saved a penalty by Hutton, but Groves got through not long afterwards, and McLean converted a penalty in the last few minutes. The Rovers earned their point. They kept a good understanding all through, whereas Everton were spasmodic for long periods with the defence unsteady under pressure. Sagar, however, played great game, and Gee did well at half-back. Most of the danger in attack came from the left wing, Dean being too well watched. Teams;' Blackburn Rovers; - Binns goal; Gorman and Hutton (captain), backs; Healless, Imrie, and Britton half-backs; Bruton (j), McLean, Thompson, Groves and Cunliffe, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Referee Mr. Fogg, Bolton.

CONFIRMATION
December 26 th 1932. Liverpool Echo
Mr. E. J. Sandbach writes from London; -
Being an Everton supporter, now resident ion London, it is not very often I get a chance to see the Blues, but I was at Upton Park to see the old favourites once more. For West Ham to have a three-goal lead at half-time was against the run of play. I don't think the Hammers had half a dozen scoring chances, but it was sheer bad positional play on the part of the defence, which enabled West Ham to score those early goals. Ruffell had a day out. Dixon alone stood between Everton and a substantial win. He played a magnificent game and fully deserved the applause he received. And now a word about Everton's forward line. I would have never seen an Everton forward line play so well together before, their football and accurate passes were a treat to watch. Crithcley was a revelation. He played a storming game and a brilliant dribble of his in which he passed at least three West Ham defenders, deserved a goal. I got into a conversation with an Arsenal supporter and he said that he would like to see Everton and Arsenal in the cup Final. So would I. I have reverted to the rather far-off match because it seems to give such a fair survey of the remarkable game and it helps to show Liverpool people that my view was not a aundiced one.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 WEST BROMWICH ALBION RESERVES 2
December 26 1931. Liverpool Echo
Central League
Everton played brilliantly throughout, and in so decisively defeating the Albion gave their best display of the season. The attack found able support from the halves, and it consequence, the front line moved ahead with admirable precision. The Albion started well, and Lowe, clearing off the goal-line, saved an early goal to Gate. At the seventh minute Rostin scored for West Bromwich, and then to the interval followed an avalanche of Everton goals, in which Reed figured conspicuously. The young Everton centre was in irresistible form, his speed, sharp shooting and ball control completely non-plussing the Albion defenders. In scoring five goals Reed accomplished a remarkably fine performance. Everton goal crop tended to dishearten the Albion, in the second half they fought hard to reduce the deficit but the only goal of this period is credited to Everton. Groves, in the Albion goal played well, despite the score, but the backs were uncertain at times. Scorers for Everton Reed (5), Cunliffe and Birtley and for the Albion Poslin and Fitton netted. Everton; - Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; backs; McPherson, McClure, and Archer, half-backs; Birtley, Cunliffe, Reed, Martin, and Rigby, forwards.

EVERTON 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
December 28 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Easy for Everton.
Tempers Frayed at Goodison.
Dean scored a hat-trick.
A big holiday crowd saw Everton beat Blackburn Rovers by five clear goals at Goodison Park on Saturday and nullify their defeat of the previous day at Blackburn. In an early stage Everton took charge of the game, and goals by Dean at four and seven minutes put them in practically an unbeatable position. The inferiority of the Rovers even so early was clearly obvious, and at no point was the issue in doubt. There was speed, accuracy, and skill in Everton's movements that brought no response from the Rovers. By comparison, Blackburn were hesitant in carrying out their intentions, and much of their passing was wilds and uncertain.

Back to their Best.
Everton came back to their best home form, and Blackburn were never serious challenges. With the exception of Binns, who did well in the Blackburn goal, no section of the side lived up to its known form. . Insufficient use was made of Cunliffe and Bruton the inside forward lacked drive, the half-backs were much too weak to check the Everton attack, while the backs were far from sound. Thus Everton had little difficulty in overcoming the opposition. Johnson further increased Everton's lead with a goal at 19 minutes, and they led 3-0 at the interval. Goals by Dean at 46 minutes and White at 82 minutes completed the scoring. In the first half many tempers were ruffled, and players on both sides were spoken to by the referee. Afterwards there was little to which exception could be taken, and the game progressed without interruption. It was not a particularly impressive contest, chiefly because the Rovers were too readily put off their game, and Everton's task was made simple and easy. Their score might easily have been greater. Twice White hit an Upright, Critchley headed against the Crossbar, and Stein missed a chance that should never have been in doubt. while more than once Blues Binns was lucky to clear, especially from Dean.

Open Play.
Everton gained by keeping the play open, whereas often the Rovers attempted close work that proved unprofitable. Sagar's work was fairly straightforward. He had little to do as compared with Binns. There was soundness and skill in the defence, both Williams and Cresswell showing admirable judgement in breaking up the Rovers' attacks, while often they timed their interventions to a nicety. The work of the middle line reached a high standard, Clark, Gee and Thomson helping the attack with favorable openings, and rarely allowing the Rovers to settle down. Dean led the forwards with his customary skill, while Johnson and White offered excellent support. Stein hardly made the best of his opportunities, and many of his finishing strokes were badly directed. Critchley had a capital first half, but fell away afterwards. The Rovers did not hand well together as a side, and apart from Binns did not impress. Teams ; Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Blackburn Rovers; - Binns, goal; Gorman and Hutton (captain), backs; Roscamp, Imrie and Britton, half-backs; Bruton, McLean, Thompson, Groves and Cunliffe, forwards.

WEST BROMWICH ABION RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 28, 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League
Fitton miss penalty then scores later on.
Everton Reserves were fortunate in not losing by a greater margin at the Hawthorns, where Albion were always the superior side. Coggins in the Everton goal, was the hero of the match, for he saved his side on countless occasions. Fitton, after missing a penalty made amends by scoring Albions goal with a header. Everton; - Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; backs; McPherson, McClure, and Archer, half-backs; Birtley, Cunliffe, Reed, Martin, and Rigby, forwards.
Marine 0 Everton “A” 2
Liverpool County Combination.
Two goals –one in each half –by Leyfield and Fryer provided Everton “A” with a meritorious victory at Crosby. Marine, however, were much below their usual standard, and even though Holdcroft often baulked several of the scoring efforts by means of brilliant saves, chances were wasted in front of goal. Garvey alone ion the attack was convincing, though Drury in goal, gave every satisfaction. Everton side played with admirable cohesion, and effectiveness. Both wingers Leyfield and Worrall were dangerous raiders, and maintaining this form Everton will have an excellent chance of securing championship honours.

FOOTBALL FANS RUSH -& MISTAAKE
December 28 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Penalty of late Arrival.
A last minute rush of football fans to the Goodison park, Liverpool, football ground for the Boxing Day match, when Everton revenged their defeat by Blackburn Rovers, disorganised the queues and produced the curious result that while there was room for thousands inside the ground many people went away with the impression that all the accommodation was taken up. Some 54,000 spectators were able to obtain admission. The ground has held nearly 67,000, but when two or three thousand people arrived just before the match started the queues were broken, and police officers had a hard task to keep the crowds in order.
Last Minute Arrivals.
The trouble was that too many people left their arrival until the last minute,” said Mr. T. McIntosh, secretary of the Everton Football Club. “The stands were full, but many got the impression that all the accommodation was taken up, whereas there was a good ideal of room in the popular places, In the paddock the figure show there was room for another 8,000 people, and there was also room in the shilling enclosure. It may be a lesson to some to come up earlier in future.” The Liverpool tramway authors dent that the arrangements made by them were inadequate. “We always expect a bigger rush on a day like that” said an official “ and we had many extra cars on.” We coped with the traffic efficiently.”

THE MAN WHO MADE THE DIFFERENCE.
December 28, 1931. Evening Express.
Real “Get-up” for Everton.
“Service, not self” –Dean's Motto.
By the Pilot.
Charlie Gee gave Everton a real “gee-up” in the match with Blackburn Rovers. It was primarily due to his return to form that the Rovers were defeated 5-0. The international has not been his real self since mid-November because he has been sacrificing defence on the altar of attack. Against the Rovers, however, Gee was the complete pivot. There was a general improvement, not only in tactics, but in general play. It set the seal on the Blues' win. Refence was his forte until such time as it was obvious that attack was the better method. He had discernment as well as the ability to tackle well. Keep position, and use the ball with due cunning. It made a whole heap of difference to the Everton structure. There was a sound centerpiece on which the entire side could resolve, and the accuracy of the football was a delight. Blackburn had been a splendid side at Ewood Park, but they were not to be compared with the Blues in this second meeting. It is true that had Stein and Critchely finished their work with the same certainty and adroitness they displayed in the field, the score might have been doubted. Everton took command right at the outset and never relinquished their grip. They moulded the game to their liking –they were dictators whose ruling the Rovers could not dispute. As a matter of fact so superior were they that the game lost charm late on through being one-sided.
General Johnson.
The forwards were electric, with Johnson and White the prime movers in the development of attacks, and with Dean a wonderful spearhead. Johnson's is playing marvellous football at the moment, and is shouldering the mantle of general with a willingness equaled only by his exact football. Moreover, he distributes his favours with such discretion that there is never a danger of Everton's forward work becoming stereotyped. Dean had one fault, but it was a good one. He was too unselfish. He scored three of the five goals, but had he throught a little more of Dean instead of others he would have increased his “bap.” Critchley had a fine first half and often had Hutton tied up, but later in the game his finishing became indifferent and he missed some real “sitters.” Stein was improved in approach, but he, too, was unconvincing when it came to culminating touches. The Everton intermediates really ruined the destines of the match. They were at once commanding and shrewd. Gee's contributions were complete in every's respect and Clark's sound anticipation and first time passing were features of the game. Thomson, too, was an intrepid intervenor who made feeding a strong suit. They were a great trio. The defence had few worries behind this half time and both Williams and Cresswell were such keen students of positional play that they were always holding the master trumps. Sagar did his little with customary skill.

EVERTON AVENGED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 December 1931
By Stork
I think Everton will have to put me on their pay roll, for I must surely be their lucky mascot. I have only seen them lose one game, that against Manchester City way back in September.  The number of goals I have seen scored has been phenomenal, and although Everton did not get more than five from their clash with Blackburn Rovers, they took full toll for their defeat at Ewood Park.  Thinking over the game some hours after it had become history, the point struck me “How did the Rovers come to beat them on Christmas Day?"  Everton must have been much below par, for their Boxing Day victory was obtained without any difficulty, and Blackburn offered but poor opposition.  They never once threatened to spring a surprise; in fact, they were beaten hip and thigh, and the wonder was that Binns, the goalkeeper, had not to stoop his back to pick the ball out of the net on many more occasions, The Rovers, by the way, are the only team which has failed to score at Goodison Park this season.  The Rovers, wing men, one of the strong points of their side, were rendered useless by the sharp work of the Everton wing halves and full backs, and Sagar had on easy task; in fact I honestly believe that I could have kept a clean sheet against a set of forwards who were shot shy even when they got the r chance, which was only on rare occasions. They could pattern weave, but it brought them nought, and it was the quick shot at goal which was wanted. They should have realized this after McLean had shown how near he was to making a goal when he elected take a drive instead of pass and pass again.  One has to remember, however, that Everton dictated the modus operand, and were the Mussolini of this game. They planned the offensive, and never did they act on the retreat.  That meant disaster for Blackburn, whose half-backs could not find the time to spare to lend a band to their forwards who rarely got any support worth mention.  Imrie, Roscamp, and Britton were too concerned about stopping Everton’s forwards' march to have any thought for attack, and when Everton had placed two goals on their credit side  in seven minutes the game was as good  as won, and a lot of the interest  evaporated from it.  That is going to be one of Everton’s troubles to come. When they lose at home the blow will be terrifying. It will be hard to believe, for those who did not see it. Will they see it?  It will pay us best to wait and see. I have  seen good teams crumble to dust before  the Everton club, and but for a slice of  luck Blackburn Rovers would have felt  the full weight of Everton's attack, for  not only did Critchley head on to the  bar, but White twice " scored" the  upright.  Dean's first-half display was inspiring.  He scored two goals, offered others to  colleagues round about him, and, finding that Hutton's bulk cramped his (Hutton's) style against speedy Critchley, gave the outside right a loadful of  chances. The Everton right wing played havoc with the “mountain man,” who was forever trailing at the heels of “Critch," with not the slightest hope of catching him up. As a fact Hutton was given yards start and then beaten by many more. I felt sorry for the Scot, who is such a wholehearted and clean player, and Lever gives up. Johnson's goal, a gift from Dean, was like a flash of lightning. Johnson did more than shoot that goal, he made bonny openings, but Stein made him a poor partner. Nothing seemed to go right for Stein.  We all have those sort of days, don't we?   Gee was at his best. In every phase of the game he was as sound as a bell, and Clark in a more hectic way crushed Cunliffe out of the picture. Cunliffe is a" flyer," and a good footballer to wit, but he met his masters in Clark and Ben Williams, the latter being particularly bright and breezy in his tackling and kicking. Bruton, too, was well held by Cresswell and Imrie, as big as he is, could not get the better of Dean in the heading duels. Dean's second goal was a picture, but so like Dean. Thompson, who startled the football  world a week ago by having the audacity to put three goals is the Villa net, had  one shot on Saturday, and that was the full extent of his day's work. But I do not blame him, for he, like those on left and the left and right, were fighting their own battle without the help of those from whom they had just right to expect every assistance.  Blackburn’s half-backs were “murdered,” so that heavy work fell upon the shoulders of Hutton and Gorman and neither were right up to the task.  Binns, however, kept a good goal.  Sagar, apart from two shots, was idle, his greatest danger being when he had to dash out to stop Groves, who looked like finding his way through, but Williams covered his goalkeeper admirably. 

“SOLD OUT” NOTICE AT GOODISON PARK.
December 29, 1931. Evening Express.
All tickets for Cup-Tie Booked.
By the Pilot.
There are no more tickets left for the third round F.A. Cup-tie between Everton and Liverpool, which takes place at Goodison Park on January 9. Following an announcement yesterday that there were some 6s tickets left, the offices at Goodison Park were besieged, and in a short time the “Sold out” notice went up. The 3s 6d, tickets were snapped up within a few days of the draw being made. Mr. Tom McIntosh, the Everton secretary, said to me that arrangements for the tie are fast nearing completion, and already the entire Liverpool mounted police force has been engaged. He asks me to state that any club shareholders who is desirous of acting as a Stewart for the match should apply, by letter, to Mr. McIntosh before Saturday next. No doubt there will be many anxious to lend a hand. Both the Everton and Liverpool club directors have decided not to take their players away for special training, and this news will be welcomed by the respective supporters. The Liverpool players are, as usual, being taken away for a single day for special brine baths, but that is all. Even this is no deviation from their customary preparation. Both clubs are hoping to have a clean bill of health in time for the game. Davis Wright the Liverpool centre forward, is making good progresses with his muscle injury and is expected to be available.

A HANDLE WANTED
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 29 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton spectators became late-scholars on Boxing Day. They rolled or lolled up to the ground all of a heap and bunch, and so late that the club could not do them justice. Complaints come to me regarding the arrangements.  Here is a letter from “P. T. M;-  Dear Sir,-I hope you will do your  utmost to get the Everton Club to make  better arrangements for handling the  crowd at the next big match. Those obtaining on Saturday were terrible, possibly the result of trying to save expense in the cost of turnstile officials and police control. My experience was one I do not wish to meet again, and caused by the club's reluctance to pay two extra men in Goodison-place at the turnstiles. Think of it, “Bee." thousands (ten, not three, as suggested) without any semblance of a queue, under the control of one policeman, trying to get inside through two small doors! Goodison-place was a solid mass of people, and a one heroic bobby to marshal them! The scene was a disgrace to the Everton Club. I am acquainting the Chief Constable of the happenings, and requesting him to warn the Everton officials to make better arrangements for the Cup-tie. 

THE EVERTON CRUSH
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 31 December 1931
Bee’s Notes
“A.E.W” says;- I consider the Corporation was at fault, thirty minutes before the time of kick-off there was not a car in Victoria Street.  This scarcity of special cars is not an isolated case, as the same thing happened on the day of the last inter-national match at Anfield; thirty-five minutes before time of kick-off, although there was 400 people waiting, there was not a car to be seen.  The inspector on duty went out on the last standing car, I suppose on scout duty, to hurry on any incoming cars.  Prior to this season I have never seen the congestion and struggling for cars I have witnessed on two occasions mentioned, and it is to be hoped the Coroporation have learned their lesson in view of the forthcoming big match.  If it is a matter of expense, why not charge an extra penny on the specials?  It would be readily paid, if it meant a better service.