Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON’S ARMY EXPERIENCE
December 1, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
The band of the Worcesters my home county, has just played the National Anthem, and everyone’s attention have been focussed on the skill of Everton against the Army. We are just off to an ancient little house where both sides will fraternise, and Brigadier Lang, Major A. Webb, DMC, Colonel Sharp, Captain Ingham (Provost Marshall), and others will pay tribute to the kindness of the Everton Football Club in sending down the football missionaries so that the Army may see how football could and should be played. Mr. W.C. Cuff, Mr. E. Green, Dr. Baxter, Mr. G. Evans, and secretary Theo Kelly have made up the jolly party, and the Army is bucked no end because, at Everton’s fourth visit, they have at last got a goal. Aldershot commands a beautiful ground surrounded by an equally impressive running track, and when the morning gallops were displayed for the benefit of the Everton trainer and the Everton company, one of the latest instructions was a pole-grab contest, which is just one more piece of evidence that all training is losing its grimness and dullies, and is being replaced by interesting training. The striking things about the Army team is that they did not look big, or act the military manner. Everton as a team looked the better physical specimens, and this may be due to the Army’s rather dull red jerseys. Certainly there were four outstanding men in the Army side. The leader was Lieutenant R. Edwards, a really good go-ahead centre forward who has played against the Corinthians, after which came “Tich” Eastham a “Fanny” Waldon type, who was so good at right half that certain First Division clubs set their cap at him. It will interest the Liverpool football followers to know that the Anfield club has already left its mark upon Eastham’s future. He is to be signed and will have a trial in a fortnight. Everton is a cousin of the Liverpool and Bolton. Easthams, and is just as dandy a man to watch. The Liverpool spectators will find him smart, sharp, cute, and practical. The other two in the order of merit in the Army side were Bonehill, and a nice type of goalkeeper named Hankey. The Army not forget its “Hankey” for many years.
Army’s First Goal.
Everton played a most attractive game, and made their task look so easy that one Tommy shouted out; “Come on the Army, they won’t bite you” That spurred the Army to action, and they got the first goal they have ever scored against Everton. After which Jones, the full back, took the gilt of Gee’s gingerbread by scoring a goal where Gee has generally produced his devastating goal. The journey by chara to Brighton is relieved by drastic and comedy fare provided by the Everton F.C. carollers. Every member has to do his part; no one escapes, and the songs of Stevenson, Jones and Cook together with the able chairmanship of Jock Thomson and some Gillick stanzas in his foreign language, helped to make this journey pass in double quick time. At least, this match has added to Everton’s away record, and maybe they will now give us a pleasant shock by winning a League match away from home.
Sydney Howard has cracked a good one to the Everton boys. Chelsea had not scored for years, and when they got their first goal the cheers were deafening. When the cheers had rolled away a wag on the stand shouted “Now let us” declare.” The Everton players have discovered a likeness between Sydney and self, and the proposition has been made that Everton’s half back line shall be “Tosh” Johnston, the writer, and Sydney Howard.
BEWILDERING.
December 2, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Mr. Sydney A. Smith, writing from Westminster as an old Evertonian fan, expresses the bewilderment of the masses that such a team of Everton’s undoubted class should be incapable of winning away from home when they are almost invincible at Goodison Park. We have heard of practically every complex that young and old are afflicted with, but I am afraid it would require the combined brains of Gladstone, Roseberry, Law, Lloyd, George, and Birkenhead to solve this problem. Whatever their methods are at Goodison Park, where success seems to come as easily as shelling peas, I am certain of one thing I saw on Saturday, and that is the incessant method of exploiting the offside game. In each case it seemed nothing more than childish, and undoubtedly stops the continuity of the game, and the benefit of the free kick is usually to the advantage of the team facing the oncoming ball. Another point was the attempted over-elaboration of sticking to the ball until robbed of same. Artistry is all very well if any gain is to come by it, but everyone wants goals, and they have to be obtained before success can be achieved. As a side there are not three teams in the country better than Everton, and it must cause consternation at home when the away results are known not one week, but practically every week, for ever so long. By the way, I met Tim Coleman the famous Everton inside right, at the Chelsea match, and Tim wishes to be remembered kindly to all and everybody in Liverpool. What a forward line that was, Sharp and Coleman on the right wing, Sandy Young centre, and Settle and Hardman on the left. Tim is more than loyal to the Everton club, as I gleaned from his conversation. It is grand to hear and are such enthusiasm as Tim displayed towards his old club. Everton must be one of the fairest and nicest clubs to work for in existence. That goes as far as Tim Coleman is concerned at any rate.
COULTER RETURNS TO EVERTON SIDE.
December 4, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post.
By John Peel.
For their match with Stoke City at Goodison Park, tomorrow, Everton have received to the previous wing formation, Gillick returning to outside right in place of Geldard and Coulter coming in at outside left. The side is – Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. The kick-off is at 2.15. The Central League side to play at Birmingham will be: - White; Jackson, Morris; Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel, Leyfield.
EVERTON’S VISITORS STRONG AND YOUNG STOKERS.
December 4, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
League matches today have a special bearing. The selectors of teams are now framing their team sheets for Cup-tie purposes, and hope run high that an eleven will be chosen and kept together till the Cup games come on them. Team sheets in 1936-37 have been the most changed the game has known –and this is not helping football’s chance. Everton are in the debating classes these days because they have not a settled view of their team sheet. At times it is reckoned the attack is wrong; at others the defence, but at root the difficulty of the side is inability to find the consistency of their home games when they are away from home. Only those who travel with them know their changed mood on other grounds. Fortunately tomorrow they are on their winning pitch; Goodison Park must have a special leaning towards them, and as Stoke are very attractive visitors tomorrow’s game should provide the loyalists of Goodison Park with more shouts for “Goal.” Stoke have had a bad record at this ground; Everton have had years of immunity from defeat. The latest win over Portsmouth raised a curious problem in my mind. The critics said they beat nothing. Everton say they beat a known good side, and did it so thoroughly and well that Portsmouth were made to appear a poor side. “We would have beaten any side anywhere on the day’s form” said one player. The team appear to believe that their best victory was not surveyed in the right manner, and they felt a trifle hurt that their grand play should be soared with the notion that Portsmouth would have been beaten by any side on their showing of the particular day! So you see how those not at the match can bear all sides of the case and are left in a state of bewilderment. For my part I am always happy when the team wins at home; the letter-writer has a week of idleness so far as penmanship is concerned, and he goes strutting about telling his pals how “We” beat Portsmouth because so-and-so did such and such a thing. One of the joys of the match at Everton tomorrow will be the comparison of centre forwards known and unknown. Dean himself has paid tribute to young Steele, and in other directions the young Stoke team has a grand on look. Hence the promise of a truly great battle, when Everton will try to come back to their home points once more. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
Square Pegs In round Holes?
“Old Player” Says; - Everton directors are misleading their loyal supporters playing men out of position –Mercer (definitely a right half), Gillick (outside-right –I notice you mention about this player). We can never get a champion team by these methods. I used to visit grounds within a distance of thirty to fifty miles from Liverpool when Everton played on them, but I have decided it is waste of time and money. Last game I visited was Bolton, and they did not deserve that win. Everton wing half work too much, holding the ball too long, and when robbed are out of position. Come on the Blues, let us hear of good old visiting days again!
EVERTON BRING BACK COULTER.
December 4, 1936. Evening Express.
Gillick Moves To Right Wing.
Important Changes For Duel With Stoke.
By The Pilot.
Jackie Coulter, the Irish international, returns to Everton’s team tomorrow for the important match with Stoke City at Goodison Park. Coulter, who a fortnight ago scored two goals against Portsmouth, comes in at outside-left for Gillick who, in turn, crosses to his best position of outside right in place of Geldard, who plays in the reserve team. These are the only changes from the team which lost to Chelsea last week at Stamford Bridge. Everton will enter the field defending an unbeaten home record, and I think they are capable of retaining it. Stoke come with a sound record of 18 points from 17 games. They have a point more than Everton for a match more played. They have not fared particularly well away from home, for their only win was at Birmingham. Three away games have brought them odd points. The City are an attractive side to watch, particularly in attack, and the Everton defence will have to be on its toes to cope with the lighting raids of such as Steele, Matthews and Johnson, the internationals. There is also power in the halfback line that includes the former Liverpool schoolboy player, Frank Soo. Good as the City are, however, I do not think they can win on a ground which has never been fortunate for them. On each of their last two visits they have sacrificed five goals. The game should produce much scientific endeavour, and it would not surprise me to see plenty of goals. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Stoke City: - (Probable). Wilkinson; Winstanley, Scrimshaw; Tutin, Soo, Mathews; Antonio, Steele, Davies, Johnson, (Or Fursland).
• League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Stoke City. Kick-off 2.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra (including tax) Booked Seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
STOKE CITY’S VISIT.
December 5, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton will endeavour to maintain the fine home record they have achieved. Today they entertain a sprightly side in Stoke City, who have so far done well, though they, like Everton, have won but one away match I note, however that they have drawn three games on opponents’ grounds, and it is plain that the Potteries side will give Everton a good run. Coulter returns to the outside left berth. Gillick resuming on the right wing in place of Geldard. The Stoke team shows two changes in the forwards, Robson taking the place of Steele, who is injured, and Liddle returns after an absence owing to an injured toe. Johnson, who has been suffering from strained abdominal muscles, had a trial yesterday morning and was pronounced fir, but if the ground is heavy he will not play. The kick off is at 2.15 and the teams are; - . Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Stoke City: - (Probable). Wilkinson; Winstanley, Scrimshaw; Tutin, Soo, Mathews; Antonio, Robson, Davies, Johnson (or Fursland).
DEAN SCORERS IN HECTIC FINISH.
December 5, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Penalty Saves The Day.
Grim Battle.
By Stork.
A penalty goal two minutes from the end saved Everton’s home record. It had been a battle between Everton’s attack and Stoke’s defence, but the game never reached great heights. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, goals; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Robson, Davies, and Fursland,forwards. Referee Mr. H.T. Wright, Macclesfield. It was not a nice day either for players or spectators, for the blustery wind as cold and put a bite in the air. There was water on the surface when the game started. The crowd was small, and the late-comers missed a sensational first minute goal. Everton had made an attack and the linesman signalled that the ball had gone out of play behind the goal line, but the referee either did not see his colleague’s flag or was determined in his own mind that the ball had not been out of play. This might appear to have no connection with the scoring of Stoke’s goal, but it was straight from the clearance that the visitors, through Robson, swept down the field, and with Cook making a mistake Robson was able to draw Sagar from his lair, beat him and saunter forward to place the ball into the net. Immediately there was an appeal by the Everton players and spectators for the referee to consult the linesman. He did so, but that did not cause him to change his decision that a goal had been scored. This was a blow to Everton, who do not often find themselves in arrears at such an early stage on their own ground. Dean, Gillick, and Cunliffe got together in a good combined movement which ended when the outside man just failed to connect up with the ball, which had he collected, would have meant difficulties for the Stoke defence. Dean sent out beautiful passes to the wings. Dean got through, but the ball went straight to Winstanley. Sleet swirled round the ground, which by this time had become something like a glue-pot in the middle and in the goalmouth, but despite this Everton went on with their tip-tapping plans and often found that their passes never reached their objective because of the holding nature of the turf. Some of Stoke’s football was top class. Once they took the ball into the Everton goal area with beautiful combination, and matters looked so serious that captain Dean came into defence. He prevented Soo from having a drive, the former Merseyside schoolboy getting the full brunt of Dean’s thirteen stone odd. The wind played tricks with the ball, which swerved about like a balloon.
Great Chance Missed.
Cunliffe pushed the ball through to Gillick, who got the position required and then shot right across the face of the goal –it was a great chance missed. Wilkinson made a good save from one of his colleague’s headers just at a time when Dean and others were converging upon him. Stoke got through again in similar circumstances to that which brought them their goal, but in this case an appeal by Everton for offside was granted after the referee’s consultation with the linesman. The contention was that cook had touched the ball and thereby placed Robson onside. If Cook did not touch the ball then Robson was “miles” off side. Robson went on to net, but the goal was disallowed, much to the annoyance of the Stoke players.
Half-time Everton 0, Stoke City 1
Hail and Bad Light.
The conditions for the second half were appalling, but even that does not make up for some of that bad play we had to witness. Everton were on top territorially, but they could not break through the stubborn Stoke defence. Hailstones were now the order, and the Light become so bad at one point there was a doubt about a finish. Everton, with their first home defeat starling them in the face, made desperate efforts for an equaliser. Dean went close with a header, and Gillick shot straight at Wilkinson, who was thankful to grab the ball. The Stoke defence was heavily battered, and Wilkinson had much work to do, and right well he did it, but there was nothing concerned about Everton’s ply. They just threw themselves into the game with abandon, while Stoke put up as brave a defence against such a compelling force as I have seen for a long time. Cook came along with a fiery shot which was not far off the bull’s eye. It fell when Coulter stabbed home a lob centre from Britton, but there was not the slightest doubt that he was in an offside position and the referee’s decision was a good one. The light was now better and it allowed us a glimpse of one of the few Stoke attacks, when Davies had the misfortune to see his worthy shot cannon out from the upright. Dean went close. Wilkinson made a good save when he edged the ball over his crossbar just as he was bumped over by Gee. Sagar made a capital save from Robson, who a little later beat Cook and Jones and almost Sagar before he was stopped. Cunliffe missed a simple chance when four yards out of goal, tapping the ball tamely to Wilkinson. With two minutes to go when a win for Stoke seemed a certainly, their defence made its one lapse, Winstanley handling the ball.
Dean’s Penalty Shot.
A penalty was the only award and from this Dean safely piloted the ball into the net. Everton nearly pulled the game out of the fire and would have done had not Wilkinson turned aside a terrific shot from Gillick. A hectic finish to a game which had not risen to any heights in the matter of football. Final Everton 1, Stoke City 1.
STUB MARKS.
December 5, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton’s 4-0 defeat at Chelsea was their heaviest for just a year past.
• Bob Birtley, ex-Everton, saved the day for Crystal Palace on Saturday.
BIRMINGHAM RES V EVERTON RES
December 5, 1936. Evening Express.
Everton Res, visited Birmingham today. About 2,500 spectators were present when Everton kicked off against a keen wind. The opening exchanges were fairly even, but the visiting goal had narrow escapes when Kendrick, the home leader, miskicked at close range and Jennings hit the upright with a drive from the right wing. The home team showed better combination, the Everton wingers being good but rarely getting a good pass. A clever movement by Lambert saw Geldard put in a perfect centre, but Bell shot high over the bar. Birmingham should have taken the lead shortly after, but Brunskill shot wide from about three yards’ range. The Everton backs tackled well, but cleared badly, and the ball was too often bobbing around the visiting goal, where White had much to do. Five minutes from the interval Richardson headed a delightful goal to give Birmingham the lead, and three minutes later the same player ran through to score Birmingham’s second goal. Half-time Birmingham Res 2, Everton Res 0
EVERTON 1 STOKE CITY 1 (Game 1579 over-all)-(Div 1 1537)
December 7, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Dean Saves The Day
Penalty In Last Minutes
Stoke Citys Hard Flight
By “Stork”
A goal in the first minute, and a goal two minutes from the end, were the high lights of the match between Everton and Stoke City at Goodison Park, but there was so little sandwiched in between that the game was one of the poorest seen at Everton this season. Everton, knowing their ground and its difficulties when it has suffered a drenching rainfall, should have known how to tackle the “rub of the green,” and instead of employing close passing movements, should have swept the ball about. It was a prime case of wrong tactics, and one became so accustomed to Everton pressing their cause up to the penalty area without getting any recompense for their labours, through their failure to try a shot, that no one ever expected them to wipe out Stoke’s first minute goal. It took a penalty to do it, for despite all their pressure, and close acquaintance with the Stoke defence there was little danger from their attack, if exception is made of Gillick, who was the one man to try his luck with a shot.
Spasmodic Raids.
Stoke were hammered, yet when they did break loose with spasmodic raids, they were much more dangerous a statement which will be borne out when I say that Sagar had to make better saves than Wilkinson, and that once Davies shook the upright, with a grand drive that had the Everton goalkeeper beaten. True the conditions were anything but conductive to good football, for on top of the “glue pot” turf there was the additional handicap of the swirling wind, and the sweeping sleet and hail. My notebook shows few incidents of worth with the exception of the two goals and a couple of offside decisions which seemed to rankle the players, but to my way of thinking the referee was right in disallowing Coulter’s shot and that of Robson, for they were both palpably offside. The first goal came through a mistake by Cook, who allowed Robson to dispossess him and then run round Sagar and net. But there was also a discussion about that, for prior to it a linesman had signalled “dead ball,” when the ball seemed to go over Stoke’s goal-line. Play was allowed to proceed until the goal had been scored, whereupon the referee was asked to consult the linesman about the matter. He did, but his decision as to the goal stood. Everton were crashing their way through when one of the Stoke defenders handled the ball, and from the resultant penalty kick Dean equalised to save Everton’s unbeaten home record, but it was a near thing, Gillick almost won the match for Everton with the final kick of the game. Wilkinson edging round the post a tremendous drive.
Haphazard Play.
Everton seemed to have no plan of campaign. It was haphazard football which did not pay. Everton’s endeavours to clinch their sallies with goals were such that the crowd laughed. They could not see their favourites finding a loophole in Stoke’s solid defence, which took its hammering like heroes so long as they held their lead. At times the tension was so great that Stoke left but one forward up. It needed extra men in defence, for Everton were clustered round the Stoke goal for the major portion of the second half. How long could the City withstand the shocks. I think it would have remained unbeaten to the end had not someone, in their anxiety, put their hand to the ball. Dean got little chance, for Turner was always close at hand, being sure with head and foot, while Scrimshaw and Winstanley, along with Soo and Tutin, were relentless in the tackle. To hold the ball against such men was courting disaster, yet Everton did hold it, until they found it had gone. It was a grim tussle late on, but the game was far from a “thriller” until the final minutes. Everton were not so well knit as usual. There was no linking-up process; no thoughtful schemer as to how to avoid the attentions of the Stoke defenders. As I have already explained it was a question of hitting the ball forward and hoping for the best. This was the poorest game I have seen at Goodison Park for an age. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Stoke City: - Wilkinson, goal; Winstanley and Scrimshaw, goals; Tutin, Turner, and Soo, half-backs; Matthews, Liddle, Robson, Davies, and Fursland, forwards. Referee Mr. H.T. Wright, Macclesfield.
BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 7, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 18)
Birmingham were much too good for Everton. The visitors held out until 40 minutes, when Richardson scored twice in three minutes. The opening 15 minutes of the second half yielded 3 goals –all to Kendrick. A fighting rally brought clever goals by Leyfield and Bell. Jackson played finely at back. Bell was best of the forwards. Everton: - White, goal; Jackson, and Morris, backs; Bentham, Thomson, and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Hurel and Leyfield, forwards.
South Liverpool Reserves 0 Everton “A” 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Holly Park, Dickinson scored the goal after the interval. King in goal made two great saves from Jones and Fryer, while for the South Liverpool, Rothwell, Fryer, Jones and Greenwood were outstanding.
A SHOOTETR WANTED.
December 7, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton came near to defeat on Saturday. Two minutes remained for play when they were granted a penalty, and Dean levelled the score. No doubt it was satisfactory because it saved Everton’s home record, but I feel sure there was little satisfaction about the game in general. I know there was not round about me, and they are mostly Evertonians (writes Stork). Stoke were unfortunate. They had hung on like grim death to their first minute goal; in fact, nearly added to it, but a nonsensical handling case, which need not have been for, Wilkinson had the ball covered, robbed them of their galliant effort, and it was a gallant effort even allowing for all Everton’s faults, for there is no denying that Everton were pulverising them in attack if not in shot. How was it that Stoke could hold out in face of this incessant endeavour by Everton? Everton helped Stoke in the carrying through of their object –saving their goal. They indulged in short passing when common sense should have told them it was not a day for the close game with the turf spongy, which caused the ball to drag, and a swirling wind and sleet. The open way was the successful way. Stoke proved that in their few raids in the second half when they were much more dangerous than Everton, who were clamouring round the Stoke goal. Everton had become desperate, and so lost a grip of themselves; ignored combination and bashed the ball anywhere and hoped for the best. I have not seen Everton so haphazard for many a long day.
Crashing Plan.
Combined idea went out of the game to give way to crashing plans. An all-forward plan is to be commended when one is a goal down and the end is in sight, but there must be methods with it. Higgledy-piggledy methods will not do, and I doubt if it would have saved the situation had not a player unwittingly pushed out his hand to a ball that would not have scored. There was too much crowding, too little thought given to ways and means to outwit the grim Stoke defence. The method employed only played into their hands, for it gave them the chance to make the quick tackle, and when they did tackle they invariably came out with the ball. A bunch of players clustered together working the ball close is just what a defence wants. It can get the grips, whereas the swinging pass has it running about often out of position. Everton must mend their ways. They should inspect the “wicket” and then determine what tactics are to be employed. Their game must be suited to the conditions, for such tip-tapping could never bring success on Saturday, for the conditions were not conductive to intricate by-play. Did that Stoke goal cause them to become rattled; unsettled them to such an extent that they never regained their balance. It would appear so, for desperation could be seen in everything they did.
KNOCK, KNOCK –BUT EVERTON NOT THERE!
December 7, 1936. Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Inability to take chances caused Everton to drop their second home point of the season on Saturday, when Stoke City forced a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. In a match in which Stoke provided the delicacy of touch and collaboration and Everton the storming attacks, there might easily have been a dozen goals. As it was, there were four –two allowed and two disallowed. Everton were a scrappy side in the opening half, but in the second lacked only one quality –the ability to seize chances. Cunliffe was not blameless in this respect, while Gillick, in trying to be too accurate, had a habit of “pulling” his deliveries across the face of the goal. Time after time the Everton forwards battled their way into the Stoke goal-area, but then they were unable to break down the brilliant resistance of Turner and company.
Tense Excitement.
A penalty kick three minutes from time gave Dean the opportunity to retrieve a point which was Stoke-bound. The excitement throughout the second half was intense. It was not a satisfactory display by Everton, who were not up to the Stoke standard in the development of attack. Coulter got over many good centres and brought improvement on the wing but Dean and Gillick were the best forwards. Britton was the pick of the intermediates, and Jones was safer than Cook, and erred when Robson scored the Stoke goal in the first minute. Sagar worked well, but he had not a quarter of the work which fell to Wilkinson –on unerring goalkeeper. The man of the match was Turner, the Stoke centre half. His was the perfect exhibition –clean and clever.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC TELL THE WORL
December 8, 1936, The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
On Saturday, Everton go to Charlton Athletic, who have just popped on another very praiseworthy away victory to forewarn us of danger. And here let me tell the story of Charlton. They are the future star team of London. Their people have their own belief in publicity and they have sent me the following instruction –for the benefit of Merseyside people who may be going to London this week end: - In view of the interest evidenced in the forthcoming Charlton v Everton match, we suggest that you having Everton as a local team might find such information as we can give you of good news value to the readers. Charlton, as you are probably aware have made football history by their promotion from the Third to First Division in two seasons, where they are at present holding their own, and the occasion of the first meeting with Everton is of vital interest to all followers of the respective teams. The Charlton management have, therefore made every effort within their power to facilitate the travelling of the teams supporters to the Charlton ground. We understand from the L.M.S that they are running a day excursion to Euston, London, which leaves Liverpool (Lime-Street) at 11.50 p.m. on Friday, December 11, arriving in Euston at 5.45 a.m. Saturday morning, and the special cheap return fare being only 16s. The return train leaves Euston t 12.40 midnight (Saturday). A further train leaves Birkenhead (Woodside) at 7.35 a.m. on Saturday morning, the 12th inst., arriving at Euston, London, at midday, also for 16s return. The return train leaves Euston at 6.40.p.m, the same day. From Euston to London Bridge there is a constant underground service by way of the Morden-Edgware line, whilst trains run every few minutes from London Bridge Station direct to Charlton Junction at a return fare of 9d for the benefit of football supporters. Accommodation at Charlton has been increased and some 80,000 spectators can get a full unobstructed view of the ground. The new terrace built for 1s spectators give a wonderful broadside view of the whole of the pitch. It is thought, therefore, that these routes would prove a considerable “reader” interest, and if you would care to make use of an Illustration, we should be very pleased to provide you with an 85 screen block of the Charlton players for reproduction in your paper – Yours etc, Charlton Athletic Football Company, Ltd (Publicity), G.L. Coster.
EVERTON SIDE TO MEET CHARLTON.
December 9, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton tackle Charlton Athletic in London on Saturday when the Goodison Park team will have to show improvement if they are to win. The team chosen is the same that which drew with Stoke City, namely- Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. In the Central League side to oppose Newcastle Reserves at Goodison Park, Laidman, the new player secured from Wigan Athletic will make his debut for the Everton Club at inside left to Leyfield. Laidman, who is twenty years of age, is regarded as a player of more than ordinary merit and is likely to do well with the Everton side. The team is: - White; Lambert, Jackson; Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Jones, Bell, Laidman, Leyfield.
Ex-Footballer Wins QUOITS FINAL
“JACKIE" BLYTHE. FORMERLY OF SCREMERSTON
The Berwick Advertiser -Thursday 10 December 1936
Keen interest was centred in the final of the Newsham (Blyth District) Victory Club's quoits handicap on Saturday. The finalists were Jack Blythe, formerly of Berwick Hill, Scramenton, and W. Scott. A close struggle ensued. Blythe winning by 31 to 29. "Jackie" Blythe, as he was well known in Berwick and district, is a brother of the late Mr George Blythe, Berwick Rangers and Bernard's footballer, and brother-in- law of Mrs George Blythe, 40 Osborne Crescent, Tweedmouth. His nephew, Mr Joe Blythe, has played 14 seasons for Berwick Rangers. In his young days, “Jackie" Blythe attended Spittal School, and later years he played professional footballer for Blyth Spartans, West Ham United, Everton, and Millwall Athletic, and on retiring he acted trainer to Blyth Spartans. He is present care taker of Crofton School, and resides at Crofton schoolhouse, Blyth. He still a keen sportsman and an expert at quoits, having won several other competitions. Blythe's wife, Mary, died several months ago'
EVERTON AT CHARLTON.
December 11, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton are in London again and their League position needs strengthening. Everyone else seems to be able to get a point or two from their visits. You have been told all about the Everton displays away from home, and it is rather trying to find a new angle upon their visits. Certainly when last I was at Charlton they impressed by their start; their first 20 minutes of football had a Newcastle-at-their-best ring about it. Later they faded out of all recognition and for that time their League work has not been consistent and not been good. Their defence has been crumpling and the Everton forwards should be good enough for goals tomorrow, and their former player, Wilkinson, should not cause then any sleepless nights as a centre forward. Everton, in fact, have a grand chance of creating their welcome surprise packets, till we think of Charlton’s victory a week ago away from home. However here’s hoping. Everton; Sagar; Jones, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
Everton Reserves.
Fred Laidman makes his debut for Everton res, against Newcastle United Res, at Goodison Park Ground tomorrow at 2.15. Newcastle are comparative newcomers to the Central League, but their team always draws 15,000 or thereabouts to St. James’s Park. While not expecting a figure like this at Goodison tomorrow, there is no doubt that the new face of Laidman, of Wigan Athletic, will increase the interest in the match. King is appearing in goal, for White. When Laidman was with Horden Colliery. Newcastle were interest in him, so when they bump up against him tomorrow they will be able to see what they missed. It is ironic and romantic that he should make his debut for Everton against his own city team.
EVERTON AT THE VALLEY
December 11, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton visit Charlton Athletic at The Valley tomorrow, and will endeavour to break a sequence of five successive defeats in away games. Not since the Blues won at Bolton on September 12 have they succeeded in securing one away point. They have lost at Sunderland, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Manchester City and Chelsea. Now they go to oppose one of the finest sides in the country –a team of quick-moving, skilled exponents who have conquered such sides as Grimsby, Stoke, Derby, Sunderland and Huddersfield. On the only previous occasion Everton have visited. The Valley –it was in Second Division days –they gave one of the finest displays of football it has ever been my lot to see. They were five up at half-time –each forward had scored –and finished with seven goals to their credit. I do not expect a repetition tomorrow but Everton have the football ability and all that is needed is the spirit of endeavour. If they can hold the Athletic up to the interval their chances of success will be bright for Charlton are quick starters. Wilkinson, the Charlton winger is the former Everton player. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
EVERTON VISIT CHARLTON.
December 12, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Charlton Athletic have created a good impression in the senior circle and they have some excellent performances to their credit. Everton are due to oppose the London side today, and it is certain that the Goodison Park team will have to show more thrust near goal if they are to gain measure of success against the lively side. Everton; Sagar; Jones, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
CHARLTON GO TO THE TOP.
December 12, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Down In Keen Struggle.
Bell Plays For Dean.
By Bee.
Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Charlton Athletic: - Bartram, goal; Turner, and Oakes (Jack), backs Jobling, Oakes (John) and Welsh, half-backs, Wilkinson, Robinson, Tadman, Boulter and Hobbis, forwards. Referee G. Jones, Nottingham. Charlton had lost to Everton in League and Cup. In the League match every Everton forward scored. Gee was the only survivor of the game, Dean could not play owing to a damaged foot. “Bunny” Bell thus made his first appearance in Everton’s first team in a League match this season. Cook and Mercer began with a touch of ferocity and strength. Hobbis, however, made most of the early danger till Jones kicked away. Everton had a free kick close in and the taker back-heeled it to someone who had not arrived. Coulter began with a sweet dribble and the gift of a free-kick, the goalkeeper saving the winger’s free kick. The crowd roared their disapproval of Cook’s handling when he was beaten by the pace of the ball except by the use of his hands. Hobbis, over-elaborate, when held tight by Britton and Cook. Charlton’s passing however, was fruity almost Hungarian at times. The referee spoke to Cook. Hobbits closed in to make a stinging shot that swung just too high. It was dour football on a foggy day, and Everton’s away chance lost something by a kick received by cook on the ankle. The acting captain resumed with sound kicking and Gillick was able to go through, getting a free kick for hands without troubling the Charlton keeper.
Poor Finish To Great Raid.
Charlton now supplied severe pressure Tadman struck the crossbar and from the rebound be shot again, his shot being saved brilliantly by Sagar. A third in this move and Sagar turned the ball over for a corner, which was back-handled towards Boulter, who could not have been more than four yards out, yet sent the ball flying over the bar –a bad miss to wind up the nicest and most prolonged raid by the home team. Jones got his foot in the way of Wilkinson to prevent the former Everton man scoring against his old team. And now Everton had a grand go in attack starting with Bell doing a neat and strong hook-up to take half a chance. Gillick and Mercer were also to the forefront at this stage with resolute effort and the most daring goalkeeper, Bartram had to run sharp sprints to prevent Everton taking the first goal.
Bell’s Effort.
Bell nearly broke through on his own, Bartram getting to the awkward ball with sure hands. Coulter got the ball square to goal and a back deflected the ball inches otherwise Everton must have scored. Everton came again through the left and Gillick’s straight shot struck a defender and on passing out to Bell that man found himself not too well placed, but made a grand first time full-strength drive, Bartram caught the ball, only to lose his grip in the muddy goalmouth. After Stevenson had gone outside left through a severe blow to his leg Charlton should have scored, and their centre proved wasteful. Bell showed ability out on the right wing and Coulter, who had become inside left, had one fiery run through, promising a goal. Tadman once more shot too near to be comfortable, but better still Britton left his defence and sent Gillick in for a nice angle shot. It was well delivered but being angled the further it went the more certain it had to pass inches too high instead of justs below the bar. Charlton continued to waste reasonable opportunities.
Half-Time Charlton Athletic 0, Everton 0.
There was an interval in spite of the fog becoming dense. Charlton resumed when they had left of, with most attacks. Sagar saved two difficult shots and watched the ball go by at a third attack. Bell, however, had his great moment. He could have shot, but delayed. He was fairly close in, but elected to go still further alone in, and angled his drive. When the shot arrived the goalkeeper made a good one-handed save for a corner. Straight afterwards proceeded to do some more good work –as he had done all day.
Hobbis Goes Through.
Play become loose and uninteresting till Mercer got a knock in clearing, and as a throw in followed Wilkinson went forward and centred to an unmarked Hobbis who closed in and headed a goal. Time 55 minutes. Charlton got many free kicks now and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Cunliffe hit the upright after Everton’s best burst of attack. The position was unmarked and a goal should have been taken. Sagar was to the edge of the line to prevent Charlton second goal. Gillick to be our one forward hope, although Stevenson’s first shot went close. Boulter scored Charlton second goal. Final Charlton Athletic 2, Everton 0.
STUD MARKS
December 12, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Giving his life story the other day, Everton’s “Jock” Thomson tells us he remembers playing in a match when his side lost by the splendid score of 16 goals to none, and did not have one corner-kick. Says, that after leaving school he became an apprentice wagon-builder but that all the wagons he ever built are still growing in some forest.
SOME QUEER HAPPENINGS
December 12, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
James Cunliffe, Everton’s Well Known Forward Picks Out Some Goodison Park Stories.
The page of football history are simply littered with unusual incidents. Take for instance, the feat of Joe Payne, the Luton Town player, in the game against Bristol Rovers last season. Never had it happened before that a player had scored ten goals himself in one match in the Football League. Payne actually did this, and the record may stand for all time. Even if some day a player “goes mad” to the same extent in any particular match it is scarcely likely to happen that the ten goal-record will be equalled by a man taking his initial first team appearance in the position from which he got the goals. Only a few weeks previously Bell, the then centre forward of Tranmere Rovers, who is now with my own club, Everton, scored nine in a Northern Third Division match against Oldham Athletic. A few weeks previously Ted Drake Arsenal’s centre forward, scored seven goals on the Aston Villa ground –the biggest individual away success ever recorded. When you think of three new scoring records set up in one short season –well, one hesitates to say that it well never happen again. Just about the time when I became associated with Everton, the club was concerned in a strange series of events. They went down into the Second Division, won the championship of that section the season afterwards, and the next season won the championship of the First Division. They followed up this shuttlecock performance by winning the English Cup. I know that it had happened before that a team won two championships –First and Second Division –running, Liverpool did it, but Liverpool did not achieve the tripe success. Perhaps I may recall just one more thing which may never happen again, before leaving Everton. Away back in 1922, Everton, then at the height of their power, were drawn to play a Cup-tie on their own ground against Crystal Palace. It was as much a “cake-away” for Everton as any match could have been. But Everton lost the game by six goals to nothing. The story connected with this match, which I do not vouch for, by the way, is that the Palace had so much of the play that during the second half their goalkeeper Alderson, later transferred to Sheffield United, sucked oranges thrown to him by the people behind the goal. Recollections of that Cup-tie, which is so well remembered in Liverpool reminds me of another I have heard of which was certainly peculiar in its way –and perhaps unique. This was a war-time match between Bradford City and Norwich City. I think the clubs had met twice without arriving a definite decision. This means a third game in mid-week on a neutral ground. In order that people busy on implements of war would not be tempted to stay away from work in order to see the match the F.A. ordered it to be played on the Lincoln City ground behind closed doors. Gate receipts of a big Cup-tie nil. Surely that will never happen again. We can be quite certain that one thing which happened at the end of last season will never happen again; two clubs which had been in consistent membership of the First Division relegated at the end of the same season. There aren’t any clubs left now with a record similar to that of the Villa and Blackburn Rovers, so the duel experience can’t be repeated.
EVERTON LOSE A GREAT FLIGHT
December 12, 1936. The Evening Express.
Charlton Win By Two-Goal Margin.
Blues Best “Away” Form This Season
By The Pilot.
Everton, gave their best “away” display of the season, although beaten 2-0 by Charlton Athletic at Charlton today. The Blues were more than holding their own until Hobbis scored with a flying header at the 56 minutes. Boulter scored Charlton’s second goal, Charlton missed chances, but Everton’s form was encouraging, with Sagar outstanding. Owing to the fog it was almost impossible to follow play near the end. Dean’s knee injury prevented him from playing for Everton and his place was taken by Bell, who was making his first appearance of the season. Everton are to have a special Railway saloon, designed by the Railway Company and Named Everton, for use on their journeys. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Charlton Athletic: - Bartram, goal; Turner, and Oakes (Jack), backs Jobling, Oakes (John) and Welsh, half-backs, Wilkinson, Robinson, Tadman, Boulter and Hobbis, forwards. Referee G. Jones, Nottingham.
Hobbis was a lively Charlton raider and two centres from his accurate foot caused the Everton defence some brother. Then Coulter juggled well and Bartram had to leap high to pull away a terror-laden ball. The passing was accurate and so was Cook’s tackling when Hobbis looked like getting away on good ground. Hobbis next cut inwards and let to a perfect drive, which shot over angle of the bar. Everton failed to improved on Cook’s well-placed free kick, because they would not dispute possession. Then came a big thrill Gee was beaten by the bounce of the ball, and Tadman stepped in to hit a terrific shot against the bar. Tadman received the rebound and banged one in. Sagar twice saved in his excellent style holding the ball cleanly and finely.
Bell’s Great Shot.
With Stevenson’s add a pass reached Bell, who was awkwardly positioned. Yet, Bell swung round to crack in a great shot, which unluckily for Bell, went straight to Bartram. His shot was of such pace that Bartram fell under the impact. Although Charlton had received scoring chances –and refused them –the game was fairly even and the Charlton defence was not at all happy when Everton got on the move. The Irishmen –Cook and Stevenson –both had to receive the attention of trainer Cooke and Stevenson had to go to outside left with his ankle injury. He contrived to turn in a pass for Coulter to bear through, Bartram running out to save. Tadman had a wry header before he skied one over the top. Tadman’s marksmanship was poor and when Hobbis, put him through again he got too far under the ball. Everton went much nearer when Bell turned the ball over to Gillick, who cut in and placed inches over the top with a lob shot that deceived Bartram from the start. Everton’s passing was of the close variety and was much more accurate that the Athletic.
Everton Call The Tune.
Approaching the interval it was Everton who called the tune, but Coulter’s handled effort did not pass unnoticed. Sagar had no difficulty in pulling down a belaboured effort by Hobbis and the Blues continued to have more of the game. When Wilkinson crashed in a low one. Gee completely miskicked. Cook was right there to averted disaster.
Half-Time Charlton Athletic 0, Everton 0.
This had been one of Everton’s best away displays of the season. There was keenness and confidence about their work. The Athletic went close on resuming when the mist descended and it was difficult to follow the flight of the ball. Gillick put in a fine run, and when Culiffe swung the ball across Bell rounded John Oakes, dribbled close in and let go a shot which Bartram turned round the post in fine style.
Charlton Lead.
Charlton were fortunate to take the lead in 56 minutes, although it was an excellent goal that Hobbis scored. Jobling received it from and sent Wilkinson, the ex-Everton player away. Wilkinson ran down the to the line and crossed a perfect centre which was headed into the net by the incoming Hobbis. Wilkinson should have made in two, but he clean missed it with no one near him right near the post.
Charlton On top.
Charlton were on top now, and Sagar tipped over a fierce free kick from Jobling in spirited style. Stevenson had two good efforts charged down in a spirited way. Then Cunliffe headed by the upright when Coulter crossed tasty offering. There was hope in this rally, and Gillick can along with a distant shot that skimmed the bar. Everton kept it up and Cunliffe crashed the ball against the post with only Bartram to beat. Boulter scored a second goal for Charlton. Final Charlton 2, Everton 0.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC 2 EVERTON 0 (Game 1580 over-all)-(Div 1 1538)
December 14, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Charlton Athletic Advance.
Risks Of A late Start.
By “Bee.”
It is wise to ask Charlton Athletic whether they are sensible in playing a 2.30 kick-off in December, when fog is able to creep over the ground. It is equally wise to ask a good referee like Mr. Jones, of Nottingham, if he is not taking an abnormal risk in allowing a five minutes’ interval when the first half is finished in semi-darkness. It would have been a big price to pay if the game at Chelsea had been abandoned, but they was much prospect of this happening at a time when Charlton had taken a two goals lead –a lead they might never have repeated at a reply. Charlton may not be top-notchers but by this win they gained the top rung of the Football League for the first time in their First Division service, and one is really astounded to find them so high in the chart, except that the memory of two successive wins carries a team sky-high, and may be leads them to a wrongful conclusion about their ability. Charlton won the match by a fair margin. They won by constant endeavour and some good play early on with some bad finishing withal; otherwise the game would have been a bigger margin. As it was Sagar did his best when Charlton were doing their best and the goalkeeper’s part in keeping this score to 2-0 was the main part of the Everton show, albeit one must not forget the steadfastness of the backs and the great display given by Britton as compared with Gee’s rather slow effort in the middle of the ground where the turf was “muddiest.”
Great Chance Missed.
It was not a great game but there were some entrancing moments to recall. The best moment for Everton came when they had a chance to draw level. Not an ordinary chance, but a real gilt edged ‘hundred per cent chance. Three players stood in front of the goal. Cunliffe had the ball at his toe. He could have walked forward and shot, or dribbled the goalkeeper, or he could have given Gillick or Stevenson “the honour.” It should have been an empty honour to score from the “teeing ground” instead of which Cunliffe struck the upright, which makes his lack of precision anything up to two yards –and this from a distance so close to goal that there was hardly excuse for such an error. A goal at this moment would have been fatal to Charlton, who rather readily fall to a lower, state of play if their early work –always impressive by its wise passing bouts –had come to naught. It took them a long time to score, and Wilkinson, the former Everton winger, was the man who crossed the ball with deadly result for Hobbis to head a goal, no one having marked this man as he came to inside left and near-centre forward. Now, there was a battle between the two sides in the fog which became more dense. Eventually Boulter scored and Everton’s splutter had ended. The game did not end in the usual manner, Everton gave far too many free kick to Charlton and offence to the local spectators (31,000), with the result that Wilkinson was in the wars. He left the field, got anxious about his return and thought the referee would not notice him in the foggy finish.
Players Return To Finish “Time.”
A linesman had noticed his return to play without consent of the ruling official,” and as the referee had sounded the final whistle boys ran on the field to get autographs. Players began to go into the inner chamber, when the linesman explained what had happened and recalled the players to continued play for a couple of minutes. Everton had two or three severe knocks –Stevenson suffered most of all, but Gillick, our liveliest and most dependable forward in a light line of attackers, was also damaged, as was the keen tackler, but wasteful passer, Mercer. Coulter had bright moments, but lacked his partner’s urgent forward pass. At centre, Bell, ex-Tranmere, made his deput for Dean, who was not able to play through a leg injury. Bell had few chances, made one great shot, tried hard throughout and showed some neatness and ability, but happened to figure in a team that was not equal in any direction except goal and right half by the winners. Bartram had little to do except speedy runs out; the backs of Charlton are solid and their centre half-back is one of the stoutest barriers any centre can meet. In the forward line Hobbis was outstanding for art and practicability. Charlton may not be League champions but at least they play good class football and the club is one of the most enterprising in the country. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Bell, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Charlton Athletic: - Bartram, goal; Turner, and Oakes (Jack), backs Jobling, Oakes (John) and Welsh, half-backs, Wilkinson, Robinson, Tadman, Boulter and Hobbis, forwards. Referee G. Jones, Nottingham.
EVERTON RESERVES 9, NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES 2
December 14, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 19)
Everton were in their best form, at Goodison Park, where they ran up their highest total of the season. Newcastle promised much but fell to pieces after Dickinson had opened the score for Everton at the twentieth minute, and were in a desperate plight when their right full back damaged his knee, which meant a complete reshuffle of the team. Further goals were added before the interval for Everton by Jones (2) and Laidman, while on turning round more goals were scored by Leyfield (2), Dickinson (2), and Geldard. Ware and Imrie replying for Newcastle. Dickinson, who took Bell’s place at centre forward, was always dangerous, and received good support from his wingers, Leyfield and Geldard while a Laidman a new recruit to Everton’s ranks, make a successful debut and in addition to scoring, fitted in well with the rest of a fast-moving forward line. Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Lambert and Jackson, backs; Bentham Thomson and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Jones, Dickinson, Laidman and Leyfield, forwards.
Runcorn Reserves 2 Everton “A” 2
County Combination.
Runcorn at home, worked well together the forwards being particularly, lively. Rathbone and Nickson were keen raiders and their combined work was the feature of the front rank. Rogers adapted himself to the right half position effectively, and with Houghton and Thomas were a sound formation. Everton were eager and aggressive in attack, and Hurrell proved himself an opportunist when he scored his side’s only goal. Rathbone scored for Runcorn following a move in which Houghton and Nickson, participated. Smith made progress on the right and tested Salisbury with a difficult shot which the home custodian failed to hold. Hurrell directed the ball into the net. Runcorn regained the lead when Lightfoot converted a penalty. The defences dominated the play in the second half, both goals being subjected to pressure in turn Lindley, at centre half, was a worker while Smith and Dougherty were quick moving and frequently gave the home backs trouble with skilful footwork. Peacock and Lightfoot were sound in the home defence. Everton “A”:- A. Siddell, goal; Allen and Morris, backs; Tunney, Lindley, and Roberts, half-backs; Smith, Doughterty, Hullett, Jackson and Hannon, forwards. Runcorn: - Sailsbury, goal; Lightfoot, and Peacock, backs; Rogers, Thomas, and Houghton, half-backs; Nickson, Rathbone, Appleton, Hartill and Day, forwards.
EVERTON’S CUSTMARY AWAY DISPLAY
December 14, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Join me in the board room at Charlton Athletic ground –if you can squeeze through the narrow portals. Attendances are all attention to give you every help. Is there anything they can do for you? Arriving in the neat board room one is pleased to meet the chairman. Mr. Glickstein, Jim Seed, the manager is at hand. They ask our forgiveness for not displaying their band the Royal Engineers, which costs them £25 a week. The truth is the Royal affair has prevented the regiment keeping their customary place and pleasing the 31,000 spectators –yes, the official record is provided to the press long before the game is ended. We do not ask for it –it is delivered by a special messenger. Mr. Glickstein and two other gentleman stand at attention in the room –what a fine half back line they would make –each stands over 6ft 3ins in height. And their club in two hours will stand higher than ever before in its history –top of the First Division of the Football League. How they have progressed! How they have promoted good sport and good feeding. They broadcast a chatty informative series each week just before the game. No ribald answers from the gods; everyone on the ground is attention and is keen to hear any news or the arrangements of Christmas Day matches. Dean’s omission from the Everton team sends a great “oh” all round the ground. He is there in person, but not for show purposes. He is troubled with a pulled muscle. Bunny Bell takes his place. Quite the contrasted figure compared with Dean. Lightish frame, dark of hair not bearing the same limbs Dean carries. He is making his first division debut, and has little chance in a line that offers no swinging centres for the Stein-Troup –or Critchley portions of the ground. Bell makes a lovely hook, but cannot tack on the necessary follow-on. He takes a shot of some sting, and the goalkeeper saves –the one save of the day. Bell has done well –as well as could be expected. In such circumstances Stevenson got a big knock early on, and other members suffered injury, but without the consistent brilliance of Sagar-not showy, but wonderfully sure and effective, together with his back’s overwork, and the display of Britton we should have looked like a side bearing the name of Everton.
Gifts
Moreover the visiting club had far too many free kicks awarded against them. This is not an Everton vein and the cost of such kicks is, rightly so, placed high Everton’s best, of not only chance, of making Charlton sit still and take notice was when Gillick in front of goal had a wide open space at which to drive and took the ball to the upright from a range of about six yards. We should love all Everton players to have been alive when Freeman took such chances right up to the goalkeeper before he dribbled beyond the goalkeeper. He had the up speed and the short steps necessary over the small distance to goal. Cunliffe has the lengthy stride and could have taken this ball, if he needed, right up to the daring Bartram. Instead, he shot. This was the knock on the door of opportunity for Everton and it was not accepted. Charlton may be top but I am sure their manager, Mr. Jim Seed, can have no delusions about the position –it rocks with danger and does not make Charlton to beat a champion side. They won without being convincing. There was strength in defence at half back without Welsh showing up to his normal standard, which is of the highest kind. The centre half-back John Oakes was outstanding, and in the attack Hobbis made full use of the ball, and with fortune he would have won the game off his own boot. Hobbis is good to look at. Boulter variable centre a striver against a slow-moving opposition camp, and on the right our former club-mate Wilkinson, who helped to make the first goal of the day. The conclusion was the strangest thing ever seen. The referee sounded time, but I noticed a linesman had caught Monty Wilkinson running on the field of play through the dense fog, hoping the referee would not see him. He had not gained permission to return after one of his many injuries. The linesman stepped up and said his say while players were off to the bath and boys off to the centre of the field to get autographs. The linesman explained to the referee, who restarted play, having called the players back to the field, and the game went on two more minutes. Charlton had no right to start at 2-30 on such a day and the players took five minutes interval, which was just about sufficient to have made this game impossible of completion. However, the game was concluded by a good referee and by a good winning side, with Everton no nearer their away form in a good light.
BLUES LACK “PUNCH” IN ATTACK.
December 14, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Everton’s urgent need is greater effectiveness in attack. This was proved at The valley on Saturday, when the Blues lost to Charlton Athletic by two clear goals. Everton played good football and on the point of craft and pre-conceived effort were better than the Athletic, but they failed to take the chances, and, for the eighth time this season, failed in an away game. Just before the interval and immediately after Charlton had taken the lead the Blues dominated the situation and yet failed to force home their opportunities. Bell, deputising for Dean, had few opportunities because of the brilliant work of John Oakes –one of the best pivots I have seen this season –and Gillick was the most persistent shot. Gillick had two or three excellent shots just off the mark, while Stevenson three times crashed shots against opponents. The Blues defence was steady and strong against a virile attack, and Sagar played one of his finest games of the season. Although Everton enjoyed as much of the play as Charlton, Sagar had three times the amount of work as Bartram. In that you see the difference –Everton lacked punch! Cook and Jones were sound in all phrases, and Gee and Britton were superior to Mercer. Charlton did not impress me as a team likely to win the championship. They have dash, but not craft. Everton’s weak finishing undoubtedly cost them a point in a game which was marred by fog and which ended on a strange note. The referee blew his whistle on receiving a signal from a linesman that Boulter had returned to the field without permission. Some of the players imagined it was the end and ran to the dressing-room. They had to be recalled for the remaining minute of play.
EVERTON’S OPPOSITION.
December 15, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
On Merseyside we have our fair share. Everton’s chance at home should be good. Bournemouth have rarely, if ever played so well as these days, and Everton’s blessing is to find themselves at home because they reckon they can beat anyone at home.
DEAN BACK IN EVERTON TEAM.
December 16, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Dean has been chosen to resume in his usual place instead of Bell in the Everton team for Saturday, and Coulter again drops out. Leyfield being chosen to partner Stevenson. The team is; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. The Central League team visit Leeds, the side being King; Lambert, Jackson; Bentham, Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Jones, Dickinson, Laidman, Coulter.
EVERTON’S OUTSIDE LEFT PROBLEM
December 16, 1936. Evening Express.
Fifth Chance In six Weeks.
By The Pilot.
Everton make their fifth outside left change in the space of six weeks for their match with Grimsby Town at Goodison Park on Saturday. Leyfield, who has not played in the first team since November 14, returns to outside left in place of Coulter. Another alteration as compared with the side that lost at Charlton is the return of Dean to centre-forward following injury. His displaces Bell. The outside left problem has been troubling Everton for some time, and in the last five matches this is how the changes have taken place. Nov 14, Leyfield, Nov 21, Coulter, Nov 28, Gillick, Dec 5, Coulter, Dec 12, Coulter. And now comes Leyfield’s turn again. Everton; - Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean. Stevenson, Leyfield.
FURTHER MEMORIES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 December 1938
Further memories of the Everton Football Club at Stanley Park, 1883-1884, are contributed by Mr. Billy Eyton, who says:—In the early days it was only natural that there should be a champion club: so Everton played various clubs and defeated them. But a section of gentlemen connected with Fitzclarence Street Welsh Church were not satisfied, so they raised a Welsh side to try and obtain the championship of Stanley Park, calling themselves Cambrian. For the captainship they secured the services of Ketley, the noted Welsh international, on the promise of a position, also Owen Roberts and a great player, Grif. Owens, the Brothers Griffiths, including Ted, well as a half back, and brother of the late Rev, William Griffiths. I believe Ted Griffiths is still alive. The Everton team was —C. Lindsay, goal: T. Marriott, W. Parry, backs; J. Richards, M. Higgins. F. Breckel, half hacks: J. Preston, W. Eyton, W. Gibson, Twemlow, George Fleming, forwards. Fred Wills and Jimmy Higgins, umpires. Everton won 6-2, and so retained the championship until forced to leave the park by the Park Committee. I note that no readers , say anything about Bobby Stockton. In 1885 he had charge of Everton reserve, composed of the extra players of the Everton club. A grand goalkeeper named Teddy Jones, also a great back, Arthur Brown, and Billy Jones, now proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Mount Pleasant, belonged to St. Benedict's Church club; also various member, of St. Saviour's club— R. Gurley, a grand left winger; W. Maddocks, C. Gatliffe, forwards, of St. Benedict's; Walter Richard, (Raby), W. Briscoe, Jack Whittle. a grand centre forward, and Billie Richard. The Reserve was not beaten for four seasons, meeting all kinds of teams from Lancashire and Cheshire. Being amateurs, it was a difficulty to get players to travel. When the club was suspended for veiled professionalism, I think it was Mr. Tom Dixon, of Turton, who asked the question, and Tommy Costley said we get paid for playing and washing bottles in the Tynemouth Street Brewery. The players were George Farmer, Tommy Costley, Tommy Fair, who used to drive his father about for orders for flour, being a salesman for flour merchant.
In the early days we bad difficulty in procuring players, as all parents were against their sons playing football. I could tell you about one director of Everton and his wife refusing their son to play for the club, the said lady emptying her bucket over us for asking such a question. The lad was a hefty kicker and would have made a great full back. The late W. Roche received the dirty water over him, but living in Lansdowne Place he was close to home, but never forgot the insult. Mr. Roche was afterwards secretary of the Bootle club previous to Harry Heard. He was well respected by the Liverpool and Lancashire Association.
EVERTON’S CUP ARREANGEMENTS
December 17, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton’s secretary, Mr. Theo Kelly, advise me of the arrangement made for the Cup-tie at Goodison Park on January 16 when Bournemouth are the visitors. He says the directors at their meeting decided to book reserved tickets at 3s 6d for members and shareholders stand, also blocks D, E, and F, centre blocks. Bullen-road. Application for these must be made by post to Everton F.C., Goodiosn Park, with tamped addressed envelope enclosed. Members and shareholders should endorse their envelopes as such. Talking with Mr. Bell, the manager of Bournemouth I gather his eleven has no special concern with football names. “Bournemouth players” he says, judge by results and know that Cup tie are merely an eleven versus eleven, no matter what name-tag you give to them. Our fellows kill a ball well, take up good positions and Pitcot could have been sold for £4,000 this season. I have saved him up for Dixie Dean’s benefit on the 16th said Mr. Bell.
F.W.B writes; - At the Charlton –Everton match on Saturday, an impartial spectator –an Arsenal fan –said to me. “The trouble with Everton is their players are too small and light.
GRIMSBY TOWN’S VISIT TO EVERTON.
December 18, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Tomorrow Mr. Goodfellow and other friends, we are to see Everton in the course of rearranging their attack. Coulter is omitted there from, and Leyfield a boy after my own heart, is included. Now selectors possibly know more about the inner matters of play than you and/or the writer. Therefore let us not be harsh and let us study the words with care. Leyfield is a competent young man. He played remarkably well in the game Everton Res won against Newcastle United. He played remarkably well when he came to Everton’s first team two years ago, and was dropped as a sacrificial offering when he was but one of a poor eleven at the Leeds United ground. I was sorry for Leyfield that week, he had earned and gained, goals, and had been left out at one defeat. Today I am sorry that Coulter has been left out, unless he is injured and there is no mention of that. Coulter had not many chances last week-end at Charlton. His first pass led the crowd on his side to cheer in ironic manner at the late through for the outside left’s possibilities. This shows you what the crowd on the far side through of his unemployment. Whether at inside or outside left Coulter added briskness to the attack and allowing for two broken legs and the customary talk of “He won’t have it,” I made him out to be playing reasonably good football in the game and his centring is still one of the joys of football life. Confidence –that was the great need. Coulter seemed to be growing some and at any rate his work merited further trail at home against Grimsby; so I thought in my innocence. But the selectors have elected to leave him out at a moment when he had started to play really well, confidence or no confidence. I think his confidence will be put back some weeks by this surprise doppeal. Everton have had home-medals for a long time, and recent games have suggested their homely spell may be at an end. Stoke suggested this, Grimsby Town (a very smart side, always worth your watching through their unusual and Bestallian manner) may add to our fears. On the other hand, Dean returning and Leyfield, sprinting ahead in speedy manner, may make the Everton attack more convincing and ready for the cup-tie issue. Grimsby will help to draw the defence and the crowd; wherefore it should be good hunting before a large crowd. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.
VITAL GAME FOR EVERTON.
December 18, 1936. The Evening Express.
Three Home Matches On The Run
Grimsby At Goodison Tomorrow.
By The Pilot.
Everton tomorrow enter on one of the most vital periods of the whole season. They have three successive home games to play, and it is essential that they win them if they are to begin the New Year free from worries. The Blues have secured only one point out of their three matches and scored only a solitary goal in the progress. The goal came from Dean’s penalty kick against Stoke City. From being in a sound position in the league the club has fallen down to the 14th rung. It now requires a big effort in the home engagement to regain the lost ground. The home “parade” opens tomorrow when Grimsby Town –with a slightly better record than that of the Blues –visit Goodison Park. On Christmas Day Derby County will provide the opposition, and on Boxing Day the visitors will be Arsenal. This is a particularly hard programme but Everton have been playing so well at home that I think they are fully capable of taking maximum points, but there must be more penetrative power about the attack; more willingness to accept the barest chances and the ability to shoot. It tradition plays any part in the game then Grimsby are booked for a defeat tomorrow. Apart from the sensational victory in the year Everton were relegated –it is known as Robson’s match –the Town have never accomplished much against the Blues. No matter where the clubs meet-at Goodison park or Blundell Park –Everton seem to capture the points. I do not think the Mariners will be able to change the order tomorrow, even though they have real “danger” men in Glover and Lewis. Lewis has scored more goals than any other winger in the Football League so far, and is a real match-winner. Everton bring back Leyfield in place of Coulter at outside left. Dean, having recovered from injury, returns to centre forward in place of Bell. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Grimsby Town: - (Probable); Tweedy; Hodgson, Kelly; Buck, Betmead, Wattam; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, Lewis.
• League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v Grimsby Town Kick-off 2.15 Admission 1/- Boys 4d, stands extra including tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• F.A. Cup Third Round January 19, 1937. Everton v Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic at Goodison Park. Kick-off 2.30 p.m. Reserves seats 3/6 Application to secretary Enclose Stamped Addressed Envelopes.
EVERTON’S RUN OF HOME GAMES.
December 19, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Grimsby Town’s Visit.
Everton have not done as well as their supporters would wish, but with a run of three home matches they ought to make up the leeway and lay a solid foundation for progress in the second half of the season. This afternoon Grimsby Town a very sporting side, appear at Goodison Park where Everton have still to be beaten. It will be surprise if the Fishermen accomplish the task. Leyfield fills the outside left berth in place of Coulter, and Dean who was unable to play last week owing to injury, resumes in place of Bell. Grimsby once beat Everton 4-2 at Goodison and started the home club’s side into the Second Division but generally Everton have held the whip hand, and they should do so this time. Grimsby players have been staying at Skegness. Changes in the middle line are expected, but the team will not be chosen until the morning. The kick-off is at 2.15 and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Grimsby Town: - (Probable); Tweedy; Hodgson, Kelly; Buck, Betmead, Wattam; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, Lewis.
DEAN GETS A DOUBLE.
December 19, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
Quiet Game With Grimsby
Home Record Held
By Stork.
A game which did not live up to expectation. Everton won, but that is all I can say about it. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones (JE), backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Kelly, backs; Wattam, Hodgson and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, and Lewis, forwards. Referee Mr. B.W. Blake, Middlesbrough. For once in a while it was an ideal day for the game of football. Conditions in every respect were perfect, yet ten minutes before the start the attendance was astonishingly thin. It grew considerably before the kick-off, but was not a big gate for such an attractive game as this, for Grimsby Town are known for their good type of football. Hodgson, with his towering height, was never far distant from Dean, who would find it difficult against such an opponent. Britton was penalised for a foul when everybody else through the award would go the other way. Britton must have handled. There was so little life about the game that the crowd because ironical. They wanted something to shoot about and they were not getting in. When Cunliffe eventually did make a shot worthy of the name, and Tweedy a fine catch to prevent a goal, the crowd was not allow to show its appreciation. The crowd had another chance when Dean back-headed and Tweedy again made a safe catch. Mercer passed well and once “found” Leyfield, and the latter centred to Dean, the goalkeeper saving. A moment later Dean headed the ball right away from Tweedy, but the tall goalkeeper saved. Everton’s pressure was maintained for some time. When Dean was brought down in the penalty area. I expected a penalty award, but he got nothing except the sympathy of the crowd. Lewis kept the ball in play cleverly but his effort brought no material result. In fact the Town’s early promise had petered out somewhat.
Great Save By Sagar.
The biggest thrill of the game thus far was produced by Grimsby. Tweedy had just saved a free kick and from his clearance Glover found himself through. He had only Cook facing him, and with an ankle tap he turned the ball round the Everton man and everything seemed set for goal. Glover released his shot, and it was a good one, but Sagar, showing the agility of a cat, bounced forward, put up his hands, stopped the ball, and so the goal was saved. It was such a fine save that Glover himself acknowledged it by clapping his hands. Dean maintained he had been fouled in a goal incident and then came the laugh of the game. The referee “got his shirt out,” and the crowd roared as it protruded below his jacket. He ran around for quite a time like this until finally one of his linesmen informed him of the fact. The same thing happened at Anfield a few weeks ago. Two minutes from the interval Everton took the lead. Everton had been attacking for some time, and although Tweedy’s work had not been ardours, he had nevertheless quite a lot to do. When Cunliffe made a long length shot Hodgson blocked the shot, but the ball only ran to Dean, who hit it without hesitation and Tweedy had been beaten. This was practically the concluding item of the half.
Half-Time Everton 1, Grimsby Town 0.
Gillick Makes It Two.
Everton were well on top in the first quarter of an hour of the second half. Tweedy had occasion to push the ball on Dean’s head, and then see Gillick hit the angle of the post. There was still tameness about the play. Glover made a shot, one of the few from the Grimsby forwards, and Sagar half saved only to lose possession so that he had to fail on the ball to prevent Lewis from scoring. Cunliffe shot wide, and then Gillick at 59 minutes increased Everton’s lead. It was a great shot, although Tweedy nearly saved it. He handled the ball and turned it to one side, but not enough to keep it out of the net. Bestall who had been clever in patches like most of the Grimsby side, put the ball nicely forward for Craven, who without allowing the ball to touch the ground swept it goalwards, but the ball landed in the crowd. Glover, from a free kick, lifted the ball over the bar. When Tweedy left his goal to chase Dean the position did not look dangerous, but Dean is not an orthodox type of player. When he hooked the ball from off the goal line it grazed the surface of the crossbar and went on to Gillick, who should have scored. He was under the bar when the ball came to him, but even then could not find the net. This was a let-off for Grimsby, and a sorry miss for Everton. Glover shot hard with a free kick, but without direction and Sagar had to rush out of goal and throw himself at the ball to prevent Glover from having an easy passage. Jones was injured and taken off the field. The referee too, was in the wars when he was knocked over by Leyfield, but he was soon up without play being curtailed. Everton had an escape when Lewis got through the defence and centred right across to Dyson who had all the goal to shoot at our Jones, who had returned cut across to save. Just on time Leyfield had a glorious opportunity to head a goal but ran too far underneath the ball. However, almost dead on time Dean nodded the ball home from a centre by Cunliffe, so the score read; Everton 3, Grimsby Town 0
EVERTON 3 GRIMSBY TOWN 0 (Game 1581 over-all)-(Div 1 1539)
December 21, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Slow Off The Mark
But Home Record Retained
Dean’s Goals
By “Stork”
Everton’s home record remains unimpaired, yet they did not cover themselves with glory when beating Grimsby Town 3-0, for there were long periods when the game was woefully tame. The play rarely rose above an ordinary level. Admitting that Everton were the chief attackers almost throughout, it took them an uncommonly long time to score against a defence which was rather easily penetrated. It was not until two minutes from the interval that Dean drove the ball beyond England’s goalkeeper, Tweedy. Even that goal might have been saved had Hodgson, the centre half, let the ball which Cunliffe drove goalward go on, for Tweedy had it well covered. Hodgson was not aware; however, what was in his rear, but from his clearance the ball went on to Dean, who crashed the ball into the net. Everton were the superior side, but after the first few minutes passes went astray, chances were missed. Glover once should not have given Sagar a chance with the opportunity which lay before him. It was a grand save Sagar made. Glover was clean through with only Sagar before him, yet he shot straight at the Everton goalkeeper when a ball directed to either side would have had a better chance. Later Gillick, Leyfield, and Cunliffe were responsible for slips almost as bad as that of Glover. Gillick and Dean, however, later popped up with two further goals, which made the result read more in keeping with the game. There was more “life” in the second half, yet there was still a lot to be desired. Grimsby had by this time become nothing more nor less than a defensive side with occasional thrusts at the Everton goal, which, however, were easily held in check by the Everton defence or brought about their own downfall by their penchant to loft the ball when near goal. Rarely did they call upon Sagar, and even that great little player Bestall was not at his best. He did send out some wise passes, but Grimsby were uncommonly out of joint, and Everton stepped forward to a comfortable, if not convincing victory. There is still a lack of punch in the Everton front line. There is plenty of jugglery with the ball, and an excess of inter-passing, but the great need of the day was a quick marksman ready to deliver a big hit when the chance loomed up, I do not think Leyfield was an improvement on Coulter, who can, and does centre a good length ball. Leyfield was weak in this department, but it is hardly fair to criticise him unduly, for he is figuring on his wrong wing. Stevenson’s ball play was cute, if not always a success, and I mark down Gillick as the best of the Everton front line. Gillick’s goal, scored at 59 minutes was all but saved by Tweedy who got his hand to the ball, but only altered its direction a trifle. Gillick also shaved the angle of the woodwork, and Dean from the goal line, put close to the upright and so presented Gillick with a gilt-edged opportunity which was not accepted, Leyfield missed what should have been a certainly near the end, just before Dean headed Everton’s third point from Cunliffe’s cross.
Kicking Without Direction.
Grimsby were not well served at half-back. Hodgson was sturdy in the middle, but the wing men could not lend much of a hand to their forwards. Kelly and Vincent kicked lustily without direction, but one cannot help but say a good word for the goalkeeping of Tweedy –not that he was greatly troubled, for many of the shots he had to save were child’s play to him. Sagar was inclined to drop the ball once having saved, and Jones nearly scored against his own side in the early part of the game. Mercer was strong in attack and equally so in defence, while Britton added the artistic touch to the Everton middle line. By a strange coincidence Mr. Blake, who refereed the game, repeated an Anfield incident by running around with his shirt hanging below his jacket. This caused amusement and it was not until a linesman drew his attention that he realised why the spectators laughed so heartily. At Anfield a few weeks ago he suffered the same thing. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones (JE), backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Kelly, backs; Wattam, Hodgson and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, and Lewis, forwards. Referee Mr. B.W. Blake, Middlesbrough.
LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 0
December 21, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Central League (Game 20)
After a poor first half, in which Leeds United got a penalty goal by Francis, Everton were usually outplayed at eland-road. The visitors defence was not quick enough to hold the United forwards, who were smarter in passing and stronger in finishing. Leeds’ half-backs were sounder in constructive work and more reliable in defence than those of Everton, while the Leeds backs tackled more promptly and kicked with greater judgement. Goals in the second half were scored by Hargreaves, Trainer and Kanes. Everton Reserves: - King, goal; Lambert and Jackson, backs; Bentham, Thomson and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Jones (TG), Dickinson, Laidman and Coulter, forwards.
Everton “A” 5, Earlestown White Star 2
County Combination.
At Sandforth-road, West Derby. A splendid second half display by the home side gained them a creditable victory. The visitors displayed the better combination during the early play and fully deserved their interval lead. Everton tried several new players, but none did better than Trentham, outside left (brother of the West Bromwich player), who played well and scored three of his side’s goals. Hurel and Hullet netted the others. Hilton obtained the White Star goals, Griffin, Bentham, and Andrews were good triers for the visitors.
EVERTON WIN AGAINST POOR GRIMSBY TEAM
December 21, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
I wonder what Watts Jones, the secretary of Cardiff City, though of the game at Goodison on Saturday. He was there for the express purpose of running the rule over Grimsby Town, Cardiff’s Cup opponents. I should imagine his thoughts ran something like this “We have nothing to fear from the Town’s attack, but can we beat the England goalkeeper Tweedy? If we can do that we have a great chance of stepping into round 4. It was a game of missed chances. Had Everton taken all theirs, half a dozen goals would have been their reward, while Glover, usually a safe marksman missed two simple chances. He may not do that in a cup-tie, Mr. Jones, so don’t be misled by what you saw at Goodison. It may be a snare, for Grimsby can play much better than that (writes “Stork”). While Everton were comfortable winners their form was anything but satisfactory. For some weeks now there has been an unexplainable lack of penetration in the side, and until this is corrected Everton’s displays are going to be uncertain. It took them forty-two minutes to score their first goal. Now if Grimsby had been responsible I would have nothing to say about it, but they were not, for Everton, and did force their way through the defence only to fight shy of a shot.
Tweedy’s Work.
You may tell me, the Tweedy had a lot to do; he did but what sort of stuff was it? Any goalkeeper, let alone an international keeper, could have done just as well as Tweedy, for I can only recall two really hot shots which came his way. Of course those do not include Gillick’s goal, which Tweedy edged aside, but not far enough to turn the ball outside the goal. By right he should have been tried of picking the ball out of his net when you come to consider that Everton were in the Town’s penalty area most of the game. Leyfield, Gillick, and Cunliffe and Dean –he scored two –missed reasonable opportunities, but the great miss of the match was Glover’s. He did try to ankle the ball beyond Sagar, but only to see it fly straight to the goalkeeper, who flung up his hands and punched the ball away. It was such a grand save that Glover himself joined in the clapping which followed, but I maintain that Sagar should never have been given the sight of the ball let alone get his hands to it. That was the sort of thing which went on all through the game. Opportunities made; goals allowed to slip by Everton and Grimsby have so often provided keen, attractive football in the past meetings, but there was nothing like that about this meeting, which was tame and lacked enthusiasm ye, and good football, too. The crowd were constantly expecting something to give vent to their feelings, but the greatest joy they got was seeing the referee running round with his shirt-tail hanging out. Anfield had that pleasure a few week’s ago and strange to say, it was the same referee Mr.Blake, of Middlesbrough.
Grimsby’s Weakness.
Grimsby failed because their half back strength was only strong in defence. Players like Bestall, Craven, Glover, Dyson and Lewis require support from behind. They never got it, for Wattam, Hodgson and Buck were purely defensive –Everton saw to that –and most of Grimsby’s attacking ideas were engineered by Bestall, and even he was not the shining light of former games. I wish Everton would get along with the work in a more straight forward manner. Time and again they invite the tackle through holding the ball a shade too long.
EVERTON TEAM UNCHANGED.
December 22, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Goodison Attractions.
Everton may be considered fortunate. They are at home to Derby County on Friday and to Arsenal on Saturday and then are due at Derby on Monday. The Everton-Derby County game on Christmas Day starts at 2.15.
Everton Unchanged.
The Everton team selected last evening to oppose Derby County at Goodison Park on Christmas Day will be the side that beat Grimsby Town namely; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Providing the players escape injury it is expected the same eleven will do duty on Boxing Day for the game with Arsenal.
THE EARLY BIRDS WILL GET THE ARSENAL MATCH SEATS
December 23, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
All the tickets (there are but few issued), for the Arsenal visit to Goodison park, have been sold. It is useless to ask for tickets. Everton have always taken the view that first-come-first-served is the best method of treating their supporters. Actually there are no fewer than 10,000 seats available at the ground for the early birds who get there and await the start of the famous game. Referee W.P. Harper, who has been associated with all Dean’s record-breaking games and goals, is in charge –he was in charge when William got his 60th; he was in charge when Dean equalled Bloomer’s record aggregate, when the teams met at Highbury on the opening day of the season. What records has Dean left for obtainment? And what does this Arsenal visit hold in its keeping, one wonders.
EVERTON’S HOME GAMES
December 24, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton are one of the fortunate clubs in having matches over the holidays and in view of their fine record at Goodison Park the club have the chance, if the players can take it, of a rapid rise in the table. Opposition, however, is of the strongest and with Derby County the visitors tomorrow and the Arsenal on Saturday, Dean and his colleagues will be tested to the full. They certainly have their work cut out to retain their home record, but the games are sure to be of a highly interesting character and large crowds are sure to follow the fortunes of the team. The kick-off tomorrow and on Saturday is at 2.15. Everton visit Derby County on Monday. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.
Everton Sign Trentham.
Everton F.C., announce that they have signed, on professional forms, Trentham, the boy who has appeared with them at outside left for some weeks of trial. D.L. Trentham is 5ft 8ins, in height, and weights 10st 7lbs. He is a brother of the famous West Bromwich Albion back.
EVERTON’S 100,000 SPECTATORS
December 24, 1936, The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton have the plum-pudding this year, not only because they have home matches tomorrow and Saturday, but because their visitors are exceptionally attractive. The visitors, Derby tomorrow, and Arsenal on Saturday, make Goodison Park the hive of football industry. It is most probable that in these two days there will be gathered at Goodison Park a total crowd of 100,000 or more. The Everton players rise to these big occasions and if Derby go the way of all visitors to Goodison Park the Arsenal match will become the outstanding event of the League season. The Arsenal have no need for recommendation. Many people believed that this would be their year of failure, yet within the last four weeks they have leapt to the forefront and have now appointed Alex James as honorary coach-I suppose they would call it the D.S.O of football. It is the first appointment of its kind in football and has many lessons for approbation unless it becomes like so many before it a position of distrust and cynicism. The average football coach is looked upon by the senior, members as an interfering monkey,” and many of the juniors are unable to ape the stars in their winkling way because they gave not just got it” –“ it” being the natural fluency of a player for the arts of the game. When Derby played Leeds, Director Pullen of the Yorkshire club, looked on and said “How happy could we be with Derby’s forward line.” In their best mood Derby are the strongest attacking line in the division –more robust than Sunderland, if not so pretty. Dai Astley of the Villa has helped to heal the wound that came through the transfer of Bowers, and with Stockill, Ramage, Crooks, and Duncan playing in such fine form, the Everton defence will need to be on its best behaviour tomorrow.
The “A” Teams “Derby”
Everton “A” play Liverpool “A” at Goodison Park on Monday afternoon 2.30. Follows will see the youngster of both sides in action, and particularly Trentham, who has just signed pro.
DERBY AND ARSENAL AT GOODISON PARK.
December 24, 1936. The Evening Express.
Can Everton Retain Their Home Record.
By The Pilot.
Two of the greatest teams in the country will provide the opposition to Everton at Goodison Park. Tomorrow Derby County will be the visitors, and on Saturday the attraction will be Arsenal. No sterner games could be found, and it would not surprise me to find more than 100,000 spectators watching the two matches. Derby County and Everton have records which compare favourably, except in goal average. The County have secured two points more than Everton, but they have played a match more. The County have scored more goals than Everton, but they have conceded more. Derby have been putting up their best performances away from home, for in ten engagements they have recorded four wins and three draws. Few clubs can point to such a fine return. Everton, however, are unbeaten at home, and I do not think the County will prove strong enough to break that record. There is one thing the Blues must do. That is to finish off their good approach work properly. In recent games too many chances have been lost. Unless Everton shoot as we know they can, they will get little change out of the Arsenal defence on Saturday. The Gunners will be striving to record their first “double” of the season. They beat Everton 3-2 in the opening game of the season.
Formidable Opponents.
The two games provide a remarkable test for the Everton forwards seeing that tomorrow they will operate against an attacking pivot in the person of Barker, and on Boxing Day will be facing the world’s best “stopper.” Herbie Roberts. Arsenal are in the middle of a big revival. Consequently, Everton will have all their work cut out to prevent Arsenal running up a string of three successive wins at Goodison Park. All bookable seats for the match have been sold but there is plenty of stand accommodation for spectators paying at the turnstiles. Followers of the Blues should not fail to support the collection, being made outside the ground on Boxing Day, for the Dixie Dean Testimonial Fund. Everton: Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Derby County: - (from) Kirby; Nicholas, Howe; Hann, Bell, Barker; Keen, Crooks, Stockill.
Arsenal: - (probable); Swindon; Male, Crompton; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Kirchen, James, Drake, Davidson, Milne. Trentham, Everton’s new left winger will play for the “A” team against Liverpool “A” at Goodison Park on Monday afternoon. This is a Liverpool County Combination fixture.
EVERTON 7 DERBY COUNTY 0 (Game 1582 over-all)-(Div 1 1540)
December 26, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Everton Seven
Derby County Beaten Convincingly.
Barker’s Concussion
By Bee.
Everton have rarely been in such bitting and convincing mood us when they delivered a 7-0 blow to Derby County. There was resolution and ability in their display, and while one must show the absence of Barker, suffering concussion through collision with Mercer and off the field for 60 per cent of the game, one must also take the game as it ran, and give young Scattergood, son of a famous goalkeeper, highest honours for his display. He kept the score to seven; it might have been 17 otherwise. There were four footballing zone in the two side –Nicholas, Mercer, Scattergood, and Hagan. Dean topped the 16 mark in the goals register, and Cunliffe who had but one goal to his name advanced by three more, Stevenson getting the other two. Ten of Dean’s goals have come by the headed process. Derby know little of success at Goodison Park, having failed to win more than once in 32 years. Here they had no chance from the moment Cunliffe slipped a left-footed goal early in the game. There was hub-bub over the goal not allowed, and some of the spectators found a place to deposit their oranges and the peel thereof. But when we call for diagonal working or referee and linesman and a linesman flags for what he has been, it is necessary the referee should take his linesman’s bearing.
Britton’s Best.
In the end the margin was wholesale and the losing goalkeeper got a remarkable rally from the appreciative spectators. Rarely has there been such a pace- full game; rarely has Cunliffe been so enlightening and deadly. Dean worked as if it were a Cup final, almost too “keen” on one occasion. Astley and Crooks also went out of the game for a little time, and Derby’s forward line was never so impressive as their names implied, Duncan being as clay in Britton hand. Britton’s best game and outstanding display of the season. There was snap and sharp-shooting in the Everton side quite foreign to the style they adopt away from home. Speedy making of ground, sharp shooting, good heading and precise passing back up by fine half back work and such sure full back play by both that Sagar had a look-out on this game without being worried.
Barker Loses Memory.
Hagan and Astley looked light in the famous Derby attack, and Duncan had little enthusiasm though, of course, the whole side must have felt their leader’s absence, Barker being in bad shape at night, having lost his memory. Up to going off the field Barker has been the tower of Derby, and when he left various formations were tried, but Everton had never relinquished their hold on this game, and added “bite “and forcefulness to the closing moments of a memorable game, in which one felt sorry for the losers’ handicap, but glad of Everton’s welcome refresher for Christmas time. Teams: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield. Derby County: - Scattergood, goal; Nicholas, and Howe, backs; Hann, Barker, and Keen, half-backs; Crooks, Hagan, Astley, Napier, and Duncan, forwards. Referee Mr. Ganson, of Kidderminister.
EVERTON’S BEST WIN OF THE SEASON.
December 26, 1936. The Evening Express.
Derby Beaten 7-0
Goalkeeper’s Fine Debut.
By The Pilot.
Everton recorded their finest victory of the season at Goodison Park yesterday, when they beat Derby County 7-0, despite a great display of goalkeeping by Scattergood. Scattergood was the one man in the Derby defence who could stand up to Everton’s attack with confidence, and he deserved the ovation he received at half-time and the finish. He was making his First Division debut, and followed in the footsteps of his father, who once guarded the County net. Well, his famous father never did better than this lad, who cost the County only £200 to secure from Bristol City. Everton’s victory was foreshadowed in the opening minutes, for the Derby half-back got to grips with the subtle Blues’ attack. Cunliffe took a goal in five minutes, and it was generally a case of Derby defending, and Everton attacking, rarely have I seen Sagar so unemployed, so far as direct shooting efforts were concerned. Stevenson’s second the second goal before the interval, but this was disallowed on the linesman’s flag. The no-goal effort coincided with an injury to Barker which brought concussion and forced him to retire for the rest of the match.
Britton Excels.
Derby also suffered through injuries to Astley and Crooks, but they were never in the hunt with an Everton which progressed the route off scientific football allied to finishing ability. Britton was easily their best player, but there was no man in the home side who failed to fulfil his purpose. The Derby defence was never capable of coping with master-tacticians, and had it not been for the display of Scattergood, the score against Derby would have been more exaggerated. Derby fought against the odds, but they were outclassed on the point of preconceived endeavour. Cunliffe scored in five minutes and after Stevenson’s disallowed goal –the best shot of the match by the way –and the half-time lead of 1-0, Cunliffe, Dean, and Stevenson helped themselves to two goals apiece. Yes, a great game, leaving Everton with an unchanged team for today’s game with Arsenal. The attendance was 31,001
EVERTON DROP A POINT.
December 26, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
Goals From Wing Players.
Gillick-Kirchen
By Bee.
Everton made their third draw of the season at Goodison Park today, when Arsenal took a point. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Arsenal: - Swindon, goal; Male and L Crompton, backs; Crayston, Roberts (captain), and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, James, Drake, Davidson and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper. Stourbridge. The great day and great game arrived. Arsenal, the best drawing card in the country, at Goodison drew packed stands and the crowd of about 50,000. The Arsenal played the same team as yesterday, James laughingly suggesting that he would get a swelled head if he played two games on successive days –he is generally rested at least once per fortnight. Everton kicked towards the park end in the first half, and after Dean and Roberts had exchanged greetings the game started with Hapgood, Bob John, Bastin and Bowden onlookers immediately in front or the writer. Drake surprised Cook by rounding him, and than the Southampton Hercules twice tried to backheel and did it in clumsy manner without preventing Davidson having a chance to centre of shoot. He chose the latter portion and was not at all successful in his marksmanship. Dean was too oblique with his centres, and James was soon operating at the main link in the attacking line, which in physique looks unusually small. The first sensation was a centre from Leyfield that threatened to go outside, hung in the now foggy air, and Swindon had to rise to his highest point to reach the ball. His collaring of the ball was weak, and as he attempted to clear with a kick surrounded by his own defenders, the ball struck the goalkeeper and lay two yards from goal. This was a remarkable escape Stevenson was Everton’s best methodical arranger and helper, and Crayston, who always plays well here was particularly neat and convincing. Davidson cleverly pair off with Milne but there was no sense of proportion in Davidson’s finishing. He poked the ball with his right foot when any sense of a centre would have been dangerous. Dean won many duels with Roberts, and James meeting one size for a change (Stevenson) treated the crowd to a joyous pas de quatre. James won only to find the ball cannon against a body and ruin the whole movement.
Fireworks Lacking.
Everton were as sprightly as yesterday without so many fireworks near goal until Britton produced his now famous lob centre which Swindon pushed over the bar with one hand while taking a charge from Dean’s as the centre went into the mouth of the goal. Corners came to the home side amid the frantic roars of the crowd and one of Leyfield’s deliveries ended when five men were unseated in the goalmouth. Spirals staircase Mercer tackled with venom and went against superior numbers only to finish with a wasted centre. Crayston’s throws were as good as old Hughie Wilson of long ago when the one-handed throw was allowed, and after a rather uncertain start the tall and stately Compton began to show his real worth. Quite the most astonishing pass I have seen for years was that taken without delay by James with a fast ball crossing him yet delivered to the outside right with unerring accuracy. It was from this there came an Arsenal chance through James and Crayston, the tall man making way for the woe fellow, whose shot filed wide.
Crowd Break In
A free kick by Leyfield added trouble to the Arsenal and the same Everton man made Swindon punch over the bar, Davidson had the chance. Now, while the crowd broke over the barriers at one corner of the ground Milne went on to show effect and ability and only a fall down by Davidson as he shot badly prevented a goal. It was now Crompton, because the outstanding back. Cunliffe made a long dribble around the touchline and when he wasted the centre the referee stopped play to get the touchline clear as the crowd for a moment had become out of hand.
Gillick Scores.
Arsenal made a half-hearted appeal for a penalty kick for hands after which Davidson weaved his way in and around four players without tangible result. Jones went close with a shot lacking in strength. There were loud mornings of complaint against the invading spectators standing up and by that meant blotting out, the view of those who stood behind. In 31 minutes the slightest of errors in a pass made the opening goal, for Everton. Davidson who had been damaged, made a miss pass that opened the way for the ball to be sent towards Dean, whose header beat Roberts and the way was open for the quick witted Gillick to run toward and close in to his favourite shooting position and this time he beat the Arsenal defence which had no tome to perform its customary wall formation. Davidson now went outside left through a damaged hip bone and Male came up to perform one more of his deliverance acts on the goal-line when no one else was present to keep Cunliffe from scoring. The boys’ pen shouted; “We went seven” Male had already put paid to one possible goal, and Referee Harper put paid to a thought of awkward moment when speaking to Cunliffe about his foul on James. It had been grand football and the best shot of the match (by Gillick) created more enthusiasm. Everton were the quicker set of forwards, but Arsenal’s one solid attack led to Sagar saving from the right. He did well to half save after the ball had been cleared Gee put Drake out of action by a measure without justification.
Kirchen Runs Through.
The referee consulted both linesmen and eventually Drake was decent enough to shake hands with the offender. Right on half-time Kirchan equalised with a fine run closing into goal and striking the far upright with his first effort, but at the second chance his shot seemed to strike Sagar and pass over the goal line.
Half-Time Everton 1, Arsenal 1.
In the second half Davidson and Milne were in their customary places. Gillick promised to produce another goal in two minutes, but Swindon ran out and smothered the ball and the man. The Arsenal defence wavered for a moment, but Gillick could not get the ball under control for a shot, and Arsenal went away through Kirchen, who swung the ball for Drake to head forward, Davidson and Milne. They were in each other’s way and Davidson’s finally shot a foot round the far post. Dean had the quietest innings he has every shown me. Dean had also gone outside but now tried a left foot shot close but without conviction. Male made one run that carried him nearly to the Everton penalty box. Cunliffe also failed by inches with a through-pass from Gillick. Stevenson, one of the best forwards on the field, made Swindon save an awkward shot and general signs of fatigue entered the field. Sagar made a grand save from Kirchen after the whistle had gone for offside. Roberts took the ball from Dean’s toe when Dean seemed bound for the Rio Grande. At this time Compton was still the outstanding back on the field, cool, and clever. Crayston goes to goal for the corner kick and the ideal nearly worked in one of Arsenal’s spasmodic attacks, the header sending the ball flying over the bar.
Dean Among The Injured.
Davidson was a crock all through the second half and Dean was off for a moment or two with an eye bone injury. Drake had damaged his right shoulder and had to go outside right. Instantly the new centre Kirchen came near scoring with a completely solo run. Kirchen swung one over the bar –an escape –after Swindon had come flying through with a safe pair of hands. Sagar made the best save of the match when a pass back to the injured Davidson looked a certain winner. Final Everton 1, Arsenal 1.
STUB MARKS
December 26, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly
• Everton, to Christmas Day had called upon eighteen players in league side.
• Full attendance marks had been earned by Sagar, Britton, Mercer, Gillick and Stevenson.
ARSENAL HOLD EVERTON IN THRILLING GOODISON CLASH
December 26, 1936. The Evening Express, Football Edition.
Two Goals For Crowd of 58,000
Blues Lose The Lead.
Kirchen Levels Gillick’s Goal
By The Watcher.
Everton’s side that scored seven goals against Derby yesterday, never found its true form against Arsenal at Goodison Park and the Blues had to be content with a 1-1 draw. Arsenal were always slightly ahead in ever technique and their halves usually found the forwards; whereas the Blues intermediate line many times found their forward passes wasted. Gillick gave Everton the lead, Kirchen equalised for Arsenal. Several clubs were represented in the directors box, including Manchester City, Leeds United and Birmingham. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Arsenal: - Swindon, goal; Male and L Crompton, backs; Crayston, Roberts (captain), and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, James, Drake, Davidson and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper. Stourbridge. Everton opened gloriously, coming through quickly on the left, and right and it almost seemed as if a low ball from Leyfield was to provide the Blues of a sensational opening goal, but Swindon scooped the ball away with Dean at hand. Cunliffe’s speed was a factor which add to the disadvantage of James when the newly appointed Arsenal coach dropped back to try to check an Everton attack. In the next minute Arsenal make round on the left, via Milne, but the winger’s low square ball caught Davidson on the wrong foot, the final shot being well off the mark. The crowd of 45,000 was having plenty to get excited about in the opening stages, but unfortunately, when the Blues halves moved down in fine fashion the forwards was prone to over run the ball or expect too much speed from their colleagues with a forward pass. A determined onslaught by the Blues who up to now were imbued with more enthusiasm saw Dean head high for Swindin to make a catch and then within a few seconds the Arsenal goalkeeper had to send over for a fruitless corner from another heading effort by the Everton captain. A dribble as only James can drew the applause of the crowd and caused Sagar a dance around. Swindin punched away a free kick by Leyfield, Male hooted out of the goalmouth and finally Swindin punched the ball over the bar for a fruitless corner.
James Manoeuvres.
Davidson sent wide from good ground and following this James caught the Everton defence napping, flinging over to his left a nice ball to Milne –a manoeuvre which fizzled out. So far Arsenal seemed likely to prove the better stayers, for although Dean was always up with the Gunners full backs, one could find few weaknesses in the Arsenal defence. When either Compton or Male faltered use of the Arsenal half-backs was always well positioned to cover. The crowd which by this time had increased to almost 55,000 gave Cunliffe a cheer when he outwitted Roberts and Crompton only to see his final effort hit the side netting. About this stage the game was held up while the crowd was shepherd to the right side of the line. There must have been more than 55,000 present at this point, and the game was reminiscent of an F.A. Cup Final. There was not an inch to spare at any part of the ground.
Everton Lead.
Everton went ahead on the 31st minute, Gillick scoring the goal. Gillick slipped through from the corner of the penalty box to take over a low grounder and before Swindin had time to appreciate the position the former Glasgow Ranger had hit the ball into the far corner. This goal was just the tonic Everton needed. First Dean hotly challenged Male, then along came Stevenson and Leyfield with a clever inter-passing movement, and finally Gillick and Cunliffe offered them assistance once again to test the Arsenal defence. A well –thought-out-move by Stevenson gave a low ball to Dean, but the centre’s nicely squared ball to Cunliffe was intercepted by Male, whose head also came in useful the next second in dealing with a short inward Gillick lob. Leyfield caught the Arsenal defence spread-eagled for once in a while, and the quickly slipped the ball to Gillick, who, however, was a second slow, with the result that Swindin was able to reach the ball just before the winger shot. When Kirchen sent a surprise ball into the goalmouth, Sagar had to be quick to prevent a deficit, but while he was kicking the ball away Gee and Drake collided, Drake crashing to the ground. After the referee had spoken to the linesman, the two players shook hands. Less than half a minute from the interval, Arsenal equalised. A shot from Kirchen hit the post and rebounded into play. Sagar seemed to have the ball covered, but Drake dashed in, but then Kirchen followed up to carry the ball forward into the net. It was a cheerless type of goal, but it was one which exemplified the keenness of the Gunners.
Half-Time Everton 1, Arsenal 1.
Both goals had narrow escapes on the resumption. Dean “sliced” the ball from close range, and Drake sent wide at the other end. The Blues defence was having warm time against the clever machinations of James and company. “Goal” yelled the season’s record crowd when Cunliffe hit the goal route, with his low shot from about 20 yards just outside the far upright. If the shot, had been on the target it would certainly have been a goal.
Nearly A Second Goal.
Everybody through Everton were going to record their second goal when Leyfield levelled a ball into the penalty box, but although Dean nodded the ball down to his feet, he found Compton robbing him almost before he had time to breathe. It was proving a game full of thrills in which speed and science were counting. Dean received a cut over the left eye, but resumed after attention on the line. Following this, Arsenal changed the formation of their attack. Drake took over the right wing role; Kirchen, the former Norwich City winger moved over to the centre forward perth, and then these two, with Milne formed a three-forward attack for Arsenal. James and Davidson hanging back a little. Gee stuck out his right foot to intercept a colourful movement on Arsenal’s left although it seemed to me that Jones was well prepared for any other emergency. Arsenal forced the pace and should have taken the lead for the first time on the stroke of three-quarter-time. The ball was swung across to Drake, who instead of hitting it first time decided to square inward to Davidson. The inside left banged away for goal and Sagar tipped over in glorious fashion. Drake had a choice offering which should have taken. Final Everton 1, Arsenal 1.
EVERTON 1 ARSENAL 1 (Game 1583 over-all)-(Div 1 1541)
December 29, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Arsenal Gain A Point.
Great Crowd See Fine Game.
Right Wingers’ Goals.
By “Bee”
Arsenal know what to expect when they go visiting. They know their prime history and present-day challenge for their fifth championship gain them extra special and sometimes extra ordinary effort on the part of their rivals. It was so when they visited Everton, the latter fit from their seven told labours against Derby County the day before. Neither side made a change, and the promise of the match was fulfilled because although there was a draw, each scoring once, the general trend of play was of a strikingly keen and interesting character, There was finesse from every half-back, there was stubborn defence from the four backs, there was good goalkeeper by Sagar at the crucial moment of the game, when Arsenal had at long last taken the measure of their opponents, and there was some studious defence by the strong man of the day, Compton, who keeps a back like Hapgood out of team service. It was never a classic display from these tired feet of twenty two players who had been very busy men in victory the day before, but the pulsating flow of Everton’s attack early on, the flow or overflow, of the crowd in the bottle-necked corner of Goodison Park, and finally the goals from right wingers, and Arsenal’s grand finals in an endeavour to wrest this from a drawn issue to a winning vein –all these things helped to stir the 50,000 spectators to excitement. It was natural that accidents should arise, Davidson, arch-dribbler, who carries his work to an overflowing point, hurt his hip and for a time went to outside left. Milne, also an excessive dribbler, did not meet with accident, and did not meet with the success some of his approach work deserved. Drake, stolid and seeing slowish, was the most unfortunate man of the day. He had been up in a goal possibility, and when the ball had been cleared by Sagar. Gee foulded him. The referee had eye elsewhere, but he consulted both linesmen without getting evidence one imagine, because after the interruption Drake and Gee shook hands.
Drake “All Alone.”
Everton kept their home record intact through the steadfastness of their two backs, who never played better and rose to the occasion of a swiftly-changing Arsenal attacking five. Drake went outside right for a long spell through his shoulder injury and he adopted old-time methods of tip-and-run beyond the backs, with some success, most notably when he centred from the right, and not an Arsenal player was in his half of the field. The home team at Highbury’s ground has made a fine fight without a point. Now they earned the drawn stake and in their honours list one puts the defence as a whole, with Britton and Mercer outstanding in half-back play. In the attack Stevenson did his part of the James like scheme for setting the wheels of attack going round, Leyfield had many bright centres and Dean a cut eye through his many tussles with Roberts, most of which went to Dean in the first half and Roberts the next half. Cunliffe was too variable with his passes to gain a big name and Gillick, darting through very often, was the scorer of the opening goal in swift and sure manner after Dean had nodded his acquaintance with the goal-chance. Kirchen scored Arsenal’s equaliser right on half-time, another outside right goal, taken in the manner Gillick had obtained his goal, except that Kirchen struck the upright before he finally scored. The Everton right wing half pair found Crompton a most difficult man to pass, once the game had been going half an hour, Male kicked off the goalline. Swindon made one vital error which was not turned to account, and Crayston was the charmer of the visitors’ half-back line.
Britton Shows The Way.
Share alike was perhaps the best result to a fine feast of football effort in which Britton showed the Arsenal men how to back-heel a ball with strong running power, Arsenal have as a whole got the back-heel theory uppermost in their mind and they did the trick very badly, James welcomed here at all times, was playing two games in two days –a thing foreign to his old nature, yet his manner of collecting a fast ball and killing it in one touch was high football art as also his sweeping passes without staying the ball’s progress. He was generally unerring in his use of the ball, but Davidson being of the same type of play left Arsenal all promise and little fulfilment. Sagar as a consequence had a comment. Sagar as a consequence had a comparatively easy day and Drake’s best pass-back grit to Davidson produced that man’s first real shot in four similar situations. Sagar rising to great heights to save that goal late in the game. All honours even, with one bad memory –a foul of which I have taken notice. Arsenal on this form will continue stout challengers to the championship-Cup.
. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Arsenal: - Swindon, goal; Male and L Crompton, backs; Crayston, Roberts (captain), and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, James, Drake, Davidson and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W. F. Harper. Stourbridge.
PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
December 28, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 21)
Through sacrificing a point at home to Everton again lost the Central League championship to Leeds. They had only themselves to blame. Ten minutes from the end Everton were losing 2-0. Atherton and Lindley, having scored. Then Preston slackened their efforts and Geldard broke away and shot a magnificent. A minute later Coulter equalised. Until then little had been seen of Everton’s attack.
EVERTON MOVE UP EIGHT PLACES.
December 28, 1936. The Evening Express.
Notable Advance On Last Season.
By The Watcher.
Everton are eight points higher up the league ladder then they were on Boxing Day last year. This is a notable advance and they will go higher yet it they solve their leftwing problem. Three points from their two home holiday games, and against such formidable opposition as Derby County and Arsenal, is a record which provides ample evidence of a revival in Everton’s fortunes. The revival will continue if the defence and the intermediate trio retain the fine understanding they showed against the league leaders. Left wing was the weak spot in the Blues’ armour in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal, watched by nearly 60,000 spectators. Time and again, far-flung passes to that flank were not properly utilised, although is seemed to me that Leyfield worked better with Stevenson than either he or other colleagues have done in recent games. Taking the game all round, honours were even, Everton being on top in the first half and Arsenal the better tacticians after the change-over. There was solidity about Everton’s defence. Sagar was cat-like in his watchfulness, and Cook and Jones kicked well. Britton’s play was always stamped first class. His clever back-heeling was a feature. Stevenson did the scheming for the Blues. Like Kirchen, he was here, there and everywhere. Dean found “policeman” Roberts a great obstacle.
HAT-TRICK AGAINST EVERTON
December 28, 1936. The Evening Express.
Astley’s Feat For Derby
Dean’s Penalty Goal.
By The Pilot.
A Hat-Trick by Astley put paid to Everton’s hopes against Derby County at the Baseball ground today. He got a goal in a minute, second again before half-time, and after Dean had reduced the lead from a penalty, he added a third. Everton had to make their first change of the Christmas holidays, Thomson coming in at left half for Mercer, who was slightly injured. Teams: - Derby County: - Scattergood, goal; Udall and Nicholas, backs; Howe, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Keen, Hagan, Napier, Astley, Ramage, and Duncan, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Gamson (Kidderminister). There were about 30,000 spectators present to see Derby County a goal up in a minute when Napier drew the defence and put Astley through to score. Derby kept up the pressure, and Astley just failed to push through a fierce free kick from Nicholas. Leyfield survived Udall’s fierce tackle and cut in on goal. Howe having to race across to avert danger. When the ball slipped under Thomson’s foot following a good run by Duncan, Hagan “sliced” the ball out when he had all the goal to shoot at. Gillick was brought down heavily and from the free kick Dean tried to find an opening for Cunliffe, who was crowded out. Scattergood had to fist away from Dean after a creditable effort by Dean.
Scattergood Saves Derby.
Stevenson shot by the post and only the brilliance of Scattergood prevented Blues from drawing level. A centre from Gillick came back from a crowd of players, and Stevenson took the ball on the volley. It was speeding to the corner of the net when Scattergood dived full length and turned it around the post. Leyfield was clean through when Udall floored him and escaped with a caution and a free kick. Astley let go a great shot which went over the bar, and then he bore through to shoot against the advancing Sagar. A sharp centre from Gillick saw Stevenson leap between two players and head just wide, a fine effort. The Derby forwards were ever a menace, but Everton had recovered from their early shock, although hardly looking so dangerous as the County. After 40 minutes Derby increased their lead, Astley again being the scorer. Ramage beat Britton and Cook and enabled Astley to send Duncan away. Duncan made ground quickly and levelled a low centre which Gee just failed to reach and Astley stabbed the ball home. Cunliffe missed a great chance by shooting hastily, and then Duncan dribbed past three opponents, drew Sagar and lobbed over the bar.
Half-Time Derby County 2, Everton 0.
In 61 minutes Howe handled in holding up Gillick, and Dean reduced the lead from the penalty spot.
Hat-Trick Astley.
Astley got his Hat-Trick after 62 minutes, and once again Duncan did the good work, sending over a swift centre, which was missed by Jones and Sagar. This left Astley with an unguarded goal to shoot at. Stevenson shot first time Scattergood saving low down and then Sagar made a similar save off Astley. Gillick was easily the forward of the game. Everton pressed strongly towards the end. Final Derby County 3, Everton 1.
WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES.
December 28, 1936. The Evening Express.
Wolves forwards showed slightly the more thrust but weak passing spoiled many promising movements. After Geldard had gone near to scoring, Westcott gave Wolves the lead after 15 minutes. The Everton defence considered the Wolves centre forward off-side, and while they were appealing, he ran through to score. A minute later Westcott was again near while at the other end after splendid work by Geldard, Laidman shot wide, with an open goal in front of him. Half-time Wolves 1, Everton 0
Everton “A” v Liverpool “A”
Liverpool were most in the picture in the first half, but were often unlucky in front of goal. Everton were slow to find their form but Hurel missed by inches. Half-Time Everton “A” Liverpool “A”
EVERTON AND SUNDERLAND STAR.
December 28, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton are interested in Connor, the Wearsiders’ famous Scottish international outside wires. The Evening Express Sunderland correspondent. Connor is one of the trickiest and speediest wingers in the game. His would be a record transfer –if Sunderland were prepared to part. Seven thousand pounds was the figure mentioned when the subject of Connor’s transfer from Roker was raised last season.
EVERTON “HAT-TRICKED”
December 28, 1936. The Liverpool Football Echo.
Derby County Pay An Old Score.
Brilliant Forwards.
Dean Scores From The Penalty Spot.
Scattergood Stands Easy.
Derby County paid off an old score (7-0 at Goodison on Christmas Day) when they beat Everton 3-1, at Derby today, Dean’s penalty success was Everton’s consolation. Teams: - Derby County: - Scattergood, goal; Udall and Nicholas, backs; Howe, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Keen, Hagan, Napier, Astley, Ramage, and Duncan, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Gamson (Kidderminister). Everton showed one changed from the team which draw with the Arsenal – Thomson for Mercer. Derby had many changes. The crowd was a big one, and it was soon put on good terms with itself for within one minute Astley had scored with a great shot that went into the net like a rocket. He got his chance through a wise push-through from Napier. This was a blow to Everton, who had a narrow escape when Astley tried to improve matters when he went up to head Hagan’s free kick over the cross bar. It was amazing that he should miss such a chance. Everton replied, and Stevenson was on the point of shooting when he was closely tackled by Udall. Derby were playing an open game, the ball being swung from wing to wing. Everton had their fair share of matters; yet Scattergood was without work. Leyfield made a run on the left but failed to get round Udall, who cleared with a mighty kick. Duncan, following a clever run, had the mortification of seeing Hagan miss a splendid opportunity. Derby County enjoyed a good spell and with the Everton defence not yet settled, Keen came over to inside right to hit a powerful shot, which struck the bottom of the upright.
Near To Equaliser.
Gillick looked like going through until he was brought down just outside the penalty line. The free kick was speedily cleared. A nice round of passing by the Everton right flank finished through Gillick over-running the ball. Everton went close in the equaliser when Stevenson took the ball on the half-volley and Scattergood had to make a high-class save by pushing the ball round the foot of the post. Leyfield had his legs taken from under him, the free-kick missing fire. Derby, particularly Astley were all out for a shot and when Hagan pushed one through to Astley the former Villa player hit the running ball hard and it went hurting over the bar. Astley was more on the mark when he gave Sagar a warm handful, the goalkeeper patting the ball down before completing the save. Derby forwards showed great form but the defence could be overcome and was when a Stevenson header went just the wrong side of the woodwork. Dean found Barker a trouble, and it was some time before he beat him, but when he did he offered Gillick a choice pass which the Scot “trod on,” the chance being lost. Thomson was playing a canny game and Scattergood made a poor attempt at a punch-away, simply thumping the ball straight up in front of his goal. Udall helped him out of the difficultly by heading away. Everton were now having quite as much of the game as their opponents, yet the home forwards always seemed the more dangerous when the move their sweeping passes being more effective than Everton’s.
Astley’s Second.
Duncan was in one of his sprightliest moods, and it was he who produced Derby’s second goal, although it was Astley who actually scored it in the fortheith minute.
Half-Time Derby County 2, Everton 0.
Derby were still in charge of the game without, however, being a great menace to the Everton defence. On the other hand, Everton were not finding each other with their accustomed accuracy. Thomson and Napier were spoken to and shortly afterwards Napier had his name taken. Gillick who had been Everton’s best forward so far, was quick to make ground, and Howe was finding him an awkward customer. Gee in the belief that he had someone behind him, allowed the ball to travel by and was surprised to find that he had left through Astley. Duncan made a good attempt, for there was little light between the ball and the upright as it went into the crowd.
A Hat-Trick.
Sagar made a cricket catch from Duncan. Howe handled the ball as Gillick was going through, and a penalty award was a natural result. Dean scored from the spot kick in the 61st minute. That seemed to put Everton in the game, but within a minute Astley had scored a third goal for Derby. He took up a centre from Duncan and with both Sagar and Jones falling to head him off walked through and put the ball into the empty net. Sagar dealt ably with a free kick from Ramage, but apart from a lob by Britton, which Dean headed across the goal-face, the Derby goal was free from work. Gillick now had the measure of Keen and Howe, and was having a good game, but there was no gradating in Everton’s attack. Duncan took up a pass on his wing, went into the centre, and beat Jones. Sagar came out, and Duncan tried to slip the ball beyond him. He succeeded, but the ball went rolling on the outside of the post. Napier was injured in a tackle with Gee, and Stevenson gave Scattergood a ground shot to deal with. Astley made an excellent attempt with a shot, and only the agility of Sagar prevented a goal. Near the end Everton were chartered round the Derby goal, but Scattergood was without a shot. Final Derby County 3, Everton 1.
WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES
December 28, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Wild kicking and inaccurate passing were the feature of the game played at the Molyneux ground, where Wolverhampton Reserves entertained Everton Reserves. Wolves took the lead after 15 minutes through Westcott, the centre forward, being allowed to run through while the Everton defence stood appealing for offside. After 47 minutes Everton equalised through Laidman, who cleverly drew out Heppie from the Wolves goal to score. After 60 minutes however, Wolves again took the lead through Lucas, who beat King with a smashing drive. Final Wolverhampton Res 2, Everton Res 1
Everton “A” v Liverpool “A”
Play was very even in the first half of the “A” teams local “Derby” at Goodison Park in the Liverpool County Combination. Trentham of Everton, and Webster showed good football. For Liverpool Tryer and Peacock were prominent. Half-Time Everton “A” 0, Liverpool “A” 0.
DERBY COUNTY 3 EVERTON 1 (Game 1584-over-all)-(Div 1 1542)
December 29, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Derby Turn The Tables
Hat-Trick For Astley
Everton Improve On Previous “Away” Play
By “Stork.”
I have heard so much about Everton’s away form that I relished the opportunity of seeing them for myself, and having done so have come to the conclusion that they are not so bad as they are painted; at least taken on their display at the Baseball Ground, Derby. The suffered their usual fate, and no one will deny the justice of Derby County’s 3-1 victory, but they gave as brave a display as one could wish, for they were against a team which was suffering under the lash they received at Goodison on Christmas Day. Derby County made no bones about it that they were determined to wipe out the stigma of that 7-0 defeat, and in quick time they had taken a goal lead inside a minute, and ultimately carried on until they got a two goals’ lead. Everton, however, never gave up when the tide was running against them, as it undoubtedly did at the Baseball ground. The County forwards were in their brightest mood, and when they are like that the Derby front line takes a lot of stopping.
Astley’s Trio.
When Everton rubbed away one of the County’s lead it seemed that Everton were gradually getting a hold on a game which had been in the grip of the County for well on an hour, but Dean’s penalty goal only counted for a matter of a minute ere Astley had negative it, and scored his side’s three goals and his own hat-trick. That was enough to shake the nerve of any side, but Everton kept pegging away, and were doing even better in the last 15 minutes than at any other period of the game. This fact spoke well for the training of the players for there was only one change in the side which had beaten Derby County and drawn with the Arsenal. It is no small feat to play three games in the space of four days and show such spirit as did Everton, and while I frankly admit that the points deservedly went to the rightful side on the day’s play, I cannot pass along without paying credit to the Everton team. Any team which goes to Derby must expect a bustling about, for they have been known for their robust game for years, but there were things done in this game which would have been better left undone. No player minds a fair charge, but when it becomes necessary to warn a man five times; it is time that something more was done. Napier was warned that number if times, and many of the Everton players bore the scars of battle when they left the field. The County’s forward line won than this game, for they were in grand form, but I feel sure that had Everton played on top of the County defence it would not have stood up quite so well as Cook and Jones stood up to the Derby forwards. Udall and Howe kicked like horses, but there was not a great deal of thought as to where the ball went as was the case with Cook and Jones. It was hit or miss with the Derby backs, and fortunately for them they were nearly always hit.
Gillick’s Fine Display.
Their second half displays. He had Keen and Howe running after him with little chance of beating him, but the support he got from Dean and Cunliffe was such that much of his excellent work was thrown to the wind. Dean did little. He rarely got away from Barker and his two backs, but he did the attention of Barker and his co-defenders centred on him so that other could do something. Stevenson was the other good Everton forward. He and Gillick particularly the Scot, stood out. The Derby attack was well led by Astley, who scored all three goals, and but for a magnificent save by Sagar he would have had another when he tuck a volley first time and hooked the ball right into goal, where Sagar saved. The County forwards played as a whole, and were fast and elusive. Duncan had a merry innings. The scoring opened in the first minute. Cook was caught napping for the only time in the match, and Napier’s pass was fired in rocket-like into the Everton net in one minute. Everton had not settled down; in fact many of the spectators had not been seated, and for some time it was a question of Everton defence versus Derby’s forward’s with the honours going to the latter until Duncan sent across a low ball which Astley swept into the net. Gillick was playing ducks and drakes with Keen and Howe, so much so that Howe gave away a penalty, from which Dean scored. The County for a time went cold and so for that matter did Everton, but they came again and were testing the Derby defence very severely before the finish. They could not, however, make headway through Barker’s barrier, and there was little shooting from the inside forwards. Stevenson was one to try his luck, but I cannot recall Dean having a single pop at goal, and Cunliffe was never at home with himself, so that it was left to three forwards to carry the burdens. The reappearance of Thomson for Mercer did not impair the half-back strength, for I considered Thomson the equal of either of his colleagues. Britton, who received a nasty kick on the skin, was not as good as usual and Gee found Astley a bit of a handful. Still, Everton had done uncommonly well against the better side, which on the day’s play would have beaten mot teams and probably by a much bigger margin. The Everton defence stood solid against a gruelling when Derby were in full sail. I understand from those who have seen most of Everton’s away games that it was a decided improvement on anything they have done on foreign soil this season. Teams: - Derby County: - Scattergood, goal; Udall and Nicholas, backs; Howe, Barker and Keen, half-backs; Keen, Hagan, Napier, Astley, Ramage, and Duncan, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Britton, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Leyfield, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Gamson (Kidderminister).
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
December 29, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 22)
Weak finishing and wild inaccurate passing were the main reasons why Everton lost this game at Wolverhampton. Their forwards were weak and lacked combination, but Lambert and King were good in defence. Laidman got a clever goal for Everton, while Westcott Lucas were the Wolves scorers.
EVERTON WIN PRAISE, BUT LOSE THE POINTS
December 29, 1936. The Evening Express.
Gillick’s Fine Game At Derby
By The Pilot.
Lack of thrust and two defensive errors cost Everton the points at Derby, where the County won 3-1. Both sides deserve credit for a rousing display. The Everton directors were so pleased with the play of the Blues that they hastened to go to the dressing room after the game and offered words of praise. Good sportsmanship this, for it is true the Everton forwards lacked their customary penetrative ability near goal. Astley’s hat-trick put paid to the Blues. Cook erred when Astley scored in a minute; Astley’s second was a peach; and Jones made a mistake when Astley notched the third goal. The third point settled the issue for Everton, for Dean had brought the score to 2-1 with a penalty, and they were right in the game with a chance –a chance indicated by the soundness of their football. Yet the County swept away to regain their advantage, and even Everton’s hectic pressure near the end could not bring reward. Apart from the two mistakes, the Everton defence was excellent, and little fault could be found with the half-back line, where Thomson was outstanding. Gillick gave perhaps, his finest display since he joined the club. He had Keen and Howe beaten time after time, and was more effective than the dazzling Duncan on the Derby left wing, because he finished better. Gillick’s footwork, speed, and trickiness constituted the high spot of the game, which thrilled from start to finish. Stevenson was the earnest forager and prime shot, but Leyfield had a mixed game. Cunliffe seemed out of touch, and Dean never had a chance against the dominant Barker. The Derby attack was excellent, but the defence was far from solid when Everton played on top of them. Yes, a game to remember, with Derby deserving the points, but Everton deserving high praise.
GILLICK’S MASTERPIECE.
December 29, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
While the score against Everton at Derby infers that they were well and truly beaten there was a time when the County were none too sure of themselves, for Everton having withstood the bewildering pace of the County forwards played with such spirit that they were testing the Derby defence very severely in the last fifteen minutes of the game (writes “Stork”) I studied the faces of several of the Derby officials when Dean scored his penalty shot and reduced the County lead to one, and it was obviously that they were in an anxious state, and did not like the look of things even after Astley had recovered the lost ground with his third goal. Everton were fighting. I understand there has been little spirit displaced on away grounds, but that charge could not be levelled at them at the Baseball ground. Had the rest of the forwards played half so well as Gillick, the Derby defence, which was all brawn more than anything else, could have been rattled, and perhaps forced to yield, but they had not a full line of forwards to deal with, for Dean was moderate. Cunliffe right off his game and Leyfield just an ordinary workman. So you see, their task was eased. It was a pity, for Gillick gave a superlative display and had Keen and Howe in a maze by his body swerve, his intricate footwork, and although he never once put a centre wrong little or nothing was done with them. What a difference when Duncan centred. Astley, Ramage, and Napier were all ready with a shot and the centre forward got three of them home and would have had more had not Cook, Jones and Sagar barred his way. Everton had to face a first-minute goal. That is not a happy through on the Baseball ground, which is noted for keen-sometimes much too keen –play, and there were many things in this game which could have been omitted with great benefit to players and spectators alike. The county forwards were a brilliant lot. To them goes the full honour for the victory, for they worked up a tremendous pace, passed, at lightning speed and with wonderful accuracy. At times they gave a slow motion idea of their power, and it was choice, particularly Duncan, who had a great day. He was not as accurate as Gillick but what he did had the hallmark about it. The other members of the line were very little behind him in point of skill and with Barker backing up they flung their full might at the Everton defence, which stood its ground right to the bitter end. It made two errors, and each cost Everton a goal. Cook should have cleared instantly, but by not doing so enabled Napier to push the ball through for Astley, who slammed the ball into the net in one minute.
Scant Respect.
That was a blow sufficient to unnerve any side, but Everton kept at it and not until the fortieth minute did Astley sweep a perfect centre by Duncan into the net. The game looked all over, for while Everton had a fair share of the midfield play there was not enough punch in the attack when it came to shooting Stevenson made some good efforts, but Scattergood’s work was very light. All this time Gillick had been delivering the goods, and being treated with scant respect by the opposing defence. At last Howe, to save Gillick running through to a goal, handled the ball, and Dean scored at 61 minutes. Everton saw a chance of a draw if not a win, but a misunderstanding between Jones and Sagar resulted in Astley scoring a minute later. Then Everton came right into the picture, and the Derby defenders had a worrying time, but an attack without a shot is of little use. It meant work for nothing, and that is what Everton got for their fine display. It was a game to thrill, for the exchangers were quick and dangerous, and while, I admit that the County thoroughly earned their victory I could not help but admire Everton for the way they hit back and made a fight of it. Don’t forget that the majority of their players had gone through three games in four days, but they did not play like it. In fairness to Dean let me state that he had a plasting across his eyebrow, but he undoubtedly kept two men close to his shoulder if he did nothing else. Gillick however, was the shining light. Thomson was the best of the half-backs, and there was not a hairsbreadth between Cook and Jones, while Sagar saved some grand shots. Keen beat him when he rattled the upright.
EVERTON TEAM FOR WEEK-END
December 30, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Mercer is fit again for service, and will appear in his customary place in the game Everton play on New Year’s Day at home to Preston North End, who gave Everton their cup-tie conge not so long ago, and therefore, the Goodison fellows have an old score to wipe off. Teams- Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. The Central League eleven to play Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday will be King; Jackson, Morris; Bentham, White, Watson; Geldard, Jones (TG), Bell, Laidman, Coulter.
Hearsay, Here-I-Say
“Chimming Bells” writes –as a matter of interest I took the trouble to make inquiry from a number who stood behind the north-end goal at Goodison. If my information is correct, those at a distance were mistaken, to the impaired viability, and the truth is that Gee intending to protest Sagar charged Drake heavily, but quite fairly, which would appear confirmed by the fact that all these officials saw nothing wrong and that the scene was due to the somewhat theatrical manner in which Drake fell and remained prone. I saw the incident at a distance myself and only give the above at second hand, but I thought that in fairness to Gee, the matter should be ventilated I thought your running commentary on the game was very good, and I agree with you that that fine, upstanding young fellow. I Compton is a cool and clever craftsman but I do not agree that he was the best back afield. I think this honour went to Willie Cook who never made an error and whose co-operative understanding with Britton was one of the high spots of the game. Compton and Milner were the two Gunners I had not seen previously and I was not impressed by Milne or any of the forwards excepting Kirchen forwards the game end. It appeared to me that while Milne and Davidson were very clever and intimate Weaver all their efforts ended in smoke. With all their tortuous windings and you-to-me stuff they made even less impression on the defence than the struggling Everton attack but, however, little their endings, if must be admitted that in their approaches the Arsenal men knew how to find a colleague with the pass and take position, whereas when an Everton forward was correctly placed it seemed rather good luck than good understanding or anticipation. If it is possible for me to admire Dean and Stevenson more for anything than their playing ability it is for the patience they exhibit. It is easy to understand that Cunliffe should accidently obstruct Dean –in Dean’s position –once it is more difficult to understand why he should make the same blunder three times in one game. Nobody would mind if Leyfield is robbed and defeated by a better player (that is one of the rubs of the game and we can take it), but when the work is done for him, and the way onward opened up why wait for the defender to come out and defeat him again? The answer is “Lemons” It was pleasing to see “Buzz” giving a rap-rap to those sole idea of improving a team is to buy new players. I have been guilty of if myself I admit, but a little mature consideration shows that it may be no remedy. When the managers acquired the present players they were thought to be improving the team, and perhaps they were if players could be depended upon to give of the best always. Instead of condemning managers so much how would it be if some of the players we wot of were called upon to improve themselves at the job for which they are well paid to perform. Everybody knows that “lefting” the shot and “jonking” before shooting are bad habits which they can cure if they will. After all no director, manager, or coach can make a player do his heart if he is either luzy, unwilling, or merely stupid.
Grievous
“Clean Play” has differing views from these of the people “Chimming Bells” met. He says “Everton were lucky to escape a penalty kick if nothing more troublesome. Players have no right to but their feelings run away with them, we have a good name, and do not want of suffered at the price of victory. Surely there is a responsibility testing with the Everton board of directors if the team’s name for good, clean football is to survive. I am an Everton enthusiast for more years than I care to remember. My time goes beyond the Fallowfield Cup final day’s. Saturday’s incident grieved me very much, It married a wonderfully fine game of high class football. Perhaps you can give a word to the offending party.
MERCER BACK IN EVERTON X1.
December 30, 1936. Evening Express.
Preston Will Face Full Strength Blues.
Two Matches In Two Days.
By The Pilot.
Joe Mercer, one of the finest young half-backs in the country, return’s to Everton’s side to entertain Preston North End in the Lancashire “Derby” match at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day. Mercer was unable to play against Derby County on Monday owing to a slight ankle injury received in the last two minutes of the Saturday game against Arsenal, and his place was taken by Thomson –with credit. The injury has yielded to treatment, and so the Blues will be at full strengths for a match they won last season’s 5-0. The Everton players are in for a busy week-end for immediately after the match with Preston they take the train for London, where they oppose Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield.
• League Match at Goodison Park, New Year’s Day, January 1, Everton v. Preston North End. Kick-off 2-30. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands extra (including tax). Booked Seats, Sharp’s Whitechapel.
THE NEW EVERTON FORWARD.
December 31, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Clubs Agree; Boys First Match.
Tom Lawton, the boy wonder centre forward signed from Burnley by Everton F.C., will probably place his debut for his new team for the Central league at Goodison Park on Saturday next. This morning the full Everton F.C., board met at the offices of the chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff to consider the question of Lawton’s signing, and at the end of the meeting Mr. Cuff called in “Bee” and said. “As you probably know we have been discussing the question of the signing of Lawton, of Burnley, and I can tell you now the two clubs come to terms for the transfer and it is up to the player, of course to make his decision but we have no doubt about his desire Lawton will probably make his debut with Everton Res on Saturday at Goodison Park. Dixie Dean, the Everton captain, will celebrate his 30th birthday on the 22nd of next month. Dean made his debut for Everton’s first league team when he was 18 years old.
Terry Day
“Bee” adds; another interesting feature of Everton’s team sheet this week will be the inclusion of the London boy, Terry Day, who will play for Everton “A” tomorrow at Infield (2-30). Day is a protégé to Tom Clay, the Spurs back, and he and I have interested ourselves in this young player. Day met the Everton players a month ago, when they were on their Southern tour. He is lightly built, but as he is only 16 years old, there is plenty of time for him to developed. Football has never had so many boyish interests in its history.
FORMER SCOTS PLAYER IN CAR CRASH
December 31, 1936. Aberdeen Journal
W. Miller, the Burnley inside-forward who played for the Scottish League against the English League when he was with Patrick Thistle, was involved in an accident while motoring home to Scotland for a brief holiday after the game at Doncaster. He was detained at Moffatt Hospital until yesterday with injuries to his chest and knees, but although he was permitted to leave for his home at Falkirk, it is expected he will be out of the game for several weeks. Before joining Burnley Miller played for Everton.
FORMER PARTICK THISTLE PLAYER IN MOTOR CAR SMASH.
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Thursday 31 December 1936
W. Miller, the Burnley inside-forward, who played for the Scottish League against the English League when he was with Partick Thistle, was involved in accident while motoring home to Scotland for brief holiday after the game at Doncaster. He was detained at Moffat Hospital until yesterday with injuries to his" chest and knees, but although he was permitted to leave for his home at Falkirk, it is expected he will be out of the game for several weeks. Before joining Burnley Miller played for Everton.
FORMER SCOTS PLAYER IN CAR CRASH
Aberdeen Journal - Thursday 31 December 1936
While on Way to Falkirk Home W. Miller, the Burnley inside-forward who played for the Scottish League against the English League when he was with Partick Thistle, was involved in an accident while motoring home to Scotland for a brief holiday after the game Doncaster. He was detained at Moffat Hospital until yesterday with injuries to his chest and knees, but although he was permitted to leave for his home at Falkirk, it is expected he will be out of the game for several weeks. Before joining Burnley Miller played for Everton.
FORMER EVERTON STARS IN PRESTON SIDE FOR GOODISON PARK.
December 31, 1936. The Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
It will be a case of “Should old acquaintance be forgot” at Goodison Park tomorrow, for in the Preston team to tackle the Blues will be two former Everton players in Harry Holdcoft and Harry Lowe. Ever since they landed at Deepdale Holdcroft and Lowe have been “regulars” and Holdcroft has advanced to the status of England’s. “Number One” goalkeeper. North End are a tricky side with a sound defence and cleverness, if not “punch,” in their attack. In an effort to bring more power in the forward line Preston line Preston are making further experiments tomorrow, and this means that Frank O’Donnell takes over the leadership of the line in place of Maxwell, who is injured. Fagan, Preston’s Scottish star from Celtic plays at inside right; Shankey returns to right-half in place of Vernon, and Gallimore make his first appearance of the season at right-back in place of Jennings, Gallimore has been suffering from illness. A big attraction in the Preston side will be Smith, the former Kilnarnock centre-half whose last appearance at Goodison Park was when he opposed Dean in the inter-league match this season. A bright scoring contribution from Dean will enable him to take over the First Division goal-scoring leadership –a position he now shares with Lewis (Grimsby Town) and McCulloch (Brentford). Everton need only play as well as they did at Derby on Monday –with extra thrust in attack –to make sure of the game. A little more willingness to go to the ball instead of waiting for it to “land” will help materially. Preston re situated in the danger zone owing to recent poor run. They have taken 19 points from 22 matches, and away from home have picked up seven points out of 22. last season North End beat Everton 3-1 in an F.A. Cup tie at Goodison Park, but lost the league game 5-0. Visitors to the game are reminded that a collection on behalf of the Dixie Dean Testimonial Fund will be made outside the ground. Collections are asked to report at 61, Spellow-lane at 1 o’clock, and admirers of the great centre-forward are asked to give their utmost support to the fund. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Leyfield. Preston North End; Holdcroft; Gallimore, Lowe; Shankley, Smith, Milne; Dougal, Beresford, O’Donnell (F.), Fagan, O’Donnell (H.).
• League Match At Goodison Park Tomorrow (New Year’s Day) Everton v. Preston North End, Kick-off 2-30. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, Stands Extra (Including Tax) Booked Seats Sharp’s Whitechapel
• Liverpool County Combination Match at Anfield, Liverpool “A” v. Everton “A” Tomorrow (Friday) 1st January Kick-off 2.30 p.m., Admission 6d, Boys 2d, Stands 9d. (incl tax) Car Parking Free.
EVERTON WILL SIGN BURNLEY BOY WONDER.
December 31, 1936. Evening Express.
Negotiations For £3,000 Transfer
By The Pilot.
Everton Football Club will today sign Tommy Lawton, the 17-year-old centre forward of Burnley.
The directors of the club met today and decided to proceed with the transfer negotiations. Representatives then left for Burnley to settle matters with the player. I understand the fee for Lawton’s transfer is in the region of £3,000. Burnley indicated that they were prepared to transfer Lawton, and Everton had fancied the player for some time. Lawton is the most-discussed footballer since Clifford Bastin, of Arsenal, crashed into the football world when he was the same age as Lawton. A native of Bolton, Lawton actually played for Burnley in a Second Division game when he was only 16. He was a mere boy of 15 when he first played for their Central League eleven. He first caught the eye when playing for Foulds-road school, Bolton, and I saw him play for the Lancashire School-boys on Merseyside. Then he was a towering lad with exceptional football gifts.
570 Goals.
In junior football he scored no fewer than 570 goals, and in January, 1935, there was a possibility of his signing for Bolton Wanderers for he did his training at Burnden Park. A hitch occurred, however, and in the February he signed amateur forms for Burnely and was given a position on the Burnley office staff. It was in the September of that year that he played his first game for the Central League side. Last march he was promoted to the first team making his debut against Doncastle Rovers, at Turf Moor. Last season he scored five goals in seven first team games. He has played in 18 first team games this season and scored 11 goals. Lawton is a finely-built player being 6ft and 12st 5lbs. Several clubs have been on his trial, but Burnley refused to part. Now, however, Burnley need money and are forced to realise on the player.
December 1936