EVERTON RISE TO CRISIS.
Athletic News - Monday 04 February 1907
By Grasshopper.
There were moments during the game at West Ham when the anxiety of the Everton team could not be concealed, and for one brief period it really did look as if the hold of the Goodison Park men upon the Association Cup were relaxing. This was when, after half an hour's play West Ham were a goal up playing so brightly that another goal was practically presented to them, but was rejected. That was the turning point in the game, and when Everton equalized It was felt that West Ham would not have such another opportunity.
STAPLEY SCORES.
In the previous play Everton had shown themselves a much stronger and more finished side than West Ham. The impressive play of their half-backs gave them a tremendous advantage and did more than anything to turn the scale in their favour. It is true that Scott had some exciting moments in the early stages—-twice especially, when he saved on his knees with the West Ham forwards on top of him —but thereafter the Everton middle-men took the leading part in the game. All three fed their forwards with wonderful skill and precision, and yet attack after attack was beaten oft. The Everton five could not get together, and although their individual excellence kept them generally in the neighborhood of Kitchen they could not press home the advantage. The dramatic development came after half an hour. An Everton attack being beaten off, Lindsay secured the ball and sent it out to Winterhalder on the left. There were loud appeals for on-side against Winterhalder, but Tom Kirkham - and I think rightly -would not hear of it, and so the West Ham player went with on with the Everton defence in chase. The outside left easily got in his centre, which came backwards to Stapley, and the amateur beat Scott with a low shot. The clouds might have heard the yell that followed, and the echoes had scarcely died away when Winterhalder repeated his feat. In this case, however, the centre came to Lindsay, who might have walked between the posts with the ball but let it turn round his leg. With men like the brothers Balmer in the neighbourhood that was fatal.
EVERTON’S BRACE IN REPLY.
Then, just before the interval, when Gardner made a mistake, Settle took full advantage and registered the equalizer. After that Everton felt they had the game in hand, and probably it was because the Londoners thought so, too, that they made such a weak show on resuming. Then it was that Sharp found his true form, and for twenty minutes "Jack of both sides” absolutely scintillated. With Settle backing him up well, the pair described wonderful patterns round Gardner. From a long return by W. Balmer, Gardner, bustled by Settle, lost the ball, and Sharp dancing round the pair, obtained the second point, and as it happened, the winning goal. Several times Everton came near increasing their lead. Once when Abbott headed one of Sharp s corners full into goal, and again when "Geordie" Wilson came through the ruck like a steam engine and whirred a good ball just outside the post- The irrepressible little wizard at inside left also sent a beautiful straight drive full tilt at Kitchen at long range, and Taylor found the crossbar with a similar effort.  Everton with all the tricks in hand, eased towards the close, when Scott got only work in the second half, for the greater part of which the Irish international had been unemployed.
IRRESISTIBLE INTERNATIONALS
It was a stirring game for about seventy minutes, and there was no doubt the Cup holders had a fright. That it was nothing worse was due to the monumental work of their half backs, and better work one could not wish too see. Taylor and Abbott were superb, the old “Son of the Rock" being everywhere, end the pair completely smothering the West Ham forwards, who got their only chances through Winterhalder on Makepeace’s wing.  But here W. Balmer, the best back on the field, was generally in evidence on the few occasions on which Makepeace was beaten. The Everton right wing was the most effective, Settle making a most efficient substitute for the injured Bolton.  Gardner and Jarvis could make nothing of the pair, and Sharp's runs and corner kicks-of which he look many-were things of real beauty. The other three forwards were good individually, but they could not get together, and for far too long periods Harold Hardman was out of the picture. Perhaps the sloppy surface had something to do with this lack of understanding, but the right wing rose superior to the conditions.
STAGGERED BY THE MIDDLEMEN.
One can imagine, Stapley and his confreres eyeing the Everton half-backs and asking" what manner of men are these?"  Such a line is not seen often in the South, and the "Hammers" do not wish to run against their like again. Winterhalder must be given credit for his two dashes in the first half, but that accepted the whole five were equally ineffective. Allison and Piercy struggled manfully and they were backed by West Ham's most successful player, Wildman, an old Evertonian by the bye. Both goalkeepers were very smart. West Ham people whose hopes went ballooning after the first goal, took their team's defeat quietly-very quietly. There was a disposition to throw too much of the onus of defeat on David Gardner, whose mistakes led up to both goals, but it was indeed unfortunate that his only serious mistakes should have brought such heavy retribution. West Ham -Kitchen: Wildman. Gardner; Allison, Piercy, Jarvis; Lindsay, Grassam, H.S. Stapley, Watson, and Winterhalder.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Settle, Young, Wilson, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; T. Kirkham, Burslem.   

WEST HAM UNITED 1 EVERTON 2 (Fa Cup Game 59)
February 4, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Fa Cup Round Two.
EVERTON OVERCOME WEST HAM.
A NARROW VICTORY.
From the point of view the enthusiast who pay his money and takes his choice without any prediction in favour of either side. Saturday's game between Everton and West Ham was a admirable one. There was more skill and less scramble about the play that often happens in cup ties. West Ham possesses a strong team abounding in pluck and dash, and their combination in face of any ordinary opponents would be excellent. As a whole, however, the team lacks that final touch, that supreme method and cohesion which distinguishing players of the front rank. Their forward are best. Shapley at centre played a fine game on Saturday, and Winterhalder on the left wing was positively brilliant in spite of the fact that the vis-à-vis was the Everton captain. It was an exciting sprint down the wing from half-way by Winterhalder, culminating in a swiftly and accurate pass to Shapley, who was standing unhampered in front of goal, that gave West Ham first blood, and a goal lead exactly thirty minutes after the game started.

"HAMMERS" GOAL.
For the scoring of that goal, which immensely flattered the dubious hopes of the intensely patriotic local supporters, no blame whatever attaches to Scott, the Everton goalkeeper, or, indeed, to anyone else. It was just the righteous fruits of an exceptionally clever piece of individualism more in the Corinthians style than after the approval manner of modern professional soccer. These things happen to the best-regulated defence. The West Ham halves and backs and not compare for an instant with their opponents. The Everton front rank were not slow to find out the weak places in the West Ham defence, but one of those weak places most emphatically was not their old colleague between the posts. Kitchen was a tower of strength, cool, confident, and quick with hugh fists that seemed to meet every shot like a patent battering ram. So much for the home players. Although the objection may possibly be offered that the final balance sheet of goals to two to one in their favour does not show it, the Everton players established an unquestionable superiority over the Southern team, even in the estimate of enthusiastic "Baconians" if one may so indicate the loyal partisans of West Ham. There was nothing unfinished about the Everton play in any department.

THE "BLUES" STRONG DEFENCE.
One heard remarks by some of their friends to the effect that Everton did not do themselves full justice. Such criticism leaves out an account the conditions of the ground, which gave to the early stages of the encounter, certain suggestions of roller-skating. In the first few minutes either Wilson or Young slipped hopelessly just when about to shoot with a fair opening. Scott responded well to all the demands made upon him, and the Balmers at back tackled like men of weight and decision. To say they made no mistakes would be untrue, but as a rule they were most dependable, and their kicking was prodigious. The Everton halves, Makepeace, and Abbott, much impressed some excellent and impartial critics. Their play on Saturday was certainly the strongest point of Everton game. The forwards particularly in the second half gave a classic exhibition. It reminded one of the palmist days of Preston North End. More handicapped by the slippery ground than their less swift opponents, their attack conveyed quite a different impression to the assaults of the West ham contingent. There was a sert of inevitability about the disciplined onslaught of the wearers of the blue that caused much despondency in the breasts of the Baconians.

SHARP AND SETTLE PROMINENT.
The outstanding figure was the compact, athletic one of Sharp, who descended time and again upon Kitchen, like a small whirlwind. He and Settle frequently baffled the opposing halves and backs, and incidentally scored between them the two goals that won the match. Young was indefatigable in the centre. It was not one of his most brilliant days, but he was a sound man nevertheless. Wilson and Hardman worked well together, and the latter showed notably good form. After outplaying their opponents during the first half-hour, the Everton team suffered a curious eclipse for about ten minutes following Winterhalmer's successful spirits. On the other hand the home team with a goal to their credit, played up like furies. It was the Everton halves who banished this passing demoralisation, and finally Abbott tipped the ball across to Hardman. That player went down the wing and slammed across to Sharp, who put all his strength into a straight shot. The ball rebounded from a West Ham back to the foot of Settle, who quickly snicked it past Kitchen into the net. The winning goal was obtained in a somewhat similar manner. As the result of clever short passing and the culmination of many strong attacks, Young tried a shot which Sharp nipped up on the rebound and netted with little delay.
Teams : - West Ham United: - Kitchen goal, Wildman, and Gardner, backs, Allison, Piercey, and Jarvis, half-backs, Lindsay, Crabsam, Stapley, Watson, and Winterhalmer, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, W. Balmer, and R. Balmer, backs, Meakepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs Sharp, Settle, Young, G. Wilson, and Hardman forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1
February 4, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One. (Game 22)
The return meeting of the rival Reserves of Everton and Liverpool, which took place at Goodison-park on Saturday, provided a disappointing game. The ground was, however, in a frostbound conditions, and it was not surprising therefore that the football should suffer. As a keen, determined struggle from first to last, however, the game always proved interesting, and the 21,000 spectators present had full value for their money. The first meeting of the clubs on Christmas Day ended 2-2, and at Saturday match resulted in another draw, this time of one goal each, honours are even, but Liverpool owed a good deal to their sturdy defence on Saturday. It was due chiefly to Doig and his backs, assisted by Hughes and Latham at half, the Everton did not finish on top, for they did most of the pressing. It must be said, however, that Liverpool were not so well represented as the Goodison-park men, for Chorlton, McKenna and Blanthorne were away from the Reds, while Everton were only short of Booth. Wright made a capable substitute for the latter, but Graham and Holmes the latter belonging to Egremont Socially were an indifferent right wing for Liverpool. They did not get the ball too often in the first half, but during the second portion Graham could make no headway at all, and his partner suffered in consequence. All the scoring was done in the first two or three minutes. Jones beating Doig and scoring a clever goal soon after the start, while Graham equalised directly afterwards, one of the Everton defenders hooking the ball out after it had apparently crossed the line. This completed the scoring, but there were some narrow shares, and almost in the last minute of the game Butler screwed the ball just over the angle of the crossbar, and post which Doig was guarding. Doig had far more to do than Sloan, whose first save was not made until just upon the interval, and who had very few shots afterwards to deal with. The veteran was very safe, and both Griffiths and Wilson covered him well, though at times their eagerness to save their goal resulted in free kicks being given against them. As indicated both Hughes and Latham did good services, and Hignett was seldom lacking, but Liverpool were only moderate at forward, the best work being done by Hewitt and Lipsham. The latter was unfortunate to get a nasty kick on the face, and he had to retire towards the finish while at different periods Latham, Hughes, Crelly, and Butler all had to receive attention. For Everton Sloan had little to do, both Strettell and Crelly being very sound. The former was in rare form, and looks like developing into a fine player. There was little between the home halves, while the forwards combined much better than the opposing quintette, and were a much stronger line. Jones led them well, although closely watched, and his goal was a beauty, but the shooting generally was open to improvement. We understand the gate receipts amounted to £300.

BRISTOL CITY 2 EVERTON 1
FEBRUARY 11, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON FEEBLE.
POINTS LOST AT BRISTOL.
If Everton had any hope of securing League Championship their chances were considerably discounted on Saturday at Bristol, which city they visited for the first time in their League career. True, against a team like Bristol City, who have not been beaten on their own ground for something like four months, a defeat by two goals to one does not on the face of it look very dreadful. But those who witnessed the game could not fall to have the impression that the Blues were lucky to get off so easily. It is a long time since the team as a whole was so much off colour. Happily there were purple patches, otherwise the reverse must have been much more emphatic. Whether it was the soft and slippery ground of the absence of a quintette of the regulars or not the fact remains that the Cupholders sadly disappointed the football enthusiasts of Bristol. The victory of the City, of course, was very welcome to them, but the spectators marvelled at the prominent positions held by Everton in the League –that is in view of their performance last Saturday.

SOFT GROUND –MANY MISTAKES.
Naturally Everton were at a disadvantage seeing that they were deprived of the services of such men as Taylor, Makepeace, Bolton, Wilson, and Hardman. Except in the case of that great player Taylor, who was under the ban of the Association, injuries or ill-health were the causes of the abstensions. Still, Everton have so many capable reserves that one would have expected them to surmount all difficulties. At the same time it was a decided experiment in introduce Rouse and Donnachie on the left wing. They are generally regarded as right wing exponents, but, however, that may be the defeat of Saturday cannot be attributed to them, with the exception of the goalkeeper and the backs the whole team seemed unable to give of anything approaching their best. The ground certainly was in terribly slippery conditions, but as the old saying goes it was the same for both sides. From the start it was very evident that Everton were not in the humour. The Bristol men, were nothing great, though they had the saving grace of desperate earnestness, and an evident desire to overcome the difficulties presented by the state of the ground. Everton could do nothing right, and had it not been for the safe kicking of the brothers Balmer and the watchfulness of Scott goals galore might have accrued. Corner after corner had to be given, and it was only what the Bristol team deserved when from a melee in front of Scott the ball was placed into the net by Maxwell, the old Stoke player. The home side pressed home their advantage. The visiting halves time after time were nonplussed by the spirited play of the opposing forwards, who scored a second goal through Gilligan. In the second half of the game Everton were seen to better advantage, but there were some woefully feeble attempts when within easy reach of goal. Sharp and Settle each missed a glorious opportunity, but so did the other forwards, and it was not until the last minute of play that Young managed to plant the ball past Dummery.

THE BALMERS IN FINE FORM.
It will be gathered that the game was not of a very exciting description. Once they scored Bristol City never looked like being beaten. Perhaps their knowledge of the ground stood them in good stead. At any rate despite numerous mistakes they kept their feet better than did the Evertonians, and, moreover, displayed by far the better combination. Unfortunately for Everton Young were suffering from a severe cold, and, therefore, was unable to do himself full justiced. As a consequence the forward line was somewhat disjointed. Still, the left wing was by means overshadowed by Sharp and Settle. Both Donnachie and Rouse, were responsible for some really clever touches, the former deputising for Hardman in a manner which was exceedingly creditable. Black too, did good work, but on such a ground the services of Jack Taylor would have been invaluable. Though Booth has his heart in the game he does not possess his old command over the ball, Scott kept goal like the international he is, and too high praise cannot be accorded the brother Balmer. There were plenty of calls upon them, and right worthily did they responded. Indeed, the younger Balmer quite caught the eye of the Bristol crowd. In Demmery the City posses a custodian of more than average merit, and while Wedlock was their star artist, Liverpool football followers will be interested in knowing that Hanlin is a much improved half-back as compared with what he was when he was with Everton.
Everton: - Scott, goal, W. Balmer and R Balmer backs Black, Booth, and Abbott half-backs Sharp (Captain), Settle, Young, Rouse and Donnachie, forwards.

SET BACK FOR EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 11 February 1907
By Cliftonian
It was a pity that Everton could not muster a full team for their match with Bristol City at Ashton Gate, as the absence of four of their best men gave them some excuse for the defeat they suffered by two goals to one. Though, in the eyes of many people, the success of their opponents was discounted, still, even when allowance is made, for the way in which the Lancashire team were handicapped, there are ample reasons left upon their to base hearty congratulations, to the Bristolians.  During the first half, at any rate, they gave a display which entitles them to unstinted praise, and if they had continued upon the same lines during the second they would have earned a far more decisive victory.  They made it very clear after the interval that they were fairly content with their lead of two goals, because they entirely altered their tactics.  Everton promptly realized what a splendid chance this gave them of saving at least one point, and infused so much spirit into their work that, they deserved the goal Young scored for them in the last minute.  Taken all through, it was far from being the best exhibition witnessed in Bristol this year.
FIRST HALF
To begin with, the City showed considerable skill in adapting their play to the state of the ground, though twenty-five minutes went by before Maxwell scored the first goal from the fifth comer his side earned. The second came from a delightful movement, in which the played was associated with Staniforth.  It led to Gilligan being left with the ball with only Scott to beat, and he made no mistake. This was not the only concerted run which was good to watch, for Burton and Hilton were often conspicuous. Everton could make no effective response. True, on two occasions Demmery was hard pressed by Young and Rouse, but they got their chances more by smart following up than by concerted operations.  It was impossible to deny that the City were entitled to their two goals' lead at the interval, for they had been by far the more aggressive side. They got their eighth corner within a minute of resuming, and that was followed by two more later on, so it came as a surprise to find them penned in their own quarters for the next fifteen minutes.  During that period so well did Annan, Cottle, and Wedlock play that Demmery was not severely tested. His time came later when he again cleared in wonderful style from Young and Rouse. As a set-off to this Gilligan and Staniforth each had rosy chances of beating Scott, but all they could do was to lift the ball high over the bar.
EVERTON'S LAST MINUTE GOAL.
Play throughout the last half-hour was tolerably even, and there was only a minute to go when Young, having worked the ball close in, drove it into the net with a hard, low shot. His effort came too late to do his side much good, because the final whistle was sounded as soon as the centre kick was taken. In spite of the way they revived in the later stages of the contest it cannot be said that Everton did themselves justice.  It was clear they did not like the state of the ground, but that was not entirely responsible for all the mistakes they made. Scott kept goal well, and of a sturdy pair of backs R. Balmer was by far the better. Booth gave a creditable display at centre half-back, though, like Abbott and Black, he often appeared slow. At Inside left Rouse proved an able substitute for Wilson, for he was the most consistent man on the line, and it was not his fault that Donnachie failed to shine. Young was always energetic, though he was not quite clever enough to evade the attentions he received from Wedlock. Sharp worked desperately hard, and was always trying, yet it could not be said he was a success.
VARIABLE FORM.
It would be unfair to say that one of the City forwards deserved more credit than his colleagues. They were all responsible for smart things occasionally, and were also guilty of many mistakes. It was, indeed singular that brilliant spells of combination should have been succeeded by glaring blunders. Wedlock, as already indicated, was in great form, and he was ably supported by Spear and Hanlin, The last-named paid strict attention to Sharp and held that clever player fairly in hand. The feature of the work done by the backs was the perfect understanding which prevailed between them. It was this more than anything else which rendered the attack so ineffective. In spite of all they could do Demmery was hard pressed now and then, but he held out grandly, and four of his saves were master-pieces. Bristol City.—Demmery: Annan, Cottle: Spear,  Wedlock, Hanlin: Staniforth, Maxwell, Gilligan, Barton, and Hilton.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W.), Balmer (R.); Black, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Settle, Young, Rouse, and Donnachie.  Referee; Mr. N. Whittaker, London.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BARROW 0
February 11, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 23)
Owing to the thaw, the ground at Goodison-park was very muddy, and good football was out of the question. Nevertheless the favourate overhead conditions induced a fair number to witness, the match with Barrow. The game started very tamely, but Butler made way on his wing, and Rimmer falling to clear his centre. Graham easily beat Kingsley in the first minute. Although Everton had much of the game upto the interval, they could not again beat the visiting custodian, though their efforts were by no means great. On the other hand, Barrow were very dangerous when in the vicinity of Sloan, but the custodian was ably assisted by his backs, and Barrow were prevented from scoring. The second portion for a long period favoured Everton, who, as in the opening moiety, scored in the first minute through Thomas from Butler's centre. Thus both goals were the outcome of good work by the ex-Tranmere man Kingsley had a warm time of it, but the old Newcastle player came through the ordeal with credit, and proved that he is still a fine custodian. Everton should have gone further ahead, as Butler drew Kingsley out of goal and put the ball to Dorward, who was almost under the bar, but he dashed into the net, leaving the ball behind him. Near the finish Barrow made desperate efforts to score, but Sloan was not much troubled, and the game ended in favour of Everton by 2 goals to nil. It was not a great match to any means, and the winners will have to show better form if they are to pull through the return fixture on Saturday next. Sloan was safe as usual while Strettell was the best back on the field. Chadwick was the pick of the halves, though Sharrock, who was receiving a trial at right half did not perform badly. The forwards line was only a moderate one. Butler was in great form, and played his best game for many a day. He was continually on the look-out for work, and as already stated both goals were due to his centres. Rafferty a Scotch junior was at outside right, and though shaky in the first half, he improved wonderfully in the second portion, showing fine command over the ball, which on a very heavy ground was highly creditable. The visitors were best represented by Kingsley. Pratt at back, and Dodd among the halves. The forwards was poor D.Bell being their most prominent member with Wright running him close. Everton: - Sloan, goal, Strettell, and Stevenson backs Sharrock, Chadwick and Donaldson, half-back, Raffety, Graham Dorward, Thomas, and Butler, forwards.

BARROW 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 18, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 24)
For the second Saturday in succession Everton and Barrow were in opposition, and for the second time the Barrowians were beaten pointless. At the previous meeting Everton won by two goals to nil, and on Saturday they again triumphed by one to nothing. It was a capital game all through the Goodison-park team did not show such superiority as in the first match they were again the smarter side and deserved the points. The visiting forwards were decidedly clever, and Matt Kingsley, the old Newcastle custodian, who is now with Barrow, showed that he still retained much of his old skill. He kept out many fine shots in the first portion, and on one occasion saved from Jones when a goal seemed certain but in the second half, Rouse cleverly notched a point, and Everton won as stated. The winners did not by any means have all their own way, for the Barrow forwards worked very hard and found plenty of work for Sloan and his backs. The Everton defence was wonderfully safe, however, and never looked like being beaten. The visiting halves were also good. Booth doing fine work, while Donnachie, Rouse and Jones were the pick of a good forward line. Barrow also showed capital football all round, and would have beaten a less capable side. Everton: - Sloan, goal, Strettell, and Crelly, backs, Black, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs, Donnachie, Graham, Dorward, Thomas and Butler, forwards .

INTERNATIONAL AT GOODISON-PARK.
February 18, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
CAPS FOR EVERTONIANS.
England beat Ireland by one goal to nil, on Saturday. Scott the Everton Goalkeeper, who gave one of his usually clever displays between the posts. Certainly he could not be blamed for the only goal of the day, which appropriately enough, was scored by his clubmate Harold Hardman. The gate receipts was £1,025. Attendance's was 35,235.

EVERTON'S BUSY WEEK
Athletic News - Monday 25 February 1907
By Junius
After the Cup struggle with Bolton Wanderers the Everton directors were naturally anxious to get into communication with Sheffield United. The League game with United, which should have been played on Saturday, had been arranged or to-day, but in new of the replay with Bolton, Everton were naturally anxious to secure a further postponement. They were successful in this, and the Cup-tie replay will come off on Wednesday. The re-arranged Lancashire Combination match with Coine will be played on Tuesday, and Oxford University play Northern Nomads at Goodison Park on Thursday.

GREAT GOAL-KEEPING AT GOODISON
Athletic News - Monday 25 February 1907
By Tityrus
Joseph Holgate Edmondson is an aviary to the general.  Every School at Falstaffian Foukle, even to be in bed nursing an injurie to his knee.  Ashcroft, Tom Baddeley, and Richard the great , Harry Rennie, of Scotland, and Scott, the Hibernian of the dark and twinkling eye, are names which have become as much household words as Whatyoumay-cullum’s Soap and Every Man’s Pills.  But Edmondson has not reached that state of celebrity.  Some people in the street may ask:- “Who’s Edmondson?”  At Accrington, where he was born, they would say that “he’s a gradely Lancashire lad.”  He served his indentures with Accrington Stanley; he migrated to Manchester City, where he stood in the shade of Hillman’s burly form, and he now baeks in the full glory and panoply of a Bolton Wanderers’s white shirt of blameless lite.  Strange to say, Edmondson had an ambition to be a goalkeeper when as a boy he watched Tom Hay, of Staveley, guard the Accrington fortress.  Now he has followed in the foot-steps of Hay. But why all these remarks?  Simply this, and nothing more; Edmondson stood between the Wanderers and defeat at Goodison Park on Saturday, when Everton tried to remove the Boltonians from their path to the Palace for The Cup.
How Edmondson Excelled
Frankly I grant that others nobly did their duty in sheltering Edmondson from onslaughts, but after all he was the last line, he was the human bulwark which resisted shot and shell, broadside and bomb.  It may be that others might have acquitted themselves as nobly as Edmondson, but he happened to be the man.  To him let us gave praise. 
Primarily let it be said that there were no goals credited to either team, and the ball was never in the net, even from an illegitimate position.  The game was more strenuous than scientific, more exciting than exact, more individualistic than collective.  Every man sounded the depths of his reserve force.  In the opening half the game was refreshing, robust, and at times even thrilling, but after breathing time the same standard was not attained.  Of course, passes went awry.  The tension was overpowering, and the players were not twenty-two ice kings.  They were just human beings, and subject to the same passions, as the expectations –only intensified.  They made mistakes.  It is a human failings, but they played hard football.  They strove manfully, and in the battle Everton had considerably the better of the argument.  But the one man they could never master was Edmondson. 
Ten Times A Good Man
I calculate that Edmondson was on ten occasions the man who frustrated the designs of the disjointed Everton forwards.  They lacked harmony, but they got the ball into the region of the goal.  When Stanley let in jack Sharp of the flying feet the Evertonian made a lovely centre.  Edmondson had a difficult task to judge where the ball would descend.  This occurred just between the angle formed by the crossbar and the post, but his hands were up, and danger was dispelled with Harold Hardman within half a yard.  Next Young tricked Baverstock, and made a grand shot, but Edmondson was there.  Shortly after Abbott transferred operations from left to right, and Sharp drove in.  The ball sped like an arrow, but with this difference –an arrow never comes back.  Edmondson fielded, but there was such speed on the ball that it rebounded from him.  Rouse worked desperately to get in a shot, but Stanley wisely conceded a corner.  Still later, Clifford was compelled to give a corner kick, which Hardman placed so deftly, so accurately, that an opponent’s head might have bobbed the ball under the crossbar with a gentle but artful touch.  Edmondson, however, had his hands in the way, and literally cut away the sliddery messenger before any cranium could coax it to rest.  Again Edmondson brought to nought a strong attack by guiding round the post an effort by Sharp.  This he did on two occasions –the second being a masterpiece from the Evertonian, who was heavily charged over the line at the crucial moment.  Again early in the second half we saw Rouse in a perilous position for Bolton.  The ex-Stoke man fell down, got up, and forced in a hurricane ground drive which Edmondson dived upon and managed to steer at a tangent among the encroaching spectators.  From the corner-kick, Rouse merely bobbed over.  Again Edmondson held over his head a bouncing centre from Sharp, and, above all things, came out and kicked the ball away from Young’s toes when the most successful goal-getter in the League was within four yards of victory!  Surely I have not magnified the part which Edmondson played in this struggle.  With a high shot he has few superiors.  On Saturday he showed that he is equally at his ease with those base, low-down deceivers, and that he has a keen intuition of danger.  Is Edmondson to become the successor to Sutcliffe?  I wonder.  There are more unlikely developments.
Not A One-Sided Game
Now it must not be assumed from the foregoing that the match was a battle between Everton forwards and Edmondson, and that The Cup-Holders had so much the best of the battle that they had an immense advantage.  Bolton attacked in turn, and disputed the issue right manfully, but Scott was never tested like his vis-à-vis-and only once did it occur to me that Bolton would really score.  William Balmer in trying to clear in midfield, kicked the ball on to Shepherd, who dashed away and beat Robert Balmer.  We know what an avalanche of a centre forward Shepherd is when he has both backs behind him.  Shepherd thundered along, but not at his usual pace, and Scott came out to meet him.  He timed the advance so exactly that Scott and Shepherd came together.  The ball flew away down the field, and Shepherd curled up on the grass with a strained thigh.  He had to retire, and for the last twenty minutes was of little use to his side at outside left, McEwan going inside and White into the centre.
The Strength and Weakness of Bolton
The fact that no goals were scored must with these remarks constitute my report of this game.  Forwards continually schemed, but half-backs and backs saw that all their machinations went agley.  Foxes have enemies in the hounds, and forwards have foemen in the backs.  The defenders won the day, and, to be frank, I considered that the attacks were not brilliant.  Primarily, Bolton were broken up because Albert Shepherd was checkmated.  The true that he did not receive many ground passes down the centre, such as he likes, and the ball often beat him.  But never look like Taylor and William Balmer defeated.  Many a time Taylor was in brilliant fashion.  Shepherd may well as well have hurled himself at a solid rock and expect to move it as an outcome of Taylor.  The dour Dumbarton had set his mind on mastering Shepherd and he generally held him as in check.  It perchance Shepherd reached William Balmer, the back had also made up his mind to do or die.  And he never died.  Between this pair and the lively ball Shepherd was between the devil and the deep sea, so to speak, and he accomplished little.  Shepherd likes the play making for him, and neither Owen nor White could succeed in this respect, although they worked with an energy that was appalling and a proof of their condition.  McEwan was a trickster time and again, but dainty passes, pirouetting, and back-heeling do not win Cup-ties.  Besides, McEwan was so slow that Makepeace could give him a long start and overtake him.  David Stokes, the captain of the Wanderers, was the one forward who did himself any justice, but even so, I have often seen him in a more sparkling moon.  His dribbles were clever, but he several times, came across the field in a diagonal line, which should not be part of his plan of campaign, and his centres were scarcely so deadly as usual.  The vanguard of the Wanderers was the least successful part of the team, and I attribute this to the insistency and the timeliness of the Everton intermediate line.  The Wanderers were well served in this respect, but the style of the men was cruder than that of their opponents.  Clifford helped to hinder Young, and this forward knew all about his intentions –some of which were honourable.  Clifford showed once again that he is a splendid footballer, so good, indeed, that he could rely solely on his talents.  There is never any justification for questionable tactics –even on the part of a poor player.  A man of ability should disdain the cunning trip, and the subterfuge of those who have no other stock-in-trade.  Gaskell is a model of a half-back.  He loves the ball, and tackles strongly but fairly.  Boyd was robust-all weight and bustle.  He got his share of the ball and placed it well.  Just as I have hopes of Edmondson proving another Sutcliffe, one is tempted to wonder if Baverstock and Stanley are to become the successors of Jones and Somerville.  Candidly, I hope so.  They give evidence of fine powers.  They had a hard trial, and came out of the ordeal well.  Possibly they were hustled and haphazard at first when Everton swept down on the fold, but they improved.  Baverstock was absolutely great at times, and was fair as the most scrupulous sportsman could wish.  Stanley is a ceaseless worker, and he kicks well.  It was a great trial for Stanley, but considering that he had to face Settle and Sharp I think that he came out of the ordeal as well as any man on the field.
The Balance of Everton
The Everton forwards were the better set –as they ought to be, considering the international strain to leaven the whole line.  Young, like Shepherd, was not at his best.  He was individualistic, but was unable to keep the ball under control at his toe.  He did not shoot as we know he can, and he did violence to his reputation.  But Young has not many such days.  Settle and Sharp for half an hour at the start passed and repassed like men with most cunning feet.  Some of their running raids on the zigzag system were pretty and paying, but Settle gradually became slower and less incisive, while Sharp never seemed to recover from the charge of Stanley near the goal-post, and in the second half descended to quite an average wing man-instead of the wing-footed whirlwind, the man of sparkling sallies, crafty centres, and swift shots.  Rouse, who was the emergency forward, did not do himself justice.  He has not assimilated the Everton style, and Hardman suffered.  Still the amateur persevered with the spirit and the spryness which characterizes him on all occasions.  I cannot say more for Taylor than I have done.  He is the wonder of the Everton team.  Abbott is in great form again.  He tried desperately for one of his dealth-dealing drives at goal, but he never quite obtained a winning position.  Makepeace is coming back to his best.  The Balmers were thoroughly reliable, and I should not like to express a preference for either of them.  I have seldom seen them play better as a pair.  Scott had a pleasant Saturday afternoon- and was often standing for his photograph.  Everton; Scott; Balmer (W), Balmer (R.); Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, Settle, Young, Rouse, and H.P. Hardman.  Bolton Wanderers;- Edmondson; Baverstock, Stanley; Gaskell, Clifford, Boyd; Stokes, Owen, Shepherd, White, and McEwan.  Referee; T.P. Campbell, Blackburn. 

EVERTON 0 BOLTON WANDERERS 0 (Fa Cup Game 60)
February 25, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Fa Cup Round Three
GREAT GAME –GREAT CROWD.
NO GOALS AT GOODISON –PARK.
Everton established two records in Saturday's Cup-tie. They had more people on the ground than at any previous match, and the gate receipts, at £1,747 –the original estimate was rather over the mark –were the highest that have been obtained at Goodison –park. Yet pleasing, as these circumstances are, how much nicer would it have been if Everton could have overthrown these sturdy and determined representatives of Bolton Wanderers. It was the want of a goal to the Blues, which provided the feeling of disappointment –among at any rate the majority of the vast concourse of spectators. True it is that the Wanderers were not without whole-hearted supporters. Never has the city seen such an invasion of football enthusiasts from Bolton and the district. The number is variously estimated, but to put it mildly at least 10,000 excursionists came to cheer their favourites. Any how they did shout! During the closing stages of the game, when the Bolton defence was subjected to terrific pressure, they were quiet enough, but when the end arrived with a replay at Bolton, their jubilation was all the more marked.

DING –DONG STRUGGLE.
Although nether side could claim a goal, the game was worthy of a great occasion. It produced football the like of which is rarely seen in Cup-tie. Excitement naturally was in evidence, but this is not what one expects, and it was doubtless the cause of neither custodian being beaten. Only one change had to be made in the sides originally selected. Unfortunately the death of a brother kept George Wilson out of the field, and at the last moment Rouse, the costly import from Stoke, was called upon to take his place at inside left. And let it at once be said, Rouse did not fail his new club. The winning of the toss gave Everton an advantage, inasmuch as although there was no wind, they had the sun at their backs. The proceedings of the very first minute were sufficient to what the appetite of the most expectant spectator. The Wanderers forwards got the ball straight in front of goal, and the international centre forward Shepherd ought to have scored –but did not. Then Everton gave of their quality, and the speedy Sharp brought out all the abilities of Edmondson, the old Manchester City custodian. It was only a question of a few minutes for the sides to settle down to serious business, and a rare ding-done struggle it was right up to the interval. Both sides, but a second or two before the whistle for breathing time it looked as if Makepeace had scored for Everton missed chances.

SHEPHERD'S INJURY.
During the opening half, the Blues were the smartest lot, but this was counterbalanced by the extraordinary energy, which the Wanderers threw into their work. Thus level "pegging" about represented the run of the game. In the second portion Everton had much more of the play, and ought to have won. But the fact remains that they could not score, and therefore what might have been is of little importance. Once Rouse came perilously near doing the trick, and he would have beaten an ordinary goalkeeper, but then Edmondson is a good deal above that class. Somehow or another, despite the obvious earnestness of the men, the Evertonians rarely gave one the idea that they would penetrate the Bolton defence. On the other hand, the Wanderers when they did break away were suggestive of danger. Well it was that Scott with rare judgement ran out to take the ball from the toe of Shepherd, who had beaten both backs. Unhappily for the Wanderers, the great goal –scorer injured his thigh in the collision with Scott, and though he afterwards tried what he could do at inside left, he was of little assistance to his side. This was a considerable handicap to the Wanderers, and under the circumstances they deserved all the more credit for the brave display they gave. The last quarter of an hour was a particularly anxious time for them. Edmondson and his backs, however, never lost their heads, and so the end came –a goalless draw.

THE LEADING PLAYERS.
Viewed quite impartially, Everton were the better side. At any rate their footwork was more classy. Still any lack of science on the part of the Wanderers was compensated for by the dash, which they threw into their movements. Particularly well served when they by their defence. Edmondson was brilliant in goal, and Baverstock at right back quite overshadowed his partner Stanley, who all the same was exceedingly useful. Gaskell was the pick of the halves. The forwards were somewhat disjointed in their movements, and Shepherd even up to the line of the injury scarcely came up to International form. This in no small measure was due to the grand work of John Taylor, who was one of the most conspicuous figures on the Everton side. Scott had a quite time compared with Edmondson, but it was a capital bit of judgement, which led him to rush out to meet Shepherd. Wm Balmer throughout was resolute and resourceful and more than once he covered his younger brother, who however, kicked in his usual clean and effective style. Makepeace approximated to his best form, and Abbott quite justified his choice for the English League team. As for the forwards, they were not in their happiest vein. Time after time they flattered, but, on the whole, their shooting was not up to standard. Still, they have the opportunity of making amends when the game is replayed at Burnden –Park next Wednesday. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W. Balmer, and R. Balmer backs, Makepeace Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Settle Young, Rouse and Hardman forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Edmondson goal, Baverstock, and Stanley, backs, Gaskell, R. Clifford and Boyd, half-backs, Stokes, Owen Shepherd, W. White, and McEwan forwards. Referee T.C.Campbell.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 COLNE 0
February 27 1907. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 25)
At Goodison –Park yesterday, Everton had much the better of the argument in the initial stages, and Butler, Thomas and Jones had several promising moves, which however lacked the necessary finish. Whenever the Colne forwards succeeded in passing the home halves, they invariably spoiled their openings by kicking the ball too far forward, and allowing Strettell and Crelly an easy clearance. There was no mistaking the fact that the Blues were superior to their opponents in all departments Donnachie found beating the Colne defence an easy problem, but he often took up too much time and finished in losing possession. Thomas put in a real beauty, which completely beat the Colne custodian, but unfortunately for the Blues the sphere struck the crossbar, and rebounded into play. Half-time Everton nil, Colne, nil. In the second half Jones scored for Everton, who finally won by 1 goal to nil. Everton: - Sloan, goal, Strettell, and Crelly backs Black, Booth and Thomas, half-backs, Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Thomas and Butler, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS 0 EVERTON 3 (Fa Cup Game 60)
February 28, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Fa Cup Round Three Replay.
VISTING CLUBS SUCCESSFUL.
EVERTON'S BRILLIANT VICTORY.
SHARP PENALTY SAVED
Though Everton failed to defeat Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the English Cup competition last Saturday at Goodison –Park, they more than made amends in the replay at Burden Park yesterday, when they gained a brilliant victory by three goals to nothing. The match aroused tremendous interest throughout Lancashire, and even further aheld, and apart from the presence of football notabilities from all parts of the country, it attracted what must be a record attendance for a midweek replay Cup-tie. Well over 40,000 people were present, while thousands were unable to gain admission. The gate receipts irrespective of tickets reached the sum of £1,760, so that the two clubs will have a very substantial amount to add to their ex-chequers over their meetings in the third round of the cup. Until one o'clock in the day Bolton was enveloped in dense fog, but after that time the weather was delightful. Each side had one change from Saturday last. Everton's chances presumably were improved by the substitution of George Wilson for Rouse, but the Wanderers sustained severe loss in the enforced absence of Shepherd their goal scoring centre forward. Shortly after three o'clock the teams faced as follows: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs, Makepeace Taylor (Captain), and Abbott, half-back, Sharp, Settle, Young, G. Wilson, and Hardman, forwards. Bolton: - Edmondson, goal, Bacerstock and Stanley backs Gaskill, R Clifford, and Boyd, half-backs Stokes, Owen, Cameron, W. White, and McEwan, forwards. Referee A. Green. Taylor won the toss, and Cameron set the ball in motion. Sharp was at once in evidence and he raced almost to the corner flag where he was dispossessed by Stanley. Settle was offsite, and the Wanderers dashing off, McEwan centred. Taylor neatly robbing Cameron. Then Everton were away again in great style, and from a centre by Hardman the ball was sent at lighting speed just over the bar by Young. Everton, who had a slight breeze in their favour, pressed hotly though temporarily checked by Young being offside. Next the Wanderers made headway and Cameron passed out to Stokes, who, however, was beaten by R. Balmer. There was more ineffective play on the part of the Bolton right. Hardman and Baverstock had a race for possession, the latter kicking out of place. A long shot from Abbott gave Edmondson no difficulty, but the visiting side had the better of the exchanges, a great effort by Wilson being only a few yards wide. The Wanderers changed the venue, and from McEwan's cross, Cameron skimmed the crossbar with a fast shot. The play was pretty even until the Wanderers put in a desperate onslaught. Owen shot in from three yards range and Scott saved magnificently at the expense of a fruitless corner. Everton quickly pulled themselves together again and Edmondson took a flying kick at a shot from Taylor, sending the ball high into the air. Then Young was running through when he was grassed by Baverstock. An appeal was made for a penalty, but only a corner was given. Another from which Edmondson marvelously saved from Young followed this. Everton were now going great guns, and in quick succession Abbott and Settle called upon Edmondson. Give and take play was the order for some time, and an unpleasant incident was the kicking of Makepeace by Stanley. Still the game was contested with out undue roughness, although Young was badly fouled by Clifford. A free kick leading to a corner the ball was placed was well placed by Hardman, and from a scrimmage in the goalmouth Taylor managed to get the ball into the net, thus drawing first blood for Everton. This success imparted additional life to the game, and certainly it greatly cheered the Everton spectators. Young Balmer was forced to concede a corner, but this was not turned to account. A moment later from a fine across by McEwan, Taylor kicked away when a goal seemed imminent. At this period the Wanderers were attacking with desperate energy, and Scott was found plenty of work indeed, the effected a wonderful save from Cameron, fisting the ball, and catching Cameron on the head at the same time. It was an anxious time for Everton defence, but it came through with flying colours. The ball was kept in midfield for some time, and the next attack was on the part of Everton. Unfortunately while two of three players were going for the ball, Settle was badly kicked on his shin by White. The game was stopped for a few moments while Elliott attended to Settle's injury at the side of the field. Even without Settle, the Evertonians pressed, and after Edmondson had saved several attempts, Abbott beat him with a long shot. Settle limped on the field and assisted in another attack on Edmondson's charge, but the defence this time prevailed. The Wanderers broke away in dashing style, and Scott had to run out to deal with a long shot. W. Balmer and Owen came to loggerheads, but both were at fault, and the ball was thrown down. The Wanderers were now showing to advantage, and Scott cleared a centre from off the line by Stokes. White was yards wide when favourably placed. At the other end, Baverstock was there when Young threatened danger and a rush by the Wanderers was checked by W. Balmer, the pace had slowed down considerably, and the ground was getting cut up. Still both sides strained every nerve, but Everton of course played in confident style, as the result of their two goal lead. Edmondson had no difficulty in coping with an attempt by Taylor; Sharp had just been giving off-side, when the whistle sounded for the interval. Half-time Bolton, nil, Everton two.

At four minute past four, when the game resumed, Settle did not turn out but he soon afterwards joined his colleagues. Meanwhile Hardman had got in a lovely centre and Young came on the scene, but Stanley cleared, the Wanderers raced off, but Taylor checked. Everton again took up the running in great style. Following another centred by Hardman, Stanley took the ball from Young's toes. Taylor was conspicuous figure in Everton's defence, which allowed the home forwards no latitude. Robert Balmer was loudly applauded for his cleverness in outwitting Stokes, but for a time the Wanderers held their own. Then Hardman was prominent, but he could not get th8e better of Baverstock. The Wanderers had rearranged their front line, White going centre, Owen inside left, and Cameron partnering Stokes. After eight minutes play Everton 's third goal arrived. The whole front line went down in splendid style, and after a fine effort by Young, the finishing touch was put on by Settle. It was, however, really Young goal. With a lead of three goals, the Evertonians supporters were natural in a state of great jubilation. This success encouraged the Blues, and they continued to press vigorously. The Wanderers defence was subjected to a rare gruelling, and the wonder was that a fourth goal, was not forthcoming. A lofty shot by Wilson brought relief, and Robert Balmer was penalised close to the penalty line for a foul on White. Fine kicking by the brothers Balmer was the feature of the game. McEwan however, found himself nicely placed but the ball struck the upright, and went behind. Abbott conceded a corner, and Taylor sent well down the field. Clifford seized it, and but in a ground shot which Scott disposed of with ease. Everton were obviously the better team being much more finished than the Wanderers. The Wanderers tried with the energy of despair, but they were no match for the cupholders. Young nearly added a fourth goal, but Edmondson smartly dealt with a nice oblique shot. Stanley was inclined to lose his temper with Sharp. Hardman caused some amusement by spinning on his head and rolling over. The Wanderers managed to work down and when close in Cameron placed wide. At the other end Edmondson ran out of his goal, when Sharp was racing away and kicked the ball amongst the crowd. Later Settle was brought down in the penalty area but Edmondson brilliantly saved the penalty kick taken by Sharp. With Everton slowing down the Wanderers showed up more prominently, but they were never in the hunt, Everton running out easy victors. Final result Everton 3, Bolton nil.

COMMENTS OF THE PLAY.
It ever a team thoroughly deserved to win an exciting cup-tie Everton did. There was not a weak spot on the side. They gave an exhibition worthy of the Cupholders, and of a team, which is probably, the cleverest and best balanced in the country. After the first quarter of an hour, Bolton Wanderers were practically beaten. A marvellous save by Scott in the earlier portion seemed to knit the men together, and they quite outplayed the Wanderers. He was only fitting that a Taylor should have scored the first goal, and also from the Halve back line Abbott proving successful with one of those long and deceptive drives when the ball finds a resting places in the corner of the net, after apparently going outside. Settle although injured badly on the shin, was credited with the third point though to all intents, and purpose it was Young's goal. The Boltonians in sportsmanship fashion admitted that their favourities fell before a clever combination, in which Taylor, the captain, was one of the most conspicuous figure. But all the players were deserving of praise. The Wanderers sadly missed Shepherd, but it is doubtful indeed, if his presence would have prevented Everton gaining it substantial victory.