PEN PICTURE OF EVERTON’S NEWCOMER
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 1, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Stanley Davies has so far been the enigma of the football of the last two seasons, for although he has been regularly selected for Wales he has not been considered good enough to get a regular place in his late club’s league eleven. This it, on the face of it, an anomaly, and would argue, first either that Welsh caps are cheap -which is true up to a point-or secondly that the North End club has been singularly lacking in discernment in regard to the player’s qualities. If the former proposition be correct, then Everton have paid, generously for him; should be latter be the real explanation then they have made a paying deal. As a matter of fact the truth with regard to Davies lies somewhere between the two. He is not the type of forward at present who would be capped for England or Scotland, but he is a player who, in the best company, with his football carefully directed into the right channels by judicious pruning and trimming, should develop into a valuable asset. At Preston he has been a square peg in a  round hole. He hasn’t “fitted in.” He can play in any of the three inside forward positions, although his real place is inside left, and at his best he is both fast, elusive, and a good shot. His trouble is that, temperamentally, he is “moody,” capable of touching the poles in the course of a single game. If he can acquire better command of his impulses and apply his skill at the proper moment he will go far, and this is the matter to which the Everton management will direct its attention if it is wise. There are many profound believes in him in Preston-people who hold, and will hold that the North End board has made a huge mistake in letting him go. Whether that is a fact time alone will show. He is a splendidly-conducted lad both on and off the field, and everybody who knows him will wish him well. Davies played his first real football outside the Army- in which he gained the Military Medal and Croix de Guerre, and was gassed- with Rochdale during war time, and it was while playing with them at a time when Vincent Hayes, now the Preston club’s manager, was in charge there that he impressed the North End people. At the end of the season in which the Armistice was signed he was acquired by the Deepdale club, and he has since been in its service as a general utility forward, dropped into any position that happened to become vacant. He began in the berth that frank Jefferis was later secured to fill, and in which, by the way, the old Evertonian is still playing fine football, and he travelled spasmodically from inside left to centre and back again. He is 23, 5ft, 10 ½ ins, in height, and 11 ½ stones in weight, so that he is both young and usefully equipped physically. He feints cleverly, and has a odd repertory of tricks, but his positional play could do with improving. Last season he figured in the N.E. League eleven on eleven occasions, in addition to all three Cup-ties and scored 23 goals in 20 games for the Reserves, four against Manchester City and six against Huddersfield being included in a run of 17 in seven consecutive appearances. This season he has figured oftener in the League eleven, and did his best work for the side just before Christmas at centre forward the position he filled in all three internationals for Wales lasts season, and in all of which he scored. He has got 8 goals in league football this season and several in the Central League.
SOME SAY “GOOD OLD!”
Once upon a time between the years umpteen “00” and “000” the remarks of the spectators on leaving the ground after a match were “Good old Everton,” writes “Candid Peel.” For some time now that remark has been slightly altered. But we’ll let that pass and observe that in the future if the Everton team wants to win a match, their first duty is to handcuff the opposing goalkeeper and administer morphia to the other ten opposition players. It is, I believe a superstition amongst visiting teams that if they meet a funeral on their way it means losing the match. Now as Everton’s next door neighbour is a cemetery, the visitors can rest assured that it will make no difference in the result of the match if half the population of Liverpool was getting buried. However, there is one consolation to the players and it is, that they can manage two draws at one time, and they are the match and their wages. In conclusion the writer can confidently say that the class might be all right but the combination is icebound.
“An Old Blue” writes;- It is now some moths back since I wrote to you on the team doing duty for the Everton F.C. You published the letter with an undernote by your good self-asking me to give the directors a chance. I think however, that by now a fair chance has been given to them to form a decent side that would do the club credit, instead of which what have we seen every week? The displays going worse, with scarcely a home victory. It is no use mincing matters; there must be frank criticism. Saturday’s Cup display, as did the previous Cup display, made one think it was a good job the team escaped relegation last season when they can hardly hold their own against two teams who are in the bottom three. It makes one think they are scarcely good enough for the Second Division. Look what Birmingham did with Stockport in the two successive Saturdays after they met Everton. Phew? Think it all over. Some of the players are feeling the effect of A.D. I thought once it was lack of training, but, after recent displays and fallings away in the second half, I have come to the conclusion there are too many “old uns.” I do not know why Weller was dropped after showing good form. The forwards do not blend. There are three separate parts to the forward line, i.e. Crossley and Harrison, Parker and Fazackerley and Chedgzoy on his own. We must have an introduction of new young blood, and there will have to be changes for the replay, or there is no hope. To-day’s team cannot stick the pace. One cannot be blind to the fact that even all the team’s recent victories have been obtained with the element of luck. I should suggest;- Fern; Downs, McDonald or Thompson; Weller, Brewster, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Moffatt or Fazackerley, Crossley, and Harrison. I think that all Everton supporters who are interested might consider the advisability of forming a supporters’ organisation with the idea of acquiring shares and taking an interest in the club's direction. It is, after all, the supporters who find the money and suffer most from the wretched displays, and it would be interesting to hear from your correspondents under this heading.

VISIT OF CLUBS TO WALTON -SCOUTING
The Liverpool Echo, Wednesday, February 2, 1921
Bee’s Notes
There was array of club managers at Goodison Park, today, to see a reserve team match. Strictly speaking, they had eyes on certain Everton players and had no interest in the Manchester side. It is common property that Preston North End had come down to settle something with regard to Kirsopp, and there were other clubs after players, one player has been with the side a long time and this other has only been here a few months. Stanley Davies was out training with the Everson side yesterday--a big photograph of him will appear in to-morrow's “Sporting Echo," by the way, and tomorrow's “Echo " will contain the full report how Everton fared in the replayed tie with Wednesday at Hillsborough, Regarding this game many suggestions have been put forward. All have one object, so far as this city is concerned. Everybody wants to pick the Everton side. Now it appears that Fleetwood is not well, but may play , and that Brewster thinks his shoulder injury will not prevent him from playing to-morrow. Undoubtedly, changes will be made, and I think I am right on the mark in suggesting that the local amateur, John E. Blair, who has a fine goal-getting record,and is one of the keenest shooters I have known, will be given the centre forward berth. At any rate he is training hard—so he must be in the running for a place. The side, according to an informant, may_ read something like this : Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock or Brown, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy or Jones, Fazackerley, J. E. Blair, Crossley, and Harrison.
Pools-square, the headquarters of the Wednesday Club in Sheffield-there is another office on the ground at Hillsborough, 3 ½ miles away- was in a state of siege all yesterday, writes our Sheffield correspondent. A smaller army had bombarded it throughout Monday, but the tickets (or to-morrow’s a replay went not then ready, and the real strain came yesterday. The only part of the ground reserved is the central portion of the big stand and by two o’clock yesterday every seat had been sold, and still the swarms of people came.  However nothing could be done for them, though it had been advertised in the morning’s paper that tickets would be sold all through yesterday and to-day. It is felt in club circles, as well as elsewhere, that perhaps it would have been better to have made no reserve at all, simply to her sold tickets on the ground on the principle of first come first served, so far as priority of seat was concerned. That, it is said, is the principle adopted by Aston Villa for their replay with Notts County. The weather in Sheffield is a little unsettled; there was a lot of rain on Monday, but Tuesday was delightful, with a touch of winter in the air, which would help the ground to recover. The attendance tomorrow is quite expected to prove a record for the ground. That is held by Aston Villa, when they played a Cup-tie there several years ago, and that match was played on a Saturday. The mid well record was set up a year ago, when Darlington replayed their Cup tie there, and 52,300 people paid for admission. Only fine weather is needed for that to be broken by the visit of a far more attractive side such as Everton. Unfortunately there is a chance of the home team undergoing change, as O’Neill got a knock during Saturday’s match and it may be that the Gateshead youth Kell will get his chance. All the other members of the team are fit and well. By the way, George Wilson, the Wednesday’s brilliant centre half, denies any truth in the rumour published in a Preston paper on Saturday to the effect he is dissatisfied with his present quarters.
At the Everton tie on Saturday I noticed Albert Shepherd now weighing well over 20 stones. He must have ruminated over the goals he scored against Barnsley in the replayed final tie at Goodison Park years gone by. Other visitors were the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, J. Price (the Irish official), and Mr. J. McKenna. Just a line to tell you how much I enjoyed the band at Goodison Park. I have received reliable information (writes “Perks”) to the effect that the footballers (?) receive more remuneration for their services than the musicians.
CORRESPONDENTS HIT OUT
“Straight Talk” writes;- As an Everton supporter for over twenty years I should like to be allowed to protest against the display served up by Everton. It was about the worst display the team have given, and this after a spell of special training. I never parted with 3s 6d so grudgingly. I felt sorry for Parker- he was the only forward with a bit of bustle in him and was often fighting the defence single handed, the others forwards handing back instead of playing on the backs. My forward line for the replay would be Jones, Reid, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. It’s no use men trading on their reputation. After all, it’s goals that count.
Give young-blood a chance. I am not the only supporter that is heart-sick, writes “True Blue.” I suggest the following team;- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Grenyer, Brewster, Fleetwood; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Peacock, Reid, Harrison. Peacock for Thursday’s cup replay, at centre-forward, would be the tonic we want.
After Everton’s display, I would like to suggest the following team for the replay;- Fern; Downs and McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, and Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Spencer, Blair or Moffatt, Crossley, and Harrison. New young blood is needed, writes “Evertonian.”

EVERTON RES v  MANCHESTER CITY RES
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 2, 1921
At Everton, before a goodish crowd, including many managers! Everton played, Mitchell; Fare, Robinson; O. Williams, Garrett, Barlow; Jones, Kirsopp, Moffatt, Wall, and Reid. Play in the first half was favourable to Manchester, although Wall, playing good football, scored Everton’s first after five minutes. Fare was playing well, Moffatt tried long shots, and Mitchell made some good save until mastered by Johnson, who gave him no chance close in. Johnson is a big, lusty centre forward and taking advantage of a slip by Robinson, breathed the ball into net again, Reid and Wall were an excellent pair. Kirsopp equalised just before half-time from a fine centre by Reid.
Half-time; Everton Res 2, Manchester City Res 2
Moffatt scored the third goal for Everton in the first few minutes of the second half, and soon afterwards Jones added a fourth from a long oblique shot. Wall scored a fifth for Everton.

EVERTON TEAM CHANGES.
February 3, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The Everton directors last night selected the team to do duty at Sheffield Wednesday and made three changes from the side that drew with the Wednesday at Goodison Park. Brewster and Weller return to the half-back line in place of Peacock, and Grenyer, while at centre-forward Parker gives way to J. E. Blair, the Liverpool University player who recently got his place in the English amateur team against Wales. The side will be: - Fern, Downs, McDonald, Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, J.E. Blair, Crossley, and Harrison. Thompson, Parker Brown, and Reid are travelling to Sheffield with the other players.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
FEBRUARY 3 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. It was remoured that several teams had scouts watching the play of certain members of the home side, and therefore more than ordinary interest was centring on the Central League fixture. Although Wall scored in the first few minutes the visitors soon found a weak spot in the Everton defence, and made some effective raids. Johnson the Manchester centre slipping the ball past Mitchell on two occasions from close range. The top turf was treacherous, and it took the home side longer to find their feet than the visitors, but when they did there was no mistaking their superiority. Kirsopp equalised just before the interval, and when the second half started some 5,000 spectators witnessed some of the best forward work that any Everton team has yet shown on this ground. The whole blended together wonderfully, and goals came in rapid succession, Moffatt scored the third for Everton, and Jones, Wall, and Moffatt also took toll from the visitors. The scorer suggests that the game was one-sided but that was not the case, as the Manchesterians played a good game, but found the young Everton forwards too good.

CAN WEDNESDAY QUALIFY TO MEET NEWCASTLE ?
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 03 February 1921
Everton's Views
By The Scout.
The replayed Cup-tie between Everton and Wednesday will be the big event in Sheffield today.  All roads will lead to Hillsbrough and there are hopes of a record crowd.  There has been some misapprehension over the stand accommodation.  The centre portion of the new stands has been reserved at 5s.  All these reserve seats were booked up by Tuesday but there are several thousand unreeserved seats available on the new stand at 3s6d, and the old stand at 2s 4d.  The new stand seats 6,000 and the old stand 2,000 and only 1,000 nseats had been speciality reserved.  With the exception of O'Neill, all the Wednesday players are fit.  The full-back has not recovered from his ankle injury and his place will be taken by Kell.  The teams will; be;- Wednesday; Davison; Bellas, Kell; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntyre, Lofthouse.  Everton; Fern; Down, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Blair, Crossley, Harrison. 
Can Wednesday Win
Compared with Saturday, Everton have dropped Parker at centre-forward for Blair, and Grenyer and Peacock are out of the middle line.  Fleetwood moves to the right, and lets in Brewster at centre-half and Weller takes the place of Peacock.  Blair is the centre secured from the Northern Nomads.  Last Saturday he played for Liverpool University against Sheffield University at Norton and scored one of the two goals by which Liverpool won.  He was recently capped in the Amateur International against wales, at Wolverhampton.  Thompson, Brown, Parker, and Reid travel with the team as reserves.  Wednesday were the better side at Goodison Park last Saturday, and thoroughly deserved toi win.  If they can repeat that form they should pass into the next round and meet Newcastle at Hillsbro.  Everton are confident.  They  have given better displays away than at home, and are expecting much improvement in the side today.  They may come about but it will have to be a big improvement for they are not likely to have such good luck as they did in the last meeting.   Wednesday plan is to never allow Everton to settle down.  To hustle right in from the start and play keen Cu-tie football.  Everton do not like teams that upset their scientific movements.  Wednesday were successful in their methods on Saturday and the same tactics today should earn than victory.  The talk about Everton being better away than at home may be true, but then Wednesday on the other hand, are much better at home than away.  Indeed they have got only three points away in League while they have a dozen at home.  This is a far more marked difference than the home and away comparison of Everton.  If Wednesday could draw at Goodison Park they should win at home, but of course, everything depends on whether the Wednesday players can rise in the occasion as they did last week; and whether the absence of O'Neill will makea marked difference to the defence. 
EVERTON VIEWS
Our Liverpool correspondent writes: I referred in last Thursday's Sheffield Independent" to the feeling in Liverpool that Everton had by no means an easy task in having to meet The Wednesday at Goodison, and the result of the tie created no surprise so poorly have Everton been playing at home this season.  Still there were some optimists connected with the Goodison Park Club, for the official programme on Saturday, in dealing with the game said "Everton should qualify for the third round by two goals to nil."  By the way, the last time the local official programme tipped a reesult it gave Bradford to be beaten at Anfield also 2-0, yet Bradford won by a goal to nil!  Last Thursday I indicated Everton's weakness and showed that the game was by no means a "rosy thing" for the First League club.  Events fully justifed what I wrote.  The Wednesday certainly surprised everyone by their fine display.  They may have played above their form, but their exhibition was an eye-opener for those who judged them merely by their position in the Second Division.  The League positions of the clubs might really have been received so marked was the difference in the play of the sides.  But The Wednesday will probably find Everton a different proposition at Hillsbro.
What Everton Expect
As I pointed out last week, Everton show much better football away than at home, and granted that they will play as well as The Wednesday will permit them, they cannot very well shape worse than they did on Saturday.  because The Wednesday drew at Goodison Park, it by no means follows that they will do better at Hillsbrough.  Everton have played splendid football in many of their away games, and I think The Wednesday's task will be a harder one than it was on Saturday.  Liverpool people who know Everton's home weakness, and were none too keen on the team's chances on Saturday, now think the Goodison Park playersd will have a better chance than they did on the first meeting.  Personally, I think Everton will preform much better than on Saturday, but if The Wednesday play as well as they did at Goodison -keep the ball on the move and never let the visitors  settle down -they will just about pull through if the luck is evcenly balanced.  Everton cannot always have good fortune on their sides, as they did on Saturday.  Wednesday want to make the pace and keep it up; Some of the Everton players are by no means youngsters -and youth will be served. 

SEEING THEM OFF
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 3, 1921
Bee’s Notes
As was first announced through these notes, Johnnie Blair was almost a certainty for selection by Everton for the replayed Cup-tie to-day, at Hillsborough, the new ground of the Wednesday club- incidentally, Albert Shepherd fell to calling the Sheffield man an “Owlerton” side. Of course he was “going back a bit.” Well, Blair has “life” and is always keen to shoot, so that on that point alone his inclusion is welcomed, though to be quite fair to Parker, I should like to know what chance he was given last Saturday and how many times he was given the ball when he had passed it out? Peacock, I believe, is still unwell, and the half-back line to-day was big enough for anything. Whether it was fast enough to catch the young Wednesday forwards remained to be seen.
At Central Station there was quite an “old fashioned” football scene. Considering Thursday is a bad day for the Liverpudlian, there was quite a big following to cheer on Everton, and the specials were taken advantage, of even though the fare had not been reduced. The usual station crowd eyed the Goodison men, and mentally though that “on paper, at least, the side was good enough for victory.” The players to travel with the team as reserves were Parker, Brown, Thompson, and Reid.
Manchester City are hoping to be at full strength for their League match with Everton at Goodison Park. Hamill is a little doubtful. Team; Goodchild; Cookson, Fletcher; Fayers, M. Woosnam, Hamill; Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barnes, and Murphy.
SARASM NO VALUE
I was pleased to notice the stand taken up by someone in Tuesday’s “Echo” over the Everton club. Sarcastic writings and skits are no use, and the fact of the club being kept up by the public makes it essential for the public to have a say or a “do” in the matter (writes “Everton First.”)
Your correspondent is quite right. It is high time there was a Supporters Club to ginger the “old women” up. I am interested in the movement and will be delighted if you will give the affair a little publicity. Don’t let us talk any further. Let us start right now. If those interested in the matter can gather together and outline a scheme, then a public meeting can be convened and the position explained. All that is needed is a start. There are thousands of “Real Evertonians” who have seen governing and proper football at Goodison, who are anxious to see things back again as in the old days.
SUPPORTERS’ CLUB WANTED
I am glad to see “An Old Blue” giving voice to opinions held by a great number of the club’s supporters (says “Ardent”). It has been patent that the half back line has been weak on each wing all season. Now that Brown has returned in the Central League team, I think he ought to be given an opportunity of regaining the right half position, which was almost his when war broke out. He is the finest “attacking” half on the club’s boos. In Blair you have weight, pace, shooting ability and brains- very useful assets for a centre forward. We also want a supporters’ club.

REPLAYED MATCHES DRAW BIG CROWDS
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 3, 1921
EVERTON-WEDNESDAY F.C
By Bees
Everton; Fern; Downs (Captain), McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, J.E. Blair, Crossley, Harrison. Sheffield Wednesday;- Davison; Bellas, Kell; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Bond, Kean, Sam Taylor, McIntyre, Lofthouse. Everton had a second chance today. They were enabled to play at Hillsborough, though most people agreed that their exhibition of Saturday did not warrant their having further chance in the Cup competition. Quite a large number of supporters followed them to Sheffield, where the weather was bright, and the ground promised to provide a faster game than Saturday's, and give the players a better football. Both sides made changes, Everton's most notable being the introduction of the amateur, J. E. Blair at centre-forward. Brewster's return and Weller's inclusion were also features of note. Wednesday, whose massive ground is capable of holding like 70,000 people, was well-filled when the teams turned out, played Kell for O’Neill (damaged). The crowd was probably a record one, the previous best being versus Villa, when 56,000 attended. I recall another huge crowd here, when the Wolves played in a Cup-tie and the walls gave way. The officials were taking no chance to-day, they got their guide from the fact that at one o'clock there were 25,000 People present. The official presently locked the gates of the stands and other portions till they saw how many more could be admitted. Despite the attendance of over 50,000 I managed to spot Barlow, the former Liverpool captain, in the paddock. The ground was soft, but in quite reasonably good condition. Kell, who appeared for O'Neill, is a Gateshead boy, who has not appeared in any senior match
AWAY, YET AT HOME
Everton had a kindly reception, Fazackerley felt quite at home in his city and amongst a circle of friends. Of course, the volume of sound when Wednesday appeared was simply enormous. A Yorkshire is noted for his roars. The grand stand was a shield against the sun’s rays, and when Referee Keeble got the captains together for the winning of the toss there was nothing to gain by naming the coin. However, Wilson managed it and the kick from the Spion Kop end. When Everton kicked off, Weller sent Fazackerley on the move, and the latter passed to Crossley a shade too high for the middle man. McDonald did not kick clear, and the result was that for some time there was a lot of hard work for Fleetwood, who found McIntyre a hot customer. Fern handled the ball within a minute, and was secure in clearing, but the Wednesday came again, and after Downs had lunged forward and headed clear he misjudged the pace of the ball and let in the home left. Crossley hugged the ball and spoilt Everton’s first real chance. It was naturally scrappy football at the outset, and two free kicks against Wednesday gave Everton a welcomed change.
SET HIM THINKING
Moreover, there was an injury to Bellas, who had kicked well and this relief was all or the good of the visitors’ cause. The first really strong shot of the game came from Harrison, who kept the ball low and found Davison in two minds. Wilson did a dirty trick on Fazackerley and another one on Blair. Fazackerley was dribbling in brilliantly when he was fouled. Weller was about to shoot when Kean baulked him, and then followed a Wednesday attack Crossley roamed to inside right, and it needed both full backs’ attention to keep Blair from taking his pass. McIntyre was as on Saturday the real driving force of the Wednesday attack. Harrison on one occasion made a lovely individual effort and ran round Bellas, and centred just too far for Blair; while Crossley getting the ball under weigh, was robbed in the nick of time. Wednesday had some streaky patches of bud passing hereabouts, and as against that must be placed a punt by Downs that caught a Wednesday forward, and made the situation look very dangerous. Wilson was playing finely, so that it was outrageous that he should again made a deliberate foul on Fazackerley. The crowd broke in at one corner, but the field of play was not invaded. Crossley tried a swinging shot that passed wide. Downs put the visitors in a fix when he hesitated to such an extent that when he kicked the ball caught the body of Lofthouse; but Downs chased his man, and he stabbed the ball, thus recovering his rather serious blunder. Blair was at fault for taking a shot when Crossley shouted, “Right,” and Fern displayed fine intuition when he caught Taylor’s strong shot. Taylor was injured, and Fazackerley had a damaged shoulder. Weller was doing uncommonly well against the right wing and Wednesday were not mesmerising their opponents by their speed. However, McIntyre was continually displaying craft, and was very hard to control. It was McIntyre who started a sensational escape for Everton, Fern running out and being unable to get there in time, but being lucky enough to see the ball that was shot by Wilson sail a foot over an empty goal. Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 0.

RECORD GATE AT HILLSBRO
Sheffield Independent - Friday 04 February 1921
Wednesday Unlucky to be Beaten by Everton
GREAT SECOND HALF RALLY FAILS.
The crowd of 64,000, and receipts amounting to £4,405, at Hlllsbro' yesterday was a record for Sheffield.  Everton were lucky to win.  They deserved the elad at the interval, but Wednesday so persistently attacked in the second half that they thoroughly deserved to win. 
By "Centre-Forward"
Wednesday 0, Everton 1
The Wednesday team failed to gratifty the desires of their enthusiastic followers and win the replayed English Cup-tie with Everton.  As at Goodison Park last Saturday so at Hillsbro' yesterday Dame Fortune refused to smile up on them and they died fighting hard in a game which they scarcely deserved to lose.  A rather fluky goal five minutes before the interval gave the Evertonians the victory and twice in the second half, when the Blades were striving desperately to equalise, they had the bad luck to see two superb shots by McIntyre at which the visitors goal-keeper would have been helpless, miss by the narrowest margin imaginable.  Yet it must be admitted that so far as efficient combination and cleverness on the ball were concerned the Everton forwards were superior to the Wednesday, that superiority being chiefly apparent in the play of the two extreme wing men.  The game a typical Cup-tie, played under perfect conditions of weather and ground and full of life, and vigour from the first moment top the last, attracted the biggest crowd ever seen at a football match in Sheffield, breaking the record of 58,175 at the Cup-tie with Aston Villa on the same ground in 1914.  The number of people who paid at the gates yeswterday was 62,407, and with tickets sold beforehand, complimentary tickets, etc., it is estimated that the full attendance was 64,000.  The receipts amounted to $4,495 19s 5d. 
Early Incidents
Wednesday had to make one change from the team who were so unfortunate not to win at Goodison Park in the first match.  O'Neill who was injured on Saturday not being fit to turn out, so that Kell of the reserves played left back, there making a creditable first apeparance in a big match.  Everton were stronger at half-back than on Saturday by the re-appearance of Brewster and in the front line they had the services of J.E. Blair the Liverpool Universary and Northwern Nomads' amateur, who in his first game of great importance proved hiomself an enterprising centre-forward.  The breeze which the Sheffielders had behind them by winning the toss was so slight as to be of scarcely any assitance and the game was contested under perfectly even conditions.  Wednesday started in a style that promised great things and the crowd were delighted wgen following a centre by Lofthouse, Fean lobbed the ball into the goalmouth for Fern to clear.  Soon, however, the clever Everton front line settled down to play good combination and Davison had to be on the alert to stop a furious low drive by Harrison on the extreme left.  Speed and dash by the Sheffielders and methodical movements by the visitors with powerful defences at each end were the chief characteristic of the repaid and even exchanges which marked the game until Everton got the goal which five minutes before half time decided the issue. 
Crossley Does The Trick
Blair was making one of those indivdual bursts which were the chief features of his play when he was challenged by Kell, but managed to swing the ball goalward where it struck Davison and went to Crossley for the skilful Everton inside-left promptly to put it into the net.  The second half opened evenly but it had not been long in profress before the Wednesday set to work in desperate endeavour to draw level.  After a good run Lofthouse swung the ball into the Everton goal mouth in a great style, but Fern coolly beat away over the heads of the eager onrushing inside forwards.  Occasionally the Everton forwards came away in threatening fashion and the centres of Harrison and Chedgzoy always spelled danger to the home defence.  But for the most part now the game consisted mainly of furious Wednesday attacks resolutely of furious Wednesday atatcks resoutely opposed by a powerful defence in which Downs played the part of a hero. 
McInttre's Misfortunes
Admirable supportered were the dashing Wednesday forwards by a clever half-back line of whom Wilson was a conspicious figure.  Very prominent in attack was McIntyre and twice he had wretched luck with superb shots.  One of these was so near that it fetched the white paint off as it grazed the the upright.  The other flashed the ball merely inches over the bar.  Despite all their eager endeavours and the encouraging shouts of the crowd Wednesday could not penetrate the powerful defence of their foes, and in the last few minutes the Everton forwards woke to life again. Several times they came near increasing their lead with long shots.  When Davison tipped one of these over the bar the referee gavce a goal kick when  it should have been a corner not the only mistake he made in the game. 
Prominent Players  
Until the last moment and the whistle finally sounded with Wednesday narrowly beaten in a rousing Cup-tie the vast crowd remained interested, even to the last kick.  Sad were many faces and truely the luck of the game had been against the local team.  In one respect only were the victorious Evertonians the superior side, namely, that they had two very smart extreme wing forwards in Chedgzoy and Harrison.  The visitors half-backs played well, Fleetwood especially but as a division the Wednesday middle line were the better trio, and Wilson the best half back on the field.   McIntyre and Taylor excelled in the Sheffield front line, but the clverest forward on the field was Crossley, the Everton inside left.  Some splendid bac play was seen both from Ballas and Kell and Downs and McDonald, with Ballas perhaps the pick of the four.  teams;- Wednesday; Davison; Bellas, kell; Brelsford, Wilson, Price; Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntyre, and Lofhouse.  Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, J.E. Balir, Crossley, and Harrison.   

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0 EVERTON 1
February 4, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON SUCCESS AT SHEFFIELD.
Everton went to Sheffield's big ground Hillsbrough, yesterday, and managed what was impossible at home on the previous Saturday, when the second round tie between the clubs was left drawn, and Everton were lucky to escape defeat. Yesterday's attendance, game and result were an improvement upon Saturday's. There was a record attendance for the ground, the type of football served up was of much higher quality, though there were bad cases of fouling that were not creditable, and the Everton men won cleverly after a very strenuous game by goal to nil. Everton's improvement was in part due to the improvement in the state of the turf. It was turf that one could play upon. Then the appearance of Weller at left half-back and Brewster in the middle made for strength. Weller had not dominated a wing to such an extent for a long time, and his heading and breaking-up were most exacting. Blair's pace at centre forward made for a fast moving forward line, while he did nothing starting for 20 minutes, always kept the defence at full stretch by his dash and the refusal to let the defenders have free kicks every time the ball went to them. Blair was always going ahead and forcing the home defence to work hard. Everton's goal came in the following manner. The ball bumped against one of the backs when Blair essayed to dribble, and when it came back to the centre forward he ran ahead, with Crossley keeping him company. Blair was about to shoot when a defender from behind kicked his heel, and Blair was momentarily put off his shot. However, the shot he tried to sent in caught Dawson, and rebounded to Crossley, who scored quite readily. This was not all Blair did. He gave and took pretty heavy charges, and just on the stroke of the interval he feinted beautifully and had made a goal a simple matter, only to find the whistle go. Everton had a dangerous moment early on when Wilson shot at an empty goal, the ball scaring over the bar by a narrow margin. In the second half, in which Wednesday had one long spell of attacking near the close, the great shock to most people was to find that McInytre had not scored. Ninety-nine out of 100 people though he had scored, but the ball hit the side of the upright, and only when it was returned to play could the spectators gather that Everton had escaped. Everton's defence all through was sound, and if there was a weakness it was probably where Fleetwood was concerned. Admittedly there was no scheming forward like McIntre, who in dribbling and shooting was just as much to the fore as at the previous meeting. Wednesday by their tactics did not command themselves. One player concentrated on Fazackerley and committed wretched fouls. Even for getting the free kicks, it must be concerned that Wednesday fell from their high estate. They were speedy and inexperienced, and their methods were crude, but they had a stout defence; hence Everton's failure to win by more than one goal. Wednesday's forwards, McIntyre excepted, could not take their chances, and their hesitancy and inability to make a combined force attack was obvious. Fern was safe in goal. He was not tried very often, and his biggest trial was to master three forwards when he had to jump and punch away. McDonald played great football, and if Downs let in the Wednesday through-slipping or dribbling he showed his power of recovery. The half-back line was a improvement on past experience, and if Brewster re-damaged his shoulder, and Fleetwood failed to live up to his best known form, the line as a whole did valiantly, with Weller the star. Forward, Fazackerley's dribbles and maneuvering were admirably done, and were full of danger. Chedgzoy responded with excellent length centres and some zig-zag runs that made progress, and Crossley was always on the alert, and possibly the most capable of the five. Harrison tried centres, runs, and shots, and fitted in with the working scheme, and Blair's debut in English Cup ties was one on which the amateur can be warmly congratulated. On the Wednesday side McIntyre was unlucky to find the post a third time in the two engagements. Wilson was strong and keen, and perhaps the best of a moderate lot of half-backs. Bellas as a back showed great promise, and Kell, a deputy for O'Neill (injured) stood up to his work with a will and kicked a good-length. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Davison, goal, Bellas, and Kell backs, Brelsford, Wilson, and Price, half-backs Reed, Kean, Taylor, McIntre, and Lofthouse, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, J. E. Blair, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. Cable, Grangetown. The official figures for the attendance are 62,047; gate receipts £4,445 19s 5d. with ticket holders there were over 64,000 present. This constitutes a record for any match played at Sheffield.

EVERTON QUALIFY TO MEET NEWCASTLE UNITED IN THE CUP
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, February 4, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Stanley Davies, ex-North End player, makes his debut for Everton to-morrow, and J. Blair will be helping his ‘Varsity. The home team reads; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, Harrison.
For the next Cup-tie Everton have decided that the centre portion of the Bullens-road stand and centre portion of the double-decker stand will be reserved at a fee of 5s. The two ends of the Goodison-road stand are priced 3s, unreserved-pay at turnstile. The goal double-decker is also unreserved; price 3s- pay at turnstile. Tickets will not be available till next Tuesday. All who require these 5s tickets must send remittance to Mr. T. McIntosh, secretary, Goodison Park, and enclose a stamped addressed envelope.
Everton Reserves side at Hyde-road. B. Howard Baker; Fare, Thompson; Peacock, Garrett, Barlow, Jones, Spencer, Moffatt, Wall, Reid. Many bitter and caustic things were said about Everton on Saturday. Many ultra-bold things were said by Evertonians about Wednesday’s ability. While I grant at once that Wednesday were the better side on Saturday, I think the home crowd thought too much of the speed of Wednesday. Three men stood out as a rock for Wednesday on Saturday and yesterday, and I was not the least but surprised to see Everton conquer those three and make Wednesday look small stuff. For an hour yesterday Everton were, without doubt, running “confidently.” They were playing well, even if McIntyre made Fleetwood’s work irksome. Value for their goal, Everton were combined, and Chedgzoy has not beaten his man, and centred so finely for some weeks. Crossley, too, was playing a grand game, his feinting and feeding being of high order, even if he persisted in dribbling inward. The only danger to Everton was late on, when the Yorkshire people began to roar their encouragement. Then the danger was worse than it looked, for so long as McIntyre was under control no other Wednesday forward was worth a grain of consideration. McIntyre was the danger-monger, and when he shot not one out of every hundreds of the record crowd of 64,000 (receipts £4,400) could tell whether the ball was in or out. The shot was low, as ever is the case with McIntyre, and the ball grazed the side of the post, carrying with it in its force all the paint from the woodwork that it hit.
WHY EVERTON WON.
Everton won by their all-round ability. Save on solitary occasions the team was clever and pushful. There was wisdom in defence- McDonald has never punted more soundly, and Downs made two slips to show us his power of recovery. Fern was most reliable in ticklish punching out. The goalkeeper asks me to thank all those who have made inquiries about his wife’s health. She has been at death’s door, and has now made a big move towards improvement, everyone will be glad to learn. The winner’s half backs as a line were too big and stout for Wednesday’s runners, and if Fleetwood could not master McIntyre, he did many good things in heading and helping. The success of the line was Weller, who was head and shoulders above his wing. I congratulated him on his display v. Villa, and when yesterday I gave him the glad hand he said, “Well, I understudied a real good man in Grenyer.” There’s sportsmanship for you. Brewster was not showy, yet he did much that was valued, and it was a pity that late on he should pitch on his shoulder and re-damage a member that troubled him recently. Most Everton supporters will want to know how the forward line shaped more than any other department. Well, the right wing paired off splendidly, and it was not to Wednesday’s credit that a mark was made against Fazackerley, who was tripped up grossly three times. “Fazzy” was exceedingly clever in spite of all, and the left wing, even if Harrison made one of two wide centres, was resourceful and made much ground. Crossley was the star by reason of his subtle moves, and Harrison, with occasional shots from free kicks, &c., was always keen to try Davison, yet neither goalkeeper was overwhelmed with work, because the defences prevailed. I have kept you waiting for an idea of Blair’s game. John E. Blair has but 10st 9lb to help him along in his onerous position, and for fully 20 minutes he simply harassed the backs. He did nothing save that, but in doing that he kept Wednesday backs guessing. He strove at everything, and was always wanting a watch upon his movements. He served his purpose. Later on he began to fall in with the Everton scheme, and in heading and other features he helped. Blair’s best work is his feint his dash, and his shot. He at last got his reward for insistent following up. The ball bobbed against him, and he raced ahead with Crossley (behind the ball to prevent an offside decision) nearby. A goal to Blair seemed a certainty, but a back running up tapped Blair’s feet and thus unbalanced him- the sort of thing that I would always penalise with a penalty kick-but when Davison was in a knot the ball turned from his body to Crossley, who scored easily. Blair was also right through for a goal when half-time stopped him. The referee allowed no time off although, to be honest, the three stoppages of the first half were of short duration, thanks to the referee ordering the men to the side walk. Blair’s debut was a success if only by reason of his making of the goal, and by his persistent hustle and harass of clever Bellas and dogged Wilson. As on Saturday, Bellas and Wilson and McIntyre were Wednesday’s rock, and the rock was shattered. No wonder Jack Elliott was constrained to accede to the request to sing “Bonnie Harry.” The boys could afford to smile at the hard things said of them. They had won, and had won well, against a team that fought ferociously in the last quarter of an hour. It is now a question of Newcastle at Goodison Park. Newcastle in two Cup games this season have shown distinct signs of nerves. A class side their undoubtedly are, but they are beatable.
TOMORROW’S CHANGES
In view of the mid-week games of Liverpool and Everton v. Manchester clubs there are certain to be changes made. To-morrow when Max Woosnam and Co, face Everton there will be a big rally from the crowd for the Cup-tie winners.
Harry Lowe (not Barlow, as stated in last night’s report) was looking on at Hillsborough and in conversation he asked to be kindly remembered to all his Liverpool friends. I learn that B.H. Baker, J.E. Blair, and A. Broome, have decided to help Nomads at Willington in their cup-tie on Saturday week, instead of accepting the invitation to help their county.

EVERTON GOALKEEPER FOR LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo-Friday February 4, 1921
By Bee
Everton some time since put Mitchell their goalkeeper on the transfer list at the player’s request. Since then the neighbouring Anfield club has been hard pressed for a goalkeeper, and has made inquiries for Mitchell’s transfer, the fee being the bugbear for some time. However, negotiations were resumed between the club to-day, and Mitchell signed for Liverpool at midday; the fee was big Mitchell has had a long innings with Everton, and for some time he did the first team service, but Fern’s strength and consistency kept him from holding the lead for any length of time. He was known in Scotland as “The Penalty King” by reason of his many saves from spot.” 

MITCHELL TO LIVERPOOL
February 5 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Liverpool yesterday, signed on Frank Mitchell, the Everton goalkeeper, who was recently placed on the transfer list at his own request.

EVERTON’S SECOND WIN AT HOME SINCE OCT 9
The Liverpool Football Echo- February 5, 1921
“BEE’S” REPORT OF CROSSLEY’S AND DAVIES’ GOALS AGAINST MANCHESTER CITY AT GODOISON PARK
EVERTON WIN 3 TO 0
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Wall, S. Davies, Crossley, Harrison. Manchester City; Goodchild; Cookson, Fletcher; Fayers, Max Woosnam, Sharpe; Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barass, Murphy. Everton had a royal welcome from the big crowd at Goodison Park, the crowd showing their interest in Stanley Davies, whose first match it was for his new club, and the Cup-tie win leading the enthusiasts to forget a week ago, and joy in the prospect of a visit from Newcastle United. Everton played Brown at half back and moved Fleetwood to centre half back, Brewster having re-damaged his shoulder. Fazackerley got so many bumps that he found it impossible to turn out, and the local boy, Wall took his place. Everton started in happy vein, Chedgzoy taking a strong swinging pass from the new centre and turning the ball but a yard wide.
AN EARLY GOAL
Brown did likewise and when Manchester had made a move on their left Crossley went over to try and help the right wing. A goal resulted and in three minutes Everton had the satisfaction of taking the lead. From start to finish in the making of the goal Crossley was entirely on his own. First of all he jumped to and headed forward a half that seemed beyond his inches. Dribbling up towards goal, he seemed to have lost possession until he found Fayers and a full back hesitating. Crossley accurately gauged his intervention between the pair of defenders, and, nipping in, he scored quite easily at two yards range, a goal that was due to following up just as was the winning goal on Thursday last. Browell tried to equalise with a header, but was covered, a City had real bad luck when Barnes crossed the ball and Murphy was about to score, when he slipped, and instead of shooting had to be content with a simple header. City came afresh, and Woodcock was first very near and later was wide with shots that had sting in their tail. Harrison claimed vigorously that he should have a penalty kick through a City man handling. Referee Rylance refused the appeal, and later, when Davies was distinctly charged in the back in the penalty area the referee must have keen unsighted or else he must have given the spot kick.
DAVIES SUPPLEMENTS
It did not make much difference, because Davies scored after seventeen minutes’ play, being helped into goal by Fletcher’s foot. Davies braced himself well when the wingmen were centring. It has been noticed that when Chedgzoy centred Davies went to inside-left, and for a Harrison centre Davies placed himself at inside-right. When the ball came to the Welshman he turned inwards and shot with his left foot. It is the habit of new players to score for their clubs at their debut, but Davies did something more than score. Only a superlative save by Goodchild prevented him making his second point, and when a moment later he made a solo run and shot, the crowd of 40,000 spectators gave him a wonderful reception. Browell was not certain with a first time effort. Crossley sent over and Barnes netted, to find an offside verdict spoiled him. McDonald went off for about ten minutes through an injured thigh, and during his absence Weller shaped well as full-back, Crossley trying his prentice hand at half back. The power of shot of Horace Barnes was made evident at this point, and although the shot went wide a spectator got a good idea of the force of the inside left. Manchester were pretty readily held, however, and although Wall headed wide from a point close in, it did seem reasonable to expect Everton to win at home for the second time since October 9.
DASH AND DECISION
As the song says, “Home is not home when victories are not there.” Everton have had a lean period at home, but their Cup-tie success seemed to have given them fresh confidence, and they played with more dash and decision than usual. Stanley Davies can feint with the best man I know, and just now he did so much of it together, with back heel touches that he bewildered himself and finally kicked the turf instead of the ball. A much more practical piece of football was the way he let fly to complete the passing of Brown and Wall. The shot fled in and was inches only too high. Everton were good leaders in spite of a solidity of the work of Max Woosnam.
Half-time; Everton 2, Manchester City 0
City opened brilliantly after the interval and were very dangerous in the Everton goal area. The ball bobbed about from head to head, and was finally cleared. Barnes forced his way through, but was compelled to run the ball out wide of the goal. Browell was dead on the mark when six yards out, and McDonald had to take a rather severe injury to prevent man and ball reducing the goal margin. Fagins, on the wing, did not make good against the trickiness of Crossley and the surely of Harrison.
CROSSLEY’S GOAL
Barnes made a nice individual run, but found Murphy a weak partner. Considering the appearance of the reserve half back in the City side the home right wing was not showing up unduly, but no sooner had this fact been noted than Chedgzoy made a perfect centre for Crossley to score the easiest of goals. The handshakes were Crossley’s yet one could not mistake the big part in the goal due to Chedgzoy. It was the sixth time this season that Everton had scored three goals, and had no sooner taken the third point than Weller went off through jarring his foot. An uncommon incident reminiscent of school days was provided by Stanley Davies, who made another long and strong dribble, and when baulked by the goalkeeper, he tried to dispossess Goodchild and clawed his faces. It was clean football, even if stoppage were becoming frequent, the latest case being a temporary knock-out for Wall. City made no impression on the Everton defenders and yet nothing should have saved the home defence when Browell with no one but Fern to beat, shot wretchedly outside. Woosnam did no better with a corner kick, the ball travelling very high. Much of the success of the home side was attributable to the way the Everton half-backs played and the way they kept their forwards provided with useful passes. Cookson was inclined to over kick his forwards, which was surprising in view of his captain’s judicious passing, an object-lesson to all. Murphy surprised Downs and then foolishly ran back to the corner flag, which was the one place he should have refused to go. One outcome of Murphy’s mistake was that Downs fell awkwardly and hurt himself. Barnes rounded Downes and shot wide, and another excellent try made by Browell led to Fern beating him in the race for possession, Everton were slacking somewhat and the City tried hard to reduce the margin. Weller made one of the best shots of the match. Fern made a lucky chance save from Browell.
Final Everton 3, Manchester City 0.

MANCHESTER CITY RES v EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 5, 1921
A quarter of an hour after the interval the score was Manchester City 1, Everton Res 0. Thompson, the Everton back, pushed Howard off the ball, and Scott made no mistake with the resultant penalty kick.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 5, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

• The second round results of our two local sides on Saturday did not say much for the advantages of special away-from-home training
• Everton, for example, were decidedly below their average home form of 1920-1, which has been moderate in all conscience.
• Everton have now two Stanleys in their ranks. One a real Prestonian and the other Preston by occupation
• Davies, the new Everton forward, occupied all three inside positions in North End’s van last season.
• This winter he has figured in thirteen of Preston’s League engagements-once at inside right, five times inside left, and seven times in the centre, from which last position he has scored six of his seven goals.

EVERTON 3 MANCHESTER CITY 0
February 7, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S EXCELLENT WIN.
MANCHESTER CITY BEATEN POINTLESS.
Everton have given so many different displays at Goodison Park during the past few weeks that Saturday's game with Manchester City, which brought them their second home victory since October 9 th , proved a refreshing change. Everton were nearer their best form than for some time, and the margin of three clear goals in no sense exaggerated the difference between the sides. While the City were rarely clever, they were always businesslike and determined, but Everton held a distinct advantage in the greater deadliness of their forwards. The inclusion of Davies, the recently acquired centre from Preston North End, added strength and vigour to the attack. His first appearance was a district success, and he had the satisfaction of scoring Everton's second goal. Davies as a powerful shot, and shows a readiness and skill to develop possible scoring chances. If he has a fault it is a tendency to beat his opponents too often. Wall, a local youth, was given a trial in place of Fazackerley whose injuries kept him out of the side. Wall lacked nothing in determination, but he was hardly up to the League standard. Crossley was rare forager, and his persistency gained Everton's first goal, while Chedgzoy's splendid judgement brought a goal in the second half. The Everton halves were often more than a match for the City forwards, but the most finished artist so far as the half-backs were concerned was Woosnam, whose forward passes were models of accuracy. Downs and McDonald was very effective, and the latter in spite of a bad injury, held on pluckily to the end. Cookson and Fletcher were little inferior to the Everton backs, and the best of the City forwards were Barnes and Murphy.
INCIDENTS OF THE PLAY.
The game was just three minutes old when Crossley scored the first goal. It was a fine individual effort, although Fletcher and Fayers contributed to the downfall of the City goal through hesitating to clear. Crossley deserved high praise for his doggedness in following up when he looked like being crowded out. Goodchild was well beaten by Crossley's final shot, and he had no chance of saving Davies's low drive fourteen minutes later. In this case, however, Fletcher diverted the ball with his head, and Goodchild's anticipation was nullified. The Everton forwards monopolised the attack, and Goodchild was kept fully employed. A splendid centre by Chedgzoy was punched out by the City custodian and while on the ground Goodchild made a further save when Crossley returned the ball. McDonald was injured and was off for ten minutes. Murphy was prominent with several capital centres, and Barnes and Woodcock responded well, but Fern was very sound. Davies made the best shot of the first half when he fired in a tremendous volley, and Goodchild replied with an equally fine save by tipping the ball over the bar. The City forwards improved, and Barnes scored an offside goal.
For some time after the change of ends the City looked like making a flight of it, and the ball bobbed about the Everton goalmouth in dangerous fashion. A good goal by Crossley, however, at fifty-nine minutes settled the issue. Credit must be given to Chedgzoy for his charge in Everton's third goal, for by his capital run and nice judgement in placing the ball he made Crossley's task of converting very easy. Browell missed a glorious chance when after cleverly tricking Downs, he went through and with only Fern to beat he shot wretchedly wide. Weller returned after being injured, and with one of the best shots of the day caused Goodchild to make a brilliant save. Fern was a trifle lucky to keep out a close range shot by Browell. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Brown, Fleetwood, and Weller, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Wall, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Manchester City: - Goodchild, goal, Cookson, and Fletcher, backs, Fayers, Woosnam, and Sharp, half-backs, Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barnes, and Murphy, forwards.

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
February 7, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 25)
No details, in local papers.

UNJUST TO EVERTON
Athletic News -Monday, February 7, 1921
. Sir.—As a reader for many years of the Athletic NewsI should like to protest against the comments made on the " Fazackerley " and " Davies " transfers, about which (and the large amounts of money involved thereby) some very strong language has been used in your paper. -If the same hostile attitude was taken up by you consistently towards all such cases, wherever they may occur, then, whether your views met with agreement or not, they could at least be respected, as being honest criticism. But while transactions of this kind, it done by the Everton Club, seem to excite your virtuous indignation to the utmost, transfer fees of a similar, or even larger, amount may be paid by other clubs almost without comment, or if any, it is of the mildest description. It is evident that the mere amount of money paid is not the root cause of the attitude you have taken un over this subject. This is further borne out when we remember some of the pre-war transfer fees, such as those paid for Simpson, Shea, or Barnes. If the present purchasing power of money is taken into account, then the fees paid for these players were in reality quite as large as those now in question, yet Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City did not incur your dire displeasure for their part in these transactions. What is the reason for your varying attitudes over this phase, of football administration? Your answer is awaited with interest. May I point out the unfairness of attacking clubs in general for carrying on a lawful practice, within the bounds of rules devised by the best and most practical football wisdom of the nation. If youdisagree with the practice, then your quarrel should be with the system and those who have legalised it, and not with those who legitistately engage in it. I will go further, and say that for yon to pillory one club, to single out as the object of scorn and hostility because it does what practically every other club of note is doing (and without question is entitled so to do), is not thing less than hitting below the belt, are ill becomes a journal of your standing. During Everton's long career those responsible have always endeavoured to set a high standard, not only of sport but also of honourable observance of the letter and the spirit of the laws by which they are governed, and no club in the country can show a cleaner record than Everton.— Yours, etc., A. H. GILLESPIL Liverpool, Feb. 2.

A new leader
Athletic News- Monday, February 7, 1921
DAVIES PUT NEW LIFE INTO THE EVERTON ATTACK
EVERTON 3, MANCHESTER CITY 0
By Junius
GRATIFYING indeed was Everton's display against Manchester City, and by way of a mange the 35,000 spectators at, Goodison Park were regaled with a victory and a welcome improvement in the quality of the football. Changes were perforce made by both clubs. Brewster and Fazackerley were experiencing the after-effects of the Cup-tie at Sheffield, and Everton introduced Stanley Davies, their recent acquisition from Preston, at centre forward, while the City were without Hamill and restored Woodcock to the right wing. Everton showed most commendable form, and this welcome change was particularly noticeable in their forward line. Davies had much to do with the advance. In the early minutes he seemed to be weighing up his chances, and his confidence being eventually assured he proceeded to justify his presence. Some of his feinting was delightful, though there was a tendency at times to overdo this, but his persistency in other respects was meritorious, and once he wormed his way through to flash in a glorious shot for Goodchild to effect a splendid save. Davies will fit in with Everton's needs.  Crossley was at his best—untiring and persevering, and a veritable force in every advance. Two well deserved goals were his reward. Harrison and Chedgzoy were responsible for many seductive centres, and the youngster, Wall, at inside-right, shaped very well. A smile from Fortune might have made a wonderful difference to the efficiency of his moves. The half-backs were, as a line, the least satisfactory part of the Everton eleven. Fleetwood was easily the outstanding individual in this department, and there was a dour determination about his work that was strongly , reminiscent of former days. Undoubtedly his proper position is in the centre. Brown was disappointing, for a promising start was followed by frailty, and he was somewhat remiss in recovery. Weller was useful, and when Macdonald retired owing to injury, he made an admirable substitute at full-back. Downs. was scarcely fit to play, but he showed no sign of weakness, and Macdonald must be complimented upon his doggedness and pluck. Fern was seldom called upon in the first half, but afterwards he was severely tested oy Browell, and three of his clearances neat the finish were brilliant.
MANCHESTER CITY'S FAILING.
The City forwards were by no means a negligible quantity, but the result demonstrates where their weakness lay. Browell was an aggressive leader of every invasion, and he was certainly unfortunate with some exceedingly commendable endeavours to beat the defence. Faulty finishing proved fatal to the visitors vanguard, but there was no mistaking the fine quality of their evolutions. Broad repeatedly turned his speed to advantage, and both Barnes and Woodcock fired in spirited shots which deserved a better fate. Murphy started in meteoric manner, but at the finish there was only the stick of hie rocket left.  In their intermediate line Max Woosnam was the most prominent personality. His passing was excellent, and his forwards could not but feel grateful to him for his assistance. Sharp was less noticeable, but he kept a strict watch on Chedgzoy and fully justified his position. Fayers, however, was not so serviceable; he strove zealously, but did not glitter. The defence was reliable, and Goodchild was great. His save from Davies, who had beaten everyone else, in the first half, and another front Weller—a one-handed punch-after the interval were delicious deeds. Three minutes after the start, CROSSLEY gave Everton the lead. He baffled the defence completely by his determination. The City made most creditable attempts to equalise, but they failed to utilise their chances, and 15 minutes later Davies signalised his debut with a goal. He received the bell from Brown, but his shot was diverted by Fletcher, and Goodchild was helpless. Twelve minutes after the restart Chedgzoy beautifully beat the backs, and centred perfectly for CROSSLEY to add the third goal. That the City did not reduce the lead before the finish was entirely due to Fern, who stopped shots from Browell in superb style.Everton.- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Wall, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison. Manchester City; Goodchild; Cookson, Fletcher; Fayers, Max Woosnam, Sharp; Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barnes and Murphy. Referee; H. Rylance, Earlestown.

EVERTON’S DEFEAT
Athletic News- Monday, February 7, 1921
The game at Hyde-road between Manchester City Reserves and Everton Reserves proved a very hard one. The home side included several new recruits, and none did better than R. Hargreaves, of Norman Athletic. Early in the second half Scott scored for the City from a penalty kick, and this was the only goal. B. Howard-Baker kept the Everton goal very finely.

EVERTON TAKE A TURN FOR THE BETTER
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, February 7, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton seen to have turned the corner. They have brought life into their side, and the half-back line, with Weller going strong in it, and Brown showing capacity for passing forward has helped on the good work. If Manchester City had finishing power we should have seen Everton more extended. As it was Everton slacked off towards the finish, and then it was that Fern and Co, came to the fore with brillaint saves-and a lucky one in which many accidents occurred, but it wasn’t dirty, and undoubtedly Crossley’s persistence gained an opening point that made Manchester City’s stock fall appreciably. City are an enigma. They look good enough and they do clever things. Barnes is still a great left-foot driver, and Browell can skip and hop and shoot. Fayers does not seem to fit a wing half back’s position, and Sharp is not good enough-yet. Woosnam was a gem in many ways, and notably in the way he lifted the ball over the rivals’ heads, so that Browell could take the ball. How often do we see this simple plan tried in these days? All too seldom. 
A VIEW OF STANLEY DAVIES
Stan Fazackerley looked on and Stan Davies played on. The Welsh international played on Saturday in a similar way so his showing at the Highbury international. He did many wonderfully clever and cute things, but there were times when he made us sit up and ponder. Take his second half pass well down the field, when he intended to put the ball to the right. Take his miss after a long dribble. These mistakes did not tally with his back-heeling or his feinting. We must judge him on the whole and on the whole he shaped splendidly. His instant shooting, his control, his feint were all done well. The value of the faint is known to all footballers, yet only a small percentage of players try its wily way. Davies has apparently the faculty for deception, and I hope he continues to use this valued method of beating a rival. He has height, some speed, and determination, and he must not become over-exuberant at his reception. Remember, Davies, that the football world is a fickle person, with stings as well as praise. Wall was a shade too strong in his passes. That would have been no great trouble if he had plied the ball up the field. A cross-wise pass must not be too strong or a winger cannot take the ball in his run. Still, Wall in the right type and should come on. Brown’s play, together with Fleetwood’s and Weller’s was praise worthy throughout, and the defence of Downs and McDonald was strong and sure. The home left was in lively mood and Chedgzoy’s centre to Crossley for a goal was the real thing even if the outside right did not fare too well against Fletcher, who with Woosnam, Browell and Barnes was the outstanding figure for the losers. The extreme wing men of City, together with Sharp and Fayers, were the weakness of the Manchester side.

ENGLISH TRIAL MATCH.
February 8, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
At white Hart Lane, England played South, and it finished in a draw of one goal each. Sam Chedgzoy playing for England.

EVERTON SIGN LOCAL
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 8, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton have signed still another forward, this time a local, who in his early days played for the Liverpool schoolboys, and recently with Orwell Wednesday. He is capable of occupying either of the inside berths. Possessing a masterly control over the ball, he can finish with a great shot, strong and true. Jones played for the Everton “A” team on Saturday last, and was signed professional this morning.
Mr. Archie Leitch, the football ground architect, tells me that he has big plans for Wrexham’s ground, which has always been a trouble to spectators and pressmen when internationals have been played there. At Everton there is a scheme on hand for a double-decker or two and a new stand on the Bullens-road side, the existing one to be demolished and replaced by a massive affair; while the lower goal end is in the plan of campaign.

EVERTON CHANGE'S.
February 9 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The Everton team against Manchester City at Hyde road to-day will include Howard Baker in goal, and Jones and Fazackerley on the right wing. These players taking the place of Fern, Chedgzoy, and Wall, who were in the side, that defeated the City at Goodison Park on Saturday. The team is Baker, Downs, McDonald, Brown, Fleetwood, Weller, Jones Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison.

BEES NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 9, 1921
The new forward signed or by Everton is names Young (not Jones), viz., Herbert Young, late of St. Simon and St. Jude’s and Orwell Wednesday.
We find that our Manchester reporter must have confused the Everton reserve players on Saturday when he claimed Thompson as responsible for the penalty against his side. At the time of the happening Thompson was yards away from the area.
RE BARRACKING
“Old Supporters” write;- Kindly inform the spectators who frequent Everton’s matches and barrack and scandalise the players (especially R. Downs) to keep away altogether, or there will be serious trouble for them. It must be disheartening to the players and it would be a good idea of the officials of the club had policemen posted at same spot gently to throw these spectators out of the ground. The position they take up is behind the goal, score-board side.
SAOKED AGAIN!
This is “F.R’s” heading and letter;- The poor spectators is to pay 5s for his 3s 6d seat for the Newcastle match. This is the man who keeps the game alive, or perhaps keeps some players alive. To be fair to the spectators, the Everton directors should reduce their entrance fee to about 4d on occasions. So soon as what looks to be a tit-bit comes along the directors pile off nearly 50 per cent to your entrance fee. I maintain there is no need for this habit, and the sooner the spectator takes a hand in this game the better. There is a certain cure, and by missing a few matches they would not miss much, and a sure cute is affected.
  In reply to “F.R.” I would say just one thing. Everton’s prices are lower than those of any club I know.

MANCHESTER CITY v  EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 9, 1921
RETURN MATCH ABANDONED THROUGH FOG
Although the match had not been officially declared off at three o’clock, when the rearranged fixture between Manchester City and Everton should have been entered upon at Hyde-road this afternoon, the fog was so dense that there was very little prospect of playing, and the gates remained closed, several thousand people being outside.  At 3,30 the referee, Mr. Rylance abandoned the game half an hour after the scheduled time for kicking off.

THE EVERTON MATCH POSTPONED.
February 10 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Owing to fog, the return match between Everton and Manchester City, which was to have been played at Hyde road, Manchester yesterday had to be postponed.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 10, 1921
Everton had a fruitless journey to Hyde-road. They will go there again on February 23, of the Cup-tie with Newcastle does not interfere.

EVERTON AT MANCHESTER UNITED
Liverpool Echo- Friday, February 11, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton, at Manchester United’s ground, have hopes even though Stanley Davies is not playing, through a representative match elsewhere -Scotland v Wales at Aberdeen is the cause of his being unable to link up with his new comrades. It is a pity he should not have had a further week’s run with the Everton boys in view of the Cup-tie with Newcastle United tomorrow week. The rush for tickets to the Goodison Park tie has been fabulous and in some cases, men have sent sums of 10s and 12s 6d for one ticket, whereas Everton’s highest price tickets is 5s. These incidents only go to show that Everton’s rate of charges has been much lower than the other clubs of the country. Of course, the demand for 5s seats was bound to be more than could be accommodated, and I reckon the directors were almost forced to overbook into the 3s portion. The work on hand is monumental, and the difficulties enormous, so do not hurry to vent your wrath (if any) on the officials- think thrice and act once, or not at all. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Manchester United; Mew; Barlow, Silcock; Hilditch, Grimwood, Forster; Meredith, Myerscough, Spence. Partridge, Hopkin. 
Will you kindly thank “Fair Play” for his letter re The Boys’ Band. Inform readers that on February 19 (evening of the Everton v Newcastle cup-tie) a grand concert will be given by Mr. Frank Miller in the Stadium Pudsay-street, for the benefit of the Boys Camp fund, writes the bandmaster.
South Liverpool entertain Dick Kerr’s at Green Lane tomorrow (3 o’clock).

Mitchell Transferred.
Derby Daily Telegraph-Saturday 12 February 1921
Frank Mitchell, goalkeeper whom Everton have transferred to Liverpool, has been shut out the Goodison Park team this season Tom Fern's brilliance. He comes from Elgin, graduated with the Glasgow Friendly Boys, Milngavie, Mary- hill, and Motherwell clubs, and has been with Everton since April, 1913.
Did Not Cost a Cent.
Alec Wall
Everton actually played in their League team last Saturday a lad named Wall, who did not cost the club a penny. He is a native of Liverpool, was bred and born there, and after gaining International honours as schoolboy he was signed by the Goodison club. Ho is only 18 years of age.

EVERTON -UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 12, 1921
OLD TRAFFORD MATCH BY F.E.H.
DAVIES AN ABSENTEE
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, Harrison. Manchester United; Mew; Barlow, Silcock; Hilditch, Grimwood, Forster; Meredith, Myerscough, Miller, Partridge, Hopkin. Referee; Mr. F. Leigh, Hanley.
Mr. McIntosh states that every reserve seat for the Everton and Newcastle Cup-tie match at Goodison Park next Saturday has been booked. No further applications for same can be entertained. In view of the Cup tie with Newcastle next Saturday at Goodison Park, it was a pity Stanley Davies was “otherwise engaged” to-day. The ex-North End forward could have done with another run with his new clubmates. He was, however, chosen for Wales v Scotland. Parker came into his old place. The players travelled to Manchester at noon, and at once went on to Old Trafford by charabanc. We left the sunshine behind us at Aintree -whither the Grand National will draw all of us next month-and found the United enclosure under clouds, grey and dull looking, as usual.
MEREDITH IN HARNESS AGAIN
There was a capital attendance when the players appeared, and a special cheer went up when it was seen that Meredith had again buckled on his harness in place of Harrison, whose ankle was still bad. Otherwise the teams were as selected. There were 25,000 people present when Everton started, but this gave United no advantage, as the breeze was gentle as a summer zephyr. The visitors at once made play on the left, and Harrison was well placed when Barlow jumped in and cleared. A few seconds later Meredith got the ball full in the face, but quickly recovered. There was a spell of midfield work, in which the Everton forwards showed themselves the greater adepts. They worked down by short passing, and Parker tried to make an opening without success. This failure was followed by a very pretty bit of work on the part of Harrison, who ran down and finished with a fine dropping shot, which was only cleared by Mew after Silcock had checked its flight. So far the visitors had been distinctly “top dog,” but Manchester at length made an excellent movements, and veteran Meredith looked like being dangerous when he was ruled offside. Play was fast and interesting, and excitement ruled high when Partridge raced through and gave the ball to Hopkin, who finished by striking the outside of the net.
PARKER’S BRILLIANT GOAL
It was not long before Everton rallied, and this time their efforts were crowned with complete success. Harrison, getting clean through, put the ball right across the goalmouth, and Parker, pouncing upon it like a tiger on his prey, scored a brilliant goal, which left Mew breathless with surprise. Having drawn first blood, the Evertonians proceeded to give the onlookers a further teste of their quality, Harrison and Crossley both making gallant attempts to get through, and the latter might well have scored with a swift ground shot. At the same time it must not be imagined that the United were at all “out of the hunt.” The left wing pair were especially busy, and twice Partridge was dangerous when his pass to Hopkin proved fruitless. For some time the home forwards enjoyed quite as much of the play as their antagonists, and Myerscough and Miler might both have found sanctuary but for the vigilance of Downs. The balance between the teams was maintained for a considerable period, and the next item if interest was a corner forced by the United on the right. Meredith placed the ball with wonderful precision, and it led to a tremendous bully in front of Fern, but the danger was eventually cleared. Again the home forwards came through with their three inside men, but Miller was adjudged offside as he shot, and another centre from Meredith was well booted away by Downs. The visitors were prominent on the left, Harrison being in especially good trim with a couple of fine centres, but though Parker tried desperately hard to put paid to the account, he was stalled off by Silcock.
MEREDITH’S SUPERB PLAY
For perhaps the first time in the contest, the Everton right wing were in the picture, and Fazackerley was given a nice opening, when his effort was intercepted by Forster. At the other end, Meredith was again in the picture with his wonderful square centres, but first Miller and then Hopkins failed to apply the finishing touch. The visitors’ right wing subsequently showed the crowd a real touch of their speed and cleverness, but Silcock was rather too much for them and, like Crossley, wriggled through by way of a solo effort. Mew came out and literally took the ball from his toes. Some little time before the interval there was a futile speeding up of both sides, and from quick sprint and centre on part of Chedgzoy, Parker put the leather a foot wide of the post. Manchester United were no less aggressive and Miller was twice well placed when he hesitated and so lost possession. Still the home forwards showed a determined disposition and Partridge, who was playing a great forward game, hit the upright with a fast rising shot. Weller, keeping an eye on the mercurial Meredith, checked him several times, but the wonderful Welshman was a constant source of trouble. Just before half-time, Harrison got off once more at top speed-which means something in the way of running-and he was only stalled off at the expense of a corner. This was well placed, and Parker was rather unlucky in not finding the net with a header. Everton kept up the attack on the right, and from centres by Chedgzoy and Crossley, Parker was again unfortunate. Fleetwood was just where he was wanted when Miller attempted to get through, and United were still pressing when the interval came. Half-time; Manchester United 0, Everton 1.
The first half had been, generally speaking, in favour of Everton. The work of their forwards was much better and more combined than that of the home side. They therefore well-deserved their lead at the cross-over. The Everton left wing were undoubtedly the star turn, and the half-backs were thoroughly sound, with the last line also in stalwart vein. Manchester’s left wing were clever and frequently dangerous, and Meredith delighted the crowd with some of his old time touches. Miller was not up to concert pitch. The attendance had grown to 30,000 when play was resumed. Everton were at once the aggressors, and a second goal was only missed by a mere matter of inches. Chedgzoy got along at top speed and put the leather across to Parker, who sent in a drive that passed just outside.
A PENALTY GOAL
United replied with a combined advance, and Fleetwood in trying to stem their progress, jumped up and handled the ball in the penalty area. The claim was at once allowed, and Meredith scored with a low shot just out of Fern’s reach. As may be well imagined, play now became faster and more furious than ever, the exchanges being so rapid that at times the eye could scarcely follow them. Harrison, on one occasion, flashed down the wing, put to Fazackerley, who fell just as he was in the act of shooting.
EXCITING INCIDENT
At the opposite end there was some interesting forward play, but both Miller and his wings finished in rather a disappointing fashion, and when Partridge attempted to win through off his own bat he was anticipated by fern, who came out and threw clear. Then followed one of the most exciting incidents of the struggle. Fazackerley ran through with fine judgement and was just about to shoot when he slipped. Final Everton 2, Manchester United 1.

EVERTON RES v.  NELSON
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 12, 1921
At Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton Reserves; Salt; Fare, Thompson; Williams, Garrett, and Barlow; Jones, Spencer, Wall, Reid, and Alford. Nelson.- Hayes; Lilley, Wadsworth; Hulme, Jacques, Pickles; Baird, Andrews, Waller, Hargreaves, and Horner. Referee.- Mr. G. A. Nixon. Everton made two changes in the advertised team, Moffatt, through injury, standing down; Wall took the centre berth, and Spencer went as partner to Jones. The visitors also made one change, Pickles playing left half in place of Gradwell. Nelson won the toss, and prompt to time Wall kicked off. Everton early took up the running, but without seriously troubling the ‘keeper. Nelson next advanced through the aid of their right wing, and Harris crossing the ball to Horner that player gave Fare some trouble before the latter eventually cleared his lines. Thompson next pulled up Baird, who looked like going through. Jones was prominent on the home right with a centre which Wall just failed to reach. Wadsworth making a  final  clearance from a punt at goal by Reid. The game at this stage was fairly even, but offside tactics were too frequent, and spoilt many openings. Hayes made a save from a smart drive close in by Garrett. Shortly afterwards an advance by Nelson almost brought the downfall of the home goal. Thompson, miskicking, let in Andrews, who, when well placed, shot wide. Play continued on even lines, and Everton were not having by any means more than their share. Nelson were always dangerous when near goal, without seriously troubling Salt. Hayes made a save from Spencer by throwing himself full length and diverting the ball outside the post.
GARRETT’S GOAL
After thirty-five minutes’ play Everton scored a third. Garrett, who received from Alford, running close in beat Hayes to pieces with a great shot. Half a minute from the interval Hargreaves equalised.
Half-time.- Everton Res 1, Nelson 1.
Second half commenced without the players leaving the field owing to a mist hanging over the ground. In the first two minutes Everton were dangerous, and a centre by Jones was accepted by Wall who headed past Hayes, giving the keeper no chance. Thirteen minutes from the end Hargreaves equalised. Final; Everton Res 2, Nelson 2.

HAZELDEAN v.  EVERTON “A”
The Liverpool Football Echo -Saturday, February 12, 1921
At Mill-lane, Wavertree. Everton had the best of the exchanges. Smith opened the score within a few minutes, adding two more before the interval, Hazeldean on the whole were well held by the visitor’s defence. Young and Howarth played well for Everton, while Williams was a hard-worker for the homesters. Half-time.- Everton A 3, Hazeldean 0

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 12, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

• All roads should lead to Goodison Park a week hence.
• We shall expect all records for Everton’s home to go by the board in receipts and attendance.
• At present the “double” stands to the credit of the Newcastle United- Barnsley Cup final replay decided here in 1910, when the receipts were £4,130 and the attendance £7,000
• Of the 22 players who participated in that historic Cup final four will be on view again next Saturday, viz, Lawrence, McCracken, Low, and Downs, the inimitable Downs, of course, being then with Barnsley
• It is interesting to note that Newcastle’s prospective eleven v. Everton will be identical with the side that appeared here in early September, and were beaten 3-1. It is the same side also that overthrew Liverpool in the second round a fortnight ago
• The Tynesiders have possibly improved in effectiveness since they were last at Goodison, on which occasion they were also handicapped through an early injury to Curry.
• On the other hand, Everton, too, have shown more determination, enthusiasm, and cohesion in recent weeks.
• The Blues will probably have three changes compared with their early September side, and the inclusion of such as Fazackerley and Davies should certainly make for increased effectiveness.
• We shall all be wishful to see Liverpool’s downfall avenged, and feel that Everton should about manage it.
• For one thing, the Blues are coming to hand at home just the right time, and are catching the Cup-tie fervour- of fever.
• And the advantage of playing at home is usually a very real one in a vital Cup match
• Then, again, Newcastle will be playing away from their own doorstep for the first time this season; indeed, we believe it to be a fact that their entire forward line has not in a single instance played in a senior England Cup-tie on opposition soil!
• This should give the Everton men a decided pull in one direction and this advantage they should immediately seek to press home-right into the jaws of the goal
• Although a trifle late in the day, we should like to make a reference or two to the visit we paid to Hillsborough last week
• The boys in blue in that match played with more purpose and determination than for many a long day, and while all the defenders did well, nobody stood out quite so strongly as Downs, who before the start expressed his full confidence in Everton’s ability to pull through.
• Sheffielders know his worth full well, and were loud in praise of his wonderful powers of anticipation, recovery, and accuracy in timing a ball.
• Brewster, be it known, was well padded round the shoulders before the start by the Everton doctor.
• This shows that his heart is in the right place, however disjointed hi shoulder-blades might be
• The Scotsman played one of the games of his life; dittoWeller, who surprised even his closest friends, for he refused to be beaten, either with head or foot
• Forward John Blair, as in his League debut match last season, quite justified his inclusion, for he possessed a distinct confidence in himself, was not overawed, and kept the backs on tender hooks by playing hard on to them and worrying them with his deceptive turn of speed.
• The other forwards all acted a successful part, and special praise was due to Crossley, who revelled in sinuous dribbles and shots or goal.
• The little man has certainly made good, and has completely silenced his critics of the season’s early days. Indeed, Crossley is now one of Goodison’s “biggest” favourites; thus does fortune’s tide turn.

The Everton boys practically sang themselves home at night, such aids of sleeplessness as cards being given a miss in baulk.

NELSON DRAW AT GOOD I SON PARK.
Lancashire Evening Post-Monday 14 February 1921
Nelson put up good fight against Everton Reserve-at the top of their form. The Good!son Park, side's backs are a blender of experence and young, the half-backs are young and vigorious, as Hargreaves and Waller could testifty the attack included an Irish International , in Reid, Alford, the Barrow recruit, and Wall, who will one day figure in higher class. on the extreme right was Jones whom Sheffield United were open to pay £4,000 for so Nelson came out of the game creditably and with a useful point. the first was very even, and though Everton made a dogged resumption, Nelson in the long run were the more dangerous and nearly stole a win. for the visitors Hayes, in goal, Wadsworth, Hargreaves and Baird were best in a game that had not many thrills.

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 EVERTON 2
February 14, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON IN FINE FORM.
A WIN AT OLD TRAFFORD.
The Evertonians gave a very bright and sparkling display at Old Trafford on Saturday, and they were full value for their 2 goals to 1, victory over Manchester United. The latter are a good and competent side, but their work and methods generally were much below the standard set by the visitors. The pace throughout was fast and full of incident, the closing stages being fought with exceptional keenest. United, however, were never able to combat the more masterly tactics of their opponents, who eventually left the field with a couple of well-won points to their credit. In all departments they showed balance and judgement. The forwards were quick on the ball, the halves untiring, while the defence left nothing to be cleared. These qualities were all the more meritorious inasmuch as Manchester United were no mean antagonists. Everton started on the somewhat soft surface in merry fashion, the left wing being especially dangerous. and it was not very long before their efforts were crowned with success. The game was rather more than ten minutes old when Harrison moved along in brilliant style, and put the ball to Fazackerley, who further helped its career, and Parker pouncing upon it scored a clever goal with a fast rising shot which Mew had little chance of saving. Following upon the Mancunians made great efforts to equalise, and some wonderfully good work was put in by Partridge. He was best supported however, by both Hopkin and Miller –the latter was obviously below concert pitch –and they allowed numerous opportunities to slip by. So Everton crossed over with the lead.
In the second period the battle proved fiercer than ever and the big ring of spectators were treated to an exciting display in which each goal was threatened in turn, both keepers doing their duty manfully. Grimwood on one occasion tested Fern with a particularly difficult shot, and a little later another combined assault ended in Fleetwood being penalised for “hands.” The veteran Meredith took the Penalty kick and planted the ball well and truly in the net. Ten minutes from time Everton gained their winning goal, chiefly through the instrutnentality of Crossley. He wriggled his way to within close range, and then gave the leather to Parker, who beat Mew, as he came out to meet the danger. Then Downs in collision met with such a knock on the ribs he had to be carried off on an ambulance stretcher. Everton, however, still remained aggressive, and they were pressing when time was called. Harrison and Crossley were the pick of the forwards, and Fleetwood played conspicuously well in the half back line. Both the backs were sound, and Fern kept a good goal. Partridge was the best of the home front line, and Meredith gained cheers for his inimitable centres. Grimwood again showed his excellence as a pivot and the defence was for the most part good and confident. Teams: - Manchester United: - Mew, goal, Barlow, and Silcock, backs, Hildith, Grimwood, and Forester, half-backs Meredith, Myerscough, Miller, Partridge, and Hopkins, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Brown, Fleetwood, and Weller, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 NELSON 2
February 14, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 26)
At Goodison Park. About 4,000 people witnessed the game. Play was fairly even all through. Everton had most of the chances but Hares kept a good goal. On one occasion Thompson miskicked and let in Andrews, who had only Salt to beat, but he shot wide of the post. The game was 35 minutes old before Garrett opened the score for Everton, and half a minute from the interval Hargreaves equalised. Two minutes after the restart Wall netted a centre from Jones, but thirteen minutes from time Hargreaves again equalised, and the game ended in a draw of two goals each. Everton: - Salt goal, Fare, Thompson, backs, Williams, Garrett, and Barlow, half-backs, Jones Spencer, Wall, Reid, and Alford forwards.

DAVIES PLAYED FOR WALES.
February 14, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Scotland beat Wales at Aberdeen on Saturday by two goals to one. Davies hit the bar with a fine shot, which had beaten Campbell.

A VARIETY “SHOW”
Athletic News- Monday, February 14, 1921
HOW EVERTON WON AT MANCHESTER
ACCIDENT TO DFOWNS
EVERTON 2, MANCHESTER UNITED 1
By Tittyrus
Meredith, with the accent on the second alliable according to the patriots of wild Wales, played on Saturday in this match. Truly he is the greatest stayer ever seen in first-class football. Not young enough to assist Wales in the granite city he was, still garbed in Welsh red, the outside right for the United. The spectators rejoiced when they read his name on the blackboard announcing the alterations of the teams. Meredith, to borrow a phrases from the racecourse, was a "chalk jockey." In these days his appearances are rare. Some day he willlike all renowned artiste, take a farewell, but he is not yet a laggard on the green. Although in his forty-third year, with a silver down for a crown, he was the equal of men twenty years his junior. Backs and half-backs were glad to tip the ball into touch —the one sure resource they had to stop his progress.  One could devote this whole chapter to Meredith for hie command of the ball, his famous back-heel touch when there was no avenue, and hiss square centres, so true, so perfect in pace, and so exactly placed, were one of the features of a match which was drab and dull rather than sparkling and effervescing.
THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE STRUGGLE.
Everton were the better team, and deserved their victory. But they played in patches. Perhaps the reason for this was that they obtained a thrilling goal within ten minutes of the start. It seemed to me that PARKERrather luckily obtained possession, as the ball went to him from a home player, about a wicket-length, 22 yards from the net.  Instantly the Everton centre drove in a shot, which travelled with the precision of an arrow, and flew under the bar in the angle formed by the post. No workmanship in the match quite equalled that example of how to score. When Chedgzoy swung a long pass to Harrison, his shot was so hard that Mew only gathered the ball at the second attempt. The United made headway on the left owing to Partridge's services to Hopkin, and Meredith's centres appealed to the heart of the crowd, but there was no ono to finish these movements. Chedgzoy, put on the road by Brown, delivered a centre, which Parker forced on to Mew's body; otherwise there would have been another goal.  Partridge, playing nicely, was unlucky, as he spurned the ball on to the post, but at the other end Harrison forced a corner kick off Hilditch, and from the flag-kick Parker nearly headed a goal. So the first half sped away, with Everton leading by a goal, after playing so well within their own strength that they did not seem to be exerting themselves. But on reversing Fern became busy, especially in dealing with an effort by Grimwood. Indeed, the pressure was so intense that someone was guilty of handling within the Everton penalty zone. It was said that Weller was the offender, but I would not like to be sure. The referee pointed to the dreaded spot, and from thus MEREDITH, with the side of his right foot, glided the ball on the ground, wide of Fern's left-hand. This was the old soldier's way of re-establishing equality within four minutes. It seemed as if this was just the spur that Everton wanted to make them take the bit between their teeth, and set about winning by something more than a surprise goal. Fazackerley and Chedgzoy became very keen, but it was not quite a one-sided match, for the United made a spirited attack, and Fern had twice to save owing to the positions created by Meredith. Still. Everton were the more dangerous, and Mew did well to parry a cunning ball from Crossley's head, while Harrison, who was a strong raider, drove a ball right across the mouth of the goal. After McDonald had undoubtedly prevented Hopkin from scoring, Crossley again tested Mew. The pertinacity of this sturdy inside forager was rewarded eventually, for he dribbled away by himself, just se he likes to do, and shot for goal. Mew stopped the ball, but could not recover it before PARKER just deflected it into the net ten minutes from the close. Even after that Harrison forced a thunderbolt worthy of "Cocky" Bennett's best; yet again Crossley headed in Harrison's centre in rare style. But Mew was not to be beaten again. I think it will be conceded that Everton won on merit—and not by any fortunate hazard.
A PROSPECT FOR PARTRIDGE.
I would like to pay all kinds of compliments to Manchester United, but they have deprived me of the most pleasant part of a critic's function—the opportunity to bestow praise. As a team, they did not play well. Mew, if not immaculate, was a fine guardian; while Silcock proved himself to be a back of judgment. He has rare intuition in getting to the ball, and he kicks a length, and that with discretion. I thought Grimwood quite a promising centre-half-back—not only for his constant intervention, but also because he helps his forwards. But the response he received was not encouraging. Forster is a worker, but Hilditch, playing continuously for about eighteen months, will be benefited by the close season's rest to restore his vivacity. No sooner had the match opened than Meredith, at close quarters, received one of McDonald fiercest returns on the head. It was enough to knock him out—and yet he recovered and played realty clever football. He is still a master of his art, but, of course, not an every-day player. There is a bright prospect for Partridge, the inside left— a tenacious developer, with more ways than one of deceiving a half-back, He must beware of dribbling too much. Revolving in a circle is a waste of time. The direct pass—forward and oblique—pays better and economises time end effort. Partridge should also be encouraged to crosskick to the right wing.
THE MISHAP TO DOWNS.
While Fern and McDonald were thoroughly reliable the shrewdest and cleverest back and defender on the fled was Richard Downs, who retains his wonderfully exact returns. There is no deterioration in his football—and teens of years have passed since I first saw him. Nine minutes before the close he rushed to tackle Hopkins, and both men suffered severely, for while Hopkins fell lame in the left leg Downs had to be carried off. He was attended by two doctors, who found that though no bones were broken he had torn and bruised the attachments to the right ribs. Plastered up he was assured, I understand, that he would beable to play in next Saturday’s Cup-tie against Newcastle. We shall see. Fleetwood was the best half back, but the line was not distinguished, for Brown was apt to leave his flank open, especially in the first half, while Weller gave the impression of being a full-back rather than a middle man.
EVERTON’S VANGUARD
There was skill in the Everton attack-the most successful section of either team. Nevertheless, the forwards gave me the idea that they did not play hard from start to finish. They husbanded their resources according to the state of the game, and I doubt whether that was wise strategy. Harrison is a robust, clever, outside-left. His motto is effectiveness, and he can shoot for goal as fiercely as any man now playing. His work is quick, direct, and accurate. Crossley was really dangerous in front of goal, but he is too eager to beat an opponent before making his pass. The result was that he was tackled in possession. He is too tenacious. Parker played better than against Aston Villa at Birmingham, and often looked like scoring. Not particularly prominent in the first half, Stanley Fazackerley wad admirable directly the United were on level terms, for he was full of trustfulness, a master of passing with a single touch, and harassing to the defenders. Fazackerley could not be held by Forster when he set his mind on business, and he gave Chedgzoy all the scope he required, with the result that the outside right was a bright and busy raider who delivered telling centres. What I want to know is why Everton have to be spurred on to win? Manchester United; Mew; Barlow, Silcock; Hilditch, Grimwood, Forster; Meredith, Myerscough, Miller, Partridge, and Hopkin. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Brown, Fleetwood, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Parker, Crossley, and Harrison. Referee F. Leigh, Hanley.

THE BIG TRANSFER FEES
Athletic News- Monday, February 14, 1921
Sir,-in reply to your correspondent concerning the Everton team, I for one uphold what you have said concerning the big transfer fee system. I should like to ask Mr. Gillespie if money makes the man? If money is taken in consideration why are not Everton the prospective champions and Cup winners? -Yours, etc., G. Butler, Smethwick, February 9.
Sir-although I have read The Athletic News continuously for only a little over two years I must say that I have never found the paper anything but impartial towards the various teams whose doings it criticises. Therefore I cannot agree with your correspondent whose enthusiasm for Everton out-runs his discretion in condemning the paper for its remarks on the recent high prices Everton has paid for players. The Athletic News has always maintained or at least so it has seemed to me, an attitude against high prices of transfers paid as being against the best interests of football- Yours, etc, E.E. Purves. West Kensington, February 8.

EVERTON NOW AT BEST; WINNING SEQUENCE
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 14, 1921
By F.E.H
Hearty congratulations to Everton upon having firmly established their true form. Saturday’s success at Old Trafford was no mere flash in the pan, but a well-considered and clever victory. Downs and Company were always the better side, and though they were challenged many a time and oft in the course of the ninety minutes, they never looked like losing their grip of the game. It was altogether an inspiriting display, and though the path of the prophet is precarious, I make so bold as to say that on Saturday’s form they will beat Newcastle United in the English Cup tie this week-end. And if such a thing should happen- who knows, the future in football, as in everything else, lies in the lap of the gods. Still it would be good to see the Evertonians once more in the historic Final. The general work of the side at Old Trafford against Manchester United has already been fully dealt with, and it need only be added that there was no ground for complaint in any department. The first goal, which came after some ten minutes’ play, was initiated by Harrison, who throughout played a strikingly fine game. He swung the leather across to Fazackerley, who in turn gave to Parker, and the last-named netted with a timely shot that rose beyond Mew. United’s equaliser came from a penalty against Fleetwood for handling the ball, though I am assured by that player himself the appeal ought not to have been allowed. Meredith, whose appearance was greeted with great cardinality, made no mistake about the placekick. He simply shoved the leather into the side of the net. Everton’s winning goal was really due to Crossley who, by the way, is showing splendid form, and it was converted by parker, who thus earned double brackets- a fine tribute to a fine ex-solider. Shortly before time Downs was touched on an old bruise on the ribs and had to be carried off by ambulance men on a stretcher. He was unconscious a little time, but made a good recovery, and I think you will see him directing operations on Saturday against the Tyresiders.
DOWNS MUCH BETTER-WILL PLAY IN CUP-TIE
We learn that Downs, who was carried off the Old Trafford field on Saturday, has gone with the Everton players to Stafford for a brine bath. He is much better and will play for Everton v. Newcastle in the Cup-tie. He was unconscious for some time through his collision with Hopkin. The players took their Stafford visit as a means of seeing the Stoke match played this afternoon.

TEAM NEWS
February 15, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Downs the Everton full back who was injured at Old Trafford on Saturday will play in Saturday's Cup-tie. The Everton players went to Stafford, yesterday, for brine baths, and saw the Stoke against Cardiff match in the afternoon. The Everton team against Newcastle United well be Fern, Downs, McDonald, Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies Crossley, Harrison.

BEE’SNOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, February 15, 1921
Everton are going into the country tomorrow. Brewster, and Downs are to be examined to-day. Mr. T. McIntosh wants a considerable number of shareholders to meet him on Thursday night at 7.30, those shareholders to act as stewards.
Everton news is to the effect that no change is expected from the usual side, which means that Downs will play all right, but that Brewster will be resting his damaged shoulder. Stanley Davies will, I suppose to be appointed centre forward.
THE LADY FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Dick Kerr’s lady footballers won the match against Harry Weldon’s ladies eleven, at Anfield, by 9 goals to 1. The crowd numbered 25,000 and the gate receipts exclusive of tickets and collections, £1,116.

Macconachie
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Wednesday 16 February 1921
Macconachie, the old Hibernian player, who put in many years of valuable service 'as full back for Everton, is going to Sweden to teach them how to play there. He has got a 12 months' engagement

NELSON DRAW AT GOOD I SON PARK.
Burnley News -Wednesday 16 February 1921
Nelson put up good fight against Everton Reserve-at Good!son Park, and the point which they extracted out the engagement was fully merited. The forward play the home side was superior to that the who, however, were much stronger defence, Wadsworth and Lilley showing fine form, while several masterly saves were brought off Heyes. Wadsworth played one of his best games the season- The inability of Pickles to hold the Everton right wing pair in subjection threw a considerable amount work to him, but he was equal to the occasion, and in his many bouts with Jones, the Welsh nation ah he was invariably successful. Afford, newly-acquired left winger from Barrow, and Reid. who also has international cap, proved troublesome the opposite flank, and here Li!lev made up for the deficiencies of Hnlme by intelligent defensive tactics. Jacques, who was again the pick of the middle line, also proved useful defence. There was not much co-operation between the halves and the forwards, the latter for the most part getting away through the powerful clearances the backs. Hargreaves was the most, dangerous the front line men and the best marksman. Both goads came from his, foot, and was unlucky with other efforts, one powerful drive striking the bar when the Everton custodian was well beaten.

“ORDER OF GOING IN” AT THE EVERTON FROUND
The Liverpool Echo, Wednesday, February 16, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Everton have chosen the following cup side;- Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, S, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison.
This is the full side, and it would seem that the injured members, Downs and Brewster have been voted all right by the doctor. In view of many inquiries on the subject, I here give the full list of prices charged and the estimated capacity of the coigns of vantage.
1/- fee; 40,000 spectators, pay at turnstiles
3/- (goal double-decker); 3,000 spectators. Pay turnstile.
3/- Bullens-road, North-end Stand; 1,200 spectators. Pay at turnstile
/- Paddock; 3,000 spectators. Pay at turnstile
5/- Grand Stand; about 7,000 spectators. Ticket holders.
Don’t be looking for your entrance door in Bullens-road if your ticket distinctly says “Block B Goodison-road” of vice-versa.
If your ticket is for Goodison road double decker stand, there will be SIX turnstiles allotted for this stand, working in sets of TWO. The first two will take “Blocks A, B, and C” tickets, and further up the street, just past the Everton office door, will be another two for “Blocks D,E, and F,” and a few yards further on will be two more for “Blocks G, H, and K, Large signs will appear above these turnstiles, so no mistake can be made. If your ticket is for the Bullens-road Stand you will be guided by the colour of your tickets, and large signs will be prominently shown above the entrance doors, such as “Entrance; White and Yellow tickets only.” Don’t be pushing your way into a turnstile where the above sign is shown when your ticket is a “blue” one. Don’t think that because you have reserved a seat that you can walk in at 2,59, if all the seat-holders are of the same mind there will be some congestion; therefore don’t be late. Band will be playing to amuse you pending commencement of hostilities. Those that have not been fortunate enough to secure a reserved seat will be catered for in the “Goal-decker Stand” and the “North-end of the Bullens-road Stand”; price 3s. these are unreserved; pay at the turnstiles; first come first served, and will accommodate about 5,000 persons. Failing obtaining a seat, you have the option of the paddock, a very good view. Ground itself, usual price, 1s. ample room for Everton’s thick and thin supporters herein, but my advice to you is don’t all crush to get in at those turnstiles nearest to Spellow-lane. Remember that there are ten others with direct admittance to the ground between the Everton office door and St. Luke’s Church; and instead of waiting in long queues at the turnstiles mentioned above, pass these if they are busy and enter by one or other of the ten referred to, which are usually doing nothing.
This wise “order of going in” has been written by an Everton F.C official, Mr. Herbert H. Barker.
Shareholders’ stewards should meet Mr. McIntosh at the ground on Thursday evening, 7.30.
 A PLEA TO NEWCASTLE
Let’s hope that the match at Everton will be worthy of the occasion, a good day, a good game, and may the better team win (writes “Sport” I am writing now with reference to the real unsportsman-like attitude adopted by Newcastle in recent years in playing the one-back game. Nothing riles a crowd more than such an exhibition. They do not pay to see such games, and consider, quite rightly too, that they are being cheated. It is mot sport. Unfortunately, the one-back game is rapidly being adopted by other First Division teams. I wonder when the F.A is going to nullify such tactics by altering the rules; hope they are not going to wait until an offending team gets mobbed! In any case I consider that if the Press had taken this matter up as it deserves, the one-back game would be a thing of the past.
In answer to my correspondent’s appeal, I would add my appeal to the crowd;-
Don’t barrack Newcastle’s tactics. They are playing according to F.A rules.
The Newcastle United players are in special training at Redcar, where they will remain until the eve of the match. It is extremely improbable that they will have the services of Seymour, their clever outside left. He was badly injured in the match against Chelsea last Wednesday, and is in a Nursing Home in Newcastle. He is suffering from an injured ligature of the leg, and it is scared that a long period of rest will be necessary before he is fit to take the field again. Newcastle have no ready-made substitute to take his place. The reserves are Mitchell, a youngster secured from Spennymoor United during the close season, and Ramsay, who was the most regularly played outside left prior to the arrival of Seymour. Mitchell made his League debut against Chelsea on Saturday week, but lacks experience, and Ramsay has not been able to get a regular place even in the reserve eleven this season. The injury to Seymour is a piece of dire misfortune for Newcastle.

A NEWCASTLE CUP PLAYER SPRAINS HIS ANKLE
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 17, 1921
Bee’s Notes
When the Newcastle United directors met last night it was reported from Redcar, where the players are in special training, that Phillipson, who figured at outside right against Huddersfield last Saturday, had sprained his ankle, and would not be fit to play against Everton. It was decided that fifteen players should make the journey to Liverpool tomorrow, and the side chosen on the morning of the match. The players from whom the selection will be made are;- Lawrence; Hampson, McCracken; Hudspeth; Curry, McIntosh, Low, Finlay; Aitken, Ward, Dixon, Harris, Smailies, Ramsay, and Mooney. The doubtful positions are right-back (where choice will lie between McCracken and Hampson), centre-half (which will be filled by Low or McIntosh), and outside-left where Mooney, a half-back, or Ramsay will play). If Ward is unable to turn out, Dixon will be inside-right. Everton-terrace School Band programme for Cup-tie match;-
March, ‘Friendship;” song. “The Great Wide road,” and valse, “Virginia” (by kind permission of The Swifts’ Music Co selection, “Scotch Airs;” song Somewhere a Voice is Calling.” Value “Obama;” song, “Blowing Bubbies;” scena. “The Miserere;” fox trot, “Laughing Vamp;” song, “Louisiana;” song “Let the Rest of the World go by; march, “Drummer’s Lament;” song, “There’s a long, long song “Keep the Home Fires Burning” (by special request); song, “Absent-minded Beggar;” song, “Tipperary;” march, “Over there.” J. Leadbetter, bandmaster.

BELIEF IN EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, February 18, 1921
Bee’s Notes
A referee was asked his opinion (from observation) of Everton’s Cup chances. He said; “They have the finest of getting into the next round that they ever had. The danger men are Smailes, Lawrence, and Hudspeth. Impress upon Everton forwards to keep behind the ball; then the offside bogey will fizzle out. Why fast forwards don’t hang on to the ball when such tactics are on the carpet (instead of passing to another man palpably offside) beats me to a frazzle.” This referee controlled two Newcastle games quite recently.  There you are! A referee makes a plain way out for Everton to overcome the tactics that Newcastle are pretty sure to apply. I am glad I saw this referee- his name will be a household word ere long- for it gives me further strength to appeal to the spectators at the third round tie at Goodison Park tomorrow to refrain from bellowing and barracking Newcastle on the score of offside tactics. Let us think not of the Newcastle’s offside work; that is their business, just as it is Harrison’s business to take free kicks close in, or a tall half-back’s duty to go well forward to try and head a goal when a corner kick is being taken. What I want spectators to keep in their forefront all the time is that.
Newcastle are a sporting side. They well not hack and kick. They are entitled to play their own tactical game as they please. Let us recognise their right, and let us recognise that the Mersey spectators have a reputation for fairplay. Away with your barracking. Noises never made Newcastle or other players give up their tactics. Let us disagree with their idea of stopping the run of play, but let us hold our peace. No, you’re strong. I’m not curtain-lecturing. But years ago according to repute, these Notes (called by one Everton official “The Enthusiast a Bible”) had something to do with stopping the wretched bickering on and off the field when there was a local “Derby” game. Hence the desire to do the sport some good by appealing to the better natures in regard to to-morrow’s tie. Undoubtedly, the Goodison Park match should be the greatest of the day. The tit-bit of the round, say some people. All people seem to be going to see the game. Perhaps we shall expect too much from both sides. Well, from what I have gathered in inquiries any side could have beaten Newcastle at St. James’s Park in the last round if there had not been a corresponding “nervy” display. It would seem that Liverpool’s players fell off their form “all of a lump,” and that Everton have not the enormous task that the name “Newcastle” would suggest. It is a thousand pities that Seymour, Phillipson, and others are out of harness, because one would like to meet Newcastle at full strength, and the lose of a man like Seymour is most disconcerting to our visitors. It may be that Brewster will not find himself fit, someone tells me, but whether or not the fact remains that Everton are to all intents and purposes at A1 strength, and they are now at their highest point of playing ability. They have come at the right moment. Stanley Davies will find Wilfrid Low a tenacious tackler, but I think our new player will, with his height, his dribble and his shot, have nothing to worry over from the big, braw Scottie. In last season’s tourney Aston Villa went about saying. “The Cup was made for us this season.” Bearing in mind the affair at Manchester, when they played Spurs, one would say. “It must have been made for them.” However, I mention the matter because in a measure I have got a feeling of “The Cup is made for Everton this year.” Why? Because Everton have got their top form at the time of playing the third round, and just now they are hard to beat. I know Everton’s home form does not read aright, but there was that opening stanza made by S, Davies and Co. against Manchester City which broke the run of bad results at Goodison Park. Everton are placed to win the Cup with three home draws and two of the small fry to open the competition. Good luck to them all. The club has had some bad luck in its time. The good simply weighs up the other factor. Like my wage-it comes and goes! Newcastle’s backs in the early League game played at Goodison Park were a big disappointment, but they tell me that Frank Hudspeth has come on since that time, and that Smailes, who had a sticky wicket for a time, has regained his very best form. We know that Newcastle are tough, clean opponents, and  good sporting friend Jimmy Lawrence, still guards the breach with ability (although he was one of the finalists’ players in 1906, when Everton beat Newcastle 1-0), and we respect our adversary.  The Newcastle United players who are doing their preparation at Redcar, on the Yorkshire coast, where they trained for their two first Cup finals with Aston Villa and Everton, are making the most of their chances. Favoured with favourable weather, full advantage is being taken of the fresh air, and walks, sprints, and golf comprise their outdoor exercises. Indoors, billiards provides the lighter recreation, but due attention is being paid to the work in the gymnasium, where Swedish drill is freely indulged in. Brine baths have also been included in the official programme, while one or two hardier members of the party, which consists of Lawrence, McCracken, Hudspeth, Hampson, Curry, Low, Finlay, McIntosh, Mooney, Aitken, Ward, Smailes, Harris, and Dixon, have been in the sea, and pronounced the experience as “extra good!”  at the moment there is considerable doubt as to the Newcastle side, which will, perhaps, not be selected until Saturday morning. After the game with Huddersfield, Harris, Smailes and Ward were all more or less crippled as a result of the attentions of the Yorkshiremen. Harris has improved quickly, and while there are strong reasons for expecting Ward and Smailes to be fit, there is more anxiety as to Low and McCracken. Neither played last week; indeed, they have not been on duty since the match at Chelsea on February 5 they are doing light exercise, but until they have been put through the sterner and deciding test of kicking, the position is doubtful. Apart from these players, the directors are faced with the problem of Seymour’s successor. He is still in hospital, and will probably not play again this season. There are various opinions as to the success of Aitken on the left wing, and the advisability of again playing him there is being freely discussed. No idea is forthcoming from the directorate, but it would cause no surprise if he returned to his usual position, and a new outside left introduced. Some suggest Smailes, other Harris, and others Mooney. Meanwhile a measure of hopefulness- the quiet sort- is prevalent in the camp. Here’s to the better side and a sporting game!
Everton F.C directors have granted permission for a collection at the Cup-tie in aid of the funds of the Everton branch of the Discharged Soldiers’ Federation. As you are aware there is much distress caused by unemployment, &c., amongst the ex-service men, and in the Everton district there are many calls for help, and their funds are depleted. Their organisation is run by ex-service men for ex0service men. They played their part well in the great game, and I am sure the football enthusiast will play his part well to-morrow, and respond generously to the S.O.S of the ex-fighters.
DOWNS AND BREWSTER AND THE LOCAL CUP-TIE
The Everton secretary, Mr. McIntosh, when asked this evening whether the rumour in the city to the effect that Downs and Brewster would not play tomorrow in the Cup-tie said; “Both men will play, and barring unforeseen circumstances there will be no changes in the selected side. All the men are well and very hopeful.” Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, S. Davies, Crossley, Harrison. Newcastle United; Lawrence; McCracken, Hudspeth; Curry, Low, McIntosh; Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smallie, Mooney.

CROSSLEY CUP-TIE GOALS BRING VICTORY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 19, 1921
EVERTON AND NEWCASTLE TUSSLE DESCRIBED BY BEE
EVERTON MASTERED NEWCASTLE FROM FIRST TO LAST AT GOODISON PARK TODAY
PLAY AND PLAYERS AT WALTON
EVERTON WIN 3-0
Everton; Fern; Down, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, S. Davies, Grenyer, Harrison. Newcastle United; Lawrence; McCracken, Hudspeth; Curry, Low, Finney; Aitken, Ward, Harvie, Smallie, Mooney. Referee Ward.- A Reminder
All through the week I had determined that no mention should be made of the fact that the referee engaged to-day (Mr. A Ward, of Birkham) was the gentleman who officiated in the match wherein Brewster was ordered off. It was better left unsaid so that players and people should not worry over the remembrance.
MEALS EN ROUTE
The surprising feature of the early morning was the fact that motor char-a-bancs were pouring into Liverpool through the day from parts that one had not expected. For instance, one load landed at old Swan as early as ten o’clock and partook of meals at that salubrious part of the city.
OH, LISTEN TO THE BAND
The Everton Boys’ Band wiled away the waiting hours. They are having a special benefit concert next Saturday at the Stadium.
‘TWAS BUT THE WORK OF A MINUTE
Four hours Preston argued with Everton over Stanley Davies’s transfer. But when it came to the players all that was said was this; “Would you like to go to Everton?” “Yes,” said Stan. “Well, your share would be --,” “I’m off there,” said Stan. And that ended it. Davies did not lack appreciative friends in Preston, and at a smoking concert there he was presented with a handsome dressing-case. Mr. T. Milne, a keen North End enthusiast, made the presentation, wished “Stan” the best of health and a happy future. Davies, in reply, said that he would always cherish the memory of the many kind friends he had made in Preston, and the town would always have a warm place in his heart.
SCOTTIE WANTED
It was stated a few days ago that Tom Hamilton the Scottish international full back, had decided to remain with Kilmarnock to the end of the season. So far from that being the case, a number of English clubs who would like the player received communication from Kilmarnock this week asking them if their previous offers stood good. Bolton’s clever winger, Donaldson, who had been promised his Scottish cap against England, was operated on yesterday. Four surgeons were in at the job, and they found a rather bad fracture of the lower part of the right kneecap. Rumours has been strong that “Donny’s” playing days are over, but the doctors don’t endorse the pessimistic view. Joe Anderson, Burnley’s heavy-weight centre, was knocked out by an accidental blow from the Derby goalkeeper, and, though he resumed in a dazed condition, he was later felled by the ball as it was kicked by a County defender, and was still so dazed in the early part of the week that he has been under X-rays to locate the damage. He could not go with his colleagues to Lytham.
AMONG THE VISITORS
In the time spent waiting and watching we renewed acquaintance with some old football friends. Charlie Thompson, the old Sunderland captain, way down here for a week-end and Albert Shepherd, who scored Newcastle’s goals on this field in the replayed final tie was also an onlooker. The Lord Mayor attended, and one and all remarked upon the arrangements made by Everton F.C. everything was orderly, and though there were some fainting cases there was no serious accident. The absence of women-folk in the cheaper portions of the ground was a marked feature the playing space was in tiptop order, although it seemed to bear some patchy portions. When the teams turned out, the attendance looked anything from 50,000 to 55,000, and with the exception of a few people on the top of the small stand there were no encroachments anywhere. When Newcastle won the toss there was hardly any wind and no sun. Off they went, prompt to time, straining at the clock as it were. Brewster at once made a pass back that looked dangerous, but McDonald’s punt was quickly taken and strong, and when the home right wing promised to get away, Hudspeth brought in his offside tactics.
CHECKMATED
McDonald acted likewise, so that it was a case of tit for tat. Wilfred Low spent so much time getting under way, that he was surprised by the speed of Fazackerley, who sent the ball over to Davies, who in turn tried a fine free pass to the left. McCracken intervened, however, and spoiled a very promising idea. Curry and Weller, did strong work at half back.
HARRISON INJURED
Then there was a simple and unfortunate accident, Harrison slipping and, in rolling over, damaged his wrist. He was bandaged up, and one was glad that the game was football, not handball, Harrison had no sooner resumed than Newcastle moved up, Aitken’s centre revealing strength and judgement. Neil Harris did not waste time or energy about a shot, and, although he was pulled up for offside, he showed very plainly what his duty was. On the other hand, Stanley Davies hesitated before he took Harrison’s centre. This was a blunder. Davies probably thought the same, and the next time he got the ball he came right back into the good books of the crowd by his delicious heel pass to Crossley. Harrison, who got the ball, seemed to be bound for a centre, and, in spite of his being angled, he shot, the ball having neither pace nor prospect of beating Lawrence. McDonald was the cause of the game being held up for a time, and when he recovered Brewster kicked out a header made by Finlay.
CROSSLEY SCORES
From this point a goal arose, and unusual to relate, the man who started it completed it. Crossley and cup goals are becoming a habit. He scored against Sheffield away, and even more important he scored the opening goal of the day. It came about in this way. Crossley made a dribble beyond two men, and when he saw McCracken’s legs he tried to put the ball between them. The ball sagged against the full-back, and Crossley took possession afresh. A pass to his partner, and Harrison obliged instantly with a splendid centre. The ball was too high for Brewster to take even with a head, and when Fazackerley went to the ball he found it awkward to trap as it bumped unevenly. So Fazackerley brought the ball square and inward, and when he transferred to Crossley the little man, taking steady aim, scored a clean goal, very wide of Lawrence’s left hand. The success was received with tremendous cheering, and eyes were then centred on Davies, who, after being squeezed out with a Harrison centre, came again and made a nice follow up, and, beating McCracken, had a rare chance to make goal No.2.
AN INSTEADY AIM
The home centre gained his point with the full back, and then made a wild, slashing sort of shot when he had no one but the goalkeeper to beat. It was a good chance gone. One of the best moves in to-day’s game was a spirted run by Chedgzoy, who was believed to have pushed the ball too far forward. The winger got in his centre, however, and the way Lawrence fielded the ball was a decided attraction. Newcastle were not idle and not impressive. True, Smalies crossed to the right and tried to score from a melee, and Harris was going through when he met with an accident.
THE IRREPRESSSIBLE DOWNS
These were numerous, and when Downs got his ribs knocked he had to retire to the side of the field. He had no sooner returned than he fell heavily and had to retire. Downs is no ordinary customer, and it was not surprising to find that he soon returned to work, and allowed Chedgzoy to give up the half-back duty and Weller the full-back duty. Newcastle’s left wing could make nothing of Fleetwood and Downs, and it seemed that Aitken was the most dangerous of the visiting forwards. Wilfred Low was not as dominating as of yore in a game that was beautifully clean and hard, yet had not been over brilliant. Of course, the offside stoppages and accidents tended to make the play choppy.
Half-time; Everton 1, Newcastle United 0
When the game resumed Crossley was still in the picture. There had been no more subtle and cunning forward than the ex-Sunderland man. It seemed that Newcastle were not going to let Fern have another quiet “45,” and it was nothing but a daring piece of work by Brewster that saved the home goalkeeper from heavy work from Smailes. Brewster knew that he would be hurt, but went through with it, and while he was on the ground Ramsay made a good high shot, and Fern sent the ball over the bar. Downs applied the stopper to Harris, and a better chance to Newcastle was that wherein Ward was slow.
THE CROWD’S DISAPPROBATION
Yesterday I appeared to the spectators not to barrack a player for offside tactics, and to-day the crowd was very sensible towards the opposing full backs. However, when McCracken deliberately handled the ball, the crowd quite rightly took exception and booed the right back. The free kick, taken by Harrison, was a low and swerving ball that Lawrence fielded finely. There was a sleepy period of play, which was terminated in Davies and Hudspeth engaging in a duel, which included some trips and much temper.
CROSSLEY’S GREAT DOUBLE
In the first half Crossley scored in sixteen minutes; in the second half Crossley repeated his performance in sixteen minutes. Newcastle stopped play, believing they had got an offside verdict against Chedgzoy, who, playing on for a perfectly sound position, made a telling centre, which Lawrence jumped up to parry. The ball came down to earth, and Crossley scored in spite of Low trying to kick away when the ball was a foot over the line. Newcastle’s backs had been as disappointing as in the match here in September, and for once in a way their tactics had recoiled upon them.
FERN UNEMPLOYED
After a while Downs and Ramsey had a tete-a-tete, but the players soon calmed down, and if Newcastle expected to do any good, it was high time they were giving Fern some work to do. He had nothing to do worth talking about the whole day, and this was due in part to the solidity of Downs and McDonald, added to the fine half-back work in attack and defence of the home side. The standard of forward play throughout had been most poor if one excepted the incisive work of Crossley and Harrison’s steady wing-play. Newcastle were now held cheaply, and there-seemed no need for Fazackerley to fall back and keep a mark on Smailes, none of the Newcastle forwards wanted much watching, and therefore one was sorry to find the ball going into touch too often. Crossley came out to inside right, and set Chedgzoy going on a run just half the length of the field. The defenders looked for a centre, and Chedgzoy, working inward, was able to get into a scoring position. Davies scored for Everton after eighty-nine minutes. His shot had Lawrence well beaten, but travelled inches wide. Crossley and Harrison went close, and thereafter there was no hope for Newcastle.
Final; Everton 3, Newcastle United 0. Attendance 58,000; receipts, £4,961.- Official.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 19, 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

• Last season it fell to the lot of Liverpool to avenge Everton’s defeat in the Cup-when Birmingham visited Anfield
• Today Everton had a chance to return the compliment. Have they seized it?
• Downs is as hard as nails- all muscle, too
• Everton’s demand for tickets has been prodigious applications having come in from such places as Brighton, West Coast of Ireland, &c.
• Well done, Makepeace! Harry certainly made good in the fourth Test down under. But what about most of his comrades?
• The ex-Everton favourite is blessed with a big lot of patience
• Jefferis has only missed two matches for Preston this season, and on each occasion North End were beaten at home- on Saturday by ten men
• Everton disposed of some 7,000 reserved tickets for to-day’s big fixture, and could have probably sold three times as many
• The referee on view at Goodison, today, was the official who took the unexpected course of ordering Brewster off earlier in the season.
• For today it was doubtful whether the popular centre half would be permitted even to come on at all; a bit of bad luck at both ends so to speak

PRESCOT v  EVERTON A
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 19, 1921
At Prescot. Play was very even for 15 minutes, when Prescot started to press, Morris being unlucky in not scoring. Salt saved well in the Everton goal. At the other end Monteithcleared from Alford and Farrer. Wilson was prominent on the home right wing, Stroud having an anxious time. Parr was almost through with an opening goal, Salt saving splendidly. Half-time.- No score.

NEWCASTLE OUTPLAYED.
Sunday Post-Sunday 20 February 1921
EVERTON FORWARDS IN RAMPANT FORM.
SPECIAL CRITICISM "SUNDAY POST" REPRESENTATIVE.
Newcastle's exit from the English Cup tie inglorious one except for a short period of the second half. Their display was incredibly disappointing. The score of three goals to none in way flattered the toffee men Right from the start they took the game in hand, and played and clever football up to time the whistle went for the close. All the craft of that great trio M'C'racken, Hudspeth, and Low, was brought into play to stem the rush the Everton forward line, but all in vain. The home forwards were rampant vein, and would not be denied. The wonder is' that the score was not greater. Only one goal was notched the first half, being the marksman, Harrison and Fazackerley making the opening for him, and he gave Lawrence no chance with fast vising shot. This success acted a tonic on the home side, and the United defence had a harassing time of it until the half-time whistle went. The restart saw Newcastle shape better. Low set his forwards going t>'mo and again, but all their efforts cracked against the wall-like opposition Downs and M'Donald. The visitors, however, were only in the picture for an exceedingly brief period. 'Ably supported by their half-backs, the Everton forwards swept down irresistibly on Lawrence's charge, and Low had to come to the assistance of the sorely-tried backs. * With twenty minutes to go, this continued pressure brought success. A sparkling run Chedgzoy ended in perfect centre, and Crossley had no difficulty in registering number two. Poor their shooting was before ; the Geordies went all to pieces after this reverse, and as their play deteriorated that the home team giew more clever and aggressive. The Newcastle defence strove manfully to hold forward line playing at the top their form, but their cup was not yet full. A minute from time Chedgzoy againmade a brilliant run and centred, and the ball was sent past Lawrence for the third time by Davies.
CRITICISM OF THE PLAYERS.
Thus did the Tynesiders decisively and reservedly get their quietus. In addition to playing much below par themselves,'they had the misfortune to meet Everton one of the few occasions on which they have shown their true form this season. In all except the back division and in the home side were infinitely superior. They had a distinct pull at half-back. Brewster played sterling football, and w;ls well supported his halves. Low played doggedly, but lie had often to go to the assistance of Curry and Finlay. who were quite unable to make anything of the opposing wings. . It was forward that Everton held the greatest advantage in cleverness and dash. The play of the wing men was a sheer delight. Chedgzoy, Crossley. and Fazackerley were particularly brilliant. Davies the weakest link in the line, but was still superior to any the opposing forwards. Harris worked like Trojan all the time, but received assistance from his wing men. With the exception of some clever work ">n the part their display was lamentable. Ward, in particular, was exceedingly weak. Final result: —Everton, 3; Newcastle United, 0. Everton Fern Downs and Macconachie; Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley. and Harrison. Newcastle United lawrence; M'Cracken and Hudspeth; Curry, Low, and Finlay; Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smailes, and Ramsey

NEWCASTLE OUTPLAYED
Sunday Post- Sunday, February 20, 1921
EVERTON FORWARDS IN RAMPANT FORM
Newcastle's exit from the English Cup tie was an inglorious one except for a short period of the second half. Their display was incredibly disappointing. The score of three goals to none in way flattered the toffee men. Right from the start they took the game in hand, and played and clever football up to time the whistle went for the close. All the craft of that great trio McCracken, Hudspeth, and Low, was brought into play to stem the rush the Everton forward line, but all in vain. The home forwards were rampant vein, and would not be denied. The wonder is that the score was not greater. Only one goal was notched the first half, Crossley being the marksman, Harrison and Fazackerley making the opening for him, and he gave Lawrence no chance with fast vising shot. This success acted a tonic on the home side, and the United defence had a harassing time of it until the half-time whistle went. The restart saw Newcastle shape better. Low set his forwards going time and again, but all their efforts cracked against the wall-like opposition Downs and McDonald. The visitors, however, were only in the picture for an exceedingly brief period. Ably supported by their half-backs, the Everton forwards swept down irresistibly on Lawrence's charge, and Low had to come to the assistance of the sorely-tried backs.  With twenty minutes to go, this continued pressure brought success. A sparkling run Chedgzoy ended in perfect centre, and Crossley had no difficulty in registering number two. Poor as their shooting was before, the Geordies went all to pieces after this reverse, and as their play deteriorated that the home team grew more clever and aggressive. The Newcastle defence strove manfully to hold forward line playing at the top their form, but their cup was not yet full. A minute from time Chedgzoy again made a brilliant run and centred, and the ball was sent past Lawrence for the third time by Davies.
CRITICISM OF THE PLAYERS.
Thus did the Tynesiders decisively and reservedly get their quietus. In addition to playing much below par themselves,they had the misfortune to meet Everton one of the few occasions on which they have shown their true form this season. In all except the back division and in the home side were infinitely superior. They had a distinct pull at half-back. Brewster played sterling football, and was well supported his halves. Low played doggedly, but he had often to go to the assistance of Curry and Finlay, who were quite unable to make anything of the opposing wings. It was forward that Everton held the greatest advantage in cleverness and dash. The play of the wing men was a sheer delight. Chedgzoy, Crossley, and Fazackerley were particularly brilliant. Davies the weakest link in the line, but was still superior to any the opposing forwards. Harris worked like Trojan all the time, but received no assistance from his wing men. With the exception of some clever work on the part of Smailes their display was lamentable. Ward, in particular, was exceedingly weak.
Final result: —Everton,3; NewcastleUnited, 0.
Everton; Fern; Downs and McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison. Newcastle United- Lawrence; McCracken, and Hudspeth; Curry, Low and Finlay; Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smailes, and Ramsay.

NO FINISH TO UNITED’S PLAY
The Sunday Sun, February 20, 1921
BEATEN BY AN EVERTON TEAM POSSESSED OF GREAT UNDERSTANDING
By “Magpie.”
Newcastle United were as well beaten in the third round of the English Cup yesterday as ever they have been this season. The great crowd at Goodison Park-there were present 58,000 people and the receipts amounted to £4,961-perhaps did not see the winners of the Cup in Everton, but they did have the satisfaction of seeing a side infinitely superior to Newcastle, and the score of 3-0 by no means flatters them. Thew great number of Newcastle supporters who had made the long journey with not a little confidence of seeing the black and white colours to the fore have little consolation in the performance of their team. I had hopes of the team in the earlier stages of the game, and though I detected combination of some promise, put it never really materialised, and after Everton cored the finishing powers of Newcastle team were wretched. There was a lack of cohesion and a lamentable slowness of movement, while the passing was much too short against the nippy Everton halves. Until the closing stages of the game there was not as great deal in it from a Territorial stand-point, but of finish, however, there was none. Smailes was about the only forward on the line was justified himself in the ninety minutes for Aitken was not fed as he ought to have been, and suffered from a falling off in his partner on the right. The halves got off then marks very slowly, Curry being the best of the three, Hudspeth was the soundest defender and Lawrence had little chance with the three goals registered against him. He might have made a better effort at the second, but he should really never have had to deal with it. Harrison was the most dangerous raider in the first half, but Chedgzoy made a great finish, and had the Newcastle defence guessing very frequently. His last touch to beat McCracken in the incident that led to the third goal was masterly. The inside men shone because they were given too much room by Newcastle halves, Weller was the pick of a good middle line, and the rear divisions were sound. A clean bill of health was reported by Newcastle on the morning of the match and the team was as suggested in the “North Mail” yesterday morning, McCracken playing for Hampson, Low for McIntosh, and Ramsay in Seymour’s position. Everton were at full strength.
A WONDERFUL SIGHT
Tremendous interest was taken in the match and yesterday morning the presence of people around the Hotel St. George, the Newcastle’s headquarters, revealed the fact that many had made the journey from Tyneside. It was a wonderful sight on one of the best grounds in the country before the start of the game. The extensive stand accommodation had been booked up days ago and every other available inch of space was occupied. Both the ground and the weather were perfect and the spin of the coin meant little. The coin came down in Newcastle’s favour, and in the first minute the whole of the home forward line was played off-side. Then Aitken got the ball nicely into the centre of the penalty area for Harris, but the latter was also offside. Tricky work by Fazackerley beat Low, but a dangerous situation was saved by McCracken bustling Harrison, whose centre was short. It was keen and even play. Harris and Ward were capital, and a great centre from Aitken saw Harris head unluckily against Downs, while from the rebound Smailes sent in a wonderful screw shot right into Fern’s hands. The combination of Newcastle improved but one mistake by Curry let Harrison away to drive in a grounder which Lawrence went to his knees to save at the foot of the post. From a corner after 14 minutes Finlay headed in splendidly, but Downs intervened. Four minutes later the first point came to Everton, and the goal was a beauty. Crossley had got the ball nicely over to Harrison on the left, and the winger as accurately centred. Fazackerley fiddled with the ball among the United defenders and tapped it to Crossley for the latter to beat Lawrence with a great drive at short range. In a period of heavy pressure, Smailes and Harris were near scoring, while Fern on another occasion was the luckiest man in the world to tip a shot from Ramsay over the bar. Harrison was the most dangerous Everton forward, and he was the most played to.  Everton should have obtained another goal in half an hour. Davies followed up a long punt, and, the ball bouncing over McCracken’s head, the centre was left with a clear opening. He could have walked the ball through, but shot wide. Lawrence a moment later saved brilliantly from Chedgzoy, and then a linesman’s error stopped Aitken when well away, the flag waving with the ball still in play. Downs’s damaged ribs were again hurt just before the interval, but he played pluckily on, and the half ended with Everton leading by the odd goal. Ward was a trifle short in his first movement on restarting, but Newcastle pressed heavily and after Fern had gathered a shot from Ramsay, Harris just missed, and then with his finger-tips the keeper just diverted a forcefully driven ball from Ramsay over the bar. In a game of many exciting incidents there was nothing more invigorating than the struggles of Harris and Ward against their opponents.
LEFT WITH OPEN GOAL
Ramsay shot at short range, and Fern was lucky to save at the expense of a corner. Once Davies dashed well through the Newcastle halves, and Lawrence showed fine judgement in running out 15 yards to meet the centre and beat him. He was less successful later, however, when he jumped out to save a centre from Chedgzoy. He only partially cleared, and Crossley was left with an open goal, into which he shot immediately. Low had run between the posts, and made a valiant effort to divert the ball, but turned with a look of dismay to find it in the net from his own foot. When the ball went out to Chedgzoy, the Newcastle backs stood still thinking he was offside, but, hearing no whistle, they resumed. This is not the first time the failure to play to the whistle has given Newcastle’s opponents an advantage. Newcastle did not slicken their efforts in any way, but the passing became ragged, many of the transferences of Ramsay and Ward being woefully short and easily nipped up by the opposition halves. Everton were playing with a confidence born of a two goals, lead and Chedgzoy took advantage of Hudspeth lying well forward to go off on his own, nip round Curry and shoot a yard wide. Smailes and Harris from Ramsay’s pass were all but home, and then the centre was let clear away by Ward, but skied the ball with only Fern to beat. Chedgzoy and Hudspeth had a race for a ball that had been sent up the wing by Brewster, and the winger won but centred very weakly. He was more successful a moment later, however, when he got a similar chance, and McCracken, who ran over to cover his colleagues was also beaten. This gave the winger a clear opening, and sending squarely across the goalmouth he gave Davies a chance to score Everton’s third goal just on time with a drive from six yards range. So United received their quiet us from this season’s Cup competition-well beaten by a team of greater understanding. Everton; Fern; Downs and McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison. Newcastle United- Lawrence; McCracken, and Hudspeth; Curry, Low and Finlay; Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smailes, and Ramsay.

Stanley Davies
Derby Daily Telegraph-Monday February 21 1921
Stanley Davies, the Welsh internationalist, who has been transferred from Preston North End to Everton in acknowledging a presentation from his Preston admirers, said that football player's life was a short one. and was his duty to make much money possible.

EVERTON 3 NEWCASTLE UNITED 0
February 21, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON BEAT NEWCASTLE
POOR CUP-TIE GAME.
Fa Cup Round Three
The meeting of Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park in the third-round of the F.A. Competition was generally expected of provide one of the best contests of the lay, but so far as the actual play was concerned it was disappointment. Everton won by the decisive margin of three goals to nil, as they deserved to do, but there was little to grow enthusiastic about. The game, never brilliant, was often poor, and lacked the thrilling associated with the Cup contests. Newcastle's offside tactics prevented the game being fought at anything like a fast pace and several times there was the uncommon spectacle of attacking forwards having to race back towards their own goal to place themselves on-side. This of course, interfered considerably with the game, and offside stoppages were frequent. Curiously enough, Newcastle's defeat was hardly due to their persistent application of offside tactics for Everton's second goal resulted from the Newcastle defenders placing too much confidence in their powers of manceurving. The greatest surprise was the poor quality of the forward work. True, Newcastle had to re-shuffle their line, and they certainly felt, the absence of Seymour, but allowing for these misfortunes much better work was expected. The Everton forwards were very little superior, Crossley, however, was in great form, and his deadly shooting, forceful attack, and wise passes to Harrison made him the outstanding forward. Harrison worked hard, and did many clever things, but the right wing pair and centre did not show up well. Chedgzoy found his true form near the end, when his dash and speed amazed the Newcastle defenders. The Newcastle forwards were never allowed to settle to their game. Occasionally they indulged in pretty and combined work, but when it came to shooting they were a spent force. The extreme wingers sent across few centres that were capable of conversion. All the craft and skill of Harris and Smalies were unavailable against the solidity of Downs and McDonald. The Everton backs have never given a better display, Downs in spite of injuries, played with splendid confidence and hardly failed to achieve what he attempted. McDonald rose to the occasion in fine style, and kicked with great success. Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller made a formidable half-back line. They had a capital understanding with the forwards, and assisted them with excellent constructive play. Fern had nothing to do in the first half, and very little in the second. His greatest trial came when a curling ball from Ramsey looked like getting under the bar, but Fern cleverly tipped it over. Low was the pick of the Newcastle middle line, but even he did not live up to his reputation. The backs were weak under pressure, and they often showed poor judgement when clearing.
HOW THE GOALS WERE SCORED.
Newcastle stated in promising style, and Harris had the first shot at goal, which went over the bar. Davies might have opened the scoring, but he hesitated with a nice length ball from Harrison, and was beaten. After sixteen minutes, however, Crossley scored. It was a triumph for Crossley's follow-up methods. He initiated the movement, passed to Harrison, who sent a lofty ball across the goal to Fazackerley, who was prevented from shooting by one of the Newcastle backs. The ball, However travelled to Crossley, and he drove it hard and true, into the net. There was an anxious moment for Everton when both Fern and Downs tried to clear a centre by the Newcastle right wing, but between them they sent the ball over the bar for a corner. Davies had a glorious chance when he trapped the ball from along return, and beating McCracken went through with only Lawrence in front. The final shot, however, finished at the foot of the upright, but on the wrong side. Lawrence made a capital save by anticipating Chedgzoy's centre. Downs was twice injured before the interval came with Everton one up. As in the first half, Newcastle put in their best work in the opening stages, and at the cost of certain injury Brewster pushed the ball away from Smalies as the Newcastle forward prepared to shoot. The move was successful, and Brewster's intervention caused the ball to travel to Ramsay, whose lefty curling shot was splendidly saved by Fern. Then Ramsey closed in to take up a long centre from the extreme right wing, and Fleetwood was forced to give a corner to save the position. This was the limit of Newcastle's aggressiveness, and from this stage Everton were masters. At sixty-one minutes Chedgzoy finished a brilliant run with a clever centre, Lawrence left his goal and jumped to intercept the ball, but he only touched it and the ball fell to the ground for Crossley to score. Low made gallant attempts to get to the ball, but it was over the goal line when Low placed it further into the net. When Chedgzoy started his run there was a strong appeal from the Newcastle players for offside, and some of them actually stopped playing but in the instance their offside tactics led to their undoing. Chedgzoy was in happy mood in the closing stages, and getting through again in the last minute placed the ball finely for Davies to score. The attendance 58,000 receipts £4,961. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain) and McDonald, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison, forwards. Newcastle United: - Lawrence, goal, McCracken, and Hudspeth, backs, Curry, Low, and Finlay half-backs Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smailes, and Ramsey, forwards.

NELSON 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
February 21, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton were full value for their points at Nelson on Saturday. They were representative by a strong side, and were vastly superior to their opponents. In the first portion they ran the Nelson defence off its feet, and had it not been for the clever custodian, they would have led by a good margin, when the teams crossed over, Everton were leading by two goals to nil, the goals being scored by Moffatt and Kirsopp. Nelson had more of the play in the second half, but they lacked any combination, and were weak in front of goal. They registered one goal, a penalty taken by Lilley, who shot hard, and though Baker touched the leather he could not save. In this portion Heyes saved many shots brilliantly.

TRANSFER FEES AND EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday, February 21, 1921
Sir, -Mr. Butler asks me whether " Money make the man,”  to which I answer." No certainly not " As for his other query, it is obvious that money does not guarantee success in football, although as Everton is not the club with the greatest income, his question is somewhat inappropriate. I would remind him, however, that he has rather missed the point of my letter. Nowhere do I personally uphold the “big transfer fee” system, top which I am, perhaps, as much averse as he is. My objection was to attacks being made-and make especially upon one club -not for a breach of the law, but for transactions which, however much one may disagree with them, still are quite valid and legal.
Such attacks should in common fairness be directed at the code of laws which regulates these matters, and at the authors and exponents of the law. Referring to Mr. Purves, it is rather unfortunate that he has such a poor opinion of my discretion. That is probably the reason why he, in giving you a testimonial for consistency on this subject, depends upon assertion, rather than upon a more specific and reasoned method. Did he read your remarks (in “En Passant,” dated January 31) on the Davies transfer, in which you characterised is as “scandalous gambling in players,” and if so, can be refer to any transfer case on record (other than where Everton was a particularly) over which The editor used language as strong as this?- Yours, etc.. A.H. Gillespie, Liverpool, February 16.
Sir.—l would like to say that I uphold Mr. Gllespie's views as regards your attacks on Everton's policy. I admit I am a keen follower of Everton’s policy. I admit I am a keen follower of Everton, but my views certainly coincided with those of Mr Gillespie, inasmuch as I think that you have been singularly severe upon Everton when those is so much of this big transfer fee business going on among other clubs. I do not intend to defend Everton, or say other club who choose to build a crack eleven with unlimited £. s. d.. but I was prompted to write a further criticism of your apparent liking for deprecating Everton’s method of team building.--Yours, etc. H. J. Curtis, Lowestoft, February 16.

EVERTON’S LEFT WING
Athletic News- Monday, February 21, 1921
The decisive victory which Everton gained over Newcastle United was largely due to the effectiveness of their left wing, for Crossley and Harrison played a thrusting combination game which evoked admiration. Charles Crossley, a native of Hednesford was found playing with Walsall by Sunderland, who signed him in February, m1914. Owing to the war little was seen of him until last season, when he appeared in 24 matches for the Wearsiders, scored nine goals, and played for the North against England in  the Trail match at Newcastle-on-Tyne a year ago. Still, Sunderland transferred him to Everton, where he has played some useful games-but never so unselfishly and so successfully was on Saturday. He stands 5ft 7in, and scales 12st 2lb. All that he did was full of purpose. The result was that George Harrison, one of the strongest and most consistent left wing players in the country, gave his best. A native of Church Gresley, Harrison played with Gresley Rovers in the Leicestershire League until he was snapped up by Leicester Fosse, for whom he appeared in 59 consecutive games fating from November, 1911. In March, 1913, he went to Everton at the same time as Robert Thompson. His displays with the Reserves gained him a place in the League match against Liverpool on September 20, 1913, and he kept his position until he entered the army. On being demobilised he resumed, and has never looked like being superseded. He, too, is only 5ft 6 ½ and weighs 11st 2lb., but he is all quality. One of the best men in the country at outside left, Harrison plays a hard game-for he is strong on the ball, has ample resource, and makes discreet centres, while he is a rare shot with either a moving or a stationary ball. Very ambitious, he needs only the opportunity to go far. Harrison does not take the eye like either Quantrill or Dimmock, but he is a resolute, discreet, and tactful forward who makes splendid use of the ball. Consistency is a marked trait in his play.

EVERTON CONFIRM FORM
Athletic News -Monday, February 21, 1921
CROSSLEY ECLIPSES THE “NORTHERN HORDE.”
EVERTON 3, NEWCASTLE UNITED 0
By Tityrus
The blue banner of Everton floated boldly in the breeze on Saturday evening. Newcastle United were denied the honour of defeating both the Cup candidates of Liverpool. Indeed, the men from the far North were so completely overcome that one was prone to wonder how they had contrived to master Liverpool, who in the League tournament had totally eclipsed Everton. The glorious uncertainly of sport was demonstrated at Goodison Park, before 58,000 people, who cheered each goal as if nothing so good had ever before been seen. The victory was quite as conclusive as the figures represent for Everton had a vivacity, a virility, and a speed which were never approached by Newcastle, who were not a balanced team and suffered from lack of forward power and a want of pace which is nearly always fatal in a Cup-tie. Beyond the fact that each side was very earnest it cannot be said that the match was distinguished by the quality of the football. Earnest men atone for many shortcomings, but even seriousness is not an adequate substitute for science. What craft, combination, and clinching of the argument there were belonged to Everton, who were rightly the victors. The Lancashire club got no more than they earned, and the one satisfactory feature of the encounter was the sporting which dominated the players. There was hardly a temper ruffled, and I must congratulate both teams on their tactics in a very hard game. Everton early took the lead and never looked like losing it, for the all-sufficient reason that Newcastle never really suggested that they could break through the defence. Primarily Everton won by the virtue of their left wing and the intervening of a set of half-backs who were too able and too solid for their opponents.
THE FIRST GOAL
For some time the play was of such a desultory character that one was almost tempted to think that the teams were taking stock of each other’s possibilities. Everton were the first to be subjected to real danger when Brewster headed on to Harris, who got the ball under control, but his drive was over the bar. At any rate, this was not more than pulling a bow at a venture though Smailes, owing to a fine square centre by Aitken, had a batter position, which he wasted in a similar manner. The game took a turn when Weller began to ply the left wing. Crossley served Harrison, who found it easy to move inwards at a right angle and leave McCracken in his rear to the left. From a centre by Harrison, Stanley Davies was given a nice opportunity. Finlay immediately tackled the centre and the movement was checked. This was an example of what was to come, for Harrison was again a raider, and this time he tested Lawrence with a shot which this accomplished keeper easily fielded. Newcastle rallied, and McDonald yielded a corner kick, which Finlay met on the half-volley, but Brewster, near the post, spurned the ball again. Everton, however, were determined to keep their left wing moving. Again Weller passed to Crossley, who side-stepped Curry and sent Harrison on his way with as fine a pass as man could desire. In due course Harrison delivered a perfect centre just between the goal area and the penalty line. Neither Fazackerley nor Davies could see a way into goal, and the ball was dribbled to CROSSLEY, who made a gran drive which produced the first goal at the end of 16 minutes. A strange kick in the wrong direction by Chedgzoy, who was among the half-backs, resulted in Ward and Aitken making tracks and that speedily, with the sequel that Aitken’s lovely centre was turned over the bar by Fern, but the flag-kick brought no grist, And soon Everton’s left wing were again forging ahead. This time Harrison helped Crossley, who was boring straight through when McCracken purposely gave a corner kick, but this was unproductive, although Brewster’s headwork gave Crossley a chance. The ball was, however, sent outside the far post. Stanley Davies fastening on to a return from Downs dashed on and had the opportunity to increase the score, but to no purpose. From this narrative it will be seen that nearly all the leading was by Everton’s left wing, and that Newcastle really accomplished little. At length a cross-kick enabled Fazackerley to swing the ball to Chedgzoy, who finished his run with a centre so accurate that Lawrence advanced a yard or two and caught the ball. Towards the interval the Tynesiders showed rather better form, but first Brewster and then Fern dispelled all danger, and it was as well they did, for about this period Downs twice put himself out of action by his acrobatic efforts to get the ball. Thus at the interval Everton were leading by a goal.
CLINCHING THE ARGUMENT
On reversing Newcastle threatened to take charge of the game, but they made wretched use of a corner kick, while Brewster was momentarily injured in checkmating Smailes. Ramsey sent in a ball which Fern was glad to tip over the cross-bar, but Downs was so quick to see and act that he neutralised the corner. A foul by McCracken just outside the penalty area troubled Harrison to drive a dead ball into goal with great power, but Lawrence had no difficulty in making a cricketer’s catch.
Newcastle exerted more pressure than in the first half-they could not well have one less -but there was no finishing power, from their forwards. Once Aitken signalised himself out, and centred to the far side, but as Ramsay shot the ball struck Fleetwood, who was covering him, and was averted for a corner kick, which was neutralised, Crossley and Davies weaving their way through the ranks of their foes until Lawrence rushed out and fielded the ball, while Hudspeth kept Davies at bay. Again at the end of sixteen minutes Everton drew further ahead. Chedgzoy, who had been seen too little, got away, and there was some hesitation in tackling him, as there seemed to be an idea that he was off-side. The whistle was not sounded, and on went the wing man with long strides until he centred. Lawrence advanced to pick up the ball, but CROSSLEY got there first and hurried in a rocket shot which was virtually in the net when Wilfred Low, on the goal-line, six yards behind Lawrence, tried an overhead kick, but he only sent the ball to the back of the net. This second point sealed the fate of the Tyneside team, for although they did their best to make a solid impression upon the Evertonians, the home half-backs and backs, particularly the middle-men, had a grip on the game that they the never relaxed. Chedgzoy, starting in his own territory, made a glorious run to the other end of the field, but his parting drive travelled wide of the further post. Within five minutes of the close Neil Harris might have reduce the disadvantage under which the United laboured, but his effort was too lofty, and virtually in the last minute Everton obtained their third goal, Chedgzoy beat Hudspeth, and at top speed reached the goal line before he placed the ball squarely in the mouth of the goal. STANLEY DAVIES, anticipating his intentions, followed up down the centre, and by a tremendous thrust met the ball and crashed it into the net. Thus were Newcastle, the hope of the North-East coast, knocked out of the competition.
EVERTON’S MATCH WINNERS
Not one really sterling Cup-tie have I seen this year, but this match was better than all the others put together because there were some redeeming qualities-not the least of which was that the elevens did not allow excitement to banish football. Most of this was shown by Everton, for the display of their left wing was excellent. The best players on the field was Crossley. Of that there can be no manner of doubt. As a Newcastle man put it- the man who was not good enough for Sunderland was too good for the Geordies. Last week I ventured to suggest that Crossley, if dangerous, was too eager to beat his man and too tenacious in holding the ball. I have no means of knowing whether Crossley took this paternal advice to heart, but he changed his style, and disposed of the ball to the right and left of him with such a nice calculation of the moment when to pass that he turned the whole game more than any other man. Crossley’s always developingmovements, he was always “in at the kill,” and he was beyond fatigue. His power over the ball has never been so marked and so judiciously used, while the fleetness that he showed for a man of his compact and sturdy build was remarkable. But fine as his midfield manoeuvring was it was equalled by his shooting. As a marksman he was beyond compare with any player, and I can only say that Crossley amazed me. Never have I seen him reveal football of this class -all due, in my opinion, to the way he released the ball at the exact second to suit the team. If ever one man did win a match Crossley did, and I hope he will persevere in his timeliness of touch, which is the key to all success in the game. Crossley had, too, a brilliant partner in George Harrison. Occasionally the pair were troubled by McCracken’s positional moves, but not seriously. Maybe Harrison is not a spectacular raider, and he is not a sprinter in the accepted sense of the word, but he is a canny goer, has some pith in his legs, and in all that he attempts and does is so self-possessed. Quite master of his adversaries, he places the ball in his centres. There is no haphazard kick or flick, but the cross-kick descends at the feet of one of his chums. Which is as it should be a class player. Nor should we forget that Curry accidentally stepped on Harrison’s right hand early in the match. This was painful no doubt, but Harrison never made a fuss. With his hand bound up he just went on with his game, and such a cool, calculating game—all finish and no useless fireworks, being ever ready to take two courses, either inwards or outwards, so long as he put the ball in front of goal. Unless vision and memory are false, he never centred behind the goal-line, and that is the man for my money. The remaining forwards were far more of this everyday stamp. Stanley Davies did not link up the line, he did not hold it, but in his own worrying style he was always to be reckoned with, here, there, and everywhere, bearing down on the enemy and harassing the defence. The final goal was due to his uncontrollable clan—for the majority of men would never have got there at all.
The right wing was seldom seen. In the first half they were so much out of the game that Everton represented a man in a fight with one hand tied behind him. Fazackerley seldom got the ball. This must be said in fairness to him, and when he was even a chance Chedgzoy was generally out of place—very often hanging back in the company of Fleetwood, who did not need his assistance. After the interval Fazakerley and Chedgzoy were more normal,and it is a curious thing that in the second half Chedgzoy made three famous runs and centres, and two of them produced goals. Seldom do more of them produced goals. Seldom do more far-reaching results ensue from so little effort.
STERLING HALF-BACKS.
The Everton half backs were sturdy, being great breakers-up and never allowed the Noviocstrains the free passage of a yard if they could help it. Fleetwood had to meet the most bustling and dangerous forward in Smailes, who, on the whole, was well held. Brewster accomplished much in the way of intervention. His game was quite useful-if not brilliant. Weller played with distinction, because he was vert successful in defence, even if he took the line o least resistance and never hesitated to put the ball into touch. This is just as well when facing a forward of the potentially of Aitken. But Weller did more than this, for he supported Crossley and Harrison, and plied them with the ball in a way not equalled by any half-back on either side. Downs proved his grit by playing at all. By his extraordinary contortions in getting difficult balls he knocked himself out once or twice. And many of this returns were characterised more by height then length. Even when that is said, it is incontrovertible that Downs was wonderful in getting the ball- especially at close quarters. His mate, McDonald, was clean in his clearance and clever. He did all his work so well that he can go to his marriage to-morrow (Tuesday) with a happy heart in more senses than one. These backs covered Fern so completely that he had really little to do-nothing which taxed him. But Fern should insist, like Tom Baddeley of old, in having room, by which I mean to suggest that Downs should not fall back right on to the custodian. Downs is not the only great right back who has been guilty of this mistake -but once on Saturday the consequences might have been fatal.
NEWCASTLE’S DECLINE AND FALL
It is difficult to know what to say about Newcastle United without seeming unkind. Their special training at Redcar had not endowed them with fleetness. They were woefully slow in their back divisions, and their attack was feeble. Aitken, the outside-right, occasionally showed glimpses of ability, but he was disappointing. His Partner, Ward, was not much of a helper, and Neil Harris did practically nothing of value. Smailes was the only forward with some self-assertion, ahd he was not convincing of resource to beat a goalkeeper. At outside-left Ramsay was feeble, and I suppose a poor substitute for the injured Seymour. At half-back Curry was the only man who ever took my eye, but he had no talent to put a full stop to Crossley’s designs. Low and Finlay plodded on, but their lack of pace was very evident, and they had all of them so much to do that they had little opportunity to help their forwards. On one side the half-backs were forceful and fulfilled their dual duties, but on the other the middle men were beaten and could neither stem the tide nor prompt attacks. Under these circumstances a lot of work devolved upon the backs. McCracken, who had a leg in plasters, was not able to hold Harrison, Hudspeth, not often severely tested, seemed to be the more reliable, although he was responsible for the third goal. Of course, these backs kicked well- and truth to tell- they seemed to have considerable placing power in their returns. Still, they were beaten too often, and under the circumstances Lawrence did quite well not to be defeated more than thrice. Perhaps he might have saved the second goal-half a yard more of pace would, I believe, have done it. Still Lawrence could not have averted the disaster. The mischief was done before the ball reached him. The damage is beyond repair this season- but some other day, perhaps, Newcastle will revive. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Harrison. Newcastle United;- Lawrence; McCracken, Hudspeth; Curry, Low, Finlay; Aitken, Ward, Harris, Smailes, and Ramsey. Referee. A. Ward, Kirkham.

BURNLEY’S WIN ENDED
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, February 21, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Some people wouldn’t find the Goodison Cup-tie very entrancing. The reason? Well, it was a dull game wherein quietude prevailed, and Newcastle’s forwards never got a real test of Fern, whose greatest trouble was to ensure that the daring headers made by Downs did not misplace themselves. But I found much to be thankful for. First, Everton deservedly advanced another stage. That was good business. Second, the crowd, well housed, acted very sportingly in allowing Newcastle’s defence to play their tactical game without barracking-after all, Newcastle played within their rights, and didn’t Crossley and Chedgzoy between them make a goal as a result of the Noves defenders stopping to appeal for offside when there was no reason for so doing and thereby allowing the home winger to forge ahead and make a very wise centre that was duly pocketed? When the gate of nearly 60,000 people growled at McCracken for needless handling one felt they were justified. Football cannot be made into hand-ball at will. That isn’t the spirit of the game, and isn’t lawful. I think much of the poverty of the football was due to Newcastle playing their offside game. I don’t blame Everton for the poor display- I blame Newcastle. The weakness of the visitors’ defence was just as patent as in September, when McCracken and Hudspeth had a gruelling time. It was on this factor that I looked to Everton to win, and win well, too. To those who cavil at the standard of football-notably in the forwards -I would say; “Remember Downs was playing his Barnsley game against Newcastle and that Everton were suffering hardships from the first moment.” Of course Newcastle started the game in the knowledge that they had been hit by misfortune in that Seymour and Phillipson could not take their places. However, Everton had a peck of trouble one way and another. First Harrison injured his wrist rather badly, next the right wing pair were rapped on the foot or ankle, Downs was taken to the side-line twice for repairs to a bruised rib that was bothering him, McDonald was in the wars, and Brewster kept taking feeling pulls at his bruised shoulder. If the win went Everton’s way, the misfortunes of war did not. Newcastle did not play like a side that had any confidence. Smailes was known to be the danger and was marked accordingly, and Harris was never allowed a moment to think about shots by Brewster, he had to take pot luck with his drives. The others were poor indeed and were made to look poorer than they were by the insistence of the half back line of the winners. Fleetwood, Brewster and Weller made a towering line- good for a pass and good for a charge; good for a nip-in and tackle, and specially sure with the head. Newcastle’s half backs were not of the same standard. Low was poor in defence only, and Finlay and Curry were very moderate. In attack, too, there was a marked difference for while the Everton forwards were dashing up Newcastle were “playing pretty” and getting little forrarder. They wanted a lot of room in which to work. Davies on our side wanted watching all the time; the right wing, if not in pristine form, was practicable; and Chedgzoy made square-foot centres that were checkful of danger. The left wing was without doubt the strongest of the day, and if one picks out Crossley of all the forwards it is because he not only offered passes for goals but worked a goal on his own account. Some there are who do not cotton on to the Walsall Pleck man. He is small and hugs the ball. Saturday’s display should satisfy all. He was virility itself. But what a ground length he made went he set off! A sharp pass after a swift dribble and Newcastle defenders were unable to think out an offside idea, Crossley was “It.” He shot well, he worked untiringly, and he followed up his Sheffield and other successes by scoring goals. In the train journey back from Sheffield some of the boys were singing the old sing-song. “Oh, aye, Crossley scored a goal, and that’s how we won the Cup.” There’s many a true word sung in C Sharp. One cannot close without paying tribute to Lawrence as a fielder. A silent man, he took some nudges that must have pained him without a murmur; in fact, some declared that he was charged when not in possession when goal No.2 was scored. Still, he was not blameworthy in any particular. Let us add further points are we close up the type-machine; Chedgzoy’s half-field run and shot, Chedgzoy’s centre to Davies in the closing minutes, when No. 3 was added to the list, and the sturdy work of Downs and McDonald, who never put a foot wrong and bore a lot of heavy work. As a Cup-tie game we felt there was something lacking. It was too clean a game to suggest a Cup-tie, but we give all the players credit for that feature, and we know that now we have Newcastle’s good wishes for the final tie. The worst back at the ground was – “Bee’s!” A  Newcastle critic sitting behind him kicked and wrestled incessantly during the game, and the “back in front” was full of stud marks at the finish. McDonald, the Everton back, is to be married to-morrow. Thompson takes his place on Wednesday at Hyde-road ground.

BEE’S SPORTS NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, February 22, 1921
Everyone is taking of “Everton’s luck.” It is astounding that, as in 1906, when they won the trophy, they should be drawn at home four times in succession. Wolverhampton does not read very big opposition, but the foolish thing would be to under-estimate the men engaged at Goodison Park in the next round. Wolves have ever been a tight opponent in Cup warfare. I remember well their early Cup scenes, for as a boy I used to have to make the journey to Molyneux Grounds, there to spend my time taking messages and hoping fervently that the reporter would not require me to go one other message, as it meant the break of my view of the match. Happy days-somewhat long ago! When Wolves faced Newcastle United at the Place I thought it such a good thing for Newcastle that I was tempted by a football official to give odds of 5 to 2 to 2s 6d. I would not bother to go to the Palace that year -hence my surprise when Harrison (now at Old Trafford’s club) led his men to victory. The Rev. Kenneth Hunt played one of his hardest games that day. History repeats itself in Cup-ties-as witness Burnley’s defeat at Hull, as in League games earlier in football history-but if Everton will mark their opponents dangerous and keep a special eye for Brooks, the Walden of the Second Division, then Everton should figure in the semi-final. It was against a Second Division side in the fourth round last season that Liverpool came their purler. Let Everton tread verily. While Everton are winning and outing up a nice sequence Everton Reserve are finding some youngsters knocking hard on the door marked “Promotion.” Garrett, the centre half back, is doing uncommonly good work, the full backs are strong, and Jones, Kirsopp, and Moffatt have made their mark. At Nelson they were a veritable treat. Moffatt, the Scottish centre, has increased the good name he made at his first appearance in England football. Tomorrow at Hyde-road I hope the fog will be kind to us. Thompson for McDonald is one change. There may be others.
Everton and Liverpool figure high in the list of names issued for the trial game at Burnley. Some of the men are lucky to get a further show in this season’s series. To find Chedgzoy, Harrison, Crossley (even if latter is on reserve), Chambers, Bamber, and Bromilow in the running is indeed a big feather in the cap of Mersey football. I hope the men do themselves justice and play up to their known form. Then the city will have good representation in the international. England;- E.H. Coleman (Dulwich Lamlet); Smart (Aston Villa), Jones (Burnley); Ducat (Aston Villa), McCall (Preston North End), Grimsdell (Tottenham Hotspur); Nesbit (Burnley), Kelly (Burnley), Walker (Aston Villa), Smith (Bolton Wanderers), Dimmock (Spurs).  The North-Gough (Sheffield United); Cresswell (South Shields), Silcock (Manchester United); Bamber (Liverpool), Wilson (The Wednesday), Bromilow (Liverpool); Chedgzoy (Everton), Kirton (Aston Villa), Buchan (Sunderland), Chambers (Liverpool) and Harrison (Everton). Reserves- Fort (Millwall), Smith (Tottenham Hotspur), Crossley (Everton), and Irwin (Middlesbrough).
  “Spectator” writes;- may I be permitted, through the medium of your paper, to draw attention to the excessive overcrowding at Goodison Park on Saturday? That there were no fatalities is more a matter of good luck than good management. The gates were closed somewhere in the region of 2.30 p.m., when the swaying masses could only find foot room with the greatest possible difficulty. The field barrier, in one instance at least to my knowledge was forced away. Some unfortunate spectators must know more about that than I do. In times like the present, when football has such a hold on the public, the responsible authorities should be present at all large matches, cup-ties, etc., in the interests of public safely, and I see no reason why the city surveyor should not be present to give judgement in circumstances like those of Saturday last. There were many cases of utter collapse, these were attended to at the rear of the ground. Fewer shillings, and a little more regard to public safely, would appear to be the more intelligent way to cater for the sporting public. No matter what the reported gate receipts were or estimated number of persons present, there were certainly two or three thousand more than any wise person would consider advisable.

HARRISON’S BROKEN BONE IN HAND
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 23, 1921
Bee’s Notes
“Jud” Harrison, the Everton winger, has broken a small bone in the hand. He will not play on Saturday, but is expected to be all right for the Cup game. The applications for seats for the fourth round tie at Goodison Park would lead to the ground being very nearly filled now without admission per turnstile. Many call and many will be disappointed. The Midlands have demanded a big share, naturally enough. Everton are according to information, searching Scotland and have taken a big demand note with them. It is said they won’t be put off their prey.
Here is a letter from a correspondent styling himself “Neutral, of Runcorn.”
  “As a spectator of the Everton v. Newcastle United tie, I write to give you my impressions of the game, as a neutral spectator. It was the same old tale; Cleverness in the art of the game was never allowed to prevail. Every chance was frustrated by a team which before-hand had made up its mind to adopt methods to spoil the technical points of the game. Newcastle have been in many finals, and have lost many through playing the game. They won once, and won on their merits, and they will not win otherwise. They are noted for exhibiting the fine arts of the game as it should be played, and that is why they draw the biggest gates, as shown on Saturday, when the gates were closed half an hour before the start and thousands shot out. The spectators know the artists on view. I must say Everton are the luckiest team on record. They have the luck to be drawn at home, and have been lucky enough to scrape through by the odd goal against the poorest teams in the country. Take the year when they won. They played every match at home against poor teams until the semi-final; then they played Liverpool at Aston Villa ground, who had their two best men off, and won; and then beat Newcastle in the final 1-0 after Newcastle had all the play, barring scoring. I was there and watched it.”
It seems waste of time to answer such a letter, but I must tell “Neutral” that any side is entitled to hustle and hustle a side it knows adopts the combined movement. If you ask me why Newcastle lost so heavily on Saturday I should say it was because of Everton’s penetrative power and Newcastle’s nerves. “Neutral” seems to believe that Everton, having the luck of the draw, should write the F.A and say, “Please make a fresh draw and give us an away match.” The luck of the draw will turn. We cam simply say “Lucky Everton, and let it go at that. 

EVERTON v.  MANCHESTER CITY AT HYDE ROAD
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 23, 1921
“Bee” phones from Manchester, that Everton withdrew from the competition for Hamilton, the Kilmarnock back, and Preston North End signed him at a figure over £4,000. Everton played Kirsopp, Jones and Reid in the attack to-day at Hyde-road.
Everton; Fern; Brown, Thompson; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Jones, Kirsopp, Davies, Crossley, and Reid.  Manchester City; Goodchild; Cookson, Fletcher; Fayers, Woosnam, Hamill; Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barnes, and Murphy. Referee.- Mr. H. Rylance.
The crowd was of strong dimensions, and, in view of the visit of the Corinthians on the Cup day to Hyde-road, and the attendance to-day, the prospects of compensation to be paid by Everton were rosy. In fact, for a mid-week game and a foggy atmosphere, the assembly was very large, and was, in a measure, a tribute to Everton’s popularity. The number of folk present was surprisingly large. For the first ten minutes City enjoyed much attack, Everton settling down slowly, Woodcock was slightly wide, and Brewster stopped Barnes. Weller following suit, Brewster later missed his kick when trying to shoot, this being the only occasion on which Everton attacked. Woosnam was very clever in all he did, and his side glances were artistic. Fern made a brilliant catch from Barnes, there being immense power in the shot, Browell was kicked on the head, but managed to resume quickly. The home wingers were uncertain, yet Woosnam was able to try on a long shot, which Fern again saved finely. Reid made a raid without result, and when Jones centred accurately Davies headed slightly wide. Crossley was clever in deceiving the City defenders as to which way he was going; still, there was only one side in it in the first quarter. About 30,000 spectators looked for a goal when Murphy was well placed but they were doomed to disappointment, the left-winger making a woeful centre. Everton came in spurts and did not bother Goodchild. Play did not improve, and only Barnes showed any driving force. In the first half hour Reid was slow and Woosnam fast. It was luck on Everton’s part when Weller blocked a shot by the centre half. The longer they played the better Everton played, yet one could not mistake the fortune of a shot from Barnes being headed by Brewster. Davies tried a shot at a venture, and it was very wide. When Jones was tripped up, the free kick was badly worked. Broad, who had any number of chances, showed no sign of usefulness until he took a corner, which Barnes headed perilously near. Barnes and Browell stood in front of Fern, and Barnes netted. He was given offside, whereas Browell was onside, and could have scored easily. Everton’s defence was kept going hard and fast up to half-time, and Downs, Brewster, and Fern did wonders in preventing a score. Fern’s work was brilliant, whereas Goodchild had not a shot to save, and did not have to even handle the ball.
Half-time; Everton nil, Manchester City nil.
When Barnes was laid low by Downs City appealed for a penalty kick, and when the referee refused the crowd became very cross. Barnes recovered and proceeded to waste a shot. Nothing was seen of the Everton forwards. It was only Everton’s sound defence that prevented a goal from a melee which was started by the left wing and helped on by a big punt from Fayers. With the Everton forwards never getting going, the halves and full-backs concentrated on defence and nothing but defence. Jones broke away without tangible result. City could do anything but score and they reckoned a penalty kick should have been awarded against Fleetwood for a foul on Murphy. Browell netted, thanks to his hands, but the point was, of course, disallowed. Everton opened out the merest trifle without extending the City defence the slightest. Browell scored for Manchester City.

MANCHESTER CITY 2 EVERTON 0
February 24, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON BEATEN.
FORWARDS' POOR PLAY AT HYDE-ROAD.
Everton lost 2-0 to Manchester City, yesterday, at Hyde-road, before a crowd that was a record for the ground. In days gone by Hyde-road did not house its crowd very cleverly, but after a recent fire, in which a stand was burned, an improved stand was raised in quick time, and it was not surprising therefore that the old attendance figure went by the board. There must have been 33,000 people present, and the pity of it was that they should see such poor forward play. Everton's attack was not worthy the name. At times Crossley dribbled and passed effectively and Jones made some runs, but not a man was there with a semblance of a shot. Not until a few moments from the finish was Goodchild called upon to handle a shot, and then the ball barely reached him. It was an amazing exhibition of how not to do it, and although one must give due credit to the City's line of half backs, the fact remains that Everton did not go for their rivals with any sense of security. The game was simply a test of Everton's defence, which lasted for full eighty minutes and their gave in. Browell the ex-Everton forward was overjoyed at scoring two goals against his old side –they came in the space of two minutes –but one hopes he does not take credit for the second point, which was obtained with the aid of his hands, when the referee was unsighted. Browell got the goals, and Barnes was the one dangerous looking forward. He shot hard from all angles, and although injured in the thigh, stood out as a player who know what his objective was. So puerile was City's attack near goal that one hardly believed that they could score against the splendid Everton defence, and it was hard luck for the visiting defence to give in so late in the game after having held the fort so long. But if City's forward work was frail, Everton's was impotent. At half back there was plenty of solid breaking up and nipping in, and at full back Downs and Thomson could not be blamed even if the latter was not always true in his kicking. Fern's was a masterly exhibition of catching and clearing, and the crowd recognised his brilliance by applauding him at half time and at the finish. But the defence had no rest. Reid was a poor substitute for Harrison, and the wing that shaped so well at Nelson could not reproduce its form. On the City side none did better than Max Woosnam, who was always getting the ball and making good use of it. England has no better pivot, Cookson at back, and Browell with his swinging passes were the next best of the City side. Teams : - Manchester City: - Goodchild, goal, Cookson, and Fletcher, backs, Fayers, Woosnam, and Hamill, half-backs, Broad, Woodcock, Browell, Barnes, and Murphy, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs (Captain), and Thompson, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller half-backs, Jones, Kirsopp, Davies, Crossley, and Reid, forwards. Referee H. Rylances.

A GAME OF FOOTBALL AT HYDE ROAD GROUND
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 24, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Since November 1st Everton have only been beaten twice, and yesterday brought the third and the worst slashing. In the old days the word “papers” meant a song written by Lord Derby, “I hear you calling me.” Yesterday another set of “papers” may have troubled the players. They were the recipients of their income tax papers. Whether it was the paper that struck terror into them or not I cannot say. Certainly something struck the Everton side yesterday at Hyde-road and caused a peculiar vibrate in Jack Elliott’s song on the return journey. The fact was Everton had no forwards yesterday. They were on view-that was all. I give full credit to Max Woosnam (England’s best pivot) for his work, and to Mic Hamill and Fayers for their assistance. Yet that does not blot out the surprise of Everton’s attack. It had not a shot. Goodchild looked on till three minutes from the finish, when a shot just reached him- no more than reached him mark you. It was the lamest exhibition of attack I have ever seen from two League sides for City were not all that much better when they got to grips and shooting quarters, Barnes being the only driving force in the side, and Tommy Browell seeming to be unable to do anything unless he got his hand to help him. Canny boy, Tom; and his boy-like joy when he scored against his old side was not surprising. It was a goal gotten eighty minutes after the start, and in a melee the ball was sent across by Murphy, and was in the net in a trice. In two minutes Browell had scored again, aided by his hand this time. They all count, it is true, but I hope Browell found no joy in goal No. 2.
RESERVES FAIL
No one could say a word against goalkeeper, backs or half-backs. Fern in days gone by used to play for Lincoln City, and at Hyde-road he kept City out all on his own one day. They like Fern at Hyde-road, in spite of the fact that his saving means perhaps a home loss. Yesterday Fern was brilliant in the extreme, and his sureness in catch-and-clear, and his anticipation, were alike admirable. He had stout backs, Downs and Thompson taking on a peck of work, and he had solid half backs. But no help came from the forwards. No wonder the defence gave out. It was a wonder it did not give way before the eightieth minute. The truth was that Stanley Davies could not make anything of Max Woosnam, and the right wing pair, who had done so well at Nelson, were quite off their game. Add Reid’s moderate exhibition and Crossley’s attempt by dribble and pass forward to get the line working, and you will see that City had an easy passage in the rear-guard. Everton’s attack had no attack- that’s the real truth of the matter. Maybe it was the papers referred to-maybe it was a lapse on the part of all the forwards at the same moment. As I have said, City were little better in the front line. Broad does not improve, Murphy wasted many balls, and Woodcock was clever without being practical. Browell made passes and Barnes made all the shots. It was a match over which one could not enthuse, although one had to admire the breaking-up propensity of Woosnam and his side-foot glances. He was a master, and I am sure I am right in suggesting that he has been considered for international honours, but that the trial match bugbear is the cause of his being omitted this far.
One other word about players-
Downs showed how to prevent an accidental hands case by putting his arms behind him when he went for a ball that might easily have touched where his arms would have been in the normal course. The idea is worth persevering with. The crowd was generous in its treatment of this full back, and mention of that fact reminds me that the crowd was a record for Hyde-road, where in the past there has been a semblance of a grand stand, which, now burned down, has led to the club rushing up an uncovered portion which will bring seats for 5,000 people. Hyde-road holds more than ever now. How 30,000 people manage to get off work for a mid-week match is beyond me. Of course, Everton were glad to see them, for the Compensation Act in football is sometimes costly; whereas in this case (added to the Corinthians visit) there would be no need for compensating the City. Talking of grounds, I have been under the impression that Hillsborough, the Wednesday’s ground was not the old original Owlerton ground and I hasten to correct the wrong impression. It is the same spot- although one would not recognise it, remembering the old and the new on looks. The present Hillsborough building is a very substantial affair.

HOWARD BAKER
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 25 February 1921
It is interesting to note that Howard Baker, the amateur champion high jumer, who was a centre half with the Rovers Reserves before war and who became a goalkeeper in post-war football, acting in that capacity with North End Reserves last season, will make his League debut with Everton at Chelsea. 

NELSON v  EVERTON RESERVES
Nelson Leader- Friday, February 25, 1921
Nelson have unhappy knack of reserving their worst displays for their biggest“gates.”One does not complain about them being defeated by very fine team which represented Everton Reserve on Saturday, but there is room for criticism at the lethargic spirt, as well the lack of cohesion which distinguished their play. Everton had a team on view which would not have disgraced many a First Division side. They had two internationals in the forward rank, Jones and Reid, Grenyer the half-backs who has played in a trial match, and in goal that wonderful athletic Howard Baker, the champion high jumper of the world. Kirsopp, the inside right, has been coveted Preston North End for some time, so that all round Nelson were up against a very stiff proposition.
This was soon apparent, and during the first ten minutes Nelson were quite over played. The combination of the visitors forwards was extremely smart and effective, and they had the Nelson defence in difficulties. Jones and Kirsopp were particularly lively and from centre from the former Moffitt got in a good shot which Heyes served admirably. A pretty triangle movement between Reid,Wall and Grenyer showed the possibilities this play, for both Hulme and Lilley were hoodwinked and a dangerous centre from Reid was only cleared with difficulty. The first time Nelson got away Horner tamely placed the ball behind the goal with his colleagues in waiting and a good opportunity was lost. Grenyer was responsible for a splendid long shot which taxed Heyes to the utmost, but he succeeded in saving. It was only on occasions that Nelson were able to make headway, but once Baird tricked Robinson smartly only to have his centre cleared. Most of the play took place at the other end, and it was not surprising that the Nelson defence eventually capitulated but in a feeble and half-hearted fashion. A long shot was sent in which Heyes only partially saved, fisting the ball to Jones, who promptly returned it into goal. Heyes, Lilley and Wadsworth appeared to impede each other with the result that Moffit had the easiest task imaginablein piloting the ball into the net. Nelson were roused after this, and Andrews, after one bad failure,  manoeuvred splendidly in the penalty area and got in a stinging shot which Baker covered and eventually cleared. This was certainly the best effort Nelson made this half, but they were behind at the interval. Nelson did rather belter in the second half although in the finer points of the game they were always outclassed. They played with greater energy, and gave cause forhopefulness. This was dispelled, when, following a series of attacks, a shot was sent in which struck Wadsworth’s legs, and the ball rebounding to Kirsopp, who promptly shot through. Nelson played determinedly in spite of his second reverse, and they were unlucky not reducing the lead after Baker had only partially cleared. Hargreaves was going through when he was fouled. The referee gave a free kick outside the penalty area, but on an appeal from linesman a penalty was given, and from this Lilley scored. Later a free kick was awarded a few yards from the centre of the field, and Lilley,after carefully placing the ball, fired wildly into the park with all the forwards wailing. Heyes kept out magnificent shot from Moffitt. Nelson failed to equalise, and they were defeated by 2 goals to 1. There have been some extremely smart teams Nelson this season, but it is doubtful if there? has been any superior to the Everton side Saturday. Their football was a treat to witness, and they showed how well ordered scheming can affect the maximum results with the minimum effort. The forwards played stylish but profitable football, and Kirsopp and Jones made scintillating wing. Reid, outside left was also capable player, and one admired the way that he, as well as his colleagues, got the ball to their feet and under control. They gave the Nelson players an example in the art of trapping ball. Grenyer and Peacock were splendid wing halves, and they placed to their forwards cleverly. There was not much of Robinson the left full back, but was all there,” his kicking under all conditions being capital. In addition to his work in goal, Baker was useful to the side with his ponderous goal kicks, which were invariably well over the half way line. Notwithstanding Everton’s brilliance, Nelson had chances to win if they had only taken them. The forwards were very impotent lot, devoid of system, and lacking in intelligent methods. Waller was as likely as anyone to get goals, but he rarely received forward pass, and had to his own foraging. Hargreaves and Horner were poor wing, the latter in the first half, being unable to anything right. He did improve in the second half, but neither nor Hargreaves were impressive. Andrews showed poor ball control, but Baird was not conspicuous usual. There was only Jacques in the half-back line who was worthy his position. He played extremely well all through, his heading being very good. Gradwell appeared to tire in good time, and long before the end lagged behind. Hulme was also unsatisfactory, whilst both Lilley and Wadsworth have played better. Both developed a bad habit of dribbling the ball. With the exception of one mistake Heyes played a grand game in goal. The Everton team was:—H. Baker, goal; Fare and Robinson, backs; Peacock, Garrett, and Grenyer, half-backs; Jones's, Kirsopp (right), Moffitt (centre), Wall, and Reid (left), forwards. Referee: Mr. A. Botterell, Manchester.

HOWARD BARKER’S LEAGUE DEBUT AT CHELSEA
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 25, 1921
Bee’s Notes
Howard Baker makes his debut in first-class football; I am giving away no secret when I state that Liverpool F.C were very much disturbed to know what to do when Scott went over to help Ireland. It was a question of McNaughton and the amateur, and the former got the choice. Howard Barker has earned fine praise from all who have seen him more than once, and not only has he a length of kick, but also a safe pair of hands.

NOT THE OLD FREEMAN
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 26 February 1921
Bert Freeman was scarcely happy as the leader of the Burnley forwards at Hull having apprently got out of tocuh after his long absence.  He has, however, had a good innings.  Born at Birmingham, in 1885 he played for Aston Villa Reserves and Woolwich Arsenal before he went to Everton and established a League record by crowding 38 goals into a season
Tom Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood, the Everton captain and half-back, did much to carry Everton over the Newcastle hurdle by subduring the United left wing.  A big, strong defender, he developed in the Bolton district through born at Kirkby.  He assisted several junior clubs before graduating by way of Atherton and Hindley Central to Rochdale, where Everton booked him in 1911 as a forward. 

BARKER’S LEAGUE DEBUT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 26, 1921
HUGE CROWD AT STAMFORD BRIDGE GROUND
EVERTON’S FIGHT
F.E.H REPORTS FROM “FINAL TIE’ ENCLOSURE.
Everton; B.H. Baker; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, Reid. Chelsea; Molyneux; Betteridge, Harrow; N. Middleton, Wilding, Halse; Ford, Dale, Thomson, Sharp, Lee. Referee; Mr. J.W.D. Fowler, of Sunderland. B. Howard baker was due to make his debut in League football to-day when Everton played at Stamford Bridge, the ground where the final tie is to be played. Those who favour Everton’s chances for the Cup said it was a nice idea that League game should take Everton to Chelsea, so that they could form a remembrance of the ground. The Everton eleven travelled to London yesterday afternoon, and at once turned in at the Euston Hotel for the evening. The players were up betimes to welcome a delightful morning, which, as the day advanced, blossomed out into a perfect spring afternoon. Sunny atmosphere, coupled with the attractiveness of the game, brought a great crowd to the Stamford Bridge enclosure. It was generally conceded that in view of Chelsea’s hard work in the replayed cup-ties they would be under a certain hardship. But by the same token Everton had also a very big  interest in the national competition, so it was anticipated that they would be well-balanced.
HOWARD BAKER TAKES GOAL
The visitors fielded the same team as selected, Howard Baker, the well-known amateur, making his first appearance for the Blues in a big match. In the home ranks there were three alterations, Betteridge coming in for Barrett at right-back and Halse taking Cameron's place at left half, while the position of outside-left was filled by Lee. On a well-kept playing patch just showing a little wear and tear in places the teams lined out. Then were fully 50,000 people present when operations began in almost dazzling sunshine. Chelsea lost the toss, but there wasno advantage in this, the air being barely disturbed by the suspicion of a breeze. The home forwards at once made play on the left but were well checked, and Everton made ground on the right, where Fazackerley and Davies were beaten in turn by Harrow. The Pensioners then came away in great style on the right, and Ford looked like getting through when he was knocked of the ball at the cost of a corner. This was not too well placed, but the Everton defenders failed to clear properly,” and from the bully" in front of goal Thomson sent in a slinging shot, which Baker gathered in this most skilful fashion.
CROSSLEY’S SKILFUL GOAL
For some time Chelsea enjoyed all the pressure, but the Evertonians gradually began to find their feet and proceeded to demonstrate their mastery of the art. Fleetwood passed out to Fazackerley, who shot low, but Wilding was in the way, to partially clear. Before anyone could say “knife!” Crossley had pounced on the leather and netted with unerring skill. The success of this movement caused Chelsea to redouble their efforts, and they were extremely active on the right, where Ford put in a judicious centre, and Sharp had only the keeper to beat when he shot yards wide. It was not long before the visitors were again showing their paces to effect. Chedgzoy got along the wing like a greyhound from the leash, and sent in a shot that forced a corner. This was safely negotiated by Molyneux, and the next dangerous movement came from Reid, who shot unsuccessfully at an oblique angle. At this time Everton were much the faster and cleverer, besides their command of the ball. Both Chedgzoy and Reid put in prominent centres, and the second of these was rather badly mulled by Davies. The pensioners were busy at the other end, but their efforts lacked combination, and a long, haphazard drive from Middleboe was easily coped with by the keeper. For a time there was a lull in the pace, though Everton continued to hold the upper hand, and a lovely shot from Chedgzoy was just scraped from under the bar by Molyneux. The corner that resulted caused comparatively little trouble, and the Evertonians kept on the warpath in the most approved fashion. The Chelsea defence, though erratic, was not without power, and pattern-weaving movements by Davies and his wings were rather rudely torn to shreds. This action was followed by a strong assault on the Everton goal, and with a little more judgement it might have borne fruit. Ford getting clear away from Weller, put in a long dropping centre, which was intercepted by Downs, and when Sharp tried to improve the occasion he was beaten by the length and cleverness of the Everton custodian. Davies, Crossley, and Reid initiated a bright and promising movement, but their calculations were upset by the lengthy Middleboe, and when the visitors returned on the other wing Molyneux fielded a regular “daisy cutter” from Chedgzoy.  Still the men from Merseyside kept up the pressure, and Reid tried hard to score with a wonderfully fine shot, the flight of which the Chelsea goalkeeper successfully anticipated.  With the approach of the interval the home team extended themselves in very creditable fashion with a view to equalising, and Dale, racing through finished with a shot that almost scraped the top of the crossbar. This was one of the best individual efforts of the game so far, and it encouraged the Pensioners to further endeavours in the direction of Baker’s charge. They were especially diligent on the right, but the Everton defenders were not to be shaken and when the left wing pair bore down in full battle array they were effectively challenged by Downs. Still the Chelsea vanguard were in deadly earnest, ad was proved when Ford broke through on his own account and concluded with a very warm handful for the custodian. Chelsea were again aggressive when half-time arrived.
Half-time; Chelsea 0, Everton 1.
All things considered, the first period, as I anticipated had proved a bright and sparkling display, without any undue overstrain or roughness. Everton were distinctly the smarter side, their half-back and forward work being occasionally brilliantly clever. The whole line at times showed an almost perfect understanding. Reid did extremely well at outside left, and Crossley proved as great an opportunists as ever. Davies behaved well at centre and the right wing did many clever things. All the halves displayed judgement, and the backs were not to be shaken. Howard Baker performer his task with agility and a nice sense of anticipation. Chelsea are to be congratulated upon the fine fight they put up after their gruelling labours in the past few days. The sun was still high in the heavens when the second half was entered upon. There were a few crisp exchanges and then Everton forced a corner on the left, which caused considerable anxiety. The leather was got away eventually, and the visitors made clever play on the right but the centre was driven wildly over the bar. It was obvious that the Chelsea men were out to equalise if possible and the newcomers into the team were especially active. They found themselves up against a better balanced side, however, and when at last Ford got going his well-judged centre was promptly met and diverted.
THE OPEN GAME
Both sides in the subsequent stages adopted a rather more open style, and at this kind of play the Pensioners frequently more than held their own. Matters, however, were not improved when Halse who was well placed, shot yards wide of the mark. The Pensioners nevertheless kept pegging away in the most virile fashion, and Downs getting a nasty crack on the knee had to be helped off and attended to by the trainer and an ambulance man. He speedily recovered, and the contest proceeded with undiminished interest and excitement. Baker limped a little and his clearances were not quite so sure for a time. Yet he was equal to the calls made upon him, and twice disposed of Sharp and Reid in a most workmanship fashion. At the other end Davies got clean through, and had the goal at his mercy when Wilding threw himself into the breach and so obviated what looked like proving a certain goal. In the later stages Chelsea were frequently in the picture and an injury to Fleetwood was fortunately not serious. 

EVERTON RES v.  STALYBRIDGE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 26, 1921
At Goodison Park. Teams;- Everton Res; Salt; Fare, Ballantyne; Brown, Garrett; Grenyer; Jones, Spencer, Moffatt, Wall, Alford. Stalybridge; Lonsdale; Barton, Dennis; carney, Lockett, Duckworth; Stafford, Lindley, Wood, Petrie, Clarke. The reserves of Everton are gradually ascending towards the head of the league, and at present are only five points behind the leaders (Manchester United) with the same number of games played. The visitors made three changes, and Everton gave a trial to new back in Ballantyne. Moffatt kicked off against the sun. the first advance came from the Blues, and a good centre from Alford was well cleared by Barton. Again Everton were in the picture, and a good opening was thrown away through Moffatt being adjudged offside. Stalybridge then gave fare some trouble, who placed a back-kick to Salt when under great pressure. The first decent shot of the game came from Spencer after neat work between himself and Jones. Salt then cleared from Lindley, and at the other end Jones was only inches out with a good attempt. Moffatt in the centre passed the ball to his wing with good judgement, and was always on the look-out for centres from the wing. On one occasion he almost converted one from Jones. Another advance by the Celtic left Wood with only Salt to beat, but the keeper made a great save. The game was fairly even, and both teams had their chances, the Celtic the more open, but their shooting was erratic. Four minutes from the interval Moffatt opened the score from a corner well placed by Jones.
Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Stalybridge Celtic 0
Play opened rather tame in the second half, and although both ends received rapid visits the shooting on both sides lacked sting, and after twenty minutes’ play the score still remained 1-0 in Everton’s favour. Final; Everton Res 1, Stalybridge 0.

SKELMERSDALE v  EVERTON “A”
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 26, 1921
At Skelmersdale Everton pressed for a time, and Smith the outside left, had distinctly hard lines. Welding was playing a nice game for Skelmersdale, his centres being accurate.
Half-time; Skelmersdale 0, Everton 0.

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 26 1921
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton v. Wolves reads like old times, Thus after the coal representatives comes the Black Country men, as the old golds were won’t to be called
• This would seen to be Everton’s lucky year -four times drawn at home!
• They have shown steady improvement with each succeeding round, too
• Until on Saturday, we saw something of the real Everton
• We put in as plea for the home-training idea a few weeks ago
• The Everton players themselves decided in favour of it for the Newcastle bout, with eminently satisfactory results, as we all saw
• We might mention that when Everton won the trophy in 1906 they prepared in like fashion- at home, plus visits to the brine baths at Stafford
• The boys in blue have a stiff programme before them what with deferred League matches, international trial games, League fixtures proper, Cup-ties and Eastertide looming up
• This is more than all the men can reasonably stand, and therefore it is good to find that the club has such a strong set of understudy players
• Good, too, to see a number of them coming out in telling form recently
• Thus Thompson is quite a good man in defence. Brown is very little behind his brother half backs, and on Saturday last Grenyer we near, played one of the finest games of his life.
• Likewise Kirsopp. Then we have such class forwards as Parker, Jones, and Reid in the pink of condition, and, last, very good accounts are heard of Moffatt, the Blues young Scottish centre forward.
• The relentless form shown last week by the whole of the Everton half, and full back lines proved the key to Newcastle’s undoing, and at the same time effectively barred their way.
• Little Crossley crisp and clean, was the hero of Saturday’s splendid success.
• Chatting with Charlie Thomson, the old Sunderland skipper, “before the match,” he declared that Sunderland had made a big mistake in letting Crossley come to Everton, and forthwith Crossley himself, went on in no uncertain fashion to emphasise that view
• Praise too, for Harrison’s clever and brave display. He dropped very awkwardly to severely strain a finger, which was doubled in as he fell with all his weight thereon.
• As the editor once stated, Harrison is not a fashionable player, perhaps, in some people’s eyes, but he is immediately practical.
• Forceful, speedy, and clever, he knows how to hit a ball, and there are few better at turning in a revolving leather full of “life” goalwards.
• Very similar are Chedgzoy’s centres in this respect. They are no more sloppy dead things such as some players manage to place goalwards.
• One of the nicest features at Goodison on Saturday was the warm-hearted way in which Wilfred Low went up to Downs at the close and gave him a real hearty handshake of congratulation.
• Long weeks ago Everton we read were placed favourable in the quotations by the profiteers who lay the odds to those public foolish enough to keep them in luxury “jobs”
• The way things have gone indicates that these same gentle must have had a wireless from somewhere, for Everton have had the luck in the draw and have moreover gone on steadily improving
• Everton v Tottenham would make an ideal final
• McDonald’s wedding on Tuesday was an evening affair the “kick-off” being announced for 7 p.m.
• Goodison Park habitues have grown very fond of him
• We can state this openly without arousing Mrs. M’s jealously
• There was work for the ambulance men at Goodison last week. It is to be hoped they will be in evidence for the Wolverhampton match

EVERTON WIN AT CHELSEA.
Yorkshire Post-Monday February 28 1921
At Stamford Bridge, before 50.000 spectators Chelsea pressed early, but Crossley scored surprise goal for Everton in eight minutes, with a long shot. Sharp missed an easy chance for Chelsea from Dale's pass. Chelsea were unlucky. Interval Everfon 1 goal. Chelsea none. After the interval play was fairly even, but dull, with few note worthy incidents. Davis got clear through Molyneux coming out to clear Crossley and made a fine effort, and Baker saved splendidly from Sharp. Chelsea i forwards were too slow for Everton's defence. Chelsea spurted desperately towards close, but Baker kept goal brilliantly. Result:— Everton one. Chelsea none.

CHELSEA 0 EVERTON 1
February 28, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON WIN AT CHELSEA.
THE PENSIONERS POOR SIDE.
There was a fine crowd at Stamford Bridge to witness the meeting of Everton and Chelsea on Saturday and an interesting, if not particularly exciting game whiled away a sunny afternoon. Both clubs are interested in another tournament, and as may be readily imagined the players were not over inclined to outrun their strength. Nevertheless, there was not a few exciting episodes in the encounter, and the issue lay in doubt until quite near the end, in spite of Everton having taken an early lead. The visitors in every department were always the superior side though the fact should be realised that Chelsea were playing a forward line, practically made up of reserve men. This vanguard showed anxiety to assert themselves, but they were no match for the ripe and seasoned Everton defenders, who were very rarely extended. The main fault of the Pensioners was their inability to combine or finish their forward movements with that “snap” which to essential success. By the same token the Everton front line might have shown better form in this particular direction though they were always cleverer than their opponents, and thoroughly deserved their victory.
THE PLAY.
Everton opened vigorously, and the only goal of the match was scored after rather less than ten minutes' play. It was the result of a cleverly-contrived movement in which the principal participants were Fazackerley and Crossley. The former slipped on the greasy surface as he shot, and Crossley, always an opportunist seized on the leather and netted with a fast low drive from close range. From this point onwards the visitors held the whip hand of their antagonists who rarely got going. On one of these few occasions, Sharp missed a fine opening, and on a second Dale lost a great chance of putting his side on level terms. In the second half the Everton players appeared to ease up a little, but they never allowed Chelsea to take liberties. At the same time they were not slow in attack, and both Crossley and Davies ought to have added to the score when well placed. In the closing stages Chelsea tailed off lamentably, but considering the “gruelling” they had undergone in the Cup-tie replays there is every excuse for their lack of fire and finish.
THE PLAYERS.
Considerable interest was taken in the debut of Howard Baker as a goalkeeper in First League Football. Let it at once be said that the well-known amateur made a highly successful “first appearance.” He had not very much to do, it is true, but several shots might well have beaten a less lengthily or agile custodian. One shot from Thomson he dealt with in a strikingly clever way. Both the backs were in fine fettle, and though Downs got a nasty knock on the knee, he was never beaten. He found a capital partner in McDonald, and the support of the halves was admirable. Brewster, if slightly on the slow side, was more than a match for Thomson –a very dangerous centre-forward –and both Fleetwood and Weller were always in the picture. The right wing pair were occasionally brilliant, though Fazackerley was scarcely up to concert pitch. Davies, on the whole did well, and Crossley once again demonstrated his skill in taking advantage of everything that offered. Reid on the outside was somewhat slow, but his centres were invariably accurate. Chelsea, with their reserves, were quite out of the hunt, but the fact that they kept the margin down to the lowest possible limit is distinctly in their favour. Teams: - Chelsea: - Molyneux, goal, Bettridge, and Harrow backs, Middlehoe, Wilding, and Halse, half-backs, Ford, Dale, Thomson, Sharp, and Lee, forwards. Everton: - H. Howard Baker, goal, Downs (Captain), and McDonald, backs, Fleetwood, Brewster, and Weller half-backs, Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies Crossley, and Reid, forwards. Referee Mr. J. W. D. Fowler.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 STAYLBRIDGE CELTIC 0
February 28, 1921. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
At Goodison Park. About 3,000 people witnessed rather a tame game, which ended in a narrow win for Everton by one goal to nil. With the exception of the first fifteen minutes and near the end, the display given by the home side was poor. Everton played a new back in Ballantyre in place of Thompson, but he was frequently at fault, and often let in the visitors who would have taken the lead had their shooting been accurate. Moffatt scored the only goal four minutes before the interval. In the second half, the visitors had lots of chances, but Salt had only three decent shots to save. Grenyer stood out as the best player on the field. Everton: - Salt, goal, Fare, and Ballantyre, backs, Brown, Garrett, and Grenyer, half-backs, Jones, Spencer, Moffatt, Wall, and Alford forwards.

CHELSEA’S CHANGES
Athletic News- Monday, February 28, 1921
FRAIL FORWARD PLAY IN MATCH WITH EVERTON
BAKER’S GOALKEEPING
EVERTON 1, CHELSEA 0
By Achates
In a game in which excitement was delayed until the last five minutes Everton defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before a crowd of 44,000 spectators. In suggesting, however, that the game might reasonably have ended in a draw it is by no means flattering to the home side. On the whole it was one of the most uninteresting games I have seen on the ground this season. At times some cleverness was witnessed, the Everton forwards in particular showing pretty combined movements, but the occasions were rare indeed when they were sustained and appeared likely to develop into a goal. There was often an extraordinary lack of liveliness, and frequently one could hear the pathetic appeals of the onlookers to Chelsea to pull themselves together. This they only did in the last five minutes, and then they found themselves opposed to a very sound defence.
THE ONLY GOAL.

The only goal of the match cane after the game had been in progress five minutes, and resulted directly from the first of the many nice combined movements indulged in by the Everton forwards. Reid passed Middelboe and commenced the trouble. The ball travelled along to Fazackerley, who appeared in the most favourable position for shooting, but he failed to control it, though before Harrow could arrive CROSSLEY whipped in and scored with a swift, low drive. How Sharp failed to equalise just afterwards is a mystery, for a typical dribble close in by Dale, put him in possessionand he only had to guide the ball into an empty net. Instead, be shot very wide. Each goal had narrow escapes in the second half, for when a mistake by Betteridge let in Davies, the downfall of the Chelsea citadel looked certain, but Wilding retrieved the position in great style, while later Molyneux ran right out of his charge to put Crossley off his shot. Thomson should have scored when Middelboa raced through to centre, for Baker was on the ground helpless, but the Chelsea leader shot high over the bar.
BAKER’S CLEVER GOALKEEPING
Everton struck me as a team of great possibilities, yet they never quite reached the standard they looked capable of. The British amateur high jump champion, B. H. Baker, was in goal for the first time in the League team, and I should say the Everton management were delighted with his display. A. former well-known amateur goalkeeper declared that Baker was the best custodian who had been to Stamford Bridge this season. While scarcely going so far as that, I must say that he distinguished himself. With far more to do than Molyneux, his fielding of the ball was brilliant, and with long and high shots hewas ideal, but I would like to have seen him tested with some low drives.  Downs and Macdonald spoiled sound defensive work by over-kicking their own forwards, who rarely had a chance of reaching the bail from their clearances, but the half backs were an extremely level trio, whose Intercepting left nothing to be desired. A. a combined force the forwards were excellent, with Davies a most capable and trustful leader, hut their marksmanship left much to be desired. Chelsea had no fewer than seven changes from the team that drew with Plymouth Argyle in the Cup-tie on Thursday, though, in one instance, the side was strengthened by the appearance of Middelboa. Cock, Croal, McNeil, and Cameron were all suffering from Injuries; Ferris was figuring in the International match at Belfast, and Ford was restored again to the exclusion of Linfoot.  Ford was the best of the home forwards,though he was badly neglected in the second half. He showed some of his oldtime cleverness dribbling, and centred well. Lee occasionally middled the ball nicely, and Thomson was forceful though he found Brewster a little too much forhim. Sharp and Dale were both weak. Middelboe and Wilding did very well at half-back, and Halse strove energetically against the clever Chedgzoy-Fazackerley wing, but Harrow and Bettridge made several faultyclearances and appeared to be feeling the effects of the Cup-ties. Chelsea; Molyneux; Bettridge, Harrow; N. Middleboa, Wilding, Halse; Ford, Dale, Thomson, Sharp and Lee. Everton;- B.H. Baker; Downs, McDonald; Fleetwood, Brewster, Weller; Chedgzoy, Fazackerley, Davies, Crossley, and Reid. Referee J.W.D. Fowler, Sunderland.

EVERTON v. CROSSLEY GOAL WIN v.  CHELSEA
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, February 28, 1921
Bee’s Notes
A sunny day and a sunnily dispositioned game was our experience at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. It was by no means a battle royal- indeed the Pensioners really never looked like overcoming their much more powerful opponents-but it afforded a very pleasant afternoon’s entertainment. The Cockney crowd showed a disposition towards the close of the game to gird at the efforts of the Chelsea forwards, and I cannot help thinking that in adopting this attitude they were rather unfair to the reserve players who-like the man at the piano-were certainly doing their best. The fact is that Thomson and his wings were no match for such stalwarts as the Everton defenders; and though they were occasionally dangerous they either finished weakly or missed the opportunities that were offered. There is no doubt that Cup-tie anticipations played a not inconspicuous part in the comparative mediocrity of the contest, but it would be idle to say, as some superior persons aver, that the game was the poorest seen on the Chelsea enclosure. There were plenty of incident; several thrills in front of both goals, and some remarkably clever short passing at times on the part of the Evertonians. Crossley -who apparently brings his mine-sweeping cunning from the Navy into more pastoral pursuits-scored the only goal with an opportune shot at short range after Fazackerley had failed. After this there was “nothing doing” except missed chances. The Everton defence was at times not without anxious moments, for the Chelsea reserve line, like Barkis, certainly “showing willing.” Howard Baker made a highly successful first appearance in goal on behalf of Everton in a League match, and acquitted himself admirably. I am not given to flattery-quite the contrary-but watching the Northern Nomad as he stood between the sticks I could not help recalling Kipling’s lines about another sportsman, of whom he wrote;- “He trod the ling like a buck in spring, And he looked like a lance at rest.”