SUNDERLAND 0 EVERTRON 0
February 2, 1925. The Daily Courier.
BLUES SURPRISE THE CRITICS
SUNDERLAND TO COME TO GOODISON.
By F. McN.
Everton achieved what the majority of the critics believed to be beyond their powers. A Sunderland victory at Roker Park was anticipated everywhere, except among the Everton players and officials. Before the game there was quiet confidence in the Evertonians' camp, the players believing that they could win or at least draw. There succeeded in forcing a replay by dint of persistently good tackling, sound judgement and the ability to play the type of football required for the occasion. On the play a draw was a fair reflex, but I am sure the bulk of the spectators will agree that what really clever football there was in a rather colourless encounter came from Everton. The replay on Wednesday at Goodison Park should provide a hard and entertaining game.
THE GOALKEEPER.
As judged from the point of view of attack Harland had more to do than McIroy, but there was no question about the superiority of the Everton vanguard when they got moving. The injury to Broad came at a time when Everton were setting down to a winning game. Broad sustained a nasty injury to the upper part of his leg as he was dashing forward to meet a centre from Chedgzoy, and though he resumed he was never able to give the side full assistance. This misfortune threw the line out of gear. The grim determination of the Everton halves and backs counterbalanced the weakness in the forwards. McBain was magnificent not only as a leader, but in breaking up attacks and assisting his backs he worked manfully. Reid, too played a great part, Buchan, as a result of the Scot's close attentions, being rarely dangerous. Brown was a power, and to my mind, it was the terrier-like tactics of Everton's middle line, which saved the day. Harland made several fine saves, the Irishman timing his interventions perfectly, and showing great judgement generally. There was one misunderstanding between Harland and McDonald, however, which almost led to disaster. Buchan nipped in between them, and Raitt made a flying kick, sending the ball a foot wide of his own post when many people though he had driven into the net. It was one of the thrills of the game. McDonald and Raitt, however, played soundly, their kicking and tackling being strong.
CHEDGZOY'S PART.
Chedgzoy and Irvine frequently had the Sunderland men in two minds. The wingers drove in the finest shot of the day in the first half –a ball about which McInroy knew little, though he managed to get his hands on it. Then again Chedgzoy almost won the game in the last few minutes, when Broad, from outside-right, made a fine run and centre, Chedgzoy waited for the ball, and swung his foot to shoot when McInroy, by a wonderful effort threw himself at the ball and managed to deflict it from Chedgzoy. It was a thrilling save. Weaver did not have a good day, as the ball did not come to him in advantageous positions. Chadwick was not in his best shooting form, though he did well in the open. Considering the handicap, under which he laboured, Broad was decidedly useful. He may not be fit for Wednesday's game. Sunderland were well served in goal by McInroy. England and Oakley were a sound pair of backs, and Parker was the outstanding half-back, though Clunas and Andrews were little behind in point of merit. Ellis and Hawes were the best wing for Buchan is not the power he was. The tall forward seems to have lost a lot of his dash and skill. He had the chance to win the match in the last quarter of an hour when he got clean through, but shooting with his left foot he fired wide and high. I have seen Buchan score brilliant goals from much less difficult positions, but he entirely failed on this occasion. England was hurt and retired before the finish, while Ellis sustained a cut on his head. These accidents necessitated the team being re-shuffled near the end. Teams: - Sunderland: - McIroy, goal, Oakley, and England, backs, Clunas, Parker, and Andrews, half-backs, Grimshaw, Buchan, Rodgers, Hawes, and Ellis, forwards. Everton: - Harland, goal Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain (captain), and Reid, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 4
February 2 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 27)
Everton Reserves took a strong side to Stoke and were much superior, winning by 4 goals to 1. The game was played under wretched conditions, rain felling continually on a sudden ground. Williams scored three and Cock the other goal, whilst Hallam was Stoke's successfully marksman. Bain was outstanding in defence, and all the forwards combined well having regard to the conditions . Everton: - Kendall, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone, backs, McGrae, Bain, and Rooney, half-backs, Parry, Wall, Cock, Williams, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 1 NEWTON COMMON 1
February 2, 1925. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Both forward lines displayed good football only to find the defences masters of the situation. Houghton scored for Everton close in, and the equaliser came a few minutes later when Finlay converted a penalty kick. Everton was awarded a penalty (Hamilton0Daily Post), but this was saved by Street.

EVERTON SIGN O'DONNELL.
February 2 1925. The Daily Courier.
DARLINGTON BACK THAT PLAYED AT ANFIELD.
Everton have secured the transfer of John O'Donnell, Darlington left back. He is one of the most promising defenders in the country, and Everton signed their man in face of great opposition, other League clubs, including Liverpool, Cardiff City, Blackburn Rovers Leeds United, and Huddersfield being keen to obtain the player's services. O'Donnell will be 22 in March, stands ft, 8ins, and weighs 12st 4lb. He was been with Darlington nearly three seasons, first playing as an ammeter. He was originally a centre-forward, but Jack English the old Sheffield United back and present team manager off Darlington, saw possibilities in O'Donnell as a back, and he has developed on the right lines. O'Donnell made his debut against the Wolves in October of last season, and has held his place since. Darlington lead the Northern section of the Third Division. O'Donnell gave an impressive display against Cardiff City in the replayed Cup-tie at Anfield.

EVERTON’S WONDERFUL DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Monday 02 February 1925
By F.E.H.
And so we live to fight another day! That all-important date is Wednesday next, when at Goodison Park, Everton and Sunderland will again experience the clash of arms.  It should prove a momentous issue, and I am not going to offer any opinion as to the result.  Taking a line through Saturday’s game at Roker Park, the final cast of the die lies on the lap of the gods.  To put the case tersely, the competing teams are quite evenly balanced, and there was really little to choose between them in the match under notice.  The Evertonians resplendent in new jerseys. Showed much more stylish football than their opponents, but they had scarcely the same dash and vigour as the Wearsiders.  Poor Tom Watson would have reveled in the sight of Rodgers and his wings heckling the Everton defence with the avidity of hornets, but he would have been equally perturbed at their failure to get past Harland. 
SUBDUED BUCHAN
I have frequently expressed the opinion that the North of Ireland man was a great goalkeeper in posse, and Saturday’s encounter justified my humble judgement of the man.  Several of his saves were marked by that wonderful anticipation of agility which in the main characterizes the work of Elisha Scott-who is perhaps the greatest goalkeeper in the world to-day.  This many readers may regard as fulsome praise, but I offer the opinion deliberately.  He was constantly being tried by Ellis, Rodgers, and Buchan, and came through the ordeal with flying colours.  Sunderland’s famous star artiste, by the way, was in a very subdued light during the first period, but when he took up the centre forward position in the second half he fairly made things hum.  Fortunately for Everton he had left matters too late, and though he got in one or two “teasers” he was foiled, while on one occasion, when presented with an open goal, he shot, harmlessly, yards wide of the mark.  Having said so much let us turn for a moment to the Everton plan of campaign.  It must at once be conceded that the Blues, profiting by past experiences, adopted the correct style of play on a surface that was rather on the heavy side.  They opened out their passing in the best fashion and it required all the tenacity and watchfulness of Parker and his wings to keep them out.  That they would have got through I personally feel confident if Broad had not early in the game been badly bowled over by Oakley. It was a perfectly fair tackle, but it sent the Everton centre-forward spinning like a teetotum for a couple of yards in the mud.  He was carried off the field but returned pluckily within ten minutes though his thigh was rather badly damaged.  From this point onwards he was a comparative passenger and when in the later stages chances came his way he was obviously unable to make the best of them. 
UNSCIENTIFIC
Sunderland had rather the better of the argument in the first half, and it was chiefly the cleverness of McBain that led to the effective checking of Rodgers and his wings.  Throughout the game the Everton centre-half was he man who appeared to direct operations, and he was certainly loyally supported.  The Wearsiders at the opening of the contest made dangerous play through Ellis and Hawes, who were distinctly the better wing.  The outside man was especially dangerous, his long oblique shots frequently bringing Harland out of goal in order to clear.  Quick exchanges and end to end play were the features of the first “forty-five” and they were accentuated in the second.  But it seemed to me that this very liveliness” defeated its own object for, with few exceptions, the shots fired were just off the target.  Those that did come to hand, as you will have gathered, were well gathered, and perhaps the most thrilling incident of the contest was when McIntry saved a wonderful shot from the famous International who has reflected football frame on the growing town of Ellesmere Port.  Chedgzoy and Irvine- whose neatness must be recognized –were most in the limelight, but their finishing touches just failed.  Chadwick was a willing horse, but his hefty drives were unavailing and Weaver was scarcely up to form.  The work of the defence I have already alluded to and, with all due respect to Sunderland, I hope they may give a “repeat performance” on Wednesday.  Altogether it was a strenuous, if unscientific game, full of incident and breathing the real Cup-tie spirit. 

CUP DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Monday 02 February 1925
EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD?
Everton, if they get through on Wednesday, have to go to Bramall-lane, there to contest with the side that smothered the Corinthians and proceeded to push out their own townsmen, the Wednesday club.  United have been at home on each of the three occasions, and therefore must count themselves most fortunate.  It will be the third meeting between Everton and Sheffield club.  In 1901 Everton went out 0-2 through a visit to Bramall-lane, and in 1907, one of Everton’s final-tie years, Everton returned the compliment by winning 1-0. 
QUEUING UP AT 3.30
In conversation with officials of the Everton club this evening I learn that there was a queue for tickets for Wednesday’s match as early as 8.30 this morning.  There has been a steady run on the tickets, and the phone and messengers have made bookings brisk.  Mr. McIntosh and his staff have spent every moment of the day dealing with applications from all parts of the country, and when questioned they said that possibly the whole of the 7,000 tickets will have gone by eleven o’clock to-night.  There are stacks of applications by post.  The official estimate of the probable attendance on Wednesday is 50,000.  Two seasons ago Sunderland replayed a game at Anfield and there was an enormous crowd there then.  To accommodate the crowd Mr. McIntosh asks all shareholders who are willing to act as stewards to attend at the club tomorrow night at 7.30. 

A NEW EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 02 February 1925
STUDY IN TACTICS WHICH CAHELLENGED FORMIDABLE SUNDERLAND
SUNDERLAND 0 EVERTON 0
By Impressionist.
This bravest can be forgiven for quaking before a Cup-tie at Sunderland.  Everton did not lack the courage.  All that was requited was to put it into expression. This was done in a way that, candidly, surprised me. I not do associate Everton with the specific type of play called Cup-tie football, but they met this need. This club has a tradition for playing the —nowadays, exclusive-real game.  As a rule when they have made progress in the intensive, do-or-die tournament, it has been by their superlative merit from their own goal to the other.  Nowadays the germs of the majestic past are there, but the whole it is only a happy recollection for followers of the Goodison Park club.  Is this the dawn? At any rate, this Everton reveals adaptability to the demands the Cup, and all know what inspiration this leads to. I say Everton were astonishing at Roker Park.  One looked for their instinctive polish submitting Sunderland’s thoroughness.  Quite the contrary, Everton gave measure for measure in game that left a huge void. It was stern and strenuous, but the ball was mostly played in the air. Neither side would take the risk of control and individuality, with the result that it was case of receipt and urgent dispatch.  But the finish, when incident occurred to colour the monotone of thrust and parry, Everton were the assertive combination, and McInroy the saviour Sunderland. ’Tis well that these teams have to meet again. A goal either way would have determined the destiny to the third round. That it did not come within the last ten minutes was entirely due to Mclnroy. 
THAT QACTIVE RAMPART
Coming right down to the foundation of things, the influential factor was the Everton half-back line. Such a contrast from the normal I never believed possible. These half-backs fell into the trend of things right away.  To illustrate the change, I cannot better than mention the McBain emergency transformation.  Here the player with the cultured ideals playing up to the call of resourceful defence and prompt action.  McBain holding the ball, maneuvering for position, and gently bestowing it had little part in this picture.  No, was the McBain, covering his backs, attendant everywhere among the Sunderland forwards, and intent upon keeping them a distance, who flitted, an arresting, preying figure through this game. The wing half-backs accepted the lead, and the backs had only to bear an even burden.  Perhaps the Everton forwards received less attention than they are accustomed to, but they did just as much, or little, damage, as I have seen when the middle men played the ball in their lap, as it were. One gathered that the new Everton attack can find the imitative and practical methods near goal.  It was Everton's policy to tread warily in the lion’s den. This they did, with the glowing example the half-backs first and foremost. At this centre of activity the Sunderland attack was reduced to patches. This was nothing like the line opportunists I saw against West Bromwich Albion. They met their masters tactics. Fettered, they could not find release.  The Sunderland half backs were as much spoilers as the rival division, and difference in the play which favoured Everton eventually was due to the superior constructive ability which came to the surface. The visitors must be credited, moreover, with resisting the misfortune of an injury to Broad which left him only one sound leg, with only sound leg, and only eight minutes gone.  A quarter an hour from the finish Sunderland were worse straits, for England had to go off, and this required Andrews to retreat to left back andHawes to left half-back. Before this rearrangement, however, the anxiety of Sunderland was betrayed in the appearance of Buchan at centre: while latterly the confidence and enterprise Everton could not be doubted in an offensive led Chedgzoy in the centre, and by Broad on the wing. 
McINROY INTERVENES
In this precise connection the game was within fraction being won. Broad got the ball near the half-way line, urged it past Andrews, and centred to Chedgzoy, who was about deliberately to shoot through when Mclnroy dived at his feet. At the beginning and the end of the second half Chedgzoy was the danger. Just when it seemed that Sunderland were finding themselves, after failure to profit by the first-half wind, Chedgzoy pranced away, and a cross shot brought out the best in McInroy. The Sunderland goalkeeper was heavily pressed when demands did come his way.  Harland was often in action, and less in duress. For instance, Buchan made one of his electrifying dribbles, and might have gone right on to slip the ball beside the goalkeeper. Instead, the importance of taking the merest glimpse of a chance induced him to shoot wide—to the relief of Harland, who, however, was never in a worse plight than when Raitt, attempting safety-first clearance, drove the ball like a flash past his own post.  On another occasion it was quite typical of McBain‘s mobility that was on the line to head out, when all seemed lost, to a characteristic Buchan diversion.  There were quite pulsating Incidents in a game earnest endeavour and— if I may make the paradox-destructive artifice. The honours went to defence, and that of Everton's, primarily because it faltered less, and hardly ever, Oakley was not so sure  in advancing to meet a bounding ball as I have seen him, and he made returns on the ground in front his goal that luckily escaped the advancing attack.  England was more reliable, accurate in timing his tackles, and covering a wide area, to get in his kick. In this way England strode to a fraction, to push the ball away from foot threatening a goal. The half-back lines had much in common, but Everton’s was the better by virtue of constructive gleams. Little in this way emanated from Clunas and Andrews, though, it was perhaps unfortunate reflection the former that Grimshaw allowed many transfers tamely to pass over the line which ought to have been taken onward.  Grimshaw did not keep position well.  He was gravitating inside, when the policy was to keep the line in readiness for the swinging pass. This was his only hope against McDonald, who left no scope for the opposition to gather, or conjure the ball. McDonald and Reid were all shrewdness and promptitude.  They dominated the Sunderland right wing to an extent confessed by the impotency of Buchan, until that startling personality sought, and found, scope in the centre.  Generally Buchan was tranquil and apparently no account. Unexpectedly he generated vitality and craft, and suggested the match winner. Hawes was the best schemer in the Wearside attack, and anon Ellis put across awkward, captivating ball, but rather too near the goalkeeper. This wing had almost as little penetrative force as the other, for Raitt and Brown were happy combination of purpose.  The former stood on no ceremony-quite a Cup-tie factor. McBain I have referred to. There were times when  he aimed at methodical contact with his forwards, but this was never a characteristic of Parker, whose hood in defence had some of the gilt taken off it by the haphazard nature of his kicking, which in fact recoiled his own side.  Although badly handicapped, Broad continued to make neat passes on either side. Gradually Chedgzoy became sinuous and elusive on the wing, while Weaver the other side appreciated the value of making much progress as he could without risk of dispossession, and of flinging the ball over.  Irvine was the schemer in chief, inclined to overdo it, as the play was dictated, and Chadwick alert for a shot. One of his thrilling efforts barely rose over the bar.  This was in keeping with other failures which equalized themselves out, and require another 90 minutes, at least, to absolve.  Sunderland.—McInrtoy; Oakley, England; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Grimshaw, Buchan, Rodgers, Hawes, and Ellis.  Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver.  Referee; Mr. G. Griffiths, New Sawley. 

DARLINGTON FULL-BACK
Shields Daily News - Monday 02 February 1925
John O’Donnell, the Darlington left back, has signed on for Everton, arrangements for his transfer being completed during the week-end.  O’Donnell came to Darlington in March, 1923 from a junior Tyneside club.  At first he was plated at centre-forward, but after a time was given a trial at back, which proved his real position. A fearless tackler, he has rare judgement and is a sure kick.  His transfer fee is a four figure one –the largest that Darlington has obtained –but the amount is not disclosed.  Several other Darlington players have also lately attracted the attention of first League clubs. 

DARLINGTON-EVERTON TRANSFER
Athletic News - Monday 02 February 1925
In view of Darlington’s commanding lead in the Third Division (Northern Section), and the prospect of Second Division football there next season, it will come as a surprise their followers that they should decide to respond to the many overtures made for the transfer of talent.  Last week Darlington invited those clubs interested to state their requirements,  and what they were prepared to offer, the sequel being that Everton have this week-end negotiated successfully  for J. O’Donnell, the left full-back, who was attraction in many senior quarters—from Tyne, in fact, to Trent.  O’Donnell, native of Gateshead and 21 of age, is quite a North-Eastern product. What little he lacks in height is fully countered by a strong, hardy physique, and his cool, calculating methods. A young player, O’Donnell is likely further to distinguish himself in first-class circles, where his best traits will have fuller scope for development. 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 03 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
Yesterday I had converse with people.  All had the same topic.  One friend taxed to the Goodison club, and in converse I found that have as everywhere else there was a splendid confidence in Everton to win the replayed tie.  Home ground meansmuch. Everton, by drawings away when defeat seemed to stare at them, should have our every encouragement, became the time has come when they need all the help that spectators can offer them. They can be spurred on by a crowd- and what a crowd it will be! I have not yet happened on the man who has apologized because he cannot attend the meeting. Will the records go by the board? It will not be surprising if the day is at all fine, because Sunderland are one of the biggest attractions is this city, and the name of Buchan is a magnet that draws with the power of a Lander.  We like to see him whether he is on or off his game, because no player of to-day has quite the same personality and no player does things in quite the same flicky manner. 
THE FIGURES
Let us study the crowd for a moment.  The record gate at Goodison Park is 57,600.  These people gathered to see a replayed final tie between Newcastle and Barnsley, Shepherd’s side winning, aided by a penalty kick. That day many people got in without paying, so the figures are in a sense false. They say at Goodison Park there is plenty of opportunity for 60,000 spectators, and give as their conclusive evidence (I am quoting Mr. Tom McIntosh’sfigures, and he is known as one of the greatest of football secretaries in the matter of statistics) the figures for the last local "Derby" game with Liverpool, when 56,255 people paid, and still there was room for more in the paddock and elsewhere.
BROAD ABSENT
It is a pity there should be a change necessary.  But it is imperative.  James Broad pluckily stayed on at Roker and now nurses a very severe injury, which will prevent his playing in the return engagement.  Thus I imagine that Jack Cock will return to his customary place, although in stating that I am speaking off my own bat and desire to make it plain that the side has not yet been chosen and will not be until the directors meet to-night.  These are the probable teams; Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Weaver.  Sunderland; McInroy; Oakley, Cresswell; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Griumshaw, Buchan, Rodgers, Hawes, Ellis. Referee; Mr. H. Griffiths, of New Sawley. 
ATTRACTIVE
It appears, from inquiries from railway companies &c., that the tie has aroused tremendous interest around Liverpool, and that we shall once again have a great visitation to the city.  In many ways this means business to the city, and thus football has a peg on which an “article” may be hung.  Those who are going to the ground are reminded that the ends of Bullens-road are not reserved or numbered; pay at the turnstiles.  It is hardly necessary to go further into the game, so I will close down this particular corner for this evening, and in so doing wish the Everton boys all the best of good fortune. 
In obtaining the services of Jack O’Donnell Everton have secured one of the smartest young backs in the northern section of the Third Division.  Two years ago he was playing in minor football on Tyneside, and in March 1923, joined Darlington as a forward.  Unforeseen circumstances rendered it necessary for him to play at left back in a reserve match in his early days with the Quakers, and since that date he has occupied no other position.  Towards the end of last season he made six appearances in the Darlington senior eleven and in the present term has not missed a single game, playing in twenty-four league games and nine cup and friendly matches.  Only twenty-one, O’Donnell is a strong and resolute player, and never appears to tire.  The fee is substantial, running into four figures, and whilst the actual amount has not been divulged, it is certainly the highest Darlington has ever received for a player. 

EVERTON VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 04 February 1925
EXTRAORDINARY SCENES
40,000 PRESENT
A THRILLING FINISH
DRAW UP TO LAST FEW MINUTES
CROWD BREAKS THROUGH
By Bees
There was a continuous “funeral” today.  Office staffs were “thin” shops were closed, and many barbers put up an announcement at one o’clock, “Gone for the day.”  There were some 40,000 people “gone for the day”- -football enthusiasts.  Goodison Park’s record is 57,000 for an English Cup replayed midweek tie.  This number was not reached to-day, in spite of the fine weather and the intense attraction of Sunderland, Buchan, and Everton.  There were extraordinary scenes in the city.  Trains from various districts poured out loads of people, and as early as twelve o’clock people were round Goodison to gain a good viewpoint.  Special teams were swamped by people who had seemingly never heard of the word “queue” as illustrated in on “Echo” picture on Page 10.  The crowd broke in at the corner of the field, but there was no untoward consequences. 
Everton regretted having to have a change; Broad was hurt; thus Cock came to his own again.  Kendall took Harland’s place in goal.  Sunderland also made alterations in defence through England being hurt.  This was the team formation; Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Weaver.  Sunderland; McInroy; Oakley, Young; Cunas, Parker, Andrews; Grimshaw, Buchan, Marshall, Hawes, Ellis.  The afternoon turned out rather dull, but the time of waiting was passed pleasantly by the spectators with balloons, which were severely handled.  The ground had dried under the sharp wind, and when the game started there would be about 38,000 people present, and the paddock was, as usual the last to fill.  There was a few mounted police, but their presence was not required, as the arrangements of the Westminster-road police were excellent.  Much surprised was occasioned when it was found that Harland was unable to play through an injured leg, and Kendall returned to the side after a long absence.  Peacock and Hunter Hart hobbled on to the touch-line and received a hearty cheer. Peacock had to use crutches, and Hart walked with the aid of a stick.  There were 400 people from Sunderland, and all the ex-Sunderland people at Birkenhead steamship yards turned out in full force.  Everton won the toss. 
SUNDERLAND PRESS
Sunderland at once pushed the ball high up, and McDonald, having cleared once, was called upon again by Grimshaw, who followed up resolutely.  Kendall showed a surprisingly long ball in his goal kicks, and one of them brought Cock into view, Irvine had a nice chance, even though the ball was rather high up, but he screwed around the shot.  The home side had much encouragement and enthusiasm, and when McBain stopped the dribble by Buchan, the joy of the home folk was rich.  Reid, falling to the ground, did a crab walk and succeeded in getting the ball away. 
CROWD BREAKS IN
Eventually it went to Hawes, one of the few footballers who carries a handkerchief in his hand.  Kendall was quite safe with a long lob.  Just as Sunderland were taking a free kick for hands against Raitt, the crowd broke in at one corner, but the police soon got them seated comfortably without disorder or fear.  The free kick was a source of trouble to the Everton defence, McDonald having to head away from the goal line.  Even so, Kendall was placed aright for the save.  At this point the crowd broke in at the corner for the second time, and were awkward to handle for some time.  There was hundred around the playing space, and all were delighted to get out of the crush.  In the number were old men and some women.
SUNDERLAND SCORE
Sunderland scored in seventeen minutes.  It was an undebatable point, a clean goal, brilliantly initiated and concluded with a rapier-like thrust on the part of Marshall.  Marshall started the movement, and completed it.  once he seemed to have gone a little too far in his dribble, but he recovered the ball, and then went into partnership with Buchan, who, using each foot in turn with great dexterity and skill, and swerving his body, made an opening that led to Reid and Macdonald being on the ground what time the ball went to Marshall, who hit out at once, taking no chances on the question of time.  Buchan went on to show a little more of his artistry by gliding the ball hither and thither, and finally making a pass with the right foot behind the left.  This tickled the 40,000 odd people to death.  But Everton fought back gallantly, and for five minutes they gave a rousing display of forceful football. Given in concrete fashion.  I amounted to this.  Irvine, McBain, Chadwick, and Chedgzoy in turn made splendid drives, and McInroy had to get down to prevent Chedgzoy scoring, while McBain was the most direct and emphatic shot of the lot.
YOUNG HURT
Brown, it should be mentioned, was gripping the Sunderland right wing as in a vice, yet Ellis broke away beyond Raitt, Reid preventing a corner coming to anything.  Near half-time Irvine beat the defence and made a square pass to Cock, who was on the point of making the equalizer when Clunas sizing up the position, ran on and smothered the shot.  Young was injured in collision, and was carried off.
IRVINE EQUALISES.
Everton got on equal terms late in the half; so late in fact, that there was no time to restart play.  Cock and Irvine between them were juggling with the ball and the final pass to Irvine allowed that player from ten yards’ range to push the ball into the far left-hand corner, McInroy being out of place.  It was not a very fast shot, but it was something better- it was the equaliser, and the crowd went wild with delight.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sunderland 1. 
Young reappeared with the Sunderland side for the second half, and in the first breath Cock made a first-time shot with power and precision.  McInroy saved, and should have been further tested, when Reid hesitated instead of shooting.  Weaver was hurt, and off the field for a moment.
SHOCKS FOR EVERTON
Everton had two shocks in quick succession.  First of all Marshall made an exquisite solo run beyond the backs, and when he shot the ball was turned by an Everton player so near the goal that few goalkeepers knew weather the ball was in or out.  Fortunately it was out, and still more fortunately Buchan headed the corner-kick against the crossbar.  Young, at this time, was inclined to take the man rather than the ball. Offside stoppages were rare, and this was partly due to the fact that the referee missed one or two cases, as was the case when Chedgzoy got a corner for nothing.  Everton had a rally for quite two minutes, when McInroy having left his goal Irvine and Chedgzoy appeared to be sure of taking the lead.  McDonald was playing his usual heroic game, but up to now little had been seen of Weaver or Chadwick.  One of the best instantaneous shots of the game was credited to Irvine, but McInroy took no chances, and smothered the ball at the foot of the post.
A PRETTY MOVE
There was never anything prettier than the occasion when Buchan did not touch the ball, yet had the defence guessing through his very inactivity.  Everton were far from inactive, and had the Sunderland defence guessing at this moment.  A pass back by Cock should have meant a goal, but Chadwick was too hasty in his effort to shoot, and in the rally that followed Irvine nearly became famous and the crowd went frantic when a ball, headed in, hit the side net.  Through it all McInroy was steady and calm, and Clunas and Young seemed unable to raise a gallop, whereas Parker was solid all through.
IRVINE IMPRSSES.
Sunderland were not staying so well as Everton, in whose forward line Irvine was most successful, and at this juncture the Irishman drove a red-hot ball which the ex-Preston goalkeeper took with both his hands and his body, to be sure to save cleanly.  Hawes hurt his right leg, and on the same flank was Young, who is a veteran, and is really the “A” team player, and coach of the Sunderland club.  He is full of courage, and cartilage-filleted, having undergone many operations.
BUCHAN GOES QUIET.
Sunderland were penned in after the first few minutes of the first half, and Grimshaw was disappointing when Buchan, who had gone very quiet, made a gilt-edged chance for him.  A second time Buchan rose to great heights, being, however, smothered out by Raitt after he had gone to inside left. A free-kick was given against Sunderland on the score of dangerous play, Buchan using his long leg and risked McBain’s face. 
TRYING ANMD TIRING
On another occasion Buchan hurt Raitt, and Raitt, was inclined to take the matter in his own hands.  Cock now made his best solo run of the game, but McIntroy again proved a barrier.  There was another semblance of spleen when Oakley was spoken to about his “legging” of the home centre.  All the players were trying and tiring at the same time, and the prospect of an extra half-hour’s play was all too rosy.  Twice Parker had chances, and once Reid had a chance, but neither half back improved the shinning hour.
CHADWICK GIVES THE LEAD.
It seemed as if the game had resolved itself into a battle between McInroy and Irvine, and McInroy succeeded in turning a ball for a corner when it was a good rate of odds on a goal.  Three minutes from time Chadwick scored from the inside right position, to which he had gone to accept a throw-in from Chedgzoy.  A full back handled in the penalty area, and a penalty decision seemed assured.  However, something better came when Chadwick, taking advantage of loose defence, scored from easy range.  Brown was hurt, and the crowd took a dislike to Buchan.  It was a thrilling finish to an electric game, and Everton now go to Sheffield to cross swords with the Blades.  Final; Everton 2, Sunderland 1.
SUMMING UP
Everton won well.  Sunderland the better in the first half. Everton were on top in the second half. 

EVERTON 2 SUNDERLAND 1 (Fa Cup Game 114)
February 5, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
SUNDERLAND WELL BEATEN.
THE BRILLIANCE OF BROWN AND IRVINE.
By “Bee.”
Everton won their replayed Cup-tie with Sunderland by 2 goals to 1. The teams had each scored a goal before the interval, but Chadwick gained the victory three minutes from the end. The game was very exciting and varied notably for the way Sunderland, after starting of like match-winners, fell away to nothing in the second half. Everton won through sheer perseverance. They had not been blessed with much optimism or belief in themselves, but by weathering the storm yesterday, and fighting back to win near time they fully redeemed themselves in the eyes of their followers. Everton won well, if narrowly, and the beauty of the victory lay in the way they persisted in their attacks, and though repeatedly beaten back, hampered on a tired defence till it cracked up. Yet one would not like to say that the Everton forwards were entirely satisfactory. The left wing was weak, Weaver getting little show and Chadwick having but few chances. Similarly there were times when Chedgzoy was selfish and cared more for the dribble than the prompt pass to a comrade.
EVERTON'S RISE.
The rise of Everton is undoubtedly due to the improved half-back work and the steadiness of the full backs, McBain played a wonderful game at Roker on Saturday, and yesterday the three men were very sure in their tackle and also in the way they passed up the field to make ground. None did quite so well as Brown, who played with a vim and vigour as well as with a fantastic manner that captivated the eye. So far as the fantastic touch is concerned, however, no player on the field took the eye more than Charles Buchan. Buchan is getting on in football years and he worked so hard to help the defence that it was quite in the nature order of things that he should be unable to stay through to the last. Buchan fell back in the first half to head away corner kicks, he helped the half-backs at times, and also gave a brilliant solo exhibition, and could hardly expected to continue such form to the end of the game. By his astute moves, his feinting and dribbling and his decision to leave the ball when others though he was certain to go for it, he had the match at times in his grasp. He was well watched, yet he was able, by his skill in knowing how far to go, and when to stop his “fiddling,” to offer Marshall a chance to goal. Marshall did not need pressing to accept the golden grit, and thus, in seventeen minutes, Kendall, deputising splendidly for Harland, was well beaten.
A SPICE OF ILL-LUCK.
Where Sunderland were unlucky was in the fact of Irvine scoring with the last kick of the first half when Young, the veteran full back, was off the field nursing a pretty severe injury. This was bad fortune for the visiting side, and they suffered again when Buchan headed the ball against the crossbar. Having paid them that measure, however, the rest is all in favour of Everton who for twenty minutes at a time were contending with the Sunderland defence, in which were two young men who never wavered. McInroy, the goalkeeper of twenty years of age, and Oakley a mere striping who was a very fine judge of a high ball and was equally good in heading, kicking, or tackling. Against those two “stars” one had to put some slow-moving half backs and backs –Andrews and Young, both on the left flank, were slow and awkward, and therein lay Everton's chance. Irvine made their faults appear more pronounced than they were, and he was quite the most dangerous forward on the field for he was inclined to shoot and must have had six sharp shots at McInroy who fielded them with fine judgement and a sure touch. Such a strenuous opposition did Everton offer to the visitors' defence that every one of the spectators –there were 50,000 and they paid a sum of £3,200 –expected a goal lead much earlier than the eighty-seventh minute. It was not a prettily obtained goal that helped Everton towards Sheffield United's ground on February 21 st in the third round, but it counted and it came from a sharp throw-in. Chadwick being nearer the right than the left wing when he made his shot.
A GAME OF CONTRASTS.
As a game it had two district sides. The first half was, without a doubt, Sunderland's. After that their key man Buchan, faded out and Grimshaw, Hawes, and Ellis did not rise to the occasion, whereas Cock, for one, improved in the second half, at the start of which he sent in a rousing first-time shot. Cock was second to Irvine, and the home half-backs, as a line, merit high praise. Behind then Raitt was a trifle streaky, and McDonald was in a mood for brooking no interference, while by act and persuasion he also inspired the men in front of him. Harland's absence was not felt, for young Kendall showed how good he can be with a high (and dry) ball. However Kendall could not arrest the ball when it was sent back accidentally by Raitt, and sped outside by a yard only. Everton may not have been with fault, it is true, but they certainly gave encouraging signs by the manner of their persisance in plodding on, and also in the manner of the recovery after losing ground. It was encourage them to go on with good work in their League games. Teams: - Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain (captain) and Reid, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards. Sunderland: - McInroy, goal, Oakley, and Young, backs, Clunas, Parker, and Andrews, half-backs, Grimshaw, Buchan, Marshall, Hawes, and Ellis, forwards.

BRAVO EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 05 February 1925
SURPRISE TEAM CHANGES FOR LOCAL DERBY GAME
Bee’s Notes
Persistence and perseverance carried the day at Goodison Park.  There were many things to engage our interest at the Cup-tie.  First, Buchan felt in the mood for tantalizing our defenders.  Let us admit at once that his first half exhibition kept Sunderland in a winning chance.  Fortunately the last kick was the savior of the first half, Irvine getting reward for his determination first-time efforts which had for so long been a feature of this game, but which this season had been forthcoming. Now that Everton have brought back with some virility and some insistence we can expect them to rise.  We made excuses for them long enough, and let me here whisper in your ear that I think one reason of the success of the side in the last few weeks- especially at Bolton, for instance- is the fact that the three half-backs have got well into their stride and are playing a more combined game than usual.  All three were fine yesterday, and McBain with shot and shell and Brown by a polished exhibition all through helped Everton to a well-deserved and hard-fought victory.
FOR THE BIG DAY.
There is another big day locally this week-end when Liverpool are to be met, it will surprise many to learn that Harland is picked- his limp will have to disappear quickly if he is to take his place in the goal.  Still more surprising is the appearance of Troup at outside-left, for Weaver had been doing very well until yesterday, when he seemed as if lacking fire and needing a rest.  Maybe that is at the back of the directors’ mind when they issue their team-sheet.  Certainly Liverpool are to be congratulated upon winning at a most convenient moment- defeating Forest was simply helping on the chance of Everton escaping “the lower order,: though, to be candid, Forest and Preston have been so bad that there was less trouble to Everton then the chart suggested –not that they, of course, could take any risks.  The name of Everton has been associated with Cresswell, who is moving to Middlesbrough.  I got the news last night that all was settled between the two clubs and that only the signature remained to make the deal complete.  Cresswell is a bonny back, who probably has never forgotten that his club would not play him just when he was getting a cap for great work at Ibrox.  He and Harry Cambers were schoolboy footballers and played for their county or country at Birkenhead some years ago!
“OLD AND YOUNG”
Bob Irvine scored with the last kick of the first half when Young, the veteran full back, was off the field nursing a pretty severe injury.  This was bad fortune for the visiting side, and they suffered again when Buchan headed the ball against the crossbar.  Having paid them that measure, however, the rest is all in favour of Everton who for twenty minutes at a time were contending with the Sunderland defence, in which were two young men who never wavered, McInroy, the goalkeeper of twenty years of age, and Oakley, a mere stripling who was a very fine judge of a high ball and was equally good in heading, kicking, or tackling.  Against these two “stars” one had to put some slow-moving half backs and backs –Andrews and Young, both on the left flank, were slow and awkward, and therein lay Everton’s chance.  Irvine made their faults appear more pronounced than they were, and he was quite the most dangerous forward on the field for he was inclined to shoot and must have had six shots at McInroy who fielded them with fine judgement and a sure touch.  As a game it had two distinct sides.  The first half was, without a doubt, Sunderland’s.  After that their key man, Buchan, faded out, and Grimshaw, Hawes, and Ellis did not rise to the occasion, whereas Cock, for one, improved in the second half, at the start of which he sent in a rousing first-time shot.  Cock was second to Irvine, and he home half-backs, as a line, merit high praise.  Behind them Raitt was a trifle streaky, and McDonald was in a mood for brooking no interference, while he act and persuasion he also inspired the men in front of him.  Harland’s absence was not felt, for young Kendall showed how good he can be with a high (and dry) ball.  However, Kendall could not arrest the ball when it was sent back accidentally by Raitt, and sped outside by inches.  Everton may not have been without fault, it is true, but they certainly gave encouragement signs by the manner of their persistence in plodding on, and also in the manner of their recovery after losing ground.  It will encourage them to go on with the good work in their League games. 

SCOTT OF DARLINGTON.
February 6 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Everton have made a further effort to secure the transfer of Scott the Darlington forward, who played so well against Cardiff City in the replay Cup-tie at Anfield, but without success. Our Darlington correspondent states that Everton approached Scott on Thursday, and again yesterday, but he stated he will not leave Darlington.

OUTLOOK OF THE MEETING OF EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL AT ANFIELD
Liverpool Echo - Friday 06 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
In this whirling whirligig of football we have arrived at the sage where he the second of the Mersey Derby games is due to be played.  These games are among the most sporting in the land, and it is a tribute to the players concerned that they always draw the big critics to the Liverpool grounds, because the standard of football has been so high for the last twelve or thirteen years that they are monuments in football history.  I forget how long it is since any player kicked over the traces, and I hope I shall never have to hook a date which bears a star denoting a rough game.  May the better side win to-morrow at Anfield.  I have no desire to say anything of length about the prospects.  You know the form to an inch; you know Everton’s improvement; you know Liverpool’s eye is on two trophies; you know Everton’s habit of winning at Anfield, and Liverpool’s habit of winning at Goodison Park.  Here is little to add to the reader on the score of information, except to say that Weaver is out because he got a blow in Wednesday’s game.  My verdict, for a change, is a draw- thus I may sleep the sleep of the just whatever happens, and no one shall dare call me “Red” or “Blue.”  Meantime it is as well that spectators should realize the sporting ring of comradeship in the two local teams.  This was exemplified when Neil McBain received a wire after the Sunderland game from Walter Wadsworth which read “Boys of the Liverpool club congratulate you and wish you further good fortune in Cup and League.”  The plan of campaign to-morrow at Anfield is likely to be as follows.  At the moment of my writing one team has not been selected.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, ?; MacNabb, Wadsworth, Pratt; Rawlings, Shone, A.N. Other; Chambers, Hopkins; Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. 
NEXT FOR SHAVING
Tremendous interest was aroused in Sheffield when it became known that United were to have very distinguished visitors as opponents in the third round of the Cup, and when the news came through last night that Everton had triumphed in the pluckiest possible way over the Roker Park men there was very general satisfaction.  Not, of course, at the fall of such a fine side as Sunderland, but because of the fact that Everton’s visit to Bramell lane for the second time this season was assured. 
The following are some of the players who may be expected to give the Everton “boys” a run for their money;-
Sutcliffe- A goalkeeper secured from Rotherham County, who made his first appearance with the United against Bury, on October 4.  Brother of the famous international. A sound keeper, with keen powers of anticipation. 
Cook.- One of the mainstays of the side.  Has been with United since the dark ages, yet keeps as youthful and vigorous as ever.  With Jack English, made a reputation as the best pair of full-backs of the period.
Birks.- A newcomer this season, who played for the first time against Preston, on October 25.  Has been unfortunate with injuries since joining the side, but helped to consolidate United’s defence at a very critical time.
Pantling.- Another old stager, particularly in experience.  Secured his chance with the first team this season, as the result of the accident to Bruce Longsworth, who has had a cartilage removed from his leg.  Is playing as well as he ever did. 
King.- Has made the centre-half berth his own since Waugh dropped out of the team for the first time, on Christmas Day.  Originally a full-back, he is a tremendous worker, but has yet to learn something regarding forward feeding.  Makes a specialty of extinguishing centre-forwards. 
Green.- A left-half, who will undoubtedly gain high honours in the game.  Has already been selected in two trial games this season.  The better the opposition the better his display.  Forms, with Gillespie and Tunstall, one of the finest triangles in the country.
Mercer.- Appeared for the first time against the Wednesday, since October 25, when an injury gave Partridge his chance.  Displayed all his old-time brilliance against Wednesday, having recovered much of the confidence which he had lost.  Partridge has unhappy memories of Everton, for it was against them that he missed the first and only penalty kick he has been entrusted with –a miss which cost United a valuable point. 
Sampy.- A golfer, as well as a very fine inside-right.  Was responsible for two of United’s three goals against Wednesday.  Shoots powerfully from almost anywhere, and a delightful trickster.  Exceedingly fast. 
Johnson. - The effervescence of the line.  Bubbling over with enthusiasm and absolutely tireless.  The sort of centre-forward who makes a keeper “jump to it” if ever he did in his life.  On a heavy ground is simply irresistible. 
Gillespie.- The “brains” of the attack, the wily schemer, the creater of glorious openings, and the ideal skipper. Erase Gillespie and three-fourths of the forward effectiveness disappears. A word in season to the Everton halves. 
Tunstall.- Happily now recovering some of last year’s magnificent form.  A daring raider and fleet-footed withal.  Has a special fondness for cutting in and having a go. 

SCOTT WILL NOT COME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 06 February 1925
DARLINGTON FORWARD DECLINES TO JOIN EVERTON
Everton are again paying attention to the North-East, and there is no secret of the fact that they are after Scott, the Darlington forward.  Scott has definitely declined to join up with Everton (says our Darlington correspondent).  Everton approached him yesterday and again to-day, but he has stated clearly that he will not leave Darlington.  His attitude was confirmed when I interviewed a local director on the point, and Everton’s overtures have clearly been in vain.  This news will be received with joy in Quakertown, at any rate, for there has been a great deal of disappointment at the fact that O’Donnell was transferred. 

FAMOUS OLD-TIMERS.
February 7, 1925. The Liverpool Football Echo.
VICTOR HALL DEALS WITH LANCASHIRE COMBINATION PLAYERS WHO MADE GOOD.
In the days when Everton tried to catch their players young, and gradually give them playing experience in good company, it was usual to draft the new players first into the “Combination” team. We have previously explained that while the Combination team was a reserve first team it had always contained players on the first rank who were fit at any moment to play in the club's front rank, but were merely bridging their time in the “reserves” or “Combination” team until their chance came. Thus it was that a new player appearing for the first time in the “Combination” team found himself among players who were of the highest skill and probably of better class than many had met before. Nearly all the men who became famous for Everton played their first matches with the Combination. The really “great” players seldom went back once they moved up to the League team they kept their place. But there were others who played most of their playing career with Everton in that same Combination team because, just as it happened, the men in the first team whom they were understudying never went of form and left an opening. In a former article we gave an instance of that in McMillian and Elliott, whose ill-luck it was to be understudies to the famous Chadwick and Milward wing. The one wing in England that never lost in form while the partnership existed.
A WONDER HEADER.
Another instance of a permanent player, in the Combination team was little “Joey” Murray, an inside right, who was one of Everton's stock favourites. Murray was of small built, but had girth with it, and for his height and weight one of the wonders of football. He could “head” anything from a yard high to three yards, even if he had to climb up an opponent's back to do it. He was of naturally florid complexion and directly a game started his face became a vivid pink, and remained pink throughout the game. You could always find Murray on the field instanter by looking for the smallest player and red face. That was inevitably Murray. He was always laughing, too, his round ruddy face wretched in perpetual smiles –he was a combination of puck and cupid in shinguards. The crowd idolised him, full of antics full of good nature, never “dirty” in his play, but a real skilled footballer of the best class, and game as a bulldog. But for his inches –and his girth –Joey Murray was good enough to play for England, or Ireland. Murray was a comic singer of no means capacity, and his services were eagerly sought on behalf of charities all over the city. Other combination names come to mind with these recollections. “Paddy” Gordon was a great forward and contemporary with Murray. While of the greyhound type in appearance, he was possessed of surprising physical stamina, and he, too only failed to get national honours because a permanent opening in the first men seldom came his way. Hope Robertson was a Scottish half-back of good repute who passed through the Combination team eventually into the League team, and figured in some of Everton's memorable Lancashire Cup-ties of which we have written and also in League games for a season or two. David Storrier another brilliant Scotsman graduated through the Combination team into the League, but once there Davie “held the job.” He was a dour, rugged boy with the bravest of hearts in a battle, and for long held his place in the League team by sheer merit well won. He was in the famous final for Everton against Aston Villa at Crystal Palace. Jack Robertson the Scottish International, had as brilliant a career as any of the Everton players, after a “Combination” training, but left Everton while still in his early prime to gain greater honours in his native Scotland. Collins was a Scottish back that came to Everton with a Clyde reputation of promise. He played in the Combination team and became almost a fixture there as in his case too, the chance of promotions never came his way until he was tired of waiting and had gone elsewhere. Eccles was another instance of a really brilliant player kept drumming his heels in a reserve team overlong, because the first team man in his place never lost form. Eccles was a most popular and gentlemanly player, his father-in-law, Jack Lewis, being about that time trainer of the Everton Club. Menham, a goalkeeper whom Everton had secured from the Army team, also began as a Combination player, and later got his chance in the League team. He was in goal for Everton at the Crystal Palace final, and unfortunately for himself and Everton was not in his best form, that day, which Aston Villa were keen to take advantage of, raising long shots in at him constantly. Mention of the trainers of ‘Everton in those days recalls “Louie” Love, who came to Everton from Cambuslang and who took a great interest naturally in the young countrymen of his, who in those days were making frequent journey south. He stayed at Everton some seasons, and gave many a helping hand to players who made good in England under his care.
SERENE CERISE.
Another old trainer of those days was Ali Gilbert, who came from Nottingham, and who had a long list of famous track champions under his professional care. Gilbert conducted his training on thoughout and unusual lines, but the results were satisfactory to the directors and the players gave him their fullest confidence. Any mention of old trainers of Everton would be incomplete that omitted reference to the doyen of them all –Waugh –whose photo can still be found in the groups of old players still to be seen. Anfield way, who can forget those wonderful old groups in the familiar cerise jerseys Everton wore in those days, with the dark-brained edge? Most of the old faces surrounding the groups of players have passed away; a few happily remain with us, adding faurcls who in divers capacities to the game. But some of those groups measures the years for us! What recollection? Angus Doyle, and Hannah, Lockhead, Holt, and Kirkwood, and so on. There is always something –what shall we say, arrk? –In the appearance of an old football or cricket group as you regard the fading photographs. There they are as they stood that particular day “so many years” ago! There Jack, winking openly at the photographers, Bill has been saying something funny, see Tom can't keep his face straight, and George's dog look! It has moved, and has two heads and four tails!” All are there, in their youth! Yesterday you saw “Tom” grey-bearded and just pensioned off; “Jack” went off to Canada, his son came over with the Canadians in 1917.  “Bill? And “George” …and the others!-….! Heigho!- …!

INQUIRIES FOR CRESSWELL
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Saturday 07 February 1925
SUNDERLAND CLUB UNWILLING TO TRANSFER HIM YET
Sunderland decline to divulge the names of the clubs that are bidding for Cresswell, but a big batch of inquiries has already been received.  Cresswell refused to sign for Middlesbrough, and has told his intimates that he would prefer joining Sheffield United, Burnley or Everton.  The Wearsiders will not part with him while their remaining left-backs, England and Young, are on the injured list.  Mr. Nicholson, the United secretary, told a “Sheffield Telegraph” representative yesterday that there had been no communication between the two clubs regarding Cresswell. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 February 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• The south-end of the city is to have its “Football Sunday” to-morrow-the venue being Edge-hill Congregational Church, Paddington. 
• Mr. W.R. Clayton, the Everton F.C. stalwart, is the speaker, and “the rest” are Marmaduke-street-just at the top of as in the recent great Football Sunday event at the north end of the city.
• Doors will be opened at 2.30 and organ and orchestral music will be rendered under Mr. John Wardell.
• Everton are hoping for great things from their new defender O’Donnell.  He has had the right sort of training at any rate.
• Rainey, the Anfielders’ latest Irish custodian, pleased greatly last week
• And with Scott and Harland also acting a good part the Mersey’s distressful” country representatives had a rather good day outside the bar.
• Jack Peacock is out of hospital and at home once more, whilst Hunter Hart is also dong very nicely.

CHARLIE BUCHAN PUTS IN A GOOD WORD FOR EVERTON AND THEIR CUP VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 February 1925
My readers will probably be looking to me this evening for some form of apology for the superlative optimism I expressed a fortnight ago in connection with our second round Cup-tie with Everton, and I will say at once that there is no need for either me or my colleagues to belittle our disappointment in the final result.  We were confident when we saw the draw that we could account for the Liverpool side at Roker Park; in fact, so bent on success were we that I think the same confidence would have been expressed whoever our visitors had been.  There is no doubt that we missed our opportunity on Saturday, for which mistakes we paid the penalty at Liverpool on Wednesday.  The one redeeming feature about the outcome of the tie is that we had two really stirring games, providing quite sufficient excitement for two wonderful crowds, fought out in the very best spirit, and having failed, we are the first to congratulate the Goodison Park men upon the success.  It is extraordinary how Fate appears to be against us in the competition for the Cup, but we shall be just as keen starters next year as we were on the present occasion, and everybody at Sunderland is determined that the trophy shall eventually land there, and that at a not very far distant date. 

EVERTON A v. SKELMERSDAL UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 February 1925
At Goodison Park.  Straight from the kick-off Everton ran down and Barton scored.  By adopting open tactics Skelmersdale were often dangerous, and Pilkington gained the equalizer.  Everton returned to the attack, and for a long time had much the better of the play.  During this period Barton and Green scored for Everton.  Nearing the interval Watkinson reduced the lead through laxity in the Everton defence.  Half-time; Everton A 3, Skelmersdale United 2.  Final Everton 4, Skelmersdale United 2. 

EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 February 1925
Thomas Cook and Sons have, for the benefit of Everton supporters going to Sheffield, decided to run a special train to Heeley (station nearest United’s ground).  Leaves Central at 12.50 and arrive back in Liverpool at night at 8.30, fare 8s 11d return. 

JUBILEE MATCH TWIXT EVERTON & LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 07 February 1925
REMARKABLE SCENES AT ANFIELD GROUND
BEE’S NEWS, VIEWS AND COMMENT
COLELCTION OF GOALS- THREE IN FOUR MINUTES
SHONE OPENS THE ACCOUNT, HOPKIN AND CHAMBERS
IMPROVE IT AND CHADWICK REDUCES IT
Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Macnabb, Wadsworth (Captain), Pratt; Rawlings, Shone, Johnson, Chambers, Hopkin.  Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain (Captain), Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup.  Referee; Mr. A. Ward. 
Everton and Liverpool met for the fiftieth time in League warfare to-day.  Anfield was packed with partisans –Blue and Red.  Some were blue through the cold; others were red through argument.  After the performance of the Midnight Follies (rain, hail, snow, wind; all served up at midnight) it was good to see the morning sun and the drying wind.  Liverpool brought back Mackinlay and Everton brought back Harland and Troup, the latter vice Weaver. 
QUEUING IT.
Following on my appeal in Thursday evening’s Notes.  Victoria-street to-day saw the value and simplicity of the queuing system.  Everybody was delighted with the change of front.  It only remains for me now to thank the police and the tramway officials for taking action, on appeal. 
CROWD BREAKS IN
As at Everton on Wednesday, so at Anfield to-day.  The crowd broke in at each and at Spion Kop, and the police were hopeless for a long time in their endeavor to stem the tide.  I have never seen Anfield so full, and I do not remember the crowd here invading the whole of the pitch to the touchline mark.  Half an hour before the game started the ambulance men were busily engaged to cope with the fainting cases, women and children being in the number.  I saw directors Crompton, Bainbridge and Troup, and also E. Longsworth, assisting to get the crowd into place.  The first ten minutes were a thorough thrill.  Everton, by winning the toss, made the Liverpool defenders face the sunshine.  The first shot of moment was a fine drive by Shone, who was rather far distant, but was wise to shoot as he did rather than start a dandy dribble that would conclude with a drab finish.  After the Everton right had been busily engaged, Liverpool went up on the left flank, when Chambers and Hopkin made a lovely pairing, and when Hopkins centred, the ball came rather low to the middle of the field, and in spite of the risk taken by Shone, he decided to head down, although he knew Macdonald’s boot must be near his face at the time of impact.
A MISS BY RAWLINGS
Shone’s head turned the ball to the extreme left-hand corner and Harland although badly sighted for the incident, dived and pushed the ball away- a very fine save.  Rawlings had an excellent chance of improving his wonderful goal average when he headed the ball beyond Macdonald and took it right up to the goalmouth, where he unwisely shot against the side netting.  Thus he did not repeat his goal of Goodison Park.  Everton were not idle all this time; in fact, Chadwick made one bumpng ball go to Scott’s hands, and a second later he made a thoroughly good swinging first-timer that most people thought was going very far out of the region of goal, whereas in effect, it pulled near to the corner of the goal.  Liverpool’s response was again by Rawlings and Johnson, and nothing seemed more like a goal when Rawlings centred against Macdonald’s legs. 
WAVES ON THE KOP.
We have heard of hoots awa mon, but now we heard hoots of Macnabb, who, in his excess of endeavor, had rather upset little Troup’s equilibrium.  Troup had fallen back, not for the first time, to help the defence, and he had been very successful, too, Johnson was hot down the middle, and was “stabbed” out in the nick of time by Raitt.  The crowd on the Kop, falling down step after step, was creating a view which resembled waving corn.  Chambers was a delight in the way he applied drag to the ball, and another artist was Lucas, whose timing of tackles is do luxe.  Reid and McBain were also pretty inventors, Reid employing a very pretty hook back to come purpose.  The pace slackened and no wonder, because it had been a cracker for twenty minutes, and remembering the hard work both sides have indulged in since Christmas one wonders how they came to find so much energy and enthusiasm.  Chadwick was very keen to make instant shots, and he kept coming in pairs.  He had a couple of shots within a minute of each other at this juncture, one swinging outside and another time, when he broke through single-handed through a perfectly priceless left on the part of Troup, a goal seeming assured until Scott made safe.  There was an extraordinary individual item by Macnabb and Rawlings, who made a short of sig-zag cross-word puzzle against Reid and Troupe, but as so often happens, they dropped a word and lost their prize. 
SHONE HITS THE MARK
Chedgzoy came along with a nice low shot, which McNabb fell into the goalmouth to kick away.  The half-hour had passed with much effort and no result, except a pleasurable game for 56,000 people.  A minute later came Everton’s tragedy in one act.  It was a matter of simplicity in a sense.  Rawlings had the fact of Macdonald near the touch line, and when he lobbed the ball to ensure progress being made, there was an air of indecision for the fraction of a second, as if no one was going for the ball.  In a trice, however, Shone, stocky, stumpy shooter that he is, had gone forward and, getting near into goal, he succeed the ball hard and fast into the right hand corner, the ball hitting the top netting sharply before it come to earth.  Shone’s gal should have been added to by Rawlings, but once again the right winger, who was this time, perhaps, hampered by Shone’s close proximity, failed to get other pace or direction into his effort.  Some may have thought that the first goal should have been stopped, because the distance between Harland and the upright was not great.  Liverpool now played with renewed confidence.  Before half-time Everton had their chances to drawn level, but would not accept them.  For instance, Chadwick, with a flash of brilliance, opened the way for Irvine who had drifted to inside left.  Then there was a case of a free kick just outside the penalty area to which Cock got his head, the ball travelling over instead of in. 
Half-time; Liverpool 1, Everton nil.
CONGRATUATIONS TO POLICE.
The police, by steady and persistent effort, had packed the whole of the crowd away from the touch line.  It was a clean sweep and was a big surprise to those who saw visions of the crowd invading the field.  In Hampden Park, the police parade round the ground at a slow march.  Perhaps our friends at Westminster-road will think that one over.  It might be useful for future occasions.
A CROP OF GOALS.
In the second half, it was a straggling sort of resumption, but when the teams got merry there was plenty to enthuse about, especially when a corner kick came, well forced by Troup and Chedgzoy.  Mackinlay had to head out and Lucas, being a small fellow, was put on the edge of the penalty line what time the corner kick was taken because he lacked height for heading.  This move resulted in Lucas hooking the ball well away from his line just as Everton seemed to be in the process of making an equalizer. 
ONE FOR HOPKIN
It was a timely clearance, and from it came a goal, Rawlings receiving the ball and putting Johnson into possession.  The home centre made a subtle pass to Hopkin, who running inward at every step finally scored with ease.  I think this is the third goal in his career here, the first being an occasion when against Bolton Wanderers he set the spectators and one of the stands on fire.  this was only the beginning of an electric current in which three goals were scored in four minutes, and four should have been scored.
EVERTON’S REPLY
Before Chambers scored the third point of the day, Cock found himself astounded by a blunder by Macnabb, who proceeded to shoot high over the bar, although he was only three yards from goal.  As against that miss, there came a goal to Chambers, who in two minutes had edged the ball beyond Harland, who had left his goal “in the hope and in the fear.” Liverpool thus led 3-0 within ten minutes of the resumption of hostilities, but Everton, fighting back in a surprising manner, obtaining a free kick against Wadsworth as on Cock.  Although Lucas went into goal to help Scott to keep watch over Chadwick’s shot, the ball found its way into the net.  What happened was this; Scott only partially got to the shot, and the ball turned from his grasp to the right hand corner.  Thus, instead of a walkover, Liverpool had to begin to work hard again, and Chambers was seen pretty frequently helping the defence.  It was one of the most starting events in “Liverton” history, and would have been more startling had Cock accepted the chance given him.  Later on Scott made a poor kick-away, and while Chedgzoy was running up, anything might have happened. 
CLAIN FOR PENALTY.
Afterwards there came a little more of Irvine, who not only punched a shot which Scott caught, but also produced a placed header that was also caught by Scott.  Everton claimed hard for a penalty kick against McNabb, the ball having caught McNabb on the he and when he and Scott had gone across to stem a Chadwick centre.  Everton played desperately in the closing stages, but could not break through Liverpool’s brilliant defence.  Mackinlay was hurt, and was carried off the field.  Final; Liverpool 3, Everton 1. 
CURSORY COMMENTS
Liverpool deserved their lead.  At the interval they were a shade faster, and their half backs kept a fine hold on the Everton forwards.  Play was clean and fast, and both sides put in fine work in a general way, but there was nothing definite on the part of the forwards for a long time.  Rawlings, for instance, ought to have scored more than once, for he got clean through the Everton defence, and failed to finish well. 
Harland had more to do than Scott, but there was little to choose between the backs.  Chambers was a splendid worker, and the way he nursed the ball before parting with it was delightful.  Liverpool had most of the attack, but Chadwick shot well at the slightest chance.  Lucas was a grand defender, and, although MacNabb was several times lucky in being on the spot, he checked some dangerous movements.  Shone deserved a goal, because his daring in the first few minutes almost surprised Harland.
MUCH IN BRIEF.
If Liverpool could not take their chances in the first half, there could be no complaint on this score after the interval.  On the other hand, Chedgzoy had reason to feel sore when Cock ruined a fine chance by lifting the ball over the bar.  Johnson’s cleverness led to Liverpool’s goal.  It was a brilliant move on the part of the Liverpool centre that let in Hopkin.  Irvine was not the power he was on Wednesday; he was almost eclipsed and Chedgzoy had to fend for himself.  Fortune fluctuated and Everton did some of their best work after Liverpool had taken a big lead.  Scott kept a sound goal, and was very sure with his hands.  Brown was the best of the Everton halves and Chedgzoy the best of the forwards. 

LIVERPOOL 3 EVERTON 1
February 9, 1925. The Daily Courier. ?
REDS WIN BEFORE GREAT CROWD.
BRILLIANT DEFENCE BY LUCAS.
By S.H.H.
Liverpool won the return Derby game at Anfield on Saturday, and completed the double, for the game earlier in the season had gone in their favour. Although the Anfielders were value for their success the score rather flattered them; at the same time one must give them credit for taking their chances. Compared with the losers, Liverpool were a better-balanced side. The forwards and halves worked in harmony more than did the Blues, and in addition were not adverse to falling back and helping the defence. Not that this was often necessary, for Lucas and McKinlay tackled so resolutely; still, when occasion demanded, it was always forthcoming. The covering tactics and soundness of defence were the keynote of Liverpool's success. Had the Everton men adopted similar tactics, it is possible a different result would have been forthcoming. Neither Raitt, McDonald, or Harland could be compared with the opposing trio, and this was brought vividly to mind soon after the interval.
BLUES MISTAKES.
Although a goal down at half time, Everton showed such marked improvement forward that it was always possible they would get on level terms. The defence, however, made the mistake of coming too far forward; no doubt their intentions were well meant, for at that time the Reds' goal was being subjected to pressure. But it was a risky thing to do, and as events proved a disastrous one. Lucas with a fine volley drove the ball out to Rawlings who was standing a yard off the centre line, but in his own half, and the winger, evading McDonald, raced through. Raitt came across, but as he moved the winger turned the ball inwards to Johnson, who was to the right of the goal. Now the centre was in a position to shoot, though had he done so Harland would probably have saved it. It was a cute move on his part to put the ball square, for Hopkins was unmarked, and though Harland got his hands to the latter's drive he could not keep it from going into the net. That momentary lapse cost Everton the points, for Liverpool in the knowledge of a comfortable lead, played confidently, and quickly got a third through Chambers, who shouldered the back off before steering the ball with his left foot past the oncoming goalkeeper. Everton rallied, splendidly, and Chadwick reduced the lead with a free kick that Scott got down to but failed to hold. But it was not Everton's day, for Cock twice missed open goals, and Irvine, after seeing Scott save a splendid header, twice kicked the ball too far ahead. It was an enjoyable game, despite the number of free kicks, and the police are to be complimented on the manner in which they cleared the ground of the crowd –54,000 paid £3200 for admission –that looked at one time likely to stop play.
DANGEROUS RAIDS.
Liverpool I have stated were the sounder combination. They had dangerous raiders in Hopkins and Rawlings, though the last named in the opening half wasted three fine openings. Still, it was through him that the first goal was engineered, Shone snapping up a forward pass to shoot over the head of Harland. Apart from getting the goal, the Garston lad foraged well, and he, Johnson, and Chambers combined cleverly. McNabb and Pratt were the better of halves, while further behind Lucas's anticipation single him out as the best player on the field. McKinlay after his lengthily absence showed up well, though he was seized with cramp in the last minute and had to be carried off. Everton did their best work in the second half, when the forwards moved more in harmony. Chedgzoy and Irvine made a better wing than Chadwick and Troup, though the inside left shot on every opportunity. McBain and Brown were the pick of the Halves and Raitt, a better back than McDonald. Harland, like Scott, did not have too much to do; but the Everton man, if he was unfortunate with two of the shots that took effect saved brilliantly in the first few minutes from Shone. Teams; - Liverpool: - Scott, goal, Lucas, and McKinlay (captain), half-backs, McNabb, Wadsworth, and Pratt, half-backs, Rawlings, Shore, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkins, forwards. Everton: - Harland, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain (captain), and Reid, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee A. Ward.

DRAMATIC JUBILEE
Athletic News - Monday 09 February 1925
EVERTON’S GREAT RALLY FROM THE DEPTHS
DIFFERENT DEFENCES
LIVERPOOL 3, EVERTON 1
By Impressionist.
This jubilee celebration of League encounters between the hosts of Merseyside was a curiosity.  Seldom has a team played so excellently and yet appeared to the distant eye decisively beaten.  Such reversions of merit seem to be Everton’s fate.  Yet there is a sound irrefutable argument why Liverpool worthily prevailed.  The paradox is easily explained.  The winners were slightly the better team as the play swayed in the first half.  In this modest margin of ascendancy, however, may be measured a far greater degree of purposefulness.  In brief, Liverpool created the palpable avenues to the net, and redeemed themselves after neglecting to profit thereby.  Everton in this first period were never so often on the brink of goals.  For all their errant ways the gods were kind to the Anfield team.  The goal by which they led at the interval could have been avoided, and scarcely less can be said in regard to the second shortly after the restart, within ten minutes of which Everton were three clear goals to the debit side.  Everton never qualified before this devastation.  Their spirit is much to be admired; their football even more so.  Liverpool got the goals.  Their team work was excellent all through- Everton in this respect were in shade of dazzling light- and the home defence did the rest.  Liverpool. With Everton’s limited powers of resistance, most certainly would not have won. For a long time Everton s forwards did not receive the support accorded the opposition, whose half-backs were altogether of greater utility, wiser in their disposition of position, and more definite in meeting an attack. Indeed, at the very suggestion of one, Liverpool’s half-backs stabbed here and there—one intervening while another covered up.  The backs were always playing right to the plan of these tactics.For half the game they held the balance far away from Scott.  To this the Everton backs and half-backs conspired. They gave Lucas and McKinlay plenty of freedom. Then the theme was dramatically reconstructed. Everton dictated the play, but the transformation only served show the power of Liverpool with their backs well to the goal, and also the relative handicap Everton suffered in the guardianship thereof. First astonishment, and then a philosophy born of many disappointments was written on the faces of Everton’s forwards at the way Elisha Scott baulked them.  Still, Scott has more exacting more times.  His backs showed that while they were able to force the play to their own attack they could also retreat and keep the other bay. But the timbre of Liverpool could be sensed in the first minutes. The right-wing triangle had a mastery which developed into subtle Rawlings touch, for Shone to go through, and at a minute angle to drive tremendously into the net top. To my mind Harland should have been against the post, leaving not a ray of daylight. Three goals in four minutes of the second half heightened the thrills and thrust.  Lucas made a clearance to Rawlings,whose pass Johnson looked like fumbling.  Suddenly he switched the ballto Hopkin, who, through a tactical error, was left unchallenged, so that he ran up to Harland. Nevertheless, it was a tame shot which the goalkeeper allowed to roll over his arms. 
LUCAS AND OTHERS.
Johnson was also the prelude to the third goal. He slipped the hall through for Chambers to swerve and feint, invite Harland out, and quickly flick the ball through.  When Chadwick scored from a free kick Scott got to the ball, though partially unsighted. Otherwise it is doubtful if Everton on this day ever would have scored-not because of their frailty but because the contending powers of resistance.  Easily the best hack, one the distinguished men of the match was Lucas, with faultless kicking and an amazing intuition for spreading disruption into a skillful movement. McKinlay made sterling, trenchant reappearance. These backs were a great factor when Wadsworth became erratic, and McNab and Platt lost their grip of Troup and Chedgzoy. Johnson took up position well in Liverpool’s attack, though inclined to turn to the right about. Up to point Chambers and Hopkin were a delicious combination, leaving so capable half-back as Brown mystified. Then Chambers took up a defensive role, with the result that another brilliant example of wing play materialized between Irvine - the best forward on view, an artist with the ball and adroit of movement-and Chedgzoy, full deception, craft, speed, with gems of centres from all angles as the sequel.   Rawlings and Shone were patches of assertion and disappointment. The same may be said of Troup and Chadwick.  The latter had the long-distance shot but not the resource to through, and neither nor Cock, who drove the ball over when three yards from Scott, made the most artistic prompting.  This excellent game, breathing the true spirit rivalry attracted 54,000spectators, the receipts being £3,230. Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Macnabb, Wadsworth (Captain), Pratt; Rawlings, Shone, Johnson, Chambers, Hopkin.  Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain (Captain), Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup.  Referee; Mr. A. Ward, Kirkham.

HOW THE CLEAN FIGHT “WENT THE DISTANCE”
Liverpool Echo - Monday 09 February 1925
A TALK WITH THE REFEREE
ONLY FIVE FOULS, FIVE OFFSIDES, AND NOT A SINGLE CASE OF CALL FOR TRAINER
LIVERPOOL, SIGN SCOTT OF DARLINGTON
Bee’ Notes
Liverpool have signed on Scott, of Darlington.  Many football people will exclaim “Great Scott!” because it is only four days since Scott was angled for by Everton, who came back unsuccessful, the idea being that Scott would not leave Darlington.  Scott was signed on Saturday, and he is without doubt one of the most promising young fellows in the game. 
Liverpool won! You Evertonians may have heard something of the sort.  But there was credit in defeat as well as victory.  I should like to think I played before such a big crowd, I should like to have been in among the congratulations that were showered on loser and winner as a consequence of the fine sport offered to 54,000 spectators, who “collected” a gate of 3,200 pounds.  I should like to have seen what it looked like from the centre of the field, with Spion Kop half developed in smoke-rings and partisanship! You who have never travelled the ground in such a day cannot know the feeling of the occurrence.  I know some players who go on to a field for the first time at Goodison or Anfield and they are so bewildered by the enormity of the whole business that they can see nothing! That is a plain fact.  They walk as in a dream. 
NOT ON SATURDAY
It was no time for dreaming on Saturday.  Players had to be lively and persistent and lasting too.  By my side sat Lord Innes Kerr and he reveled in the footwork –he is no mean player of sports, his lordship, and consequently he was able to judge the standard of the play.  He told me he thought Hopkin played a strikingly good game.  So did many other thinkers.  But first of all let me tell you of a chat I had with Referee Ward, at night, what time Mr. and Mrs. Ted Robbins were missing trains for home! Mr. Ward said, “I wish I could have games like that each week.  They are a splendid tonic.  I motored from home to-day and the fresh air, plus the gallant exhibition, has put me in a very happy state of mind.  There were only five fouls, only five cases of offside, and not once during the game was it necessary to bring in the trainer for attention to a damaged player- which shows that speedy game can be a clean and unharmful game.  I congratulate winners and losers on their excellence.  And now IU go to prepare for an international –next Saturday, at Edinburgh.  Wales meets Scotland.  I hope something similar will occur.” 
AN IDEA ABOUT OFFSIDE.
Mr. Ward has his own ideas about off-sides, and he says, “We should not bear anything more about this forty-yard rule and offsides of the laws were altered to make it impossible for a man to be offside from a free kick.  Half the trouble in this football world of strife and offsides is caused through the men lining up and standing ‘pat’-that’s a good name! –in the middle of the field when a free kick is being taken.  Now you don’t get offside through a corner-kick or a goal-kick; then why not include a free-kick in the category?  It would work wonders.”  It was a cogent argument.  Many were the hasted arguments about the game at Anfield, but one thing we could say- “We got the queue in Victoria-street.”  It is up to the public to insist on this dictum every week.  The public can take charge of it themselves if they will only act in a sporting manner.  Once again, I think the police and the tram officials for their part in the wise control of a huge crowd. 
PERSONALIA
Liverpool won rather cleverly.  Everton opened in a way that suggested they had something up their sleeves.  Both teams were dog tired through previous efforts in the week; therefore, their staying power was astonishing.  They never lagged and they never took or gave a yard without contest.  I don’t think there are more luckless shooters than Irvine, who was below Wednesday’s high standard, whereas Chedgzoy, having started in a wasteful mood, had a second half or electric sparks and prime initiation, the latter of which should certainly have been used as a medium to goals by his co-forwards.  Troup, to my mind, did very well in the special circumstances.  He has not played for the first team for none time, but his judgement was very ripe, and his hook in early on was the only thing possible to him; but I doubt not many another man would have had a shot –and that would have been useless.  Some think Troup would do better if he got the oblique rather than the square pass; and on what we saw from Chambers and company it is plain that the swinging of the ball is detrimental to the best of defences.  Everton are just a shade too stereotyped in their ideas; they want to open out the game at all cost.  Neither McDonald nor Brown played as well as against Sunderland, whereas Reid played better and McBain once again gave a steady influencing sort of game against Johnson, who was particularly useful in his lead-up to a raid.
STARS.
I thought Harland should have saved number one and perhaps another, but it is easy to imagine these things when a goal Bristol, but not nearly so heavily worked, and Scott had a good day, his best save, I reckon, being the catch of Irvine’s placed-heading-shot.  That was one occasion where Scott showed his divining powers.  He has no superior. 
CHEERIO!
A word to the losers.  You played well, if not sufficiently well.  The luck of the game was not yours.  It will turn, have no game was not yours; it will turn, have no fear.  Meantime a glad hand to Raitt on a stiff display, a word of encouragement to drives, and a word to all; Good fortune in the near future.  There are others worse placed- North End and Forest lost again, and this eased Everton’s position, while at the top-spokes Albion came a thorough cropper to Burnley, who have now won their last five games “on the run.”  In view of Everton’s win against Burnley, in League and Cup, the Goodison case should be brightened considerably are long.  Liverpool’s win brings them to a higher rank than ever, and if they win, remember that it will be their third victory in four years –surely a record of records for consistency.  They had their mascot, Mr., Jack Hayes, M.P., at the match again.  He is an inveterate “Red. “ Let us conclude the annual “Derby” day with a little joke that occurred in the middle of the ground.  The referee had forgotten to take out a coin for the toss to be made.  He borrowed one from a photographer –a two-shilling piece.  When he duly handed it back he said, And thank your lucky stars you got it back- the captains to-day are Scotsmen!” 

NOTTS. AND EVERTON. 
Nottingham Evening Post - Tuesday 10 February 192
"MAGPIES" ON MERSEY-SIDE TO-MORROW.
INTERESTING GAMES. 
Consequent upon cup-ties numerous postponed matches are the feature of mid-week football, and for to-morrow, no fewer than four League 1, games are on the list. Local interest centres on the visit Notts. County to Merseyside, where, at Goodison Park they oppose the Evertonians in their postponed match.  The Magpies will rely on the side which defeated Sunderland so decisively, while the lowly placed "Toffee-men" will probably field their strongest eleven. The game should be the more interesting, in view of the fact that both contestants are still left in the knockout tourney.  Teams; Notts County; Iremonger; Ashurst, Cope; Flint, Dinsdale, Kemp, Daly, Widdowson, Cock, Davis, and Barry.  Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.  Referee; A.E. Fogg, Bolton. 

EVERTON GOING “ON ILKLA MOOR” FOR A REST
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 10 February 1925
Everton go to Ben Rhydding after tomorrow’s match, and will stay there till the week-end.  They are due at Sunderland on Saturday. 

EVERTON’S GAME WITH NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 10 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
There is no rest for Everton-or other weary members of the sporting fraternity.  However, we jog and jog along, and there is much to enthuse about even if occasionally a defeat strains our peace of mind.  Everton, tomorrow, rid themselves of a game that had been put off.  It is a league game, and in view of the cup-tie win over Sunderland at Everton, and the fact that Notts County had a smashing win over the Sunderland folk at the week-end, there must be little between the County and Everton, and as Everton’s position must be strengthened, and some result arise from their undoubtedly interesting play a big crowd will attend tomorrow, at 3 o’clock, to see them fight against a side that once looked like winning the league, but later faded out in a rather uncommon manner.  Notts are among the hardest of teams, and in Iremonger we have a personality who has kept ground and goal for a period of years that astonishes everyone- even his best friends.  Albert has been pushed out at times by clever little Streets, but he comes back in a trice, smiling, sometimes arguing and always showing a safe pair of hands.  The battle between the Everton forwards and Iremonger should be one of the best things we have seen this season.  The home team has not yet been selected. 
QUICK-FIRING GUNS
Excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you –the first time in my life- but I have been very much disappointed with the look of Everton’s goal record-26-41.  It looks very bad, doesn’t it, “Bee” (says “Red-hot-Blue”)? I have followed them to the “out” matches at Manchester and Bolton, and what I have seen? A glorious display of football in each case, but not a win.  The one consolation the other teams’ supporters admit is that they are treated to an exhibition of football by Everton, and usually also have the pleasure of seeing their own team get the goals.  Now, don’t you think that Everton should go after a quick-firing centre-forward –to wit, J.R. Smith? What a difference he would make! What about having a go for Cresswell, of Huddersfield?  They might get the latter now that he is out of his first team.  What a difference these men would make! We should soon see the Blues soaring up the League. 

EVERTON V NOTTS COUNTY MATCH ABANDONED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 February 1925
VISITOR’S MIX-UP
O’DONNELL DEBUT WITH EVERTON DELAYED
Everton and Notts County were due to meet to-day in a League game at Goodison Park.  This is the first time the game of football has been stopped by flood in this city, but one remembers an occasion when a smart snowfall stopped the game between Everton and Stockport County in a Cup-tie.  The game would have provided much interest to local people because O’Donnell, the new player from Darlington, was expected to make his debut and Broad was to be at centre-forward, as compared with the side that lost at Anfield.  However, the weather stopped all ideas of football, and strange to say the referee in charge of the game was Mr. Fogg, who had a similar happening on Monday when at Manchester the England v Rest trial game was stopped at three-quarter time. 
AN EARLY WIRE
The Goodison ground was flooded this morning, and in view of that the officials wired the referee to make an early appearance at the ground and thus save spectators and players any further trouble.  As a matter of fact the Notts County players got as far as the Central Station and stayed there until they heard from Everton soon after one o’clock that the game would not be played.  Then they decided to go over to New Brighton to see New Brighton Res v Notts County Res, not knowing that this match had also been abandoned.  Thus the first and second teams got “lost,” and there was a general mix-up. 
COMEDY OF ERRORS
Interviewed by “bee,” the Notts County people had a good laugh at their misfortunes, and when they do eventually get together they propose to leave by the five o’clock train.  When they left Nottingham this morning it was a perfect day.  Arrived at Central Station they were met by Jack Cock, who was anxious to see his brother Donald, who plays for the County.  “We were told that there was not much likelihood of the first team playing, and when the game was abandoned the second team was, of course, the star item, and all the boys said they would go off to that game.”  The second team game in the meantime had been abandoned and at 3.30 the Reserve team and County officials- there was a full board, save one- were walking about Central Station, looking for their first team, which had got lost! 
COUNTING THE COST.
The loss of these two fixtures will cost Notts County about 100 pounds.  They get no share of the gate at the next meeting, and they have had to pay for a saloon, fares and meals for a company of about thirty people. 
ALEC TROUP LEAVING?
I is stated in a Scottish wire that Alec Troup, the Scottish international and present Everton winger, is leaving Everton, having purchased a business in Forfar –a hatter’s and hosier’s business. 

MATCH POSTPONED AT GOODISON
February 12 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
It is the first time in history of Everton that League match at Goodison Park has had to be postponed owing to rain. The Goodison Park ground was opened by the late Lord Kinnard them president of the Football Association in 1892, and the abandonment of the game owing to adverse conditions is a rare event. One recalls a heavy snowstorm stopping a Cup-tie between Everton and Stockport County some years ago, but no instance previously of flooding making a start impossible. But rain did stop one match, and the abandonment resulted in a riot. This was December 1895, when Everton net Small Heath, now Birmingham City. It rained for three days before the match and the ground in parts was under water, bit it was hoped it would drain sufficiently to allow the game to be played. Play started in a torrent of rain, but the game had been in progress only half an hour, when it was found impossible to continue, and the officials and players retired to the dressing room. The spectators waited for some time in the hope of seeing more “football” and when an intimation was went round that the game had been abandoned, a section of the crowd galtered in front of the directors stands and demanded their money back.

ABANDONMENT OF NOTTS MATCH AT EVERTON
Nottingham Journal - Thursday 12 February 1925
Notts County’s match at Everton again had to be postponed yesterday afternoon, this time owing to the unfit state of the Goodison Park ground.  There had been heavy rain at Liverpool for 24 hours, and the referee, Mr. A.E.  Fogg, of Bolton, on arriving at the ground at 1.30 p.m. at once declared play to be impossible. 

EVERTON F.C.’S ACTION
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 12 February 1925
DRAMATIC STEP TAKEN OVER TRANSFER
Football strife is suggested by the signing on the part of Liverpool F.C of Scott, the Darling forward.  Everton have absolutely no grievance against Liverpool in this matter.  They contemplate taking action against the Darlington Club, and in an interview with Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton chairman “Bee” learns that the Everton Club are taking the matter before the League and F.A. Cup., and, if necessary, before a civil court.  It will be remembered that Everton reckoned they had booked Scott and O’Donnell.  Scott was not fixed up for a week or so, and when the club went they missed the player.  Liverpool got Scott’s signature two days later.  Mr. Cuff’s says, “We have legitimate grounds of complaints against the Darlington Club; we consider their action should be the subject for inquiry, and we are claiming that inquiry.  The facts will be laid before the authorities.  I do not wish to say anything further than that at this moment, as it would be unfair to make any suggestion or statements.” 
Everton have selected their side for Sunderland.  It reads; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Troup. 
AT YOUR OWN RISK
The Everton abandonment yesterday recalls to a colleague the occurrence at Goodison Park when there was a scene at the ground that led to the police being called in.  The outcome of this affair was the announcement, which one now sees at all grounds, to the effect that spectators enter the ground at their own risk in regard to weather, &c.  But rain did stop one match, and the abandonment resulted in a riot.  This was in December, 1895, when Everton met Small Heath, now Birmingham.  It rained for three days before the match, and the ground in parts was under water, but it was hoped it would drain sufficiently to allow the game to be played.  Play started in a torrent of rain, but the game had been in progress only half an hour when it was found impossible to continue, and the officials and players retired to the dressing-rooms.  The spectators waited for some time in the hope of seeing more “football,” and when an intimation was went round that the game had been abandoned a section of the crowd gathered in front of the directors’ stand and demanded their money back. 
A BATON “CHARGE.”
This was long before the erection of the present-day stands and the club’s offices were quite close to the spectators.  As the gates had been opened to allow the spectators to depart and many people had entered without paying it was impossible to return any of the gate money.  Then stones were thrown at the Everton officials who endeavored to explain the situation to the crowd, and the windows of the pavilion were smashed.  The wooden fencing around the pavilion was broken and used as weapons in an attempt to stern the pavilion, the few police on duty being almost powerless.  There was even a threat to fire the stands, so a telephonic message was sent for police reinforcements.  These were rushed to the ground, and with drawn batons soon forced the crowd out into the streets.  Those people who showed fight quickly had sore heads and arms, and the rioters were kept on the run until they were well clear of the ground. 

EVERTON TAKE ACTION AGAINST DARLINGTON.
February 13, 1925. The Liverpool daily Post and Mercury
The Everton club have decided to take action against the Darlington Club over the transfer of Scott from Darlington to Liverpool from February 7. There is no question of grievance against Liverpool in regard to the matter, but the Everton directors claim that Scott had already been “booked” by them and should not have been allowed to sign for the Anfield Club. Everton urge that negotiations were opened for the transfer of O'Donnell and Scott together and that both players were “booked” pending satisfactory termination of the deal. O'Donnell was secured but Scott was not fixed up for a week of so, and when the Everton representatives went up to Darlington later to complete the transfer and secure Scott signature, they missed the player. Two days later Mr. WC. Cuff, the Everton chairman stated yesterday, that the club may well be taking the matter before the football League and the football Association and, if necessary, before a civil court. “We have legitimate grounds of complaint against Darlington Club,” “He added,” We consider their action should be subject for inquiry, and we are claiming that inquiry, the facts will be laid before the authorities. I do not wish to say anything further than that at the moment, as it would be unfair to make any suggestion or statement. Our Darlington correspondent wires that the officials of the Darlington club were astounded on learning that Everton intended to take action, and there appears to be a great deal of doubt in Darlington as to the particular reason on which the Goodison park officials base their claim. When negotiations first opened Everton desired that both O'Donnell and Scott should become their players and a sum was agreed upon for both men. It was them pointed out to the Everton officials that Scott was not likely to leave Darlington, and a separate arrangement was there fore made with regard to O'Donnell. Scott, as anticipated, declined to sign for Everton during that weekend, but still believing that they could induce the player to transfer his affections to Goodison Park. An Everton representative visited Darlington on the following Thursday, again the player declined to sign, and it was generally believed that all negotiations were at an end. This however, from the action of the Everton does not appear to have been the case, for it seems that they consider that they have still some claim upon Scott. The Darlington directors at any rate were convinced that the matter was at an end, and in transferring the player to Liverpool, were not awarded that any rule had been transgressed. They gave Scott a free hand in the matter, and they claim that they have kept faith throughout.

EVERTON TEAM SURPRISES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 13 February 1925
HARLAND HURT
Harland, it appears was hurt in the game with Liverpool, and Everton had no option but to pick Kendall.  Kendall has had a curiously uneven experience here.  At the Spurs’ ground he was a delight; at Leeds he undermined his confidence by a simple slip the best of goalkeepers suffer during their career.  It was hard lines on a good lad and a good goalkeeper.  However, there are those who have not been altogether happy about the goalkeeping of Harland, and thus Kendall comes back again after having had a solitary Cup innings against Sunderland-a high test.  He is, as it so happens, against Sunderland again to-morrow, and I wish him well; as also all the other members of the team.  While it is quite true to say that the position of the Everton club looks worse than it really is, it would be nice to see Everton make the position nicer than it really is.  Meantime, let me mention the fact that many people have been left wondering how O’Donnell came to leave the team through the Notts game being abandoned.  Raitt undoubtedly gave a good show against Liverpool and possibly the directors wanted to show their new goods at the first home match.  The weather baulked them; so they put back Raitt into the first team.  Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Troup.  Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, Oakley; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Prior, Buchan, Marshall, Hawes, Death. 
Everton Res, at home to Oldham hope to make a further stride up the Central League ladder; and in their mission they will field this eleven;- Jones; Caddick, Livingstone; Rooney, Bain, Virr; Parry, Wall, Williams, Hargreaves, and Forbes.  They have been a very entertaining lot of young lads, this season, these Goodison reserves. 

A QUESTION OF STAMINA.
February 14 1925. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON POSSIBILITIES ON WEARSIDE.
The postponement of the game with Notts County may prove a blessing in disguise for Everton as it enables them to tackle Sunderland in the best possible conditions. Moreover the Wearsiders had a stiff game with Bolton Wanderers and may be feeling the effects of it this afternoon. The Everton player, who have been staying at Ben Rhydding on the Yorkshire moors since Wednesday, are reported fit and confident of again holding their own with Sunderland. The side with two exceptions, Broad and Troup for Cock is the same as ousted the Wearsiders from the Cup. Sunderland are also at full strength and think they will be able to show their form in the Cup-tie was all wrong. That of course remains to be seen. Personnally I think Everton will win though the margin between the sides may not be large.

FAMOUS OLD-TIMERS.
February 14, 1925. The Liverpool Football Club.
VICTOR HALL TELLS OF BOOTH AND ABBOTT –TWO GREAT EVERTON HALF-BACKS.
They were a wonderful trinity –Taylor, Booth, and Abbott. Jack Taylor's career has already been recorded in these random symposia, but Booth and Abbott individually great helped to strengthen a line that for many years had been Everton's pride. It is curious to reflect how all the really great teams have found their soul in the middle line. Cast your memory back as you will to any of the brilliant teams that have shone for a season, or a number of seasons, and inevitably it will be realised that the half-backs line has been a line of intellect and untiring energy. Nothing also can make a team so surely, nothing can break a team so completely, as genius well directed, or mediocrity in the backbone division, be the forwards, backs, or keeper what they will. In the combination of Booth and Abbott with Taylor, there was the perfect assembly of rugged dour downright grit, with sure defensive instinct. That was Abbott. There was the shrewd incisive cool deliberation wedded to bold, fearless audacity. That was Booth. In Taylor was the gaunt determination to overcome every obstacle to the immediate end in the view, whether attack or defence.
HEFTY MEN.
All were solid, hefty men to move; men that an opponent would hesitate to play in any but the orthodox manner. Otherwise would be to court reprisals. And they could give as much as they took in that direction. Walter Abbott brought to Everton from Small heath way a plain, blunt name as a player of sterling worth. Nothing showery he had no parlous tricks, and he didn't advertise. But he did play solid, rebust football according to the rules, and he had nineteen different methods of stopping the opposing forwards from scoring, and was prepared to put any one of them, or the whole nineteen, into immediate practice at any given minute. He knew too, where the goal lay –both goals –the one he was covering and the one he wanted to cover, and always took the direct method in his aim. He had a working knowledge of every move in the football game, and no player, whatever his size or weight, had any errors for him in attack or defence. Being a plain simple-minded follower of the game, he adopted the plainest and simplest of methods to attain his immediate objective and, growing up into maturity as a player with Everton, it could truthfully be said of him at the end of his playing career that he left nothing but happy memories at Goodison park, as they were always given to a player who has yielded faithfully and honourable service. With the public at Goodison Park there were few players more steadfast in their esteem than the genial Walter. Among the players whether on the practice field, or the cinder trick, or in the clubroom, when cards were were out after training time, there was no more popular comrade than that same Walter, with his black clay pipe always aglow. Tom Booth, too, had a charm of his own and was ever welcome in any social gathering of Liverpool or Everton players. Tom was a wonderfully successful billiard player, and he was in great demand whenever the social hour permitted a game either at home or away in club matches. Geo. Crelly, Kitchen, and Booth were generally to be found whenever billiards were going, and in both Everton and Anfield billiard circles team matches were popular side functions and relieved often the tedium of strict training. On the field Booth had a personality of his own. His height was used to the best of advantage though it has not always been considered an advantage to the above the average height in a player who aspires to distinction as a half-back. But Booth had himself always in the pink of training conditions, and never took the field except in the fittest conditions. He used his long limbs to every advantage and could hold his own with the fleetest of forwards. His strong feature of play was in planning offensive raids and opening out scoring positions for his forwards. Being of good natured and good hearted temperament it was rarely that Tom Booth ever brought himself under the notice of the referee, and among First Division player it is probably true to say that he had not an enemy. To the directors of the club he was one of those fortunate players that is never an anxiety. Always fit always a trier, always a worker, and always “brainy” with his work –what more could any club committee wish for? That was the happy state of the Everton half back division during the period that these three gifted players were associated. Is it any wonder that the fortunes of the club kept on an even keel? Always a pleasure to watch, always certain of a loyal following, always playing the most attractive of games if they did not win championships they were potentially always amongst the starts, and the principal reason was the superiority individually and collectively, of these three players over and above that of the average teams they had to meet week after week.
UNBEATABLE.
It would almost seen that the previous famous line, Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, had been most successfully replaced, and that the club had renewed its youthful brilliancy in the personnel if its half-back line. Well, other clubs have had similar good fortune. We can recall one famous half back line at Anfield, Tom Watson used to say was unbeatable by any other club in Great Britian, and Tom Watson was a great judge of football players. Some day we shall tell of Tom and the “dancing barber” who wanted to play for England. But that is, and will be, another story. It was a great set-back to the steadiness of the Everton team as a whole, when time put an end to the partnership of those brilliant half backs. It always seems that brilliancy can be imported with advantage into the forward line of a team without upsetting the momentum or striking power of the team as a whole. But to import one player into a half back line that has been associated in play together long enough to become assimilated is very near to being a risk. And, as everybody knows risks are all right –when they come off! But –Well, Tom Booth and happy Walter Abbott like other players on our list, came amongst us, and dwelt long in our tents, and later on in fullness or time, when their playing days were over, they passed on, folding their tents, and carrying with them out lingering gratefulness as good friends and fine sportsmen. (Note. Tom Booth is now devoting himself to billiards, and is busy in the Amateur Championship-).

EVERTON CUP-TIE HISTORY
Star Green 'un - Saturday 14 February 1925
NOW JIM BROAD HAS GIVEN PUNCH TO AN ARTSITIC ATTACK
By a well-known Liverpool Critic
Everton have the credit of being one of the brightest teams in the land and one of the classiest teams, too, but classy work does not necessarily bring points, and therein lay the complaint of the people who went to Goodison Park.  They said; “It is all very well to talk of class and style, but we would like to cheer a goal or two.”  Everton have suffered a bad season- rarely a worse.  First it was goalkeeping nerves; they tried a youngster 16 years old, who had only been in the game two months all told.  Then he was put in at half-back! No wonder the poor lad made a blunder and thus lost his place.  But there have been other faults.  The side had lost touch with grit and goals.  They have been buffered about through injuries, it is true, but it was not until Jim Broad was brought from Sittingbourne that the side began to sit up and take notice.  Broad would do what the others would not do- he would chance a shot.  Thus Everton improved, and, with ten men- Peacock being in hospital during the game with a broken leg –kept Burnley out of the second round.  And Burnley have some useful members in Tom Roberts, Cross, and Hill and Kelly, to name a few at random.  Everton, however, have not been secure on the left wing; in fact, the left flank has been below par.  After they dropped Chadwick, their 28 goal-getter last season, they restored him alongside Weaver, who had been obtained from Burnley.  And weaver succeeded where Troup had failed.  Troup had not gained ground.  Weaver always went up the field and got his centre across without hanging about.  Thus Everton got better each week from Christmas time, but they are still a lowly side.  Let me give you some “photographs” of the side that is acting;-
SNAPSHOTS OF THE PLAYERS
Harland
Irish goalkeeper.  Had a bad spell through being kicked on the thumb at Chelsea.  It meant he was unconscious for days.  Now quite O.K and doing well.
Raitt
Has superseded Livingstone and has not done over well.  However, in form he is a match-saver, for he fears nought.  Likes to shape against a wing that is not unduly speedy –he doesn’t mind how clever they are.
McDonald
The veteran back has been restored once again and has proved himself the grandest back on the books.  He is the one man who inspires his side.  He puts “beef” into his work, but is fair.  Stout at heart, he is the man who has done more than any other, save Chedgzoy to give Everton some belief in themselves.  Mac has a wonderful way of recovering –either from injury or from a position where the other forwards have broken away. 
Brown.
A year ago voted the best right half-back in the land.  Has fallen on flu days and thus suffered a bit.  A great instructor rather than a breaker-up, although his heading is a specially noteworthy feature.  Can shoot, too.  One of the rotund build.
McBain.
A “daddy” half-back.  Great initiator, slides ball up the middle to remind us of passes of old days; not over-keen about falling back, but believes he has done his work when he has “planted” ball at feet of forward who is unmarked.  Neil came from Manchester United and is said to be wanted back in Scotland.  He captains the side in Hart’s absence.
Reid.
Davie, of Irish bringing-up and Scottish birth.  One of four brothers, two of whom are with New Brighton.  Is left half-back.  Really a forward, but Everton have long kept him in reserve for half-back position.  Like Brown shortish, but stocky in build. 
LIKE TENNYSON’S BROOK
Chedgzoy
Said to have written.  “The Brook” –which has this line “I go on or ever” A wonderful angle-centre and shot.  Plays like a 22-year-old for England.  Speedy, wise, a crack shot with left or right.  Deserves better reward for his labours and centred.
Irvine-
Variable this season.  Last season crack dribbler.  Now got into habit of doubling round and round.  Cross-word puzzle! Unlucky with his shots- hence his inclination to go on dribbling to the mouth of the goal.  A brainy player, spite of that, and great command of ball.  Never squeals about injuries.  Hard as iron.
J. Broad
Millwall, Stoke, Sittingbourne, and other clubs. A go-ahead type.  Tough of thigh and strong of boot.  Hot when on the move.  Loves shooting; never fears onerous job on hand.
Chadwick
Tall Lancashire lad. All body, big, slowish-moving till well on the way to mark and then quite a big strider.  Best long-distance shot in land save McKinlay.  Better player than many suggest, but likes a slushy ground to give him chance of getting moving simultaneous with rest.
Weaver
Raking-striding young man from Birkenhead.  Went to Burnley.  Everton bought him to relieve their finicky winger and to relieve Burnley’s bank balance.
Everton’s cup work in past season’s has been very variable.  They have lost early on at home to Crystal Place and to Bradford, and have not touched their 1906 style for years.  Then they were in the fourth round four years in succession and got to the final in successive years.
A FINAL WITH WEDNESDAY
Everton history is associated with many fine football things.  They are heroes of many brave fights.  Time was when they drew at Bolton, the goal being scored what time the Bolton players were falling on each other’s necks in celebration of having taken the lead.  Then there was an occasion when they waded through the rounds time after time and had four semi-final appearances in successive years.  They have beat themselves, according to the critics when they went to the Palace and fought The Wednesday to the last dying moments of a game that looked like being drawn.  Then Abbott, playing a sporting game, kept the ball in play instead of booting it away, as is the case in these enlightened days, and off went the Wednesday left wing to obtain the winning goal.  The year before that they had planned to beat Newcastle and had managed to do so.  They beat Sheffield United by a goal to nought after a great game at Goodison as far back as 1907- the year they met Wednesday in the Final, and yet there has been in the last few years a sort of “dry rot” where cup ties are concerned.  Look at this little collection-Brighton beat them 5-2.  Everton held the lead twice, yet collapsed like a cross-word puzzler at the bewitching hour of midnight.  Add this one; Bradford beat them after a draw; then tack on Crystal Palace’s 6-0 victory three years ago at Goodison Park.  That day the Palace goalkeeper was busy eating ornages what time Menlove, now of Sheffield, was scouting for goals at the other end.  Even the Wolves beat them in 1921 at Goodison Park.  The list of cup affairs at Everton has not been gaudy, and one in Liverpool dares to say that they are a cup-fighting side these days.  However, they do say that the side is learning to fight back against odds and therefore must be regaining a lost confidence.
CUP RESULTS CHRONICIED
Everton ate to be feared if their forward line begins to move smoothly, but there will have to be a better balanced line at Sheffield if they are to do any damage for against Sunderland at Goodison, only Irvine showed up well and Raitt was a bit streaky.  However, here is the merry little chronicle to ponder over.
1900-Southampton (a) 0-3
1901-Southampton (a) 3-1; Sheffield Utd (a) 0-2
1902- Liverpool (a) 2-2; replay (h) 0-2
1903- Portsmouth (h) 5-0; Manchester United (h) 3-1; Millwall (a) 0-1
1904- Tottenham H (h) 1-2
1905-Liverpool (a) 1-1, replay (h) 2-1; Stoke (a) 5-0; Southampton (h) 4-0; Villa, semi-final at Stoke 1-1-; replay at Nottingham 1-2
1906-West Bromwich (h) 3-1; Chesterfield (h) 3-0; Bradford City (h) 1-0; Wednesday (h) 4-3; Liverpool (at Aston) 2-0; Newcastle (Crystal Palace) 1-0
1907- Sheffield United (h) 1-0; West Ham (a) 2-1; Bolton Wanderers (h) 0-0, replay (a) 3-0; Crystal Palace (a) 1-1, replay (h) 4-0; West Bromwich (at Bolton) 2-1; final, Wednesday 1-2
1908- Tottenham H (h) 1-0; Oldham (a), replay (h) 6-1; Bolton (h) 3-1 (after 3-3 away) ; Southampton (h) 0-0, replay (a) 1-3
1909- Barnsley (h) 3-1; Manchester City (a) 0-1
1910-MIddlesbrough (a) 1-1, replay (h) 5-3; Sunderland (h) 2-0; Coventry City (a) 2-0; Barnsley (Leeds) 0-0, replay 0-3 (Old Trafford)
1911- Crystal Palace (a) 4-0; Liverpool (h) 2-1, Derby County (a) 0-3
1912- Clapton (a) 2-1; Bury (h) 1-1, replay (a) 6-0; Oldham (a) 2-0, Swindon (a) 0-1
1913-Stockport C (h) 5-1; Brighton (a) 0-0, replay (h) 1-0; Bristol R (a) 4-0, Oldham (h) 0-1
1914- Glossop (a) 1-2
1915- Barnsley (h) 3-0; Bristol C (h) 4-0; Q.P.R. (a Chelsea by arranagement) 2-1; Bradford City (a) 2-0; Chelsea (Semi-final, at Aston) 0-2
1920- Birmingham (a) 0-2
1921- Stockport C (h) 1-0; Wednesday (h) m1-1, replay (a) 1-0; Newcastle (h) 3-0; Wolves (h) 0-1
1922- Crystal Palace (h) 0-6
1923- Bradford (h) 1-1, replay (a) 0-1
1924- Preston (h) 4-1; Brighton and Hove (a) 2-5
1925- Burnley (h) 2-1; Sunderland (h), 2-1 (after draw 0-0)

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 February 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• The contention of Everton partisans that the “Football Echo” editor favours the Anfielders is justifiable only on one ground, viz, that he is the most “read” man on Merseyside. 
• Liverpool won their jubilee League match with Everton.
• Mr. W.R. Clayton gave a very fine address at last week’s “Football Sunday” whilst referee Jack Cahill made a capital chairman in the enforced absence of Tom Bromilow. 
• Rarely have the Reds shown more confidence v. Everton than was the case up to the stage when a three goals lead had bene obtained. 
• At the same time, Chedgzoy’s many brilliant centres in the second half deserved s better reward.  Everton have now eight professional backs on their books.
• If Everton can play as in their two Cup-ties v. Sunderland and in the Burnley tie they should at least escape defeat at Bramall-lane. 

EVERTON F.C.
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 14 February 1925
MEETING SUNDERLAND FOR FOURTH TIME THIS SEASON
RAITT AT FULL BACK
F.E.H. REPORTS ON ROKER ENCOUNTER
Everton and Sunderland met for the fourth time this season.  Sunderland won at Everton 3-0 early in the season in the League series; then came the draw at Roker in the Cup-tie, and after that a win at Goodison in the replayed tie.  To-day, the second League game was played, and Kendall and Raitt were included in the Everton side.  The Everton players travelled from Ilkley, where they had snow this morning.  On arrival at Sunderland, they drove straight to Roker Park.  Here the conditions were dismal to a degree a drizzle was falling, and the playing pitch was a veritable mud heap.  Many expressed the opinion that the ground was not fit to play on, and in any event it was bound to prove a heavy handicap.
ALMOST EMPTY GROUND
There were not more than 5,000 present when the teams turned out in the following order.- Everton; Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Troup.  Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, Oakley; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Prior, Buchan, Marshall, Ellis, Death.  Referee; Mr. J.D. Hickling.  At each goal end there was a small sea of liquid mud, and it was ankle deep before the play began.  Everton won the toss, but there was little advantage in the blustering wind.  In the first minute the visitors advanced over the sloppy surface, and Buchan hesitating.  Troup passed the ball to Broad, who had an open goal when he struck the upright and McIntroy out of his goal.  It was a wonderful escape for the Wearsiders.  After some floundering about, Sunderland got down on the right, but Buchan was twice at fault.  Then Everton returned to the attack, but Broad had to work his way clean through, when he was dispossessed by Cresswell.  The Wearsiders took up the mud larking, and from a neat pass by Buchan, Prior sent in a long dropping shot which landed just outside the far post. 
OPENING OUT FANLIKE
Considering the conditions, the play was agreeably brisk, and Broad opened out to his wings in admirable style, and both Troup and Chadwick made attempts on McInroy’s change.  When the visitors came along again, Parker was damaged in collision, and had to be assisted from the field.  In spite of this temporary loss, the Sunderland forwards were busy on the left, Ellis’s shot stuck in the mud, refusing to roll up to Kendall. 
A BROAD GOAL.
Everton were again busy on the right, and from a judicious pass which Broad seized upon, and Cresswell failed to tackle properly, Broad scored a simply goal.  This early success spurred the Evertonians to further effort, and for a time they enjoyed all the better of the play.  They came along in open order time after time, and after Chadwick had tested the home keeper with one of his long drives, Irvine sailed in and just missed a golden opportunity of adding a second goal.  Subsequently Sunderland began to have a bigger share in the attack and Buchan sent in a strong oblique shot which Kendall saved at the foot of the upright.  Troup came into the picture with a fine run along the wing, where the going was much better, but his final effort failed.  At this juncture, Parker returned to the accompaniment of encouraging cheers.  Despite the fact that the surface was quite churned up, play continued to be merry and bright.  Broad was in the happiest vein, and, ploughing through once more, he tested McIntroy with a swift, low drive that was well cleared.  The Wearsiders replied in gallant fashion through Marshall, who sent in a stinging volley, which hit the side of the net.
CHEDGZOY APPROVED.
Clever individual work on the part of Chedgzoy met with the approbation of the crowd, and the next Everton advance was through Troup and his colleagues; the ball was swung across to Chedgzoy, who forced a corner, which led to great excitement before being safely negotiated. 
BUCHAN ON HIS OWN.
End-to-end play was negative by the fact that accurate footwork was impossible, but, in spite of this, Marshall got through and shot just wide.  Buchan then worked through on his own account, and, beating McBain, scored a beautiful goal.  From the centre the home forwards came down again, and a shot was fired at Kendall, which he saved and carried. A free kick was given within three yards of the goalmouth, and, from this, Buchan added a second goal.  It was altogether a rather curious incident, but it certainly counted to Sunderland.  For some time after this Everton were thrown back on the defensive, and after a corner had been forced on the left Death took the ball into the goalmouth and Kendall was still fumbling with it when Macdonald came to the rescue and cleared.  Chedgzoy was so well watched by Andrews that he was rarely able to get going, but twice he did manage to elude the half back and drop in characteristic centres.  These, however, were safely dealt with McBain once put his forwards in possession with splendid judgement and after Troupe had failed to get through, Irvine tried his luck, but he was anticipated by Oakley.  Half-time; Sunderland 2, Everton 1. 
EVERTON LOSE AT ROKER
SMALL CROWD ON A SEA OF MUD
BROAD OPENS THE SCORE
SUNDERLAND LATER SCORE FOUR TIMES
Sunderland were distinctly lucky to hold the lead at the interval, for Everton had enjoyed much more of the play and had adapted themselves more adroitly to the conditions than their opponents.  Broad ought certainly to have had another goal, for he was tireless in his attentions to the home keeper.  The half-backs were also excellent, and Kendall could scarcely be called a complete success.  On resuming, Everton attacked strongly on the right, where a corner was given, but to no useful purpose.  The visitors returned on the left, but were pulled up for the offside, and then there followed a spell of long kicking in midfield.  Eventually Chedgzoy broke through and gave the heavy leather to Broad, but the latter was not permitted to get in his shot.  Sunderland raced away.  Prior lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, and this led to a tremendous bully.  Ellis was closing in, Brown, in jumping into the breach, was hurt, and had to be attended to.  Sunderland pressed desperately hard, and another fast shot from Buchan was well saved. 
THIRD GOAL BY ELLIS
After a little time the visitors, in spite of the absence of Brown, attacked on both wings, but Cresswell managed to clear his lines, and Everton once more took up the running all three inside men getting through but without success.  The home attack was busy in their turn, and this time Ellis added a third goal as the result of a very nice combined movement.  Meanwhile, Brown, whose leg was apparently badly injured, was helped to the dressing-room.  This loss of Brown was a serious handicap to Everton, but they kept plodding away pluckily.  Reid once tried his luck with a long lobbing shot.  Later Sunderland had the benefit of the free kick, but this was saved.  A few seconds later Ellis gave Kendall a very warm handful, and there ensued a corner on the left, from which the leather was put just outside. 
THE FINAL GOAL.
Five minutes from the end, Marshall headed Sunderland’s fourth goal from a corner. 
Final; Sunderland 4, Everton 1. 

ORMSKIRK v. EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 February 1925
At Ravenscroft, Ormskirk, before a big crowd.  Ormskirk opened strongly although playing against the wind and sun.  After five minutes J. Gregson scored a splendid goal.  Everton replied, Page saving from Harrington.  Five minutes later J. Gregson increased the homesters’ lead with another fine shot, and almost scored the hat trick a minute later.  Everton’s forwards at times showed good combination, but finished weakly.  After half an hour.- Ormskirk 2, Everton A nil.  

WHY SCOTT TURNED DOWN EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 14 February 1925
Why did you turn down Everton?  “Bee” asked Scott, the new Liverpool player.  Because, said he, I did not think I should stand much chance of getting into the first team.  I had read of their big fee men and the cost of their reserve side, and it put me off them.  Besides I had played at Anfield and was impressed by the ground, the people, and so on. 

SUNDERLAND 4 EVERTON 1
February 16 1925. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON FAIL AT ROKER PARK.
DEFENCE OVERRUN AFTER INJURY TO BROWN.
By S.H.H.
Sunderland gained their revenge against Everton for the cup exit by a score that did not do justice to the losers. Everton, who had been at Ben Rhydding since the Wednesday, gave one of the best first half displays of the season, keeping the ball travelling from wing to wings and at the same time not allowing the Sunderland men to settle down to any decided plan. In the first minute the left wing opened up the way for a possible goal, Chadwick placing the ball well between Cresswell and Oakley for Broad to take it in his stride. But luck was not with Everton as although McInroy was helpless, the ball came back off the post for the goalkeeper to clear. This did not dismay the visitors, and for the first ten minutes; they riddled the Sunderland defence. The home halves could not get a grip of the fleet-footed Everton wingers, in addition to which Cresswell was not inspiring confidence by his ballooning of the ball. It therefore, came as no surprise when Broad took a centre from the right wing and netted; the Everton men had been the better side up to this point, and with the home lot sticking the close passing game, to which the swampy ground did not lend itself, it seemed as though Everton would carry off the spoils. But this they failed to do, though McInroy was twice lucky to get out of dangerous situations, and gradually we saw the Wearsiders get the measure of the Blues. “SWING IT ABOUT.”
Heeding the cries of the crowd to “swing it about.” Marshall kept plying Death and then prior alternating with a dash through himself. At the end of half hour Prior manceurved on the line before turning the ball to Buchan, and the inside men, by one of those side flicks which have made him famous, rounded Reid and McDonald to flash in a shot that Kendall saw little of in its flight to the top part of the net. It was a brilliant Buchan goal, and undoubtedly played a big part in the subsequent victory, as the Wearsiders, after opening poorly, developed into an excellent side. Within two minutes they were in the lead, though I rather think the referee in the wrong in penalising Kendall. The ball had come rather low across the face of the goal from Prior, and Kendall fell on it, but before he could regain his feet he was the centre of a melee. However, he emerged from the ruck and apparently, taking more than two strides, was pulled up. Now this was a little more than a yard from the goal, when Prior tipped the ball sideways. Buchan lengthy leg had it into the net. This was the extent of the scoring at the interval.
BROWN HURT.
Following the change over, Everton gave promise of at least holding, their own, and McInroy had a lively five minutes, but in a raid on the Everton goal Brown was hurt, and from this point hopes of getting even a point evaporated. The half-back was attended to behind the goal, but was eventually led off the field. Ellis got a third goal, when he turned to account a delightful piece of work, in which Prior, Buchan, and Marshall participated, Everton, after this were a spent force, and although Buchan left the field just before the end, Marshall completed the visitors' discomfiture by heading a fourth goal from a corner. Though beaten, Everton gave a quite a good display up to the point of losing Brown, so that there is reasonable excuse for such a big score against them. Forward, Broad led a line that was always going ahead, and which moved in harmony throughout. At half-back McBain got through a deal of heavy work in the mud, and he was ably assisted by his colleagues. Behind Raitt and McDonald defended finely, though after Brown's departure they were overrun. In goal Kendall shaped well, being no whit behind McInroy, who is generally accepted as England's goalkeeper. Sunderland's strength was in the forward line, but even here it was not until they had got the lead that they touched their best form. Teams : - Sunderland: - McIroy, goal, Cresswell (captain), and Oakley, backs, Clunas, Parker, and Andrews, half-backs, Prior, Buchan, Marshall, Ellis, and Death, forwards. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt, and McDonald backs, Brown, McBain (captain), and Reid, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 2
February 16, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
By their narrow win, Everton have placed themselves in a good position for the League championship, especially as the leaders. The Wednesday lost another two points. Although the score indicates a close game Everton were much the superior side, and during the first half kept the visitors on the defence. Forbes was in great form, and it was due to his clever dribbling and centres, Williams scores his three goals. Prior to the interval Parry was badly kicked and Everton played with only four forwards during the second half. Oldham rearranged their forward, and Carroll, who went centre scored two goals. The first was the result of good play between himself and Scholes, and the second though a mix-up between the Everton backs and keeper, which left him with an open goal. Williams afterwards missed an open goal though slipping on the treacherous turf.

ORMSKIRK 3 EVERTON “A” 0
February 16, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Courier.
HALL WALKER CUP.
Everton journeyed to Ormskirk with a good side in which there were several new faces, and though well beaten they gave a fairly good display against a side stronger in nearly all departments. John Gregson, the home inside-right, scored all his side's three goal and was the best forward on the field, being closely followed by Barton, the Everton “A” inside right, who though very young showed distinct promise. Weir and McGrae (halves) Gaffney and Rankin (backs), and Milford (goal) also did well for the losers. There was not a weak spot in the home side, the halves being particularly sound.

SUNDERLAND DASH
Athletic News - Monday 16 February 1925
EVERTON FIND ROKER SIDE AT THEIR BEST
MARSHALL’S SUCCESS
SUNDERLAND 4, EVERTON 1
By Tom Tiddler
The heavy rains for many hours had left the Roker ground in a bad state, but the referee declared it fit before the gates were opened. Fortunately, the weather improved from that point and 8,000 watched the game comparative comfort.  Eleven minutes had elapsed when Everton were awarded free kick for a foul on Irvine. From the kick Broad received and, slipping the ball round Cresswell neatly placed it into the net.  Twenty minutes later Ellis put across just in the Everton half, and Buchan wound up a characteristic sprint with a brilliant equalizing goal.  Barely two minutes more had gone when Kendall was penalized for carrying.  Prior took the free kick and, gently moving the ball to Buchan, the latter drove hard through the crowd of Everton players into the goal. Thirteen minutes of the second period had slipped by when Marshall gave Ellis a chance which he capped with admirable cross drive. Then, five minutes from the close, another free kick was accorded the locals. Prior took it and Marshall neatly headed the fourth goal.
STUCK IN THE MUD
Everton started with great dash, and within a minute Broad had shaken one of the posts. The visitors appeared to realize that their position in the table needed improving and quickly acted upon the knowledge that the open style play would be the most effective.  In this respect Sunderland were lacking for a while, but not for long, and the spectators soon got quite fill of excellent football. As an exposition of the code it was far ahead of their meeting a fortnight ago, and some might even have considered the locals were lucky to be leading at the interval.  Later, the position was consolidated, and Sunderland’s best win for many a day was placed on the books.  When Everton opened their account Parker was off injured, and six minutes after the turn round Brown had to retire owing injury and took no further part in the game. 
DASHING FORWARDS
Sunderland won because of their superior dash and finish. There was an energy and determination among the forwards quite refreshing to see.  Marshall, who has now scored in four consecutive matches, is graduating well as a leader. Buchan exhibited his best form, his strong and brainy finishing being the type that counts. Prior is developing on right lines, and the left wing couple did a lot clever work.  Parker as usual did well, and was flanked by an artist in Clunas and a keen tackler in Andrews. Oakley was the more serviceable back, and McInroy, if not always inspiring, came well up to his reputation. Kendall dealt admirably with high shots, but showed a tendency to hesitate when dealing with other deliveries.  The backs were subjected to severe pressure, but came well out of the ordeal. McBain was the pick of a moderate middle line, and though Broad was a capable leader the forwards might have been more enterprising.  Sunderland.—McInroy; Cresswell, Oakley; Clunas, Parker, Andrews; Prior, Buchan, Marshall, Ellis, and Death.  Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain (Captain), Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Troup.  Referee; J.G. Hickling, Mansfield. 

v. SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 February 1925
By F.E.H.”
The stars in their course move certainly yet mysteriously, and, though there is no analogy between astronomy and football, stellar constellations and mundane matters may have much in common.  This is a quite simple way indicates that Everton ought not to have been beaten by anything like so big a margin as 4 to 1 by Sunderland at Roker Park on Saturday.  In the first half especially, the Goodison Park contingent were far and away the better side.  They immediately appreciated the heavy and treacherous condition of the ground, and drew up their plan of action and attack accordingly.  No doubt you have all read how the battle went, and there is no reason to recapitulate the main incidents of a strenuous struggle.  The dominant note, in my humble judgement, was the set and determined way in which Broad led the general plan of campaign.  He opened out like a Trojan, and hit the upright in the first sixth seconds.  Then he came through again like a mettlesome middleweight, and opened the scoring with an effort that left Cresswell and the ‘keeper guessing.  Sunderland’s reply to this shock was rather more adventitious then purposely contrived; yet Buchan’s first scoring shot was certainly –as our French friends would say-beyond reproach.  To make matters worse- from an Everton point of view –the lengthy and famous forward added a second before literary persons had time to exclaim “Jack Robinson.”  In the second half, Everton, I thought, occasionally lost their grip on the game; though, of course, they were handicapped by the loss of Brown, whose leg injury, I am sorry to say, may keep him off the field for a little time.  Summing up, I should say that the points might well have been divided, though I do not think that any Wearsider will; agree with me. 
In connection with the Everton-Sheffield Cup-tie Dean and Dawson are running a special day excursion train, leaving Central Station at 10.35 a.m., due Sheffield (Victoria) 12.32 p.m. Passengers return by special train at 6.35 p.m., or by any ordinary train after 3.0. p.m.  Tickets can be obtained any time in advance at Dean and Dawson’s, 38, Lord-Street. 

BROWN NOT LIKELY TO PLAY FOR EVERTON IN CUP-TIE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 17 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
BROWN’S CONDITION
Everton, with their bad luck clinging to them all the time, have now to face the possibility of William Brown being an absentee.  Brown has been a particularly luckless sort of individual, and in recent times he gained the title of the best right half-back in the land, and then suffered ‘flu to such an extent that he was unable to appear in the team which he adorned.  News this morning shows that he is improving, but the Roker injury is likely to keep him out of the side that goes to Sheffield.  Everton are confident that they are going to give Sheffield a big run for their money, and if they can produce the form they showed in the first twenty minutes of the Roker game, they will make Sheffield United sit up and take notice.  As with the second round, so with the event of Saturday- Everton have made full arrangements in case of a replay.  Will readers kindly cut out the following instruction list;-
In the event of a draw at Sheffield, it has been decided to book the centre portion of Goodison-road stand and centre of Bullens-road stand at 5s.  The end blocks of Goodison and the goal double decker will be booked at 3s.  The ends of the Bullens-road stand will be as usual –pay at the turnstiles.  Book at Goodison Park and Cook’s office, at Lord-street, on Monday, for the replay on Wednesday.  If the match is finished definitely and Cardiff City win or lose their Cup-tie, then the Cardiff league visit to Goodison Park will be brought forward to next Wednesday.  The last time they appeared here the players and spectators voted it one of the best League games ever seen, and I think I can justly claim that the next meeting will be something similar. 
A SUGGESTION.
For the first time this season I address you (writes M.R.). I am in the dumps over Brown’s injury.  I have a suggestion to make.  In the event of Brown being unable to play at Sheffield, why not Irvine at right half?  He is a good tackler, has fine ball control, and, as well all know, is an artist in passing.  Put Hargreaves in his place; to my mind far too little has been seen of this clever lad.  Virr is a good reserve player.  A funny coincidence, “Bee.”  For Sunderland replay we asked for seats on Bullens-road stand, but instead got them for the goal double-decker.  We have not been on that stand since Everton beat Sunderland in a Cup-tie years ago by something like 4-1.  Tell the Everton boys to “heart opp,” Sheffield may be united. But they are not invulnerable.  It is up to Everton to make United united!

EVERTON SUGGESTIONS AND UNITED’S PICKLE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 19 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
Everton have not yet announced their team for the Cup-tie on Saturday at Sheffield.  Naturally, the absence of Brown makes the board sit up and think hard once more about the best formation that can be brought into play for the undoubtedly severe task of doing well at Bramell-lane.  Sheffield United are in a similar predicament and are holding up their selection until the eleventh hour.  I have had a lot of letters from correspondents who make suggestions as to Everton alternations, but I have not seen fit to publish them, because in my opinion, they would not have helped matters owing to the extreme views taken by correspondents.  Anything of a constructive nature I welcome, but anything otherwise is not entitled to publicity in these columns. 
A SUGGESTION
Without in any way prejudging the Everton case, I should like here to suggest that Everton will have to experiment to a certain degree.  One does not forget that Neil McBain, the acting captain, has played on the wing and that nothing would be lost if he went on the wing for this match, and Bain, who has been doing well for the reserves, gets promoted.  Bain’s youth, speed, and ability were shown up early in the season in an away game in which Virr also proved his claims for the first team choice.  Bain would, I imagine put up a stout challenge to a player of young Johnson’s type.  The defence has not been entirely satisfactory, and it would seem that at the moment Harland is well again and will be trusted with the goalkeeper’s job.  At full back there is a diversity of opinion and much speculation.  I have heard Raitt blamed for the defeat at Anfield.  That is very unfair to him, in my judgement, because I reckon that day he was the better back of the two.  One of the grievous complaints I have against football is the hasty way in which the public, and even officials, will not allow a man to be off his game for a day.  They cry out for his removal and seem to make confusion worse confounded.  There are those who still believe that Livingstone has earned his place in the senior side. 
THE FORWARD ELEMENT.
The forward line also requires attention.  It is necessary that there shall be continued effort in attack.  The whole side seems to start all right and then fade out.  Weaver’s absence has been due to illness, but he is well again now, and the spacious Bramall-lane ground is eminently suited to his long-striding, go-ahead scoop-up-space pattern of play.  When Wednesday played United in the Cup-tie in the last round the playing pitch was moved inward towards the cricket pitch, but I learn officially that the usual large pitch will be used on Saturday next. 
UNITED’S LIKELY VERDICT.
In Sheffield there is a positive furore concerning the constitution of the United right wing.  The public have taken this matter to heart and are crying out for Mercer and Sampey to form the wing, whereas the form shown by Boyle and Partridge has been such that the directors feel they have no justification for making a change so that the young lads will have their chance.  This is not yet settled, but my information is that the directors will not alter the Boyle-Partridge wing- that’s an unconscious joke. 
If Everton draw at Sheffield on Saturday they replay at Goodison Park next Wednesday.  Blocks C,D,E.F, and G, in the Goodison-road sand and the centre portion of the Bullens-road sand may be booked at the ground and at Thomas Cook’s on Monday, price 5s.  Block A and B and H and K in the Goodison-road stand and the whole of the double-decker can be booked and reserved at 3s. 
A YOUNG MAN SIGNED UP.
Although Everton are away at Sheffield the Goodison Park ground will not be out of use, for the “A” team has an attractive engagement with Burscough, the prospective league champions, and a rare good side to boot.  Everton have signed another local youth in L/H. Whitlow, an outside left who played for the Earle Club a prominent amateur side of the district.  He is 19 years old, stands 5ft 9ins, and scales 10st 7lbs.  The progress of Everton’s tie will appear on the board at frequent intervals. 

OH, EVERTON, ON!
Liverpool Echo - Friday 20 February 1925
HOW SHEFFIELD UNITED CAN BE SURPRISED
Bee’s Notes
Everton are a sort of mystery team these days.  You never can tell, as G.B.S. says, what they will do next.  I forecasted yesterday how the team might be selected, placing McBain on the wing, and introducing Bain and Weaver and Livingstone and Harland.  Everton know full well how difficult is their chance, and they know full well, too, that they have every bit as good a chance of surprising Sheffield as they had f surprising Sunderland. 
WHAT SHEFFIELD SAY.
Sheffield United had an invitation to join the Scarboro’ Townsmen’s Association at their monthly luncheon yesterday, but as this was hardly in accordance with vigorous Cup-tie training it had to be refused.  Nothing has been decided as to the constitution of the side for Saturday.  The doubt, as I said yesterday, is whether the heavy and purposeful Boyle and Partridge will form they right wing of the more experienced and much-daintier pair, Mercer and Tom Sampey.  Sampey was responsible for two or three goals scored against The Wednesday in the last round.  Opinion seems to favour the idea that United should prevail because of speed and balance of attack, but the conditions of the grounds will have such to do with the result.  Appearances in Sheffield at present point to the ground being on the light side, which never made much appeal to the United.  The tie will be the 98th in which the United have played.  They have won 45, lost 28, drawn 24, scoring 150 goals against 121. 
WHERE EVERTON SURPRISE
Everton can be a surprise to the best side, and in view of the lighter style of ground, which everyone knows is no suitable to the United, I expect Everton will go into their work very heartily, and will not only give chase for half an hour, but will go through with their work to the bitter end.  I did not fancy them one bit at Sunderland.  I can picture them doing much better at Sheffield and, perhaps, I shall help their cause if I select them to draw.  They can then deny me by winning! No one will be happier than I if they do startle the world by winning.  They have it in them, and United will know all about it if the eleven can snatch a goal early on.  Certainly they have nothing to be shy about with United’s back, nor yet has Sutcliffe quite proved himself worthy of the illustrious name He bears.
HAPPY THOUGHT!
The United half-backs are their best portion together with Gillespie’s cunning initiation and the new-found youngsters on the right wing.  I am told that Boyle and Partridge are certain to be the pair chosen. 
At any rate these are the probable teams; Harland; Livingstone, McDonald; McBain, Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Birks; Pantling, King, Green; Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gilliespie, Tunstall. 
Hunter Hart has asked me to wish Donald Mackinlay and company every good wish, and Donald, in response to the toast, has said, “Same to you Hunter and may we both meet at Wembley to make an historic Final tie.  It would be a rare way of celebrating my birthday, would it not, on the 25th of April? 

EVERTON’S TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 20 February 1925
KENDALL AND RAITT TO PLAY AT SHEFFIELD
Everton’s team to meet Sheffield United will be;- Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; McBain, Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver. 
Frank Sheldon, centre forward, formerly of Everton and Clapton Orient, signed to-day by Merthyr Town.

FAMOUS OLD-TIMERS
February 21, 1925. The Liverpool Football Echo
Mr. James Ramsey, A Liverpool Director Whose Memory Endures
By Victor Hall
It would be almost a misnomer to speak only of the work of the late James Ramsey as being for the Liverpool club, because it was really for all Liverpool football. By that would be meant both Everton and Liverpool and truly he was a loyal friend of both clubs –Everton in their striving youth and Liverpool from their cradle onwards. Mr. Ramsey was one of the old Everton Club Committee who at the time of the trek stayed by the old ground and helped to found the new club. He was elected first honorary treasurer of the Liverpool club and I believe –speaking from memory –be continued that office up to the final breakdown in health that led to his final severance. What a lovable and kindly heart he had, it seemed as if many a time he tried to disguise his natural sympathy by an appearance of briquettes that was but a poor disguise for the warm and generous nature that was his by instinct. From the earlier days of the founding of the Liverpool club, and for some anxious years afterwards the position of the honorary treasurer was one of keen anxiety. The bitterness of the early days had not altogether died down and “gates” were attenuated and painfully fickle. The financial responsibilities of the new club were not light; expensive players had been booked in as Endeavour to provide attractive football, and so to win the steadfast approval of a growing body of supporters. The natural result was that the weekly salary list was a formidable item, especially where gates were slender and other revenue, such as season tickets, stand admission &tc, practically non-existent.
Public Spirited
With a less ardent band of sportsmen than those worthy souls who gathered round the treasurer, the outlook would have been hopeless. But the public spirited men were there, and the width of their personality in those trying days will never be forgotten. Foremost in those names was the present League president, John McKenna, Tom Howarth, Alec Nesbitt and L. Crossthwaite to some of whom tributes will be paid in later articles. But the real responsibility was all the time on the treasurer and well and nobly James Ramsey shouldered the burdle. The late Alderman John Houlding was the president of the young Liverpool club, and then, as always before his financial support was behind the young club to the last penny if necessary; But the new committee (it was not then a Limited company) were proud of their young club and confident they would pull it through unaided by exterior help; and so they struggled and planned in every little economy in order to keep down expenses and avoid increasing their debit balance. Even in those early days the youth club was blessed with a loyal band of hard headed workers who toiled late and early to bring fame and fickle fortune to the young recruit. The talisman of John Houlding's name in Everton was of course, their premier asset but slowly it was realized that so far from being a “one man” show it was a band of zealous who had bayoneted the chariot of their youth and glowing energies to the fortune of the Liverpool club, and as real begets zeal, the weekly list of patrons grew – ever so slowly at first but grow it did; week by week, until one fine day, after years of labour, the danger point had passed, and the club had sailed into clear whether and a sunny sky. Those years of struggle had been anxious years for “Jim Ramsey” and they left a strain on his energetic that eventually told a tale. But he had enjoyed the struggle. He lived for the club in those early days. Late and early he would be round on the ground. In the season when the pressure of daily routine work was to be seen to. In the summer even, when players were gathered to their friends and families in far away Scotland, daily his work went on. The ground had to be refrained or resodded in parts, stands to be repaired or extended, painting and woodwork renewed, hundreds of tons of earth and cinders collected and disposed to increase the terracing, and so the summer days were no holiday for the treasurer but rather added to his duties for the work was continuous and in these days there were no team managers or office staff to superintend things and help. And the treasurer was a honorary officials. No wonder the memory of that first treasurer is kept green out Anfield way! Physically Mr. Ramsey was not robust. His health had for years been a matter of anxiety and in football matches the physical strain of the excitement of the game effected him to an extraordinary degree. He simply could not sit or stand still while watching a game.
Sharing It
His whole body moved in vibration with the fluctuations of play. He would go through practically the whole gamut of emotion that each player of the side endured. With the forwards he would partake of the joyous dash for goal, he would scar with the success, or droop –with the failure of every shot; when danger threatened the Liverpool goal, he suffered the anxieties of the defence and shared the peril of the goalkeeper. To be with him during the match was to be a sharer of his hopes on fears, so he wisely –as a rule –took himself to a quiet corner of the stand or a convenient window of the ground office where he could endure his pangs in solitary enjoyment. But after the match! Ah! If we had won the sky was the only limit to his praises of the players to their tact, their finesse, their real outstanding “over all” merit. If we lost he was sad, sometimes to the verge of gloom. He sorrowed with every player's failure he had a kind word even for the culprits on the day's form. It in other words, he was a real human heart who, with no exterior polish, radiated his hopes and fears and showed his sincere and honest happy nature. The geniality of his smile his ready Irish wit, his companionableness, his generous open hearty were great, great assets to the struggling Liverpool club of those early days. And of all the assets they held in those trying days, none were better than the love and fostering care of that big-hearted little man.
I think it would interest some of the readers of the “Football Echo” to hear of the local boys who made good after leaving the old Liverpool South End A.F.C.
Fred Nidd, right back Bury and Everton
W. Ball left half Bury and Everton
W. Ball left half back, Everton, Notts County, and Blackburn
Jack Brearley, centre forward, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Tottenham

SHEFFIELD UNITED THOUGH
Star Green 'un - Saturday 21 February 1925
GOAL BY TUNSTALL AFTER THREE MINUTES DOES THE TRICK
EVERTON GO DOWN GAEMLY BEFORE 50,000
SHEFFIELD NITED 1, EVERTON 0
By Looker-on
UNITED are through, 50,000 seeing the exit of Everton.  Fred Tunstall did the trick after three minutes, the ball eluding Kendall’s grasp and entering the net.  In later thrills Green and Broad both netted, but had the points disallowed.  Neither set of backs was convincing at first, but Milton improved later, as did Green.  The Partridge-Boyle wing failed to impress, but there were heaps of danger from the Weaver-Chadwick pair on the Everton left.  Sheffield United had the benefit of playing on their own ground for the third time in the current Cup tournament when Everton opposed them this afternoon. In their previous games United accounted for the Corinthians (5-0) and The Wednesday (3-2): while the visitors had ousted Burnley (2-1) and Sunderland (2-1, after 0-0).  A rare good game was anticipated at both teams can play clever football and have brilliant players in their ranks. This is the fourth occasion on which these clubs have been drawn together. Everton had an advantage of two games to one and United hoped to square matters, and so on with a prospect of travelling even further than they did a couple of seasons ago.   The weather this morning was cold and dry, a distinct change from what it was on the day of the second round, and this was expected to have the effect of making for a big attendance. 
PARTRIDGE—BOYLE WING. 
In the bright sunshine the ground looked in splendid condition. It was dry and the ball was likely to prove lively. Half an hour before the start there was a very big crowd, possibly about 40,000, and still people were trooping into the ground.  United decided to play Partridge and Boyle as their right wing pair and the rest of the team was unchanged from a week ago. Everton were as anticipated, McBain taking the right half-back position, and Bain coming in at centre-half, while Kendall, ex-Lincoln City man, kept goal.  Teams; Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall.  Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; McBain (Captain), Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver.  Referee; Mr. A.L. Grinstead, of London.  The crowd was very orderly and the large staff of police had nothing to do except here and there indicate where the people might make more room
THE BRAMELL LANE CROWD
The record crowd for a football match at Bramell Lane, prior to-day was;- 51,206.  That number of people was present at the Second Round F.A. Cup-tie Sheffield United v Bradford, on January 31st 1914. 
Foot policemen were stationed every few yards all-round the inside of the rails, while there was a mounted man at each corner, and some others in reserve near the cricket score box. 
TUNSTALL SCORES IN 3 MINUTES. 
Everton were the first out and were warmly received, for they had many supporters present. United came quickly on their opponents’ heels, and were greeted with a great ovation.  McBain won the toss and decided that his men should have the breeze behind them, defending the Shoreham Street goal.  Right at the start came an unpleasant incident for United, for in the first advance Pantling collided with Weaver and hurt his face. The half-back, however, resumed after attention.  Everton made a brief incursion and Chadwick shot wide from a good centre byChedgzoy.  Then the home men swept down on their right and soon had goal to their name. The-ball was twice put out into touch and following the second throw in Pantling hooked the ball out towards goal. It bounced over TUNSTAI.L, who, straight in front of goal, deftly trapped the ball and took deliberate aim. It looked as if Kendall should have covered the shot, but though he got his hands to the ball it eluded him and went into the net to his left. This success within three minutes of the start sent the crowd wild with delight. 
GREEN’S HEADER FAILS TO COUNT 
Everton made another quick raid, but off-side spoiled them.  United were working together admirably, and were setting pace which was obviously worrying Everton.  McDonald badly mis-kicked when the right wing came down and conceded a corner. Following Partridge’s flag kick, Green headed the ball into the net without the defenders making an effort to stop him.  An offence had, however, been detected, and the referee promptly signaled a free kick for Everton.  Thus early the crowd were getting thrills.  They had another when Chadwick put in a sharp cross shot which Sutcliffe diverted for a corner. Following the flag kick there was a scramble in the home goalmouth. Sutcliffe partially cleared, and then Milton kicked the ball of the goal line. It was quickly returned by Broad, and went into net, but the referee ruled the centre-forward offside. 
SUTCLIFFE PUNCHES CLEAR. 
Again the Everton right came down and gained a comer. Sutcliffe punched out Chedgzoy’s flag kick almost under the bar.  The United defence was not very encouraging, and once we saw Green beaten and the situation saved by Tunstall. Then Milton was at fault, and Gillespie came to the rescue. This need for forwards to help the defence was not the kind thing we wanted..  Play was evenly balanced now and Everton attacked in vigorous fashion at times. Once Chadwick put in great, hard drive and Sutcliffe did very well to steer the ball away from his goal even at the expense of a corner.  The forwards and half-backs on both sides were doing a lot of good work, but it cannot be said that any of the backs particularly impressed, for they were easily overcome and Milton several times miskicked. 
GILLESPIE AND CHADWICK BUSY. 
The forwards made swift raids and often had the defenders puzzled. This occurred on both sides. When the home right advanced on one occasion the ball was put to Johnson, who neatly turned it into the middle, where Gillespie, racing up at top speed, made a gallant effort to score, turning the ball just outside the post.  King and Irvine each had free kicks given against them, and then hands” against Pantling threatened the United goal, but Chadwick's powerful kick was charged down by Boyle. Close on the interval Johnson dashed out from a pass by Gillespie and beat Raitt for speed, but the centre half-back tripped his antagonist rather badly, and from the free-kick Partridge sent the ball wide.  Everton made a rush, but the whistle sounded for the interval before they got to the goal.
Half-time Sheffield United 1 Everton 0.
The crowd had swollen to somewhere approaching 50,000 by the time the game was resumed. Everton went off at a good pace, and the home defence was quickly at work. Twice off-side spoiled the visitors, and once Sutcliffe had to be very sharp to beat down a drive from Chadwick, and then get the ball away before Broad dashed into him. The goalkeeper was successful, however. 
EVERTON SKIPPER DOES WELL. 
United were not long in pulling themselves together, and soon the crowd were cheering them on to attack. McBain was showing well against Tunstall and Gillespie, and the Everton captain took the fire out several moves the home left.  However, when the winger gained a corner the flag kick was distinctly dangerous, for Tunstall’s shot touched the post, and Kendall was only just able to flick out of the range of Partridge.  Shortly afterwards Tunstall again dashed down his wing and a fine centre was caught by the goalkeeper in grand style.  Then the visitors swept down on the United quarters and the home defence were in desperate straits. Sutcliffe twice kept the ball from his goal and eventually it was scrambled out range for a period.  The left wing took it back, and when the winger centred, Irvine lifted the ball over the bar. This was an anxious period for the Sheffielders. 
PENALTY APPEALS UNREWARDED. 
Everton were giving United a great deal to do, but their finishing was not of the best. Chedgzoy was splendid in attack and Milton and Green had all their work cut out to checkmate him. One good centre from the international winger seemed to be handled by King in close proximity to the penalty area, but appeals for a penalty-kick went unrewarded.  Partridge and Boyle initiated a fine move on the other wing, but ultimately the extreme winger centred very tamely Kendall.  There was a much better finish to a race between Tunstall and Raitt. The outside left very cleverly saved the ball from going outside, and then centred well, and Johnson charged into Kendall as the goalkeeper diverted the ball for a corner and the centre-forward had to receive attention before could resume.
JOHNSON OFF, BUT RESUMES. 
The United attack was unbalanced because Partridge and Boyle were not doing at all well. Johnson left the field limping, but he was only away a few minutes and was soon careering down the field waiting for a pass from Tunstall which, however, went to Gillespie and was then sent over the bar.  A pleasing feature was the improvement in United’s left defence. Green was now playing very well, while Milton was showing much stiffer front to the opposition.  Tunstall and Gillespie strove strenuously, and Everton made frequent bursts, but their finishing was not nearly so good as the preliminary play. 
HURT IN COLLISION. 
Milton and Irvine were both hurt in collision, the back falling full length, and having to receive trainer Waller’s attention. Everton were pressing when this incident occurred, and when the game was retained they went for goal, but the final whistle was blown before anything came of the move.
Result Sheffield United 1, Everton 0
EVERTON DEFEAT OF EVERTON
GOOD THING THAT “TUNNY” GT IN THAT EARLY BLOW.
Once again United are through to the fourth round of the Cup.  They had a desperately hard struggle with Everton this afternoon, and the club must have been very thankful that Tunstall took that opportunity of scoring so early in the game.  The game was a hard tussle from beginning to end.  Not all the play was clever, but there was an earnestness and determination all round.  The balance of play was fairly evenly struck, and it was simply a case of the side which scored deserving the victory. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 February 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• Saturday recalled the early local days, when Bootle faced Everton –or Oakfield Rovers!
• If a man came through unscathed in these duels he was considered fortunate
• Everton have been very seriously hit in having Brown, Hart, and Peacock- three fine half-backs –laid aside.

EVERTON AT SHEFFIELD UNITED’S GROUND
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 February 1925
GOODISON PARK’S BIG EFFORT TO GET THROUGH THIRDS ROUND OF THE CUP
F.E.H. SPECIAL
Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; McBain (Captain), Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall.  Referee Mr. A.L. Grinstead, of London.  Everton went to Sheffield to-day, and took a fair number of supporters along with them to encourage them in their admittedly severe task of getting through the third round of the Cup.  Everton had been training at home, and had decided to play Bain at centre half and McBain on the wing.  Kendall kept his place in goal, and the backs were unaltered.  Sheffield United had big discussions about their right wing, and the only other notable point about the team sheet was the appearance once more of Weaver on the Everton left flank, vice Troup. 
The Evertonians were at full strength in Sheffield to-day, for both English Cup teams and the Reserves were playing in the cutlery capital. A full body of the directors accompanied the teams, whose ranks were augmented by Hart, Brown, and Peacock, all on the injured list, and the latter on crutches. The weather was fine and the playing pitch at Bramall-lane, though bare, and muddy, appeared in fairly-good condition.  I am told that 2,000 enthusiasts travelled from Liverpool to witness the encounter and there were fully 50,000 present when the play began. 
THE FIRST CASUALTY. 
Sheffield started and made smart play the outset, McDonald cleared three times in quick succession. Pantling, in effecting clearance, was temporarily laid out of action Everton then went in combined order and after McBain had put the ball out.   Chedgzoy, the latter returned it to Chadwick, who volleyed it high over the bar. 
TUNSTALL OPENS THE SCORE 
The pace developed in the first minute, and before a second had passed Sheffield opened the scoring in fine fashion.  Following upon a throw in Boyce put the leather to Tunstall who trapped the ball and shot high in the far corner of the net.  Kendall actually got to the flying leather, but he was unable to stop its flight.  Everton rallied strongly, and good half-back play gave the forwards a further opportunity, but Irvine was offside when he attempted to beat the home keeper.  Then there ensued some hustling work at both ends, Sheffield forwards playing the long-passing game. Sheffield were the first to be dangerous again; Partridge forced a corner, and from this Green heeded into the net, but in doing so he was guilty of  pushing and the foul therefore nullified the  point. 
GOAL DISALLOWED
The United returned strongly on the right and the Everton defenders were given an anxious time until McBain transferred play.  Chadwick got through in his "cart-horse manner and delivered a shot which was cleared at the cost of a corner.  This led to an exciting bully in the home goal and the ball was put into the net, but some infringement had taken place, for the referee did not allow the point.  The visitors were next active on the left, when Weaver got past Cook, but he was unable to finish effectively. When the Everton right wing pair thought to mend matters, they were no more successful.  At this point play was of rather a free and easy character, long kicking being the dominant note. At length Weaver and Chadwick wakened up, but the inside men was dispossessed, and the United right was once more busy.  Pentling and Boyle both gave Reed and McDonald something to think about. The visitors came again and Chadwick, from long range, sent in beauty, which Sutcliffe turned adrift at the expense of a corner. Then we had a further spell of midfield play until Johnson made progress, but the offside rule militated against him and there was a further interval of inoperative play.  Chadwick ploughed through on his own account and got in another shot, which was lost, and a few moments later Chedgzoy shot wide from the corner flag. The home side returned to the attack in dangerous order, and King tried a shot from long range, but Kendall gathered it safely. 
MISSING THE MARK. 
So the game progressed in the same give-and-take manner. Everton ought to have got on level terms with their opponents when Irvine put wide. The visitors weremost persevering in their tactics, but they simply could not finish properly, both Sheffield backs playing with confidence. United pressed strongly, and Johnson, running clean through, put the ball to Gillespie for the latter to miss the mark by amere matter of inches.  Everton retaliated on the left, only once more to tumble to pieces at the critical moment. Nearing the interval Everton tried desperately hard to make up leeway, and Chadwick was certainly all out to find the net, for he drove persistently, but with a rather woeful lack of direction.  At the other end Johnson was sailing in for goal when he was brought down without ceremony by Bain. Fortunately, the free kick came to nought and at half time Sheffield led by a goal to nothing. 
Half-time.—Sheffield U. 1, Everton 0. 
HALVES NOT TO BLAME. 
The first half, to use a rather threadbare phrase, had proved very moderate Cup-tie football. Everton, on the general run of ties play, certainly did not deserve to be in arrears at the turn. Sheffield, however, having snapped up their chance in the first minute, took good case to keep the lead.  The Everton halves had all played well, and they were not to blame for the adverse state of things at the interval.  On resuming, the visitors went away in workmanlike fashion, and Chadwick sent in a rising shot, which Sutcliffe pulled from beneath the bar. It was not long before the United vanguard was once more on the job. Bain checked their progress; and when Johnson worked his way through again he was thwarted at the cost of a corner.  The pace was now quicker than in initial stages, but the footwork, truth to tell showed comparatively little improvement.  Painting once essayed a long volley, which failed, and when Everton made play on the right they finished in haphazard fashion.  The Sheffield left wing was equally at fault, though Tunstall on one occasion put in a shot from the corner which travelled right along the bar. 
IRVINE’S ATTEMPT
The United at this time were enjoying all the best of the argument, and Tunstall missed another fine chance of increasing his score.  Everton, however, were not idle, for they moved off in promising fashion through their three inside forwards.  A regular bombardment terminated in Irvine banging over the woodwork.  A few inches lower and the effort might well have put the Goodison Park brigade on terms with their antagonists.  Everton next came through on the left, but all to no purpose and the contest continued without any special points of brilliance on either side. 
EVERTON RETIRE
INDIFFERENT FROM AT CLOSE QUARTERS
TUNSTALL’S GOAL WIN
Weaver, with a clever solo effort, forced a corner, which led to some excitement, but the leather was ultimately propelled over the bar.  The home right wing was next prominent, and Kendall had to run out a long way in order to forestall Partridge.  Further assaults on the visitors’ goal called for all the resource which McDonald and Raitt could command, the latter being kept especially busy.  In the later stages of the game, the football at times became very scrappy and attempts at combined movement were conspicuous by their absence.  Johnson was off for a few minutes but his absence made little difference in the general trend of the play.  In the last few minutes Irvine had an opportunity which he missed and Broad tried to make amends when it was too late.  Altogether it had proved a very disappointing game, especially from the Everton point of view, for they should certainly have secured a draw at the best. 
Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0. 

EVRTON A v. BURSCOUGH RAN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 21 February 1925
At Goodison Park.  Everton opened promisingly on a treacherous turf, and for some time held the balance of play.  Burscough Rangers pressed at one period, but Hamilton showed good judgment when he back-heeled the ball, which completely deceived Swaite and saved the situation.  The best attempt for the Rangers came from Swaite, who at the second attempt found the net after beating Hamilton.  Ashurst, the Burscough right back, left the field injured.  Half-time; Burscough 1, Everton nil. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 EVERTON 0 (Fa Cup Game 115)
February 23, 1925. The Daily Courier.
WEAK FORWARDS AT SHEFFIELD.
WHY EVERTON DID ADIEU TO THE CUP.
FA CUP ROUND THREE.
By S.H.H.
A goal by Tunstall in the first three minutes deprived Everton of further interest in the F.A.Cup. They and Sheffield United have now met four times in Cup warfare and honours are even, for each has won twice on its own enclosure. It Everton were disappointed the way the game ended, they derived some manner of satisfaction in that they put up a fresh ground record for Bramell-lane. The record stood at 51,206, made in 1914, when Bradford met the United in the Cup. On Saturday 51,700 paid £3,430. Everton have only themselves to blame for defeat. They did more goal scoring opportunities than did the home lot, yet the forwards rarely gave the impression they would score, Ii is true they did scramble the ball through in the first half when Chedgzoy splendidly placed a corner, but as in this case of Sheffield United's Green, when a minute before had headed through following a corner, an infringement of the rules negatived the point. Broad was never happy in the middle, and invariably was offside when the ball came his way, the consequence' being forward moves broke down before close quarters were reached. Chadwick, and Irvine shot frequently enough, and in the first half Sutcliffe turned behind a brilliant cross drive from the first named, but invariably the attempts at goal getting were from too long a range.
IN THE AIR.
The impotency of the forwards was attributed to the light ground and ball. For nineteenths of the game the ball was in the air, and possibly this was the reason for Everton's defeat. The men in front could not control it, and when the ball came in from the wings it was at such a height that King more often than not was able to divert it progress before Broad could get up to it. The Sheffield pivot played a forceful game –too forceful at times, as Broad discovered whenever the Everton man was becoming dangerous –and he was ably assisted by Pantling and Green. However, well as the trio played, the palm for consistency must go to the Everton halves. McBain, Bain and Reid played storming football not only in defence, but attack, and as a line were irreproachable. Behind, McDonald and Raitt kicked a good length, and the many duels between McDonald and Partridge generally ended in favour of the defender. Many though Kendall should have stopped the shot that scored, but I do not agree. The movement that led up to the goal originated on the right, the bounce on the ball beating both McBain, and Reid and going onto Tunstall, who had moved into the centre. The International's drive was a rising one which Kendall caught under the bar, though he could not retain hold of it, and it fell into the net the goalkeeper crashed to the ground.
KENDALL'S KEEPING.
Leaving out the incident, the “keeping” of Kendall was clever and no less effective than that of Sutcliffe though the Sheffield man was somewhat fortunate in the second half, when the backs in front of him did not inspire confidence to find Chadwick and Irvine shoot inches wide. Green was the pick of the United halves and allowed Chedgzoy little latitude, while forward Tunstall and Gillespie made a better wing than id Partridge, and Boyle, and it was this pair that generally caused the Everton defence most trouble. Johnson, like the Everton leader, was little seen, though in his case an injury, which kept him off the field ten minutes in the second half, was largely responsible. Teams : - Sheffield United: - Sutcliffs, goal, Cook, and Milton, backs, Pantlings, King, and Green half-backs, Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, McBain (captain), Bain, and Reid, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
February 23, 1925. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 29)
A late goal scored by Harron, following a free kick just outside the penalty area, gave Wednesday Reserves victory over Everton ‘s juniors at Hillsboro on Saturday. The success materially strengthening the Sheffielder's position at the head of the Central league. Wednesday played better than the single goal suggests, for Helliwell struck the bar from twenty yards while Taylor headed it against it before the interval. Forbes was a very dangerous forward but both Wall and Williams shot indifferently. Rooney and Virr were the pick of the halves.

THE EXIT OF EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 23 February 1925
FAULTY FORWARDS AND A FATAL LAPSE AT SHEFFIELD
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 0
By the Pilgrim

THERE are probably those who would argue that Sheffield United were decidedly fortunate win this tie at Bramall-Lane, and in sense they would be right, the game ran, Everton did not deserve to be beaten. On the contrary, they were not only the better team, but they had much the better the play, and yet I would not subscribe to the view that they were unlucky.  In common parlance, they got what they asked for.  Fates help those who help themselves in football. Sheffield United helped themselves to goal in the first four minutes, and that was what Everton could not do with all their superior craftsmanship and with all their territorial advantage. They ought to have won comfortably, but they didn’t win at all, and that was not due to any providential interventions in behalf of United, but to their own shortcomings.  They must attribute their disaster to their forwards. There was not much skill in the United line, but had Everton possessed the attacking division of their opponents and given the same opportunities, I have not the slightest doubt that there would have been a very different tale tell. And for this reason: The United forwards had just those qualities that Everton’s simply languished for. They had life and thrust. Those Everton had neither.  That is the story of the match in a nut-shell. 
EVERTON’S WEAK LINE.
The United were thoroughly overplayed. They started well and got an early goal, but it was only in spasms, individual streaks, I might say, that they came into the picture afterwards. Everton were always the more aggressive, and at a modest computation I should say they had fully two-thirds of the play, but with the possible exception of one brisk period in the early part the second halt they never looked like scoring. Chadwick made two very fine long shots of the surprise variety, but there was never that quickness and assertiveness in the play of the forwards generally that leads to success. They were far too dainty in their methods, too prone to dribble, and too addicted to aeronautics.  They had the ball altogether too much in the air. The half-backs may to some extent have been responsible for this, but the great defect was forward.  Broad could nothing at all. Between King and Milton he had anything but an afternoon for when missed the one the other was always waiting for him, and it was generally Milton who won-invariably when the ball was in the air.  But if there was a forward in the line who was entitled to sympathy it was the centre, for stood all the buffetings and got precious little support from his inside colleagues. Chadwick, as I have said, made two good shots. He was, in fact, the only marksman in the line, but like Irvine he was painfully slow and at times almost lifeless. Both consumed far too much time and finessed too much, while neither was distinguished by the accuracy or strength of his passing.  It was in these three inside forward positions that Everton missed their way, though I cannot congratulate either Chedgzoy or Weaver on what they accomplished. The former sparkled occasionally, but at other times he was just dull and defective, and Weaver was never a potent factor in the argument.  Such tears as could be shed for Everton must be for the backs and half- backs.  With Kendall’s goalkeeping I was not at all impressed. He never appeared too confident, and he ought to have saved the goal which won the match. This was his greatest blunder, but his handling of the ball other occasions was not too certain, nor was his judgment in running out faultless.  Raitt and McDonald defended like heroes. McDonald made one mistake in the second half, but ho remedied it, and from every point of view I cannot speak too highly of Everton backs. The half-backs, too, played their part exceptionally well. I did not think there was a better man the field in the first halt than Reid, and if he tired somewhat after the change of ends nevertheless did his work splendidly, as also did Bain in the centre, even if it was that was rather inclined to loft the ball. Bain was always at it, and rendered his side great service both in attack and defence.   But the artist of the line was McBain, who in his position on the wing set an example to the team with his ground passes. McBain played real football, and played it well. 
THE FATAL SCRATCH.
To  the victors the spoils, The United triumphed in the most essential part of all Call them fortunate if you will, but they scored the only goal, and that covers a multitude of sins. This fatal scratch came in the first four minutes a game that never rose to giddy heights brilliance.  Perhaps the brightest period of all was in the first fifteen minutes, when the ball was three times in the net.  Chadwick had missed what considered a reasonable chance of scoring when the United went away on the right. A throw-in was taken, the ball was headed to the feet of Pantling, and he swung it into the goalmouth. TUNSTALL was there/ He coolly side-stepped Raitt and then with the utmost deliberation aimed for the left-hand angle of the goal. Kendall sprang aside. He got both hands to the ball and appeared to have saved. But he allowed it to slip and it passed into the net.  Eight minutes after this, from a beautifully-placed corner-kick by Partridge, Green headed through, but, rightly, as I thought, the referee disallowed the point for elbowing an opponent, and Everton had a similar disappointment almost immediately afterwards, when the ball was forced past Sutcliffe after Milton had kicked away from a position that must have been perilously near the goalline. This also was following a corner-kick, taken by Chedgzoy, and the offence in this case was presumably offside.  As the dash of the United subsided Everton took command of the game, but before the interval Gillespie missed a grand chance of putting his side further ahead, and he was also wide of the target with another oblique drive shortly before the finish. Directly after the restart Chadwick curled a wonderful ball into the hands of Sutcliffe, who also cut out swinging centre by Chedgzoy just at a period when Everton were shaping more like scoring than any period in the match.  They were unfortunate in having a succession efforts charged down, and the United could hardly have complained had King been mulcted in a penalty-kick when he handled a bouncing ball, but Everton did not appeal, and, as I have said, they had no occasion to complain that they were beaten. 
UNITED’S STRONG MEN
The United did not give one of their best displays. I have seen the forwards to much better advantage. Johnson had plenty of vigour as usual, and never allowed the opposing defenders a free kick, but he did not control the somewhat lively ball too well. Nor did the right wing pair, who for once in a way were very much subdued, especially in the second half. Tunstall was far the best man in the line, for if Gillespie made some good passes and was always scheming, he had not one of his happiest days.  The half-backs were the strong line of the team. They were sound and workmanlike, and especially Green, who was too big an obstacle for Chedgzoy. King did not start too well, but improved, and Pantling held up the Everton left wing very effectively.  The backs were a little shaky at times, but Milton played a fine game, both with head and feet, and if he had never much case for anxiety Sutcliffe did what he had to do with coolness, confidence, and celerity.  Sheffield United; Sutcliffe; Cook, Milton; Pantling, King, Green; Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; McBain (Captain), Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver.  Referee; A. L. Grinstead, London. 

F.A. CUP-THIRD ROUND
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 23 February 1925
RECROWD SEE SHEFFIELD UNITED BEAT EVERTON IN HARD TUSSLE
TUNSTALL’S EARLY DECIDER
Sheffield United won their way into the fourth round of the Football Association Cup Competition by 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday. The game was played before a record crowd for the Bramall Lane ground, the previous best attendance being exceeded by 539. The fresh record stands at 51,745.  The game was played in excellent spirit; but the standard of the play was only moderate. Tunstall scored goal within three minutes of the start.  The four winning teams were Sheffield United, Southampton, Cardiff City, and Liverpool. 
WHAT A SOLITARY MARKSMAN CAN DO. 
By Looker On
ONCE again Sheffield! United have progressed to the fourth round of the F.A. Cup Competition. Their latest victims were Everton, who went down by the game’s solitary goal after a stern battle at Bramall Lane. This equalized the Cup records as between the two clubs, for they have now met on four occasions, and have two victories apiece.  Sheffield United are to be congratulated upon their success; yet, without wishing to be unkind to them, it must certainly be said that their luck was in on Saturday. Everton have real cause to think that they were harshly dealt with in not making a draw, for they were quite as good on the score of ability as their conquerors. However, there was one fatal flaw in the Everton make-up. They had not a player who could get the ball into the net in a legitimate manner.  United had, and so deserved their win.  No amount of argument can overcome the solid fact of a goal scored.  In this match the Sheffielders’ had the help that bit of good fortune which went to Bolton Wanderers in the semi-final tie two seasons ago. I hope United’s luck sticks to them long as it did to the Wanderers. 
TUNSTALL’S INVALUABLE FIRST BLOW.
The great value of getting in the first blow was splendidly exemplified at the Lane. The match was scarcely three minutes old when the home side worked their way down on the right and, following a second throw-in, Pantling hooked the ball towards the goal. The quick move non-plussed the Everton defenders, and Tunstall, as is his wont, was patiently waiting about the penalty line straight in front of the goal.  The outside-left gathered the ball leisurely, carefully placed it in position, and then shot hard with his right foot. Kendall rushed across his goal at the swift, rising ball and touched it, but was powerless to prevent twisting beyond his grasp into the net. While this vital episode was taking place the rest the visiting defenders appeared to me to be spell-bound.  Raitt, who was not far from Tunstall never seemed to realize the import of the moment until it was too late for him to act.  In these few seconds the match was won and lost. Quick thinking and quick acting had enabled United to seize the golden opportunity; while dalliance wrought the ruin of the Merseysiders.  Twice after that the ball was placed in the net. Green headed in from corner-kick by Partridge, but the referee detected an infringement. Later Broad turned the ball past Sutcliffe from an offside position during a melee in the home goalmouth and after Milton had kicked the ball off the goal-line when the goalkeeper was out of position. 
RECORD BUT QUIET ASSEMBLY.
The game took place in capital conditions, for the air was crisp, the Sun was partially obscured by slight mist, and the ground was dry, but not hard. Such pleasant weather and the promise of rousing contest drew a record crowd for United’s ground. It was a most orderly gathering, and, indeed, a surprisingly quiet one. The arrival of the teams on the field and the scoring of the goal by Tunstall were tumultuously acclaimed, but for the greater of the match only subdued murmuringswere heard —surprising this from a packed assembly of over 50,000 people.  No doubt the encounter itself had lot to do with this, for, though there were early thrills and occasionally very exciting moments, the game, as a whole, lacked colour. In my view, neither side did itself real justice. Most of the men played as if some unseen force was holding them in check —they seemed eager”, but unable  to do what was required of them.  United jumped into their stride at the start, and the persistence the home forwards sadly harassed the Everton backs, was thought that the visitors would show up best in the early stages. It was because they did not that they were beaten.
SHAKY START- EVERTON DEFEAT
Kendall seemed “nervy,” and Raitt and McDonald uncertain, while the half-backs could not adequately deal with Gillespie and his men.  Tunstall had the measure of McBain, and Partridge sailed through with comparative ease on the right. When the Goodison Park brigade started seriously to attack the Bramall Lane goal the home defenders were sorely troubled. Green and Milton were often at loss to cope with Chedgzoy and Irvine. Similarly, Chadwick considerably bothered Pantling and Cook. However, the last named pair got serenely over their troubles without much waste of time; but it was not until in the second half that Chedgzoy and his Irish partner were properly in hand.  The frequent sallies of both vanguards gave the idea that goals might result, but the outcome, save once, was always the same, Chadwick and Chedgzoy put in awkward shots which were admirably saved by Sutcliffe, while Kendall displayed his abilities in keeping out two particularly dangerous drives from Tunstall. For the rest, the best efforts on the part of United saw the ball go wide, and Gillespie had two grand drives just beyond the post. Marksmanship was not a feature of the game, and curiously enough with two dashing centre-forwards like Johnson and Broad. I do not think either got in a really good shot, though they often worried the goalkeepers rushes. 
NEITHER TEAM AT ITS BEST.
Partridge and Boyle, who were on the home right, did not have a happy day, though the former at times put over useful centres. Johnson kept the line going well, but the most constructive work was on the left, where the best part of the Everton defence was severely tested.  For a period in the second half McBain mastered the opposition, but mainly was a battle of wits with honours even. The home halves were variable. Pantling accomplished a lot of good work, and was more than a match for Weaver.  King rendered good service without touching his highest form, while Green began shakily and later played brilliantly. At back, Cook earned praise for his judgment in tackling and kicking, but Milton was long time before he satisfied.  Sutcliffe had not a lot to do, and, though making several commendable saves, also disturbed us with some of his work, which was not cleancut.  Everton had two three shinning lights.  Chedgzoy and Chadwick, forward, and McBain, right-half, were their most consistent performers.  The front line lacked a man who could snap up scoring chances. The backs improved on a moderate start, as did the goalkeeper. Still, it was not a day which revealed the best form of either side.  The official returns were:—Attendance, 51.745:  and receipts. £3,430 14s. Result:—  Sheffield United 1, Everton 0.   Sheffield United.—Sutcliffe; Cook and Milton; Partling, King, and Green; Partridge, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Everton.—Kendall: Raitt and McDonald; McBain, Bain, and, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver.  Referee; Mr. A. L. Grinstead, London.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
WEDNESDAY’S LATE GOAL TO BEAT EVERTON CHALLENEGERS.
After remaining unbeaten for nearly two months, Everton Reserves failed by one goal to nil at Hillsborough on Saturday.  Prior to the game, Everton were only one point behind the leaders.  The Wednesday Reserves, and had two matches in hand.  Harron scored the goal ten minutes before time, following a free kick.  Play was scrappy throughout, and on only rare occasions were really well-planned attacks made.  Wednesday’s half-backs line was their mainstay.  Harron, outside left, played consistently well, and Bleninsopp (The Wednesday) and O’Donnell (Everton) were splendid defenders.  Harland kept a good goal for the visitors, and had much more to do than Carr at the other end. 

BRAVE SHOW
Liverpool Echo - Monday 23 February 1925
By “F.E.H”
Philosophers assure us that the task of crying over spilt milk is a work of supererogation.  The shedding of tears by the same token will certainly not restore Everton to the English Cup, and after Saturday’s display at Sheffield few will be bold enough to say that they deserve such a restoration, even if it were possible.  Frankly, from a Merseyside point of view the game was bitterly disappointing.  It rarely rose above second-class distinction; it was for the most part aimless and unmethodical; and it very rarely pulsated with that fire and snap with which one naturally associates Cup-ties.  One sometime wondered how the crowd- over 50,000 strong- kept their good temper, though, of course, the United took the lead before the match was two minutes old.  And no doubt it was the fact that they retained it to the bitter end that kept the Cutlers satisfied.  They became a little uneasy, it is true, when Chadwick and Irvine got going, but both these players were dead out of luck.  The former with his raking stride and fierce long-range volleys, did everything but find the net, while the alert and elusive Irvine defeated his own object by over-finessing.  Chedgzoy was allowed very little latitude by Green, who was a host in himself, while Weaver was kept a comparative prisoner.  Broad appeared to be out of his element, and never really did himself justice.  So ends this short but lachrymose story of the form of the Everton forwards.  A much more cheerful subject is the contemplation of the Everton defence.  The half-back line certainly could not be blamed for the debacle.  Bain filled the pivotal position wonderfully well, and McBain was a source of inspiration on many occasions.  McDonald was at his best in tackling and clearing, and he found a very useful colleague in Raitt.  One feels rather sorry for Kendall.  He got to Tunstall’s shot and failed to hold it, but this was the only one-except a negative effort on the part of Green –that passed him. 

EVERTON NOT SETTLED FOR THEIR GAME WITH CARDIFF TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 24 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
The matter of the moment is Everton’s game, to-morrow, with Cardiff City at Goodison Park, starting at 3 o’clock.  Cardiff by their recent Cup wins, have come right back to the starring engagement standard, and the playing of Nicholson, the big half-back, at centre-forward, vice Len Davies, who was injured in the international game, means that at one experimental stroke the Cardiff people have tumbled on a big, strong, bustling man who can apparently play anywhere.  The appearance of such men as Blair and Nelson, Scotland’s backs; Farquarson, Ireland’s goalkeeper; and the Welsh representatives, means that Goodison Park, tomorrow, will be a big fraz on the local public, who do not forget the last exhibition given by both sides when all said :It was a treat to play in such a match.” May we have something similar to-morrow! I have a pile of correspondence about Everton, their team, their management, and suggested improvements.  It was ever thus, yet those who were at Sheffield state that if the forwards had been “on the mark” it would have been “Good old Everton.”  United’s spectators were dumb for 75 per cent of the game.  They saw defeat starring at them, and were glad to hear the final whistle.  That doesn’t alter the state of Denmark when the verdict is one-nought, it must be admitted.  One thing is certain- Everton must concentrate now upon making their position in the league more suited to the name of the club.  I don’t think the danger is as real as it is apparent, and to-morrow’s victory to Walton’s members will go far towards bringing a bright light on the Everton chronicle.  The home team has not yet been selected, as there are one or two movements and ideas that may bear fruit.
THE OPPOSITION.
Cardiff; Farquarson; Nelson, Blair; Wake, Keenor, Hardy; Lawson, Gill, Nicholson, Beadles, W. Davies. 
There is much talk upon in that side.  Beadles is the ex-Anfielder, Wake is a former Manchester player, Lawson was wanted at Anfield a year ago, Hardy “plays on forever,” Gill got the “bird” from Cardiff spectators and was put “on the list, but was subsequently taken off, and Keenor, captain of Wales, is the man who looks so unlike a footballer but plays in a manner that is always educational.
A VALID GOAL
I am enclosing herewith an account of the match between Everton and Sheffield United from the “Yorkshire Telegraph and Star,” which, if you have not already seen, will probably interest you (says “Offside”).  As one of a large section of the Everton supporters who was under the impression that Broad’s goal was a perfectly legitimate one, this paragraph which I have marked off is very interesting, as Milton being the last one to touch the ball before it reached Broad, this fact alone puts him onside.  I will be glad to have your opinion, or, if not yours, “F.E.H.s” as to this point, as this combined with poor refereeing was alone responsible for the Blues’ dismissal from the Cup. 
The cutting says; - “Thus early the crowd were getting thrills.  They had another when Chadwick put in a sharp cross shot which Sutcliff diverted for a corner.  Following the flag kick there was a scramble in the home goalmouth.  Sutcliffe partially cleared and then Milton kicked the ball off the goal line.  It was quickly returned by Broad, and went into the net, but the referee ruled the centre forward offside.” 
I was not at the match, so can express no opinion. 

COMPLAINTS AGAINST SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 25 February 1925
SURPRISING RECORDS IN EVERTOIN HISTORY
TREATMENT OF VISITORS
Bee’s Notes
“Hilder” complains thus;- Two friend and I purchased 3s 6d tickets on Tuesday last for the Cup-tie at Sheffield.  The ticket were printed “Verandah,” Nos. 21, 23, and 23, from which one would naturally expect booked seats corresponding to these numbers.  On arrival at the ground, however, we were disappointed to find no verandah seats were reserved, and it was simply a case of taking a chair and placing it wherever one could find a suitable spot.  To make matters worse, it was impossible to follow the game in any detail from the verandah, which, apparently, is part of the cricket pavilion, and is situated at least 100 yards from the nearest touchline.  Surely this is not fair treatment for the United officials to offer a visiting club’s supporters and I should be much obliged if you would be good enough to make this protest known, so that future visitors to the United ground may know exactly where they stand (or sit).  Let me take the opportunity of thanking you for your very interesting daily notes.
I will advise Sheffield United officials of the complaint. 
A CALL TO “ARMS”
I am writing to you to see if through your valuable notes something could be done to get the shareholders of the Everton Football Club together (writes “In the Blue”), with a view to expressing their views as to the way the present board have with indifference allowed the club to sink into its present position, knowing full well that a competent goalkeeper and inside forwards who could score goals were indispensable.  I and a number of staunch supporters journeyed to Sheffield on Saturday to do all we could to encourage the team, with what result but to see the goalkeeper make a fatal blunder and the inside forwards miss chances time and again.  With the support financially and otherwise, the Everton F.C. should be the foremost in the country.  I give the letter for what it is worth.  It is surely against the actualities of any sport to say that because of financial support a club should be the foremost.  Money doesn’t buy victory, otherwise Sir Assheton Smith would have farmed the Grand National! 
EVERTON RECORDS
Evertonian of 40 years writes;- In your column, replying to F. Cunard, you state that Everton’s biggest victories were 7-4 Hull City, and 7-1 Sunderland.  Excuse my adding a few, won’t you;- Friendlies; Notts Rangers 16-0, Witton 14-0,, Sheffield United 10-1, Blackburn Rovers 9-1, Accrington 8-1, Glasgow Rangers 8-1, Notts Forest 7-0, London Casuals 7-2. (At Leyton In this match Everton were opposed by almost identically the same team of Corinthians that defeated Preston North End on the previous Saturday 5-0).  League Darwin 8-1, Aston Villa 7-0, Burnley 7-2, West Brom 7-0, cup-ties; Liverpool Cup New Ferry 16-0.  English Cup; Derby County 11-2.  The friendlys with Sheffield United was played at Sheffield in 1889-90, and was the first meeting of the club.  The league match with West Brom, was played at Goodison Park in the nineties, and is remarkable for the fact that John Southworth scored six goals, the result of three inside forward’s play, the like of which we look in vain for from the so-called football players to-day.  Derby County defeated Everton, at Derby, 7-2, 1895-6, I believe and I think that was the first time that Derby County beat Everton. 
Thank you very much sir, I always relish your views and announcements, because I know you have a list of records dating back many years, and I am not similarly blessed. 
A.B.M, also points out that Everton beat Manchester City 9-1, in a Monday night match, September 3, 1906.  Davies was the goalkeeper for City.  –thank you sir. 

CARDIFF AND A LEAD AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 25 February 1925
EVERTON SUPPORTERS SLIP AWAY
By Bee
Everton; Harland; McDonald, O’Donnell; McBain, Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Wall, Broad, Chadwick, Weaver.  Cardiff.- Farquharson; Nelson, Blair; Wake, Keenor, Hardy, Lawson, Gill, Nicholson, Beadles, Davies (W.). 
Everton struck another piece of misfortune when the day for their attractive game with Cardiff City turned out abominably wet.  There were only about 5,000 people present, and considering the sloppy nature of the turf- except at the corners of the ground- the display was of a good character.  Cardiff are used to this type of ground, O’Donnell made his first appearance, and it was strange that he should make his name through a Cup-tie with Cardiff and open his League career against the same side.  He began with a magnificent tackle and a good header when the situation was very black, so that he can be said to have stated well. 
INCHES OFF
Wall, who played for Irvine (hurt), at inside-right, gave the Cardiff defenders a dummy, and let Broad act as his agent, with the result that Wall was able to shoot from close range, and Farquharson was not too clever in the way he punched away.  Broad got the return and was inches off registering the first goal, the ball striking a Cardiff defender and passing for a corner.  Other corners followed without conversion, and when Cardiff took up the running on the left again O’Donnell showed a safe foot and got the applause of the crowd.  Quarter time.- No score.
BEADLES SCORES.
There was any amount of good, sensible football shown in the game, notably when Wake, the right half, wended his way up the wing and was only stopped when Reid foul him, and at a later point when he provided Nicholson with an upward pass and the newly made centre forward hit a splendid shot.  Cardiff had quite a good innings about this time, but Everton had the better scoring chances, notably when Broad headed in what time Wall was anxiously waiting to shoot.  On another occasion Wall was half a yard from getting the easiest of goals and it was not altogether on the run of the play when Beadles celebrated his return to his own city by scoring a good goal.
THE ODD CHANCE.
He made a particularly good pass with the head, and showing pace that has been pulled out of him since he left Anfield last season, he shot speedily, and truly, and Harland was left with nothing but sympathy.  Thus Cardiff took the odd chance, and Everton, who had many chances, found themselves once more a goal in arrear, after having had quite a fair number of openings.  Cardiff, having got the measure of the Everton half backs, Bain excluded, were very dangerous in front of goal.  Lawson made an inspiring run up the middle of the field, and wound up, in spite of a charge, with a shot that Harland saved.  The corner that resulted from this save was a peck of trouble to the home goalkeeper, who handled twice and was out of his place when McBain hooked the ball to safely.  This was a slice of real good luck.
Half-time; Everton 0, Cardiff 1.
STILL PUSHING
Cardiff started the second half just as briskly as they had finished the first, and Beadles made one long run, taking the ball well in before he shot.  Harland smothering the effort, and later finding little nippy Davies a very awkward man with whom to keep in touch.  McDonald also found his pace a trouble, and in truth, the whole of the right flank had so far been off its game.  Everton spurted at this point and relieved the situation, but Chedgzoy centred Broad could not gather the greasy ball.  When Beadles and McDonald had a charging match both went to the ground, and Davies, taking steady aim, fiercely hit a shot that swung over the angle of the post. 
A SECOND GOAL.
Cardiff scored a second goal when Gill became outside-left, and wisely passed the ball square, for little Davies to score a well-made goal.  This followed a good effort by David Reid, and a specimen of recovery on the part of veteran Hardy.  Words between Beadles and Bin in regard to a foul on W. Davies were the only blot on an otherwise clean game.  Everton’s failure was due partially to weak tackling on the half back line, and in the main through the forwards early on being unable to make instant use of good chances.  The lack of a first-time shot was to-day as fatal as the lack of a first-time pass.
BROAD SCORES.
Shortly after the hour Broad scored in a mix-up right in front of Farquharson.  Wall having two tries before Chedgzoy’s centre was eventually pushed through.  Three-quarter-time.- Everton 1, Cardiff 2. 

EVERTON 1 CARDIFF CITY 2
February 26, 1925. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON FAIL IN THE MUD.
CLEVER DISPLAY BY CARDIFF CITY.
By S.H.H.
Everton and Cardiff City played their rearranged League fixture yesterday at Goodison Park, when the visitors won much more easily than the score would indicate. For one thing, they found conditions similar to those generally met with at Ninian Park, and as a consequence were more, “at home” than the Goodison park side. Heavy rain for two days had left the ground more like a mud bath, and judging by the conditions of the players they were no doubt glad when it was all over. Long before the finish it was impossible to distinguished Broad or Wall so completely were they covered with mud. Wall came into the side owing to Irvine's injury, and he and Broad were the best of a poor line of forwards that never seemed able of overcoming the tireless halves opposed to. Wall came into the side owing to Irvine's them. Cardiff City had much to thank Wake, Keenor, and Hardy, for especially the last named who seems to have inexhaustible energy. Not only did the trio tie up the Everton attackers, but they found time to open out numerous openings for their own forwards, who responded in delightful manner, and tried the Everton defence sorely. There was only one goal scored in the opening half, and this was got by Cardiff, Beadles turning the ball out to Davies, who returned it for the former Liverpool man to take a couple of strides before driving it past Harland. Prior to this Everton had missed a great chance, Wall, when through, shooting at Farquharson, who punched the ball out, to see the return by Broad turned behind. Pay in the early part of the second half went much the same way –this is, in favour of Cardiff –and it was a delightful move on the left wing that resulted in Davies going into the centre to put the City two up. Everton after this did much better, and after the ball bobbled about in the goalmouth following a raid by the Everton right wing, Broad snapped up a header from Wall to turn the ball into the net as Farquhtson left his goal. Broad looked like repeating the performance a few minutes later, but this time the ball missed, the far post by inches. The spurt however, was only temporary, and Cardiff were soon attacking again. Cardiff have excellent wingers in Lawson and Gill and Beadles and Davies, while Nicholson proved a fine emergency leader. At half-back Keenor and Hardy were the pick, while of the backs Nelson kicked an excellent length. Everton's half-backs were not so successful as against Sheffield. Reid being the best of the trio. O'Donnell who made his debut at back, came though the ordeal with credit, tackling well and kicking strongly. He should render Everton good service. Teams: - Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and O'Donnell, backs, McBain (captain), Bain, and Reid, half-backs Chedgzoy, Wall, Board, Chadwick, and Weaver, forwards. Cardiff City: - Farquharson, goal, Nelson, and Blair, backs, Wake, Kennor, and Hardy, half-backs, Lawson, Gill, Nicholson, Beadles, and W. Davies forwards.

BEADLES AND DAVIES
Western Mail - Thursday 26 February 1925
SCORE FOR CARDIFF CITY AGAINST EVERTON
EVERTON 1 (Broad) CARDIFF CITY 2 (Beadles, Davies)
By Citizen
On a ground sodden with the heavy rain which had fallen all the morning, Cardiff City, scored a notable victory at Everton on Wednesday, and incidentally did much towards making their position in the First Division absolutely secure. The pitch was so bad that it was not until 25 minutes before the game was due to commence that the referee decided to play, and then it was only after a thorough testing and a lengthy consultation with the linesmen.  Under such conditions the attendance was, of course, very low—about 12,000—and it will cost Cardiff some hundreds of pounds to make up the difference in the average receipts, as they are bound to do by League rule. However, two points, no doubt, will be adequate compensation.  It would not wave been surprising had the game been slow and uninteresting, for the conditions were absolutely against good football, but the players overcame the conditions. Cardiff were certainly worthy winners, and a goal does not entirely represent their superiority. True, Everton appeared to last better, and in the concluding few minutes came very near to pulling the game out of the fire, but for the greater part of the time the City were decidedly on top. They possessed a much better understanding in all departments.  There was not one weak link, and they played the game best suited to the conditions—long swinging passes, speedy runs, and telling centres by the wing men.  HOW THE GOALS CAME. 
The first goal came after twenty minutes, and was the result of a long pass by Keenor. Beadles headed It to Davies,who returned the ball, and the inside man took it in his stride and scored a really great goal. From then to half-time the Everton goal had a series of narrow escapes, Gill. Lawson, Nicholson, and Davies all coming perilously near.  The City's superiority was just as pronounced in the second half, and after seventeen minutes, following a hefty kick by Nelson, Gill cut through. He was forced out to the left and with two men challenging him could not get in his shot.  Davies, however, had taken up position in the centre, and he was there to receive Gill's timely pass and score with a low drive which had Harland well beaten.  Seven minutes after Everton scored through Broad, who snapped up a chance after Chedgzoy had centred. There was one occasion after this when Farquharson dived at the feet of three players and made a seemingly impossible save. Had Everton forced a draw, however, it would have been all against the run of the play. 
CITY'S BRILLIANT HALF-BACKS.
On a ground where mistakes could readily have been excused the City players made remarkably few errors.  Farquharson was always safe, and Nelson and Blair reproduced their Nottingham form, the latter showing a turn of speed on occasion which surprised some of the onlookers who have not seen him recently. Once again the half backs were as sound as a rock, and at various times Wake, Keener, and Hardy were individually brilliant. Lawson was as good as ever. Gill was a polished footballer even in a sea of mud, and Nicholson, after a none too promising opening, proved up to the hilt that he is a real leader of the attack. Beadles was a rare worker and schemer, and had much to do with the success of Davies—quite the outstanding forward on the field.  Cardiff City: Farquharson; Nelson and Blair; Wake, Keenor, and Hardy; Lawson, Gill, Nicholson, Beadles and Davies (W.).  Everton: Harland; McDonald and O'Donnell; McBain (Captain), Bain, and Reid; Chedgzoy, Wall, Broad, Chadwick, and Weaver. Referee: Mr. Harper (Wolverhampton). 

REASON FOR EVERTON’S TRAGIC POSITION
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 26 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
A LIVE FORWARD
Harry Beadles created a wonderful impression at Goodison Park yesterday, and that fact leads me to remind readers that Beadles went to Cardiff a year ago and has made good to the extent of crowding out Joe Clennell.  The story of his going to Cardiff is not unusual. Cardiff’s secretary asked me to state what I thought of Beadles and Beadles himself like most footballers “on the list” came to see me for assistance to get a new club.  My answer to Secretary Stewart was, “Beadles is a class player; his only fault at the moment is that he is too fat-0 so am I! But you can easily work that off.” Cardiff took the hint and got a first-class forward for nought.  He and little Davies played great football yesterday and helped to make Everton’s undoing.  Everton’s case was fully dealt with yesterday, and I have no desire at the moment to say more than that the method of play of the losing side was all wrong; the first-time pass seems to be dead as the dodo; the men will persist in hugging a ball that is clogged, and the forwards have lost their sting near goal.  One could not help but admire Alex Wall’s torrid display in the second half when he sported a mad-moustache; he worked himself clean out.  But he, like the rest, never made sufficient use of a plain, common or garden pass so that the muddy ground should be eaten up, O’Donnell’s work was excellent and a bit rugged, too! 

BOXING FEVER
Liverpool Echo - Friday 27 February 1925
EVERTON FOOTBLLER’S BROTHER BEATEN IN FIRST ROUND
Jack McBain, brother to Neil McBain, the Everton footballer, was fighting at the Stadium last night.  He was the only Liverpool man appearing, and even then his bout with Harry James, of Southport (which the latter won), only lasted one round. 

EVERTON’S TUSSLE WITH “ONE OF THEIR OWN”
Liverpool Echo - Friday 27 February 1925
Bee’s Notes
OH EVERTON
Everton have been consoled, I am sure, by the fact that Preston and Nottingham Forest keep on losing and therefore reducing Everton’s chance of going down.  But Everton also keep on losing, and therefore to-morrow’s match becomes astoundingly important.  It is more important to Everton than a Cup final, because a victory to the Goodison men to-morrow can bring with it a double sting, Forest being pushed further in the mire and Everton rising by two welcome points.  Thus the match has a special drawing power that is certain to bring with it a big crowd.  I have asked many people what they consider is wrong with Everton’s side, and I don’t find two people agreeing in their diagnosis.  First it was goalkeeping, then it was full back, later it was forward work, and in some cases it has been lack of half back success in the tackling department, while in them last fortnight the forward line has lost it ideals and ideas.  We are all hoping that to-morrow when the teams line up at Goodison Park there will be enthusiasm on the part of the local spectators –a call to special endeavor and plenty of spirit infused into the game by the whole of the men.  Let them be practical and they can smile Forest hip and thigh.  Everton; possible team;- Harland; Raitt, McDonald; Bain, McBain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Chadwick, Troup.

Transferred Stoke.
Dundee Courier - Saturday 28 February 1925
Joe Clennell, the Cardiff City inside left, has been transferred to Stoke." Clennell joined Cardiff from Everton about three and a half years ago. and made 106 appearances out of a possible 116. A recent injury kept him out the team and after Beadles' brilliant debut he failed to regain his place. Clennell leaving Cardiff City at his own request.

EVERTON'S PROMOTION
February 28, 1925. The Liverpool Football Echo
Rooney, of Everton, made his League debut a right half back. Rooney who stands 6ft 8ins and weighs 11st 7lbs is a local youth who had been at Goodison for some time, he has always been a fancied by the Everton officials but they did not desire to rush him with the result that he has been playing in the “A” team a lot and when with the reserves he showed sound half-back work.

FAMOUS OLD-TIMERS.
February 28 1925. The Liverpool Football Echo.
VICTOR HALL SPEAKS OF DIRECTOR BEN KELLY, ONE-TIME “STEWART” OF EVERTON CLUB.
In a previous article we spoke of the organisation of “Stewards” whom the Everton directors called into being in their earl days at Goodison Park. The stewards were shareholders whom, in circumstances and on special occasions could be relied on to give honorary service to the club when needed. The occasions arose fairly often in which the new crowds flocking to the ground at Goodison Park would require directing as to stand entrances, reserved seats, and transfers, and so on; and it was early found that by skilled direction in seating accommodation a few extra “hundreds” could be got into the large covered stands. So there came the honorary band of stewards, with their badges of office, who acted as unpaid officials and were of considerable service to the club. The directors themselves nominated the membership, and in all probably about fifty were enrolled. They held their own little weekly meetings to arrange their duties for the following Saturdays, and even had their own “captain.” Many of these stewards afterwards became directors of the club, and among such names one recalls that of the late Mr. “Ben” Kelly.
KEEN AND CAPABLE.
His elder brother, Mr. Richard Kelly, had previously held office as a director, and his valued advice had been of great service to the new company in the laying out of the land, and the arrangement of plans for stands and terraces. Mr. “Ben” Kelly himself in his youth had been a keen and capable player in amateur Rugby club circles in the neighborhood of Aintree, where in lived, and his addition to the board of directors at a later date was most valuable from the club point of view, in all that had to do with the physique and training care needed by practical athletic. Kelly, brothers, Walton, had a large number of workmen in their own employ as builders and contractors, and indeed, they numbered quite a few clubs among their own employees, so the appointment of the popular young “boss” Mr. “Ben” as a director of the Everton football club, gave great local satisfaction out Walton way and well was that satisfaction deserved. Never had the club had a more sincere and conscientious officials. Strictly temperate and disciplined in his own life and libations, Mr. Kelly was never known to be other than sympathetic and considerable in the views of others who differed from him. To the players, while strict in his views as to their obligations to the club, he was always gentle and kindly in seeing the “other fellows” point of view, and keen in his own observances of his club duties and responsibilities. Until his heath became impaired in later years, he was seldom absent from a committee, or from the self-imposed duties he undertook in attention to ground work, or recreations with the players. Imbued with a strong sense of humour he was always ready to see the right side of every joke, and his yoke lay lightly on those who erred. For him the players would do anything, or go anywhere, and when occasions demanded a long night journey in search or signature of new players, he was ready after a hard day's business to take the night trial in a labour of love for the game he enjoyed so well. The confidence of the shareholders and the public never wavered in their just estimate of his valued work for the club, so that it happened he had rarely to meet a cornpetitor even in the days when “factions” were rare at annual meetings of shareholders. To a pressman some of those old-fashioned annuals were hugely interesting. For weeks beforehand the columns of the evening “Echo” would record the claims or charges of the contending “interests.” Team selections would be revived and the claims of deported or dismissed players canvassed out of all proportion to their public interest. Lobbying would be indulged in for weeks beforehand in order to secure the views or anti-views of setting directors to the claims of the reformers, and reformers, and drastic threats were indulged in as to wholesale clearances failing “reform.” Caucus meetings were held, both public and private, in order to assess strength and direct tactics. Yet with the wholesome sense of public spirit characteristic of both Everton and Liverpool, the morning after the annual meeting has always found the old club pursuing once more the even tenor of its ordered progress. Directors like players come and go. They function actively their allotted spell, for zeal or otherwise and, passing on, make way for those who follow to carry on the torch. Of those who have so served Everton there are many, some happily still in their prime but honorably resting on well-won honours, no longer actively associated with the management. Others like Mr. “Ben” Kelly have laid down the great burden, but leave the club richer by their service, and the game itself honored by their personal association.
THE IMPETUS.
Some day we may be able to record more definitely the great impetus both Everton and Liverpool have give to League football, by the wisdom and business aptitude of their local directorate in the reception, comfort, and handling of hugh crowd. The average reader, who sees his game in comfort here, on either ground, in leisured ease each week, may not give much though to the years of patent application that busy directors have given in preparing for his coming. But there has been such careful planning, and it has taken time –and brains –and applied interest, to secure his welfare. Telephone and telegraphs, wind shelters drainage, and extra turnstiles and pressure barriers terracing and sight angles, have not evolved themselves, neither have excursions trains, or special trams, cab ranks, motor parks, or season and “transfers,” Tickets, Most of these reforms in the enjoyment of Saturday football are now common to all Football League clubs. You would probably be surprised to learn in how many instances Everton and Liverpool singly or working together, have been the pioneers! And that means quite, plain, hardworking and thinking men at the head of affairs. And one of the best of these in Lancashire was Mr. “Ben” Kelly, of the Everton club.

JOE CLENNELL TRANSFERD
Halifax Evening Courier - Saturday 28 February 1925
Joe Clennell, the Cardiff City inside-left, has been transferred to Stoke.  Clennell joined Cardiff from Everton about three and half years ago, and made 106 appearances out of a possible 116.  A recent injury kept him out of the team, and after Beadles’s brilliant debut he failed to regain his place.  Clennell is leaving Cardiff at his own request. 

STOKE SECURE AN INSIDE MAN
Shields Daily News - Saturday 28 February 1925
Stoke City secured the services of Joe Clennell, the Cardiff City inside left.  Although he has only appeared twelve times this season for the Welsh club, his long experience should prove invaluable to Stoke.  Clennell first came into prominence when he was transferred from Blackpool to Blackburn Rovers.  In 1914 he joined Everton and after seven years with the Goodison Park club he went to Cardiff in 1921.  Before leaving for Cardiff he had severe cartilage trouble, but he made a splendid recovery, and during his sojourn in Wales he scored 40 goals, appearing in 118 League games. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 February 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton’s weak finishing and goalkeeping lapses have been their undoing with remarkable frequency this season
• They have played in four cup-ties games, and only totaled four goals in all, two each at home v Burnley and Sunderland
• But not a goal, you will notice away from home
• Then, again down to the current week only twice have the Blues exceeded two goals in a match, League and Cup, this season.
• Harland, who made a quick recovery last week-end, kept a fine goal at Hillsbrough on Saturday

AN EVERTON BOMB
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 February 1925
Bee’s notes
I hear that the Everton shareholders are likely to drop a bomb into the Goodison area shortly.  A lot of the members have expressed dissatisfaction and threaten to make boardroom changes.  They suggest that the Everton directors have been “indifferent.” 

DERBY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 February 1925
At Derby, before 5,000 spectators, in showery weather, and on a heavy ground.  Stoner, after a long absence with an injured knee, reappeared for Derby, whilst the visitors had Troup and Chadwick as their left wing.
EVERTON LEAD
Play opened fast, with Everton attacking strongly, and a shot by Troup skimmed the bar.  The visitors took the lead after twenty-five minutes’ play through Chadwick, who smartly gathered a pass from the right and ran forward to score a short-range shot.  Everton held their own up to the interval, when the score was; Everton Res 1, Derby County Res 0.

EVERTON-FOREST RELEGATION MATCH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 February 1925
By Bee
EVERTON’S FIRST LEAGUE VICTORY SINCE JANUARY 17TH
IRVINE ELECTROCUTES NOTTS FOREST
Everton; Harland; Macdonald, O’Donnell; Rooney, McBain (Captain), Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Broad, Williams, Weaver.  Notts Forest.- Bennett; Butting, Thompson; Bolton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Flood, Walker, Morris, Burton.  Everton and Nottingham Forest provided a rich relegation test to-day at Goodison Park.  Everton gave Rooney, the local, his first League chance.  McBain went to his right place at centre-half, and Williams displaced Chadwick.
THE USUAL STORY
In two minutes Everton had a chance to be two up; in two and a half minutes Everton were a goal down.  Nottingham Forest had followed the customary lead of teams appearing here by matching a goal at almost their first breakaway.  It was a well-gotten goal, Gibson rounding O’Donnell, who was a shade nonchalant about tackling the extreme winger, and when the ball was centred Walker headed wide to the left and sent the ball against the upright, whence it rebounded into goal.  It was a disastrous happening, and just the sort of thing Everton had been suffering all through the season.  Irvine was nearest to making the opening goal when he moved over to inside-left and crossed the ball to Chedgzoy, who kicked round it.  Similarly, Broad failed to connect with a Chedgzoy presentation centre.  McDonald, as usual, brought in his fiery inspired kicks and, from one of these, Chedgzoy went right through and unwisely shot outside, rather than offer a pass to three comrades around the goalmouth.  Rooney tried a shot which passed out, and he showed sufficient pace to carry him among the forwards, but eventually Bennett punched the shot down, and Forest breathed freely.
FOREST FIERY.
The Forest side were all enthusiasm and enterprise, and this was best shown by two of them, Morris and Morgan, charging each other, and both going to earth.  There were 30,000-odd spectators present, and they reared their dismay when Broad soared the ball. Had the ground been as it was on Wednesday one could have understood the rise of the ball, but it had improved enormously.  Williams wormed himself into the good graces of the home crowd.  One moment he was to be seen hugging the ball in the penalty area, what time Gibson was hanging around for what seemed to be a gift goal.
EQUALISER BY IRVINE
Another moment he was away on the wing, and when tackled unfairly by Bolton, the free kick he created brought an equalizer.  Reid pushed the ball to McBain, who deftly turned it slightly to the right.  Irvine moved still further to the right, and then closing in beat Bennett in spite of that player having left his goal a couple of yards.  Bennett actually touched the ball, but he could not stem it.  Harland had to save one useful shot by Burton and Broad netted when offside, but as against that O’Donnell could not get his length through hesitating before clearing.  It was Irvine’s day out.  After Williams had offered a gift to Broad, the home centre kicking round the ball, Irvine dribbled beyond three men and at every step took the ball further into goal.  
BROAD’S OPPORTUNITY
One hoped that he would shoot a shade earlier than he did, but it had to be remembered that he was unbalanced through a trip, and eventually the goalkeeper and a full-back were lying on the ground watching Broad put the ball into an empty goal, Irvine having made the whole of the running.  Irvine made another delicious individual effort after Williams had made a nice opening for him, but Bennett was able to get to the ball half a yard before Irvine could make his drive.  The Irishman has not played so well for a long time, therefore, one was sorry to see him limping.  Flood could not get the Forest forwards into a good groove, and once again Everton went away for Williams to score what the referee, Mr. Woods, of Sheffield, decided was an offside goal.  Gibson, at outside right, was perhaps the best of the visitors’ forwards.  He was severe, sure, and sharp.
HALF-TIME; Everton 2, Notts Forest 1.
WEAVER AROUSED.
In the second half Weaver, who had been quiet in the first spasm, made a good run, and Chedgzoy, coping him, ran the ball out.  One of the bright spots of the day was the work done by Rooney.  The Forest left did little of note, while on the home right Irvine was the brains of the attack.  Chedgzoy offered him a lovely in-turned pass, and Irvine shot as good a bullet one could wish.  Bennett dived after the ball, but only stopped it, although he did not release his grip in spite of the pace of the ball.  Irvine came rushing through entirely on his own, and he had the misfortune this time to stumble at the critical moment.  The light was curiously uneven, half of the field being in semi-darkness and the other half in such a light vein that the chimney-pots reminded one of Sheffield.  A little feeling crept into the game in spite of Morgan’s great work with head and foot and Waver limping through one accident. 
A SIGN OF MEMORY.
Forest rarely shot, and one sighed for the days of Spaven.  Chedgzoy had seemed rather worn and said, like many another man who has taken Everton to heart, and he showed his best work in the second half in a great race for a well-placed upward pass.  He hung off the merest fraction when getting near the mark, and thereby got a rebound that let him in for a centre, which Broad converted with the utmost ease.  Thus Everton’s position for the first time for eight weeks became somewhat comforting.  One began to wonder whether the victory would be as nought through the failing light, but it was probably fairly easy for the players to see the flight of the ball.  Certainly, everyone saw Broad shoot outside when he had no one to beat, and a sweepstake score was threatened. 
THE FALLING SHADES
The shades of night were falling fast and Notts Forest First Division career.  They were just as bad as when we saw them early in the season, and though the crumb of comfort to Everton was eaten ravenously by the home crowd, who have been starved for points for a long time, it must not be imagined that Everton are yet out of the wood.  The game was hard to follow, but there was little to enthuse about, except the result and Irvine’s magnificent solo work, together with a bright display on the part of Rooney.  It is good to find a local having a run and showing up well.  Final; Everton 3, Notts Forest 1. 

BURSCLOUGH v. EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 28 February 1925
The home team scored in the first few moments through Rigsby, and a moment later the same player headed into the goal.  In saving the visitors’ goalkeeper fell with the ball into the net.  The visitors improved considerably, and near half-time Houghton gave Kemp a hard drive, which was saved, but later Houghton opened the Everton score.  Half-time; Burscough 2, Everton A 1.  Final Burscough 4, Everton A 2.