EVERTON 1 LEICESTER CITY 0
February 1 st 1926. The Daily Courier.
LEICESTER BEAT THEMSELVES.
WATSON SCORERS ONLY GOAL FOR EVERTON.
These are the days of dramatic football upheavals. But what are things really coming to? Everton won because an opponent obligingly scored for them. A strange score like that cheers nobody. Leicester also left the field with the feeling that Loclhead ought to have been allowed a goal. Everton contributed to their rather inept display by their own methods. They were continuously in rear-guard actions. These should have been unnecessary, because there is the striking materials in the forward line. Why, therefore, this change to dropping back?
DEAN "IN THE AIR."
Dean was ineffective because he was often left "in the air." When he would purvey a pass to his partner right and left, they were not there. In fact, they almost seemed to be lining up with the halves. Progress could not be the motto with that formation. The nippiness of Leicester was the evident cause of anxiety to Everton and the reason of their strategical withdrawals, but it was a mystery why the Blues did not more often dominate the play. The Leicester forwards were effective to a point because they kept the ball on the carpet. They were also a cohesive force. With the possible exception of Dean and Lockhead, the ex-Manchester United man –taking Chandler's place –the marksmen were not on duty. Dean was skilful with both his feet and his head, and was not backward in using his weight, but Campbell, the former Liverpool man, who always gets a good reception here, gave a clever display of intelligent anticipation in goal. Lockhead also can shoot, but he can never expect a better chance than at the opening when he flashed the ball across the goalmouth. Hardy must have been agile in touching the ball, but evidently he did so, as Leciester were awarded a corner. Lockhead claimed that he scored near the close, but we would not care to challenge Referee Bryan's decision from the stand. Hardy saved before Lockhead put through, but the referee explained that he sounded his whistle before that player netted, and that the Leicester men appeared in the belief that the ball had touched an Everton defender. On the run of the play Leicester certainly deserved a goal. In the second half Campbell went perilously near carrying in a header by Dean, and the Everton leader though he had scored. The Everton forwards, with their more dashing go-ahead style of play, ought to have done better, but neither wing worked smoothly, and Weaver, introduced on the right for Chedgzoy, injured whilst he started with promise, did not maintain his form throughout. Weaver, and Irvine ran up against a rare spoiler in Osborne in one of his best games. The Everton right-wing are to be commended on the way they circumvented him at times, but the finishing of the line was often disappointing.
PEACOCK OUTSTANDING.
Peacock was again an outstanding half. He showed a cool head, exhibited some of the finer points of the game, and stayed the distance with the best. We have seen both Bain and Virr in more convincing mood; but, of course, Hine, the recent acquisition from Barnsley to strengthen the Leicester attack, and Adcock are an effective pair. They often jumped to it, and took the initiative in a way that even the dour McDonald did not relish. Little Adcock was an imp of mischief, prancing along that right wing. The occasion produced the man –David Raitt. In Choice style, playing above the average club game form, he dashed over when help was required and interfered with Hine's pretty football. Lockhead in his new centre position was dangerous also because he can mask his moves, but there was not that same harmony on the other wing between Wadsworth also formerly one of ours, and Sharp the ex-Tottenham forward, introduced because of Chandler's absence's. While Everton would not desire to claim credit for a goal scored for them by an opponent, it is only fair to say that had not Watson put through his own goal, nothing but an earthquake could have prevented one of the home forwards scoring. Campbell, as a last resource, rushed out of goal following the great centre, put in by Weaver and Watson lash about with the intention of getting his foot under the ball and giving a corner. Instead, it was a corner. Instead, it was a first class forward's shot. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Weaver, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Leicester City: - Campbell, goal, Black, and Osborne, backs, Newton, Watson, and Bamber, half-backs, Adcock, Hine, Lockhead, Sharp, and Wadsworth, forwards. Referee Mr. Bryan.

BURSCOUGH RANGERS 3 EVERTON "A" 0
February 1, 1926. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Burscough were able to maintain their unbeaten record against a much improved Everton team, who were able to make the game one of the fastest seen at Burscough this season. Bennett opened the score for Burscough from just outside the penalty area, and then Rawlins scored a second from a penalty. In the second half Bennett hooked a shot from about 20 yards out which completely surprised Jones. Once or twice Everton were somewhat unlucky not to score.

ILL-FATED MISKICK DECIDES
Leicester Daily Mercury - Monday 01 February 1926
KNUTS GET THE BAD LUCK AT GOODISON PARK
CLEVERNESS WITHOUT GOALS
By Albion
What consolation was possible in their adversity Leicester City received in the ample sympathy of their friends the enemy at Goodison Park.  Everton won by a goal to none, the deciding goal being scored by Norman Watson, who was surely the saddest footballer in England on Saturday night.  Inadvertently, and by the weirdest piece of mischance I have seen for many a day, the Leicester centre half brought about the unmerited defeat of his side by kicking the ball hard into his own goal. The ball actually went into the net at such a great pace that the "shot" would have been hailed as a splendid piece of opportunism if it had been the work of one of the home forwards in snapping up a chance.  Everyone, of course, was sorry for Watson, whose miskick had such a decisive influence on a game which the City would otherwise have drawn with honour, and which many thought they ought to have won. The incident happened about 11 minutes from the finish of the game. 
How It Happened. 
In a skirmish Campbell was drawn away to his left, wide of the goal.  Weaver, the Everton outside right, prevented him from clearing, and kicked the ball in front of goal, where Dean was threatening. Black could probably have cleared well enough. Watson happened to be facing his own goal, six or seven yards out, and he attempted either an overhead kick or a kick into touch.  The ball, however, was travelling away from him, and as he shot out his foot he sent it, as have said, into the net.  Within a few minutes City had a goal disallowed because - of offside. Lochhead got the better of Hardy at close quarters, and forced the ball into the net as the referee was firmly indicating a free kick to Everton. Mr. Bryan held that Lochhead was offside when he had the ball from Hine, a decision which was disputed.
Leicester's First Half Advantage. 
On heavy ground both sides played football of good standard, though in thecase of both their approach was generally better than their finish. Leicester had clearly the better of the argument in the first half, and two chances at least might have led to goals.  Early on, for instance, Lochhead found himself rather unexpectedly with a clear field when a long forward pass from Adcock eluded both backs, and the visiting centre forward was able to go ahead with none but Hardy to beat.  Hardy ran out, and Lochhead did not succeed in directing his shot on the right line. He was equally unsuccessful with a less favourable, but still likely opening.  In the re-arranged front line Lochhead showed much cleverness in initiation and combination, but there was some lack of quick, penetrative, thrusting power. Sharp was variable, often good, some of his passing being well judged and timely, and Wadsworth, once more near his native heath, improved greatly on his Leeds display. 
Aggressive Right Wing
Clever and dainty as they often were, the telling work of the City front line was apt to come in patches, with Hine and Adcock the more consistent wing.  Both were aggressively inclined with some power in their finish, Hardy having to make one of the best saves of the day from the outside right.  Leicester's half back play, I thought, showed a decided advance on their form at Leeds, with more design and calculation, and the backs compared very favourably with Raitt and Macdonald on the other side. Osborne, very confident and thorough, appears to have come back to his best. Campbell was rarely severely tested, and Hardy faced rather more danger at the other end. Bain was conspicuously effective at centre half, with Troup and Dean the most prominent in a front line that revealed clever touches. 

GIFT GOAL DECIDES
Athletic News - Monday 01 February 1926
EVERTON LUCKY TO WIN AGAINST LECIESTER
FORWARD WEAKNESS
EVERTON 1, LECIESTER CITY 0
By Junius
The Everton and Leicester City fixture, originally arranged for April 10, was brought forward to Saturday to prevent a blank day on Merseyside.  Fully 30,000 assembled, and if they did not witness high-class game, there were occasional thrills.  Only one goal was recorded, and it came ten minutes from the close when Watson, from the only mistake he made during the match, drove into his own goal.  Everton wore slow in movement, and had their opponents taken a point for their spirited work few would have begrudged it.  Well as the forwards played, they contributed to their downfall by failing to turn to advantage openings they had strenuously worked for in the earlier stages.  Lochhead, with only Hardy to beat, should have taken the lead after tenminutes, while Hine and Adcock, with a little steadiness, might easily have located net.  Leicester played attractive football.  The half-backs were strong tacklers and anticipated movements the Everton forwards with sound judgment.  It was here that they enjoyed pull  over Everton, whoso forward play, the first half especially, was ragged and haphazard.  The home half-backs were given plenty to do, but did not attain the heights of the opposing trio, whom Watson impressed me.
FORWARD FAILINGS
Everton’s left wing lacked incisiveness and understanding.  At the other extreme, Weaver, playing for Chedgzoy, found his right foot not so sure as his left, otherwise he might have scored just before the close.  Irvine was clever without quite applying an effective finishing touch, while Dean was given few opportunities, and was closely covered.  Peacock and Bain were below their usual standard, but the team as a whole did not impress, and their best work was deferred to the last ten minutes, when the Leicester forwards made a great effort to get level.  Raitt was valiant in defence his positional play being good, but he was no better than Osborne, who countered Irvine’s elusive movements with effect.  Campbell had a few shots to stop, but they were teasers, and Hardy, too, was not unduly harassed.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Weaver, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Leicester City; Campbell; Black, Osborne; Newton, Watson, Bamber; Adcock, Hine, Lochhead, Sharp, and Wadsworth.  Referee; Mr. T.G. Bryan, Willenhall. 

LIVERPOOL RECALL
Athletic News, Monday, February 1, 1926
The directors of the Liverpool Club at their meeting last Tuesday co-opted Mr. Albert Berry to fill the vacancy created last summer by the death of Mr. W. Wood.  Mr. Berry’s interest in the game is of long standing.  At the time of the great schism in 1892 which resulted in Everton migrating to Goodison Park, he was a notable personality in Liverpool football.  he was a playing member of the Everton club up to the “spilt,” and at the parting of the ways clung to the remnant who formed the present Liverpool club, becoming a director and acting as solicitor until the first Board was duly installed at Anfield-road.  It is interesting to note that Mr. Berry and Mr. John McKenna president of the League, and a former chairman of the club, are the only living signatories to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Liverpool organiastions.  Since his playing days, which were cut short by injury, Mr. Berry’s interest in the club has never waned.  He has rarely missed as home match, and when his business has allowed he has like his brother, the late Mr. Edwin Berry, for many years chairman of the club, accompanied the team in away matches.  Mr. Berry in his new sphere should prove a valuable acquisition to the Board by reason of his astute knowledge of the game and players. 

A LUCKY GOAL
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 1, 1926
By Stork
When the Everton players draw their bonus for their win over Leicester City they should put it in an envelope and dispatch it straightaway to Norman Watson, the City centre half, who made victory possible.  It could not be said that either ‘keeper had a busy afternoon, so frail won the shooting department, but for all that we were treated to some nice midfield play.  I cannot understand Leicester’s League position.  Their football was classy and clever; in fact, worthier of a better placing.  In conversation with one of their players, he said; “Just our usual luck.  We cannot do anything right, well as the boys are playing.”  On the day’s play they should never have lost, and the Everton folk will be the first to admit it.  It was not Everton’s day.  They never got moving in real battle array, while the defensive lines were not at their best.  Dean and Troup were the best of the forwards, for Weaver, after a promising start, faded out.  Peacock was the star half, and McDonald the better back, with Hardy sound.  In reviewing the Leicester side I must single out the Liverpool contingent- Bamber, Campbell, and Harold Wadsworth.  The last named had a merry time in the early minutes, but once Peacock had him “weighed up” he was not quite so affective.  Bamber was the best half back on the field.  His construction was good, while his defence did not suffer through his attacking ideas.  Campbell is still one of the best goalkeepers in the First Division. 

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL SECTION FOR DERNY
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 3, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.  That is the order for Saturday, and the match, spite the cup defeats is arousing interest.  I do not wanted to discuss the matter at the moment further than to say that the team sheets were issued last night, and show changes.  Chedgzoy, being fit, reappears, and in the Liverpool side one finds Hopkin and Walsh returning.  Both are good men, and are badly wanted at this stage of the proceedings.  Here is the teams;-
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Macnabb, Cockburn, Bromilow; Ozley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkin. 
This will be the twenty-sixth meeting between the Liverpool rivals at Goodison Park, and it has always been regarded as a curiosity that the Anfield side do better there than on their own ground.  They just require one more victory to bring their record level with Everton, so far as matches at the Park are concerned, for Everton have won eleven League games and Liverpool ten, the remaining four being drawn. 
RESERVES AT ANFIELD
While the senior sides are battling at Goodison Park the reserves will meet at Anfield in a Central League game.  Liverpool will be represented by Riley; Longsworth, Childs; Sheers, Wadsworth, Prett; Rawlings, Hodgson, Scott (T), Shepperd, McMullan. 
Everton Reserves reads;- Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Brown, Reid, Rooney; W.C. Smith (Thorndale), McGough (Bootle Celtic), Murray, Houghton, Kennedy. 
Note.- For the Goodison match there are no tickets; pay at turnstile. 

EVERTON’S CHANCE AGAINST THE LIVERPOOL SIDE
Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 5, 1926
Bee’s Notes
He kick-off at Goodison to-morrow is 3-10.  Gates opened at 1 o’clock.  Hurry up, and queue up. 
Locally we have no thoughts this week then the meeting of Everton and Liverpool, and Goodison Park to-morrow will, not doubt, attract the usual enormous crowd, because the difference of opinion between the man whose blue-blood runs freely and the man whose red-influence is felt are always at fever-heat on such occasions, and the Cup losses to Fulham have served to make the appeal of the Derby game even more entrancing.  The Everton followers say they should have beaten Fulham and that Liverpool lost by the bigger margin; all sorts of thin threads are used to hand up an argument between Red and Blue.  Last week at Goodison Park the shout of joy when it was found Liverpool were losing by 3-1 was so pronounced that some present thought Everton must have scored.  The same biased outlook on sporting life is to be seen at Anfield- and no one regrets it more than I regret it, because heat of this character is not sporting, and is likely to show itself prominent when rational judgements are expected as between spectator and player.  I have not appealed in vain for some years when the Mersey players to “play the game” and refuse to be carried away by foul or frightful tactics.  It seems I should now be lacking in my duty if I did not call upon the spectators to show the same decent restraint.  Praise can be dealt out with the trowel, but I do hope the crowd to-morrow will show a sporting “ring.” 
A NEW FORMATION
A correspondent sends me a cryptic forward line which is a bit subtle.  He suggests that Everton give it T (roup), O’ (Donnell)-D (ean), I (rvine), X (ie). 
I was at the time he wrote the doubtful position of outside right.  The match is a problem; Fate will play a heavy part in their theatrical drama, and none should be dogmatic.  Therefore, I say with all due deference, that my mind has been made up for a fortnight past that I think Everton will win this tie, although Liverpool won so handsomely at Anfield.  Donald Mackinlay asked me a week ago, which side I thought would win.  I told him, and he answered not a word.  I will give you here the reasons I advanced for my belief.  I pointed out that Everton were playing well together as an eleven.  There was a healtier ring about their work in every department and a sure touch that one did not always find in the Anfield side, where the forwards had been, to say the least, under proof.  Everton had a League record for months that had but one blot so far as goals were concerned-that game at Bury- which was quite an understandable loss.  The figures were powerful and the performances of the side had been convincing, if not always clinched to the full.  Admittedly their work against Leicester last week was poor; but similarly Anfield had some blots on their copy book. 
THE OTHER SIDE
There is another side to the question.  You cannot lose a man of Hopkin’s standing and not hope to feel the bump.  Similarly Walsh being absent from the line meant a lot.  The Liverpool club have suffered a lot through injuries and the absence of the whole-hearted “goer,” Jackson was a blow.  But we must take things as they stand, and that being so, I came to the conclusion that Everton would be good for a win.  Liverpool, prior to slipping up at Fulham, but been winning where one did not expect them to win; and knowing the side as I do, and knowing their performances at Goodison Park, I take a big risk in expecting them to lose, for the side is built on lines that make the selectors’s heart weary.  Liverpool are in a measure a pantomime turn- you never know which way they are going to turn at the next game, and it would be just like them to rouse Everton and unnerve them, as they did at Anfield.  However, that remains to be seen.
THE DIFFERENCE
With Hardy and Scott in goal one need not fear anything-the lapse of the Cup-tie game last week was a thing of a lifetime with Elisha Scott.  It really becomes a question whether the Liverpool forwards will shape in combined fashion, and whether Forshaw, lying well up the field, will snap goals.  There is nothing between the half-back lines, and the full-back value is of high character.  So we are left with the forward element.  If Liverpool get going, and if the home attack is definite in front of goal, a great game should ensue; certainly, these games have generally provided more real football in one half than those Cup-ties we have suffered in the post-war period. I look forward to a rousing reso9lute fair game, and am confident I shall not be disappointed.  These are the elevens;- Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Tro9up.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; Mcnabb, Cockburn, Bromilow; Oxley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkin. 
WHAT IS FOOTBALL SUNDAY
Edge-Hill Congregational P.S.A. Football Sunday service is on Sunday, at 3.  This meeting has nothing to do with the effort to secure football playing on the Sabbath, or to gather together to talk about football or something of that description.  The Football Sunday service is not an entertainment or an amusement, but is a religious service of a simple and definite character.  The service is conducted by men well known in the football world- men who at all times are prepared to stand up for that which is purest and best not only in our national winter pastime, but also that which is best and noblest in the greatest game of all- the game of life.  The platform will be Chairman, Mr. James Jackson (Liverpool F.C’s popular forward), Speaker, Mr. W.R. Clayton, Vocal items by Mr, and Mrs Studmarks (Mr. Louis T. Kelly and Miss Doris Kelly). Music by Mr. John Wardell and orchestra. 

PROMOTION FOR A BANKS PLAYER.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 06 February 1926
Frank Moss, tho youthufl centre-half of the Banks club, has been signed by Everton, and assisted their “A” team at Burscough on Saturday last. Moss is a Southport lad, and of fine proportions, and was sought after by at least two other English League clubs. 

GOODISON DERBY
February 6, 1926. The Daily Courier.
Everton and Liverpool meet for the 52 nd time, and as I dealt fully with their respective records earlier in the week I propose now only to add that if Liverpool win today, it brings them level with their rivals –eleven victories each –on the Goodison Park enclosure. The Reds have made the greatest progress at the Park since 1906, winning nine games and losing three. Liverpool won the Anfield game earlier in the season by 5-1, but then Everton were in a stage of transition, and at present are a 50 per cent better side. They will be at full strength, Chedgzoy returning to outside right, but Liverpool make two changes from the eleven beaten at Craven Cottage, Hopkins who broke his collar-bone at Blackburn in December 5, deposing McMullan at outside left while Walsh ousts Tom Scott as partner to oxley. These changes should add strength to the Liverpool attack, and enable them to extract a point from their neighbors. The kick off is 3-5, and the teams: - Everton: - Hardy; Raitt and McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup. Liverpool: - Scott; Lucas, McKinlay; McNabb, Cockburn, Bromilow; Oxley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkins.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS.
February 6, 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo
FOOTBALL GALA DAYS AT EVERTON; VICTOR HALL RECALLS SOME HAPPY MEMORIES.
I was looking at an old photograph the other day, taken on the practice ground of Goodison Park about thirty years ago. It was a group of the artistes, and a few friends, who had assembled to practice a little football kicking one morning a day or two before the theatrical gala football match of that year was to be played. Some of the theatrical artistes in those early days of the "galas" used to take the football match of the day as a rather serious effort, and they took the opportunity of meeting the players in their training quarters for a few hours' practice in kicking, sprinting, and more especially training. Instruction and attentions. They unusual turned up about 11 a.m. and put in two or three hours' hard work on the field, on the cinder track, and afterwards enjoyed to the full the hot both and rub down that Louis-Love, the Everton trainer of that period, was glad, to provide. The change from the close atmosphere and late hours of the Pantomime Theatre did the artistes good, and the association was eventually appreciated by both players and artistes and led, incidentally, to the forming of long established friendships. To return to the particular photograph, however! In the centre sits dear old George Mahon, the chairman of the Everton Club, who had left his busy accountancy practice in the city for an hour to meet his theatrical colleagues on the Gala Committee, and by whom he was most genuinely and even affectionately esteemed. He sits there in the centre of the motley group, arrayed as they are in all stages and forms an eccentric pantomime or training costume. He is one of the few serious figures in the group, who had just finished a strenuous morning's preparation, and are evidently hot and hilarious in the novelty of theatrical make-up on a frost-bound football playing pitch. At his feet sits Johnny Dane, that brilliant star of pantomime days, who was that year at the Rotunda pantomime with Arthur Picardo, who also appears in the group. The two played the wicked robbers in the "Babes," and a more jovial pair of robber's pantomime has rarely seen. It is many years since I saw Johnny's name on a day bill, but his pretty daughter grew up into a bonny actress, and carried on the name for further honours. Close by is Fred Frederick's, and next to him a slim boy playing Harlequin, both likewise at the Rotunda. Frederick's played Dame, and sits in his stage costume. His father in those days was proprietor of a London (Stratford) theatre, and later Fred succeeded him in management, and retired I believe, form the boards. On the other side of the chairman site Huntley Wright the brilliant star of comedians then in his early youth, and behind stands burly Marten Adeson, both playing the "Ugly Sisters" in that year's Cinderalla at the Shakespeare. Huntley has probably forgotten that February morning photograph at Goodison Park, but his memory is still fragrant with Evertonians, and his hard work for the football charties of those days is not forgotten. By a coincidence Martin Adeson is appearing in the present Empire pantomime. Beside Adeson stands Harry Freeman, the popular, whose greatest hit was "They're After me?" His successes of those days in the summer season at the Isle of Man, and in pantomime, will not be forgotten by old stagers. That year he played at the Shakespeare too, taking the part of the Baron in "Cinderella." Close to him is Edmunds, of the Albert and Edmunds Troups, in his costume of Peter the Page, from the same pantomime. It was the year in which Texture won the Waterloo Cup, and on the night of the Cup he won a round of applause by a pun on the names of the dog, as he stepped over the long train of Cinderella's dress in the ballroom scene at the theatre. With him in his brother, James Albert now an official of the West Ham F.C, and his brother Willie, since dead! While at the opposite side of the group is Mr. Cobra, a member of the same troupe. The Hearnes previously spoken of was one of the cricketing family of Hearnes, whose names have been famous in the South for four generations. Behind in clown's dress is dear old Tom Bennett, also from the Rotunda, and the Court Theatre is represented by the famous scenic artist of those days, F. Coleman, whose yearly productions were most famous of all provincial pantomimes. Rarely even yet has the genius of his brusk been equalled in those gorgeous feasts of colour, renewed afresh each Christmastide for the youth of Liverpool. Two other figures in the group awaken also happy memories in the Brothers O'Malley, that famous pair of "knockabout," comedians who had followed the "Two Macs" and had won so many friends, by the cleanness of their show, and the wit and humour of their patter. As a pair of dancers, too, their fame was set on a fine pedestal, and it was only the untimely death of their older partner of the two shown in the group, a year or two later, that put an end to one of the most promising "act" then on the vaudeville stage. Up to quite recently the younger surviving partner was a resident of Liverpool; whether he is still with us or not, I have not heard. Probably George Manners, at the Empire could tell us. In that year Harris Fineberg of the "Star" and Jimmy Kieran of the Park and Paddington gave valuable help to the cause of the "Gala," but neither are present in the group nor are Jack Gaffney or the late Henderson Howart, then of the Shakespeare, Bert Adams was acting manager to the Nelson brothers at the Prince f Wales, but their pantomomists of that year were not taking part in the football side of the "Gala." On the day itself their efforts yielded a golden harvest in the "floral and sales" auctions in the ground, where under the chairmanship of Mr. Johnny Cropper (then associated with the Glovers brewing interests), they made the hit of the day. An odd figure is inclined in the group of that whimsical personality who, under the name of "Primrose the Tipster," was prominent at all racing and sporting fixtures in the North. In some indirect manner he was assisting the "Threatical" team that played Everton "A" team in that year's gala match. It was of course farcical from the point of serious football, as the efforts of both players and "pros" was merely to entertain the hugh assembly, but some of the players, notably Huntley Wright, took the effort quite seriously and put up –at times –quite a good effort to score. It was these "football" galas that, in later years, gave George Robey serious "leanings" towards the game. He used to "train" for weeks before a match, and made quite an effort to be taken as an earnest player. Dear old George.

PROMOTION FOR A BANK PLAYER
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 06 February 1926
Frank Moss, the youthful centre-half of the Banks club, has been signed by Everton and assisted their “A” team at Burscough on Saturday last.  Moss is a Southport lad, and of fine proportions, and was sought after by at least two other English League clubs. 

THE JUNIOR DERBY
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 6, 1926
END-TO-END EXCHNAGES AT ANFIELD
At Anfield, on a well-sanded ground.  Everton moved ahead through some tricky footwork from Houghton, who, after outwitting Wadsworth, sung the ball across the goal, where Longsworth tipped away wide of the upright.  Rawlings paved the way for Liverpool’s first raid, and a sturdy punt from Kerr enabled the visitors to cause the home defence an anxious few moments, which terminated with Houghton shooting on the wrong side of the woodwork.  Rawlings had been the initiator of practically all the Liverpool raids so far, and when he home forwards cleverly worked the ball to the visitors goal area Brown rather easily dispossessed McMullan.  Play ruled fast, from end to end, and Brown provided Smith with a pass.  The Thorndale player centred perfectly, and Houghton was against the Blue’s shooter, the ball this time sailing over the bar. 
SHADOWS
After Riley had punched over from Kennedy –Liverpool advanced, and although Shepperd got the ball into the net the whistle had blown for an infringement.  Kendall’s first clearance was to punch a centre from McMullan, but the Blue’s goal was lucky is surviving when Pratt from the inside right position, headed into the goalmouth, the melee terminating with a wide shot.  A foul against Everton led to Rawlings causing Kendall to make his best save so far.  The visibility at this point was not too good, but we could see Longsworth out-witting Murray.  The game up to this point had been very fast and even, with very little to choose between the sides, for the Reds had vastly improved on a mediocre start and now paddocked the Everton defence.  At this point it was extremely difficult to follow the run of the play owing to the bad light, but Kendall, to all appearances, was being kept very busy by the home inside trio, whilst Everton at this stage were certainly overplayed. As the light improved so did Everton, but Liverpool were the more persistent attackers.  Prior to the interval a centre from McMullen led to Liverpool again getting the ball beyond Kendall, but Referee Johnson ruled that Hodgson was offside. 
Half-time;- No score.
Summarizing the first half, Liverpool were the better side, for, following an indifferent start, they improved considerably, and by such go-ahead methods, minus thrills, had given the Everton defence a warm time.  In contrast, Everton, following a good start, fell away, this being no doubt due to a big improvement on the play of the Reds’ half-back line.  W.C. Smith, on the visitors right, did not have much opportunity to shine, for he was opposed to Pratt, but nevertheless he showed good ball control and an ability to do the right thing.  McGough was a trier; but the outstanding player to this point had been Rawlings, on the Liverpool wing.  He never wasted a ball, and his efforts on resuming should have brought a goal.  Kennedy opened the score for Everton, and soon afterwards Reid accidentally diverted a ball from Rawlings past Kendall for the equalizer.  Three quarter time.- Liverpool Res 1, Everton Res 1. 

PRESCOT V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 6, 1926
(Geo. Mahon Cup)
At Prescot.  Everton opened strongly, Montieth saving from Rand and Dodd.  At the other end Jones conceded a couple of corners.  Nelson and Tunstall came very near scoring.  Half-time; No score. 

BATTLE OF THE MERSEY
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 6, 1926
DIRTY DAY ENLIVENED BY A HARD CONTEST AT GOODISON PARK
By Bee
Everton; Hardy; Livingstone, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Liverpool; Scott; Lucas, Mackinlay; MacNabb, Cockburn, Bromilow; Oxley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, Hopkin.  It was a dirty day and a “Derby” day.  The crowd was probably 45,000 strong, and would have been stronger but for the elements.  It was not a day styled “Visibility good.”  However, we fought our way to Goodison Park and looked forward to another rousing game. 
SHOUTS OF!       
The Everton club say that the shouting of the crowd last week was not due to the belief that Liverpool were losing, but was due to the fact that when the numbers were being put up they were at first held in such a way that word went round that Liverpool had succeeded.  They are very keen to keep the club’s clean name. 
WELCOME
It was not written on the mat, but it certainly was a vocal welcome of much strength that was offered Hopkin and Walsh after their long absence.  These were the only changes on the Liver side, and Everton, of course, had Chedgzoy back to the field.  Everton must have been desperately keen on revenge to-day because a victory to-day and again next Wednesday at home to Manchester City would mean the side would once again be within the bail of the landing team in the chart-a rather surprising leap.  An eleventh-hour change was made, Livingstone taking the place of Raitt. 
BRIGHTENNING A DULL DAY
The Anfield mascot took off his coat and vest when brought into opposition with the 3ft 3in, Everton mascot.  Both are expert dancers and their jollifications livered up the dull day.  The stands were full, but the popular side of the ground was not well packed.  The crowd was unusually quiet for a Derby game, but they fanned into real excitement when Everton, having won the toss and kicking towards the Aintree end, scored in two minutes.  Liverpool, had thus, in two successive weeks, a goal registered against them within the first five minutes of play.  And it was a goal no one could quibble about.  Bromilow had edged the ball away to Chedgzoy, and, racing up, he had prevented the corner kick that looked probable. 
IRVINE SNAPS A GOAL
Liverpool went on their first attacking chance, and Oxley did well, but Walsh over-dribbling, was stopped by Bain, who punted the ball up the middle.  Dean deflected it sufficiently to prevent Cockburn’s tackle being effective.  Then the home centre flung the ball to the right, and a Liverpool player failed to reach it, so that Irvine was able to go on almost unimpeded.  Nearing goal, he drove in obliquely an unstoppable shot.  Irvine has been out of luck with much of his clever footwork, but here was a goal to remember for many a year.  Thus early Everton had kept up their League record of having scored  every game except that at Bury in November, Forshaw tried to neutralize this goal by instant shooting, but, so far, he was off the mark, and Everton played, at this point, like champions, and came near scoring a second point when Chedgzoy, awkwardly angled, and put the ball in a manner that suggested it must pass out, but the vigilant Scott took no risks, and if he had not handed it out, a goal would have accrued.
OSLEY CHANGES THE OUTLOOK.
In fifteen minutes Oxley scored the equalizer. Forshaw had knocked the ball into his own face and McNabb had treated McDonald in customary fashion by pulling him down.  Oxley’s goal came as the consequence of a pretty and combined affair started by Walsh, continued by Chambers, who made a swinging pass to his partner, and Hopkin rounded off the effort with a perfectly judged centre.  The ball landed in the middle, and Oxley, who has a penchant for running into the centre of the field, smuggled the ball beyond Hardy. 
SECONDED BY FORHSAW
Hardy hardly had a chance to take any part in the business and the only thing one could say against the goal was that it was not rounded off in pretty fashion.  Still, it counted and in the darkness that followed one was able to see Irvine make a long, low shot that Scott did well to handle, and a minute later, that is to say at the twentieth minute, Forshaw scored with a splendid first-time shot.  Only twice in the last three months have Everton been debited with more than the old goal, so that Liverpool could take much pride and joy in their lead of 2-1.  The darkness that came over the ground after twenty minutes was a most extraordinary visitation, and through the gloom one was just able to see O’Donnell miss from close in, and Bromilow save the situation when two defenders got in each other’s way.  Fortunately the gloom lifted, and one was able to see Dean in two chapters, the first a useful effort to hand, and the second a quick dribble and a position for gosling until he was deliberately tripped by Cockburn.  Against that one had to put some stirring work by Chambers, who inclined to roam.  Having reached inside right, he made telling centres to the well-placed Forshaw.
THE “FIRST STOP.”
The first stoppage came at this juncture, O’Donnell being damaged and Troup offering a few words of comfort to his fellow-countryman, MacNabb.  So far, the game had been enlivening and surprising. 
LEVEL BY CHEDGZOY
Before half-time Troup fell back to help the half backs, and he and O’Donnell changed places, until half-time.  The half ended as it started with a sensational turn-about.  Chedgzoy, after missing an easy chance, equalized from close in, making the score 2-2, amid intense Everton joy.  It was a desperately near thing regarding the clock, because when Chedgzoy netted play had been in progress 45 ½ minutes, but allowing for the time taken off in the case of O’Donnell, the goal must have been scored with but a second or so to spare.  Half-time; Everton 2, Liverpool 2. 
HARDY ECLIPSED
The first half had been a rousing exhibition, and I do not think anyone could grumble at the scorers, because when Forshaw scored the goalkeeper was in a black mist, and I am told by those who were alongside him that he would have saved it in ordinary circumstances, but he simply had to take a chance as to whether he was in the right direction, and found himself a yard wide.  In the crowd one noticed a new phase.  Two banjoists were singing the latest rags, thus competing with the brass band which, fortunately for them, was on the Bullens-road side.
ELECTRIC MOMENTS
In the second half there were just as many incidents and electric shocks as in the first, including a case where Hardy dropped the ball after having possession and Oxley not being able to get it into an empty goal.  Spice was lent to the proceeding by Dean making a great drive and by the same boy’s methods of sliding the ball to Chedgzoy, who scooped the ball behind the net.  Everton, in spite of O’Donnell going off for five minutes through injury in trying to give MacNabb a dig, had the better of the early portion of the second half, except for Liverpool’s breakaway habit, and I it was no surprise when, after a round of passing between Dean , Troup and Chedgzoy, that a corner arose.  From that corner came a 3-2 register. 
FORSHAW FOLLOWS DEAN
Dean, than whom is no cleverer and no more certain header, nodded Troup’s corner kick out of the reach of every defender.  It was goals, goals all the way to-day, with a skidding ball and when Hopkin made another telling centre, Forshaw with his back to the goal, headed the ball behind him, it passing beyond Hardy.  This was a remarkable goal in many ways, and rarely does one see a back-headed take toll of a goal.  Excitement was not at top point.
REFEREE REPRESSES HILARITY
It was one of the most strenuous games ever played in the “Derby” series, and although the going was bad consequent upon the dainfall, the men stuck to their hard task to the finish.  Troup, on one occasion, ran across the field to outside right, eluding trips and finding the pace of the ball beat him.  A little feeling and some foolery entered into the affair with the result that Referee Asson spoke to MacNabb and Dean about their hilarity.  Final; Everton 3, Liverpool 3. 

EVERTON 3 LIVERPOOL 3
February 8, 1926. The Daily Courier.
DERBY GAME ENDS IN A DIVISION.
EVERTON TWICE TAKE THE LEAD.
A draw of 3 goals each was no bad result of the Derby match at Goodison on Saturday. It was a fast game, abounding with the thrills for the 50,000 spectators present. It was rather remarkable that Everton should score in the first and last minute of the first half. In between that time Liverpool had scored two, so that the teams crossed over level. A dense mist crept over the ground midway through the first 45 minutes, and it began to look as if the game might be stopped. During this period it was well-nigh impossible to distinguish the players on the far side of the field. The mist lifted later, however, although the light for the rest of the play was none too good. Without being a brilliant game it was full of incident, and was always interesting.
SIX GOALS AGAIN.
Six goals is a fairly liberal measure for one match. It is true that early this season, when the clubs met at Anfield a half-dozen were served up, but on that occasion five of them went against the Blues, and the unevenness of it knocked some of the interest out of the game especially for Everton supporters. On Saturday the positional and combined play of Everton struck one as being rather superior to that of their rivals, but there was at no time much between the sides, and right to the final whistle it was anybody's game. The Blues were able to play Sam Chedgzoy at outside right, but had to bring in Livingstone for Raitt at back, Raitt's injured ankle not being well enough to permit his playing. The Reds had Hopkin back on the left wing, who was having his first game with the team since breaking his collarbone. Walsh came in to inside right in place of T. Scott. Hopkin by the way, put up a great show on the wing. There were those who feared that the injury would have made him somewhat nervous and cautious. Not at all. He played a confident and masterly game all through, and had a great share in the goal-getting. Irvine had the Blues' supporters cheering tranically when within a minute, he scored the first goal. It was an oblique shot from close in, and gave Scott no chance. Sixteen minutes later came the equaliser from a capital centre by Hopkins. Forshaw seemed to be going to get it, but was hampered by the backs, and Oxley running in, drove the ball sharply into the net. Play went from one end to the other, and neither side could be said top have the advantage. Both Dean and Forshaw hung well up the field. Forshaw gave the Reds the lead at the end of 22 minutes. The ball came to him near goal, and he booted it into the net right away. Of course, not it was the turn of the Reds' supporters to cheer, and cheer they most emphatically did. The Blues retaliated pluckily and forced two fruitless corners in succession. Dean got his head to the ball once, and it was not far out. O'Donnell went off injured, but resumed a little later. Just as the referee was getting ready to blow his whistle, the blues equalised. Chedgzoy who, by the way, had put in some capital runs and centres shooting past Scott following a determined Everton attack.
DEAN AND FORSHAW.
Fifteen minutes after the resumption, the Blues went ahead, the score being a sequel to good work between Troup, Chedgzoy, and Dean, the last named finishing the movement by getting his head to the ball and nobbing it skillfully into the net. It almost seemed as if Liverpool said to themselves; If you're going to score, so are we." And score they did a few minutes later, Forshaw getting the ball past Hardy from one of Hopkin's centres. That was the end of the scoring. As has been said, it was not a bad result, Forshaw and Hopkins were the sharp points of the Liverpool attack, but after a quiet start Oxley besides scoring did a great deal of useful work. Not so much was seen of Chambers and Walsh. Chambers tried hard, but somehow or other some of his best attempts were smothered by the opposition before they became dangerous. So far as Walsh is concerned, he may not fully have shaken off the effects of his injury. Bromilow and Cockburn tackled and passed well, the placing of the former being particularly accurate at times. McNabb worked hard, but had a warm handful to deal with in O'Donnell and Troup. McKinlay and Lucas put in some sound work at back. Scott could not be blamed for the shots that beat him. Dean is a dangerous forward near goal, as was demonstrated, and when he gets going needs some stopping. He was well supported by the rest of the Blues' front line, which gave the impression of being rather better balanced than Liverpool's. Peacock, Bain, and Virr at half-back played up to their reputations, and McDonald and Livingstone repeatedly broke up Liverpool's raids. Like Scott Hardy had no chance with the shots that beat him. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Livingstone, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Liverpool: - Scott, goal, Lucas, and McKinlay, backs, McNabb, Cockburn, and Bromilow, half-backs, Oxley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkins forwards. Referee Mr. Aston.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 8, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 26)
The meeting of the local reserves produced one of the best Central League games seen at Anfield for a long period. The results, as in the senior "Derby, " was a draw. Liverpool, on the run of the play, were the better side, but it was the fault of the inside forwards that the game ended with the rivals on level terms. The Reds attacked almost continuously for a long spell in the first half, but though Shepherd and Hodgson netted the referee refused to allow the points owing to infringements. Rawlings and McMullen raided repeatedly, but Kerr defended sturdily. Kennedy was the most dangerous Everton forward, and almost scored in the first few minutes, Riley just getting away a fine shot. The interval arrived with a clean sheet, but 15 minutes after the resumption Kennedy, who had closed into the centre, snapped up a pass and scored a nice goal. There was a big element of luck about Liverpool's equaliser, as Reid, in an attempt to clear a Rawlings centre turned the ball into his own net. It was a big misfortune for Reid, as he had played a fine game. Kennedy later had a great chance of regaining the lead, but shot just outside. Hodgeson also missed a splendid opening. The Everton amateur right wing did as well as could be expected against Pratt. Rawlingss McMullan and Hodgeson were Liverpool's best forwards, Tom Scott being, as must be expected, still on the slow side. In defence none did better than Longsworth, Kerr and Hamilton were powerful backs, and Kendall safe in goal.

DRAMATIC DUEL OF MERSEYSIDE
Athletic News, Monday, February 8, 1926
LIVERPOOL TRUE TO A TRADITION AFTER FLUCTUATING FORTUNES
EVERTON 3, LIVERPOOL 3
By Impressionist
Monarchs of Goodison Park in the kingdom of Merseyside football are Liverpool.  They refused to abdicate.  Everton were on the broad highway, at their own headquarters, to defeat the foe’s tradition of complete or partial conquest, but Liverpool enthroned themselves again and so far as the records go can look back with pride on their forays into the neighbouring camp.  Nor can they be called into question in this latest, eventful, conflict; one which deserves to rank with the best in a distinguished history for both sides.  In three minutes Liverpool were a goal to the bad.  Often in so momentous an issue, the scratch develops into a deep wound.  Here instead was dramatic retaliation.  Liverpool equalized, took the lead and hoped so to sustain it to the interval.  Another sensation –this time from Everton –practically on the shrill of the half-time whistle, and all was simmering excitement for the turnabout with two goals each on the register.  It appeared that Everton had delivered a fateful blow, with their subsequent third goal, but relentlessly the grit of Liverpool restored equality.  Moreover, in the last quarter of an hour, the Anfield team were punishing Everton; attempting to clinch a Titanic battle which had its exhausting finale for both. From this recital of decisive issues, it will be understood that the 52nd meeting embodied vitality and variety.  Honours were even in every respect.  Everton, though relatively the more accomplished footballers, wasted a deal of their substance; while Liverpool were clever enough to be effective. 
DISPELLING GLOOM
The whole gamut of football was presented in gloomy panorama.  Indeed, midway through the first half, the referee must have been on the point of calling a cessation so ominously did the darkness descend.  The play was very hard to follow.  So no doubt Hardy thought, when in this spell of semi-night Forshaw beat him with a long shot.  Sternly contested with thaw and sinew, pulsating with incident, this game struck an arresting note of contrasting styles, and tactical methods.  Everton fitted about with the ball- a delicious individual touch here a constructive picture there.  Liverpool revealed many niceties of combination but it was in the tackling, the dispatch of their rear lines, and the swinging swoop of their forwards, that they took their share of toil on treacherous ground with an awkward ball.  On the one side was the neat intervention, and happy supply of the Everton half-backs, on the other a trenchant Liverpool middle division, which sought the wings and especially played up to the strength down the centre.  Everton attacked on a wing formation and partially neglected Dean, who might have been a bigger asset to them during prolonged periods of supremacy, than Forshaw was to the rivals.  The way Dean swerved away from Cockburn and gave IRVINE the easiest of goals within three minutes, was enough to indicate the potency in this place.  That Dean was prominent in a subsequent series of menacing raids was largely by his own initiative.  While Everton’s opening was thrilling, the equalizing point was clever in its inception and questionable in its accomplishment.  Walsh, Chambers, and Hopkin consorted, and the last named’s centre bounded up off Forshaw’s head.  I thought this was the fraction for Hardy to intervene.  He hesitated and OXLEY nodded the ball down beside his legs. 
A SHOT IN THE DARK
Then came a bolt from the dark in the shadowy shape of FORSHAW, pivoting and driving high into the net from 20 yards distant.  A goal down, and yet one in the lead were Liverpool, after 20 minutes.  Still the Everton goal was always coming via the supremacy of the right wing.  McKinlay and Bromilow conceded CHEDGZOY two golden chances.  He took the second.  Chedgzoy was a real danger, but had a tendency to pull his shots, a particular instance being when a masterly back-heel by Dean left him close in with a fair margin of the goal to shoot at.  So DEAN took a hand, or, rather, a head, himself, perfectly judging a corner-kick to glide the ball through.  But for a piece of heading skill and opportunism commend me to the closing goal.  When Hopkin sent across, FORSHAW had his back to the goal.  It was a remarkable instance of timing, and deft turning of the head, that flicked the ball behind into the net.  This was the crowning joy of a distinguished centre forward display by Forshaw.  The Everton defence suffered anxiety when the ball was about him.  He had the subtle foot, the disconcerting feint, the speed and lastly the intuition near goal.  On this form Forshaw is a leader and an individualist of rich ability.  And on the other side was Dean, a centre bound to develop on the highest lines, given the scope.  He had not quite the craft of Forshaw, but carried a lot by his virility.  I have rarely seen such a dual success made of centre forward in one match.
LIVERPOOL’S DANGER. 
The Chedgzoy-Irvine alliance was palpitating in its progress and craft, and left a usually good position player like Bromilow, and a dashing tackier like McKinlay, occasionally in a state of bewilderment and often in one of distress.  Latterly the left flank of resistance gained the upper hand, but it was not the day of Bromilow or McKinlay at their real standard. Lucas was the material man in defence, with Scott-well, Scott.  The success of the Everton right-wing rather accentuated the weakness of the other, where Troup was overawed by the thoroughness of McNabb, the most consistent Liverpool half-back.  How mediocre Cockburn was for a time his later dominance showed. He was just as well for Everton that they had so quick and versatile centre-half as Bain. On the flanks, Virr and Peacock were good in prompting and strong in recovery, while Livingstone and McDonald came creditably through harassing periods. The return of Hopkin made a big difference to Liverpool.  He gave one of his best displays, and would have been better still had the long passes of Chambers reached him. Full of industry, Chambers did not deliver a shot. Thus was a pointed personality, lost in the modem inside forward dilemma of attack and defence.  Everton.—Hardy; Livingstone, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup.  Liverpool.-Scott; Lucas, McKinlay; McNabb, Cockburn, Bromilow, Oxley, Walsh, Forshaw, Chambers, and Hopkin.  Referee: D. H. Asson. West Bromwich.

GLORIOUS FOOTBALL IN BAD CONDITIONS
Liverpool Echo-Monday, February 8, 1926
MERSEY MEN BATTLE AGAINST ODDS
Bee’s Notes
That was the end of the Derby meetings for the season.  I could wish there were more, for the standard of play in such a stern encounter was quite good, and though there was a little heat and much fog, to blacken the day’s proceedings no one could cavil at the game as a spectacle, nor yet grumble at the keen edge of the blade of partnership.  The game was indeed one of the best seen in the long series and perhaps a draw was a just verdict, for either side by losing would have been unfortunate –that is my summing up to the jury, and possibly it will be hotly contested by one or other partisan.  But the more I study the facts of the game, and the run of play, the more I think it would have been said to think of either side going away without a point.  Referee Asson had not a hard match, and though he missed some rather striking things, the natural exuberance due to the match did not produce anything more than severely stern measures and these were given and taken in the right manner, so that the day was not spoilt to the big crowd that attended.
TWELVE BETWEEN THEM.
You may remember that at Anfield Liverpool won 5-1, and Everton had most of the play, and few of the shots.  Now on Saturday, Everton had the more shots and found Scott safe, whereas Liverpool in their dashing tactics, with Forshaw well up the field, did not have a large number of attacks, yet got three goals, and Hardy doubtless complains that he never saw the shot which came through the gloaming from Forshaw’s foot.  Moreover, there were times when Hardy did not seen secure to seemingly easy chances.  Scott’s best was when he turned deceptive shot out –many a goalkeeper would have let the ball go.  Of the goals scored, perhaps the best was the first, for Irvine’s could be seen coming long before he shot.  After that came Oxley’s goal- not nicely polished, but effective as a drawer, and the work leading to it was of high order.  Forshaw’s lead taker was balanced by Chedgzoy’s goal right on half-time and after that came the “heady” goals.
JUST A NOD
Dean converted a corner by nodding in, and he got his deserts, for no one had been up and doing quite so freely as the young centre who had offered some delicious touches to the game and to Cockburn’s discomfiture.  No sooner said than done, one might say, was the Forshaw equalizer.  But what a strange fateful “heady” goal.  He had his back to the goal and back-headed the point-a goal that will go down to Merseyside history as a bewildering one.  Forshaw’s form in the last fortnight has been his old style, and he has been the means whereby Liverpool had broken through.  I think that of Liverpool had not hung back in the later stages of play with their inner forwards becoming half-backs, they would have done more damage, for, Forshaw was high and dry up the field, and was walking through the opposition. 
AGAINST THE ELEMENTS
Considering the dense visitation and the rain-sodden pitch, the game was admirable, and he would be churlish who would want more for his money.  It would be harsh to be hypercritical in such conditions, but certainly some men stood out prominently and they must be given the honours list.  On the away side I thought Lucas best of all the backs; he got through a pile-driving lot of work, and some of this work was thrown on him by reason of the tactics of the men in front of him.  I thought the middle man of the Liverpool side should have gone up rather than hang back.  Bain was the better pivot, because he came through with rousing help for his forwards.  Peacock, on the other hand did not do so well as against Cardill though he, like Livingstone did his best in the second half.  It was the sort of game you could argue inside out.  For instance, Hopkin’s return to the attack along with Walsh made for a confidence and sure-touch in centering that had been missing, and Chambers in his wing men and put in a day’s work that one would have thought beyond a man full of cold.
THE HOME SIDE
One offside, two stoppages, a goal from a corner kick debated by Liverpool-the linesman, I learn officially, pointed for a goal kick and was overruled-a bit of spleen between Dean and MacNabb, some hefty charges, some comedy situations the mascots may copy at a later date, six goals, a blackout for ten minutes, much rain no bones broken, and a fund of football interest served up-what more you?  I though Dean and Troup and Chambers were the daintiest players on view, Dean well watched by the backs where McKinlay kept time with younger members, found time with head and boot to do the uncommon thing, and Chedgzoy’s rallying runs, instruction lessons and Troup’s dallying dribbles, all these counted for pleasure to Evertonians.  Then there was the picture of long-legged Virr, who kept a useful hold on the Anfield right wing after the first five minutes, while at full back McDonald’s fortitude was ever present.  It was something more than resuming football, it was heroic, and the players ran themselves out to win this Derby game.  Liverpool seem to have improved their attack, which has for so long been uncertain and this being so. The battle between the Mersey elevens for the highest place in the league will keep the season going strong to the last days.  Liverpool have ever been able to drag out a special effort for this meeting, and they did it once more on Saturday.  Here’s to them! Who’s like them? Few! And here’s to Everton! Who like them? None in the First Division on the score of regular scoring of a goal and in their “drawing card.” 
PLEASURE’S OURS
I am sure we are all glad to have Mr. Ellison, passing away the time of waiting at our football grounds.  His mascot antics at Anfield and Everton are indeed a pleasure to watch, and, while none us believe in mascots, all appreciate the pleasure he gives.  He is “Red” throughout and admits it, and therefore he acted in sporting manner when he wished Everton success.  Meantime I must scotch the statements going round the city that a big collection has been made for him, or that he is paid by a club.  He does everything in voluntary fashion. 
FOOTBALL SUNDAY
In spite of the bad weather there was a large audience (500) to hear Mr. James Jackson, of Liverpool F.C., open Edge Hill Congregational Footballers Sunday yesterday at 3p.m.  “Miss Studmarks” (Miss Doris Kelly) rendered the solo.  “The promise of Life,” beautifully.  The chairman then read the Scripture lesson, and his remarks which followed, though brief, were very sincere.  Mr. W. R. Clayton gave an address, the subject being “Missed Chances.”  He pointed out the resemblances of life to a game of football, where one must play the game honestly and not criticize anybody before judging oneself, and to succed we must take our chances now.  Mr. and Miss “Studmarks” duet “Love Divine All Loves Excelling,” was in splendid tone and taste.  A pleasant afternoon terminated with the Benediction by the pastor and president of the football club, Rev Hugh Parry. 

JACK SHARP AND OFFER OF SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR CRICKET TES
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 9 1916
EVERTON FIX UP FRIENDLY WITH PRESTON
Bee’s Notes
Everton play Manchester City to-morrow at Goodison Park, and the fact that City have scored more goals than most sides and are keen to keep their League membership, together with the fact that they beat Huddersfield in the Cup, is sufficient evidence to me that there will be a big gate at Goodison Park tomorrow.  City’s revival has been one of the most striking things of the season.  Browell’s appearance on his own old ground will tend to make the game a “needle” type. 
It is worth mentioning on the 20th when there are no Cup-ties or League games in this city, Everton will be playing Preston North End, and thus we shall have an invasion of the Scots that day.  Russell, James, of Raith Rovers, and others will appeal in a friendly game, and the fixture looks like producing an exhibition such as Rangers produced when they were visitors to us in the last few years.
HONOURS.
Mr. John Sharp has had a handsome silver cigar casket from the players of the Lancashire Cricket Club.  All the players autographed the testimonial, and the list of signatures was lengthy, in view of the fact that every player associated with the team for the last ten years added his name.  Mr. Sharp is very delighted with the present, and has written the donors his tanks for a surprisingly beautiful gift, and for the spirit underlying the present.  A very high placed cricket official has sounded a note regarding the test Match Selection Committee and suggested that it was likely Mr. Sharp would be asked again to captain Lancashire C.C.C., and then join the Test Match Selection Committee.  I have spoken to Mr. Sharp about it, and his reply is;
“I appreciate the honour, but I have definitely retired from the captaincy of Lancashire and I would not dream of retiring perpetually, as some of our star entertainers retire; no, it can’t be!” 
THE FIRST EVER!              
“BLUES” V “REDS” IN LEAGUE ARUMENT
“Wirralite,” a well-versed friend, and football expert, has been good enough to keep his promise to send me a review of the first Merseyside Derby;
  My hat! 32 years ago!  How time flies, October 13, 1894 to be precise, was the first meeting of our local clubs in First Division football.  To be still more precise it was “Blues” v. Blues and White quarters,” as the Anfield club had not then adopted the familiar scarlet jersey.  It was an unlucky thirteen for the Livers, but more of that anon.  Liverpool had gained promotion at the close of the previous season after earning the honours thoroughly and well, by going through their League engagements without losing a single mach.  The ridiculous “test” match system were then in vogue, and after such a magnificent record they had to stake all on the result of a single game v Newton Heath to decide whether they were “worthy” forsooth! To enter the charmed circle.  Presumably, if defeat in this odd game had been their portion they would be unworthy! Happily saner views now obtain.  However, the critical game was won, and nothing then was talked of but the approaching clash.  It may interest old timers to have the teams in for the great occasion. 
Everton; Cain; Adams, Parry; Boyle, Holt, Stewart; Latta, McInnes, Southworth, Hartley, Bell.  Liverpool; McCann; Hannah, Mclean; McCartney, McQue, McBride; Kerr, Ross, McVean, Bradshaw, H. McQueen.  Referee, the late Mr. John Lewis. 
At the date of the match Everton had not lost a game, while Liverpool had not won one.  The gate was 1,000 pound, and was easily a record for the district, the previous best being in 1892, when a visit of Preston North End attracted a gate of 755 pounds.  A curious incident relative to the excitement that prevailed for weeks before the match is worth relating.  A local tobacconist wrote a little brochure in quaint old-time language describing a prehistoric tussle between the rivals.  Many were the puns on the names and personal characteristics of the players.  However, the remarkable thing is that the score given (3-0) proved the writer to have been a perfect prophet (without his knowing it!), for 3-0 for the “Blues” it ultimately was.  The kick-off was taken to the accompaniment of cheers and hoots, for no reason except to show that there were two crowds present.  The game was rather vigorously contested, and many were the stoppages for repairs to players.  The first goal came to Everton in ten minutes, McInnes heading through, and by this score the “Blues” led at half-time.  In the second half Latta added to Everton’s score, and McCartney placed through his own goal to make number three, which completed the Livers’ discomfiture.  To show how much cause for thankfulness the Goodison spectators has to-day, it may be mentioned that during the second half, owing to the heavy rain, hundreds had to leave the ground.  The playing pitch was also very slippery, but one local scribe asked, what was the use of long passing on a day like that!  Times and ideas have certainly changed- for the better.  Everton were not so much cock-of-the-walk as had been expected, and the score certainly flattered them.  Liverpool lost many chances through poor shooting and indecision.  Bill Stewart’s huge throws were a feature of the game, and “Daddy” Holt took a fiendish delight in bringing Jimmy Ross to earth as often as possible- just to remind him of their old-time tussles in the series of Cup-ties versus North End.  It is interesting to note that Liverpool’s right full back on the historic occasion was “Andy” Hannah, who was a member of Everton’s championship team (season 1890-91). 
The return game took place on November 17, 1894 and the writer recalls a very human incident which occurred between Mattie McQueen and John Bell.  Someday, perhaps we may hark back over the game, of “Bee” be willing. 
Thanks, “Wirralite,” for an enjoyable cast-back! 
ANOTHER OLD CARD
Mr. Tom Parry, of Agnes-street, Edge-hill, is good enough to lend me a very entrancing old card of the Everton club, dated 1886-7, which was when “You and I were (not) seventeen!” 
From It I find that Mr. John Houlding was president, Mr. Marriott assistant treasuerer, J. Gunning secretary, Mr. Alex Nisbet assistant secretary, W.R. Gurley; first team captain George Dobson, who looked on at the “Derby” game on Saturday; sub-captain, W. Parry; captain of Swifts team (Second team), W. Brown; deputy, F. Parry.  The rules are tabulated and show the subscription as 7s 6d per annum, admitting to ground at Anfield-road, and to the reserve side.  Members chosen to play and unable to play had to intimate same within two days- nowadays an injured member is allowed five minutes for such notification! I like, too, the rule 9, which says that if funds go low a levy shall be made upon the members.  Everton are not known by the name “levy” these days!  Those were the days, however!  There was less business and more pleasure about the old school.  Incidentally, I should like to mention at this point that on Saturday last I noticed the new Liverpool director, Mr. Albert Berry, among the directors. A confusion of Arthur and Albert in mu hurried notes some days back may have led some to believe young Mr. Arthur had been elected a director.  That was not the case.  Mr. Albert, like Mr. John McKenna can claim to have been an Everton and Liverpool director.  Of course the catch in it has to be explained.  When Liverpool started they took up the name of Everton, and while that name remained they were in legal matters Everton directors.  Everton objected and the F.A. made the Liverpool club take a new name.  However, it is interesting to think of the two gentlemen named in a double directorship, remembering how keen is their red-history.
THE FINAL GOAL
“W.J.C” writes, in common with others;--
Would you permit me to point out that the last goal credited to Liverpool was not scored by Forshaw (as reported in the papers) whose back-header was well covered by Hardy, but by McDonald, who in endeavouring to head out Forshaw’s effort diverted the ball into his own net.  Therefore as far as records go this point cannot be credited to Forshaw’s total because it was a clear case of “put through own goal.” 

EVERTON'S THREE CHANGES.
February 10, 1926. The Daily Courier.
KENDALL, KERR,, AND KENNEDY.
HARDY HAS THE FLU.
Everton play their rearranged League game with Manchester City at Goodison Park, this afternoon Kick-off 3-15. Three changes are made in the blues' side from that which drew with Liverpool. Hardy is down with the flu, and Kendall, therefore, comes back in the team, while Kennedy takes the place of the injured O'Donnell at inside left. The third change is at back, Kerr partnering McDonald. Team: Everton: Kendall; McDonald, Kerr; Peacock, Bain, and Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup.

EVERTON’S EARLY GOAL
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 10, 1926
IRVINE’S EFFORT NEUTRALISED BY A SNAP REPLAY
By Stork
At Goodison Park.  Teams;  Everton; Kendall; McDonald, Kerr; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup.  Manchester City; Goodchild; Cookson, McCloy; Copeman, Cowan, Pringle; Austin, Browell, Roberts, Daniels, Hicks.  Manchester City have not been at all satisfied with their half back line this season, and it is known that they were angling after a famous Scot.  They have secured his signature and his name was divulged to me to-day. It is McMullen, the Scottish international left half back, of Patrick Thistle.  The transfer fee is said to be about 5,000 pounds.  There was quite a good crowd considering it was a mid-week match, and the spectators saw a goal in the first two minutes, when Irvine headed Troup’s corner kick into the Manchester net.  Everton have taken to this kind of thing of late, and they came near to notching a second goal, but Kennedy was not quite good enough for Goodchild.  Everton’s football was really captivating; it was so good that it would not have been a surprise if they had been three goals in front within the first ten minutes, for after Irvine’s goal Dean offered up two such chances that goals should certainly have been added.  Chedgzoy was placed right in front of goal with no one else but Goodchild facing him.  His drive hit the upright.  Then Dean, who had more support to-day than at any other time, found himself in front of goal, but not with a clear driving space, but without a moment’s hesitation, he flicked the ball sideways to Irvine who had the whole goal gaping at him.  Goodchild was fortunate to get in the way of the Irishman’s drive.  So far little had been seem of Manchester City’s attack, which has been the talk for some days, this being due to Everton’s fine half-back play. 
A SNAP GOAL
After 24 minutes play, however, Manchester came into the picture with a snap goal, Roberts being the scorer, although it was Copeland’s initial work and a poor clearance by Kendall hat gave Roberts his opportunity.  This former Boltonian rarely misses a chance of this kind.  This is what happened.  Copeland spooned the ball into goal, and Kendall could only punch out to Roberts’s foot.  You know the rest.  It must be admitted that it was against the run of the play, but from this point Manchester took a firmer hold of the game.  Everton did not enjoy themselves quite so much as they had done.  At this point Manchester had quite as much of the play as Everton.  As a matter of fact, they reproduced spasms of the form that beat Huddersfield in the Cup-tie.  In their approach work they were especially good, but when it came to shooting they were not nearly so good as Everton. 
Half-time; Everton 1, Manchester City 1.
Everton resumed with a sharp attack, and Kendall gave Goodchild a shot to deal with.  Then Manchester took a turn, and for some minutes the Everton defence was not quite certain of itself, so forceful were the Manchester City forwards.  From masters of the situation Everton became just a strong, striving side.  While Manchester, on the other hand, were sounder in defence and more forceful and deliberate in attack. 

EVERTON 1 MANCHESTER CITY 1
February 11, 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON OUT OF LUCK.
MANCHESTER CITY TAKE AWAY POINT.
It looked, at the outset, as if there was to be an Everton joy-day. Inside two minutes Irvine had scored. The Goodison brigade, in fact, shaped in a match-winning way in the hectic first 12 minutes, and supporters were thinking of counting the goals that did not come. It was exhilarating to see the Everton forwards playing with such confidence. To the Manchester defenders goes the credit for withstanding the shock tactics, when friend and foe were mixed up in front of goal and Everton were volleying and shooting.
FIRST GOAL.
Everton's goal followed a corner, and Irvine standing at the further post acted so suddenly that any goalkeeper might have gasped. From the bombardment Everton should have scored two or three more goals, and more than once Dean had a clear road for goal but Goodchild would not be beaten. Chedgzoy struck the post, and Irvine, getting a pit-pat pass from Dean, found Goodchild scooping up from his shot. The Everton halves, particularly Bain, who was consistent from first to last, fitted in with the scheme of things. Then suddenly it was realised that the Everton advances had not taken the ginger out of Manchester. There came an awakening, and in the second half the fates were not kind to Everton. Nothing seemed to come off. Thrice different forwards hit the post, and once the ball did a Cinquevalli act along the bar instead of going in the net. It was disheartening. Chedgzoy and Irvine had fine chances, but Goodchild was equal to the rough ones that came his way. Dean was fairly well supported both right and left, but his trouble was that the ball often came too high. He was, too, particularly well watched by Cowan, and ran up against some robust opponents.
CITY IMPROVE.
Something better had been expected from Manchester's attack, but the mechanism of the forward line improved and developed into quite a high-class display. Roberts, in the centre, was well plied by Daniels, who took Johnson's place, and Browell, but though he was a dashing centre he was more than once a defaulter in front of goal. The other forwards also missed chances. Robert's goal 24 minutes from the start was an opportunist effort following Kendall's clearance of Copeland's shot. Kendall, who was in goal for Hardy, out through influenza, preformed with credit if not always too confident. Kerr, deputising at back, too, was being tried high, and in his anxiety was sometimes not particular where he placed the ball, and his strong punts occasionally gave opponents possession. McDonald, in his new position, with more responsibility, fulfilled all requirements. Kennedy, introduced for O'Donnell, pleased with his keen display and the way he made several openings for Troup, who back to form, was a tricky raider. Chedgzoy and Irvine worked hard against strong opposition, McCloy being a particularly hard nut to crack. Virr towards the close twisted his knee, but the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fir for Saturday. Teams: - Everton: - Kendall, goal, McDonald, and Kerr, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Manchester City: - Goodchild, goal, Cockson, and McCloy, backs, Copeland, Cowan, and Pringles, half-backs, Austin, Browell, Roberts, Daniels, and Hicks, forwards.

EVERTON’S BEST
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 11, 1926
By Stork
Manchester City for twenty minutes of their re-arranged League game with Everton caught he full force of Everton’s real power.  That twenty minutes of football was worth all that came after it, for in that small space of time the Everton team, man for man, were well night invincible.  They made such men as Cowan and McCloy appear to be very ordinary players.  I have seen Everton play grand football before, but never have I seen them in such high lights.  They promised Manchester City a crushing defeat, but once again they flattered only to deceive.  Oh, yes, it was their own fault that they did not win.  They had the opportunity, for the City defence was obviously shaken by the whirlwind attack that Everton employed- attacks that were laden with goal buds that did not blossom, and so Manchester not only took away a point, but came near to matching the full quota.  The Manchester forwards, usually gluttons for goals, could not get to grips with Kendall until the twenty-fourth minute, and even then a goal should never have been scored.  Copeland had made a lob into goal, and Kendall never quite settled and confident, punched the ball out to Roberts, and the answer was a swift return into the net.  Here the scoring ended and the best portion of the play passed.  Everton, once complete masters of the game, became just a hard, striving eleven.  Desperate to hold on to the half loaf, when the whole should have been safely under lock and key, they had to fight hard to retain the half, for the Citizens took up the reins where the oppo0nents had left off and forced Everton to centre on defence. 

LIVINGSTONE TRANSFERRED
Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 12, 1926
EVERTOIN FULL BACK JOINS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
“Dug” Livingstone, an Everton right full-back, was to-day transferred to Plymouth Argyle.  Livingstone has been with Everton some four years, and there is no doubt that Mr. Robert Jack has made a good bargain for his club.  He has been up and about the North during this week, looking for full-backs consequent upon injuries sustained among his defenders and Livingstone is one of his captures.  Another is likely to be announced to-morrow.  Livingstone is a nice type of full back, not showy, and faster than he appears. He was best appreciated for his good length ball, and at football, as a golf, he is most expert in dainty work.  He was disappointed in having to appear in the reserve team lately, and the surprising feature of the transfer is that he has gone to Plymouth to join Jack Cock and Forbes, instead of Preston North End, who for two years have been keen to take him.  A very likeable man, Livingstone will more than hold his own in Third Division football.  His brother plays for New Brighton. 

EVERTON FACE CHAMPIONS
Liverpool Echo, Friday, February 12, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton, having slipped up in the drawing depot once again, have to go to Huddersfield, and there they will meet a side that is on honours bent, and is not playing too well just now.  They have got a real find in the amateur, Raw, who has done much to settle the forward line that had been wobbling though a surplus of talent.  By the way, Williams the clever little right winger, has been sought by some clubs in Lancashire.  He is a real hot wing forward; but Jackson’s youth, speed, ability, and temperament has kept the little man out.  Everton‘s doubt in goal and in the half-back line has come at an awkward and inconvenient time.  Hardy, it appears, was ill during the Liverpool game, and at half-time had a temperature of 100.  Virr heard something go “snap” and did not know what to make of the injury.  Huddersfield; Taylor; Wadsworth, Goodall; Watson, Wilson, R.G. Hobson; Smith, Cook, Brown, Raw, Jackson.  Everton; Kendall; Kerr, McDonald; Virr, Bain, Peacock; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup.
At Goodison Park, the meeting of Marine and Everton “A” Everton A (v. Marine);- Jones; Rankin, (Bruce’s boy); Hartley (Schoolboy international); Harrison (Schoolboy international), Gaskell, Holbrooke; Millington, McGough (Bollte Celtic), Massey, Rand, and Kelly.
Marine;- Rickaby; Almond, Shaw; Houlton, Hoban, Graham; Hodgson, Hudson, Clayton, Moneypenny, Nicolls. 

JUNIOR SHIELD.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 13 February 1926
In this competition, St. Philip’s gained a victory by defeating Crossens Juniors by 3—l, whilst Banks Juniors remain undefeated in this section, and defeated St. Paul’s Juniors at Southport by 7—3. The victors were Shield victors last season, and are already winners of this season’s Junior League section. Their centre half-back, Frank Moss, has caught the eye of one or two English League clubs, and has already had a trial with the Everton “A” team.

LIVINGSTONE GOES TO PLYMOUTH.
February 13th 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON BACK JOINS COCK AND FORBES.
"Dug" Livingstone, the Everton left full-back, who played against Liverpool last Saturday, was yesterday transferred to Plymouth Argyle and he will play for his new club this afternoon. He joins former club mates in Jack Cock and Forbes. Livingstone came to Everton from Glasgow Celtic, previous to which he was with Vale of Leven. He is Dumbarton man. His brother, Alan, plays for New Brighton.
Everton have Raitt and Hardy fit again, but Virr and O'Donnell are not able to take their places in the side that visits Huddersfield this afternoon, and in their stead appears Hunter Hart, and Kennedy. It should be a good game, between the two sides, but Huddersfield should win. The teams are: - Everton: - Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup. Huddersfield Town: - Taylor; Goodall, Wadsworth; Cawthorne, Wilson, Watson; Jackson, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, W.H. Smith.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 13, 1926
VICOR HALL REMMEBERS SOME FAMOUS FOOTBALL ENTERTAINERS
We have previously referred in this series to former Everton and Liverpool players who were equally gifted with football and had entertaining ability as vocalists and musicians.  In recent years we have had an instance of this in Jack Cock, who was as gifted behind the footlights as in front of goal.  In many other clubs besides our local ones, it is not unusual to find players who are prominent on the concert platform, as well as on the field of play,  Jack Southworth is still a musician of conspicuous ability, and Joey Murray, of the Everton Combination team of former years, occasionally filled a date as star attraction on local vaudeville platforms Young Gerald Mongomery, son of the proprietor of the Westminster Music Hall, was an artist of some merit, besides being an amateur footballer of distinction, playing in the Old Xaverians team.  In those days both Everton and Liverpool clubs were fond of giving their players musical evenings at home to vary the tedium of strenuous training periods.  Those evenings were genuinely useful, they kept the players together in good company, and they gave directors and supporters of the teams opportunity of fraternizing together in congenial company, with more leisure than hurried intervals spent in the dressing rooms on match days.  On these musical evenings the players themselves were frequently the entertainers, volunteers from their own ranks, generally supplying the whole programme, in which jollity and good humour reigned supreme.  Jack Holt, Chadwick, and Milward of the Everton club were useful contributors, while Jimmy Ross, of Liverpool, and Bob Kelso were at home as chorus workers, and could be relied on to get the last line of every chorus sung with vigorous fortissimo effects.  Tom Watson was in his best humour at these convivial evenings, and his presence in the chair ensured an evening of enjoyment and rollicking harmony.  Tom had many friends in the entertainment world as well as in football circles, so that whenever a musical evening was announced at the Sandon, there was a wealth of “talent” to draw on, apart from the players themselves.  One of the most popular entertainers of the Liverpool head-quarters of those days was the famous “Will Austin” one of the most talented artists of the concert platform of the last twenty years in Liverpool.  Austin had a mobile countenance that lent a whimsical humour to every song he sang, and he had a repertory that was practically inexltaustible.  No artiste of the concert platform was more popular than he, and when George Hill, another local melodist, was on the same programme the audience were assured of an attractive evening.  Hill featured a number of tuneful melodies beloved by admirers of the Leslie Stuart school, and he did them ample justice.  Arthur Frame and Arthur Kendall were fellow entertainers of the period, while those who remember the sweet voice of Tom Moore, that popular Sandon favourite, will recall with pleasure his memory.  The Everton boys had the same artistes generally at their musical evenings, of which Mr. Clayton or Mr. Cuff was usually in charge.  Some of the more famous entertainers of those days were always glad and happy to give of their best for football musical evenings.  One of the greatest favorites was the well-known London entertainer of to-day, who had his origin in, and then lived in Liverpool.  I refer to Mr. Nelson Jackson, at the time an honorary member of the Liverpool Press Club and one of the most popular artistes in the North of England in those days.  Since then, of course, his fame in vauderville is of national repute, but in those days we held him as a Liverpool-born artiste, and naturally saw more of him than his fleeting visits permit nowadays.  When Mr. Jackson was married his friends and admirers in local Press and football circles presented him with an upright piano at a private function held in the Press Club, of which one has happy memories. 
Leslie Harris was another Liverpool entertainer who was a great favourite with both Everton and Liverpool, and whose fame became national in later years when he took up vauderville work professionally.  Leslie had been a member of the clerical staff at the cabinet works of the late Campbell Collin, in West Derby-street, and for years, like Harry Tate, he combined the dual role of commercial clerkship as a daytime occupation, and concert engagements most evening during the week.  Like Harry Tate, too, however, the calls of the entertainment world offered more solid emolument than the ledger and the desk, so that when he took up the concert and stage as a career, his future was assured.  Few who remember Leslie Harris will recall without a sigh his happy memory and the utter cheeriness of his smile and unflagging humour.  Certainly in the hearts of Everton and Liverpool players of twenty years ago his radiant memory will ever live with glad recollection of a life snatched away at the height of his frame and popularity.  One cannot write of those galliant days of song and melody without adding the name and fame of dear old “Jimmy” Muir, or as he figured on the prgramme Jas A. Muir. Miss Muir, who always accompanied her brother at the piano, is to-day herself an entertainer of brilliant ability, and will I hope forgive these recollections of an old friend of her loveable brother.  When Jimmy “took the flure” at any programme of music or mirth there was no anxiety as to how the programme would go. 
Leslie Stuart, the composer of so many popular melodies and musical comedies, was a great friend of “Jimmy’s” and on one famous occasion in Liverpool himself played the accompaniment to one of his own songs while “Jimmy” sang it.  That was a great might, the occasion being a concert held at the Picton Hall.  But all those football concerts were great opportunities for the players getting together, and were immensely popular up Everton way.  At one time Will Stewart the famous Everton half-back, held the license of an establishment near Everton Valley and there used to gather the players of both clubs on occasion.  Those nights the programme was an especial one, and the favourites of the field were equally the favourities of the “bill.”  In a different atmosphere, those musical evenings for players and public together might someday be revived with advantage. 
“The Exile” writes from Saskatoon, Canada,;- “I wonder if you will be good enough to permit of my using your ‘Notes’ to correct two mistakes that Victor Hall made when writing about the Liverpool and District Football Association?  He stated in his article in the “Echo” of Saturday December 5th, 1920, that the juvenile veteran-Mr. R.E. Lythgoe-is still the hon secretary of the Liverpool and District Football Association.  In the first place, there is no such an association to-day, as the name was changed a few years ago to the Liverpool County Football Association, and Mr. Lythgoe is act the hon, secretary of the present association, but is now the treasuer, the present secretary being Jim Grant, one time a treasurer of the Liverpool and District Football Association.  Best wishes to both Liverpool clubs, New Brighton, Tranmere Rovers and yourself.” 

EVERTON MEET CHAMPIONS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 13, 1926
RETURN OF STAR MEMBERS OF HUDDERSFIELD AND GOODISON SIDES
By Frank E, Hughes (“F.E.H”)
EVERTON DIRECTORS AND LONDON SIDE
Everton were in London today watching a Third Division side.  When met by one of my scouts the directors (Messrs A. Coffey, W.J. Sawyer, and J. Sharp) suggested that they were en route for the Riviers for the health” They’ll be back to Merseyside tonight. –Bees
Huddersfield; Taylor; Wadsworth, Goodall; Watson, Wilson, Gawthorne; Smith, Stephenson, Brown, Cook, Jackson.  Everton; Hardy; McDonald, Raitt; Peacock, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup.  Referee.- Mr. J.J. O’Donnell (Newcastle). 
Huddersfield the champions, having faltered during last week seriously perturbed their best friends.  They were without Stephenson and others stars at home to Blackburn in mid-week and to-day were glad to report their return.  So were Everton happy to report progress, Hardy and Raitt resuming and Hart, the captain coming in after many weeks of absence, owing to Virr having made good.  After passing through a valley of fog in the Manchester district we merged into sunshine, and found Huddersfield looking its best.  The weather was cold, and the ground, which had been well sanded, rather on the hand side, thanks to a succession of frosty mornings.  There was a crowd of 20,000 present when play opened in a bright and invigorating atmosphere.  Hart and Stephenson tossed for choice of ends, and Everton started with their backs to the sun.  The home forwards at once pushed through by the efforts of Brown and Jackson, but the movement was ineffective.  The same pair however, almost immediately returned, and Jackson looked like scoring when Raitt charged the ball down. 
CHEDGZOY CALLS ON TAYLOR
At the same time, so to speak, Hart made a clever dribble, but play continued to run in favour of Huddersfield who were wonderfully quick on the ball.  The visitors, however, gradually got going in concerted fashion, and Troup and Kennedy showed the crowd a sample of their real footwork.  The home defence nipped this endeavor in the bud, and when Everton got going again Chedgzoy sent in a beautiful oblique shot which Taylor took practically from under neath the bar.  The Huddersfield forwards were subsequently busy on both wings, and Cook was well placed when he shot very wide of the target.  The visitors next returned in full battle formation and Kennedy knocked the referee with a tremendously hard drive.  Fortunately the presiding official was not hurt, and the spectators laughed loudly at the incident. 
BROWN’S NIPPY GOAL
Huddersfield got away on the right and Cook shot strongly.  The ball rebounded from the woodwork and before the Everton keeper was aware of it, Brown nipped in and scored at close range.  Further pressure on the part of the home forwards was he tackled by both the Everton backs and following upon clever play on the part of Bain and his partners Kennedy got through and tried his luck with a long shot, which passed just wide. 
DOGGED BY MISFORTUNE
So far the contest had been exceptionally fast, and there was a thrill when Raitt stopped a most determined onslaught on the part of the Huddersfield right wing, Troup once made pretty play, but he was watched like a cat by Gawthorne and was unable to finish his work.  On the other wing, Chedgzoy made fine progress, but his centre failed and then more misfortune overcame the visitors.  The Huddersfield forwards dashed down, and Brown was about to shoot when Hardy came out to meet him. 
A GIFT GOAL
Raitt, not noticing that the goalkeeper had left his place, put the ball back, with the result that the leather entered the net and so made the home club the gift of another goal.  It was an unfortunate happening, and even the home supporters seemed to express sympathy with Everton.  The wearers of the blue jersey made strenuous endeavours to retrieve this ill stroke of chance, and Dean twice managed to get partially through but he found an insurmountable stumbling block to Wilson, who followed him like a veritable shadow.  This metaphor may seem a little mixed, but readers will understand what I mean. 
TWO CHANCES GO ASRAY
On a third occasion Dean had a fine opening, but he hesitated and was lost.  Everton took up the attack, and Kennedy had the vigilant Gawthorne well beaten when he put the leather just wide of the post.  Just before half time Everton were well in the picture on the right wing, when Chedgzoy dropped in several ticklish shots, but they were cleared, and the Town team had a cleat lead at the interval. 
Half-time; Huddersfield 2, Everton 0. 
EVERTON DONE BROWN
RAITT PUTS BALL THROUGH OWN GOAL
HUDDERSFIELD 3-0
THE VISITORS BEATENB BY A BETTER DEFENCE
The first half had been distinctly in favour of the Huddersfield club, though the Everton forwards at times did excellent work.  They were beaten, however, by a better defence.  On resuming the Evertonians at once made their presence felt, and Kennedy made two praiseworthy attempts to reduce the leeway, but he was not permitted to put the finishing touch on his movement. 
A STUBBORN DEFENCE
Dean followed suit with a solo effort, but here again he was so closely watched that the movement ended in nothing.  Chedgzoy, Troup, and Kennedy were all men on the job, but the only one of the trio who shot with accuracy was Kennedy and, unfortunately for him, the home defence was not to be beaten.  Still the visitors continued to play quick and clever football and one shot from Irvine was worthy of a better fate. 
BROWN “NETS” WHEN OFF-SIDE
A breakaway on the part of the Town forwards looked ominous for Everton and Jackson, putting the ball to Brown, the latter netted, but the point was obviously offside, and was not contested.  In the later stages of the game the pace was not so fast as before, though there was plenty of incident.  Huddersfield continued to be in the ascendant and after one hot shot from Smith, Jackson forced a corner which led to considerable excitement.  Good work by the Everton right wing was negative by Wadsworth, and for some time he visitors were kept strictly on the defensive.  Once “a still small voice” was heard to exclaim “Give it to Dixie,” but this only appeared to convey a satirical comment on the Everton centre forward. 
STONEWALL TAYLOR
Curiously enough Dean did get possession a few moments later, but only to be once again dispossessed.  Irvine tried to make amends with a good shot, but it went straight to Taylor and was promptly fielded.  In the last phases of the struggle the pace revived and both goals were bombarded through Troup and Brown.  Dean was offered half a dozen openings, but he was still too closely watched to be able to turn them to account.
BROWN GETS DOUBLE
Huddersfield increased their energies, and Brown scored a third goal ten minutes from time. 
Final; Huddersfield Town 3, Everton 0. 

H.G.BATTEN
Nottingham Evening Post - Monday 15 February 1926
Everton have signed H.G. Batten, inside forward, from Plymouth.  He is strongly built, is 26 years of age, and has a big crop of goals.  In the Australia tour he was the top scorewr, and as recently as Saturday scored for the Argyle. 

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3 EVERTON 0
February 15 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON GO UNDER TO CHAMPIONS.
WINNERS FLATTERED BY THE SCORE.
The score of three to nil flattered the Champions in their game with Everton at Huddersfield. An odd goal victory would have been a fairer reflex of the run of the play. The outstanding incident of the match was Huddersfield's second goal. It was a present –not accompanied with good wishes, however –from Raitt to the Champions. Under pressure the Blues' right-back passed the ball back, as he fondly imagined, to Hardy. It was rather a hard kick of its kind. Still, probably everything would have been all right if the Everton keeper had been in position, but he was not. He had run out to intercept. The Blues had Hardy back in goal, and Hunter Hart, after being out of the team for several weeks, came back to left half-back in place of Virr, who was injured at Goodison last Wednesday.
GOAL NO 1.
The Champions scored at the end of 18 minutes, but up to then there had not been a great deal between the sides. The goal, however, was well deserved, and was the sequel to clever inter-play between Jackson, Cook, and Brown, the last named finishing the movement by beating Hardy at close range. An amusing incident occurred a few minutes later. Referee O'Donnell of Newcastle was bowled over by a shot from Kennedy. Happily, he was not hurt, and got up smiling. The laughter had scarcely subsided, when another roar went up from the crowd, but this time Raitt was the unwilling cause of it, and it was his luckless goal against his own side. This was at the end of 30 minutes. In spite of being two on the wrong side, the Blues retaliated pluckily. Troup and Kennedy struggled desperately to break down the defence, but in Goodall and Watson they were up against a sound pair of backs.
"SLIPPERY SAM."
Chedgzoy, too, put in some elusive runs on the right and occasionally tested, Taylor, but always to find the champions' goalkeeper much on the alert. Dean tried hard, but was closely shadowed by the astute Wilson at centre-half, who absolutely refused to allow him too much rope. The first promising movements in the second half started with Peacock passing the ball forward to Chedgzoy, who in turn tapped it to Irvine. The Blues' inside right took his shot from an oblique angle, but it was such a good attempt that Taylor was loudly cheered for saving. By this time, however, a win, or even a draw, looked out of the question for the visitors. There was no denying the fact that their rivals were more deadly in front of goal. Everton's play was all right in the open, but it left much to be desired when it came to finishing. Brown, Cook, and the wily Stephenson were a trustful trio, and they had an excellent feeder in Jackson on the right wing. The visitors' defence was penetrated once more before the end, Brown again doing the trick. Jackson had centred, and the champions centre banged it in the net following some loose play –near goal. The home club earned their victory, but not by such a margin. Their superiority lay in their finishing work, and it was because of that they gained 2 points. Dixe Dean was rather neglected at times. The Everton wings were good. More was seen of Irvine in the second half than in the first. The Everton defence has been seen to better advantage, although their tackling was often good. The placing of the halves at times was faulty. Teams: - Huddersfield Town: - Taylor, goal, Wadsworth, and Goodall, backs, Watson, Wilson, and Cawthorne, half-backs, Smith Stephenson, Brown, Cock, and Jackson, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, McDonald, and Raitt, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. J.J. O'Donnell.

EVERTON "A" 0 MARINE 0
February 15, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At. Goodison Park. Marine were full value for their victory. They were well served by a capital defence although the Marine keeper (Ricksby) was inclined to take risks. With the exception of Rand and Millington the Everton "A" team were weak. Marine's scorers were Moneypenny and Clayton (2). Everton: - Jones, goal, Rankin, and Harley backs, Harrison, Gaskill, and Halbrook, half-backs, Millington, McGough, Masey, Rand, and Kelly, forwards.

EVERTON'S NEW FORWARD.
February 15, 1926. The Liverpool Echo.
BATTEN, OF PLYMOUTH ARGYLE SIGNED.
As we stated in Saturday's issue, Everton directors went South on Friday –not for the good of their health or for the help of railway dividends. The outcome of the journey was felt last night, when the news came through, that Mr. McIntosh that the club had signed H.G. Bitten, the Plymouth Argyle forward. Playmouth and Merseyside seen to have been closely allied in the last few months. We send them Cock, Forbes, and Livingstone, in a manner similar to Anfield sending Bamber, H. Wadwworth, and Finlay to Leicester. Then the other side of the picture is revealed in the signing of Batten, who, it is hoped, will strengthened the inside forward work of the Goodison Club. Batten did fine work in Australia with the touring side, and topped the goal-getting list. One wonders how Argyle can afford to release him, especially as they are out for promotion, and in the latest game played for them he scored a goal to help in a big victory. He is twenty-six years of old, the new player, and stands 5ft 9in, and weighs 12 stone. He scored six against South Australia, and played in all the tourists matches, twenty-six in number. Born at Bristol, he plays inside left or centre forward, and his 47 goals in a Colonial tour represents a record for such a tournament.

EVERTON SECURE BATTEN FROM ARGYLE.
Western Morning News - Monday 15 February 1926
Within an hour of the conclusion of the Plymouth-Brighton  match on Saturday it was made known that the representatives of the First Division club Everton, Mr. Jack Sharp and Mr. E. Green, who travelled to Plymouth on Saturday with Livingstone, the new Arygle back from Everton, had secured the tansfer of Bert Batten from the Argyle club.  The play of Batten who was at inside-left for Arygle on Saturday, was watched by the two Everton Directors, who were evidently pleased with his display, and so terms were agreed upon.  It is possible Batten will play in Everton's next League match. 

EVERTON FINESSE WITHOUT EFFECT
Athletic News, Monday, February 15, 1926
FULL-BACK’S CURIOUS GOAL IN HUDDERSFIELD GAME OF FEW THRILLS
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3, EVERTON 0
By Rufus
Few thrills enlivened the placid progress of the game at Leeds-road.  From start to finish the football was quiet, and, save for one remarkable incident, uneventful.  The fact that both sides had played a hard game in midweek naturally had something to do with the tranquil nature of the exchanges, but the game was none the less interesting.  Making a complete recovery from their lapse at Ewood Park on Thurdsay, the Champions gained a convincing success but solid and skillful methods.  Their forward line lacked the refinement possessed by the Everton quintet, but the intricate methods of the visitors availed them little, for, with all their cleverness, they seldom made headway.  It was the old Goodison story of skill without effect.  Y methods far less artistic but more conductive to success, the Huddersfield forwards swept down on the Everton goal, and gave Raitt and McDonald every chance to display their skill.  The backs withstood the assault for fifteen minutes, when BROWN pierced Hardy’s guard with a drive which flashed to the roof of the net after Cook and Jackson in turn had made the opening. 
POOR MARKSMEN
Everton had frequent opportunities to equalizer, but with the exception of Kennedy no Goodison forward essayed a shot, and the long-range efforts of the inside left gave Taylor little anxiety.  Then the Champions increased their lead by an extraordinary goal.  From a repulsed Everton attack, Stephenson swept the ball well down the field to Brown, who was at once challenged by RAITT.  The defender attempted to pass back, but, to his consternation, delivered a shot of such power that Hardy was quite unprepared, and the ball was in the net before the goalkeeper realized the danger.  This was the position of affairs at the interval, and the score remained unchanged for a long period of the second half, during which the Everton forwards swarmed about the champions’ goal, although seldom appearing likely to reduce their deficit.  Kennedy missed an open goal from a corner kick, while Irvine was equally remiss in shooting at Taylor from three yards range, with the whole goal at his mercy. 
DEAN SUBDUED
Then after a long spell of inactivity Jackson completed a raid by the Huddersfield right with a low shot which Hardy parried but failed to clear completely.  The ball went to the foot of BROWN, who made no mistake.  Had Everton possessed a marksman they might have shared the spoils.  Unfortunately for them, Dean, who generally excels in this department, was held throughout by Wilson, and was never a force in the contest.  Most of the visitors’ raid came from the elusive Troup and the dainty Irvine.  The Irishman gave of his best after the interval, more than once completely baffling such an astute defender as Wadsworth.  On the left Troup was generally equal to beating Goodall and Cawthorne, but he spoiled much good work by dribbling back when a direct run and centre would have been more effective.  With Virr unfit, Hunter Hart came in at left half-back, and gave a sound exhibition.  The craftsman Bain and Peacock completed a half-back line of much merit.  Apart from the goal incident, Raitt was excellent, but his partner was variable, though admirable in recovery.  In goal Hardy played his part well.
WADSWORTH’S GOOD FORM
The Champions were sound in defence and menacing in attack.  Taylor was seldom tested, the covering power of Goodall and Wadsworth being so efficient.  The international back approached his highest standard, and generally held Chedgzoy in check.  The return of Wilson greatly strengthened a half-back line of solidity and skill, of which Cawthorne was by no means the least effective member. The forwards were rather ragged, but individually all five were dangerous.  Jackson was swift to seize the slightest opening, and Cook though inclined to wander, accomplished much of value  .  Stephenson did not coincide his return with one of his best displays, but he was useful, while his partner, if moody, had his momentary spells of brilliance.  Huddersfield Town; Taylor; Goodall, Wadsworth; Cawthorne, Wilson (T.), Watson; Jackson, Cook, Brown, Stephenson, and Smith (W.H.).  Everton;- Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Troup.  Referee-J.J. O’Donnell, Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

CHAMPIONS REDUCE EVERTON
Liverpool Echo- Monday, February 15, 1926
By Frank E. Hughes (“F.E.H) Last Everton match report before his death)
The Evertonians were rather out of the hunt on Saturday, though they gave the champions a very good run for their money at Huddersfield before an average crowd of rather more than fifteen thousand.  It was an interesting game and the full points were fairly to the home side.  The main episode of the match was the goal which Raitt scored for the Yorkshire club.  One would have to take a long march to see a similar one, and it would be difficult to say who was the most surprised-Raitt, Hardy, or Brown.  I have spoken before now on the danger of kicking the ball back into one’s own goal.  The case under notice provided a marked example.  There are of course, times when a back has to made use of the dernier resort, but it is always risky.  Still apart from this, Huddersfield fully deserved their victory.  In all departments they showed combination and confidence, the half-backs feeding the forwards assiduously.  The Everton middle line, on the other hand, never seemed to get into proper gear, and this naturally had its effect on the vanguard.  The story of the goals has already been told, and need not be repeated.  Brown was conspicuous throughout the contest, and gained his due reward.  The pick of the Everton forwards were Troup and Kennedy, the latter playing a particularly smart and clever game.  On the other wing we saw Chedgzoy dropping them over with all his old dexterity, while Irvine showed characteristic control of the ball.  There were times when the Everton players showed that “Jack was quite as good as his master,” but one is forced to admit that on the general run of the play the laurels were carried off by the better team.

FORMER EVERTON PLAYER INJURED
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, February 16, 1926
Bee’s Notes W. Chadwick, Leeds United inside left, formerly of Everton, sustained a broken collarbone in the match between Leeds United and Manchester United, at Old Trafford, on Saturday.  Chadwick and Silcock the Manchester United full back, jumped for a high ball and Chadwick caught the full force of his opponent’s head or shoulder on the side of his face.  He fell unconscious, dropping heavily on his left shoulder.  After receiving attention Chadwick returned and played for a few minutes, but was obviously dazed, and soon retired.  His eye and jaw were badly bruised, and Chadwick also complained of the pain in his shoulder.  The doctor who fist examined him though that the shoulder was only bruised.  The fracture is probably not severe, but Chadwick will be out of the team for some weeks. 

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES V EVERTON RESERVES
February 17, 1926
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 27)
Details not-known. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Hamilton, and Kerr backs, Rooney, Reid, and Hart, half-backs, Parry, McBain, O'Donnell, Houghton, and Kennedy, forwards .

EVERTON’S NEW FORWARD MAKES HIS DEBUT ON SATURDAY
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 17, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton bring in Batten at the first possible chance.  That was only natural, and the friendly game at Goodison Park with Preston North End gives the new man a happy chance to feel his way into the new circle.  Needless to say it will be a draw to Everton followers to see a new forward, because the Walton people have for many months been of the opinion that the inside forward work of the first team, while able to get one goal with persistence, has seemed to need a something that should make the forward line more combined and even stronger in the goal-getting department.  The team is; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Parry, Dean, Batten, Troup.  The introduction of Hunter Hart, consequent upon Virr’s injury, came at an opportune time, as the Everton captain did not relish being without a game, and had said so to his directors; in fact, I believe it is correct to say he asked to be put on offer to clubs. 
At Manchester to-day, Everton meet the City in a Central League game kick-off at three, and the Goodison club will be represented by Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Rooney, Reid, Hart; McBain, O’Donnell, Houghton, Kennedy. O’Donnell is fit again, but Virr is still suffering from an injury. 

“CUFFED IN, ONE”
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 18, 1926
Bee’s Notes
It is worthy of note that Everton won handsomely by 5-1 at Manchester yesterday, and the goal-getters were Houghton, McBain, O’Donnell, and Kennedy.  McBain played at inside right and that fact has set many wondering whether he should not be in the senior side for his well-known capabilities as a provider of passes.  Everton seen so near being really great that they should not neglect an opportunity of rounding off their very interesting and effective game.  There is a link missing somewhere, and there are those who think they can “Cuff it one.” 
RAISES A SMILE
I note in your column a suggestion from a correspondent for Irvine to play centre, reforming the forward line, and leaving out Dean.  Surely it must make you smile (says “A.E.W.).  I have said all along, and I say it again, there are few centres playing to-day who are playing “Classier” football than Dean.  Further, he has scored quite a crop of goals; but what of the openings he has made for others?  Take the last home match against Manchester City.  At least three times he tricked the defence and parted with the ball, giving a gift goal.  In each case I thought he was very “sporty” as I consider he was well placed, and could have come through on his own.  As a matter of fact, I think more goals would be scored if he did come through now and again on his own.  The other side? I have carefully watched every home match and what stands out most promently to me is the scarcely of decent “forward” passes received from inside men.  Everton do not middle the ball soon enough, this is why Dean is crowded out.  It was an object lesson during the “Derby” match to see the room Forshaw had to walk in compared with Dean. 

PRESTON “SCOTTISH” AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo- Friday, February 19, 1926
Bee’s Notes
I think the Goodison Park people did a good stroke of business when they decided to play Preston North End tomorrow.  North End have history, a name to conjure with, and a team of Scots who are well known to international ideas, but at the moment the side has not settled down to Second Division football.  that they will shine in a friendly game is undeniable; men like James of Raith Rovers; Russell, who you will remember scored two goals for his country last season at Goodison Park; Morris and company make a call to the football imagination; and as Batten, of Plymouth, is making his first appearance for the Goodison Park club, the match becomes uncommonly interesting.  Batten, of Plymouth, is indeed the great drawing card to some minds; though I confess I should like to see the Scots from Preston, having heard so much about them, one way or another.  These are the elevens; and you will notice Brown and Hard are “in” also that Parry gets a first team run. Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Parry, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Preston North End; Branston; Wade, Gibson; Gerard, Morris, Crawford; Gillespie, Russell, Morris, James, Harrison. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 20, 1926
VICTOR HALL RECALLS FORMER LEAGUE CELEBRITIES
INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS
One of the greatest of Football League celebrates until lately flourished with us at probably the greatest pinnacle of his career.  Readers of the “Football Echo,” will recognize the description in the personality of the famous John Lewis, whose articles appeared weekly on this page.  The name of Mr. Lewis has ever been a terror for “evildoers” or those who willfully broke the laws of the game.  His stern, unbending sense of justice, his strict sense of rugged honesty, endeared his name wherever football is played, and if to-day football is the most popular of democratic games in Britain, it is largely because John Lewis had an important part in framing the legislation under which it is played.  There are people in the game to-day whose acquaintance with Mr. Lewis goes back nearly forty years, to the days when, at Blackburn, he, with the late Dr. Morley, of the Lancashire town, first came into the game in an administrative capacity. 
INVENTED THE LEAGUE
One of the grand old men of football was the late William McGregor, a Birmingham men whom it was my privilege to know, who was the inventor of the League system of to-day.  When William invented this little gadget of his, by which the teams selected as members should play weekly matches together, and record their results on a tabular system, he little dreamed what a huge snowball he was creating.  From the first instant it was an outstanding success, and the weekly variation in the position of the competing clubs gave an interest to the games that had been entirely lacking before.  The money and interest brought to bear upon League football grew by leaps and bounds, until to-day the League system is general throughout the world and extended to almost every class of popular sport.  The first twelve members of the League may be recorded for reference.  They were Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lancashire having thus six out the original twelve members.  Everton hold one valuable record today, even with their hard luck, but they will want to be careful or they may lose their proud boast.  They are the only club in the League to-day who have maintained continuous membership since its inception.  Aston Villa had to be re-elected once, and Blackburn Rovers only saved themselves from degradation by “the skin of their tenth.”  The League was extended in numbers that season, in order to save them from going down.  As an instance of the financial strength of the League system to-day, Newcastle United were fined 750 pounds last season for playing below their full League strength in seven League matches.  As an instance of sustained predominance in playing capacity, the record of Glasgow Rangers in the season 1898-9 is likely to stand long unchallenged.  In that season they went through the entire Scottish League competition and won every match.  No other League football club in Britain has ever equaled that performance. 
HARRY LOCKETT
It is, however, of personalities rather than records that we set out in this article, so we will leave the League system and its marvels and return to the men who worked under it.  No one recalling the early days of the League will forget the popular personality of Harry Lockett, of Stoke, its first secretary and its hardest working official in those early testing days.  Lockett possessed a valuable charm of tactful administrative ability that smoothed away difficulties and earnest him lasting friendship with all with whom his official duties brought him in contact.  When the League celebrated its “majority” at the Holborn Restaurant on June 8, 1909, he was one of the recipients of the handsome vellum addresses then presented to the League founders, the other recipients being WM. MacGregor, J.J. Bentley, the League president, John Lewis, and John McKenna, vice-presidents, and Tom Charnley, the present secretary.  A great personality of those days was Louis Ford, the chairman of the West Bromwich Club, and “Josh” Pariby, the secretary of the old Ardwick Club.  Both were frequent visitors and warm favourities at Anfield in the early days when Everton played there, and their influence on the game has lasted in the Midlands and in Manchester to the present day, and has much to do with the sturdy vigour of present day football in both these popular centres.
MAJOR SUDELL.
Major Sudell, of Preston North End, was another warm favourite of these days before ill-health and ill-fortune frittered away his energies and distracted his interest from the League games he had done so much to originate.  The playing career of some of the older generation of League players has practically synchronized with the formation of the League and the beginning of their own football prominence.  Such players as Nick Ross, of Everton, and the Goodalls of Derby County, practically began their playing prominence with the League formation.  wherever football legislators meet, however, there is one hale old veteran whose genial figure and personality are always welcome in the person of the popular treasurer of the Liverpool County Football Association, Mr. Bob Lythgoe.  Among the youngest in spirits and enthusiasm, he ranks now as one of the founders school, and from one end of the county to the other his name and fame are household words wherever the game is played.  In Mr. Lythgoe and Mr. McKenna, the League president, Liverpool is a notable influence in the legislative world of British football, while in the names of Dr. Baxter, the senior acting director of Everton, and Mr. W.R Clayton, of the Liverpool County F.A. we have still further representation in the figures that have made and controlled football history during the past thirty odd years. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 20, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

• Tomorrow’s “Footballers’ Sunday” service of County-road, Wesleyan should prove as great a success as that of a year ago when Mr. J.T. Howcroft was speaker
• Another Boltonian –Mr. A.E. Fogg is now to undertake this duty and as Everton’s Dean and Liverpool’s Jackson are to assist, last year’s big crowd of 1,100 should go by the board.
• Then in Miss Blodwen Owen, one of the soloists, we have possibly the finest rising young Welsh soprano in the district.
• The “gate” money is to be given to local hospitals
• Chedgzoy and Troup have missed fewest matches for Everton this season
• Passing strange- Raitt’s passing back
• Everton’s Livingstone has now become an explorer in Southern fields
• He should find life among the Pilgrims congenial on the whole
• “Dug” was a useful man on the piano when here.

HUDDERSFIELD RES V EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 20, 1926
Everton Reserves, who were very strongly represented, really were superior in forcing scoring chance against Huddersfield Town Reserves in the first half, but in a very strong rally near the interval the home men failed because of hesitation to get ahead.  Kennedy was the best Everton forward, but all the visiting defenders were very workmanlike.  There was no score at the interval. 

EVERTON V NORTH END
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 20, 1926
BATTEN INTRODUCTION TO GOODISON
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Parry, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Preston North End; Branston; Wade, Gibson; Gerard, Morris, Crawford; Gillespie, Russell, Morris, James, Harrison.  The visit of Preston filled what would have been a blank day at Goodison this afternoon.  There was a glut of goals in the first half, each side scoring three.  The scorers were Dean (2), and Irvine for Everton, and Harrison, Jackson and Gillespie for Preston.  There was much good football and the passing of the Preston forwards was clever and accurate.
BACKS UNCERTAIN         
It was east to understand their failure in the Second Division.  They possessed plenty of skill, but hardly sufficient driving power.  Everton were best in attack although very little was seen of Batten, but Dean and Irvine were fine workers and both shot well.  Everton’s defence, however, was far from steady.  The backs were uncertain and Hardy made more than one mistake. 
A BATCH OF GOALS
Preston scored early in the second half through Russell, and, as in the first half, the work of the forwards was excellent.  Russell scored another great goal when he headed through from Harrison’s centre.  Then after Preston being three goals down, leading by 5 goals to 3.  Batten scored fourth goal for Everton.  Final; Everton 4, Preston North End 5. 

EVERTON 4 PRESTON NORTH END 5
February 22, 1026. The Daily Courier.
FRIENDLY MATCH.
PRESTON'S SCOTS.
BEAT EVERTON BY ODD GOAL IN NINE.
Everton's friendly game with Preston North End at Goodison Park proved a strange one. It generally is when we see, the game played for the game's sake. Goals were not dear. There was too much of the "One for you and one for me" about it till nine were registered, and at the finish a calculation showed that Everton were odd man out. Much interest was displayed in the debut of Batten, the Plymouth Argyle recruit. He will have to be judged under more strenuous conditions, but first impressions were favourable. He had few opportunities, but sufficient to show that he is an adept in neat, open passing, while his goal was the pick of the bunch. It was also interesting to watch the performance of Preston's Scottish players who have crossed the Border recently to strengthen the sides. In the first half, each side scored thrice –Dean (2) and Irvine for Everton, and Harrison, Jackson, and Gillespie for Preston. In the second half Batten got Everton's fourth and Russell two more for Preston. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Bain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Parry, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup, forwards. Preston North End: - Branston, goal, Wade, and Gibson, backs, Gerrand, Morris, and Crawford, half-backs, Gillespie, Russell, Jackson, James, and Harrison, forwards.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
February 22 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
Everton Reserves were clearly the better team in the first half at Huddersfield. They combined much better, but only Kennedy seemed able to shoot at all well. In the second half Kennedy and Houghton worked together so effectively as to have the home defence in a tangle on several occasions, and O'Donnell had more opportunities. He narrowly failed to equaliser when with a long shot, he hit the upright and beat Mercer completely. The ball just went back in play, and was cleared to touch, but it was a narrow escape. On the day's play the Everton half-backs were superior, but the home men were better in the full back position. Still, Everton provided about the best Central League match seen at Leeds road this season.

IRVINE PLAYS FOR IRELAND
February 23, 1926. The Daily Courier
At Holyhead, Ireland beat Wales by three goals to nil.

EVERTON AT FULL STRENGTH.
February 24, 1926. The Daily Courier.
Everton at home to Burnley have their best side, including the Plymouth Argyle recruit, Batten, who makes his League debut for the Blues. Brown and Virr are both fit again, and return to the team vice Peacock and Hunter Hart. The teams reads: - Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup. The Reserves to meet Manchester United, at Manchester are: - Jones; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Hart, Rooney; Parry McBain, O'Donnell, Houghton, and Kennedy.

EVERTON TEAMS
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 24 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton are at home to Burnley on Saturday, and with the Turf Moor men in a desperate plight, a hard game is certain to be witnessed.  Batten has been chosen to play, and in this League test enthusiasts will have a good opportunity of judging his real worth.  He showed sufficient skill in the friendly match against Preston North End to suggest that he will add great strength to the Everton attack.  Brown and Virr return to the half-back line, and the team is; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup. 
Burnley are relying on the team which drew with Huddersfield;- Dawson; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steele, Hill, Hughes; Bruton, Cross, Richards, Beel, Page.
The Everton reserve team to meet Manchester United in a Central League game at Old Trafford on Saturday is;- Jones; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Reid, Rooney; Parry, McBain, O’Donnell, Houghton, Kennedy. 

DEATH OF “F.E.H”
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 24, 1926
KNOWN TO THOUSANDS OF SPORTSMEN
Many thousands of readers of the “Echo” will learn with deep regret that Mr. Frank E. Hughes, well known to them as “F.E.H” the writer of articles on football and other sporting topics, died this morning at his home in Rudgrave-square, Egremont.  He caught a severe chill at the week-end, and pneumonia supervened.  The son of the late Mr. Tom Hughes, many years on the sporting staff of the “Echo,” who was recognized as one of the leading authorities on coursing, “F.E.H.” devoted the greater part of his life to sporting journalism.  He was with the “Daily Post” and “Echo” for forty years, and for thirty-years was on the sporting staff.  His articles on sporting matters had a crispness and a liveliness which made them greatly acceptable to followers of sport, and reports under the initials were always a feature to readers of the “Football Echo,” who were assured of impartial criticism, pleasantly expressed. For many years he had accompanied the Everton and Liverpool teams on their matches away from home.  He was president of the Liverpool Press Club some twenty years ago.  He was twice married, and leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters. 

FOOTBALLERS-AND MEN
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 25, 1926
Bee’s Notes a fine atmosphere was surely that breathed by the thousand or so good men and true who made up the congregation at Liverpool’s big “Football Sunday service held in County-road.  The massed singing, to begin with was really splendid; once more demonstrating the rare lung-power of the football enthusiast.  Then the presence of Everton’s one and only Dean (not as a clerk in holy orders), but acting the manly, elevating part of chairman, won many hearts, as did the lesson-reading (prefaced by some really gripping extempore remarks) of James Jackson, Liverpool’s enthusiastic half-back.  Mr. A.E. Fogg, as speaker in-chief served to prove that Bolton threatens to become as famous for its referees’ powers of oratory as for its international footballers.  Mr. Fogg said he was delighted to have men like Dean and Jackson playing for “his side on such an occasion.  Footballers, as a whole, were a jolly decent lot of men, and rarely had he experienced anything other than a good time in his handling of matches in various parts of the country.  Mr. Fogg than rattled off a long string of professional footballer names who, he said, needed no referring-men like Ted Taylor, Seymour, Tremelling, Wadsworth, Bromilow, and a host of others refereed themselves.  Mr. Fogg also referred to the splendid way in which the powers-that-be ruled the game.  They had done, and were still doing, everything possible to make this sport the cleanest in the land.  He was glad, too, to find that the churches of today were alive to the position, and were helping along their young people to let off steam as an effective safety for their energies.  Mr. Fogg raced along for 30 minutes (and could easily have made it 60, but for the church clock signaling “Time”).  Miss Bloden Owen and Mr. and Miss Stud Marks greatly pleased with their singing, and a splendid afternoon (that carried with it a tremendous uplift) closed with votes of thanks to the day’s principals.  The Rev. G.A. Parkinson especially thanked the chairman for his presence, and added that as one good turn deserved another he would be pleased at any time to take Dean’s place in the Everton forward line- provided the club would have him! Mr. Jebson’s work at the organ was sans reproach, his pedal extremities, indeed, evincing much of the craft of a Buchan. 

OUR COLLEAGUE
Liverpool Echo, Thursday, February 25, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Frank Hughes has made his last journey.  For a generation he covered for us the matches played by Everton and Liverpool away from home.  Only those who know the turmoil of these journeys, and the strain of responsibility in dispatching urgent messages from far-off towns or cities know the rack of the football journalist’s life.  “F.E.H” sometimes Frank, sometimes Francis Eamond (his baptismal name), sometimes “F(ootball E(cho)Hughes,” was respected by club officials and players.  At times he would sting footballers by his criticism, and naturally, they would desire to :”amend or end his ways.”  Then Frank would be watchful, and his wrath was something I envied! It was kind but cruel.  He had to be cruel to be kind.  But cruelty was the last phase of his nature.  He was a gentleman and no-one will miss his football touch more than I shall.  He had a happy phrasical knack and I cannot give a happier idea of his inspirations in this direction than to remind one of the Liverpool club’s celebration meeting at the Adelphi, when the old players gathered to celebrate the winning of the championship for the second year in succession.  The doyen of football journalists, “F.E.H” referring to the seasoned veteran William Dunlop, styled him.  “The silver King” I have never heard a more delightful “:christening.” To his widow and children I offer, in your name, our deepest sympathy. 

EVERTON UNDER THE ‘SCOPE
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 25, 1926
When I wrote you, and you very kindly gave full publicity to my letter, I anticipated some “give-it-to-Dixie” fanatic would take me to task for my remarks (says “Blue Peter,)  “A.E.W” is apparently of this “select band,” being a type of individual who has failed to discriminate between a footballer and an opportunist.  The former is ably represented by Irvine, whilst the latter is Dean- in a nutshell! Now to the points made by your “Dixie supporter.  It is quite difficult to follow the first.  He says “there are few centres playing ‘classier’ football than Dean.  I would ask him is Dean playing anything like as good football as, say, Forshaw (Liverpool), Halliday (Sunderland), or Gallacher (Newcastle)?  He proceeds to point out that Dean has scored a “crop” of goals, but may I add that he has also missed a “crop”? When “A.E.W” however, refers to the “openings he has made fort others,” that is where I have him.  If Dean is as good a centre forward as your correspondent would have us believe, why does he not take the ball through the opposing defence and score himself.  The answer is simply and solely because he lacks all ball-control. Irvine excels and with a little more luck with his shots, he would make the nearest approach to Newcastle’s Gallacher that Everton have on their books. 
   Readers will form their own views.  I shall tell “Blue Peter” that Dean makes goals for others and can construct movements. 

LEAGUE MATTERS
Liverpool Echo-Friday, February 26, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Tomorrow, Everton, at home to Burnley, brings us once again in touch with Lancashire battles, and in view of the real testing time of Batten having arrived, the crowd is sure to be large.  The teams are;- Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Burnley; Dawson; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Hughes; Bruton, Cross, Richards, Beel, Page. 
BATTEN’S RECORD
Hebert George Batten, Everton’s new winger from Plymouth Argyle, is a native of Bristol, and Bristol City was his first senior club.  He made seven appearances for the City in the Second Division games of season 1920-21 without scoring, but his success with the City Reserves, who won the championship of the Western League and for whom he was top scorer, led Plymouth to secure his transfer in the summer of 1921.  Although he has never made a position his own in the Argyle team, Batten has been a valuable servant, for he played in every forward position except outside right, and played many good games.  His record in Third Division games at Plymouth was;
1921-22 Games  7  goals  1
1922-23 Games 23 goals 10
1923-24 Games 33 Goals 5
1924-25 Games 17 Goals 10
1925-26  Games 3  Goals 1
      Total Games 83 Goals 27
Batten was a prominent member of the F.A team which toured Australia during 1926-26, being the top goal scorer.  He stands 5fyt 11ins, and weighs 11st 11lbs. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 27, 1926
THEATRICAL STARS WHO LIFTED THEIR GAME AT FOOTBALL
By Victor Hall
There must be plenty of people going to matches to-day at Anfield and Goodison Park who remember Charles Godfrey, the vaudeville star of thirty or forty years ago.  People who knew Godfrey intimately have said that if he were not a great variety star he would have been a great actor.  His histrionic powers were very pronounced and the amount of characterization he put into his varied song scenes has rarely been equaled since, with the sole exception, perhaps of Albert Chevalier.  Those who do remember Godfrey in his heyday will recall how each character study was so perfectly adapted to the song as to make one wonder whether the song was written for the character or the character drawn to fit the song.  Take any of his military numbers such as “Here upon guard am I” or “Royal Fusiliers,” as instances of perfect dramatic character study, or take as a contrast the rollicking type of “Gay Parce” or the “masher” style in his “Lowther Arcade” number, all were in perfect type, and admirable in their portraiture. 
HUMAN AS ANYBODY
Poor Godfrey did not live to a great age, he may be said to have been only approaching his zenith when he died, and left as empty space at the top of the ladder of variety stars.  Whenever he appeared in Liverpool he was a most regular attendant at all football matches at Anfield.  He knew many of the players, and although his visits to the matches were as an ordinary paying spectator, he often invited those of the players to whom he was personally known to be his guests at the Star Music Hall, or whenever he appeared in Liverpool.  For all his ability as an actor Charlie was as human as anybody else when it comes to watching a football match.  He would shout and stamp about the cinder heap that was his favourite view point at Anfield, on the kop where the large stand is to-day, with the rest of the crowd, as the excitement of the game took him in its grip, as was always the case in good matches.  I have often seen him there, well muffled up on a cold day to protect his throat, which was very acceptable to cold or chill, among a group of strangers of the working-class type, who, of course, did not recognize in the grim-jawed, close-shaven stranger, the star of “variety” whose name was a house-hold word in threatreland, and whom they very probably would be paying to hear sing that same night.  Poor Charlie was a great sport, and whenever charity was concerned he would always be the first to offer his services or head a list.  His fame came at a time when music-hall salaries had not soared to anything like their present height.  Had he lived in the present ago of mammoth salaries he would probably have died a very rich man. 
Another great fiend of football from the variety world has been George Robey, who at his own expense has arranged more football matches for charitable objects, and contributed more to their funds, than any other artiste of the variety stage.  George’s interest in football has always been from the practical side, as he is, or was, himself a player of more than ordinary merit.  There is probably not a theatrical living to-day who has more close and personal friendship among football players than has George Robey. 
ROBERY EFFORTS
Liverpool people especially will not forget his many efforts during pantomime time the past thirty years.  He has a wonderful gallery of autographed photos from the principal international players of Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England, collected during that period, mostly from players who have themselves taken part in the matches organized by the famous comedian himself.  All honour to him, and to them for their voluntary work for charity. Another great theatrical who was deeply interested in Everton and Liverpool was the late Horace Wheatley, of happy memory.  That happy, sweet-voiced songster had, of course, for many years lived in Aintree, and whenever his professional engagements brought him anywhere near Liverpool he and his old friend George Allen, of Walton, gathered a few of the “lads” together and made a party for the match either at Goodison Park or Anfield.  Horace had many friends among the players of both teams, and whenever he performed in Liverpool it was a customary thing for his friends to engage a portion of the stalls or circle for one night and attend in a body.  That night was looked upon as a Horace Wheatley festival and he and his mythical MacIntyre had almost the entire programme to themselves.  What happy jollity then existed between the artistes and the audience.  I have seen a staid Empire audience in Liverpool give itself solidly up to the jocularity and happiness of the moment when on these festive occasions Wheatley and his army of friends in Liverpool forgathered and ran away with the “bill.”  Rarely was a greater contrast of true variety given on the stage than by this talented and ever-joyous Irishman.  To hear one of his rollicking chorus songs, to be followed by the sweet haunting cadences of “Bantry Bay” and finishing with a step dance of conspicuous and artistic perfection was to realize something of the sheer outstanding ability of Horace Wheatley as a “Star.”
WHEATLEY AND TATE
In his later years he settled down in Ireland to live, and his visits to Liverpool became less frequent, as death removed many of his friends.  The last occasion I met him was in Grafton-street, Dublin, and even then his first inquiry was for some of the Everton and Liverpool players whom he knew, and for some of his older personal friends of the “Queen Anne” Bowling Club at Walton.  The vaudeville stage lost one of its highest and most generous-hearted stars when Wheatley and his faithful MacIntyre carried the carpet-bag into the “wings” for the last time.  Peace to his happy memory! 
Harry Tate has always been a great admirer of League football as played by Everton and Liverpool.  Wherever he happened to be playing on tour, he never missed attending the local league match the day that Everton or Liverpool were the visitors.  He was familiar with the grounds and directors of both clubs in Liverpool from his Theatrical Gala association in Liverpool, and during the lifetime of the late Tom Bush and Harry Arnold his visits to the clubs were generally followed by a dinner in town at which Tate played the host to a party of his old football friends.  Huntley Wright in his younger days was always a welcome visitor in the boardrooms at Everton and Liverpool, and in the cinema world the late Fred Wilmot counted the directors of both local clubs among those of his friends who helped him to found the wonderful cinema group he so well established.  Many of these gentlemen became associated with Mr. Wilmot in the various enterprise he promoted and few of them had cause to regret the investment, coming in as they did at the time when the boom had not been thought of.  That became their good fortune later on! 

EVERTON DRAW WITH BURNLEY
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 27, 1926
“DUVAL” DESCRIBES A MODERATE GAME WHEREIN DEAN NEUTRALIZES RORBERTS GOAL
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Burnley; Dawson; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Hughes; Bruton, Beel, Richards, Dougal, Page.  A blustery day did not prevent a big crowd gathering to see this Lancashire Derby and the new players –Batten, of Plymouth.  Burnley had some new players, too-Scottish signings.  There was little definite work in the openings movements until Dean gave Batten a chance, which the new man sent high over the bar.  There was more danger in a long lobbing shot by Irvine, although Dawson had little difficulty in clearing a bouncing ball.  Then came a spirited attack by the Burnley forwards, and as Bruton swept the ball into the Everton goalmouth, Hughes rather recklessly spoiled a good opening. 
A NARROW SQUEAK
The Burnley goal had a narrow escape when Dean pushed the ball on to Dawson, who was extremely fortunate to avoid defeat.  Page got across a remarkably good centre which Bruton used badly.  Both sides now put more vim into their work, and Hill was a good provider.  It was from one of the timely passes to Page that brought Hardy some real work.  Twice the Everton custodian made hefty punches before the threatened danger was removed.  After Bruton had wasted a nice chance there was a delightful bit of work between Troup, Batten, and Dean, and although the last-named made a gallant effort to head the ball into the net he was a shade too high.  The work of the forwards on both sides had not been convincing, and, although they had chances, the defenders had generally been able to cope with them.  A glaring case of misunderstanding between McDonald and Hardy almost cost Everton a goal, for if Bruton had been quicker to realise the possibilities the penalty must have bee4n severe.  Battern was a capital worker, and he and Troup made a useful wing.  The new man put in a very fast drive, and a moment earlier Dawson had to use his hands to a high shot by Troup.  Bruton, the Burnley right, was disappointing, and he made a hash of a fine opportunity when the ball hit the corner flag instead of going over the touch-line, but Hill was a dominating figure in the middle line, and he repeatedly held up the Everton forwards by intercepting passes and linking up with his own attack.  One of the best incidents came when Dawson after leaving his goal, was beaten by Dean, whose shot few towards the empty goal and looked certain to cross the line; but McCluggage, racing across, just managed to stop it in time.  This was indeed a narrow escape and provided a thrill to a game that had been lacking in incident and was far from brilliant. 
NOW RICHARDS SCORED
At forty minutes Richards scored for Burnley, but credit for the goal really belonged to Beels, who did most of the preliminary work and but for the intervention of one of the Everton defenders the part Richards played would not have been necessary.  Beel dribbled almost to the goal before he parted with the ball, and Richards had only to push the ball over the line after Hardy had been beaten.  This was a disappointment for Everton, but it could not be said that they had shown any superiority throughout the first half. Half-time; Everton 0, Burnley 1. 
The second half promised to be more interesting than the first, and there was certainly much room for improvement.  A capital run by Chedgzoy was stopped by Hill, but Everton had a distinct chance from the corner, which, resulted and Virr was unlucky enough to head the ball against the crossbar. 
DEAN DRIVE HOME
This much can be said of Batten, he was always a trier and some of his passes to Troup were both accurate and effective.  Everton equaled at the fifty-three minute, and the 25,000 spectators had something to enthuse about.  It was a splendid goal both in conception and execution, Chedgzoy made a sparkling run and whipped the ball across to Dean to head into the net in perfect fashion.  A few minutes later Irvine almost repeated the operation, Batten’s header, unfortunately for Everton, striking the upright, while Dawson did not get rid of the danger without being bowled over the touchline with the ball in his possession.  There was certainly more sparkle and incident in the game, and both sides did better.  Dawson once cleared with an old fashioned kick, and drove the ball into the stands.  Troup and Chedgzoy had the Burnley backs all mixed up, and when Chedgzoy dashed in to shoot, the ball went a trifle wide.  The forwards had difficulty in keeping onside, but this did not detract from the standard of play.  Dean almost surprised Dawson when he got the ball across quickly, but neither side could claim much advantage on the general run of the game.  Final; Everton 1, Burnley 1. 

MANCHESTER UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 27, 1926
At Old Trafford.  Heavy rain caused the turf to be very slippery.  United were against the wind in the first half, and Everton had to defend strongly.  O’Donnell played well for the visitors, while Partridge and Ashley did good work for United.  There was no score at half-time.