EVERTON MAKE A CHANGE IN FORWARD LINE
February 1 st 1929. The Daily Courier.
MARTIN TO PARTNER TROUP IN PLACE OF EASTON
DEFENCE UNCHANGED.
Everton have not been stamped into making any drastic changes in the defence as a consequence of the lapses at Maine-road last week, and with the exception in that Martin, now fit comes in as partner to Troup in place of Easton. The side is the same as a week ago. The forward changes then introduced were satisfactory –there was less “playing to Dean” and more attempts to get goals by the remainder of the line. Therefore the Everton directors are acting wisely in giving the side a further chance of settling down. The game is with Huddersfield Town, who at the moment are playing well. There is therefore every likely hood it a great game to welcome the Yorkshiremen. The kick off is 3'o'clock and the Everton team is follows; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup.

EVERTON COME HOME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
And, coming home, they will look to their laurels. There is a big lift needed in the Goodison camp, where things have been going out of the expected channel.  Last week’s frostly nature was no means of telling how the revised side played; and we have it from many sources that for all but ten minutes the Everton men played well- then came the deluge.  In having Huddersfield, the favourites for the Cup, Goodison can depend upon the critical and loyal spectators being present.  To the Yorkshire club belongs the honour of being one of the greatest draws we have, it is always good to see Alec Jackson, W.H. Smith, and the other hosts-in-themselves that Huddersfield parade.  So that Everton’s management has at least timed this visit to a meet a victory against the League and Cup cracks will go a long way towards reshaping the team-builders’ notions, and relieving me of much correspondence!  Here’s a big hope for tomorrow, therefore.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Easton, Troup.  

BATTLE OF THE ROSES.
February 2 nd 1929. The Daily Courier
EVERTON SHOULD GAIN A MUCH NEEDED WIN.
Huddersfield Town are playing such storming football at the moment that there is every likelihood of a great gate to welcome them at Goodison Park this afternoon; kick off 3 o'clock. The Yorkshiremen will be without Cummins, assisting Ireland at Wrexham, also Smith, who has wrenched a thigh, but nevertheless the side is a powerful one and likely to extend the Everton team. Everton collapse at Maine-road after the directors had embarked on an interesting forward experiment, but one is glad to note they, the directors, have the courage of their conviction and with the exception that Martin now recovered, displaces Easton at inside left, the forward line remains the same against Manchester City. The forwards showed better penetration than for sometime, and it is only just that the line should have time to settle down, with Forshaw, and Martin in close attendance, the Town defenders will not be able to concentrate on Dean, so that goals should be forth coming,. Everton should secure a much-needed victory. The sides are; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. Huddersfield Town; Turner, Goodall, Wadsworth; Steel, Wilson, Naylor, Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Smailes.

SYME
Falkirk Herald - Saturday 02 February 1929
Syme, the Dunfermline scoring centre-forward, is fancied at Everton who are going badly. They were beaten 5-1 by the City of Manchester on Saturday. 

EVERTON AT HOME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 February 1929
HUDDERSFIELD GUESTS HAPPY MOOD
LONG-RANGE GOAL
FINE FORWARD LINE
By “Duval.”
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Huddersfield Town; Turner; Goodall, Wadsworth; Steele, Wilson, Naylor; Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Raw, Smailes.  Referee; Mr. H.N. Mee, of Mansfield.  The wet day had its effect on the attendance, and at the start the crowd was below the average for this attractive game.  Huddersfield played in red, and in the early stages Hart was responsible for some clever work, although the first definite attack came from the Yorkshire side, and Jackson forced Davies to push over a tremendous shot for a corner.  This was removed at the second attempt, but still Huddersfield persisted, although the Everton defence proved quite sound.  After Turner had left his goal to prevent Dean from getting through, Huddersfield had a fine opening, following on excellent work by their left wing, but Kelly and Brown got in each other’s way, and the opening was lost.
NAYLOR’S LONG DRIVE
Everton made several attempts to get their forward line moving, and Troup made one movement by sending the ball yards wide of the goal.  Then came a brilliant run by Jackson, which brought the first goal to Huddersfield.  He put the ball across the Everton goal, and Naylor, from long distance, sent the ball into the corner of the net with a hard drive.  It could not be said that this was more than Huddersfield deserved, for it was early apparent that the Yorkshire side was playing very skillful and attractive football.  Troup went near, and the first stoppage came when Kelly was knocked out, but he quickly resumed.  Dean had an interesting duel with Wadsworth, and at the other end O’Donnell cleverly beat Jackson.  Then Dean, with a capital pass, let in Critchley, but his shot was well stopped by Wilson, and a moment later Turner had to pick up from Forshaw.  Everton showed an improvement, and by swinging the ball about the forwards had a better innings.  Smailes was a hard and clever worker, and when he put the ball across the Everton goal, Jackson looked to have a great chance of scoring, but he was splendidly beaten by O’Donnell, and a moment later Kelly sent a shot against the Everton woodwork.
THE BETTER SIDE
The Huddersfield inside men were inclined to keep the ball too close, and both Brown and Kelly might have been more effective with more open methods.  Still, it was obvious that Huddersfield were the better side, and Davies made a rather lucky clearance from Raw.  After Forshaw had been penalized for a heavy charge on Naylor, Dean narrowly missed getting between the Huddersfield backs, and Turner saved the position by leaving his goal and picking up the ball.  The Huddersfield forwards worked the ball well, and none did better than Smailes.  A misunderstanding between Davies ad O’Donnell almost brought about a second goal when Smailes flashed the ball across.  O’Donnell putting it behind the goal and Davies came out to take it.  Another mistake by O’Donnell let in Raw, and the Huddersfield man had only Davies to beat when he shot.  Davies, however, brought off a good save.  This was followed by determined work on the part of the Everton forwards, and Wadsworth had to work hard to keep them out. 
RIGHT INTO HIS HANDS
Twice Davies saved brilliantly from Smailes and Raw, and then Kelly drove in a tremendous shot, which Davies tipped over the bar.  Most of the attacking came from the Huddersfield side, and although Everton had chances, they hardly made the best use of them.  Martin had as good a chance as one could wish for, yet he shot feebly, and the ball went straight to Turner.  Dean was alert and active, and if he met with little success, he wanted a deal of watching.  The whole of the Huddersfield forwards were good.  They revealed capital footwork and shot well.  Kelly was one of the best of Huddersfield’s shooters, and Davies was particularly sound.  Half-time; Everton 0, Huddersfield 1. 
DEFEAT OF EVERTON
SPARKLING DISPLAY BY HUDDERSFIELD
THREE GOALS AGAINST
NAYLOR, BROWN, AND RAW THE SCORERS
When the game was resumed Everton did much better.  They made several excellent bids for an equalizer, and Troup caused Turner to stop a warm shot.  Forshaw had another effort luckily turned down by Goodall, and altogether Everton were a much-improved side.  Dean tried hard to get through on his own, but he was held up at the crucial moment.  The Everton defence and half-backs were also more effective.  There was a better understanding between the halves and the forwards, with the result that the attack got more chances.  One of Huddersfield’s best chances came when Jackson got past the defence, and after Davies had missed a clearance the Huddersfield man ought to have scored, but he could not gather the ball accurately enough.  A moment later a touch by Jackson might have done the trick, but hereabout Huddersfield returned to their best attacking form. 
THE UPEPR HAND
Davies made a full-length save when he pushed the ball out from Kelly, and Everton had to thank Davies for a really capital display.  At the 65th minute Kelly opened out a position for Jackson, and the outside man went through to send in a very hard shot, to which Davies threw up his hands and succeeded in diverting, but Brown, who was lying handy, had the easiest possible task in making a second goal.  Huddersfield signalized their superiority by a third goal at the 70th minute.  Davies did well to push the ball over the bar from a centre by Smailes, although the resultant corner kick brought a third goal to the Yorkshire side, Raw cleverly netting the ball from Jackson’s corner.  Forshaw tried to redeem Everton’s fortune with a good effort.  Everton toiled hard on the heavy ground, whereas Huddersfield moved with an ease and smoothness that quite the Everton defence.  Kelly was a great schemer, and Jackson responded with clever work, while the side generally was smarter and better balanced. 
TRICKED DEAN
O’Donnell decided to show the Everton forwards how to score, and he took the ball well up to the penalty line, where he lost possession.  It was a good movement and if it did prove successful, it had the effect of inspiring Everton to further effort.  Turner saved from Martin, and Forshaw did his best to open out a couple of good openings.  Then Troup put the ball in front of the Huddersfield goal, and Dean was preparing to shoot when a defender nipped in and cleared.  This paved the way for another Huddersfield attack, and Jackson in trying to place the ball was beaten by Davies, who just managed to edge the ball away with his finger-tips.  Final; Everton 0, Huddersfield 3. 

MAN CITY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 February 1929
At the Maine-Road ground in wet weather.  Webster scored a clever goal for Everton after seven minutes’ play, and Bacon equalized right on the interval.  Both sides played fine football on a muddy ground, with Everton having the better of the play.  Kennedy, White, French and Easton were excellent for Everton.  Everton had all the play for a while after the interval, French scoring after seven minutes.  Easton adding two more in the next ten minutes, whilst Bacon put on a second for the City. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 February 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton don’t like hard going, we are told
• Cresswell has waited a long time for his maiden goal in First Division football
• Syme, the Dumfermline centre-forward, is said to have been under observation by Everton
• Joe Clennell is still scoring goals for Ebbw Vale
• It was Rooney’s first League team appearance on Saturday for just over a year
• Old-timers would regret to learn of the death of “Billy” Williams (Rufus Williams), the most dashing full-back West Bromwich Albion ever had on their books
• He had the do-or-die spirit of Nick Ross and Dan Doyle so rarely seen nowadays; and when seen often curbed by referee who don’t know the meaning of a good, honest shoulder charge
• Williams, locally, will be best recalled by reason of his dour, determined work against Liverpool in the Anfield-road “Test” matches of the late nineties
• It was Bobby Irvine’s first season with Everton that he created a sensation by scoring three goals in five minutes against Aston Villa.
• That feat led locals to hope we had discovered a real successor to Bert Freeman

EVERTON 0 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 3
February 4 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON FIND THE FIRST MONTH IN 1929 ANYTHING BUT A HAPPY ONE.
CHAMPIONS IN DOLDRUMS
LESSON ON HOW TO GET GOALS AND POINTS.
Everton, pointless since New Year's Day, failed hopelessly against Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park, on Saturday, being well and truly beaten by three clear goals. The Champions have been in the doldrums for some weeks now, but, whereas there have been justifiable excuses for several of the defeats sustained there is no need to advance one for this latest failure. On Saturday's form there is no team in the country, which could have withstood the brilliance of Huddersfield. Never was a side more deserving of victory than the elite of Yorkshire, and the only wonder of it was that they did not prevail by a larger margin. True, Everton did not play well, but one fancies that the result would have been similar had they touched their best form on occasion. The Town were invincible. Except for the period directly following the interval up to the time Huddersfield got their second goal sixteen minutes in the second half, Everton were overplayed in almost all departments of the game.
NOLESSON BOOK METHODS.
Huddersfield did not adhere strictly to the lesson-book methods of football, far from it, for they interchanged positions with a speed, knowledge and understanding that was bewildering. Yet, there were precious few passes, which found a wrong billet. Their half-backs were the main force –the cog on which the other sections operated –and the three never loosened a vice-like grip on the home vanguard. They worked so coolly, and with so much thought, that even when faced with the strongest of opposition they could come out of it with ease and comfort, and set that wonderful attacking machine, with Alec Jackson constituting the narrow point, into motion.
JACKSON PRE-EMINENT.
Jackson was pre-eminent, and he had a wonderfully zealous and clever partner in Kelly. The reserve left-wing pair, Raw and Smallies, were excellent, and fitted in with the others as if they had been playing together for months. Turner had a sinecure in goal, for nearly every shot directed at his charge went straight to him, but Davies, in the other goal, Stood out as the best man on the home side. Daring to a degree, he brought off a number of saves worthy of a Jack Robinson, and at times alone stood between the Town and other successes. Next to him one must place O'Donnell, who covered himself with glory as well as mud. Some of his last minute tackling at the expense of Jackson and Kelly could not have been better, and he could not place the greater reliance on Rooney, while he ofttimes had to race across to help Cresswell out of a hasty hole. Hart was easily the best home half because he always played unadulterated football but Griffiths in the second half contributed in no small measure to the scintillating work of Critchley, who was the best forward. Dean was working a lone hand in that he never had a pass one could term “workable,” this being because Martin never once was happy or even comfortable, and that Forshaw could not put his astute ideas into perfect execution. Troup had few opportunities, but he has often played a whole lot better. Naylor scored the opening goal after eleven minutes from Jackson's centre, and Brown notched number two midday through the second half after Davies had saved brilliant from Jackson. Raw obtained the third a few minutes later from Jackson;s centre. All from the demon Jackson be it noted –the star of an all-star eleven. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Griffiths, Hart and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Huddersfield Town: - Turner, goal, Goodall and Wadsworth, backs, Steele, Wilson, Naylor, half-backs, Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Raw, and Smalies, forwards .

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 4
February 4 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 29)
Everton playing delightful football, despite the bad conditions, were superior in practically all departments to Manchester City in the game at Maine-road, ably supported by a very strong half-back line in which Kelly and White excelled. The visiting forwards, frequently overran the oppose and had not the City goalkeeper, Jones been in exceptional good form, Everton would have won by a bigger margin. Webster opened the scoring for Everton, but just before the interval, Bacon equalised. Despite the handicap of an injury sustained in the first half, French put Everton a head again, and Easton added two more for the visitors, inside ten minutes during through the conceding half Bacon scored a second goal . Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Kelly, Dixon, and White, half-backs, Meston, Webster, French, Easton and Lewis, forwards.

HAPPY HUNTING GROUND
Athletic News - Monday 04 February 1929
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN’S USUAL AT EVERTON
HUDDERSFIELD 3, EVERTON 0
By Junius
Goodison Park seems to suit the Huddersfield Town players, for they have only twice been defeated on this enclosure in post-war football, and have gathered 11 points out of 18.  In all the attributes of artistry and clever football they were far ahead of the champions in Saturday’s game, and had they prevailed by a more pronounced margin none could have disputed their claim.  Huddersfield won primarily because they were the faster side.  The forwards and half-backs went to the ball and did not wait for its arrival, while the whole team on the heavy ground lasted the pace much the better.  Everton, by comparison, were slow, too deliberate, and yet hesitant.  Their forwards refused a shot, and were not without chances, which mainly came the way of Troup.  The passes of the forwards and half-backs rarely reached their intended billets.
NIPPY MOVEMENTS
The whole team co-ordinated and play was made light and easy by nippy and timely transference of the ball.  They gave the impression of having a player or two to spare.  Having monopolished much the greater share of the game, especially in the first half with the wind, it was strange that they held but a goal lead at the interval.  Many scoring chances presented themselves, but the best use was not made of them.  Even so, Davies effected a number of very fine saves.  Everton made a few gallant efforts to level matters after the interval, but rarely were the forwards able to elude the watchfulness of Goodall and Wadsworth, and when this was occasionally accomplished there was no punch in the final effort. 
THE GOALS
The first goal came after nine minutes, when Jackson dropped the ball into a wide open space for Naylor to defeat Davies with a swift drive, the ball passing away from the keeper.  The second came twenty minutes following the interval, when, after the Everton goalkeeper had stepped out to parry Jackson’s terrific shot, he could do nothing else but knock the ball upwards and sideways to the foot of Brown, who simply pushed it into the net.  The third was scored by Raw twenty minutes from time, and but for further brilliant goalkeeping by Davies other goals must have been recorded.  I like the method in which the Town forwards and half-backs went for goal.  The trio formed a big part in attack, and the two lines were imbued with a zeal which could only produce one result.  With Cumming engaged on International duty and Smith suffering from leg trouble much interest was centred in the appearance of the reserve left wing pair.  Smailes was a bonny raider whom neither Griffiths nor Cresswell could show quarter, while Raw was a successful deputy for Cummings.  They were splendidly backed up by Naylor, one of the best half-backs on view, while on the other flank Steele, Kelly, and Jackson, by clever footcraft and good understanding, provided the outstanding feature in attack.  Goodall, Wadsworth and Turner were a fine defensive trio, and though they compared better collectively, there could be no overestimating the value of the parts played by O’Donnell and Davies.  Forshaw was the most successful of the Everton line.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Griffiths, Hart, Rooney; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Martin, Troup. 
Huddersfield Town; Turner; Goodall, Wadsworth; Steele, Wilson, Naylor; Jackson, Kelly, Brown, Raw, Smailes.  Referee; Mr. H.N. Mee, of Mansfield. 

EVERTON’S FAILURE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 February 1929
Everton could hardly be satisfied with the display they gave on Saturday; and but for the skill of Davies they might have been beaten by a much bigger score. He alone prevented the clever Huddersfield forwards reaping a big harvest.  The real weakness of Everton was in the forwards.  It was a line of scattered units without punch that failed to make any real impression on a sound defence.  The half-backs were not free from blame, particularly the wing halves who could do little against the clever Huddersfield forwards.  Rooney was quite unable to hold Jackson; and when Kelly sought to open out the game –as he alone can do- he was given too much scope.  Of course, it was asking a big thing of Rooney to attempt to hold up a wing of the calibre of Kelly and Jackson.  Griffiths, however, ought to have been more successful against the Huddersfield reserve left wing; but he was not, and Everton’s troubles consequently began early.  Hart did a lot of valuable work, but he was unable to make up the deficiencies of his partners.  Further behind, Cresswell was rather too nonchalant, and O’Donnell made mistakes early on but did fairly well afterwards.  It was a poor day for Everton and Huddersfield got only what they deserved.  Their machine worked with great smoothness.  Even the reserve left-wing was effective; while Jackson and Kelly delighted with clever footwork and skillful scheming.  The halves were good and the backs excellent.  It was Everton’s fifth successive defeat. 
Dixie Dean is laid up and cannot play in the trial games at Hillsbrough, to-day.  Or a fortnight he has been severely handcapped with trouble in the foot, in fact, it would seem he should not have played on Saturday.  Now he is kept in his bed and is suffering much pain. 

THE FOOTBALL STRUGGLE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 February 1929
EVERTON CLUB ARRANGE A TETE-A-TETE
The position of Everton F.C., champions a season ago, has created more comment in the Football community than any other feature this season.  The lack of power fore and aft, since Christmas particularly, and before that period in a minor measure, has led to thousands of inquiries, “What’s wrong with Everton?”  It is difficult for the critic, the player, or the directors to put their hand on any part of the team and say, “This is the cause.”  They have tried new men, old men, and young men, and after the defeat at home to Huddersfield last Saturday, action was anticipated.  The first point of it arose this afternoon when the Everton F.C directors and players met together, by order of the officials, over the tea table.  They had in short a heart-to-heart talk one with another.  McDougall and Hodgson are very doubtful starters for Saturday’s game.  It is early to say whether Dean will or will not play, but it is most likely he will not play. 

EVERTON DROP THE “PILOT” IN THE ANFIELD GAME.
February 6 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
COMMON TO TAKE CRESSWELL PLACE AT BACK.
Reconstructioned middle line, with Kelly, and Hart on the wings; White to lead for Dean, Ritchie, Dunn, and Easton other changes. Everton are first in the field with the team for the Derby game at Anfield on Saturday. Recent games have plainty shown that further changes were necessary in the Blues' side to bring it back to winning form. Since New Year's Day, when Everton beat Derby County, the side in League games and a cup-tie he's scored one goal, form, if continued, which would find the champions, fighting for their position in the first Division when may came around. The directors are to be congratulated on having tackled the position with both hands, and sweeping changes have been made in the hip that a winning combination will be got together whatever may be the result of the game with their local rivals at the weekend. Dean, of course, was a certain absentee owing to a leg injury, but such was not the case with the other positions in which changes have been made. Taking the position from goal to the forward line, the directors have dealt with them as follows; Davies retains his position which his display warranted; Cresswell, the captain, gives way to Common, of the reserves, and he partners O'Donnell at full back. The half-back line has been reconstructed by moving Griffiths to the middle position, Hunter Hart taking the left wing in place of the local, Rooney and the position vacated by Griffiths is filled by bringing in Kelly. This gaves Everton a powerful middlelane, which they will need to hold Liverpool's attack. Forward, Troup a lone at the line that operated against Huddersfield Town is retained, though it is only fair to state that Dean's absence is due to a strain. Troup will have Easton as partner, White the Southport lad, who has appeared in the halves, and forwards at different times, takes Dixie's place, while Critchley and Forshaw are dropped for Ritchie and Dunn, the Scottish wingers –on paper, it is a side that should gave Liverpool's a good run, though the attack does not look any too formidable. The sides is: - Davies; Common and O'Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, and Troup.

EVERTON DROP THE PILOT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 February 1929
THEIR INNOVATIONS AGAINST LIVERPOOL F.C. IN THE DERBY GAME
Bee’s Notes
The only thing Everton followers are agreed upon is this; Everton F.C have gone back a good deal since their successful year of office.  Everyone has his own idea of the reason-some are quaint; some libelous; some fantastic and bearing no sense of proportion; some are hasty-the root cause of much trouble with a side that is not allowed to have a bad day; some are extremely personal and unworthy of pen and paper.  I have not seen Everton for many weeks, owing to the number of home games they have played and to Cup-tie interference, together with international calls.  Therefore I have had no voice in the matter- perhaps fortunately for me!  At least I can suggest that on what I have seen this season there has been a lack of confidence and football belief in the whole side; that the whole side is a year older- which means more than a little to the older members of the school, and that while there have been defensive slips we can assured that Davies has done nobly, that O’Donnell is playing than ever, yet at times taking a liberty through the joy of his game that brings in its train one slip and the consequent goal.  I speak as I find them, and I say definitely I have not seen Cresswell play an even moderate game this season –perhaps I have seen his best days and missed the others.  At any rate, we go on to the half-back line, and there has been a steady level of usefulness there, with perhaps a suggestion of non-playing in the last half-hour; and finally the forward line.  The most debated of all lines and a mixture of ability and lack of success; men of standing and stamp of play; men of fixed success; lacking in finishing strength, blending poorly, making poorish attempts to combine, save in a winning fashion.  There has been no “line” formation- there has bene an absence of wisdom in tactics and a dire lack of shooting when well placed.  That seems to me to size the situation.  I may be wrong but I have bene asked for my views and have given them. 
THE OFFICIAL LIST
Now, let us see what the Everton F.C. officials have done after their tea and tete-a-tete last night.  They have dropped the pilot, they have made Griffiths centre half-back, and placed Hunter Hart on the wing again.  It is the local “Derby” game, and the selections make the Anfield game the more captivating and interesting.  In the first place, of course, Dean is not fit to play, and it was decided that White, who has been playing at half-back, should resume his former position at centre-forward.  In addition, however, alterations have been made in every line except that Davies retains his place in goal.  Six of the players who did duty last week are standing down, while there have been positional alternations.  The team is; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, Troup.  It will be seen that Troup is the only forward to hold his place, Easton being his partner instead of Martin, while the Scottish right-wing pair resume.  In the half-back line a most important experiment is being tried.  Hart, who has held the centre half-back berth for two seasons, goes back to his original position at left-half to the exclusion of Rooney; while Griffiths takes his proper place at centre-half, and Kelly resumes on the right.  Another important change is the substitution of Common for Cresswell.  Common is a sterling young back who was secured from the North-East Coast and he has made rapid strides in Central league football.  Thus, his first appearance in a First League game will be followed with great interest. 

WILLIAM EASTON
Blyth News - Thursday 07 February 1929
Among the very few players who have earned two substantial transfer fees for their native club is William Easton, the Blyth forward who will figure at inside left for Everton in Saturday’s “Derby’ game against Liverpool.  In April, 1923, Easton was transferred by Blyth Spartans to Rotherham County (then in the Second League under the name of Rotherham United).  Failing to come to terms with the Rotherham club at the end of the 1923-24 season he emigrated to Canada, where during his stay of two years he attained a distinctive role in Canadian football circles.  On returning to Blyth he resumed association with the Spartans against Chester-Le-Street at Croft Park on September 25th 1926.  On March 5, 1927, he brought his second transfer fee to the Blyth club as a result of his move to Everton.  An artistic type of player, Easton was unfortunate to lose his chance of being included in Everton’s first team last season in consequence of a leg injury. 
CHESTER COMMON
Chester Common the New Delaval right full-back will make his First League debut with Everton on Saturday under significant circumstances being preferred to the team captain, Cresswell, for such an important fixture as the return “Derby” against Liverpool, at the Anfield Road ground.  Common joined Everton on 7th February of last year, from Blyth Spartans, who had secured him at the beginning of last season from New Delaval Villa (Blyth and District League).  Only 21 years old, Common is a strongly built player of exceptional possibilities. 

THE EVERTON CHORUS-“WE’RE MIS-ER-A-BLE, SO MIS-ER-A-BLE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 07 February 1929
READERS DECIDE THEIR TEAM
AHOST OF UNOFFICIAL SELECTORS
Bee’s Notes
Today the Notes become a sort of “special Everton Echo.”  I have sternly cut most of the letters, because if I had not done so the paper would have been so full of letters that advertisements would have been crushed out!  Here, then, the unofficial selectors’ views;-
 “Red Hot Blue” writes;’ I wonder if you are issuing a special edition of the “Echo” this week for Everton team builders?  The half-back line wants a little “stiffening up” during Virr’s absence, and with regard to the forward line why not play Dunn inside-left as partner to Troup.  I think this would be the ideal left wing. 
 “Custard” asks.-
Why did the directors alter the team at the commencement of the season?  A team that was good enough to win the championship should not be interfered with.  The players on the books are all “class,” therefore we should have better results. 
 “Strong Bow” writes.- Play this side; Davies; Kennedy, O’Donnell; Forshaw, Griffiths, Kelly; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean or White, Martin, Troup.
Mr C. White writes.-
We all know that the directors and players must be miserable with not being able to produce a winning side, I think this a winning side;- Davies; Cresswell, Kennedy; Griffiths, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Ritchie, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.
DEAN’S TACTICS
“Thirty Years a Blue” writes; - why is it that players such as Forshaw, Martin (on either wing), Dunn, and Weldon (who would individually ornament any other team) are incapable of success with Everton?  Their worst enemies would not say anything against their being triers for the full ninety minutes.  Possessing ability and enthusiasm, then, why is it they fail?  I suggest that they miss close presence and interchange with their centre, who is also completely out of the reach (promising) of his own supporting half-back.  We read, “Dean got few chances,” but it might perhaps be equally true to say Dean positioned himself for few chances.  Touching last week’s inquest.  The particular side that played Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison has not been defeated, and at present are all fit and well, so why have them idle.  Try a leaf out o Liverpool’s book, and not change the position of the players.  Weldon was a centre-forward, and scored many goals alongside McPhail for his old club, so why not give him a trial there, with Dean as inside left?  Why not try for Preedy, of Wigan Borough, or Maddison of Hull City, and make a team to play the game? 
“A Supporter” says;- Put Griffiths and O’Donnell in the forward line; they can drive with great force at goal. 
 “B and B” writes;- The team seem to come out every week with the same ideas and with no set plan of campaign, whether the ground is “hard,” “sodden,” or “perfect” going”- whether they are winning or losing or fighting for a lead –they just seem to trust to luck and Dean; also the attitude of the captain on the field towards the rest of the players is not of the kind that calls for team work or spirit.  We append a team that would at least show the fighting spirit, which has been lacking at Everton this season;- Davies; Kennedy, and O’Donnell; White, Griffiths, Hart; Martin, Forshaw, Dean, Easton, and Stein. 
 “Nark” writes;- Just before Christmas you queried “ What is wrong with Everton?”  And analyzed the team.  There are four men claiming my approval and the only remedy I can offer for the present is to play Griffiths in the centre, where he belongs.  He can dominate the whole lot, can swing the ball about, and stop that rot of giving it to one men and is a full-blooded ninety minutes player.  Put him in his right position and I can foresee a big improvement. 
THE BARRACKING OF DEAN
It is high time that a stop should be put to this unsportsmanlike practice.  Dean was barracked over a little incident (says “Tyke”) when probably he meant no harm.  He certainly kicked at the ball in Turner’s hands, close to the stomach but William Dean is the last man in the world who would intentionally hurt another footballer earning his living.  I am a Yorkshireman but a staunch Evertonian, but I have seen some of the worst barracking in this city, notable cases as Jack Hill, of Burnley, at Anfield, after he had played right half for England at Goodison, when he was blamed for letting Tommy Lucas down playing behind him, but the great Morton was the man who caused the mischief; poor Hill, when he appeared at Anfield shortly after, every time he attempted to play the ball was booed.  And what about Devlin?  Now, “bee,” the local Derby is upon us.  Just whisper this to the sporting public of Liverpool, “Give them a fair chance,” 
THE DISTURBING TOPIC
Once more the disturbing topic, Everton’s retrogression (says Mr. R. Bentham).  Lately I have been studying the Blues’ play most carefully, and have come to the conclusion that the main fault lies with the attack.  The slogan of recent months has been “Play less to Dean.”  I, for one, could not support this, and the last two or three home games have justified my opinion.  I submit that when such a brilliant centre as Dixie is being continually plied with scoring opportunities, the services of at least three opponents are commanded to such an extent that their attacking power is reduced to an absolute minimum.  And surely, in a good team, do defenders only defend?  Is not attack the best defence?  Thus the opposition is disorganized, and further, according to the law of averages, the rest of the Everton vanguard must more frequently find themselves in easy scoring positions.  Based on this, I would suggest that Everton introduce wingmen who can shoot. 
  “Notred” writes; Everton don’t go for the ball; they wait for it to come to them, or else wait for the opposing side to miss altogether.  In the last two home mates alone I have noticed that out of ten passes made by Everton nine at least have been put to one of the opposing team, whereas I very seldom saw either Birmingham or Huddersfield being so “kind” to Everton.  I hope that the big-mounted hooligan who bawled “Play the game, Dixie” has learnt a bit of sense by now, as his voice could be hard all over the ground; and such senseless barracking will do neither Everton nor Dixie good. 
   “Goggles” writes;- While the “W” formation play is necessary to certain teams who have not a good defence, this does not apply to Everton.  What at present is happening is-when the defence lob the ball up to where the forward line should be, there is only Dean to receive it.  O’Donnell is best at inside left. 
  “True Blue” (E.G) says; - The inside men are small and cannot shoot.
MODERN METHODS NEEDED
R.R. A writes; - If First Division football is to continue at Goodison there must be more efforts to obtain the goals.  Talk is cheap- but the plain fact remains that some of Everton’s present men are far too small.  This conclusion I have arrived at after having missed only one match this season, and by going away with the team one sees the other side of the show.  Six home engagements only are on Everton’s card.  Points must be obtained, but how?   Answer; Use modern methods.  To quote some examples; - “Team spirit,”  “Go to the ball,”  “Play your position,”  “Draw before parting, “Keep the ball low,”  “Shoot, shoot,” even if you miss.  New players are needed, and should the directors use the jolly old cheque book, may I appeal to them to sign some “big uns.” 

LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT DERBY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
The second of the season’s enthralling Derby Day games, at Anfield, tomorrow, leaves one with little to say, except that Hodgson and McDougall, although still damaged, declare they will play –they are desperately anxious to be “in” this affair, which affair, promises to be customary clean and health-giving battle, with the two teams coming to the field of play together, in the spirit that started some two reasons ago- “friendly-like.”  There is little to be said about the game, because Everton’s experimental and huge changes will be under review, and Liverpool in the last four months have grown into a magnificent trying eleven, never beaten till the last effort has been made.  It is a game in which I feel I can, for once, not be called upon to be forgiven if I do not give a selection regarding the probable winners.  I am sure we shall have a great game, as usual and the newcomers to our Derby.  Day games will join in the honour of appearing in what is, first and last, a clean exhibition between the deadliest of rivals.  Here are the teams;- Liverpool.  Riley; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; ?????
Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, Troup.

Syme
Falkirk Herald-Saturday 9 February 1929
Everton continue to show interest in Syme, Dumfermline Athletic's centre-forward, but it is unlikely that the player will change his quarters until he has completed his apprenticeship.

LIVERPOOL SHOULD BEAT EVERTON TODAY.
February 9 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
HOME DEFENCE TO CRUSH BLUES' ATTACK.
FRONT-LINE CHANGES BY REDS FOLLOW CHAMPIONS' SWEEP
The enforced changes in the Liverpool attack have done something towards levelling matters for the great local clash at Anfield today between Liverpool and Everton. The staggering alterations fore and aft made by Everton, who will be without two of their stars –Dean (injured) and Cresswell (dropped) –have been followed by a reshuffle of the Anfielders' forward line owing to injuries. Liverpool are among the unlucky teams of the season, but their never say-die policy is likely to sheer them through the stress of the times with more success than Everton, if the latter suffer a continuance of their misfortune. There is no panic in the Goodison camp, however, as Mr. Cuff points out. The Liverpool directors found yesterday that Hodgson and McDougall could not possibly be fit for today, so McFarlane, the Scottish boy who has been doing so well with the Reserves, will lead the attack instead of Whitehurst, the ex-Rochdale man and Race and Salisbury have been chosen as the left-wing pair in place of McDougall and Lindsay. The absence of centre-forwards like Dean and Hodgson deprives today's battle of a great deal of sparkle, but the general keenness will hardly be diminished. Dean is, of course suffering from a leg injury, and his place in the Everton side will be taken by White, the Southport lad, who has deputised for “Dixie” before, as well as playing at half-back. White is a reliable worker. Alex Troup will be –the only one of the forwards who opposed Huddersfield Town to take the field today, when he will have Easton as partner instead of Martin. Critchley and Forshaw have had to give way again to the Scottish pair, Ritchie and Dunn, on the right. One of the greatest surprises created by the Everton upheaval, however, is the disappearance of Warneford Cresswell, the captain, who place today will be filled by Common, who will be making his appearance for the senior side at right full-back. Common has done yeoman service for the Central League team.
EVERTON'S WEAKNESS.
The half-back line has also experienced a reshuffle, Griffiths, the Welsh international, becomes the pivot, Hunter Hart taking the left-half position, while Kelly comes in for Rooney on the right. The face of both sides have been changed so much that it is extremely difficult to pick on a possible result. It appears clear, however, that the Liverpool defence has a great advantage in strength over the Everton attack –that is, on paper. This fact may give Liverpool the extra goal, that counts. At the same time, the Anfielders front line seems to be badly balanced, and perhaps too much they be expected of the right wing. The McFarlane experiment is likely to prove of vital importance, one way or the other. This will be the 29 th meeting of the teams at Anfield. In the series Everton have won 11 and Liverpool eight, while nine have been drawn, with a total of 40 goals to the credit of each club. In recent seasons, however, the Reds have shown a pronounced improvement and have won several games on the run till the corresponding match last season, which, as already stated, was drawn. The match at Goodison Park last September was won by Everton by the only goal, scored by Troup. A record attendance is expected today. The turnstiles begin to operate at 1-30, and all must pay at the gate. There are no reserved stand seats. The kick off will be at 3.9' and the teams are: - Liverpool. –Riley; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; Edmed, Clark, McFarlane, Race, Salisbury. Everton. –Davies; Common, O'Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, Troup. Referee Mr. A. Josephs.

L’POOL AND EVERTON AT GRIPS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 February 1929
MINOR INJURIES IN VIGOROUS COMBAT
SERLING GOALKEEPING
GRIFFITHS SCORES IN THE FIRST HALF
By Bee
Liverpool; Riley; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; Edmed, Clarke, McFarlane, Race, Salisbury.  Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, Troup. Referee; Mr. Josephs, of South Shields. 
Liverpool v. Everton is a match to produce enthusiasm no matter what the personnel of either side may be, so that today, when the sun shone on Anfield, it was no surprise to find a crowd of 45,000 in spite of the rather numerous team changes made.  Dean was present as a looker-on, having limped his way to the ground, this being his first day out for a week.  Hodgson and McDougall were absent from the Liverpool side through injury, so that McFarlane and Race came in.  It was McFarlane’s debut in English League football.  The Everton team was noteworthy because Kelly returned at right half and Hunter Hart resumed at his old spot, left half, with White as centre forward, the Scottish right wing, Ritchie ad Dunn, operating on the Everton right, and Common making his first appearance for Everton’s first team in place of Cresswell; so that the Everton team was anything but common.  No one quite knew how the football cat would jump today.  The Edge Hill Band, as usual, gave us an excellent performance.  There were few scenes prior to the start of the game, the boy mascot being there, smiling this time; and in the rather smaller crowd than usual there was one “cat” climber who strode along the top of the Memlyn-road stand and showed his impartiality by positions by a red and blue flag on the roof. 
COMMON USES HIS WEIGHT.
The teams as usual turned out together, friendly are instead of the named two eleven formations.  Everton won the toss, and kicked towards the park goal.  At once the Liverpool right wing got busy and O’Donnell had to be quick to stop the trouble, Common crashed with McFarlane who went to the ground and then O’Donnell still troubled, backed headed the ball rather than pass back.  Then Everton made their initial attack.  Troup cleverly rounded Jackson, and found Done making moderately towards the corner.  This was cleared and instantly an accident befell the Liverpool team.  Edmed rolled over awkwardly when he ran into O’Donnell at the moment the full back was making a stab effort.  Edmed’s shoulder blade was damaged, but he was only off the field for a couple of minutes.  While he was of Clarke, an outside right, put in a very useful centre and Davies pushed the ball out, Salisbury rushing in towards centre forward and bitting a tremendous ball quite near but not into the goal.  There were quite a number of minor injuries, Dunn hobbled about for a time, and Jackson was hurt on the leg and on the face.  Everton certainly had taken a hand in severe attack, and the Liverpool defence got the shooting efforts away in a smuggling manner.  When Common made a rather wild kick the Liverpool left was well placed until Hart thoughtfully dropped back into the penalty region and hooked the ball away. 
RILEY FALLS OVERBOARD!
Following this, there was another piece of first-time work, McFarlane catching the ball at the half-volley and making a striking old-fashion pattern of shot.  This was the beginning of a fiery period and some perfect ground passing by Everton, who certainly had to call on Done to kick away; yet the difficulty was not nearly over, because the ball went out to Troup, who hit one of his famous rocket shots hard to the left-hand side, Riley saving and the force of the shot sending his long body overboard.  He got up in time to make another good save from Dunn at the right-hand corner, but did not clear first time, probably through the glare of the sunshine, which battled this half of the field.  Referee Josephs was in charge of the Bolton Cup-ties and to-day’s game, therefore the players and the people had implicit trust in him.  O’Donnell offered a long shot, but this was not the sort of thing to trouble Riley.  This was the moment at which Liverpool arose to their might.  Edmed was left with a gift, not more than four yards from goal, and the only thing to be said for him was that it came to his left foot, and probably had some spin on it.  Race bad offered a charming shot to Salisbury, and Davies had made a perfectly good half save so that Edmed was left in charge of the chance of becoming a hero for at least a week. 
DAVIES’S SLEIGHT OF HAND
Liverpool tried to redeem this mishap and Davies made another good save at the foot of the left-hand post, Race having made a header with splendid direction.  Salisbury followed up with a stunning drive that Davies the most improved goalkeeper in England to-day, turned away.  O’Donnell, furthermore, had to bring out a good header in front of his own goal to prevent Clarke or McFarlane having a good pop at goal.  Kelly tried to so something similar, and misheaded to the extent of nearly putting the ball through his own goal.  The next point was an attempted shot by Clarke, who stubbed his foot in the soft turf, and had to be attended to by the trainer.  The newcomers to the team were doing quite well.  Race was like his old self of a year ago.  Easton was playing good class football; Common was a rugged defender.  Everton’s full-backs were rousing, notably when O’Donnell stopped Salisbury in flight, and Salisbury turned half-a-dozen somersaults and shook his head as though he were a boxer just receiving from a knock-out blow.  There was a battle of wits when O’Donnell and Clarke had a dodging match and a charge finale, and when Done trod over the ball, Everton had a reasonable chance till Ritchie centred tamely over a full-back’s body. 
KELLY GOES TO THE FRONT
The curiosity of this incident was that Riley had to save at the foot of the post from a rebound.  Kelly joined the forwards, but without getting further work for Riley; and right away went the Liverpool guardians, Race offering a subtle and sound pass for Salisbury, whose centre was mistimed by McFarlane, who trod over the ball.  This did not mean the end of the trouble for the Everton defence, because Clarke took charge, and Sailsbury ran in with grim determination and a hefty shot to find Davies and O’Donnell push out their foot at the same moment to keep the ball from entering the net.  The superior height of Griffiths, centre half, allowing him chances of heading.  Liverpool were unwise to stop for an offside decision that did not arrive because Troup was unmarked, and he dropped across the sort of centre that one looks to for conversion.  The most dogged and difficult run of the match was now credited to Easton, who beat three men and rather spoiled his chance of shooting hard when he pulled the back cleverly and sharply.  He made Riley save, but the ball had no sting.  A foul against White for elbowing was the only sign of disruption in over half an hour.  Riley picked up saucily when Ritchie closed in to attempt a conversion of a rather canny dragging centre by White.  It was capital football so far as strenuousness was concerned, and there was not a goal nor yet a pin’s point between the sides.  One had to make allowances for Derby Day feelings.  Having done this, one was left with the remembrance of excellent football –clean, hard and, at times, very good.  There was a jumble up in front of the grand stand between Morrison and Hart, the latter finding himself grassed unceremoniously. 
GRIFIFTHS HEADS INTO NET
There was no doubt it was a pure accident and that Hart fell over Morrison’s leg just as that player slipped.  Morrison was very sore that the linesman should suggest it was a foul, and the referee had a few words to say to Morrison, seemingly to quieten things.  Actually, just the opposite was the eventual occurrence, because from this debated free kick came a save by Riley, who lifted the ball with one hand over the bar for a corner.  This corner, taken by Troup, led to the tall Griffiths heading through to make the only goal of the first half.  Everton were delighted, and Liverpool were sore that a goal should arise as a direct consequence of the incident that the referee considered a foul on Morrison immediately in front of the officials box.  This annoyance showed itself in the last six minutes of play, and upset much of the pleasure that had gone before.  For instance, Edmed charged Troup, who in his resentment made no doubt about his ankle tap.  There were some boos of dismay from the Liverpudians, and the referee took Troup in hand like the schoolmaster he is.  Of a vastly different, character was the match between McFarlane and O’Donnell, in which both players rose more the ground without any venom and with a smile on their faces.  Half-time; Liverpool 0, Everton 1. 
LIVERPOOL’S DERBY GAME FATE
EVERTON WIN A HEROIC AND DIFFICULT COMBAT AT ANFIELD
CLEAN, HARD FOOTBALL
When the second half started White showed once again that his strong point is trapping a ball and O’Donnell’s “robuster” methods reminded one of the raise be obtained in Switzerland for such tactics.  The interval had apparently quietened the minds of the restive players, and the outlook at the moment was peaceful and rather foggy. Race made a dribbling run that ended when Kelly rattled his feet and Liverpool from the free kick were dangerous, because Common and Griffiths each left a simple header to the other player. Even more dangerous was the situation when Liverpool attacked on the right through Clarke, and McFarlane, dodging swiftly with short steps through the defence, shot against the body of an opponent, Race being left with a great chance, but twisting round n an endeavor to get set, and thus kicking right round the ball.  This was a great chance, Bromilow kept offering good passes to his wing and Davidson was baulked of a good shot through Clarke being in the line of flight, while when a corner was taken by Ritchie, Griffiths went into the mouth of goal to attempt a second goal from a header and found himself marked by Clarke, who is of similar height.
AN UNITENTIONAL BLOW
McFarlane made his best effort to date when he headed a foot over the bar from a swinging centre produced out of the left wing.  Davidson tried to kick clear and gave Done a terrible blow on the head.  Done lay prone on the ground until the ball went for a corner, and he resumed his place at full back just in time to see Griffiths make a thrilling header inches over the bar with Riley in an impossible position to save or make an attempt to save. The ball skimmed against the crossbar and bobbed over.  Not a great deal was seen of either right wing.  Jackson was not quite the dominating force he has been in previous weeks, whereas O’Donnell was having a thoroughly rousing innings.  Griffiths had now become a sort of “Dean disease,” Every time there was a corner to the Everton side, Griffiths became the most marked man on the field, and there were three or four men on top of him. 
RACES WELCOME GOAL
Salisbury was hurt and off the field.  He resumed in time to help in the making of the equalizer two minutes after the hour.  Salisbury seemed to me to lash out at the ball to make an open game of it.  Edmed received the ball as a consequence of McFarlane being unable to trap it, and many must have looked forward to a cut in and a shot by Edmed, who, however, simply turned the ball inwards to Clarke, whose shot had nothing special to recommend it except that, because of it, Race was able to run in and score a popular goal
EVERTON AHEAD AGAIN
Everton quickly recovered their balance and took the lead a corner against Done being the starting point and when the corner was cleared through a header, the corner kick having been a rather low and poor one, Kelly was left with a lobbing chance.   The ball dropped over the heads of the full backs and Riley’s view must have been a rather black one.  At any rate, White found himself three yards out and took the lead with gratitude.  Two goals in two minutes was good fun, and there followed one of the most inspiring items of football it has been my lot to see.  Jackson broke out into an engineering force. He worked the ball up the field on his own, rallied his men by an inspiring display of personal play, and not only did he start a movement of attack but followed it up to within a yard of Davies.  The crowd encouraged him to make these sporting tactics, and when Common made a woeful miskick, anything might have happened.  Liverpool had their chances to equalize, and it must have been sheer fatigue that stopped Race taking the easiest of chances after McFarlane had busied himself with a quick dribble in the mouth of goal.  Race shook his hand in temper at the refusal of a pound and a point. 
THE SUPERIOR SIDE
Liverpool were having much more of the play and of the attack in the second half, and it needed the steadiness and the surety of Griffiths and O’Donnell to stem Liverpool’s persistence.  They were on the attack for ten minutes without reply.  There could be no question of Liverpool’s superiority from the forty-fifth minute until the point at which we have arrived, namely, a quarter of an hour before the finish. There was an argument between O’Donnell and Clarke followed by Clarke making a useful low shot which Davies picked up in clean manner.  There was a spectatorial claim for a penalty against Griffiths which the referee would not think of.  More to the point was a dive by Davies to a shot from Clarke.  Liverpool, as usual, made a wonderful resistance and never for a moment stopped trying in the great task of producing an equalizer. 
BROMILOW LISTENS IN!
One of the concluding items was a free kick eight yards from goal, through Davies carrying the ball too many steps.  It took over a minute to arrange the procedure and Bromilow whispered in Edmed’s ear the process of taking.  In the end there was a gentle tap, and the ball went for a corner, which was cleared and this ended one of the finniest incidents of the game.  In the last minute Riley save at point blank range from White.  Final; Liverpool 1, Everton 2. 

STOKE RESERVES SUCCESS
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 09 February 1929
ADVANTAGE WELL HELD AT EVERTON
EVERTON RESERVES 1, STOKE CITY RESERVES 3
For their match against Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon Stoke Reserves had Mawson, who had recovered from injury, as leader of the attack.  The teams were; Everton; Hardy; Kenendy, and Platt; Curr, Dixon, Rooney; Sefton, Webster, Trent, Martin and Lewis.  Stoke City- D. Deswick; Beachill and Dawson; Godfrey, Hickman, Jackson; Liddle, Pringle, Mawson, Johnson, Wainwright.  Referee; Mr. T.G. Sinclair. 
THE GAME
In the first few minutes the Stoke goalkeeper made a magnificent save from Webster, and at the other end Johnson opened up a movement which was eventually cleared through a clever intervention by Kennedy.  Stoke took the lead after ten minutes’ play.  Following a brilliant combined movement by the right wing, Liddle received possession a few yards from goal and beat hardy with an oblique shot.  The game was very evenly contested, and Lewis was just wide with a good effort, Everton forced a corner on the right, and Dixon headed just outside the upright.  The same player, a minute later, was only inches wide with a good drive.  Liddle, the Stoke right-winger, was a constant thorn in the side of the Everton defence, but he missed a great chance through centring behind.  The agility of Hardy, in the Everton goal, prevented Wainwright from scoring.  At the other end Beachill stopped Martin when the Everton player was close on goal, Martin again had a chance, but shot just outside. 
DANGER FROM THE CITY
Everton were having a good share of the play, but the City were the more dangerous in front of goal.  Especially was this noticed when Liddle drove in finely for hardy to make a brilliant clearance.  Sefton wasted a good chance for Everton, but the home side were quickly on level terms through Webster who scored after Mawson had conceded a corner.  Stoke attacked on the right wing, and Liddle was placed for either a shot or a centre when pulled up for offside.  Ten minutes from the interval Mawson easily got the better of Platt, who was proving a weak link in the Everton defence.  The home left back placed the ball across the goalmouth and enabled Mawson to give Stoke the lead.  Everton should have levelled matters for the second time when Sefton sent into the goal area, but both Webster and Trent missed a gilt-edged chance of scoring, missing the ball completely.  The first half proved interesting, and although there was nothing specially exciting the play generally was of a good standard. 
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Stoke City Res 2. 
In the second half both sides missed several excellent opportunities of scoring, but eventually Johnson, after good work by Mawson scored the third goal for Stoke.  Mawson frequently wended his way between the Everton backs, but Hardy, like Beswick in the Stoke goal, made many good saves. 

LIVERPOOL 1 EVERTON 2
February 11 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
HOW EVERTON DID THE DOUBLE ON LIVERPOOL.
ANFIELDERS' FORWARDS THROW AWAY GOAKS IN CLASSIC MERSEYSIDE CLASH.
RED'S DEFENCE SPREAD-EAGLED BY CHAMPIONS.
WHITE'S GREAT DECIDER.
Liverpool have only themselves to blame for losing the return Merseyside “Derby” at Anfield on Saturday, and Everton have to thank their welcome enterprise for gaining the points by virtue of a two-goal-to-one victory. For enthralling, inspiring football this encounter between these old, friendly rivals –they were meeting for the 57 th time –must be written down as a classic, for except for two incidents which one would rather forget –they both occurred in the opening half –it was contested cleanly and keenly with neither side giving any quarter. From a territorial viewpoint, the Reds held a distinct advantage; in fact, they attacked twice to every once by the Blues. This was particularly noticeable in the second half, when often it was merely a case of the Everton rearguard holding the Reds' attackers at bay. Time after time the home five swept down the field in massed formation with combined lightning-like movements, but when it came to applying the finishing touch they were hopelessly at sea. If the Reds had only taken the absolutely “open” goals they would have been goals to the good at the finish, but, on three occasions, which can readily be recalled, Edmued fired over with not a soul between himself and the gaping net six yards away, and Race twice blinded wide with only Davies guarding the Everton fort. Everton scored first Griffiths heading in following a corner forced from a free kick given for a foul –a doubtful decision. Race equalised for Liverpool, and then White, with a great shot, won the game for the Champions. Salisbury was also another Red who missed chances. In absolute contrast to the Anfielders' tactics, the Everton vanguard adopted the open method –strange for them, it is true –for they made the ball travel from wing to wing, so that the Liverpool defence was generally spread-eagled. The Blues came away time after time, solo and in pairs, and each time they did get going Riley found himself with something difficult to handle. As a line of forwards the home five carried off the palm, but it must have been most disheartening to their supporters to see so much excellent approach work discounted by palpably weak finishing. It is funny thing, too, that the Reds have earned a reputation for being able to snatch at even the most slender branch, and making it serve their purpose.
EVERTON FORWARDS IMPROVE.
Even without Dean, the Everton forwards showed more promise than has been noticed for weeks past, inasmuch as there was more decision about all of them, with the possible exception of Ritchie, who was never at his best. At half-back the Blues had the pull, for the simple reason that their trio could effectively combine attack with defence. Neither was slow in following up an advantage, but whenever the Reds developed they double back on their tracks and were ready and willing to guard against any contingency. The Liverpool intermediaries were too prone to lay up the field right at the heels of their forwards, and that accounted for the fact that so often did the Everton fleet-footed forwards break through with hardly a soul in immediate attendance. Everton held the upper hand also at back, for while O'Donnell stood out as the best man on the field –Griffiths compared with him in some respects –and Common made several bad mistakes the two worked together more as a pair than the home two. Jackson ruined what might have been a heroic exhibition by trying to accomplish too much. He wandered here, there and everywhere, and the folly of this was proved by the manner in which Troup received the ball. As a matter of fact, whenever the Scot gained possession Jackson was not within twenty-five yards of him four times out of six. Done was able to put a tight rein on Ritchie, but his kicking was none too sure, and many times he stepped in where even angels would have feared to tread and quickly realised his mistakes. He did keep better position than Jackson, however, and came to the rescue of the side time after time.
PLENTY OF INCIDENT.
None could complain that there was no incident, and when the play was more even earlier on, each end was visited with astounding rapidity so that neither goalkeeper had any respite. By the manner in which they discharged their many duties they desired none either, for, taking their work all through, better displays could hardly have been given. Riley, it must be admitted, had more difficult material to handle than Davies, and once or twice only his uncanny anticipation saved his side, but Davies was not once at fault, and his courage in coming out to meet centres drew the admiration of the 55,000 who lined the enclosure. The game produced a lesson in goalkeeping for neither man had any chance with the shots, which beat him. To refer to the losers first, one would almost be inclined to give the greatest plum to Tommy Bromilow, the finest ball controller on the field. His was a purely scientific exhibition demonstrated with a coolness, which was a delight in such a needle “affair.” His feeding was excellent, and he stood the pace as well as anyone. Davidson played a storming game at centre-half, using his weight in strict fairness and looking after the requirements of his forwards well. Like Moirrison, however, he played too much to the attack. Morrison's penchant for following up left a wide gap on the home right flank with Jackson roving and it was small wonder that Troup and Easton enjoyed themselves. Edmed and McFarlane were the pick of the forwards, who did better as a combined force rather than individually. Edmed was excellent when he got rid of the ball first time, but he could not hold a candle to O'Donnell in a straight tackle. Clark was the cleverest of all, but he was cumbersome at times, and often held to the ball too long, thereby causing a hold-up in the machine. McFarlane led the line with excellent judgement, and was a masterpiece at nipping between the backs with the ball at toe to bring Davies into action. He did well on his first appearance. Race was hardly strong enough, and Salisbury did not make the most of his opportunities for the Blues O'Donnell took pride of place with Griffith once more a pivot, running him almost a dead-heat. Faced with the most potent home attacking section, O'Donnell never flinched, his fine anticipation, his thrilling rackling and artistic dribbling bringing forth the praises of friend and foe alike. Griffiths covered an astonishing compass with his long legs, reaching balls which seemed to have him beaten time after time. His tackling was relentless, and while he never once lowered his flag in a heading bout, he always tried to use the ball to the best advantage of the men in front. Commom nipped in may times to save dangerous situations, but he was not too sure when harassed. Kelly came back to give one of his best displays with doggedness his outstanding attribute. Hart was many times beaten for speed, but like Bromilow, he kept a cool head, and always considered football first at all. Easton was the best of the forwards, who were inclined to be too individualistic; but they did keep the ball moving, and it was the game, which paid. Easton juggled with extreme cleverness, and made the best of his transfers, so that Troup had a glorious day on the left, his centering being realty artistic. White made a capable deputy for Dean, being quick to seize openings, and making a point of playing up on the backs, while Dunn was the brainiest attacker on view. He always did the unexpected, some of his clever back-heels being a perfect joy. Ritchie hardly made the most of the excellent material his partner provided.
THE SCORING.
Everton took the lead in the first half, when Griffiths headed home from Troup's corner. That corner was forced from a free-kick given against Morrison for a foul when he and Hart became locked as they were following the play up the field. It was a doubtful decision. After 62 minutes Salisbury and Edmed took a strong hand in the attack which brought the equaliser, Clark just gliding the ball over for race to push it into the corner. In two minutes Everton obtained the decider when Kelly followed up a corner to lob the ball into the goalmouth and White, displaying wonderful enterprise, sprang between Done and Davidson to crash the ball into the roof of the net. Thus did the Blues register their second “double” of the season, and come back after a period that has been all too “Blue.” Liverpool had the balance of the play and dovetailed better, but they threw away everything, which the gods gave them. They could have won, but this was Everton's day, and no one will begrudge them the points in a thoroughly satisfying and exciting contest. Teams : - Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Jackson and Done, backs, Morrison, Davidson, and Bromilow, half-backs, Edmed, Clark, McFarlane, Race, and Salisbury, half-backs, Everton: - Davies goals, Common and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Griffiths, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 STOKE CITY RESERVES 3
February 11 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 30)
Everton had a good share of the game, but their attack was not newly so methodical as that of the City, whole right wing, consisting of Pringle and Liddle was particularly dangerous. The latter opened the score, Webster Everton's last forward equalised but Mawson and Johnson scored further goals for Stein. Both custodians made several good saves, and Kennedy was a fine Everton defender. Johnson, ex-Liverpool engineered many of the attacks made on the Everton goal.

‘WONDERFUL’
Athletic News - Monday 11 February 1929
EVERTON FIND A GREAT PIVOT
PLUCK AND LUCK
LIVERPOOL 1, EVERTON 2
By Ivan Sharpe
Modern football may not possess the subtleties of days gone by, when points were less precious, but it does keep things going.  At this reunion of Liverpool and Everton, fought out before a sea of faces- fifty of which were in the Press seats- I was placed in touch with the good old British public.  His voice connected with my left ear.  He was quite impartial.  But he was smitten with Griffiths, “Wonderful!... Look at him!...Marvellous!... Griffiths again! … He’s scored !  I told you!... He’s hit the bar… What a player!” And he is right.  Everton are generally suppose to possess England’s best centre-forward.  Their gluttonous goal-scorer, Dean was absent.  But I fancy it must be said they possess the League’s best centre half-backs, Griffiths was all that his publicity agent announced to the world, or very nearly so, and more than any other player he may be said to have won the match.  He headed a goal from Troup’s corner kick, headed another corner kick against the crossbar, and then when Clark, the burly forward of the Liverpudians, fell back to play policeman on such occasions a corner escaped him, the ball went to Kelly, who centred, and White snatched the winning goal. 
EVERTON AND THEIR STARS
Liverpool, toiling “up the hill,” had only just equalized (through Race), and so were back on the treadmill again.  This was not their lucky day.  They did not deserve to lose, so vigorously did they assault the Everton goal.  But thrust and attack are only half the battle.  There must be finish.  Liverpool found it difficult indeed to get past Griffiths and heroic O’Donnell –the bonniest fighter I have seen for many a day- but when they did struggle over these hurdles they threw away their chances.  Gift goals were refused through rank bad finishing by Edmed and Race, while McFarlance, given the quick trap and shot that we expect in First Division football, might also have scored.  Everton won against the run of the play, and it is easy to say what is wrong with them.  The stars of the forward line were not stars.  The expensive Ritchie-Dunn wing was a sad failure; Troup was little more effective, and so the only successful men in the line were lesser known members –Easton (primarily) and White.  There is no need to search further for the deterioration of the champions.  An old and persistent trouble- ineffective forward play- has returned.  Behind, Griffiths, who moved from the flank to the centre for the occasion, reminded me of Gibson.  Aston Villa’s Scottish International pivot, in build, touch, and command, I have seen him twice, and repeat that here is Soccer football’s coming man.  He was ably supported on each flank, while Davies excelled in goal, and Common, playing for Cresswell, came through the ordeal fairly well.
THE LIVERPOOL ROAR
One thing this Liverpool eleven can do; go the pace good and hard.  Their enthusiasm is refreshing.  They fought this uphill struggle to the ninetieth minute, so that we saw Jackson, ever inspiring, going up into the Everton goalmouth and heard the roar of the Soccer multitude of Merseyside up to the very last kick of the ball.  In a ding-dong game in which no man spares himself and the fun provided is fast and furious to the very end it is a pity to have to criticize.  But some, of course, played better than others, and as this game showed, the shortcomings of the men in possession must be cited in fairness to the reserves.  Well, Riley, Jackson and Done pass with honours, though the last-named should check the habit of over-kicking his forwards.  Morrison and Davidson are stern and virile but are offered lessons by Bromilow in coolness and in constructive completion of a half-back’s work.  Ahead, I liked the right wing-Edmed and Clark –which has the craft demanded of the first-class contest, but McFarlance (playing for hectic Hodgson) could not shake off the grip of Griffiths.  Race should have pulled the game out of the fire, but Salisbury did his bit.  Really, there is little for Merseyside to worry about while its clubs can put up such a thrilling fight.  Liverpool; Riley; Jackson, Done; Morrison, Davidson, Bromilow; Edmed, Clark, McFarlance, Race, and Sailsbury.  Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Ritchie, Dunn, White, Easton, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. A. Josephs, South Shields. 

LIVERPOOL’S POOR FORTUNE IN DERBY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 11 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
If it was not great football, it was rousing. If it was not classic football, it was hard and enervating.  The crowd was naturally smaller than usual, owing to the team-sheet being variously described as “reserve sides,” or as the centre piece of a now famous story of a man sent from the labour bureau for a job at Everton and finding he had no experience in using a mower, or pushing a roller, they sent him “upstairs” to pick a winning Everton team!  But at least it was an orderly crowd and an orderly game, save for the few moments neat half time when the grand stand had a special close-up view of a suggested foul by Morrison on Hart, a long confab from the referee, Mr. Josephs, and a goal through that free-kick, which was stoutly contested-the free kick, not the goal.  Everything had been going in smooth fashion; there had been minor stoppages and here was a major outbreak of football fever, the very thing no one expected and no one wanted.  Fortunately, it died down and I hope its memory will soon be forgotten.  It was the heat of the moment that brought the players into conflict with the referee.  Personally, I must say I enjoyed all the phases of the game, because one had to allow for the natural “reserve” of the Reserve team men who were playing for their places, and had to put a very sure foot forward to get the applause of the crowd whose partisanship allowed no “accidents or mis-kicks.”  Imagine the wee Scotchman McFarlane facing such an audience and such an ordeal.  Think of Common carrying on the Cresswell traditions on such a day as this.  Think of Easton –and then think of him as a good player.  He did sufficient in the first half to recall my words of September 1, when I suggested that Liverpool might take a player and named him –Easton.  I was laughed at.  But I think my reasoning that Easton was the type of inside player Liverpool required is proved to the hilt.  Time has told its tale, and he was at inside left, remember, whereas inside right is his forte. 
DEFENCE IUS SECURE
On either side we saw the prevailing notion of 1928-9-namely, the success of defenders.  You find an odd case where forward lines go crazy for goals and defensive slips are costly, but on the whole this is a great ago of full-backs.  Take the four on Saturday. Jackson conserved his energies to the later half and then romped and roamed even to the opposing goalkeeper’s area. Till the period of which I speak he had been quiescent, yet pretty sure in his unending tackle and his chase after any man with the ball.  By his side young Done had another good day, aided by his half-back, whom he understands to-day better than ever before.  O’Donnell, getting through two men’s work and feasting on the heavy work of the day, had made some heavenly-shots, but generally speaking, he had been fearless and fruity in his measures o making a mark or taking the ball with head or foot.  Common, by his side, got a trifle rash towards the finish, but came out of the ordeal with much credit and his first League bonus.  He will rarely find his side so continuously pressed in the second half as on Saturday and find the payment of 2 pounds.  Of course, it is easy to talk of Liverpool’s non-stop attack of the second half, but at root you have to give the credit to those who take their rare chances, and that being so, Everton must have the award on the score.  Liverpool had far move chances, and did not take them.  Having said that, I think it only fair to declare that the way Liverpool outplayed their rivals in the second half warranted them escaping defeat.  In short, a draw would have bene a verdict no one could complain about. 
GRIFF, PUTSHIS HEAD IN THE WAY
Griffiths, of Wrexham, was signed as a centre half back, and had a long spell there before he slipped to the wing and was promoted.  It would seem he has more scope for heavy dealing with head and boot at centre half back than on the wing, where he was inclined to hang on to the ball a shade too long.  He has enormous reach, a reach that reminds me more and more of Maurice Parry, who, with Sam Haybould, was present at the game.  Here I ought to mention that Mr. Jack Sharp was absent through an illness that threatened to copy his friend-director Mr. Troop.  It was touch and go, and Mr. Sharp will have to go away for recuperative purposes.  Returning to the “Griff-in.”  I recall the time when I suggested that here was a ready-made centre forward having the qualifications of a tip-topper.  My reason being that at Geneva I had sat at the goal-end and watched him very closely as Dean’s deputy.  He had the value of height, reach, heading ability.  He does not let the ball “head” the man, he heads it, he propels it, and his first goal and his second attempt showed how much force can he applied to a ball with the aid of the cranium.  Mopreover he is not a man to run into injury, he picks up his feet wisely and quickly.  He was quite a big figure in this game, and to him, with O’Donnell and Davies in particular, did the honours find a home.  Some day he may blossom out as a centre forward, but one must not think of experiments at Everton at this awkward stage of the season mixed work. 

ALTHOUGH THEY WON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 12 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
Although Everton won the local “Derby” game the forwards are still to blame, the left wing and centre-forward was good, Easton has justified his inclusion and White being a good substitute for Dean, the great weakness is on the right wing (says “30 Years Blue”) why Critchley was dropped after the Huddersfield match I cannot understand, I considered him Everton’s best forward that day.  We must not blink at facts, the best use should be made to the players they have on the books (the material is there) and not leave it too late and chase up to Scotland for players before March 15.  What I suggest is that the directors play their best team, never mind what they have cost and without fear or favour.  The best forward line is Critchley, Martin, Dean (if fit) or White, Easton and Troup. 
MARTIN AS INSIDE-RIGHT
“Fume”writes;-
This is my first offence, and I hope that you may find a certain amount of commonsense in the following; Everton won all right, but perhaps you will agree with me that the win was not convincing.  Everton have played better many times this season, and have been beaten.  I am not satisfied that Saturday’s team was the best.  This would be a better combination and win more matches- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Easton, Troup.  Martin plays better at inside-right, as witness his displays there last back end. 

“A” TEAMS’ DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 14 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
The “Derby” game of the Liverpool County Combination between the A teams of Everton and Liverpool F.C. takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday, kick-off 3 p.m.  Both have played thirteen games, and Everton have won six as against Liverpool’s four.  Everton are top scorers, along with Marine, both having scored 44 goals, while Liverpool’s bag totals but 20.  Everton’s team will be;- Maher; Crompton, Slater; Kell, Jones, Wright; Roscoe, Webster, Vaughan, Templeman, Clough. 

All-Rounders
Derby Daily Telegraph-Friday 15 February 1929
Two footballer-cricketers who have appeared in Derbyshire celebrate their birthday to-day. Jack Sharp, the International is 51, and "Andy" Ducat, another old International, is 43. Sharp played two Cup-finals while with Aston Villa and Everton. For Lancashire he played as an amateur and professional and finished up as captain. He figured in three Tests against Australia. Ducat also wore Aston Villa colours besides those of Southend, Woolwich Arsenal and Fulham. Ducat made 41 centuries for Surrey. He appeared for England versus Australia 1921.

.Jack Sharp's Birthday.
Notting Evening Post- Friday 15 February 1929
Many happy returns Jack 'Sharp, international footballer and cricketer, who was born Hereford on February 15th, 1878. The old Aston Villa and Everton outside-right played in two Cup Finals and rose to director of Everton F.C. For his adopted cricket county, Lancashire, he appeared both a professional and amateur, and ended as captain of the side- Sharp played three tests against Australia, and was tho only batsman to score century for England such matches in 1909. In all first class games, from his first appearance in his last in 1899 to his last in 1925, he scored 22,715 runs, which included 38 centuries and averaged 31.11, while his fast bowling brought him 400 wickets at a cost of 2747 runs each. Jack was a member of tho English Cricket Selection Committee 1921.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 February 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

• Griffiths maiden goal in league football proved one of the unmistakable order
• Common, like Irvine and Kelly before him, was being asked a big question in making his League debut at Anfield in a local Derby
• O’Donnell had a good day in the enclosure where he first caught Everton’s eye.
• White has scored three goals in his three appearances as Everton’s League team centre-forward.
• In his first practice match appearance, two seasons ago, Easton created a very favourable impression, and on Saturday’s showing should prove a useful League team recruit.
• With such figure-heads as Dean, Cresswell, Hodgson, McDougall, and others away, Saturday’s big Anfield went seemed shorn of much of its usual glamour
• Cresswell’s first time of the season left Hunter Hart the Blues’ one remaining ever-present.
• Over two years had elapsed since Hart’s last previous appearance at left-half. 
• Everton have taken all four points from their Anfield rivals for the first time since 1923-24
• Then, as now, Everton won 1-0 at home and 2-1 away.
• Not one of the players who helped Liverpool v Everton in either of those engagements was on view a week ago!
• Everton had two survivors –Hart and Troup
• Wilf Chadwick, the ex-Blue, has asked the Wolverhampton club to place him on their transfer list
• Twenty-three years have elapsed since the “Hearts” last won the Scottish Cup
• On that occasion their left wing was made up of the brothers D and “Smiler” Wilson
• Shortly afterwards the pair were transferred to Everton
• Mr. Brodie, of Liverpool, has settled more football arguments than any other man connected with the game
• For it was Mr. Brodie who invented goal nets way back in the early nineties
• When Dean comes back Everton might well try White and Critchley on the right, with Easton and Troup on Dean’s left.
• Everton are at home to the Cup-holders a week hence.

OLD PLAYER’S DEATH
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 16, 1929
The death is announced of Mr. W. McGregor, who played for Glasgow Rangers for two seasons and then came to Liverpool to play for Stanley, a team that did not last very long.  He came from Ayrshire, whence came the brothers Goodall and the late Mr. Alex Dick.

OLD-TIME PLAYER’S DEATH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 February 1929
Old-timers will regret to hear of the death of Billy Ball, which occurred on the 7th inst., at Colombo, on his way home from Australia.  Billy will be remembered as a strong, resolute half back connected with the old Liverpool South-end F.C later playing for Blackburn Rovers and Everton League teams. 

EVERTON “A” 2 LIVERPOOL “A” 2
February 18 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
The Junior “Derby” game attracted a fair crowd to Goodison Park and a draw was a true reflex. Liverpool held the advantage during the first half by adapting themselves better to the conditions, Sullivan scored the only goal of the first half for Liverpool, but Everton might have been level had Webster made use if his change near the interval, Everton played much better after the resumption and French soon put them on equal terms, and later the same player added a second goal from a penalty. Wilde, however, gained the equaliser in the closing stages, Maher and Fairhurst the custodian, made some clever saves. Slater and J. was good in defence and the intermediate line honours were quality divided between Jones and James. The pick of the Everton forwards were French and Templeton. Liverpool's most prominent forward were Sullian and Wilde.

EVERTON CRITICS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
William Ellis is an expert.  Read.-
I am claiming your service once more, if you will kindly do the needful, as an old-time player of the Liverpool South End teams, both professional and amateur, and a supporter of the good old Blues for forty-three years, and I may say I have seen nearly all league matches since 1912, war time included.  The public are asking “What is wrong with the Blues?”  I may say the trouble this last four seasons has been brought about by the W formation-Forshaw, Dunn, Martin, Weldon playing it every time they are in the team, and Dean has got to head the ball towards his own goal to feed them.  It is imperative that the forwards must adopt this W formation?  Why don’t the directors or Cresswell give us a spell of the old-time advance-five forwards in a line?  Why don’t the Everton half-backs chase the inside forwards towards the goal, instead of giving them the ball in midfield, which is mistaken tactics?  I plead for fair play- more for Critchley, who I maintain is the best outside right the club has on their books; and I notice the club seldom lose when he is in the team.  The record show that he is a good drawing forward, seldom failing in his runs to draw three or four men towards him.  Inside forwards should line up with Dixie and he will show them effective football; they will receive his passage as he proved in the Lancashire v. The Football League X1.,m at Bolton, with men on each side of him lying well up to receive his passes, and getting good goals through his accurate passes right to their toes- I refer to D. Jack, of Bolton and Johnson of Manchester City. 

DEAN TO LEAD EVERTON AGAINST BLACKBURN.
February 20 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
WHITE MOVED TO INSIDE-RIGHT.
DUNN IN SCOTLAND' CRITCHLEY ON THE WING
Everton will have as opportunents on Saturday Blackburn Rovers, for the game at Goodison Park, the Blues find Dean recovered from his injury, and he therefore deposes White from the leadership of the side. Dunn will be away assisting Scotland (Didn.t play, injured) so the directors have moved the former Southport player to inside right and he will have as partner Critchley. The team reads: - Davies; Common, O'Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, White, Dean, Easton, Troup.

H Young
Derby Daily Telegraph -Wednesday 20 February 1929
H. Young the Newport County outside left, in his second season with the Welsh club, has been suspended for a month by the directors for an alleged breach of training regulations He was formerly with Everton and Brentford.

EVERTON ANNOUNCE THEIR TEAM VERSUS THE CUPHOLDERS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
Rather momentous decisions were made last night when the local directors met for the serious business of settling their sides.  With Blackburn Rovers the drawing power to Goodison Park on Saturday there is evidence of life and interest in the League game because the Rovers have captured our imagination again by holding the Cup- per register, for they gave up their trophy some time ago; according to rule –and by having a ripe chance to go to the final stage again.  Everton had to make one compulsory change through the selection of Dunn for Scotland v. Ireland.  They elected to bring in the versatile White at inside-right, the ex-Southport man, who started as an outbreak-left, now having appeared at centre-forward, inside-right, right half-back, and centre half-back, as well as having a spell of full-back service- a combination of places that remind one of the days when Donald Mackinlay was the knock-about turn, appearing everywhere in turn but never being sure of a first team place till the 1914 final tie made his name and position secure.  Easton continues as inside-left, and the team reads;- Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, White, Dean, Easton, Troup.  The kick-off is at 3.15.  Today the Rovers go to Cleverely for brine baths.  They will also have sunray and other treatment, but there will be no rigorous course of special training for their cup-tie with Bolton Wanderers. 
DUNN, OF EVERTON, UNABLE TO HELP SCOTLAND
Dunn, the Everton forward, was chosen to play for Scotland against Ireland, on Saturday, but will not be able to play owing to an injured knee.

CORINTHIANS VISIT EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post -Thursday 21 February 1929
The Corinthians will meet Everton in match at Goodison Park on Saturday, March 2. West Ham United, who were to have metthe champions in a League game, being engaged m their F.A. Cup-tie on that date.

EVERTON’S BIT OF GOOD NEWS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 February 1929
GOOD VISITORS
Bee’s Notes

It is a capital idea that Corinthians and Everton should play at Goodison Park on the vacant site of March 2.  I had no idea of the inner workings when I published some days ago the suggestion that Corinthians or Glasgow Rangers might be with us on that day.  But I am sure I shall be forgiven for my intelligent anticipation and certainly there will be a crowd of rare dimensions for this game.  It will draw the big people, it will draw the smaller fry, like you and I, and it will give us a splendid friendly test.  We have not seen Corinthians since they were at New Brighton last season, when New Brighton won 2-1 in a deluge of rain- a game broadcast from a bedroom, you may remember.  That was no day to judge the famous amateur club.  March 2 will provide one of the best fixtures which football of this city has known. 

SCOTTISH TEAM CHANGE
Arbroath Herald-Friday 22 February 1929
Dunn, of Everton, cannot take his place for Scotland to-morrow at Ireland, and W. S. Chalmers, of Queen's Park, will fill the position. In the Irish side, Flack, of Burnley, will appear at left back in place R. Hamilton, of Rangers.

EARLY VISITORS
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Friday 22 February 1929
Tottenham Hotspur, after their successful first season in the Second Division in 1908-9, were one of the first British teams to visit the Argentine, and Everton were also there during that year.  The ‘Spurs won their five matches against South American teams, but lost one of their two matches against Everton and drew the other.  Tottenham brought back a parrot with them, and this died strangely enough, on the day the ‘Spurs failed to get –reelected to the First Division in 1919!

 BLACKBURN CUP SIDE AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 22 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
It has been said that Blackburn in their game against Bury in the Cup-tie were not too nice.  Well, Blackburn have never been over-eager as a side, but they have been rugged to say the least, and the spirit of the big back, Hutton, has permeated the whole side.  It was he who spirited them to their Cup success, if I know anything about mentality- he rolled up his sleeves; the kick-off at Wembley sounded over the globe, and instinctively big Hutton leaped to the air- a strange, unsought incident, but typical of the mind of the man; he was “all-sight” for the fray; no one should pass him.  From that day he and his men have done well, and they have a chance of League and Cup success.  It is curious that they and their beaten foe, Huddersfield, should this season, at this moment, be in the same category –in that they have a chance of one or both trophies.  And each may fall in the double test, just as Huddersfield failed last season.  Blackburn are the visitors to Goodison Park tomorrow and in view of the changes in the home side, the return of Dean (and the return of a chance of seeing Everton in winning vein) plus the view of the Cupholders, makes the game a very attractive one, and turns the Everton tide at a convenient moment.  “With all their faults they love them” might easily be applied to the thousands of Everton followers.  Tomorrow will be an acid test of the Everton side.  The test of the half-backs and backs is stern; the call of the pivotal move will be severe, because Griffiths will have to tackle the find of the season- Bourton.  I’m sorry I can’t join in the sight of this football spectacle.  These are the teams;-
Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, White, Dean, Easton, Troup. 
GOODISON PARK MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band, on Saturday, will give a special Campbell and Connelly programme at Goodison Park as follows;-
Fox Trot..How Long has this been going on?”
Waltz..For Old Times Sake.”
Fox Trot..All by Yourself in the Mountain,”
Waltz.. Was it a Dream,”
Fox Trot…”Blue Bird, Sing Me a Song.”
Fox Trot (song)…Sonny Boy.”

Derby Daily Telegraph-Saturday 23 February 1920
There was a time when Everton were willing to sell William Eaton, the young inside forward they secured from the North-Eastern League club, Blyth Spartans, two seasons ago, but when Stoke enquired his price they did not fancy paying well into four figures for a comparatively unknown reserve player. Now Easton has literally forced himself into the first eleven, and Stoke are likely wish they had down. Easton isn't for sale at any price to-day.

GOODISON DISPLAY OF SHOOTING STARS.
February 23 rd 1929. The Daily Courier.
BLACKBURN'S PROGRESS TO BE CHECKED TODAY?
DEAN RETURN'S.
Everton have a respectable record in the series of matches with their old foes Blackburn Rovers, and in the last half dozen tussles they have secured no fewer than 8 of the points at stake. Many tides have, however, trembled on Mother Mersey's bosom since a year ago when the Champions were in their prime and now, Confronted with a team who are within reach of both “plums” and who are sweeping onwards with irresistible dash, supporters of the Goodison Park club are asking themselves were fully if the much-desired revival must be postponed again. Yet they console themselves with that the inimitable Dean, with his innumerable artifices, will be back to the fold at Goodison Park today. That fact and means a lot of the hopes of the home crowd. But Blackburn Rovers, too, possess shooting stars of high degree. What about young Clarence Bourton, who is devoting his varied abilities to the plough in the International furrow? If he maintains his wonderful goalscoring propensities he must be given a cap some day. Then there are Puddefoot, artful and seaned, and Roscamp.
HEAVIEST BACK.
Oh, yes with all these classic, and a few more whom I have not mentioned, it will be a pleasant match, in which there will be a point or points, for the Champions. Dragging reaction of recent high endeavour is bound to cloud the Rovers' ranks in this period of seeming tranquillity, so I expect the Goodison bogy to strike again, to some extent anyway, the Blackburn invades, Hutton or no Hutton. The mention of the burly Scot makes me feel that here we have the heaviest back in England football today. But though carrying, avoirdupois in generous quantities, he can “lad about” like a two-year-old. Just watch him today. He seems to have taken as his battle cry the famous wartime phrase of a French Army general. “They shall not Pass.” However, I recommend him with all, his impressive power, to centre-forward, Dean, of Everton. The match starts at 3-15, and the teams are: - Everton; Davies; Common, O'Donnell; Kelly Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, White, Dean, Easton, Troup. Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Hutton, Roxburgh; Healless, Rankin, Campbell; Roscamp, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean, Mitchell.

EVERTON’S HARD TEST
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 February 1929
THE CUPHOLDERS AT GOODISON
SWIFT PENETRATION
ROXBURGH’S MISCHANCE
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, Easton, White, Martin, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Raitt, Roxburgh; Healless, Rankin, Campbell, Rosecamp, Puddefoot, Bourton, Mclean, Mitchell.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. 
There was much disappointment that Dean and Hutton were unable to play.  Dean, I understand, is still suffering from stiff leg.  There was a mist hanging about, but it was not sufficient to interfere with vision.  Everybody was delighted to see Davy Raitt again, and if he played half so well as he did at Blackburn against his old side he would in no way weaken the strong Rovers team. 
EARLY PENETRATION
There was a goal in four minutes, and as it came to the Rovers there was great disappointment in the fairly big crowd.  O’Donnell, in making a scissors kick, sliced the ball, but got away with it, but when he made a second miskick and deflected the ball towards his own goal, Rosecamp snapped up the chance and shot into the net.  This was bad enough, but when the Cup-holders were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty line, and when Campbell made a good shot, there was consternation amongst the crowd until Davies cleared his lines.  The Everton attack had little chance thus far, for the Blackburn men would not be put off from attacking, but when a pass went into the middle, White was a trifle slow in defining the drop of the ball and so lost a possible chance of having a tilt at the Rovers’ goal.  A little later Martin slipped a ball through the middle, but the tall Rankin, with his long legs, cut out any chance that White might have had of gaining possession, Bournton showed how quickly he could alter an attack when he quickly got a ball under control and sent it out clear of everyone to Rosecamp, who, however, did not make the best use of it.  The next few minutes were packed full of incidents and thills.  The Rovers should have had a second goal, for when Mclean headed right across the goalmouth, all Puddefoot had to do was put the ball into the net, but just a fraction of delay spoiled him, for Davies had dashed across his goal and got in the way of Puddefoot’s shot.  Even then the danger was not cleared, for Bourton made efforts to find a way through to the Everton net, but Davies and others thwarted them. 
AN UNLUCKY PASS
That was sensational enough, but it was nothing as compared with the goal that Everton got in the next minute.  White was chasing the ball, and to prevent him from getting in contact with it Roxburgh passed back to his goalkeeper, and, to the surprise of everyone, the ball passed beyond Crawford and into the net at the end of fifteen minutes’ play.  Everton now showed greater penetration, and for ten minutes the Rovers’ defence had a warm time with Crawford having to make a quick save from Easton.  Mclean and Mitchell had a wonderful understanding.  Mitchell had a habit of standing well up the field, and Mclean gave him some opportunities by just turning the ball forward wide of the Everton man.  It was a grand move, and came off practically every time; and to save the situation, O’Donnell had once to head over his own bar to stop a fast centre from Mitchell from going straight across to either Puddefoot or Rosecamp.  Healless and Hart bumped each other’s heads and had to receive attention, and the smartness of Bourton was seen once again when he defeated an Everton defender by the merest flick of the boot and then shot a trifle wide. 
MARTIN’S SUCCESS
The Rovers are not afraid to “mix it” a bit when necessary, and once Critchley got in between two of them and was pocketed, so that he could not do anything.  However, at the 29th minute, Everton took the lead through a shot by Martin which, to my mind, Crawford should have saved.  There was not a lot of punch behind the shot, but there was a suggestion that it touched a player en route, and was deflected away from the goalkeeper; but to that I do not agree, for after Martin had beaten Rankin he had a clear course, and took it.  Crawford dropped to his knees while the ball sped past him on his left side.  Crawford was undoubtedly surprised that the ball had beaten him, but he made amends a little later when he caught a fierce drive by Critchley.  At this point Everton were masters, and Crawford to a make another save from Kelly, while only a slip up by White prevented that player having a shot from close range.  Crawford is such a good goalkeeper as a rule that was strange to find him suffering from nerves, as he showed when he went down on his knees to a very ordinary shot and then fumbled it.  the previously strong Blackburn attack had somewhat fizzled out when Everton set their machinery in motion, and their defence had quite as much as they could manage during the next quarter of an hour, so persistent and fiery was the Everton from line. 
BOURTON AS COLOSSUS
Davies had to save from Mitchell, and once again when Common passed back from close in.  there was also an appeal for a penalty for hands against a Rover defender, but the only award Everton received was a corner kick, which Crawford disposed of.  Bourton used the old-fashioned method of letting the ball pass, between his legs so that it could reach a colleagues better placed, but Mitchell was hasty in his drive, and Davies was not troubled by a ball which passed wide.  Right on time Critchley was offered a gift goal, but could not accept it, his shot dragging the net support.  Half-time; Everton 2, Blackburn Rovers 1. 
EVERTON WELL AGAIN
TAKING CUPHOLDERS DOWN
MARTIN AND WHITE
ROXBURGH SCORERS TWICE AGAINST OWN SIDE
Blackburn should have had an equalizing goal soon after the resumption, for Rosecamp, who makes a habit of going close in when corner kicks are taken, was offered a gorgeous chance, but, like Puddefoot, he slammed the ball on to Davies, and, although there was a hot scrimmage in the goalmouth, the ball was ultimately cleared. 
DOUBLE BY MARTIN
The hour saw Everton go further ahead, and it was again through White’s tenacity.  He followed a ball that would have gone for a goal-kick, and hooking it into the goalmouth, Crawford only half cleared, the ball dropping to Martin’s toe.  Although he had to stretch out his leg before he could shoot, he just managed to get enough force behind it to send it into the net, with Roxburgh endeavoring to keep it out.  Everton were undoubtedly showing plenty of fight but it had to be admitted that some of the schemes and plans of the Rovers were excellent.  Everton were more practical than I have seen them for some time, and White was leading his men in fine style.  He once took two heavy charges from Rankin, but even then would not turn it up, and he went on to make Crawford save.  Mitchell, with a cross shot, tested Davies, who fell on the ball and then had to throw clear to avoid a charge. 
WHITE NOTCHES FOURTH
The Rovers’ half-back line used their weight without compunction, and Troup was once sent flying by Healless.  First-time methods from the Everton wingmen caused the Rovers’ defenders no end of trouble; in fact, Everton at this point were toying with the famous Cup holders, and White would only have got his deserts if he had got a goal, for it was only a fine save by Crawford that prevented him from having one.  However, it was not long delayed, for at the seventh-fifth minute he headed a centre from Critchley into the net.  By this time the Rovers had gone to pieces.  They could do no right against Everton, who gave their most impressive display.  When Troup was well inside the area he slashed across a fast centre which Roxburgh had the mortification of scoring against his own goalkeeper for the second time during the afternoon.  Davies had to make a good save from Mitchell and Crawford from point blank range, a shot from White following good work by Critchley and Easton.  Only once before this season in a League game have Everton scored five goals and that was against Newcastle on December 22. 
GOAL BY McLEAN
With five minutes to go, Mclean scored for Blackburn with a fine shot, but such was the feeling of the Blackburn lads that only one man went up to him to offer his congratulations.  Dead on time, Mitchell hit the underneath part of the crossbar.  Final; Everton 5, Blackburn Rovers 2.  

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 February 1929
By Louis T. Kelly

• Raitt’s only League team appearance for Blackburn was made in the match against his old club, Everton, four months ago.
• The Spurs’ last away success dates back to February 11 of last year, when they overthrew Everton 5-2
• Everton to date, had taken 17 points out of 18 from the Rovers at Goodison since the war.
• The Blues’ goal total also read 18 to 2

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL A TEAM FINISH LEVEL
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 23, 1929
At Goodison Park the local A teams had their Derby.  Liverpool were slightly the better side in the first half, and were entitled to their goal lead at the interval.  Everton in the second half, played clever football, but rather too close passing spoiled them.  French eventually gained the equalizing goal, and later put his side ahead from a penalty, Liverpool now took a turn, and fought back to gain the qualiser just before time by Wilde. 

EVERTON 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
February 25 TH 1929. The Daily Courier.
SEVEN GOALS IN EVERTON DEFEAT OF THE ROVERS.
DEFENSIVE BLUNDERS BY BLACKBURN AND LUCKY POINTS FOR CHAMPIONS
REVIVAL MAINTAINED AT GOODISON
DEAN ADSENT; MARTIN AND WHITE IN FORM; BAD DAY FOR ROXBURGH
Defensive blunders by Blackburn, an extra ounce of virility, and a shade of that invaluable asset –luck –gave Everton a welcome victory over the Rovers at Goodison Park on Saturday. People were in doubt as to whether the Champions could continue their welcome revival, started at the expense of Liverpool, especially as Billy Dean reported unfit at the last moment. The team which did duty had a somewhat Central League flavour about it, but it stands to the credit of the eleven that they gave a fine exhibition of spontaneous “first kick at the ball “ football. For the opening thirty minutes it appeared as if the Rovers were bound to prove that it is harder to win the Cup than the League Championship, for they gave the Blues an object lesson in fast, clever well-combined football. In four minutes they took the lead, when the cup-winning Roscamp wriggled his way through the defence to score with a shot which Davies touched but which rolled just over the line. It was quite a simple affair, and left everyone dumbfounded. Encouraged by this success, Blackburn demonstrated how they done so well in both League and Cup warfare, for they held the Champions in subjection, delivering thrust after thrust on the home goal. Roxburgh, the Blackburn left-back, had an unfortunate day, for he was the man who paved the way for the Everton victory, and even when it had been won drove an extra nail into the coffin of his own side. He had the misfortune to put through his own goal twice, but it was the first blunder, which mattered. Challged by White, he endeavoured to flick the ball outside, but placed it low into the net. Nothing daunted, the Rovers still continued to play good football, but then the Everton defence settled down to play steady football after a somewhat shaky opening, and the Blues gained a fortunate goal by Martin after 28 minutes.
HOW CRAWFORD WAS BEATEN.
A long shot from Martin hit the turf of earth in it flight at the same time as Crawford stumbled to the ground on both knees. The ball swerved away to pass just under his hand into the goal. The Champions were highly delighted at their lead, following three goals, which were the fruit of fortune. They buckled to with rare zest, always making sure to reach the ball first and make the best use of it in the shortest possible time. It was their turn to call the time, and it was a merry one. For minutes on end one saw the Blackburn defenders at their wits' end to repel the rapier-like raids of the Champions. So deadly were the Blues that on occasion questionable tactics had to be resorted to by the Rovers to keep them at bay. Even then the Champions must have considered themselves the children of the gods to be ahead at the interval, but in the second half they made no mistake on the question of superiority, though hardly from a purely football sense. Martin and White scored excellent goals for the Blues before Roxburgh kindly placed a centre from Troup into his own net. From that point onwards the Rovers came into their own again –it is true Everton eased up somewhat –and McLean scored with a lovely shot into the roof of the net to ring down the curtain on the scoring. Except for the first half-hour there was little scientific football, but for exhilaration and enjoyment the match would be hard to beat. Thrills were taking place in either goalmouth almost every minute, and Crawford can take full credit for pulling his side out of many difficulties, even though he was not always quick in disposing of the ball. After the splendid showing of the Champions hope springs up that their revival is really a genuine one, for the team as a whole showed more willing endeavour than has been the case in the majority of matches this season. There was sympathy and team spirit evident, and this is what the Champions have been lacking for a long time. The five forwards, fast, and eager, received splendid support from the trio behind them, and the backs gave not an inch away after that uncertain opening.
MARTIN BEST ATTACKER.
Martin stood out as the best attacker, for, in addition to his two goals, he was the prime schemer and was always endeavouring to do the unexpected. White Led the line splendidly, making the best use of every pass which came his way, and Easton, though none too convincing in front of goal, was the creator of many a good opening for his confreres. Critchley outshone Troup on the wing, but this was partly due to the fact that he had more chances. Griffiths was the best men on the side; in fact, there was no one to approach him out of the whole 22. Hart and Kelly preformed many brilliant things a took a lot of work off the shoulders of Common and O'Donnell, who, however, had plenty to do. O'Donnell was the best back on the field, and Common gave an improved display on that at Anfield. Davies might have saved the first goal, but he did well afterwards. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Common and O;Donnell, backs, Kelly, Griffiths, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Critchley, Easton, White, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Crawford, goal, Raitt and Roxburgh, backs, Healless, Rankin and Campbell, half-backs, Roscamp, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean, and Mitchell, forwards.

NEW EVERTON FORWARD.
February 25 th 1929. The Daily Courier.
Substantial fee for Walsall Centre-forward R. Albert Attwood, who has been signed by Everton. Attwood joined Walsall from the Army, and has scored 16 goals this season. He is 5ft 9in; and weights 11 st 6lbs. Attwood played a brilliant game against Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday, and he scored one, Attwood was in the Rhine Army until a few months ago, and since joined Walsall has scored 13 goals in 13 Third Division (South) matches, Manchester City, among other clubs, have recently been interested in him. The transfer fee is stated to be a substantial one.

ATTWOOD transferred
Derby Daily Telegraph-Monday 25, 1929
Walsall transferred A. Attwood their centre forward, to Everton for a substantial fee after the with Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday. Attwood, until few mouths ago, was on the Rhine with the Shropshire Regiment, and he has played in several representative Army teams.

FORWARDS, GIVE THANKS
Athletic News - Monday 25 February 1929
GRIFTS AT GOODISON
EVERTON 5 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
By Impressionist
What a dainty dish-League Champions and Cupholders.  Unfortunately, it is unseasonable.  On the one hand, Everton have no more than the bare title to claim.  At the outset it seemed they had imported fresh lustre to a championship team.  Their followers have experienced a grievous disillusionment; albeit those who go to Goodison Park always have this consolation that they will come across the football which is more heard of as a relic of the past than seen.  Everton are vastly deteriorated.  The other fly in the ointment as between bearers of honours was that Blackburn Rovers’ visions of the double-Cup and League championship –are naturally focused to the immediate vista of Ewood Park and Bolton Wanderers.  The Rovers will play with more spirit and tenacity next Saturday.  It is only fair to say that they did not readily accept defeat, and at the finish were fighting quite well, so that Micthell struck the cross-bar and the last of the goals were theirs.  On the whole it was the unsatisfactory game, of coming events casting their shadows before, for one thing, and of threadbare goals for another.  From out of a set of seven, it is easy to select four which ought not to have been. 
MATERLY GOALKEEPER
The irony of it is that clever defensive intervention and masterly goalkeeping frustrated the best laid forward schemes, and that blunders profound contributed to goals.  When the Rovers became a goal up four minutes from the start the crowd must have obtained a settled conviction that they were to see an example of Cup-winning football.  The goal was a gift, yet revealing the Blackburn incisiveness, and in particularly the capacity of Rosecamp for driving chances home amidst much of his play that savours of instability.  O’Donnell went to hit the ball, as he often does, resoundingly, and it whirled up behind him, whence Roscamp raced and shot at a narrow angle, the ball going through Davies’ hands.  Throughout Rovers were the shuttlecock of fortune before the goal, and never more so than in the ten minutes between this advantage and Everton equalizing, or I should say being presented with a point.  For Roxburgh, harassed by White, took his goalkeeper by surprise trying to pass back, and sent the ball very definitely into his own net.  Altogether it was an unhappy day for Crawford, in goal, and Roxburgh, hardly to be explained by the absence of Hutton from the Blackburn defence, or Dean from the Everton attack; whole on the home side there were positive escapes from the mistakes of Common and O’Donnell.  Everton went ahead with a ball from Martin which lobbed its way to Crawford, descended on him at the half-volley, and passed over his right arm, while the same forward obtained another from Crawford pushing Troup’s fast cross to his feet. 
ONE AMONG MANY
Right outstanding amidst so much concession was the Griffiths, Critchley, White movement, finishing with a goal from the latter.  The another shock to Roxburgh who diverted the ball from Troup going across the goal past Crawford.  Finally Mclean took the Everton goalkeeper by surprise.  Everton are winning but not in the convincing Everton style.  It comes as the obvious to mulct forwards into the blame.  On the contrary, it seems to me, they are again confronted with defensive uncertainly, O’Donnell blows hot and cold, and Common is not up to the standard.  The most consistent players are Hart and Troup, especially the former, never a failure, and adaptable anywhere, Griffiths always got the ball from the air, and often when it was on the floor, but revealed little tactful restraint and rather palpably drove out to the wings.  The lesser lights –judged from monetary values –in the Everton attack should enhance themselves from a playing viewpoint on this showing. White was a most excellent deputy for Dean, and Easton and Martin struck the medium of Everton cult and modern pace and direction.  Any critical individual survey of the Rovers might lead me into complications, having regard to part achievements and future possibilities.  Roxburgh and Crawford can scarcely make such pregnant mistakes again; the half-backs will play better, likewise the forwards, of whom Bourton, rapidly enriching himself in football technique, will enjoy better luck.  The score is a more adverse comment on the Rovers than was deserved.  Everton; Davies; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, Easton, White, Martin, Troup.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Raitt, Roxburgh; Healless, Rankin, Campbell, Rosecamp, Puddefoot, Bourton, Mclean, Mitchell.  Referee; Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. 

ATTWOOD AHOY!
Liverpool Echo- Monday 25 February 1929
By Bees
Arthur Attwood, the Walsall centre-forward whose transfer Everton secured after the Midland club’s Third Division match against Queen’s Park Rangers on Saturday, has gained most of his football experience in the Army.  A native of Walsall, he enlisted in the Shropshire Regiment just over seven years ago and was stationed for along time on the Rhine.  Whilst there he played in several representative matches including those against France and Belgium, and an Oxford University touring team.  He was not demobilized until the present season had opened.  Walsall immediately obtained his signature, and, after he had shaped well at outside right, they tried him at centre-forward in their Birmingham League team.  His success in that position was instantaneous.  In his first match he scored six goals, and two days later he accomplished the “hat-trick” against Birmingham in a Staffordshire Senior Cup-tie.  So impressed were Walsall with his form that they promoted him to their first team, even to the exclusion of such a prolific scorer as Lane, the ex-Derby County and Birmingham forward, who, with thirty-six goals, was second to Morris, of Swindon, in the Southern Section of the Third Division lasts season, and had been doing almost equally well during the present campaign.  Walsall’s confidence in Attwood was fully justified.  He has since appeared in thirteen Third Division games, and has averaged exactly a goal per match.  Curiously enough, however, he did not get a goal in four F.A Cup-ties, although he gave Middlesbrough a fright they are not likely to forget with a magnificent drive which would have removed them from the competition if it had been an inch lower.  Well-built and possessed of abundant energy, Attwood is a forceful forward, with a good shot in each foot.  It is almost a certainty that Everton snapped him up only just in time, for several others clubs, Manchester City amongst them, have recently been interested in him. 

EVERTON’S RETURN TO FORM
Liverpool Echo - Monday 25 February 1929
REMARKABLE GOAL CROP
THE SPIRT OF YOUTH
DEFEATS STAR CUP SIDE AT GOODISON
By Stork
The Everton team was not a big one, and one anticipated that the heavy artillery of the Rovers’ side –the half-back line- and a defence that is considered to be the best in the land, would be able to handle these “wee ‘uns,” for wee ‘uns they were in comparison with Rankin, Healless, and Campbell, without any great difficulty; but for once in a way this impregnable line crumped up before the little fellows, who, by their sheer grit and the will to overcome terrific odds set against them, and their own methods, were responsible for the slaying of the Goliath. 
WAITING IN VAIN
The first fifteen minutes was undoubtedly the Cupholders’, and they should have had more than one goal scored by Roscamp, but they made some sad blunders in front of goal, and Everton were able to get on terms through Roxburgh touching a shot from White into his own net.  Even then most of us waited the moment when the Rovers would rise in their might a run off the equalizer, but when further errors crept into their defensive schemes we began to wonder what had caused Rankin to ask, “Who will take it (the Cup) from us?”    Crawford faulted when Martin sent in a shot of ordinary pace which did not need the undue care that Crawford gave to it, but it was obvious that he was unsettled, for the ball bounded over his shoulder after he had gone to his knees when it was hardly necessary.  That was the last straw, and Blackburn who had opened out so strongly, had to go into defence, for Everton had got over their four minutes goal blow and were fighting so sternly and with determination that they battered their way through this “star” defence, and when Crawford failed to hold a cross from White which enabled Martin to score his second goal, and Roxburgh turn a shot from Troup into his own net, and White had headed a goal from Critchley’s centre, the spirit of the Rovers had completely vanished.  Such was the feeling among them that when McLean scored a capital goal only one of his colleagues went up to him to offer him felicitations on his success.  The Rovers had “turned it up,” not a promising feature in a prospective Cup-winning side. 
WHITE’S TENACITY
Everton may not have been worth five goals, yet might have scored more, but they were not really that much superior to their opponents.  The most pleasing part of their victory was the “ginger” they put into their work.  Don’t forget they had to work off a goal scored against them in four minutes, and while they were overplayed for some time they never once gave up trying, and if their football was not quite so scientific as it was last year there was more “bite” in it, while the attack played as a line, which meant that the Rovers’ defence had five men to keep an eye on.  Take Easton and Critchley, for instance.  They were yards faster than has been the case previously, while their go-ahead methods brought better results than all the fancy tip-tapping business which has been going on.  Then we had White leading the line with skill and dash; and it must be some time since the Rovers’ defence was so harassed into making such slips, Rankin –even with his great height –did not always master White when the ball was in the air, while’s speed carried him away from the big-timbered men; but it was his tenacity that proved such a vital factor in his success.  On one occasion he was twice charged off the ball by Rankin, but he would not allow his opponent moment’s peace of mind, and actually came back to him, regained possession, and gave Crawford a shot to save, Martin, too, was persistent; and he worked for White and Troup as well as found time to have a crack at goal himself. 
SOLID AS A ROCK
Griffith was sound in the centre, although up against a dandy centre-forward in Bourton, whilst Kelly did well against the scheming Mclean and his partner Mitchell.  Puddefoot, always a roamer, a Roscamp found Hart dour, but their greatest difficulty was when they ran up against O’Donnell, who made two mistakes early on- one brought a goal-but was afterwards as solid as a rock, with Common and Davies backing him up all along the line. 
NEW BRIGHTON SIGN CHEDGZOY AS PROFESSIONAL
New Brighton F.C, have signed Chedgzoy, so of the old Everton player, on professional forms.  Chedgzoy has been playing remarkably well in the reserve side, and the club has made a wise more by making certain of his services. 

EVERTON'S NEW CENTRE.
Yorkshire Post -Tuesday 26 February 1929
The Walsall centre forward, Attwood. who has been transferred to Ever ton. was secured by Walsall from tho Army. He weighs list. 1st 6lb., and stands 5ft. 9in. He has been consistent scorer for the Third Division club.'

Dean's Rivals
Derby Daily Telegraph-Tuesday 26 February 1929
DEAN, who has been out of the Everton side owing to injury has now another rival with the signing the Toffeemen of Attwood, the young Walsall forward, who has done so well since his promotion to the Southern Section side's seniors. Attwood played football with the Rhine Army, and was snapped up bv the Saddlers as soon as he had doffed Ins khaki kit. White, the recognised deputy for Dean, has been doing exceptionally well with the League side. Liverpool papers are beginning to ask, "What will'Everton do with William Dean?"

PRAISE –AT LAST
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 26 February 1929
Bees’ notes
“Sailor Blue” hoists the victory flag and offers praise thus;- This is my first attempt, but I can’t resist it.  I was very pleased with Everton’s forward line, and was glad to see them playing five forwards instead of three; their passing was good without overdoing it.  I hope they will always play like that, but this is the point; Dean will have to come in when fit.  Whom can they drop?  I suggest giving White an extreme wing berth- his old position. 

EVERTON TACKLE CORINTHIANS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 27 February 1929
Bee’s Notes
Everton have not put out their recent signing, Attwood, for this game but have concentrated on the team that won a week ago, save that Davies is down with a cold and Hardy returns.  Their team is Hardy; Common, O’Donnell; Kelly, Griffiths, Hart; Critchley, Easton, White, Martin, and Troup.  Of that number you will recall six who have played in other positions than those they hold on Saturday.  I mention this because Everton Reserves today went to Huddersfield with a team that went to Huddersfield with a team that made Stein, the outside left, into a half-back.  The side reads; Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Kell, Dixon, Stein; Ritchie, Forshaw, Attwood, Weldon, and Lewis. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE GAME.
Yorkshire Post -Thursday 28 February 1929
Everton Successful at Huddersfield.
Everton Reserves defeated Huddersfield Town Reserves in Central League match at Leeds Road yesterday 2 goals to 1. Both sides had strong elevens on the field, the home men playing Cumming, fresh from the International match at Belfast, while the Everton forwars were led by Attwood, who was signed earlier in the week from Walsall. Most attacking was done by Everton, Ritchie being a difficult man to hold. It was he who put his tide ahead with splendid shot from near the penalty area, after good work by Attwood, Forshaw, and himself. Attwood originated and completed the move that lead the second goal. Just before the dose Young scored for Huddersfield.

Robertson
Edinburgh Evening News -Thursday 28 February 1929
Ary United deny a story that they have been approached by Everton for the transfer Robertson, their half-back.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
February 28 th 1929. The Daily courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
Attwood, whom Everton have just secured from Walsall made a successful debut in the Central League match at Huudersfield yesterday and had the satisfaction of scoring. Good football was out of the question on the snow covered ground, but the Everton forward Ritchie especially, tested the home defence, after thirty-five minutes Ritchie put them ahead following good play by Attwood and Forshaw. Ten minutes from the close Attwood scored a clever goal, but just on time Young narrowed the margin. The result was fair for Everton did most of the pressing, and a sound defence repulsed Huddersfield's few attacks. Weldon played well, Kell, made is debut, is a youth from the North, who is on trial and he plays at left half-back.

ATTWOOD’S PROMISING DISPLAY
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, February 28, 1929
Bee’s Notes
Everton won their Central League match at Huddersfield yesterday by 2 goals to 1.  Ritchie and Attwood scoring for the winners, and Young for Huddersfield.  It was difficult for any player to give a good account of himself on ground hard, and in some places covered with snow, but Attwood showed his ability by inaugurating and completing the move which led to Everton’s second goal.  The ball came down the centre and with precision Attwood sent out to Lewis and followed on meeting the centre with the middle of the boot, drawing the ball out of the goalkeeper’s reach.  It was a clever piece of play.  Attwood struck one as being a centre of the thrustful and dashing type, but one who possesses and good touches and knows the value of combination.  He waited for the most part well up the field, and made the most of the few opportunities that came his way.