NO ROOM IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL FOR AMATEUR
February 1 st 1930. Evening Express
HUNTER HART SAYS PAID MEN'S LOT WOULD BE HARDER
UNJUST FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO HAVE TO MAKE WAY FOR THEM
ARGONAUTS' BID FOR LEAGUE STATUS
By Hunter Hart, Everton captain.
It has been freely advocated, since the great Cup battles between the Corinthians and Millwall, that the Argonauts –the suggested amateur team –should be admitted to the Football League in the name of amateurism, but, without wishing to decry the legion of the unpaid, I consider League football to be out of their sphere. Everyone admires the amateur player, but many people, in their enthusiasm for those who receive no remuneration from the game, and apt to forget that the professional has a particularly strong case for consideration when the welfare of the sport is under consideration. My objection to the admittance of the Argonauts are not based on jealousy or narrow minded views, but more out of loyalty to the present clubs comprising the Football League and the men who earn their living by playing for those clubs.
TAKING ANOTHER'S PLACE.
If the Argonauts were elected to the League at the next annual meeting a professional club would have to go out to make way for them. Is this fair? I consider it would be an act of great injustice if a club in the Third Division (Southern Section) –the new club would undoubtedly be placed in this section –which has kept the banner of Association football flying for many years should have to pass out the existence just because a certain section of the public desire to see amateurs pitted against the paid men. The running of a professional club is not all beer and skittles, and those clubs who have to contend with heavy taxation, bad gates and heavy wag bills should receive the first consideration of the powers that be. The Argonauts at the moment are to me something of a mystery. True, they would have an ideal ground in the Wembley Stadium, but there is no team at the moment. They are a club in name only, and play no matches at all. As far as I can gather, the team will be formed immediately the organisers can be certain they will be elected to the League club. Was there ever a more curious position? As a matter of fact, I think the Football league clubs would favour the admittance of the Corinthians rather than the Argonauts, who have yet to come into existence.
PAID PLAYERS' LOT HARD ENOUGH
Everyone will agree that the business element is to be found in professional football, though I do not think it is the be all and end all of it, and so it would be grossly unfair if, by the admittance of amateurs into professional circles some players were thrown out of employment. This would surely happen with the decrease in the number of professional clubs. The election of an amateur club to the League would increase unemployment, and anything which would tend to make the lot of the paid player harder than it is at the moment, when there are so many men without clubs, is absolutely unacceptable. No clerk in an office would like a volunteer to come in and offer to do his work for nothing and so throw him out of work, and it is precisely the same with the footballer. No footballer should be deprived of his means of livelihood just because a section of the public, possessing sympathies with amateurism desire to have an amateur team in the League. Personally, I think that a great ideal of this sympathy is misplaced. There must be hundreds of followers of say, Everton, who are loud in their praise of the Corinthians, and who hoped they would have won at least one match in the F.A. Cup, but would those hopes have held good had the Corinthians been called upon to play Everton? I think not. Again, I do not think any amateur club could be a success in the League. First of all they would not have the players to call on owing to business ties of the amateurs, and there would be handicaps in regard to training. Consequently they would be at a disadvantage from the beginning, and it is fallacious to suggest that men who are working all the week with the minimum of preparation can hold their own with men who are in the game every day. If the Argonauts became a Football League club they would quickly find that their popularly would wane. Take the case of Queen's Park (Glasgow). They are not the most popular club in the Scottish League by a long way. Enthusiasts would much prefer to see the Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and others. Once the amateurs came into competitive football with their professional brothers and oppose clubs with hugh followers they would merely be regarded as an ordinary team. If the Argonauts were elected they would find themselves battling against insurmountable odds while lacking the sympathy they received hitherto. It is my emphatic opinion that professional football is no place for an amateur club, especially when a professional club would have to be scarified to allow them to come in.

PORTSMOUTH AT GOODISON
February 1 st 1920. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton and Portsmouth, who were knocked out of the Cup competition last Saturday, fulfil their League fixture at Goodison Park. Everton's position in the League table is such as to cause the greatest concern to the officials, and if the club is to retain its place in the First Division it is essential that points should be secured at home. Portsmouth are none to safe –they have 23 points from twenty-five games compared with Everton's 20 points for 26 matches. Portsmouth on their day are no easy side to match, and Everton may expect strenuous opposition. Sagar, injured at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday, is unable to keep goal, so that Davies returns, along with Cresswell, Griffiths, and Dunn, who were chosen in place of Williams, Hart and Marti. Portsmouth have released Cook, their outside left, to play for Wales. Everton won at Portsmouth in September by 4 goals to 1, and I believe they will complete the double today. The kick off is at 3 o'clock, and the teams are; - Davies; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Rigby, Stein. Portsmouth; Gilfifian; Mackie, W Smith; Nichol, Kearney, Thackerlay, Forward, J Smith, Weddle, Easson, Rutherford.

EVERTON DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 February 1930
PORTSMOUTH SCORE FIRST
SMITH AND DEAN
EVERTON REVIVAL NOT PUSHED HOME
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, McPherson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Portsmouth; Gilfillan; Mackie, Smith (W); Nichol, Kearney, Thackeray; Forward, Smith (J), Weddle, Easton, Rutherford.  Referee; Mr. Thomas, Walsall. 
Dean captained the side that was trying to escape relegation, and Griffiths appeared at centre half-back, being refused the permit for Wales, while Rutherford was Cook’s deputy, Cook having been released for Wales.  Portsmouth were very impressive in the first twenty minutes.  They had a better movement than Everton.  They kept the ball on the ground, and Rutherford and Everton should have completed with at least a shot to goal, instead of firing wide.  Smith went close, the deputy goalkeeper of the day, Davies, doing well to make the occurrence into a corner instead of a goal.  Critchly collided with W. Smith without harm, except for the moment, and a corner came from the incident, Griffiths heading into the hands of Gilfillan, who made a second dive also from the Everton centre half-back, so that in twenty minutes Portsmouth might have scored two and Everton’s only goaling attempts had been a half-back.  O’Donnell saved when none else could, and Forward put a straight ball on the middle of the crossbar.  Everton were upset by the run of the game and got into a fiery mood, through which Dunn offered the “dummy” to Thackeray and a pass to Critchley.  More important was Dunn’s shot.  He was hardly balanced for a good drive, and on two occasions might have left the ball to Critchley, who was running in.   
SHORT-LIVED REVIVAL
Gilfillan rocketed as if surprised by Griffiths header, and he was even a square pass to Rigby, a sort of presentation affair to celebrate the revival.  Rigby did not view it in this light, and sent the ball out of rage when every one of the 30,000 spectators looked for a goal.  Cresswell got in the way of Weddle when things were fairly awful in prospect, and in another minute Davies saved from Forward.  Dean shot a ball that hit W. Smith, the full-back, and O’Donnell must have saved Everton three times in the first half.  McPherson linked up with him in one save in the penalty box, and the crowd did not begin to realise that, just as they reealised earlier on, McPherson was as cold as the weather in his tactics.  Dean missed his kick entirely, as he did a week ago at Blackburn, and this is such an uncommon feature for him that it has to be chronicled as a factor.
DARING MACKIE
Rigby and Stein were very rarely seen, but Rigby eventually made a good dribble and an even better centre, only to find that these Portsmouth backs were good ones, and that Mackie and W. Smith were definitely good backs.  Mackie, indeed, made the most daring defensive move of the day near the interval, and showed that he could be just as cool and charming as O’Donnell and Cresswell. Smith made the best shot of the first half, the ball touching Cresswell and Davies completing the clearance with a sound save.  Half-time.—Everton 0. Portsmouth 0.  The second half showed Portsmouth  tiring a little, and Dean,' who has had such a  harvest of goals against Portsmouth,  seemed to be bound to score  when Dunn placed him through, bid  the home centre forward drove in such  a way that Gilfillan could push the ball out. 
STEIN'S FIRST CHANCE. 
Everton continued to attack, and Grifiths was one of the notables.  It was he who offered Stein his first shooting chance, and Gilfiallan glided the ball over the line.  The crowd could not understand McPherson’s “slow man” football, but they had realized that this was an Everton spurt, and that Everton should by now have scored.   
SMITH AND DEAN. 
The game took a sensational turn just after the hour. Jack Smith made a  straight shot   which Weddle ducked to escape and by this means must have unsighted the goalkeeper, Davies, who got the ball while he was falling out, but was unable to stay its progress.  Everton were startled and astonished; so were the crowd, and then Cresswell made two faults through the unevenness of the ground, and with the position so serious the crowd were not in the mood to exonerate anyone.  However, five minutes later Dean equalized by heading a corner kick taken by Critchley beyond Gilfillan.  Portsmouth full back certainly headed from the goalline, but the referee and all those round about agreed that it had already entered the net, so that his work was for nothing.  This goal of Dean’s seemed well nigh an impossibility, coming at the time it did, and it served to revive Everton in an earnest attempt to take the lead. 
SMITH AGAIN
There was great enthusiasm and a lot of ability shown by Robson and Griffiths, throughout the picture had been very valuable with his head and also with sharp tackles against what undoubtedly is a good forward line, although it is an uncertain quantity in the shooting area.  Final; Portsmouth 1, Everton 1. 

STOKE RES V. EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 1, 1930
At Stoke, before a fair gate, in dull, but fine weather.  Stoke had most of the play in the early stages, and opened the score four minutes after the start, Ware being the scorer.  There was a lot of sound defensive play on both sides, Jackson, the home centre-half, being most conspicuous, Webster equalized after 15 minutes with a grand shot, and four minutes later Attwood gave Everton the lead with a glorious overhead shot which completely deceived the home keeper.  The game had scarcely begun again when Stoke equalized through Harrison.  Thereafter Everton enjoyed the better of some good play, and White gave them the lead with a shot from the fringe of the penalty area.  The visitors maintained their lead to the interval.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Stoke Res 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, February 1, 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton’s poor show at Ewood was a greater disappointment than was the mere fact that they were beaten.
• It makes one wonder, too, if the so-called special training idea is really worthwhile.
• It is now up to the man in blue to pull themselves together in the fight against relegation.
• A correspondent “A.H.G” thinks I have fallen into error in stating that Tommy Browell cost Everton a 1,550 fee
• His recollection is that Browell, his brother, Anthony, and another Hull City player came to Everton at 1,000 the lot, and that it was all practically “Browell money.|” 
• Also, that the maximum transfer fee at that period was 360, Everton really paying the four figures for “Boy” Browell, who was the man they wanted, the other players coming along as sort of makeweight.
• But this is not so.  Young Browell alone cost Everton 1,550, and his brother a lesser sum; whilst J. Smith the third of the Hull City contingent, was also signed on his merit, and figured in Everton’s League team at outside-right. 
• My friend is apparently confusing Browell with “Tim” Coleman, who was signed four years previously at 350 from Woolwich, accompanied by a 350 “makeweight” named Crews
• As a matter of fact, the limitation transfer rule of 350 only had a “life” of four months.
• It came into operation in England on January 1, 1908, but was expunged at the annual meeting of the Football Association four months later, after it had been shown that our League clubs could drive the proverbial “coach and six” through the rule, as in the Coleman –Crews case.
• Another correspondent, “Oxo” asks if the Williams who scored Everton’s winning goal v. Blackburn in the Cup in 1896 was an ex-Tranmere Rovers man,
• One’s record book, however, gives this popular “Billy” Williams (a winger of the Billy lacey type) as having left Bromborough Pool for Everton in 1894
• Williams went to Ewood Park in 1898 and for two seasons did goodn work in a side boasting its Brandon, Crompton, Glover, Tom Booth, Hulse (ex-Rock Ferry), Houker, Anderson, &c.
• In answer to another query, the penalty kick rule came into operation during Everton’s last season at Anfield road, and the first man to save a penalty kick, was, we fancy, Everton’s unassuming keeper, Dick Williams.
• There were no goal nets during the first three years of the League; those were the days when goal judges would indeed have been useful!
• When Everton and Newcastle met in the Cup final the receipts were a mere 6,625
• Everton showed more fright than fight at Blackburn
• The Blues had scarcely a red-coming feature.
• Everton could hardly, give their supporters a run for their money on Saturday, seeing they had scarcely a leg to stand on, so to speak

EVERTON 1 PORTSMOUTH 1
February 3 rd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON AGAIN DISAPPOINT.
A DRAW WITH PORTSMOUTH .
By failing to beat Portsmouth in the game at Goodison Park, Everton greatly disappointed their supporters. The result was a draw of one goal each, and taking the contest as a whole the score was a fairly true reflection of the play. There were times when Portsmouth looked like carrying off both point, their progressive methods and ability to keep the ball down gave them an advantage which, however, they could not use successfully. They scored first at sixty-seven minutes, and with Everton more or less unsatisfactory Portsmouth seemed the more likely winners. A burst by the Everton forwards gave Dean an opportunity, and he headed the ball into the net at seventy-two minutes thus levelling the scores. Smith's goal for Portsmouth was from a shot that came rather unexpectedly, and when Weddle stopped to allow the ball to travel goalwards, Davies appeared unsighted. Davies touched the ball as it bounced near the upright but he failed to stop the shot, which entered the net at the corner.
EXCITING INCIDENTS.
The most exciting incidents came near the end, and when both sides struggled hard for the lead, but the play generally had few bright features. Portsmouth probably played as well as then usually do. They are by no means a classy side, and rely more upon earnest efforts and direct methods than polished movements. Everton, however, could claim no distinction in any phase of the game. The improvement noticed a fortnight ago, when they won handsomely against Derby County was a thing of the past. Much of the work lacked both spirit and skill, and it was fortunate they were pitted against a side no better than Portsmouth. Davies had not a great deal to do, and was fairly safe, although in the early stages O'Donnell saved the goal when he kicked out with Davies beaten. Both Cresswell and O'Donnell had lapses, especially in the second half, that might have brought disaster, but they got through a great amount of work with a fair measure of credit. Griffiths was one of the few outstanding figures in the game –a capital worker and one of the best shooters. Robson, too, did well, alert, energetic as ever, Robson missed few chances of helping his forwards.
CHANCES MISSED.
McPherson, however, was in a different category. He was slow to tackle, and allowed opponents far too much scope. Stein came into the picture late on with some capital efforts; both Rigby and Dean missed excellent chances. Early in the second half Dean got clean through the defence, but Gilfillan brought off a great save. Dunn was slow and generally out of touch with the forwards, with the result that Critchley got few opportunities. Portsmouth best were Gilfillian, Mackle, Thackeray, J. Smith, and Easson. Teams; - Everton; - Davies, goal, Cresswell, O'Donnell, backs; Robson, Griffiths, and McPherson, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Rigby, and Stein, forwards. Portsmouth; - Gilfillian, goal, Mackle, and W Smith, backs, Nichol, Kearney, and Thackeray, half-backs, Forward J Smith, Weddle, Easson, and Rutherford, forwards.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 4
February 3 rd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 26)
It was the persistency and virility of the Everton forwards which gave victory to the team by the odd goal of seven at Stoke. It was a game of fluctuating fortune. Webster, Attwood and White scored for Everton in the first half and Ware and Harrison for Stoke midway through the second half. Tennant, the City's right-back shot an equalising goal with a terrific drive from a free kick at twenty-five yards range. Both goals had very narrow escapes during a tense struggle for the winning goal, which was obtained by Attwood a few minutes from the end. Calvert kept goal well for the winners particularly in the most critical period of the second half, and O'Donnell and Kennedy were stubborn backs. The forwards often showed good cohesion, and Attwood was an enterprising leader.

BLUNDELLSANDS 3 EVERTON "A" 1
George Mahon Cup Semi-Final
At Crosby. Dempsey scored the only goal of the first half near the interval, and Blundellsands had more of the play, in the second half, and Dempsey scored two goals, this performing the "hat-trick" Dykes registered Everton's goal in the closing stages. Maycox,McGoff, and Dempsey, were conspicuous to the winners. Calverty and French and Johnson were the pick of the Everton team.

THE HOMELAND WITHOUT A WINNING POINT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 February 1930
A WORD WITH THE CROWD
PLAY YOUR GAME
By Stork
It is getting a very difficult thing to weigh up football form—if you except Everton’s inability to get a victory at home to lie alongside the one obtained against Derby. There is a fatality about the side that is over-burdening. Someone said that the Everton players turned out on Saturday like “a coroner's jury filing their way into their own appointed box-place." Is the spirit of the men gone? Is there an air of nonchalance spreading over the eleven? Is there an inability to recognise the need for something desperate, something hearty, and something that will not take “No" for an answer? Until Smith scored for Portsmouth one really felt Everton lacked the “bite” of enthusiasm and determination. Maybe I'm wrong in my assumption.  I put it down because people go round seeking Jonah’s when they would be tar better searching for the real causes of continued failure, and Saturday was as near a failure as one will get for a long time, I hope.  Portsmouth were the better side, the more consistent side, the better practical attackers. They had a ball on the wing, they centred at once without giving the defence chance to get consolidated.  They did not want to beat a man before they centred. There was danger when Forward got on the ball. But you may say he was not tackled. Well, perhaps not.
A WOOD, ALLOW ME 
But in our haste to be testy do not let us forget McPherson's lifetime style of play.  He may not suit us till we know him; he may not chase in where angels would tread; he may hang of this tackle, he may put your heart into your boots by the time be takes about a clearance in front of goal, but at least that is his style of game, and you, Mr. Spectator, won’t alter it by giving him or anyone else " the bird." The truth is that McPherson is colossally sure when he is to possession of the ball—get that rooted in your mind for fact one, and then you, Mr. Spectator, won't be so jumpy. At the same time it is not out of place to show the newcomer that in First Division football there are some nippy young men and that to stand-by and not make a definite tackle if one loses the ball or man is not likely to help matters. The crowd have got the jumps worse than any Grand National  counsel It is natural, I suppose, that  Everton after years of service in  Division 1, should be troubling their  followers, who may say, " Well, a season  in the Second Division would, perhaps,  do them good," at the same time that  their heart strings pull and say." I hope to goodness they don't go down.  Clubs round the country say the same thing; they know that they lose a clean sporting side if Everton go and they lose a lot of money on the percentage basis.  So everyone is anxious to see Everton stay up.
TIME, GENTLEMEN? 
There is time, gentlemen, but it needs a very much wore definite attacking vein than we saw against Portsmouth.  Imagine "a half" in which the half-backs were the shooters—forty-five minutes’ labour in vain, save for Robson and Griffiths.  I would willingly risk the extreme winger cutting in and banging at goal; l would willingly risk more shots from the inner men. Dean is rarely at fault as he was on Saturday, twice. Dunn had two strenuous endeavours to goal, but there was an absence of sting-drive, and without the driving effort we cannot expect goals.  Here was a clean game, in which the home side, after being travelled and raced about, found Davies unsighted by a sample shot from Jack Smith. I don’t blame Davies. Others do. They probably forgot that Weddell ducked and by so doing made the view blurred.  Davies had done well; his backs had been worn out kicking out and driving up and onward.  O’Donnell got his back to the wall and probably saved four goal.  That being so, the forwards should have brought the best cannons of play into use; they should have shot at the moment a shooting chance arrived.  They were slow to sense thus and to accept this.  It was a surprise to me that Dean could get an equalizer, because the team did not seem good enough to do so.  A drawn game, a clean  game, a non-stop game, with one injury  (Robson), a game that allowed Griffiths  up in a bright light, if only for heading  away and for stepping into goal to accept corner kicks.  You could probably pick a combination of about twelve Everton teams, and they would “read right” Yet they would lose or draw.  It is very vexing and anxious, and it is the players who alone can produce the redeeming feature.  Seventeen weeks of football yet- a match on Wednesday at Maine-road against a side that derby has recently beaten, any crumb of comfort such as that comes to us with a golden rim, that exacting nature of the task makes Everton lack confidence in themselves; this week’s double matching is the great testing period.  It is now or never.  In., Everton; win, Everton.  And let the crowd forget it’s instructions to players as to how they shall play the game, and whether they shall adopt a new style for the benefit of the onlookers.  You might as well ask Hambourg to sit as I sit to “Play the piano.” 

EVERTON TACKLE POSSIBLE CHAMPIONS TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
Far from working off the mid-week games, we seem to be getting deeper into the mire.  Manchester seems to be our football just lately.  There was the game versus ‘Spurs in a Cup replay; there was a game in which Swindon were over-played against a new goalkeeper-boy who made but one mistake yet had ten put against him; tomorrow we go again to Maine-road, which is a veritable hive of industry and football fever just now, thanks to their League and Cup coupling.  It is a very serious business tomorrow, for I find Manchester City still believe they have an excellent League chance against Wednesday of Sheffield, and, whatever team they elect to turn out tomorrow against Everton, one may be sure every man will be playing all out, and any reserves put in will be desirous of showing their paces for the purpose of trying to gain a Cup-tie place in a fortnight.  So that Everton’s task is a big one.  We have suffered two seasons of Manchester City at their best against Everton; the position of Everton is such that a further desperate effort is needed tomorrow, and therefore the game should be something of a classic in its way- that is if the Everton half-backs and backs get a hold on these fast-moving, able City forwards.  Tait in the centre may not be a world-beater, but at least he continues to fit the scheme of things, and Everton will need to keep a wary on him, on Brooks in particular, and upon the half-backs, each of whom has a stinging long drive.  Everyone hopes that Dean will play above himself; that the whole side will pull out a very earnest exhibition, and by gathering a point or more away from home recompense themselves.  Certainly Everton play better away from home the game at Maine-road tomorrow and the Arsenal ground on Saturday are very vital links in this chain of desire, s exemplified by the state of the market just now.  Having got over the Wednesday game we shall be faced the next day with another tough task- the meeting of New Brighton and Tranmere at Prenton Park in a Liverpool Cup-tie.  After which we may breathe freely “for one day only” before the trek to London is the order. 

THREE CHANGES FOR EVERTON
February 5 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
There are three changes in the Everton team to play Manchester City at Maine Road to day, compared with the side that drew with Portsmouth, last Saturday. Williams comes into the side in place of Cresswell, White is at left-half back instead of McPherson, while Martin will be at inside right for Dunn. Mr. Cuff on the position of Everton, is one of the most popular clubs in the league, and I am sure their present predicament is regretted by all. Regaining rumours that Everton intended to sign Hill of Newcastle United, Mr. Cuff the chairman said'' that fact is that I have a pocket full of recommendations for players what it is variously believed could help Everton to extricate themselves. We believe that we have the players and I think if they had more confidence, would realise their ability and forest the circumstances that they would, pull the club out of the hazardous position there may yet be time. "Replying to these critics, who emphasized that Everton paid too much attention to fancy football, Mr. Cuff said, "I am opinion that stylish football is as productive of goals as the more vigorous type."

THE EVERTON DOCTORS HOLD A COUNCIL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
The Everton "coroners" continue  to held inquests union the Everton “ body," but they may be a bit premature  in view of the result of  yesterday's game, wherein Sheffield  Wednesday danced their way  through the Grimsby mud to make  a victory away from home. The championship looks likely to be Sheffield’s, danced their way through the Grimsby mud to make a 5-0 victory away from home.  The championship looks likely to be Sheffield’s for they have a confidence and combined strength unequalled in the present-day football circles.  It is very odd that championship years should run in two cycles; Huddersfield and Liverpool won their champions in successive years, and now the most probable thing is that Wednesday club will take medals in successive years.  A lapse on the part of Grimsby gives Everton a lift, but the trouble is that extra game Everton have played compared to other sides.
THE BEST LIVERTON SIDES
Hal Miller, the vocal humorist, writes me from Stoke: - walking along the main street here I came across the following, chalked in huge letters on a board outside a newspaper shop; - “How to get wins.  Give them C.B from Friday noon to Saturday two o’clock.”  Making inquiries I find the shop is run by an old gentleman who is obviously an enthusiast-and then some.  Stoke have been playing badly (you remember the rumpus on their ground recently) and this newsagent has displayed many humorous remarks for weeks, the above being the latest.  I don’t know if the club followed his advice last week-end but Stoke won easily.  MI saw a very good one last Saturday in a Central League match at Villa Park –one “Prest,” a young inside in the Burnley side- think he was recently signed from Darwen, but he is a gem who will soon be in the first eleven.  I am motoring up to see the Reds beat Leicester on Saturday, and hope some of the fickle supporters will let Gordon Hodgson play his own game, which is always one of 100 per cent, endeavor.  Having seen him in several away games I still think he is as good as ever.  In the Cardiff match at Anfield the crowd in my vicinity made him a target for remarks, and with such encouragement he could hardly be expected to do himself justice.  Some weeks ago you refreshed our memories with a list of the teams in all “Derby” games for many years past-a most interesting feature, and one that induced me to pick my favourite team of Reds and Blues from players on their books for the past twenty or more years.  Here is my selection, but if a ballot were taken and a prize offered I have no doubt my list would be hopelessly out of shape;- Reds; Campbell; Longsworth, Dunlop; Parry, Raisebeck, Bromilow; Goddard, Metcalfe, Tommy Bennett, Chambers, Uren.  Everton; Scott; Balmer, McConnachie; Abbott, Taylor, Grenyner;  Chedgzoy, McDermott, Dean, Settle, and Troup.   Well, cheerio, “Bee”- keep on buzzing.
HE BREAKS OUT
As a twenty-year supporter of Everton and reader of your renowned column over the same period, I wish to commit the offence of breaking out by actually putting forward what I think is the outstanding defect in the Everton team (says “Stoneycroft”) Everton have never, since the days of jack Taylor, had a consistency good team-pivot, and I think that the acquisition of a first class man would go a long way towards solving the plight into which the team have got themselves.  Of course, there are other weaknesses, but this position strengthened would have a very great effect on the rest.  Meanwhile I think Cresswell at centre-half and Williams at right full back would be a fairly decent temporary move.  Hoping you will overlook this spasm. 
SLOPE CENTRES
“Bob” writes; - Everton as a whole played fairly well, but one half-back wants to put more vim into the job.  The outside forwards do well, and are full of fight, but I should like to see them crossing the ball in  slanting direction and not into the goalmouth, but, say, seven or eight yards out, and when possible on the ground.  So as to give the centre or opposite wing a chance of a first-time shot. 
O’D, AS A FORWARD AGAIN
“Blue” says; - I saw Everton lose at Blackburn, and give another poor display against Portsmouth.  We are told that attack is the best defence, so why not play the following;- Sagar; Cresswell, Williams; Robson, Hart, Griffiths; Critchley, Martin, Dean, O’Donnell, Rigby.  The time has come for drastic changes, and as far as I can see O’Donnell is THE man to put in the forward line to give some life and shooting to it.  “Davies was in no way at fault,” says “H.L.T.”- I agree. 

 EVERTON’S VITAL MATCH
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 5, 1930
CITY TAKE LEAD WITH DEBATABLE GOAL
DEAN A PASSENGER
VISITORS SHOW AMAZINGLY GOOD FORM
By Bee
Everton; Davies; William,  O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White (T.), Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Manchester City;- Barber; Felton, McCloy; Barrass, Cowan, Heineman; Toseland, Marshall, Johnson, Tilson, Brook.  For this, the second match at Manchester this week, there were 20,000 spectators at the start of the rearranged League match-a match of enormous import to Everton.  Manchester City made one change, Tait being rested, and Williams, White, and Martin were out for the Everton team.  The referee was Mr. Prince-Cox.  Dean lost the toss, and Robson and Griffiths did some smart work, while Critchley centred so well that one looked for a shot, only to realise that Dean and Rigby were in each other’s way. 
EVERTON AMAZING FORM
After O’Donnell had stopped Manchester City’s left wing, Everton had a great chance of scoring.  The movement began with a perfect old-fashioned header by Dean and a centre by Critchley which passed the whole goalmouth and went to Stein.  Unfortunately the ball bounced rather high with the result that stein knee-ed the ball over the bar.  Everton continued this storming of the citadel, and when Barber came out to catch he had to escape a Rigby effort.  Again Critchley took the ball far to the left side of the goal to put in a perfect centre.  Everton’s form was amazing compared with what they have done during the last three months.  Critchley’s centre was snapped up by Dean, who could not head towards goal, and was content to head back to Rigby, whose left-footed shot skimmed the bar.
FULL OF FIRE, BUT –
Dean gave Rigby a pass of rare merit just as he had done on Saturday, and Martin completed the movement with a shot of great fire, but, like Rigby’s, half-a-foot too much loft on it.  the Everton right wing got the applause of the crowd for their splendid combination and their cleverness.  When Brook caught Davies on the hop, Griffiths was sharp in his clearance.  Griffiths also supplied a perfect pass for Stein.  Felton went off with a damaged leg, but was back in a moment.  Rigby and Critchley tried to further the efforts for a goal, but the nearest escape of all came when Stein tried a cross-dive that developed into a centre.  Dean jumped at the ball and fell to the floor, but could not connect with what would have been easy to goal.
MOVE OF NOTE
In a quarter of an hour there had only been one team in it, even if Davies had to make a safe catch.  It was bright, clean, football between two friendly sides, but no quarter was asked as was shown when Critchley want to earth, also when Williams, the Everton full-back, stepped in with particularly good defence stabs.  Dean concentrated on getting the line of attackers moving smoothly with head and foot.  As showing the luck of the game, there was a doubtful foul against White, and Brook, in front of goal, seemed a sure scorer when O’Donnell crossed the shooter and stopped his shot.  Williams brought off a similar save, but it was Davies who held the fort tight when Brook shot seven yards out.  This was a timely save at a period when Manchester had five minutes of good attack. 
DEAN GOES OFF
White was hurt before he could help in the defence, Toseland attempting to steal through on his wing until Griffiths stopped his gallop.  Dean also went off with some trouble- this at the half-hour.  He returned in one moment.  O’Donnell having taken charge.  He went off a second time, having found that he could not move freely or well.  Troubles never come singly, and it was Everton’s misfortune to be down a goal near the interval.  The defence stopped play believing Johnson must be offside, which I thought he was, and his back-header to Marshall left the defence empty and Davies with no chance.  It was cruel luck for Everton, who had played so well, especially as everyone knows Manchester City have only to get one goal in their uninspired movements to become something of a riot.  This was made evident when O’Donnell had a free kick given against him near the penalty box.  Marshall was on the point of No. 2 goal with the last important move of the first half.  Johnson hit the foot of the post just on half-time.  Half-time.- Manchester City 1, Everton 0.
EVERTON FURIOUS
The Everton team were furious that the only goal of the first half should count, as they considered, like many of the spectators, that it was an offside goal.  It appears that Dean hurt his ankle and scraped the back of the foot.  Although he came back with the team for the second half, he could do nothing but limp his way through.  Dean then went outside right, Martin becoming centre-forward, and Critchley inside right.  A shot from Robson hit Heineman on the head and knocked him clean out.  Stein played quite well, yet he was at fault in being vicious in his shot instead of subtle in his centre.  In spite of their misfortunes Everton had resumed the upper hand, and no one did better work than Griffiths, while Williams at full-back was a hearty and sound defender.  White tried a first-time shot which spun out after Robson had been quick and enthusiastic as usual.  O’Donnell got the best round of applause of the match for a four-decker dribble; but to my mind he could have cleared at the first chance rather than at the fourth.  Dean had just decided that he could try a reappearance act as centre forward when a chance came to him that he could let out a long shot that was half a yard too high.  There was no grievance against Everton today, on the ground of heart an endeavor.  They had played remarkably well. 

MANCHESTER CITY 1 EVERTON 2
February 6 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S BEST VICTORY
VALAUABLE POINTS FROM MANCHESTER CITY.
VAST IMPROVEMENT.
By "Bee."
Everton beat Manchester City at Maine-road yesterday, before 20,000 spectators by 2 goals to 1. In beating the Maine-road side they defeated one of the best teams in the land –a side that is still in the Cup series, and a side that had ideas of over-hauling Sheffield Wednesday in the League Championship race. Therefore, its has a merit and standing that is uncommonly good. It has only to be added that there was no suggestion of fluke or accident about the result to make the victory quite the bets Everton have gained this season, and good enough to be classed with their win at Grimsby. The result may not have been a just one, because Everton and the writer believed the goal scored by Marshall was due to an offside verdict not being delivered by Referee Prince-Cox when the facts and positions of players justified it; but it was a just verdict in that Everton were the superior side and won in spite of a goal against that should not have been allowed.
FIGHTING AGAINST FATE.
All the more praise to the players for fighting back against the fates. It took Everton a long time to win, so long, indeed, that one had become reconciled to the fickleness of misfortune hanging on their heads so that they could not even make a draw. Dean had hurt his ankle; he had resumed at centre-forward; then moved to outside right, and finally took a second turn at centre-forward and enjoyed the privilege of joining in the great fun, for this was a match where there was no venom and much good football, and if the game was not full of incident, it was at least finely fought, sternly fought, and a credit to both teams.
A GREAT GOAL.
One had come to believe that Everton's heart must fail to function in view of the way the game had gone. Yet they fought back with a rentless desire for victory that could not be denied, and when Griffths, the centre half-back, tried a long shot he got the greatest goal seen on the ground, a really stupendous drive, low, slightly to the right of the goal. Barber the goalkeeper, being unable to move ere the ball had entered the net. It might have gone anywhere, it is true, but with the wind pretty severe and blowing at Everton's back any player was justified in taking a thirty yards shot. This Griffiths did, and he got some compensation for his effort where he had none on Saturday against Portsmouth. To clinch matters Martin, always a good scheming forward had moved off in a dribble towards the left wing, and, with Stein joining in the ball came out to Rigby, who crashed in another goal –a winning effort. So Everton won in the last ten minutes of play. The fear of relegation had become so pronounced that the players had been obsessed with the knowledge, change had been made. White was at half-back for McPherson Williams of Swansea was tried vice Cresswell, and Martin returned to the attack in place of Dunn. There were changes of note, and they all carried good results. Williams, indeed, was the outstanding man of the day in defence, well as O'Donnell played when the need of a covering up movement became necessary. Griffiths must take the big palm, too, for his part; his heading was magnificent, and Johnson at centre-forward, could make nothing of him, although near the interval he shot, the ball against the upright. Everton started well, and finished well. Their right wing pair, were ideal in the early game. Critchley showed what a good sound centre he can put across. Alter that the right-winger slipped over many times, and the unsettling of the attacking division through Dean's injury caused the line to be a rather "shredy" affair. When Dean returned to centre-forward the line linked up with the remaining portions of the team, and hammered at the city defence fill it had to give way. Barber was a rather busy man compared with Davies, who picked up one very difficult shot, yet otherwise was so well shielded by his full backs that he had little to bother him.
NEAR THE TOP FORM.
The win stamped Everton, on such form, as nearer the top of the division than the foot of it. The effect of such a win must be enormous; it is a pity therefore, that there should be any doubt about Dean not playing at the Arsenal ground on Saturday, Everton's half-back line all through was specially strong in using the ball when they had taken possession of it. Robson also produced a shot to show Griffiths he had caught the infection. White added a lump of weight, and some dribbling propensity to the line, the three who composed it being inclined to work the ball rather than make a wild clearance, which O'Donnell's penchant for moving up in close dribbles made the defensive reign and region of the Everton side a very interesting one. Stein had not a great chance, and once blazed his way through for a shot when he could have centred; but at this time of day with Everton still in danger it is necessary that punching power should be added to the side's formal line, there had not been sufficient shooting on the part of Everton considering the way they played for half an hour. The great feeling of heartiness and enterprise, however, was the ruling factor of this game; where there had been a tendency to tenderness, there was now a dogged will to go through and win. All played well, but I have had to name those who played especially well, and it would not be out of place of mention here that Critchley concluded his second half without pairing to good effect, and Rigby was a trifle short in many sprints to the ball. It will be remembered as Griffiths's match, because of his astounding and outstanding goal, and because his long suit was heading tackling, and feeding, plus an odd shot –what more could be desired from a pivot? Manchester City frankly admitted that they had been sorry to part with that they had been sorry to part with the points, but on the day's play they had gone the right way. Everton took a large number of supporters with them, and they chanted the 1,2,34,5 song when the first goal had come to their side. This strike me as optimists if a super fire character. Yet had Everton drawn or lost the game, I should have felt they had gone from the ground with honours, and without their just reward. They had earned a victory, and the Marshall goal scored near half-time would have rankled very seriously. Teams; - Manchester City; - Barber, goal; Felton and McCloy, backs; Borrall, Cowan, and Heireman; half-backs; Toseland, Marshall, Johnson, Tilson, and Brook, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal; Williams, and O;Donnell; backs, Robson, Griffiths, and T. White, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean (captain), Rigby and Stein, forwards, forwards . Referee Mr. Prince-Cox, London.

A JUST VICTORY JUST ON TIME
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 February 1930
JUSTLY EARNED
GREAT GOALS SCORED BY EVERTON
THE DOUBT ABOUT THE MARSHALL ING OF CITY'S GOAL
THE MOST NOTABLE VICTORY OF THE SEASON.
Bee’s Notes
A grand and glorious victory; when it was wanted; when It was needed; when a grand slam was called for;  when the officials took the players into  their keeping and told them of the call  to arms. A win at Grimsby was of a character that I said it was the best Everton has scored this season. People said “Ah, but Grimsby, you know, are not exactly trial horses to depend upon in this great race against relegation."   In October I frankly confess I saw a spasm of Second division looming ahead. That has all been washed from sight and thought by the way the “team “played yesterday at Maine-road.  They had everything against them; the toss; the wind for the first half; a goal that many thought was not a goal; they thought it no goal and they were supported by many eyewitnesses; Dean was injured and off the field while the goal was scored; Everton had played in a manner that didn’t warrant them leaving at half-time with a goal deficit. It seemed that at the moment of their distinct revival there was no aid from fate. 
FLIGHT BACK
Yet where we had seen mode of play that was without sparkle or heart we now saw the “team” fight back and slog the possible champions of the League.  Manchester City stands as a Cup and League side; they are voted for both in turn; Everton’s win takes the gilt off their League chance, but the result stands for all the season as the best verdict the club has obtained this season, outwitting the Grimsby victory.  It was a just verdict, just on time, and justly earned.  Let me make it emphatic that here was a genuine margin which should have been 3-0; genuine in the sense that this was a game where Everton fought sternly for an hour without getting result.  Yet their heart was still in the right place.  They never stopped earnest endeavor and if a forward was a shade slow or if Critchley fell in the sticky turf the endeavor was there and persistence and ability won the day.  Had the Marshall goal carried the points I should have been explaining to you how unfairly Everton had been treated.  Everton have made a glad task- it is a task that is so much happier to anyone writing, when compared with “ifs” and “buts.”  Unmistakably, Everton played first-class football and the changes ordained by someone bore a marked effect. 
GRIFFITHS AND WILLIAMS
There must be no minimizing the work of Griffiths and Williams.  It would be hard to separate them; it would be hard to put either before the other.  Both were wonderful.  Griffiths was an additional header when a corner was being taken.  When a corner against us was the order he was back to the goalmouth heading away.  He produced a shot the like of which I have not seen since the palmy days of Mackinlay and Jud Harrison.  It was thirty yards out, and critics say that a goal from such a distance should never be allowed to enter the net.  Barber did not have time to stretch his hand or foot to the Griffiths shot.  The Maine-road people went home talking of the goal- and they voted it the best they had seen on the new ground.  This was merely the culminating point of Griffith’s wonder day, and the players surrounded him till he was mobbed and “scrubbed,” so that his face was scratched.  The pent-up feeling of the players who had worked so hard beside him were let loose.  Rigby’s goal was a peach, too.  It was made though the ingenuity of Martin, aided by stein and Rigby.  Martin crossed to the extreme left, and when you remember that Dean was a passenger from the thirty-fifth minute to the end you can realise how unbalanced the attack became, Dean taking a turn at outside right and then resuming at centre forward.  Williams, of Swansea, can surely never have played better than in this game.  His tackling was deadly; he heaved a man away and went dribbling upward.  His punting was sure and well timed, and not over-strong.  O’Donnell had his periods of lustiness, and his dribbles, plus those of all our half-backs, made the defensive range uncommon and very commanding.  There was use of the ball when Robson, the hearty, and White, the bulky, or Griffiths, the lanky, came to take possession of the ball. 
PRAISE FOR ALL
Martin and Critchley had no superiors in the first half-hour. Critchley’s centring was of a fine quality, and he responded to the calls of Martin, who was clever and convincing. Dean headed back a shade too sharp for some of his fellow players, but that was a mere matter of forethought. Rigby, after a moderate first half, came up with some shot, some dribbles, and the feeding of the consistent Stein. All deserved praise for a memorable effort, the more meritorious because the players smarted under the belief that they had a deficit not warranted by the position of Johnson when the goal was started. Barber had more to do than Davies, who had such brilliant support from his backs; and it odd that the City goalkeeper should have been the busier man, because it does not tally with my idea that Everton still lack a finality shot that must be delivered at random without the stopping of the ball or the fear of a miss by miles.  Having said that, I have put the Everton case fairly. This was a game in which the sportsmanship and fairness  of everyone was above everything; there  was a stern tussle; City were not nearly  so dangerous as usual, well though their  half-backs played; and Everton can  look back on this victory as a milestone  in their hectic career. It is a result that Manchester verifies—won by good football, by superior play, and by the utmost persistence and heartiness. May the good work go on at Highbury. The team has the confidence so sadly lacking previously. There have been tete-a-totes since Saturday; there have been changes of a marked character, and a call to arms by the chairmen which was very spirited. The players have answered the call thus early. 
SHARP'S THE WORD. 
I have been called many things in my time, that is in the matter of names, but the last word was reached yesterday when a Manchester official would persist in calling me Jack Sharp. Incidentally, gather that Mr. Sharp has now taken into the firm Mr. J. C. Sharp, who has played f or Liverpool Rugby Club, and is a son of the Everton director.  Mr. Sharp is enlarging his place, having taken over adjoining premises; in fact, in a sports sense the building in Whitechapel is becoming a landmark.

EVERTON'S TRY-ON CENTRE. 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 February 1930
ATTWOOD, THE SOLDIER FROM WALSALL, TO HAVE A SHOW. 
Attwood, the soldier from Walsall, is promoted to Everton's first team, to-morrow, at Arsenal's ground, Dean being quite unfit for service. There is doubt about White, who got a severe bump during the game at Manchester.   If he could not play then it is likely there would be a mote to bring in Hart as left-half.

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 February 1930
A NEW SERIES
No.5 – LEATHER LANE; A HIDDEN VILLAGE
By Michael O’Mahony
Not unlike a canyon in a wall of rock runs this cleft-like passage from Dale-street towards Exchange Station.  How it came by its alliterative name is more than I can tell.  The only reason I can trace for it is that it led towards Pall Mall, in which a leather hall flourished many years ago.  This hall, intended as a market for the leather trade, and inspection of hides under the Flaying Act, established by a Joint Stock Company.  It held a market every Wednesday, two fairs a year, in March and September, and flourished till 1833, when it was moved to Gill-Street.  This, as I say, may be the reason why the bye-way is so called, while I rather think it is not.  Leather-lane is, I fancy, shown on some old maps before the Leather Hall was heard of.  Of all the narrow ways running north from Dale-street, (pace Cheapside), none are better known than Leather-lane.  It was always so.  The Old Cross Keys inn made it a conspicuous point for the best part of a century, and when the old inn was pulled down to be succeeded by the “George,” attraction remained unbroken, to be continued when Rigby’s Building arose to throw a protecting archway across its cave-like opening.  When the Old Cross Keys inn flourished as a hostelry Leather-lane was a place of no mere minor importance. 
AN HISTORIC VIEW
A view from one of Gregson’s drawings is given of this end of Dale-street showing the old Cross Keys inn as it was towards the end of the 18th century.  In the foreground is seen a sailor with large buckles in his shoes, dressed in sailor’s blue, with black silk, necktie, and holding a purse of prize money in his hand.  Close to, a lady, in steeple-crowned hat with immense waving feathers, is talking to a gentleman with red coat, purple waistcoat, buckskins and silk stockings, A Sedian chair is set down in front of the Exchange, the chairmen, in long blue frocks, are lounging about fraternizing with the street gamins (there were no fleet o’ foot “Echo” lads in those days).  A water-cart, with one woman driving and another walking with a bucket in her hand to serve customers, goes past. A stage coach goes careering along with outside passengers in front, and the old basket behind.  There is a volunteer soldier in red swallow-tailed coat, while crossbelts, tall shako with red and white feathers, breeches and gaiters.  There is a sergeant wearing a heavy silk sash, pendent, and sword, bearing a lance in his hand, and beside him a small drummer boy with green jacket, green cap, and feathers.  The pedestrians have powdered hair, tight-fitting coats, blue, green, and red.  The shops have bulging bow windows and heavily timbered squares.  Through a scene such as this, crammed with colour, might be seen moving on certain mornings of the week soberly-attired persons of grave demeanour, and passing from the highway into the narrow entry which led to the first Quakers’ Meeting House erected in the town.  This stood in the open land then extending from the Town Hall to Moorfields, and was visible through the tall trees which surrounded Mr. Ryley’s garden. Quite a rural atmosphere abounded, and when we recall Penelope Rathbone a woman excelling in the traits of her benevolent race, and other serious-minded Friends seated in quiet converse under the lilacs and apple boughs of the Meeting House lawn, we can imagine a very peaceful corner indeed. 
VANISHED GARDENS
Mr. Ryley’s gardens, with their green alleys and arbours, have gone long ago.  The force which laid his fine old house in the dust did not spare branch or bough.  In a shaded corner of the old Meeting House Green the last Friend was laid to rest in 1791, and the only reminder now remaining of Meeting House, grove, and graveyard, is a short and insignificant-looking passage called Quakers’ Alley, running from Leather-lane into Hackins Hey.  The exact site of the Meeting House is now covered by a pile of offices called Batavia-buildings.  Although worship ceased at the old place on the opening of the new Meeting House in Hunter-street the school continued to flourish for some years, and of the pupils who attended there is in Mr. Joseph Stocker, of Geneva-road, Fairfield, at least one hale and hearty survivor. 
A WALK FROM THE COUNTRY
Mr. Stocker, who is vigorously nearing his ninetieth birthday, remembers the zealous teacher named Crossfield who walked twice a day from his home in the country- at Old Swan- to teach in the Quaker school.  The lane, today, while ever a very present help in trouble to the sprinters who dash through it to catch departing trains, is like the shadowy byeways which often surprise you in old cathedral cities, a richly stocked and prospering business thoroughfare.  The bright note struck at the corner of its archway by the well-arranged wares of Kate, the newsagent, is maintained in each attractive premises, till they cease at Quaker-alley.  This is an alley.  An errand boy, coming through playing a mouth-organ, was compelled to indulge in several bars’ rest before again putting his arms akimbo to the disapproval of fellow-pedestrians on the skimpy parapet.  Commerce has long marked this district for its own, and what to-day is called Ryley’s-gardens is only known to its immediate neighbours or those to whom it is familiar as a short cut through a maze of offices. 
A DICKENS MEMORY
I was turning aside to go down the lane to Dale-street when I was surprised to come upon the curtained windows of some small cottages wedged in between the warehouses, and reminding me of the little house in the London yard mentioned by Dickens, which looked as if it had one day gone astray from its companions and could never find its way out again.  The cottages, which look as if they had been overlooked in the uprooting changes which had come in the locality, were not as lonely as I thought. A  turn to the right and I found myself in a cul-de-sac wearing all the completeness of a short but long-finished village street.  As I paused in surprise there came from high windows rising above, where Ryley’s orchard once bloomed, a droning hum, as of bees busy at their plunder in the clover, and I realized that I was at the rear of the Old Church infant school.  Except the drowsy hum of the children’s voices, not a sound disturbed the little street packed away out of the noise and traffic of a great city, and only known to those who seek it at close of day, I am pleased to think that a lucky turn prevented me missing what like Crooked-lane is- one of the hidden villages of Liverpool.  Next Week; Smithdown-lane. 

EVERTON TACKLE THEIR FELLOW BANK OF ENGLAND MEMBERS! 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 February 1930
By Bees
EVERTON V. THE ARSENAL
This brings us to memories of the past in Cup and league.  It was Arsenal who put paid to Everton in the best cup-tie seen in London-on a mud-swamp.  The match is being broadcast (its second portion at any rate), and I propose to dare to invade Highbury with a set that shall tell me what is going on at the moment I look at the game. It is a novelty--and it may have its points upon which I can hang a hat!  Arsenal have been to Brighton to strengthen their hopes and legs.  Everton have been going through a mid-week mill. Thus the game tomorrow at Highbury becomes a very difficult one—yet not an impossible task, because a friend of mine who saw Arsenal at Bolton said he had never seen anything worse.  That being so, Everton can take heart and can plug in to create a first-class sensation result. Arsenal are not far removed from the foot of the ladder, and much of their "star” pride has fallen to the ground. The cup-ties may save them, where their League games fail them.  Mr. Chapman says, "Our side has been playing remarkably good football for a long time, Bolton game excepted, but we have not had that touch of luck necessary to gather the points to our record. It has been a vexatious season, but at least we have played the right kind of football, the best kind of football; our receipts are up and our following has, increased. I am not a bit sorry for what I have done. I have struck certain jealousies, but been a player and a manager; I know how to treat such things. Arsenal is to be a team worth watching, win or lose; that’s my first maxim. We want the best and we'll have it." Everton have worked on somewhat similar lines, but in 1930 one begins to wonder whether the public do really want the best type of football, or if they only want a victory to their own side by any means at their command, with football skill never given a thought.  Mayhap, I’m wrong; let’s hope so.  May I not be wrong, however, in expressing a hope and wish and desire that Everton should tomorrow create a big surprise.  Everton; Davies; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein

EVERTON FACE THE ARSENAL
February 8 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton, who revived hopes of better things by their victory over Manchester City, are faced by another stiff task against the Arsenal, at Highbury. Though the Arsenal are still in the Cup, third position in the League is by no means secure so that we still see desperate sides struggling for the points. Everton having won at Maine-road, will enter this afternoon's encounter with renewed vigour and confidence, and they will make a bold bid for victory. Unfortunately Everton will lack the services of Dean, who was injured at Manchester in the mid-week match, and it has been decided to play Attwood at cente-forward. White, who received an injury at Maine road, is doubtful and in his absence Hart many play. What the Arsenal team will be depends upon the reports from Brighton where the players return from their special training. Baker may be at right half. There is a hope that the Arsenal will not have to make any changes in which event James would contrive of inside-left and Williams at outside right. Teams; Everton; Davies; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White (or Hart); Critchley, Martin, Attwood, Rigby, Stein; Arsenal (probable); Lewis; Parker, Hapgood; Haynes, (or Baker), Roberts, John; Williams, Jack, Lambert, James, Bastin.

GOAL AVERAGE OUGHT NOT TO DECIDE VITAL LEAGUE PLACES
February 8 th 1930. Evening Express.
HUNTER HART SAYS POSITIONS SHOULD BE SETTLED BY TEST GAMES.
ONLY SATISFACTORY WAY OF DEALING WITH END OF SEASON PROMBLEMS.
HOPES FOR EARLY CHANGE OF SYSTEM
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain.
To allow League Championships and the equally important verdicts of promotion and relegation to depend on goal average is to my mind, utterly unsatisfactory. The only just method of deciding exceptionally close finishes is a deciding match between the aspirants for honours or the candidates for relegation, as the case may be. First of all, let us take concrete cases where goal average has brought success to one club and no fruit to another. In the season 1923-24 Huddersfield Town won the championship at the expense of Cardiff City on a small fractional advantage in goal average –and incidentally went on to register a hat-trick of championships –and in 1926-27 Portsmouth secured the second position in the Second Division because their goal average was less than a decimal point better than that of Manchester City. Fancy promotion resting on such a fraction. League football, to my mind, is a test of skill, and therefore, the question of relegation and success should be decided by competition between the eligible parties. If two clubs whether at the top or bottom of the League, have the same number of points them they should participate in a deciding match. This would gave an satisfaction to each club and to every follower of the game. In either of the cases mentioned above there were 50 per cent of the public who said that one team should have secured the honour and the other half said the other team. There was division of opinion, and yet we shall never know which of the clubs was the better. I think that had the teams been forced to play-off we might not have seen that trio of victories by Huddersfield or Portsmouth in the First division. True, goal-average might have worked out correctly, but on the present system there is no chance of finding out.
LET ABILITY TELL.
It is freely argued that goals count most of all in football, but everyone will join with me in desiring that sheer football ability shall carry a team to championship honours and the lack of ability to relegation. Many a side playing pure football has failed to win by a huge score, but got home by one or two goals. By this they gave the public what they require –good football and victory. Why on earth should that club be penalised because they have not reduced a highly scientific game to a farce by registering runaway victories. The present system gives additional advantage to teams playing the kick-and-rush style of football, who occasionally pile up big scores, but cannot by any stretch of imagination be accounted clever.
AN EXAMPLE.
To supplement my contention, take the case of the Cup-tie between Manchester City and Swindon this season. In the first half the Northerners secured a lead of four clear goals, and eventually won by the cricket score of 10 goals to one. Can anyone consider the score in a series light? Swindon; obviously were absolutely demoralised when they conceded the first two or three goals, and the mental effect of those goals alone enable the City to score practically at will. It is just the same as saving money. It is a hard job to hoard the first hundred pounds, but a matter of simplicity to make it £200.
INJURIES
The question of injuries also comes into the matter especially relating to the clubs in the danger zone. One club might suffer the death blow of injuries for a few weeks during which period they concede goals, which would otherwise not have arisen. With a full team available again they might possibly serve up football, as good as any other club in the competition and yet suffer the sad fate of going down just because they had that bad patch when good men were sitting on the stands. To bear out this contention I need only point to the case of Everton last season when Dean was off so long for injury. We were not getting the goals we should have done had Dean been available all the times. We escaped ignominious fate by a narrow margin, but it would have been unfair had we been forced to go down merely on the count of goal average when our leading marksman was out of the game for about 50 per cent of matches. An element of luck creeps into the argument as well, for in some seasons a club will have say two, three or even four goals scored for them by opponents while another club might have no such smiles from the gods of fortune. Those goals might make all the difference between preservation of status and relegation or success and non-success at the top end of the table when the final reckoning comes. Trouble would arise under the play-off system in that the proceeds of any matches played after the first Saturday in May must be devoted to charity. This is an obstacle that could be easily surmounted however, for the Football Association and the Football League could come to an arrangement to allow these vital matches to be decided even if the "gate" did go to charity. The club concerned would not mind losing their share of the money, though it would be infinitely better to play the matches on Cup-tie terms. Again, play-offs would not be necessary each year, for goal-average might not enter into the championship, Promotion and relegation at all. There can hardly be a club in the land which would not welcome the alteration in the goal average system when it affect such vital problems, and I hope for an early change.

EVERTON LAMBERTED
Liverpool echo- Saturday, February 8, 1930
ARSENAL’S FOUR GOALS IN FIRST HALF
GOALKEEPING ERRORS
By Bee
Everton; Davies; Williams, O’Donnell (captain); Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Attwood, Rigby, Stein.  Arsenal; Lewis; Parker, Hapgood; Baker, Roberts, John, Williams, Jack, Lambert, James, Bastin.  O'Donnell was captain of Everton, and White was tried out on the ground an hour before the start at Highbury to-day. Attwood, of Walsall, was making his second appearance with the seniors this season.  There were 35,000 spectators present when O'Donnell won the toss, and Martin began some of his tine close dribbles. Critchley shooting just outside, which was a bright start, and a promise of more good things to come.  But Everton had an escape when one of their defenders made an ankle clearance and Griffiths put the ball high towards his own goal. The danger was intense after Davies patted away, because Lambert was able to head very definitely where Davies was not, and the ball struck the upright and passed outside.  Something of a similar character accursed when, after Robson tested Lewis. Critchley made a surprise hook shot that Lewis never dreamt would touch the upright.  LAMBERT SURPRISES DAVIES. 
Yet that was what occurred. Griffiths was extremely good with his head, and also with his command of the ball.  Much of the passing of Everton was admired, especially on the right wing, where Critchley smuggled through, and was well in the penalty area when he was about to shoot and his foot was blocked. I call this worth a penalty, but what is one among 30,000 onlookers?  Right away from this incident Arsenal went on to a score made in simple fashion. Williams, the little outside-right who had made Arsenal's attacks thus far, centred and Lambert headed in very tenderly, Davies being surprised and faulty.  This shock would not have mattered so much if a good centre by Stein had been taken first time by Rigby.  Everton moved in the main by their right wing. O'Donnell found Lambert very forceful and pushful, and Attwood found Roberts very tall. In addition, the Everton centre had an offside trap made for him. Everton escaped when Lambert got a through pass and shot to an empty goal. He could not have been more than six inches out of direction.  Williams was the second scorer in seventeen minutes.   The score sheet gave no idea of the way the game had gone. David Jack chased after a loose ball on the right, and Williams moved inwards to head the dug-up centre supplied by Jack. The ball again went into the net at a slow pace and in a surprising manner.  Everton lost some of their sparkle through the snap goals, taken in what one would say an easy manner, and where none should have come.  Attwood netted while offside, and Davies made three good saves.  Every time Arsenal went away they seemed in danger of getting a Williams seemed to have scored when the ball cannoned off from the foot of the post to the middle of the goal, Davies catching the rebound. This should have been goal No. 3 Off-sides against Attwood were numerous, and Griffiths was as good in defence as in attack.  TWO MORE FOR LAMBERT.
Everton were too genteel against a side that had made up its mind it had got to win. Davies made a good catch from James.  In thirty-one minutes Everton were down 3-0. Bastin shot, Davies stopped the ball without being able to gather it ran out to try and smother Lambert, who was running onwards, and we had the sight of another ball entering an empty net. In half an hour the sting had gone out of the game, and Everton's rearguard had cracked. However, Davies, by running out, stopped Bastin taking No. 4. One word, the game was totally foreign to its score Troubles came in battalion, James kicked a ball from his own goal quarter, and Everton stopped playing, claiming that Lambert was yards offside. Lambert want nearly half the length of the field, and Davies did the right thing by running out 20 yards. Lambert merely lofted the ball over Davies's head and scored at ease.  The referee claimed that Lambert was in his own half when he sprinted off, but many disbelieved. There were four goals in half an hour. Critchley missed a goal from six yards. Attwood could have taken the shot.
Half-time; Arsenal 4, Everton 0.
Davies had to punch away in the first minute of the second half, and Griffiths made a fine defence with his head. The only lite in the game for some time came when James passed back to his goalkeeper. Critchley was well off the target when close in.  O'Donnell and Martin were very clever in part, but there was no sign of revival in the Everton side. They were easily beaten, and now brought in the offside trap many times. Lewis had his first real anxiety when the Everton right passed adroitly. The goalkeeper had only to run out, however, and kick clear.  This shows the hopeless extent of Everton's forward work. They played listlessly. Although O'Donnell and Williams stood firm, there was plainly no recovery from the goalkeeping errors of the first half, yet when the Everton defence stopped for a plain off-side decision and failed to get Davies made a fine save from Williams.  I am listening to and looking at the match, and I admire the spirit put into the broadcast portion—the play and the game are not worth it.  Final; Arsenal 4, Everton 0

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 February 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

• Stein was Everton’s greatest force for good against the men of Pompey
• Everton have forfeited 14 points in thirteen home matches.
• Jasper Kerr (ex-Everton, and now with Preston North End) is to read the lesson
• The proceeds of tomorrow’s service will be devoted as in previous years, to local hospital funds.
• In the season’s early day’s one well-known ex-football League referee tipped Everton as likely championship winners.
• Which only shows once again that you never can tell
• Happily, we on Merseyside are taking Everton’s present lowly situation as not being due to inefficient management, but rather to the fortunes of war and the keenness of competition, resulting in a greater equality among players and teams than at any previous stage in the history of the League.

EVERTON RES V VILLA RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 8, 1930
Everton had McPherson at inside left, and his early play revealed his known clever artistry, but he had a tendency to lie too far back.  To his credit were a couple of first-class drives that Jackson did well to field.  It was, however, a most uninspiring first half, and although Everton had an equal proportion of the attack, their raids were not quite as dangerous as those of the Villa, who gained an early lead when Tully opened the score after a shot from Small had rebounded from the bar.  Wilkinson, Lewis, and McPherson had shots saved by Jackson and Villa would have increased their lead if the inside forwards had rounded off Dorrell’s good wing work.  Common and Kennedy were good Everton defenders, but it was a dull first half.  Half-time; Everton nil, Villa 1. 
EVERTON A V SHELL MEX.
Both sides played well during the early stages off the game, and French scored for Everton after ten minutes.  Calvert made good saves from Jones and McInulty.  Hodkinson equalized after twenty minutes and near the interval Dike regained the lead for the home side.  Half-time; Everton A 2, Shell Mex 1. 

ARSENAL 4 EVERTON 0
February 10 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON MISTAKES.
BAD SHOW AGAINST ARSENAL.
By "Bees."
Everton have done no good in London. Their worst was saved for the game at Highbury against a side that was mainly units and was struggling against a near-foot-of-the-table register. The game was extraordinary in many ways; in the second half it was notorious for its limp character. There was not an incident worthy of record if we except frailty on the part of both sets of forwards. It was lifeless, dull football with out a sparkle, and the whole ground with its 33,000 spectators seemed to have fallen under the spell of the goalkeeping errors of the first half-hour when Arsenal scored four goals. They might have had more with a shade of fortune, but they could not grumble at the luck that went their way owing to the mistakes made by the Everton goalkeeper, who had a tragic match. He has plainty lost his confidence, and it is no exaggeration to say that two or three of the first set of goals should have been saved. There was no pace, no sting in the headers that scored, and Everton were finally routed, even if they kept the score down in the second half.
GOALKEEPING ERRORS.
The air of misfortune spread around the tem. The players went from good to bad from bad to worse, till finally the visiting side packed up and realised that this was not their day out. Yet the Everton side started in a way suggestive of distinct possibility. Their right flank opened in a way that reminded one glandly of the Wednesday game against Manchester City. There was sense and touch in their combination. There was attack, with a well-formed idea of beating a defence that is known to be shaky and slow. The opening twelve minutes were not a guild to what was to follow. Davies, in short, erred when they opened their score and when the score was added to. Here was a case where four goals were scored, yet the day was productive of no shooting from either side –shooting to the mark, that is to say.
CONFIDENCE LACKLING.
Everton had no confidence, and most of the men failed to come within bounds of their former form. White had been tried just before the match owing to a danger of his injury being beyond his chance of play. He played, so that the only alteration was the appearance of Attwood, of Walsall, for Dean. Dean's presence must count for a lot with the other members of the side. His absence was felt to a degree one could never have believed possible. The London side was very happy about a four-goals' margin, yet they readily appreciated how the game had gone, and did not hide their views. Arsenal scored three though Lambert, who was a mere plodder and opportunist. Bastin and Williams were thorns in the defensive flesh; they are the real raiders. Alec James playing in his erratic manner which leads him to lie far back. He actually acted the part of back, and kicked hard up the field when Lambert got his final goal –a goal Everton called illegal, as Lambert was reckoned to be in his opponents half when he received the ball. But what was one among so many? The damage had been done; the heart had gone out of the side that had found its best form at Manchester; the margin is wrong, judged from any angle of actual play, became Everton were the more constructive.
LACK OF PUNCH.
The lack of punch in their attack is photographed in the easy passage Lewis, the Arsenal goalkeeper, was allowed. The turning point of the game, came when Critchley hooked a shot over his shoulder and Lewis was nonplussed. He imagined the ball must go outside; actually it struck the upright and passed out. From that point –which was an hour before the doleful end, Everton were not able to make progress against stocky half-backs and the height of Roberts being too much for Attwood, who also fell into the clutches of the offside trap, laid frequently and definitely so that the referee could not be in error about the incident. On the other hand, the Everton defence once again had a habit of calling for offside, and stopping play albeit the referee said, "play on." That way goals are given away.
THREE FOR LAMBERT.
In half an hour Lambert had scored three, and Williams had got a centre from Jack –an interchange of positions –that Davies should have gathered. It is difficult to describe the change of front of defence of the defeated side; a team that could play so well for ten minutes should not be disheartened by a solitary mistake. Yet this is exactly what occurred, despite the rousing efforts of O'Donnell, Williams, and Griffiths the last being without superior in the field, and producing one of his electric shots without fortune. Griffiths was a finder and a seeker and a tackler and feeder, but his wing half-backs were too readily run through, Robson not doing so well as usual. With all their wandering dribbles Jack and James were not to be compared with Martin for sheer artistry and effect. Yet the absence of shots was very noticeable. Stein did not forget this, but he had not such chance to show how strong a raider and shooter he can be. It was the quietest match I have seen this season, it was a tragic match. And the greatest trouble of the affair is that the defeat and its manner of making is deeply impressed on a side that had just recaptured its confidence. Teams ; - Arsenal; - Lewis, goal, Parker, and Hapgood, backs, Baker, Roberts, and John, half-backs, Williams, Jack, Lambert, James, and Bastin, forwards. Everton; - Davies, goal; Williams and O'Donnell (captain), backs, Robson, Griffiths and White, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Attwood, Rigby and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 ASTON VILLA RESERVES 1
February 10 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 27)
Everton were a trifle unfortunate in being defeat at home in a game that never soared much above mediocrity. Their second half rally was of such lengthy duration that a division of the points was at least deserved, and the Villa were much indebted to Jackson, who kept goal-scoring efforts from McPherson, Wilkinson, and Lewis. The initial half had provided very tame football from both teams, Everton's second half display provided a spell of enthusiasm that was welcome, but the losers were not able to equalise a goal scored by Tully for the Midlanders soon after the start. The Everton backs Common and Kennedy, were sound defenders, and McPherson, tried at inside left revealed cool artistry, but the tendency to lie too far back spoiled much of its effectiveness.

EVERTON "A" 4 SMALL MEX 4
Liverpool challenge cup
At Strawsberry-lane. Although extra time was played the teams were on level terms at the finish, and the replay takes place at Ellesmere Port next Saturday Everton were slightly the superior side during the first half, and were fully entitled to their lead of 2-1. The vistors made a brave fight during the second half and managed to level the score, and at ninety minutes the score was 3 each. Each side again scored during the extra time. Scorers for Everton; French (2) Dykes (2), for Shell Max Hodkinson (3), and Jones.

EVERTON ECLIPSED
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 February 1930
A SETBACK OF A STERN CHARACTER
ARSENAL UNITARIANS
Bee’s Notes
CONFIDENCE GONE. 
If Everton could win or draw this game then their position would be relieved, especially as Newcastle and Grimsby lost. But the confidence of the side, and the sparkle and determination found at Maine-Road, went out as completely as the J.D, set in the tunnel. They faded out so soon as their goalkeeper made errors which led to two or three goals. The fourth was not a good goal, but why argue about Lambert when he is near the half-way line and Snape up a big clearance kick by Alec James, the inside left, let me remind you! One more did not matter a great deal. There had been a tragic happening. Everton had started with method and skill, especially on the right wing, where Martin was the inspiring force. They had Arsenal in their pockets till the goalkeeper fell into error and left Everton visitors astounded. Behind me was a former neighbor from Meols. By my side were Manchester men; all were yelling for Everton. Eventually they joined me in the novelty of listening to a game we were watching, comparing notes, names, incidents and descriptions of the tawdry play.  I have never seen a more listless second half and I have never seen a side lose its heartiness so readily. The bubble was burst:  Everton had gone back to their former ways, of listlessness and tenderness.  They had not a shot for Lewis, if we except Critchley’s early effort.  The wing half backs could not keep in touch with a sly young winger like Bastin, who is only seventeen years old; nor could they keep Joe Williams ex-Huddersfield, in control. That was one reason why Arsenal won by e margin quite foreign to the way the ball and play went. I have no hesitation in stating that Everton throughout  played the better idea of football; they lacked a sting and punch and definiteness near goal that was common all  day, for it be it known though Arsenal  got four goals the amount of straight, hard shooting on Saturday was positively  alarming in Its scarcity.  That is a reason for the game being doleful. 
BRIGHT LIGHTS
One has to pick warily for any bright light, yet the work of john and Baker was in direct contrast with that of our wing half-backs. Roberts, of Oswestry, is developing, and as the ball was often lofted towards Attwood, it was always odds on the flying corps man in the middle. He had the natural reach Attwood never could hope to gain. I don't blame Attwood, especially as he fell into many traps, for the offside game. Hapgood was strong, Parker was his own rousing self, but, in football juggles Martin always had them guessing, and Critchley had a burst in the early play that should have brought goals. Arsenal were little better in front of goal as I have indicated, but, to be quite frank, Everton did not look like scoring. Stein was not well fed, and it was he who looked most likely to snap a goal, for he will make a sharp cross drive, and along the line there is an absence of shooting-will that means the attack is not what it should be, and goals cannot be looked for in such circumstances.  The absence of Dean is an enormous load of mischief. One could not imagine the presence of the now mercurial, goal-getter but skilled worker of passes to his forwards could have been felt to such a degree.  Yet it is plain that without him the whole side seems to falter and fade out.  Those who saw the side at Maine-road and Highbury could not believe that these were in effect the same eleven.  It is a mystery where the confidence leaks away.  It is a matter that should be throttled at once, for without confidence the team cannot escape the clutching hand.  Home matches must be taken in hand if the club is to escape.  There is need even now of half-back signings and of a forward or two that shall take the responsibility (and joy) of a shot.  It is suggestion in some quarters that we should call up “Lord French.”  Everton have no match for a fortnight; therefore they may forget the tragedy of Highbury, none more so than Davies, the goalkeeper.  The end came when thousands had tired of the game and left the field.  There was nothing left but to tune in to Daventry, and got some music to soothe the savage breasts.  Everton had gone out by a margin undeserved, yet its lesson was plain, and therefore it should not be in vain that we bring the microscope on a side that wobbled against a very moderate lot. 

EVERTON AND THEIR CRITICS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 11 February 1930
A CAUSTIC ONE MAKES A “COSTLY” ERROR
HARTS OPINION OF IT
CONSTRUCTION
Bee’s Notes
If anyone wants to help Everton, it can only be by offering construction.  That is a reason for my suggestion here and now that we put into action the name of any known player worthy the name who is to be transferred.  I know, for instance the Maw and Davies (later ex-Stoke), forwards of the Huddersfield side, could be signed; and that B. Kelly, the veteran, but a man who pulled Huddersfield through when it was most needed, could be signed.  Also that Naylor, the half-back, is not averse to a change. 
AYE, AYE, CAPTAIN
Mr. George Vaughan, of Willaston, says; - With Everton the quality is there (if only there was the spirit).  I am constrained to write my bit- I don’t suppose anybody will sit up and take notice; still, I am one of many thousands of spectators and supporters, and I’d rather have may say now than dream later I wish I had only done my bit.  I have two suggestions to make, the first being cynical and, of course, not practical.  No 1- if only you, in the known form of your “Nom-de-plume” could fasten yourself in the players’ white knickers, perhaps there’d be a little energy.  No 2- I believe the directors choose the team.  I should scrap this.  Let the directors select a number of players –more than eleven, of course-then let these players select their captain, and then the captain select his team, and train them. 
INDIA’S CORAL STRAND
Corporal John Coppock, of Kohat District Signals, writes from Kohat, N.W.F.P India;-
“At the time of writing, I am looking at the League table, and I find my old club (Everton) situated third from the bottom of the League.  It does seem strange to see such clubs as Newcastle, Sunderland and Everton struggling.  “Now, Everton as one of the original members of the Football League (who are the only club to enjoy continuous membership without applying, etc), are in great danger of losing their First Division status.  It would be a calamity for Merseyside fans were Everton relegated to Division 2 (just fancy the gate Everton versus Stoke or Swansea,’ were Everton in Division 2), compared with being matched with the select clubs of the upper circle. As a keen follower of the Blues since 1906 (I often tracked into Goodison Park as a boy), I hope Dixie and his lads will do the necessary, i.e., to remain with the ‘Nabobs’ of Division 1, they must, at least win every home match, and gather at least a point away from home for the remainder of the season (a great achievement, if accomplished).  But Everton must watch the other clubs in danger; they, too, will be all out for the points, and I wish Dixie and his lads all success during the next three months.”  That’s the feeling all over the world.  The chairman, Mr. Cuff, gets some amazing slanging letters, but the majority of them are sincere expressions of people who keenly desire, what clubs desire –the continued appearance of Everton in Division 1.  The slanging type we shall always have with us.  They are too mean to supply their names; their heartiness is concentrated in their venom and unfair attacks.  I imagine they are inspired.  Fortunately, they cut no ice, and carry now eight. 
CRITICS AND THEIR COST.
The presumption of a correspondent who has, admittedly, not seen Everton since they sported blue stripes, is beyond me.  He kindly offers, for 2,500 to tell us what is wrong with Everton.  He might have tried Arsenal first, or the Spurs.  At any rate, it can be stated that his statement that Griffiths was the cause of the defeat in a most unfair attack on the best player of either side.  If you would like confirmation of my view, let me give you the statement of Hunter Hart, who is out of a place through Griffiths being at centre half-back.  Hart is nothing if not a sportsman, and he declares the following (not having seen the comment of this 2,500 merchant);- Griffiths was the one great player of the day.  His heading, tackling, and general positioning were truly marvelous.  I shall never forget his last two games.  They were a study.  This is the statement of the captain, kept out of the side by the man who is supposed (according to this critic) to have been the failure and the cause of the goals scored by the Arsenal.  Such a critic, at 2 pounds a year, would be a waste of expense to the club and a hindrance. 

STRESSING THE POINT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
Mr. Hailes. Of London writes;- Having seen the Everton match, on Saturday, and also having duly received “Football Echo,” from a faithful friend in Liverpool, I would like to notify agreement of your report with respect to most of the features of the game.  In my opinion three at least of the goals should have been saved.  I was very pleased with the Everton half-back line; Robson, Griffiths, and White, and thought them much superior to their opponents.  Attwood lacks experience, particularly of how to get into position.  I thought Everton played up very well in the second half with their four goals deficit, and it seemed fairly patent they were out to save their goal average as much as possible.  Hoping you will stress the goalkeeping needs. 
WING RECORDS
“Diana” writes; As a follower of the Everton Club for over forty years, and as one who attends both League and reserve games, I should like to pass a few remarks about the forward line that is being selected by the Everton directors.  In the first place I should like to know why Ritchie and Dunn are not being played together?  If the directors will look up Everton’s record when Ritchie has played outside right they will find it; Played 9, won 2, lost 2, drawn 5.  The matches lost were both away, at Leeds and Derby, by the odd goal, and out of the nine matches six were played away.  Why was he dropped after the Arsenal match at home on October 5?  There is only one forward line that is likely to win most of the remaining matches, and it is Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon or McPherson, and Troup.  The Everton chairman said they have got the men.  Yes, but they have bene playing the wrong ones.  The line I have selected are all class players, and the sooner the directors play them the better it will be. 

RITCHIE SIGNS FOR DUNDEE
February 14 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Ritchie, the Everton outside right has been transferred to Dundee. The negotiations were completed last evening and Ritchie thus returning to the Scottish league, in which he is likely to be more at home, than in the faster style of play demanded in England. Ritchie at times, showed skill and resource, and his powerful shooting was a feature but he did not hold his place in the senior side, though he had several spells on the right extreme. Since he joined Everton from Edinburgh Hibernains two season ago probably the pace was to fast, for him here, and he will I believe prove a source of strengthen to Dundee. Ritchie has played twice for Scotland against Ireland and Wales in the 1928 International he had Dunn as his partner'' and when the pair came together again at Goodison Park they, were decribled as the best wing that ever left Scotland. Of sturdy build Ritchie scored, some good goals for Everton when cutting in, he played in nineteen league games last season and scored four goals, while he has made periodical appearance with the first team this season, but has not turned out in recent matches.

DUNDEE, RITCHIE. 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 February 1930
Ritchie, the Everton outside right, has been transferred to Dundee.  The negotiations were completed last evening, and Ritchie thus returns to the Scottish League, in which he is likely to be more at home than in the faster style of play demanded in England.  Of sturdy build, Ritchie scored some good goals for Everton when cutting in.  He played in nineteen League games last season, and scored four goals, while he has made periodical appearances with the first team this season, but has not turned out in recent matches 
EVERTON "A " AT ELLESMERE
Everton "A" meet Ellesmere Port, at Ellesmere Port, in the second round of the Liverpool Challenge Cup. Team:  Calvert; Johnson, Ryan; Emery, Haycock, Wright; Wiggins, Dyke, French, Lewis, Hanson.

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 February 1930
NO.16 –SMITHDOWN LANE; A PICTURESQUE PAST
By Michael O’Mahony
This somewhat wandering and irregular highway, which starts inauspiciously from Paddington, wears no air of being conscious of any dignity associated with an ancient name.  For ancient it is, the word Smithdown being a clumsy corruption of the more graceful “Esmedune,” as it is written in the pages of Domesday book.  That an ancient manor of Esmedune did lie to the south-west of the old town there is no manner of doubt, but where its precise situation was is now more than a crossword puzzle to hi historian.  Domesday states the manor was held by “one Edelmund, and contained one caracate of land worthy thirty-two pence.”  (A carucate was such a quantity of land as could be kept in tillage by a single plough drawn by eight oxen.) 
THE EYE OF KING JOHN
“Esmedune” is mentioned in an inquiry of Henry III.  In an “escheat” of Edwards III, it is record that amongst the possessions of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster, was a place called Smitheden, close to the forest of West Derby.  In 1316 Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, granted Smitheden to the Abbey of Whalley, but as the monks preferred their northern glade, the offer was not accepted.  Even as late as the region of Charles 1st receivers of Crown rents were appointed for such places as “Smithdon and Lotherpoole.”  That the estate did not escape the shrewd eye of King John, when taking a fancy to the locality, he founded the town and port of Liverpool, evidence is clear enough.  When for his amusement and recreation the King enclosed the manor of Tockstaight” as a park, we have an entry stating that along these boundaries the lord King John placed Smithedon with its appurtenances in the forest, and gave Thingwell in exchange to a certain poor man against his will, and so the King carried out his purpose.  From this entry it is not difficult to assume that the manor was absorbed into the Royal forest of Toxteth, but as to its exact position evidence is misty.  What is clear enough is that the gates of this enigmatical place stood somewhere close to the end of the straggling street very properly known to day as Smithdown-lane, which centuries ago was not only a well-defined highway, but a recognized border line between Toxteth Forest and “Waertreeo” (the enclosure of trees), which is now called Wavertree. 
CHEERY PEOPLE
Commonplace enough, the historic highway looks to-day, but if it is an ordinary drab and work-a-day street, with gloomier by-ways extending on its hilly side where it opens from Paddington, it is not featureless in the character of its cheery people, who seem to live as much out of doors as inside them.  Cottage property of an unpraiseworthy period abounds, into the lines of which are wedged bustling little shops, which appear to be doing good business; every door is open, with one exception – the barred precincts of a Chinese laundry – groups of people move along the sidewalk out of the way of traffic, for the street is narrow –notably little knots of women, who have been shopping in Paddington and who are discussing prices and comparing purchases as they return home; one little group, evidently hanging on to the descriptive recital of some story by a leading spirit (who, by sheer power of mimicry, seemed to be holding her audience well in hand) moves along slowly.  The sonorous peals blown on a conchae shell by an itinerant vendor of balloons has for staccato accompaniment the crack of a carter’s whip, while the wail of a disillusioned child, as he grazes at his burst balloon, is hushed by the little sister, who “mother’s” him.  The merriment of the group on the side-walk as they reach the committee stage of some joke echoes joyfully across the street to be presently lost in clamant shouts of a handcart hawker who has come out to sell tomatoes and make the welkin ring.  Architecture here is not without interest, a short terrace of cottages (which rests on a good business foundation, seeing that it runs over a line of shops), alternates with a recessed block of good old houses, where the road bends, while brooding solemnly over the whole district, rises the vast ventilating shaft of the Edge Hill tunnel.  This great construction marks in a special manner the site of the mysterious catacomb and excavations due to the whimsical industry of the strange character remembered as the “King of Edge Hill,” and for the true knowledge of whose real character and achievements Liverpool owes much to the painstaking research of Mr. Charles Robert Hand.  Strange stories of the eccentric man, Williamson, are still current in the locality even today.  But for accurate knowledge of a most attractive if weird personality our truest source is the little brochure published by Mr. Hand, of Paddington. 
THE EMINENT DR.RAFFLES
Where Grinfield-street, cuts the lane across memory can grow very busy.  In an old drawing of Herdman’s on the east side of this corner is shown a yellow-walled house, with green side shutters, having a neat tablet on its corner on which is printed the lines; “Miss Smith’s Select School.”  Some trees are shown rising above the roof of the school, and higher still on the rise at the corner of Mason-street the balconied windows of the mansion of the eminent man, Dr. Raffles.  The school has passed long ago and the trees are felled, but a note of permanence is sharply struck here, for in Grinfield- terrace you behold an enduring bulwark against the tides of change.  The fine houses at one time looked down on and across the old Botanic Gardens, and if their windows no longer command views of green parterres, flower beds, and the pond for goldfish set among rose bushes, the shrubs in their own sloping gardens are a pleasant reminder of returning spring to those dwelling in the cottages over against their gates.  Edge Vale, with its trim little flower beds and pathways, is an agreeable sight for whoever follows the dreary wall on the opposite side, and which to-day hems in vast coal depots, and “where once the gardens smiled.”  Just here clusters together a number of small houses, to the doors of which you descend from the road by antiquated and twisted flights of steps, as in corners of old Paris, and which are not without a desultory attraction of their own.  They hang together, these old domiciles, as if intimating that having defied and survived change, they hope to be allowed to keep themselves to themselves to the end of their days.  Change has certainly been insistent round here.  King-street has become Kinglake-street, Queen-street has become Queensland-street, what was once called Lord-street is now Overbury-street, while dusty Falkner-street is now what once upon a time was a fragrant and grassy pathway coming up from the rushy borders of the Moss Lake and called Crabree-lane, Herdman has left us a pleasant picture of this corner, which he shows to be a scene as follows;-
THE WHITE MILL
Dominating the scene rises the tower and wide sails of the “White Mill,” at the gate of which stands a comely-looking matron wearing a cloak and lace cap, gazing with interest at a passing group of strolling musicians, one of whom carries a drum on his back, while lagging behind a sturdy-looking confrere bears a “Punch and Judy” booth upon his shoulders.  The mill, which towered above the apple blossoms of Crab Tree House, has gone long ago to make way for Milner’s Safe Works, which since their migration eastward from Cable-street seventy-seven years ago, have steadily increased in extent.  As if sharply re-echoing this note of successful commerce, Smithdown-lane from this point gets a really busy, and with a clamorous buzz of trade rushes to a close.  The well-filled windows of a second-hand book shop, and a well-kept parish hall, which seems, Cinquevali-wise, to be playfully balancing a bell on its forehead, are points of interest, but the dominant note is that of commerce.  The myriads of people who daily use this thoroughfare may have little regard for its antiquity.  Starting from the Landing-stage are today, like the ribs of a fan, nine great highways leading out of Liverpool.  Some of them can count their age by centuries, and Smithdown-lane is more ancient than any of them. 

WOLVES RES V. EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, February 15, 1930
Everton Reserve, which included several Internationals, were no match for the Wanderers today, and their forwards seldom made any impression on the home defence.  At the interval the Wanderers led by 2 clear goals, scored by Bartley and Phillips.  On resuming, the Wanderers continued to dominate the game, McPherson scoring. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 February 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

• The Cock of Millwall dismayed Oldham by crowing twice

HUNTER HART SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH EVERTON
February 15 th 1930. Evening Express.
CLUB SIMPLY DOGGED BY BAD LUCK ALL THE SEASON
TEAM HAS ABILITY AND SPIRIT BUT CONSTANT INJURIES HAMPER EFFORTS.
EVERYONE DETERMINED TO AVOID RELEGATION.
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain.
The question being discussed by the Mereseyside football public at the moment; "What is wrong with Everton?" Let me give a direct answer to this query. There is nothing wrong with Everton. It is my opinion that the club is playing football equal to that of the majority of teams in the First division –certainly more scientific than many –but what has placed the team in the position of having to fight against the relegation bogey is nothing else but bad luck. It has been with use since the first match of the campaign, and remains with us.
FORTUNE'S WHEEL.
It has been my experience in football that a side which is in the bad books of the gods of fortune cannot get on, and as proof I have but to mention that some of those clubs which were thought to be comparatively poor have carried off both League Championships and the F.A. Cup. A good slice of fortune can make all the difference between success and failure. The Blues have been denied it this season. It is far from my intention to make excuses for Everton; in fact, excuses are not necessary, for the reason of their non-success is sticking out the proverbial mile. Take our opening match with Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park for instance. It was a grand game between two splendid sides. Well I have heard it said that it was the best match seen at the ground for seasons, and is still held up as an example.
LAST MINUTE GOALS.
That encounter ended in a draw just when everyone was convinced we should win. They had every reason to think that way, for we held a goal lead up to the last minute and then the Wanderers drew level. I do not say they did not deserve their points, but it is rather galling to have victory snatched away from you when it is within easy reach, especially as we had to swallow the same medicine in our next match at Burnely. On this occasion also a last minute goal –I still think it was offside –robbed us of another success which our defence and excellent team-spirit had earned. I shall never forget the play of our backs and goalkeeper in the game, and their task was made all the harder because I was injured with the first kick on the face –I say first because I received another in the same place while playing against Blackpool –and consequently we laboured under a handicap. With the smallest slice of good luck we should have had four points on our side instead of two, but as I say Dame Fortune has nothing but frowns for us this year. The next match at Anfield, convinced everyone that we were a side which would become a power in the League. Could anyone wish for a more decisive victory than that secured against our friendly rivals, who, incidentally, have lowered the colours of many League stalwarts since? Rightly so, they are just the side to upset the calculations of the best of them. Everton won at Anfield by dint of clever constructive, well-conceived, yet forceful and penetrative football and everything in the camp was rosy. This time we had got what we deserved and proved to all and sturdy that we were a good team. I do not say this is self-praise, but because I am certain it was so.
HOPE SPOILED.
Just when we though we had got over the run of ill fortune out next match proved we were wrong. You will readily recall the Goodison encounter with Leeds, and how the United drew level with a goal, which I know they deemed unsatisfactory, though essentially welcome. At Derby on the Saturday we lost by the odd goal after having had the better of the second half, and in the return match with Leeds we were soundly beaten by a better team on the day's showing. It was sapient to all that we were experiencing none of the good luck, which obtained in the first six matches, and them, on top of bad fortune, came an even more sickening blow. That menace to all clubs –injuries –hit us as hard as it could possibly do. A few perhaps minor hurts affected us at first, but it was like a snowball –it rolled and it grew until it reached dimensions almost unequalled.
TEAM ON INJURED LIST.
In a short space of time we had no fewer than thirteen men on the injured list. The unlucky number certainly proved unlucky for us. All those players could be described as first team men, and the result was that the precise combination we had built up was destroyed as effectively as a puff of wind will blow down a house of cards. We had suffered injuries before, and in the operation category, too, but to have thirteen men sitting on the grand stand with exacting matches facing us every week –they became little short of cup-ties –proved too much, after a great victory over Portsmouth and the draw at Sunderland in successive games. We still continued to play well, and the spirit of the officials and players was absolutely unchanged, but for every match we had to make changes, for there was hardly an encounter for us without having one man added to the injuries list. I know that the men who went onto the field in the Everton colours during those stormy days were eager, willing and capable enough, but the point was that the combination was broken up and before we had time to foster another standard of understanding play, more players were injured and so re-shuffles were forced on us week after week.
SPIRIT IN ADVERSITY.
It took us a long time to survive that never-to-be-forgotten period, but the injury bogey has not left us to this day. In practically every subsequent encounter we have had either one or two men injured, and far from thinking that the results to date should bring grumbling and say, sorrow, I consider them a source of gratification. It is remarkable that the club has been able to collect so many points in view of the extenuating circumstances. What would some other clubs in the division have done had they had to contend with all that has beset the Blues? Certainly, no more than we have up to now. Injuries and ill-luck can, and do, defeat the best. Out best performance to date was the recent win at the Manchester City ground, but even than we had not things out own way in the matter of luck. We were a goal behind at the interval after having had the better of the play, and then dean was injured so badly that he could not do himself or the club justice. Yet we won through against all those odds. Does not this prove that the Everton of today can pull the club out of the mire? I think it does. I think what Everton did at Manchester they well repeat many times ere May comes round, and that the ship Goodison will be safely in harbour before them.
THE TRIUMPHAL STAGE.
All teams, which win championships, you will find, have been able to call on the same players practically throughout the season. Season 1927-28 when we had the honour of winning the First Division, proves it. Will had a few injuries, it is true, and also out strokes of bad luck, but O'Donnell and Troup were two who missed not a single game, and I know I only missed one. Others had records almost as good, and so it will be seen that clubs who "get there" have mostly honey, and the others get nothing. The points is that the teams who are playing together week by week must have a big pull in the race for honours. Well, this season we have had no chance of doing that, but Sheffield Wednesday certainly have. Look where they are today –favourites for the Cup and League. We have a good club, a good organisation –I know of no better –and I firmly believe, a fine set of players, who will pull the club through. The directors, I know, have confidence in the players, for they realise what trouble have visited the club in the matter of injuries and ill-luck, and that the men have not had a proper chance to justify that confidence. People grumble about the directors not playing this or that man, but how can they when certain men are injured? On occasions, too, there are men on the injured list about whom the public know nothing. The task of a directors is unenviable one when things are running badly, but the Everton directors like the players, know the present playing strength is good enough to carry the Everton banner to a place of safety. The spirit is there and so is the ability so that unless Dame Fortune plays another "all-trump" hand against us we shall come up smiling. It behoves the supporters to put their trust in the Everton club. Let them think of the whole organisation as a club, not a band of units, and let them pull their weight by genuine support instead of undeserved and oftimes harsh criticism and Everton will escape with a good margin.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 17 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
Despite a strong side which included Cresswell and Troup, Everton were no match for Wolverhampton Wanderers though the visitors improved in the second half. Bartley and Phillips got the goals for Wanderers before the interval. Hollins allowing a shot from McPherson to slip through in the second half. In the second half Everton's attack lacked snap and did not greatly trouble the Wolvers defence.

BENEFIT FOR JACK O'DONNELL
February 17 TH 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
A benefit for O'Donnell the Everton full back was sanctioned by the football league yesterday O'Donnell joined Everton in February 1925, from Darlington, and has proved a dashing and entertaining defender.

OLD TIMERS.
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
By my side were three old-timers of rare merit—Charlie Buchan, Jesse Pennington, and Harry Hampton. My old Rugger captain and Foster, who made Warwickshire into a team, were other meetings, not to mention the folk who cried “Stick" when we travelled with the goodly company of Liverpool players. Everton Reserve, with some rare first-team men of the championship side, were with us on the return. These things, by the way. Let me tell you  that Blackburn showed none of the  form they offered Everton; they were quite unlike themselves at outside  right; per Bruton; their method of play  without method—to make an Irishism;  the vaunted strength of the half-back  line fell like smoke when it was  pitted against the subtlety of Walker.  Gibson, with York intervening, and the backs always a great pair of safety valves.  The Villa had no more than six advances first half. They scored twice against the rocky defence. Baxter being  the chief sinner in defending blunders;  in the second half they had one spell of tremour through Blackburn hammering  away and getting just one goal- a good- made goal-and then Midland side, true to tradition, started to “do their stuff,” and they made backs of the Blackburn side Brown the ex-Huddersfield centre, who was suggested to Everton more than once, and I believe, wanted to come here, being a great leader and a sharp mover, as well as a sure mover. 

EVERTON’S IMPORTANT CHANGE
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 19, 1930
Everton at Middlesbrough, change their goalkeeper to Sagar.  Team; - Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein. 
Everton Reserves; - v Oldham, at Goodison; - Davies; Cresswell, Common; Kelly, McClure, Bryan; Wilkinson, Dunn, Holliday, McPherson, and Troup. 

DEAN IS FIT
February 20 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton, after the fortnight's rest, will be again taxed to the utmost when they visited Middlesbrough on Saturday, but it is satisfactory to know that Dean is fit again, and he will strengthen the forward line. It will be recalled that Attwood played in the last match against the Arsenal. Another importance change is that Sager returns to keep goal in place of Davies.

DIRECTORS WATCHING TALENT
February 21 st 19230. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton's representatives, Mr. J. Sharp and Mr. McIntosh, who attended the Derby County –Arsenal game had it is believed a special look out'' for C. Jones, who was the best Highbury attacker before he went half-back. It is also reported that Everton would be willing to offer a big sum for Cooper the Derby County international full back. Everton are not the only club who would like Cooper, Sunderland it is said, are also in the trail.

EVERTON AT MIDDLESBROUGH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
Everton make the long journey to the North to tackle the just-beaten Middlesbrough side.  This is a chance for a further surprise-a pleasant surprise for Everton supporters.  For this reason Middlesbrough are a bad side on their own ground, and their players say they would sooner play anywhere than at home.  Middlesbrough on the Cup showing at Manchester are a poor side without Camsell, who has been absent for some weeks, and one might say the same thing about Everton if we had not seen a revival of note at Manchester.  The Arsenal affair can be dropped from memory-it must be; it was due to a lapse that would have upset anyone who had the cares of Everton upon their back.  Sagar’s return to the side that had stated to do the big act of retrieving the League position, may have a salutary effect upon the other members.  At any rate, a singleton point at Middlesbrough tomorrow would be helpful and warmly welcomed, but I think there are two points on offer from a side that has gone back so much.  A sturdy, sharp beginning to the game, with some firework shots instead of the spikeless before-goal-work seen at Highbury, and Middlesbrough can be pegged back.  Team; Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Smith, Ashman; Watson, Webster, Forrest; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Bruce, Warren. 
Everton “A” (v. Whiston, at Whiston); Egerton; Johnson, Parrish; Haydock, Wright, Keith; Chedgzoy, Dyke, French, Webster, Lewis. 

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 February 1930
NEW SERIES
NO.7 –LOVE LANE –FROM LEAFY BOWERS TO UNLOVELY BARGES
By Michael O’Mahony
This name, to-day writ large in many Liverpool ledgers, is no new one in local annals.  Memories of the first Love Lane carry us back to the days when, like Trafford’s Weint, it was a zig-zag alley winding to and fro’ between the Old Dock quays and cable-Street.  In these and similar dark and narrow passages the most respectable inhabitants resided, and the best shops were situated.  Not far from where today is heard the ceaseless hum of Gledsdale and Jennings’ printing works stood “Wilson’s.” the once-famous silk mercers, which was for close on a century the most celebrated shop of its kind in Liverpool.  Whoever wants to know what Lord-street looked like then has only to look down King-street or Thomas-street today and in fancy see, in place of offices and warehouses. Modest little shops with bow windows bulging over the skimpy sidewalks.  The street was so narrow that two vehicles could not pass each other, but this caused no inconvenience.  There were few carriages in the town in the 18th century; the mode of conveyance by the gentry was by sedan, attended at night by linkmen.  The narrowness of the streets had long troubled the authorities, and when the profits arising from privateering not to mention a more sinister business euphoniously alluded to as “the African trade,” suddenly lifted Liverpool into commercial eminence, a start was made to widen the highways, and in the process of improvement Love lane disappeared John-Street, which ran from Dale-street to Harrington-street was carried through to Lord-street, and called North John-street.  Love Lane, which terminated at Cable-street, was carried forward to Lord-street, and called South John-street. 
“A BEAUTIFUL RETREAT.”
But the old name lived on to be applied to a beautiful retreat leading to the orchards, gardens, and open meadows beyond Oldhall-street.  Down to the end of the 18th century the north-end was the aristocratic part of the town.  While mills and potteries began to dot the eastern slope above Shaw’s-brow, and the land to the South of Hanover-street was mainly open fields, Union-Street, Virginia-street, Earle-street, St. Paul’s –square, and the neighbourhood were laid out with the commodious mansions of the merchants of the day.  It may have been that memories of the Old Hall, whose gardens in its prime sloped down to the river, influenced this preference; but, at any rate, the northern suburb was then the pleasantest and most salubrious end of Liverpool.  The descent from Oldhall-Street to the river was steep and rapid, open to the sea breezes.  On a high ridge at the end of the street, projecting riverwards, was the once-celebrated: Ladies’ Walk,” sheltered by a four-fold avenue of spreading elm trees, overlooking the tide, and commanding a splendid prospects from the Rock Point to Eastham, with the Welsh mountains in the background. 
A SUNDAY RENDEZOUS
One of the entrances to the Walk was from Oldhall-street through a swing-gate which opened close to the present canal bridge.  The approach from the west was up a broad flight of steps from bath-street.  On fine days throughout the year, and especially on Sundays, the Walk was thronged with the elite of the town, who sported their bravery in broad skirted coats, satin breeches, gold-laced waistcoats, silk stockings, square-toed large-bucked shoes, swords, and three-cornered hats’ need it be said that the ladies of the period, in high-heeled shoes, hooped dresses, and plumed bonnets, were not less gorgeous?  The district was not merely the haunt of fashion.  If not the home of outstanding genius, it housed solid worth and civic virtue.  Richard Caddick, the portrait painter, lived in Oldhall-street.  In St. Paul’s square lived “glorious old George Syers” –a Dicky Sam of the Dicky-Sams –and in a fine house at the next corner lived Rev. Leigh Richmond, author of “The Dairyman’s Daughter,” perhaps the most popular tract ever written and a near relative of Silvester Richmord, author of all the witty election squibs of his time.  Opposite to the Ladies’ Walk, and running east to Pinfold-lane (now Vauxhall-road) was a pleasant and leafy avenue called Maidens’ Green, and winding out northward in a line with the river was a bowery promenade, ending in a rustic stile, from which a grassy pathway wound through the orchards and cornfields to the village of Walton.  This was the now Love-Lane.  On a calm October day in 1774, a blight fell on this lovely quarter of Liverpool, and the leaves silently falling from the lofty boughs in the Ladies’ Walk, Maidens Green, and the fragrant ways of Love-lane were a premonition of the darker wrath to come.  The opening of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, then described as of “more importance then all the ladies’ walks in the world,” changed everything.  The orchards disappeared, the meadows were scarred asunder.  Unlike the elms which once adorned Duke-street, and which, when removed, were transplanted at Oakhill, Old Swan, those felled in Love-lane, and Maiden’s Green, sank to rise no more. The latter beautiful place was “improved” into Leeds-street, and the old name is borne today by a dark alley opening off Highfield-street, and in a locality where the inhabitants of the neatly-kept houses might say that in the absence of green growing things, they scarcely know one season from another.  The coming of the barges revealed commerce in its most repulsive character.  Zephyrs redolent of coal dust soon drive fashion and comfort to more congenial quarters, but even while trade was absorbing the pleasant places, a whole neighbourhood doesn’t change its character all at once.  As Picton puts it, “St. Paul’s-square, Earle-street, and Union-street long maintained a struggle before their dignity was finally shorn of its beams.  For some years a few old-fashioned equipages emerged from these regions, the driver seated postilion-wise on the near horse, with antique Jockery cap and flaxen wig, the inmates looking as if though amongst they belonged not to the coaly tribute around them.”  Gradually such sights disappeared.  Trade triumphed.  After a sickly decline Ladies’ Walk was broken up into brickfields, and finally converted into coalyards.  A visitor to the district today might realise the bitterness felt by William Morris when, beholding a similar transformation, he exclaimed, “Eat, drink, and make money, for tomorrow we die, choked by dirt.”  If what is today known as Maidens’ Green is no more than a sour parody on a once delightful nook and Ladies’ Walk has gone altogether, Love-lane, notwithstanding staggering changes, not only still exists, but may be described as still going strong, and as one of the most important thoroughfares in dockside Liverpool.  What was a greasy pathway is a greasy one, the old-time fragrance has changed for the richer and heavier one of refining sugar; it is still a shady avenue, but the shadows which fall on its granite setts are those of colossal warehouses and the high viaduct of a railway.  From dawn till dark, and long beyond it, from under hugh penthouses and cavernous doorways draw out the laden Lorries bearing great burdens towards the even roads of wide West Lancashire.  In the great scheme of inland traffic, that silent highway, the canal now running parallel to Love-lane, has a leading share.  As I passed it recently I saw the barges being slowly moored close to the not unpicturesque Chisenhale Bridge.  From one of them stepped a woman on to the tow-path, and ascended the steps to the road above.  A thrifty-looking barge dweller, attired in the print gown and Lilac sunbonnet of her class, and seeming to bring a breath of woodland air and reedy meadows into the dusty street.  As she paused by the bridgehead, looking thoughtfully towards the town along the course of stained water, there fell upon the scene one of those momentary intervals of silence which sometimes surprise us in the midst of moiling traffic.  It was so still for a little while that the cooling of a new pigeons as they picked up a precarious meal from between the sticky pavements was pleasantly audible.  Across the road a little group of people- saints of patience, they waited for that blossoming of the aloe, the sight of a 17 car! seemed to be finding interesting in admiring the glittering iridescence of the ‘pigeons’ necks as they strutted to and fro in the wintry sunshine.  As the stillness angered, even deepened, the ringing of the “Augelus” bell from some church tower sounded as clearly as if close at hand.  As its echoes reached us, the woman on the bridgehead blessed herself, and after a pause moved slowly towards the houses beyond the bridge.  Before she reached the bend of the arch the silence fled, so did the pigeons.  With a shattering roar like the bursting of a mill-dam, a train thundered across the viaduct, the crash of renewed traffic sent shaking echoes along the line of warehouses.  Love-lane had returned to it normal noise.  Next Week- Green Lane. 

MIDDLESBROUGH CHANGES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 February 1930
CAMSELL RETURNS TO SIDE TO MEET EVERTON
Two changes are made in the Middlesbrough team to oppose Everton from that defeated by Arsenal in the Cup-tie, Geo. Camsell, having recovered from his shoulder injury, again returns to the side, and Jennings, the recruit from Cardiff City, reappears in the defence in place of Smith.  Team; Mathieson; Jennings, Ashman; Watson, Webster, Forest; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Bruce, Warren. 

STEIN AND MARTIN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 February 1930
BRING EVERTON AWAY VICTORY
BOROUGH’S TWO PENALTIES
SAGAR SAVES ONE BUT HAS TO GIVE WAY TO SECOND
By Bee
Secretary McIntosh was not at Middlesbrough today. He had gone to Newcastle for a scouting expedition.  The gate to-day was bad. Middlerbro’ is in the throes of Cup disfavour, yet the appearance of Dean and Camsell was a pulling power. Gate, 15,000 at the start. The day was dull but not cold, and the turf in nice condition.  Thu teams were: —   Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean (Captain), Rigby, Stein.  Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Jennings, Ashman; Watson, Webster (captain), Forrest; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Bruce, Warren.  Referee; - Mr. Brown (Newcastle).  Dean was beaten by Webster in the toss.  There was no wind. Dean began with a good header and a leading way.  Stein was crowded out. Williams had bad luck with a spinning ball, and O’Donnell made a quick and fine clearance from his colleague.  Jennings got a foul and a blow on the leg.   O'Donnell swept Camsell’s feet from under him, and the free kick was not finished with until three shots had been driven in and blocked out.  Martin started a capital combined motion. Dean heading backwards towards Critchley, who, centre was turned away. The Everton left moved off very ably, and Critchley seemed to be through. He outpaced the defence, and  Mathieson came out to reach for a high  centre just as Dean charged him  Middlesbrough were surprised by the  ease with which Everton were getting  through the home ranks, yet a shot had not been fired. 
GRIFFITHSS BAD LUCK. 
A free kick taken against McKay by Griffiths should have brought a goal.  The first effort by the centre half was turned back by McKay. Griffiths met the oncoming ball with a terrific crack and banged the ball out of Mathieson’s reach up to the angle of the upright and crossbar.   This was rank bad luck for Everton.  Pease was a bit of bother, and Sagar’s first duty to save from a half-back, Watson.  Everton had their stroke of fortune.   They were inclined to stop for offside; got no answer, and McKay, standing near the goal, trod on the ball, fell over, and Everton were just let off.  Dean drove one across the goal after Griffiths had been unlucky. A ball from the left seemed to have deceived Sagar and the backs, and the goalkeeper fell and turned the ball away for a corner.  Sagar reached for a corner and nothing but a goal-line clearance by Williams saved a certain goal. Watson, the half-back, was the one shooter thus far.
NOT INSPIRING. 
Griffiths mark a strong pass to Stein.  This offered Critchley a shot. He got a corner, that's all, but from it Griffiths nearly made a big drive home. Stein also tried, after Martin had failed to get in a shot when we looked for one. This attack was due to the magnificent rousing defence of Williams.  Critchley made the sprightliest and best run of the wingmen. Dean slashed at the ball when he was six yards out and missed. It was not inspiring football. A free kick against Rigby led to Sagar going down rather late a ball that passed out.
SAGAR SAVES A PENALTY. 
Dean was a tick too late to convert a finely-judged centre from Stein. Robson was having a hard go against Bruce, but the home attack was finished in front of goal. Williams pulled a shot down with his head when the Borough were sure to score. Sagar had punted out.  A penalty was the only verdict. Pease took the spot kick, and shot to the left side. Sager sprang forward and smothered the ball, getting the glad hand for his unexpected save.  The Borough had two opening, which should have meant goals, but the defence crowded them out by cheer force of numbers.  Mathieson made a save when Dean tried a header, and the centre offered a prime pass to Martin, who screwed the ball out of range.  JENNINGS'PENALTY GOAL. 
A second penalty came to Middlesbrough when O'Donnell was adjudged to have handled. I saw none. Everton were loud in their protest, and this time a full-back, Jennings scored.  Time, forty-one minutes. This ball went to the same mark as Pease’s shot, but Sagar was just too late to reach it.  It had been a poor half and neither side had convinced.  Half-time; Middlesbrough 1, Everton nil.
Critchley and Martin were the main men of the early portion of the second half. Critchley shot too far out, Mathieson making his first real save from Rigby after Martin and Robson had done well.  Everton had a spell, and Mathieson saved a half-hit hook by Dean as well as from a header by Stein. Williams, at back, was at times brilliant, and was also rousing and strong. Yet the game was listless, and the break came when Sagar had to catch cleverly from Warren.  Camsell was doing his work, but he got no support and no passes O’Donnell stopped Brice in the penalty box when the situation was ugly. Martin beat four men, fad Critchley, and the latter's centre was caught by Mathieson.
The standard of play did not improve, and a strenuous run by Rigby was stopped by a foul when the referee could have let him go on to shoot.  Griffiths made a hash of the drive of the free kick.  White was cautioned for a sweeping bringing-down of Camsell.  Mathieson’s best save was from one of his own men, who accidentally turned the ball towards goal.  Stein turned the game by a goal with twenty minutes to go.  Williams made a magnificent clearance, and escaped Bruce's foot. Dean headed the ball to the left, as he had done a moment earlier. Stein closed in, and though the ball hit one of the defence it was a very welcome goal in a dark and dreary game. Inspired by success White crossed the ball to Critchley, and Dean for the third time in the game, went near with a gliding header. The game became exciting, and a miskick by Robson threatened a goal to Warren, who was smothered out by Robson. There were cries of "Send him off” levelled against one of their own, Bruce 
MARTIN'S WINNING GOAL. 
Everton were a vastly-improved side this half. Martin was very clever and shot, Jennings nearly turning the ball beyond his own goalkeeper.  Critchley also shot and found the ball cannon off a defender. Mathieson fell and saved after he had appeared to lose touch with the situation. Martin should have scored, when Critchley played him.  Rigby and Stein changed places.  Martin scored on time to take the victory. Even the home crowd cheered.  It was a great solo goal, aided a little by Critchley.  Martin nearly went down through an unfair hump, but recovered and shot an unstoppable one.  Final; Everton 2, Middlesbrough 1. 

EVERTON RES V OLDHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 February 1930
There was not a great deal to aroused enthusiasm in the early stages of the first half, for neither of forwards seemed able to master the rugged defenders.  The Athletic defence were first time in their methods, and although Dunn was prominent in the home line French was finding Finney difficult to pass.  The crowd yearned for a goal to enliven matters, and Troup opened the way with a pass to McPherson, whose effort travelled over.  Cresswell prevented Taylor from testing Davies, and the first half concluded goalless.  Everton were a bit more convincing forward in the second half, Wilkinson, French, and Troup all having good efforts cleared.
WHISTON V EVERTON A
Everton commenced in aggressive fashion, Naylor being called upon to save a number of drives by Chedgzoy, Webster and Dyke.  Whiston improved and Egerton twice saved drives from Vaughan and Forshaw.  Near the interval Naylor made a grand save from Dyke.  Half-time; No score. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 February 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton to date, had only twice found the net in the first “45” of their last ten League fixtures-namely, Critchley’s goals at Goodison against Liverpool and Derby in turn.
• Yet in their first fifteen matches of the season the “Blues” had never failed to register at least one pre-interval goal.

HARRY RITCHIE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 February 1930
Harry Ritchie, who was transferred last week from Everton to Dundee in time for the Scottish Cup-tie between the Dundee club and Airdreionian s, was not an outstanding success in either of the two drawn games.  In the replay at Airdrie he was given two great chances to score in the second half, but his shooting was right off and he missed the target by yards.  The result is that the clubs have to settle the issue on neutral ground on Monday. 
ADUNDEE OPINION
In Dundee it is freely rumored that the transfer of Harry Ritchie from Everton to Dundee is only the first move in a big deal between the two clubs.  Everton have been evincing great interest all season in the doings of the two Dundee wing half-backs, Thomson and McNab, the latter of whom in a Scottish league Internationalist and it is thought that one of them will eventually find a locker at Goodison.  Indeed, many Dundonians thought something would have happened before this week-end, but the fact that Dundee survived a Cup-visit to Airdrie and are still interested in the ties makes a difference.  If Dundee are knocked out on Monday next look out for development. 

THE REAL SUPPORTERS OF FOOTBALL
February 22 nd 1930. Evening Express
HUNTER HART SAYS THEY ARE OF GREAT VALUE TO A CLUB.
NO TIME FOR THOSE WHO WOULD TEACH THE DIRECTORS AND PLAYERS THEIR JOBS.
CRITICISE BY ALL MEANS BUT CUT OUT BARRACKING
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain.
Supporters are important persons in the great winter game. The team "supporter" is elastic, for whereas some people merely attend matches, pay their shillings, and claim to give support to a club when thing are running smoothly, the real supporter is the man who willingly braves all weathers to see his side whether they are doing well or badly. In addition, the real supporters is he who considers himself an important part of the club he is supporting, not in the matter of management, but just because he has that something which makes him look on the club as his own. He is not presumptions in this feeling of possession, but gives his all for the well-being of his own team. To him it becomes not merely Everton, Liverpool, Aston Villa or Huddersfiled, but "my team."
WRONG KIND.
There are thousands of people who follow football today when claim to be supporters, but who are really a menace to the side they loudly proclaim they are backing. This type of supporter attends matches and points out in a loud voice how much better are the visitors compared with the home players. These "supporters" walk up to the directors, tell them to do; they write letters to the officials and to the press. They are forever pulling to pieces the team that say they support. Every club in the county would be better off without such people. But the real supporters are invaluable. These folk know how utterly useless it is worrying an already harassed management by saying what they would do to bring improvement in a side, which is not doing too well. They realise that the men at the head of affairs and the players themselves must be striving their utmost to make the progress necessary to maintain that confidence in the people directly concerned which is essential to any man who is trying to get the best out of "his team." Let me say now that I consider Everton have a loyal band of supporters whom I wouldn't change for any in the land. For proof of this I have only to cast my mind back to season 1926-27, when we were fighting to avoid relegation, much the same as we are at the present time. Out true supporters –and there were thousands of them –did not let us down in that period of stress, but they rallied around the directors and players to such an extent that their support was positively invaluable. Every player in the team, when he stepped on the field, knew there were hundreds of honest supporters relying on us to pull through to a place of safely, and I am certain that the knowledge helped us to succeed in that Homeric task. It will be recalled that we secured 16 out of the last 26 points played for and escaped one of the fatal positions by a margin of four points, whereas at one time it looked odds on us going down for the first time.
VALUABLE HELP.
Those supporters who stood by us through thick and thin did their part, and they can do so today if they possess that same spirit and the determination to do their little bit in the battle to safety. They can help us save Everton again if they will only give us real genuine support instead of biased criticism. At a time this criticism and barracking are entirely out of place and it is up to the people who love Everton once again to rally to the banner and gave definite indication o the directors and players that they are there doing their bit. If this is done the battle will be more than half won. The barracking I have no time for. While appreciating that no genuine Everton supporter would stoop to such a thing, I might mention that we have seen even too much barracking at Goodison directed at our players and opponents. I do not believe that the barracking came from Everton supporters, for no person who hopes and wishes that the club should succeed could possibly do such a thing. No player deserves s to be barracked just because he is not playing his usual game.
BARRACKING DOES NO GOOD.
Everyone is entitled to criticize, but that can be done without jetting a player hear it and so put him even more off his game. There is no more effective way of putting an end to a player's endeavors than openly to barrack him. Besides, the spectators, more often than not, do not know under what handicaps a player is operating in many instances. I recall an incident not long ago, which I can only describe as a blot on the escutcheon of the Everton crowd. A certain player was injured in a match during a heavy fixture period, but just before the last game of the "rush" another man went down with an injury. There was no man available to fill the breach, and the unfortunate player who had not recovered from the injury he had received a couple of days before had to turn out and do his best in most difficult circumstances. This man was obviously unfit but when he walked out to do his best he looked as well as any other man. What was the result? The man could not do himself justice or reproduce anything like his true form. He was at a disadvantage right from the start yet ere long he was made the butt of a certain section of the watches and was barracked. The outcome of this was that he played even worse than he was doing at the beginning of the game and must have retired to the dressing-room a broken-hearted fellow. Let me make an appeal to every lover of football to give real, honest genuine support to his club, and to cut out the aspirations to an advisory role. Thus they will help their club to gain laurels instead of having to contend with additional hardships. In this strain I appeal to every good supporter of Everton to give the club the same splendid support they did three seasons ago, and in the championship year, when the skies were invariably blue. I can assure them that the management and the players are doing their level best to get away from the danger zone, and their support will help no end.

EVERTON VISIT MIDDLESBROUGH.
February 22 nd 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercy.
Everton, after a fortnight inactivity, resume their struggle to get out of the danger zone, in facing Middlesbrough, at Ayresome Park, they are set a task which will test their resources to the full. True, Middlesbrough have not shown their customary power of late, and how much the absence of Camsell, the dashing leader has been to do with this may be demonstrated today, for the scoring centre-forward, who has been suffering from a shoulder injury many resume, if he does not turn out. Grififths the Everton pivot will, I am sure, have all his worth cut out to hold him in check. Everton, on the other hand will have the valuable assistance of Dean, who was unable to participate on the last match owing to injury, a win today would relieve the position considerably, but a draw would be a good performance at Middlesbrough. Sagar resumes in goal in place of Davies, and the teams are; Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein; Middlesbrough; Mathieson; Jennings, Ashman; Watson, Webster, Forrest; Pease, McKay, Camsell, Bruce, Warren.

MIDDLESBROUGH 1 EVERTON 2
February 24 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
LAST KICK GOAL.
PRECIOUS POINTS FOR EVERTON.
RELEGATION TENSION RELIEVED
MIDDLESBROUGH TWO PENALTLYS
SAGAR SAVES ONE PENALTY
By "Bees."
Everton got 2 priceless points from the Middlesbrough ground. With the last kick the best forward of the day Martin, gained a solo goal. Thus Everton kept up their rather remarkable away victories during the season and relieved the tensions of the relegation situation. It was not good football; it was positively poor in the first half, and it struck me that when Griffths hit the woodwork with a magnificent shot before a goal had been scored that Everton were hurt by the fickleness of Fate, and had no spirit to go into the fray with a will and a forgetfulness of this misfortune. They are easily unset by a incident of this character. However, there was a revival and it was in the second half that Everton merited their victory through genuinely good combined football, with some suggestion of shooting. Whereas Mathieson the home goalkeeper had never been tested but once in the first half, Everton now began to fire away from any rational distance, and Dean's header were always a menace, even though he went up to balls that Mathieson might not have had, Dean being a foot short where he generally gains a foot by a head, as it were.
HOME PLAYERS BARRACKED.
The Middlesbrough people had suffered a home cup defeat, and the attendance reflected this; so did their remarks to the players right from the start the public seemed to delight in barracking their own men. Bruce was their special favourite, and he, certainly, played a game in accordance with that which one expects from a harassed player, who is frightened to work the ball to any degree. But he was not the only harassed man of the day. Sagar keeping goal again for Everton after having been absent from the day of the Cup defeat, had some testy moments and the greatest was when he found himself beaten and his full back, Williams reached out a hand with a thorough goalkeeping skill and saved a goal.
TWO PENALTIES.
Middlesbrough had their penalty kick , and Sagar saved the shot (after Williams pull down shot with hands-Liverpool Football Echo). They had a second penalty kick near half-time for a supposed foul by O'Donnell. It was not a foul in my judgement. This time Jennings, not Pease took the kick, and he made just as poor a shot, but Sagar dived a shade too late, and the ball passed under his arm. Two penalty kicks, a half-time lead of one goal. Camsell reappearing for the home side after three weeks absence. This was not sufficient for the Middlesbrough crowd. They were still caustic, and when Everton struck their practical and good form in the second half they caught the spirit that carried them though at Maine-road, Manchester. In fact, the game developed in the same record. Everton won 2-1 late on, after being a goal down. It was the same team that had won at Manchester, and the style of play and sense of direction and forcefulness of the visitors in the second half made them worthy winners of what turned out quite an interesting game after a shocking start. Stein got the first goal, added by a glance header by Dean, and a great defensive tackle and punt by Williams, and the final goal arose through Martin's delightful control and conceit in his own ability, he had been able to weave a way through the defence and make his passes; when the shot chance came to him he was rather delaying his effort; he appeared to feel that any time would do. He sliced two balls that should have been driven home.
MARTIN'S GOAL.
Yet he had been the mainspring of the attack, and finally when he was bumped off unfairly in the penalty area it would have been no surprise had the referee, Mr. Brown, of Newcastle, given a penalty kick. Martin wobbled, wavered got up, and pivoted, and then hit out a deciding factor to win a rather amazing game in dramtic fashion. Middlesbrough brought in their three Cardiff players, and Jennings and Watson were best, for Watson, a half back had a habit of shooting hard and true, which was more than could be said of Camsell, who hot little chance thanks to the lapses of McKay, Bruce, and Pease. Webster like Griffiths was a magnificent pivotal half-back, and at full back Williams, ex-Swansea, took the honours of the day. There was a fine insistence about this back's defence, and O'Donnell also did many of his individual works. It must be remembered that the backs had to play well because the wing half backs, Robson and White had a bad passage for more than the first half hour.
EVERTON MASTERS.
Robson could not catch the twisting twirling Warren on the left, and White was hardly fast though his passes crosswise to Critchley were models of accuracy and strength. Later both these half-backs as also Rigby who changed places with Stein through injury touched their best standard and Everton were completely masters in the second half and what is more to the point, they produced some heavy work for Mathieson, who had merely sauntered through the first half, thanks to the tenderness of the Everton attackers who had not a solitary foot-shot from the centre forward and captain. It is an odd thing that Everton cannot play with Dean's presence. He draws a defence; he allows his wing men to have a clear view. His bigness and slowness compared with masterly moments of years gone by force themselves upon one's view. Yet without his presence the team loses its confidence. This was a timely victory bringing points that should save Everton. They have eight home and four away games, left. Experiments will be made in the side for the local cup-tie with Southport on Wednesday at Goodison Park. Teams; - Middlesbrough; - Mathieson, goal, Jennings and Ashman, backs, Watson, Webster, and Forrest, half-backs, Pease, McKay, Camsell, Bruce, and Warren, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Griifiths, and White, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean (captain), Rigby, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 0
February 24 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
A draw was a fitting result at Goodison park, for whereas Everton were the most persistent attackers, there were spasmodic raids from the Athletic attack that seriously jeopardised the home goal –when Taylor raced clean through and Davies saved from close in, again when the same player shook the crossed bar with a first-timer, and when Smelt cleverly directed a header, the Everton goalkeeper adroitty clearing. Against this was a series of Everton raids that kept the Oldham Athletic defence almost continually on the run, while shots from Wilkinson, French and Troup were saved. The first-half offered little to aroused enthusiasm for nether attack was capable of over coming sturdy defenders, but the second half provided a complete revival of the Everton front line, and they harassed a solid defence without succeeding in getting through –although French and Wilkinson were conspicuous raiders, Cresswell Common, Davies and McClure were prominent defenders.

WHISTON 1 EVERTON "A" 1
Liverpool county combination.
At Whiston. Everton "A" dominated the game in the first half, Chedgzoy and Dyke being prominent. Naylor kept goal well, there being no score at the interval. In the second portion Whiston played with more engery, but Everton were the first to score through Lewis. A first time drive by Forshaw gained an equaliser. Whiston put on strong pressure afterwards but could not again get the ball past Everton.

EVERTON "DOUBLE-UP"
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 February 1930
PRICELESS POINTS;
THEIR RELEGATION CURTAIN-E-RAISER
REVIVAL CONTINUES
Bee’s Notes
Everton recently chose a side and said: “That side stays put." They told the players that this was no in-and-out team sheet; it was to be a fair crack of the whip; the talent was there; the belief in them was there; go in and win.  They went in and won at Manchester, There was a real belief in a side that had played so well as to start Manchester City’s great succession of falls.  Then came the Arsenal slump—but the team had been changed through injury, so that the policy remained good, if the confidence-trick had had a severe blow.  The club had gone as far back in one day as one would put them. And there was a reason for the defeat. How, then could this team regain the lost laurels? They got them fit again, Sagar returned  to goal. Dean to the captaincy and middle and they went to Middlesbrough to win. Two penalty kicks against them, one most unfairly I thought, were sufficient to damp their ardour. I think the team felt the weight of mischief upon them when Griffiths smacked a beautiful ball to the cross-bar. Those things lie heavy upon a side which thinks nothing will go right for them. Sager saved a penalty kick that was taken badly; he couldn't be blamed for failing with the second even if it was taken even worse than number one. It was bad football for 45 minutes. After that Everton made it good football by a real workman-like  effort and the man who had been limp-  or one of the men; Martin to be explicit,  became the greatest forward on the field  and wound up his days’ time-piece with  a timely solo goal right on the last gasp  of the game. 
TWO OF A KIND. 
Martin and Ben Williams are two of a kind in stature and frame and appearance.  Their styles of play are contrasted; Williams ploughs through with a rugged, silent, sure body-and-ball method. I have yet to hear him talk, and possibly we should not understand him if he did. If he put on the boxing gloves we'd know all about him and it.  Williams has inspired me more than I can tell you by his games at right back.  Martin, his “double” in figure, works by different avenues; his holding of the  ball, his trap, his solid back-heel pass, his upward glide for Critchley—all  these things come natural to him; but  at root his success lies in the fact that he is at the moment the dominating,  controlling force of the Everton attack.  Dean has naturally gone slower, and when he is absent there is no confidence in the side. Dean needs watching; his heading is still a positive feature of play. His lack of booting power in the shots department is rather a  tragedy—perhaps a passing phase—but  it is undoubted that .while he is well  watched he gets his goals with his head, and rarely does he seek his crack left-foot  shot.  He is captain; his very  presence draws the opposition round  him and makes it a trifle easier than  otherwise for the other forwards. One could not balance the side at Middlesbrough. In the first half they were stragglers; they were huddled together in the goalmouth to crowd out those overelaborate Middlesbrough forwards.  Watson, the half-back was the chief shooter.  Pease you would never have recognized; they say he cannot play without old man Carr to carry him.  But up there at Middlesbrough the crowd calls the players to a degree that makes it impossible for them to do themselves justice. Think of their good  half-back Watson being birded in two  minutes; think of Bruce being killed  with the mouth the whole of the second  half; think of the crowd calling for him  to be sent off the field—not because he had committed a foul, mark you. It is very unsettling and disgusting. It  meant that the Borough players lost  their second game at home, and that  Everton got, their revival team in the  right mood in the second half, and there  was produced a double win—Middlesbrough  beaten away and at home. 
EFFECTS. 
But the greatest effect of this very fine second half show is this: The policy proclaimed  has been successful; the  principle is to be carried on; Everton have won two out of the latest three  away games; their latest was deserved  and without fluke; there are eight home  games and only four away from Goodison  Park; therefore the team can renew their  meeting with the loyal Goodison  spectators fully happy that the position  has been more than eased; the points of  Saturday were priceless; the turn has  been made; the team, spite Rigby's  slight injury, will doubtless be available  for the future games, and the bugbear  of home defeats forgotten. It would not be fair to close without paying tribute to the whole side. Sager did uncommonly well, and he should not have been called upon to face the second penalty kick. O'Donnell, spite of what I have said of Williams, was a grand single-handed defender. Robson has tired, and his first half, like White's, was not happy. Late on Robson caught  the mood, his old mood of refusal to  be beaten, and with White taking and  making some bumps and crossing the ball unerringly to the right wing, we saw a good, open game indulged in,  and the two men taking their share in  a great and glorious victory. Let it be known to the Goodison spectators that Critchley responded ably, centring beautifully until perhaps the last five minutes. I mention this because so many people don't give this young sprightly player a home-chance. Talking of home: There is a Cup-tie versus Southport on Wednesday at Goodison Park, and it will make an occasion for the directors to make interesting experiments with the side. Whatever happens Everton’s case has improved out of recognition, and the revengeful act against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday next would be sufficient to make the team virtually safe. 

SOUTHPORT’S CUP SIDE FOR EVERTON GAME TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 25 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
On our senior grounds we have not a great chance to see such a side as Southport.  Tomorrow the chance comes our way through a local cup draw, which brings the side to Goodison Park.  Southport have had the slings and misfortunes of football’s harsh life, but they come up smiling and it must be confessed that they are good sportsmen and their hearts are not lightly turned from the game.  Manager Cummins and the enterprising and sound Mr. Clayton continue to guide the side, and after their display against Barrow at home on New Year’s Day, I forecast in this column the side would rise up and produce some startling results.  I think their draw on Saturday was a performance as the opposition was strong.  The men they have on the Shrimpers books are being watched closely for arising purpose and the names of Lowe, at full back and Baker, the goalkeeper, are being bandied about, which is sure evidence the scouts will be at Everton tomorrow at 3.15 to see these young men perform.  Southport have always got hold of these young men for selling purposes and after ridding themselves of a goalkeeper gained from Everton, they proceed to dig up one in Baker, who is quite an excellent type.  Lowe is the other big name at the moment.  The team is not chosen but it is likely to turn out this way at Goodison Park;- Baker; Little, Lowe; Jones, Dixon, Holmes; Hills, Allen, Cowan, Robinson, Garstang.  Everton chosen their side later in the day and the eleven will provide some experiments of note. 

MARINE’S ATTRACTION
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 February 1930
Bee’s Notes
On Saturday Marine return to league warfare after two week’s rest, and will entertain Everton “A” in a Liverpool County Combination game.  Marine have a chance of winning the championship, but their task is a stiff one owing to the number of hard games they have to fulfill away.  Everton “A” have a good side, and took a point out of Whiston last Saturday, who are present leaders Graham and Nicholls are not yet fit.  Marine; Drury; Kerr, Peet; Parry, Almond, Crilley; Hodgson, Garvey, Rogers, Wotherspoon, Nicholls, Kick-off 3 p.m. 
REFS. ARE MAGNIFICENT
“Ontario” writes again- At the grave risk of you considering me a nuisance, I am writing again, as your answer to my letter has left me even more bewildered.  Firstly may I congratulate you on the fearless way you have published my letter.  No writer (pressman) In Canada and United States would have dared to do so, if it in the slightest way was criticism of a large association of society.  Under the circumstances, you will easily understand how much the publication has improved me, proving as it does, the complete honesty and fairness of the English sporting writers (as we call them) I sincerely want to believe what you say, I also want my mates to do so, for although they (my mates) are the best sportsmen in the world, unfortunately, there are times when their feelings are a wee bit biased.  As a Canadian without any feeling for any particular club in England, I say, unhesitatingly, that the English referees are simply magnificent, whether football, boing or cricket.  I have known some of my mates to think otherwise! May I very respectfully just point out this; to you it may be enormous odds that Everton won’t meet Liverpool in the final, but it you take a ten mile radius round every city in England the odds that two clubs in one such radius meeting are less than 4 to 1; actually, mathematically they are only 3.76, but you say that such a thing hasn’t happened for nearly forty years.  Then, I am told 5,000 spectators was a very respectable gate, and the professional footballer as known today, didn’t exist. 

G.T. BELL AND EDWIN WATSON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 February 1930
Bee’s Notes G.T. Bell, of Fairfield, one of old Everton F.C players, died last week. 
Mr. Edwin C. Watson, who was at one period the hon Secretary of Everton Football Club, died on Saturday last at his residence, 2, Barton-road, Walton.  Mr. Watson was for many years secretary of the Everton Football Club when they played in Stanley Park, subsequently transferred to Coney Green ground, Priory Road, Anfield and later to the present Liverpool F.C ground.  No doubt many of the older members of the club and other sports organisations will remember Mr. Watson.  There are still some of the old brigade to be seen in the photograph published in the Everton Football Club’s Jubilee Year Book last year who are still in the land of the living, notably James McGill, W. Parry, and H. Williams.  The funeral takes place at Kirkdale Cemetery, Longmoor-lane, at 12.30 today. 

EVERTON RESERVES 5 SOUTHPORT 2
February 27 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool senior cup semi-final
By "Bees."
Southport do not often make appearances at Goodison park, and their Liverpool Cup-tie yesterday, at the ground brought them face to face with some expert manipulators of the ball. One signing alone on the home team part cost more than Southport's side and their wage bill for a season. This much can be said of the game that ended 5-2 for Everton; Southport put up a brave show showed some good football ideas, much energy, a fair game, and a fighting spirit to the finish of the tie. They made a braver show than the score suggests. Indeed at half-time they were level, and they had missed chances that should have given them opportunity of creating a rare surprise. Everton always played as if they had a bit in reserve, and there came a period after half-time when they did pretty well as they liked. Yet Southport fought on the end, and unfortunately their forward faults continued to the bitter end –they were not decisive in front of goal, and I am not forgetting a shot that hit the bar when the goalkeeper could not have saved.
BAKER'S FINE DISPLAY.
They seem to grow goalkeepers in Southport, as witness the long services man Halsall, and then Jones of Everton, and nowadays a North East Coast boy named Baker, who though not tall served up a fine exhibition of goalkeepering, catches, and daring. He had an injury early half, yet he had the main honours of the day for his saves at point blank range were of sterling quality. He has a great idea of positioning himself, and his eye never leaves the ball. He had plenty of practice in the second half, because the home half-backs were so skilled in the use of the ball for the benefit of the forward line. It took Everton some time to start their weaving beyond two sturdy backs and against a side that had to field a completely reserves elements on the left flank. In the end, of course, Everton won cleverly and well, and it may be that some of Attwood's work and shooting led the home people to believe in him more than they have done in the past.
STEIN AS OUTSIDE RIGHT.
Stein, tried as a right winger instead of a left winger also had a useful day and Wilkinson got in some powerful and quick work, his inter-passing with his comrades being of good quality and sure touch. In point of touch no one equalled McPherson of Swansea, and Hart. They were masters of the craft, and the nonchalant way McPherson got through his afternoon's work would have led the small crowd to a noisy interruption but for the fact that at last they realised the value of the man's ideas and the ability with which he carried on his plans of campaign. One could see the effect of his presence upon the clever young half-back behind him. Bryan by name. McClure also did well, at half-back, and it was here that Everton were so superior. The Southport half-backs Jones excepted would kick anywhere –which leads nowhere. The scorers in order were Wilkinson, Hill (half-time), McPherson, Cowan, Attwood, Stein and Attwood. Baker's goalkeeping was the feature of a game where many offside decisions arose –some unnecessarily. Southport depended to some degree upon this method of defence. It were better to adopt the positive fashion of Cresswell and Common. Teams ;- Everton; Davies, goal, Cresswell and Common, backs McClure, Hart and Bryan, half-backs, Stein. Wilkinson, Attwood, McPherson, and Troup, forwards. Southport; Baker, goal, Little and Kelly, backs, Jones, Dixon, and Sinclair, half-backs, Hills, Allen, Cowan, Holmes, Garstang, forwards . Referee Mr. G. Stephenson.

SOUTHPORT SURPRISE US
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 February 1930
EVERTON EXPERIMENTS
BLACKBURN SIDE AT GOODISON PARK
Bee’s Notes
Those who do not know Third finance should be told of something of their troubles and trials. New Brighton have bad shocking attendances.  They have played in a manner that suggests the public are not appreciative.  The wages problem has been ever-present, and, lately, the position has reached a stage styled nothing short of ruinous. Yet they carry on. I do not know they do it; it is a miracle in its way. Perhaps the remaining games may bring them the kudos they have earned, and deserve. We shall see. Then take Southport. They have a capital ground, in a neighbourhood not exactly fitting for big attendances. They have spectators who sometimes bit the high lights with their language, and do not encourage the home players. Yet if Southport play as attractively as their side did yesterday at Everton, they are deserving of better support, for the management of Mr. Cummins is good, and the directorial effort is incessant.  They have no money to burn; they have no boats to burn; they propose to go on fighting to the bitter end, just as their side did yesterday when the tide was flowing with the Everton side in a County Cup-tie The margin of 5-2 was unkind to a side that, with any degree of certainty near goal, must have created a real surprise in the Everton camp. It may be said that Everton played as well as need be. But when the score was 1-1 I could not subscribe to that idea. Southport have always stood for clean effort, and this was no exception. They knew they were to see the stars and feel the stripes, but were playing as heartily at the eightieth minute, when 5-2 down, as they were at the start. 
THE FATAL AREA. 
The fatal area to Southport is in the penalty region. There the forwards who have carried the ball upward and onward by skill have an urge to do something impracticable; they want to move the ball for a pass; the forwards forget their calling; they tread lightly to right or left instead of taking the risk of a strong first-time shot. The goals they got were good ones, but the most important feature was the way they played in the open; their work here was of a capital character. It is no disgrace to be beaten 5-2 by such a side as Everton fielded, with its marvel-man, Troup, on the left, with a wag of a forward as his partner, with hacks such as Cresswell and Common, and a pivot like Hart, who like the famous Brook will “go on forever." Incidentally, Hunter Hart will have to live down one Brook—he walked to the waters at Middleborough when he was in mufti, and did not believe that his shadow in the water would let him down! Southport saw more than his shadow—they saw fine half-back work. And I think I saw in Bryan a half-back who gaining  experience through the man in front  of him—McPherson, McPherson the  enigma; the man they couldn't understand  me as a half-back. I like him as a forward became he keeps the ball on the move and on the ground, and a man who can play with such skill has no right to be a reservist. It was an exhibition that made the spectator, who had come to condemn, stay to praise, and join in the delights of the real game of football. 
ATTWOOD. 
There were other outstanding features.  Attwood again got caught in the rigging when the Southport people started to walk up for offside. But Attwood, a Small Heath man, eventually got the spirit of his job and gave one good goal and scored another. He was quite a success against an experienced and tall centre half-back. McClure as wing half-back also had a good match, and probably needs a little tempering down. Stein, tried as an outside right, might have got a crop of goals by instant shooting. He inclines to move the ball outward or inward when a shot should have been the first thought and the first aim. By delaying his shot be is getting covered up. The biggest success of the match was Baker, the boy who has been obtained at small fee by Mr. Cummins from the North-east Coast. He was best when he was faced with a strong shooter in front of him and no one to help him. He had much work from the cunning and quick Wilkinson, and he kept a great goal despite the five going beyond his reach. Not a big lad, he can yet grow, and he follows In the wake of other good men in this team— Halsall, then Jones, ex-Everton, and  now fit and well after a severe nerve  knock sustained when playing for  Bolton, and finally Baker himself.  For their match with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, Blackburn Rovers will have one change from the team that beat Bolton last week-end.  Jones, has recovered, and will resume at left back. The team is:—Crawford;  Baxter, Jones;  Imrie, Rankin, Rosecamp; Bruton, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean,  Cunliffe.  Will the finder of a pair of buckskin fur-lined gloves, left in the Goodison-road stand, yesterday afternoon, kindly return to or notify Mr. Spruce, 7.  Bigham-road, Fairfield?

EVERTON’SGREAT CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 February 1930 
Bee’s Notes
So much for the Cup-ties. Now let us reflect a little on the needs of the Everton club. Their away record has been duly noted. They have unchanged their side where there has been no accident, and tomorrow the eleven will turn out to lay that bogey of home failures. Let me introduce them to some figures that will encourage them in their task:  Against Blackburn Rovers in the last ten years the following favorable scores have been registered at Goodison Park:  5-2, 4-1, 1-0, 3-4, 1-0, 0-0, 2-0, 2-0, 2-1.  Could there be a handsomer No. 9” than this little row—one draw; eight wins. Blackburn beat Everton in the Cup-tie this season; there is sufficient spike in this inspiration to edge the Everton players to give their home supporters some measure of the game they played at Maine-road and the second half they played at Middleborough. That Blackburn could beat Bolton solidly is evidence that the Rovers have come back to their form after forgetting their best ways at Villa Park.  It will be a rich and fruity Lancashire “Derby," and as a few weeks ago I gave  it as my opinion that Everton could and  would get through the meshes of relegation, I ask that there shall be continued  home victories—the rest would be easy.  There are eight home games and four away. The start of the home-ties tomorrow is a big test; but Rovers can be conquered by the real Everton.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Rovers; Crawford; Jones, Baxter; Imrie, Rankin, Roscamp; Bruton, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean, Cunliffe. 

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 February 1930
NEW SERIES
NO. 8 – GREEN LANE, WHEN IT DESERVED ITS ATTRACTIVE NAME
By Michael O’Mahoney
There was indeed a day when this well-known thoroughfare deserved its attractive title.  Old Swan and Tuebrook are names less suggestive of the dusty town than of reeds and willows, and Green-lane was a bush-lined link between.  It was not a straight link, the path ran in a desultory zig-zag way, turning to and fro, between the bracken, gorse, and wild hyacinths, shaded here and there into green gloom by clumps of old trees, and was not much wider than the pathway which now joins the main road coming down by the hedge from Moss-lane, and in a line with Russian-drive.  For a convenient short-cut running south to north it was little used, so little that throughout the summer months the wild rose petals lay untrodden on a grassy floor deep in colour as green plush, and in winter it was shunned altogether. 
THE GHOST
This was due to an eerie belief in the “Green-lane ghost.”  Not far from where the present tram terminus stands at the Old Swan end stood an isolated house with the reputation of being haunted and from which, so it was believed, a ghost nightly moved down the narrow pathway towards Tuebrook.  It is a strange statement to make that this exact corner with its now adjacent post office, and public-house, and round the bend of which the children are joyously running scooters, should for years be cautiously regarded during daylight and shunned entirely with the fall of dusk.  A venturesome market gardener or two were the first to build and lay-out the land on the west side of Green-lane, and the passing years, which saw the pretty path widened into a broad road, saw the passing of the legendary ghost.  On this west side, where today a bizarre advertisement hoarding is succeeded by a church – a cheery looking building, whose bright façade seems to smile on the highway –building never seems to have been popular.  While Streets and fine corner house rose in time on the other side the ground on the town side of the lane remained for years unbroken.  Indeed, it has still so remained to a large extent, the long wall of drab concrete which hems it in almost suggesting that Grey-lane would not be an inappropriate name for the once rural byway.  If Green-lane has today even a leaf left of its former beauty, it is not because the enemies to verdure have not harried its borders.  Four times did a clog-shod industrialism march on the district shouting of futures in bricks, ice, glass and copperas, and each time it sullenly retired muttering of failure. 
BRICK-MAKING
Brick-making was abandoned, and while it was boasted that in an excavated quarry close to, could be stored at one time 100 tons of ice, in stepped Norway and the local boom in ice became a frost.  A few dismantled cones, huddling together like soiled and moulting fowls, off Edge-lane are all that is left of the glass works, the copperas tanks have been pleasantly grassed over, and where acrid smoke blotted out the sky rises the odour of sheltered gardens.  Smoke of a less pernicious nature is now very visible in the district.  Where Lister-road ends, by the lake-shore of Newsham Park, rises the mighty towers of a Power House.  With these stand out a pair of strange erections, shaped like gigantic vases, fantastically suggesting that Cyclops having once in a way permitted a giant intellect to fall to the level of the whist-driven mind had won a pair of prizes which he left as a legacy to Liverpool.  Be that as it may, the Power House, with its brooding white clouds means for us the radiance of a brilliant city, while in its shadow, by way of compensation, rises commodious public baths and a palatial free library.  Old-time nooks still linger here, and there, even among the crowded streets spreading east towards Derby-Lane, and you needn’t go far to find them.  To turn into Bolan-street, near the tramway offices, from that to Felton-grove, and then through a narrow passage is to find yourself in a little enclosure of old-fashioned houses with gardens where the birds are flittering about in the close it bare branches.  The little place stands modestly apart from Albany-road approaching it from the east, and if it has a name-plate I couldn’t find it.  This same sequestered air broods over such streets as Tynwald Hill, Woburn Hill, and Derwent-road, each seeming to withdraw itself from intrusive scrutiny within a screen of leaves, while in Moscow-drive you step definitely into the air of a practical generation. 
THE OLD HOUSES
Sandstone-road might be said to have a hard-sounding name; it will never sound so to me.  Its very echo stirs tender memories of unforgotten kindness and rich sympathy, ever associated with the heart-easing music of the Gael.  Most of the old houses still left in the Lane look as if they wish to be regarded an unaware of the red brick invasions bearing in upon them.  Some mellowed old homesteads still happily aloof at the Tuebrook end wear with their sunken lawns and terraces a Jane Austin air that is truly attractive.  I had long looked on the corner house here as a bulwark against bizaare modernity, but it is now a bulwark which is crumbling even as I write.  As I passed its hedges this morning (hedges which will never be pruned again) there arose above them the announcement that it was the site for “a super cinema theatre,” while its venerable neighbor, not to be outdone in the desire for destinction, offers itself as “this commanding site.”  Green-lane which begins today with a church ends with three. 
AN AMERICAN’S VIEW
At the corner of Lister-road is an important centre of the Presbyterian Church of England, close to the temporary Church of St. Cecila, and dominating the district the fine tower of St. John’s famed for its beautiful peal of bells.  There is no synagogue, but in the shadow of the new church of St. Cecilia, whose roofs are now towering by the highway, rises from a sheltered green-sward the white tombstones of those who in life and death held reverence for Torah.  While waiting for a car at the gate of St. John’s, I was spoken to in the casual manner characteristic of the land of Bill Nye, by a gentleman who told me he was an American.  He had much to say of Liverpool churches, much that was not quite complimentary.  When he admitted that he had been to see the fine Gilbert Scott church in West Derby village and “retired admiring,” I asked him had he yet seen the Cathedral on St. James’s Mount, he shook his head.  “Last time I was here,” he said, “I saw its predecessor.  It stood on Church Street, looking tired and musty –way back home we would have sent it to the dry cleaners –Yes, sir, I do assure you that I’m booked this day to see your new Cathedral.” 
P.S.- I am sorry that I cannot reply personally to correspondents who from week to week send me interesting and appreciated letters.  I would, however, like to tell a reader at Harcourt-street, Birkenhead, that the old volume he possesses and of which he wanted to know the author (since the title page of his book is missing), is Part 1 of Troughton’s History of Liverpool.- M.O’M.
Next-week –Fairclough-lane.