EVERTON 2 LIVERPOOL 1
February 1, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Defences on Top.
Lively Exchanges in Derby Game.
By "Storks."
If the latest Derby meeting between Everton and Liverpool will not go down to posterity as a football classic, it will not be readily forgotten, for it was a battle that was not won until the final whistle had sounded. For ninety minutes both sides fought tooth and nail. Every inch of ground was strongly contested, no player yielding to another without offering stout opposition, so you will see that it was a hard game, clean to a degree, and a fitting result. Not since the season of 1927 have Liverpool beaten their rivals in a League encounter but the Anfielders have still that cup victory to fall back on when the argument as to the merits of the side crop up at a future date. I know they were satisfied with the result. Few teams have held Everton at Goodison Park to a one goal margin, so on that score alone they have something to talk about. Goodison Park has been the graveyard of many teams this term. Goal-scoring feats have been performed there, but Liverpool's defence stopped the goal riot and made Everton play desperately hard to bring on the victory, and incidentally, avenge their Cup defeat, and also supplied them with another double. Sunderland being the other club to supply them with a "double" feat. Without trying to minimize Liverpool's performances it must be said in fairness to Everton that they won the day without such stalwarts at Cresswell and Gee, while the left winger was a new one Rigby, coming into the side after a long absence. Liverpool can reply that they were without the help of James Jackson, but as all the deputies did well little more need to said of these changes.
Battle of Styles.
It was a battle of style, and if Everton was the more polished Liverpool's was just as effective. Everton worked their way to goal by close combination, and while this was, perhaps, more pleasing to the eye. Liverpool's replies, made through the long pass out to the wings and then a speedmiddle or a quick shot, were just as dangerous to Sagar and his colleagues as Everton's were Scott, and his backs. But taken all through the defences were on top, and the honours of the match must go to this section of the teams. Everton started as if they would repeat their cup-tie sensation of getting a goal inside a minute and Dean was a shade unlucky in finding two strong drives returned to play because of the ball rattling up against a Liverpool man's body. This was followed almost immediately by a raking shot from Barton, Sagar4 pulling the ball down from underneath his crossbar. Barton went one better in his best effort, for Sagar was beaten and was thankful to find the ball bump against his crossbar. This undoubtedly cressed an opening for the making of a Liverpool goal for Gunson had but to get his head to the ball as it dropped from the crossbar and nod a goal. Gunson, however, headed back across the goal and Thomson was able to head away. Incidents of this character were numerous Dean opened the way for Rigby when he made a solo dribble on the left wing, and then scooped the ball back, but Rigby was unable to find a true line, and it was left to Barton to provide the next thrill. Barton's shooting all through had been fine. He got enormous power behind his shots, and Sagar must have been pleased to see one of them travel an inch or two outside his upright. It was anyone's game, yet the opening goal came as a surprise for Gunson's centre did not suggest a lot of trouble until Barton closed in and headed on to Hodgson, who in turn made Sagar leap to the ball to keep it out. Sagar actually got possession, but Wright hustled him out of possession, but Wright hustled out of possession, and then tapped the ball into the net. –This 29 minutes.
Everton Shaken.
Everton were shaken, but they plucked up courage and made a might onslaught on the Liverpool goal, but it was the over-eagerness of their forwards which ruined their prospect of an equlaiser. Dean actually kicked round a ball with an opening before him, but worse than that was when a pass from the rear beat Bradshaw, and struck Dean, who was right through. Here was a goal. Never was there such a chance, but Dean "lost" the ball and on sighting it again was too late, the Liverpool defence having massed itself against Dean. It was this self-same Dean, however, who made the equaliser possible. It was an unselfish gesture on his part, that White was given an open goal to shoot at. Dean was over on his left, harassed, no doubt, but headed over to the right, the ball dropping dead at white's feet. White took steady aim and slammed the ball a shade to the right of Scott, who, however, got a hand to the ball and partially saved, but the power of the shot was too great, the ball bouncing to the ground, and then spinning over the line, with Scott scrambling on all fours in his vein effort to prevent it crossing the line. It was a magnificent effort by Scott. So the first half finished all square. Still the battle raged, but, whereas Liverpool's forwards who had shown amazing pace in the first half, now became slow, and Scott was lucky when Critchley hit his body with a big drive; but at the hour a foul by McPherson led to Everton's victory goal. For the second time Scott's body prevented a goal but he was not so fortunate on this occasion, the ball coming out to Critchley, who promptly sent it flying into the net. Liverpool were not done with, and but for some fine saves by Sagar they might have recaptured the lead, and a miss by McPherson was greeted with groans. Wright was never comfortable at centre forward, and twenty minutes from the end changed places with Hodgson. but even that change did not bring the desired result, but Done's free kick –a Speciality of this –was only saved because Sagar brought his body to his aid. His hands alone could not have held, the ball, for it was travelling like lighting, but Sagar hugged it to his body and brought to mind the days of Sam Hardy, who made these sort of saves daily.
Williams in Fine Form.
Williams was the best back on the field, but he was not far ahead of Bocking, who did well in a quiet sort of way, and Steel goes on from one success to another. Done was steady and strong, although up against Everton's brightest wing. Critchley and White formed their best wing, but it is a long tome since Critchley had been so subdued. Dean was in the hands of Bradshaw (a third back) throughout the whole piece, yet made some fine openings for his partners, who, however, were like those of Liverpool, never a brilliant line. Barton was undoubtedly Liverpool's shinning light in attack. He used his speed to effect, centred well, on the run or otherwise, and his shooting was brilliant. Barton should be kept on the wing. It is his best position. Hodgson worked hard, but Wright could not make head nor tail of McClure, and was glad to change over with Hodgson. Gunson was second best in the line, always a dangerous man when skirting the touch-line. I like Liverpool's half-back line. Morrison is in his best form, and if Bradshaw was not of much help to his attack (he was mainly a defensive half) he stopped Dean's progress, and McDougall, who never plays a had game, kept a sharp watch on White and Critchley. The goalkeeping all round was excellent. The more I see of Sagar the more I like him. He remainds me of Elisha Scott in the latter's greatest days. He fields the ball in the same way and has the same cat like agility of the Irishman Scott, with all his years behind him, can have few superiors. Teams; - Everton; Sagar, goal; Williams and Bocking, backs; Clark, McClure and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson and Rigby, forwards. Liverpool; - Scott, goal; Steel and Done, backs; Morrison, Bradshaw (captain), and McDougall, half-backs; Barton, Hodgson, Wright, McPherson, and Gunson, forwards. Referee Mr. G. E. Lines, Birmingham.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
February 1, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 27)
Liverpool Win Junior Derby.
Everton beaten by two Goals.
Liverpool produced their best-balanced display of the season against Everton in the Central league match, at Anfield. The margin of 2-0 would have been greater but for the splendid work of Coggins and the dour defence of Common. If the Everton attack was not wholly convincing, the defence at least deserved credit for the valiant efforts. The home success was, in the main, due to the brilliant work of the half-backs. Savage, Roe, and Henderson. Lucas defended admirably and revealed all his sturdy defending qualities. Liverpool did most of the first half attacking, and Coggins cleared shots from all angles. Riley too, had to contend with some difficult shots. Five minutes after the interval Quinn opened Liverpool's score from an Edmed centre. Everton then showed something like their true form in the fight for the qualiser, but Liverpool's defence remained solid. Common kicked away off the goal line to prevent a certain goal, and ten minutes from the end Hancock scored Liverpool's second goal. The concluding incidents was Coggin's great clearances from Roberts, who with Quinn had form the best wing on the field. Everton in contrast were variable and did plenty of smart work without being able to show for it. Teams;- Liverpool Res; - Riley, goal; Lucas and Charlton, backs; Savage, Roe and Henderson, half-backs; Edmed, Hancock, Smith, Roberts, and Quinn, forwards. Everton Res; Coggins, goal; Common and Parker, backs; Britton, McPherson, and Archer, half-backs; Stein, Cunliffe, Reed, Dunn and Leyfield, forwards.

REVENOE, BUT NOT IN A REVENEEFUL SPIRIT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 01 February 1932
HEROIC FOOTBALLERS WHO PLAYED THE GAME
A JOYFUL EXHIBITION
NINETY MINUTES OF EARNESTNESS AND SKILL
Bee’s Notes
The weather forecast of Friday night said “conditions would be quiet on Saturday." They were not. Yet there was great orderliness in the third meeting of Everton and Liverpool, when we saw another great game, the third of its kind, and if not the best or brightest that was only because we had not the Cup-key in our locker. The Cup creates an atmosphere that makes a tie seem the more urgent and compelling. Yet this game was of a very severe character, yet sporting in its every link. I congratulate winners, losers, and referee- and I would like to congratulate the public of Liverpool upon the sight of a game that was creditable to everyone. This game was worth £1 entrance fee judged on what some clubs suffer in other matches. Never a yard without its contact; never a charge without its bump and bore; never a free kick but what someone probably felt there was a slight injustice. Sagar was most unjust to Liverpool; his saving grace was that he stopped the brilliant shots sent in chiefly by Barton and kept goal in a manner that must place his name high upon the agenda when the successor to Hibbs is considered. Yes, Sagar saved this game. Having said that, one can begin to contradict one's self, for here was a game full of contradictions. If I asked for a plebiscite regarding certain players, say Dean, Bradshaw, Done, McPherson, and Morrison, with McClure and Clark added on to make weighty the argument, what would the answers reveal—the mixed grill that leads nowhere! There would be confusion. The truth is that in this game, while everyone played so hard and so well, there were times when one missed the players for stretches of about fifteen minutes. At times Bradshaw, the third back and the expert header and leader, was "reported missing." At other times Dean, who will be described as " having had a bad day," was silent and still. Yet without Dean, what would Everton's chances have been?  His final hook-shot was characteristic of the man. The faultiness about Dean was that, as at Manchester three days earlier, he could not take the easiest chances--where he is generally so thoughtful and sure! Yet I think his presence was very vital to Everton on Saturday.
PUTTING THEM IN THEIR PROPER PLACES
It was a game in which Scott for a g change had little to do. Here again a contradiction; twice he was hit by the shooter when they should not have given him a chance to be in the way." Done got through, this game with a steadiness and steadfastness that must have been very comforting to those who have all of a sudden believed that his impetuosity will always debar him. Done did well; Steel did better than at Chesterfield; a quiet man off the field and quietly effective on the field—a fine judge of pace and direction, and a man who can edge a ball inward, as in a curve, with a fine hook. At half-back McDougall had a crowded hour of success—best half of all for that period, and thereafter tired a little. Bradshaw had an excellent day in his backward position, and Morrison was solid, sure, and showed his fine flair for making passes of length and wise strength—the essence of half-back play. Coming to the losers' forwards, it is, perhaps, only necessary to say that Sagar stopped them, and you have in that one sentence the sentence upon the Liverpool attacking line. The line was much more penetrative than Everton's they worked at quick pace and without frills or fancy (Wright debarred from this clause), and shot hard and often. They could do no more. Barton has done so well at centre-forward that it seemed a pity to remove him; he has the great shot so needed for the middle position; he showed his strength from the wing berth. On the other hand, Wright was the James of the party, maker of goals rather than the scorer; albeit, he got his side's only point. McPherson did a bundle of work in close area, rather hugging the ball too much; yet he kept the lively Gunson on the go all the time. Gunson struck me as the most dangerous man of the five.
THE WINNERS
The winners can take praise to themselves that they won in spite of the great loss of two men such as Cresswell and Gee, and Williams being damaged was rightly fitted for a rest, but pluckily went on. He took up the space that Jackson had taken in the Cup-tie, and at the same moment of play in the game took charge of the ball and the defence. Williams was a hero, and never lost his self-possession in his enthusiasm for the game and the cause at heart. By his side Bocking, known, of course as "the man who gave the goal from which Liverpool took the Cup equaliser," got into this game with rare refreshing vigour and a fairness that did him well: he added his weight of body and weight of football skill. Sagar I have named. At half back I must give a word for the bustling and quick-footed McClure—a great display, when it was urgently required, coming in spasms and splashes; as if he had just recovered his wind and would go into the fight afresh. He did not use the ball to the beet advantage at times; he had no time to think of such a process. Thomson, damaged, and Clark, suave, rather lumbering in his gait, yet very valuable to his side—each of these men took the eye.
RADIO AND RADIANT MATCH
Forwards? Ah, here's the rub of the rubber. Dean missed two sitters; Scott had little to do; Johnson could not get moving in his best way, and White appeared to be lacking in confidence and in forethought as to what his partners would do. It is a passing phase with both these players. Critchley, after taking all the honours of the line for week after week in his away displays, failed to deliver the centre and the corner kick (Everton had three to Liverpool's sight), and thus the Everton line, while working prettily at times, never had the strength of purpose and fiery shot the Anfield five produced. Last of all, Rigby. A bonny display, rich in its jugglery, sure in its swing-in centre, and at times helpful with a stout shot. Rigby was the dominant note of this forward line, although Dean took on the office of official charger," with a result that 'the Anfield defenders could never take 'their eye from his presence, and thus the way was opened for the other members of the attack. A great game to watch, enjoyable, pulsating, never “piffly "—worthy the names of the teams and players and worthy a vote of thanks to both sides. We ‘must live in our memories when we get older, thank these players for a memory than can be reviewed and restated over and over again u the years roll by. We shall remember this as the Radio and Radiant match, a fine day, saying it with mechanical music. I think there will need to be more power in Everton and in their Radio if next Saturday's big game v. Arsenal is to carry a further home victory. Alec James has started scoring; Sheffield United are stern challengers now Villa have dropped out; and Grimsby have beaten Leicester, who drew at Anfield two days earlier. It is all so engrossing. We must polish up our memory cells.

EVERTON'S "NEVER-SAY-DIE" DEFENCE.
February 1, 1932. Evening Express
Hero's of a Testing "Derby" Battle.
By the Pilot.
Everton owed their 2-1 victory over Liverpool, which avenged the cup defeat at Goodison and gave them, their second League double of the season, to a wonderful defence that never said die. There is no disputing the fact that Sagar, Williams, and Bocking were the chief stumbling blacks to the nipper, snappier and more direct Liverpoolians. I certainly think that in Sagar wee saw a potential England goalkeeper. At any rate, I have not seen a player possessing more skill than he this season, and I predict that he will be the natural successor to Hibbs. On Saturday we had the one and only Elisha Scott, the best ever, in one goal and in the other a man, I fearlessly predict, will become as famous as Scott. Everton's victory was a fortunate one in two respects. First, Liverpool did not deserve to lose, and secondly, the win enabled Everton to retain the League leadership.
Wonder save.
One save from a McPherson header was the greatest thing of the game. It followed a corner kick and Sagar had come out to take Barton's kick. The ball swerved out towards McPherson, who promptly sent in a lighting header, Sagar had to turn back to reach the ball and it was at the last moment that he sent it round the post with one hand. This was a wonder save. In front of Sagar was another hero in Williams. Williams obviously played with a weak left leg, but he has never played better in his life. His tackling was brilliant, and he was a master of positional play and artistic kicking. Bocking made him a worthy partner and the trio constituted a bulwark that Liverpool, try as they would, could not break down. In my opinion, if Liverpool had shot with the same precision and exactness that they engineered their approaches the Blues would have won. This is the chief fault, I have to find with the Anfield men. Barton was the one forward who would take a chance, and some of his flashing drives might easily have beaten a less able goalkeeper. I think Liverpool made a mistake when they changed their forward formation after the interval, for when Wright was removed from the leadership the line did not appear half so menacing.
Half-Back Power.
The power of the Reds was in their intermediary division, and I strongly doubt weather there is a better more purposeful, of more scientific trio playing in one club this season. They mastered Everton's attack, and provided many a cute-opening. The successes of the Liverpool team were Steel, Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall, Barton and Wright, and in addition to the defence Everton were well ved by Thomson, in the first half, McClure after the interval, Clark and Rigby, who returned to carry off the forward honours. A satisfying game for the football students, but in my opinion a draw would better have represented the run of play.

CHAMPIONS AND LEAGUE LEADERS.
February 3, 1932. Evening Express.
Goodison Park, Tit-Bit for Saturday.
By the Pilot.
Everton, the league leaders v. Arsenal, the champions. This is the tit-bit at Goodison Park on Saturday. Apart from the fact that the teams are in the forefront of the race for the championship Mr. Herbert Chapman's great discovery. Parkin is almost certain to be on view. Parkin, who took Lambert's place at centre forward against Manchester City last week, scored three of his side's four goals. Arsenal's form is such that Everton will have to be at their best won win. Everton will be encouraged by the fact that they will once again be at full strength. Cresswell, who was suffering from influenza last week-end is now well again, and will resume at left back in place of Bocking and Charlie Gee, who had to miss his first match last Saturday on account of an ankle injury, has fully recovered and will replace McClure at centre-half. The Everton directors were obviously pleased with the return of Rigby to outside left, and have decided to persevere with him in the position. Consequently, the team will show but two changes as compared with the eleven, which defeated Liverpool. When the teams met at Highbury earlier in the season the Gunners won by the odd goal in five, but only after a desperate fight. Mr. Herbert Chapman's team of stars has won more points away from home than Everton, and it is curious that their away points total is only two less than the home aggregate. The 235 bookable seats for the game were sold many days ago, but there will be more than 10,000 stands seats available for those who pay at the turnstiles. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 03 February 1932
Thera is another big attraction at Goodison Park on Saturday, when Everton meet Arsenal. Everton will be at full strength, for Cresswell, who could not play against Liverpool owing to influenza, and Gee, who was absent through an injured ankle, return to the side in place of Bocking and McClure. Rigby is retained at outside-left, and the team is: Sagar; Williams, Cresswell: Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. The kick-off is at 3-15.
EVERTOR'S LOST FORWARD POWER
"Bob Speck” says: — I am in entire agreement with your criticism of the excessive W formation being exploited by the Everton inside forwards, combined with loss of form by the latter, particularly at inside right.  If persisted in it will lead to loss of the chance of the championship. In addition, do the directors expect the same men to keep the club at the top of the table for such a long period without loss of form? The painful fact remains that there appears no likely talent, with the exception of Dunn, to give the others a much-needed rest. “There are none so blind as those who won't see."  The gentleman is harsh upon some members of the reserve team.
The Everton reserve eleven to meet Oldham Athletic in a Central league match at Oldham, on Saturday, will be; Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; Britton, McClure, Archer, Griffiths, Dunn, Reed, Martin, Stein.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 04 February 1932
C. Burke, the young Everton “A " lad, came out O.K. in his first run with Cables against Great Harwood. He is again included in the Prescot team against Dick, Kerr's.  Everton “A” Everton “A” meet Prescot Reserves at Stopgate-lane, in the Liverpool Challenge Cup. 
EVERTON'S OPPONENTS
ARSENAL MAKE UP THEIR TEAM-NO CHANGE
Mr. Herbert Chapman, in conversation with the Echo this afternoon, said; “We are looking forward to this very important game with Everton. We know what in expect. Our team is the same as Saturday last” Moss; Parker, Hapgood, Jones, Roberts, John, Hulme, Jack, Purkin, James, and Bastin.

YOUNG HAT-TRICK ARTIST AT GOODISON.
February 4, 1932. Evening Express.
Parkin to Lead Arsenal Attack.
Parkin, the young forward who scored a hat-trick against Manchester City last week will lead the Gunners' attack at Goodison Park on Saturday. January has been a lucky mouth for Parkin. He was signed by Arsenal at 17 years of age from Esh winning Juniors in January, 1928 played in Arsenal's league team first in January, 1929, scoring at Sunderland and getting four more goals that season, and in January this year he reappeared converted again to forward from reserve half-back. The Arsenal side will be unchanged from the one that beat Manchester City 4-0. Roberts and Jack who have been under treatment for injuries have now been pronounced fit. Robert's strained a thigh muscle last Saturday and Jack turned out for the Manchester City match with a swollen foot, which he sustained in the Cup-tie against. Plymouth Argyle the previous week. Arsenal supporters, many of whom intend to travel to Goodison Park on Saturday are confident that Parkin will shape well against the Everton defence, and that their team will succeed in lowering Everton's colours and possibly deprive the Blues of their League leadership. The Arsenal team will travel by train to Liverpool on Friday afternoon. Arsenal; Moss; Parker, Hapgood; Jones, Roberts, John; Hulme, Jack, Parkin, James, Bastin.
Newton gets Lead in Goals Race.
Dean and Bourton Joined by hall in Second Place.
By the Pilot.
There is a new leader in the goal rush. He is Frank Newton, the Fulham centre forward, who has headed Dixie Dean (Everton), Bourton (Coventry City), and Hall (Lincoln City) by one goal. Newton, who is the former Stockport County player, was secured by Fulham from Aston National, and has been a most consistent performer, for the Southern Section leaders. He has scored a hat trick on three occasions, and his figures for the 18 matches in which he has scored are; - 2,3,2,1,1,1,1,2,1,1, 2,1,2,1,3,2,3,2-31. A feature of the Northern Section scoring is that Jennings of Chester, thanks to his five goals against Walsall, move up into second place with 17 goals. Here are the leading scorers in the four divisions of the League.
Division 1
Dean (Everton) 30 Esson (Portsmouth) 17
Waring (Aston Villa) 22 Watson (West Ham) 17
Dunne (Sheffield United) 21 Bowers (Derby) 16
Bradford (Birmingham) 19 Thompson (Blackburn) 16
Mangnall (Huddersfield) 19 Johnson (Everton) 15
Halliday (Manchester City) 19 Hampson (Blackpool) 15
White (Everton) 18 Camsell (Middlesbrough) 15
Jack (Arsenal) 18 Rimmer (Sheff Wednesday) 15
Houghton (Aston Villa) 18 Hodgson (Liverpool) 14
Hone (Leicester City) 18 Ball (Sheff Wednesday) 14
Richardson (West Brom) 18
Divison 2
Pearce (Swansea) 27 Smith (Millwall) 16
Keetley (Notts County) 26 Bowlers (Pymouth) 16
Hartill (Wolves) 20 Bottill (Wolves) 15
Keetley (Leeds) 19 Lindsay (Bury) 14
Hallows (Bradford City) 18 Spence (Man United) 14
Dickinson (Notts Forest) 18 Arnold (Southampton) 14
Hunt (Tottenham) 18 Phillips (Wolves) 14
Wallbanks (Barnsley) 16
Division 3 (Northern Section)
Hall (Lincoln) 30 Lumley (Hartlepools) 16
Jennings (Chester) 17 Hamford (Wrexham) 15
Millar (Barrow) 17 McNaughton (Gateshead) 15
Keetley (Lincoln) 17 McConnell (Carlise) 15 Williams (Crewe) 17 Swindells (Crewe) 14
Dixon (Tramnere) 16
Division 3 (Southern Section)
Newton (Fulham) 31 Simpson (Crystal Palace) 16
Bourton (Coventry) 30 Houghton (Exeter) 16
Lane (Brentford) 19 Goddard (Q.P.R) 16
Johnson (Mansfield) 19 Attwood (Brighton) 15
Hammond (Fulham) 18 Clarke (Crystal Palace) 15
James (Watford) 18 Shankley (Southend) 14
Morris (Swindon) 17
Sports Pie
•  Mr. Tom McIntosh the secretary of the Everton Football Club is making excellent progress following his operation. He is now allowed out for short periods.

RONALD DIX?
February 5, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
There is a prospect after all, of Ronald Dix, the young Bristol Rovers inside left, being signed on by Everton. It may be recall that Everton sought the transfer of Dix in December 1930, they secured an option on him and this was ratified by the Football league, who ruled that Dix could not be transferred to any club without Everton permission. I understand that Dix desired to remain at Bristol, though several clubs had taken an interest in him. Now negotiations for his transfer to Everton have been re-opened. Mr. Cuff, the chairman of the Everton club, stated yesterday that the Bristol Rovers club had communicated with Everton, stating their willingness to discuss the question of the transfer of Dix. "We are quite ready to talk things over added Mr. Cuff" but we shall not make a move until we know definitely whether Dix is now willing to leave Bristol. If we get the assurances that he will join Everton than I shall go to Bristol to negotiate for the transfer. Dix, who is twenty-years of age, is a schoolboy international, when Everton first approached Bristol Rovers they wanted both Dix and Britton. That were given an option on both players for £3,200 or £1,600 for either. Britton duty came to Walton, but when Everton went for Dix, the Rovers said "No" confident that Dix was worth £3,000 or £4,000.

EVERTON’S TIT-BIT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 05 February 1932
ARSENAL MAKE SPLENDID OPPOSITION
“MATCH OF THE SEASON”
Bee’s Notes
By winning to-morrow Everton can take full marks. To beat Arsenal is to do something the London folk imagine is not in the region of probability. A win over Arsenal will send Everton's championship stock up perceptibly, and the Southern Press will straightway think nought of Sheffield United, the real challengers to-day, and will concentrate upon Arsenal for the Cup and Everton for the League. It is a long-distance race, this League championship, and Everton made early running till they nearly distressed themselves when they did not get among the heavy scoring. The players felt that here was a Cup final match every Saturday. They went a trifle stale; they went out of their upward glance, their belief in attack-upon-attack and let the defence look after itself. They were playing well yet not effectively. Where they had been strongest they were now almost normal. Goals did not come easily; where the ball had "just gone in"; it now “just stayed out." But Everton have a very keen desire to put Arsenal to defeat to-morrow. Arsenal like Liverpool, form one of the “do or die" games for Everton. Add the Villa and now Sheffield United, and you have the four-fold desire of Everton to beat the lot. To-morrow the second chance comes their way. It is perhaps unfortunate for Everton that they should meet the Arsenal club at the moment when Alec James has decided to get goals. He got his first last week, and thus stole some of the club's thunder regarding the co-option of the Earl of Westmorland as a director of the club. James will be the cynosure of all eyes to-morrow. Do not forget that he could have been sold from Arsenal to Everton two years ago; don't forget that is alone to modern football in that every other footballer 'says “We are agreed upon our verdict; we find James, the prisoner the finest scheming footballer of the present day." Jimmy Dunn, Tom Morrison, Bradshaw—they all chant the same refrain: here is the master-mind, the dribbler-de-luxe, the Bradman of the football world. Yet James is but a link of eleven who cuff many of the rousing teams of the division. They are tied to orders—the managerial orders of Mr. Herbert Chapman—yet they are the one side of the division that is not stereotyped; they change their plans according to the need of the moment. Thus; to-morrow, at midday, in an inner chamber of the North-Western Hotel, the players will sit around in conference, with Mr. Chapman, and the free, unfettered flow of opinions, desires and suggestions will decide the management upon their mode of attempting to win by tactical measures to-morrow. I say no more, except that it is sure to be a gala day in the history of Everton, and that the club have 10,000 bookable seats, first come first served. Everton once drew with Arsenal in the year of sixty goals to Dean. They want something better than that to-morrow if they are to “hold everything" at the top of the chart. David Jack, Oswestry's Roberts, the centre half-back who plays nothing but full back; Hulme, cricketer-footballer; Bastin, boy of Exeter's dreams—ought to have been at Everton, according to report, just as Charlie Jones " ought to have been at Anfield "—these are of the famous names of the London side. Everton should be able to cope with the opposition of any character at home. 

EVERTON'S CRITCAL MOMENT.
February 5, 1932. Evening Express.
Why they must beat the Arsenal.
Goodison's first draw this Season?
By the Pilot.
Everton's League fortunes reach a critical point tomorrow. They must beat the Arsenal at Goodison Park. If they fail, their prospect of championship honours this season will suffer a serious setback. To my mind the Arsenal are Everton's strongest challengers although at the moment they are only sixth on the league chart being five points behind the leaders, with a match in hand. But Arsenal's started badly and have improved steadily. They are now the most consistent side in the First Division away from home and Everton, tomorrow will need every ounce of energy and confidence to held them. It must not be forgotten too, that the Arsenal already have defeated the men of Goodison 3-2 at Highbury. If the Londoners win tomorrow they will emulate Manchester City's performance of a double at the expense of Everton. I should not be surprised to see the game end in a draw –the first of the season at Goodison –but, if Everton return to their open style they may pull it off. Had the gunners visited Walton some weeks back I should seriously have doubled whether they with all their unorthodox methods, could have held the Blues, but Everton are not quite the same just now. The Arsenal are an attraction in themselves . Their football is different from that of any other side in the competition, their high-priced stars mould together in a peculiar formation. They exploit the three-back in the most exaggerated form, and the vital man in this is Herbert Roberts, the former Oswestry player. Then there is the elusive Alex James inspiring the attack; the magic Bastin with his aptitude for the quick interchange of positions move; the big striking Jack and the fleet footed Hulme. In the centre will be a young North-Eastern in Parkin, who scored three goals against Manchester City last week. Parkin's inclusion may be accepted, as something in the nature of an extended experiment, and it is well for Everton that they will have Charlie Gee back in the pivot position to oppose him. The Blues will be at full strength again, for Cresswell has received from his attack of influenza, and will come in for Bocking at left back, while Rigby is being given a further run at outside left.
A Point a Match.
In the last-eleven visits to Goodison Park, the Gunners have scored a point a match. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Arsenal; Moss; Parker, Hapgood; Jones Roberts, John; Hulme, Jack, Parkin, James, Bastin.
Sports Pie
•  Advertisement in Evening Post; League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) –Everton v. Arsenal, kick off 3.15. Admission 1, Boys 4, Stands Extra (including tax). Over 10,000 seats available Pay at the turnstiles.

BATTLE OF GIANTS
February 6, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
By John Peel.
The great tussle of the day is likely to be seen at Goodison Park, where two of the finest teams in the country, in Everton and the Arsenal, contest the issue, and to decide which of the respective style adopted is the better. When the teams met earlier in the season at Highbury, the London side won by the odd goal of five, and since that time both sides have gained some splendid victories. Everton's spell of runaway successes at home being perhaps the more spectacular. Everton, however, seem to have lost the happy blend which brought about these victories, and at the moment their supremacy in the League is warmly challenged.
Everton Revival Needed.
On the other hand, the Arsenal have proceeded steadily, and their undoubted craft, and ability to drive home an advantage renders the combination a force of supreme worth. Can Everton recapture that form which shattered Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United, Leicester city, and others? That is the point uppermost in the minds of their followers as they approach the game today. Certainly it will need super-play of that character to bring about the downfall of the Arsenal, fortified as they are by such stalwarts as Jack, James, Hulme, Bastin, and Roberts. They know that they are still in the running for Cup and League, and in this battle of giants, they are likely to muster the whole of their artistic plans.
An Open Issue.
Everton realise, too, that an extra effort on the part is absolutely essential if they are to hold their places, and with this in view the players, no doubt will respond to the need for their best form. The issue is an open one, and I fully expect one of the best games of the season to mark the occasion. Fortunately, Everton are able to place their full strength in the field, while the Arsenal retain Parkin, who scored a "hat-trick" last Saturday, and with such artists as Jack and James on either side he should not lack opportunities. All eyes will be on James, the most elusive forward of the day and his mode of hoodwinking opponents will be followed closely. At their best Everton can win, but their lack of success has somewhat shaken confidence. Their followers hope that today there will be a real revival on their part. The kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are; - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Arsenal; Moss; Parker, Hapgood; Jones, Roberts, John; Hulme, Jack, Parkin, James, Bastin.

EVERTON 1 ARSENALL 3
February 8, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Blow to Everton.
Arsenal give fine Display
By "Bee."
Everton colours were lowered for the second time on Saturday, and another double victim was obtained against the leaders of the League. Everton had Manchester City now came the Arsenal's double-edged sword, and the last victom is one that makes Everton's supporters fear the championship will evades them. It was the sort of victory that would stem the confidence from the Goodison players. Here they were beaten for pace, direction, discretion, and in the matter of Football's artistry. Arsenal were not a completely successful side in their victory of 3-1 because David Jack, although netting twice without a goal being aided, was not his true self, and the try-on-centre forward. Parkin, while quite useful was apparently not considered in the attacking scheme. He appeared to be presenting for the purpose of filling Lambert's place, but in a football sense he has little to do with this game, except that he kept his place, and once made a nice placed shot quite near.
Superior Half-Backs.
Arsenal won by superior tactics by a marked defensive move in which there are their backs –Roberts the centre half-back, is often behind his backs. Add the sure touch of Moss in goal, rousing full-backs and you have Dean crowded out and headed out. The Arsenal were also much superior at half-back. Everton's trinity had the inferiority complex they feared the mastermind of Alex James and the speedy Hulme, and the hard-hitting Bastin. It seemed so before the game started. Hulme scored in one minute –outpaced everyone and clinched the goal lead. Thereafter there was one side ploughing along in a rigged manner with no special plan of campaign, and many in direct passes, a delaying of the pass a dailying with the ball, all of which was so foreign to the London side's methods ands precision. Arsenal at one time seemed as though they were being pressed back it was a momentary affair and showed Everton up in a brighter light, but this Everton never really looked to be possible of success on Saturday, and the 55,000 spectators had no delusion about the way the game was going. It was started late through a late kick-off and an order for the Arsenal goalkeeper to change his jersey from blue to green, but after the game had started there was no fear of fog interrupting the play.
Skill of James.
It was a delightful match to watch; Arsenal made many friends by their methods, and by the way James controlled the side. He worked extraordinary hard and was hardly ever in position –but his subtlety and craft gathered around him generally three men, and often more. So that when he succeeded Everton were bound to fall. There was this curiosity; that well as Arsenal played all round it was James, plus Hulme and Bastin, who made this victory possible, and this was no mean feat because Everton set themselves out to win this game and thus add to the glory of the victory over Liverpool. Arsenal had other notions, and their victory allows no debate –they were the better side, although they played without a centre-forward and with Jack not touching his best form Everton were strangely rattled and unsettled; they never got together and the number of passes that went astray was appalling;; Johnson was the only shot and Dean once again failed to use a golden chance so near the goal that he rubbed his head in astonishment to see if he was awake. Everton certainly made a brave fight, but their method was useless against a half-back line that carried the experience and sharpness of Jones and John with Roberts aiding the not altogether satisfactory defence line. No one drove in more pace to his shots than Bastin; whose best game it was this season. Hulme's speed was too much for Cresswell early on, and a goal at the first moment was a vital factor in sending Everton to their home doom. The second goal was scored by Bastin, and Everton replied with a goal from a corner made and completed by Johnson, who was always the danger man of the home attack. This served to set Everton rousing themselves to make a fight of it, and then came a streak of fortune when John scored a simple goal from a corner kick. He was far out, and half the defenders did not see the flight of the ball.
Point That Did Not Count.
That was the only bit of bad fortune for Everton; their good fortune came when Jack's goal did not count, and when Bastin hit the upright with the goalkeeper out of position. The Arsenal side shot so often that only slight misdirection prevented their score being a big one. They triumphed through skill; the losers lost through inability to show rational combination and through bad passing. Arsenal may go far in League and Cup on this form. A word more; James genius James, a mastermind; and in the losers sector, a word for Sagar, Williams, Cresswell and Johnson. The rest have not earned marks this week . Teams; - Everton; Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Rigby, forwards. Arsenal; - Moss, goal; Parker and Hapgood, backs; Jones, Roberts, and John, half-backs; Hulme, Jack Parkin, James and Bastin, forwards. Referee Mr. Westwood, Walsall.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 8, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 28)
Everton, at Oldham, were fortunate to take two points. Reed, after fifteen minute's scored, and magnificent defensive work enable Everton to retain the lead. They were always the more methodical side, and their forwards made better use of their opportunities.
Everton "A" 3 Prescot Cables 1
Liverpool Challenge Cup
At Stopgate Lane. Both sides showed up in some brisk football, the home side gaining a well-deserved victory. An outstanding feature was the clever goalkeeping of Holdcroft and Mercer Everton had good chances of gaining an early lead, but the shooting was feeble. Boult scored for Prescot near the interval. In the second half Fryer equalised. Everton increased their score through two goals by Davies.

EVERTON LOSE THEIR WAY ON ROAD TO TITLE.
February 8, 1932. Evening Express.
They need more snap; Brine Baths Cure.
By the Pilot.
Brine baths is the latest Everton order. The players were taken to Northwich today in the hope that the baths will reinvigorate them. The necessity for this invigoration was abundantly evident at times during the game with the Arsenal. Some of the Everton men showed evidence off staleness, and the entire team lacked that snap and virility that characterized their play earlier in the season. Let us hope that the brine bath treatment will have the desired effect. There is not the slightest quibble concerning Arsenal's entitlement to their 3-1 victory. They were worth it. Faster on the ball always, direct in method, demonstrating more advanced ideas in attack and never wasting a pass, the Arsenal held the upper hand for practically two-third of the game. Everton did not play badly. It was that the Gunners played so remarkably well. On this showing they are the team of the competition. The Blues' intermediates were powerless to stem the Arsenal tide, and I attribute Everton's defeat to this in a large measure. Gee was never happy, although his immediate opponents, Parkin, gave him the minimum of worry. Gee always appeared to be caught in two minds. Thomson was too slow both in action and in thought. He dwelt on the ball too long. Gone were his former snap and endeavour. Clark was the pick of the trio, but he shone only in an attacking sense, and often was late, with his intervention, both in cutting out passes and tackling. Alex James was the man, who really upset the Everton half-backs, and here we had the real football master –a man with the alert brain, the advanced ideas and the twinkling feet. He rarely did the same thing twice and yet had the faculty of spreading his plans to his colleagues and keeping then as sealed orders to his opponents. Bastin was another wonderful forward who appears to have taken on the role of chief marksman, and Hulme's speed on the right was a brilliant foil.

EVERTON’S NEED FOR ACCURACY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 08 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
Our football stock has gone down with a bump. Everton have let a grand chance slide. We have known of their away defeats for some time; they had been termed homers," but at least it was thought they would get on with the business of winning home games. Sheffield United had gone to their side, and when they lost at Sunderland the form suggested Everton need not fear them—always providing Everton could win their home games. But now we are faced with the Arsenal as League and Cup challengers. This latest defeat at Goodison Park has upset the Evertonian more than anything that has gone before, home or away, Cup-tie or League game. It has shaken the foundation of the championship thought. Why should Everton lapse? Why shouldn't they? They made too much running early in the season; the greed for goals got them sensationalism; the opposition week by week said: This team must be curbed." And they applied the brake to what was now known as the scoring machine. To-day Everton are faced with the need for two important things: First, the valuable pass that is made when convenient rather than when a man has wheeled this way and that way, and second, this call for combination and confidence. One brings the other; confidence has gone through the stressed and pressing manner in which the team has entered its games since the New Year came in. The club has always lapsed at this time of year. It can only be revived by a win or two away from home and a revival of the shooting forces. At the moment there is no shot from either winger; there is much heading from the centre man (Roberts being absent), and Johnson is alone in his definite shooting. How, then, can goals come except from flummery ideas, corners, and such like? Candidly none can unless the team starts out afresh with more accurate passing and precise shooting with a ball that is not tapped at every turn.
PRAISE
Having given praise to Sagar, Cresswell, and Johnson for their part in the game, one has to return to the victors for recitals concerning fine play. The game was always excellent and interesting because the Arsenal made the leading team in the League look so paltry. Mr. Chapman spent an hour or so " in conference " with his team on Saturday morning; they thought out schemes at that late hour; they suggested, quite freely, a dozen and one processes and finally came out of the North Western Hotel content to believe, as the manager said, that "if we can win this game we will win either the League or the Cup." I think with a man like Alec James at your command you could almost guarantee winning the Grand National and Waterloo Cup as well." People who pry into records will find that the first managerial job Ms. Chapman took on was at Northampton—they won the Southern League the first time, and only time, of their lives. Since then he has lifted Huddersfield to Cup and League victories; then transformed Arsenal into a compelling force—without spending much money—and lifted League, Cup, foreign games, and everything else in his path. Why? Managerial skill, not luck. However, sufficient for him that he is the richest paid manager in the game. I am now to deal with his players, not his palaver and appointments. Arsenal made this game a football treat. James was the keynote to success; but he was more—he kept the crowd of 55,000 delighted. They hear so much of him and see so little that they could not believe football trickery could be brought to such a fine art. James stands out in this excellent Arsenal team as a joy of life and as a football missionary; no wonder the gross takings at Highbury are up on the world-beating figures of last season.
WITHOUT A CENTRE
How odd that Everton should fail against a sider that was not balanced! Yes, Arsenal lacked balance.  They played without a centre-forward, and David Jack was so much below his best that they really won this game with three forwards.  Bastin and Hulme have not played better this season; they not only made the raid; they applied the shots; speed was not their chief asset; football sense and skill was their ruling factor.  So the Everton half backs had a bad time.  They were chasing hard to no special purpose; they were unable to feed their own forwards nor stop the other forwards; and the passing of the half back line and forward line was poor in the extreme.  How different the case of Arsenal, Jones and John, oldish and experienced members--Jones played for Oldham many years ago—were adepts in taking ground by swift moves, and then made their pass, without delay to a man unmarked. Everton should learn the lesson of the game.  Positioning of oneself is as important as the import of the call in the game of bridge. Arsenal “found their men; Everton lost themselves. Everton receiving the ball began to make difficulties; to twist and turn about; James and his companions looked for their unmarked man, and flung the ball up to him, without so much as a stroking of the ball; Everton tried too much finesse, close-confined and easily shaken tactics by half backs of any speed and judgment. That was why Everton looked worse than they really are. But they will go worse if they do not adopt the easy method and sure pass, plus the determined shot.

EVERTON'S DECLINE
February 9 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
When Everton finished their November programme with a 9-2 victory over Leicester City they seemed well on the way to carrying off the League championship, but recent defeats have made their position doubtful. Since the end of November Everton have played ten League games with these results;-
West Ham (a) 2-4 Birmingham City (a) 0-4
Middlesbrough (h) 5-1 Sunderland (h) 4-2
Bolton Wanderers (a) 1-2 Manchester City (a) 0-1
Blackburn Rovers (a) 3-5 Liverpool (h) 2-1
Blackburn Rovers (h) 5-0 Arsenal (h) 1-3
A Close Struggle
Thus six of these games were lost. Everton badly lost their way against Arsenal. The halves had a bad day, but the forwards appeared to have forgotten the days when they swung the ball about and spread-eagled defences. There is going to be a great struggle for the championship, for only four points separate the first eight clubs. here are the positions;-
P W L D F A Pts
Everton 27 17 9 1 85 50 38
Sheffield United 28 16 10 2 62 44 34
West Bromwich A. 28 14 9 5 49 28 35
Huddersfield Town. 27 13 7 7 55 36 33
Arsenal 26 13 7 6 60 35 32
Aston Villa 27 13 9 5 78 51 31
Sheffield Wednesday 17 13 9 3 64 56 31
Newcastle United 26 14 9 3 54 47 31
To Visit Goodison.
Four of these clubs are still in the Cup competition. And it is of interest to note that Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Huddersfield Town, and Aston Villa have yet to appear at Goodison Park. Everton have to visit Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United, who were beaten 9-3 and 8-1 at the Everton ground. Their other away fixtures are against Blackpool, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Leicester City and Middlesbrough. Thus Everton have a good chance to recover, if the scoring machine runs smoothly again. The Everton players visited Northwich yesterday for brine baths.

EVERTON F.C AND DIX
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 09 February 1932
BRISTOL MAKE THE ADVANCE
“UNDO THE PAST”
MAY BE AT GOODISON IN A SHORT TIME
Everton F.C. are negotiating for the signing of Ronald Dix, of Bristol Rovers. But they have not made the advance. Bristol Rovers F.C. courted the fresh inquiry into this now famous football offer. Mr. W. C. Cuff. Chairman of the Everton Football Club, who was insistent upon an inquiry into the transfer deal a year or so ago, tells the Echo, in an interview, that “Bristol Rovers have resumed the negotiations. They wrote me telling of changes in the board at Bristol, and, in effect, said they wanted to ' undo the past.' “The past consisted of an endeavour to sign Dix and Britton, of Bristol Rovers. Everton say they signed the two, and Britton came to Everton to fulfil his part. In the meantime delays occurred in connection with the signing of Dix, the centre-forward. He desired a delay; ' Everton agreed. Then by degrees the matter became entangled, and Bristol wanted to cry off their deal. Aston Villa made a firm offer, and said they would sign him. Everton got the authorities to inquire into the whole of the circumstances, and they found in favour of the Everton club —which was a feather in the cap of Mr. W. C. Cuff (adds " Bee "), because all through he had conducted the arrangements, and throughout the case his arrangements had been without flaw. The League insisted on certain conditions of transfer, and declared Dix Everton's player so soon as Dix would care to move. To-day all that is required is that Dix himself should pay he is willing to sign and play for Everton, and this will doubtless be a fact in a short time.

DIX FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 09 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
Everton can get back to their win-way next Saturday per a victory at Blackpool. This should not be beyond them. Blackpool will sure be anxious to safeguard their League membership, but I think this is a game to revive Everton's successes. At the time the two Lancashire clubs are playing Everton will doubtless be making stern endeavor to sign Ronald Dix, the Bristol Rovers' centre forward, who has been a celebrated case for over a year. As I said, first of all, Everton have not released their holding on this player, and it is probable that he will be signed in due course. Everton are not slow to realise that their position is failing, and that they only hold the top rung through the falling away of their nearest opponents on the day Everton have lost.

THE OUTSIDER CROPS UP
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 10 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
"Equidad” has a very interesting letter: As an old supporter of our local teams who has only recently returned to England after an absence of over 20 years—though I have followed from afar their deeds and misdeeds--I would like to express my views with regard to the slump in Everton stock. We read in the papers about the generous and sporting attitude of the Liverpool spectators, but as an unbiased observer, and at the risk of getting disliked by a few thousands, I can't help stating that my impressions are that they are emphatically the reverse, and I consider that Everton's failure to recapture their old form is to a great extent due to their so called -" supporters." When I first arrived Everton were emulating the feats of Lindrum and Bradman, and their supporters were rightly happy. They were so overwhelmed with hero-worship that any bad play was overlooked and a foul given against an Everton player was received with manifest disapproval. Their form was obviously impossible to maintain, but since they lost it the attitude of the crowd has changed. I can honestly say that during their last two matches I never heard a single word of praise for the team, and disparaging remarks were so common that it made it hard to realize that the team was playing before its OWN SUPPORTERS! Anyone who has played games must know that when the sympathy of the crowd is against you, the quality of one's play deteriorates, and that the players' keenness and enjoyment in the game disappear, two highly important match-winning qualities. The sooner the Everton crowd realizes that what their team want is real support and hearty encouragement the sooner we will see the team back in their old form. How can a crowd that only supports a team when it is winning be called generous and sporting? A very true bill, sir. I noticed on Saturday that some of the grandstand people were yelping such phrases: The stiff!"
“Why give him the ball?" Forgetting that only a week earlier they had been yelling themselves hoarse in praise of the victory over their neighbours. I wonder whether these unfair shouters ever stop to think what they would say if they were judged in this way at their workshop when, through a multitude of circumstances, they were not quite enjoying their best " form “The Best “forms” in the sporting world is the sporting ring; it embraces charity, encouragement, fairness to one's own side and the opposition side.
A CALL FOR LEYFIELD—AND YOUTH
“Dew Drop" writes: — After seeing the match at Goodison, I have come to the conclusion that Everton must cut out some of the finery near goal. The difference between the teams was this. The Arsenal went the most direct way for goal and shot, the wingers cut right in; they tried no unnecessary trickery. The Everton wingers made it their business to go straight to the corner-flag, then centring, and on the way look for an opponent to trick; in doing so, had the goal packed with seven or eight opponents, also putting the ball in the air for Dean when he had a centre half much taller than himself constantly watching him like a brother Finally, they must have a new left winger. There is no need to go to Scotland with an open cheque-book to pay fancy prices.  Why not give Leyfield a chance? He is quite ready now, in the circumstances. Wishing you luck.
GOOD NATURE
For geniality and politeness the Goodison Park crowd takes a lot of whacking (Writes “C”) I went to the Everton-Arsenal game accompanied by a lady who is unaccustomed to football crowds.  As we were unable to get seats I was a little uneasy on the score of crowding and roughness.  Well the crowd was there all right, pressing together, in the paddock, like sardines.  My friend and I hardly needed to look for a place before a voce said; “Make way for the lady,” and a little clearing was made for us from which we saw the game, almost in comfort, and certainly with the feeling that were amongst a jolly, good natured throng.  The only suspicion of tough language came from a small boy who, in his enthusiasm, suggested that something nasty should be done to a gentleman who he described as “B” He did not mean “Bee,” but just a plain, simple “B”. 
Everton at Blackpool play McClure for Gee- the first break of any import in the leaders’ half-back line throughout the season, save for injury or illness.  Gee is suffering from an injured ankle. 

McCLURE BACK IN EVERTON SIDE.
February 10, 1932. Evening Express.
Deputy for Gee at Blackpool.
By the Pilot.
Charlie Gee, Everton's international centre half, will be unable to play in the return match with Blackpool at Bloomfield-road on Saturday. He injured an ankle in the game with the Arsenal, so his place will be taken by Joe McClure, who last season was the regular right half. This will be McClure's fourth appearance of the season, but his second as pivot. He played at right back against Liverpool and the Arsenal in September, and came in at centre half for the return "Derby" game with Liverpool recently. McClure is a sound player who cuts out the trimmings in favour of hard, plugging football. He is a ready tackler and displays good footwork. This will be the only team change. Rigby is being preserved with at outside left, this being his third successive appearance. The Blues will find three former colleagues in the Blackpool ranks –O'Donnell Wilkinson and Harrison –so the game will have a real Goodison Park flavour. When the clubs met at Walton earlier in the season the Blues won by three goals to two. Everton will be anxious to complete the double, and so bring to an end their recent dismal away record, which has resulted in five successive defeats. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, McClure, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.

CLUB HISTORY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 11 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
When “Edwin " was met by Edwards at Goodison Park, just about thirty years ago, “Edwin was a bright young fellow who attended to the telephone as well as his black hair. To-day we both show signs of "lacking thread in the colour thereof, and " Edwin" has got over his recent illness, and has apparently been scouting round Goodison Park, because he has found on the Goodison-road double-decker pince-nez, which the club desire to give back to the owner. Apply at the office. Everton use their new radio on Saturday at the reserve team match for the purpose of showing the first team's score at Blackpool every quarter of an hour. Edwin is the teller of the tale regarding Everton of 1906. He was 'phoned by someone, who said; "Is that the Brilliant Shinion Company?”  “No,” replied Edwin, "this is the Brilliant Everton Company.”

EVERTON'S "GAME IN HAND"
Liverpool Echo - Friday 12 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
I do not desire to spend much time upon the Everton prospect. I think it reeks with probable victory to Everton at Blackpool—which will be a welcome change from their previous visiting days, when they have lost for some months. Blackpool, with their three ex-Everton player in Harrison, Wilkinson, and O'Donnell, will make a brave show, and will look to Watson, of “Accies," to start off well. I think it is just the sort of day when he will have a severe test. Everton to win is my suggestion. McClure takes the place of Gee—that's the leaders' only change. The game offers them a chance to grip the leadership a little more strongly than in the past, when “a game in hand " has been the main reckoning. Everton want to take a hand in the (victory) game!
EVERTON “A” CUP-TIE
Everton “A” play Liverpool Cables in the Lord Wavertree Cup at Northfield-road, Orrell Park tomorrow, at 3 o’clock.  Team; Holdcrofts; Parker, Jackson; Edwards, Chedgzoy, Lloyd, Webster, Cunliffe, Davies, Fryer, and Worrall. 

BLACKPOOL WANT EVERTON'S SCALP.
February 12, 1932. Evening Express.
Five changes; McClure Deputises for Gee.
By the Pilot.
Blackpool believe that they can emulate Manchester City and The Arsenal by defeating Everton when the League leaders visit Bloomfield-road tomorrow. There is not merely a hope, but a resolve. To this end Blackpool have made five changes in their league team for the game with Everton. The most important is the inclusion of Phil Watson their new centre half from Hamilton Academicals, a man the Seasiders believe will be capable of keeping Dean in check. His inclusion allows A. Watson to return to inside right, and Hampson, the international, resumed at centre forward in place of Everest. Ramsey takes the place of Tufnell at left half, and Longden returns to right half. The former Everton players –O'Donnell, Wilkinson and Harrison –will figure against the Blues who, if they wish to retain their league leadership must win. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, McClure, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Blackpool; McDonough; Grant, O'Donnell; Langden, Watson (p), Ramsey; Wilkinson, Watson (a), Hampson, Douglas, Harrison.
Sports pie
•  Advertisement in Evening Express; Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow. (Saturday) Everton v. Blackpool, kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 3d, stands extra (including tax). Scores in the League Match will be announced every 15 minutes.

EVERTON TACKLE BLACKPOOL
February 13, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
There are only two matches in the First Division, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, and Blackpool and Everton. The leaders will be hard pressed today by a desperate side anxious to improve their position. Everton must improve on last week's display if they are to win this game. They seemed to have struck a bad patch at the most critical period of the race, and unless they regain their old form I am afraid they will soon fall from their perch. Gee is absent from the ranks, and therefore the side is not at full strength. Blackpool include three former Everton players, and the match should prove highly interesting. I would like to see Everton win for they are in much need of a tonic. Everton; Sagar; Williams Cresswell; Clark, McClure, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. Blackpool; McDonough; Grant, O'Donnell; Longsden, Watson (p), Ramsey; Wilkinson, Watson (a), Hampson, Douglas, Harrison.

EVERTON DOWN AT BLACKPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 February 1932
A HAMPTON GOAL AT TWENTY-SIX MNUTES STANDS ALONE TILL THE INTERVAL
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, McClure, Thomson; Critchley, White, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.  Blackpool; McDonough; Grant, O’Donnell; Longsden, Watson (P), Ramsey; Wilkinson, Watson (A), W. R.  Dean, the Everton captain, sent a telegram to Bradshaw, the Liverpool captain, saying. "The Everton boys wish you every success against Grimsby to-day." The Blackpool football team are down in the dumps. Their position is playing on their nerves, and while they are striving hard to turn fortune's wheel it does not always revolve their way. In the hope of finding a strong team, changes are being made, and new men are being signed up with a view to strength. They looked upon their game with Everton as one of their most severe tasks, but Johnnie O'Donnell told me that he would fight to the last ditch. Everton's away record in recent weeks has been far from satisfactory, but they hoped to turn the corner to-day. It is a cold day, with a biting wind blowing down the field. Everton took this match seriously, paying no heed to the fact that Blackpool were bottom dogs and not likely to beat them. It was soon seen that Blackpool were going to fight for all they were worth, and Cresswell and Williams had to step in to hold down Hampson, who was nicely placed by A. Watson, but Critchley soon changed the scene of operations, and cleverly kept the ball in play, putting the Blackpool goal in danger until A. Watson headed away. Dean made a good try after finding the ball running his way, but it was Sagar who was the busy man of the moment, fisting away a close-in centre by Wilkinson after Hampson had sent him a glorious pass. Thomson got in the way of a hefty drive by A. Watson, but Blackpool had the hardest of luck when Hampson headed on to the upright with Sagar on the other side of the goal absolutely beaten. That, I am told, is tilt kind of luck that has been dogging Blackpool for some weeks.  So for it had been Blackpool’s game, and Cresswell and his colleagues had to put in some determined work to keep their opponents out. Hampson was pulled up for offside—a terrible decision —when he was in a scoring position. A. Watson was making some fine passes for Hampson's benefit, but the ball was lively and troublesome to the Blackpool leader. A free-kick saw Dean make a big leap over the heads of the others and nod the ball over the crossbar, and Johnson had a shot deflected for a corner by P. Watson. Just at this point Everton were testing the Blackpool defence, and the ball from Dean was only prevented from entering the goal by O'Donnell turning it aside with his body. Sager was soon in action again. Douglas shooting strongly and Sagar smartly saving. Everton 's form was not very convincing, and it was Blackpool who looked the more likely side to score, for McDonough had no shot of any account to deal with Dean tried to “kid” that he would pass out to the left, instead of which he shot with-out any direction.
A HAMPSON GOAL
George Harrison, who does not look a day older than when he started at Goodison, tried one of his famous left-footers, which was strangely off the mark for him. Everton could win corners but nothing more. P. Watson, who was a third back, was instrumental in Blackpool' s first goal.  He slipped the ball forward to his namesake, who, as he had so often done before, glanced it over to Hampson, who was standing at the penalty line. Taking the ball quickly he made a perfect shot, which went sailing just underneath the crossbar, Sagar appearing to make his effort a shade late. Time twenty-six minutes. Blackpool had only got their desert, for they had been the better side up to this point. There was much more ginger in their play, and some of their football was of top class. When Everton started to move upwards three men immediately clustered around Dean, who was never given a chance. Blackpool made the mistake of going into defence. They were going to hang on to their goal if possible, but they jeopardized their chance by consolidating on defence, and the Blackpool goal had a lucky escape when a shot by Johnson flashed up against a defender and went across the face of the goal.  Hampson required a lot of watching, and he once best Williams and Cresswell in turn, but fell at the final obstacle. Sagar, who came out and tackled the centre forward with his feet, his clearance striking Williams on the arm. There was an immediate call for a penalty, but the claim was rightly ignored. Watson's impetuosity spoiled him of a glorious opportunity. A little steadiness and he could have taken deliberate aim instead of shooting hastily over the bar. With one minute to go, Critchley could have equalized, for Rigby's centre placed him perfectly; but the ball came awkwardly, and he could not trap it to quickly enough'. Half-time.—Blackpool 1, Everton nil.
AFTER DIXIE-DIX?
EVERTON AMBASSADOR IN BRISTOL
CHAIRMAN’S INTERVIEW
SECOND PORT OF THE GAME AT BLACKPOOL
It looks as if Everton will be served by Dix after Dixie. The Everton chairman and ambassador in the Ronald Dix and Bristol Rovers debate was at Bristol to-day. Overnight he (Mr. W. C. Cuff) had interviewed the father of the now famous centre forward. To-day, the Rovers club was at Norwich, but " Bee “ learns that a signing is probable this week end, and that father and son have forgotten the past, in which a contract was broken and someone said that whatever happened Dix would not play for Everton. NAMPSON'S DOUBLE BY STORK
In the first half Hampson scored.   Everton resumed in hectic fashion, and McDonough showed his worth with two capital clearances. On the other hand Sagar was bumped out of possession after he had caught a centre from Harrison. Quite the best save of the match went to McDonongh's credit. Rigby cleverly stopped the ball from going out, and then tricked Longden before making a short centre, which Dean headed away from the goalkeeper, who, however, made a miraculous save.  This was Everton's best goal-scoring effort. A. Watson was well off the mark when well placed, and Grant hurt his leg in stopping Dean. One would not have thought that Everton were League leaders, for their football was of a low standard, the passing all round was poor, but it was Blackpool's quick tackling which proved too much for Everton The Seasiders had their change of luck when at the hour Clark booted the ball into the goalmouth, and when McDonough attempted to sweep the ball over the bar he missed his objective, but, unfortunately for Everton, the ball clattered up against the crossbar and out of danger. P. Watson received a kick in the mouth, purely accidental, from Dean Wilkinson had two chances to strike a blow at his old colleagues, but failed on each occasion. P. Watson had a perfect shot blocked out, and the crowd got across Dean for his charge on the goalkeeper. The excitement was intense, even though the football was of poor quality. Dean gave Johnson a chance to score, but O'Donnell took the ball on his chest.
HAMMON DECIDES
It went to Dean, whose shot seemed to strike the goalkeeper's body and sheer away to the right hand side of the field. The ball came back, and Blackpool's defence was all mixed up, but Everton could not plant the ball in the net. Five minutes from the end Blackpool made the issue safe. Hampson shooting a goal from what seemed an offside position. Final; Blackpool 2, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V BLACKPOOL RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 February 1932
Everton took some time to settle down and the visitors might easily have increased their score when Tupper faced with only Coggins to beat, hesitated and was smartly dispossessed by Lowe.  The Seasiders’ goal did well in surviving a spasm of pressure wherein Martin, Leyfield, Dunn, and Reed, all tried shots, but Maggs was doing his work finely.  Both sides were playing good practical football, but there was a sharpness about the visiting quintette that made them exceedingly dangerous when on the advance.  After twenty-five minutes Grififths scored a deserved Everton equalizer, following a breakaway on the right, and later the same winger had a great drive cleared by the winning custodian.  Half-time; Everton Res 1, Blackpool Res 1. 
Everton were the more penetrative force in the second half and although the Blackpool defence successfully frustrated them for a good while Everton’s persistence was rewarded when Griffiths scored the second goal.  The third soon followed, whilst Dunn scored the fourth.  Everton were now well on top.  Final; Everton Res 4, Blackpool Res 2
LIVERPOOL CABLES V EVERTON “A”
Everton, with the advantage of the slope attacked strongly, Davies opening the score.  Scratton in the home goal made many good saves from shots by Worrall and Cunliffe.  After thirty minutes’ play Everton were leading by 1-0. 

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 13 February 1932
By Louis T. Kelly

• Each side in last week’s great game at Goodison fielded but one Scotsman.
• Here is another interesting point.  Has a professional footballer ever acted as secretary and also captained an F.A Cup winning team?
• The answer is “yes” and the player concerned is John Cameron, who was secretary, captain, and inside right when Tottenham Hotspur defeated Sheffield United at Bolton in the 1901 replayed final
• Cameron joined Everton as an amateur from Queen’s Park in 1895, and retained his amateur status for some time.
• This was all very well in theory, but practically such an arrangement did not tend to the harmony of the team, and eventually Cameron embraced professionalism.
• However, three years later he was captured for the Spurs’ (by Mr. Frank Brettell), along with quite a number of First Division notables, including Harry Bradshaw (Liverpool), and eventually Cameron succeeded Mr. Brettell as the ‘Spurs’ secretary. 
• Despite the advent of their loud-speaker, Everton seemed nearly all at (B.B) sea last week.
• Jasper Kerr was an interested spectator at our local Derby day match.

HAMPSON'S GOAL FOR BLACKPOOL
February 13, 1932. Evening Express.
Everton fail to get going in first-half; Dean well marked.
By the Pilot.
The Everton boys wish you good luck. This was the message which Dixie Dean, the Everton skipper telegraphed to Tom Bradshaw, of Liverpool, from Blackpool today, where the Blues met Blackpool in a match of "tops and bottoms." The Everton players were entertained to supper at the Northwestern Hotel last night, and an informal "Pow-Wow" followed. Messrs, J. Sharp, H. Banks, and Dr. Baxter were the directors in charge. Mr. Cuff, the chairman, journeyed last night with the Ronald Rix transfer in view. Developments either one way of the other may be expected at any time now. I saw Mr. Tom McIntosh, the Everton secretary, who had recently been ill, and he is looking splendidly and in the best of spirits. He will have to enter a nursing home for a minor and final operation shortly, and then it will be a case of back to Goodison. Blackpool had their latest capture, Phil Watson at centre half. Everton almost signed this player some time ago, but the price was too high. Hamilton must have come down a bit since them. The Seasider's made four changes, and Everton had McClure at centre half in place of Gee, whose ankle was injured in a collision with James last week. It was an ideal football day except for a strong breeze blowing from end to end.
Teams; - Blackpool; McDonough, goal; Grant and O'Donnell, backs; Longsden, Waton (p), and Ramsey, half-backs; Wilkinson, Watson (a), Hampton, Douglas, and Harrison, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams, Cresswell, backs; Clarke, McClure, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Rigby, forwards. Mr. W. E. Rycroft (Nelson).
The Game.
P. Watson was in the think of the fray right at the outset, and met with a nasty bump. He made a grand pass up, and neatly intervened in the Blackpool goalmouth when Critchley broke through. Williams delighted with a tackle after Cresswell had kept Hampson out of the picture. While ran into Dean's position and fed Rigby with his head. He got the return, but had to veer to the left and his shot just failed to find a billet. From a Harrison corner Thomson appeared to push Hampson in the back, but the referee did not see it. A. Watson than had a shot charged down. Hampson served up some delightful football, and after feeding Wilkinson, Sagar had to fist away a centre, and then Longden crashed in a terrific shot, which passed over the top. Hampson beat Cresswell with a bouncing ball and was on the point of going through, but found the ball whipped away to Wilkinson. The former Everton player placed the ball perfectly for Hampson to head in, with Sagar at the wrong end of goal, but the ball struck the crossbar and rebounded into play. Everton could not get going against a sturdy defence, and now Thomson was pulled up for offside when he fully three yards on. McDonough held a drop back-header from Dean, and then went on one knee to field from Rigby. McClure was fining it difficult to control the lively ball on a hard ground, but Everton were not touching anything like good form so far. Dean went close with a header following Clark's free kick, and Williams retrieved after a wry kick by Cresswell. Dean headed back for Johnson to let go one, and it was deflected behind by P. Watson. From this the ball was trickled in by Dean, and O'Donnell turned it around the post for a second corner. Douglas let go a terrific drive, which Sagar beat down. Then Hampson delayed just the vital second in shooting, when a first-time effort would have found Sagar handicapped. Dean was finding himself a marked man, and this held up the smooth working of the attack, while there seemed a lack of confidence in the rare division. Dean beat P. Watson in a heading duel, and broke through on his own. He shot as the backs came to him, and the ball passed across the face of the goal. Longsden provided Harrison with a chance from a free kick, but the veteran could not get directions. White stepped in while Harrison, hesitated and gave Critchley a lovely chance, but Critchley held back his shot as big Phil Watson came sweeping across.
Blackpool Lead.
Blackpool took the lead in twenty-six minutes, Hampson being the scorer. P. Watson was given three chances to feed A. Watson, who glided across a perfect pass up the outside to Hampson. Hampson was confronted by Williams and Cresswell, but let go a fine right-foot shot from the penalty area line to the roof of the net. I think Sagar was surprised with the drive, for he certainly made his effort late. Well, Blackpool had enjoyed more of the game and were somewhat sharper on the ball. Dean and White were clean through in succession, but the many Everton supporters present among the 15,000 spectators were dumbfounded when both were pulled up for offside. In each instance Grant was pulling them "on side."
O'Donnell Steps In.
Clark twice attempted long shots, before O'Donnell stepped in to dispose of a Rigby centre. Blackpool became a hesitant scrappy side for a spell, and Everton took up the eudgels without troubling McDonough. However, this was obviously the Blues' chance. Critchley tricked Ramsey with ease and levelled a centre, which Dean managed to head back, though faced with four opponents. McDonough had fallen to the ground, but Johnson's first timer found him ready with a trusty fist. When Hampson got through again he dribbled perfectly, and Sagar came out of goal to participate in the tackling. He relieved the danger momentarily, but there was a period of hectic scrambling before Williams seem to get the ball on his arm. The referee ruled that there was no intend. Blackpool came again, and Douglas almost reached the mark with a first time shot. Everton were now doing slightly better, but the defence was not covering well. From Rigby's free kick Clark found himself forward to head inches outside the post, and then White was yards wide. Right on the interval Critchley had the easiest of chances of scoring when Rigby drove the ball right across the goal to Critchley, who was only two yards from the goal. Instead of using his right foot Critcley allowed the ball to bounce up on his left knee and turned it outside. This was a great opportunity fritted away.
Half-time; Blackpool 1, Everton 0.
It had been another disappointing session for the Blues. They lacked confidence and certainty, and only one shot had been directed on the target. The defence was easily drawn by Hampson, who shared the forward honours with A. Watson. Blackpool must have been satisfied with Phil Watson, though he had shown up clearly as a defensive player. Still, he got a stranglehold on the Everton inside forward.
Everton Dsiappointed at Blackpool.
Beaten by Two clear goals.
Ineffective Forward Work.
Everton opened the second half, on a brighter note, with Johnson and White getting Critchley away on good ground. McDonough was right there for a centre, and for a Critchley shot a few seconds later. Sagar fumbled a Harrison centre, yet he was sharp enough to recover and clear.
Wrong Way.
White had a shot charged down before Critchley took the "wrong turning" and ran into a bunch of the enemy. Rigby tricked two men on the gaol line and shot over a centre, which Dean dived to and head in. McDonough leapt up at the last moment to effect a thrilling clearance.
Watson's First-Timer.
Watson (A) tried a first-timer, which went by the post, and another Clark effort travelled across the goal. Everton were ineffective in front of goal, and Rarely gave promise of an equaliser. On the standard of play one would have imagined that they were both bottom of the League teams. The play was scrappy with few good passing movements. Sagar had to go down to a quick shot from Harrison. Then Dean made a cute pass to Rigby, whose shot was deflected to the side netting. The Blues now put on the pace, and Johnson ran to the goal post to head straight onto McDonough's hands when trying to reach Dean. It was at the hour stage when Everton became definitely on top, and it was only sharp tackling by the home men that kept the leaders at bay. Hampson scored for Blackpool after 85 minutes.
Final Blackpool 2 Everton 0.

Everton Res v. Blackpool Res.
February 13, 19032. Evening Express.
Everton attacked on the right flank, and Griffiths cleverly eluding Reece, sent across a centre, which led to Martin testing Maggs with a good drive. The goalkeeper cleared admirably, and immediately Blackpool took up the attack, and within a minute from the start got the lead. Tepper, running through, shot against the goalkeeper's body, and from the rebound ran round Coggins to shoot into the empty net. Everton replied through a Leyfield run and centre, which ended in Reed shooting just wide of the upright. Leyfield found the net, but the point was not allowed owing to Reed lying in an offside position. Shots by Reed, Dunn and Martin were well saved in quick succession, but eventually Griffiths went through on the right to equalise the scorers. Half-time Everton Res 1, Blackpool Res 1.

BLACKPOOL 2 EVERTON 0
February 15, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Slump
Altered tactics of Leaders.
Blackpool Worthy Winners.
By "Stork."
There is a serious slump at Goodison Park. Everton have fallen from their high pedestal and are going to find it a difficult task to maintain their position at the head of affairs. In fact, they will not hold the leadership of the table any length of time if they do not provide play better than that which they produced against Blackpool at Bloomfield-road. It was their worst game of the season, and at no time did they suggest that they would beat the lowly seaside club. It was difficult to understand that here was a meeting between top and bottom clubs of the League. Everton did not play like champions, and Blackpool deserved to win by two goals to nothing.
"W" Formation Revived.
It has been suggested that the Everton side has gone stale after its hard season in the Second Division and the tremendous task of holding its place at the head of the First. There may be a lot in that, but they are not the only reasons. There is a weakness in the team. Men who had previously made the side one to fear have fallen from grace. The style of play which produced goals in galore a few weeks ago has been altered for a style which had been seriously critised in the past as a style that would not win matches. I refer to the "W" formation. They have gone back to it with the consequent result that the line lacks the effectiveness, which brought an easy flow of goals. Dean has once again become the spearhead of the attack, and if he can be subdued the opposition has nothing to fear. Dean was subdued in this game so there were few direct shooting efforts and I say this in spite of the fact that McDonough, Blackpool's new goalkeeper from Thamas United, did excellent work. His greatest save was when he kept out a brilliant header by dean. Take that and a shot from Johnson and you have the full complement of Everton's shooting. Everton did not treat this game in the light of a walk-over. They realised that Blackpool would "flight" and if the latter team's football was not of the highest order there was sufficient snap and determination in it to harass the Everton defence and take two goals from it. This first goal resulted from a great shot by Hampson, but it could have been averted by either Williams or Cresswell had gone into the tackle instead of leaving Hampson to do as he liked. It was a fine drive that Sagar moved to a shade too late. The second goal, also scored by Hampson, should never have been registered, for the scorer seemed to be offside when the ball was passed to him.
Watson's Grip.
The third back's game has come to stay P. Watson, Blackpool's new centre half-back, never left that position, and this was the chief cause of Dean's ineffectiveness. Dean could never get away from the grip of Watson, who closed up the middle off the field to the Everton inside forwards, who were shot-shy. At times there were good movements; at others it resembled the play in a much inferior league; but there was no denying that Blackpool were determined to win the game. They made an error by going into defence immediately after their opening goal, and allowed Everton to carry the battle to them; but the Everton attack was feeble in the matter of shooting and the defence concerned in stopping the dashing raids of their opponents. Hampson was a grand centre-forward, Harrison and Wilknson, former Everton players did well, and O'Donnell often got his side out of difficulties while the Blackpool half-back line keenly cut into any suggestion of combination. Clark was Everton's best middleman, and he was unlucky when with a lob shot, which landed on the crossbar. McDonough failing to sweep it over the bar as he intended. Blackpool will now make a bravo effort to get away from the bottom for this win has brought back their lost confidence. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams, and Cresswell, backs; Clark, McClure, Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, White, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Rigby, forwards. Blackpool; - McDonough, goal; Grant, O'Donnell, backs; Longsden, P. Watson and Ramsey, half-backs; Wilkinson, A. Watson, Hampson, Douglas, and Harrison, forwards. Referee Mr. W. E. Rycroft, Nelson.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 2
February 15, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 29)
Second half superiority enabled Everton to achieve a convincing victory at Goodison Park. The initial half had been evenly contested, for although Tepper gave Blackpool the lead within a couple of minutes of the start. Everton's equaliser came before the half-hour through Griffiths. Everton after the interval steadily wore down this hitherto strong defence to such an extent as on practically monopolise the later second half pressure. Griffiths restarted the scoring with Everton's second goal, and Martin and Dunn also scored. Brooks reduced the deficit. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; Britton, McPherson (captain), and Archer, half-backs; P. Griffiths, Dunn, Reed, Martin and Leyfield, forwards.
Liverpool Cables 2 Everton "A" 3
Liverpool County Combination.
At Bootle. Davies opened the score for Everton after ten minutes. Stratton made many fine saves. In the second half McDonald equalised, but Chedgzoy put the visitors ahead, and Worrall, after McDonald had again equalised obtained the winning goal.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERTON.
February 15, 1932. Evening Express.
Game-Weary and Confidence Gone.
Change Better Than Changes. There is Still Time to Win Championship.
By the Pilot.
What is wrong with Everton? That is the question that is being asked not only by their supporters but by football followers the whole country through. Everyone agrees that something IS wrong with Everton, but on just what that something IS there is a wide variety of opinion. You may hold a particularly opinion and, so far as I am concerned, you may continue to retain that view in spite of anything I say. My view is purely personal. It is sincere. I give it for what it is worth. Staleness and lack of confidence are Everton's fundamental troubles. The cures are either; -
•  Send the whole of the players to the seaside for a complete change of air, scene and cooking, or
•  Make team changes.
I prefer the first method, but it may be necessary to continue both cures to remedy Everton's ills. One must admit that the present team have shown conclusively it's capacity to win the League championship, but, where today is that snap, that vigour, the complete realization of interdependence and all-conquering confidence which marked Everton's displays in October and November? It is a pitiful to see so clever a team uncertain of its own powers; men getting in one another's way, whereas a few months ago they would have played themselves with complete confidence and would have reposed a similar confidence in their colleagues. It is painful to see the inside-forwards rushing about aimlessly in their fever of anxiety to do well. They lose position and they crowd in the centre and all because they have lost confidence. The half-backs, too, have become uncertain in their interceptions, and their combination with the front line men now lacks the precision which only a few short weeks ago made Everton the most dreaded opponents in the whole of the first division. Behind them the backs have lost their balance. They do not dovetail effectively like they used to do. The players themselves cannot account for the poor form. They do appreciate that they are serving up indifferent football, and are anxious to remedy it. Today the Everton players were taken to the brine baths at Northwich. This is not enough. They should be sent away for a week –a fortnight, or even three weeks if necessary, not for special training but for a complete change of air and environment. Everton's players are weary; their need new joie de vivre, and the tonic of a seaside holiday is indicated.
Ronald Dix –And Others.
Mr. W. C. Cuff travelled over the week-end with the Ronald Dix transfer uppermost in his mind. Bristol Rovers, who, I would like to emphasize, invited the negotiations, agreed to the transfer, but Dix still refuses to leave Bristol. That's ends it.
However, Everton have other lines hooked and baited, and Mr. Cuff made the most of his time in the South on Saturday, I Expect an important signing any day as the outcome of this. Moreover, the Blues are searching for wing forwards, and an understudy to Dean, and will spare nothing in order to secure the right men.

BLACKPOOL "ROCK"
Liverpool Echo - Monday 15 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
 "We will make fight," said Johnnie O'Donnell to me when I went in to see him; but I did not fear his threat, for I thought Everton were sure to win with any amount of ease, but my confidence received a setback in the first few minutes of the game, when I saw the way that Blackpool flung themselves into game. They went into it with sheer abandon. Then a had to be nothing full-hearted about their work, for they were battling for their existence in the First Division, and how they fought. Their football may not have been of the very best: in fact, it was very often of a scrappy nature, but the will to win was always there, and that was why the; won the day from a side which has headed the table from the opening day of the season. But it is a different Everton to-day than it was a few weeks ago--an Everton that is puzzling its supporters by its fall-away. The fall has come just as rapidly as its rise, and it is going to create anguish in many hearts. But, more than that, it is going to lose Everton the leadership ' if they are not careful, for the team is not playing like a side at the top of the League.
OH WHERE, OH WHERE!
Saturday's game was their very worst of the season. They could not get together. Their forwards never got going, for the simple reason that they were too well watched; but more than that, when they did get an opportunity they did not shoot well. Where were the sharpshooters of a few weeks ago; where were the then who played havoc with an opposing defence by their swinging passes; whom were the "big five” who simply crushed out any opposition through its penchant to work in a line? They were not at Bloomfield, road. Blackpool deserved their victory, because of their fighting spirit and because of Everton's feebleness in front of goal. One could count the number of Everton shots on the fingers of one hand, and while saying this I am not unmindful of the fact that McDonough, Blackpool's new custodian, accomplished some splendid work for his side. Most of his danger came from the wings, for the middle of the ground was closed down to the Everton inside forwards. The third back idea may not appeal to all, but there can be no getting away from its effect. With two clever wing half back; it is a success, but not otherwise. P. Watson, Blackpool's new Scottish pivot, was forever patrolling the centerpiece between O'Donnell and Grant, and the barrier proved much too solid for the Everton attack, which has never bad a worse game.
DEEP THINKING
The best effort at goal-making was made by Dean, who headed away from McDonough, who, however, brought off a miraculous save. Then there was a shot by Johnson. Then fini., Critchley should have taken a goal in the last minute of the first half, but it was not Everton's day, and some deep thinking will have to be done out Walton way if Everton are to become League champions (writes " Stork "). I would like to see the wing halfbacks play a little more towards the touchline. They are forever working towards the centre and getting bunched together, and leaving pathways for the outside man, but more would I ask of all to give an eye to others instead of flinging the ball into the middle to the centre forward, who, under the new scheme of things which obtains to-day, has little chance. There were times when a ball out to the wings would have been of much greater value, for wherever Dean was in position so there were three, and sometimes four, opponents. About the goals. Neither need have been scored. Hampson was allowed to play about with the ball, with Williams and Cresswell standing watching him three yards away before he finally slashed it into the net, and his second goal should have been disallowed on the score of offside, for Hampson was a yard offside when the ball was passed to him. Still, Blackpool were worthy winners, and all because Everton had no shooters, and they themselves were full of the will to win.
Ronald Dix has made his "bed." He will not come to Everton. If this case of Everton's has done nothing more than prove to the cynics that professional football is not slavery, then Mr. Chairman Cuff's dealings with Bristol Rovers has not been in vain.

LEADERS NO LONGER, EVERTON ARE CHALLENGERS NOW.
February 16, 1932. Evening Express.
But Sheffield Utd, come to Goodison on Saturday.
By the Pilot.
Everton get one of their chances of a "lifetime" next Saturday. They entertain the new leaders of the league –Sheffield Utd –and if only they can pull themselves together and win well. I believe it will be the vital turning point of the destination of this season's championship. When Sheffield United defeated Manchester City at Bramell-lane yesterday Everton lost the leadership of the First Division for the first time since they went to the top on October 24. Saturday's match now assumes "four points," proportions; for the winners will not only make valuable advancement, but will also peg back their rivals. Everton will start favourites for the match, seeing that they defeated the United by 5-1 at Bramell-lane in one of their best games of the season. The position at the head of the First Division at the moment is;
Home Away
P W L D W L D F A Pts
Shefiield United 29 11 3 1 6 7 1 64 45 36
Everton 28 11 2 0 6 8 1 85 52 35
W.B.A 28 8 3 3 6 6 2 49 28 33
Huddersfield 27 8 1 5 8 6 6 55 36 33
Arsenal 26 6 2 4 7 5 2 60 35 32

EVERTON'S “INQUEST”
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 16 February 1932
The Customary Cycle Of Defeat For Goodison Park
Bee’s Notes
WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERTOR?
That is the customary cry when there has been a succession of defeats. They had won so well—too well-and thus they came to a light that “burned them up." As a matter of fact, Everton all their lives have suffered these cycles of defeats. They suffered one cycle in their championship season; next season they threatened to win the League again, and then ran into an end-of-season crush with about seven successive defeats, the final on eat London, and by a big margin. Everton won the Second Division championship last season, but you may remember their patch at the end of the season—it was well they took so big a lead. They have not yet finished with championship beliefs.  To win against Sheffield United next Saturday would turn the tables in no half-hearted manner.  The forward line has lost its touch with the goal area; they crowd on each other; they talk too freely to each other, sometimes not in complimentary tones; they are just now failing to “find” each other, except by means of talkie-and that is not helpful.  The only thing necessary to bring Everton back to their goal account is strong, stern shooting by all the forwards-especially the extreme wingers.  They can beat Sheffield United by this method.  There is no other way, and goals today are not a feature; the crowding of the middle of the goal portion prevents such things.  There must be driving power.  In addition, might one suggest that even at this stage the call to young fellows in the reserve side might have its beneficial side? 

DUNN'S RETURN TO EVERTON SIDE.
February 17 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
By John Peel.
Everton have had some notable fixture at Goodison Park of late, including the Cup and League games against Liverpool, and Arsenal's visit, and there is another big attraction on Saturday, when Sheffield United provide the opposition. The United have superseded Everton at the head of the league table, the position being as above. Everton who beat the United 5-1 at Sheffield on October 10 th , will be all out to repeat that feat, while the United will be just as anxious to level up matters. It will be a great struggle, and the Everton defenders will have to keep a close watch on Dunne, the United centre, formerly of New Brighton, who has this season scored 23 goals in League games, and obtained 41 last season. With so much at stake it is to he hoped Everton will regain their winning form.
Return of Dunn.
The directors at their meeting last night, made three changes in the side for Saturday's game compared with the team beaten at Blackpool. The most interesting change is the return of Dunn the Scottish international replacing White at inside right. Stein comes back at outside left in place of Rigby, while Gee, who has been out of the side through an injured ankle, is again at centre-half instead of McClure. The tea is Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean Johnson, Stein.
White is to play centre-forward for the reserves team against Sheffield United at Bramell-lane and the side is; - Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; Britton, McClure, McPherson; Griffiths, Cunliffe, White, Fryer, Leyfield.

DUNN AND STEIN RETURN
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 17 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
Something had to be done. Everton had lost so many games and had to mend their attack. So last night they decided to bring James Dunn and James Stein back. The game is all-important, because a win to the Goodison people on Saturday will make a tremendous difference to positions No. 1 and No. 2. Sheffield United were the team Everton soundly thrashed in the early days of the season—this was the beginning of the Everton goal tirade. We had almost forgotten they had such a shooting decease; I never saw one of the big scores put up by them except this margin at Sheffield. They stored them for home supplies, and I was always with the away side. Perhaps they will reassert themselves on Saturday, when I am at West Ham watching Bruton.

DUNN IN EVERTON TEAM AGAIN
February 17 , 1932. Evening Express.
Out of the side for nearly Five Months.
Stein and Gee also Return.
By the Pilot.
Everton make three team changes for Saturday –Dunn, Gee, and Stein for White, McClure and Rigby. Dunn's return to the attack is most important of them all. It is nearly five months –September 26 last to be exact –since the elusive Jimmy played in Everton's first team. On his day, Dunn is splite of his lack in inches, is one of the shrewdest and cleverest inside forwards of the true Scottish type who has figured in first class football since the war. He is an expert forager, moves at a deceptive pace, and possesses exceptional ball control. It is to be hoped for Everton's sake that he will strike his happiest vein against Sheffield United at Goodison Park on Saturday. Everton need inspiration. This will be Dunn's ninth first team appearance this season. he has three goals to his credit as the result of a hat-trick against Birmingham on the opening day of the campaign. White, whom he displaces has enjoyed an uninterrupted run of 21 League and Cup matches and scored 18 goals. Charlie Gee who has been suffering with an ankle injury, is pronounced fit again. Stein has been absent from the team since January 2, his positional having been filled by Griffiths and Rigby in turn. The directors are hoping that these changes will enable the team to get out of the groove, which threatens to carry them away from the league championship. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Reserves' Battle.
The Central league side attack to oppose Sheffield United Reserves at Bramell-lane will be led by White. Everton Reserves; Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; Britton, McClure, McPherson; Griffiths, Cunliffe, White, Fryer, Leyfield.

EVERTON AWAY TO THE HILLS.
February 19, 1932. Evening Express.
Indefinite Special Training at Buxton.
Party of 15 Leaves Tomorrow.
By the Pilot.
Everton F.C. directors have decided to take 15 players to Buxton for an indefinite period of special training. The party leaves Liverpool tomorrow after the Goodison Park League game with Sheffield United. This is a wise decision. It will be applauded by all supporters of the club. Everton's only chance of regaining their lost grip on the League championship depends on re-vitalising the players who, for weeks past, have served up a tried and uninspired type of football, whereas we know then to be capable of a superlative standard. In choosing Buxton for this experiment the directors deserve congratulation. They have hit on an ideal spot, high above sea level –in fact Buxton is the highest situated borough in the country, and there is nothing like the mountains air for banishing staleness and including vigour and sparkling health.
Tomorrow's Test.
Everton must defeat Sheffield United at Goodison Park tomorrow, and it is not going to be any easy task. The United are playing brilliant football just now. With strong hopes of forcing the revival the directors have made three team changes as compared with the side which lost at Blackpool, the most interesting experiment being the reintroduction of Jimmy Dunn the Scottish international at inside right. Stein, following a few weeks' rest, is again brought in at outside left, and Gee, having recovered from his ankle injury, re-appears at centre-half. Everton have an opportunity of registering their third "double" of the season, for they trounced the United 5-1 when the clubs met at Bramell-lane. Incidentally, that match signalled the start of Everton's wonderful run of eight successive matches without defeat. The United team will be led by the dynamic Jimmy Dunne one of the best centre forwards in the game, and who was formerly with New Brighton. The side will be without Gooney, and Holmes appears at centre-half. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Sheffield United; Smith; Thorpe, Hooper; Sampy, Holmes, Green; Oxley, Barclay, Dunne, Pickering, Williams.
Sports Pie
•  League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Sheffield United. Kick off 3-15. Admission 1/. Boys 4d. stands extra, including tax. Booked seats, Sharp's, Whitechapel.

THESE TESTY DAYS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 19 February 1932
EVERTON ON THE RACK TOMORROW AGAINST THE “TOP TEAM IN THE LEAGUE"
Bee’s Notes
The matches to-morrow are fraught with tremendous interest to the city. Everton are on the rack. They have been called upon to change their attack, to revert to former styles in names and positions, and they are doing this at this time o' day—the day when the team is due to be home if not homely to Sheffield United. Weeks ago we said of Sheffield United. “Here is the most improved team in the league bar Manchester City." They kept winning. Yet they lost a cup-tie at Bury—which seemed to cry out aloud at their previous form. To-day Everton, after months of publicity and goal-campaigning, are second on turn. Sheffield United have taken the lead. It is only a point, and a game in hand is a vital factor. But Sheffield United by taking the lead have taken Everton into a distressful position that did not seem possible eight weeks ago. It is a position that is not necessarily gripping. Everton began their “series “of wins and goals by walking through Sheffield United. They can resume by means of the same opposition! It will be good to see Dunne leading the Sheffield attack again at our neighborhood. Gee comes back to face a task he gripped very readily at Sheffield. Dunn comes back to inside-right for Everton and Stein's return make the attacking line just the five that started the season. Who shall say that Everton will not resume their win-way? They have tasted the bitters of Xmas, New Year, and Cup defeat. Let them play their own and their best game--an advancing game. The defence will do their part, and an odd goal against will not matter if there is the needed punch in the Everton attack but goals will not come by heading alone, or by talking. Let the Everton forwards blend with their half-backs, and near goal drive home the argument.  There is no other way to victory. This is the home team that will make the game one of memorable importance;- Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
EVERTON AT BUXTON
The Everton players are leaving immediately after their match with Sheffield United for Buxton, where they are to undergo a course of special training. 

NEED FOR EVERTON REVIVAL
February 20, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are faced with a vital issue. Much depends on the result of the game with Sheffield United at Goodison Park, for the Yorkshire club has deprived Everton of the lead, and failure in this meeting may mean the beginning of the end of the Merseyside team's bid for the championship. The necessary for an extra effort on the part of Dean and his colleagues is emphasized by the fact that the Arsenal have taken up the running in such convincing fashion that they will be difficult to hold off, and this afternoon, with the lowly Blackpool side as visitors, a further advance by the London representatives may be anticipated. Everton started their high scoring phase at Bramell-lane, where they defeat Sheffield United 5-1, and it would be fitting if the Walton team should recover their lost form to make a spectacular finish against the "Blades" today. The match undoubtedly holds out fascinating prospects of fast, incisive football, and I am sure there will be another great crowd at the Park.
The Question of Tactics.
It would seem that Everton have relinquished some of their power by altering their tactics of wide-open passing for the more orthodox "W" formation. They have demonstrated the value of the former methods, and on the face of it the "safely first" style has failed to bring about the desired results. The players themselves should know their own game, however, and it is up to them to decide on the plan of campaign more likely to bear fruit. Changes for today's test have been made, and it is hoped that Dunn and Stein will make the most of the chances which brings them once more into the limelight. Gee, recovered from his injury, resumes his place, and his appearance at centre-half is likely to and strength to the forces. Sheffield United for who Dunne, the former New Brighton centre is still a great force introduce Holmes at centre-half while Sampey takes the place of Gooney, who is injured, while Williams from Bristol City and Barclay from Derby County are to turn out. The kick off is at 3-15 and the teams are; - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Sheffield United; Smith; Thorpe, Hooper; Sampey, Holmes, Green; Oxley, Barclay, Dunne, Pickering Williams.
Everton players to Train at Buxton.
Everton realise that they have a stiff task in front of them in trying to carry off the League championship, and with a view to improving the play of the team the players travel to Buxton after the match today, and they will stay in the Derbyshire centre for an indefinite period of special training to prepare for the heavy matches ahead, and fifteen players to form the party. Everton are due to meet Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough next week, while during March they are due to play six matches; Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town, and West Bromwich at home and Newcastle, Chelsea, and West Bromwich away.

EVERTON IN THE TRANSFER MARKET
February 20, 1932. Evening Express.
Mission of club Ambassador.
Revival Needed at Once.
Every Point is vital Now.
By the Pilot.
Everton are likely to enter the transfer market at any time. Several highly promising players both in the north and south have been "spotted" and business will probably result. It would be unwise to divulge the names of any men who may be ranked as future Evertonians, for the simple reason that once a club knows that Everton are abroad with a cheque book up go the prices at once. The smaller clubs look upon Everton as an organisation with money to burn. That has been Everton's handicap for seasons whenever they have set out to strengthen their playing personnel. Mr. W.C.Cuff, the popular chairman travlled many miles last week-end on a talent-finding mission, and though he failed to induce Ronald Dix to leave Bristol for Walton, there is no doubt that he did other good groundwork, the results of which we shall know in due course. There is no doubt that Mr. Cuff has handled the Dix business with rare shrewdness, and tact; in fact, I do not think there is another man in football who could have displayed such business acumen. He is Everton's ideal ambassador. He will not rest content with the current Everton form, which to say the least, has been wholly disappointing. The directors have been tolerant Except for two matches the Blues have not played really well since they won at Grimsby on November 21. This applies particularly to away matches. It was delighted with the news that the players are to have an indefinite stay at Buxton. This should certainly revitalize the men. I was never a sound supporter of special training, having learned the lesson of Blackburn a few seasons ago, but the time is ripe for giving the men a change of atmosphere and environment.
Changed Needed.
One thing the directors will be safe in the knowledge that, while the change might do the players a wealth of good, it cannot do them any harm if one takes a line through the Blackpool match. The championship prospects of the Blues are gradually fading. Already, they have lost their grip on the leadership, and with the Arsenal winning again during the week they are now but one point behind with a match in hand. The challenge of Mr. Herbert Chapman's team is serious. Huddersfield Town are only a point behind the Blues. Still both those clubs have Cup worries whereas the Blues and Sheffield United are free to concentratrate on the League. Everton need a revival, a real revival which will enable them to capture all their home points –16 are at stake –and also help them to bring home a few points from their journeys. Whereas last season the Arsenal won the league with 66 points; I think it will be carried off this season with a total under 60. Well, the Arsenal, with the biggest advantage, can only gain 64 points by winning their remaining matches. Everton can collect 63 points, so it will be seen that to capture the 16 points at home and gain another four points away from home they will be bang on the premises. Now you Everton players, it is up to you!

TWO DUN GOALS FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 February 1932
SHEFFIELD UNITED SCORE FIRST BUT CONCENTRATE ON DEAN TO THEIR COST
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Sheffield United; Smith; Thorpe, Hooper; Sampey, Holmes, Green; Oxley, Barclay, Dunne, Pickering, Oswald.  Referee; Mr. L. Boulstridge, Tamworth. 
This match between Sheffield United and Everton was of such vital importance, not only for the two teams concerned, but also the loyal followers of Everton, that there was a huge crowd present to witness the start. I should say at least 40,000 were in attendance before the teams made their appearance. Everton, in the hope of getting back to winning ways, made three changes, two in the forward line and one at half-back.  The United had an alteration in their eleven. Oswald coming in for Williams at outside left. Williams was injured against Manchester City, and although much work was performed on him ha an effort to get him fit, he was unable to join up with his colleagues. Everton are an enigma. Some few weeks ago they were rightly dubbed the wonder team, goals flowing from their boots like water goes over the Swallow Falls, but in recent days goals have been at a premium, and many have tried to solve the riddle for their fall away. To-day, however, they were all out to show that, whatever their away record, they were still a force at Goodison Park. It was strange if their meeting with United should be the means of their come-back, for it was against the Blades that they started their goal-rush career. Everton started in customary manner with the exception that Johnson did not get his pass out to Critchley in the usual way, but it was early to be seen that the Blues were keen for an early goal, and a clearance by Cresswell placed Dean, who, however, found Holmes and two others only too keen to test the issue with the centre-forward. Dean was able to beat down these three opponents and scoop the ball up in front of the United goal, and that with Smith well out to the right of his goalpost. Johnson ran in on the off-chance of the ball hanging and dropping in front of the woodwork, instead of which it just travelled right across and away for a goal-kick. Dean was getting a lot of the ball, and he sent Critchley away, so that the winger was able to eat up some ground before finally making a good shot which
Smith punched away, Jimmie Dunn was all for construction, although he once made a frantic effort to reach a ball that Dean had put down for him, and if he could have made contact Smith would have been in trouble, for Dunn would have been in an almost unassailable position for hitting the Dunn, however, was just a wee bit short, and the Sheffield defence were pleased that he was so.
TWO IN TWO MINUTES
Then came two goals in two minutes, the first one to the United, and in my opinion the visitors were helped in the making of it through a fall by Thomson, who slipped on to his back and was unable to recover to prevent Barclay from making his header. Still the work leading up to the goal was excellent. Green started it by pushing the ball forward to Oswald, who dropped across a one centre. It was hereabouts that Thomson fell down, and so enabled Barclay to make his goal without any interference. This was a shock, but within the next minute of the Sheffield goal Everton had taken one on to themselves. When Stein started his run-up, I thought he was going to run into a pack of trouble, for with every step forward he appeared to be ruining his prospects. In the end he may have been a little fortunate in making his centre, incidentally with his right foot, but he accomplished what he had set out to do. With the ball going past Dean, it was left to Dunn to do the needful, and this player duly obliged. While there had not been a lot of shooting there was always danger whenever an advance was made, and I liked the methods of the Sheffielders' right wing, but I also liked the way Stein and Johnson moved up together and made chances for their colleagues on the other side of the field.
BY JOHNSON'S HELP
It was through Johnson that Everton were able to take the lead. He made a good run and a fine centre, but it had not to be forgotten that if it had not been for Dean's positional play a goal would not have accrued. As soon as Dean saw Johnson move up he instinctively ran to the far side of goal, and sure enough the ball came right to his head and from there into the of the net. Cresswell was the master mind in the Everton defence, so it was small wonder that Sheffield's danger points were their left wing and their leader, Dunne. This former New Brighton player made one of his best efforts with a ball that was coming up from his rear that I have seen for a while, but it was not good enough to outwit Sagar, who has a perfect pair of hands, and he treated the ball like a cricketer. Holmes, with a lob effort, tried to sneak one beyond him, only to suffer the same fate as Dunne, and Smith, although not overworked, had much the more difficult shots to deal with, for it was plain to be seen that he feared Dean’s head, and the Everton centre was fore ever hovering about whenever his wingmen were striding along. Twice the Sheffield goalkeeper had to punch away to keep Dean out, and when Gee became a forward and offered Critchley an opportunity the latter was ruled to be offside Stein was keen to get back amongst the goals, and he hit a right-footed shot that was kept out, because it cannoned up against a full-back. Gee kept strict watch on Dunne, along with others, and Smith had to drop down on a ball from Critchley to avoid possible trouble from Dean. A good movement by Thomson, Stein, and Johnson ended in smoke, but Stein had some sort of compensation with a header that was not far away from the mark.
DUNN INCREASES
Holmes, like most centre-halves nowadays, was a third back. He was, in fact, Dean's " Red Shadow," but it was really this that enabled Dunn to score his second and his side's third goal, for while Holmes was watching Dean; Dunn was able to make a header that went over the head of the left full back and dropped just underneath the bar. It was a sweet goal, but it might have been wiped out in the very next second, for Oxley took up a pass and, with Sagar out of goal, he should undoubtedly have scored. He hesitated just long enough in making his shot, so that Williams could throw himself on the ball—in fact, use his body as a shield. It was a risky business, but what did Williams care so long as he was successful!  Clark made a strong shot that Smith saved at his second attempt. Dunne tried to follow his namesake in the goal- making process, the ball just grazing the top side of the cross-bar. This ended the first half, which, if it had not been of a hectic type, was full of football meat.
Half-time; Everton 3, Sheffield United 1. 
EVERTON BACK TO FORM
SHEFFIELD UNITED WELL BEATEN
ONE-SIDED GAME
DUNN’S GETS TWO GOALS OUT OF FIVE
Last year Everton defeated Sheffield United 5-1, and that victory was the forerunner to many other big victories. Today they beat United by exactly the same score. The first half was excellent, for it provided football of good class, both sides displaying brilliant mid-field play, the only difference being that Everton's work was clinched with shots, whereas United were all for the pass and dribble.  The second portion was undeniably all Everton, and the consequence was that the game lost some of its interest. There was still much good in it, but it all went to one side —Everton.
In the first half, Barclay, Dunn (2), and Dean scored. The second half was all Everton, and such was the pressure that within twelve minutes they had chalked up two further goals against the United and brought their total to the same score by which they best the United at Bramall-lane. Here is a comparison between the two sides. The United were just as clever in midfield as their opponents, but one had to add shooting to Everton's attacks, even though some of the shots were of poor quality, but it is far better to shoot and miss than not to shoot at all The United were shot-shy. Everton were shot-sure. . Critchley's goal at fifty-two minutes was the result of sheer persistency, firstly on the part of Stein, and then on the part of Critchley, for when Stein's lob came to Critchley he was most awkwardly placed for a shot, but took a chance, and tin ball landed safely in the net. Johnson's goal came at fifty-seven minutes after a fierce bully in the United penalty area, the Everton inside man being left with a chance to go forward and then hit a hot shot that Smith did not see. Stein was also responsible for a cracking drive, which Smith patted out. Sagar was tested for the first time this half at twenty minutes, but he was not really concerned with what he had to do, for it was of a very ordinary calibre. It was hard to imagine that it was the same Everton I saw at Blackpool. Here was a team full of excellent football, full of shots, and full of enterprise. All these things were missing Bloomfield-road, and it is safe to say that Everton's come-back was complete, for they were right on top of the United in every phase of the game. I would go so far as to say that the game became rather uninteresting because of its one-sidedness, although there was a time when United could, and should, have pierced Everton's defence, but their penchant for passing was their undoing. It was the shot that was needed, but it was not in Sheffield's composition. Everton became flippant, and it had to be admitted that they made United look very ordinary. Thorpe must have thought he was a goalkeeper when he caught a pass that was going out to Stein in his hands, and so held up a promising Everton movement, Smith caught Johnson's free-kick. In one grand slam United almost took a goal, and would have done so but for Sagar, who stopped a point-blank range shot from Pickering. Sagar made another excellent save this time from Oxley. Final: Everton 5, Sheffield United 1.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 February 1932
Sheffield United Reserves started well against Everton Reserves at Bramall-lane, Burley heading through inside five minutes.  The home side kept up the attack, and Everton’s defence was heavily tested before Read put on a second goal eight minutes from the interval.  Right on half-time Griffiths reduced arrears.  Everton resumed strongly and made strong efforts to equalize, two fruitless corners being forced, whilst Coggins saved well from Read and Kilourhy.  Sheffield United 2, Everton 2.
EVERTON A V WHISTON
During the early stages each goal had narrow escapes.  Owens had a good chance of giving Whiston the lead, but shot wide.  Birtley and Reed were prominent in the Everton forward line, and the visitors’ defence at times was hard pressed.  Half-time; Everton A 0, Whiston 1.
Liverpool County Combination
Whiston 2, Everton “A” 1

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 20 February 1932
By Louis T. Kelly

• Some critics have been extremely unfair to Everton’s Charlie Gee in inferring that he was “dropped” last week; also that his recent cap had given him an overdose of confidence.
• As a matter of fact, Gee was damaged on an old ankle injury by James falling across him in the first few minutes of the Arsenal match.
• When Reading were playing a Dutch team at Rotterdam the other day the manager “Joe” Smith (ex-Bolton) dropped across a former club mate in Bob Glendenning.
• Tim Coleman was al there, as full of humour and pranks as ever.  When in England Coleman was the acknowledged wittiest footballer in the country, although he considered it no joke to miss an open goal, as he did now and then. 
• “Old Blue” –when the Villa defeated Everton 3-2 in the Cup final thirty-five years ago, all the scoring was done in the first half; Campbell led the way, then Bell equalised, and Everton next gained the lead from a foul.
• Another free kick enabled Villa to equalize per Wheldon, who, after thirty-five minutes, scored the winning goal with a header to a return by Menham, the Everton keeper.
• There was one year when Everton provided England with her outside-left v. Scotland and Wales; and Liverpool for the match v. Ireland.
• The players in question were Alf Milward and Harry Bradshaw
• That wonderful octogenarian, Mr. Samuel Murdoch Crosbie, one of the Everton F.C pioneers has some interesting reminiscences in “The Stewartry,” in which he refers to the explosion in the Mersey in 1864 of a barque called the Lotty Sleigh.
• She had on board for trading purposes 940 quarters of gunpowder, and fragments of the wreck were hurled on shore a distance of several miles. 
• In later years, what was said to be the figure-head of the Lotty Sleigh came into Mr. Crosbie’s possession, and it was shown at the recent exhibition in connection with Liverpool Shipping Week.
• Mr. Crosbie, who is still a keen “soccer” enthusiast, is paying a visit this week-end to where he was a head-master fifty-five years ago!
• Charlie Joliffe, the old-time Everton goalkeeper, tells me that Johnny Holt joined Bootle from Church and not Accrington. 
• Also the Bootle F.C never played Everton at Goodison Park.

EVERTON MACHINE IN TOP GEAR.
February 20, 1932. Evening Express.
Dunn's "Double" In Welcome Revival.
"Blades" One Quick Thrust.
By the Pilot.
The match between Everton and Sheffield United at Goodison Park today was a fight for the leadership of the First Division. with a point between the clubs at the head of affairs, Everton were making a bid to regain the leadership, which a win would bring. The three changes were made and Jimmy Dunn the Scottish international appeared at inside right for the first time since September 26. He displaced White. Stein returned to outside left, and Gee resume at centre half, following injury. The Blues were out for the third "double" of the campaign having won 5-1 at Bramell-lane. The United were without Gooney and Sampy. Immediately after the game the Everton players leave Liverpool for Buxton for a special rest as I announced exclusive in the Evening Express . Teams;- Everton; Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Sheffield United;- Smith, goal; Thorpe and Hooper, backs; Sampy, Holmes, Green, half-backs; Oxley, Barclay, Dunne, Pickering and Oswald, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Boulstridge (Tamworth)
The Game.
This game started on a happy note with 40,000 spectators having a good amen. Stein dribble down the line cleverly, before doubling back up his tracks to the disappointment from the spectators. Next Cresswell passed beautiful before Dean, being badly harassed, managed to hook the ball over his head beyond the far post and out of play. Johnson next with a weak back pass to Cresswell, who stood up to the United forwards with good combination. Critchley Missing
Sampy lacked speed, and from Cresswell, Dean nodded the ball on, but unfortunately Critchley had run to the wrong side of Hooper. The Everton were now playing good football, but Williams was making some errors, the second resulting in Oswald breaking through and placing into the far post where Sagar run out and made a spectacular save. They took the lead on ten minutes through Pickering. Following some indifferent passing, Oswald broke up, and passed down the middle for Pickering shot, and I think Sagar should of saved.
Quick Equaliser.
Everton were not long in arrears, for in two minutes, Dunn had equalised, following some sound work by Stein and Dunn with a mere flink with the side of his foot had the ball in the back of the net. The goal acted as a tonic for the Blues and after Dean had just failed with his head, Critchley decided to centre instead of taking the shot, and found Stein off-side. Then after Critchley had raced clear Dean just failed to reach the ball and there was no one there with the necessary shot when the ball dropped back invitingly. Stein next placed over the bar, and after Sagar had gone on one knee to save from Barclay we were treated to a Dean goal of the best variety. Thomson, Johnson and Stein adopted the triangular move, and when Stein trapped the ball in, Johnson took it under command and raced away down the wing. He centre taken on the run would have been fast for most men, but not so Dean who raced to a position two yards beyond the far post, and with a superiative header had the ball into the roof of the net here Smith realised that it was in. It did not seen possible for a man to stop such an tight angle.
"Off-Side."
Twice the referee refused to heel the signals of the linesman for offside, and so Sagar had to be quick to pull Pickering's shot from under the bar. The United kept it up, with Dunne an excellent leader, and it was Dunne, who next brought Sagar when he let go a splendid shot on the turn. Next Sagar had to run out to fist away from Oxley, with Dunne waiting with a willing head. Stein was doing excellently and proving that the rest was just what he had needed. Everton took complete command after half an hour, and had it not been for some fine defensive work by Sheffield, and good goalkeeping by Smith, the Blues would have gone further ahead. Critchley seemed to take a risk in beating Hooper a second time, but his low centre forced Smith to dive out and smother the ball before Dean could get busy. Everton were concentrating on the "give it to Dixie" plan. Holmes, however, gave Dean little latitude. Stein placed by the post with a flying header following good work by Johnson and Clark. Everton's display was certainly an improvement on recent weeks.
Dunn's Surprised Pass.
Dunn tried the quick surprise pass which would have found Dean happy had not Holmes sprang in with a timely if wild intervention. The Clark came into the shooting gallery when he let go a magnificent drive from 30 yards, which Smith pulled down at the last moment. The Third goal was not long delayed, however, for when Green was penalized for dangerous play. Cresswell found Dean, who although not able to make a goal effort himself edged the ball on sufficiently for Dunn to head it over Hooper's head into the net. Then came a real thrill in the Everton goalmouth. Creeswell endeavored to pass back to Sagar, but instead placed the ball well wide of the advancing goalkeeper. Williams was there to prevent it running into the net, and although Dunne reached the bouncing ball Williams got his back in the path of the shot. Everton almost got a fourth when Critchley hit a dropping ball first time, but it swung across the face of the goal. The United were good in attack, but their defence, which had opened so well, was now rather nonplussed by the storming tactics of the Blues. Just on the interval Oxley carved out an opening, from which Dunn drove over. Then, when Clark dallied, Oswald centred to Sagar's hands. Half-time Everton 3, Sheffield United 1.
There is no doubt that Everton had shown improvement in the opening half, but had the United defence been as good as their attack the score sheet might have been different. The United forwards, as a matter of fact, served up the best football of the day. Stein and Dunn had proved successes.

EVERTON 5 SHEFFIELD UNITED 1
February 22, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Shooting From Recovered
Everton Masters at Goodison Park.
By "Stork."
Everton's fall away had been so disconcerting that their game with Sheffield United became of such magnitude that it almost resembled a "Test" match. The race is not yet won, but Everton heartened all who saw them beat Sheffield United 5-1 on Saturday, at Goodison Park. Everton showed some excellent football, beautifully conceived movements, and above all, a show of shooting that has been absent in recent times. Sheffield United particularly in the first half; fought Everton all the way, but where as there was a shot to clinch Everton's attacks there was a dearth of shooting by the visitor's attack, and the one goal they did obtain was only made possible through Thomson falling. He was moving back in the defence of his goal just when Oswald had centred, and would have had Barclay covered in ordinary circumstances, but he slipped up and fell on his back, and before he could recover Barclay had nodded a goal. That was bad fortune, but the goal brought Everton to the realization that something had to be done and done quickly. One minute was all that was required to wipe Barclay's goal out of the memory, and from that moment Everton took the game in hand, and at the end of the first round had obtained a substantial lead of two goals.
Everton Masters.
Sheffield fell from their high estate, and their football became weaker, so that in the end it was feebleness itself, and only on rare occasions did they trouble the Everton defence. Everton were masters all the second portion, playing cleverly, if at times a shade too frivolous, but a big lead often leads a team into such channels. They had got their opponents where they wanted them, and having got them there desired to show them what they could do, and they made Sheffield United look a poor lot, whereas they were not quite so fragile as they would have looked to anyone steeping into the ground, at the half stage. The big gun of the United attack. Dunne, was curiously inactive. He made one or two worthy efforts, but was in the main so well held that he got little chance. Gee looked after him, but that was not all that gee did, for he was one of the connection links between his forwards, the other one being Thomson, whose constructional play was one of the chief reasons why Johnson and Stein had such a merry innings. This wing cut through the Sheffield defence at will a strange contrast to the right flank where Critchley was variable. He scored a neat goal, with a poor chance, but he had to rely upon Dunn for most off his chances, for Clark seemed out of touch with the game, so that the right flank was not so prominent, Dunn was elusive, a veritable box of tricks, and his second goal was a peach of a header that few players could have scored. Dean's header, too, was a picture goal, and shows how fast his brain travels. He ran to just the right place, when Johnson was making his upward movement, and rightly enough the ball came straight to his head –anticipation, sirs.
Johnson' Work.
Johnson's goal was of the unstoppable kind, but it was not Johnson's shooting which was his strong point, but the ability to forage and then offer the chances to others. He roamed here, there, and everywhere, but always with a motive, and to him must go a lot of the credit for his co-forwards effectiveness. Cresswell and Williams were staunch backs, when they were needed, particularly in the first half, when Sheffield United were given as much as they were asked to take, and Sagar made some startling saves when the United forwards, by dint of perseverance, got through to goal. Once again Dean had a shadow. Holmes, who was one time with Skelmersadale United, standing alongside him throughout. No doubt he stopped Dean a number of times, but dean got more headers than did Holmes. It was a good game, to watch because of the feast of good football, but once Everton had taken command they were so much the superior side that they pushed Sheffield out of the picture, and the game lost interest because of its one-sidedness. Dunn and Stein, particularly the former, fully justified their return to the side. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Sheffield United; - Smith, goal; Thorpe, and Hooper, backs; Sampy, Holmes and Green, half-backs; Oxley, Barclay, Dunne, Pixckering, and Oswald, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Boulstridge, Tamwork.
Saturday's First Division Results; Arsenal 2 Blackpool 0; Birmingham 1 Derby County 1; Bolton 2 Aston Villa 1; Chelsea 4 Grimsby 1; Leicester 3 Blackburn 1; Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 1; Sheffield Wednesday 3 Leicester 1; Sunderland 5 Portsmouth 1; West Brom 3 Huddersfield 2; West ham 1 Liverpool 0

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
February 22, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 30)
Playing much improved football during the second half, Everton at Bramell-lane merited their 2-2 draw. Sheffield were at their best during the first half, but declined after an injury to Johnson. Coggins made some good saves, and Lowe was the better of the backs, with McClure doing good work at centre half. The pick of the visitors attack was the extreme wingers. Griffiths and Leyfield both scoring goals in reply to goals by Burley and Bead. Everton; Coggins, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; Britton, McClure and McPherson, (captain), half-backs; P. Griffiths, Cunliffe, White, Fryer and Leyfield, forwards.
Everton "A" 1 Whiston 2
Liverpool County Combination
At Stopgate Lane. Everton hardly deserved to lose, but the visitors snapped up the chances. The struggle was contested keenly, both goalkeepers making clever saves. At the interval there was no score. Filde gave Whiston the lead soon after the resumption, and later Forshaw added a second. Birtley netted for Everton, Birtley and Reed were prominent in the Everton forward line. Chedgzoy, Parker, and Holdcroft played soundly. Sutcliffe, walker, Bonney and Owens were outstanding for Whiston.

EVERTON " TURN AGAIN " TOWARDS THE CHAMPIONSHIP DESIRE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 22 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
VICTORY WELL WON
I would beg of you, sirs, not to go off the deep end over Everton's latest success. True, it has brought back a confidence in the side which had gone back a whole lot, but when stating their case against Sheffield United one must judge them on the strength of the opposition. For forty-five minutes the Yorkshiremen were the equal in football craft to Everton, who, however, held a balance in the shooting business, but once Everton got on top—and they were there the whole of the second half— Sheffield did not seem to have the will to fight back. They dropped from being a clever side into one that appeared to be suffering from an inferiority complex. Their football gradually became poorer and poorer, and in the end, with the exception of one or two splashes of “devil," was not of the calibre that one expects from a side which was at the head of the table. Everton will not meet many teams who will cave in to them so readily, so I beseech you to temper your enthusiasm with judgment. The victory was well won, but the championship is still in the lap of the gods, and Everton must not make any further slips if they are to lift the title at the conclusion of the season. It is a rough road they must travel, with many obstacles in their path, but they can negotiate it if they all get together in one mighty pull. Every player has his off day, when nothing will go right for him, but in Everton's case it has been a case of several men falling off at the one and same moment. Let us hope that their holiday in Derbyshire will tone them up, and revitalize their frayed nerves and, obviously, tired limbs (writes Stork "). For forty-five minutes Everton and Sheffield served up football of a very high order. There was nothing hectic about it, but there was something even better. There was method; an easiness of movements, and in Everton's case a shot at the end of every advance. Not everyone was on the target, but there was a shot, and this was one of the reasons for the United's defeat. Their attacks usually ended in smoke, for the simple reason that they preferred to pass and pass again instead of taking a chance. Another thing, Sheffield relied solely on J. Dunne to do all their shooting, and only once did he suggest a goal. He could not beat down the Everton defence, yet it was Sheffield who scored first, the goal being due to a fall by Thomson, who was making a hurried preparation to cover the scorer. When a game is going all one way it loses its grip on the public imagination, and an easily did Everton tread their way through the Sheffield defence that they had the spectators laughing at the United endeavours to check their rivals. The United never quite cottoned on to the wiles of Dunn, who went here and there by sheer football artistry. Did I see him put a pass wrong? No! Did I see him lose the ball to an opponent? No! Did I see him score a perfect goal with his head? Oh, yes! And a gem of a goal it was, for he had to overcome the handicap of inches to accomplish the feat. Dunn was a great forward, and so was Tommy Johnson, who got close to his best form, and with Dunn made the attack. Dean also scored with a perfect header—very ordinary for him, true, but would have been a miracle goal if scored by any other player. Dean was the maker of goal, and Stein, although the only forward without a goal to his name, came back with a bang and many fine centres. Critchley was uncommonly quiet for one usually so lively, but no doubt that was in a measure due to Clark, who did not keep up the supplies as is his wont. Thomson and Gee, however, had a great game, particularly the former, who was the best halt on the field in both attack and defence, while further behind Williams and Cresswell did all that was necessary, though the latter was none too sure with his passes. It may seem strange, in view of my previous statement about Sheffield's shooting, that Sagar made many smart saves, particularly with balls that came in from the wing. These are the most awkward ones from a goalkeeper's point of view, but Sagar specializes in them.

ALTERNATE ATTRACTIONS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 23 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Marine F.C., have come to an agreement whereby the teams will play at Crosby on alternate Saturdays next season.  The football public of Crosby should appreciate the opportunity of having their blank days filled in by senior club “A: team. 
“BILLY” LACEY TO TAKE A BENEFIT
It is pleasing to learn that “Billy” Lacey, Shelbourne’s wonderful veteran, is to receive a benefit.  Few players have rendered such excellent service to his clubs and country as Lacey, and I doubt if any country has ever produced such a versatile player.  He has played in every position on the field, and once in an emergency took on the role of goalkeeper in an international match.  Which reminds me that lacey stands high amongst Ireland’s internationals, as the following figures prove;-
O Stanfield (Distillery) 30
R. Milne (Linfield) 27
S Torrans (Linfield) 26
W Lacey (Shelborne) 25
W Gillespie (Sheffield United) 25
J. Peden (Linfield) 24
W Scott (Everton) 24
E. Scott (Liverpool) 22
J. darling (Linfield) 21
W Harris (Shelborne) 20
It is certain that lacey, along with Elisha Scott and Gillespie, would have outstripped all others but for the interruption of the Great War.  Outside those mentioned, no other Irishmen have participated in twenty international matches. 

EVERTON UNCHANGED.
February 24 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton make no changes in their team to visit Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, when no doubt the Yorkshire side will be keen to revenge that 9-3 defeat at Goodison park. The players are enjoying their stay at Buxton, playing Golf and taking long walks in the district, while a little ball practice and sprinting have figured in the programme. The Buxton Football club ground has been placed at their disposal of Everton, so that the facilities for training are complete. The men are all fit and well, and the team chosen is Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. The reserves side to meet Stockport County at Goodison Park is; Coggins; Bocking, Lowe; Britton, McClure, McPherson; Griffiths, Cunliffe, White, Rigby, Leyfield.

READ THIS: IT CONCERNS "ACCENT-UATION "
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 24 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
"Cockney” says: — in your notes “C." gives his impressions of the Goodison crowd, and I am constrained to write of my experiences after eight years in Liverpool. I have learnt during this period to listen intently for the "accent" immediately I take my stand, whether it is in the paddock or the popular side. Having once heard it, I breathe a regretful sigh and hie myself away, for experience has taught me that where the “accent “can be heard is not a salubrious spot for me. Alas, recently the paddock was so crowded that escape was impossible, and here was the "accent” rubbing my shoulder, six feet or more of it. And here, too, was Hulme racing round the "old man" to plant the ball into the net before we had time to settle down. With direful indiscretion I forgot myself so far as to raise my 'hat and murmur (to myself, mark you; "Good old Joe," thus revealing where my sympathies rested. Would that my tongue had cleaved to the roof of my mouth rather than suffer the resulting flood of invective from the “accent. And throughout the game I had perforce to undergo the pain of listening to the most insulting and threatening “hot air" it could be anybody's lot to experience. Let me say that your average Everton supporter is a fair-minded enough fellow himself, albeit a little too conceited over his team; but when he is a Scotsman he is an irrational, cantankerous, and insulting bully.
EVERTON TEAM
Everton make no change for their game against Sheffield Wednesday, at Sheffield.  Dunn in inside right and Stein outside left.

“RINGING THE CHANGES “ AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 25 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
The radio music at Goodison Park did not quite fit the arrangement promise in our columns- when Liverpool and Grimsby were meeting.  Here is a suggestion that Everton shall “ring the changes”  when the club wishes to announce items of news on their loud speaker they should get order out of the present hub-bub by ringing a bell giving the indication of “silence, please.”  This will become the signal and the crowd will be stilled.  It is what you might term “ringing the changes.”  Otherwise the club will have to employ Mr. Nolan, of Manchester, the man with the mighty voice.   In view of the fact that the scorers’ list is of vital importance these days when so many “sweeps” are run in connection with the scorer of the first goal it is imperative that there must be no error in this direction. 
“Stork” in the football edition of the Echo, was the only writer who credited Barclay with Sheffield United’s goal against Everton on Saturday last.  The majority of the scribes reported Pickering as the header of the goal.  Now comes the official verdict from the Yorkshire club; Barclay, of course, who says other wises? 

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 26 February 1932
As a fortnight ago, I am forced to summarize Everton into the smallest space. At Sheffield Wednesday's ground they have a task that is not beyond them, judged on what I have seen less than a week ago. Let them go in and win, with the successful side of a week ago. Bee's Sports Club will be there to cheer them on.

SECOND SHEFFIELD DOUBLE FOR BLUES?
February 26, 1932. Evening Express.
Everton have recorded a double at the expense of Sheffield United. They hope to complete the double against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough tomorrow. The victory over Sheffield United has also done the players good, and they are confident that they can enjoy a run of success similar to that which followed their 5-1 victory over the United in September. They take it as an omen, and though they do not anticipate they will repeat the wonder score of 9-3 the Wednesday, who are doughty opponents on their own ground, they feel they can win and thus break down the away ground bogy. Up to the present the Blues have scored no fewer than 19 goals against the Sheffield clubs this season and conceded five; while the six points have gone to enhance Everton's total. If the team plays as well as Hillsborough as they did in the last hour of the United match, I think they will win. Buxton is doing the Everton players good, and after tomorrow's match they will return for another week at least. It will be remembered that I exclusively announced the sojourn in Buxton for an indefinite period. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchlet, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.
Sports Pie
•  Central League Match at Goodison Park, tomorrow (Saturday); Everton v. Stockport County. Kick off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 3d. Stands extra (including tax).

EVERTON'S TASK.
February 27, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Though the cup takes most of the "thunder" the League race still holds the popular imagination, and Everton's fight for the championship is being followed closely. They are at Sheffield today to try conclusions, once more with Sheffield Wednesday. After a stay at Buxton the players ought to be in the plak of condition, and they should start with the better of the handicap, as their opponents had a hard match on Wednesday. Teams;- Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Sheffield Wednesday; - Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop, Strange, Leach; Malloch, Hooper, Stephenson, Ball, Jones, Rimmer.

EVERTON SNAP TWO GOALS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 February 1932
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY THE THRUSTFUL SIDE UP TO INTERVAL
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. 
Sheffield Wednesday;- Brown; Walker, Blenkinsopp; Strange, Leach, Malloch; Hooper, Stepheson, Ball, Burgess, Rimmer.  Referee; Mr. E.C. Carnwell, Litchfield.
The weather was perfect at Hillsborough, to-day, although there was a wind which would no doubt trouble the side that had to face it. But, apart from that, everything was in apple-pie order for a great match. Everton's stay at Buxton had been beneficial to all the players. They had enjoyed perfect weather, had plenty of golf, badminton, and squash racquets, and, above all, plenty of pure air. The team was accompanied by Directors Coffey, Wade, Hayes, and Banks, and Acting-secretary T. Kelly. Dean, the Everton captain, ones again sent a telegram to the Liverpool boys, wishing them every success in their tie with Chelsea. The Wednesday made one change, Burgess for Jones. Sheffield were the first to make move, and this was accomplished by the former Merseyside player, Ellis Rimmer,  who managed to get round Clarke and then beat Cresswell, so that he was able to pull the ball back for Burgess, but before that player could mike contact Sagar had come out and cleared what might well have been a dangerous position. The Wednesday came a second time, and once again Sagar had to do the needful to check any further progress. It was then Everton's turn to move forward, and Dunn and Critchley worked the ball between them cleverly that they penetrated the Wednesday's defence rather easily, and it was only through the final move, when the ball was pushed a shade too far forward, that prevented Dean from making a shot. The centre forward was beaten half a yard by Blenkinsop in his race for the ball, the Wednesday received quite a lot of help from the wind, and it was only natural that they should enjoy the major portion of the attack, and when Ball made a glancing header to send the ball out to Hooper I thought what a capital idea it was. Still, it brought them little, for the Everton defence stood its ground ' solidly, although harassed to some extent. When Creswell made one of his headers to a colleague, at least he intended it for a colleague, it went to a rival in Burgess, whose shot travelled well over the crossbar—a glorious chance missed. Everson had had few chances to test the abilities of the Wednesday defenders, but at the eleventh minute they opened their account, Dunn scoring. 
DUNN AND DEAN
Three men had a hand in the making of the goal. It started on Critchley's wing, the outside right sending the ball right over to Stein, whose centre came in low and short, so that Dunn, who had worked his way over to the Inside left, was able to head the ball between the upright and Brown. It was a bonny goal, but it was as nothing compared with the one that followed in the next minute, for Dean's shot was of such power that a colleague -sitting next to me said it was the finest shot he had seen at Hillsborough this season, and I could do nothing else but agree, for it was simply a stunner. Dunn made the opening move by pushing the ball straight up through the middle. Dean ran forward, and, without waiting to deaden the ball in any way, drove the ball into Wednesday net.
Brown being too late to get into touch with the ball, let alone make a save. This was startling, and it was not to the liking of the home crowd, which nearly, yelled itself, hoarse for a penalty when Ellie Rimmer was brought down in the penalty area. Everton were playing excellent football, and ones again Dunn was the shining light. His passes were the acme of perfection, in fact everything he did was of top class; and if the Wednesday defence had not had such a grand working arrangement, Dean would have had a number of goals, for he was well placed on a number of occasions, but could not get in his final shot. Once the whole forward line took part in an inter-passing movement which should most certainly have brought a goal, and the reason that it did not do so was the ball went to Johnson's right foot and not his left. That meant that he had to do a hit of maneuvering, and while doing so Blenkinsop came on the some with a tackle and conceded a corner rather than let Johnson have a shot. The Wednesday were full of fire, and once Bell end Sager were locked together in a close embrace until the referee decided that the goalkeeper had been fouled. Towards the interval the Wednesday put on a deal of pressure, and made many good shots which, however, were saved by Salter and were carried away from their objective by a stiff wind.
EARNEST WEDNESDAY
So far the Hooper-Rimmer combination had not been seen, the reason being that the two men concerned were too well watched by Williams and Cresswell, who, however, had to do some hard graft to keep out the Yorkshiremen once they set up an attack. There was much more combination In the Everton team: yet one could not get away from the earnestness of the Wednesday, and, after Dean had been stopped through the combined efforts of Walker and Blenkinsop, Ball hit a fine drive that went sailing over the crossbar mint, hut before they
HALF-BACK SHOTS
A more dangerous move was that of Ellie Rimmer, who, finding that he could not go through himself, squared the ball across to Strange, who brought Sagar to his knee, with a powerful few drive There had been more shooting front the Wednesday's half-backs than their forwards, and Strange had another pop from a good distance out, but the ball rage too high to bring him any result. At this point it all Sheffield, and such was the amount of pressure they brought to hear that Thomson nearly heat his own goalkeeper when he tried to edge the ball away with his toes.  He caught the ball with the side of his boot, and it curled high up in the air, so that Sagar had to make a smart save to keep it out Sagar had done marvelously in the last ten minutes of this half, his last effort being one of this best for when he went up to tip the ball over the bar he had to avoid a charge by Ball.
Half-time. Sheffield Wednesday 0. Everton 2.
EVERTON DEFENCE WELL TIRED
BUT WITHSTANDS HEAVY BOMBRADMENT
WEDNESDAY BEATEN
DEAN AND DUNN SCORE TELLING GOALS
Everton won a hard-fought game at Hillsborough. It was really a triumph for their defence, which had to withstand terrific pressure after Everton had scored two goals, both of which were game in their way. Dean's first goal was the result of a shot the like of which one seldom sees nowadays; but in the second half the Wednesday practically dominated the game, and many times were within an ace of an equaliser until Dean hooked the ball beyond Brown five minutes from the end.
In the first half Dunn and Dean scored at times there were only two Everton forwards left up the field, Dunn, Johnson, and Stein having fallen back to help a defence that had to get through some hard work against a set of forwards who were determined to wipe out the two goals deficit if given a chance.  They had one gorgeous opportunity, but Sagar made the save of his life. Even the home crowd had to admit that for when Hooper shot from close in it looked a certainly that he would beat the Everton man, but Sager shot his hands up and tipped the rising hall over the crossbar. Gee was a great defender if at times a shade robust in his tackling. The referee had occasion to take him to task about one of his tackles. Such pressure as the Wednesday had brought to bear was bound to bring a result, and one could not begrudge them their goal at the seventy-third minute, for they were worth it. Stephenson was the scorer and his shot was of the unstoppable type, and had followed a terrific bombardment in front of Sagar's charge. There was no disputing the fact that the Wednesday were on top, but Everton's defence was magnificent and Sagar brought off yet another great save when Ball got through and made a fast drive Everton took the next goal, Dean getting a clean run through and hooked the ball cleverly away from goalkeeper Brown, who had no chance. Dunn followed soon afterwards with a shot that Brown edged on to his upright and to safely. Final; Sheffield Wednesday 1, Everton 3.

EVERTON RES V STOCKPORT RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 February 1932
Everton from the start practically monopolised the attacking, played sound, convincing football, and worked the ball effectively. The Stockport defence on a number of occasions were favoured by good luck. Everton's combination was ideal, and it the home forwards had only shown more accuracy and a sharper finish goals would have been plentiful. White opened the score from Leyfield’s centre. Rigby added a second and White the third: while smith scored a goal for Stockport.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Stockport Res 1. 
Everton played confidently and easy in the second half.  Smith scored a second for Stockport, and Leyfield a fourth for Everton.  Griffiths a fifth and sixth and White a seventh for Everton.  Final; Everton Res 7, Stockport C Res 2. 
Everton “A” 1, Liverpool Cables 0

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 February 1932
By Louis T. Kelly

• Dunn seems a suitable name for “hat” tricks; Little Jimmy came very close to his second of the season on Saturday.
• It was Tommy Johnson’s first scoring success of 1932.
• Sheffield Wednesday were in a fog (in a double sense) when last at Goodison.  What about Everton today in smoky Sheffield?

THE EVERTON WAY; TWO GOALS IN TWO MINUTES.
February 27 1932. Evening Express.
Dean's Greatest shot of the Season.
By the Pilot.
Billy Dean, the Everton captain, sent a "Good Luck" message (Liverpool playing in F.A Cup) from the Blues to the Reds from Sheffield today where the leaders tackled the local Wednesday in search of another double and a goals record against the Sheffield clubs this season. The players arrived from Buxton by motor coach, and will return there after the match. The were accompanied by directors A. Coffey, A. Wade, C. Hayes, and H. Banks, and acting secretary T. Kelly. I am told the week's stay in Buxton has been wonderful. Excepting yesterday, the weather has been ideal and all the players testify to the invigorating air. Many are becoming experts at badminton and squash racquets. It was an ideal football day today with the sun shining across the ground. A good number of Everton supporters made up the 23,000 spectators. Martin travlled over from Liverpool as reserve.
Teams; Sheffield Wednesday; - Brown, goal; Walker and Blenkinsop, backs; Strange, Leach, and Mallock, half-backs; Hooper, Stepheson, Ball, Burgess, and Rimmer, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Referee. Mr. Caldwell, (Lichfield). Clark had to pass back to Sagar to relive Rimmer's initial dash, and Critchley could not touch Dunn's through pass. The Wednesday moved through, but the ball ran too far forward and Sagar picked up. Clark was penalised for a foul on Mallock, but Cresswell headed away the free kick. These were the only incidents in a quiet opening. Then the ball was put down the middle for Dean, who was standing on good ground, but Walker came over and kicked the ball away from his foot.
Dean Foiled.
Johnson and Dunn manipulated cleverly before Critchley whipped round Mallock and middled a neat low centre, which Brown gathered from the feet of the in-running Dean. Sagar easily gathered a fine header from Burgess before Hooper nodded one behind. Ball and Hooper got to work on a great clearance kick by Blenkinsop, and the attack led to Ball nodding back for Burgress to hit one high over the bar. Hooper raced away, and his curling drop centre landed on the roof of the net. Everton's long forward passes generally found the Wednesday backs, and so the home men enjoyed more of the pressure. When Everton stood still appealing for offside Rimmer stepped in, only to find Cresswell's foot there to block his shot.
Quick Goals.
Everton took the lead in seven minutes, Dunn being the scorer. It was a neat goal. Johnson swung the ball out to Critchley, the wing man cut inwards and rounded Blenkinsop before putting the ball across to Stein, who got the ball to his liking and levelled a short centre for Dunn to run in towards the near post. A neat flick of the head and the ball was in the net. In the next minute Dean placed Everton two up with the greatest shot he has delivered this season. Dean made the running and delivered a through pass up the middle. Dean found the backs wide apart, and before they could close he hit the ball with tremendous accuracy and speed with his right foot. Brown flung himself forward, but the ball found the net before he had a chance of saving. It was a brilliant goal. Buxton had certainly had a good effect. Rimmer put in a sound run, but at the crucial moment found himself floored by Williams. There was an appeal for a penalty, but this the referee refused, though I think the Wednesday were entitled to one. Dunn tried to get Dean through again, and was always ready for a shot. Two Everton corners were easily disposed of before Dunn put Johnson in possession. The ball, however, would not run to Johnson's left foot, and Blenkinsop intervened and cleared. Happy in their lead Everton settled down to play good football, and they were now getting right on top. Dean was prevented from getting in a shot by a timely tackle. Dunn was brought down five yards outside the penalty area. The Wednesday were playing without confidence and there was too much crowding in defence. Sagar ran out to pick a ball off Rimmer's boot, but the whistle had gone for offside. From a throw-in. Critchley placed accurately in the goal mouth, although hampered by Mallock. It looked like another goal, but Walker cleared with a great kick. The Wednesday put in a sound attack and Rimmer put the ball across to Hooper, who had a great chance. The little wingman failed hopelessly, and then Mallock fired over. There was no doubt that the Blues were an improved side. There was more of the old vitality and precision. Ball contributed a fine shot when he swung the ball in from an angle. The ball, however, flew inches too high. Burgess nipped through when Cresswell misheaded, and the ball came over for Strange to bring Sagar full length with a low drive. The Wednesday were putting in all they knew, and home supporters had visions of a goal when the ball was put across the Everton goalmouth and screwed off Thomson's feet. The ball ran just outside and from Rimmer's corner was placed over the top. Right on the interval Cresswell robbed Hooper when he was in the act of shooting from close range.
Half-time Sheffield Wednesday 0, Everton 2.
The first half display had been fast and exhilarating and the Blues had been showing some delightful combination.
Everton's Double over the Wednesday.
Blues strengthened their League position.
Dean's Two Goals.
The Blues fell back on defence at the opening of the second half, while the Wednesday forwards tried to shoot on every possible opportunity, but first time tackling prevented danger. When Dean was dribbling through again put a neat tackle by Blenkinsop got the ball away from Dean's foot. The Blues found themselves in many a tight corner in subsequent play notably when Stepheson tapped the ball forward to give Hooper a chance with only Sagar to beat. Hooper shot point-blank from four yards, but Sagar was there to turn the ball over the bar. Later, Thomson delighted with a fine intervention, and Stein was able to break through. Dean raced ahead to prevent a long pass going behind, and this gave Dunn a chance to aim over. Next Stein crossed one over the top. Dean went through and lobbed the ball over Brown's head into the net, but the whistle had sounded for offside. Rimmer broke through to the line, and after Sagar had pushed out his cross, Hooper headed in, but the ball struck the back of Sagar's head and ran to safety. In 73 minutes the Wednesday got the goal which their continued pressure merited. The ball was swung out towards the left being helped on as Williams changed Burgess. Still it came back to the goalmouth to drop nicely for Stephenson to bang it into the net, Sagar having a chance. Five minutes from the end Everton, with only two forwards, made the game safe. The ball was sent down Dean, who fed Critchley. The wing man flashed by Blenkinsop and lobbed over his centre so accurately while on the run that dean ran forward and placed the ball well wide of Brown. This was Everton's first away success or points since November 23. Final Sheffield Wednesday 1, Everton 3.

EVERTON RES V. STOCKPORT C. RES
February 27, 1932. Evening Express.
Everton were inclined to fall into the offside trap, but their superiority was always manifest. Griffiths wasted a good chance by centring behind and later drove in a shot which the Stockport goalkeeper saved brilliantly. Leyfield, from White's pass made a telling shot, but the ball swing away across the face of the gaol. Coggins was called upon to save from Boulton. In an Everton attack White glided a pass from Leyfield into the net. Rigby added a second, and later White netted a third. Ten minutes from half-time Stockport broke away and Smith reduced the arrears. Half-time Everton Res 3, Stockport Res 1. Other results full –time Everton "A" 1 Liverpool Cables 0.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 EVERTON 3
February 29, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Dean's Great Goal.
Everton Defence Survives Onslaught
By "Stork."
The football teams of Sheffield have suffered some severe knocks at the hands of Everton, who have taken 22 goals from the United and the Wednesday. Saturday's victory over the Wednesday was Everton's best of the series, for they had to do battle against a team that was as keen about s a victory as they themselves. The Wednesday are still foes to fear on their own ground, and prior to this game with Everton they had only suffered defeat in Hillsborough at the hands of the Arsenal. That they were beaten by Everton was ducentirely to Sagar, and the fact that their forwards could not snap up the chances which came their way, whereas Everton, with half the number of opponents scored three goals.
An Hour's Bombardment.
Everton's defence has never before this season received such a hammering, for it is only a truth to say that it had to stand up to a terrific bombardment for fully an hour. To my mind it was mistaken policy to go into defence immediately the second half opened, for had they not been good enough to score two goals through their attack? With two goals lead it may have been the set plan of the sides, but I would not encourage that sort of thing, for other team's forward will not let the Everton defenders off so lightly. Here was a side that, by aggressive forward play could keep the game centred in their opponent's penalty area yet could only produce one scoring shot. The Wednesday had other chances but could not take them and so they had no one else to blame. The gods do not forgive a side which will not take the grits offered, and although Sheffield's pressure suggested a goal at any moment their efforts in front of goal were such that I ceased to fear their onslaughts, having it in the back of my mind that they had their chances, failed with them, and would do so again; and they did.
Sagar's Brillance.
Everton won because they had a man who could take his chances, a gooalkeeper that gave the display of his left, and defenders who, if they got in a tangle at times, were capable of getting out of it and stemming the Wednesday's rushes. I should say that Sagar is the best goalkeeper in England on present form, Hibbs included, and an international cap should adorn his head before very long. He was magnificent. He had his lucky moments, once when Hooper shot on the back of his head as he was running back to his goal, but as against that he defled Sheffield by his great ability safe hands, and good judgement. Dean's first goal was a gem. It was one of his old time shots, and from the moment it left his boot it was a winner, for Brown had neither anticipated its coming nor its power, and it will be talked of in and around Sheffield for many a long day. Dunn's goal was also a pretty one, for he had little space in which to guild the ball when Stein gave him a chest high centre that would have been useless to a man any taller than Dunn. Dunn squeezed the ball into the net between the upright and Brown. Dunn did more for he was simply wonderful during the first half. He supplied Dean with numerous up the middle passes, and but for the covering process of Walker and Blenkinsop, dean who was good all through, would have had many more goals.
Second Half Test.
In the second half Sheffield naturally had the way opened to them through Everton's change of plan, and while they pressed desperately the Everton defenders foiled them time and again. Only once was their armour pierced, and that after a terrific battle in the goalmouth, the ball eventually coming out to Stephenson, who crashed a hot shot into Everton's net. With only a goal between them the Wednesday set out with more determination than ever and if Everton's defence, augmented by three forwards, had not been solid, the Yorkshiremen would have taken an equaliser. Dean and Critchley were the only two Everton attackers standing up the field, but these two were capable of engineering a goal between them. Dean received the ball from a clearance, and promptly put it out to Critchley, who returned it so that Dean could work his way through the backs and then turn the ball into the far corner of the net. That was also a good goal, for if Dean had slammed the ball it would most assuredly have hit the goalkeeper. Both sets of half-backs were fine. Gee was a rare battler, and looked after the fiery Ball, who had to be carefuly watched, but I preferred the constructional play of the Wednesday's middle line. Mallock was a fine feeder, but the honours of the day went to the Everton defence and goalscorer Dean. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday; - Brown, goal; Walker, and Blenkinsop, backs; Strange, Leach, and Mallock, half-backs; Hooper, Stephenson, Ball, Burgress, and Rimmer, forwards. Referee Mr. E. C. Carnwell, Lichfield.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 2
February 29, 1932. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 31)
Everton experienced little difficulty in so decisively defeating the County, for directly from the start the home halves co-operated with the forwards in attacks that would have culminated in many Everton goals, had the winners' forwards seized all the chances offered or if the County defence had not been favoured with occasional spasms of good fortune. Everton's attacks were effectively constructived, and the Stockport intermediate line could only occasionally stay the progress of the home forwards, who schemed and worked ahead by clever and intricate combination. McGann in goal, and the Stockport backs were responsible for some good defensive work, but the halves and forwards could not overcome Everton craft. White, as Everton's leader, was in brilliant form and led the line splendidly, but the Everton team collectively played well. The scores were; White (3), Rigby, Leyfield, and Griffiths (2), for Everton, and Smith (2) for Stockport. Everton Res; - Coggins, goal; Bocking and Lowe, backs; Britton McClure and Mcpherson (captain), half-backs; P Griffiths, Cunliffe, White, Rigby and Leyfield, forwards.
Liverpool Cables 0 Everton "A" 1
Liverpool county Combination.
At Bootle. A penalty goal kicked by Parker after 15 minutes in the second half, sufficed to give Everton the full points. Everton played clever football and id most of the attacking Birtley and Reed putting in some find constructive work. The latter, however, missed a couple of good chances. The home side were by no means idle. Parker, Jackson and Holdcroft were kept busy, the keeper making some splendid clearances. The Cables had rather the more chances towards the finish, and were unlucky not to get on equal terms when a strong shot from Boardman rebounded from the upright.

EVERTON BRIGHTEN THE DAY
Liverpool Echo - Monday 29 February 1932
Bee’s Notes
DEFENCE WINS DAY
Sheffielders will not readily forget Everton, who have taken twenty-two goals from their two teams, neither will they forget the glorious work of sagar in the Everton goal, for he was one of the men who stood in the Wednesday's way at Hillsborough on Saturday. The other was Dean, who scored two great goals. Everton's stay in Buxton had toned them up. They had to be at concert pitch for this encounter, for the Wednesday at home are a difficult side to beat There had to be no weak links in Everton's make-up, for the Wednesday had a big defeat to wipe out, and did not consider themselves out of the running for championship honours. Everton, too, had their incentive, to peg hack their challengers, and this victory should have done more good to the team than anything else. It has laid low the away bogey," which has been a worry to the team, and it would not surprise me if they get back to their pre- Christmas form. They did not win this game without a grim struggle; in fact, they may have been a shade lucky to capture the full points, for if the game was taken on the amount of attack then Sheffield Wednesday were good winners. The Wednesday were on top for well over an hour, but all their endeavours petered out before a defence which has never played better. It naturally had its anxious times. That was only to be expected with the Wednesday crowding on all they knew. But it was Everton who took the goals, and therein lies the tale.
WEDNESDAY'S FAULT
Everton with fewer chances, made more of them, and on that score alone are entitled to the honours, for if a team will not accept what the gods had offered then they could not quibble if the gods refused to keep on supplying the gifts. There wars times when Sheffield should have ripped the back of the net to pieces with shots, so close in were they to Sagar.  Five men standing in a line with the ball at their toes, but still the goal escaped. A team that can dominate a game for an hour should win it, but Sheffield failed because they frittered away golden opportunities, and Everton's defence would not give in, although there were times when they could have been forgiven if they had done so (writes " Stork "). Hounded and chased as they were they never became perturbed, and gradually left off fearing for the Everton goal, but I would ask Everton to refrain from going into defence quite so early as they did. They had a two goal lead, and a forward line capable of adding to that total, but instead of carrying on they allowed the Wednesday to dictate, they themselves being content to act entirely on the defensive. It won the day, but that does not convince me that it was the best form of defence. Sheffield were given every opportunity to frame attacks, and they were a shade unlucky not to take a couple of goals. Burgess should have scored from an easy position, and Hooper had a shot kept out of the net by the back of Sagar's head. That was how the game ran for the Yorkshiremen.
A 1927 GOAL
Sagar was the big man of the match, for he performed wonders when these rampant Wednesdayites were slamming on all they knew, and some of his saves were miraculous. The one he kept out from Hooper will not be soon forgotten, for the little winger was only few yards out when he let loose a terrific drive, which Sager turned away. Brown had not nearly so much to do, and he had no chance with any of the three goals. Dunn's goal was a sweet little thing. Only a wee fellow like Dunn could have made Stein's centre into a goal, for the ball came alone chest high, so that Dunn simply stooped down and turned it inside the post. Dean's first goal was a 1927 Dean goal. A nip between the backs, then a terrific shot, taken without hesitation, and Brown stood and watched it flash into his net. The last goal, which came as a relief—Wednesday were pressing furiously then—was a placed effort, and with only two forwards up the field. All others were in defence, but Dean and Critchley between them outwitted the Sheffield defence, so that Brown was left helpless. Dunn's first half display was well-nigh perfect, and Dean was ever a danger up middle. It was Everton's defence which stood up to the gruelling, and made this victory possible. Gee was a demon in the centre. He was a fighter. Wherever the battle was fiercest Gee could be found, and Thomson was just as keen. Williams and Cresswell never faltered, although they were severely tested. Then there was Sagar all alert, all ability, and safe to a degree. Sagar is without doubt the goalkeeper of the future. On present form there is not a better in the game, and an international cap in the near future is not improbable. The referee once had to speak to a section of the crowd near the Everton goal. It transpired that someone had thrown orange peel, &c., at Sagar. Everton went back to Buxton, where they have had a great time. Golf, of course, is the chief game, but there is squash racquets and Badminton.

EVERTON HAVE TURNED THE CORNER.
February 29, 1932. Evening Express.
Hillsboro' sets seal on Revival.
Brighter League Championship outlook.
By the Pilot.
I knew they could do it. Everton by their brilliant 3-1 victory over the Wednesday at Hillsbrough demonstrated definitely that the corner has been turned. Gone was the lack of confidence, that touch of staleness, which have characterized their play in recent weeks. It was the old fast, quick-thinking Everton again, with the additional power of trustfulness. The revival was presaged against Sheffield United, and Everton on Saturday showed unmistakably that the victory was not a mere flash in the pan. The visit to Buxton has surely done them good. The players feel it and know it. It has taken them out of themselves and they are now certain that they can go on improving and make the bold bid for the championship which they know should have been theirs by now. One cannot ignore the menacing challenge of Arsenal. With only three points advantage the Blues have played two matches more, and it will be seen that the Gunners constitute a real danger. Everton, however, are fortified by the knowledge that they have seven remaining home fixtures and only five away. In addition, Arsenal have enough on their plate with the F.A. Cup. The match against the Wednesday was not won without a desperate fight, but I have only one grumble as far as the play was concerned. It was that mistaken tactics were adopted in the second half. Everton were easily the better first half team, and secured two goals lead, but after the interval they decided on "hold what we have" policy and it might easily have proved fatal. The Blues were content to leave the attack to Dean and Critchley and the remainder concentrated on defence, so much that Wednesday enjoyed four-fifths of the pressure.
Mistaken Policy.
The longer Evertoin were content to defend the harder they were making their task, for the Wednesday, became optimistic and battled also bravely in their effort to reduce the lead. They got one goal and would have secured others had they possessed men with a shot sufficient to crown easy chances, and had not Sagar been in superlative form. I admit that Everton did defend well, it was wild on occasions, but there was sound covering and such tackling as that of Gee and Williams has rarely been seen. They were positively relentless. The big men as far as Everton were concerned were Sagar, Williams, Gee Dean and Dunn. Mark you, all the team did well, and I particularly admired the understanding between each department, and the brave "all for one and one for all" attitude when they had their backs to the wall. It was a happy augury. Sagar was grand, and after the match some of the Wednesday directors said to me that if it was Sagar's true form then he had no superior in the country. Well, Sagar deserved such praise. Willaims and Gee were intrepid intervers and Dunn was a genius in the first half and carved out some clean-cut openings for the real Dean. Dixie was right on his toes, and his shot for his first goal was a mighty effort. As he remarked to me after, "It was a treat to find myself shooting like that again."