EVERTON SIGN STEVENSON
February 1 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Irish International Forward
By John Peel.
Everton secured the signature of Stevenson, the Glasgow Rangers, Irish international inside wing forward, and he will play against Arsenal at Highbury on Saturday. Stevenson is a player, Everton have tried to secure for some time, but when arrangements were almost completed recently the player decided that he wanted to stay in Glasgow, however he changed his mind, and Everton completed the deal yesterday. Stevenson is regard as a fine forward, even through he 5ft 5ins.
Rapid Rise.
Stevenson joined Rangers from Dublin Dolphins in August 1932, and during the present season, played for Ireland against England, Scotland and Wales. He made a rapid rise, when he joined rangers on the recommendation of Dixon, their trainer, who had known Stevenson when playing in Dublin. Stevenson made his league debut before the end of the season. Marshall the regular inside-right was excused in order to study for medical examinations, and Stevenson played in the Rangers early games, this season. He's a fine play in the international matches attracted much attention and with the return of Marshall, Stevenson went into the reserves and with venters also engaged the rangers had four international inside wing men on their books. Stevenson is expected to do well at Everton, Higham will play in the reserves side in place of Johnson and king will keep goal.

STEVENSON JOINS EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 01 February 1934
Bee’s Notes
Everton Football Club have signed Alec Stevenson, Glasgow Rangers Irish International inside forward at a big fee. Stevenson will be in the Everton side to play Arsenal, on Saturday. This transfer deal was foreshadowed before Christmas by the Echo when Everton F.C. officials went to Scotland hoping to sign the player and have him in the side for the home game against Newcastle United.  Everton began negotiations with Rangers for Stevenson following their failure to persuade Gallacher to come to Goodison. When Stevenson was asked to come to Goodison Everton suffered another rebuff, as the Irishman refused to leave on the ground that he was quite content to remain in Glasgow.  Stevenson has had a meteoric rise in football from the time he was "discovered” with Dublin Dolphin.
A PRODIGY 
At the beginning of last season.  Arthur Dixon, the Dublin Dolphins' manager (formerly Oldham Athletic player) gave up his job to become trainer of Glasgow Rangers, for which club he had given wonderful service as a player. He came back to Scotland full of enthusiasm for a little fellow who played at inside forward for his Irish club. So persistent was he in his appreciation of the lad that the Rangers' officials were persuaded into making a journey to Dublin to see the prodigy in action. They went doubting, for the man they wereto watch was Alec Stevenson, a mere midget of 5ft. 5in.—and Rangers like big men for their forward line.  But what they saw was quite sufficient to make them convinced that, little as he was, Stevenson would be an asset to them. ,
CHANCE THIS SEASON 
Shortly after Stevenson was transferred to Ibrox and, according to lbrox custom, was made to feel his way in the Alliance team. So successful was he in his early games with the reserves that before the end of the season he had made his league debut. That was all for 1932-33, however.  The beginning of this season gave Alec his chance. Marshall was excused service in order that he might have full scope to study for his final medical examinations.  Stevenson played in the early games of the season, and did so well that the Irish selectors who came across to Scotland to watch Rangers v. Clyde in a mid-week game decided that he was their man for the forthcoming international with Scotland at Ibrox.  He was duly chosen and proved the brightest success of the match. His long passes from wing to wing and his strong running made him a kenspeckle figure.  He was subsequently chosen to play for Ireland in the home internationals with England and Wales. The return of Marshall, however, put Stevenson in the Rangers' reserve team once more, and when last month Alec Venters arrived from Cowdenbeath, Rangers were in the phenomenal position of having four international inside wingers on their books.  Although small, Stevenson is undoubtedly a football star. He is strong on the tackle and possesses a powerful shot. 

WILL YE NO COME BACK AGAIN?
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, February 1, 1934
TRAINER HARRY COOK AND “REVEREND” PORTERS
Yesterday, precisely at 4.5, a precious Parcel was sent from Liverpool to London, addressed to the "Football Association."  It was ear-marked: "From Everton F.C."  It was the English Cup.  Our exclusive picture shows some sort of reverence at the passing hence of a Cup that has never graced Liverpool F.C.’s boardroom. 

STEVENSON'S DEBUT FOR EVERTON
February 1, 1934. Evening Express.
He Will Play Inside Left Against Arsenal.
By the Pilot.
Alex Stevenson, Everton's new Irish International inside forward from Glasgow Rangers, will make his debut for the Goodison Park club against Arsenal at Highbury on Saturday. He will be inside-left in place of Cunliffe, who crosses over to his natural position at inside-right instead of Higham, who was selected at Tuesday's directors meeting. The Stevenson transfer was completed by Mr. T.H. McIntosh, the Everton secretary, yesterday. Mr. McIntosh dashed away to Glasgow to complete the signing after notification had been received from the Rangers that they were ready to re-open negotiations. It will be remembered that the deal was almost completed on December23, but then Stevenson decided that he prepared to remain in Glasgow. Stevenson is a young player of definite ability. Though only 5ft 5ins, he is a delightful positional player, a shrewd schemer and a fine marksman with either foot. He has scored 12 goals in 14 league games for the Rangers this season. He was discovered in junior football by Arhur Dixon, the Rangers coach and he joined the Ibrox Park Club in 1931, making his first League appearance a season later. Stevenson has played for Ireland on three occasions against England, Scotland and Wales –and is booked for more honours. He has also represented Glasgow in an inter-city match with Sheffield.

WILL HE BRING NEW MOTIVE POWER?
February 2, 1934. Evening Express.
Stevenson's Debut For Everton.
By the Pilot. What does Alex Stevenson's coming from Glasgow Rangers mean to Everton? Will he provide that inspiration that has been lacking in the side of late? Will he show his new colleagues the way to get goals? Will he weld the attack into that erstwhile virile force that we associated with the power of Everton in recent seasons –power that won promotion to Division 1, the League championship and the F.A. Cup? Tomorrow we shall be in a much better position to answer these questions –or at least some of them. Stevenson comes with a great reputation and definite ability. Whether he will fit in or not is the real problem. One thing is certain; it is this; if Stevenson is a success against the Arsenal at Highbury tomorrow, his advent will infuse new life into the Everton team. I can say this confidently because Stevenson will find himself up against really clever defenders. If he can outwit them we shall be able to give a favorable verdict on him without hesitation. Everton will have international players from the four countries on duty. In all six internationals will be in action –two Englishmen (White and Gee); one Scot (Thomson); One Welshman (Williams), and two Irishmen (Cook and Stevenson). I am pleased Cunliffe is going back to inside right, for I am convinced that this is his best position, in fact, the attack looks quite good enough on paper to spring a surprise on the Arsenal. Everton: Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Stevenson, Stein.

• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central league Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Bury. Kick-off 3.15 p.m. Admission 6d Boys 3d, Stands 9d, including Tax.

EVERTON’S NEW MAN V THE ARSENAL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 February 1934
Bee’s Notes
Everton at Arsenal will he one of the customary enjoyable games. The visit of Everton to the Chapman home has always produced the finest football in Cup and League warfare, and as Everton are not at home on a Saturday till they meet Liverpool, their neighbours, there is special concern and interest for this game to-morrow The appearance of Alec Stevenson, the Irish international, is, of course, the greatest matter of the day, and "Stork will tell you of his work in a new sphere in to-morrow's Echo. Everton have their trials. Just now their position is not good enough for a team of their standing; the Cup remembrances begin to fade out, and the public demand new blood. It has not been easy to get hold of any, not even by the draining process of paying forwards of strength was never more present, and, therefore, the Cunliffes, out fat cheques. However, the need of McGourlays, and Highams had their chance. Higham's chance is delayed a little through force of circumstances over which he and they had no control.  However, any new member at Goodison Park is assured a hearty welcome, and the need of driving force from little but strong men has been apparent to all for a long time. Everton at Arsenal have not been blessed with the best of luck, but Arsenal have been faltering lately, and—well, you never know what will happen on a Friday, although you sometimes have a selection offered by me! 

A BLUNDELLSANDS EXCURSION 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 February 1934
It must be many years since Blundellsands was visited by an invasion per special train, but such will be the case to-morrow when Earlestown pay their first visit to the Marine ground to meet Everton “A " in the third round of the Liverpool Challenge Cup. The "special" from the Lancashire town will arrive at Crosby at 1.30. Teams. — Everton.—Deighton; Jackson, Morris; Mercer, Griffith, Watson; M. O'Reilly, Wilson, Litherland, Redfern, Gilbertson.  Earlestown.—J. Mercer: P. Ashcroft, J. Grice; A. Eddleston, W. Prescot, W. Preston; J. Jeffries, Jas. Grice, J. Basnett,  H. Owen G, Fildes.  Referees—Mr. W. Swithinhank. 

EVERTON TEST ARSENAL STARS.
February 3, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton go to Highbury to face the Arsenal. The effort to build up the Everton team anew is being closely followed, and Stevenson's appearance in then forward line given special point to the match. The former Glasgow Rangers and Irish international is on the small side, but his skill is expected to restore the balance. Another fine game seems likely here. Stevenson, it is understood partners Stein on the left, and Cunliffe crosses over in place of Higham, who was originally chosen for the inside right berth. The Arsenal team shows two changes, namely at half-back where Hill takes the place of the injured Jones, and at inside right where Coleman is preferred to Bowden. Teams: - Arsenal: - Moss; Male, Hapgood; Hill, Roberts, John; Birks, Coleman, Dunne, Bastin, Beasley. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Stevenson Stein.
Dean's Return.
In view of the fact that Geldard, Dunn and Dean form the main part of the Everton forward line, there ought to be greater attendance than usual at the Central league game, when Everton and Bury meet at Goodison Park. Dean is appearing for the first time since his cartilage operation, and his many friends hope that the outing today will complete the recovery and that the Everton captain will be ready to take his place in the first team.

EVERTON TRIUMPH.
February 3, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
White the Match Winner At Highbury.
First “Double” For Two Seasons.
By the Pilot.
Alex Stevenson, from Glasgow Rangers, will remember his debut with Everton, for he opposed the Arsenal at Highbury on a foggy, murky day and in a persistent, soaking drizzle. It was a difficult job to see across the ground, and the big new stand looked like a phantom. Stevenson is small, but exceptionally well built –keen-faced and well muscled. At the hotel last night the orchestra played a special selection of Irish tunes for his benefit –something in the nature of a welcome. The crowd was about 30,000 strong . Teams: - Arsenal: - Moss, goal; Male and Hapgood, backs; Hill, Roberts and John, half-backs; Birkett, Coleman, Dunne, Bastin, and Beasley, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Stevenson, and Stein, forwards. Referee Mr. C.E. Carnwell (Lichfield) . Everton opened by the new avenue –the Stevenson avenue. White passed to Critchley, causing the Arsenal defence not a little worry before Critchley was forced into touch. Everton kept pegging away, being masters of midfield play, and when Britton banged a ball down the middle, White was ready for action when Roberts leaped up and cleared. In the first Arsenal raid –this after seven minutes –Dunne edged the ball away to Beasley, only for Williams to come across with a winning tackle. Cunliffe got away in Critchley's position, but refused to centre, and Hapgood intervened. This after Dunne had skied a ball over the top.
Williams Brilliant.
Williams was playing brilliantly. White opened up the way for Critchley, whose centre was headed behind by Cunliffe. Dunne was dangerous with his head, and this helped him to give Coleman a shooting chance, the ball being turned aside. Britton and Critchley tied up Hapgood and John before Critchley swept the ball to the goalmouth. Moss failed to gather a ball from the left Hapgood booting away in desperation. He failed to reach it and Coleman tapped it across for Birkett to score with a swift driving shot, which Sagar touched as he fell at full length but could not keep out. Time, 18 minutes. The score was all against the run of the play, for Everton had been masters throughout but justice was done when, two minutes later Cunliffe scored a wonderful equaliser just as the light improved. The attack developed on the right, and Britton glided out a cute pass to Critchley. Critchley was standing with his back to the Arsenal goal, but he flicked a glorious pass to Cunliffe, leaving Hapgood guessing.
Cunliffe's Great Goal.
Cunliffe was into his stride right away. He went six yards forward to the edge of the area, then crashed in a mighty drive, which flashed by Moss's out-stretched hands to enter inches inside the far posts, high up. Yes: a great goal this, and well deserved. Stevenson was kicked in the face by Hill –a pure accident –and had to go to the line. He was soon able to resume. Not a great deal had been seen of the Everton left wing. Sagar turned a first timer over the top in style. From the corner Bastin shot first time, Sagar going full length to turn it round the post. Glorious goalkeeping this. Sagar turned the second corner aside and Bastin promptly headed to the net, but Cook was there to head away. The game, had been evenly divided in the first half, Everton being the superior side in midfield, but Arsenal better marksmen. Little had been seen of Stevenson apart from the opening pass.
Half-time Arsenal 1, Everton 1.
Everton lost White with a damaged left knee five minutes after the interval, after he had fallen heavily in opposition to Roberts. Everton were hard pressed to keep the Arsenal forwards out of shooting range. Williams eventually got Critchley away but the winger placed behind. Coleman twisted his right knee with no one near him, and left the field in 55 minutes, when White returned, going to outside-right, with Critchley inside and Cunliffe centre-forward.
Everton Lead.
Everton took the lead in 67 minutes in their first menacing attack of the half, and it was White, the lame man, who did the trick. He had to thank Stevenson, among others, for the chance. Stein begin matters by worrying Roberts on the goalline, and slipping the ball back to Stevenson. Drew Hill, and neatly passed the ball back to Thomson, who had a clear route for a centre. Thomson placed to the far post, and White came running in to pilot the ball with the utmost skill into the near corner of the net with his head. Everton kept it up, Stein and White, who had come back to the centre, giving Male some anxious moments. The goal against them shook the Arsenal. Everton attacked almost continuously, with the right wing a particularly potent factor. Stevenson was too gentle with his passes, and had not been a shinning light. Now he missed a fine chance for a direct shot. The return of Coleman to outside right did not help Arsenal much. Victory for Everton –a victory in sight –would be their first League double of the past two seasons. Final; Arsenal 1, Everton 2.

DIXIE DEAN LEADS EVERTON RES
February 3, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
First Appearance Since His Operation.
The appearance of Dean, Dunn and Geldard, three of the Everton cup winning players, on the reserve side against Bury, at Goodison Park attracted an attendance of about 10,000 people. “Dixie” Dean was having his first outing, following his operation for cartilage trouble, and was warmly applauded on leading out the teams. There was a brisk opening when Bury showed up well on the attack. The Everton goal early on, had a narrow escape, King having to be on the alert to nip in and clear. Bury again moved away and this time their effort was successful. Cope had beautifully placed the ball in the goalmouth when the left winger, Archer, headed away with the keeper out of position. Following this Everton indulged in a strong attack, which led to Dean giving Geldard a beautiful opening which the winger spoiled through shooting behind. The Everton attack was given little latitude by the strong Bury defence, and so far Dean had received few chances of shining. He appeared to be taking no undue risks. Bury were the better side through the first half and deserved their interval lead. Half-time Everton Res 0, Bury Res 1.
Everton showed up better at the commencement of the second half. After ten minutes' play they equalised. Geldard was going through when brought down inside the penalty area and from the resultant kick Birtley scored. The concluding stages of the game were played in a fog, which made the ball difficult to follow. Everton, however, attacked for long spells, and Dean scored with an excellent shot.

EVERTON’S GRETA VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 February 1934
ARSENAL BEATEN AT HIGHBURY
WHITE’S WINNER
By Stork
A great victory if not a great match, Stephenson did not impress.  He seemed out of touch.  Sagar, Williams, and Gee were the men of the match. Arsenal.-Moss; Male, Hapgood; Hill, Roberts, John; Birkett, Coleman, Dunne, Bastin, Beasley.  Everton.- Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Stevenson, Stein.  Referee; Mr. E.C. Carnwell, Lichfield. 
Alec Stevenson, Everton's new inside forward from Glasgow Rangers, was the centre of attraction at Highbury to-day, though it was unfortunate that the ground was enveloped in a thick fog.  The morning was fine, followed by a thin drizzle which culminated in a fog.  This would obliterate most of the play to those in the stands. Incidents in the goal areas were difficult to follow, and it was impossible to give an estimate of the attendance. Stevenson, while being on the small side, is nicely built, with a keen and alert face. 
STEVENSON'S OPENING MOVE 

London seemed to be greatly interested in the return to football of W. R. Dean.  Stevenson's first move was not only an accurate long pass out to Critchley, but it opened the way to an Everton advance.  Critchley took the ball awkwardly, but Britton had closed in and sent the ball upwards. What happened afterwards it was impossible to describe, for all that could be seen was a number of red and blue shirts flitting about in front of the Arsenal goal.  The Arsenal replied though their right flank, the ball eventually being lobbed into the middle for Williams to send the ball over to Critchley. He headed on to White, but Hapgood stopped further progress by a timely intervention Critchley and Cunliffe thus far had had a bright innings, and Gee, with a free kick, gave Critchley the opportunity to test Moss with a long lob, from which the goalkeeper pulled the ball down and cleared.  Beasley got away, but was beaten byWilliams, and then Cunliffe seemed well set for a goal when making his run, for he was clear of interference. The opportunity was lost through the inside-right putting the ball a shade too far forward.  Williams was responsible for some solid defensive work, once stepping in to defeat Beasley following a head pass by Dunne.  Cunliffe made a great effort to nod a goal, and although he did not succeed, there was plenty of merit in his idea.  The fog lifted for a second or two, and it enabled us to see Coleman make a shot which was blocked out.  Everton gave away a corner before they got any relief. White out-headed Roberts on a number of occasions, but the players one and all found it difficult to keep a foothold owing to the top grease. Everton had had the better chances for the Arsenal had only been in the Everton goal area a matter of three times.  The fourth time proved fatal to Everton, for a rapid raid saw the ball go over Gee's head and on to Birkett.  This player shot strongly, and although Sagar touched the ball he could not keep it out of his net.  Just prior to this Sagar had made a beautiful save from Dunne. The light was now much better, and enabled the crowd to have a perfect view of Everton's equaliser. Critchley and Cunliffe joined hands in a movement which culminated in a beautiful goal by Cunliffe.  He shot from the angle of the penalty area and the ball was always beating Moss who could not stop it from curling inside the far post. Two goals in two minutes. Sagar was responsible for a neat save from Hill, and Moss kept out a worthy effort by Britton.
STEVENSON HURT 
Every incident was now visible. Gee brought Bastin down just outside the penalty area. Birkett heading outside.  Stevenson was injured, and was off the field for a minute or two. Hapgood and Williams kicked confidently, and Gee made some astute ground passes.  Stein crashed into the corner flag and knocked it down. Cunliffe played splendid football, and a cute idea of his enabled White to propel the ball over to Critchley, whose centre cannoned away for a corner. Sagar was in brilliant form.  In two minuteshe made three perfect saves from Dunne (two) and Bastin, while Cook, standing alone on the goalline, prevented a Bastin header from dropping into the back of the net. At this point the Arsenal were going great guns, and the Everton defence was severely harassed, and two shots only narrowly missed their mark.  The half ended with the London side attacking in tigerish fashion, and Sagar, after Thomson had kicked away a shot by Hill, made another great rave from Coleman. 
Half-time.—Arsenal 1 Everton 1
Stevenson apart from his first pass, had done little The Arsenal resumed as they had left off with a strong attack.  Everton suffered a severe blow when White was carried off with a knee injury. One could see that Stevenson's ideas were sound, but his passes lacked a true length and accuracy of direction.  Coleman twisted his knee in the same manner as Roberts, the Liverpool forward, did a week ago. White came back and went out to the right wing.  Everton's first attack of the half brought them a goal. Stein, who had seen little of the ball up to this point, chased the ball, but Roberts should have cleared.  Stein stopped the ball on the goal line and sent it back to Stevenson. The new man was faced by Hill so he wisely back-heeled the ball to Thomson.   The Everton captain centred and White came in from the wing to head a goal at the sixty-seventh minute. White then came back to centre forward, and Coleman also returned.  How a goal against can upset a team.  The Arsenal from being the hit of affairs became unsettled, what time Everton improved. So much so that the Arsenal defence became uncertain, and White went close with a good shot. The Arsenal gradually pulled themselves together. 
Final— Arsenal 1, Everton 2. 

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 3, 1934
That there was a crowd of unusual dimensions was not surprising; in fact, it looked like a record for a Central League match. Everton fielded the Cup final right wing, and Dean made his first public appearance following injury to his knee.  Everton’s skipper received a great ovation.  Bury open moves gave them an early goal. A lob centre from Amos was pushed into the net wide of King's reach, by Cope. Dean once brought into effect his back-header. A cross from Leyfield gave Dean a scoring chance, but before he could sweep the ball into the net Jolley, who kept close to the Everton leader, cleared.  Dean had on the whole a very quiet first half, but, summarizing Everton's attack had not been really convincing and their best shot had come from Archer. 
Half-time —Everton Res. 0, Bury Res. 1. 
Birtley (penalty) scored for Everton, Dean had so far done all his work with his head, but it was not until five minutes from the end that he tried a shot and scored a beautiful goal. 
Final; Everton Res 2, Bury Res 1.

EVERTON “A” v. EARLESTOWN WHITE STAR
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 3, 1934
Both sets of forwards were strong during the early stages, Deighton and Mercer being kept busy.  Wilson was only just wide with a long shot.  Litherland opened the scoring for Everton.  Later, Wilson, with a long punt, struck the crossbar.  Grice and Owen made good efforts for the visitors.  Half-time. - Everton “A” 1, Earlestown White Star nil. 

"WE WANT JAMES” 
Sunday Mirror - Sunday 04 February 1934
Everton Beat a Tired Arsenal Team at Highbury 
Arsenal 1, Everton 2 
"We want James," was the staccato cry around the Arsenal ground in the second half, when Everton, having taken the lead, were pressing hard. And to tell the truth, the Arsenal forwards at that time were all at sea on the heavy turf.  It was a game of fluctuations in a fog which obscured half the ground. Everton attacked at the start. Then the Arsenal took up the running: both teams scored, and up to half time the Arsenal were much the better side.  In the early stages of the second half they looked like beating Everton comfortably, but suddenly seemed to shut up like a knife.  In the days of Alec James and Bob Jack and Hulme, the Arsenal played a distinctive game; something different from any other club. Now they are more orthodox, without any great distinction save defence, and that is still sound.  Still, I think that both the Arsenal and the Spurs laid the foundations of their respective defeats in the hectic contest fought out at Highbury on Wednesday. The Arsenal certainly finished very leg weary.
TWO QUICK GOALS 
For the first quarter of an hour little could be seen of the game; after that the fog lifted.  After twenty minutes Birkett gave the Arsenal the lead from a nice pass by Bastin. Two minutes later a long shot by Cunliffe beat Moss all ends up and, equalised.  Sagar made some brilliant saves in a persistent Arsenal attack up to the interval. He literally took one header off Coleman's head, and tipped a fierce shot from Dunne over the bar.  Arsenal started the second half in fine style, and when White was injured and carried off it looked all Highbury to a china orange on them.  Then Coleman had to leave the field for a time, and both limped when they came back.  Everton's chief attacks came from their flying wingers, Stein and Critchley. In one of these raids Stein and Stevenson juggled with the ball on the Arsenal goal line. It eventually went to Cunliffe, who back heeled to White, and Moss was beaten.  Arsenal were rattled, and there was a lot of kick and not too much rush about their methods, so that Everton came within an ace of scoring once or twice afterwards then arose the chant, "We want James."  Williams, the Everton right back, was the star artist on the field. He kicked a fine length, and held Bastin and Dunne comfortably throughout.  Stevenson, the Everton importation from Glasgow Rangers, did not quite drop into the English game, but he made it abundantly manifest that he is a class player.  As I have said, the Arsenal were a tired team.  I will not criticize individuals. P. J. MOSS. 

ARSENAL 1 EVERTON 2 (Game 1462 over-all)-(Div 1 1420)
February 5, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
How Everton Won.
Sagar Holds Up Arsenal Forwards.
By “Stork.”
Are Arsenal slipping? On Wednesday they were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur, but few people expected Everton to beat them at the week-end, for it is only a truth to say that the Goodison Parker team have not been playing in a manner which suggested a victory at Highbury. Football, however, is made that way. I thought a draw would have merited the play, for there were times when the London side were definitely on top, and but for the brilliance of Sagar in the Everton goal they would have won the day, for during his inspired spell Sagar performed exceptionality well. Four saves in less than three minutes went a long way to setting Everton on the high road to success for if the Arsenal had taken a goal or two from those four shots any of which might have beaten a less capable goalkeeper than Sagar, no one say just how many goals the champions would have run up, for they were blazing a trail which appeared to have but one ending –a big goal crop. Sagar, however, was there to stop them, and stop them he did by as brilliant an exhibition as it has been my pleasure to witness. Twice Sagar stopped Dunne when goals looked a certainly, and later he held up Bastin and Birkett when everyone was ready to yell out “Goal.” It was a miserable day; in fact, I did not think that the game would be brought to a successful conclusion, for at the start one could not see more than a yard or two across the ground. All one could see from the stand was players flitting from one place to another, but where the ball was it was impossible to tell. For twenty minutes Everton undoubtedly held the balance in point of attack, but there was no punch in the forward line when it was needed. This has been a fault all too long, and Everton must right this wrong if they are to win matches. Superiority in attack is not enough if the said attack does not clinch their good work with the vital thing of the game –goals. The Arsenal were not playing anything like their known game. There seemed to be no personality in the side. there was no man of the caliber of James or Jack to hold the line together, but in their third advance on the Everton goal they scored. Gee was unable to get up to a ball which went soaring through the air into the goal area, and several Arsenal players touched had closed in. He took a chance. He hit the ball hard, and true, and although Sagar did touch the ball, he was unable to prevent in setting in his net.
A Sprightly Run .
That goal came at the eighteenth minute, but two minutes later Cunliffe and Critchley made a sprightly run, which culminated in the former scoring the best goal of the match. He had reached the penalty line before he decided to let loose his shot, and I saw in an instant that it was a winner, for Moss could not get across to a ball which was pulling away from him and beating him all the time. It was a grand drive, and well worthy of an equaliser. The last fifteen minutes of the first half was a battle between the Arsenal forwards and the Everton goalkeeper. Resuming, those forwards, cracked the ball when they got to within shooting range, but Sagar stopped them all. Gradually Everton got on top, but when White was injured and had to go to outside right their prospects did not look any too bright. Shortly afterwards Coleman retired to the touch-line for attention and it was during his absence that Everton scored their winning goal. Stein beat Roberts, who expected the ball to run over the goalline, but the Everton winger scooped it back to Stevenson, who, faced by a rival back heeled the ball to Thomson. The Everton captain promptly swept the ball over to the right wing, and White ran in to head a goal at the sixty seventh minute.
Everton Dictate.
From then on Everton dictated the terms of the game, and so much on top were they that Sagar hardly ever touched the ball again. The Arsenal forwards had become a thing of shreds and patches. The wingers delayed their centres all too long, and there was no guiding hand or a man on the field who could pull them together and so Everton brought off a victory where few had expected a win. Stevenson the new man, will remember his debut. He could not have picked a worse day for his start with a new club. Being small in stature he got little of no chance when the ball was in the air, and I was not impressed by his play. He made a great pass to Critchley his first in the game, and also had a hand in the making of the winning goal, but apart from that he did little of note. I saw good intentions in many of his passes, which were, however, made in a tender manner, so tender, in fact that they rarely reached their objective. Still, it would be unwise to be too hypercritical about a man who knew not the methods or plans of his colleagues, nor the pace of the game in England, and it will no doubt take him a little time to realise the need of his partners. Stein suffered because he did not get enough of the ball in the first half, and I say that Cunliffe was the best of the forwards, with Critchley next. White did well in the centre. The main factor in Everton's victory, however, was the brilliant goalkeeping of Sagar, but he had valuable henchmen in Williams and Cook. Williams was a great full-back. He never made a mistake that I can recall, and Cook got better and better the longer the game went on. Gee played his best game since he returned to the senior side. He has recovered his confidence. He tackled in his old style, and made some superlative passes; in fact he was more like the international Gee than ever before Britton was clever and Thomson did best towards the end. He played a captain's part at a vital point of the game. He ordered his men here and there, but I did not like the way in which he wasted time. There is still a frailty among the forward . They could frame an attack by clever movements, but there is still feebleness in their shooting. Still,, few teams can boast a victory at Highbury. Teams:- Arsenal:- Moss, goal; Male and Hapgood, backs; Hill, Roberts and John, half-backs; Birkett, Coleman, Dunne, Bastin, and Beasley, forwards. Everton:- Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, White, Stevenson, and Stein, forwards. Referee Mr. C.E. Carnwell (Lichfield) .
Coleman X-Rayed.
Coleman, the Arsenal inside-right, who suffered an injury to his right knee in the match at Highbury was taken to the Royal Northen Hospital after the game. His knee was X-Rayed, but examination showed that no bone was broken and he returned home after attention.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BURY RESERVES 1
February 5, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 27)
Dean's Return.
Everton Centre Scores in First Trial
Felt No Ill-Effects
Dean, the Everton centre-forward turned out for his club in the Central League game against bury at Goodison Park on Saturday, and though he did not take any risks he seemed to stand well the strain of his first turn in a game since the operation for cartilage trouble early in December. dean scored the winning goal, Bury being beaten by two goals to one. In an interview with the Daily Post last night Dean denied a report that he was likely to be out of football again for several weeks because of the injury to his knee. He felt no ill effects he said after Saturday's game, and so far as he knew he would be playing for Everton Reserves until he was quite fit again. He went to bed early last night with a slight cold, but his leg felt quite all right. Nor did he know anything about having to be examined by a specialist.
Not Fully Extended.
As was expected the return of Dean, coupled with the inclusion of the Cup Final, right wing, Geldard and Dunn, led to Goodison Park accommodating its biggest crowd for a Central league game for quite a long time. The Everton leader wisely never fully extended himself, yet, although he kicked the ball on few occasions, his accurate heading – particularly in the second half –made a sound connecting link between the inside forwards. The scheming Dunn was always up to take advantage of Dean's back header, and that Everton's after interval pressure did not result in more goals was due to the soundness and reliability of the Bury defence. The Everton centre's movements were hampered by the constant attentions of Jolly, who played a good game, yet, although Dean was not the dominating force we know him to be he was on the spot to shoot the winning goal with a fine right foot drive, and this put the big crowd in high glee. For the scorer had shown that given a chance, he is capable of shooting with power. Bury deserved their interval lead of a goal scored by Cope. After the interval Everton came into their stride, with Dunn working effectively and proving the mainspring. Geldard was brought down in the penalty area, and Birtley scored from the kick. Everton:- King, goal; Bocking and Jones backs; Birtley, Clark and Archer, half-backs; Geldard, Dunn, Dean (captain), Higham and Leyfield, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 3 EARLESTOWN WHITE STAR 1
February 5, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Liverpool County Combination.
At Crosby. The “A” team were the more finished side and fully deserved their win. Ten minutes from the interval Gilbertson, their outside left, was badly injured and took no further part in the game. The visitors schemed cleverly in the early stage, but Everton were more dangerous near goal, Wilson and Watson missing narrowly. The home team continued their attacks, and Mercer made some clever saves. After 35 minutes Litherland netted for Everton, Filde for the visitors, hit the upright with Deighton well beaten. Everton played superior football on the resumption, and after several sweeping raids O'Reilly scored twice within five minutes. Their opponents, however, fought gamely, and Jefferies reduced the arrears Everton, maintained their superiority, and kept their lead until the finish.

WANTED—A JAMES 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 February 1934
By Stork
All through the second half of the Everton v. Arsenal match, the crowd persisted in the call "We want James," and I came to the conclusion that they were right in their demand, for the Arsenal wanted a "guvnor," a man who could hold a line and dictate the terms.  Another section called for David Jack.  Either would have fitted the bill. There was no prompter in the Arsenal attack, and there was undoubtedly room for someone who could instruct the youthful members of the Arsenal front line.  I expect to see changes in the Arsenal side, but let me tell you of Everton's victory. It was accomplished because Sagar held the Arsenal forwards when they were smashing in shot after shot, and looked like breaking down the valiant Everton defence. Sagar during the last ten minutes of the first half was the perfect goalkeeper. If each and every one of those four shots had landed in his net, no one could have complained, for they were beautiful efforts, and worthy of goals if they had not robbed us a view of Sagar's masterly work in the Everton goal. He must have created consternation among the Arsenal forwards, for nothing upsets an attacker more than to see an opposing goalkeeper prevent his scoring goals with a shot labelled goal.  Having had their innings, and being unable to take more than one "wicket," Everton afterwards got Arsenal on the run, and a goal by White—not long returned to the field following an injury —brought success. So much on top were Everton that Sagar had a leisurely half-hour, during which time I doubt if he again touched the ball. It was an amazing fall away on the part of the Arsenal attack, for one had to admit that previously they were a dangerous lot when near goal. Sagar, undoubtedly, had taken away their confidence. It was not a great game by any means. For one thing conditions were dead against perfect football, for there was a thick fog—for half an hour we could see little—and then the morning rain had "oiled " the turf so that a foothold was hard to maintain. Then there were a couple of injuries, but Everton had taken the early points of the game, for up to the scoring of Birkett's goal they had been the most  persistent attackers, without, however, getting any reward for their labour because there was a dearth of accurate shooting. 
A GREAT GOAL 
The Arsenal had made three excursions into Everton territory, afourth had produced a goal, but in two  minutes Everton had squared matters by the best goal of the match, and the man who scored it—Cunliffe—was not far removed from the best forward on the field. When he took his shot he was fully twenty yards out towards the angle of the penalty area.  It was after that that Arsenal tried their "grand slam," and it required the best defensive measure to keep Dunne and his colleagues running up a big goal score. Williams,Cook, and Gee had never been seen to better account.  Williams was the essence of confidence and surety and Cook, if not quite so good, was a willing helper. Gee, however, was the eye-opener. He was more like the Gee of old than at any other time since his operation. He tackled with a grimness which told of a return to full confidence in himself, and his passing was of high standard. He may have erred when Birkett got his goal, but that was soon wiped but by his remaining play. It needed stern methods to check the onward flow of the Arsenal, and that it was checked was mainly due to the three players I have mentioned and Sagar.
ABOUT STEVENSON 
Stevenson did not do a great deal.  His fiat pass to Critchley was a joy, but after that he found the pace of the game unusual. He tried to make slow passes, which were never allowed to reach the point intended, and once made a lob with Moss out of goal, which showed a rapid working brain box.  Stevenson was naturally out headed, but we give him time to settle down in his new quarters, get to know the plans of his colleagues, and also realise that the game in England is a speedy business, and not the slow, methodical type of game seen across the border. He received a nasty blow on the face in the first half. He is small, but is nicely built, and has a keen, alert face which suggests that he will soon tumble to what is required in English football.  I saw good intention behind many of his plans.  Britton was fanciful, and for once in a way was inaccurate with his passes, and not until the wont, half did we see the best of Thomson. He was then the true captain. 
The truth about Dean seems to be foreign to the story of the week-end.  It had been reported that he was in danger of not playing again. This story has been rife for months, but the official information this morning is that Dean came through the reserve team game on Saturday without harm, and there is no truth in the suggestion that as a consequence of the try-out he has gone lame again. 
DEAN'S GOAL 
Goodison Park accommodated one of its biggest Central league crowds for the game with Bury, and the chief interest centred on the return of Dean, who played his first game following the cartilage operation. The cup final right wing—Geldard and Dunn—were also in the forward line. The odd goal victory was deserved. "Dixie” took this game easily, relying almost solely on his heading, and although he was not the dominating force we know him to be, the headwork was as accurate as ever.  The big crowd longed to see the Everton skipper have a shot—but they had a long wait—and then when Dean let drive it is questionable whether half the spectators saw it because of the fog.  The shot obtained the winning goal.   The crowd were highly delighted, particularly because Dean had shot that deciding goal. 

FINAL TEAMS MEET TOMORROW AT GOODISON PARK;
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 February 1934
STEVENSON'S FIRST SHOW; 
Bee’s Notes
Meet Alec Stevenson, of Glasgow Rangers and Everton. Signed a week ago; a dapper little fellow with “such tricks and ways about him “that he is sure to be a personality of play at Goodison Park.  He makes his home debut to-morrow when Everton get back to the 3.15 kick-off.  Give Goodison a new player of noteand the public will roll up in tens of thousands. They have always been used to big names. Ready-made players are necessary to suit the Goodison fan, and the relegation troubles brought the gates if not the points. Latterly, however, Everton have gone in for younger and inexperienced men. When Dean, Dunn, Johnson, and company went out of the first eleven there was a sad, aching void—the people felt they had lost the personality of the team.  Now Stephenson has been added to the ranks. The team has in one stroke of the signing pen got a touch of personality sufficient to make this meeting of Cup final rivals a very interesting game. Manchester City are going stronger than ever, and will not suffer nerves such as they allowed at Wembley on the historic day when Everton won 3-0. The City side is still in the Cup, and with McLuckie, Tilson, Bushy, Cowan, and others, is making a League mark well as a Cup run. I suppose Dean is out of the question for the team sheet to-morrow, and I imagine Everton will line up in this fashion: Sagar; Cook, Williams; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, Higham? Stevenson, Stein. 
Gates will be opened on Saturday for the "Derby” game v. Liverpool at 1.30.  Kick-off 3.15. The match v. Middlesbrough, fixed for the 17th, will be played on that date, even though there is a Cup-tie in the city. 

MANCHESTER CITY AT EVERTON.
February 7, 1933. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Today there are a number of attractive fixtures down for decision, and that at Goodison Park between Everton and Manchester City, the Cup finalists of last season, is likely to prove a highly interesting encounter. The City still have a chance to reach the final again, and they are particularly keen to win at Everton today in order to improve their position in the League table. They stand fifth, and two points would give them a better place. On the other hand Everton are sure to make a big effort to step up, too, after their victory at Highbury, so that I think we can look forward to some fine football.
Stevenson and White Absent.
Stevenson, the new player, and White were injured on Saturday at Highbury, and they are unable to play. Johnson has therefore been called on to lead the attack, while Higham, the former Chorley player, takes the inside left berth and will make his debut with the League team. The appearance of Johnson in the centre against his old club will be watched closely. It was in 1928 at the Park that Johnson scored five of Manchester City's six goals. From the previous games Everton have recorded fifteen victories to the City's four, while six have been drawn. The Manchester club gained its biggest victory over their rivals in 1928, when after being a goal in arrears they won by 6-2. The results of games in postwar football between these sides on today's enclosure (Everton's score reading first); 2-0, 3-0, 2-2, 0-0, 6-1, 3-1, 1-1, 2-6, 2-3, 0-1, and 2-1. The kick off is at 3.15, and the Everton team is; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Higham, Stein.

THE 66 TH MERSEYSIDE LEAGUE “DERBY.”
February 7, 1934. Evening Express.
Vital Goodison Park Battle on Saturday.
Stevenson Expected to be Fit.
By the Pilot.
The 66 th League “Derby” game between Everton and Liverpool, which takes place at Goodison park on Saturday, is one of the most vital of recent years. Points are of paramount importance to both teams, and more particularly to Liverpool. The Reds are near the foot of the table League success is essential if they are to be relived of worry in their effort to keep the F.A. Cup on Merseyside. The two points secured from Tottenham Hotspur should provide the necessary encouragement to go forward to better things and if they manage to defeat the Blues the points accruing will enable them to sit back happy for the forthcoming Cup-tie with Bolton Wanderers the following Saturday. Liverpool cannot afford to lose many more games, for teams below them have matches in hand, and Chelsea and Sheffield United in particular, have revealed considerable improvement of late.
Point A Match.
And what of Everton? They have secured 26 points from 26 games and a point a match is always a safety margin. A defeat for the Blues however, would once again place them on the borders of the danger zone. So you see how important this game is for these friendly rivals? Everton will not be able to select their eleven until this evening, but I understand that there is a district possibility of Stevenson and White being available. It will be a big occasion for Stevenson if he has to make his home debut in the “Derby” game, but many others have done so before, and with every success. Liverpool were delighted with their brilliant recovery against the ‘Spurs and when the directors foregathered last night naturally they decided to make no team change. With Steel still unavailable Tennant, the former Torquay United left back, continued at right back, and Taylor the ex-Stoke City outside left, holds the inside left position as partner to Hanson.
Previous Meetings.
Of the league games already played between the sides, Everton claim 29 victories with 20 wins for the Reds, while 16 matches have ended with honours even. Liverpool won the first of this season's meeting –at Anfield. At Goodison Park, Everton have won 15 games and Liverpool ten the remaining seven being drawn. Liverpool: Scott; Tennant, Done; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Nieuwenhuys, Hodgson, English, Taylor, Hanson.

STEIN GIVES EVERTON THE LEAD
February 7, 1934. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Everton played their first home match since January 6 at Goodison Park today when Manchester City provided the opposition in a re-arranged League game. Teams:- Everton:- Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Higham, and Stein, forwards. Manchester City:- Swift, goal; Barnett and Dale, backs; Busby, Cowan, and McLuckie, half-backs; Toseland, Marshall, Gregory, Heale, and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Dale, Sheffield. There were 15,000 spectators present, and Heale took the honours in the opening passages with good footwork and ball control. Toseland broke through to the line and forced Sagar to fist away. Cunliffe was a potent factor in the Everton front line. Stein dribbled Busby and Barnett to slip a beautiful pass to Cunliffe, who just failed to put Johnson through. The City half-backs were exceptionally keen with their interventions and it was McLurkie and Heale who enabled Brooks to race ahead and level a centre which Toseland headed in from close range Sagar turning the ball over the top. Hine broke through brilliantly using head and foot in delightful manner, and his low centre sped across to Critchley after McLuckie had touched it with his head. Critchley brought the ball back and levelled a fierce shot, which McLuckie beat down with his hand, and a penalty was awarded against the City. Britton was called on to take his first penalty for the Blues, and in trying to place the ball in the corner sent against an upright. The ball rebounded to Britton who forgetting the rules, placed it into the net, so that the City got away with a free kick. Higham who had been working hard, let go a surprise shot from 30 yards, but Swift caught the ball confidently. It was fast football, with Everton having the better of the exchanges. Higham was making quite a good impression. Johnson let go a right-foot drive, which skimmed the bar, while from a corner, Cunliffe headed against the bar. Healey, the man who nearly came to Everton, was proving the City's most potent raider. Swift had to leap high to turn over a free kick from Critchley. Everton were the more dangerous side. following good work by the left wing. Cunliffe had a terrific shot stopped by Dale, and though Higham shot in from the rebound, Cowan had fallen back to kick away off the line. At the 44 th minute Everton took the lead. The City were penalized on the half-way line, when Heale touched the ball before it had reached the ground in a throw down. Gee took the free kick and swept the ball out to the left and it passed right between two city players who were lined up in front of goal. Stein raced in, and taking the ball under control, scored. Half-time Everton 1 Manchester C 0.

CUP FINALISTS MEET AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 February 1934
BRITTON FAILS WITH PENALTY
STEIN SCORES
REMARKABLE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PLAYER
Everton could not field Alec Stevenson or White to-day. This was a blow to the local enthusiast, who had been keen to see the Glasgow Ranger player at his first home show. Possibly he will make this in the meeting with Liverpool on Saturday. Johnson became centre forward, and Higham, who dropped out after being picked for the game v. Arsenal—through the signing of Stevenson—now made his debut in League football.  The day was cold, and the meeting with the Cup final side, Manchester City, aroused much interest.  Everton.- Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Higham, Stein.  Manchester City; Swift; Barnett, Dale; Busby, Cowan, McLuckie, Toseland, Herd, Gregory, Heale, Brook.  Referee- Mr. Dale, of Sheffield. There was a tinge of bitterness about this game, and none of the 18,000 spectators divined a cause of it.  May it have been that something happened previously? I hear on good authority that one of the players of this city has been reported to the governing body for entering a referee's room after the match.  Everton moved off, thank to Critchley and Cunliffe, Critchley Showing rare pluck but too much deliberation, thereby being robbed.  Tom Johnson has not played centre forward for four years, and dashed about like a two-year-old to try and get a goal against his former side.  For a quarter of an hour Manchester City showed up neatly and revealed their Cup final style in that period.  After that they were very remiss in attack, and were not comparable with the Everton side, whose young forwards revelled in close dribbling and long passes. 
A PENALTY MISS 
Higham, from Chorley, was a sharp little fellow of no great height, but much football cuteness. Stein closed in and centred, McLuckie back heading the ball cleverly. Critchley stepped up, and his shot struck McLuckie's hand and face.  Instantly the referee gave a penalty kick, and Britton, who has yet to score for Everton, placed the ball and struck the upright.  In his excitement Britton forgot that it was impossible to have a second shot, but when he took this liberty the referee stopped play. 
Combined play between Britton and Cunliffe ended when Curtliffe's header finished round the post. Ben Williams played three close dribbles in the manner of a McDermott or a Turnbull.  There were far too many free kicks for hands against Manchester. In three successive moves Cunliffe, Johnson, and Critchley shot all really good efforts, and Cunliffe added a header against the upright.  Manchester's early bustle had faded out, and Everton were definitely the superior side, and the more deadly in front of the goal, Toseland, for instance, being out of work for some time and then making a "tripey" centre. 
A SCUFFLE 
Higham was a busy little fellow, and a like remark did not apply to Brook and Gregory. Higham went as far as the outside right berth, and a moment later lofted a shot over the bar.  Goalkeeper Swift made an aerial leap to stop Critchley's free kick finding the net, and after Gregory had been hurt there was a scuffle between that player and Ben Williams, and I am sorry to say I saw Williams kick Gregory.  Gregory made one solo run in which Sagar showed his catching ability, and Johnson was unlucky with a quickly-taken free kick, the referee ordering a re-taking owing to the ball being in the wrong position.  City’s best spurt when Toseland put across to Hurd, whose header was turned over the bar. 
A STEIN GOAL 
Right on time, after Higham had been hurt, Stein scored from a free kick closing in near the goal, while the City defence seemed to have failed to "get set " for the kick.  Previously Stein had missed a sitter, and as he had copied his Wembley feat by opening the goal sheet, Everton were glad of the half-time lead.  Half-time. Everton 1, Manchester City 0. 
In the second half Herd produced his famous long shot, Higham made a thrilling individual run suggesting that the boy has unlimited confidence, and a shot as well as ability, and Manchester City  were still unequal in attack, and mainly lacking in combination. 
There is a “Football Sunday” on February 11 ( 3 p.m) at the Fairfield Brotehrhood, Laurel-road.  Chairman, Mr. W.C. Cuff, of the Everton Football Club.  The speaker is Mr. Leslie Pattison, and the soloist Mr. Griff, Owen. 

EVERTON 2 MANCHESTER CITY 0 (Game 1463 over-all)-(Div 1 1421)
February 8, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Take Full Points
Victory Over Cup-Final Rivals.
Curious Incidents.
By “Bee.”
Everton are getting more and more securely placed in the league and their victory of 2-0 against Manchester City was one of their best efforts because, in spite of the absence of Glasgow Ranger Stevenson and White, the whole team played well together and showed much superior footwork and finish to their Cup-final rivals. Since Wembley much has happened to alter the personnel of the eleven's, and now Everton forgot about their old-time “Hoodoo” regarding Manchester City, and won handsomely by a margin not at all flattering to them. They shot so well that the margin could have been much heavier City started in a fresh and fluent manner, but it was the Everton line that earned the honours at the conclusion of the game. This was the more enjoyable, because Johnson was tried at centre-forward –his first effort there for four years –and Higham, of Chorley had his initial run in the senior side.
Penalty Kick Incident.
Higham, like the Manchester City goalkeeper Swift comes from Chorley, and both shook hands, at the finish of the game while the crowd of 20,000 was giving the little stocky forward hearty applause for his capital work. He is a business like chap; not tall, not heavy; but full of football tricks and competent to “hold” the ball, which is an art in these days of sliding tackles and sharp half-backs. He was not tied down to his position at inside left, yet he never lost touch with his partner, Stein, and his passes were made with through and discretion and good strength. Indeed had he and Cunliffe had any fortune with some strong shots the score would have been a heavy one. As it was Everton seemed to feel the loss of a spot kick. Britton fluffing a placed shot from the penalty kick when McLurkie had handled the ball. Britton possibly exasperated at the thought of missing his first and best chance of scoring ran up to take the rebound from the upright, but that, of course, is not permitted; no spot kicker is entitled to two bites at this gift goal. So the chance was lost. It seemed this incident might cost Everton delay, till Manchester City suffered a curious and inexplicable fall away till half-time in which period the City goal was lucky to escaper so far as the 44 th minute, when a free kick –one of far-too-many given against City for trumpery offences such as hands and hacking –led to a goal to Stein, who had scored against them in the final tie-again the opening goal. The ball was crossed, and Stein, closing in, gave the goalkeeper no chance this time, whereas at Wembley he seemed to have offered Langford a chance to save.
Sagar's Saves.
In the second half City improved considerably, and thus the fortunes of play suggested a possibility of City drawing, but Gregory was a poor marksman, and Herd, a crack shot, now found himself foiled by the agile Sagar, who is playing at the top of his form. He lifted several awkward shots over the bar very cleverly. Herd was the only one likely to get a goal, as Brook had little life against the astute Britton and the strong Williams, and on the other wing Toseland did not produce his pace or his known skill against Cook. So Manchester went back empty handled, and people who took comparison between the Chorley boy Higham at £400 and the Bristol boy Heale, who cost City £3,500 voted in favour of the Everton capture. Johnson clinched matters after an entertaining and effective effort as a centre forward by scoring against his old side, which meant joy to him and to the home club. He had just previously hit the ball to goal, and it had run up the goalkeeper's body. Now in a scrambled melee he got the ball through and crowned his happy day's work in which endeavour was the key note. Everton had to thank Gee for a fine display and the forward line, generally speaking, was in nippy form, Cunliffe being most impressive in his holding off the ball and in his strong shots. On the other hand, City's Cowan and the backs shaped ill at ease and the clever wing half-backs were best when taking the ball up by cute moves rather than in their effort to dispossess the home side . it was quite a thrilling match for a midweek show, and Everton merited the honours, notably in the security of their defence which defence earned Sagar his right to appear in place of Hibbs as the English League goalkeeper at Scotland on Saturday. Teams:- Everton:- Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Higham, and Stein, forwards. Manchester City:- Swift, goal; Barnett and Dale, backs; Busby, Cowan, and McLuckie, half-backs; Toseland, Marshall, Gregory, Heale, and Brook, forwards. Referee Mr. L. Dale, Sheffield.

SAGAR IN FOOTBALL LEAGUE SIDE.
February 8 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
BY John Peel.
There is no finer goalkeepers in the county to-day than sager, of Everton, and it is fitting that he should be called upon to keep goal for the football league against the Scottish league, at Glasgow on Saturday, sager takes the place of Hibbs, who recently a thigh injury last Saturday, sager played for the football league against the Irish league at Preston earlier in the season, and there is no doubt that he is at present at the top of his form. it is a high football honour to get a place in the side to oppose the Scottish League and his appearance at Ibrox may result in a “cap” for the England v. Scotland match. The Everton goalkeeper, therefore will not be available for the “Derby” game against Liverpool on Saturday and his place will be taken by Coggins. This is the only change in the Everton team compared with the side that defeated Manchester City yesterday. Coggins played for Everton against Sheffield Wednesday on September 9, when he was injured, and had to undergo a cartilage operation.
Higham's Promise.
The Everton side as composed yesterday is calculated to give Liverpool a hard run. Certainly the team showed to advantage in beating Manchester City particularly at full back and in finishing and I consider that in Higham and Cunliffe Everton possess young players who are likely to make a mark in senior football. Cunliffe has developed on the right lines since he joined the first team, while Higham, on his debut in First Division Football showed surprising confidence. A great worker, he controlled the ball, wonderfully well,, and his passing and general ability suggests that he will prove of distinct worth as he gains experience. Though lacking in height, he is stockily built, and with the ball on the ground is distinctly clever.

EVERTON REVELATIONS;
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 February 1934
HIGHAM, CUNLIFFE, AND JOHNSON SURPRISES, SAGAR SELECTED FOR THE LEAGUE; ENTER COGGINS 
Bee’s Notes
Everton revealed themselves in a new light against Manchester City-they were fast, a trifle rugged, unorthodox, convincing in inside forward methods, and Higham proved he can not only strike a shot, but he can control the ball in little space and make for the scissors pass that has lately gone out of the Everton attack. Cunliffe showed further brilliance in every direction, and Tom Johnson revelled in the leadership of the side, after four years absence from the centre forward position. After the game, as exclusively stated in our stop press last night, Sager was chosen for the English League (vice Hibbs hurt), and Coggins was chosen for the "Derby" game—the only change for the side that played yesterday. 
These are testing times, and Everton have now raised themselves to the half-way house through much-improved attacking formations. Everyone would like to see little Stevenson, but for the moment the Chorley boy Higham, in spite of lack of inches and experience, has done sufficient to suggest the club can call on him any time with confidence.  Maybe the poverty of Manchester City's half back tackling led us up the street styled "Optimism," but at any rate this boy at £400 is vastly different from the £5,000 Hesle, judged on thin match. Everton's defence has stiffened, and I reckoned City's final effort a good one—wrecked only by  Sagar's marvellous tip-top goalkeeping-he edges them over the bar, and four times these ticklish affairs were put aside by Sagar the safe.
DEAN ON REFEREES 
At the monthly meeting of Liverpool Referees' Society, to be held on Tuesday, February 13, at Reece's Cafe, 14, Castle-street, Liverpool. Kick-off 7.45, W. R. Dean, captain of Everton F.C., will give his opinion of referees in general, English and Continental. All referees are cordially invited. Members please come early. 

EVERTON CHANGES FOR TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 February 1934
STEVENSON IN; HIGHAM INJURED 
By Bee
A week ago Higham was chosen to play for Everton, and when Stevenson, of Glasgow Rangers, was signed, Higham's name dropped out of the frame. For Wednesday's match Stevenson was hurt, and Higham stepped in. Now the position is reversed; Higham is hurt, and his name drops out, Stevenson making his debut at home for Everton v. Liverpool.  Higham made such an impression that he could hardly be left out of the eleven versus Liverpool. Unfortunately the Chorley boy got two sharp knocks against Manchester City, and this morning the Everton club announced that it was impossible for him to take the place allotted him at the selection of the side on Wednesday night. So Alec Stevenson comes to the Liverpool public for a "Derby” game, as did Irvine, who also made his home debut in one of these highly-important games. Everton followers will be sorry Higham is not playing, but they will be happy to see the new man. 

MEET TWO OF THE LIVERTON LADS;
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 February 1934
THEY KEEP THE GAME ALIVE;
AND THEY KEEP THE EVERTON V. LIVERPOOL MATCHES CLEAN AND INTERESTING 
Bee’s Notes
Most interesting people these "Robin Reds" and "Ever Blues.” There are thousands of them. They will be at Goodison Park to-morrow to talk and re-talk and make an inquest over another of the famous meetings between Everton and Liverpool. Whichever way the game goes there will be fun, some fury, good sport, clean football, and a week of leg-pulling, according the way victory goes—if there is not a draw. Those people who are above such sordid things as enthusiasm over a game need not bother to read any further. This is merely another family-plate affair in which Mr. Kop and Mr. Goodson are at loggerheads. Read on: 
Mr. Kop.—Good old Reds! Come on Sam! Come on the Zulu! Come on the Reds. That's Tiny Bradshaw tossing the coin! What a lad! What a man! What an artist! What a third back! Talk about your B.B. C. Bach; they've not got one so fascinating as him. 
Mr. Goodson.—is it true he's been praying for Dean to be an absentee? 
Mr. Kop.—Sez you! Who's afraid of the big Brad-shaw? Dean has a chance to sit and watch a good side now. 
WHO? 
Mr. Goodson.—Wish Dixie was here.  You'd see Elisha scampering about all hot and bothered! 
Mr. Kop.—You're telling me. I'll tell you "Lish" is the greatest goalkeeper ever known to the game. Sam Hardy said so and he ought to know. 
Mr. Goodson.—Sam never saw Sagar.  Sagar is the man who put Leeds out of the Cup, the man who wins game off his own bat when the wicket is sticky.  Sagar is the man who made a draw at Sheffield; the man who stopped Arsenal winning last Saturday. Boy ! Have you seen him leap and "flight" a ball?  You've seen nuthin' if you haven't seen that. 
Mr. Kop.—Did you see that Everton sent the Cup back to London last week?  What a waste of time! It will only be brought back again in April to Anfield!  Pity to waste the time and money sending it back.  Mr. Goodson.—you talk in riddles and without your book of form and fact Liverpool never won the Cup—and never will. 
Mr. Kop.—Abyssinia at Wembley. 
Mr. Goodson.—Aby—suin' yer if you tell any more lies! 
Mr. Kop.—Why is it you Goodison fellows have the superiority complex in this matter of football? 
Mr. Goodson.—we’ve been brought up to the best football traditions. We would sooner lose than play poor football! 
A KIND OFFER 
Mr. Kop.—here’s hoping for your side in the Derby game. Have you the monopoly of fine football? 
Mr. Goodson.—No, sir: But recently we have won two championships and a cup, and this season we thought we would just lie doggo, to let the other sides have a bit of a chance. 
Mr. Kop.—you kindness is like your feet—crushing. 
Mr. Goodson.—Wait till you're seen Higham, the midget with the mighty football brain!  
Mr. Kop (scornfully).—Haveyou ever seen him play? 
Mr. Goodson.—No, but I know my man; every inch of him. 
Mr. Kop.  -What! All the 5ft. 6ins?
Mr. Goodson.-Multum in parve!
Mr. Kop.—Sal volatile to you and the “x" is silent as in lexicon: 
Mr. Goodson.—You make me tired!  Why to-day you're going to see the stoutest heart in football. Good old Benny; and the toughest pair of tackling legs in the Isles. Good old Billy Cook!  Steady, there, Billy; don't hurt 'em; bump 'em, but don't forget we never have harsh football in these Merseyside Derby games. I'm not implying anything, I'm only reminding, you newer players of this city that Liverpool football stands for all that is best and fairest.
Mr. Kop.—You're telling us. Don't we know that "Bee" started the double line-up in Derby games, so that the players and spectators would get the sporting spirit before and during the game. 
Mr. Goodson.—And after! 
Mr. Kop.—Ad infinitum. 
Mr. Goodson.—English is good enough for me, anyway. 
Mr. Kop.--So's our Sam! Huh!  Even your laugh's crooked! 
Mr. Goodson.—By to-night you'll be remain' in the good old "Ekker" headlines about "Anfield's Revival Team!" 
Mr. Kop.—Don't be silly; it will be "The Great I Am"—joke, Higham! 
Mr. Goodman.--Don't be silly! Keep your eye on Cunliffe; a lad who'll play for England in three years; bet you a shilling! Right! Cunliffe, artist, schemer, outstanding at Highbury.  Looks like Buchan: promises to be a Buchan. Just what Liverpool want most of all if you want me to be helpful to your uncertain side.  Mr. Kop.—Thanks! After the match Everton will send a deputation to Anfield for some help to keep them clear of relegation. 
Mr. Goodson.—We experienced that "certain sort of thing" three years ago.  You have been there more than once.  Second Division sounds an alarming sentence, but your club's on the way to the cells.
Mr. Kop.—Just a patch of injuries and bad luck; a little of the form they showed against the Spurs and you'll see the most enthusiastic team in the League, and what's more, an enchanting team to watch. Good old Gordon Highlander!  Good old Zulu! Slip 'em across! And look at our Sam, a bundle of energy and skill; a header like Dixie. 
Mr. Goodson.—You'll withdraw that, or I'll knock your block off. 
Mr. Kop.—Your Dean is not a king. 
Mr. Goodson —He is unrivalled as a header. If you don't withdraw I'll knock your— 
Mr. Kop.— Can't you take other people's opinions? Only your own? 
Mr. Goodson.—Do not be personal and prejudicial. I've followed Everton since I was ten years old. I've seen 'em all come and go. I'm "Ever Blue," who writes to "Bee." Know me?
Mr. Kop.—l've got eyes, too. I'm a loyal Red. I'm "Robin Red," know me?
A MATTER OF OPINION 
Bee (intervening).—Gentlemen,—You are known by your criticism, by your noms de plume; by your handwriting.  By heavens, if some of you don't stop arguing about football we shall never be able to get into the match! There are only 200 tickets issued, fortunately the ground holds about 66,000 people, so you can go there and take your chance for the stile or the grand stand, according to your desire.  It is always good to see a Liverton "Derby" game; there is no filth in these games and the class of football has been universally praised. Don't argue "Mr. Blue Bag" and "Mr. Red Robbins";  get together have your opinion; everyone is entitled to his or hers, and encourage the good of the sport whatever the result. Stevenson, of Rangers, will make his debut. White will be ready for the fray. Liverpool are playing the side that battled with the Spurs.  Everton want their revenge. The turf is good, the accommodation is good, the  occasion is historic. Let us have no excuses; let us have the best of football and the best of spectators.  Mr. Kop and Mr. Goodson (together).  —lt's a pleasure to do anything you ask.  Bee.—Righto Let the battle commence:  Both (together).—See you at Goodson, well; Tarrawell!

DERBY GAME AT GOODIOSON PARK
February 10 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Merseyside will be thrilled today by the meeting of Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in the return League match, and, as is customary on these occasions, a great crowd will assemble to see what promise to be a most interesting exposition of the code. The day altogether is crowded with important events. The clash between the representative teams of the Football League and Scottish league at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, is one of the big games of the season.
Clash Of Local Rivals.
The fact that Everton and Liverpool have shown improvement recently has increased appeal of the match today. In disposing of London's premier combinations last week the Merseyside clubs accomplished a double which was very welcome and Everton followed up their achievement at Highbury by a victory over Manchester City in mid-week. Liverpool were not engaged in mid-week and to that extent they should enjoy the better of the handicap today, but whatever the result I feel sure the game will be most interesting, for both sides appear to have taken a turn for the better. Liverpool having won at Anfield earlier in the season, will be out to repeat the performance, and in view of the fact that they are still in the Cup and their position is rather precarious at the lower end of the table, the men are particularly anxious to relieve the tension.
The Teams.
Everton, however, are also desirous of advancing and with the teams in this frame of mind there will be no slackening of effort during the whole ninety minutes. Owing to an injury sustained in the midweek match Higham, the Chorley youth, who did so well against Manchester City, is unable to appear and Stevenson the Irish International from Glasgow Rangers is to partner Stein. Stevenson played his first match against the Arsenal, and in this, his home debut, his play will be followed closely. If he can improve on Higham's display Everton will indeed he fortunate. Stevenson and Cunliffe will be playing in the first “Derby”. Sagar has been called on to help the League in place of the injured Hibbs, and thus Coggins will keep post. Liverpool will have the side, which defeated the Spurs. We all look for a clean, sporting encounter, with the issue very open, and I should not be surprised to see another draw added to the record. The kick off is at 3.15 and the teams are:- Everton: Coggins; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Stevenson, Stein. Liverpool:- Scott; Tennant, Done; Morrison, Bradshaw, McDougall; Neiuwenhuy, Hodgson, English, Taylor, Hanson.

NEAT “DERBY” ENDS IN GOALLESS DRAW.
February 10, 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
Liverpool's Gallant Battle With Ten Men.
Hanson Hurt and May Not Play in Cup
By the Pilot.
• Unfortunately the first column is unreadable, start from second column.
Fired straight across the goal, the ball remaining in play. It was returned for Hodgson to let drive, and Gordon's pile-driver sailed over the top. Hanson came back, but no sooner had he touched the ball then he had to go off again, “pick-a-back” to the dressing-roon. Liverpool paid the penalty of cutting it too finely with the offside trap, Stein going ahead to turn a fine pass back for the benefit of Stevenson. The Irishman sliced his drive. It was a fast and exhilarating game, with plenty of incident. Liverpool's football was not so exact as that of Everton, but their defence was standing the strain well, and the Reds always looked dangerous when they got moving. “Nivvy” failed to profit from good chances for centering, one ball in fact going back to Bradshaw standing on the half-way line. Right on the interval Coggins pulled down a long shot from Morrison, and Cunliffe headed over a sweeping centre from Johnson.
Half-time Everton 0, Liverpool 0
There was ominous news for Liverpool in view of their cup tie. I learned at half-time that Hanson's injury is so serious that it will mean an operation for cartilage. This is really serious for Liverpool, with the Cup tie only eight days away. Everton should have been ahead at the interval. They had been better in construction, but their shooting was poor. Bradshaw had played brilliantly in the Liverpool defence. The game re-opened with a 25 yards' drive from Johnson, but it found Scott ready and willing. Liverpool were playing more enterprisingly than in the first half, and Bradshaw came to the rescue when the ever dangerous Stein got going. Stevenson had a wonderful chance to bust through from Stein's pass, but allowed the ball to run too far from him. Liverpool stood still appealing for offside when Cunliffe broke through. There was no question of the legitimacy of his position, and only a fierce tackle by Morrison prevented Johnson getting to business. English got the ball into the net seconds after the whistle had sounded for offside against “Nivvy” and Tennant was injured in collision with Stevenson Eph. Longsworth sportingly attended to both men.
Liverpool Fight Gamely.
Liverpool were putting up a brave fight under their handicap of having only ten men; in fact, they were having much more of the game than in the first half. English lost a chance through dalliance, and Williams brought off the perfect clearance at the expanse of Sam. Bradshaw was here, there, and everywhere. The Everton forwards could not beat the tall, resourceful Liverpool captain. Scott fisted away a centre from Stein, the best forward on the field.
Fight For Lead.
The sides were fighting hard for the one goal, which would mean points and bonus, but to be quite frank the finishing was not good. Had it been up to standard, Everton must have been ahead before now. Johnson broke through in Stein's position and following his centre, Cunliffe let go a great shot which was travelling to the corner until Scott went full length to save brilliantly. It was the save of the match, and typical of Scott. Liverpool raced away, and English headed on to the top of the net from “Nivvy's” centre. Liverpool deserved their point for the brave fight with only ten men after 29 minutes. They did not play such good football as Everton, but the Blues were deficient in finishing, so had only themselves to blame. The Everton halves were brilliant throughout, but none excelled Bradshaw, who was the main reason for the Reds earning the point which is going to prove so valuable to them later. Final Everton 0, Liverpool 0.

INSPID EVERTON –L’POOL GAME
Liverpool Football  Echo - Saturday 10 February 1934
BLUES FAIL TO DRIVE HOME ATATCKS AGAINST TEN MEN
50,000 PEOPLE SEE GOALLESS DRAW
By Bee
A very poor game; one of the poorest ever seen in the Mersey serial. Liverpool unlucky to lose Hanson in half an hour. Everton unconvincing in front of goal.  Everton; Coggins; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson (Captain); Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Stevenson, Stein.  Liverpool.- Scott; Tennant, Done; Morrison, Bradshaw (Captain), McDougall; “Nivvy” Hodgson, English, Taylor, Hanson.  Referee.- Mr. W.P. Harper, Stourbridge. A charming day; fit for the best of footballers. Ground perfect, with little wind, the morning mist and drizzle gone, and another Everton and Liverpool “Derby” game with the blue and the red tokens fairly prominent, and a crowd of 50,000 at the start. 
The first piece of news I have for you is that Warney Creswell, the famous Everton full back, is an applicant for the managership of Arsenal or Aston Villa.  Elisha Scott was figuring in his nineteenth" Derby” game, Coggins in his first, and only on about five occasions has Elisha been on the losing side. The individual record is held by John D. Taylor, the former Everton captain, who had twenty-four appearances against Liverpool.  Everton brought Alec Stevenson to his Goodison debut through the Chorley boy, Higham, being damaged. This in itself was an added attraction to the usual football fervour of these historic meetings.  Liverpool directors were at Leicester' to-day, and they had concern only for the Sunderland forwards. Everton have an interesting announcement to make on Monday.  This Lord Mayor (Councillor G. A. Strong) and the Lady Mayoress, both keen followers of Everton and Liverpool for many years, were greeted by the crowd.   They came out two by two as in Cup finals,and in the combination of good sporting friends, and it was very nice to see Sam English and Alec Stevenson shake hands as they entered the field.  When Bradshaw had won the toss there began another of the exciting Liverton games. The referee hitched up his slacks, and Everton kicked off facing the Aintree goal.
STEVENSON’S FIRST EFFORT 
In one second Cunliffe's pass had been snapped up by English, and Cook legged English to the ground. Result, a free kick, and Done, a third the length of the field, tried a long shot.  It was Scot versus Scot again when Stevenson made his first effort and, keeping the ball too close, was crowded out by Morrison.  Johnson was continually going over to the right wing—an unusual feature for him—and it was plain Everton were playing according to a well-devised plan.  Johnson got the better of the falling Bradshaw, and Critchley found himself two-yards from goal with the referee's shrill whistle for offside ringing in his ears.   The first definite shot of the game was from Critchley, a fast shot steadily taken, and Scott made a catch at the post, but carried the ball over for a corner, from which Stevenson let the ball pass through his legs for Thomson, the Everton captain, to make a shot.  There followed a real blazing effort on the part of Stein, who was a yard or two too high with a well-delivered shot.  Stevenson let out a "bobbing” shot, Scott gathering it, and taking a charge in his own safe way. So far, Liverpool's left wing had done nothing, but when Hanson put the ball across Cook made one of his full-length punts, and Tennant responded by hooking the same ball with neatness, following up with a very solid clearance.  Everton were having a large share of the attack: almost all the attack, in fact, and Done stopped little Stevenson by use of his weight, and Cunliffe shot the ball over the bar when placed correctly at a reasonable angle and distance.  Everton for a time began to play too confidently and too close, making passes of neatness, but without value.  More practical was the back-header by Tennant to his goalkeeper. At last Liverpool broke through, "Nivvy” squaring the ball, and Coggins ran out and found himself unable to make contact.  There was all the promise of a goal, when English was covered. But the danger was not over, because the ball was actually on its way to goal, when Ben Williams made a stirring, dramatic save when nothing else could have saved Everton.
TENNANT AND HANSON HURT 
Bradshaw responded in somewhat similar manner to the promptings of Johnson. A misunderstanding by the Liverpool defence which had not realised how close Stevenson was to goal would have brought a point if the other Everton forwards had realised Stevenson's only method was now a gentle pass to the middle of the goal.  But no one was up to anticipate such a move.  Hodgson gave a thoroughly good charge on Thomson, and Thomson followed up with one of the beat samples of heading I have ever seen.  Britton, trying to redeem Wednesday's penalty miss, tried a long shot that swung out almost as far as some of his golf drives. Referee Harper not only kicked the ball into touch to save time, but ran on and fielded it for a throw-in, which was very kind, but I doubt the wisdom of such a proceeding.  The game warmed up when English made a long run and ended it by a foolish pass, after which Hanson was set for goal when Coggins ran out and smothered the ball, thereby saving his side. Hanson was carried off as a consequence of the injury received in this incident.  The game was also stopped for Tennant's sake. He caught a Stevenson shot in the pit of the stomach. Both the Liverpool players resumed at the same moment.  Liverpool had another good chance when English bothered Coggins, and Williams, the goalkeeper, being dispossessed, and a chance of a goal arising. First, "Nivvy” shot with his left foot and then Hodgson drove over the bar whenthe defence was without position or settled comfort.  Hanson stayed on but a minute, and was then carried off on the back of Ephraim Longworth.  Stevenson shot far and wide just as "Nivvy " had done a minute before.  Taylor and Britton had a duel which left Britton limping a little, and Cook netted the ball for the first time in this match when passing the ball back to his goalkeeper for the goalkick sounded a second or so before.  There were many mistakes in this half, touch being found all too frequently. There was a bright light, however, when Cunliffe dragged the ball down and wound up with a shot that went too high.  Everton, near half-time, made their best effort, Critchley starting the movement and Stein appearing to clinch it when he shot with such force that he fell over after bringing Scott to his knees. Stein was no more than six yards away, so that Scott's save was a remarkable one.  No one passed better than Cunliffe and Britton, and Bradshaw kept a controlling force over the middle of the goal.  - Liverpool's only shot this half came from Morrison, and Coggins was not troubled by it.  Half-time.—Everton 0, Liverpool 0. 
Inquiring at half-time of Mr. McIntosh I learned that the crowd numbered 50,000. Liverpool regretfully reported that Hanson's trouble is cartilage—the footballer's bugbear.  Play resumed, Liverpool with ten men, and Johnson, with his first real pass served up by Britton in appealing fashion, called on Scott to save the ball by stretching out his right hand.  Hodgson replied with a ball that struck a defender and became a corner.  Everton went on with their attacking, thanks to Stein, and the ball very luckily struck Bradshaw's heel; after which Ben Williams went forward and became stronger and stronger, McDougall stopping Critchley cleverly.  Done cut across Stevenson when the Everton forward line was once more in full sail, thanks to Thomson's ability.  Play was as drab as ever, and Gee livened it a little by trying a long shot that held no terrors for Scott. The first moment that Bradshaw forsook ultra-defence to try and get his four forwards moving here was danger from Johnson. 
TREAT OF THE DAY 
Quite the richest football treat of the day came from Britton and Cunliffe, the latter's gentle tap forward being an excellent move towards Johnson till Morrison stepped in, anticipating the idea and preventing a shot. Bradshaw was brilliant at this moment.  Gee was playing a confident game, but Stein was erratic in his drives. Scott had to run out to prevent Johnson having a shot; and the jerkiness of this description is evidence of the way the ball was pushed hither and thither, with little cohesion and all football craft.  Liverpool's ten men were definitely tiring, and Everton ought to have been more conclusive near goal. Stevenson made a gliding pass, the acme of artistry and followed it with the use of a back-heel movement which has gone quite out of fashion.  Liverpool netted the ball neatly, per "Nivvy and a final touch from English, but "off-side” had sounded long before.  In connection with the offside decision, it ought to he stated that the linesman had signalled "Offside” immediately the Liverpool winger went towards the ball. There was another stoppage, Tennant and Stevenson being damaged.  Liverpool became more enthusiastic, but English dallied with a possible left foot shot, finally making the ball turn to the run before making a shot with right foot, the ball passing high over.  A further "Nivvy” centre was headed by the falling Taylor, Coggins picking up with ease. There was further when a race between  Williams and English led William to introduce his signature theme—stabbing ball back, is an exceedingly pretty move, but highly dangerous to his side's chance.  However, it was successful, so the end justified the means.  Liverpool were now doing better than at any other time in the game. Liverpool played to the whistle; otherwise Johnson would have made a goal that was stopped near the goalline by Bradshaw, when most people expected an offside verdict.  Everton, however, resumed the attack, and Scott had to save a long shot from Thomson. Scott also saved front Stein as Cunliffe slid into the back of the net.  Everton's best idea came after Cunliffe had made three short dribbles and Britton and Critchley had helped in a good move. Critchley's centre was a tantalising one, and Scott did well to stay the header by Johnson, who crashed into the side netting.  McDougall centred in spite of the close proximity of the referee, and “Nivvy " headed into the hands of Coggins, the same player in the next breath making a shot near the scoreboard.  A long kick by Hodgson sent "Nivvy” on his best errand—a sprint. The ball sped too fast for "Nivvy” to shoot into goal, but he got a corner, and, after it, English had a great chance of scoring, but seemed to hesitate in fear of damaging an opponent 
SCOTT'S GREAT SAVE 
From a mis-kick by Cook, English had a shot at Coggins, and the one great save of the match came now, when Johnson drifted out to the left wing, centred, and Cunliffe shot expertly, Scott's save bringing down the house.  The second half had been better than the first, but neither half had been worthy.  The humorous chapter came right at the end when Scott looked anything but a hundred Irish welcomes at one of his players, when Critchley's shot was stealing just outside the post. 
Final; Everton 0, Liverpool 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday February 10, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

• Prior to Wednesday Tommy Johnson’s only appearance at centre-forward for Everton was made as far back as March, 1930.
• Have you noticed that since October went out Everton have lost only one of their eight “away” League matches, when they died hard by the odd goal on the Villa ground?
• The other seven yielded three wins and four drawn games
• Everton on Saturday had only four men on view occupying last season’s Cup final positions. 
• Looks as though Everton have found a capable deputy right half for Cliff Britton in Birtley, who filled the role splendidly against Bury last week
• Everton would like to sign on Bastin of the Arsenal.  But so would countless other clubs. 
• Everton stand alone in having a Welsh-Irish back combination
• Everton led at the interval on Wednesday for the first time in eleven matches.
• Higham’s is the 22nd player to appear in Everton’s League team this season

EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 0 (Game 1464 over-all)-(Div 1 1422)
February 12, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
A Lifeless “Derby.”
Forwards Fail To Shoot.
Bradshaw A Tower Of Strength.
By “Stork.”
Another Derby game has gone down to history, but this latest meeting between Everton and Liverpool will not live long in the memory for it was undoubtedly the poorest, the most sombre, and the most lifeless “Derby” game I have ever seen. Even the crowd was abnormally quiet. True, they had not much to enthuse over, for the football, taken all through, was far from the standard usually served up in this class of game. That Liverpool took a point away from Goodison Park was in a measure due to the woeful finishing of the home forwards. Let us not forget that the Anfielders were deprived of the services of Hanson after half an hour and it is acknowledged in present day football that to lose a man is to lose the game; but Liverpool battled along, overcame their handicap and secured a very valuable point. No goals were scored in the meeting of the city giants, yet they were there for the taking; but the football all through was of a negative quality. It lacked finality, and the goalkeepers had not a great deal to do. Scott made the greatest saves of the match when he held up a Stein shot of much power, and later when he prevented a stunning shot by Cunliffe from finding a home in his net. Liverpool seemed to be afraid of their position, and Everton gave me the impression that their two recent victories had given them a superiority complex. Whatever the cause, the game will be voted and quoted as the poorest derby seen for an age.
A Quiet Opening.
The game opened quietly; they very often do, only to blaze forth into a fury as it progresses; but this game never rose above mediocre. Everton were perhaps, the more crafty in their combination, but when they got near goal they simply had not a shot in their locker. To a great extent the Liverpool half-backs were responsible for Everton's poor forward display, for Bradshaw, McDougall, and Morrison were right at the top of their form, and you should all know what that means. Bradshaw was a tower of strength, and Johnson got little or no chance against him. When he did find a way beyond the Liverpool captain, he had to manceurve the ball over to his left foot, and he was not allowed any time to accomplish his desire. Of really good class movements there were few, and I saw innumerable mistakes and too much big kicking. The ball was far too much in the air. Kick it and trust to providence that a forward will get it. That seemed to me to be in the minds of some of the players. It was all so unlike what we have been brought up to when viewing these Derby games. Everton were undoubtedly the better side during the first half and the display of Stevenson pleased me quite a lot. Much that he did was the work of the true artist. He produced a dainty gliding pass, and he and Stein and Thomson were responsible for some of the clever movements of the day. The ex-Glasgow Rangers is a wee fellow, but he gave the tall Bradshaw many anxious moments by the fleetness of foot; but his shooting was of no account. He is however, a general provider, and was obtained because of his “fetching ability” rather than his big shot, Liverpool, during the half hour when they were at full strength, could not get the run of the ball. The forward line, although ably assisted by the men behind them, could not get moving in real battle array, and again it was the half back line which throttled down English and his co-forwards. Britton, Gee, and Thomson had the measure, and the speed of Niuewenhuys was not enough to beat the hard-hitting Cook.
Hanson Carried Off.
When Hanson had to be carried off on the back of Ephram Longsworth, and was afterwards earned that he was suffering from cartilage trouble, one naturally expected to see Everton do much better against a depleted Liverpool, but it was just the reverse for the Anfielders then showed their remarkable fighting qualities. They fought so well that they came to within an ace of scoring, and if any one forward could have produced a shot of any worth he might have scored, for Coggins in the Everton goal was uncertain. Once, when Nieuwenhuys was running through he left his goal, when he had no chance of beating the Liverpool winger in a race for the ball, “Nivvy” beat him and then centred square in front of the gaping goal. English, was thus presented with a great opportunity, even though he was partially covered by Williams, who eventually cleared. Liverpool deserved a point, if only because of their stern battle, when faced with a big handicap, and the high quality of some of Scott's saves. Two, in particular are well worth giving in detail. Stein was less than six yards out of goal when he hit a pile driver, but Scott turned the ball aside in a nonchalant manner as if it was only a very ordinary save, whereas it was a masterly effort. Then there was Cunliffe's shot. It looked any odds on the ball landing in the net, for Cunliffe's effort was a truly fine one, but the great little Irishman was not in the humour to allow anyone to beat him. He was the direct opposite to Coggins. Full of confidence, he came out when he should have done, and stayed in goal when it was his business to be there. Coggins seemed to be nervous. He did many strange things and was not made to pay the penalty. Several times be completely missed the ball when it came in from the wings, and more than once left his goal and even then did not link up with the ball, so it was well that Williams and Cook were staunch defenders. The defence of each side was master of the opposing attack. Cunliffe maintains his good form, and I think this young man is going to make a name for himself. But I would place Stein first in the honours list of the Everton forwards, but he had to thank Stevenson and Thomson for many of his opportunities. The Liverpool forwards were below par. English rarely got a takenable ball and none came to his head. Even if they had there is just a possibility that he could have done little with them, for Gee, like Bradshaw, was very sound in his heading; in fact the former international has come right back to his best, but Britton was the artist of the line. He was a joy to behold. He could work the ball on a foot of hurt and then send his pass speeding to his man. He and Critchley had a fine first half, with the latter giving Scott a long-range shot to cope with. Teams: - Everton: - Coggins, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, Johnson, Stevenson, and Stein, forwards. Liverpool: - Scott, goal; Tennant, and Done, backs; Morrison, Bradshaw (captain), and McDougall, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Hodgson, English, Taylor, and Hanson, forwards. Referee Mr. W. P. Harper, Stourridge.

COULTER SIGNS FROM BELFAST CELTIC
February 12, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
John Coulter the twenty-two year-old Irish forward and Belfast Celtic outside left was transferred to Everton on Saturday, shortly after he had been ordered off the field by the referee, in an Irish cup tie between Belfast Celtic and Ballymena at Ballymena. The transfer fee is said to be £3,000. Coulter played for Ireland this season at inside left against England, and Wales, and also for the Irish league in their matches with the Scottish league and the football League.

HANSON WILL NOT PLAY IN CUP-TIE
February 12, 1934. Evening Express.
Liverpool Dogged By Injury Bogy
By the Pilot.
Hanson, Liverpool's brilliant outside left, definitely will not be able to play for Liverpool in Saturday's F.A. Cup-tie with Bolton Wanderers at Anfield. Sydney Roberts is also a certain non-starter, but Wright, who has been ill, may possibly be able to play. Other players on Liverpool's injured list are Riley, Alden and Deacon. Hanson damaged his knee in the Merseyside “Derby” game with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, which ended in a goalless draw, and he was taken to see a specialist yesterday. Although the report of the specialist is not yet in the hands of Mr. George Patterson, secretary manager a doubt exists whether the injury is to the cartilage as was at first feared. An operation may not be necessary. The Reds will be encouraged by the fact that they have two players who can play at inside-left –McDougall and McPherson –and there is Taylor for the wing position. McDougall was an inside left when he first came to Anfield, and if he was moved up McPherson would come in a left half. The directors have decided to follow their customary practice and keep the players at home for this week. They will take things quietly at home, with little deviation from their ordinary training routine.
A Deserved Point.
Liverpool greatly eased their league position by securing a point from Everton. And it was a point deserved, considering that they played with ten men from the 20 th minute. It was a good game –not one of the best, but producing plenty of exhilarating football and thrills. To those to whom goals and not scientific football meant everything it might have fallen below standard, but, after all it is the football that counts. Everton did serve up glorious constructive football in midfield. It was a joy to see Liverpool had the best player on the field in Tom Bradshaw. Elisha Scott proved that he is still the master goalkeeper. These things alone made it an attractive match. It is quite true that Everton sacrificed a point simply and solely because they could not finish as they approached. They were the more precise footballers and the smoothness and subtlety of their movements was often as source of delight, but once they reached the penalty area, they simply could not find the means of outwitting the all powerful Bradshaw or the agile, keen-eyed Scott. These players received sound backing from Tennant, Done and McDougall. Scot's late save from Cunliffe was positively brilliant, and Bradshaw's work throughout satisfied the student of football. His last minute interventions with the flick of a toe or nod of his curly head; his calmness in moving to position to intercept menacing passes; his judgement in disposing of the ball –it was all admirable. After allowing for the loss of Hanson, I cannot say I was impressed with the Liverpool forwards. Taylor struck me as being far and away the best, for English was blotted out by the brilliance of Gee, and Hodgson and Nieuwemhuys never got “together” as is their usual wont. “Nivvy” was poor in his finishing.
Three Good Halves.
The Everton half-backs were the dominant factor in the game, each playing splendid football, and Stein and Critchley were the best forwards. Johnson had a hard task facing Bradshaw, although he always kept the line moving well. Stevenson was much improved on his Highbury display, and definitely is a forward with a future. He has nice ideas and is quick to seize chances. He was hardly so menacing as Cunliffe –always a danger man –but he played scientific football with care. Williams and Cook were a splendid pair of backs, but Coggins was uncertain in goal. It was a good, clean game with a fair result. It deserves to be remembered as Bradshaw's “Derby.”

COULTER JOINS THE BLUES-SHIRTS.'
February 12 1934. Evening Express.
Everton's Latest Irish Capture.
Sent Off-Signed On.
What Will Happen If He Is Suspended.
By the Pilot.
Everton's team-building campaign is in full stride. In John Coulter, the 22 –year –old inside forward of Belfast Celtic, they have signed their second young international forward this year –both of them Irish “caps” by the way. As a matter of fact Coulter is the third Irish International signed by Everton since January 1933. The others are Cook and Stevenson. I am able to state that reports that Everton paid £3,000 for Coulter are exaggerated. Coulter will never forget the day he signed for Everton. He played for the Celtic against Ballymena, and had the satisfaction of scoring his side's first goal. He then had the misfortune to be ordered off the field. At the conclusion of the game he signed the forms which made him an Everton player.
If He Is Suspended.
Should he be suspended following marching orders in Saturday's game, the suspension will have to be recognised by the Everton club. This comes under the international agreement. Coulter is a versatile player, equally at home at either inside left or outside left. Fast, possessing good ball control, neat in his manipulation, and having abundant pluck and endeavour, Coulter impressed me when I saw him play for the Irish league against the Football League at Preston. He was easily the pick of the Irish forwards. He has already made his mark in representative football, and this season has played for Ireland against England, Scotland, and Wales, and also played twice for the Irish League. Coulter is about 5ft 8in, and though rather slimly-built weights 11 st . You can expect further Everton signings –young players, too!

SAGAR PLAYED AGAINST SCOTTISH LEAGUE
February 12 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Sager played for the FA against the Scottish in a 2-2 drew at Ibox Park, Glasgow, in front of 59,000 spectators.

TWO MORE EVERTON SIGNINGS 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 February 1934
YOUNG PLAYERS FROM WIGAN ATHLETIC 
On Saturday night Everton signed Coulter, the Irish international.  To-day they announce signings from Wigan Athletic.  Terrence Cavanagh, right half, and Stanley Bentham, inside right, come from the Wigan club, and both are the same “figure "—5t. 9ins and 11st.  They have been playing an Cheshire League games and have made their mark in that company. Cavanagh is twenty years old and Bentham is eighteen.

WHAT A PITY!
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 February 1934
A DERBY GAME, SPORTING BUT WITHOUT GOOD FOOTBALL OFFERINGS; 
STARS IN A DRAB GAME 
Two ex-referees in Messrs. Howcroft and Bamlett watched this game.  They used to control former Liverpool "Derby”games and they must have pined for some of the ghosts of yesteryears to come out of their retirement and offer us something like combined and rational football. This was not a great “Derby“game; it was a drab and sometimes dreary affair.  The best feature of it was the sporting way in which it was played.  And for that we must say thank you. 
After that, one is left wondering why a perfect day, a wind crossing the ground and not bothering the players, and turf some golf clubs would welcome -ahem! -for temporary greens—two ahems'—could not lead the players of both rides to give us better football. Some described this game as a "great" game. Well, I don't want to sea a repetition. The continual call to throw in was the most damaging answer to this notion of the way the game went. Actually, the first half was one-sided. Everton were plainly superior. One felt Liverpool would be the fresher, as Everton had played a game on Wednesday. The reverse was the case. Liverpool did not produce the form that made them famous for a day or more when opposing the Spurs.  They rarely got going in their forward machinery. Everton found it seemingly easy to go towards the goal area, and then their efforts to score were paltry. Slicing and pulling their shots out, of bounds, there was little fear of a goal.  Add to this the inability of the Liverpool right wing to master either Thomson or the lusty Cook, and you had one part of the visiting team held up. Of course, it was really bad luck to have Hanson taken off after half an hour with cartilage trouble—Liverpool go into all these games these days wondering  "Who's next?"—but it was well neither side won, as neither deserved to. 
A POINT AGAINST THEM 
It is useless telling me, or my telling you that Everton were on the attack for most of the first half; that only condemns the home team. If they had so much of the attack why were they not pestering Scott? He had his quiet moments in this game and finally left the ground with two saves from Cunliffe and Johnson to remind him of the battle. But really I tire of displays such as this because I really do want to know where the forward desires the ball to be before he will shoot. Instant shooting has gone out of the game; if the ball is right for a shot they move it in this way or that; if the ball is moving they "kill" it and then get covered up. It is inexplicable why forwards fear to take the responsibility and the joy of shooting first time efforts. Everton's recent displays have shown their marked up grade in the inside positions.  Here, only Cunliffe convinced by his control of the ball and his measure of drawing the defence and making the shot. Our first view at home of Stevenson revealed the little man's daintiness and delicious art in close quarters; he has all the old-fashioned tricks of his Scottish (football) upbringing, but he is a very small young man and he has need to remember that Everton spectators have been crying in the wilderness for some time regarding the necessity of inside forwards shooting heartily if not hastily. 
THE CONTROL BOX 
Liverpool doubtless feel satisfied with their draw, because ten men never have much chance of beating eleven in modern football. Their second half display was much better than their opening measure, but all through I pictured Bradshaw as doing two men's work in a thoroughly enjoyable manner. In the beginning he put the hearts of the faint-hearted creatures into the ambulance brigade's arms! Once he had got them over that urgent period of his dribble near his own goal, he became the dominant factor; his leaping over the head of Johnson was the controlling reason why Everton's new-found centre failed to score. Johnson strove hard to finish, and was the quietly effective man when the ball was on the ground, but up in the air Bradshaw was boss of the situation. Gee likewise had a merry day against English, who has lost "touch" for the strength of his passes and, of course, got no chance to head the centres from the wing pair because none came! Done had a good first half and a poor second; he tired. Tennant was a bustling defender throughout, and Morrison and McDougall were as excellent as Thomson and Britton, which means that all thus half hack work was of high standard. It was made easy,—that is why I have to hand out praise with one hand and smear it with an "if" by the use of the other hand. After McDougall had had a great task looking after Cunliffe, Critchley, and Britton, he came up to make a second-half study of merit. Incidentally Stein struck me as being the most likely Everton player to score.
SCOTT "LOOKS ON" 
I shall remember the goalless match as one of the really drab games the two have played. What a pity an occasion as this should produce such a poor display. There is always something in a "Derby" game, however, and my best recollection of it will be the sight, of Scott "looking on" after a ball from Critchley had spun away front goal with no one in particular taking notice. Scott looked —the crowd laughed. Everyone could see his expression except those behind the goal, and they could "feel it," even if they could not "hear it." Still the old gentleman of the party was very striking with a save in the first half from close range shooter, and also late on, eight minutes front time, when Cunliffe and Johnson threatened to score. Scott is still a wonder-hero under the bar.  Liverpool's attack was threadbare once Hanson hadgone, and it was little different before that unfortunate accident.  Nivvy did not relish the solid mass of Cook, and Williams, while saving a certain goal, should not have had the chance if the Anfield attack had been smarter. You see, this game was one productive of the put-them-up theories and the knock-them-down answers. Goggins erred once, and for the rest his path was easy; yet, late on, Liverpool staged another of their revival meetings, and Nivvy, rolling up his sleeves, got across some telling centres.  It was too late. Besides, English had run himself out by then, and Taylor was singing "I'm alone” on the left wing.  Hodgson had not a good day; hardly a shot, hardly a right timing of the ball, and much passing that went astray.  Throughout it was a game where the throw cut the game's flow. Throw followed throw, and error followed error; they could not keep the ball "on the island," and the game will soon be forgotten in the excitement and joy of Cup-tie contests next Saturday. It is as well.
? ? ? 
Mr. Kop.—what did I tell ye' Know you've seen Scott and now you know. 
Mr. Goodson—we ought to have won by half a dozen in the first half. 
Mr. Kop.—I reckon we scored the one good goal of the match. Don't tell me Nivvy was offside; he took the ball off Cook's toes, so how can he have been offside?
“Bee" intervening.—Come, now, the battle's over; the referee has had his say. The day is complete with a draw.  Play to the whistle, as Mr. Cuff said at the Laurel-road P.S.A. yesterday. You should have heard Griff Owen sing- liquid notes; and you should have been there to hear Lyle Patterson's comic strips-excellent, stuff. 
Mr. Kop and Mr. Goodson.—Well.  Perhaps you're right Abysinnia!  Tarrawell.
There is good news of Hanson.  The specialist says that his trouble is a strained ligament, and not cartilage. Of course, even that will keep him out of the Cup game v. Bolton, but it will not be so long a job as had been half-expected.  Further news regarding Everton signings of a local character are expected to-day.  Everton signed Counter, the Irish international, we saw at Preston in the early part of the season.  Coulter puts up a new record; Signed Saturday evening, sent off (the field) on Saturday afternoon!  Derby fan humourist to disgruntled Evertonian who went to great lengths to explain the "ifs" and "buts" of the latest Liverton game: "You're not a Liverpudlian nor an Evertonian.  You're an evolutionist!"

EVERTON SIGN T CAVANAGE AND S BENTHAM FROM WIGAN ATHLETIC
February 13, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Following the signing of Coulter the Irish international forward, Everton secured, two young players from Wigan Athletic in T. Cavanage, a right-half, and S. Bentham an inside right. Both are well built, standing 5ft 9ins and weighting 11 st . In Cheshire County League Football they have shown excellent form. Cavanagh is twenty-years-old, and Bentham eighteen.

THRILL FOR NEW EVERTON FOOTBALLER 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 February 1934
The new Everton Irish international forward, Thomas Coulter, was one of the passengers on board the Ulster Queen to-day when in the fog the vessel became involved in collision with another ship, the identity of which remains unknown.  The incident took place at the bend near the entrance to the Crosby Channel.  A wireless message was sent out, and two tugs went to the assistance of the Ulster Queen, which, however, was found to be in no difficulty. She remained at anchor near C2 Buoy awaiting better visibility.  With the dispersal of the fog later, the Ulster Queen proceeded to the Prince's Landing-stage, where she disembarked her passengers shortly after noon. 

NEW EVERTON PLAYER HELD UP IN RIVER MERSEY
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 February 1934
Bee’s Notes
Coulter, the new Everton player from Ireland, had not docked this morning by 12 o'clock. Fog held up the boat, and so this Irish international was kept waiting.  It is not the fact that Coulter was signed on by Everton during his “sitting out” period.  Actually Coulter was only sent off in the last moments of play.  

EVERTOR DELAY SELECTION 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 February 1934
The Everton directors have decided to delay the selection of their team to meet Middleborough until Friday. 

WHITE UNFIT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 February 1934
EVERTON TEAM TO OPPOSE MIDDLESBROUGH 
White is unfit to play for Everton against Middlesbrough, At Goodison, on Saturday, and the team will be:—Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein,  The Reserve side to play at Newcastle  will be:—F. King; Cresswell, Jones;  Birtley, Griffiths, Archer ; Layfield,  McGourty, Dean, Watson, Coulter. 
MIDDLESBROUGH SIDE 
Camsellstill being unfit, Baxter will again lead the Middleborough attack against Everton. The team selected to-day shows one change from that defeated by Arsenal, Jennings, who was reserve to the English League team last Saturday, returning to the defence to the exclusion of Jarvis. Team: Gibson; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Griffiths, Forrest; Femme, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, Williams. 

EVERTON'S FRESH FORWARD LINE
February 16, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton are making some unexpected changes in the forward line for their match with Middlesbrough at Goodison park to-morrow, and special interest will be centered in the work of the youthful line to operate against the strong Middlesbrough defence, the pivot, of which is Griffiths the former Everton centre half-back, Geldard returns to outside right in place of Critchley and will have as partner Stevenson the Irish international, who played his second game for Everton last Saturday, at inside left. Cunliffe will again lead the line in place of Johnson while Higham the young Chorley player, partners stein. Who the only forward who has turned out in every match so far, sager of course returns to keep goal in place of Coggins. The team is: Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein.
Dean and Coulter in Reserve Side.
Dean makes another appearance with the reserve, this timer against Newcastle at St. James's Park, while Coulter, the new Irish player, is also included. The team is; F. King; Cresswell, Jones; Birtley, Griffiths, Archer; Leyfield, McGourty, Dean, Watson, Coulter.
New Men at Crosby
Everton “A” play their return game with New Brighton Reserve in a Liverpool County Combination match at Crosby tomorrow when their team will include Cavanagh and Bentham, newly signed from Wigan Athletic. The team is: - Deighton; Jackson, Morris; Cavanagh, Watson, Mercer; Wilson, Bentham, Webster, Latham, O'Reilly. The kick off is at three o'clock.

THE GRIP OF GRIFFITHS.
February 16, 1934. Evening Express.
Big Test For Everton's New Attack.
Middlesbrough at Goodison Park.
By the Pilot.
Everton's reconstituted attack will have a big test at Goodison Park tomorrow. Not only will they face Middlesbrough, a side that has taken three points out of the last two games, between the clubs, but also one of the finest centre half-backs in the game –Tom Griffiths. Griffiths, the former Everton and Wrexham favourite, is a wonderful defensive player, intrepid in intervention and masterly with his leading. Cunliffe is going to have a hard task in opposition to Griffiths, and he will be well advised to exploit his extreme wingers as much as possible and shun temptation to create an individual opening down the centre. Everton in other words, must formulate their tactics after a study of the strength of the opposition. Middlesbrough were the first side to prevent Everton scoring this season. Can Everton atone for the 2-0 defeat at Ayresome Park? Everton have not lost a Football League game since they went under to Derby County on January 1 and since have secured eight points from five games. Victory tomorrow will mean that the Blues will take a welcome rise in the league table, and find themselves sitting pretty with the leaders of the competition.
Forward Changes.
Everton will have four forwards changes as compared with last Saturday, and particular interest attaches to the reappearance of Albert Geldard, at outside right. It was against Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park that Geldard made his debut with the Blues in 1932 and crowned a good display with a goal. The re-inclusion of Higham at inside-left should bring greater livelness to the attack, and I, for one shall be interested to see how Alec Stevenson settles down to inside-right. Middlesbrough's league record is slightly inferior to that of Everton, for whereas they have earned 28 points from 28 games, the Blues have a point more from a similar number of engagements. The Borough have won three away games –at Chelsea, Leicester and Wolverhampton –and have drawn at Birmingham and Blackburn. They have a chance to register a “double” against Everton having won at home 2-0. It should be a classic game for both teams play scientific football, but Everton should win. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein. Middlesbrough; Gibson; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Griffiths, Forrest; Ferguson, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, Williams.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Middlesbrough. Kick off 3.15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d; Stands Extra (Inc tax) Booked seats. Sharp's Whitechapel. Progress of the cup-tie at Anfield ever 15 minutes.

EVERTON'S NEWCOMERS 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 February 1934
Bee’s Notes
Everton for their League side v. Middlesbrough have now to sort out their newcomer. Two from Wigan will doubtless have to take their time and qualify by means of the Central League aide, but Stevenson has already made many friends by his natural football skill and his delightful movements. Then Coulter, the Irishforward, signed at the week-end, is another interesting footballer; I remember his work at Preston, because it struck me as individualistic and engaging to the spectator's eye.  Everton have quite a stock of attackers to show these days, and remembering the solidity of Gibson and the other Middlesbrough defenders, I imagine Everton will have to play hard and well to conquer the team captained by Tom Griffiths, the former Everton pivot. Tom to-day stays at third back, and in the Bradshaw manner keeps an eye on passing centres and any combination that needs a long leg to be shown to stop its progress. It should be a vastly entertaining game, as Bruce and the Borough have their own steal way of doing things, and Everton have a new streak, and that is always appealing to the Goodison people, who want to look at the men to-day with an eye to the future years.  Everton.- Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein. 

NEW BRIGHTON TEAMS 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 February 1934
Reserve team (v.  Everton “A," at Crosby; kick-off 3  p.m.): L T. V Flood: Bower, T. Cook; J Donnachie, J. H. Fleming. A. Rice; W. Phillips, Lowndes H. Woods, S. Weir, and G. Whelan 
Everton "A" will include Cavanagh and Bentham, newly signed from Wigan Athletic. Team. Deighton; Jackson, Morris; Cavanagh, Watson, Mercer; Wilson, Bentham, Webster, Latham, and O’Reilly. 

Central league
Saturday 17, February 1934 Sunderland Echo
Early Chances Missed
Everton Reserves at st. James's Park
By "KEELMAN"
The Everton team which opposed Newcastle United Reserves at St. James's Park was an unusually strong one including as it did such notabilities as Warney Cresswell and Dixie Dean, the famous English internationals, and John Coulter, the Irish cap for whose transfer Everton paid Belfast Celtic £3,000 last week. Coulter was making his first appearance Everton colours. In goal for the Merseysiders was King, the young Blyth Spartans keeper, and another local or the side was Birtley. Who comes from Hetton-le-Hole. Newcastle Reserves: Burns; Richardson. Thomson; McKenzie, Betton, Hughes; Boyd, Leighton, Kelly Dennison, and Pearson. Everton Reserves: King, Cresswel! Jones: Birtley, Griffiths. Archer Leyfleld, McGourty, Dean, J. Watson, and Coulter. Referee: Mr E. Benn (Earnsley). Cresswell won the toss for Everton and elected to kick against the wind. At the start there were about 18,000 spectators. Newcastle were the first to attack on the left and a centre by Pearson went across the goalmouth with no one up to take advantage. Again Pearson made run, but King punched away his centre. From a miskick by Betton, Everton made their first attack, but Dean shot weakly into the hands Bums. Betton blundered badly when he attempted to pass back to Burns and the ball went for a corner. Coulter placed this well and Richardson cleared Dean made a strong protest for a penalty for hands against the full back. Newcastle were playing splendidly, with MoKenzie doing really fine work in holding up and initiating attacks. Newcastle were fully worth a leading goal and more than once they came near to obtaining this, shots from Boyd and Kelly just missing by inches, while King, the visiting custodian, had to pull out all he knew to make some really smart saves. It was a change to see Everton in front Burns, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was not called upon, and when the interval arrived, it was Newcastle who were again attacking.
Half-time Newcastle Res 0 Everton Res 0
The teams turned around without retiring to enable Everton to catch an early train home.

EVERTON'S HOME ATTACK.
February 17, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton League's match with Middlesbrough at Goodison Park offers entertaining fare, and their followers are practically interested in the form of the new forward formation. The line suggests plenty of dash and skill, and I expect the right wing in particular with Geldard and Stevenson together, to be watched closely. Griffiths, the former Everton pivot, will be the chief stumbling block to the aspirations of Cunliffe and his colleagues. Still, Everton ought to win. The kick off is at 3.15, and the teams are - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein. Middlesbrough; Gibson; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Griffiths, Forrest; Ferguson, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, Williams.

EVERTON DROP A POINT.
February 17, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Shooting at A Discount at Goodison.
Higham – Stein Goal.
By the Pilot.
Everton, were at home to Middlesbrough in a League match and fielded a newly formed attack. There were 15,000 present at the start. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, and Stein, forwards. Middlesbrough: - Gibson, goal; Jennings and Stuart, backs; Brown, Griffiths and Forrest, half-backs; Ferguson, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, and Williams, forwards. Referee Mr. R. A. Mortimer (Huddersfield). The early play was in favour of Everton, the Boro goal having two particularly narrow escapes. First, Stevenson glided through a lovely head pass, and Cunliffe burst between the backs to take a shot from a difficult position and bring Gibson to his knee. Stevenson and Geldard combined nicely, and from Geldard's centre Cunliffe and Stein just failed to force a way through. With Tommy Griffiths none too happy, Everton attacked strongly, Stein shooting straight at Gibson when he had only the goalkeeper to beat. Higham contributed some delightful footwork after McKay had shot wide, with the result that Cunliffe headed against the post, and Stein drove into the net just after the whistle sounded for offside. Geldard coolly returned a centre from the left, and with Cunliffe dashing into do business, Jennings raced forward and kicked to safely. Williams (Middlesbrough) was proving a lively customer for his namesake, twice racing through on his own and then cutting inwards to drive in a hard shot along the carpet.
Boro Miss A Chance.
The Boro' should have scored when Williams worried Sagar so much that the goalkeeper dropped the ball, but in trying to tap into the vacant net, he shot straight across goal. Everton were playing the better football against a team I would describe as unconvincing. Yet the finishing of the Blues did not hear the hallmark of perfection. Stevenson spurned a chance to go through on his own, and Middlesbrough' were rather more dangerous in front of goal. Everton took the lead in 25 minutes, and though Stein was the scorer, he would be the first to give credit to Higham. Higham gathered the ball just inside the Middlesbrough' half drew two men, then instead of passing to the wing he sent a clean pass straight ahead, so that Stein could cut inwards to make his shot. Stein had to pull out top speed to reach the ball, for Gibson came out to narrow the angle, but the winger won by a short head, and banged the ball into the roof of the net. Stein and Gibson were injured in the collision, but both were able to resume. Twice defenders kicked away as Cunliffe was going to shoot, and Baxter made a hash of things with a weak shot after being clean through. Baxter headed over the top, and Cunliffe was pulled up for offside just as Gibson had prevented him tapping through a perfect centre from Stein. Everton continued the more dangerous side, Gibson pulling down a terrific cross-shot from Stein. There were cheers and laughter when Cunliffe leapt up to a free kick taken by Cook and fisted the ball into the net. It seemed that the referee had been deceived, but he rightly gave the Boro' a free kick. Stein was Everton's most potent leader, and nicely fed by Higham, he cut inwards to bang a shot across the goal. On the interval McKay drove wide of the Everton goal following a corner.
Half-time Everton 1, Middlesbrough 0
Everton had sufficient of the play in the first half to have been three goals up, but their clever approach was spoiled by bad finishing. Middlesbrough had played poorly. Middlesbrough raided well on resuming. The crowd had increased to well over 20,000. After Sagar had lost the ball, but ran well out of his goal and appeared to foul Bruce. Then Baxter got through, only to drive a foot wide of the far post. Cunliffe picked up a big clearance kick, and after getting it under control, got it past Gibson only for Jennings to come along and fall on the ball absolutely on the goalline. Thomson edged away a good drive from Bruce.
Boro Equalise.
From a corner Bruce equalised. Ferguson placed the kick to the far post well beyond Sagar, who had come across to watch Griffiths, and Bruce's header squeezed in by the post. Williams were there to fist the ball out, but the referee, using his discretion, awarded a goal. Everton did a lot of pressing, but found Gibson alert, shooting being at a discount. Middlesbro' lost Bruce for a spell, and he resumed at outside-left. Middlesbrough were defending desperately, and often Sagar was the only occupant of the Everton half of the field. Final Everton 1, Middlesbrough 1.

EXHIBITION PLAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 February 1934
MIDDLESBROUGH GAIN A POINT AT EVERTON
By Stork
Everton should have won this game of good football. In the second half they attacked for thirty minutes, but the Bore' fought tooth and nail.  Everton.- Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson (Captain); Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, Stein.  Middlesbrough.- Gibson; Jennings, Stuart; Brown, Griffiths, Forrest; Ferguson, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, Williams.  Referee.- Mr. R.A. Mortimer, Huddersfield. 
I passed Anfield on my way to Goodison. Anfield was a surging mass of humanity and enthusiasm, but Goodison Park was a quiet and sedate place. Still, I should say there were close upon 20,000 people present when the teams came out.  Everton might easily have taken a goal in the first half-minute. Stevenson made a canny push through which enabled Cunliffe to beat Stuart and Jennings, but he was unable to beat Gibson, the goalkeeper, there being no power behind his shot.  Britton set Geldard going, and the outside man hugged the line until he beat Forrest, and he cut inwards, but the centre was not taken up.  Stein misused an open goal, shooting straight at Gibson. Higham was very dainty, yet effective, while Williams, of Middlesborough, was clever. Stein later netted from an offside position.  Williams knocked the ball out of Sagar's hands, but Williams screwed the ball towards the touchline instead of tapping it into the net.
STEIN WINS RACE 
The football had been pretty, but goals were needed, it was only a desperate effort by Stein, after 25 minutes, which brought Everton their success. He had to race against Griffiths and the goalkeeper to obtain his chance, and he just managed to get in his shot as the whole three of them came into collision, but the ball had safely found its billet.  The Boro' were just as crafty as Everton, but they were ever so tender near goal. Stein made a run and pulled the ball across the goalmouth, but Cunliffe failed to connect.  Gibson made a capital save from an excellent shot by Stein. With a minute to go Cunliffe appeared to head a perfectly legitimate goal, but the referee disallowed it. 
Half-time. Everton 1. Middlesbrough  0. 
The game was more of an exhibition one than anything else. The second half was very little different to that of the first.  The football was of high standard, yet there was no finality, and Everton were shocked at the fifty-sixth minute when Bruce equalised. It was a curious goal that came from Ferguson's corner-kick, Bruce adding the finishing touch.  Even if Bruce had not scored, I think there would have been a penalty award, for an Everton man undoubtedly handled as the ball went into the net.  Everton should have had this match safely in their keeping.  Everton attacked strongly, and Cunliffe was through; the goalkeeper missed the ball, but Jennings solved the difficulty by laying on the ball almost on his goal-line.  What could the referee do in the circumstances? Nothing but grant a free kick. Cunliffe went close with a header from a Stein centre, and at this point Everton were attacking with such power that it only seemed a matter of time ere they would gain the lead.  Bruce went to outside left. Cunliffe made a powerful header, Gibson saving as he did a little later when Cunliffe was again threading his way towards a goal.  Cunliffe changed places with Higham and it nearly brought success for the Borough goalkeeper was a lucky man to stand in the way of a fine shot by Higham. Stevenson was only a foot wide with a great shot.  Final;- Everton 1, Middlesbrough 1.

NEWCASTLE RES V EVERTOR R 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 February 1934
The Everton Reserve team which opposed Newcastle Reserves at Newcastle included Dean and the recently acquired Irish international, Coulter, from Belfast Celtic, who made his first appearance with his new club.  Everton found the Newcastle team in fine form, and they had to thank their defence, particularly King in goal, and Cresswell, that they were not in arrears at the interval. Owing to the persistent aggressiveness of the Newcastle forwards not much was seen of Coulter in the opening half, but whenever the opportunity presented itself his crosses were of a high standard.  Dean did not get much of the ball, and he appeared to be taking every care of himself and was not seen with his usual dash, though generally he was near the mark on the few occasions when he got possession. 
It was, in fact, the centre forward who gave Everton the lead in the 50th minute with an excellent header, following a revival by the Everton front line. The improvement in the visitors continued, and Watson was several times prominent in gaining territory.  Kelly, the Newcastle centre, was repeatedly pulled up for off-side, but the margin must have been very narrow when he netted twelve minutes after the resumption a point that was disallowed.  The Newcastle team again began to assume the ascendancy and the Everton defence consequently had an anxious time before Leighton got the equaliser after 71 minutes.  LaterDean did not seem very sure of himself and Burns had to collect a good shot from Coulter. Kelly gave Newcastle the lead after 86 minutes. 
Final.- Newcastle United Res 2, Everton Res 1.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 17, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

• Jimmy Stein has had five partners this season.  Do they include a Jimmy Settle of to-morrow?
• Another “Mersey double” to-day- Everton and Liverpool both at home
• The new faces at Everton will give the game a brighter outlook
• Was last week’s local Derby “arranged?” one is asked
• Yes, as far back as last May, when the League made up its fixture list
• Everton may have given the Reds a grueling, but the odd point proved a nice sop in the pan!
• The penalty kick rule was in operation a season before Steve Bloomer came into League football
• Dick Williams, of Everton was, we fancy, the first man to save a penalty
• Sheffield Wednesday’s last home defeat in the Cup dates back to February, 1921, when Everton won 1-0, after a 1-1 tussle at Goodison
• It was the day, too, when Everton put the local amateur Johnny Blair in the side at centre forward, vice Bobby Parker.
• Tommy Johnson was figuring in his 474th League match last week-end
• There was evidence on Saturday that we may expect the Everton “scoring machine” shortly to resume operations
• Gee and Williams have come back to their best form, too
• Bill Cook is regarded as one of the nuts by his team pals; makes the pace a cracker, too.
• And in the field-what a lad! Puts all his heart and sole into every kick
• As a shot, little Stevenson is hardly a long-ranger, we should imagine

EVERTON 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 1 (Game 1465 over-all)-(Div 1 1423)
February 19, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Shots Lacking At Goodison.
Why Everton Dropped A Point.
By “Stork.”
Pretty football is all very well if there is something at the end of it, but when the science of the game is not clinched by a goal or two then it loses it value. Everton and Middlesbrough provided a feast of clever play, but the edge was taken off the game by the ineptitude of the forwards to accept' reasonably good scoring chances. Everton were annoying because of their sheer wantonness in front of goal. It was bad policy to attempt to dribble and pass when the play was in the penalty area, but Everton kept on doing this when all that was needed was a full-blooded drive to produce a goal. Having cast away the grit offerings, Everton had only themselves to blame for not taking a winning lead in the first 45 minutes. The North-Eastern attack was just as remiss when it came to delivering a shot, for they, too could, and did indulge in some clever combination.
Stein's Fine Goal.
Everton were just a shade the better team in point of skill; in fact, they had the ball three times in the net yet their goals crop at the end was but a goal, scored by Stein. Stein had netted earlier on when an offside decision negatived the shot; and after Cunliffe seemed to head a goal, whereas he actually turned the ball into the net with his hands. Stein's goal was a fine one, for he had to beat not only the goalkeeper, but Griffiths. The three raced for the ball, and Stein won by a small margin. He shot just as the trio crashed into each other. The equaliser was curious. Ferguson dropped a corner kick in front of the Everton goal. Bruce took it up, and turned the ball goalward. Williams was standing in the goalmouth, and undoubtedly handed, but the referee used his discretion and awarded a goal. It was not certain whether the ball had crossed the line before Williams had committed his offence, but if the ruling official had not granted a goal, he must have granted a penalty. The Borough defence stood its ground manfully. The Goodison Park side is still badly in needed of a header. Cunliffe is definitely not a centre-forward, and it did not surprise me, when he and Higham changed places. The latter and Stein had a brilliant first half, Higham played excellent football, but Cunliffe was all at sea in the middle. Stevenson was responsible for some cute passes, and Geldard was good up to a point. He must, however, forget the corner flag, and cut in as did Williams, the Borough outside left. Gee was the best of the Everton half-back line, and Williams the more polished back. I have seen Sagar play better. The Borough defence like that of Everton, gave little away. Stuart was the best defender on the field, and Grififths got better and better as the game progressed.
Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson (captain), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Cunliffe, Higham, and Stein, forwards. Middlesbrough: - Gibson, goal; Jennings and Stuart, backs; Brown, Griffiths and Forrest, half-backs; Ferguson, Bruce, Baxter, McKay, and Williams, forwards. Referee Mr. R. A. Mortimer (Huddersfield).

NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
February 19, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central league (Game 28)
A crowd of 19,000 at Newcastle saw a handicapped Everton team. (McGourty being injured) go down by 2-1. Everton opened the scoring through Dean, and the response came from Leighton and Kelly. Everton paraded the new man, Coulter but he was not given much of the ball, though he revealed class with his centres and general movements. Dean appeared nervous to extend himself. Everton had a big star in Griffiths at centre half and another was Cresswell, always a master in defence. Everton: - King, goal; Cresswell and Jones backs; Birtley, Griffiths, and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, McGourty, Dean (captain), Watson (J.G.), and Coulter, forwards.

EFFECT OF EVERTON'S EXPERIMENTS
February 19, 1934. Evening Express.
“Old Head” Needed To Steady Attack.
Science Without Punch.
By the Pilot.
The Everton directors cannot be criticized for experimenting. It is sound policy, for the club has little to lose this term and a whole lot to gain next season, if they can find the right combination ere May dawns. They experimented with the attack against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday –they drew 1-1 –and the team selectors must have learned much. In the first place, it was forced home that the young forwards, though clever and intricate in their approach, have yet to learn a great deal in regard to finishing off their attacks. Rarely have I seen so many gilt-edged chances frittered away as in this game, and I was forced to the conclusion that “an old head” is needed to produce steadiness in the line.
Cunliffe's Best Position.
Let us analyze Saturday's attack –the remainder of the team struck me as being quite satisfactory, even though Sagar was uncertain on occasion, and Cook's kicking lacked direction. The obvious lesson is that which should have been learned after Everton's defeat at Tottenham in the Cup. It is that Cunliffe is an inside forward and not a centre forward. Cunliffe was cramped in the centre and did not appear at all happy until he changed places with Higham. Let Everton play Cunliffe –the most promising inside forward I have seen this season –in his correct position. Stevenson failed to impress at inside right, and Geldard failed to take his opportunity of proving that he has come back to tip-top form. As a matter of fact this right flank was a disappointment. Stevenson did many clever things so far as passing went, but levelled only one shot, while Geldard too often fed Gibson with his centres. There were brightness on the left flank, where Stein was brilliant in the first half and suffered from lack of passes in the second, while Higham again proved a zealous forager, willing worker, astute purveyor and lively manipulator. This boy is going top prove a real winner. The midfield work of Everton was delightful at times, but chances were frittered away in the goalmouth with monotonous regularity. I am certain the team selectors will have noted the weaknesses, and immediately take the necessary steps. They will no doubt find ways and means of blending experience with youth and if either White or Dean is fit they will probably come back for next Saturday's game with Blackburn Rovers. Both were at ball practice today, and it is expected that White will be fit by Saturday. It was a game producing plenty of good football, and one which must be taken to heart. Let us have a big helping of praise to Gee, whose work at centre half proved that Everton did not make sure a big mistake as some people imagined in allowing Griffiths to depart.

ONLY SHOTS NEEDED 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 February 1934
By Stork
Everton 1, Middlesbrough 1. It should have been Everton 7, Middlesbrough 2, but if forwards will not accept gilt-edged opportunities, then they must not quibble if they only get a £1 bonus and not £2. It was tantalising to see Everton cast away goal scoring chances as they did, and it is only a truth to say that they should have held such a lead at the half stage that a draw should have been well out of the reach of Middlesbrough.  At least three times the ball was no more than a few yards out of goal, needing but a well-directed shot to have turned it into a goal, but the Everton attack would not take the chance. Stein tried one short-range shot, but he put it right to Gibson's hand, who should not have been given such an opportunity to save. Cunliffe cracked the ball over the bar; in fact, not a forward in the line deemed it necessary to try a first-time effort. They persisted in gliding the ball over to another, who was in a similar frame of mind.  Goalkeeper Gibson should have been "murdered." His full backs had been beaten, that the 30,000—the club figures—people had every right to complain of the general lack of shooting.  -Gibson was a lucky man to catch Everton in such a mood. His position on occasions was so hopeless that he must have feared for himself, but Cunliffe and his colleagues saved his face by their inept shooting. 
NEARLY WEPT 
Good football, apart from goal-scoring, usually satisfies me, but I nearly wept at the feeble efforts of all the forwards to beat the goalkeeper. Middlesbrough were not one bit better than their confreres, for they, too, had their chances.  Excellently conceived plans petered out simply because there were no shooters of any worth. I do not mind if such plans are bitten into by a defence, but when a defence is beaten, and the goal yawning in front, one naturally expects at least a shot of some sort: but Everton in particular in the first half had dillied and dallied, when by all the laws of the game a quick shot was the right and proper thing.  I enjoyed the midfield play, for it was good, but why on earth it collapsed when the goal was sighted was astonishing.  Players who could master the ball by sheer football ability should at least know when and how to take a shot. I counted a dozen occasions when a goal should have been scored, but subsequently I gave up the chase and said to myself “Such chances will never be on offer again. The forwards did not deserve any more chances.  Stein's goal was obtained by cheer determination. He had to race Gibson and Griffiths to the ball. Any one of the three could have got it, but Stein's pace enabled him to get his foot to the ball a fraction of a second before that of his rivals.  The ball went safely into the net as the trio went to earth.  Stein had just previously netted but the point was negative on the score of offside. Cunliffe, too, found the net, but instead of heading the ball he had punched it in. 
ABOUT CUNLIFFE 
Stein and Higham had had an excellent first half, but Cunliffe had not been a success at centre forward, so I was not surprised when he and Higham changed places in the second session. Cunliffe is an inside forward.  He loses his value in the middle, so I would ask Everton to leave him at inside right if they want to get the best out of him. Stevenson made some astute passes, but Geldard wanted to hug the corner flag, whereas he should have cut in more often.  Gee was the best of the half-back line, and Williams the more scientific defender. Sagar was not confident. He fumbled the ball, but more than that he failed with the ball in the air, which is contrariwise to his general display.  The best back on the field was Stuart, and Griffith finished on the top note, but Forrest was the Borough's best half-back, for he was constructive. The forwards, like those of Everton, were clever in their holding and working of the ball, but there their greatness ended.  Bruce's goal came from a corner. He shot, and Williams handled the ball.  Whether the ball was over the line ere Williams touched it I cannot say, but the referee used his discretion and gave a goal. To sum up the matter, I will say, "It was a game of good football spoiled through the forwards' misgivings." 
While there were 54,000 spectators at Anfield, there was 20,000 at Everton.  And there were 20,000 Newcastle spectators watching the brilliant Central League game won by Newcastle in the last minute, 2-1 Newcastle had five first team members out, and in an excellent game Dean scored a typical goal and showed increasing confidence. 

WHITE RESUMES
February 21, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton go to Ewood Park on Saturday to oppose Blackburn Rovers, and it is pleasing to find that White has recovered sufficiently to take his place at centre-forward. Where he resumes in place of Cunliffe, who goes to inside-right, as partner to Geldard, in place of Stevenson, Higham is Stein partner on the other wing. The team therefore, will be Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, White, Higham, Stein.
Five Internationals In Reserve Side.
A strong reserve side will oppose the Rovers in a Central league match at Goodison Park, five internationals being included in the eleven. It will be Coulter's first appearance at Goodison Park, and he will resume his international team acquaintance with Stevenson, who will this time be his partner on the left wing. Dean is gradually regaining strength and confidence, and he will again lead the line, while Cresswell and Dunn are also included in the team, which is as follows; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Griffiths, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.

WELCOME BACK WHITE!
February 21, 1934. Evening Express.
Stevenson to Play In Everton's Reserve Side.
By the Pilot.
White Everton's international pivot and utility man, fit again after his ankle injury, makes a welcome return to the leadership of the Blues' attack for Saturday's League game at Blackburn. Cunliffe reverts to the natural position at inside right to the exclusion of Alex Stevenson, the new forward from Glasgow Rangers, who will play in the Central League side. These are the only changes as compared with the eleven, which drew with Middlesbrough. White is an astute player; a man who knows all the moves of the game; a player who can not only hold an attack together and keep his wingers well supplied with the right material, but a player with an aptitude for strong finishing. He is the type of player needed to give advice to the enthusiastic youngsters he will have on either side of him and bring about the smooth functioning of an attack. Cunliffe will be happy to revert to the inside-forward berth, where he is given greater opportunities to exploit his clever dribbling powers. Cunliffe likes room in which to operate, and it is at inside right that he gets most. Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, White, Higham, Stein.
Wealth of Talent in Reserve Side.
Everton Reserves will have out a particularly strong team for the Central League match with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park –a team which would compare with many league sides. Once again Dean will lead the forwards, while the left wing of the attack will be composed of Everton's latest captures – Alex Stevenson, and Jack Coulter. This will be the first opportunity the local enthusiasts will have of seeing Coulter in action and his home debut will be watched with marked interest. In addition two other internationals will be in the team – Warney Cresswell and Jimmy Dunn. What an array of talent in the reserve –four internationals in the forwards two of whom have represented their country this season. Everton are anxious to make a move up the Central league table, and with such a team as this they should do so at the expense of the Rovers. Everton Reserves: - King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Griffiths, Archer, Leyfield, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.

EVERTON CHANGES 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 21 February 1934
FORWARD LINE RESHUFFLED FOR BLACKBURN 
Everton go to Ewood Park on Saturday to oppose Blackburn Rovers. White has recovered sufficiently to resume at centre forward, in place of Cunliffe, who goes to inside right as partner to Geldard in place of Stevenson. Higham is Stein's partner on the other wing.  Team:—Sager; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, White, Higham, Stein. 
FIVE CAPS IN RESERVE SIDE 
A strong reserve side will oppose the Rovers in a Central League match at Goodison Park, five internationals being included in the eleven. It will be Coulter's first appearance at Goodison Park, and he will resume his international team acquaintance with Stevenson, who will this time be his partner on the left wing. Dean will again lead the line, while Cresswell and Dunn are also included in the team, which is as follows: King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Griffiths, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter.
HOLE IN ONE TWICE
Duggie Livingstone, the former Everton and Tranmere Rovers footballer holed out in one for the second time recently when playing over the West Cheshire course.  He scored his “eagle” at the 13th hole (approximately 140 yards).  Previously Livingstone had holed out in one at Arrowe Park, which was the first hole in one ever recorded at the Birkenhead municipal course. 

DIXIE DEAN TO LEAD EVERTON.
February 23, 1934. Evening Express.
Directors' Decision After White's Test.
First league Game For 4 Months.
By the Pilot.
Dixie Dean returns to Everton's League team for tomorrow's match at Blackburn. This decision was made by the Everton directors today when they were faced with the problem of White's inability to turn out in consequence of the injury received in the Arsenal match. It was the intention of the directors to allow Dean to regain, in Central League football strength and confidence following his recent cartilage operations, so that when he returned to the Football League side he would be 100 per cent, fit and efficient. Dean has made a great stride towards achieving this ideal conditions. He may not be 100 per cent, fit and efficient yet, but in his two games with the Reserves he has given definite proof of gradual recovery of his old form. Tomorrow match will be Dean's first appearance in a Football League game since Nov 4 and his second since September 23. On the latter date he damaged his ankle against arsenal and on reappearing –against Huddersfield –injured his knee. Dean has played seven Division One and two central League games this season. He has failed to score on only one occasion –against Huddersfield Town. How he will fit in with Cunliffe and Higham tomorrow remains a matter of conjecture. Personally, I think Dean's presence will make both his inside men more effective than ever once they have gained a working knowledge of each other's methods. Certainly the experience of Dean will serve to inspire the team and steady the attack, particularly in front of goal. The Rovers have yet to be beaten at home –they share this distinction with Derby County –having dropped only three points out of 30 played for. Arsenal, Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough are the clubs, which came away from Blackburn with a single point. Can Everton go one better. Ewood Park is not one of Everton's lucky grounds, but the Rovers, this term, must have a strong dislike of the Merseyside clubs. When the Rovers visited Goodison Park they suffered their heaviest defeat of the season going under 7-1 and when they went to Anfield they lost 4-0. The Rovers had a hard game in midweek when losing 2-1 at Highbury, and they were considered unfortunate to do so. Higham will be anxious to show that the Rovers missed a “winner” when they failed to take him from “off their own doorstep.” Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Higham, Stein. Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Imrie, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, McLean, Harper, Kennedy, Milne.

• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton v. Blackburn Rovers. Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 3d. Stands 9d. Including Tax.

EVERTON TACKLE THE EX-MERSEY MEMBERS AT BLACKBURN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 February 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
Everton’s decision to leave out Stevenson has caused some correspondence to this column which I can only skirt. “Dock Board " says he is surprised  the club have dropped Stevenson,  as he has been pleased with the football served up by the Everton Club since Stevenson came in to produce the nice football touches and the art of the game.  Stevenson will eventually be a member of the first team for ten year. Mark my word.. T. W. Barker, Mossely Hill, asks why Everton changed a line that had been giving spice to the onlooker as well as some good to the club?  Everton are probably passing through their 1934-5 season in the months of March and April. They are making changes to see how they stand, not for this season, but for next season's younger members. It is a good idea and helpful to their decision regarding signing or sending away. At Blackburn, to-morrow, they meet the ex-Mersey eleven, and they will find them very saucy young members, too. They don t know defeat at home this season, therefore there will be some stern football for the following eleven when the match starts to-morrow:—  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, White, Higham, Stein. 

DEAN TO PLAY AT BLACKBURN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 February 1934
BACK TO EVERTON FIRST ETAM
Dixie Dean resumes in First Division football, to-morrow, at Blackburn.  This will answer all the stories circulated that “he would never play again in senior football.”  Dean has had two or three games with the reserve team, and the club determined not to hurry his return to the first side, feeling he had lost a good deal of his confidence.  However, with White still being damaged, the team-sheet of Tuesday was altered at midday to-day, and Dean was picked to take his old place at centre forward in the eleven v. Blackburn Rovers. In the Reserve side at Goodison to meet Blackburn, the young Cockfield and ex-Army player, H. Litherland, will appear at centre-forward.  This will be his second run with the Reserve team. 

THE RETURN OF DEAN
February 24 1923. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Dean returns to the Everton first team to-day, after an absence from the league duty since November 4, when he received a knee injury. White was originally chosen to lead the attack to-day, but he had not completely recovered from the injury received three weeks ago, and so dean returns to lead the attack with Cunliffe at inside right and Higham on the left. The Rovers are unbeaten at home this season and have obtained 27 points from 15 matches at Edwood. Everton have a good away record, but will do well to secure a draw. The teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Higham, Stein. Blackburn Rovers; Binns Gorman, Whyte; Imrie, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, McLean, Harper, Kennedy, Milne.

EVERTON DRAW.
February 24, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Clever Close-Passing Tactics at Blackburn.
Dean's Inspiring Leadership.
By the Pilot.
Dixie Dean, the Everton captain, made his first League appearance for four months when at Ewood Park today he led Everton's attack against Blackburn Rovers. The Rovers had not been defeated at home, and their side contained two Merseysiders in Gorman and Carver. Rein fell just before the kick-off. Teams: - Blackburn Rovers: - Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Imire, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, Mclean Harper Kennedy, Milne. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Higham, Stein. Referee –Mr. A.E. Fogg (Bolton) . Sagar came out to fist away a close up free kick by Imrie, and when Higham slipped along a through pass, Dean was slow into his stride. Thomson produced some pretty footwork, but Cunliffe failed to get his head to the cross-pass. Seven successive throw-ins on the right kept Britton busy. Two corners to the Blues and two brilliant punches away to Binns off Dean's head kept interest centred in the Rovers' goalmouth.
Baulked at Goal.
There was a curious incident nine minutes after the start, for Ben Williams was robbed of his first league goal for Everton because of an alleged infringement by Dean. Geldard had slipped the ball out to Williams standing just within his own half, and he placed a high dropping ball top the goalmouth. Dean ran forward to head, but as the ball fell into the net over Binn's outstretched hands –Binns fell to the ground. The Everton players ran back up the field in high glee, but Referee Fogg was adamant that dean had fouled the goalkeeper. Hard luck, Ben! Bruton cut through on his own and levelled a splendid cross shot, which the alert Sagar pushed away with one hand. Sagar had to fall back to push away a long shot from Whyte, and though Bruton's quick return was banged away Kennedy had a gilt-edged chance, only to fall over the ball.
Cunliffe's Goal.
Higham's good work paved the way for the opening goal in 17 minutes, Cunliffe being the scorer. Stein taking a throw in made a beautiful pass, which enabled Higham to walk through comfortably and easy to the goal line. He placed a perfect centre to the far post outwitting Binns, and Cunliffe neatly headed the ball home. Well, Everton had enjoyed more of the game in the opening quarter, and were playing quite good football against a side, which seemed to lack initiative. The Rovers' shout of “goal” when Harper headed through from Milne's centre in 22 minutes was premature, for the referee was on the spot for his offside ruling. Stein burst through only to slice his shot across the goal, and Sagar was right on the spot to gether a header from Harper. Dean had not been outstanding with his footwork, but his heading bore the stamp of class, and he kept Stein, in particular, busy with choice transfers. Play continued fats and exciting, with the Everton forwards exploiting the close-passing game, quickly and neatly.
Half-time Blackburn Rovers 0, Everton 1.
Everton deserved their interval lead, despite the fact that the Rovers had missed chances. The Blues could be satisfied with Dean's return. Sagar pulled down a fine attempt by Harper which was travelling to Milne, before a lovely through pass by Dean saw Higham net off the bar. The referee ruled Higham offside.
Blackburn Equalise.
Harper equalised 10 minutes after the resumption. Gee elbowed Harper off the ball away out on the left wing, and Milne took the free kick which followed. It was akin to a corner, and the ball dropped in the goalmouth about three yards out. Harper flung himself along the ground, and headed low into the net. Whyte was spoken to for leaving the field without permission, and trying to come back in like manner. Carver was then carried off after a collision with Higham. Imrie going centre half. Carver returned to outside-left with a bad limp. Cook handled near the penalty line and from Brutal's free kick the limping Carver headed over the top. Final Blackburn 1 Everton 1.

EVERTOR'S HALF-SHARE 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 February 1934
DEAN’S HEADY PART ON HIS RETURN
By Bee
Blackburn still unbeaten at home: Dean a little shy to use his feet, but his heading an object lesson.  The feature from an Everton point of view the reappearance of Dean in the first team at Blackburn after months of travail through operations. His name is a magnet in the football domain, and Blackburn confessed their gate had increased through the news of his appearance. There was the firstsign of rain as the game started with these teams: - Everton; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (Captain), Higham, Stein.  Blackburn Rovers; Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Imrie, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, McLean, Harper, Kennedy, Miles. Referee; Mr. Fogg, Bolton. 
Everton, playing in their very dark blue jerseys, had a warm cheer, and there was a special cheer from the Mersey excursionists for Dean, who had his left knee bandaged. Dean won the toss, and took the value of a rather strong wind. A foul against Thomson for hands and a through pass from Higham were the opening phases, and Dean did not stress himself to take this chance.  Dean can still do more with head thanmost can do with their feet.  Kennedy made a false pass against his old club mates, and Stein got the ball for a further corner. Kennedy, however, recovered sharply, and it was his close and clever work that made an opening for Milne, whose centre should have been accepted.  Imrie was very strong without being foolish in delivery of this ball to Bruton and others. McLean's long shot meant nothing in Sagar's goalkeeping 
EXTRAORDINARY INCIDENT 
An extraordinary incident occurred when Ben Williams looked to have scored the first goal of his career. The ball entered a net from a high shot sent three-fifths the length of the field. Dean was in attendance and ran up for a shake of the scorer's hand, but despite protest the referee decided Binns had not knocked over before he connected with the ball and the goal did not count.  Sager saved when Bruton went clean through beyond Cook with a clean, neat dribble.  Sagar was nearly beaten by a ball he had to take at a second view, end Kennedy, close in fell over trying to drive the easy chance through the net.  Dean heeded close towards Higham, who also headed close to the goal. This young lad is a born footballer. His partner, Stein, shot a grand one just over. 
A NEAT GOAL 
Carver cut across Stein when his path was clear, but Higham got across a neat centre, and Cunliffe headed into goal after Binns had dived to the ball and failed to connect.  A pretty goal. Time 17 minutes.  Britton nearly made it two. Higham worked the ball very cleverly to make the first goal. Harper netted, and Blackburn's neat work did not count, as the scorer was plainly offside.  Harper tried again, and this time was harassed off by Williams. Geldard was near heading a corner kick taken by stein out of the reach of Binns.  Everton were playing confident and superior football, and Imrie, roaming, lost his hold on his wing. Sagar placed himself perfectly for a fine header by Harper after Kennedy had swung the ballcross.  Gorman did a lot of spadework to save his captain. There was a debate between Dean and lmrie, followed by a let-off, when Gee missed his kick and Kennedy threw away a goal chance.
LUSTY BACKS 
The lustiness of the Everton backs' kicking was a feature of strength.  Blackburn were playing moderately, having lost their nerve, but Milne hit the upright—another let-off.  Harper followed up by trying to put Sagar and ball into the net, and instead got himself hung up in the network.  Geldard replied by putting the ball on to the crossbar.  Blackburn threw the simplest chance of the game to the wind when Williams was beaten and three forwards had no one but the goalkeeper to beat. 
Half-time. Blackburn Hovers 0, Everton 1. 
Harper’s first real show came in the second half, when he was through on the right and made a high shot. Sager had gone out, but his leap and safe hand kept the equaliser away. Higham scored a really clever goal, only to find a further offside division.  Harper made another effort, and his high shot was tipped over by Sagar; smart work.  Blackburn's passing was tragic, but a foul against Gee at the corner flag region led to Milne centring, and Harper headed in to beat Sager soundly. Time 55 mins.  Stein was quite near giving the lead to Everton again. Whyte went off injured, and in his absence Geldard made a thrilling run half the length of the field, getting his centre across.  Binns, failed to connect once more with his drive, and Higham lobbed the ball cleverly, although a shade too high towards the empty goal.  Milne was Blackburn’s best forward.  Whyte came back to find a caution for leaving the without a permit.  Carver, who had played soundly, was off the field for a long time through a collision with Higham. The game went tame. When Carver returned he became outside left, with Milne over on the right, Imrie "kneed” away when danger came on his side. 
A SCENE 
Ten minutes from the end people left the ground, a commentary on the second half display. Higham nearly snatched the game for his side side on. The corner that came from it led to a scene in which Thomson and Gorman got at each other, and Gorman felt hands round his throat.  Final:—  Blackburn Rovers 1, Everton 1.

EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN R
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 24 February 1934
Everton played H. Litherland (late Cockfield) in the centre, and Coulter linked up with his colleague, Stevenson, to make an Irish left wing. It was Coulter's first home game, and a big crowd found pleasure in a lively opening phase. Everton's goal had some narrow escape.   King on one occasion blocked a shot from Coombes when Creswell had been beaten by the bounce of a lively ball.  Against this we had Litherland making two good efforts and being beaten by the smartness of the goalkeeper. Hughes, Dunn hit the upright, and away went Blackburn, for Coombes to do likewise at the other end. Coulter, without being unduly conspicuous, had been quietly effective.  Half-time —Everton Res. nil, Blackburn Res, nil  Final. Everton Res 2, Blackburn Rovers Res 2. 

THE ART OF HEALING
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, February 24, 1964
EVERTON’S MASSEUR DEALS WITH STRAINS AND BRUSIES
One of the commonest of all injuries to an athlete, and especially a footballer, is a bruised muscle which is caused by a direct blow to the limb, and which can be very painful immediately after the injury until the acute inflamed stage is over, which is usually twenty-four hours, andduring this period the limb or muscle should be meted as much as possible. After the acute stage is over the injured muscle or group of musclesshould he treated by applications of heat either in the form of lead and opium, antiphlogistine or radiant heat, or even hot towels, followed by massage with olive oil and iodex.  These bruises respond well to the above treatment and are better in a few days, but sometimes, if the blow has been very severe, the blood clots between the muscle fibres caused by the internal bleeding may not become absorbed very quickly, so in these cases more vigorous massage and deeper electrical treatment must be applied. With these injuries to the muscles and ligaments it is advisable to apply a strip of adhesive strapping about two inches in width around the part of the limb affected, as a support when playing the first game.  Another very common injury is to one or more of the long running and sprinting muscles which run from the hip down the back of the thigh and are attached to the back of the knee. One of these three muscles is often strained when suddenly commencing to sprint. The treatment for these strains is similar to that of bruised tissues, namely, applications of heat, massage, and strapping with adhesive plaster, but all forms of running should be avoided until the muscles tendon is completely healed, which is usually a few days, unless the strain has been very severe. Perhaps the most common of all injuries to athletes is the sprained ankle, and nine times out of ten it is the ligament on the outer side of the joint which has been strained or partially torn due to a sudden wrench inwards.  The treatment for these sprained ankle joints should be an immediate application of lead and opium after the game, and rest for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, followed by gentle manipulative  treatment with oil, embrocation, or iodex, plenty of dressing with lead and opium or antiphlogistine. Once the acute stage of inflammation is over, and the ligament is healed, more vigorous manipulative treatment should be given to break down any adhesions that may have formed, and also hot and cold baths given alternately, holding the ankle first in the hot and then in the cold for nearly a minute, this to be done about thirty times.  Many of these severe strains to the ligament on the outer side of the ankle can be avoided if the player will bandage and strap the foot in a partly turned-out position, and so preventing the foot from being suddenly wrenched inwards. Let me assure footballers not to worry too much if, after an injury, they feel some pain on playing their first or second game, as this is only to be expected, and once the ligament or muscle fibre is healed, there is no fear of a breakdown, and, as a matter of fact, playing is the best form of treatment once you are sure that the damage is quite repaired.  —Special to the Echo by R. H. Cook.  Everton's blind masseur.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 24, 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

• King, Everton’s youthful keeper, will be 17 next month.
• Norman Higham, of Everton, had one spell at centre forward with Bolton Wanderers, but was allowed to return to Chorley.
• Inquirer.- The team fielded by Everton in their opening match at Goodison park, in 1892 was Jardine; Howarth and Dewar; Boyle, Holt and Hope Robinson; Latta, Maxwell, Geary, Chadwick, and Milward. 
• Everton, we believe, first played Liverpool in a match in season 1893-94
• That was the season Jack Southworth came here, from Blackburn Rovers, for 400 pounds.
• At one period that season Southworth, within ten days, was responsible for 15 of 22 goals scored in four matches
• This included six in succession against West Bromwich Albion, who were beaten 7-1!
• Everton’s three home defeats and eleven away (and once winning the Cup, don’t forget)
• Everton’s home conquerors have been Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Liverpool

EVERTON RES. V. BLACKBURN RES
February 26, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton were strongly represented against the Rovers at Goodison Park. There was a big crowd and much interest was centred in the first home appearance of Coulter, who recently joined the team, The Everton attack showed up well at the outset. Blackburn were clever on the left wing, but offside came to Everton's rescue. The Rovers came again, and this time King did well to catch a header, which was flung under the bar. A beautful combined movement between Archer, Dunn, and Stevenson ended in the last-named missing the post by inches. Stevenson and Coulter were paired-off well on the left wing, and were frequently a source of danger to the Blackburn goal. Litherland, the ex-Army player next missed a good chance of giving Everton the lead through hesitancy. Dunn hit the post for Everton, and the visitors soon afterwards suffered a similar disappointment. Following this there was an extraordinary melee in visiting goalmouth, and the Rovers were decidedly lucky in escaping. Half-time Everton Res v Blackburn Rovers Res 0. Everton in the second half were frequently attackers, but the Rovers broke away and from a left wing centre Coombs headed into the net to give Blackburn the lead.

EVERTON'S HALF SHARE
February 24, 1934. Liverpool Football Echo
Dean's Heady Part on His Return.
Be Bee.
Blackburn still unbeaten at home; Dean a little shy to use his foot, but his heading an object lesson. The feature from an Everton point of view was the reappearance of Dean in the first team at Blackburn after month of travel through operations. His name is a magnet in the football domain and Blackburn confessed their gate had increased through the news of his appearance. There was the first sign of rate as the game started with these teams: - Blackburn Rovers: - Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Imire, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, Mclean, Harper Kennedy, Milne. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Higham, Stein. Referee –Mr. A.E. Fogg (Bolton).
Everton, playing in their very dark blue jerseys had a warm cheer, and there was a special cheer from the Mersey excursionists for Dean, who had his left knee bandaged. Dean won the toss and took the value of a rather strong wind. A foul against Thomson for hands and a through pass from Higham were the opening phases, and Dean did not stress himself to take this chance. Dean can still do more with head than most can do with their feet. Kennedy made a false pass against his old clubmates, and Stein got the ball for a further corner. Kennedy, however recovered sharply and it was his close and clever work that made an opening for Milne, whose centre should have been accepted. Imrie was very strong without being foolish in his delivery of the ball to Bruton and others. McLean's long shot mean nothing in Sagar's goalkeeping line.
Extraordinary Incident.
An extraordinary incident occurred when Ben Williams looked to have scored his first goal of his career. The ball entered the net from a high shot sent three-fifths of the length of the field. Dean was in attendance and ran up for a shake of the scorer's hand but despite protest the referee decided Binns had not knocked over before he connected with the ball and the goal did not count. Sagar saved when Bruton went clean through beyond Cook with a clean, neat dribble. Sagar was nearly beaten by a ball he had to take of a second view, and Kennedy, close in all over trying to drive the easy chance through the net, Dean headed close towards Higham, who also headed close to the goal. This young lad is a born footballer. His partner, Stein, shot a grand one just over.
A Neat Goal.
Carver cut across Stein when his path was clear, but Higham got across a neat centre and Cunliffe headed into goal after Binns had dived to the ball and failed to connect. A pretty goal. Time 17 minutes, Britton nearly made it two. Higham worked the ball very cleverly to make the first goal. Harper netted, and Blackburn's neat work did not count as the scorer was plainly offside. Harper tried again and this time was harassed off by Williams. Geldard was near heading a corner kick taken by Stein out of the reach of Binns. Everton were playing confident and superior football, and Imrie, roaming, lost his hold on his wing. Sagar placed himself perfectly for a fine header by Harper after Kennedy had swung the ball across. Gorman did a lot of spadework to save his captain. There was a debate between Dean and Imrie, followed by a let-off when gee missed his kick and Kennedy threw away a goal chance.
Lusty Backs .
The lustiness of the Everton backs' kicking was a feature of strength. Blackburn were playing moderately having lost their nerve, but Milne hit the upright –another lef off. Harper followed up by trying to put Sagar and ball into the net and instead got himself hung up in the network. Geldard replied by putting the ball on to the crossbar. Blackburn threw the simplest chance of the game to the wind when Williams was beaten and three forwards had no one but the goalkeeper to beat.
Half-time Blackburn Rovers 0, Everton 1
Harper's first real show came in the second half, when he was through on the right and made a high shot. Sagar had gone out but his leapt and safe hands kept the equaliser away. Higham scored a really clever goal, only to find a further offside decision. Harper made another effort, and his high shot tipped over by Sagar smart work. Blackburn's passing was tragic, but a foul against Gee at the corner flag region led to Milner centring and Harper headed in to beat Sagar soundly. Time 55 mins. Stein was quite near giving the lead to Everton again. Whyte went off injured, and in his absence Geldard made thrilling run half the length of the field getting his centre across. Binns failed to connect once more with his drive, and Higham lobbed the ball cleverly although a shade too high towards the empty goal. Milne was Blackburn's best forward Whyte came back to find a caution for leaving the field with any permit. Carver who had played soundly, was off the field for a long time through a collision with Higham. The game went tame. When Carver returned he became outside left with Milne over on the right. Imrie kicked away when danger came on his side.
A Scene.
Ten minutes from the end people left the ground, a commentary on the second half display. Higham nearly snatched the game for his side late on. The corner that came from it led to a scene in which Thomson and Gorman got at each other, and Gorman felt hands round his throat. Final Blackburn Rovers 1 Everton 1.

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 EVERTON 1 (Game 1466 over-all)-(Div 1 1424)
February 26, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Scene at Everton Game
Bad Finish to A Lancashire Battle.
By “Bee.”
It was a pity there was a scene at the end of the drawn game between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Blackburn. The meeting of Lancashire rivals and old friends should not have brought about the tumult that arose in the last two minutes of play. All in a moment there was a scuffle in the goalmouth, and the next moment players were trying to separate Thomson and Gorman, the latter a Liverpool boy. Necks were enveloped in hands, and other players tried to drag the offending men from their grip. Neither police nor anyone else was able to stem the torrent that arose as the two players named went to the subway to their respective dressing rooms. Blows were aimed, but I did not see any connect. The hub-hub died down; the referee Mr. Fogg, of Bolton had a finicky game to deal with at any rate in the later stages and the crowd booed him when he left the field. Many had left the field before the finish, rather tired of the day's sport. It had not been unseemly till late on, and then it became a futile football effort, with spleen carrying the day. Blackburn had not lost a home game this season at Ewood, and were in danger of the break when H. Cunliffe accord a neat header from Higham's good work. Blackburn's equaliser came to Harper when he headed neatly beyond Sagar, after Milne the outstanding forward raider of the day, had taken a free kick against Gee. This was all the scoring, but the ball was netted by Everton twice to be precise, once by the full-back, Williams, who was counted nought through the referee allowing an offside verdict against Dean, or else a charge of charging the goalkeeper when he had not got possession of the ball. Everton were sore about this point. The game's main features have now been told.
Dean's Glides.
There is little else to add except that dean made his reappearance through White's continued damaged state and the return to play of this magnet of the game helped to increase the crowd and lend interest to the game. Dean's positioning was as sound as ever, and when he glided the ball with his head towards goal or to his young partners, he gave the players an object lesson in skilled control of a wet ball. It seemed that the rainfall had left the players unused to the pace and skiddery nature of the ball. They had not known a wet ball this season, and though the rain was welcomed, it had its effect upon the standard of play. Dean played as well as could be expected, and without showing up unduly he proved that his nerve is coming back, even if he has yet to use his feet to any solid purpose. Cunliffe and Higham were clever in part without touching their recent high efficiency and Stein had a good innings without any result for his shooting. Geldard's best was a stirring solo run. He seems to have one of these per match, and this one nearly brought a goal as Higham a bounding enthusiastic and clever young footballer, lobbed the ball rightly, but a shade too high. At half-back the line was steady as usual, with Thomson better than formerly, and at back Cook and Williams were sure and lusty kickers and headers of the ball.
Blackburn Disappoint.
Blackburn disappointed themselves. They were inaccurate in their passes, and Harper hardly got a chance first half, but in the second did better against gee. McLean was below form, and Kennedy had neat touches and no conclusive evidence. The smoothness of the Everton attack troubled Imrie, and he, like Binns and Whiteside was erratic, whereas Gorman had a good day of defence, and Carver at centre half-back –another Liverpool player –did well till he was hurt in collision and had to go outside left, this disorganising the Blackburn side. However, Blackburn made a rally in the second half that would have been turned to good account but for the safety of the visitors' goalkeeper and the help of the backs. It was a dull finish, made more objectionable by the outburst of two players on the field and off the field after the game had practically run its course. . Teams: - Blackburn Rovers: - Binns; Gorman, Whyte; Imire, Carver, Whiteside; Bruton, Mclean Harper Kennedy, Milne. Everton: - Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Higham, Stein. Referee –Mr. A.E. Fogg (Bolton) .

DEAN -A SURVEY OF HIS REAPPEARANCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 26 February 1934
Bee’s Notes, The Hive
If you have set your roses you say thanks for the rain. Footballers did not like it very much; it put a new pace into the ball; there had been so little wet-ball play they hardly knew how to "time" their strokes.  Unfortunately there was a breeze at the end of and after the game at Blackburn in which the word “stroke” was all to prevalent. It was not a nice scene; play had been zagged throughout the second half; the refereeing had bothered some players, as it always will; the decisions were not taken with a kindly eye or tongue. Four times Everton netted the ball and only one counted. Ben Williams nearly scored a goal from full back—that would have been a novelty as well as a delight. Then there was an offside point against Stein and others to follow. By degrees the smoothness of Everton, which had been their predominating feature of the first half, left them.  Imrie went into the game with a whole heart and by degrees there crept into the game a wily something that comes from over-endeavour and lack of control on the part of a player. In the end there was a bustling-up scene near goal, with Thomson and our own citizen Gorman in the middle of the "ring." One could see the frantic endeavour of Stein to hold of a comrade and when the players left the field there was bitterness in some eyes and booes for the referee, Mr. Fogg, of Bolton. It is extraordinary that the people in charge should have allowed the dissenting players to get so near to each other that there was a danger of further outbreak. Fists were raised, but once the bath had washed away their tempers, nothing occurred to further the affair, which war not a nice business at any part. It would not be a bad idea if teams returned to their dressing rooms by different routes. 
GOING AHEAD 
Everton continue to go ahead merrily in their away games, and here they were worth a draw, because they were so much superior in the first half—this at a time when Blackburn hit the post and missed the easy chances. Everton's young men of attack added spice to the proceedings, yet Cunliffe was not unduly prominent, save in getting the important goal. Higham, too, had many tricky moments without being foremost.  I would award that palm to the young fellow Milne, at outside left. He is a right winger, and he carries a bandaged hand through a broken bone, yet he was plucky and clever, and a raider to be feared. Those by his side were not so clever, albeit Harper recaptured his old and best form when the game had gone beyond the first half. Blackburn were unsettled and uncertain. The name of Dean had impressed them, I imagine, and as two of the opposition come from Liverpool one can picture the pre-match fear. They do not know their Dean of to-day, but they know his legs are not his main props in the game. His heading was marvellous, and quite a breath of football joy to me after months without similar ability in the nodding department.  Everton's away successes have been gaining them points rapidly, and the latest was a worthy half in which the defence played their customary part. Cook and Williams were lusty defenders, and sure in their parting with the ball. Gee kept up his sound game and joined in the chatter that seemed to be freely bespattered over the referee, opposing side, and linesmen! There is no medal struck as yet for those who act in this way.  Thomson had a grand first half, and Britton was always doing something to force the attack in his own neat manner.  People took the excursions to Blackburn to renew acquaintance with Dean.  He hardly touched the ball with his feet all day, but his controlling head had its effect upon the others and Cunliffe and Higham are learning where to go for the back-pass of Dean. They should accept these priceless gifts with an instant shot. Both can shoot, albeit Cunliffe has to learn how to control his shots so that they are not bar-wards.  Stein was excellent and Geldard had one inspired moment when he went through the ranks with pace and excellentcommand of the ball; he is coming to his best again by continued playing in the senior side. Dean came through the trial with success; he was not the old Dean; that can hardly ever be, more's the pity, but his endeavour and plucky entry into the attacking vein make it plain he is not the back number some of the stunters and storyette people would have us believe. It is a question of time and self-belief in the case of Dean. Altogether this was a promising "resumption" and quite a happy way of celebrating Mr. Tom McIntosh's birthday. 

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 2
February 26, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 29)
This match provided a stern encounter with many good and interesting features. Everton fielded a strong eleven that included Coulter and Stevenson on the left wing, with Litherland (late Cockfield) in the centre. Everton were the more convincing attackers, combining with effect, and for the most part –particularly after the interval –harassing the Rovers defence. However, the Blackburn defenders were in a most dour mood. Hughes in goal, repeatedly frustrating the home forwards. Among many fine features of a goalless first half were shots from Dunn and Coombes that hit the goal woodwork. In the second half Coombes –an entertaining centre-forward -scored twice for the Rovers while Leyfield reduced the lead. Two minutes from the end Litherland scored Everton's equaliser. Coulter paired off well with Stevenson and on his first appearance at Goodison created a very favourable impression. He centres well, close in on the goal and but for a brilliant save by Hughes would have headed a picturesque goal. Everton: - King, goal; Cresswell and Jones, backs; Mercer Griffiths, and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Litherland, Stevenson and Coulter, forwards.

EVERTON'S BRIGHT OUTLOOK
February 26, 1934. Evening Express.
Dean Won't Belong Now.
By the Pilot.
Everton are slowly but surely building up a winning combination for next season. In addition to import transfer and the discovery and development of promising, the tried and experienced men definitely have given proof that they are getting over the injury bogy and recapturing their best form. What is the result? Why in the last six matches Everton have remained undefeated and the defence has conceded only three goals –an average of half-a-goal a game against such sides as Sheffield Wednesday. Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers. The 1-1 draw at Blackburn on Saturday brought further lustre to Everton's away record. The Blues have lost only four away matches, have won three, and drawn eight. It is a splendid record, and no club in the competition has lost fewer away games. The most grafying feature of the draw against Blackburn was the form of Dixie Dean on his first appearance since November 14. Let me hasten to explain that dean was not the consummate leader of old, but I am convinced in my own mind, that after a match or two he will be. It is just a matter of confidence. He did not accomplished much with his feet against the Rovers, but on several occasions he produced a burst of speed which surprised his own colleagues, and his headwork was superlative. Dean led the line skillfully. He spotted openings for his colleagues and the manner in which he swept the ball out to the wingers with his head was astonishing. There is plenty of room for improvement in Dean, but I think the “wanting” period is over. Everton's football was superior to that of the Rovers and they were unfortunate not to get both points. They had the ball in the net on four occasions and I am at a loss to understand why two goals were disallowed. Williams long lob was in the net before Binns bumped into Dean and so earned a free kick, while I am certain the Higham was onside when he ran through to score off Dean's pass. The Blues were splendidly served by the defence in which Sagar and Gee were outstanding and once again Stein was the most dangerous raider.

DEAN – A SURVEY OF HIS APPEARANCE
February 26 1934. Liverpool Echo
The Scene at the End.
By Bee.
If you have set your roses you say thanks for the rain. Footballers did not like it very much; it put a new pace into the ball; there had been so little wet-ball play they hardly knew how to “time” their strokes. Unfortunately there was a breeze at the end of and after the game at Blackburn in which the word “stroke” was all to prevalent. It was not a nice scene; play had been ragged throughout the second half; the refereeing had bothered some players, as it always will; the decision were not taken with a kindly eye or tongue. Four times Everton netted the ball and only one counted. Ben Williams nearly scored a goal from full back –that would have been a novelty as well as a delight. Then there was an offside point against Stein and others to follow. By degrees this smoothness of Everton, which had been their predominating feature of the first half, left them. Imrie went into the game with a whole heart and by degrees there crept into the game a silly something that comes from over-endeavour and lack of control on the part of a player. In the end there was a bustling scene near goal, Thomson and our own citizen Gorman in the middle of the “ring.” One could see the frantic endeavour of Stein to hold off a comrade and when the players left the field there was bitterness in some eyes and boos for the referee. Mr. Fogg, of Bolton. It is extraordinary that the people in charge have allowed the dissenting players to get so near to each other that there was a danger of further outbreak. Fists were raised, but once the bath had washed away their tempers nothing occurred to further the affair which was not a nice business at any part. It would not be a bad idea if teams returned to their dressing rooms by different routes.
Going Ahead.
Everton continue to go ahead merrily in their away game, and here they were worth a draw because they were so much superior in the first half –this at a time when Blacburn hit the post and missed the easy chances. Everton's young men of attack added spice to the proceedings, yet Cunliffe was not unduly prominent, save in getting the important goal, Higham too, had many tricky moments without being foremost. I would award the palm to the young fellow Milne, at outside left. He is a right winger, and he carriers a bandaged hand through a broken bone yet he was plucky and clever and a raider to be feared. Those by his side were not so clever, albeit Harper recaptured his old and beat form when the game had gone beyond his first half. Blackburn were unsettled and uncertain. The name of Dean had impressed them I imagine, and as two of the opposition come from Liverpool one can picture the pre-match fear. They do not know their Dean of today, but they know his legs are not his main props in the game. His heading was marvellous and quite a breath of football joy to me after months without similar ability in the nodding department. Everton's away successive have been gaining points rapidly, and the latest was a worthy half in which the defence played their customary part. Cook and Williams were lusty defenders, and sure in their parting with the ball. Gee kept up his sound game and joined in the chatter that seemed to be freely bespattered over the referee, opposing side, and linesmen! There is no medal struck as yet for those who act in this way. Thomson had a grand first half, and Britton was always doing something to force the attack in his own neat manner. People took the excursions to Blackburn to renew acquaintance with Dean. He hardly touched the ball with his feet all day, but his controlling head had its effect upon the others and Cunliffe and Higham are learning where to go for the back-pass of Dean. They should accept these priceless gifts with an instant shot. Both can shoot, albeit Cunliffe has to learn how to control his shots so that they are not bar-wards. Stein was excellent and Geldard had one inspired moment when he went through the ranks with pace and excellent command of the ball; he is coming to his best again by continued playing in the senior side. Dean came through the trial with success, he was not the old Dean; that can hardly ever be more's the pity but his endeavour and plucky entry into the attacking vein make it plain he is not the back number some of the stunters and storyette people would have us believe. It is a question of time and self-belief in the case of Dean. Altogether this was a promising “resumption” and quite a happy way of celebrating Mt. Tom McIntosh's birthday.

CENTRAL LEAGUE NEWS
February 28 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
W.J. Redfern the Marine player, will lead the Everton Reserves attack on Saturday against Oldham Athletic reserves.

EVERTON’S OPPONENTS
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, February 28, 1924
The ‘Spurs team to meet Everton at Tottenham, on Saturday next will be;- Nicholls; Channell. Whatley; Evans (T), Rowe, Alsford; McCormick, O’Callgahan, Hunt, Hall, and Evans (W). 

EVERTON NO CHANGES
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, February 28, 1934
Bee’s Notes
Dean, following his play in the match at Blackburn on Saturday, is to have another test with the first team on Saturday at Tottenham.  The directors last night decided to rely on the side which drew at Blackburn, and the elven to face the Spurs at White Hart-lane is as follows;- Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Higham, Stein. 
The Reserves side to meet Oldham Athletic in a Central league game at Goodison Park will include White at centre-half, who has recovered from the injury he received against the Arsenal a month ago, while Kavanagh and Bentham, the two players secured from Wigan Athletic, will make their first appearance for their new club. W.J. Redfern, the Marine player, will lead the attack.  The team is; F. King; Cresswell, Jones; Kavanagh, White, Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, W.J. Redfern, Steve4nson, Coulter.