Association Game January 7 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
The Patrons of the Anfield enclosure had for their delectation on Saturday the Stanley v Northwich Victoria fixture, but so miserably cold and dull was the weather that the crowd was of smaller dimension Everton being unable to fulfil their engagement with Cowlairs, owing to their term of suspension not being expired arranged with Northwich Victoria to meet the Scotch visitors at Anfield on Monday afternoon. Unfortunately the fixture was favored with anything but pleasant weather, but notwithstanding this some two thousands people lined the enclosure and it is worthy of mention that McPherson (late of Everton) received acordial reception when he made his appearance upon the field.

Everton v Notts Rangers.
January 9 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton ground on Saturday presented something like its wanted appearance. Long before the contest commenced there were quite 5,000 spectators present. The ground was very greasy, and in front of the lower goal it was very bad indeed. The weather was fine, and on the visitors presenting themselves they received a very cordial greeting. Shortly afterwards four of the Evertonians appeared, and received a real hearty cheer. There was an awkward interval after this, clearly showing that the effects of the suspension had not been got rid of. At length, after twenty minutes' waiting the game was began, Everton playing only ten men, but what a team it was! The game calls for very little in way of criticisms although Notts Rangers only won by three to one, the chief merit of the low score against the home team rests with Smalley, who defended the charge in excellent style. Everton lost the toss, and Gibson, who had to go centre forward, kicked off. Notts at once pressed Gandy shot in, Smalley hit out, a corner followed, but Hodder kicked wide. Dobson was forced to concede another corner; this unproductive and then Jones stopped a dangerous rush by Shaw. Hodder, and Partington, and aided by a couple of free kicks, Everton at length broke through the blockage which had been established. This relief was of short duration, and Smalley had to punt clear, but a centre from the right, and Gandy by a screw from the left defeated him for the first time. The eleventh man, Welsh, now joined the home team, and the play became somewhat more lively, and at the expiration of half an hour's play Gibson, receiving the ball from Douglas, scored the only goal for his side. Half time arrived with the score one each. After crossing over, Notts kicked off and Everton ought to have done better, as they had the benefit of the breeze, but it was clear that the majority of the men were entirely out of condition, and therefore unequal to the back of improving the opportunity. Fayer put in some good work, but Dobson was all abroad and missing his kick, Shaw caused a second downfall of the Everton colours. A.N. Other and Farmer then made many attempts to break through, but being well attended to, they failed whilst from the neat run down Cook scored a beauty. This player soon after tested Smalley severely, but he cleared, as he did soon after from a beauty by Hodder. Hands off Dobson close to goal caused more trouble, but again Smalley did the needful and time came at length with Everton beaten as above. Teams; - Rangers; - Dawson, goal; Edwards and Carlin, backs; Shelton, Palmer and Archey, half-backs; Candy, Partington, Hodder, Shaw and Cooke forwards. Everton; - Smalley, goal; Dobson (captain) and Fayer, backs; Jones, Welsh and Cartwright, half-backs; an Other, Farmer, Gibson, Evans, and Douglas forwards.

NOTT RANGER V. EVERTON
January 9, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury Everton recommenced play, after their month's suspension, on Saturday, on the Anfield ground, in the presence of about 4,000 spectators. The visitors were the first to appear on the ground, followed shortly afterwards by the home captain and six others, the spectators being kept in suspense as to the other four. Eventually another two turned up, and the game was commenced with nine men. Gibson kicked off for Everton, and soon Hodder was at the home goal, which was only saved at the expense of a corner. Continuing the pressure, the Rangers had hard luck in giving hands just a Smalley's charge was threatened. From the free kick, Hodder again got possession, and rushing up the field, had a flying shot, which just went over. From the goal kick, the visitors again became aggressive, Jones putting in some nice work to save. At length pressure was eased, and Farmer was just robbed of a nice chance by Carlin. At the other end Gandy had hard luck, in not scoring, Smalley just saving in time. At this juncture the home team was completed by two substitutes turning up. Everton now showed up better, Framer putting in some dodgy play, but still they could not pass the Rangers' backs. The home goal was now visited, and Smalley had a hard task in saving through Dobson heading the wrong way. At last the visitors were rewarded with a goal, which was scored by Shaw. From the kick-off, Notts again assumed command, but were spoiled by Welsh, who passed the ball to Farmer, the latter player missing a nice chance through dallying. Hodder had another shot as Smalley's charge, and then off-side, by Cooke getting too near in, eased the pressure, Farmer now run the ball down the field and passed it to A.N. Other, who muddled. Shortly afterwards hands were given to Everton, and Gibson succeeded in equalising. Continuing to press, Farmer came with a rush and passed to Douglas, who fell just as he was about to shoot for goal. Nothing daunted, Gibson made it very warm for Dawson who kept his charge in grand style. Then the Rangers looked dangerous, but could not augment their score, half-time arriving with the game one goal each. On resuming the visitors were soon at the Everton goal, and Shaw scored goal 2 for the Rangers. Kicking off, Everton warmed to their work to equalise, but the inferior play of three substitutes enabled Cooke to added a third goal. Smalley soon had another handful, and then A.N. Other took a flying run, but Shaw easily pulled him up. Hodder paid a further visit to Smalley, and then Farmer took possession, the visitors' goalkeeper saving at the expense of a corner. Shaw and Hodder also had shots, and a very unexciting game ended in the defeat of Everton by 3 goals to 1. Teams- Everton; Smalley, goal; Dobson and Fair, backs; Jones, Cartwright, and Welsh, half-backs; A.N. Other, Farmer, Gibson, Evans, and Douglas, forwards. Notts Rangers; Dawson, goal; Carlin and Edwards, backs; Archer, and Shelton, half-backs; Cooke, Shaw, Hodder, Partington, and Gandy, forwards.

Notes
Everton made a bad impression on resuming play, and the disastrous effects of their suspension, presented as they were in all their nakedness, were aggravated by ill-luck, not to say schism. It is not going beyond the mark to say the team on Saturday was the worst seen at Anfield in a first-class match. Bad as the eleven was, it was incomplete until Welsh filled up the gap, ten minutes after the start. Of the eligibles, Fleming could not assist through business calls, Higgins was “indisposed” and Costley on the sick list; whilst Dobson, though playing, had not fully recovered from a throat affection. Notts Rangers were not a powerful lot, or they would have managed more than 3 goals against Everton's 1, but they played pretty well together in an ostentatious manner. Cook, Shaw, and Hodder dropping in for the bulk of the attacking work. It will be kinder to say nothing about the Everton display except that Smalley did fairly well in goal –Joliffe would have done as well, by the bye –that Fair promised satisfactorily as a back, and that Gibson and Farmer were the most brilliant among weak forwards.

The Everton Football Club.
January 10 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –Permitt me to thank you on behalf of a large section of the football community, for the space allowed in your paper for the ventilation of matters relative to the above club.
It is well-known that owing to the gross mismanagement and willful evasion of Association rules the club has been suspended for the last months, which has deprived some thousands of people from enjoying the winter pastime. During the suspension, it was expected that the executive would have called the members together in order to explain to them this causes of the unfortunate difficulty. This was not done, but upon a syndicate of members being formed a meeting was held at which the committee were severely censured for their reckiestness. It was evident from the discussions which took place that the club is not governed by the executive, but by an “insignificant Cabal” whose action are evidently influenced by sordid motives (the existence of a “ a clique” in this case, as in others, is a sure preludes to future decay). At the meeting members were led to believe that greater care would be excised in the future, but such is not the case; for though the committee had a month to prepare a team for Saturday last, they did not meet until Friday evening last for that purpose. A team was picked consisting of a number of fairly good players; but owing to their not being informed of selection when the ground was reopened on Saturday only four members of the team were present to meet the Notts Rangers, who were present to a man at the advertised time. After waiting fully 20 minutes during which the committee were busily engaged begging and praying of all the football “nonentities” (including the late captain of the abused “Bootle”) who were to be found, a team was at last got together. During this time loud expressions of undigation and disgust were manifested by the thousands who were present who had paid their money to see “Everton” and not to see her represented by a collection of nondescripts. The charge at the gate together with cards sold on the ground, is one of the greatest pieces of fraud ever perpetrated within my recollection.

It is therefore apparent that the hopes of reformation, of which we had fondly dreamed, are not to be realised. May I express the desire that members will take immediate action to avert further disaster, and restore our club to her once proud position. –Yours &c, A Member, January 9 th 1888.

Association game.
January 14 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
It would have been charitable had the process been possible to have drawn the vail over last Saturday's proceedings at Anfield, where after the vocation, Everton, or what is left of the old team, were opposed by the Notts Rangers. Notwithstanding the opportunities presented for reflection and reform, there was evidently a screw loose somewhere, for at the last moment a full team could not be placed in the field. It is all very well to say you can “command” professionals, but cannot control amateurs and it may be that there has been just a trifle too much of the commanding theory practised already. It was an unenviable predicament for the good old club to be placed in, but fortunately the hugh crowd confined the criticism to good-natured banter, chiefly at the expense of the powers that be. The play needs no comment and with Everton defeated by three to one, a further dark cloud would seem to have unbranded the Anfield district. Todays match. Everton v Witton on the Everton ground. The Everton team will be selected from; - Smalley, Dobson, Dick, R. Jones, Higgins, Gibson, R. Jones (Wrexham), Fayer, Whittle, Eyton-Jones, Farmer, Roach, Fleming and A.N. Other.

The Everton Football Club
January 14 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
To the Editor of the Liverpool Courier.
Sir –Will you please find space for me to vent my feelings to the above? In the first place I beg to endorse every word in “A Member's” letter published in your issue of the 10 th instant; alas to add that I, and in fact, the majority of those present at Anfield on Saturday last, went with the full intention of giving out local champions a real good hearty British cheer, when they entered the field of action (but, alas! The solitary four of the once famous eleven whom used to do duty under the banner of Everton! Now, why should not the clique publish the list of players in your weekly issue, so that the constant supporters of the club could see on Saturday morning who are going to represent Everton in her engagement for that day, and not let the poor working men to proceed upon to the extent of three pence entrance to ground and another threepeace for the new stand which I consider that the working man brought for the club last season, to see such a poor display as that of last Saturday.

Such treatment as this I consider is nothing short of imposition, and that imposition does not end here. Immediately you have entered the ground a small army of youths surround you with cry of “Programmes with names and positions of players.” Naturally you like want to know who the players are and therefore lay out another hard-earned penny, and what's the result. Why another –well, I won't use the word that comes to my pen. Well might your correspondent of the 10 th ask, where are Higgins and Fleming? The former on the ground looking on, the latter I knew is much pressed always to be on time for a 2-30 kick off. But what about that useful member Costley? Nothing, said. Just fancy five to six thousand people being gulled in this fashion. I think the sooner the management throw up the rains of office the better. Let the club be thoroughly overhauled, and the members who are wanted to play be informed of the fact before nine or ten o'clock on Friday evening, so that they can arrange to appear in condition at the appointed time –Yours &c, Everton. Jan 15 1888.

FOOTBALL NOTES
January 16, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton have rallied. A week ago it was painfully proved that they had not then obtained their equilibrium after the staggering below delivered by the all-powerful English Council. In their anxiety to present as good a front as possible on reappearing to the football world, the selection of the tear was driven off till the eleventh hour on Friday week. This proved a false step, as players were not apprised in sufficient time of their selection to play, and thus it was that Everton were shorthanded in their opening contest. Since then the cup holders have secured a grand centre half-back in the person of R. Jones, who has been a conspicuous figure in the Wrexham Olympic team, and has, in addition, been selected by the Welsh Association for international honours. This useful player has recently taken up his abode in Liverpool, and will, no doubt, be often seen displaying his undoubted skill at Anfield. Witton, who have twice this season beaten Everton rather easily, and that on Liverpool soil, were the opponents of Everton on Saturday. The visitors were without Shorrocks and Hottersall, but there were good substitutes for these conspicuous absentees; but though Everton were a man short up to the interval, an opening being left for Fleming, who was expected to join the team, they held their own during the first half, and did all the scoring in the second, winning by 2 to 0, after an interesting contest. The attendance was not so large as on the previous Saturday, for obvious reasons, but the 3,000 faithful followers were agreeably surprised to witness such a sterling performance on the part of Dobson's colleagues. Higgins was in good form at half-back; Dobson never played better than he did after the opening ten minutes; Farmer, Whittle, Eyton-Jones, and Gilder worked together; but R. Jones was the hero of the day, and fed his forwards with judgement. He back tactics of Witton were superior of those of their forwards. Spectator.

Everton v Witton
January 16, 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton met their old opponents at the Anfield enclosure on Saturday with a reorganised team, and in anticipation of a good game, the supporters of the home club again turned up in large numbers, close upon 4,000 persons, being present. Still some difficulty was experienced in making up the team, but eventually the services of a full quorum were accrued with the result that a welcome victory was achieved. Whittle started for Everton, who were a man short and Eyton-Jones losing possession, Whiteside rushed off, but shot wide. Witton pressed, a kick off by Dobson clearing. Farmer then romped away to no purpose and on R. Jones passing to Eyton-Jones, Farmer had another chance at goal, but was beaten ere he got steadied for a shot. Houldsworth, when play was at the Everton end, saved well twice, and then Everton paid several visits to Witton goalkeeper, R. Jones repeatedly supplying his forwards with opportunities, but Wilson saved well, though Gilder's attempt nearly upset him. Smalley next fisted out hard, and again Everton gave anxiety. Witton cleared with some difficulty, and the visitors went down the hill in the most determined manner, Smalley after some meddling shot had been attended to saving grandly near the post from Cunliffe. Back again, =R. Jones gave Everton forwards the ball, Farmer forcing a futile corner. Everton continued the pressure for a time, and after withstanding a short but sharp assault at their goal, the homesters moved up the left, a pass by Farmer to Eyton-Jones being just cleared by Wilson, and this scarcely been done than Higgins sent in a good one. Some even play, during which Dobson put in really grand work, was followed by Everton forwards going along in fine combination, a hot shot by Farmer, which Wilson saved magnificently, bringing up the interval. Cartwright, on changing ends, completed the home team. Still Witton left at once became busy, R. Jones having to kick off; a hot assault ensued, without effect, and so Farmer rushed off, Whittle nearing beating the goalkeeper, who saved in giving a corner. Hands to Everton was sent outside, but as Witton failed to clear, Everton again closed up, Whittle scoring first goal in the game in quiet shot. On resuming Witton became troublesome, but Smalley took in hand Cunliffe's shot. Everton again at once got under sail, and from a corner taken by Higgins arising from a hot scrimmage, Whittle headed through a second time. Continuing the attack, Farmer passed to Whittle, who made a good attempt, and then a nice pass by Whittle to Cartwright met with a like result. Witton now had a brief look at Everton goal, R. Jones preventing danger, and in turn Pickering was soon called upon to check a raid. For a long period play was almost entirely confined to the visitors' quarters, Farmer doing some brilliant runs. Witton however, at the close got up to goal in a most menacing attitude, a volley of quick shots being only nufflified by Smalley chucking behind, and this was followed by a practiced assault, but no weak spot was found in Everton defence, and the home club secured a meritorious victory of two goals to nil. Teams; - Witton; - Wilson goal; Smith and Pickering, backs; Whitside, Almond, and Astley, half-backs; Haresnape, Grimshaw, Cunliffe, Horsefield, and Turner, forwards. Everton; - Smalley, goal; Dobson (captain) and Houldsworth, backs; Gibson, R. Jones, and Higgins, half-backs; Eyton-Jones, Farmer, Whittle (Liverpool Gymnasium), Cartwright, and Gilder, forwards.

WITTON V EVERTON
January 21, 1888. The Blackburn Standard
Witton, for the third time this season, paid a visit to the Anfield-road enclosure on Saturday. The home club was strengthened from the previous Saturday by the presence of R.Jones (Wrexham Olympic) and J. Whittle. There were about 3000 spectators present when Whittle kicked off for Everton. Soon Witton were at the home goal, and Whiteside shot wide. Farmer then came away, but was eased by the strangers' right wing. From a kick by Smith, R. Jones got possession and gave to Farmer, who sent in a beauty, but Wilson managed to clear. The ball soon travelled to the other end, when Smalley had to negotiate two shots, and Witton would have scored had Turner not been penalised for off-side. Continuing the pressure, Witton were soon at the Everton goal, Houldsworth being conspicuous in clearing. Farmer was now off in a tricky run the length of the field, finishing up with a shot which Wilson cleared. The home left were again seen to advantage, Eyton Jones just shooting over. Excitement ran high as Smalley was fisting out shot after shot, Grimshaw being ruled off-side just as he put one past. From the goal kick Haresnape got the leather, and called on the home custodian to handle a warm one. R. Jones was here playing splendidly, and assisted Farmer in getting up the field, the latter player giving to Whittle, who tried an overhead shot for goal, which Wilson got away. The Witton forwards were now busy, but found Dobson in his place. The spectators cheered loudly as the home forwards were seen in a pretty piece of play up the field, the Witton goalkeeper clearing a shot from Farmer at the expense of a corner. Higgins took the kick, but nothing came of it; and half-time arrived neither side having scored. Assisted by Cartwright in the second half, Everton took the upper hand, and were awarded a corner, Wilson throwing to the side, as he was pushed through the goal. Nothing came of the kick, and the ball was taken to the other end, where Harsenpae just sent over the bar. Coming down again, Farmer tried a shot, and then hands were given against Witton. Gibson essayed a lob, which was cleared, and soon afterwards Whittle scored for Everton. Witton now put in a lot of work, but found the home back division too strong. It soon became evident that Everton were wearing the strangers down, Wilson having to save six or seven shots in succession, but he could not clear a very easy one from Whittle. With two goals to the good, Everton continued to play hard to augment their score, but found no further opening. Witton pulled themselves together for a final effort, and nearly scored, when the whistle sound, with the score –Everton, two goals; Witton, nil. Teams; Witton; Wilson, goal; Smith and Pickering, backs; Whiteside, Almond, and Astley, half-backs; Haresnape, Grimshaw, Cunliffe, Horsfield, and Turner, forwards. Everton; Smalley, goal; Dobson (captain) and Houldsworth, backs; Gibson, R. Jones, and Higgins, half-backs; Eyton-Jones, Farmer, Cartwright, Whittle, and Gilder, forwards.

Association Game
January 21 st 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
The victory of Everton over Witton came as a welcome surprise to the former's supporters, who had assembled to the numbers of quite 3,000. The “universal providers” as Witton are termed, brought a strong team to do duty for them, whilst the home club had a far different eleven to that of the previous Saturday. R. Jones a welsh International considerably strengthened the half-back division, and Whittle (Liverpool Gymnasium having kindly allowed him to assist his old club) acquitted himself most evidently as centre forward. This is the third time the clubs have met this season, the previous games ending in Witton's favour. The first part of the match proved of an interesting character, and notwithstanding the disparity in point of numbers, the Everton forwards, who were well fed by R. Jones, often placed the Witton goal in danger. Both custodians, however, managed to keep their respective charges intact, and up to the interval no pints had been scored. During this half Everton had only been playing ten men, but on the resumption of play Cartwright completed the team. Shortly after the restart, Everton attacked hotly, and Whittle beat the visitors' custodian with a quiet shot. After a futile effort by Witton a corner by Higgins was turned to advantage by Whittle, who thus had the honour of scoring the only goals in the match. Witton tried hard to equalise towards the close of the game, but without success, and was evidently ouzzled to account for their defeat.

STANLEY V EVERTYON
January 23, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury.
Walton Stiles was visited by a large company of spectators, possibly 4000 or 5000 to witness the contest between Stanley and Everton. The visitors were without Whittler and Gibson, the latter having been injured during the week, and R.Jones received a kick on the knee shortly after the start, and had to cease play. Dick entered his professional career as centre forward. Stanley were more fortunate than Everton, as they were enabled to put their best team in the field. Dick started against the wind, and the home forwards moved up, hands for Stanley resulting in first goal kick, from which Dobson sent to the left, Eyton-Jones and Farmer rushing down and shooting behind. Brown retaliated, and a foul against Dick looked critical, but Smalley kicked away smartly. Stanley located play in Everton quarters for a time, and on Everton relieving a littler W. Wilson put Stanley again on the attack in a fine punt. Brown shooting outside and over, and McGoldrick also going behind. R. Jones, Dobson, and Dick worked hard to stem the home rushes, but Stanley were so persistent that Dobson was forced to yield a corner, whilst an advantous throw in was of no use in the hands of Roberts, who chucked behind. At length Everton cleared on the left, who got well down, Gilder going outside from a pass. R. Jones, who had one or two tussles for possession with Goodall, at this juncture received a severe kick on the knee, and was incapacitated for further play. Farmer now went half-back, and the game proceeded with four forwards for Everton. Stanley were again, busy at goal, but the several shots were harmless until Goodall sent in a real beauty, which Smalley coolly handled. Dick made his way to the half line, where Stanley took a throw in, from which Jones ran and shot well, and this was followed by a very near thing from Brown, who skimmed the bar. Stanley had more ineffective shots, and then Higgins beating Goodall, a throw in was nicely kicked away by W.Wilson, and a short attack finished off by Charteris sending behind. In a twinkling, Smalley had to fist out twice, and Stanley pressed severely, but, Higgins, Farmer, and Dobson always managed to be in the way to prevent disaster. A rush by Everton was easily repelled, and Stanley renewing the assault, Jones and McGregor each tried good shots. Houldsworth headed away nicely, though not effectively, as Roberts forced a corner, and, after some skirmishing near goal Jones sent across to Brown, who at last beat Smalley in a shot that passed just under the bar. Houldsworth cleared another onslaught, and this incident brought up half-time, with Stanley leading one to nothing. On Goodall resuming, Dobson missed his kick, which enabled Stanley to be troublesome, and after some pressure W.Wilson sent the ball well up to Goodall, who passed to Jones, the latter scoring in a surprising manner, and this against a strong wind. Everton relieved on the left, and attacked , though not heavily, and after Farmer had failed from a long range Stanley backs cleared, the home forwards going away in a fine run, Brown testing Smalley with a difficult shot. Jones had a chance, but did not avail himself of it, and then the visitors went away for a short and rather weak attack. Stanley right wing next became conspicuous for a dashing run, which was nipped in time, and on Everton closing up to Stanley goal Glider essayed a good shot. Urquhart saved by a throw, and Stanley once more paid a visit to Everton goal. When in close quarters, Dick and Brown came in conflict, which was decided against the Evertonians, and Pollock took the free kick arising from the foul. This was so well placed that Goodall easily turned it to account, and scored a third goal for Stanley. The play after this incident was of equal merit; both ends were several times reached, but nothing could be done to change the score, so Stanley are to be congratulated on a well-earned victory over their old rivals and neighbours of 3 goals to nil, for which achievement they were the recipients of a hearty cheer. Teams; Stanley; W. Urquhart, goal; G. Wright, and W. Wilson, backs; J. Roberts, H. Pollock, and J. Wilson, half-backs; C. McGoldrick, R. Jones, A. Goodall, W. McGregor, and A. Brown, forwards. Everton; W. Smalley, goal; Houldsworth and G. Dobson, backs; W. Jones, R. Jones, and M. Higgins, half-backs; Gilder, Charteris, Dick, Farmer, and Eyton-Jones, forwards. Referee, Mr. Fitzory Norris.

FOOTBALL NOTES
January 23, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
The leading item of interest to associationists in Liverpool on Saturday was the fight between Stanley and Everton. A contest in which head local clubs are the principals is not a common occurrence in this district, and as Stanley have steadily improved as the season has advanced, whilst Everton have retrograded from their high estate, a hard tussle was generally anticipated. Walton Stiles presented an unusually animated appearance, for where Everton are there also will be found their crowd of patrons. It is not often, if ever before, that 4,000 spectators congregates at the Stanley ground, and the numerous officials had more work than could be accomplished in trying to keep the field of play clear, though it must be said the touchline was seldom encroached upon. Stanley have made some creditable displays during the season, notably against Halliwell, Mitchell St. George's, Earlestown, and Chester; and they have been lucky in being able to put almost identical teams in the field as that of Saturday. On the other hand, Everton's career lately has been a chequered one, and they were singularly unfortunate for their match with Stanley. R. Jones (who, the secretary of the Welsh Association writes to say, has not been selected for international honours) came into violent collision with Goodall early in the game, and received an injury severe enough to prevent him continuing play, and Everton were thus left with ten men. Gibson also met with an accident whilst following his employment during the week. It is true Dick, who has now come out as a fully-fledged professional, resumed a position in the Everton team, but it cannot be said he made a taking impression as a centre forward either for skill or tactics, as he gave several fouls. Taken on the whole, the cup holders were a moderate lot. The forwards being perhaps their weakest spot, and it is very doubtful, even with a complete eleven, if they could have staved off defeat. Stanley played a sterling game, and, though their shooting in the first half was not so accurate as it might have been, had it not been for the smartness of Smalley the scoring would have been heavier. The home team, curiously, were the more effective against the wind, whilst Everton were correspondingly disappointing with the breeze at their backs; and, always having the game well in hand, Stanley achieved a coveted victory of 3 goals to none, and a popular one too, judging from the triumphant progress from the ground to the headquarters. Where the result has been so satisfactory it will be hardly necessary to particulates any Stanley players. The present team thoroughly understand each other under the captaincy of Archie Goodall, and they may yet grasp the local cup.

Stanley v Everton
January 23 rd 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
These teams met at Walton-stiles on Saturday and notwithstanding the unsettled state of the weather there was a large attendance of spectators, close upon 3,000 being present. Everton opened against the wind, whereupon Stanley returned and crossed into the Everton half. Here “hands” were given to Stanley, the ball from the free kick going harmlessly over the line. Jones and Farmer broke away, which was not off by Brown, who got well into Everton quarters. Hands, off Dick caused Smalley to clear smartly. Stanley continued to press without advantage, and the attack was renewed on Wilson kicking strongly. Brown and McGoldrick took futile shots, and after Everton backs had cleared, Stanley again became the aggressive, Dobson giving a corner, as a check, Roberts took a throw in badly, and then Everton moved away on the left Gilder putting behind from a pass. R. Jones in collision with Goodall, got badly hurt at this point and retired, Farmer going half-back. On resuming Stanley pressed and shot often, one by Goodall being especially well saved by Smalley. Dick got under sail, but was sent cut at the half line, and from the thrown-in Jones, got up and shot nicely without effect, and Brown shortly afterwards surmounted the bar. Some more shooting ensued, and Higgins dodging Goodall, got well off and threw in close up to goal, W. Wilson clearing, but Charteris ran up and shot outside. Stanley now pressed determinedly, but Smalley starved shot after shot, and it was just on half-time when Jones passed nicely over to Brown, and Smalley was at last beaten in a clinging shot. Up to now it looked in Everton's favour as one goal up to nothing was not very formidable with the aid of a strong wind. But Everton were at once in difficulties son resuming Dobson missing a kick from Goodall's kick off, and in a few moments on W. Wilson putting in a useful kick Goodall took the ball up, Jones taking the pass and scoring cleverly. Everton then attacked for a time, which culminated in Farmer going wide from a long shot. Stanley forwards next ran down in pretty combination, but Smalley safely attended to Brown's difficult shot. Another short assault by Everton was followed by an exchange of visits. Gilder shooting well without success. A little later Dick fouled Brown, and give a free kick near goal, from which Goodall scored. The subsequent play was more even, but nothing occurred in the scoring line, so Stanley scored a popular win by three goals to nil, in a game in which they excelled at almost every point. Teams; - Stanley; - W. Urquart, goal; G. Wright, and W. M. Wilson, backs; J. Roberts, H. Pollock, and J. W. Wilson, half-backs; C. McGoldrick, Jones, W. McGregor, W. Brown, and A. Goodall (captain), forwards. Everton; - W. Smalley, goals; Houldsworth and G. Dobson, (captain), backs; W. Jones R. Jones, and M. Higgins, half-backs; Gilder, Charteris, Dick, G. Farmer and Eyton-Jones forwards.

St. Helens Association v Everton Reserves
These teams met on the Everton ground at Anfield on Saturday, and notwithstanding the wretched state of the weather, there was a large attendance of spectators. The visitors held the upper hand from the commencement, and playing well together severely pressed their opponents. The visitors goalkeeper never touched the leather on one occasion in this half, and ends were changed with the score St. Helens two goals, Everton nil. In the second half the home team were again on the defensive, and Joliffe saved repeatedly. When time was called St. Helens had won by four goals to one. The game was considerably more one-sided than the score indicates, but the visitors' forwards shot badly. The following were the teams; - St. Helens; - R. Pinnington goal; R. Green and F. Lloyd, backs; J. Duxbury, R. Stoddart, and T. Howard, half-backs; J. Pinnington, W. Miller, J. W. Sims, R. Jones, and W. Gilbert, forwards. Everton; - C. Jolliffe, goal; Pace and Oakley, backs; Brown, T. Jones, and Graham, half-backs; Douglas, Halton, Houghton, Hughes and E. Jones forwards.

Association Game
January 28 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
As was naturally expected, the meeting at Walton-stiles of Stanley and Everton excited a large amount of local interest, and with nothing of moment standing in the way, the attendant crowd must have numbered close upon 3,000 persons. For once Everton commenced with a full team, but with their evil star still in the ascendant, the valuable services of R. Jones at half-back were lost to them early in the game, leaving the remainder to be played out with ten men. They nevertheless made a good fight of it upto the change of ends, the arrival of which found them only a goal to the bad, Brown having just previously beaten Smalley with a clinking shot. The concluding half, however, opened disastrously, for the ball had not been long in motion ere Jones scored a second point for Stanley. It now became evident that the intrepid “Blues” had the game in hand, and playing up vigorously, Goodall, their captain succeeded in placing a third by which number they were, amidst much jubilation, hailed the winners of a game in which they had the advantage throughout. The Evertonians had several shies at goal, but their shooting was erratic, and invariably wide of the mark. Smalley, however, kept goal with credit and for one disaster at least he must be held blameless. Stanley attacked in good style, besides exhibiting good defensive powers; and on their present form the final struggle for the holding of the Liverpool Cup bids fair to arouse a much larger degree of interest than was apparent some weeks ago.
Todays matches.
Everton v Darwen at Dawren
Everton; - Smalley goal; Dick and Dobson, backs; Higgins, Jones and Fayer, halfbacks; Farmer Eyton-Jones, Goodall, Roach, and Fraser, forwards.
Everton Reserve v Tranmere Rovers at Anfield.
Joliife, goal; Houldsworth, and Richmond backs; F. Parry, Cunningham, and Crosbie, half-backs; Costley, W. Douglas, Farish, Gilder, and Charties, forwards.

Darwen v Everton
January 30 th 1888. The Liverpool Courier.
These teams met at Darwen on Saturday, but although the weather was all that could be desired the fixture aroused comparatively little local interest. Roach started for Everton, against a strong wind, and in a few minutes the ball was nicely worked into the Darwen quarters. Then a free kick was given against Everton, and J. Shorrock had a clear chance of scoring, but he hesitated, and the pressure was eased. Once more Darwen attacked, and secured a corner, but nothing resulted. A free kick for hands was given for the home team at the half-way flag, and Ireland sent in a grand shot. Howard Shorrock also sent in a clinking shot, which was nicely handed out by Smalley and only a corner resulted, which, however, proved fruitless. Heresabout Everton had a chance of scoring, but Eyton-Jones kicked the ball out. Then Shorrock saved at the expense of a corner, but the ball was got away, and worked into the Everton quarters. Not to be denied, Darwen continued to press, and from a bit of fine passing by Dimmock, and Marsden, Howard Shorrock sent in a shot, which striking the crossbar, bounding through, thus scoring the first point for the home team. The visitors restarted, and after a bit of fast play Goodall centred nicely, and Roach put the ball through, equalising the score. Some grand shots were sent in to the visitors goal, but Smalley proved equal to the occasion. Then he saved another shot by Dimmock at the expense of a corner, which however, was not improved upon. From hands, close to the Everton goalline, Holden scored goal No 2 for Darwen. Then, two minutes afterwards, Smith sent in a stinging shot, which beat Smalley, and notched the third goal for the home team. When the whistle blew for half-time the score stood –Darwen three, Everton one. After the resumption Darwen continued to press, and Holden sent in a good shot which only just went over the crossbar. Very soon afterwards a corner accrued to Darwen, but nothing resulted. Darwen still continued to press, and after a tight struggle Smith scored the fourth goal. Farmer made a good run up the Darwen left wing, but his shot went past the post. Everton began to press, and Holden had a grand shot to stop. From a centre by Fleming, Farmer scored another easy goal for the visitors. Darwen continued to press, and just before the whistle blew Smith added another goal for the home team, Darwen winning by five goals to two. Teams; - Everton; - Smalley goal; Dick and Fayer, backs; Jones, Nidd and Higgins, half-backs; Eyton-Jones Farmer, Roach, Goodall, and Fleming, forwards. Darwen; - Holden, goal; Ireland and Leach backs; Owen, Thornber, and Marsden half-backs; R. Dimmock, Howard Shorrock, J. C. Holden, Smith, and J. Shorrock, forwards.

Everton Reserves v Tranmere Rovers
The meeting of these teams took place at the Anfield enclosure on Saturday in the presence of close upon a thousand spectators. On the Evertonians kicking off downhill, with the sun in their eyes, they were drove on the defence, and after Joliffe had cleared one or two warmish shots the home custodian was beaten by D. Sheridan from the centre. Everton developed better combination on resuming and pressed for a time, during which the Rovers defence was very active, and allowed nothing serious than a few futile corners. Even play intervened, both custodian having some work to do, and then Everton equalised out of a passing run Gilder doing the needful. Between now and half time nothing further was scored, though Charteris and Sheridan shot well for their respective sides. On restarting the Rovers pressed heavily, the shots sent being good, but he opening was permitted by Joliffe and the backs. The Rovers maintained the attack, Costley, Oakes, and Jolliffe failing in the bulk of the clearing. Later on Morgan ran smartly down and centred, a running kick by McAfee being near scoring. Routledge also ran up well, and brought about a scrimmage but Jolliffe cleared well from the scrimmage, and then Everton indulged in a rush, the visitors custodian fisting out twice. The game eventually remained drawn –one goal each. Teams; - Tranmere Rovers; - H. Sheridan, goal; Bradfield and Littler, backs; Roberts, Beard, and Taylor,, half-backs; McAfee, D. Sheridan, Routledge, Morgan, and another forward. Everton; - Jolliffe, goal; Oakes and James, backs; T. Jones, F. Parry, and Costley, half-backs; Douglas, Crosbie, Fairish, Charteris, and Gilder, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES V. TRANMERE ROVERS
January 30, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
This match formed the attraction at Anfield on Saturday, and was witnessed by several hundred spectators. Everton opened play with the hill in their favour, but had the sun to contend against. The visitors soon got up to the home goal, and gave Joliffe several handfuls, which he attended to safely, but returning to the attack almost immediately. Tranmere scored from the foot of D. Sheridan, Everton at once rallied, and pressed for a time, only corners however, falling to their lot against the good defence. A spell of even play, during which both custodians were called up to use their prerogatives, culminated in favour of Everton, as on the forwards closing up in a good run Gilder took a pass and made the score even. The conspicuous items between now and the interval were clinking shots by Charteris and Sherdian for either side. Proceeding with the second half, the home goal at once became the scene of sustained interesting play; but Joliffe ably assisted by Costley, Oakes, and James, starved off the attack. At length Everton broke loose on the right, though not formidable; and then Morgan, who had repeatedly contributed fine dashing runs, got right down, his centre being charged just outside by McAfee. This was followed by a hot scrimmage, imitated by Routledge, Joliffe chucking aside cleverly. The visitors again attacked without effect, James this time being the chief defender. Just before the close Everton became aggressive, but nothing came of a corner and Charteris's shots, and when an interesting game terminated in a draw of 1 goal each, Everton were engaged in repelling the Cheshire men. Teams; Joliffe, goal;' Oakes and James, backs; T. Jones, F. Parry, ad Costley, half-backs; Douglas, Crosby, Farish, Charteris, and Gilder, forwards. Tranmere Rovers;- H. Sherdian, goal; Bradfield, and A. Littler, backs; McAfee, D. Sheridan, W. Routledge, Morgan, and another, forwards.

EVERTON V. DARWEN
January 30, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
Played at Darwen, before 200 spectators. Neither team was thoroughly representative, the home team being without Strachan and the visitors with Dobson and Gibson. Everton kicked off against a strong and bitterly cold wind, and were at once placed on the defensive. Time after time was the leather sent in, but the defence remained impregnable until twenty-five minutes had elapsed, when Owen defeated Smalley. The visitors then woke up, and, dashing off, Roche equalised from a neat pass by Goodall. Darwen again took up the attack, and Holden scored their second goal, Smith following with a third. At the interval Everton were behind by three goals to one. Twenty minutes later Smith added a fourth point, and a few minutes later Fleming scored for Everton, while Holden afterwards added another goal for Darwen. Result- Darwen 5 goals; Everton 2, goals. Teams; Darwen; Holden, goal; Ireland and Leach, backs; Owen, Thornber, and Marsden, half-backs; B. Dimmock, H. Shorrock, J.C. Holden (Wigan), Smith, and J. Shorrock, forwards. Everton –Smalley, goal; Dick and Fayer, backs; Higgins, W. Jones and Nidd, half-backs; Fleming, Goodall, Roche, Farmer, and Eyton-Jones, forwards.

Notes on Football
Everton's ill-luck seems to cling to them most doggedly. Dobson has now entered the sick list, and with the captain (Gibson) and R. Jones also incapacitated, it was hardly to be expected that Everton would be able to again triumph over Darwen. The team that journeyed to Barley Bank was all right forward, as it was composed of Farmer, Goodall, Roche, Fleming and Eyton-Jones; but not so the backs for W,. Jones, Nidd, and Fayer, though useful, are scarcely class enough to battle such clubs as Darwen. Everton had the wind to contend with during the first half, but they did not allow Darwen to have matters all there own way even against this odds, as ends were changed with the score –Darwen 3, Everton 1. The second half was more even, but the visitors could only manage an additional goal, against two obtained by the home team, and were accordingly beaten by 5 to 2 –not an overwhelming disaster, all things considered.

Everton Reserves were also in possession of headquarters, and had as opponents Tranmere Rovers. Everton were fortunate in getting something like a decent team together from various sources, with the result that an interesting but unexciting encounter terminated in a draw of one goal each. The visitors were pretty evenly balanced, Morgan, the Sheridans, and Routledge –especially the former –being the principal actors. Everton were strongest in the forward department, next to goal, for Jolliffe towards the close, when the Rovers were pressing persistently, did much to confine the score to an equality.