BURY v. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 01 January 1903
At Bury, before almost 12,000 spectators. Bury played the same team as against Liverpool, and the visits were minus Settle, Sheridan crossing over and Taylor appearing. Play started in a lively manner, both custodians being tested within two minutes from the start. Everton persistently attacked, and the result of pretty combination Taylor scored after seven minutes' play. Amidst keen excitement a few minutes later Richards forced a corner off Balmer, and from the kick beautifully placed. Gray equalizing. Bury were now showing better form, and several times the Everton goal was in danger. Then followed bombardment of the Bury goal, and shot after shot was sent in only to be returned. Both sides made strenuous efforts to obtain the lead, and eight minutes from the interval Taylor again put Everton ahead. Half-time —Everton 2, Bury 1.

EVERTON RESERVE V. BURY RESERVE
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 01 January 1903
At Goodison. McEwan, Evertons new recruit, turned out, and made a successful first appearance by scoring a goal for Everton. At the interval the home team led by one goal to nil. Subsequently Chadwick scored again, and Everton continued to have the best of play except for an occasional break-away by Bury, but the visitors could not score, and they were well beaten. Result Everton Reserve 2, Bury Reserve 0.

BURY v EVERTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 01 January 1903
LEAGUEFIRST DIVISION.
The Everton team opened the second portion of their season by visiting Bury, a centre that has not formerly been for the ma happy hunting ground for League points. On arrival at the East Lancashire town there were evidences that the game would be interfered with by fog, which had hung round since early morning. Unfortunately the Everton directors had perforce to alter their original selection of the team, for Settle this morning was reported unfit for play, and it was thus necessary to drop Taylor into the inside position with Sheridan, completing the left wing with Rankin. The Bury team was represented by the same side that defeated Liverpool last Saturday, and at 2 20 the men appeared as follows :—Everton: Whiteley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, and Rankin, forwards. Bury: Monteith, goal; Lindsay and McEwan,backs;Johnstone, Leeming, and Ross, half-backs; Richards, Wood, Sagar, Gray, and Plant forwards. Notwithstanding the counter attraction at Bolton, there would be about 10,000 spectators present. Everton having lost the toss, opened play five minutes after the advertised time. Booth placed his right-wing in possession, and Sharp, with Wolstenholme, gave McEwan plenty of wark. Eventually Plant raced off, and easily beating Henderson, swung the ball across to Wood, who tested Whitley with a swift ground shot, which the custodian got away. Play was most interesting, and the ball travelled
SPEEDILY FROM END TO END.
Then followed some capital play by the Everton right wing and centre, and, ably backed up by Booth, Sharp was enabled to get in a fine dropping shot, which McEwan did well to clear, Returning again, the visiting right were once more prominent, and after several passing movements Taylor clinched matters by shooting a clever goal from fairly long range. This success came after play had been in progress six minutes, and the Bury forwards, recognising the seriousness of the occasion put in great pressure and tested Whitely with shots that, however, did not give the custodian much trouble. The home half-backs at this juncture were
PLAYING A GREAT GAME, and were most persistent in their attention to their forwards. At length Richards got the better of Abbott and forced a corner. This was splendidly placed into goal,and Gray getting his head to the ball, diverted it into the net, this equalising point coming after twelve minutes’ play. Getting to work again, the Bury forwards looked like getting through, when Booth and Balmer checked their movements. Then a moment later the side clamoured for a penalty against Henderson, who had tripped up Gray withinthe area. On consulting the linesmen Mr. Kirkham refused the point. Then Whitley had a near squeak, as Wood stood in front with an open goal, but to the disappointment of the crowd he shot high over the bar. Everton then had a turn at pressure, the left wing this time being prominent, but unluckily for them Brearley drove over the bar. Returning again Taylor sent in a high dropping shot, which Monteith ably attended to. Then came a rasping centre from Rankin, which Lindsay did well to get away. Excitement now ran high, as the Everton forwards simply bombarded the Bury goal, which had several narrowescapes of being captured. The pressure continued with a brilliant shot from Sharp, and Monteith save don his knees, the ball taking a curious curl over the bar. The resulting corner came to nothing, and by means of a free kick against Henderson the home contingent took up
A FAVOURABLE POSITION.
McEwan tried his luck and shot ridiculously wide.After a futile attack by the Everton left Richards got possession on Balmer missing his kick, and with a clinking shot just skimmed the bar, and a little later Wood headed into Whitley’s hands from a pass by Plant.
Half-time; Everton 1 Bury 1
Final result Bury 4 Everton 2

EVERTON COMBINATION v  BURY RES
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 01 January 1903
Having defeated Liverpool at Anfield by two clear goals, Bury visited Goodison-park this afternoon to oppose Everton. The home side played their new man, McEwan, at inside left, the teams facing as follows;- Everton; Kitchen, goal; R. Balmer and Buxton, backs; Clarke, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Wolfe, Chadwick, Morton, Dilly and McEwan, forwards. Bury; Montgomery, goal; Hodson and Gregory, backs; Mills, Archer, and Butterworth, half-backs; Lamberton, Ross, Storey, Booth, and Tyldesley, forwards. The weather was very dull, but there was a good attendance when Storey started the game for Bury. Even play was the order for some time, but the Bury forwards showed the smarter form, and on one occasion Balmer cleared well after Ross had run through and dropped the ball well into the goalmouth. Everton worked their way down to the other end, where McEwan forced a corner, but placed behind. From another flag kick Wolfe nearly got through, and a little later Morton just topped the bar with a fine long shot. Good play by the Bury forwards led to Kitchen having to run out to clear. A moment later Lamberton sprinted down his wing in grand fashion, and shot in hard and low. With the other forwards all in the goalmouth Kitchen saved on the ground, the goal having a wonderful escape. The visitors attacked hotly for some time, and in quick succession Kitchen, Balmer, and Makepeace kicked away good shots. Then Everton went down on the right, and Chadwick hit the bar, and on Dilly sending in from close quarters, Montgomery saved finely. This was the commencement of a warm attack on the Bury goal, but the custodian saved his shot; while the custodian also cleared from Balmer. Then Lambton got away. Kitchen saving grandly, but from a free kick a warm shot from Storey struck the custodian, and was cleared-a lucky escape. After a lot of poor play by the home forwards Wolfe beat Gregory and shot into Montgomery’s hands. Just before the interval McEwan scored splendidly for Everton who led at half-time by 1 goal to nil.

BURY v. EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Friday 02 January 1903
Played at Bury, yesterday, before 14,000 people. Everton pressed at the outset, and Taylor scored after five minutes, Gray equalising five minutes later. Interesting play followed, and seven minutes before the interval Taylor again put Evertn ahead by 2 goals to Bury 1. On resuming both sides made a poor show, the home forwards being particularly faulty. matters improved, and Bury got going, Sagar again equalising after twenty five minutes' play. Some energy was now put into the play, Everton being most dangerous, but Leeming from a free kick put Bury in front ten minutes off time. Gray scoring again on time. Result; Bury 4, Everton 2.

BURY 4 EVERTON 2
January 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
The Everton team opened the second portion of their season by visiting Bury, a centre that has not formerly been for them a happy hunting ground for League points. On arrival at the East Lancashire town there were evidences that the game would be interested with by fog which had hung ground since early morning. Unfortunately the Everton directors had perforce to after their original selection of the team, for Settle was reported unfit for play, and it was thus necessary to drop Taylor into the inside position with Sheridan completing the left wing with Rankin. The Bury team was represented by the same side that defeated Liverpool last Saturday, and the men appeared as follows: - Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and W Balmer backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Sheridan, and Rankin, forwards. Bury: - Monteith, goal, Lindsay, and McEwan, backs, Johnston, Leeming and Ross half-backs, Richards, Wood, Sagar, Gray, and Plant forwards. Referee Fred Kirkman. There would be about 10,000 spectators present. Everton having loss the toss opened play five minutes after the advertised time. Booth placed his right wing in possession and Sharp, with Wolstenholme, gave McEwan plenty of work. Eventually Plant raced off, and easily beating Henderson, swing the ball across to Wood, who tested Whitley with a swift ground shot, which the custodian got away. Play was interesting and the ball travelled speedily from end to end. Then followed some capital play by the Everton right wing and centre, and ably backed up by Booth, Sharp was enabled to get in a fine dropping shot which McEwan did well to clear. Returning again the visiting right were once more prominent, and after several passing movements, Taylor clinched matters by shooting a clever goal from fairly long range. This success came after play had been in progress six minutes, and the Bury forwards recogising the seriousness of the occasion, put in great pressure and tested Whitley with a shot that however, did not give the custodian much trouble. The home half-backs at this juncture were playing a great game and were most persistent in their attention to their forwards. At length Richard got the better of Abbott and forced a corner. This was splendidly placed into goal and Gray getting his head to the ball, diverted it into the net thus equalising point coming after twelve minutes play. Getting to work again, the Bury forwards looked like getting through when Booth and Balmer checked their movements. Then a moment later the side clamoured for a penalty against Henderson, who had tripped up Gray within the area. On consulting the linesmen. Mr.Kirkham refused the point. Then Whitley had a near squeak, as Wood stood in front with an open goal but to the disappointment of the crowd, he shot high over the bar. Everton then had a turn at pressure, the left wing this time being prominent, but unluckily for them Brearley drove over the bar. Returning again Taylor sent in a high dropping shot, which Monteith ably attended to. Then came a rasping centre from Rankin, which Lindsay did well to get away. Excitement now ran high, as the Everton forwards simply bombarded the Bury goal, which had several narrow escapes of being captured. The pressure continued with a brilliant shot from Sharp and Monteith saved on his knees, the ball taking a curious curl over the bar. The resulting corner came to nothing, and by means of a free kick against Henderson, the home side contingent took up a favourable position. McEwan tried his luck, and shot ridiculously wide. After a futile attack by the Everton left, Richards got possession on Balmer missing his kick, and with a clinking shot, just skimmed the bar, and a little later, Wood headed into Whitley's hands from a pass by Plant. There could be no mistaking the earnestness of the Bury forwards, and but for the defensive play of Balmer, Booth and Abbott, the home side must have taken the lead, at length the Everton forwards pulled themselves together, and after Rankin had sent in a couple of centres, which went astray, a third was pounced upon by Taylor, who with a lighting shot, defeated Monteith for a second time. This point came eight minutes before the interval, and the home team extended themselves to their best efforts. Bad shooting marred their otherwise good work, but danger threatened, as the result of a corner kick, given against Balmer, Johnston met the ball, but as before the finishing efforts were very futile. Half-time Everton 2, Bury 1. Immediately on resuming Brearley led on a strong attack and after defeating the backs, was unlucky enough to find a brilliant shot almost from the line rebounded from the crossbar. A few minutes later Richards grazed the bottom of the posts with a magnificent shot, and for some time capital all-round play was shown by both teams, and success seemed assured as Brearley darted between the backs. A long kick from Balmer caused Monteith to throw away, and much of Everton's success at this juncture was due to the alertness of Booth, who was very prominent in anticipating the passing movements of the opposing forwards. Abbott just drove with terrific force, but was a trifle wide. Plant and Gray had hopelessly beaten two ugly rushes on the Everton goal was saved in plucky fashion by Balmer after Henderson. Bury were now most aggressive and a series of attacks ended in Sagar scoring after 25 minutes play, from a pass by Johnston. From this point play became keener than ever, and both sets of backs were kept fully extended. On one occasion, Sheridan had a clear course, but was unlucky enough to shoot straight at the keeper and following several sharp runs by Richards, and Plant, the ball went to Leeming, who drove hard and low into the corner of the net. There were now ten minutes left for play, and five minutes from the close, Gray added a fourth. Final result Bury 4, Everton 2.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BURY RESERVES 0
January 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
Having defeated Liverpool at Anfield by two clear goals, Bury visited Goodison Park yesterday to oppose Everton. The home side played their new man, McEwan at inside left, the teams facing as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, R.Balmer, and Buxton, backs, Clark, J Russell, and Makepeace half-backs Wolfe, Chadwick, Morton, Dilly and McEwan, forwards. Bury: - Montgomery, goal, Hodson, and Gregory, backs, Mills, Archer, and Butterworth, half-backs, Lamberton, Ross, Storey, Booth, and Tyldesley, forwards. The weather was very dull, but there was a good attendance when Storey started the game for Bury. Even play was the order for some time, but the Bury forwards showed the smarter form, and on one occasion Balmer cleared well, after Ross had run through and dropped the ball well into the goalmouth. Everton worked their way down the other end, where McEwan forced a corner, but placed behind. From another flag kick, Wolfe nearly got through, and a little later Morton justed topped the bar with a long shot. Good play by the Bury forwards led to Kitchen having to run out to clear. A moment later Lamberton sprinted down his wing in grand fashion, and shot in hard and low. With the other forwards all in the goalmouth, Kitchen saved on the ground, the goal having a wonderful escape. The visitors attacked hotly for some time, and in quick succession Kitchen, Balmer, and Makepeace kicked away good shots. Then Everton went down on the right and Chadwick hit the bar, and on Dilly sending in from close quarters, Montgomery saved finely. This was the commencement of a warm attack on the Bury goal, but the custodian saved his shot, while the custodian also cleared from Balmer. Then Lamberton got away, Kitchen saving grandly, but from the free kick a warm shot from Storey struck the custodian, and was cleared-a lucky escape. After a lot of poor play by the home forwards, Wolfe beat Gregory and shot into Montgomery's hands. Just before the interval McEwan scored a splendidly for Everton, who led at half-time by a goal to nil. On resuming Everton attacked for a long period. Wolfe ran right through the defence, but was unaccountably given offside. Next Montgomery saved a fine shot from McEwan. Then Bury had a turn, Booth sending close while Kitchen had to handle following a free kick. Next Lamberton scored from a corner, but the point was negatived presumably owing, to Kitchen having been impeded. Chadwick spoil good work by his partner through wretched passing on two occasions but he afterwards got in a good centre, Hodson heading away. Play was stooped for a few minutes owing to Tyldesley being winded, and on resuming Russell forced a corner, which was cleared with difficulty. Wolfe and McEwan each sent very close with cross shots, and during warm work in the Bury goal, Everton twice appealed for penalty kicks. However, Morton scored with a grand long shot. Bury were next awarded a penalty Kick, but Kitchen saved grandly. Play afterwards was keenly contested with Everton the smarter team, but nothing further was scored, and Everton won by 2 goals to nil.

BURY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Friday 02 January 1903
There would be quite 14,000 spectators on the Bury ground yesterday, when Everton furnished the visiting side. No other word would better befit a description of the occasion of the meeting than sensational. After twice taking the lead of their opponents, it was not expecting too much for the Goodison Park team to make amends for previous failures at Gigg-lane, yet they were eventually beaten by four goals to two, and one must admit that the side fully courted the disaster. The game had been but six minutes in progress when Taylor, who had been hurriedly summoned to join the team, owing to Settle being reported unfit, opened the scoring, and, though Gray equalised some five minutes later, there was an undercurrent of superiority that pointed distinctly towards Everton’s ultimate success. This was considerably enhanced when, after monopolising the greater share of the movements of play, Taylor succeeded in again finding the net, and placed his side with a lead of two goals to one at the interval. The second portion brought about one of those kaleidoscopic changes that give a charm to the sport. At the outset the visitors well held their own, but there was lacking an extra spurt that would probably have placed the issue beyond doubt. The players did not appear to seriously recognise the situation until after 25 minutes play, when Sagar equalised, and then their efforts were somewhat of a wild nature, and led to a complete upheaval. After several failures, which under ordinary conditions would have resulted in the acquisition of tangible points, Leeming, from a free kick, put Bury ahead, and five minutes before the game ended Gray completed the discomfiture of the visitors by notching the fourth goal. The game all through was one in which was displayed the glorious uncertainty of football to a nicety. That the verdict rested with the better side could not be denied by the most sanguine Evertonian, who had not to go far afield to account for the disaster. Be it at once stated that the forwards were totally responsible for what appeared towards the end of the game to be absolute rout. They had chances even in the first half of placing themselves in an invincible position, but, like other teams of pretentious character, they preferred to finesse with the ball rather than shoot at every afforded opportunity. Opposed to their methods, and in marked degree, were those adopted by the Bury forwards, and though their shots were not so numerous as those from the opposing line, they proved to be more telling by reason of their unexpectedness. The only player to do himself justice in the Everton front line was Taylor, and it befitted the occasion that both goals should fall to his credit. The others gave a fairly good display so far as contributing to general attractiveness, but there was that lack of finish and a hesitancy that must have been galling to those who made the journey in the hope of seeing their favourites annex full points. That the occasion presented itself there was no doubt, and probably it was their failure in the respect that gave the Bury forwards a new lease of life. Of the other departments of the Everton team there was little exhibited that was faulty. At times Henderson was slow in getting off the mark, and most of the Bury incursions were made from his side, but his confrere Balmer at times was brilliant, and on two occasions near the close of the game prevented by sheer pluck what appeared likely to produce certain goals. Booth, especially in the first portion, played a capital half-back game, and it was mainly due to his vigilance that the home side were so long held in check. The Bury forwards after vainly endeavouring to profit by the short passing game, resorted to the kick and close following-up tactics and these quite unhinged the Everton defence. Richards was again a thorn in the side, and almost every centre from this small player boded danger. The half-backs played an untiring game, and Lindsay, McEwan, and Montieth formed a splendid trio of defenders. Under the conditions the Everton defence could not be blamed for so unexpected a termination, so frequently were they overran owing to the inefficiency of the forwards.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Sheridan, and Rankin, forwards.
Bury.- Monteith, goal; Lindsay, and McEwan, backs; Johnston, Leeming, and Ross, half-backs; Richards, Wood, Sagar, Gray, and Plant, forwards. Referee; F. Kirkham.

EVERTON v.  BURY
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 02 January 1903
The Everton eleven opened the New Year by journeying to Bury, there to meet that formidable organisation on the Gigg-lane enclosure. The weather was fine and mild, but there was more than a suspicion of fog in the air. Nevertheless there was a large holiday crowd present when the teams turned out. The home club relied upon the same eleven that beat Liverpool so decidedly on Saturday last, but the Everton team showed some alteration. Settle, owing to an injured knee, found himself at the last minute unable to turn out, and as a consequence Taylor was drafted into the front line to partner Sharp, while Sheridan crossed over to share the left wing with Rankin. The men lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Sheridan, and Rankin, forwards.
Bury.- Monteith, goal; Lindsay, and McEwan, backs; Johnston, Leeming, and Ross, half-backs; Richards, Wood, Sagar, Gray, and Plant, forwards. Referee; F. Kirkham.
It was five minutes after the advertised time when Everton, having lost the toss, kicked off against the sun. the Everton right wing at once rushed away, and the ball was sent over the line. From the goal-kick the home forwards went away at a terrific pace on the left, and the ball being swung right across, Wood sent in a clinking shot, which Whitley saved very cleverly. After a spell of midfield work, the Evertonians worked their way down by easy stages, and Taylor giving to Sharp, the latter centred well, but Lindsay saved the situation at the expense of a corner; and then a brief spell of midfield work was followed by another advance on the part of the visitors, and Taylor shooting from long range, scored a splendid goal, after the game had been in progress seven minutes. This reverse stimulated the Bury men to exceptional efforts, and three times the forward line got within shooting range, but both Balmer and Henderson played with confidence, and kept the invaders out. The home team, however, was exceedingly persistent, and on one occasion Richards sent in a hot shot, which gave Whitley considerable trouble. Everton tried hard to carry war into the enemy’s camp, but without avail, and a sustained attack on the right ended in Balmer having to grant a corner. This was splendidly placed, and from the ensuing bully in front of goal Gray succeeded in netting the ball. This came after twelve minutes’ play, and at once put the spectators in high good humour. It also had the effect of spurring the Bury team to further efforts, and another fierce attack on the Everton goal terminated in Gray shooting over the bar. The home forwards continued to swarm round Whitley and Plant looked exceedingly dangerous when he was grassed by Henderson. Following up this the Everton forwards took up the running in the most determined fashion and for a long time the Bury goal was subjected to a terrific bombardment. Taylor twice sent in hot shots, which Monteith dealt with effectively, and then a corner was forced on the right, but Sheridan missed a nice chance of heading into the net. Still the visitors kept up the pressure, and a magnificent shot by Sharp was saved in really brilliant fashion by the home custodian. After this the Bury forwards resumed the attack, and Plant was twice given a nice opening, when he shot ridiculously wide. The home line still kept pegging away, and another smart movement on the right ended in Richards shooting just over the crossbar. At this period of the game the home contingent were enjoying all the best of the play, and it was more by good luck than good management that the Everton goal escaped, although both backs played soundly. A spasmodic movement on the part of the Everton left ended in Rankin shooting rather feebly, but he speedily made amends by running down the wing again and centring nicely, with the result that Taylor nipped in and netted the ball eight minutes before the interval. Holding the leading again, the Evertonians played up surprisingly well, and a pretty exhibition of forward and half back work was seen, but it ended in nothing, shots from Abbott, Rankin, and Brearley all going wide. Just before half-time the home team made desperate efforts to draw level, but to no purpose, the score at the interval standing;- Everton 2 goals, Bury 1 goal.
On crossing over, Everton at once got down, and Brearley sent in a magnificent shot, which struck the crossbar. They kept up the attack for some time, but Bury gradually wore them down, and the home forwards came along in fine order. Wood shooting a yard wide of the mark. Following upon this, Everton had a long spell of attack, and both Sharp and Taylor missed nice opportunities. Continuing to press, the visitors forced a corner, and this led to an exciting tussel in front of Montieth; and it was only after a desperate struggle that McEwan succeeded in clearing his lines, when the homesters played up with renewed vigour, and in a short space of time Sagar, Leeming, and Gray added goals. Final; Bury 4 goals, Everton 2 goals.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 02 January 1903
EVERTON RESERVE v.  BURY RESERVE
There was a good attendance at the Goodison Park enclosure yesterday to witness the Combination fixture between the above-named clubs. Everton played McEwan, a new outside left. Morton set the leather in motion for Bury, and the visitors made away on the left, but the leather was sent outside. From the throw in Everton gained possession, and Clarke put in a fine centre, but there was nobody up to meet the ball, and the visitors receiving it, came again, but there was not much sting in the attack. The home contingent again pressed, Morton passing to McEwan, the ball going outside. The visitors left next hot down, and Tydesley was robbed by Wolfe, and the Everton forwards again put on a spurt, Morton trying a long shot which just skimmed the crossbar. The visitors were playing a decidedly good game, and Kitchen was given a lively five minutes, but Buxton eventually relieved, and Chadwick receiving sent across the goal mouth, Montgomery fisting out. The visitors’ right again got going, and Kitchen was called upon to save a very difficult shot, which he dealt with splendidly. Just on half-time Everton rushed away, McEwan opening the score.
Half-time; Everton Reserve 1 goal, Bury Reserve nil.
Final Everton Combination 2 goals, Bury Reserve nil.

EVERTON'S CAPTURE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 January 1903
Everton have made new capture -Marshall McEwan, of Ruthorglen, a Scottish Junior inside left forward, 19 years old, 5ft. 9in. high, 11 stone weight, reputably smart dribbler, fine combination player, and a grand shot goal. He played for the Reserve team New Year's Day, and will probably make his debut for the league team against Newcastle United on the 10th inst. That means the displacement of Bell, supposing that McEwan is satisfactory: and as Bell was born in 1871 has clearly passed the age limit at Goodison, which is 28. He ought have retired from football for good in May, 1898, when he left Everton to go to Celtic; had then reached the allotted span existence as footballer, at Goodison, and I cannot think what Everton were about to re-engage such an old stager last season. The new man, McEwan, is lucky to be so young. He is only 19, so that he has nine years of football in him still. It does not matter whether the football in good or bad; the age is the thing. A man has no right to play good football at Goodison, at the indecent age of 31, like Bell, and 37, like Chadwick. They ought be thinking of making their wills, and ordering their funerals as footballers, and because they did not do these things Everton reminded them of their duty, and shunted them.

EVERTON AND THE TROTTERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 03 January 1903
Although they defeated the Trotters by three goals to one, last Saturday, the “Toffees” had no means the best of the play. Bolton ought to have broken their egg at last, in their nineteenth venture. Their defence was much superior to Everton's, and it was a sarcastic commentary on Everton's judgment that Struthers, one of the numerous rejected of Goodison. was the best back on the field. The Bolton shooting was defective, and it was here that they lost the game. What is the use of forwards who can't get goals ? The whole object of the five goal-getting, and when men fail in that, they fail in everything. It must be extremely discouraging to such backs to have such forwards in front of them. The blame, of course, falls on the backs, least in the eyes of unthinking peopte; it is, therefore, fair to the Bolton back division to point out that though 55 goals had been scored a couple of them, five of them have got only 18 goals to their credit. There ia too much defence, not sufficient defiance, in the Bolton team.

EVERTON v MIDDLESBROUGH
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 3 1903
A CLEAN SHEET AT THE INTERVAL
By pigeon Post and Telephone
The Goodison Park exponents have not by any means given their most ardent supporters much cause for rejoicing since they battled against the victorious Albion. A change in the turn of Fortune’s Wheel was anticipated to-day from Middlesbrough’s visit, as so far the Nottingham have not cut a glorious figure in their League fixtures, eighteen of which have yielded them fifteen points. When the iron-founders visited Liverpool in November, the Anfielders gave them a terrible dressing-down by 5 goals to nil. Against this, however, must be placed last Saturday’s excellent form when they visited Stoke, and secured a couple of very useful points by gaining a surprising and meritorious victory of 2 goals to nil. The teams lined up as under;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Middlesbrough.- Williamson, goal; Hogg, and Ramsay, backs; Smith, Jones, and Muir, half-backs; Watson, Macauley, J.H. Gettins, Goodson, and Carrick, forwards.
Referee; Mr. L.P. Campbell; Linesmen, Messrs. Downs and Brown.
There were about 12,000 spectators present when Gettins kicked off, there being little to chose with regard to the choice of positions. At the start the Evertonians pressed forward, and Taylor soon found occasion to test Williamson, who responded gallantly. Soon afterwards, passing between the Everton quintette resulted in Settle having a shot at goal, and after the Middlesbrough goal had a narrow escape from this onslaught, Wolstenholme shot wide of the mark. Subsequently the visitors put on a little pressure, but they were soon beaten back, and the Everton left wing put in some tricky work, but at the finish found Hogg and Smith too much for them. The Blues were still pressing and buzzing round Williamson, who fisted out a hard shot at close range from Sharp, and soon after Wolstenholme tried a long shot, from which the ball dropped just over the bar. Sharp was checked in a move up the right by Muir, and Goodson took possession, but he was too closely attended to be successful. The visitors were very ragged in their forward rushes. Balmer and Wolstenholme put the leather well in front but the Everton right wing could not get away at all, and Ramsey gave his men a chance which they failed to materialise, and Sharp was soon sailing up his wing to the corner play, when he found a stumbling block in Ramsey. The game continued in midfield, and was for some minutes of a tame character, now commenced a move of surprising brightness, during which the Everton right-wingers showed some pretty form. The immediate result was a corner, and on this being secured the Notts County left-wingers went straight through, and were only repulsed at close quarters by the cleverness of Wolstenholme. After some further half-hearted work in the Everton half, the home contingent broke away on the right and left, but only succeeded in driving the ball out of play. Clever work between the half-backs only ended in tame play by the home left, but shortly afterwards Abbott drove the ball nearly home. The class of play did mot improve much, though sometimes the broken rushes of the Middlesbrough forwards had a dangerous air about them, but on the Everton side there was very little more cohesion or purpose. A fine put by Wolstenholme gave Taylor a chance, but he passed the ball much too far, and Smith nearly passed the ball through his own goal, and Williamson had some little difficulty in clearing. A corner enabled Everton to put on pressure, which Middlesbrough resisted effectually until the ball came out to Abbott, and he made a rattling effort to score with a fine, strong drive, which was not far from its mark. Everton were now waking up, and only very close attention enabled the visitors to escape on several occasions. The ball went outside the net from a free kick without touching anyone, and then Settle missed a nice opening. The Everton men had a fine chance after a good clearance by W. Balmer, but on the home right getting well down Settle and his partner came to a misunderstanding, and the first-named only made a poor attempt at goal. A foul against Jones placed the Middlesbrough goal in danger, after which Wolstenholme had another drive at goal. Settle was then completely shut in when he appeared to have a chance, but Brearley and Taylor took up the running only to be repulsed by Ramsay. Later on Sharp ran by Ramsey, but the Evertonians seemed unable to make use of the opportunity offered. The game was so slow that the supporters of both teams lustily exhorted them to liven up. A long punt from W. Balmer sent the leather out, and Muir then prevented an advance until Taylor took possession, and sent over the bar with a swift shot. The visitors then made a promising incursion down their left, which was checked by a smart run from W. Balmer. Sharp took the leather, and went ahead with a capital sprint, and wound up with a neat pass to Taylor, but although the inside man steadied himself, he shot well across the goalmouth. Immediately after an even better opportunity came, but although a couple of yards from the goal he managed to put the ball just outside the post. Everton were forcing some rare openings, but none of the forwards could find enough energy to use them successfully. During an attack on the Everton goal Macauley centred, and Watson tamely put the ball over the crossbar. This was followed by equally tame play on the part of the Evertonians, for when Sharp went down smartly and centred, Brearley waited and allowed one of his opponents to clear. The visitors made no better use of a chance which followed upon an attack by Carrick and Goodson, the centre which was made by the first-named being utterly neglected when the players in front of goal seemed to have a rosy chance. Not one of the home forwards had any idea of correct shooting, and Bell once with a good opening kicked the ball on to Abbott. Once more all the Evertonians were swarming round the Northern custodian, but one-half of them were soon lying on the ground mixed up with the leather. Settle centred cleverly from a throw-in by Abbott, but the ball went a begging, and soon afterwards Abbott cheated three of his opponents, and from the centre of the field sent in a beautiful shot, which Williamson disposed of a masterly style, and this custodian was similarly clever when hotly tested immediately afterwards by Taylor. Although the bulk of the attack came from the home front rank somehow or other they could no get going, and good work resulted in nothing when the final opportunity came along. Half-time arrived with no score.
Half-time Score; Everton Nil, Middlesbrough Nil.
SUCCESSFUL PLAY BY BREARLEY
EVERTON VICTORIOUS
The game during the first half was one of the sleepiest exhibitions seen for a long time at Goodison Park, and was quite devoid of those brilliant rushes and close combination which has marked the victories of the home team on several occasions. Not one of the home forwards seemed to know where the net was. The fault was not with the halves, who fed the front line very well, and effectually prevented the visitors from being really dangerous. The trouble seemed to be a total lack of understanding between the forwards and neither of the wings seemed to fit in well. Middlesbrough were perhaps lucky in defence, though Williamson was very alert, and well covered throughout by Ramsey and Hogg, who tackled well, though the ragged efforts of their opponents did not make their duties exceedingly difficult. The balance of attack was, however, decidedly with Everton, and the spectators hoped for victory before the finish of the game. The Evertonians restarted before about 15,000 people, and the visitors had distinctly the best of the opening moves. Whitley saved a long shot from Muir, and a moment later Gettins shot by the side of goal. Wolstenholme led up to the Middlesbrough goal, during the advance to which good combinedwork was shown by the home forwards, but at the finish Settle shot wide. This was followed by a fierce attack on the home goal, but when Gettings was well placed he threw away what appeared to be an excellent opportunity. A nice bit of work by Brearley, Taylor, and Sharp led up to a couple of corners, and with a sharp bombardment wound up with Williamson fisting out. At last Everton opened the account after a fine dash by Sharp, who passed the leather along to Taylor, and he made a fine attempt which Williamson managed to save Settle, however, was lying close up, with only the custodian to defeat, and although his effort was somewhat slovenly he netted the leather about ten minutes after the recommencement. The goal was well deserved, as it followed some really good passing work, and the previous efforts of Sharp and Taylor were all that could be desired. It looked quite as if the Everton front rank were not at all satisfied with their previous feeble efforts. The visitors went to work in real earnest, and a mistake on the part of the Everton half-backs gave Carrick an opening, but his centre went completely out of play. Directly afterwards the Everton right broke away, and the ball was eventually sent right across to Bell, whose centre was captured by Brearley and headed into the net, the second goal coming after about ten minutes’ play Everton continued the attack, and a perfect centre from Sharp was footed away by Hogg, after which Brearley was within an ace of scoring again.
Final Result. Everton 3 goals, Middlesbrough Nil.

A DECISIVE VICTORY FOR EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 05 January 1903
By Harricus
I have seen the Everton team play twice in the first three days the present year. The first match they lost by four goals to two, on Saturday they won by three goals to none, yet though I may be ridiculed by some folks, the play of the eleven in the match at Bury on New Year's Day would win more matches than that displayed against Middlesbrough. They gave a splendid exhibition in the first half at Bury, and for a part of the second, but the Bury men were simply irresistible in the last twenty minutes of the game, and no defence could have withstood their attack. But at no portion of the game on Saturday, despite the three clear goals victory, were they a patch on their display from 2-20 to 3.20 on the afternoon of January 1st.  I suppose Middlesbrough were looked upon as small fry, and certainly their opponents of Saturday did not require much beating, and the 14.000 or so spectators could not have been flattered by the exhibition of football displayed during the afternoon. The one redeeming feature from an Everton point of view was that the home team scored thrice, while the opposition failed to put up a single chalk. The first half was goalless, though Everton bad the assistance of a strong breeze, but beyond having the bulk of the play the they could not congratulate themselves on their exhibition. The shooting was wretched, each player having his own idea of how to score goal, the main man who should have been being under the impression that he would meet with success by turning his back to his opponents' goal. John Goodall might be engaged to drill sundry centre-forwards in the art of how to take the ball forward in a workmanlike manner.
BREARLEY’S DAY.
This heading is justified and previous fallings forgiven, for the simple reason that  three goals were secured in the second half, and so far as I could see every one of them were secured Brearley, the centre- forward of Everton, who is now figuring in that position owing to the indisposition of Young. He is born a Liverpudlian and after leaving the seaport city figured with Notts County, Millwall, and Middlesbrough, whom he left last season to take advantage of the opportunity running up so many goals  the very first time they appeared at Everton. No. 1 came about about six minutes after re-commencing, but really Williamson might have prevented the downfall of his charge, for he failed to gather the ball securely from a shot by the right wing, and in race for possession Brearley proved too smart for him. Shortly afterwards the Everton centre forward and a Middlesbrough back went for the ball together. The back, instead of flooring Brearley, attempted to head the ball; so did Brearley; and the up-shot was that the ball him turned off him into the net. The veteran John Bell may claim the lion’s share the of the credit in the securing of the last goal, for he got away splendidly, and centring as he can do, Williamson was beaten for the third and last time.  After this Middlesbrough were a man short, and the one-back game being introduced by the visitors under force of circumstances, the spectators were not ill-pleased when the referee’s final whistle allowed them to go home.
POOR PLAY
As I stated at the outset, the game was not a very exhilarating one, and it was well that the Everton team had not to meet one the crack combinations.  I was informed by a supporter of the club that they were not worth a win against poor Bolton Wanderers the week previous, so that it is evident that the Everton players of the present day are not doing justice to the reputation of the club. A glimpse at the League table shows that only three clubs have lost more matches than they.  Of course the backs have been very unsettled, and a renewal of the Balmer- Molyneux combination (two local men) would do some good. Balmer had his young brother for company on Saturday. He is, I believe only nineteen years of age but for all that he must be criticized, and I say that it is well for him that his task was not a difficult one. He is not very strong in his returns, the very opposite of his illustrious big brother, but still he showed signs of promise.  The half-backs were as usual when I see them, and though Abbott was the pick of the trio, I was pleased to see that Wolstenholme has returned to his best form. He is too good a player in may opinion to be kept out League football. The young bloods of the forwards, Sheridan and Rankin, were deposed by Settle and Bell, and I don t know that the change weakened the side. Bell being always dangerous by lying well up the field. Sharp, too, got in some good work, in the second half particularly. Taylor gave a brilliant display at Bury after being wired for at the last moment, but he displayed too much hesitancy against Middlesbrough, and Brearley, until he warmed to his work, indulged in too much fantasia for a centre-forward.  Middleborough had the assistance of J. H. Gettins again. His home is at Middlesbrough, where he is spending his vacation, but he did not display any extra class football. At times he gave the touches of a master, but for so big a man he does not charge enough. I don’t like to see a big fellow hustled off the ball. Watson and Carrick, the extreme men, were about the best of the forwards, though the former, after limping about for some time in the second half, had to leave the field ultimately. The half backs were fairish, and the two backs, Hogg and Ramsay, are good defenders of the stern and severe order, albeit both might have prevented a goal being recorded. Williamson, a local, took the place of an ex-Evertonian, McFarlane, in goal, and in the first half saved well. He was, however, to blame for the first goal. Everton; Whitley; Balmer (W.), and Balmer (R.); Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Bell.  Middlesbrough; Williamson; Hogg and Ramsay; Smith, Jones, and Muir; Watson, McAnley, J.H. Gettins, Goodson, and Carrick.  Referee; T.P. Campbell, Blackburn. 

NEW YEAR’S DISMAL ADVENT
Athletic News - Monday 05 January 1903
By Junius
On New Year’s Day both our League teams were beaten and in each instance by a two goals’ margin.  Everton’s reverse at Bury did not occasion much surprise, but the overthrow of Liverpool on the Anfield ground certainly caused astonishment.  Everton made a good start at Bury, but failed to keep the advantage gained at the interval.  Settle was again absent, and the only branch of the team that seems to be fit two weeks in succession is the half-back division.  This line has proved of inestimable service to the Goodison Park club this season, and although forwards have been disappointing, and full-backs also, Booth and those on either side of him have seldom been found wanting.  This was particularly noticeable in the Bolton match.  This was particularly noticeable in the Bolton match, though as a matter of fact it has been no solitary experience, but has prevailed throughout the season thus far. 
THE COMING BENEFIT MATCH
Reverting to my remarks in last week’s notes concerning the Balmer-Wolstenholme benefits, wherein it was stated that these players were to receive the net proceeds of the League match with Wolverhampton on the 17th inst., I am pleased to be able to furnish further particulars.  With commendable generosity the Everton directors intend deducting from the gross gate receipts simply the expenses of printing and ground charges, which I am assured will amount, at the extreme limit to about 12 pounds.  All the rest will be divided equally between the players, and in this decision I feel certain that the action of the directors will be warmly approved of by all supporters of football in Liverpool.  With the hearty co-operation of the public which will indubitably be forth-coming the players should receive a handsome donation. 

EVERTON WIN AT HOME
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 05 January 1903
Everton had their revenage on Middlesbrough on Saturday. The win was not very exhilarating, and it was well that the Everton team had not to meet one of the crack combinations, for it is evident that the Everton players of the present day are not doing justice to th reputation of the club. The backs bore traces of the changes so frequently made, and the halves and forwards played variably. The old uns in the forwards came back and did good work. The Middlesbrough men lacked go at the critical moment of the game.

EVERTON 3 MIDDLESBROUGH 0
January 5, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
Brearley scores hat trick in twenty-minute spell, during second half.
For the first time in their history Middlesbrough appeared in a League fixture at Goodison Park. The weather was exceedingly pleasant for the time of the year, and there was a good attendance. In the Everton, Bell re-appeared after a somewhat prolonged absence. The visitors had the assistance in the centre forward position of a well-known amateur. J.H.Gettins. Teams: - Everton: - Whitley goal, W.Balmer, and R.Balmer, backs Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle and Bell, forwards. Middlesbrough: - Williamson, goals, Hogg, and Ramsley, backs Smith (captain), Jones, and Muir, half-backs, Watson, Macauley, J.H.Gettins, Goodson, and Carrack forwards. Referee C.P.Campbell. Everton won the toss, and Gettins set the ball in motion. The wind was blowing across the ground, and the spin of the coin was of no particularly advantage to either side. Play opened in interesting fashion, the first item of note being a fine attempt by Taylor. A moment later the same player and Settle indulged in some pretty passing, as the result of which Settle directed a really beautiful shot at Williams, who brought off at the expense of a corner, a wonderfully fine save. Following the corner kick, young Balmer came within an ace of opening and scoring for his side. There was no mistaking the earnestness of the Everton forwards, who kept the opposing defence, busily engaged. A long fast shot from Wolstenholme, found Williamson on the alert, but the resulting corner was feebly utilsed. Suddenly play was transferred to the other end. Watson obtained possession, and though hampered by the backs he managed to get in his shot, the ball striking the upright and going over the line. Again returning to the attack, a mistake by Ramsay boded danger to the visitors. Jones however, intervened, and kicked clear. The bulk of the attacking came from the Everton right wing. Bell at this stage scarcely having anything to do. A long shot from Abbott was wide of the mark, although Taylor forced a corner the Everton attack was unable to turn it to account. The Northerns next attacked, but the brothers Balmers defended strongly, both with regard to kicking and tackling. The play had opened out more, and the exchanges were decidedly interesting, Once Settle had a chance of a shot at goal, but Hogg beat him in the race for possession, and the danger was overcome. A good centre from bell went a begging, and then Sharp forced another abortive corner. Everton maintained Strong pressure, and the downfall of the Middlesbrough goal seemed imminent when Abbott obliged by shooting over the bar. Still the progress of the game was mostly in favour of Everton, whose halves rendered great assistance to the home front line. Bell and Brearsley tried hard to open, the score, but found the visiting backs in fine form, while Settle after smart work by the forwards, placed the ball wide of the upright. The pace seemed to have fallen off, and in the absence of goals the crowd exborted the teams to “play up” Certainly the display at this period was by no means exhilarating. After midfield play, Sharp got clean away, tricked Ramsey and running down the field, centered to Taylor, who was right in front of goal. Taylor, however, missed badly, and a moment later Brearley was equally at fault in dealing with a centre from Bell. Then the Middlesbrough forwards asserted themselves. Watson centring nicely to Macauley, who headed over from almost under the bar. The succeeding play was mostly in favour of Everton, whose attempts at goal were wretched, several nice chances being absolutely thrown away. Half-time Everton nil, Middlesbrough nil.
At the resumption there would be about 15,000 people present. The visitors were the first to exert pressure, and Whitley in the first minute had to handle from Jones, while immediately afterwards Gettins shot into his hands. Gradually play was transferred to the other end, where Settle was presented with a nice opening, but his shot was sadly lacking in direction. Similarly Gettins was at fault when he had a good chance to defeating Whitley. Next Everton attacked vigorously, but for the time being, beyond a couple of abortive corners their efforts were not rewarded. Still keeping up the pressure, Taylor after receiving from Sharp, centred from near the line, and the goalkeeper falling in clearing the ball was placed in the net by Brearley. This success imparted a little more interest to the game. The Northerners showed up prominently, and once Taylor falling back came to the rescue of his side in the nick of time. Everton, however, quickly returned to the attack, and as the result of a centre from Bell, Brearley got his head to the ball, and scored a second goal. There was now no holding in the Everton forwards, and the Middlesbrough defenders had a very anxious time. Sharp was continually a thorn in their side, and it was surprising how the visitors goal escaped further downfall. Wolstenholme made a really creditable effort to register a third goal. Williamson being lucky to effect a clearance. From a run down the wing by Bell, the Middlesbrough custodian was forced by Settle to concede a corner. In dealing with a centre from Bell, the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball, and Brearley had no difficulty in scoring his third goal of the afternoon. Everton had the best of the game to the close. Final Everton 3, Middlesbrough nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 5, 1902. The Liverpool Mercury
Another moderate display of football was witnessed at Goodison park, where Middlesbrough were the visitors, due, probably, to the latter giving about as feeble an exhibition as need be desired, whilst the home side rose, just sufficiently above their opponents in point of quality as to be able to annex the much needed couple of points. Everton were certainly superior to the Teessiders, though this must be taken to convey the idea they were by any means brilliant, and a fairly average eleven would just have played havoc with either of the teams. In the first half, was this particularly the case, and such a wholesale aimless meandering in midfield was there such a monotonous succession of rapid slip shod movement that brought nothing but weariness of mind to the beholders that the interval, which arrival pointless- a fitting result to the 45 minutes' suppositious football- came as a grateful relief.
For about ten minutes after the commencement of the game, the Everton forwards gave the impression that strict business only was meant, and the Middlesbrough custodian had to be exceedingly active to avert disaster in these early stages. By degrees the quality of the play deteriorated, and whereas the visitors appeared to have no conception of the road to the Everton goal, the home forwards emulated them in most successful fashion as the game progressed. Near the interval Booth and Abbott showed what could be done by a judicious of shooting, but the half fizzled out, and its departure caused no regrets. Afterwards some slight improvement was manifest in the play of the Everton front line, but Middlesbrough went on with their dreary plodding, and finished as they had begun with nothing to their credit. Six minutes after the restart Brearley, who had up to this juncture been the most dismal failure in the Everton forward division, scored after Williamson had fallen in clearing a centre from Taylor. But fortune had not yet finished showering her favours on the Everton centre, four minutes later the same player put on a second, and a third followed from a like source. Truly, the tickle danic was in her most tickle mood, though perhaps, it was but another example of the natural sequence of things that the honours should go to the quarter least deserving of them. It would be a difficult matter to find anything in this game about which one could become enthusiastic. The forwards play on both sides was mediocre, though Everton were certainly a bit above their opponents, and the latter must have been experiencing one of their worst days, for they seemed to have no idea of scoring, and when they got the ball in midfield, were so laboured in their efforts that they made no perceptible headway. There were occasional periods when The Everton forwards showed something approaching decent form, namely, in the first quarter of an hour, and from the time they scored their first goal, to the acquisition of the third. Sharp obliged with a few capital sprints and centres, but the latter were wretchedly utilised by the inside players. The left wing was barely passable in point of merit, and the only thing that Brearley did was to score all the goals. It was not allowed to many to play so feebly, and still be the means of securing all the points gained during the game, but doubtless the centre's trio of goals, will take the possession of riches cover a multitude of sins. But, if Everton were moderate in attack, what can be said of their opponents. A feebler set of forwards could scarcely be unagined; they possessed neither “combination”, “cleverness”, nor “ability” to shot, and many a second rate them would have soundly thrashed them. Defence on both sides was of a more reliable character, Williamson, the visitors custodian saving some capital shots, though he was always at fault with the centre from Taylor and the shot from Bell, which led to the first and third goals respectively. The full backs kicked very vigorously, but why they should have resorted to the one back game in the last twenty minutes is difficult to understand. With the application of a little intelligence the Everton forwards should have made the most of a chance of this sort. The half-backs were fairly good, but as a train Middlesbrough gave the impression that they will be fortunate in escaping relegation to the Second Division, on the form shown in this match. On the Everton side Whitley had about four shots to stop, and these all came in the second half, for he only handled once in the first moiety, and that was to prevent the concession of a corner. The brothers Balmer formed a good line of defence at full back, and certainly shaped as efficiently as any combination tried in this position this season. The halves were a serviceable trio, Wolstenholme leading the way, and they easily held the ragged forwards opposed to them in check. Booth for once, sent in some good shots, which enabled the keeper to reach them, whilst Abbott was more dangerous near goal than all the remaining forwards put together. It is, however, such games as these that cause one to wonder if League football at the present is worthy to be compared with the doings of seasons gone by.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 05 January 1903
TOM HELME
Mr. Tom Helme is one of the veterans referees of the League, an original official, in fact, and in this respect he can claim equality with Mr. John Lewis. As Mr. Helme sees his family growing up around him he must be reminded of the fact that in a year or two he, like Mr. Lewis, will have to retire in favour of younger men. But a competent veteran is much to be preferred to an inefficient youngster, and hence it is Mr. Helme continues to control momentous First Division matches. Not only so, but he is as keen and enthusiastic in his work as of old, and by systematic training he combat’s a tendency to become possessed of adipose tissue which pull readily start itself, and thus he retains his nimbleness. He was a football man long before Leagues were thought of, and has indeed been connected continuously with the game for upwards of twenty years. He was one of the founders of the once celebrated Great Lever Club, which included in its ranks amongst others James Trainer, John Goodall, Dennis Hodgetts, Alfred Jones, and Tot Rostron, of international fame. In the club’s infancy Mr. Helme was one of the full backs, and after removing into the adjoining township of Farnworth he favoured the club of that name with his abilities. Next he became secretary of Farnworth Standard, a strong side of its class in days gone by, and it was during the holding of this office that he turned his attention to refereeing. He is not likely to forget one of his first engagements, which was between Great lever and Bolton Wanderers at Pike’s Lane, when Great Lever won by one goal to none. These matches were heroic struggles, which usually caused tremendous excitement. Mr. Heleme has done a great amount of travelling during the many years he has been wielding the whistle, and during the season of 1898-9 he covered over 5,000. He has refereed in many different Cup-ties, but strange to say never until last season had handled the last two teams left in the Lancashire Cup Competition. He was one of the founders of the Manchester, Bolton, and Bury Referees and Linesmen’s Association, and its first chairman; he has since been annually re-elected. When younger he played cricket, and holds a medal as one of the Farnworth Parish Church team to win the Bolton and District Junior Cup. Mr. Helme is of a modest, retiring disposition, and is anything but self-assertive on the field, yet withal he is firm with players, as one who was suspended last season will have cause to remember.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 05 January 1903
During the first half of the Middlesbrough v. Everton match the supporters of the latter team must have received a very nasty shock at the ineptitude of the front rank, and had unpleasant prognostications as to the future. Taylor partnered Sharp, whilst Brearley was in the centre, with Settle inside man to Bell on the left wing. This was a combination good enough to expect class football from, instead of which they fell almost to the level of their opponents, who were a lumbering lot in front, with little effective combination, and very little capacity for shooting sharp and straight. At times the play became painfully tame in midfield, being monopolised by the halves on both sides, who could not get their men going. Settle and Bell showed neither speed not cleverness, and the former was not, in fact a shadow of his true self all through the game. Brearley was all at sea in the centre, and helped his wings but little. Williamson kept goal very well for the visitors, and missed nothing which came his way, and though Ramsey and Hogg were not very clean in their style, the Everton forwards quite failed to take their measure during the first half. After the interval came one of the most wonderful possible changes on the Everton side. The forward quintet were speedy and dashing on both wings. Williamson did all that could be done with a hard short shot from Taylor, and almost upset Brearley, who rushed in rather clumsily and netted the ball five minutes after the interval. From this point there was only one team in it, and that Everton, who gave the Middlesbrough backs a rare gruelling. Bell put in some pretty work, despite his injured arm, and from a really fine centre Brearley added another goal, and his third goal was an even more brilliant effort. Although the triple event was achieved by Brearley, his prowess should not by over-estimated, as on each occasion it was simply a question of putting the finishing touch to excellent work by the wings. The absence of Muir from Middlesbrough during most of the second half probably made little difference to the ultimate issue.

EVERTON v.  MIDDLESBROUGH
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 05 January 1903
Played at Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Middlesbrough.- Williamson, goal; Hogg and Ramsay, backs; Smith, Jones, and Muir, half-backs; Watson, Macauley, Gettins, Goodson, and Carrick, forwards.
Referee. Mr. L.P. Campbell; Linesmen, Messrs. Downs and Brown.
There were about 12,000 spectators present Gettins kicked off, there being little to choose with regard to the choice of positions. At the start the Evertonians pressed forward, and Taylor soon found occasion to test Williamson, who responded gallantly. Soon afterwards, passing between the Everton quintet resulted in Settle having a shot at goal, and after the Middlesbrough goal had a narrow escape from this onslaught, Wolstenholme shot wide of the mark. Sharp checked in a move up the right by Muir, and Goodson took possession, but he was too closely attended to be successful. The visitors were very ragged in their rushes. After some further half-hearted work in the Everton half, the home contingent broke away on the right and left, but only succeeded in driving the ball out of play. Clever work between the half-backs ended in tame play by the home left, but shortly afterwards Abbott drove the ball nearly home. The class of play did not improve much, though sometimes the broken rushes of the Middlesbrough forwards had a dangerous air about them, but on the Everton side there was very little more cohesion or purpose. The ball went outside the net from a free kick without touching anyone, and then Settle missed a nice opening. The Everton men had a fine chance after a good clearance by W. Balmer, but on the home right getting well down Settle and his partner came to a misunderstanding, and the first-named only made a poor attempt at goal. A foul against Jones placed the Middlesbrough goal in danger, after which Wolstenholme had another drive at goal. Settle was then completely shut in when he appeared to  have a chance, but Brearley and Taylor took up the running only to be repulsed by Ramsey. Later on Sharp ran by Ramsey, but the Evertonians seemed unable to make use of the opportunity offered. During an attack on the Everton goal Macauley centred, and Watson tamely put the ball over the crossbar. This was followed by equally tame play on the part of the Evertonians, for when Sharp went down smartly and centred, Brearley waited and allowed one of his opponents to clear. The visitors made no better use of a chance which followed upon an attack by Carrick and Goodson, the centre which was made by the first-named being utterly neglected when the players in front of goal seemed to have a rosy chance. Not one of the home forwards had any idea of correct shooting, and Bell once with a good opening kicked the ball on to Abbott. Although the bulk of the attack came from the home front rank somehow or other they could not get going, and good work resulted in nothing when the final opportunity came along. Half-time arrived with no score.
The Evertonians restarted before about 15,000 people, and the visitors had distinctly the best of the opening moves. Whitley saved a long shot from Muir, and a moment later Gettins shot by the side of goal. Wolstenholme led up to the Middlesbrough goal, during the advance to which good combined work was shown by the home forwards. A nice bit of work by Brearley, Taylor, and Sharp led up to a couple of corners, and a sharp bombardment wound up with Williamson fisting out. At last Everton opened the account after a fine dash by Sharp, who passed the leather along to Taylor, and he made a fine attempt, which Williamson managed to save. Brearley, however, was lying close up, with only the custodian to defeat, and although his effort was somewhat slovenly he netted the leather about ten minutes after the recommencement. The goal was well deserved, as it followed some really good passing work, and the previous efforts of Sharp and Taylor were all that could be desired. It looked quite as if the Everton front rank were not at all satisfied with their previous feeble efforts. The visitors went to work in real earnest, and a mistake on the part of the Everton half-backs gave Carrick an opening but his centre went completely out to play. Directly afterwards the Everton right broke away, and the ball was eventually sent right across to Bell, whose centre was captured by Brearley and headed into the net, the second goal coming ten minutes after the first. Everton continued the attack, and a perfect centre from Sharp was footed away by Hogg, after which Brearley was within an ace of scoring again. However, just before the finish Brearley succeeded in netting his third goal. Final result; Everton 3 goals, Middlesbrough nil.

EVERTON v  MIDDLESBROUGH
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 5 January 1903
At Goodison-Park, Everton, before 15,000 people. The home team started in vigorous fashion, Wilkinson saving splendidly from Settle. The visitors were rarely dangerously, and in the first half Whitley had never to handle. Repeated chances were missed by the home forwards, Brearley, and Taylor failing to utilise centres from Sharp. Near the interval Booth and Abbott tested Williamson without effect. Half-time- Everton nil; Middlesbrough nil.
In the second half Everton opened strongly, and in 20 minutes Brearley scored three goals, the first from Taylor’s centre, and the other two as the result of good work by Bell. Middlesbrough only occasionally attacked, and their shooting was not such as to go give the Everton goalkeeper much trouble. Result- Everton 3 Middlesbrough 0.
Everton; Whitley, goal; R Balmer and W. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Middlesbrough;- Wilkinson, goal; Hogg and Ramsey, backs; Smith, Jones, Muir, half-backs; Watson, McAuley, Gettins, Goodson, Carrick, forwards.

EVERTON v.  MIDDLESBROUGH
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 5 January 1903
TEES-SIDERS WELL BEATEN
Everton; Whitley, goal; R Balmer and W. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Middlesbrough;- Wilkinson, goal; Hogg and Ramsey, backs; Smith, Jones, Muir, half-backs; Watson, McAuley, Gettins, Goodson, Carrick, forwards.
The first club to oppose Middlesbrough twice this season in the First league was Everton, and on Saturday at Goodison Park, Liverpool the Teesiders and the “Toffees” were engaged in a return fixture. When Everton visited Middlesbrough on Sept 6 of last year, Middlesbrough won a close game by a goal to nil, and since then each club, though at times accomplishing some smart things, have fared very indifferently. Of the pair, perhaps Middlesbrough have performed the worst, and this is most noticeable during November and December, when of four home games and five away matches three points were secured on foreign territory and one away, whilst Everton have never gone longer than three weeks without securing a point. Prior to the match under notice Everton were twelfth, with 18 points for 21 games; whilst the Teesiders were fifteenth, with 15 points for 18 games. The weather was glorious and fine when the rival teams took the field. There were 2,000 spectators present when the game was started. The spin of the coin was lost by Middlesbrough, who started the ball towards the Park end against a strong wind and sun. from the commencement the homesters went down the field, but Middlesbrough sent them back quickly. In the first few minutes the visitors got into close quarters, and Gettins just failed to get his toe to the ball in time. A little later, when Gettins was getting through. Booth bowled him over. At the end of some ten minutes’ play, Taylor raced off, beating all opposition, and then, with only the goalkeeper to beat, instead of shooting kicked the ball to the foot of Ramsay, who kicked away; and Abbott, returning put the ball wide. Sharp and Taylor caused some trouble to Miller and Ramsey but the homesters returned to the attack and twice again Brearley was at fault. Some fancy work on the left soon led to one of the visiting team handling the ball, and from the free kick the visitors’ goal had the narrowest of escapes-the ball being kept within a foot or two of the line for some seconds, but no one could get it into the net. Then the visitors broke away, and Gettins got in a grand shot but Whitley saved just as smartly. With a sudden rush, the ball was carried to the home end, and a swift shot by Goodson, when on the line, and at long range, flew straights for Whitley’s charge, but Balmer dashed between, and succeeded in getting the leather away. The homesters urged on by the shouts of the spectators, dashed away, and Wilkinson had a sharp shot from Taylor to negotiate; while Abbott shot wide, and Brearley put no strength behind his shot. Even play followed until Muir secured, and gave to Carrick; but Whitley was not seriously called upon. From the return Gettins looked to threaten danger, but failed to reach the ball before it travelled over the line. From a bully close in McAuley shot grandly, straight into Whitley’s hands, the custodian saving easily. The visitors continued to press, and Gettins shot with deliberation; but D. Balmer intervened more by accident than design, and cleared luckily. Then Taylor secured, and raced along the wing; but Muir fairly beat him for speed, and relieved. Watson received when possibly offside, but the referee failed to note the breach of the regulations, although the linesman signalled. Luckily, a fritless corner was the outcome. Some bad miskicking by the home halves led to trouble, which resulted in a melee in front of the Middlesbrough goal for some time. But R Balmer intercepted Getting’s well-meant shot, and Middlesbrough again took up the attack. Taylor looked to have got safely through, but Muir stuck to him like a leech, and fairly worried him out of it. Bell next beat Smith and Hogg, but Brearley cleaned missed his centre. Wolstenholme tried his luck, his shot dropping on to the top of the net. Taylor again tested Wilkinson with a beautiful shot, which cleared, and Gettins at the other end shot strongly, and, the ball rebounding off his partner, Watson made off. McCauley shot against the side of the net. Bell got away, and with only Hogg to beat shot a good six feet wide of the mark, but, a moment later, Wilkinson ran out to save, and his downfall seemed certain, when a slip but his opponent resulted on the ball flying over the bar. Everton pressed on the left, but Smith was fouled by Bell, while just afterwards Jones stopped a dangerous rush, and put his opponent on the run. Gettins had a nice pass from Carrick, and put behind. The homesters retaliated, for Settle to put over the line, when well placed. Away went the visiting team, and Goodson shot over, and Carrick, when clearly off-side, put the ball into the net but the point was disallowed. Then Everton got in another shot, but Wilkinson saved twice in quick succession, the homesters were rather shaky. Whitley saved from McAuley while just afterwards he cleared finely from Gettins. Away went the Evertonians in something like good style, and Brierly essayed a good shot, which missed by inches only. Another good attempt by Settle was checked by Hogg, when a little later. Brearley, getting through, shaved the upright with a fine shot. From a foul close in Muir shot wide, a performance which McAuley repeated when Carrick got in a fine centre. The homesters were kept on the defensive, and several shots were put in. a break away by Bell was well checked by Jones. Bell forced a corner, from which Wilkinson punched out. From a regular bully at the Middlesbro’ goal, the was shot into the hands of Wilkinson, and two or three players tried to rush him through. He got away, however, and the referee ignored the strenuous appeals that it had got over the line.
Half-time; Everton Nil, Middlesbrough Nil.
On resumption, Everton were the first to attack, and, from a free kick, well placed, Brearley headed the ball into goal; but Wilkinson fisted away in clever style. Coming along in rare fashion, the visitors played up in spirited manner, and, after McCauley narrowly missed the cross bar with a beautiful shot, Goodson took the ball from a centre by Watson, and banged it against the side of the net. Taylor now ran in threading his way through the opposing halves, and sent in a nice shot, that went into Wilkinson’s hands. That player only partially cleared, and Brearley dashing forward, sent the ball into the net. The homesters soon resumed attacking, and as a result of their persistence, Taylor secured an opening, and should have scored. It was not to be, however, as the ball, twisted slightly out of its course by the wind, went on the wrong side of the post, although there was only a very narrow margin. Following this, the homesters made several determined assaults on the goal, but Wilkinson won cheers on several occasions by his clever saving. Again the Evertonians came to the attack, and again Brearley was responsible for a score. The shooting of Middlesbrough at this period was wretched. Their midfield work was good, but near goal they seemed as though unable to shoot. The ground was wet and heavy, and made football more than ordinarily hard work. The visitors attacked strongly, but Whitley did superbly, his work being marked with a great deal of confidence, that brought him safely through more than one awkward situation. After this, Everton had matters all their own way. Bell rushed down, and, after completely beating the backs, he centred, Brearley received and scored Everton’s third point. After this, Sharp centred the ball accurately, and Settle dashed past the backs to secure it. Unfortunately, he kicked it a trifle too hard, and Wilkinson, running out, was unable to score. Final; Everton 3 Middlesbrough Nil.

TIT-BITS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World. - Wednesday 7 January 1903
By Merseyman
The match at Goodison Park between Everton and Middlesbrough was a poor affair for the most part. The football to half-time was bad, but Everton did whatever pressing there was, and then couldn’t shoot for nuts! Afterwards there was an improvement, and the Toffeemen came out with a 3 nil victory. All the goals were put through by Brearley, who last year strange to say, was a rare busybody for Middlesbrough in this respect. Otherwise Brearley’s play of most indifferent calibre; but, of course, goal-getting covers a multitude of other blunders.

BROTHERS BACK IN FIRST LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday 7 January 1903
Passing Events
By E.C.P (Scorcher).
Everton’s well-known right back, W. Balmer, was on Saturday, for the first time partnered by a younger brother, R. Balmer. I hear from Liverpool that the latter only wants to fill out a bit to make a class man. Brother backs in first-class clubs smacks of the A.M. and P.M. Walters era. In the same match the Toffees also had Bell back in the team after seven weeks absence. By the way, Everton have a signed up a Scottish junior outside-left of good repute named McEwan, hailing from Rutherglen, Glencairn.

CAREER OF MONKS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 January 1903
The Rovers' directorate made a happy capture when they secured Monks a few weeks ago. He is a native of Lancashire, having been born at Ashton-under-Lyne. It was there that his football enthusiasm was roused, and as a youngster he revelled in a game of socker. Assiduous practice made him a capable player, and in the course of time he joined Stalybridge Rovers, for whom he played when they won the Lancashire League Championship. Then, through the medium of Glossop, he made his debut in the Second Division; and, afterwards, when he signed for Bury, he came into the first-team company. With the Shakers he performed a short period, at the expiration of which he transferred his allegiance to Everton of whom Tom Booth, the ex-Rover. is now captain. Unfortunately for Monks the forward line was such a character as to prevent him appearing frequently. The Blackburn club, however, wanted an inside right badly, and his services were requisitioned. After one match with the Reserve he was selected to partner Arnold Whittaker, the Rovers' crack shot. That very day created favourable impression; the way in which fed the outside winger filled everybody with delight. Against Liverpool on Saturday he gave a very promising exhibition, and showed a spirit of determination.
A Through Grafter
Always at work, he manages to secure openings which a less perservering player would fail to produce. he is never selfish, and his comrades know that he will place the leather at their disposal at the opportune moment. Dewhurst and Whittaker have between them an exponent who uses his head as well as his feet, and the goalkeeper has to be for ever on the alert when Monks approaches the haven wherein he wishes to deposit the ball. Off the field he is a quiet and retiring young fellow. Modesty is one of his chief traits. However, long one converses with him one never hears him refer to his own achievements.

A DULL DAY AT GOODISON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 January 1903
Everton did not really cover themselves with glory defeating Middlesbrough Goodison last week-end. The football was slow, the proceedings deadly dull; not even the music of a capital band could prevent people from yawning. On form at 'Anfield and Gooduson the Tees-sides are the worst team the eighteen; it is a mystery to how they are among the eighteen clubs that have "sat on" the Trotters.” The old Middlesbrough amateurs were a better team than the present pros.”; the defunct Ironopoiis could have given their successors goals and a beating; and I say as though well aware that I thereby taking the shine out of Everton's victory over them. Let it be so; the Toffes have no cause to plume themselves their success, for they beat the most moderate lot of performers of the season seen at Goodison.
CHANGES AT GOODISON.
There is talk of more changes at Goodison. Some well-known player will be put off altogether, instead for a time only, unless they buck-up'' At Goodison, McEwen, the new outside left, made successful debut scoring the first goal for the Combination against Bury Reserve. Bell is back in his old place, which seems to indicate that McEwen will not oust him just yet, and no doubt the knowledge that McEwan is waiting to step into his shoes will stimulate Bell to do his level best. I believe the threat to sack them all would stimulate the Toffees more than any number of bonuses for a win. Provision is be made immediately Goodison and Anfield, in accordance with the League's recommendation, of baths and hot water for visiting teams. At Goodison part of the directorial stands will adapted to the purpose, and thus turned some use at the directorate no use at all.

THE LIVERPOOL CUP.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 10 January 1903
This season it has been arranged to do away with the qualifying rounds for the the Liverpool Senior Cup and leave the result to fought out between Everton and Liverpool. It was also left to these two clubs to arrange for choice of ground, and in this respect Everton won, and the match will played at Goodison Park on Saturday, January 24th. "The proceeds of the gate will be divided into “thirds,” the Association taking one and the rest divided between Everton and Liverpool clubs.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 10 January 1903
Everton v. Newcastle United.
League match, at Newcastle; kick-off 2.15.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson, and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Sheridan, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Everton Combination v. Preston North End Reserves.
Friendly match at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.45.
Everton Combination.- Kitchen, goal; Wildman and Buxton, backs; Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, Morton, Wolfe, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday January 10, 1903
MATCH POSTPONED
A telephone message came through from Newcastle this afternoon stating that the match between United and Everton had been postponed on account of the bad weather which has prevailed in the neighbourhood.

EVERTON COMBINATION v.  PRESTON NORTH END RESERVE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday January 10, 1903
This friendly encounter took place this afternoon in wet and disagree able weather, before a small attendance of spectators. Morten kicked off for Everton, who at once attacked, McEwan trying with a shot from the right, but being hampered, his attempt went wide. Preston then got away nicely, Beaver sending from long range, but his shot was yards too high. Returning to the attack, however, Preston had another try, Kitchen saving finely from Howarth’s shot. Another fine centre by the same player was headed over the bar by Watson. Preston continued to press for some time, but without result, and pretty combined play by the home forwards took play to the visitors’ end. Considering the heavy state of the ground, the game was fast and interesting. Howarth got hold and made off at full speed, but his career was cut short by the referee giving him offside. The same player again got away, and sent a beautiful shot, which past the mark by inches. A minute later, however, Danson scored from a scrimmage in goal. In must be mentioned that Everton were only playing ten men. Boardman having failed to turn up.  Notwithstanding this, Everton played up pluckily, and McEwan equalised after a good run. The game after was very even, each end in turn being the scene of attack. Morton had an opening given him, but he shot too high. Preston made a strong attack on the home goal, and Walton was brought down dangerously near the penalty line, but only a free kick resulted, which came to nothing. Half-time; Everton Combination 1 goal, Preston North End 1.
Final.- Everton Combiantion 1 goal, North End 1 goal.

CONCERNING EVERTON AFFAIRS
Athletic News - Monday 12 January 1903
Curiously enough, the only abandoned games in the First Division of the League were those wherein Liverpool and Everton were concerned.  The latter had the long railway journey to Newcastle to make, and left Liverpool on Friday for Tynemouth, where they stayed overnight.  They intended trying Settle at centre-forward, and for this reason I am sorry the game was not played, for the experiment would certainly have been worth watching.  Next Saturday the “Wolves” are due at Goodison Park, and as has already been reported in this column, the proceeds of the game are to be apportioned equally between Balmer and Wolstenholme.  Considerable interest in being taken in this affair, which promises to turn out a hugh success.  This is as it should be.  Further, the Liverpool Senior Cup-tie between the League teams of Everton and Liverpool will be decided on the Goodison Park ground on the 24th inst.  Representatives from the two clubs tossed for choice of ground, and Everton were favoured by the spin of the coin.  The struggle for this final trophy has been reduced to one game, and the Liverpool Association should, from a pecuniary point of view, be considerably the gainers thereby, for there is sure to be a big assemblage whenever these teams meet. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1
January 12, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
At Goodison park, Everton played ten men in the first half, Boardman being the absence. Play ruled in favour of the visitors, who scored through Danson in half an hour. Good work by Wolfe resulted in McEwan equalising and at half-time the score was one goal each. In the second half, Joyce completed the home side, he took Kitchen place in goal, the latter playing at outside right. Everton had rather the best of matters in this half but neither side scored again. Everton: - Kitchen goal, (Joyce 45), Wildman, and Buxton, backs, Clark, Rissell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin, Morton, McEwan, Kitchen (45), and Wolfe, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 12, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
It was distinctly unfortunate that Everton should have been called upon to make the long journey to Newcastle without the satisfaction of having even one kick at the ball. The conditions of the weather, however, absolutely precluded any idea of football. The team as on other occasions of their visit northward, made that favourite seaside resort-Tynemouth-their headquarters and reached Newcastle shortly afternoon on Saturday. On Thursday a keen frost was followed by a heavy downfall of snow, and in order to avoid a recurrence of the frost, the surface was covered with a liberal supply of straw. Quite a change took place on Friday night, when rain fall copiously, and this continuing during the afternoon there were then doubts as to weather play would be possible. On clearing the ground, it was found to be in a most wretched condition, and an inspection by the referee, the officials and captains of both clubs resulted in the postponement of the fixture. There could be no question that those concerned were quite justified in their decision, especially as at the time a keen northeast wind accompanied by a heavy downfall of sleet prevailed. There was a suggestion brought forward by the Newcastle United executive that the Everton team should remain over the weekend, in hope of deciding the fixture today but there was no prospect of the ground being fit for some time, and the fixture will come up for decision later in the season.
More than ordinary interest centres in Everton's game next Saturday at Goodison Park. The directors of the club have decided to devote the net proceed of the League match with Wolverhampton wanderers to W.Balmer and S.Wolstenholme, both of whom have, during their connection with the club, not only been consistent players, but have always done their utmost to raise the standard of play to the highest level. The popular full back has had seven years association with the club, and very rarely indeed has he been found wanting in the faithful discharge of his duties. Many of his best displays have been given at a time when the clubs prospects were greatly at stake and none can deny that he is worthy of the club's and the public's consideration. Of the right half-back, more can nothing be written but in terms of high commendation during the six years which he has been identified with the club, and it befit the occasion that such a statesmen of opponents of the game should be couple together as beneficiaries of what promises to be a keen and interesting match. Only have expenses will be deduced from the gate, and under these circumstances, and especially in view of the signally successful services they have rendered season tickets holders will readily paid the ordinary charge for admission on such an occasion.

NEWCASTLE V EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 12 January 1903
Rain fell continuously on Saturday in the Newcastle district, and in spite of every precaution the ground was flooded. It was, therefore, decided to postpone the above match.

Everton Reserves v Preston NE Reserves
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 12 January 1903
In Everton Reserve v. Preston North End Reserve game on Saturday the North End forwards were smart, but rather weak in front of goal. Howarth and Walton were the pick. The back division had little to do, for play was of an an usually open character, and " friendly,” rather than a straggle for points. Everton played only ten men in the first half, but had their full strength afterwards; McEwan, their latest recruit, again scored for them. The peculiar decisions of the referee spoiled what would have been good game; they told especially hard on the Preston forwards, for ” offsides ” them whenever they passed the Everton backs, and once he gave a decision that puzzled players, spectators, and himself alike!

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 12 January 1903
ARTHUR KINGSCOTT
When free from the cares of a responsible position under the Midland Railway Company at Derby, Arthur Kingscott beguiles what he is pleased to call his leisure by refereeing football matches of surpassing interest to thousands of people. No doubt some thirty-six of the League clubs have on occasions considered themselves the victims of his justice. We have heard club officials whisper- “scott, vece” -that he is an arrant duffer, but that is a way, almost a habit, with these fretting folk, who fume over every lost point. Nevertheless, the Management Committee of the League, the Council of the Football Association, and the Editor of the “Athletic News” have a high opinion of his abilities, as indeed have all good judges of the game. For instance, nearly two years ago we asked our readers to give us their vote upon the four best referees, and the result of the poll was that Mr. J. Lewis was first, Mr. A. Kingscott second, Mr. A.J. Barker third, and Mr. J. Fox fourth, and as illustrating the value of our reader’s opinion we may say that for the four matches in the third round of the Association Cup Competition of that season three of these gentlemen were chosen for the centre of the field, and the fourth for the line. Last spring we again asked for a “Final” referee. Mr. Lewis was once more at the top of the poll, with Mr. Kingscott still a very officials. This season one or two “young bloods” have come to the fore, but the men of tried experience will always be trusted so long as they are keen-eyed and active. No match has been too momentous for Mr. Kingscott. He has taken every class of game, from Internationals downwards, and he should have had an Irish Cup-tie this autumn but for the fact he was retained for a League game. Moreover, he can boast of the experience of referring two consecutive Final ties, a feat which is hardly likely to be again accomplished. And in one of them he officiated before the greatest gathering ever seen at football. Again, he possesses the distinction of having been referee in the most decisive final victory, and of acting on one of the few occasions the Cup has been won on a ground away from London.
All kinds of “honours” have been bestowed on him, for he has been mobbed and assaulted, has had players suspended and once he distinguished himself by ordering McLatchie to bring the ball back after deliberately kicking it out of play at Bury. Subsequently he sent the Scotsman off the field for his candid criticism. This lesson in football etiquette had its effect, for we seldom see players guilty of this discourtesy now, and we are glad of it. We trust it will be a long time ere he closes his career with the Football League, Southern League, and Miland League. He is said to be the autocrat of referees, but better such than a spineless, vacillating official who tries to curry favour with the home club and is despised by the players. He is the secretary of the Midland League, which if not so strong as it might be, for some clubs in the Midlands have been accepted by the Southern League and others prefer the Birmingham League, has served a very useful purpose. He is also vice-president of the Derbyshire Association. One of the four members of the Council of the Football Association on the League list of referees, Arthur Kingscott commenced his duties as a controller in the season of 1891-92. After a decade he is, like “Charley’s Aunt,” still running, and, like W.S. Penley, the creator of “auntie,” he has been a useful churchwarden. Mr. Kingscott lives out in the country between Derby and Trent Junction, and no matter where he referees on the Saturday, finds his way to the village church on the Sabbath. This is not quoted as an isolated instance, as a curiosity, for even “professional referees,” as Mr. Kingscott was once described by an impertinent player, lead righteous and sober lives. ‘Tis well.

ABANDONED LEAGUE GAMES
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 12 January 1903
Everton visited Newcastle, but owing to the shockingly bad weather the gates of the Tyneside club were not opened to the public, and the teams will have to arrange a future meeting.

NEWCASTLE UNITED v.  EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 12 January 1903
The Tyneside district during the past week had been visited by severe and varied weather; so much so that it was found to be impracticable to start this match at all. A keen fact frost during the preceding days of the week was followed later on by heavy falls of snow, and as a climax Saturday was ushered in by torrents of rain. The referee and the representatives of the two clubs concerned inspected the ground before allowing the gates to be opened to the public; the result being that it was decided to postpone the match.

A LANCASHIRE CUP SEMI-FINAL.
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 13 January 1903
The secretaries of Everton F.C. and Blackburn Rovers F.C., which clubs are drawn against each other in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup, had a conference yesterday in reference to the date of the match. As a result the toss Everton won. As players from both teams are likely to be engaged in the International trial match on the 26th inst, it has been arranged that the semi-final take place on Monday, 19th, Goodison Park.

LANCASHIRE CUP SEMI-FINAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 13 January 1903
Everton v. Blackburn Rovers
It will be remembered that Everton have been drawn against Blackburn Rovers in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup. The secretary of the two clubs met yesterday afternoon and tossed, the win falling to Everton. It has been arranged that instead of the 26th inst., when players from both teams are likely to be engaged in the international final match to be played on that day, the match will take place on Monday next, the 19th inst., at Goodison Park the kick-off being timed for a quarter to three.

PLAYERS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, January 14 1903
By L.T. Kelly
BALMER
Three days hence one of the most popular and most faithful backs Everton ever possessed, William Balmer to wit, is to receive a token of the appreciation of his masters, for to his banking account will go one-half the proceeds of the “gate” in the Everton-Wolverhampton Wanderers League match, set for decision at Goodison Park. Balmer is a Liverpudlian bred and born, and first saw the light of day there in 1877. He has only played for two clubs, Everton and Aintree Church, leaving the latter to throw in his lot with Everton some seven years ago, when but nineteen years of age. He soon proved his worth, quickly solving an awkward rear-guard difficulty when matters were not going well for his new masters, and subsequently gave evidence of rare defensive powers, first alongside “Dave” Storrier, now with Millwall, and later with Molyneux, the present Southampton idol. It is curious that the latter should outstrip Balmer in the race for international honours, as the latter was always looked upon as the better man in Everton’s camp. Given a decent day, it is anticipated Balmer will clear something like £250 as his share in the pending plunder. And how appropriate for he shortly intends taking unto himself a wife. Balmer’s League debut was made against the present League leaders, West Bromwich Albion, some five seasons ago.
WOLSTENHOLME
The “second half” of the Everton-Wolverhampton Wanderers’ gate will go to another most deserving and faithful servant of the Toffee club in Samuel Wolstenholme, a real Lancashire lad, who was born at Little Lever (Bolton) in 1878. Wolstenholme is a right half-back, and prior to joining Everton in 1897 played for Farnworth Alliance and Horwich, so that, like Balmer, he has made the whole of his first-class reputation with the Goodison Park brigade. Like Balmer also, his “honours” stop short at an inter-League cap v. Scotland, although the quality of each man is superior to many players one could cite who have gone a step higher in a representative sense. After suffering a temporary eclipse Wolstenholme has recently come out in his true colours, and exhibited brilliant form once again at right-half.

TIT-BITS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World, Wednesday January 14, 1903
By Merseyman.
Mr. Postponement Untapped
For the first time this season the elements, and possibly want of foresight, interfered with the original programme of our First League clubs being decided in full. Curiously enough, it was in the fixtures to which the two Merseyside organisations were parties that the word “abandonment” cropped up. The weather at Newcastle, where Everton arrived on Friday evening in readiness to battle with United, was so vile that the match was declared off at an early hour, and the Toffeemen perforce will make the second journey at their own expense.
Perhaps, from a representative stand-point, the postponement will lead to good results, for neither side was well equipped. Newcastle would have been short of goalkeeper Kingsley, and such forwards as Stewart, Orr, and Roberts; whilst Everton were minus Crelly (back), Bell, and Brearley (forwards). It was a big source of disappointment to Novocastrians, however, for they badly wanted two points to lift them out of the ruck into which United have fallen of late, and with McColl back in the centre again after three weeks’ absence, a successful issue was anticipated.

NEW PROFESSIONAL CLUB FOR PLAYMOUTH
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 15 January 1903
An Exchange Company telegram says a new Association professional club has been founded in Plymouth, with a capital of £3,000 but only £2,000 will be called up. The club will probably enter the Southern and Western leagues and the English Cup.

EVERTON v. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS.
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 16 January 1903
Benefit Match for Balmer and Wolstenholme
Shareholders and season ticket holders wishing to occupy their usual seats on the shareholders’ and 2s. stands at this match, at Goodison-park, to-morrow, may do so on presenting a 1s. ticket for each person in addition to their season tickets. Holders of season tickets for the Is. stand and ground ticket holders will be admitted to the. 1s. stand on presentation of a 6d. ticket for each person in person in addition to their season tickets.  These additional tickets will be on sale tomorrow at the morrow at the stand entrances.

THE CUP TIE TRIP TO EVERTON.
Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 17 January 1903
Arrangements for the Everton trip are now complete, the London and North-Western Railway Company will provide the carriages to go right through in each direction, two trains will run, and 20 saloon and corridor coach parties have been provided for. A 15 minutes stop will made at Rugby, both going and returning, for refreshments (hot tea and coffee. etc.). The down train arrivess at Rugby about 4.-30 a.m. 13 hours will given in Liverpool. Tickets should be secured early, or the sale will be absolutely stopped after Wednesday, February 4ih, or increased fare charged.

DISSATISED EVERTONIANS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 January 1903
There was a lot of grumbling at Goodison because the League match with the Wolves was also a benefit match for Balmer and Wolstenholmes. Not that the public grudged these worthies their benefits; but season ticket admit to all matches except Cup-ties and benefits, and ticket holders objected to pay again to see a match for which they had already paid when they took their tickets out. The affair, too, was sprung on them without notice, beyond that on the placecards; many came with little or no loose cash in their pockets, and when challenged, were not able to pay had they wanted to. They contested the right of the club to charge for a match that was a League as well as a benefit match; there were big blocks before the gates, and angry scenes and the matter is not likely to end here; I hear it is to be made a test case before the League, and if necessary, carried to a Court of Law.

LIVERPOOL CUP FINAL TIE
Lancashire Evening Post -Saturday 17 January 1903
Next saturday Liverpool and Everton are to meet at Goodison in the Liverpool Cup Final. They have taken no part in the preliminaries; in fact, they were not entered for the Cup; their reserve teams were, though and by a novel and pleasing arrangement, unparalleled in any other Cup competition, the juniors now step aside and let their "pals" put on the gloves for the final boat. Last season's final between the reserves was a bit of a "frost” but with Liverpool and Everton in the arena, the Kudos will rattle on the plate, and local charities, will be the better by several hundred pounds -Everton are playing Blackburn in the semi-final for the Lancashire Cup at Goodison on Monday.

LIVERPOOL AND EVERTON IN THE SAME BOAT.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 January 1903
Curiously both Everton and Liverpool experienced wretched weather last week, thouugh playing 200 or 300 miles apart. All the other League clubs seem to have experienced nothing worse than windy weather; in a few cases it was beautifully fine; the Egyptian darkness and the deluge at Anfield were not without their compensations, for they just saved Liverpool from a sound thrashing, while at Newcastle the Toffees would have had to perform in vastly diffierent styles from the past seasons to return without the customary oair of sspectacles. I note that they resisted an inviatation to stay in Newcastle over the week-end, and play a game on Monday, or rather they were not allowed to accept it.

MORE CHANGES AT GOODISON
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 17 January 1903
They are still tinkering with the Toffee team at Goodison. Settle is now centre forward -he has been in every other position forward, but of course there are several moves left, such as half-back, back or goal, and I should not be surprised if he filled all of them in success on before the end of the season. It is a grand thing to be in the Everton team; you get such varied experience. By the time the club have done with him a Toffee is an all-round man -Jack of all, but master of none. I wonder why they don't change the officials sometimes? But, of course, the officials themselves won't do so -they draw their salaries like clockwork -the public will have to, if at all, and possibly one of these days it will dawn on the intellegent frequenter of Goodison that the road to success is not by changing the team but the officials.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 17 January 1903
Everton v. Wolverhampton Wanderers
League Match, at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.45.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Everton Combination v Oswaldtwistle Rovers
Lancashire Combination match at Oswaldtwistle; train leaves Exchange Station at 12.35. Kick-off 2.45
Everton Combination;- Kitchen, goal; R Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, McDonald, Sugden, Makepeace, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 17 1903
BEATS OPENS THE SCORE FOR THE “WOLVES”
ABBOTT EQUALISES
SETTLE GIVES HIS SIDE THE LEAD
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
A double interest was attached to the visit of the Wolverhampton Wanderers to Goodison Park this afternoon, as the proceeds of the gate were to be set apart for the benefit of Balmer and Wolstenholme. No club ever had two more faithful players, and many Everton supporters braved the wintry weather and wended their ay towards the football arena solely to show their appreciation of the sterling qualities of the beneficiaries. Apart from personal considerations, the Wolves usually give a capital exhibition of high-class football, and are ever-welcome visitors to Goodison. Judging the opposing teams on recent form, the odds appeared all in favour of the Blues safely landing a couple of points, and of course such a sanguine anticipation never fails to augment the gate. The home executive arranged to rely upon the same lot whom the elements prevented from antagonising Newcastle up North last Saturday, Settle was afforded an opportunity of distinguishing himself in the centre-forward position, and this in itself aroused much curiously as to how he would acquit himself. The half-back line was unchanged, whilst Balmer and Henderson “defended the warden of the breach.” Changes are not usually beneficial, but when illness and injuries intervene the directors have no option, and lucky enough some of Everton’s best achievements have resulted after change and rearrangement. The teams lined up as follow;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson, Balmer, Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, Dilly.
Wolverhampton Wanderers.- Baddeley, Jones, Bettelley, Whitehouse, Walker, Annis, Fellows, Beats, Smith, Woolridge, Miller. Referee, Mr. A.B. Hallowes. Linesmen, Messrs. Sykes and Dale.
There were only about 10,000 spectators present when Settle opened operations on an adamantine ground. There was not much life in the opening exchanges, but after the leather had been outside on the Wolves’ left Walker shot across to Fellows who put in a smart little dash and let fly at Whitley, but his shot lacked directions, and the Everton custodian was not called up. After a tough struggle in the Everton half, Booth took possession and put the leather over to Sheridan, who managed to beat Whitehouse and pass on to Dilly. The outside man was shortly tackled by Jones, and a duel took place on the line near the cover flag. Dilly emerged victorious, and put the ball just at the corner post, where Baddeley was anticipating it, and cleared without very much difficulty. The ball was quickly returned from the centre and Sheridan forced a corner, Booth shot into Baddeley’s hands, and Settle was penalised for impeding the goalkeeper. The Wolves got away on the right, and Fellows shot wide. From the goal kick Everton took up the running, and several well-combined attacks were made on the Wanderers’ goal. Booth sent along the centre, and Settle made a bold bid for goal, after which Sharp and Taylor became very busy on their wing, the first named on a couple of occasions pushing the defence very hard. Booth dropped in a very nice shot, and the Evertonians followed with pressure from both wings, another shot from Sharp being scraped away by Baddeley. After this severe pressure the Wolves came out of their shell, and made a pretty advance down their left, when Woolridge was in evidence with good work. Abbott spoiled a pass to Miller by kicking out. Sheridan and Dilly then took the leather up the field, and, after some near exchanges, Taylor embraced Mother Earth when he had a good opening. Everton continued to press, and the attack finished up with a very hot shot from Settle at close quarters, which Whitley disposed of manfully. The Wolves were away in a trice, and Woolridge and Smith looked so dangerous that Whitley considered at the best policy to make a long rush out of his citadel. He succeeded in clearing, however, but it was a risky move. Everton were soon in front of Baddeley again, and so hot was the attack that the downfall of the Wolves custodian seemed imminent. From a corner Sharp stopped the ball plump in the goalmouth, where Dilly was waiting, but he only succeeded in putting the sphere over the crossbar. The Evertonians kept up the pressure, but all to no purpose, the only positive danger to the Wolverhampton goal coming through a long drive from Abbott. Pretty head-work by Beats and Fellows carried play to the half-way line, where Abbott transferred the game, and the Wolves coming again, Balmer made a big clearance. Sheridan, Settle, and Taylor set to work in earnest, and the visitors’ goal became once more invested, but all the efforts of the Everton men to score were futile. So far the home lot had considerable the best of matters, and certainly did most attacking. A smart advance was now made by all the visiting forwards in line, and they threaded their way through the Everton halves very skilfully. They did not appear particularly dangerous, but Woolridge, who had the ball, suddenly shot it back to Beats, and without hesitating a moment, the inside man manipulated the leather with a long head drive. He got wonderful force behind the ball, which took a very difficulty angle, and shot past Whitley, who had very little chance of saving the situation. This success came to the Wolves after fifteen minutes’ play, and the full credit was due to Beats, whose shot was not only brilliant, but rather unique as scoring shots go. The Everton forwards indulged in a further long spell of attacking, but when they got near the mark they appeared unable to fully grasp the position. The front rank being absolutely helpless in front, the half-backs appeared to make up their minds to open the Everton account by hook or by crook, for Abbott got hold and sent in a terrific drive, which struck Baddeley, and nearly knocked the wind out of him, but he managed, after fumbling with the ball, to clear it away. Booth followed with another long-range shot which topped the crossbar, and just afterwards Dilly missed a possible chance, the Wolves’ goalkeeper clearing nicely. Again Dilly was beaten by Whitehouse, but Settle jumped in and continued the move, but he, too, in and the end was well beaten. Booth made a brave effort to put his left wing in possession, but Whitehouse proved too smart. Abbott made a couple of efforts with the same intention, but failing, he let drive at Baddeley, but the shot was not dangerous. Sheridan next was offered a chance, but the ball glanced off in the wrong direction and came towards Booth, who also had a pop at the Wolves custodian. It seemed as if all the halves were very anxious to open the scoring on their own account, and not much wonder after the many opportunities fruitlessly offered to the front line men. The Wolves gained ground speedily on their left, but ultimately Woolridge put the leather behind. They returned to the attack stubbornly enough, and Henderson failed to check their advance, but luckily Woolridge again put behind. During these operations the home defence was fairly mastered, and Whitley was in great jeopardy. After some ineffective work by the Wanderers’ wings, the visitors were utterly routed by Balmer, and a few passages in midfield followed, of which the homesters had the pull. Dilly was presented with a fine opportunity of scoring, but he carried the ball across the goalmouth, and then, from a fine centre by Sharp, he was again at fault, and Sheridan missed an open goal. Settle likewise missed, and the ball went out to Abbott, who, with a long-range shot completely baffled Baddeley, and scored Everton’s first goal. Sharp opened up a smart movement with a view to getting the lead, and, after a fine centre, Pettle and Taylor ably seconded his efforts, and a lot of scrimmaging took place in front of Baddeley, but the luck was in favour of the Wolves’ defence, neither of the Everton men succeeding in finding an opening. Jones removed the danger, but Wolstenholme gave another chance to Settle, who missed. After repeated failures, Settle received the ball, when there was a crowd in front of Baddeley, and the little man with a neat dash rushed up to the leather and headed it past the goalkeeper just as the interval was announced. Half-time score;- Everton 2 goals, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 goals.
EVERTON VICTORIOUS
The second half was opened by Smith passing back to Walker, who quickly transferred to Fellows. Wolstenholme was quickly in the fray, and changed the venue, but though Everton made an incursion they did not look dangerous. Wolverhampton tried a long shot, with the result that Taylor, Settle, and Sheridan all got at the leather, and Baddley had to concede a corner in resisting a hot drive from the latter. Everton kept at it with great determination, as if intent on putting the issue beyond all doubt, and the Wolves’ custodian had lucky escapes. Clever dribbling by Abbott kept the leather close in, and Dilly dashed up to take advantage, but Jones was too quick. The Wolves’ custodian came out with flying colours from a huge drive by Booth, which brought the Wolverhampton man to grass, but he saved his charge all the same. The Everton attack was extremely hot while it lasted, and was well conceived. For a little while the Everton half-backs were hard put to in consequence of determined rushes on the part of Wooldridge and Miller, and really fine play by Beats and Fellows, Smith meanwhile having but little to do. Finally, however, the Everton trio proved too heavy metal for the plucky Wolves, who had to fall back on their defence. Then the home wings put in grand work time after time, but the old fault of the forwards was once more apparents when they were in front of goal, although it must be admitted that when they did make a fine effort in the way of scoring they had the vilest of vile luck. The halves again went forward the immediate result being a regular daisy of a shot from Booth, which tested Baddeley to the utmost. All the Everton forwards were now playing with great brilliancy and dash, and luck alone saved the Wolves, as Sharp, Taylor, and Dilly pommelled away at their defence. A spell of mild play followed in midfield, after which Jones and Walker prevented further incursion by the Blues, and a forward move by the Wolves was also cleverly checked by Balmer. Then the Everton right wing came down the field with very great speed, but found Baddeley much too difficult an obstacle, and the Wolves indulged in a spell of attack which looked all in favour of the visitors, but Booth stepped up at the critical moment, and relieved the severe pressure. The Wolves were not to be denied, and splendid efforts in front of Whitley came from Fellows, Beats, and Smith, who fully deserved to equalise; but through it all the home defence stood firm and true, and the invaders were at length driven out by Balmer. A foul against Everton led up to an attack on the Everton goal, which was never in real danger. The ball was passed out to Sharp, who was beautifully robbed by Whitehouse, and then the Wolves made an attack on their left, Mills being robbed by Henderson when he was about to centre the ball. The play was about midway for a few moments, and then the Everton left made off, and Dilly finished with a shot which went high over the bar. Abbott followed with another drive, which missed by inches, and after beating three opponents Settle failed to score, and then Sharp sent behind the goal. Final Result; Everton 2 goals, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 goal.
Everton gained the victory by 6 goals to 1 on their own ground last season.

EVERTON AND THEIR CUP-TIES
Athletic News –Monday 19 January 1903
By Junius
Two Cup-ties will be played at Goodison Park this week, namely, the semi-final for the Lancashire Cup and the final for the Liverpool Senior Cup, I use the term final in the latter competition for simplicity’s sake, seeing that it is the only game that will be decided to furnish the winner of the splendid trophy and medals.  For some years the struggle for possession of this Cup has created only a moderate amount of interest and the Liverpool Association have, with the co-operation of our two League clubs, decided upon what I consider a very wise change of procedure.  The competition has been limited to Everton and Liverpool, both of whom will play their full league teams on Saturday next at Goodison Park, and the winner of this match will hold the Cup for the ensuing year.  From a pecuniary point of view this should prove a decided benefit both to the clubs and the Association, whose treasurers may perhaps be seen to smile occasionally now that there is a chance of an increase of finances.  Liverpool, I may say, are the present holders.  What may be termed the second rate clubs have not been forgotten and the excellent medals that were offered in the Shield Competition attracted these clubs, and made the tournament a success.  Birkenhead were the winners, their opponents in the final being Skelmersdale, who were also in the final of the Cup last year when the Anfielders gained a lucky victory.  Today Everton meet the Rovers, who are the present holders of the Lancashire Cup.  Representatives of the club met in Liverpool on Tuesday last, and tossed for choice of grounds, the Everton representatives being fortunate to name rightly.  It was by this method that they gained the right to have the Liverpool Cup-tie played on their ground, and Everton evidently know a thing or two in this respect.  The kick-off is timed for 2-45 in each case. 

EASY VICTORY FOR EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 19 January 1903
By Junius
Although, according to the final figures. Everton did only defeat the "Wolves” by the narrow margin of a goal, there was a much wider disparity on the actual play, and the magnificent work of Baddeley in goal alone prevented the visitors to Goodison Park from sundering an overwhelming reverse. Special interest was centred in this game by reason of the fact that the net proceeds were to be equally divided between Balmer and Wolstenholme, and as about 12,000 people were present these two players should receive about £2OO each as their share of the proceeds. Some curious rumours were abroad prior to the match, emanating, presumably from a particular section of the shareholders, who considered they were being treated somewhat harshly in being called upon to pay for admittance. What foundation these discontents had for their action is difficult to imagine. The tickets issued by the Everton club expressly stipulate that they are not available for Cup-ties and benefit matches, and yet a number of so-called supporters of football grumbled because they were called upon to carry out the terms of the contract. I don t suppose that either Wolstenholme or Balmer have ever given the Everton directors a minute’s trouble; they have always been fit and have provided endless enjoyment to the crowd at Goodison Park by their consistent and effective play. The malcontents were few in number, it is true. Still there are always some folk whose only delight is in shouting. I should have liked to see an idea of one of the Everton directors carried out, namely, that those who were unwilling to pay for admittance should have made special application at the secretary's office, where they could have been accommodated to their liking. It is just as well to know this class of individual in his true colours.
CONCERNING THE GAME.
The ground had been plentifully besprinkled with sand, whilst the Everton players were shod in specially soled boots, according to a device of an original nature, and that they were effective shown during the proceedings. Everton had all the best of the early exchange, and after Fellows had failed at a fairly easy opening, the Wanderers’ goal had narrow escapes, the chief being when Sharp, who had got within the penalty line, banged the ball against the posts. As often happens, however, the side that had accomplished the most of the pressing was left in the lurch as regards scoring, and following upon a capital centre from Miller, Beats, after fifteen minutes play, headed a very fine goal.  But for some excellent defensive work by Abbott, the Wanderers must have scored again, for he nipped in just as John Smith was about to shoot, and cleared effectively, after which Evert took up the running and kept going until the final whittle blew. Baddeley, however, had to be reckoned with, and this worthy despite some excellent work in goal was beaten with a lovely shot from Abbott, and later succumbed to a good ball from Settle, after Dilly had centred in artistic fashion from the goal line. There was no scoring in the second half, but this was entirely due to a wonderful display by Baddeley, who gave one of the finest exhibitions of custodianship that has been seen at Everton for many a day. This nimble “Wolf" has, however, a penchant for this sort of things when he comes to Liverpool, and I cannot remember him ever doing anything else but simply defy the whole opposition, whether at Anfield or Goodison Park. His work in this match cannot be over-estimated.
THE HEROO OF THE GAME
The performance of the Wanderers’ custodian was of such a brilliant character that in justice to him. I must needs make his display my first subject of comment. The second half, in particular, might be termed faithfully, not Wolverhampton, but Baddeley versus Everton. And the home forwards gave him every opportunity demonstrating his real worth, but his longing to exhibit what he was capable of doing was like the insatiable greed of the miser for gold. The more he got, the more he wanted, and it was in the height of the fray, in the exciting glamour oi invigorating attacks, that he shone most resplendently, and it was the Wanderers must feel a debt of intense gratitude to their keeper. In mid-field exchanges they were hopelessly beaten, but when it came to a question of scoring, there was one man to beat that would not acknowledge defeat, when there was the faintest chance of averting it. The honours of the game undoubtedly went to Baddeley, and in like fashion the Everton forwards deserve some considerable mead of praise, for had it not been for their valiant attempts, why then. Baddeley would not have been furnished with the opportunity of showing what his real abilities were. But we all know now. Of the rest of the Wolverhampton team, I prefer to allow them pass by heeded. The forwards were decidedly moderate, though Beats worked hard and was the most prominent in attack.
EVERTON ITEMS.
The chief feature of the game from an Everton point of view was the fine work of their half-backs, and I should fancy few League teams possess such a reliable consistent trio of workers as Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott.  The first-named gave a remarkably fine display, and better half-back play I do not wish to see than the Farnworth youth showed in this game. His tackling and placing were alike excellent, and showed himself worthy—like a fitting beneficiare should do—of all the substantial benefits that ought to fall to his lot, if he gets what his play deserves. Abbott was another shining light and how he did shoot!  No paltry, irresolute drive came from his foot, but when he got possession. Baddeley had an idea that cannon balls were whirling through space at him. Booth was also in rare trim, and the solid work of this line was the cause of Everton’s victory. The forwards were in pleasing form. Sharp being the pick of this line, his runs and centres being most exhilarating. Settle did well in the centre, though there was a tendency to indulge in too much finessing, whilst Sheridan put in some beautiful passes, but he is terribly weak near goal. Dilly would be a greater success if he would only put more energy into his work, for he can centre splendidly, and his chief fault is hesitancy in getting away. Balmer played a good game at back, though the “halves” allowed him little chance of showing his best form, and the nature of the Wanderers' attack may be gathered from the fact that Whitley only handled twice in the second half. Everton; Whitley; Henderson, and Balmer; Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Dilly.  Wolverhampton Wanderers; Baddeley; Jones, and Betteley; Whitehouse, Walker, and Annis; Fellows, Beats, Smith, Wooldridge, and Miller.  Referee; Mr. P. R. Barrower, London.

EVERTON 2 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1
January 19, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
The League match at Goodison park on Saturday was set apart as a benefit for W.Balmer and Wolstenholme. Both players have rendered signal services to the club for several seasons past, and the generosity of the directors was recognised by the supporters of the club who despite the cold weather turned out in good numbers, fully 10,000 being present, when the game started. After the several frost the ground was naturally on the hard side, but it had been liberally sprinkled with sand. Teams: - Whitley, goals, Henderson and W.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs Sharp, Taylor Settle Sheridan, and Dilly forwards, Woplverhampton Wanderers: - Baddeley, goal, Jones and Betteley backs, Whitehouse, Walker and Annis, half-backs Fellows, Beats Smith, Woolridge and Miller, forwards, Referere P.R.Harrower. The Wolves started the proceedings and after some slow play in midfield Fellows received the ball, but finished feebly shooting outside the post. Then the Everton left ran down, and Dilly got in a neat centre from which Baddaley threw away. This led to further pressure on the Wolverhampton goal, and Booth eventually shot into the goalkeeper's hands. Settle was penalised for charging the custodian, but the free kick brought little relief to the visitors. Settle got in past the backs, and propelled the ball swiftly across the goalmouth, just massing the upright. Next Sharp forced a corner, which was disposed of, but a moment later he shot the ball against the upright. Then Whitley was called upon to run out and clever from fellows. But the general run of the play was in favour of Everton, whose forwards on the hard ground display “nippy” movements which were ever a source of trouble to the Wolves “defenders” The Wolves forwards also display nice passing and Miller was sadly at fault in his final attempts to open the score. Still the visiting side were smart on the ball and their efforts were eventually rewarded. As the result of a centre from Miller Beats got his head to the ball and scored a beautiful got with which Whitley had no chance. During this period Dilly had left the field, apparently to charge his boots. The Wolves continued to have a very fair share of the game and it was only through Abbott's remarkable cleverness that the threatened downfalls of the Everton goal were averted. At the other end Sheridan was at fault, but still the Evertonians put in all they knew. Sharp and Wolstenholme were prominent workers and as the outcome of skilful manipulation of the ball. Abbott banged in an unexpected bouncing shot at Badderley, who effected a marvellous save. Whitley when called upon was quite safe, and then Baddeley ran out of his goal, but Dilly was just a little too late to turn the opening account. At this stage the Wolves defence had all their work cut out to strive off disaster. Fortunately the backs were steady, while Baddeley was on his best behaviour, being applauded for a capital save from Booth. There was more nice work by the home forwards, and this time Taylor was at fault, while immediately afterwards Dilly made poor use of a fine opportunity. Everton attacked persistently they could not overcome the sterling defence of the Wolves. After all such persistent pressure as Everton maintained was bound to tell its tale. From a free kick for a foul upon Sharp the ball was placed in the goal mouth, and Dilly outwitting the goalkeeper centred neatly, only too see Sharp miss the pass. The ball, however, was returned to Abbott, who after dodging a couple of opponents sent in a shot from long range which completely beat Baddeley. The crowd received the equalising goal with hugh delight. It also had the effect of enlivening into proceedings. Both ends were visited in raid succession, and once Settle, with a fine opening shot very wide of the mark. There were other good efforts by the home front line, but for a time they were not pressed home. Just before the interval, however, Dilly got in a lovely centre, Baddeley fisted the ball away, but Settle fastened upon it, and had no difficulty in placing Everton ahead. Immediately afterwards the whistle blew for the interval. Half-time Everton 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1.
Smith restarted before 12,000 spectators and Everton attacked. Exciting play was witnessed in the Wolves goalmouth, and Baddeley kicked away, from Abbott's “header” Henderson got a big kick with a lot of spin on the ball, and Baddeley had to exert himself to clear. Still the Wolves were kept in their own half, and Sheridan might have done better with a fair opening than shoot yards over the bar. Next Abbott tricked a couple of opponents in clever fashion, but Dilly was robbed close in. Still the Evertonians continued to bang in all sorts of shots at Baddeley, who maintained his charge intact in very clever fashion. At this period there was only one team in it, and that was not Wolverhampton. The Everton attack were for the most part engaged in the process known as “rubbing it in.” Still the visiting defence withstood the pressure in gallant style. After a while they transferred play to their opponents half, but there was little in their attack, with the result that Whitley was in no way troubled. Aided by a free kick the Wolves made a longer stay than usual in the vicinity of the Everton goalmouth, where Fellows experienced rather hard lines with a shot, which struck one of the Everton defenders. At length the home left took up the running, and a goal seemed assured, when Dilly sent high over the bar. A corner afterward's fell to them, and a lighting shot from Abbott missed the upright by inches while a smart effort by Settle was cleverly dealt with by the Wolves custodian. Everton continued to have all the play, and the brilliant goalkeeping of Baddeley only saved the Wanderers from a more severe defeat. Result Everton 2 Wolverhampton Wandwerers 1.

BRUCE RANKIN
Athletic News - Monday 19 January 1903
Bruce Rankin was born in Walton close to Goodison Park, some 20 years age, and was educated at the Arnott-street Board schools, which also turned out Crelley, the Everton left back, and White of Liverpool Reserve.  After leaving school he played centre forward, and at times inside right, for a junior team named St. Luke’s but later turned out for a club of higher repute in the junior world –City Villa.  He was centre forward for this eleven, and among his clubmates were Marquis and Corrin, each of whom afterwards played for Everton, whilst the latter is now at Portsmouth.  After being the inside right for Kirkdale, one of the smartest of the Liverpool junior clubs at the time, he joined Everton as assistant trainer and player.  Rankin’s display at outside right quickly obtained for him a permanent place in the reserve team, and with the League eleven he filled Sharp’s position when the latter was unable to play.  When bell was disabled Rankin was tried for the first time in his career at outside left, and played a particularly fine game against West Bromwich in mid-December.  He stands 5ft 7ins, and scales 11st.  He has a splendid turn of speed, is a good shot, centres well on the move, and has all the makings of a class man.  His selection, however, is as great a surprise as when A.C. MacLaren took Sydney Barnes to Australia as his crack bowler.  We shall see, as the French say.

BRUCE RANKIN
Athletic News - Monday 19 January 1903
Bruce Rankin, was born in Walton, close to Goodison Park, some years ago, and was educated at the Arnot-street Board Schools, which also turned out Crelley, the Everton left back, and  White, of Liverpool Reserve. After leaving school he played centre forward, and at times inside-right, for junior team named St. Luke’s, but later turned out for a club of higher repute the junior world—City Villa. He centre forward for this eleven, and among his clubmates were Marquis and Corrin, each of whom afterwards played for Everton, whist the latter is now at Portsmouth. After being the inside right for Kirkdale, one of the smartest of the Liverpool juniors clubs at that time, he joined Everton as assistant trainer and player. Rankin’s displays at outside right quickly obtained for him a permanent place in the reserve team, and with the League eleven he filled Sharp’s position when the latter was unable to play.  When ‘Bell was disabled Rankin was tried for the first time in his career at outside left, and played a particularly fine game against West Bromwich in.  He stands 6ft. 7in., and scales 11st.  He has a splendid turn of speed, is a good shot, centres well on the move, and has all the makings of a class man. His selection, however, is as great surprise as when A.C. Maclearn took Syden Barnes to Australia as his crack bowler.  We shall see, as the French say.   

J. WHITLEY
Athletic News - Monday 19 January 1903
J. Whitley, who has been keeping goal for Everton in their League matches since Christmas Day, is of local extraction, and was connected in the earlier days with a junior Cheshire organization –Sercombe Swifts.  In rapid succession he assisted White Star Wanderers and Darwen, but about five years ago was signed on by Aston Villa, with whom he stayed four seasons.  Unfortunately for him he rarely got a chance with the League eleven, for the Midlanders had obtained the signature of a young man named George, whose ability was beyond question, and Whitley had to content himself with displaying his talents with the reserve eleven in Birmingham League football.  When this combination chose a side to oppose an eleven picked from the Lancashire Combination clubs, there was no doubt as to who should be selected as custodian, for Whitley had no superior in the class of teams he was brought into contact with.  One of these fixtures was played at Everton, and the Goodison Park executive had a fine sample of Whitley’s abilities, and no doubt this exhibition had its influence on them.  Indeed, so potent was his performance that Everton secured his transfer at the end of last season.  He played so well with the reserve eleven that when Kitchen was thought by some people to be showing signs of staleness; he was drafted into the League eleven, and played his first game with them at Grimsby on Christmas Day.  He has “filled the breach” since, and in the four games in which he has taken part has been beaten on five occasions, though four of these were put on during a rough experience at Bury on New Year’s Day.  He stands 6ft, and weighs 13st.  Whitley has nothing but praise to record concerning his treatment by the Villa people, and the only reason that weighed with him in severing his connection with them was the magnet of home.

OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS 1 EVERTON RESERVES 5
January 19, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
At Oswaldthwiste. At the outset Everton attacked Wolfe putting in two dangerous centres. The pressure from the visitors put on two goals, Wolfe and Makepeace doing the needful. Makepeace added a third from a penalty kick and McEwan put on a fourth. At the interval Everton were leading by 4 goals to nil. The home side scored from a penalty kick after the interval but Wolfe added another goal for Everton, who won by 5 goals to 1. Everton: - Kitchen, goal R Balmer, and W Wildman, backs Clark, Russell, and T.C. Chadwick, half-backs Rankin, McDonald, Sugden, Makepeace, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 19 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton gained an easy victory over Wolverhampton at Goodison Park, though the final figures only read 2-1 in their favour. They monopolised the bulk of the attack, and it was only occasionally that the visitors caused Whitley any anxiety; indeed in the second half the custodian handled the ball twice, proof sufficient of the moderate character of the Wanderers attack. Fully 12,000 spectators were present, and despite the protests of a certain section of ticket holders, Woltenholme and Balmer who share the proceeds of the gate should derive a substantial benefit. The ground was exceedingly hard, but had been plentifully besprinkled with sand, and the Everton players appeared to find little difficulty in gaining a firm foothold, though this might have been largely due to the original manner in which they were shod. They opened in sprightly fashion, Settle and Sharp respectively experiencing bad luck with shots, which whipped across the goalmouth and struck the upright. The Wanderers indulged in neat passing at times, and curiously enough, they who had been chiefly defending up to this juncture were the first to score. Miller got down on the extreme left, and centred prettily in front, where Beats jumping up met the ball and headed it into the net giving Whitley no chance of clearing. The visitors came near scoring again a few minutes later, but Abbott dashed in front and took the ball from his toes of Smith, who was just about to shoot. At this period the Midlanders were having quite a fair share of the play, but the home players eventually retaliated strongly and but for dalliance when within shooting range must have quickly equlaised. An exciting series of exchanges near Baddeley ended in Abbott receiving some distance from goal, and with a tremendous drive the left half placed matters on a level footing again. Three minutes from the interval Dilly sent across a very fine centre, which Baddeley could not get away, and Settle promptly, netted the second point. Everton opened the second half in exhilarating fashion, and fairly bombarded their opponents goal, but Baddeley defended in splendid fashion, and, as a matter of fact, was not again beaten. For a brief period during this moiety the Wanderers seemed like making a good fight of it, but they fell away as the game progressed, and it was left to Badderley to prevent the defeat from becoming a rout. He saved brilliantly from Settle, Sheridan, and Sharp in rapid succession, and near the finish the last named ran clean through, but shot outside the upright. Everton owe their victory in a great measure to the excellent display of their half-backs, each of whom showed form of the highest standard. Chief amongst the trio was Wolstenholme, whose tackling and placing of the ball to his forwards left nothing to be desired. Abbott was likewise very prominent by reason of his determined efforts at goal, and Baddeley had some rare shots to stop from this source. Booth simply paled by comparison, and thanks to the efficient work of this line, the Wolverhampton forwards could never get into their swing. In the front rank Settle did not shape badly in the centre, some of his footwork being very tricky, but he was not so dangerous with his shooting as is usually the case. Sharp displayed some sparkling work on the extreme right, his runs and centres always boding danger to the opposition, whilst of the others Sheridan and Taylor got through a tremendous amount of work, the former passing prettily but being weak near goal. The Everton defence was seldom harassed, the full backs having the measure of their opponents whenever called upon. The most prominent figure on the visitors' side was Baddeley, whose custodianship was of the highest standard. Shots were literally rained upon him, but he dealt with all alike and but for his valiant efforts the final figures would have shown a much wider margin. The rest of the side gave a very ordinary display, the full backs kicking erratically when hard pressed, whilst the halves and forwards were seldom seem to advantage. Beats worked hard at inside right, but rarely was a sustained attack witnessed, and they were unable to circumstance the opposition of the home halves. To-day the Everton League team play the Rovers in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup competition. With the exception of Bowman in the centre, the side will be the same as defeated the Wolves Settle going inside left and Sheridan partnering Sharp in the right.

THE WANDERERS LOSE AT EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 19 January 1903
During recent years Wolverhampton Wanderers have fared rather badly in their League fixtures in Liverpool. They have generally been beaten by a most pronounced margin, and only last season, when they visited Goodison Park, the score was six goals to one. In view of these reveres last Saturday’s defeat by two goals to one may be looked upon as a satisfactory. However, it was only through the extraordinary display of their goalkeeper that they escaped a heavy defeat. Taking the general run of the game Everton were undoubtedly the superior side. In fact, except for brief periods, which were enjoyable to the few enthusiasts who made the journey from Wolverhampton, the Wanderers were kept continuously on the defence, and if Baddeley had been at all shaky in goal, the score might easily have been at least six goals to one in favour of Everton. Whatever merit the Wolverhampton side displayed, apart from the marvellous exhibition of their custodian, was conspicuously during the first half of the game, Everton opened the proceedings with a briskness and fertility of resource which always meant danger for the Wolverhampton representatives. Still the latter were the first to draw blood, and their goal certainly was well deserved. Some neat passing resulted in the ball being sent out to Miller, who centred beautifully, and thus afforded an opportunity to Beats, who headed the ball past Whitley, the latter having no chance whatever of averting the downfall of his charge. This success, so contrary to the run of the play, had the effect of imparting more spirit to the game, which, considering the state of the ground, was throughout conducted at a rare pace. A prolonged period of pressure by the Everton attacked ended in Abbott defeating Baddeley with a splendid shot from long range. Once having equalised the score there was no restraining Everton, and just before the whistle was blown for the interval, a remarkably clever centre from Dilly was converted into a goal by the energetic centre forward Settle, who in his new position displayed a degree of aptitude which will probably keep him as the pivot of the Everton attack for some weeks to come. This was the goal which meant the loss of two points to Wolverhampton, because, while during the latter half of the match Baddeley was continually engaged in repelling shots from all quarters the position of Whitley, the Everton custodian was an absolute sinecure. On the play there is no doubt that the Wanderers deserved the defeat with which they had to be content. The wonder rather is that they escaped so easily, and for this they have only to thank Baddley, who gave one of the most brilliant expositions of goalkeeping that has been seen at Goodison Park this season. From these observations it will be gathered that the front line of the Wanderers had few opportunities of displaying that dash which usually characterises their efforts. The right wing was the more prominent, but Fellows, after smart work in midfield, was disappointing in his final efforts. Twice during the first half he had excellent chances of scoring, but absolutely threw them away through want of judgement. The half-backs, too, were not nearly as successful as usual, although Whitehouse tried his utmost to overcome the energetic onslaughts of the Everton vanguard. Both Jones and Betteley at back came through a very severe ordeal with conspicuous success, but after all Baddley was distinctly the best man on his side. One of the most prominent features of the game which Everton played was the wonderfully clever display of the half-backs, Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott. Time after time they not only robbed the Wolverhampton forwards of the ball, but fed their own front line with a neatness which largely accounted for Everton’s unmistakable superiority. It is only fitting that on an occasion when the net gate receipts were devoted to two faithful servants of the Everton club that the beneficiaries, Wolstenholme and Balmer, should have contributed so materially to the acquisition of the couple of points of which Everton stood in need.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 19 January 1903
JOHN LEWIS
The quaint pastime of carving faces on cherrystones is ridiculously simple compared with the task of sketching the career of Mr. John Lewis, of Blackburn. As a player, a referee, and a legislator he has had such a lengthy and unique experience that “The Life and Times of John Lewis” would be a volume of unrivalled interest among football folk the world over. A man of a remarkable personality there is no escaping from the fact that the artful dodgers and the professional tricksters fear the very lowering of his eyebrows, because they all recognise that be obeyed. Every referee possesses a certain individuality of style, and the characteristics which predominate in John Lewis are his impartiality and honesty as between clubs, his grasp of the game and the application of its laws, calmness and confidence in his own powers, firmness in dealing with players who know that he never cautions an offender a second time, quickness of decision, the endeavour to keep the game in progress by taking all free kicks as quickly as possible, so as to give the attacking side every advantage accruing from the penalty, and his independence of linesmen. He does not wish a linesman to claim for any infringement that the referee ought to see, although he likes his assistants to keep well in advance of him down the touch lines; in short Mr. Lewis desires his linesmen to be helpers upon his instructions, and not subsidiary controllers. Of course he makes mistakes. The infallible referee has not yet been born, but probably Mr. Lewis makes fewer errors than any other official. Born at Market Drayton (Salop) on March 30, 1855, John Lewis stands a wonderfully well preserved and active man of nearly forty-eight winters, but as a life-long and staunch teetotaller and a non-smoker he has assisted Nature, a most recuperative policy, as all thoughtful athletics must know. After leaving the rural grammar school he came to Blackburn in 1868, and learned the business of a coach-builder. Because he resides at The Old Grammar School with its mullioned windows and ivy-clad walls, many imagine that John Lewis is a school-master, but he employs a considerable number of men at his carriage works. The founder of the Blackburn Rovers in 1873-4, he was the first hon, treasurer, and was hon. Secretary from 1874 to 1881. On being relieved of these duties he was presented with a handsome marble clock, which still ornaments his dining-room. But, when both J.H. Fielding and T.B. Mitchell resigned their positions Mr. Lewis twice acted as temporary hon. Sec. of the Rovers to obviate any difficulty. But the subject of our sketch was a player of ability both as centre forward and inside left, and in his day he not only wore the Rovers’ famous jersey, but also assisted Darwen, and had the honour of gaining a county cap by helping Lancashire against London. It is quite probable that further distinction would have awaited him but for the fact that he wrenched his knee while skating. This caused his retirement in 1878-9, and stopped his participation in cricket, swimming, and bicycling. Still John Lewis deserves the gratitude of the football world as the Father of the Rovers, and let it not be forgotten that he was a member of their committee from the foundation until 1897, a service of twenty-three years. Moreover he helped, along with his friends Mr. Tom Hindle, of Darwen, and Mr. W.T. Dixon, of Turton, to form the Lancashire Association. A member of the Executive, he retired owing to the fact that he did not approve of the attitude adopted on certain subjects, but only to return in 1889-90, and remain in office without interruption ever since. A vice-president of the Lancashire F.A., president of the Lancashire Referees’ Association until absorbed by the country, vice-president of the Football League, and hon. Secretary of the East Lancashire Charity Cup, he holds altogether quite a dozen important positions in connection with the game to which he has devoted so much brain power and bodily energy. Relatively he is just as much interested in the Blackburn Sunday Schools Competition as in the management of the Football League. As an instance of his local devotion to the game we may say that with Mr. Thomas Whewell he was concerned in establishing the East Lancashire Charity Cup- a vase which cost £168 and is generally believed to be the handsomest silver trophy of its kind in Great Britain. Through this source £1,400 have been granted to charities.
John Lewis began to officiate as referee in 1879-80, and seems quite able to complete his quarter of a century as a whistler with a will of his own. His first semi-final match in the National Cup was at Blackburn in 1892-93, when Everton and Preston North End met for the third time, two games having been drawn. Mr. Charles J. Hughes was unable to act, and Mr. Lewis took charge of the match at the last moment upon the request of Mr. R.P. Gregson. Three final ties for the Association Cup followed, and we believe Mr. Lewis was the first person who was not a member of the Council of the Football Association to receive such an honour. But he has been the arbiter of any number of final ties in all parts of the British Isles save Scotland, for he has never controlled a game over the Border, although often requested to do so. He has refereed an international match between Ireland and Scotland at Belfast, and we believe that Mr. J.C. Clegg once suggested that Mr. Lewis should referee England and Scotland at Glasgow, and that a Scotsman should take charge of the next annual encounter in England, but the Scottish F.A did not accept the proposition. John Lewis has travelled as many as 2,200 miles in fifteen days for the sake of football, and in the last seven days was four nights in trains and boats-and yet he never missed Sunday morning service at church in Blackburn. He has addressed meetings on the laws of the game and other football topics in many parts of England, and by voice, pen, and whistle places all his talents at the service of the game. Indeed it was once said by a brother journalist that Mr. Lewis was a football referee and legislator by business, and that his spare moments were devoted to carriage building. It may be information to those who take such a consuming interest in the “business aspect” of the matter to learn that Mr. Lewis does not himself directly benefit by any fees or honorariums. Fortunately he is in such a position that his emoluments are specifically set aside and banked for the ultimate use of a very dear member of his family. This is not a matter which concerns the public, but the knowledge may enlighten those who have been, and possibly are, his severest critics. John Lewis has always been a passionate lover of the game for the sake of the game, and he takes as much pleasure in refereeing the schools match between Rossall and Stony-hurst at Rossall, and in a boys’ contest under the auspices of the Blackburn Sunday Schools League, as in a great Cup-tie or an important League battle. Once convinced, he is courageous in opinion and action, and his high principles command the respect of lords and commoners, amateurs and professionals. We want more men like John Lewis.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 19 January 1903
The Everton forward line has been shuffled and reshuffled times without number this season, and on Saturday Settle occupied the centre forward position for the first time, with Sharp and Taylor on his right, and Sheridan and Dilly on the left. The visitors were the Wolves and at the outset Settle was the cynosure of all eyes. He was distinctly nervous and altogether too self-conscious, but gave the impression that familiarity with the position would bring great improvement. As it was, he attended well to his wings, but was himself seldom in position to receive their passes. Dilly was smart and dashing on his wing, and troubled Whitehouse and Jones sorely, but he was often erratic, although his efforts led up to both of Everton’s goals. Sheridan and Taylor performed fairly well, but both missed plenty of easy chances. Sharp was a long way the best forward on the field, but most of the capital openings he provided went a begging. During the first quarter of an hour the Blues outplayed their opponents, and attacked vigorously without evading the vigilance of Betteley, Jones, and Baddeley. The Wolves’ custodian was a wonder between the sticks, and was often very lucky into the bargain. Suddenly the Wolves dashed away, and after passing the Everton half-back line, the ball came with great speed to Beats, who instantly got his head to it, with the result that it shot off at a tangent into the corner of the net. From the start-ff, the home half-back trio tackled cleverly and with confidence, and Abbott seeing how it was with the forwards, several times tried to find Baddeley napping with long, swift shots; and at last he was rewarded with a long, brilliant drive. After this the Wolves’ attack was broken up by the cleverness of the home halves, and Booth was a host in himself, so effective was his tackling and judicious his placing of the ball to his forwards. Wooldridge and Beats had several good open chances in front of Whitley, but the sturdiness and vigilance of Henderson and Balmer quite disconcerted them. The later part of the game was remarkable for the brilliant custodianship of Baddeley, who succeeded in neutralising every effort of the Evertonians to break through. Everton not only deserved to win, but should have done so by a wider margin than 2 goals to 1.

EVERTON v.  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 19 January 1903
At Goodison Park, before about 12,000 spectators, the “gate” being devoted to the benefit of Balmer and Wolstenholme. Teams;
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and W. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Wolverhampton Wanderers.- Baddeley, goal; Jones and Betteley, backs; Whitehouse, Walker, and Annis, half-backs; Fellows, Beats, Smith, Wooldridge, and Miller, forwards.
Settle opened operations on an adamantine ground, and there was not much life in the opening exchanges, but after the leather had been outside on the Wolves’ left Walker shot across to Fellows who put in a smart little dash and let fly at Whitley, but his shot lacked direction, and the Everton custodian was not called upon.  Booth shot into Baddeley’s hands, and Settle was penalised for impeding the goalkeeper. The Wolves got away on the right, and Fellows shot wide. From the goal kick Everton took up the running, and several well-combined attacks were made on the Wanderers’ goal. After this severe pressure the Wolves came out of their shell, and made a pretty advance down their left, when Wooldridge was in evidence with good work. Abbott spoiled a pass to Miller by kicking out. Sheridan and Dilly then took the leather up the field, and, after some near exchanges, Taylor fell when he had a good opening. Everton continued to press, and the attack finished up with a very hot shot from Settle at close quarters which Baddeley disposed of manfully. The Wolves were away in a trice, and Wooldridge and Smith looked so dangerous that Whitley considered it the best policy to make a long rush out of his citadel. He succeeded in clearing, however, but it was a risky move. So far the home lot had considerably the best of matters, and certainly did most attacking. A smart advance was now made by all the visiting forwards in line, and they threaded their way through the Everton halves very skilfully. They did not appear particularly dangerous, but Wooldridge, who had the ball, suddenly shot it back to Beats, and without hesitating a moment, the inside man manipulated the leather with a long head drive. He got wonderful force behind the ball, which took a very difficult angle, and shot past Whitley, who had very little chance of saving. This success came to the Wolves after fifteen minutes’ play, and the full credit was due to Beats, whose shot was not only brilliant, but rather unique as scoring shots go. The Everton forwards indulged in a further long spell of attacking, but when they got near the mark they appeared unable to fully grasp the position. The front rank being absolutely helpless in front, the half-backs appeared to make up their minds to open the Everton account by hook or by crook, for Abbott got hold and sent in a terrific drive, which struck Baddeley, and nearly knocked the wind out of him. Booth made a brave effort to put his left wing in possession, but Whitehouse proved too smart. Abbott made a couple of efforts with the same intention, but failing, he let drive at Baddeley, but the shot was not dangerous. Sheridan next was offered a chance, but the ball glanced off on the wrong direction and came towards Booth, who also had a pop at the Wolves’ custodian. After some ineffective work by the Wanderers’ wings, the visitors were utterly routed by Balmer, and a few passages in midfield followed, of which the homesters had the pull. Dilly was presented with a fine opportunity of scoring, but he carried the ball across the goalmouth, and then, from a fine centre by Sharp, he was again at fault, and Sheridan missed an open goal. Settle likewise missed, and the ball went out to Abbott, who, with a long-range shot completely baffled Baddeley, and scored Everton’s first goal. Sharp opened up a smart movement with a view to getting the lead, and, after a fine centre, Settle and Taylor ably seconded his efforts, and a lot of scrimmaging took place in front of Baddeley, but the luck was in favour of the Wolves’ defence, neither of the Everton men succeeding in finding an opening. Jones removed the danger, but Wolstenholme gave another chance to Settle, who missed. After repeated failures, Settle received the ball, when there was a crowd in front of Baddeley, and the little man with a neat dash rushed up to the leather and headed it past the goalkeeper just as the interval was announced. Half-time; Everton 2 goals, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1.
The second half was opened by Smith passing back to Walker, who quickly transferred to Fellows. Wolstenholme tried a long shot, with the result that Taylor, Settle, and Sheridan all got at the leather, and Baddeley had to concede a corner in resisting a hot drive from the latter. Everton kept at it with great determination, as if intent on putting the issue beyond all doubt, and the Wolves custodian had lucky escapes. Clever dribbling by Abbott kept the leather close in, and Dilly dashed up to take advantage, but Jones was too quick.  All the Everton forwards were now playing with great brilliancy and dash, and luck alone saved the Wolves, as Sharp, Taylor, and Dilly bombarded their defence. A spell of mild play followed in midfield, after which Jones and Walker prevented further incursion by the Blues, and a forward move by the Wolves was also cleverly checked by Balmer. Then the Everton right wing came down the field with very great speed, but found Baddeley much too difficult, an obstacle, and the Wolves indulged in a spell of attack which looked all in favour of the visitors, and relieved the severe pressure. The Wolves were not to be denied, and splendid efforts in front of Whitley came from Fellows, Beats and Smith, who fully deserved to equalise; but through it all the home defence stood firm and true and the invaders were at length driven out by Balmer. A foul against Everton led up to an attack on the Everton goal, which was never in real danger. The ball was passed out to Sharp, who was beautifully robbed by Whitehouse, and then the Wolves made an attack on their left, Mills being robbed by Henderson when he was about to centre the ball. The play was midway for a few months, and then the Everton left made off, and Dilly finished with a shot which went high over the bar. Abbott followed with another drive, which missed by inches and after beating three opponents Settle failed to score, and then Sharp sent behind the goal. Final Results;- Everton 2 goals, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 goal.

EVERTON v.  WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 19 January 1903
At Goodison-road, for the benefit of Balmer and Wolstenholme. The ground was sprinkled with sand, and was very hard. There were about 12,000 spectators. Settle appeared as centre-forward for Everton, who pressed in the early stages. Beats, however, scored a beautiful goal for the Wolves from a centre by Miller, but Abbott equalised and Settle added another.
Half-time- Everton 2 Wolverhampton 1.
In the second half Everton asserted marked superiority. They were persistently attacking, and it was only due to the smartness of the backs and the watchfulness of Baddeley that the Wolverhampton goal escaped downfall. Sharp and Settle were conspicuous with good shots. Baddeley kept goal brilliantly, and was the saviour of his side. Result;- Everton 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and W. Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Wolverhampton Wanderers.- Baddeley, goal; Jones and Betteley, backs; Whitehouse, Walker, and Annis, half-backs; Fellows, Beats, Smith, Wooldridge, and Miller, forwards.
Referee.- Mr. P.R. Harrower, London.

LANCASHIRE CUP.- SEMI-FINAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 19 January 1903
EVERTON v. BLACKBURN ROVERS
At Goodison Park this afternoon; kick-off at 2.45. Everton will be represented by the following;- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Sheridan, Bowman, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.

LANCASHIRE CUP
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 19 January 1903
Semi-Final at Goodison-park
EVERTON V. BLACKBURN ROVERS
These clubs, who were drawn together for the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup Competition, met this afternoon at Goodison-park. It will be remembered that the tie was originally fixed for Monday next, but this date was found impracticable, and during last week representatives of the respective clubs met in Liverpool to toss for choice of grounds, and luck fell to the Everton Club, which, of course,was a considerable advantage to the locals. The weather was favourable for the contest, and in spite of the spite of the raw,wintry air there was a good attendance. The teams were : —
Everton: Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Bowman, Brierley, and Dilly, forwards.
Blackburn Rovers.—McIvor, goal; Crompton and Eastham, backs; McClure, Logan, and Jones, half-backs; Whittaker, Hoyle, Dewhurst, Bow, and Blackburn, forward)
The visitors started and Balmer returned. After two or three minutes desultory play Whittaker, the Blackburn outside right, got possession and ran down, but finally blundered, and the ball was cleared by Henderson. The Everton front rank here showed up well, and indulged in some neat passing in the Rovers’ half. After some pressure Everton forced a corner, but it was got away. A free kick to the home team came in useful, and Dilly put in a nice centre, which Brearley, who was in a good position, turned to excellent advantage, scoring the first goal. The Rovers attacked for two or three minutes, but the home halves were in good fettle and hampered the visitors considerably. Brearley and Dilly came away in good style on the right, and Bowman receiving a pass banged the ball in, but it was just outside, whilst before the visitors had time to breathe from this shock Brearley sent one in which McIvor could not keep hold of, and GOAL No. 2 was registered. The Rovers were working hard, but their efforts were unrewarded, and they had no chance when near goal, as Henderson and Balmer paid them great attention. Rankin and Brearley came away in characteristic style, after which Blackburn and Bow were prominent for the visitors on the left, and they looked like scoring. Bow put in a high attempt from the touch-line, but Henderson succeeded in heading out, and gave Everton the opportunity to invade opponents’ territory. A glaring mistake by one of the Rovers’ halves would have meant a certain score for the dark blues had not the custodian come out and met the ball and VIGOROUSLY RETURNED IT.
This was the signal for another incursion by the visitors. This time the Everton goal had a narrow escape from Hoyle, the leather just passing outside. From the goal kick the Rovers forwards initiated a series of effective movements, and as the Everton half-backs were not particularly brilliant at that moment the ball went over the home goal line. An exciting movement was noted in front of the Rovers’ goal and Dilly tried to find the net with a lightning shot which missed. Rankin and Brierley ran down in good style with the ball at their toes, and the last-named finished up with another splendid goal. Half-time—Everton 3. Blackburn Rovers 0.
On resuming the play was of a most even character. The Rovers the greater part of the time played ten men. Everton defended well towards the finish, Whitely bringing off some clever saves. The final was the same as at the interval :— 3 Final—Everton 3, Blackburn Rovers 0.

LANCASHIRE CUP. (SEMI-FINAL.)
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 19 January 1903
EVERTON v. BLACKBURN ROVERS.
(BY BANGER”)
The Rovers journeyed to Liverpool this morning to meet the Goodison Park brigade in the semi-final for the Lancashire Cup. The Blackburn club have held the trophy for the last two years, and they were pretty confident as to their success this afternoon. Monks, the inside right, was not eligible to play, as he had already assisted Everton in the competition before he joined the Rovers. This was very unfortunate, seeing that Whittaker and himself furnished such an effective pair. His position, however, was taken by Hoyne, reserve man. The match was fixed to take place on the 26th inst., but owing the North v. South International trial match, which is arranged for the same date, in which it is expected exponents of both teams will figure, it was decided to play it off to-day. Encounters with Everton are always looked forward by Blackburnians with the keenest interest, and a large number of supporters followed their favourites to the Mersey city. Tom Booth, the captain and old Rover, was particularly anxious to win the game, because his team have never recorded a victory against the Blue and Whites since he transferred his allegiance to their ranks. Teams;—
Everton—Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-books; Rankin, Sheridan, Bowman, Brearley, and Dilly, forwards.
Rovers.—McIver, goal: Crompton and Eastham, backs; McClure, Logan, and Jones, half-backs; Whittaker, Hoyne, Dewhurst, Bow, and Blackburn, forwards. Referee: Mr. Helm. Farnworth.
About 4,000 spectators watched Dewhurst set the ball rolling, and for several minutes the play was confined to midfield. From a throw-out on the left the leather travelled to Dewhurst, and Hoyne got away, with Whittaker inside of him. He parted, and the Rovers’ outside right dexterously landed the sphere into the hands of Whitley. A foul against McClure looked dangerous, and after it had been cleared Wolstenholme punted back again, and the visitors’ defence was troubled to no little extent. Dewhurst was injured, and game was stopped for a short time. Upon the restart the home eleven got away, and the left wing worked close down to the goal line. Dilly whipped in a beautiful centre, which Brearley instantly converted into a goal. Again Everton went towards the Rovers’ citadel, and hardly three minutes after the last goal had been scored Dilly sent across another clear centre and Brearley, from 12 yards distance, banged the leather straight and hard. It looked as if the leather shot off a Rover into the corner of the net. McIver had no chance; he was standing midway between the uprights. Rankin delivered a fine shot, and afterwards hostilities were waged at the other end, where Balmer performed a magnificent clearance The Rovers now got moving, and Hoyne fed Whittaker, who, after travelling along a few yards, centred for Hoyne to get in adeft lunge. Whitley saved close to the goal, and a visit was paid to the other end. This resulted in nothing, and the Rovers came away and forced a futile comer. Brearley and Bowman were prominent for a smart run, whilst Bow was beaten by Booth after Henderson had saved the home charge. Dewhurst had hard lines in not giving Whitley a rasper. A mistake by Crompton enabled Sheridan to drive the leather at a terrifically swift rate McIver, who only just managed to intercept it. From a foul by Eastham, Rankin rushed away and transferred to Brearley who with a fine shot beat McIver. The Rovers’ custodian had no earthly chance with the drive, as it was swift and high. The visitors infused plenty of spirit into the game, and the half finished in the home quarters. Half-time—Everton 3, Rovers 0.
The second moiety opened with an attack by Sheridan and Dilly, but this was cleared by Crompton and McClure ran right up the field, where he fouled Balmer. Whitley stopped out to reach the leather, and fell with a Rover on top him. A melee ensued, and the ball was directed out to the right. Another instant saw a shot from the left wing beat the Everton men and strike the far post. Whittaker, who had been absent so far in the second half, came into the arena with his hand bandaged. Brearley mastered Eastham, and McIver was forced to clear a weak effort. From a foul the Rovers’ goal almost fell. Rankin, Bowman, and Sheridan all made attempts, and then the latter player with a hard kick struck the upright. Rankin secured applause for a fine lunge, which was Only Inches Wide.

EVERTON v.. BLACKBURN ROVERS.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 20 January 1903
This semi-final tie of the Lancashire Cup competition was played this afternoon, at Goodison Park, before a good attendance. The first half was hotly contested, and Brearley scored three goals for Everton, Bowman barely missing. The Rovers showed good football, but the Everton defence was too much. In the second half the Rovers pressed, but the Everton backs were safe and realible. Whitley effected fine save. Result—' Everton three, Blackburn none.

EVERTON 3 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0
January 20, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Senior Cup, Semi-Final
Everton met the holders of the Lancashire Cup at Goodison Park Yesterday, before a crowd numbering fully 5,000 persons. Both sides were well represented and a well-contested game was witnessed, which ended in the defeat of the Rovers by three clear goals. Everton quickly established their supremacy, Brearley converting a capital centre from Dilly after ten minutes play. Immediately following this, some smart passing by the home forwards ended in Brearley again scoring after which the Rovers exerted some pressure, but could not make any impression on their opponent's defence. The Everton front rank were always dangerous when in possession, and another creditable movement between Rankin and Brearley ended in the latter securing his third goal. This was the state of affairs at the interval, but on resuming the Rovers made desperate efforts to reduce the adverse margin. Whitley was called upon to clear fine shots from Bow and Whittaker, and saved in good style on each occasion. Everton however returned to the attack, and Dilly missed a fine chance of placing his side further ahead. In the closing stages the Rovers adopted the one back game, and this detracted from the interest. Nothing further was scored, Everton deservedly winning their way into the final round, when they will have to meet Bury or Preston North End. Everton: - Whitley goal, Henderson, and W.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan Bowman, Brearley, and Dilly forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - McIvor goal, Crompton and Eastham, backs, McClure, Logan, and Jones, half-backs, Whittaker, Hoyne, Dewhurst, Bow, and F. Blackburn, forwards.

LANCASHIRE CUP-SEMI-FINAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 20 January 1903
Same match report Liverpool Echo on January 19 1903
Everton v. Blackburn Rovers
At Goodison Park, yesterday afternoon, Everton met Blackburn Rovers in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup. The weather was rather unfavourable, there being every appearance of fog interfering with the game. As might be expected the ground was on the treacherous side, although every precaution had been taken to ensure a safe foothold for the players.
The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Brearley, Bowman, Sheridan, and Dilly, forwards.
Blackburn.- McIvor, goal; Crompton and Eastham, backs; McClure, Logan, and Jones, half-backs; Whittaker, Hoyne, Dewhurst, Bow, and Blackburn, forwards.
Booth won the toss, and there would be about 4,000 spectators present when Dewhurst started the ball in motion for the Rovers. The opening moves were very even, each team making efforts to break away. Bow and Blackburn made the game on their wing, but Blackburn was too well watched o be able to do justice to himself, though Bow wriggled his way through, and finally sent across to Whittaker, who shot into Whitley’s hands. A free kick against the Rovers’ enabled the home contingent to attack in earnest. After a couple of chances Rankin got in a fine centre, which was tackled by Bowman, but it was left to Brearley to put the ball into the net, some ten minutes after the start. Shortly afterwards the Everton men came down again on the same wing, and another very pretty centre came from Rankin. The ball was again captured by Bowman, who shot into McIvor’s hands. The Blackburn goalkeeper fumbled with the sphere, and finally dropped it, and at the juncture Brearley dashed in and scored another goal for Everton. After the restart the Rovers showed up very prominently, and Blackburn managed to get in a long shot. This having been cleared, the Rovers, by pretty passing, made quite an onslaught on the Everton goal, but at the finish Wolstenholme saved the situation. The visitors kept up the attack with great persistency. Hoyne, Bow, and Dewhurst each being spoilt when they were in a likely position, and after Dewhurst had a shot Balmer cleared out the attacking party. Rankin and Brearley made tracks for the other end, where the last-named made another attempt to lower the Blackburn colours, and Bowman followed with a fine dash, which was taken up by Brearley, who was shouldered off the ball when he was about to shoot. A fine movement was then made by Whittaker, and at the finish Hoyne nearly scored. A free kick against Everton led to a rush on the part of the Rovers, but Bowman carried the ball away, and Dilly took it into Blackburn territory. After one repulse the Evertonians advanced, and Rankin out in some good work, at the end of which Brearley was within an ace of scoring. Fine wing work was then shown by the Rovers, but the right division could not make proper headway against Abbott, who was a host in himself, and finally Balmer slipped the ball away. Off-side was shortly after given against Everton, and the Rovers came back on the left, but had no better luck. Everton broke away, and at the end of a sprightly move Brearley had a fair shot at McIvor, who saved smartly. At the other end Balmer brought off a fine save. The Everton men dashed away again, Brearley scoring another beauty. The Rovers followed with three fierce attacks but they failed to pierce the Everton defence. Half-time; Everton 3 goals, Blackburn Rovers nil.
After change of ends the Everton men had a long way the better of the game, the play on the Rovers’ side being only brightened by the determined rushes on the part of Whittaker and Hoyne, which, however, came to nothing. Dilly drove the ball by the side of the Rovers’ goal, and then the Blackburn team improved greatly. From a free kick the visitors nearly pierced the home goal, and a couple of corners were then forced, for which the Rovers clustered round the home citadel, and Balmer only kicked in the kick of time. The Rovers played the game during the greater part of the second half with ten men. Whittaker retiring. Rankin and Dilly each had shots at the Rovers’ goal, while in answer to some fresh attacks by the Rovers, Whitley kept a magnificent goal.
Final; Everton 3 goals, Blackburn Rovers nil.

TIT-BITS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, January 21 1903
By Merseyman.
A BENEFIT IN MORE THAN NAME
Fortunately for the banking accounts of W. Balmer and Wolstenholme, the popular Everton players, the elements behaved not unkindly for their “joint” benefit match at Goodison-Everton v. Wolves. The result was a well-earned 2 to 1 victory to the Toffee men, and a nice addition to the banking accounts of the couple most deeply concerned.
BADDELEY’S BRILLIANT BOXING BOUT
The game was not a high class affair, but it was interesting to watch for the most part. Everton had by far the best of it, yet only won by 2 goals to 1, after being a goal behind at one point of the proceedings. For this state of things the Wolves have Baddeley alone to thank, for the midget custodian gave a display surpassing anything before seen from him by residents of the Marine city. It was his first appearance for 1903, having been on the injured list; but it evidently acted as a tonic, and was indeed a happy inauguration for him. The Black Country backs- Jones in particular-defended stoutly, but the middle line was none too strong. Their forwards also were no great shakes. Beats, who took the place of the injured Haywood, in a new position- inside right- perhaps, the most prominent. Beats (England’s 1902 centre-forward) had been out of the team since November 22. He scored their goal.
EVERTON BRIGADE
As for Everton’s representatives, Balmer gave a fine full back exposition; whilst the halves were in really brilliant form. Wolstenholme is at his best again, and Booth is consistency itself. But it was Abbott who chiefly took the eye, for he was a terror to the Wolves’ attack, and defence alike. He scored the equalising goal- a beauty-and his first for Everton since October 11. Everton have three centre-forwards on the shelf- Young, Bowman, and Brealey! In this quandary there was nothing for it but to try James Settle as pivot to the attack for the first time in his Everton career. He was not a failure, and yet he was not a success. In reality Everton played two inside-lefts and no centre-forward. Taylor worked hard, whilst Jack Sharp was brilliant at intervals. Everton tried Dilly as outside left for the first time at home, and his chief fault was a decided but fatal fondness for lying off-side.

EVERTON AND AN AUSTRIAN VISIT
January 23, 1903. Lancashire Evening Post
Having ten days to spare at the end of the season, Everton think of going “on the Continent” for a tour, chiefly in Austria. A picked team of internationals, it will be remembered, visited Austria a couple of seasons ago. And had some football and a lot of fun. Chadwick and Toman had offer to stay behind as trainers. Speaking of Toman, I am told that he is once more back in hospital. He has played for Everton only once since September, 1901, when he was kicked in the first match at home against the Wolves, and he has not kicked a first team ball since, for though his leg healed, and bone had become diseased again, and he is no longer able to play, and I suppose, never will do so again. The Toffees have treated him very indulgently, and he cannot complain if he is not signed on again. It is a sad ending of a brilliant career.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUO- FINAL TIE
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 23 January 1903
EVERTON v.  LIVERPOOL
The above clubs will battle for the Liverpool Cup at Goodison Park to-morrow, in the final tie. Both organisations are selecting their best teams, and as the cup and medals are well worth striving for a keen contest may be anticipated, and Goodison Park should again be filled to its utmost capacity. Mr. W.W. Rutherford, M.P., and Mrs. Rutherford and party have accepted an invitation to witness the match, and Mrs. Rutherford will represent the cup and medals at the conclusion of the game. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle and Dilly, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Morris, forwards.
Referee. J. Adams.

A GREAT CUP TIE.
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 23 January 1903
Everton v. Portsmouth.
Great interest is already being centred in Everton’s English Cup tie with Portsmouth, which is down for decision at Goodison-park on February 7th. Excellent arrangements are being made by Mr. W. Cuff, the Everton secretary, to accommodate the large crowd which is expected on that day, and it is stated that somethinglike 2,000 of Portsmouth’s followers will journey north to witness the match. As showing the interest, which is being evinced in the contest down south, it may be mentioned that representatives of the Portsmouth club were present on Monday last at Goodison-park on the occasion of Everton’s Lancashire Cup tie, their object being to view the ground and take note of any other important points. All the 5s. seats will be reserved, and for these there has been a great demand, there being numerous applications for the same from Portsmouth. The 3s. seats will be reserved up to within a quarter of an hour before the kick-off, which is timed for three. These tickets are now on sale. We understand that the Portsmouth team will come up to Lytham some seven or eight days before the match, in order to get “fit” for the struggle. As regards Everton, it is not yet definitely fixed whether they will go out of town for training purposes.
For the North v. South trial match at Tottenham, on Monday next, in which Rankin is to play, Settle has been instructed to attend in case he may be required to partner Rankin.

THE “BENEFIT” AT EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 24 January 1903
Trouble is brewing over the benefit match for Wostenholme and Balmer last week at Goodison. The match benefited nobody—players, spectators, or club. The rebate allowed ticket holders of one shilling to the two shilling, and sixpence to the shilling stands reduced the proceeds by just one-half, so that the 10,000 who saw the match with the Wolves were equivalent only 5.000 at a proper benefit. Would not have been much better to make the match a “ benefit ” all round, for the spectator as well as the player? Wolstenholme and Balmer would undeserving objects if they could not draw 5,000 spectators. The crowd would then have paid willingly ; last Saturday they stumped up grudgingly as the Jews did when their “ stumps ” were drawn to make them part with the shekels.« The legality of the charge is to be tested, and I suppose if the decision goes against the club, Everton will pay damages and costs out of Wolstenholme and Balmer's benefit!"

WHEN MOSES MEET SOUTHWORTH
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 24 January 1903
BY Perseus
In his younger days Moses was not doing very well in Preston; indeed, he was in rather low water. The promise of a trial with Accrington was eagerely grasped, but being out of work he found it necessary to walk, at all events part of the journey. En Route he met the famous Blackburn and Everton centre, Jack Southworth. "Hello, Moses, what are young doing here?" said the crack forward. "Going to Accrington for a trial," "Why don't you take train?" "No money," said the Prestonian. With a generosity characteristic," said the man, Southworth quickly slipped a piece of gold into Sanders's hand, and wished him "Good luck," in his trial. The two actors in this little episode kept the matter to themselves until Moses told the story under curious circumstances. Southworth was always a terror in the centre, and one day when North End were playing Everton, Moses was given instructions to watch him, and bowl him over when necessary –and you know Sanderscould be energetic and vigorious when he liked. "We quite thought he would put a spoke in Southworth's wheel," remarked Drummond, "but to our surprise he gave a most ladylike exhibition, so much so that we chaffed him a good deal after the game," "Ah it is very well," said he at last, "but what would you have done with a fellow who gave you a sovereign when you were hard up and having to walk to Accrington for a trial? Would you knock him about?"

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 24 January 1903
Everton v. Liverpool
Liverpool Cup (Final Tie) at Goodison Park; 2.45.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Morris, forwards.
Referee; Mr. John Adams, Birmingham. Linesmen; Messrs Maddocks, and Nelson.
The cup and gold medals will be presented at the conclusion of the match by Mr. W.W. Rutherford, M.P., who will be supported by other local representatives.
Everton Combination v Chorley
At Chorley; Lime-street Station 11.5; Kick-off 2.45.
Everton Combination-Joyce, goal; R. Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, Wolfe, McDonald, and McEwan, forwards.

THE LIVERPOOL CUP
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 24 1903
EVERTON v.  LIVERPOOL
LIVERPOOL SCORE FIRST
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
Despite the fact that the annual fight for the time-honoured Liverpool Cup has now resolved itself into a final tie between the two leading football organisations, there is no falling off in the interest shown by the football-loving public, a game in interest between the Reds and Blues in always an event of supreme importance in Liverpool circles, as both clubs have been regarded as stern antagonists since the Anfielders succeeded in entering the lists of the First League football. both executives recognised what was expected by their patrons, and as the full league teams entered the arena a stubborn contest was looked forward to.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Morris, forwards. Referee- Mr. Adams.
There would be about 15,000 spectators present when, Booth having lost the toss, the ball was set in motion from the Park end. The Liverpool forwards soon commenced a sprightly move, Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, and Chadwick passing with great precision. The first-named got in some fine centres, and one or two wild drives were made at goal, but at last Kitchen succeeded in footing the ball away. Everton retaliated along the left, and when the Liverpudlians were pushed Parry passed back to Glover, who saved the situation. In answer to some further raids Glover played a sound game, and not even the wily Settle could get the shadow of a real opening. After the ball had been crossed and recrossed, Settle and his partner made further inroads, but Glover came out with flying colours. After this stern pressure by Everton, Settle took the leather up the centre speedily, but was fairly brought to grass by Parry just outside the penalty line, and there was some apprehension as to whether the referee would not resort to extreme measures, but he summed the situation up correctly, and from the free kick Brearley kicked very wide indeed. The Reds sailed down in force, only to be repulsed by a fine kick from Henderson. The attack was constantly changing, and a big effort by the Blues resulted in Perkins disposing of a mild handful from Taylor. This was followed by the smartest bit of dribbling and passing yet exhibited by either side. It came from Raybould, Livingstone, and Goddard, and the winger wound up with a pretty centre to Chadwick, who called upon Kitchen to repel the entrance of the leather into the net. A foul against Glover was very near the penalty area, and from this the ball was headed away from front of goal. Then Goddard obtained possession, and raced along the touch-line nearly the whole length of the field, closely pursued by Balmer, who, at the finish clearly beat the Liverpudlian by sheer generalship although at the expense of a corner. No harm came from this, but the visitors came again, and Kitchen fisted away from Livingstone.Dilly missed a pass from Settle, and then Sharp raced down, but, when passing commenced, Taylor was nicely beaten by Raisbeck The Evertonians kept up the pressure, after some strong work by Abbott, but the Liverpool defence was exceedingly keen, and every effort on the part of the home team was accounted for. A further free kick was awarded to Everton, and Booth netted the ball, without touching a second player. Now came the moment when the charge of Perkins was in direct jeopardy, as the Everton forwards had fairly lined up near to goal, and the ball was crossed and recrossed at very close quarters. Perkins emerged from the ordeal with great credit, after disposing of two hot shots from Settle and Brearley. After this very narrow squeak the Reds took up the attack, but made little impression on the opposite defence, and Glover was soon called on to check the advance of Everton’s left. Parry gave Livingstone and Goddard the leather, but the outside man was successfully tackled by Booth. Another fine rush came from the home lot, and Brearley rushed the half-back line and sent in a swift drive which carried the leather only a foot outside the post. The Anfielders declined to allow their neighbours to monopolise the attack, and a business-like visit to Kitchen resulted in that worthy custodian responding to invitations from both Chadwick and Raybould. After a regular scrimmage in midfield, the Liverpool right went very strongly, but splendidwork by Abbott finally held them in check. Liverpool returned to the attack, Livingstone being very prominent; but Henderson rushed in, and, owing to a miskick, landed the ball at Goddard’s toes, the right winger slipping along and shooting behind. The attack was taken up by the opposite wing, and Chadwick shot at Perkins, who saved. Everton then made a short breakaway, but the Anfielders were soon back again, Goddard and his partner being responsible for the move. After the ball was in front, however, Chadwick fell, and the attack was beaten off. A free-kick against Abbott was taken by Dunlop, who put the ball to Raybould, and the centre man, with his back to goal, headed very accurately, but Kitchen successfully anticipated him, although he might easily have been caught napping. The game so far was most evenly contested, but it was fast scientific throughout, and the forward play on both sides was decidedly interesting. Perkins appeared to make a decided bloomer, as, under pressure, he put the ball into the net, but some infringement had occurred just before, and Everton made no claim, although the spectators could not understand why. Parry effectually checkmated Settle and Dilly, after which Goddard got the leather. Both the Everton backs chipped in, but after Raybould had tested Kitchen, the ball was crossed over to Morris, and Henderson having failed to regain his position Morris had an easy task of which he took full advantage, and put the leather into the net a very few minutes before the interval. The Blues responded with a gallant dash towards Perkins, and for a moment looked like equalising straight off the reel, but Glover broke up the attack for a moment, but soon after Dunlop kicked out clear from the goalmouth.
Half-time score; Liverpool 1 goal, Everton Nil.
VICTORY FOR LIVERPOOL
After the restart Liverpool went straight down into Everton territory, but were repulsed by Wolstenholme. Then Goddard went down his wing and effected a swinging centre, but just as Chadwick was rushing in to score, Kitchen put his foot to the ball and cleared out the invaders. A free kick against Liverpool enabled Everton to attack, and a stiff bully followed in front of the Liverpool goalmouth, but at last Raisbeck got the ball away. Liverpool obtained a fruitless corner on the right, and then Raisbeck missed his kick and let in the Evertonians, who died away when they got in front of goal. Chadwick captured a pass from Raisbeck, and by some of his old-time forward, and Morris got the better of Henderson and shot at the corner of goal, Kitchen having no difficulty in clearing his charge. Parry crossed to Morris, but the Liverpool left winger was pronounced off-side. Settle looked like landing an opening until Glover chipped in and robbed neatly, after which smart work by Livingstone neutralised a free kick against Goldie. Chadwick was next in possession and nearly found the net with a shot at a very fine angle across the goalmouth, and then little Morris shot towards Kitchen. Just at this point there was great sting in the attack of the Anfielders, who looked like gaining a further lead. The Reds had, in fact, displayed decided superiority after restarting. Henderson accounted for a free kick taken by Glover, and Settle made bad use of an opening in front of goal, but Sharp, obtaining possession, made amends by presenting Perkins with a rare handful. Raisbeck, who had all along been playing in fine form, now troubled the Everton forwards sorely and checkmated the efforts of one after another. Good work by Goldie resulted in the Reds making ground on their left, but a free kick against then spoiled the advantage they had thus gained.
Final Result; Liverpool 2 goals, Everton Nil.
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
By the Trifler
Cheer, ho! Here were are again-battling once more in friendly rivalry and drawing admiring thousands to see the sport. It was indeed a proud moment for the dear old Liverpool Cup, who mist be twenty years of ago if she’s a day. My assumption of the gender is based on the latest scientific principles. Anyhow, when the Cup was originated two decades ago it was never for a moment contemplated that 20,000 spectators would subsequently crowd together to see it fought for. This, however, they did to-day, and a most enthusiastic crowd it was. It gave a titanic roar when the home team tripped into the arena, and the vocal performance was repeated when the Anfielders made their appearance. Cheer-ho! Liverpool won the toss, and Everton started with their backs to the sun, who for this occasion, graced the proceedings with his presence. Lesser luminaries included Mr. Wm. Watson Rutherford, Member of Parliament, and quite a constellation of city councillors. With such imposing adjuncts the success of the gathering was assured, and the game was begun in spirited fashion. The visitors as was only right, paid a visit to Kitchen, but they came away empty-handed, the Everton housekeeper having nothing to give away. Then the home brigade got moving, and the spectators at the north end goal were given a vastly exciting time. With each movement of the ball they swayed and moved in almost rhythmic measure, which was very pleasing to witness, but probably exceedingly uncomfortable to participate in. the invaders were kept cleverly, at bay, and after a while Goddard gave us an exhibition of the best running powers-a s trick he learned down Glossop’ way. Balmer was completely out-distanced, and it looked all up with Everton when kitchen proved he was no parlour footballer by throwing clear. The it was the Blues’ turn to get going, and the Liverpudlians, already red in the jersey, got red in the face in their efforts to keep Everton out. A most exciting scene ensued, and even case-hardened scribes momentarily forgot their customary imperturbability. As for the crowd, it simply went frantic with suppressed emotion, that only found vent in a series of prolonged yells. Still, the Liverpool goal remained intact, and gradually the Anfielders moved matters to midfield. Here Parry was winded, and it was only after a wit in the crowd had suggested that he should be given paregoric that the Welshman recovered. After all, there is occasionally much virtue in a pun. The local feeling precluded anything like a perfect exposition of first-class football, but the game was nevertheless intensely interesting, and was prosecuted with a vigour that was eminently commendable. The two goals were visited in turn with almost clock-like regularity, but all to no purpose, and after thirty-five minutes’ play the battle was yet a bloodless one. Then the home forwards swooped down like a tornado and the ball was sent into the net. A fierce yell of exultation came from the throats of the Evertonians, but Adams was adamantine in declaring it no goal. From the goal kick the Anfielders, in a fine spirit of emulation, moved along towards Kitchen, and Morris proved successful with a rather soft shot. This came within a few minutes of the interval, and naturally put the visitors in high feather. Everton tried desperately hard to get level, but it was not to be, and half-time saw the Anfielders one up and forty-five minutes to play. Cheer-ho!  The second half of the game was resumed in a sombre half-light suggestive more of repose than fierce athleticism. But for the twenty-two players there was little rest; the home eleven had a margin to erase; the visitors had a lead to keep, and both were evidently bent on doing it. For some time Everton pressed hotly, and Sharp sent in a glorious shot, but Perkins threw clear, and at the other end Edgar Chadwick gave a delightful demonstration of football which should be played. The old warhorse, however, was robbed at the last minute and Balmer led the why to a prolonged attack on the Liverpool goal. The struggle continued with unabated vigour for forty minutes and then thanks to Chadwick, Goddard was able to place a second goal to Liverpool’s credit. The game was now all over, bar the shouting, as the “Bookies” say, and upon the Everton supporters’ faces deep dejection was “writ” large, in the last few minutes the home team tried hard to minimise defeat, but without success and a memorable encounter left the Anfielders the proud possessors of the Liverpool Cup. 

EVERTON 0 LIVERPOOL 2
January 26 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Liverpool Senior Cup Final.
It was a happy idea, which led to the decision that the League teams of Everton and Liverpool should meet and fight for possession of the handsome cup of the local association. Not only in this way does the association get a substantial contribution to its funds but the great local rivals also have a large share in the gate. The spin of the coin decided that the match should be played at Goodison Park, and as the weather on Saturday was mild and bright there was a big gate. Mr. Watson Rutherford, M.P., accoumpared by Mrs. Rutherford and party witnessed the game and at the close Mrs. Rutherford presented the cup and medals. Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, Henderson and W.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholme Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Dilly forwards. Liverpool: - Perkins, goal, Glover, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Raisebeck, and Goldie, half-backs, Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, E.Chadwick, and Morris forwards. Brearley kick off in the presence of at least 17,000 spectators. Liverpool immediately got down on the right and Goddard centred. Livingstone shooting the ball against Balmer. The outside man again got possession and beating Abbott put in another centre from which Chadwick shot the wrong side of the upright. From the goalkick Settle carried the ball down, and was fouled by parry. Raisebeck however, nicely cleared the free kick. After Perkins had been called upon by Taylor to handle the Liverpool front line put in some beautiful work. Twice Goddard centred gloriously. On the first occasion Raybould got his head to the ball, but sent the leather wide and next Chadwick placed the ball into his hands of Kitchen, who smartly saved. In a twinkling Everton were back at the other end. Glover was penalised for pushing, and the free kick was only got rid of with difficulty, the Evertonians making a bold effort to open the scoring. Still the exchanges were interesting by reason of the fact that first one side, and than the other assumed the aggressive. Goddard forced a corner off Balmer and following the kick from the corner flag Raisebeck headed in only to find Kitchen quite safe. As the result of another visit to Everton's half Raybould was pulled for offside, when about to shoot. The home forwards soon got into their stride again and was particularly dangerous for some minutes, being more than a match for the Liverpool defence. From a centre by Dilly Taylor headed in the ball. Perkins threw away but Booth promptly returned it, and the ball going off one of the Liverpool players. Dilly who was lying well placed on-side. The Everton outside left had a glorious chance of scoring but to the disappointment of a large section of the crowd he unaccountably missed the ball. During subsequent play Raisebeck's wonderful heading was noticeable. Brearley too was applauded for a clever individual effort, at the end of which he sent the ball wide of the upright at lighting speed. There was no deterioration whatever in the quality of the play, which had been of a very high standard throughout. For once the spectators were afforded a real treat. So far Everton were able to claim a slight superiority, but there was very little in it. Chadwick delighted his admires with a grand shot, which was splendidly dealt with by Kitchen and for some minutes the game was contested in Everton's half. Free kicks were rather frequent, although the game could by no means to be described as rough. From one of these kicks Brearley sent in the ball, and Perkins, apparently in trying to divert it round the post, threw it into the net. Fortunately for Liverpool, the whistle had just previously gone for an infringement of the rules-presumably for Brearley being offside. Liverpool carried operations into the other half, and after some exciting exchanges were awarded by a rather easy goal. Livingstone centred, and Raybould rushed up, but judiciously allowed the ball to pass him. This finesse drew off the Everton backs with the result that both Chadwick and Morris had an open goal. The latter tried his luck, and easily banged the ball past Kitchen. Liverpool, having opened the scoring, pressed vigorously, and came near registering another. Then the Everton vanguard were prominent, and profiting by Glovers miskick gained a corner, which was badly utilised. Half-time Liverpool 1, Everton nil.
There would be upwards of 20,000 spectators when the game was resumed after a rather prolonged interval. Liverpool went off in rare style, and in the first minute Chadwick experienced the mortification of missing a lovely centre from Goddard. The Evertonians were kept on the defensive for some time, though Kitchen was not seriously troubled. A foul against Goldie enabled Everton to exert pressure, which was only neutralised when Raisebeck's clever back heeling again placed his forwards in possession. This time Balmer was to the fore, and the Liverpoolians were soon defending their goal. The attack was not sustained, and midfield play became the order until Chadwick afforded an opportunity to Morris, which was not accepted. Moment later the ex-Evertonian gave the ball to Morris, who this time sent in a nice centre, which called for Kitchen's best efforts. The Everton forwards now put in some fine work, and Sharp sent in a magnificent shot, which, Perkins handled in masterly style. Play changed rapidly from end to end, and there was plenty of excitement for the spectators. Another fine centre from Sharp sailed across the goalmouth, the Everton right wing, at this stage being most conspicuous. Parry was penalised for fouling Settle a few yards away from the penalty line and following the free kick, Sharp shot ridiculously high. Then for Liverpool forwards returned the compliment and Kitchen and his backs were kept busily engaged. A corner was forced, and after some clever movements Glover sent at lighting speed over the bar, Livingstone though hampered by Balmer tested Kitchen and at the other end Brearley brought Perkins to his knees with a fine efforts. A moment later the same player was again in evidence, but this time he shot was not so difficult. The game continued to be most exciting and enjoyable, both sides putting forth their best efforts. Everton came near scoring but they found the Liverpool defence too much for them. Five minutes from the finish, Goddard scored a second goal as the result of a beautiful centre from Chadwick. Final result Everton nil, Liverpool 2.

GRAND GAME AT GOODISON PARK
 Athletic News - Monday 26 January 1903
By Junius
The circumstances which brought Everton and Liverpool together in the deciding round of the Liverpool Senior Cup Competition have already been discouraged upon in this column, so that further reference in this direction would be entirely redundant, I should imagine, however, that the most sanguine wishes of the promoters of the change of procedure in this tournament, were more than realized by the fine display which was witnessed and which attracted a concourse numbering upwards of twenty thousand persons to Goodison.  Let me here, right away, as the Yankee would say, compliment the players on both sides for providing such a rousing exhibition of exhilarating football, and never was a League tussle between the rivals combatted in more determined fashion than this struggle for possession of the beautifully chased trophy, which will for another twelve months grace the sanctum of the “Sandon.”  Both teams entered into the real spirit of the game, and appropriately enough the honours went to the side which deserved them.  The first half was very evenly contested, and though Liverpool, scored the only goal of this period they scarcely deserved the lead on the general run of the game.  Both goals had narrow escapes, and it was not many minutes from the interval when Livingstone sent across a treacherous centre from the right wing.  Sam Raybould dashed as it as if he meant to pulverize Kitchen, but seeing that he had drawn the two back on to him, he judiciously refrained from touching the ball, which went along to Chadwick and Morris, each of whom was now unmarked, and the latter gaining possession defeated Kitchen was ease.  The point appeared a very simple one, but I consider Raybould deserves as much credit as the actual scorer, for he completely deceived the Everton backs, and presented Morris with a chance in a thousand.  The second half was more in favour of Liverpool than its predecessor had been, and there could be no question as to the Anfielders deserving their victory. The Everton players made desperate efforts to draw level, and Brearley, who, throughout the game hung on to Dunlop and Glover, was almost through on several occasions, but Raisebeck gave him no latitude.  It was left to Chadwick to initiate the second goal, and the rare old warhorse, racing to the corner flag whipped across a superb centre, which completely baffled the Everton backs, and the finishing touch was applied by Goddard’s head in as artistic a fashion as anyone could possibly desire, I have not seen two more prettily gained goals than these which Liverpool obtained in this match, for many a long day; they were the outcome of a beautiful bit of strategy in each instance, out-witting an otherwise sterling defensive display and they were a fitting climax to well deserving efforts.  Both custodians were frequently tested, and Perkins had the more awkward shots to deal with, but his vis-à-vis had no chance with the two that beat him, for in each case his backs had been overcome and he alone left to face the invaders.  Everton attacked vigorously in the closing stages, but they met with a sound defence, against which they were unable to prevail. 
A FEW CRITICAL COMMENTS
These must necessarily be of a brief character, although the play shown was superior to what I have witnessed in the bulk of the League matches, decided at Goodison Park this season.  Liverpool’s success was due chiefly to their being more dangerous near goal, and also to a considerable extent by the better ability displayed all through by their forwards.  In comparing the respective front divisions of the two clubs, there could be no mistaking the more classy movements of the Anfield attacking line.  Raybould was in the centre for the purpose of distributing the play to his wings, and receiving their returns, but Brearley posted himself just on the borders dividing off-side from on-side, and awaited the long drives of his confreres.  With Raisebeck in one of his happiest moods there was precious little chance of this style of play becoming successful, and events actually proved this, for although Brearley did once or twice get clear, he was always sufficiently hampered at the finish-with one notable exception, when he brought Perkins to his knees-to prevent him finding the net.  Everton’s attack, therefore, savoured much of the kick and rush order, and it was only at rare intervals that there was witnessed any attempts at concerted work along the whole line.  Liverpool held a decided advantage in this department, some beautiful work being accomplished by Goddard, whose runs and centres were certainly of International caliber, whilst Chadwick was as sprightly as a two-years-old, and the tussles between him and Taylor were delightfully enticing.  At half-back Raisebeck had no equal, the skipper being seen at his best, but Parry spoiled a deal of useful work by being frequently penalized, though in the second half he discarded these un-called for tactics.  Abbott rendered good service, and Booth likewise, though even here there were occasions when the adoption of questionable methods was resorted to.  Further behind Glover played a remarkably clean game, his kicking being more reliable than that of his partner, though Dunlop did not shape badly by any means, and Perkins kept a really capital goal.  On the Everton side Henderson surprised me by his effective exhibition, though he was allowed ample latitude to clear by Morris in most cases, and both Balmer and Kitchen were rarely found wanting.  After the match Mrs. Rutherford, wife of Mr. W. W. Rutherford, M.P. presented the splendid cap and medals to the victorious side, and so another memorable day in the history of Liverpool football was brought to a fitting conclusion.  The proceeds of the match realized, I am told, about 550 pounds. 
Our International Candidates
We have three, if not a possible four, players included in the North team to oppose the South at Tottenham today, but one selection is the most surprising of all- I refer to Rankin, who has been chosen as outside-left.  As was fully mentioned in our “En Passant” columns last week, he is a Liverpool youth, and two years ago was participating in junior football in this district.  But here is the most curious feature of the case; the Everton people do not consider him worthy of a place in their League team as an outside-left, although they admit his claims to the outside-right position.  They have played Dilly, the youth they secured from Arbroath at the close of their last season’s tour, in preference to him, though they have in this respect made a sad blunder in my catimation.  What the man in the street wants to know, however, is this, and I daresay his feelings are pretty general throughout this city; “If Rankin is considered good enough for the International trial game as outside-left, why is he not played by his club?”  And by way of a side remark such names as Molyneux, now of Southampton, and the others are hinted at in rather audible fashion, and pertinent deductions drawn there-from, I hear that settle has been asked to put in an attendance, in case he may be required to partner the Kirkdale youth.  Goddard and Raybould left for London on Saturday evening in the company of Mr. Tom Watson.

CHORLEY 7 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 26, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
At Chorley, on a heavy ground. The home side played a strong game throughout. In the opening half they scored four goals, Everton replying through Rankin and Wolfe. Chorley continued to have the best of matters after the interval, and added three more goals. Everton: - Joyce, goal, W Wildman, and Crelly, backs, Clayton, Clark, and Chadwick, half-backs McDonald, Boardman, Young, Wofle, and Rankin, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 26, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
The final tie in the Liverpool Cup Competition which was brought together the Everton and Liverpool teams at Goodison Park, proved an immense success, not only from a spectators, but likewise a pecuniary, point of view and whilst both clubs and the local association will do well of it, everyone who witnessed the encounter could not fail to be delighted with the exhibition given by the respective sides. In fact a new lease of life should be given to the competition; and with the Shield tourney in favour with the junior clubs and the senior trophy left to the premier teams of the city, the association should be fully relieved of its financial difficulties in the future, With the players on both sides entering into the game under notice with genuine enthusiasm, all doubt as to the success of the innovation was set at rest, and the struggle for possession of the handsome cup and medals should become one of the chief features of the local season. There was no mistaking the earnestness of the two teams, and viewing a contest that reminded one of a stubborn League engagement, so fiercely was the contest waged rewarded the crowd, which numbered over 20,000 persons. Liverpool scored once in each half thus retaining possession of the trophy, and they may fairly be said to have deserved their success, for taking the play all round, they were the better side. There was nothing to choose between the teams in the first half, but after the interval there could be no mistaking the superiority of the Anfielders, who displayed from which was distinctly in advance of that shown by Everton.
In the early stages it appeared as if the home forwards would lead the way in the matter of scoring, and Dilly missed a glorious chance when only a couple of yards from the goal post by completely misjudging the course of the leather. The custodians on both sides were frequently tested, and Perkins on one occasion threw the ball into the net, in the act of cleaning, but the referee Mr.J.Adams, Birmingham disallowed the point and awarded Liverpool a free kick close to the goalline. It was close on the interval when Livingstone dashed down the right and centred to Raybould, who appeared as if he were going to shoot, but instead he allowed the ball to pass onwards, where Chadwick and Morris were unmarked, and the latter had no difficulty in registering the first goal. Immediately on resuming, Chadwick obtained an open goal from a splendid centre from Goddard, but mulled the chance, and the game waged more and more in favour of the visitors, until the inside left made amends for his previous failure by flashing across a beautiful shot, and Goddard, coming up at full speed, headed the second goal. This decided the game completely, and though in the short time remaining for play, Everton made desperate efforts to reduce the margin against them they could not get the better of the sturdy defence shown by Perkins, Glover, and Dunlop. Speaking of the victors first, little but praise can be awarded to them, for their defence was remarkably sound, while their forwards were more dangerous, and displayed better combination than the home quintette. Raybould led the van in good style but the most effective work came from Goddard who put in some excellent runs and centres. Chadwick and Livingstone rendered useful service, the former giving Morris numerous chances, of which however, the outside man did not take the fullest advantage, and this was the least successful branch of the Liverpool front line. Further behind Raisebeck was a host in himself, and his defensive work was particularly fine; Goddard accomplished a vast amount of quiet work, but Parry spoiled his play in the first half by indulging in illegal tactics, though it is only fair to add that after the interval no fault could be found in this direction. Glover was the better of the backs, his clean kicking and powerful returns being a conspicuous feature of the play of the Liverpool rear division while Perkins kept a good goal, though the occasion, when he flung the ball into the net was a decidedly curious one.
Everton were not particularly happy in the forward division, but their defence was very line, particularly in the intermediate line. The front rank adopted the long kick and rush methods, Brearley hanging as closely to the Liverpool full backs as it was possible to get; consequently the work of this line was not so pleasing to witness neither was it as effective as that of their opponents' attacking line. Taylor infused any amount of energy into his play, and Brearley adapted himself to the prevailing methods very well but he was rarely able to shake off the attentions of the Liverpool centre half. The extreme wingmen were not very prominent and Dilly was not marked success, while Settle has been seen to greater advantage. Booth and Abbott were the pick of the home halves, the latter achieving some very tricky work, but he was not allowed to indulge his shooting propersities. Henderson and Balmer proved a capital pair of backs, and Kitchen was never at fault in goal for the shots, which beat him, gave him no chance of clearing. After the match, Mrs.W.W.Rutherford, wife of the newly elected members for the West Derby Division, presented the cup and medals to the winning team. The proceeds of the gate amounted to £530.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 26 January 1903
EVERTON v  LIVERPOOL
A crowd of fully 20,000 witnessed this game on Saturday, and had the satisfaction of seeing an excellent exposition of the code. At the outset the pace was forced at a tremendous pitch, and both sides put their best efforts forward. Early on Everton were the more aggressive, but splendid defensive play by Dunlop lightened Perkins’ work considerably though on one occasion Dilly was provided with a splendid chance that he allowed to go abegging. As the interval approached the visitors improved, and following a centre from Livingstone and an adroit move on the part of Raybould, the ball went to Morris, who took full advantage of an open goal. On changing ends play continued to be of interesting character, and generally ruled favour of the visitors, whose movements were well timed and always incisive. Both keepers were kept busily employed, and, following a narrow escape from Brearley, the Liverpool left raced off, and Chadwick put in a beautiful centre, which Goddard converted five minutes from the close. Play was now most heatedly contested, but no further scoring took place. Result;- Everton 0 Liverpool 2.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Morris, forwards.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 26 January 1903
ARTHUR MILLWARD
When the name of Arthur Millward as a referee is coupled with that of John Lewis, very high praise indeed is bestowed upon this Southern official. He is on the referees’ list of both the Southern and Football leagues, and though resident in London-Leyton, to be strictly correct-he is far removed from a Cockney. Like most men connected with the game in the South, he is an importation, Kidderminster claiming him as one of her sons. Both as a cricketer and a footballer he has been a credit to the town of carpets. He played with the first Association club in Kidderminster, the Swifts and afterwards joined the Harriers, when they made a stir in the football world, being appointed vice-captain, and doing justice to the club as a left back. He was also a member of the Olympic, and was hon. Secretary when in 1889-90 the club secured 42 out of a possible 44 points in the Birmingham and District League, and it was under this League that Milward first commenced refereeing. Whilst at Kidderminster Mr. Millward was the chairman of the local League and Association, and was also a member of the council of both the Worcester and Birmingham Association. Such was the esteem in which he was held by his cricket and football friends that on leaving for the South he was presented, through Sir. F. Godson, M.P., with a valuable timepiece.
He commenced his Southern League career in a match between Chatham and Tottenham Hotspur, and since then has been selected for all the benefit matches in the Southern League, and has taken charge of many final ties, though the Football Association has not as yet over-powered him, for during the last five seasons he has received but four appointments, he is now in his twelfth year as a referee, but never during that time has he had occasion to report a club or ground, or send a player off the field. He keeps well up with the ball, and is prompt in his decisions. He is on the Committee of the Association Referees Society, and is also on the Essex examination board. As a cricketer he represented his county, and thirteen years ago he was the best all-round player in the Worcestershire team. Of course, the shire did not then bear the first-class hall-mark. Millward has scored upwards of fifty “centuries” in his career, and so late as August, 1900, he hit 924 runs in eleven innings at Arlington Manor, the seat of Sir Francis Junne, for which feat he was presented with an elegant piece of silver plate.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 26 January 1903
The game on Saturday, at Goodison Park, between Everton and Liverpool, thoroughly delighted the 15,000 spectators who turned up to see whether the Liverpool Cup would pass to the Reds or the Blues. The ground was in excellent condition for an exposition of high-class football, and both teams rose to the occasion, and moved freely and well on the top of the ground. For fully twenty minutes the sides were remarkably evenly matched, and the attack was transferred with astonishing rapidity from one goal area to another. If anything the Everton quintet were rather more nippy than their opponents, but on either side there was plenty of vigorous attack in front of goal. There was not a flaw to be found in the Everton half-back line during the first half, but after interval Chadwick, Raybould, and Goddard had taken their full measure, and led them a merry dance until the conclusion of operations. Gradually the Anfield forwards wore down the opposing defence, and Henderson crossed to the left to resist the attentions of the Liverpool trio, who had almost forced an opening on that side. Seeing the gap in the defence, the left wing put the ball across to little Morris, who was almost in centre forward position, and he found the net with a capital drive. The success was the natural sequence of the severe shaking given to the Everton defence, and the goal was scored a few minutes before the interval. For a few minutes in the second half the Everton front rank performed brilliantly, and certainly looked like equalising, but once the Anfielders got into their stride there was only one team in it really. The Reds were not altogether superior to the Blues, but the Anfield quintet frequently came away as one man, and their passing and strategy in front of goal was very deadly. Kitchen, Henderson, and Balmer put forth every possible effort, but Liverpool gained a second goal, which emanated from wonderfully clever footwork by Edgar Chadwick, who finished up with a pretty and accurate centre to Goddard, who headed past Kitchen. Throughout the game was high-class, fast, and interesting, and there was not a lazy man on either wide. The Anfielders’ superior forward play gained the day, but in the other department the teams were wonderfully well matched.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 26 January 1903
EVERTON v.  LIVERPOOL
Played at Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Brearley, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Liverpool.- Perkins, goal; Glover and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Raisbeck, and Goldie, half-backs; Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, Chadwick, and Morris, forwards. Referee.- Mr. Adams.
There would be about 15,000 spectators present when, Booth having lost the toss, the ball was set in motion from the Park end. The Liverpool forwards soon commenced a sprightly move, Goddard, Livingstone, Raybould, and Chadwick passing with great precision. The first-named got in some fine centres, and one or two wild drives were made at goal, but Kitchen succeeded in footing the ball away. Everton retaliated along the left, and when the Liverpudlians were pushed Parry passed back to Glover, who saved the situation. The attack was constantly changing, and a big effort by the Blues resulted in Perkins disposing of a mild handful from Taylor. This was followed by the smartest bit of dribbling and passing yet exhibited by either side. It came Raybould, Livingstone, and Goddard, and the winger wound up with a pretty centre to Chadwick, who called upon Kitchen to repel the entrance of the leather into the net. Now came the moment when the charge of Perkins was in direct jeopardy, as the Everton forwards had fairly lined up near to goal, and the ball was crossed and recrossed at very close quarters. Perkins emerged from the ordeal with great credit, after disposing of two hot shots from Settle and Brearley. After this very narrow squeak the Reds took up the attack, but made little impression on the opposite defence, and Glover was soon called on to check the advance of Everton’s left. After a regular scrimmage in midfield, the Liverpool right went very strongly, but splendid work by Abbott finally held them in check. Perkins appeared to make a decided bloomer, as under pressure, he put the ball into the net, but some infringement had occurred just before, and Everton made no claim, although the spectators could not understand why. Parry effectually checkmated Settle and Dilly, after which Goddard got the leather. Both the Everton backs chipped in, but after Raybould had tested Kitchen, the ball was crossed over to Morris, and Henderson having failed to regain his position Morris had an easy task, of which he took full advantage, and put the leather into the net a very few minutes before the interval. The Blues responded with a gallant dash towards Perkins, and for a moment looked like equalising straight off the reel, but Glover broke up the attack for a moment, and soon after Dunlop kicked out clear from the goalmouth. Halt-time score; Liverpool 1 goal, Everton nil.
After the restart Liverpool went straight down into Everton territory, but were repulsed by Wolstenholme. A free kick against Liverpool enabled Everton to attack and a stiff bully followed in front of the Liverpool goalmouth, but at last Raisbeck got the ball away. Liverpool obtained a fruitless corner on the right, and then Raisbeck missed his kick and let in the Evertonians, who died away when they got in front of goal. Chadwick captured a pass from Raisbeck, and by some of his old time tricky work succeeded in getting the ball forward. Just at this point there was great sting in the attack of the Anfielders who looked like gaining a further lead. The Reds had, in fact, displayed decided superiority after restarting. Henderson accounted for a free kick taken by Glover, and Settle made bad use of an opening in front of goal, but Sharp, obtaining possession, made amends by presenting Perkins with a rare handful. Raisbeck, who had all along been playing in fine form, now troubled the Everton forwards sorely, and checkmated the efforts of one after another. Good work by Goldie resulted in the Reds making ground on their left, but a free kick against them spoiled the advantage they had thus gained. Brearley twice brought Perkins to his knees. The play had now slowed down, but Liverpool were showing up the most prominent. Chadwick centred finely, and Goddard, getting his head to the ball, scored a second goal for the Anfielders. Both goals afterwards had some narrow escapes. Result; Liverpool 2 goals, Everton nil.

INTERNATIONAL TRIAL MATCH
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 27 January 1903
NORTH v.  SOUTH
The result of a bright and interesting match at Tottenham, yesterday, was a victory for the North by 2 goals to 1, which makes the record of wins equal, each having been successful seven times, while the drawn games in the series number three. The rivalry between the North and South is not so keen, however, now as in the past, and the game is of chief importance as an international trial. In this respect yesterday’s contest proved somewhat disappointing, the form all round being rather uncertain, but the play throughout was most spirited, and the fact that the Northerners won after being a goal to the bad at half-time made the finish most exciting. As the game went the South were perhaps rather unfortunate to lose, and two changes in their eleven at the last moment weakened them considerably. An attack of quinsy prevented Molyneux from playing, H. Smith of Oxford City, the amateur who has assisted so many teams this season, filling the vacancy at back, while as R. Corbett was suffering from a chill Barlow, of Southampton, came in to complete the forwards. During the first half Smith did remarkably well, his sure kicking and resolute tackling being the chief feature of the South defence. But after change of ends he was uncertain, and he and Stokes were both at fault when the North scored their goals. Barlow was not at his best, and did not combine well either with B.O. Corbett or Woodward. He was particularly weak during the first half. When favoured by the wind, which blew rather strongly down the ground, the South had a large share of the game. Quite the most pleasing feature of the match was the display of V.J. Woodward, who, as centre forward, more than fulfilled expectations. Clever in dribbling and passing he kept his forwards together, and had he been better supported the South might easily have scored several times before change of ends. During this period Spencer defended strongly, and Linacre kept goal well, but during the whole game Clawley ahd more work to do, and he gave a very good exhibition. Taken all round, the forwards on both sides were poor, the combination rarely being first-rate, and with the exception of Woodward no one stood out at all prominently. The halves showed up well, Houlker being the best of the six. Iremonger was often useful near goal, but was never brillaint. The afternoon favoured the game, there being no sun, and, considering the recent rains, the ground, well covered with sand where the turf was worn, was in good order. The match attracted about 11,000 spectators, who followed the play with keen interest. The game began with an attack on the South goal, Clawley twice clearing smartly; but Corbett broke away, and the North had to defend a lot. Corbett received a nasty blow in the face with the ball, which may have affected his play somewhat, and he was not often troublesome. Woodward soon put in some clever work, and he and Watts tried shots. Generally the South forwards were better together than their rivals, but Raybould had one good opening after a dash through the centre, but he shot outside. A mistake by Stokes looked like causing trouble, but Morris kicked away from in front of goal. Then the South settled down, and tried the North defence highly. Corbett shot only just wide after Woodward had kicked across, and then Barlow hit the bar, the ball having come to him also from the centre. Cunliffe and Craggs had not a very good understanding, and so failed to become really dangerous, and Spencer and Iremonger got through a lot of work satisfactorily. Some passing by Raybould, Garrity, and Goddard ended in the last-named sending in a long shot which Clawley punched out, and he cleared in a similar manner when Jackson put the ball in from half back. Play had been in progress nearly thirty-five minutes when Woodward dribbled down smartly, and, after some passing with Cunliffe, shot a capital goal. Great enthusiasm prevailed over the success of the Tottenham amateur, and the South continued to show the better form. Stokes helped usefully in checking the North forwards, and Linacre had rather an anxious time, but at the interval no further scoring had occurred. The North quickly showed improvement when play was resumed, but they did no more than hold their own and Craggs had one clear chance of scoring for the South which he failed to utilise. Clawley saved a shot from Sagar, and then the South attacked hard. Linacre stopped a shot by Woodward and another by Barlow, the ball eventually being got away after an exciting scrimmage near the North goal. A similar incident at the other end was ended by Raybould lifting the ball over the bar. Corbett, Woodward, and Cunliffe made a promising attack, but Cunliffe shot wide, and following a free kick Barlow tried a flying shot, which went much too high. Thanks largely to Houlker and Watts, the South still had a good share of the game, and Iremonger’s defence was most valuable to the North. When near midfield Smith kicked badly, and Stokes failing to get the ball away, Raybould had a clear run through the centre, which he made full use of easily beating Clawley with a low shot. Before the South had recovered, Raybould scored again, he and Sagar sharing the honours of the goal, which gave the North the lead and the victory. The South had some opportunities, Houlker and Woodward showing to advantage, and Craggs forced a corner , but a keen struggle ended in the North clearing, and generally the South had to defend. Rankin tried two long shots from the left wing, Clawley clearing cleverly on each occasion. There were also a couple of corners, which came to nothing, before the game finished with the North still a goal to the good.
The following were teams;-
The North.- Linacre (Notts Forest), goal; Iremonger (Notts Forest), and Spencer (Aston Villa), backs; Jackson (Sunderland), Wilkinson (Sheffield United), and Warren (Derby), half-backs; Rankin (Everton), Sagar (Bury), Raybould (Liverpool), Garratty (Aston Villa0, And Goddard (Liverpool), forwards.
The South.- Clawley (Tottenham Hotspur), goal; Stokes (Reading), and H. Smith (Oxford City), backs; Morris (Tottenham Hotspur), Watts Reading) and Houlker (Portsmouth), half-backs; Craggs (Reading), Cunliffe (Portsmouth), V.J. Woodward (Tottenham Hotspur), Barlow (Southampton), and B.O. Corbett (Corinthians), forwards.
After the match the Selection Committee of the Football Association choose the following eleven to play for England against Ireland, at Wolverhampton, on February 14;- Baddeley (Wolverhampton Wanderers), goal; Spencer (Aston Villa), captain), and Molyneux (Southampton), backs; Johnson (Sheffield United), Holford (Stoke), and Hadley (West Bromwich Albion), half-backs; Davis (Sheffield Wednesday), Garratty (Aston Villa), V.J. Woodward (Tottenham Hotspur), Settle (Everton), and Lockett (Stoke), forwards.

PROGRESS OF THE ELECTRIC SCHEME
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 27 January 1903
THE NEW CARS
CHARACTERISTIC TIME TABLE
750 TRAINS A DAY
Much to the delight of all who go down to business beneath the waters of the Mersey, the completion of the electric work on the Mersey Railway is steadily approaching. Some disappointment has bene expressed that the new system of electric railway was not ready by the 1st of January, as the promoters had promised, but there have been great difficulties in the way owing to the occupation of the lines by the ordinary traffic. It must be remembered that the lines are clear for little more than four hours each morning, the last train going off duty at Birkenhead Central about 12.30 midnight, and the first being out in time to start the service at five o’clock in the morning. Notwithstanding these draw-backs, however, it was confidently stated that the electrification of the system to Birkenhead Park and to Rock Ferry would be completely carried out by January 15, which, we believe, was the date specified in the contract. It will most probably be a full month yet before the new service will be inaugurated, but when the old gives place to the new there will be a most comprehensive change in all the conditions. Firstly, the 70-ton locomotives, wearing out the rails on the permanent way and belching forth smoke and sulphurous fumes, will be replaced by neat, light motor-carriages innocent of noxious breathings, and, consequently, exempt from both smell and that wealth of dirt which has been such a trial to the officials of and passengers on the Mersey lines ever since they were opened. The tunnel was a great enterprise, and one cannot but regret that its owners met with so inadequate a return for their pluck and determination. With the change in carriages alone there should be better times in store, but there are other alterations which must strengthen the probability of success. The cars are 60 feet in length, and are of handsome exterior, being highly finished in dark red. The electrical equipment, fitted by the British Westinghouse Electric Company, at Trafford Park, Manchester, consists of four motors of approximately 100 horse-power each, one driving each axle. The only levers the motorman is called upon to use for normal operation are those of the Westinghouse quick-acting brake and the lever of an electric switch, which controls the whole of the motors of the train simultaneously. The control system is the most advanced known, and is similar to those used on the latest American elevated railways, being known as the Westinghouse electric-pneumatic control system. The carriages are coupled automatically, the couplings being simply controlled by a lever in the cabin, by means of which it is possible to make or split up a train to the desired length with the greatest possible speed. The cars (which are similar to those used on the Brooklyn Electric Elevated Railway, N.Y.) have been built by Messrs. George F. Milnes Co., Limited, of Hadley, who have only recently removed their works from Birkenhead. Messrs. Milnes were the successors of the famous old Starbuck Carriage Company, the builders of the first tramcars in Europe for the lines promoted in Birkenhead by George Francis Train. They are also the builders of the Birkenhead electric trams, so that the firm have been intimately concerned in the traffic of the district. All the cars are now ready for service, and a number of them are at various depots on the line. The motor-cars are twice the size of the carriages at present in use, arranged on the corridor principle, and divided into five compartments. In front is the driver’s compartment; next comes a small luggage compartment, after which the whole space is given up for the seating of passengers divided into three compartments, two to hold twelve each, and one to hold twenty-two in the case of first-class cars. In the case of third-class cars rather more seating accommodation is arranged for. Second-class carriages are altogether abolished. The seats are padded cane, arranged along the length of the train, passengers entering at the rear of the motor-car. Between the compartments there are sliding glass-panelled doors, while the windows are fitted in the usual way with drop sashes. Trains will be made up of two or three motor-cars, with possibly a couple of trailers, or more if the occasion should so require. Trailers, of course, have no motor compartments, and thus much more seating room is provided. A first-class trailer will hold sixty passengers, as against forty-eight in a motor-carriage, the third-class accommodation being sixty-four and fifty respectively. There is a fifth type of car, a composite trailer, providing for twenty-two first and forty third-class passengers, but of these there will be only five out of the total equipment of sixty cars. The motor-carriages weigh about thirty tons, and the trailers eighteen tons. The arrangement for entering and leaving the cars at the rear only may cause a little trouble at first, as the time stoppage at each station is no more than twenty seconds; but use is everything, and doubtless passengers will soon become accustomed to the change, and make their exits and their entrances with due despatch. In lighting also, both for cars and stations, there will be a great advance on the dim, religious glimmer which has hitherto made evident the darkness of the line, a complete electric installation having been put in. the big arc lamps at Hamilton-square have already been lit, experimentally, and created quite an alarming illumination. Their efficacy would have been even greater had the surroundings been less ray-devouring, and when the cleaning of the place has been done their will be a magnificent light. Cleansing operations are in progress, James-street having been brushed as to walls and roof, and Hamilton-square being now in hand. It is a difficult task, but is accomplished by means of a mast erected on a waggon, with a crow’s nest at the top occupied by two brushers, who, like the old dame in the nursey rhyme, “sweep the cobwebs off the sky.” The mast will not reach the sides of the wall springing from the platforms, and for that portion of the work a telescopic ladder is utilised. We may here state that the dripping from the roof which made Hamilton-square like the open entry on a rainy day will no longer be experienced, as the cause has been removed. This was a question of temporary interference with a drainage channel running over the top of the station, and now that a new channel has been cut the dropping clouds will no longer on our hats descend. In addition to the cleaning away of the dirt, much of the station has been brightened by the superimposition of white paint, a colour of but slight duration under the present regime. With touches of this kind the company hope to make the line generally as neat and pleasant in appearance as any railway can be. So much for the cars and stations, and now as to the power that is to propel the cars and carry passengers between Lancashire and Cheshire. The immediate operating cause naturally is the powerful motors, which are fed by a current generated at Shore-road, Birkenhead, beneath the 250-foot chimney which grew up so rapidly. The generating station is divided into two main buildings, boiler-house and engine-room, the former being occupied by nine Stirling boilers, a new form of water-tube appliance, working at 170lbs pressure. These supply steam to five direct-connected compound engines, three of 1,200 kilowatts each and two of 200 k.w., a total of 4,000 k.w., or nearly 6,000 h.p. in actual work. Every modern labour-saving and economising contrivance has been adopted by the Westinghouse Company, who have carried out the entire work, but have, of course, employed several sub-contractors. The coal is stored in a huge V-shaped over-head bunker, to which the coal is taken by means, firstly, of an electrically worked conveyor, which takes the fuel to a station, where it is crushed to the necessary size. It is ten loaded into an elevator and dropped into the great bunker. From here it is fed, automatically controlled, into the bins connected with the mechanical stoker for each furnace. The arrangements for water feed are equally complete. The feed water is heated, after filtration and softening with an economiser by the waste heat from the furnaces en route to the chimney. The economiser is cleaned by an electric scraper, the refuse, as well as all boiler ashes, falling into a trench running the full length of the boiler-house, to be removed in the conveyor. By reason of their large supply of water from their own pumps-to be worked by electricity in future-the company have an ample and cheap supply for the condenser cooling. A thirty-ton overhead crane provides the means for lifting machinery, &c. to revert to the power itself, cables from all the dynamos lead up to a great marble panelled switchboard, 36 feet in width, and from here all the power, including that from a large accumulator battery, is controlled. The cables leading from the board are taken down a drainage heading until the ventilator heading, near the edge of the river, is reached. Here they drop down to the lines, some diverging towards Liverpool and others towards the Square Station. There are subsidiary switchboards at all the signal cabins, with full facilities for immediate cut-off in case of need. The current is taken up by the shot in the centre of the lines, and thence picked up by the motor-cars. We may mention that the present signalling arrangements, constituting a perfect block system, are retained, but, of course, electricity has been introduced for automatic locking, and so forth. As to when the public will enjoy the advantage of the electric system no definite information is forthcoming, but March 1st would seem to be something like an approximate date. A good deal of work yet remains to be done, both in regard to the electric installation and the various changes at the stations. At James-street a big central entrance has to be hewn through the walls; then there is the re-equipment of the lifts in order to expedite their journeys, and many other matters of detail have to be attended to. In the meantime, the company have privately issued a kind of appetiser in the shape of a characteristic time table with a list of fares as provisionally decided upon. A three minutes service will be given to Hamilton-square from 5 a.m. to midnight, with the exception of a couple of trains during the last half-hour, when the interval is six minutes; and a three minute service from 9.5 on Sunday morning up to 10.44 at night, with other trains at 11 p.m. and 11.10. the trains will run alternately to Rock Ferry and Birkenhead Park from the square, thus giving a six minutes service for each branch. The last train to the Park is 11.17 on weekdays and 10.29 on Sundays. As regards speed, it is stated that the journey from James street to Hamilton-square will occupy two and a quarter minutes, to Birkenhead Central four and a half minutes, and to Rock Ferry nine minutes; from James-street to the Park will take six minutes, and from James-street to the Liverpool Central (Low Level) about two minutes.
THE FARES
The new fares will be roughly the same as at present for first-class, but the third-class season tickets will be slightly less than the existing second-class contracts. There are to be only two classes-first and third- while there will also be cheap day tickets. The fares from Liverpool central (Low Level) will be as follow;-
From James-street to Hamilton-square, single 2d first class, 1d third, return 4d and 2d; from James-street to Birkenhead Central, single 3d and 1 ½ d, return 5d and 3d; from James-street to the Park, single 6d and 3 ½ d, return 8d and 5 ½d; from Low Level to Rock Ferry, single 6 ½ d and 4d, returned 11d and 7d. cheap day tickets not confined to workmen, but available for all passengers, will be issued before 8.30, and will be available for return by every train on day of issue. These special return fares will range from 1 ½ d from the Square to James-street to 3 ½ d from the Low Level to Rock Ferry or Park. Season tickets will be issued for both third and first class for twelve, six, and three months, and reductions will be made for two or more members of a family.
A first class season ticket from James-street to Birkenhead Central cost £4 for twelve months, £2 for six, and £1 4s for three months (third-class £2 12s, £1 9s, and 16 s respectively); from the Park to James-street, £5 for a year, £2 152 for six months, £1 10s for three (third class £3 12s, £2, and £1 2s respectively); between the Square and James-street, £3 10s for twelve months, £1 18s 6d for six, and £1 1s for three months (third class £2 2s, £1 3s 6d, and 13s respectively).
Through fares will also be booked with the Wirral, London and North-Western, and Great Western lines. The time table itself is characteristic of the change in methods, being full of attractive phrases and catch words. The frontispiece shows a clock, with the pendulum indicated in a score of positions, superscribed, “Twenty trains an hour; regular as clockwork.” Then comes under the heading, “Birkenhead is Liverpool’s dining-room,” with the new facilities for getting home; and “The reliable route, undisturbed by fogs, gales, tides, shipping, or street traffic. We run under them all.” Another page shows “The all-the-year-round route; warm in winter, cool in summer, pleasant at all times.” There are a number of other smart pages, including a speed table for the various distances, the outside cover being endorsed, “750 trains every day; swift, bright and comfortable. With such attractions as the railway will soon offer, it assuredly behoves the Birkenhead Corporation to meet the competition which must inevitably ensue, with their boats and tramcars.

PLAYERS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and World Athletic- Wednesday, January 28, 1903
By L.T. Kelly
JACK SHARP
One of the most popular players around Merseyside is Jack Sharp, the sunny-faced Hereford laddie who has done duty at outside right for Everton during the past three seasons, prior to which he assisted Aston Villa in this capacity, and also as centre forward. Sharp, for his speed and neat centreing powers, is a credit to his profession, being a player of gentlemanly instincts and a model of good behaviour when off the football field. His abilities, of course, are not confined to the football arena, for as a cricketer Sharp is a recognised Lancashire County man, a splendid fielder, useful fast bowler, and one of the pluckiest of batsmen, who frequently comes off when runs are most sorely needed. His methods with the willow are such as delight the average onlooker, for he ranks perhaps second only to Gilbert Jessop as a speedy scorer. Sharp, who is twenty-five years of age, resides in Manchester, as does Tom Booth, the Everton captain.

TIT-BITS OF THE LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, January 28 1903
By Merseyman
Sixteen of the eighteen First leaguers were out in search of points on Saturday, Everton and Liverpool having other fish to fry-a Liverpool Cup final. It goes without saying that a few surprises cropped up. Strangely enough, too, not a single drawn game ensued, and if the clubs work upon similar 1903 lines when the English Cup competition comes on the tapis we shall be spared the usual plethora of replays. For since the advent of the New Year thirty-nine League games have been decided in Division 1., and of these no fewer than thirty-eight have been lost and won.
LIVERPOOL RETURN TO FORM
Everton and Liverpool, by-the-bye, had a lively set to in their Cup struggle at Goodison Park, where upwards of 20,000 people witnessed a fine display, particularly by the Livers, who deservedly won by 2 goals to nil, after which the Cup and medals were presented to the victors by Mrs. Rutherford, wife of Mr. W.W. Rutherford, M.P., the newly-elected member for West Derby. For Liverpool the defence was more brilliant than in any game played this season, and in attack Goddard, Raybould, and Chadwick shone resplendently. Not since 1899 had the evergreen Edgar disported himself at Goodison Park, and that was as a Burnleyite, some four months after he had been allowed to depart by his Everton masters as a spent force!
EVERTON WANTED SUGDEN
By the way, Everton hoped to command Sugden’s services, but were disappointed fourteen days ago.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 31 January 1903
ROSSENDALE v. EVERTON RESERVE.
At Rossendale before good gate. The visitors won the toss and played with the wind. Rossendale began well, Cox heading brilliant goal after seven minutes' play. The visitors tried hard to get on even terms, but the Rossedale defence prevailed. The United made matters warm at the end, and Kitchen saved three wonderful shotrs. Half-time— Rossendale 1, Everton 0. Rossendale put Everton on the defensive at the opening of the second half, and Crelly saved smartly from Walker. Cunliffe sent through for Rossendale, but was ruled offside. After 15 minutes Young eualised. Kitchen had several warms shots. Cunliffe scored again for Rossedale, after half an hour and Everton again equalised from a corner. Result-Rossedale 2, Everton Reserves 2

CAPTURING THE BIG MEN.
Dundee Evening Post - Saturday 31 January 1903
At the end of the season, when Everton played Dundee, a representative of Dundee approached the Everton secretary re Muir's transfer, but the price asked, viz., was out of question far as Dundee was concerned. Muir, hearing this, appealed to the League, and they ordered to put him on the transfer list at £100. A slight reduction, wasn't it? Dundee lost no time in arranging matters, and wisely so, as the day Muir travelled from Liverpool to arrange terms with Dundee a wire, was despatched to him by the 3d L.R.V. offering substantial terms, but he preferred Dundee. Dicky Boyle was strongly recommended by Muir, and had the benefit of tree transfer matters were soon arranged, and also adhibited his signature to the necessary forms.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
The Liverpool Daily Post -Saturday, January 31 1903
Everton v Sheffield United
League Match at Goodison Park; kick-off 3
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Bowman, Settle, and Rankin, forwards.
Everton Combination v Rossendale United
Lancashire Combination, at Rossendale; 3.
Everton Combination- Kitchen, goal; Wildman and Crelly, backs; Clayton, Clarke and Chadwick, half-backs; McDonald, Boardman, Young, Wolfe, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 31 1903
A CLEAN SHEET AT THE INTERVAL
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
The visitors to-day at Goodison Park enclosure was Sheffield United, who in the past have given the Evertonians many a stiff battle, and their appearance in Liverpool is at all times very welcome to the football public. The visitors occupy a much better position in the League table than the Blues, but as Everton occasionally do some wonderful things on their own ground, a stubborn contest was anticipated, and he supporters of the Goodison Park brigade were hopeful that their representatives would prove that they have by no means shown their best form this season. The following teams lined up before 16,000 spectators-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott and Rankin, forwards.
Sheffield United.- Lewis, goal; Thicket and Boyle, backs; Johnson, Moran, and Needham, half-backs; Winterholder, Bennett, Hedley, Priestly, and Lipsham, forwards.
Referee, Mr. J.W. Bailey. Linesmen, Messrs. Briggs and Thomas.
Hedley led off, and there was a little spirit down the Sheffield left, but Henderson chipped in with a well-timed kick, and the Blues were soon away on a visit to Lewis, whom Abbott tried to find with a capital shot, which went just a little wide. Two attacks followed from the home left and right wings, but Boyle and Thickett answered all calls upon them. The Sheffielders made a move down their centre, but it was not a strong one, and Balmer easily checked. The Blues were away again in a moment, and Settle let fly at Lewis with a great shot, which went over the bat by inches. The Everton attack developed, becoming hotter and hotter, Settle and Bowman evidently meant business and the little man again made an ineffective effort to find an entrance to Lewis’s enclosure. After a throw in at the corner flag Settle tipped the leather smartly towards the centre, and had Bowman been half smart he must have opened the score before Lewis found a chance of returning, but he lacked the necessary dash and in a scrimmage put the ball behind. Hedley and Priest dashed off, but were neatly checked by Balmer, after which Bennett had a chance offered him, but he was robbed cleverly by Henderson, who put over to Bowman, and the centre had a free course, as Boyle and Thickett were course, as Boyle and Thickett were far apart. He, however, choose to pass out to Sharp, and the outside took the leather along at full speed, but did not use the best judgment at the finish when he closed up and dashed the leather finely towards Lewis without giving Bowman the slightest chance of joining in the finishing touch. Several attempts on the part of the Everton right wing followed, and at last Taylor was cleverly beaten by Needham, and then the Sheffield right made off at top speed. After a couple of checks Hedley and Bennett obtained possession, and then Henderson missed his kick, Whitley chipped in at the centre, and dipped away, but was given offside, but the Evertonians still pressed forward, first on one wing, and then on the other. During one of the Everton attacks hesitation lost the homesters an almost certain goal, the ball then going to Settle, from whom the ball rebounded before he could steady himself to shoot. A further attack was initiated by Bowman, but this was staved off by Needham and Boyle. Lipton and Priest made a very smart movement together, but Balmer dashed up at the critical moment and blocked the inside man cleverly. The ball was, however, shot across by Needham, but Whitley cleared in masterly style before Bennett could get at it. Abbott was then in evidence with grand work, as he fairly and squarely beat three opponents one after another, and finished up with a glorious long shot, which Lewis only just managed to deal with. All the Everton front line then joined in a powerful attack, but just when a nice opening presented itself to Settle, he made a nice hash of it through stumbling over the ball. The ball came out to Abbott, and he at once rounded all his opponents and against tested Lewis with a remarkable well-judged shot from a long range, which Lewis put over the bar.
Sheffielders soon afterwards came down in great force, and crowded round the Everton goal. A lucky touch by Henderson checked them for a moment, but the ball was again dropped in front from the left wing, and Whitley dashed into the fray and fisted away. Another fine run and centre came from Rankin, but Lewis had no difficulty in clearing, and then a long shot from Taylor nearly took effect. Another onslaught was made by the United from Needham’s pass forward, and the result was that the Everton defence was hard pressed for a time. As fast as the backs cleared, the Blades’ halves served up again, and at last Lipsham made a splendid move along the touchline, but was splendidly checked at the finish by Wolstenholme. After half an hour’s play the verdict was in favour of Everton, as all the forwards were in fine form, excepting Settle and Bowman, who was at times slow and clumsy. Rankin and Taylor were responsible for good work, and Abbott strove gallantly to give his forwards a lead by opening the account. Booth was also in fine form, and gave the Sheffield quintet but little chance of effective combination, so that most of their advances were sagged and erratic. Lewis was very safe in goal, and saved half a dozen hard, straight shots, though his charge was never really in jeopardy. The game was hardly as quick and lively as the spectators would have desired; a good deal of time was cut to waste in midfield by futile exchanges and manoeuvring. Soon afterwards the Sheffielders had a slice of very bad luck, inasmuch as an almost absolute certainty was thrown away by Priest. This player, after a series of moves by the Blades, found himself out alone, with an open goal in front of him. However, Balmer followed up, endeavouring to get on terms with his opponent, and this apparently made Priest over anxious, for when he shot he put  the ball a yard outside, amid the derisive laughter of the spectators. The visitors then gained a corner, and a bully in front of goal followed; but fortune smiled on the Evertonians, and the ball was carried out of danger. Winterholder got in a splendid dash down his wing, and was not opposed, but his centre was short at the finish, and Whitley rushed out and cleared easily. In the last ten minutes the Blades made numerous dangerous rushes and Balmer and Henderson had all their work cut out to save the situation. In fact, on one occasion it looked as if the Everton citadel must fall, as Henderson fell in front of the goal- luckily on top of the ball, and Morran and Bennett were both hovering round him to get at the leather. By great good luck Wolstenholme found the leather first and cleared. Thus twice in ten minutes had Whitley escaped almost certain defeat. Sharp next got a pass from Booth on his wing, but shot over, and soon after Bennett tested Whitley with a hard shot which nearly beat the Everton custodian. Half-time; No score.
Bowman restarted, and Everton at once worked forward -a short delay occurring, owing to Johnson meeting with a slight accident, and he ultimately retired over the touch-line. The Sheffielders then went down in force, and invested the Everton goal, but Henderson succeeded in making a good clearance, Bennett worked the ball back, and again the Blades looked like having a perfect opening when Winterholder centred, Hedley missing the chance offered. Priest then missed a pass, and Everton went to the centre, where the battle raged for a few moments neither side gaining anything thereby. After an elephantine display by Bowman, the ball reached Abbott, who tried one of his famous long shots, and the leather just shaved the top bar. Boyle handled the ball without being penalised. Slow work followed in midfield until Lipsham and Priest made a likely intrusion, but found more than their match in Henderson, who cleared with a huge kick. Stubborn pressure by the Blues brought them adjacent to Lewis, when Settle missed a chance. Still the game lagged in midfield, and was very uninteresting, and Bowman’s ineptitude prevented any combination of his wings. Lewis cleared easily after a faulty pass from Taylor, after which the visitors left made a move towards Whitley, but Abbott broke them up cleverly. A free kick was neutralised by Needham being too smart for Sharp, but the outside man gave a taste of his quality soon after with a great sprint, but Taylor immediately spoiled the effort by failing to receive a rather neat pass. A corner to Everton followed, and this having been beaten away Lipsham got away down the left, and was getting so dangerous that Wolstenholme kicked out. A corner was then taken by Sheffield, but this was badly placed. A free kick taken by Thickett was replied to by Whitley, who ran out and saved. Sharp dashed off, but was bowled over by Needham, and then Bowman made a hash of a fine pass from Sharp. Everton kept attacking the Blades’ goal, and Lewis made a couple of very fine saves from grand shots by Settle and Abbott.  Accurate passing by Hedley, Priest, and Bennett followed, but this move was completely broken up by Booth. Wolstenholme shot into the pack from a corner kick, and when the ball was returned, a terrific shot from Henderson at very long range nearly pierced Lewis’s defence. Abbott was playing a wonderful game, and was clearly the most interesting player on the field. Rankin made a fine centre, and afforded Bowman a grand chance of improving his reputation, but he seemed incapable of making a respectable effort. Thickett soon got the ball away, but Rankin fastened on it about fifteen yards from goal, and let fly without any hesitation. Lewis had little chance as the ball was travelling very fast indeed, and found the net after twenty minutes’ play. There was nothing fluky about the goal, which was entirely due to Rankin’s splendid work from the commencement of the movement until its successful culmination.
Final Result; Everton 1 goal, Sheffield United Nil.

JAMES TRAINER
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 31 January 1903
By Perseus
HOW GOODALL WAS KIDNAPPED.
On the eve an effort to free the North End Club from the financial trammels which have been hampering its progress for years past, it is peculiarly fitting that my interview should be with one of those who made the name and fame of this most illustrious club the game has known; then perchance in reflecting on the brilliant successes of other days we may draw an inspiration to so assist next week’s effort to open up the prospect, not of greatness like that the “eighties.” but of an honourable position among the leading clubs of football. Among the lights of auld North End there were none more luminous than James Trainer. He was magnificent that I shall not even trouble to dwell upon the wonderful prowess he displayed. Everyone knows him “the Prince of Goalkeepers”—the master of his craft, with the best known name in the long roll of talented custodians. You may search the records of English, Scotch, Welsh, and Irish football, but nowhere will you find a goalkeeper with the same reputation as Trainer. Brilliant men have had their day. but, in the words of Tennyson, ” they cease to be ”; they are large extent forgotten. Trainer’s reputation is greatest in that it lasts. He has been out first-class football for four or five years, and it is over ten years since his absolutely greatest days, but if we want to illustrate the perfection goalkeeping we still revert to Trainer. Let me not presumptuous enough, then, to paint the lily. Rather let pluck one of its blooms from the garden of the past, asking its acceptance as a fair sample of others. Many Prestonians will remember the exciting series of cup-ties with Aston Villa in ’96-7—I choose these because comparatively recent—when drawn games were played at Preston and Birmingham, and Villa then won by a lucky goal at Sheffield. The score in the first match was one-all, and the game was tremendously keen to the close. With about minute to play the Villa had a corner kick. The ball bobbed about a few seconds, and somehow the North End defence were drawn out, with the result that big Jimmy Cowan, a fearfully swift shot as you know, was left in undisputed possession five yards from goal. Mr. Walter Pomfret, standing in front the dressing tent, scarcely dare look at the shot. “We’re beaten,“ he said, and turned into the tent. Then he heard a tremendous yell. “What's happened?” he said nervously Mr. Ord. “Jimmy's saved it,” was the reply, and so he had. With a lightning-like thrust of the right arm he just diverted the ball round the post. That was one of Trainer’s great saves, but he made many more, yet few will fail to agree with the statement that he was greater rather in the consistency of his excellence than brilliant tit bits. Incidentally, that save against the Villa was probably the means of North End paying the only dividend they have ever declared. At all events they did pay a percentage that season, and they could scarcely have doneso except for the “gates” in the two replays, which would never have been necessary if Trainer had not made that electrifying effort.
Shall I tell the story Trainer's coming to Preston? It is closely bound up with the engagement of John Goodall, and therefore will deal with the two cases in the famous goalkeeper’s own words: -Johnny and I had played together at Great Lever, and there was some troubleover him going to North End. During the summer he had gone from Great Lever home to Kilmarnock. Both North End and Bollon Wanderers wanted him, and it was arranged that both clubsshould meet Goodall at Preston Station on his way south again, that each party should offer its terms, and the player choose between the two. The Wanderers, however, quietly stole away to Kilmarnock, got at Johnny there, and look him to Bolton via Blackburn, thus missing Preston entirely. He was lodged at the Britannia, and the Wanderers’ officials chuckled over their coup. In the Preston camp there corresponding chagrin, but instead of letting the grass grow under their feet North End sent Messrs. W. Whiteside and J. Nuttall over to Bolton to see if they could find Goodall, for until he had actually played for a club he was free to reconsider any decision. Instead of going straight for their man they went to the Great Lever headquarters and sought out a little fellow named Bob Ramsey, a Great Lever player, who was also one of Goodall’s old Kilmarnock friends. Could he find Goodall? He thought so. ’There’s a couple of sovereigns for you,’ said the Preston emissaries, if you can get him out without letting anyone know the game. So Ramsey hied himself to the Britannia, and found his old mate. “Hello, Johnny,’ was answered with, “Hello, Bob.”‘Are you going to the Museum this afternoon, Johnny,’ this referring to a music hall open in Bolton on Monday afternoons. I think I will,’ said John, and nobody suspecting anything the two walked leisurely out of the hotel. Round the corner were the Preston gentlemen with a cab. A few words to Goodall, the golden pieces to Ramsey, and the two North Enders found themselves. with the famous forward driving to a station some miles from Bolton. They dare not risk the town Station lest Goodall should be recognised and the kidnappers mobbed. “There was a tremendous uproar in Bolton when the news leaked out. The public were wild. The committee, in their distraction, turned to me. Johnny and I had been great pals at Great Lever, and the Bolton committee asked if I would over to Preston and try to persuade him to return. Dick Prince, the Bolton trainer, was sent reconnoitre, and when I landed he met me opposite the Shelley’s Arms. I’ve fun him,’ he says in great glee. Where?’ At Whiteside’s, playing billiards.’ So we set off for the Peel Hall Hotel. Instead of going in front way we went down a side passage, and, peeping over the blind across the lower part of the billiard-room window, saw Johnny practising billiards all alone. We thought we had a sweet thing on catching him himself, and entering quietly by the side door we stole to the billiard-room, when who should come out of another room but Mr. Sudell. He looked us up and down. I know what you have come for,’ he said, in his quiet, penetrating tone. Prince was mad as a March hare at being foiled, and started giving cheek in language highly ornamented. I told Dick that was no good, and said to Mr. Sudell, Yes, it’s true enough; we’ve come to see if Johnny will back.’ ’He’s there; ask him,’ observed Mr. Sudell quite casually, and I did so. No,’ answered Johnny, ‘I think I’ll stay where I am.’ I said Thai settles the matter.’ With that Mr. Sudell ordered champagne, and even the fiery spirit Prince was tamed; in fact, we were a most amicable party. Before we went Mr. Sudell, having paved the way by his hospitality, said. ‘If ever you leave Bolton don’t forget to write to me,’ and subsequently both Princeand myself did gravitate to North End. However, at the time of this Preston incident I had signed for the Wanderers for the approaching season, and I don’t suppose I ever have left them but for the way in which Mr. J. J. Bentley was treated in regard to the secretaryship. This trouble occurred in the summer 1887, and when Mr. Bentley was  thrown I decided to join Preston. I was getting 50a a week at Bolton, end expected to have about the same or a little more with North End. To my surprise only £2 was handed me at the end of the first week. Before long, however. I went to Mr. Sudell for a raise; this was about the time rumour associated my name with Everton. I asked for half a sovereign increase, and got it so easily that I wished I had asked for more. It was not long before I had another 10s, put on, making £3.”
Intensely interesting, too, is the tale of Trainer’s see-saw between Great lever and Bolton Wanderers. How he was sent away to the Isle of Man and elsewhere by one team to keep him secure from the influences of the other party is a neat story, but this and a great deal of reminiscent matter I must leave to next week.

LANCASHIRE COMBINATION.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 31 January 1903
ROSSENDALE v. EVERTON RESERVE.
At Rossendale, before a good gate. The visitors won the toss, and played with the wind. Rossendale began well, Cox heading a brilliant goal after seven minutes’ play. The visitors tried hard to get even terms, but the Rossendale defence prevailed. The United made matters warm at the end, and Kitchen saved three wonderful shots. Half-time—Rossendale 1, Everton 0.
Rossendale put Everton on the defensive at the opening of the second half, and Crelly saved smartly from Walker. Cunliffe sent through for Rossendale, but was ruled offside. After 15 minutes Young equalised. Kitchen had several warm shots. Cunliffe scored again for Rossendale, after half an hour, and Everton again equalised from a corner. Result- Rossendale 2, Everton Reserve 2.

POMPEY’S OPPONENTS
Football Mail (Portsmouth) - Saturday 31 January 1903
THE EVERTON PLAYERS ARE INTRODUCED TO PORTSMOUTH PEPLE
By “Evertonian”
It is with pleasure that I accepted an invitation to introduce the Everton team to Portsmouth’s supporters. In Liverpool the general feeling is that the Toffee men have a comparatively easy task, but the home players are not so confident. They rightly point to the men composing the Portsmouth side and recognise their merits. In goal Everton will most probably be represented by J. Kitchen, a young local player of great promise, who superseded Muir last season. He stands 6ft. high and tips the beam at 13st. 9lb.
“BILLY”’ BALMER
The right full-back, was born in Liverpool 25 years ago. His first club was South Shore, a Lancashire League club, but after one season he joined Aintree Church, and in 1896 was induced to sign for Everton Reserves. He has been a regular member of the League team since 1898-99, when Peter Meehan and Storrier both left the Goodison Park club. Balmer, who stands 5ft. 8 ½   in, and weighs 12st. 3lb., is fairly speedy, but the features of his play arehis coolness and judgment in tackling.
R. CRELLEY,
(late of Bolton Wanderers and Millwall), R. Balmer (a younger brother of W. Balmer), and W. Henderson (the old Reading and Southampton player) have so far shared the duties of left full-back, and at present it is very uncertain which of the trio will partner W, Balmer. This will, however, be Everton’s weak spot. Height, 5ft. 9in. ; weight, 11st. 10lb.
SAM WOLSTENHOLME
The right half-back, is also a Lancashire lad, having been born at Little Lever in 1878. He has been a great favourite with the Toffee club’s supporters since he left Horwich to occupy the famous Dicky Boyle’s old position. Like the other Everton halves he is built on the right lines. Standing 5ft. 9in, he draws the beam at 12st. and is wonderfully smart on his pins. It will need all the artifices of Freddy Wheldon or the dash of W. Smith, and the speed and trickiness of Steve Smith to make a duffer of ‘“Sammy. "’
TOM BOOTH
The skipper of the Everton lads, has had a long and valuable career on the football field; yet he is a comparatively young man still. He first saw the light of day at Manchester some 27 years ago, and his first club of any note was Ashton North End, but his merits’ as a half-back-whether on the wing or in the centre—were quickly spotted by the Blackburn Rovers, and Booth joined the famous club at Ewood Park. He got his International cap against Wales in 1898 and was one of the Rovers’ team that knocked out Pompey in the English Cup the following season.  This season Tom captained the English League team against the Irish League. Booth is one of the model type of professionals, being always steady and reliable. On the field he is an able leader and a clever all-round performer. Stands 5ft. 9 ½ in., and weighs 12st. 2lb.
GEORGE ABBOTT
The left half back, is a Brummagem youth, who developed his talents with Small Heath under the paternal care of Leake, now of the Villa. Has a sound knowledge of the duties of a half-back and has been tipped before now for the highest honours. He was transferred to Goodison Park three or four years ago and has rendered great service to the Liverpool club. Is well built, standing 5ft. 9 ½ in, and weighing 12st 9lb.
JACK SHARP
The outside right, is best known as the Lancashire County cricketer. He is a natural athlete, possessing clever hands and feet, great activity, plenty of nerve and grit, and a rare turn of speed. In addition, he uses intelligence in passing and stationing himself for return passes. Sharp was born at Hereford in 1879, stands 5ft. 7in., and weighs 11 ½ st. As a member of the Hereford Thistle (the same team that “Nobby ” Clark, the old Pompey left winger, came out with) he attracted the attention of the Aston Villa club in the season of 1897-98. But he could never get a regular place in the League team, and, finally, in 1899-00 he was transferred to Everton, where he was afterwards joined by his brother “Bert.”
J. D. TAYLOR
Inside right, has been with Everton since 1895, but he is still only 28 years old. A native of Dumbarton he first assisted his native team, and later on played for a short time with Paisley St. Mirren. Occasionally he plays half back; a strong, sound, useful player. Height, 5ft. 10in. weight, 11st 7lb.
JACK BREARLEY.
Inside right or centre, is also a Liverpool lad, and like many other Lancashire players, was allowed to make his name elsewhere. He is 26 years old, and during the past seven years has served the Notts County, Kettering, Chatham, Millwall, Nott County (again), Middlesbrough, and Everton, so that he has had an extensive and varied career. May probably be the Everton centre next week. He is smart at combination, and e capital shot at geal. Height, 5ft. 8 ½ ft. weight, 11st:
JIMMY SETTLE
The inside left, was born at Millom about 26 years ago. This is his fourth season with Everton, having been transferred at a big price from Bury. He is a superb dribbler and a dead shot at goal. In1894 he was discovered by the Bolton Wanderers and played with the Reserves for a season. Then he went to Halliwell Rovers and developed so rapidly that Bury secured his transfer in 1897. He got his International cap against Scotland in 1899 and 1902; also played against Wales and Ireland in 1899. Although he did not take part in the recent trial match at Tottenham “Jimmy’’ has been awarded another cap against Ireland on February 14th. Height, 5ft. 6in. weight, 11st.
JOHN BELL
The outside left, is one of the finest forwards that Scotland has ever produced. He used to be able to play equally well at centre, outside right, or outside left, and has figured in all those positions for his country against England. He is now 33 years of age, and being well built—5ft. 10 ½  in, and 12st 10lb.—is not so speedy as of yore. But he has the unique reputation of never having played a poor game in any of his nine International matches. Bell is a native of Dumbarton, with whom he was playing 12 years ago. Then he joined Everton in 1836, and was with them until ’98, when he threw in his lot with Celtic, afterwards returning to Everton three years ago. As reserve forwards Everton have J. Young (a Scotsman, who played centre after W. Toman was hurt last season); Bowman, another young centre forward ; Rankin, a Liverpool lad, outside wing, whose mysterious selection for the North v. South match, caused so much surprise; Sheridan, inside left, from Cambuslang Hibernians; Dilly, outside left, from Arbroath, who is thought Rankin’s superior; and Monks, Glossop and Bury, inside forward. The most probable eleven against Portsmouth will be Whitley (late of Aston Villa, who is as big a fellow as Kitchen), goal; Balmer and Henderson, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, halves; Sharp, Brearley, Young, Settle, and Sheridan, forwards.