EVERTON v  LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 1 1904
LIVERPOOL SENIOR-CUP-FINAL
YOUNG SCORES FOR EVERTON AND MORRIS EQUALISES
ON LEVEL TERMS AT HALF-TIME
EVERTON VICTORIOUS
The Everton Club opened the New Year by entertaining their rivals from across the park in the first and final round of the Liverpool Cup this afternoon. The weather was dull and bitterly cold, but there was nevertheless, a large holiday crowd present, notable visitors being Lord Stanley, M.P., the Hon. Arthur Stanley, M.P., and a large party from Knowsley. The Everton team was at full strength, except that Settle stood down in favour of Young, but there were several changes in the Liverpool ranks, Raisbeck and Parkinson both being absentees. In the presence of 16,000 spectators the teams faced each other as follow;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Liverpool.- Cotton, goal; West and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Wilson, and Fleming, half-backs; Goddard, Morris, Carlin, Chadwick, and Cox forwards.
The visitors won the toss, and Everton started against a rather stiffish breeze. They at once ran down in the most determined fashion, and after some smart work by Corrin and McDermott the leather was sent to Young, who scored a clever goal before the game had been in progress a minute. Following upon this the Anfielders took up the argument with deadly earnestness,  but they found themselves opposed by a sound defence, and for some time play ruled in midfield. Then Everton advanced again, and Taylor shot, but Cotton cleared. The Liverpool forwards got going again, and a fine centre by Cox looked dangerous. Although this was well cleared, the Anfielders kept up the pressure, and Morris, nipping between the backs, scored a glorious goal for the visitors. Being once more on level terms, both the teams played up strongly, Sharp and Taylor being several times prominent, while Goddard and Morris on two occasions were conspicuous with promising movements which only failed at the last pinch. For some time after this play ruled in the centre, but the Evertonians were rather smarter on the ball than their opponents, and they gradually worked down into the vicinity of Cotton’s charge, where Taylor sent in a swift low shot which the Liverpool custodian cleared smartly. Goddard tried to get away on his own, but Abbott stopped his progress, and then a free kick close in gave the home forwards a fine chance. The ball was nicely placed, and was only shared at the expense of a corner. From this Taylor hooked the ball into Cotton, but the goalkeeper was on the alert and saved smartly, and this set Anfielders became somewhat more assertive, and making steady progress towards Kitchen, they gave the home defence a very anxious time. Some high kicking kept the ball bobbing about in front of the Everton goal, and Morris, neatly trapping the leather, rushed in and scored a second goal for Liverpool, after rather more than twenty minutes’ play. This second success put the supporters of the visitors in high good humour, and for some time the Anfielders had the better of the argument. Cox spoiled one fine opening by fiddling with the ball, and the succeeding stages of the game were in Everton’s favour, the left wing being particularly active, and it was only West’s confidence that enabled him on several critical occasions to clear his lines. A very promising movement on the part of Cox, Chadwick, and Carlin was spoilt by Balmer, but the visitors returned on the right, and a smart movement ended in Carlin heading across the goalmouth. The Evertonians took up the argument on the left, and Dunlop, rushing across to West’s assistance, hurt himself and retired for a few minutes. At this period of the game the pace was nothing like so fast as before, but excitement was rekindled when Abbott caused Cotton to run out in order to save his charge. More desultory play followed, both ends being visited without any result, slackness being observable on both sides. Cox at length got away at a great pace, and his centre was cleverly headed in by Morris, but Crelly was fortunate enough to intercept it. Towards the interval the home forwards put on greater pressure, and a fine combined movement terminated in Sharp hooking the ball right in front of goal, where McDermott, nipping in, scored an equalising goal. After this the home team played up with considerable dash, and for several minutes the Liverpool goal was again in jeopardy only the soundness of the defence averting disaster. On one occasion McDermott from a long range tried his luck, but the ball passed out side, and then Sharp had a glorious opening, but, failing to steady himself he shot into the side of the net. The Anfielders made ground on the right, but to no purpose and Everton breaking away, McDermott shot into Cotton’s hands. A second later half-time sounded, the score being; Everton 2 goals, Liverpool 2 goals.
On crossing over the Anfielders turned out with ten men, Dunlop whose knee was hurt, being unable to continue the game. The home forwards did the bulk of the pressing for a long time, Sharp and Taylor both testing Cotton without success, and a little later the Anfielders cleared his lines cleverly after a desperate bully in the goalmouth. The Evertonians were now enjoying all the play, and once Wolstenholme nearly beat Cotton with a low, swift shot. The Anfielders very rarely got away, and even then they were opposed by sound defence. The home team’s efforts at last met with success. Abbott securing after a throw in, and after a fine individual effort, defeated Cotton a third time. The closing stages of the game were all in favour of Everton. The magnificent goalkeeping of the Liverpool custodian alone saved the Anfielders’ goal from being captured again.
Result Everton 3 goals, Liverpool 2 goals.
At the conclusion of the game, the players all trooped to the directors enclosure, where Lord Stanley, amid cheers presented the cup to Tom Booth, on behalf of the winning team. The Everton captain briefly thanked his lordship. The players were then presented with medals.

EVERTON 3 LIVERPOOL 2
January 2, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Liverpool Senior Cup Final
The only New Year's day match of importance in the district was the meeting between Everton and Liverpool for what is described as the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup Competition. Of course the teams participate in no preliminary rounds, the arrangement being that the two premier Liverpool clubs should meet to decide the destination of the cup for the season. In spite of the bitterly cold weather there was a capital attendance at Goodison-park, and among the visitors was a party from Knowsley hall, headed by Lord Stanley, M.P, and the Hon. Arthur Stanley, M.P. Both clubs placed strong teams in the field, although Raybould did not make an appearance on the Liverpool side. Everton played Young in the centre, and the Liverpool team underwent several changes, Parkinson and Raisebeck being the most notable absentees. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Liverpool: - Cotton, goal, West, and Dunlop, backs, Parry, Wilson, and Fleming, half-backs, Goddard, Morris, Carlin, Chadwick, and Cox, forwards.
Everton opened the play in the presence of fully 18,000 people against a stiff breeze and at once made the running. By steady stages the play was taken to the Liverpool end and following smart passing by Corrin, and McDerrmott the ball went to Young, who had no difficulty in opening the scoring after play had been a minute in progress. Liverpool got away from the restart, but could not maintain their position, and shortly afterwards Cotton was called upon to save from Taylor. Carlin then set the Liverpool forwards going and following some fine work by Cox the Everton defenders had plenty of work on hand. Liverpool kept up the pressure, and after Carlin had received from Cox he put to Morris, who getting between the backs raced on and defeated Kitchen with a capital shot. Keen play followed about midfield, and on one occasion Sharp ran down in spirited fashion, but after getting the better of Dunlop he was unfortunate in passing too far forward to again get possession. Then followed a stubborn attack on the Liverpool goal, during which Cotton brought off a fine save from Sharp. The Liverpool forwards and halves were next conspicuous in some fine passing, and for some minutes Balmer and Crelly were kept busy. Morris looked like getting through again, when the Everton left back nipped in, and much headway was subsequently lost owing to a free kick against Dunlop for jumping. West saved the situation with a fine long drive down the field, but Abbott returned, and Corrin forced a corner. It was well placed, and Cotton brought off a good clearance. Sharp was wide of the mark when well placed, and shortly afterwards Taylor put in a grand low shot, which Cotton disposed of after a second attempt. Play continued interesting, and when Corrin looked like getting in a dangerous centre Wilson came under the notice of the referee for tipping. From the free kick the Liverpool goal had a narrow escape, and a corner ensued. This was badly placed, but Everton returned to the attack, and Taylor put in a sharp shot as Cotton who, however, was quite ready for the effort. Then the visiting forwards broke away, and after some clever passing on the left wing, the ball was put to Morris, who tricked the defence, and shot into the corner of the net, quite out of Kitchen reach. Having now the lead, the Liverpool forwards played up in spirited fashion, and several fine centres were put in, though to little advantage. Cox lost ground by dallying tactics, and immediately afterwards Corrin raced away in fine style, but was deliberately tripped up by West when just about to clear all opposition. This pair again came into contact, this time Corrin being the offender, but for some reason unknown the referee simply threw the ball up. Sharp and Taylor were next prominent, and the first named twice got the better of Dunlop. Taylor finished up one movement with a capital shot that Cotton dropped, but recovered himself in time to kick away. At the other end Carlin took aim from long range and made a very good attempt to score, the ball just tripping the bar. At the stage Dunlop left the field, and Liverpool played the one-back game. Wilson again came under the notice of the referee, and from the free kick the goal had a narrow escape. After a few minutes Dunlop returned but was evidently in difficulties, as he was limping, Liverpool again took up the attack, but Goddard could do little right, and several openings for him by Morris went abegging, Corrin raced away and forced a corner off West. Sharp took the ball, and centring, McDermott equalised with a fast rising shot. Then followed a terrific onslaught, in which Abbott was concerned, and a stinging shot was grandly saved by Cotton. Half-time Everton 2, Liverpool 2. In the second half Liverpool appeared without Dunlop, who was injured and consequently the visitors played the one-back game. Everton did the bulk of the pressing, and Cotton effected some clever saves, particularly one from McDermott. The game was contested in the Liverpool's half, but Cotton kept in goal in fine style. Only occasionally did Liverpool make any headway, and even then never got near enough to give Kitchen work. Abbott gave Everton the lead, and the game continued all in favour of the home side, but Cotton was in great form in goal, and nothing more was scored, Everton winning a good game. After the match Lord Stanley presented the handsome cup to Booth, the Everton captain, and medals were also handed to the members of the winning team. Final result Everton 3 Liverpool 2.
Everton after their victory over their friends from across the park, left Liverpool last evening for Nottingham in order to be ready for the fray this afternoon on the Trent Bridge ground. Latterly Notts County have been doing well at home, but with Everton in their present form they will be fortunate if they escape defeat.

LIVERPOOL CUP
London Daily News - Saturday 02 January 1904
Liverpool v. Everton
After a hard game, Everton won the City Cup, the score in their favour being three goals to two. The match attracted 20,000 people. Raybould did not play for Liverpool, but both clubs were strongly represented. Directlty after the start Young scored for Everton but in some very fast play Liverpool had rather the best of matters, Morris putting on two goals for them. However, McDermott scored for Everton and the teams crossed over with the record two all. Liverpool were unlucky to lose the service of Dunlop, who was injured, and, handicapped in this way, were harded pressed. Everton attacked almost constantly, but only managed to score a goal necessary to give them the victory, Abbott making the successful shot.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP FINAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 02 January 1904
EVERTON v  LIVERPOOL
The Everton Club opened the New Year by entertaining their rivals from across the park in the first and final round of the Liverpool Cup yesterday. The weather was dull and bitterly cold, but there was, nevertheless, a large holiday crowd present, notable visitors being Lord Stanley, M.P., the Hon. Arthur Stanley, M.P., and a large party from Knowsley. The Everton team was at full strength, except that Settle stood down in favour of Young, but there were several changes in the Liverpool ranks, Raisbeck and Parkinson both being absentees. In the presence of 16,000 spectators the teams faced each other as follow;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Liverpool.- Cotton, goal; West and Dunlop, backs; Parry, Wilson, and Fleming, half-backs; Goddard, Morris, Carlin, Chadwick, and Cox forwards.
The visitors won the toss, and Everton started against a rather stiffish breeze. They at once ran down in the most determined fashion, and after some smart work by Corrin and McDermott the leather was sent to Young, who scored a clever goal before the game had been in progress a minute. Following upon this the Anfielders took up the argument with deadly earnestness,  but they found themselves opposed by a sound defence, and for some time play ruled in midfield. Then Everton advanced again, and Taylor shot, but Cotton cleared. The Liverpool forwards got going again, and a fine centre by Cox looked dangerous. Although this was well cleared, the Anfielders kept up the pressure, and Morris, nipping between the backs, scored a glorious goal for the visitors. Being once more on level terms, both the teams played up strongly, Sharp and Taylor being several times prominent, while Goddard and Morris on two occasions were conspicuous with promising movements which only failed at the last pinch. For some time after this play ruled in the centre, but the Evertonians were rather smarter on the ball than their opponents, and they gradually worked down into the vicinity of Cotton’s charge, where Taylor sent in a swift low shot which the Liverpool custodian cleared smartly. Goddard tried to get away on his own, but Abbott stopped his progress, and then a free kick close in gave the home forwards a fine chance. The ball was nicely placed, and was only shared at the expense of a corner. From this Taylor hooked the ball into Cotton, but the goalkeeper was on the alert and saved smartly, and this set Anfielders became somewhat more assertive, and making steady progress towards Kitchen, they gave the home defence a very anxious time. Some high kicking kept the ball bobbing about in front of the Everton goal, and Morris, neatly trapping the leather, rushed in and scored a second goal for Liverpool, after rather more than twenty minutes’ play. This second success put the supporters of the visitors in high good humour, and for some time the Anfielders had the better of the argument. Cox spoiled one fine opening by fiddling with the ball, and the succeeding stages of the game were in Everton’s favour, the left wing being particularly active, and it was only West’s confidence that enabled him on several critical occasions to clear his lines. A very promising movement on the part of Cox, Chadwick, and Carlin was spoilt by Balmer, but the visitors returned on the right, and a smart movement ended in Carlin heading across the goalmouth. The Evertonians took up the argument on the left, and Dunlop, rushing across to West’s assistance, hurt himself and retired for a few minutes. At this period of the game the pace was nothing like so fast as before, but excitement was rekindled when Abbott caused Cotton to run out in order to save his charge. More desultory play followed, both ends being visited without any result, slackness being observable on both sides. Cox at length got away at a great pace, and his centre was cleverly headed in by Morris, but Crelly was fortunate enough to intercept it. Towards the interval the home forwards put on greater pressure, and a fine combined movement terminated in Sharp hooking the ball right in front of goal, where McDermott, nipping in, scored an equalising goal. After this the home team played up with considerable dash, and for several minutes the Liverpool goal was again in jeopardy only the soundness of the defence averting disaster. On one occasion McDermott from a long range tried his luck, but the ball passed out side, and then Sharp had a glorious opening, but, failing to steady himself he shot into the side of the net. The Anfielders made ground on the right, but to no purpose and Everton breaking away, McDermott shot into Cotton’s hands. A second later half-time sounded, the score being; Everton 2 goals, Liverpool 2 goals.
On crossing over the Anfielders turned out with ten men, Dunlop whose knee was hurt, being unable to continue the game. The home forwards did the bulk of the pressing for a long time, Sharp and Taylor both testing Cotton without success, and a little later the Anfielders cleared his lines cleverly after a desperate bully in the goalmouth. The Evertonians were now enjoying all the play, and once Wolstenholme nearly beat Cotton with a low, swift shot. The Anfielders very rarely got away, and even then they were opposed by sound defence. The home team’s efforts at last met with success. Abbott securing after a throw in, and after a fine individual effort, defeated Cotton a third time. The closing stages of the game were all in favour of Everton. The magnificent goalkeeping of the Liverpool custodian alone saved the Anfielders’ goal from being captured again.
Result Everton 3 goals, Liverpool 2 goals.
At the conclusion of the game, the players all trooped to the directors enclosure, where Lord Stanley, amid cheers presented the cup to Tom Booth, on behalf of the winning team. The Everton captain briefly thanked his lordship. The players were then presented with medals.
EVERTON AND THE LANBCASHIRE CUP
THE FIXTURE WITH ST HELENS RECS SCRATCHED
We are officially informed that the fixture between Everton and St. Helens Recreation in the first round of the Lancashire Cup competition, which should have taken place on Saturday week has been scratched.
TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Everton v Notts County
At Nottingham; kick-off 2.15;
Everton-Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Reserve Makepeace and Hardman.
Everton Combination v Black Lane Temperance
Lancashire Combination Match
At Goodison Park; kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Wildman, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, McAdam, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

NOTTS COUNTY v  EVERTON
Football News (Nottingham) - Saturday 02 January 1904
“Magpie won that year 2-0”
The “magpies” home was not in particularly good order for the match with Everton at Trent Bridge this afternoon, injuries to players having upset the even balance of the team, which was the more to be regretted since the last combination fixed upon had done a great deal towards confidence in the breasts of the faithful following of the popular old club. Things went altogether wrong at Bury yesterday. Dainty was an absentee, and to make the complexion of affairs worse, Mainman “crocked” during the tussle with the “shakers.” A suggestion was made after the match to play at half-back to-day, and bring in Ward again on the right wing, so as to enable Green to fill the position thus vacated by Ross. The final selection of the side was left until the eleventh hour, and the result will be found upon referee to the name printed below. Everton, who came to Nottingham last night on the same train as their opponents, were fully represented, except that Settle, who is indisposed, was replaced by Young. Everton won the previous League match in September last by three goals to one, and, although Notts, were hopeful of being able to reverse that result this afternoon, their chances were hampered by the enforced changes in the combination. Everton and the “magpies” first came together in 1887, and had played 28 matches, of which the Liverpool club had won 15 against 9, and scored 55 goals to 37 by their rivals. The teams and officials today were;-
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Prescott and Montgomery, backs; Griffiths, Bull (Captain) and McDonald, half-backs; Humphreys, and Green, right wing; W. Ross, centre; Glen and Gee, left wing.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, right wing; Settle (It was Young -blue-correspondent) , centre; McDermott and Corrin, left wing.
Referee; Mr. W. Nunnerley, Welsh F.A. Linesmen; Messrs W. Lawson and F. Louch.
THE GAME
Notts, after all, had only one change from yesterday, namely, Griffiths for Mainman at right half-back. The weather was warmer and very pleasant, and the ground if it has bene rolled would have been in perfect condition. As it was, however, it looked good enough for anything, and favoured a fast game. Bull won the toss and in electing to face the Radcliffe-road end had a little wind at his back. Young started the game in the presence of about 6,000 people and the opening exchanges were somewhat uneventful, except for a couple of lively breaks away by the home left wing. Just now Wolstenholme slipped out a long pace to the speedy Sharp, who came down the line like a hare, but Montgomery forced him into the corner and finally the ball went out of play. Booth managed to check Ross when the home centre was looking dangerous and for a little after this the Everton forwards put on some pressure, but were not able to reach Pennington. Going to the other end Gee slipped round Wolstenholme and Balmer, and plied the handsome Kitchen with a capital centre, which the custodian pitched out to Young, who set his forwards on the move again. Sharp was fed persistently, and although he appeared to be doing a lot of running about he never got the ball in the centre, so effectively was he watched by McDonald and Montgomery. The home forwards times broke through the opposing half-back line, but were slow in backing up in front of goal, with the result that Crelly and Balmer had plenty of time to clear in open country. The ball was particularly lively, and the calculations of the players were frequently upset by its bounding propensities. Notts, apparated to be going through when a foul against Ross sent them back, and the “blue and whites” took advantage of the free kick to tie a tight cordon round the home goal. First Abbott called on Pennington with a reaming long drive, and there followed a sharp scrimmage under the bar, in the course of which Pennington’s hand was kicked when stopping a mischievous-looking, short-ranged grounder. Sharp went off for a little time set the visitors continued to make the running and required a good deal of stopping. Eventually, however, Bull got the leather out of the pack and Ross, accompanied by Glen, wormed his way through to the immediate vicinity of Kitchen. Either of them appeared to have a chance to shoot, but while stopping for the briefest space to decide which Balmer came in between them and spoiled their little game. Everton immediately retaliated and Pennington again got in the wars when he rushed out to bamboozle Sharp. The Notts goalkeeper left the field for a brief space and Bull deputised under the bar, but his opponents found his practically no work to do and soon Pennington was back again. The visitors, who were very quick and clever, kept the proceedings in their opponents quarters and when about half an hour had elapsed Sharp recorded a goal for them from a penalty kick. It was Griffiths who was said to have offended, but from our coign of vantage he appeared to merely charge McDermott in a legitimate manner. Deserved or underserved, their success simulated the Lancashire team to increased efforts and it was seldom the home team managed to place themselves on the attack. When ever they did elude the vigilance of the Everton intermediate division there was no methods about their play and more often than not the men seemed to be in each other’s way. At all events they could not reach Kitchen, and at the other end Sharp, forcing his way between Prescott and Montgomery, tried a flying drive which passed about a foot outside the post. From a pass by Taylor, Young headed into Pennington’s arms, and McDermott was penalised for bowling the custodian over after he had parted with the leather. As the interval drew near Notts, infused more earnestness and method into their endeavours, and Green woke up Kitchen with a magnificent long shot which came very awkwardly to the Everton custodian. It was a fast, bouncing ball, and might just as easily have scored as not, but as it was Kitchen managed to divert its course at the expense of a corner which was not improved upon. The visitors had another innings, and then Gee put in one of his characteristic runs, but none of his colleagues were in position, and Crelly returned to midfield. Glen subsequently tested Kitchen with a clever hook from the corner flag, and the interval then arrived with Everton still leading.
Half-time; Everton 1 Notts 0
It transpired during the interregnum that Pennington had sprained his right wrist in falling over Sharp, and he reappeared with the injured part swathed in bandages. Hardly had the ball been restarted when Abbott brought Humphreys to earth by a very heavy charge in the back, and from Prescott’s excellently-placed free kick the Everton goal underwent a short bombardment. Kitchen’s height served him in good stead in pulling down a high shot from Humphreys, but when Green took aim Crelly unconsciously gave a corner in attempting to charge down the Notts forward’s effort. Humphreys manoeuvred the flag-kick with judgement, but McDermott, in making the commendable attempt to pull the ball back into the goalmouth, out it out of play. The “blue and whites” made a lot of ground from the goal kick, their forwards working like a well-oiled machine, but Sharp, who was entrusted with most of the finishing business, hadn’t got his shooting boots on, and he was usually wide of the mar. Some determined work by Ross and his left wing was the next feature to note, but they had two splendid men opposed to them in Wolstenholme and Balmer, and only once did Gee contrive to put the leather in front of Kitchen, on which occasion Abbott collected the centre and gave Corrin and McDermott something to go on with. Griffiths who from the start had rendered consistently good service, checkmated a move by this pair, and immediately afterwards Glen and Gee again assailed. The result of their attack was a lively passage of arms under the Everton bar, but the backs having relieved, the Everton forwards retaliated gamely, and a number of shots were directed at Pennington. He was so well covered, however, that none of them reached him, and the theatre of hostilities was transferred to Everton ground where Crelly deliberately fisted a bouncing ball. Fortunately for his side his impulsiveness manifested itself outside the penalty line, and Notts failed to make anything out of the place kick. Directly afterwards Sharp and Taylor bore down in insinuating fashion on Pennington’s citadel and eventually compelled Montgomery to concede a corner from which Booth headed a second goal for Everton when the half was fourteen minutes’ old. Nothing daunted by stress of weather the Notts, forwards buckled on their armour anew and reorganised themselves, Green going centre, Ross outside right, with Humphreys sandwiched between the two. The combination of the line was better than it had been, though still open to improvement, but the determination of the men time after time forced Everton back on their own goal, and served to emphasise the grand defence of the visitors, which covered Kitchen perfectly. Gee experienced hard lines with a wicked-looking flying centre which very likely would have taken effect had not the wind tucked the ball back a bit, while Green also was exercising his shooting abilities to some effect. As already indicated, however, the Lancastrians’ defence was very fine, and everything that came along was successfully collected and returned. Montgomery knocked Taylor off the ball when another goal appeared certain, and, taken altogether there was plenty of incident about the football, which was fought on remarkably even terms. Eleven minutes from the close mis-kicking by Mongomery let Taylor and Sharp through, and McDermott put the visitors three ahead, the ball striking the post before going over the line. Immediately afterwards Corrin and McDermott again threatened the home goal, and the former was winded by Prescott there being a break in the proceeding while the young forward under went resuscitation. Resuming, the visiting half-backs and forwards emphasised how valuable neat and well-timed passes are, and although the shooting of the front line was inclined to be wild, they over-played their rivals in point of tactics. As time drew near the home team made a better organised attempt to give a more favourable aspect to the score sheet, and in rapid succession Gee, Ross, Humphreys, and Green had all caused Kitchen to handle. The crowd clamoured for a penalty against one of the Everton defenders for holding Glen, but the referee did not oblige, and subsequent events showed that the home revival was but a flash in the pan. Just on time Kitchen thumped out from a corner kick, and after a breakaway by Corrin, Taylor missed an open goal from his centre. Pennington was in the act of clearing when the end came, with the result;
Everton 3 Notts 0
POSTSCRIPT
It is really too bad of Notts, and it was really too bad of Everton to come and give us another pill without any sugar-coating-the one presented by Bury yesterday was quite enough. I say it’s too bad of Notts, because up to yesterday we had detected signs of a revival, and thought things were going on nicely; but everything is vanity, as the old writer told us. I think we shall have to cease trying to reckon the team up, and take them as we find them from week to week. Let us make all possible allowance for the rearranged intermediate line of “intermediates”; but we shall still be confronted by the unpleasant fact that the forwards were chiefly conspicuous for their ineffectiveness. There was no glue about them, and in tactics, as well as in skill, they compared unfavourably with the Everton five. But can’t we sometimes take a leaf out of our opponent’s book? I noticed this afternoon how the Lancastrians were constantly giving each other “tips” of where to pass, and to whom; and as it was not over-done, and not dictatorial, it was very useful. The “magpies” were never dangerous from a calmly conceived effort; their occasional dashes generally looked likely if- of what paramount importance that little word is-their shooting had been more accurately gauged. It’s not much good “having a pop,” as they said in homely parlance, if the ball is certain to strike an opponent. And that is what the Notts forwards to doo often. The wind and the hard ground often made the ball buckle back, and some mistake may reasonably be condoned on this account. Still, Everton accounted for the condition better, and, unfortunately, they were much the more capable side all round. Their half-backs, to my mind, were an ideal three -big men all of them, able to take hard knocks and give them, and sound alike in attack and defence. Had Notts, been at full strength they would have had nothing to spare in this department. At full back there was not much to choose between the teams, although Balmer and Crelly were steadier than the rival pair. Pennington had more to do than Kitchen, and did it well, which is tantamount to saying he was not in the least to blame for the defeat. Some people were saying that the referee had a “blue and white” note in his optics. I shouldn’t like to go so far; but Everton lost nothing at his hands, and the “penalty” against Griffiths was a fine point. It looked like a perfectly fair charge just outside the eighteen yards line. The “penalty” law is, on the whole, a good one; but from its wording and the manner of its application, it will always be open to misconstruction, and sometimes to abuse. -WH.

EVERTON v NOTTS COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 2 1904
EVERTON LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
After wresting the Liverpool Cup from the Anfielders at Goodison Park, yesterday, the Everton team travelled overnight to Nottingham in order to fulfil their return engagement with the county club. The first meeting in September resulted in a victory for Everton, and the Goodison Park brigade were confident to-day of again carrying off the honours. The weather at Nottingham this morning was crisp and clear, but bitterly cold, and there was not a very great crowd present when the teams turned out. The visitors relied upon the same team that did so well yesterday, but there were two changes in the Nottingham ranks, both Mainman and Dainty were hurt at Bury yesterday, and their places to-day were taken by Griffiths and McDonald. About 5,000 people lined the Trent Bride enclosure when the teams lined up as follows;-
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Notts County;- Pennington, goal; Prescott and Mongomery, backs; Griffiths, Bull (Captain) and McDonald, half-backs; Humphreys, Green, Ross, Glen, and Gee, forwards. Referee- W. Nunnerley.
The County captain won the toss, and elected to play with a slight wind in his favour. The visitors from the start at once moved towards Pennington, and Young had a fine opening but shot wide. The home forwards at once took up the running, Gee forging ahead at a capital pace, and when close in he passed the leather across to Humphreys who looked very like scoring when Crelly came to the rescuer and cleared his lines. After a brief spell near the centre line Sharp made favourable progress, but Montgomery checked him, and Gee again sprinted off in fine fashion. This time his final shot was headed away by Balmer and the next movement of interest was on the part of the Everton right wing, both Sharp and Taylor putting in some excellent work. Montgomery, however, succeeded in baulking them, and once more Gee was prominent, but ineffective. The nature of the ground made play rather difficult, the slippery turf frequently throwing the players off their feet, and this, of course, retarded the pace considerably. A break-away on the part of the Everton left looked like proving effective but Corrin was beaten by Prescott when well within shooting range. The visitors however, returned to the attack, and Abbott from a long range but in a low swift shot which Pennington dealt with very cleverly. Taylor being just upon him as he threw clear. Again Everton assumed the aggressive, and Abbott put in another awkward shot, which Young tipped into Pennington’s hands, the home custodian having saved the situation at the expense of a fruitless corner. Following upon this the home team again attacked with considerable tenacity, and, advancing on the right, Griffiths put in a long dropping shot. Kitchen cleared, but he had scarcely time to recover himself before Glen put in another clinker, which he managed to throw away in smart style. The Evertonians were not long in taking up the attack again, and Young was about to shoot when Pennington ran out to meet him; the result of the collision was that the Notts custodian had to retire, and Bull went into goal. This was undoubtedly a rare chance for the visitors, but they failed to profit by it, for McDermott had practically an open goal before him when he shot wildly over the bar. A few seconds later Sharp passed neatly to Taylor, and the latter ought to have scored, but he sent the leather skimming over the crossbar. There was a further spell of midfield work, and then Everton made ground on the left. Corrin had got within close range when he was grassed by Griffiths. The referee at once gave a penalty kick, and this as taken by Sharp, who netted the ball just out of Pennington’s reach. This success came after half an hour’s play, and it naturally infused renewed energy into the visitors, who pressed strongly for a long time. The home backs, however, behaved admirably, and on several occasions they cleared their lines in workmanlike fashion. An advance on the part of the home left was well stopped by Wolstenholme, who passed out to Sharp, and the latter having beaten Montgomery, had an open goal before him, when he shot outside. The game was now rather more even in character, though distinctly on the slow side, and both ends were visited without any tangible result. The visitors gradually gained the upper hand, and a fine run by Sharp ended in the Evertonian passing across to McDermott, who shot in strongly, but Pennington cleared with an equally vigorous and well-directed punt. After more give-and-take work, the home forwards made desperate efforts to draw level, and they advanced in nice combined order, the movement ending in Green sending in a low oblique shot, which Kitchen was somewhat lucky in negotiating. As the interval approached the County men redoubled their exertions, Glen and Gee putting in some capital work, and the downfall of the Everton goal seemed imminent, when Balmer with a timely kick, put the invaders to the right about. Then the visitors again took up the running, and a neat pass by Taylor gave Sharp an opening, but the outside man missed it altogether. The County returned on the left, and Gee looked exceedingly dangerous when his final shot was luckily charged down. A few second later Glen got possession, and, beating both, he shot strongly, but without success, and at half-time the score stood-Everton 1 goal, Notts Nil.
BOOTH SCORES FROM A CORNER
McDERMOTT SCORES A THIRD
When the game was resumed Gee went outside right, and Humphreys took the inside position, but this rearrangement of the home forward line weas not immediately apparent, for the visitors enjoyed a considerable spell of attack. Weak shooting by Young, however, brought the pressure to an end, and the County men made ground on the right, where they got the advantage of a free kick. This was well placed, and an exciting bully in the Everton goal was only relieved by Kitchen eventually fisting clear. Both goals were visited in rapid succession, but the shooting was most erratic and as a consequence, neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled. Booth scored the second goal for Everton from a corner. McDermott scored a third goal for Everton.
Final; Everton 3 goals, Notts Nil
Everton were beaten by 2 goals to nil at Nottingham last season.

EVERTON v  BLACK TEMPERANCE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 2 1904
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION -DIV A
The first meeting between the above teams took place this afternoon in fine but cold weather, before a capital attendance. Everton kicked off, and the visiting goalkeeper was tested in the first minute by a straight shot from O’Hagan. A few minutes later a penalty was granted Everton, and Dilly easily landed a goal. The cheers for this feat had hardly died away when a pretty bit of combined play between McAdam and O’Hagan ended in the latter adding a second goal with a grand shot. A foul against Everton enabled the visitors to get over the half-way line, but their stay in the home quarters was very brief, and the Evertonians were soon on the attack again. Play was very tame for a time. The inside left of the visitors was injured, and had to leave the field. Everton then made a rush for their opponents’ goal, but without result, and for a change the Black-lane forwards made an incursion into home quarters; but Whitley the custodian, was not by any means troubled. Shortly afterward McAdam missed a glorious chance when almost under the bar by shooting wide. The ball was very seldom away from the visitors’ goal after this, and eventually Sheridan scored a third goal with a splendid shot. The visiting forwards broke away, and had a shot at goal, but it was wide of the mark, and the home forwards quickly made their way to the other end, an exciting bit of play taking place round the visitors’ goal. Four times in succession the ball was sent in the goalkeeper saving two and the backs the other two. The game was very one-sided, and Everton seemed a little inclined to play with their opponents. Nothing further, however, was scored, and when the whistle went for half-time the score was Everton Combiantion 3 goals, Black-lane Temperance nil.
Final Result; Everton Com 6, Black-lane Tem nil. 

NOTTS COUNTY V. EVERTON
London Daily News - Monday 04 January 1904
At Trent Bridge, Everton beat the home side by three goals to none. Fine weather prevailed, and there were 8,000 spectators present. Notts were short of Mainman, who was on the injured list, Griffiths being included in the team at half-back, while Young displaced Settle in the Everton eleven, owing to the illness of the last named. The players found some difficulty in retaining their foothold on the frozen surface. Sharp scored for Everton with a penalty kick in the first half, while Kitchen effected three clever saves. The visitors were hard pressed for a time after resuming but at length they asserted themselves, and further goals were scored by Booth and McDermott.

EVERTON IN IN A RAMPANT MOOD
Athletic News - Monday 04 January 1904
By Junius
In marked distinction to the fortunes of their rivals at the other end of Stanley Park, the Everton eleven are showing their form. Of their last five League games four have been on foreign territory, with the result that they have thrice been victories, whilst one fixture was drawn.  Sandwiched between these highly meritorious triumphs came the defeat at home by Derby County, and we can only wonder at the vagaries of some football teams.  To turn a two clear goals defeat at Nottingham into a victory by three goals is a remarkable reverse of form.  In order to be ready for the match, Everton left for Nottingham on Friday evening immediately after the conclusion of the Cup-tie at Goodison Park, and naturally we were expecting that the trip to the Midlands would bring in nine points.  Even after the defeat by Derby, I ventured to produce in this column that when the Everton forwards recovered their equanimity there would be trouble for some clubs, and the striking success at Manchester and Nottingham respectively have borne out this anticipation completely.  The foundation of the team lies in the half-back line, and three better players in this position exist not in any League club in the Kingdom.  Next week we have the present leaders at Goodison Park, and this should prove one of the greatest games of the season.
AMATEURS AT GOODISON PARK
Extremely interesting was the football at Goodison Park by the Northern Nomads and Old Carthusians, a draw being the result of a keenly-contested struggle.  The visiting side included the veteran custodian Plaistow, whilst Wreford Brown, brother of the International operated at centred forward and put in some dashing work.  At centre-half Birch, who plays for the Liverpool Ramblers was in rare trim, being perfectly ubiquitous, and both in tackling and placing to his forwards was equally clever.  Some smart runs and centres were credited to Evans on the extreme left wing, the first goal which came from his foot being the result of one of the best bits of combined play seen during the whole ninety minutes.  On the Nomads side I was particularly impressed by the exhibition of Gaukrouger and Dawson on the left wing.  The former in the inside position has capital command of the ball, and proved a most suitable partner for Dawson, the Blackburn Crosshill forward, who made the most of the chances fermented for him.  Griffiths at right half did splendidly before the interval but afterwards felt the effects of the hard ground more than his comrades.  Montgomery proved a useful centre, and Walsmsley, the Blackburn Eururian full back, gave a splendid display, and is fit for any League team on his form in this match.  Considering the difficult nature of the frozen ground the players on both sides shaped very well, and proved conclusively that there are some capable amateur players in our midst even yet.
EVERTON AND THE LANCASHIRE CUP
The decision of the Everton directors in scratching to St. Helens Recreation in the first round of the above competition will no doubt be a surprise to many people, but under the circumstances I fail to see how they could have adopted any other course.  Everton had choice of ground in the tie, which should have been played next Saturday at Goodison Park, but seeing that they have a League match with Sheffield United –one of the best drawing teams in the premier division at the present time –on that date, they naturally tried to come to some mutual arrangement with the “Recs” with regard to their game.  It was out of the question to suppose that they would postpone their League fixture, and consequently they offered to play the “Rec” on the following Monday, or any other suitable mid-week date at Everton, or in lieu of this not being satisfactory, to send a team to St.   Helens on Saturday next, and waive their right as regards choice of grounds.  The “Recs” would have nothing to do with any of these suggestions; it must be Saturday at Goodison Park or nothing; and as a result , it is nothing, for Everton, seeing that their opponents were in such a mood, gave them the tie. I really cannot imagine upon what ground the “Recs” based their contentions, for they would not be a draw at Everton, whereas a Combination team sent to St. Helens would have attracted a far larger gate, and at the same time would have afforded the home club a better chance of winning the tie.  As matters now stand the “Recs” will derive no pecuniary benefit from the first round and I don’t suppose Everton will be unduly troubled by the issue of their negotiations.  They were willing to meet their opponents on any feasible grounds, apart from the question of playing at Everton next Saturday, and had the “Recs” looked at the matter from a business standpoint, I fancy they could have managed to make terms for themselves which would have been extremely advantageous. 

EVERTON TOO GOOD FOR NOTTS.
Athletic News - Monday 04 January 1904
By Trentsiders.
There was no mistaking the fact that Everton on Saturday were a decidedly better team than Notts, but still they did not quite deserve to win by three goals to none. They owed their success in a great measure to the fact that they adapted themselves to the state of the ground in a more business-like manner than the home side. The latter moved about on the hard surface in the most gingerly style, in fact the forwards would scarcely ever take risks, and they gave a wretched exhibition. Their work generally was of a very scrambling description, and when they did manage to get in front they were about as weak they could be. They were at some disadvantage in having to take the field without two of their usual half-backs, Mainman and Dainty having been injured, but still the substitutes cannot be solely blamed for the disasters, and the eleven as a whole were exceedingly disappointing. The visiting forwards played attractive football, getting along in dashing fashion, but they too were not so effective in front of goal as they might have been. The Notts defence afforded them plenty of opportunities, but when perfectly easy ones were resented Everton failed. At half-back they had a splendid line, and their defence was of a stolid character. The Notts attack was powerless against it, and never appeared likely to break it down.
EVERTON ALWAYS AHEAD.
No sooner had the game started than Everton went to the front, and they forced matters in no uncertain way. Their forwards worked together with a thorough understanding, and were constantly finding the Notts backs and goalkeeper work. The Notts men were not reliable though, and they made a rare muddle of an attempt by Young to get through. Pennington ran out but was foiled, and McDermott was left with absolutely no one to beat, but misdirected. Pennington, who was hurt in the melee, had to retire for a few minutes, and whilst he was away Bull kept goal. During that period Wolstenholme sent the ball whizzing over the bar, and Notts were hard pressed. The downfall of their goal brought about in a somewhat unexpected way. Corrin was racing along just beside the line marking the prescribed area when Griffiths brought him down and the referee promptly allowed a penalty. Notts rather resented the decision, but it had to be obeyed, and Sharp converted. Before the interval Notts made several attempts, and were in a promising position when they were spoiled by Wolstenholme. Kitchen was greatly puzzled by a long oblique shot from Green, but he succeeded in clearing, and none of the others which were made gave him any trouble. Probably he was called upon as frequently as Pennington, but his work was perfectly easy, and there was no danger of his being beaten. In the second portion of the game the home forwards pulled themselves together a little, and made a slightly better display, though in front of goal they were as helpless as before, and Kitchen had a comfortable time. Towards the close there was an appeal for a penalty, but as far as I could see it came only from spectators and Notts were at that time hopelessly beaten.
TWO MORE GOALS.
Everton added two goals in the second half, both being somewhat lucky, seeing that they went through off the posts. The first was obtained by Booth, who headed through directly from a comer kick, and the other was scored by McDermott, who took advantage of a clear opening. Taylor also came very near to increasing the total, for Pennington was again completely beaten upon running out from his goal. Montgomery, however, was under the bar ready to kick away Taylor's shot. Pennington had no chance with any of the shots which beat him, but his exhibition in goal was far from satisfying. He ran out without any judgment, and was altogether unreliable. It was certainly lucky that his mistakes didn't lead to a heavier defeat.  Prescott and Montgomery played a fair game. Their kicking was not so strong and accurate as in the case of the Everton pair, but they tackled well and worked hard. Bull, who is suffering from a bad leg, played only under extreme pressure, and couldn't do himself justice, but McDonald and Griffiths acquitted themselves with some credit. McDonald tackled and passed well, and did not go in for dribbling so much as formerly. Of the forward, Glen was clever, and Ross smart; Gee played moderately, but Green did little, and Humphreys was nearly useless.  Balmer and Crelley were fine backs, and the halves were grand, Abbott having the Notts right-wing thoroughly weighed up. The forward line played in capital form, Sharp being very conspicuous. Notts-Pennington; Prescott, and Montgomery; Griffiths, Bull, and McDonald; Humphreys, Green, Ross, Glen, and Gee.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin.  Referee.  W. Nunnerley, Wrexham. 

NOTTS COUNTY 0 EVERTON 3
January 4, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
After their acceptable victory of Liverpool, the Everton players travelled to Nottingham to meet Notts County: - The teams met at Goodison Park in the first week of September, and on that occasion Everton gained a victory by 3 goals to 1. Everton relied upon the same team that defeated Liverpool, but Mainman and Dainty were absent from the Notts ranks. The teams were: - Notts County: - Pennington, goal, Prescot, and Montogomery backs, Griffiths, Bull, and McDonald, half-backs, Humphreys, Green, Ross, Glen, and Gee, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Referee W.Nunnerley. The home side won the toss, and played with a slight breeze behind them. A movement was immediately made for the County goal, McDermott being conspicuous and on passing to Young the last named player was presented with a favourable opening, but shot against the side of the net. Play was quickly at the other end, Gee being prominent in a smart run, but Crelly dealt with his centre. Balmer and Abbott came into notice for some smart tackling and passing out to Sharp, and later on McDermott looked like being a dangerous customer to deal with, when he unfortunately ran the ball out of play. Prescott and Montgomery, the home full backs, were playing a stubborn game, and then the whole of the County forwards raced away in strong line, and put in centres that must have defeated a slack defence, Taylor and Sharp then got away. A minute later Balmer missed his kick, but fortunately for his side, a Notts player came under the notice of the referee for infringement. The passages of the game continued to be stubbornly contested, and it was brimful of interest. Abbott shot magnificently, and Pennington brought off a clever save, though a moment later the home goal had an exceedingly narrow escape from a second attempt by Abbott. The keeper managed to scoop the ball over the line, but the corner kick was unproductive. The home side next took up the attack, but Glen was slow to take a pass from Green though a moment later Balmer was lucky in charging down a stinging shot from Gee. In the next minute Kitchen saved from Griffiths and Glen. Then followed a smart run down by the Everton van. Pennington ran out from his goal, and coming into contact with Young he lay on the field, leaving McDermott with an absolutely open goal, which he missed. The keeper retired, and Bull, the centre half went in goal. Play was immediately forced on the home right and Sharp finished up with a capital pass to Taylor, who skimmed the bar with a fast rising shot. Pennington returned after an absence of three minutes, but at this stage there was no mistaking the earnestness of the Everton forwards, who, in addition to sending in fairly good shots, called out the best efforts of the County backs. A smart run down by Corrin was the next item and just as he crossed the penalty line Griffiths tripped him up. The referee give a penalty kick , and Sharp placed the ball into the net, play having been in progress close upon half an hour. Getting to work again Humphreys and Green made play on the home right, and the former apparently forced a corner off Crelly, but the referee did not uphold the claim. A fine long kick by Balmer placed his forwards well ahead, but Corrin and McDermott got in each other's way, and a good opening was lost. A big effort was put forward by the County, but the three Everton halves were playing a great game. Sharp charged down a return from Montgomery, and racing on put in a lighting shot, which passed just outside the right. After another strong attack the Everton left wing pair got away, and Corrin headed in to Pennington, who brought off a fine save low down. McDermott next tested the keeper without success, and for some few minutes the Notts defence was subjected to much pressure. Green them sent in a long shot, and Kitchen gave a corner. Half-time Notts County nil, Everton 1.
Resuming, the County were the first to make a movement towards goal, when Abbott came to the rescue by intercepting a pass to Humphreys, but a moment later the same players came into contact. Abbott was penalised, Prescott took the free kick, and Kitchen had to came out to fist away, but in a trice the ball was back again, and a corner kick ensued. It was a near squeak for Everton, but the signulised the escape by putting in a great effort, and by the aid principally of Sharp the ball was taken to the other end of the field. The cross shot, however, went beside the mark, but, returing again, the Everton forwards put on pressure, though they could not get in a parting shot at Pennington, who was ably covered by his backs. Corrin next sent over the line, but Booth put his men in possession again. Taylor got away, with, however, no success. Everton did most of the pressing, and Booth easily scored, the visitors second goal from a corner. Twenty minutes later McDermott added another, and the Evertonians eventually retired easy winners, by three goals to nil.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 BLACK LANE TEMPERANCE 0
January 4, 1904. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 15)
Dilly takes three Penalty kicks, and scores from one.
At Goodison Park. The home side had the best of matters throughout. Dilly opened the score from a penalty kick in the first few minutes, and O'Hagan added a second. Sheridan put on a third goal, and Everton led by three goals to nil at the interval. On resuming Dilly hit the post and Crossbar from a couple of penalty kicks, but Rankin and O'Hagan (2) put further goals for the home side. Final result Everton 6, Black-Lane nil. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and R.Balmer, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Wildman half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan, McAdams, Dilly, and O'Hagan, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 4, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton has had a most agreeable experience during the festive season, which has now passed away. Their programme has not been unusually arduous but they have fulfilled three engagements and what is more important than anything else, success has attended them on each occasion. Notts only have they regained possession of the Liverpool cup, which their neighbours from Anfield road held, but in two away League matches they obtained the full quotes of points. It was a great achievement to defeat Manchester City at Hyde-road, and almost as meritorious was their victory at Nottingham on Saturday. Against the County they even improved upon their record of the previous week, for whereas Manchester City were beaten by three goals to one, Notts had three goal scored against them without having the satisfaction of once finding their opponents net. The game was by no means brilliant, and probably the hard ground, and slippery surface had something to do with this. Moreover, throughout Everton were so distinctly the clever side that only at rare intervals was the exchanges such as to produce keen excitement. In all departments the Evertonians outshone their opponents, and this was particularly the case in respect of the half-backs lines of the clubs. Whereas Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, always hold the upper hand, the County halves were enable to anything like effectively break up the combination of the visiting forwards. No doubt the Notts club suffered by the loss of the services of Mainman, who is an ex-Everton player, and who in Nottingham has gained the reputation of being one of the most worrying half-backs that have appeared in the lace capital. Although from the outset Everton always gave one the impression that they were masters of the situation, the only goal which accured in the first half were the result of a penalty kick, which Sharp converted. A section of the spectators rather strenuously expressed their disapproval of the decision of Mr.Nunnerley, the referee, but there was no question that an offence had been committed which left the referee no option but to grant a penalty kick. In the second half Everton soon made matters secure. First Booth turned a corner kick, nicely placed by Sharp to good account, and later on a surprise shot from McDermott struck the post and glided into the net. This, of course absolutely settled the issue, and probably, if Everton had been really pressed, they might have occasioned still further disaster to Notts County. However, they were quite content with their substantial, and the result was that they gave an exhibition of clever football, which even delighted the somewhat, disappointed supporters of the home club. In this respect McDermott was a shinning light. The extraordinary deftness with which he tricked opponent after opponent and always managed to pass the ball to one of his own colleagues was worthy of warm commendation. Indeed, from his display on Saturday, there are few forwards whose footwork is on a higher plane of excellence than is that of the Everton inside left. As the score suggests, the Everton defence was exceedingly effective. Kitchen was rarely troubled with anything like a dangerous shot, and he was admirably supported by his backs and half-backs. It is worthy of note, as showing the high standard of Everton's defence this season, that only one club in the League- Sheffield Wednesday- have had fewer goals scored against them. This is a feature on which Everton supporters may pride themselves, and with a continuance of the form which the team are showing at present it is by no means impossible that they will have a good deal to say as to the destination not only of League championship honours, but as to the possession of the English Cup. The home side were an unevenly balanced team. The work of the forwards could only be described as fitful. On many occasions spirited running along the wing was followed by ineptitude on the part of the inside men, and the visiting defenders were afforded much latitude in repelling attacks upon their charge. The ex-Evertonian, Gee, was often a source of danger on the left wing, and one of his shots-a remarkably clever drive- only just missed the mark by the merest shave. The half-backs did not compare favourably with the Everton trio. This to some extent was due to the fact that they were so repeatedly employed in shaving off the dashing movements of the visiting forwards. At times Prescott and Montgomery put in much good work, but neither appeared to be thoroughly reliable, and Pennington though suffering from a sprained wrist, could scarcely be blamed for any of the shots that defeated him.

Jack Robinson of Glasgow Rangers and Ex Everton Player (1897-98)

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 04 January 1904
There is no doubt that the Everton eleven are just now in a winning vein, and if they can only maintain their present standard of excellence they ought not to be far from the top of the League ladder at the close of the season. After wresting the handsome trophy known as the Liverpool Cup from the Anfielders on New Year’s Day, the Evertonians travelled to Nottingham and defeated the County team by the comfortable margin of 3 goals to nil. All things considered the game was by no means a great one, but there was no mistaking the superiority of the Goodison Park brigade. From first to last they displayed better footwork and nester combination than their opponents, and in the second half they literally made rings round the home defence. The Nottingham club was somewhat handicapped by the absence, through injuries received at Bury, of Mainman and Dainty, but apart from this, they were always overmatched. The first half only relished one goal, this being secured by a penalty kick. The point was awarded through Griffiths grassing Corrin within the proscribed area, and Sharp had little difficulty in netting the ball quite out of Pennington’s reach.
In the second half, as already indicated, the Evertonians showed improved methods, and before the end came Booth and McDermott each credited themselves with a goal. The forward play generally was smart, dashing and effective. Young it is true, might have been better in the forward position, but the others all performed excellently. Sharp and Corrin put in any amount of centres, and McDermott again showed his rare cleverness in tricking and beating the half-backs. Booth, Wolstenholme, and Abbott once more commanded general admiration by the sterling character of their work, and Balmer and Crelly were always confident and resourceful. Kitchen in goal had comparatively little to do, but, like Gilbert’s Peers in “Good King George’s glorious days,” he did that little well. The County team did not appear to advantage in any department and it rather looked as though they were suffering from the severe gruelling administered by Bury on Friday, Ellie Gee, the old Evertonian, was probably the most dangerous of the forwards, and Ball played a characteristically sound game.

NOTTS COUNTY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 04 January 1904
At Nottingham, before 10,000 spectators. The home team had Dainty and Mainman absent, injured. Everton had rather the better of the opening exchanges. Pennington saved finely from Taylor, but after half an hour Griffiths tripped Corrin, and Sharp scored from the penalty. Kitchen conceded a corner from Green, whose shot almost beat him. Towards the interval Notts pressed hard, but their forwards were erratic, and failed to score. Half-time Everton 1 Notts nil.
It transpired Pennington had sprained his right wrist in the first half, but he resumed after the interval. Everton were superior all round, and Booth headed a second goal from a corner, while a miskick by Montgomery led to a third from McDermott. Nottingham rearranged their forward rank, but with little better effect, Everton maintaining a stout defence and generally having the better of the argument. Notts forced two abortive corners just before the finish.
Result;- Everton 3 Notts 0
Everton; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards.
Notts County;- Pennington, goal; Prescott and Mongomery, backs; Griffiths, Bull (Captain) and McDonald, half-backs; Humphreys, Green, Ross, Glen, and Gee, forwards.

NOTTS v EVERTON
Nottingham Journal - Monday 04 January 1904
COUNTRY UNEXPECTED REVERSE
At Trent Bridge on Saturday Everton demonstrated their all-round superiority over the Notts. County team by deservedly winning in handsome fashion, although the margin between the rivals was not so pronounced as three “clear” gaols represents without any qualification. The Everton defence was very fine, and the home forwards could not get past them; while the County defenders were not so safe and allowed the visitors’ front rank plenty of openings through their mistakes. The following is a description of the match;-
Notts County; Pennington, goal; Prescott and Montgomery, backs; Griffiths, Bull (Captain) and McDonald, half-backs; Humphreys, and Green, right wing; W. Ross, centre; Glen and Gee, left wing.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, right wing; Settle (It was Young -blue-correspondent) , centre; McDermott and Corrin, left wing.
Referee; Mr. W. Nunnerley, Welsh F.A. Linesmen; Messrs W. Lawson and F. Louch.
Notts, after all, had only one change from yesterday, namely, Griffiths for Mainman at right half-back. The weather was warmer and very pleasant, and the ground if it has been rolled would have been in perfect condition. As it was, however, it looked good enough for anything, and favoured a fast game. Bull won the toss and in electing to face the Radcliffe-road end had a little wind at his back. Young started the game in the presence of about 6,000 people and the opening exchanges were somewhat uneventful, except for a couple of lively breaks away by the home left wing. Just now Wolstenholme slipped out a long pace to the speedy Sharp, who came down the line like a hare, but Montgomery forced him into the corner and finally the ball went out of play. Booth managed to check Ross when the home centre was looking dangerous and for a little after this the Everton forwards put on some pressure, but were not able to reach Pennington. Going to the other end Gee slipped round Wolstenholme and Balmer, and plied the handsome Kitchen with a capital centre, which the custodian pitched out to Young, who set his forwards on the move again. Sharp was fed persistently, and although he appeared to be doing a lot of running about he never got the ball in the centre, so effectively was he watched by McDonald and Montgomery. The home forwards times broke through the opposing half-back line, but were slow in backing up in front of goal, with the result that Crelly and Balmer had plenty of time to clear in open country. The ball was particularly lively, and the calculations of the players were frequently upset by its bounding propensities. Notts, apparated to be going through when a foul against Ross sent them back, and the “blue and whites” took advantage of the free kick to tie a tight cordon round the home goal. First Abbott called on Pennington with a reaming long drive, and there followed a sharp scrimmage under the bar, in the course of which Pennington’s hand was kicked when stopping a mischievous-looking, short-ranged grounder. Sharp went off for a little time set the visitors continued to make the running and required a good deal of stopping. Eventually, however, Bull got the leather out of the pack and Ross, accompanied by Glen, wormed his way through to the immediate vicinity of Kitchen. Either of them appeared to have a chance to shoot, but while stopping for the briefest space to decide which Balmer came in between them and spoiled their little game. Everton immediately retaliated and Pennington again got in the wars when he rushed out to bamboozle Sharp. The Notts goalkeeper left the field for a brief space and Bull deputised under the bar, but his opponents found his practically no work to do and soon Pennington was back again. The visitors, who were very quick and clever, kept the proceedings in their opponents quarters and when about half an hour had elapsed Sharp recorded a goal for them from a penalty kick. It was Griffiths who was said to have offended, but from our coign of vantage he appeared to merely charge McDermott in a legitimate manner. Deserved or underserved, their success simulated the Lancashire team to increased efforts and it was seldom the home team managed to place themselves on the attack. When ever they did elude the vigilance of the Everton intermediate division there was no methods about their play and more often than not the men seemed to be in each other’s way. At all events they could not reach Kitchen, and at the other end Sharp, forcing his way between Prescott and Montgomery, tried a flying drive which passed about a foot outside the post. From a pass by Taylor, Young headed into Pennington’s arms, and McDermott was penalised for bowling the custodian over after he had parted with the leather. As the interval drew near Notts, infused more earnestness and method into their endeavours, and Green woke up Kitchen with a magnificent long shot which came very awkwardly to the Everton custodian. It was a fast, bouncing ball, and might just as easily have scored as not, but as it was Kitchen managed to divert its course at the expense of a corner which was not improved upon. The visitors had another innings, and then Gee put in one of his characteristic runs, but none of his colleagues were in position, and Crelly returned to midfield. Glen subsequently tested Kitchen with a clever hook from the corner flag, and the interval then arrived with Everton still leading.
Half-time; Everton 1 Notts 0
It transpired during the interregnum that Pennington had sprained his right wrist in falling over Sharp, and he reappeared with the injured part swathed in bandages. Hardly had the ball been restarted when Abbott brought Humphreys to earth by a very heavy charge in the back, and from Prescott’s excellently-placed free kick the Everton goal underwent a short bombardment. Kitchen’s height served him in good stead in pulling down a high shot from Humphreys, but when Green took aim Crelly unconsciously gave a corner in attempting to charge down the Notts forward’s effort. Humphreys manoeuvred the flag-kick with judgement, but McDermott, in making the commendable attempt to pull the ball back into the goalmouth, out it out of play. The “blue and whites” made a lot of ground from the goal kick, their forwards working like a well-oiled machine, but Sharp, who was entrusted with most of the finishing business, hadn’t got his shooting boots on, and he was usually wide of the mar. Some determined work by Ross and his left wing was the next feature to note, but they had two splendid men opposed to them in Wolstenholme and Balmer, and only once did Gee contrive to put the leather in front of Kitchen, on which occasion Abbott collected the centre and gave Corrin and McDermott something to go on with. Griffiths who from the start had rendered consistently good service, checkmated a move by this pair, and immediately afterwards Glen and Gee again assailed. The result of their attack was a lively passage of arms under the Everton bar, but the backs having relieved, the Everton forwards retaliated gamely, and a number of shots were directed at Pennington. He was so well covered, however, that none of them reached him, and the theatre of hostilities was transferred to Everton ground where Crelly deliberately fisted a bouncing ball. Fortunately for his side his impulsiveness manifested itself outside the penalty line, and Notts failed to make anything out of the place kick. Directly afterwards Sharp and Taylor bore down in insinuating fashion on Pennington’s citadel and eventually compelled Montgomery to concede a corner from which Booth headed a second goal for Everton when the half was fourteen minutes’ old. Nothing daunted by stress of weather the Notts, forwards buckled on their armour anew and reorganised themselves, Green going centre, Ross outside right, with Humphreys sandwiched between the two. The combination of the line was better than it had been, though still open to improvement, but the determination of the men time after time forced Everton back on their own goal, and served to emphasise the grand defence of the visitors, which covered Kitchen perfectly. Gee experienced hard lines with a wicked-looking flying centre which very likely would have taken effect had not the wind tucked the ball back a bit, while Green also was exercising his shooting abilities to some effect. As already indicated, however, the Lancastrians’ defence was very fine, and everything that came along was successfully collected and returned. Montgomery knocked Taylor off the ball when another goal appeared certain, and, taken altogether there was plenty of incident about the football, which was fought on remarkably even terms. Eleven minutes from the close mis-kicking by Mongomery let Taylor and Sharp through, and McDermott put the visitors three ahead, the ball striking the post before going over the line. Immediately afterwards Corrin and McDermott again threatened the home goal, and the former was winded by Prescott there being a break in the proceeding while the young forward underwent resuscitation. Resuming, the visiting half-backs and forwards emphasised how valuable neat and well-timed passes are, and although the shooting of the front line was inclined to be wild, they over-played their rivals in point of tactics. As time drew near the home team made a better organised attempt to give a more favourable aspect to the score sheet, and in rapid succession Gee, Ross, Humphreys, and Green had all caused Kitchen to handle. The crowd clamoured for a penalty against one of the Everton defenders for holding Glen, but the referee did not oblige, and subsequent events showed that the home revival was but a flash in the pan. Just on time Kitchen thumped out from a corner kick, and after a breakaway by Corrin, Taylor missed an open goal from his centre. Pennington was in the act of clearing when the end came, with the result;
Everton 3 Notts 0

THE LANCASHIRE CUP TIE DIFFICULTY
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 06 January 1904
A meeting of the Lancashire Association was held at Blackburn for the playing of the Lancashire Cup ties on Saturday in cases where they clashed with League and Combination fixtures.
The case of St Helens Recreation and Everton was first taken. The clubs are drawn to meet at Everton but the latter have a League match with Sheffield United, and offered to play their reserve team at St. Helens. The latter club objected, as they had a Combination match, and Everton then wished to scratch. Subsequently it was found that under Rule 8 Everton had power to choose either of the two grounds, and the meeting decided that St. Helens must play the tie on their own ground on Saturday, or, failing that at Everton on or before Wednesday.

JOHN CAMERON AND ENGLISH CLUBS
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, January 6 1904
F. Johnson, Crouch Hill.- Tottenham Hotspurs is not the only English club that has had the benefit of Cameron’s services. He played regularly for Everton before coming South for some time as an amateur, afterwards becoming a pro, for that club. (Frank-blue Correspondent) R. Brettle, the former secretary of the Tottenham Hotspur Club, was I believe, the one that first introduced Cameron to the Southern club, and a rare good “find” he has been, I should think.

HOLMES'S BENEFIT MATCH POSTPONED.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Friday 08 January 1904
The Combination match between City and Everton Reserves to-morrow, which has been set apart tot the benefit of Holmes, has had to postponed, owing fact that Everton have a Cup tie that day with St. Helens Recreation. The tickets, however, which have been sold will available when the match played.

LANCASHIRE F.A. SUPPORT A LEAGUE CLUB
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 09 January 1904
Let me mention briefly as possibe the case of St. Helens Recreation and Everton. Everton had choice of ground, and here allow me to point out that the Lancashire Cup rule differs from that of the Football Association Cup compeition. In the latter the club drawn first cannot select a ground other than that on which its is accustomed to play "without the consent of the oppsoing club" but the Lancashire rule is that the club which comes out first shall have choice of ground, which must be "the private ground of one of the contesting clubs." The difference is important, in view of what is to follow. Everton having the choice initimated to St. Helens that they had a League match at Goodison Park on Saturday, january 9th the date for the match to be played, but offered to send the Combination team to St. helens on that date - which would have complying with all the requirements of the Lancashire Football Association. As an alternative they were willing to play the match at Goodison Park on Monday the 11th. Neither suggestion commended itself to the St. helen's Recreation and Everton were anxious to scratch. Other counsels however, resulted in one or more Everton representatives approaching St. helens prepared I am assured, to accompany one or other of the above proposals with some finanical inducement, though this was not at all incumbent on the Everton club. So off-handed, however, was the treatment received from St. Helens that no offer was actually made, and the Toffees were decidedly anxious to scratch. The Lancashire Football Association would not agree to this, and ordered the match to be played at St. Helens today or at Everton on or before next Wednesday -virtually forcing St. Helens to accept one or other of Everton's original proposals, the only difference being that the time is extended to Wednesday, which does not, of course, affect the principle of the thing.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 09 January 1904
Everton v Sheffield United
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.40
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Reserves. R. Balmer and Young.
Everton v St. Helens Recs
Lancashire Cup tie, at St. Helens; Lime-street Station 1.15; kick-off 2.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Wildman, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Young, O’Hagan, and Hardman, forwards. Reserves; Simpson and Dilly.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 9 1904
ABBOTT NETS EVERTON’S FIRST GOAL
SETTLE ADDS A SECOND
By pigeon Post and Telephone
The “Baldes” visited Goodison park today, bent on maintaining their position of supremacy in the League table. Excellent weather greeted them on arrival, and this in itself guaranteed a big crowd of enthusiasts anxious to view the “Blades” whose doughty deeds this season have been chronicled on all hands. Everton have of late shown form which might make them out equal to any emergency, and the task of overcoming the leaders in the League tourney was one the supporters of the Blues would be delighted to see successfully undertaken. The United played Annan, the ex-Sunderland back, instead of Boyle, and for Everton R. Balmer played vice Crelly. The Evertonians have not afforded their home supporters an opportunity of witnessing their most meritorious performances; indeed, they have more frequently disappointed them. Today was, however, recognised as a really great opportunity which the Blues might rise up to and rekindle the enthusiasm of those who champion their excuse through good and bad fortune. When the teams appeared it was noticed that Crelly was an absentee, owing to non-recovery from his injury sustained in last Saturday’s encounter with Notts County. The weather was grand when Settle led off before 20,000 spectators. Booth made an effort to support his move, but it was left to R. Balmer to put the Blues on attack, and away went McDermott and Corrin merrily. Here Booth followed up, and sent the leather flying towards the Blades; Bulky Warden, then Wilkinson interception and headed away. Almost immediately after Sharp darted off, but Wilkinson once more proved too alert. A free kick at half-way landed the ball to Lipsham, who let in his centre very prettily, only to find W. Balmer all there when wanted. The Everton left back was again called upon by the united efforts of Priest and Brown, but he once more cleared handsomely, and some desperate rushes were then made by the home left wingers. Thickett saved his side time and again, and at last the Sheffielders made a great run down. Common shooting wide of the mark. Following this, Taylor was on two occasions spoiled by Wilkinson, but at the third attempt he got Sharp going, who was at once pronounced offside. The visitors made nothing of the free kick, for almost immediately Booth and Taylor put in some capital footwork, but Needham was successful in his efforts to keep the right-wingers in check. Sharp now put in one of his very best runs, and steadied himself for a centre, when Annan fell in front of him and nearly brought Sharp over. Soon after the cricketer did manage the trick, and, a Annan replied, Booth took up the challenge, and “Foulkes responded ably,” by kicking the ball out of the goal mouth. The Blues continued to operate in sprightly fashion, but found the Blades half-back line great experts at breaking up combination. At last Wilkinson gave his left wing a grand opportunity and Lipsham took the leather up almost to the corner flag, from whence he located Kitchen with a swift and accurate shot, which the home custodian negotiated. Shortly after this the ball was lobbed up to Settle, who at once passed out to his right, Sharp fastened on, and took the ball forward, afterwards getting in a very good centre. McDermott missed, but Corrin came on the scene and steadied himself for a shot at goal, but missed the bull’s eye. A futile visit was then paid by the Sheffielders to the Everton goal, after which Settle appeared well placed at the other end, but was pulled up by the referee. The free kick was taken up by the Blades’ forwards, who passed beautifully from right to left, but when the attack was pushed home W. Balmer bored his way in and routed the invaders. The Everton halves got the better of a hard struggle in midfield, and subsequently Settle nipped in between Needham and Wilkinson and tested Foulkes. The ball was not successfully cleared, and Everton maintained the attack on the left, and were eventually successful in gaining a corner from their redoubtable opponents. The Sheffielders had not much trouble in disposing of the corner, but it brought disaster for after the exchanges in front of Foulkes, Johnson relived the pressure only to find Abbott in possession. Wilkinson joined in the effort to dispossess the half-back, but Abbott trickly evaded their attentions, and let fly at Foulkes with a beautifully swift drive. Straight as an arrow sped the ball, and just as swiftly, and found its mark after passing over Foulkes’s shoulder. The Sheffield giant appeared utterly dumbfounded when he discovered how completely Abbott had beaten him. This success, after nineteen minutes of play, evoked the utmost enthusiasm, and Abbott was warmly and frantically handshaken. Numerous bouts of end to end play followed, the play being fairly equally divided; and then there were some very spicy bits between Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, but on two occasions Wolstenholme relieved by means of brilliant play. Settle, Sharp, and Taylor followed with grand efforts, which were effectively replied to by Annan; and on the opposite wing Corrin was getting beautifully placed when Thickett by more than doubtful play, brought him down. The same Sheffield player continued his queer tactics, but gained no notice from the referee, although the crowd were not slow to express their disapprobation. Hearty cheers greeted Taylor for his play to Settle, but this made little or no impression on the visitors’ defence, it being left to Corrin to pierce the Sheffield lines. When Everton came bounding towards the goal it looked serious for the Blades but “Little Willie” rushed out of goal and unceremoniously bowled Corrin over. The United made a promising venture on their right, and Bennett took the ball up to the corner flag without much serious opposition, but his final effort “just shaved the bar.” This was one of the most effectual attacks the Blades had made. Everton responded with some brilliant footwork, in which Sharp, Settle, Taylor and McDermott all shone to advantage, and gave the Sheffield halves much the worst of the encounter. Finally, the leather was worked into nice position for McDermott, and immediately Foulkes had a hot handful to get rid off. Next came a free kick for Everton, taken by Booth, but it brought no grist. The Blades then paid a visit to Kitchen. A couple of minutes before the interval Foulkes met with his second defeat. It resulted from Sharp’s magnificent effort. All along he had been playing with splendid dash and method, and good work by Booth put the cricketer in possession. As he came racing along with the leather at his toe. Needham and Annan attempted to sandwich him, but Sharp pluckily resisted, and slipped in between when he was free to centre at his ease. Settle was in waiting and before the astonished Foulkes could make an effort the ball was safely netted.
Half-time score; Everton 2 goals, Sheffield United Nil.
At the interval the gate must have rises to 30,000. Restarting, R. Balmer prevented a move on the Sheffield right, and Booth also checked on the left. Then the Blades were favoured with a free kick in good position, but the leather was forced behind without any particular danger to Kitchen. The Evertonians took up the attack along their right, and then crossed the leather to Corrin, who forced a corner. Abbott took the leather, but proved anything but a “wide” marksman. Another foul against Everton forced Kitchen to concede another corner, and he again scored splendidly from Needham. Yet another foul, and Taylor and Booth defending gamely. Then a characteristic rush and centre by Sharp, which Settle answered by heading back, and the granted advantage was lost. A succession of fouls were given against Everton, and a quite exciting time in front, of Kitchen followed. The home goalkeeper gave a corner, but at last the tension was relived and Sharp darted down his wing in fine style, his centre being met by Corrin and put outside. Keeping up the attack. Everton claimed a corner, but this proved fruitless, and after Balmer had a lovely shot at goal, the Blades put on high pressure, a strong movement ending when Common just failed to reach the ball in front of the home goal. Taylor became busy at the other end, and then McDermott sent in a ground shot, which Foulkes saved at the expense of a corner. Foulkes saved again from Taylor, and play was removed to midfield.
Final Result; Everton 2 goals, Sheffield United Nil.
Everton.—Kitchen. goal; R. Balmer and W. Balmer backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Settle, and Corrin, forwards.
Sheffield United.—Foulkes, goal; Thickett and Annan, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs; Bennett, Common, Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.

EVERTON V. SHEFFIELD UNITED.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 11 January 1904
THE LEADERS LOSE GROUND.
Last season's results:—At Everton: Everton 1, Sheffield United 0. At Lane: Everton 2, Sheffield United 3,
The visit of the League leaders to Goodison Park attracted 30,000 spectators, who witnessed keen and interesting game, which the home side gained a creditable victory by two goals to none. The Sheffielders were without Boyle, who is on the injured list, and Annan, the young back from Sunderland, was given an opportunity of showing what he could do in first-class company. Bennett again re-appeared in the team in place of Lang. Everton, too, were short of one their unusal backs, Creilly, who was injured on the previous Saturday, and R. Balmer consequently partnered W.Balmer. Needham won the toss, and in the first half had a slight breeze behind him. The opening saw two attempts by Everton's left cleverly thwarted on the centre line, and Bennett was repulsed by R. Balmer. Everton from this went right down, and forced a corner in tho opening minute, from which Wilkinson headed out a fast shot Booth. A good deal of close work in front of Kitchen brought the older Balmer out twice, and Annan sent Sharp back as he tried to break through. He went over to Thickett's help a moment later, and again cleared well, though this time into touch. A very fine bit of work by Needham set Common going, and dribbling on, he got in a superb long shot, which brought Kitchen down full length, the ball barely missing the post. The pace was great, both those splendid sets of halves being seen to distinction, but United still had the balance play. Priest was badly pushed in back by Abbott, but the foul passed, whilst Taylor accepted a pass front Foulker when clean off-side. He also was allowed to go on. Twice Foulkes cleared by mighty punches, Annan overhauled Sharp very finely in race his form far having been quite sound and good, whilst Thickett was a tower strength. Then came a fine breakaway Everton, Sharp planting the ball well over, but Corrin, though by himself, made a poor attempt to score. United getting clear again, Lipsham headed a fine cross by Bennett well into goal, for backs to clear. Then at the end of 20 minutes, Abbott tried a shot well over 30 yards away, and fairly beat Foulkes, the ball going at express speed into the top corner o net. United strove very hard after this, and once looked like scoring, but were sent back. A wonderfully well placed free kick by Thickett nearly saw the goal come. Kitchen just saving on the line after W. Balmer had erred. Very good work between Lipsham and Needham came to nothing, through Lipsham failing to centre accurately, though a fine, hard shot by Johnson gave Kitchen a world of trouble under the bar. Another fine shot from half-back, this time by Booth, was saved by Foulkes, without difficulty. Wilkinson was penalised for holding in midfield, but United came back again Bennett sending in a lovely shot from the flag, which curled over crossbar. Then the game waged faster than ever, most of the work being done by Everton, who gained a free kick on the penalty line. This had to be twice taken, in the end it was charged down. A great long shot by Booth was charged down, when well on the mark, and a melee a in front of Kitchen ended in his favour. Priest when close beneath, pulled centre from the over his head, and just over the bar, a piece of very bad luck. Kitchen had another nasty one to clear from Annan, nearly falling in the effort, and Sharp, though hard pressed, went on, passed across to the centre, and Settle had nothing to do but add a fine second goal. This was close on half-time which arrived with United two goals behind. United set about their task in the second ball stoutly enough, but the opening movements inclined to scrappiness. A free kick fell to then: close in, but Lipsham made poor use of the ball, when it came. Then Corrin swung in a fine centre, which Annan punted over his own goal, and a red-hot shot from Abbott barely missed the mark from the well-placed corner kick. Another free kick came to the visitors, Needham shooting at great speed dead at Kitchen, who was forced give a corner, and again had hard work to clear his lines. Again United took free kick, barely beyond the penalty line—three in five minutes but from this Sharp went right away, and beat Annan near the flag, and planted the ball right to Corrin, who could hardly have helped scoring had he steadied himself. As it was he elected head in, and the ball went astray. United had the hardest of luck just afterwards, Bennett ;. heading a fine screw from Lipsham into goalmouth and it being eventually worked just the wrong side of the post. A delightful dribble by McDermott was completed by brilliant screw at Foulkes—just pushed outside as he fell full length; and the corner saw another of Abbott's shots, this time a little wide. However, at this time Everton had a lot the better of the game, but at last Bennett and Common carried the ball down, Lipsham, when badly placed, hooking it high over the bar. Still, United kept at it, and after Priest had worked well for an opening, and had one charged down, Bennett, with a left-foot, shot, placed the ball wide. Again there was a hot time in front of Kitchen, but a warm shot by Bennett was too square. United still pressed, their work being full of dash, but an appeal for a penalty was disregarded, and they were ultimately sent back. This time Corrin got in a gem from the line, Foulkes punching the ball from under the bar, and Johnson at the other end being grassed as he shot. Thickett too saved cleverly, whilst Foulkes had a near shot to pick up. Yet another onslaught was foiled, through Thickett beating Corrin very cleverly indeed quite close to Foulkes. With mist gathering over the ground it was now no easy matter to say who was responsible for the different movements. A bad mistake by Thickett let Corrin in, but Foulkes cleared, and directly after Abbott shot wide at terrific speed. A smart bit of play between Bennett and Common saw the latter race clear, and put in a fast shot which was beautifully cleared by Kitchen. This led to more work in front of the United goal, and to a fine passing run by Settle, McDermott, and Corrin but latter's shot went too high. United pressed hard at the finish, but could not score. Result: EVERTON 2 goals 1 Sheffield United 0 goals :— Everton.—Kitchen. goal; Balmer and R. Balmer backs ; Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Settle, and Corrin, forwards, Sheffield United.—Foulkes, goal; Thickett and Annan, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham. half-backs; Bennett, Common. Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards. Referee- Mr. R.S. Carr, London.

DOWNFALL OF THE LEADERS
Athletic News - Monday 11 January 1904
By Harricus
The match at Bramall Lane between Sheffield United and Everton earlier in the season was one of the best contested games I have seen since September came in, and though Everton lost by the odd goal they were quite as good their conquerors, and. therefore, I looked forward to another keen struggle for supremacy in the return at Goodison Park on Saturday. But I am afraid that the directors of the top club in the League table would hardly be satisfied with the display of their men, and certainly they did not strike one as the probable League champions during their ninety minutes' performance on Mersey side, particularly so after the interval. Their defeat of 2—0 was quite deserved, and the only consolation which could be derived from the visit is that they are still No. 1. The match, too, was played on its merits, for with one exception each side turned out what might be termed their best eleven.
 ABBOTT A SCORER.
Walter Abbott was a crack shot when with Small Heath, for whom he figured as inside left, and he has not forgotten the art of shooting since falling back into the middle line. He led the way in the scoring department on Saturday after about 20 minutes' play, for following a corner he secured the ball and, from about a twenty-five yards' range he drove it straight at goal at a hot pace. Foulke’s figure seemed to spread itself out to cover the whole of the goal space, but the ball just managed to evade his outstretched arms and find its way into the top corner of net. It was a fine point. This reverse did not appear to worry the United men, for they seemed bent on equalizing, and one of the most dangerous shots came from the new back, who, after dispossessing Sharp, put in a long dropping shot which would just have gone into the net under the crossbar, but for the fact that Kitchen’s long arm found its way to the leather at the correct moment. Then right away John Sharp rushed along, and looked like finishing a brilliant run with a goal, but rather than shoot he crossed squarely. It was the right thing as it happened, for Settle was in the way of the ball, and from him it rolled over the chalk mark which runs between the two uprights. It is not often a goal walks home, but Settle was close in, and Foulke seemed too astounded to attempt to clear. A nimble custodian might have performed an acrobatic feat and thrown himself in the direction of the ball, but Foulke could not trust his formidable proportions for such a display, so he stood by, looking sorrowfully on as the ball passed him, ever so near and yet too far.
TWO AHEAD.
With a couple of goals in hand the home side felt on good terms with themselves at the interval; indeed, very little of the second half had passed by when it made only too apparent that the League leaders would have to return home pointless, and one result was that the game went quieter, the crowd urging the blue coat boys to play up. They had the match in hand, however, and though Corrin did shoot the ball into the net he was off-side —the multitude thought the referee off-side also, a little weakness with crowds by the way—the end arriving with Everton still with two goals in hand, so that they have had just the best of the deal with Sheffield United in the campaign of 1903-4. A goal might win the championship you know. I must admit that I was rather disappointed with the display of the United. They have generally struck me as a “play all the way" team, but there is no doubt that the fact of two goals being scored against them in the first half took much of that spirit out of them which has undoubtedly gained them renown. One deduction may be correctly made from the fact—they met their superiors, which was quite so. Somehow Everton seem to play better away from home than at Goodison when I drop across them, but they performed to satisfaction on Saturday. Every department was satisfactory, and though some individual posts were stronger than others, I don't suppose there will be any critical letters in the Liverpool papers this week.
JACK SHARP’S EFFERVESCENCE.
Jack Sharp, by name and nature, might truthfully be applied to the Lancashire County cricketer. He was the don of the team, his sparkling runs on the wing quite disconcerting the opposing defenders, and often enough Bernard Wilkinson had to come to the aid of Needham, while in a run for the ball it was Sharp, 1: Annan. 2; easy. By the way, Sharp was the only one of the five forwards who appeared at Sheffield who retained the same position. He seems to be regarded as an outside right or nothing. Yet did he not play centre forward for Aston Villa, and was he not an inside right in an international match? He had a rare and good helpmate in Jocky Taylor, a veteran who will not be pushed out of the team. Settle, too, lent the wing every assistance; indeed, it would appear that James is again blossoming as a centre forward with first-class credentials. McDermott was hardily so happy as when he was Sharp’s partner, and he and Corrin paled in comparison with the other wing. The ex-Celt did not do badly though, but I should not like to say that Corrin is any improvement on Hardman. The half-backs were as usual. Wolstenholme kicking in all positions. Booth heading and kicking the ball alternately and Abbott endeavoring to hit Foulke with the ball to see the effect produced. All good alike. The brothers Balmer were very sound behind, Robert playing with more confidence than when I saw him last. His tackling was well judged, and his boots have evidently been hardened at the toes, judging from his punting. Kitchen in goal completed a successful side.
SHEFFIELD SOOTHING SYRUP
With the exception of Boyle United had out the eleven which will win the League championship—or fail in the attempt.  They are certainly a good side, and showed it in the first half, despite the fact that they dropped a couple of goals, but they failed to stay the course, a failing which will not keep them at the head of the table.  Foulke, like Kitchen, had not a great amount of work to perform, and certainly with the first goal he had no chance. The new back, Annan, is a well-built Scot, who should make a good man. He was by no means disgraced, and will not have to meet Sharp every week. Thickett commenced splendidly, kicking and tackling like a youth in his teens, but he fell away.  The half-backs had their work cut out, and notwithstanding that Needham was sorely bothered, he proved that he is still an expert.  Wilkinson was always bobbing up and down, and Johnson likewise kept at it.  It was in the forward line where the United failed in comparison with the opposition.  Bennett’s return was not attended with happy results so far as he was personally concerned, and of the five, Lipsham was perhaps the most effective.  Everton; Kitchen; W. Balmer, R. Balmer; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin.  Sheffield United; Foulke; Thackett, and Annan; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham; Bennett, Common, Brown, Priest and Lipsham.  Referee; R.S. Carr, London. 

EVERTON RESERVES DRAW
Athletic News - Monday 11 January 1904
In their Lancashire Combination match with Manchester United, the Everton second team only share the honours of a draw, one goal each being obtained.  Schofield scored for the United, and Young equalized.  Near the finish Hayes failed with a penalty kick, and thus Everton were rather lucky in averting defeat.  Young, Rankin, and Sheridan were the most prominent forwards in the home eleven, though near goal there was ample room for improvement.  Russell at half and Gordon at full back were responsible for some clever work, but the latter made one fatal mistake.  For the United, Schofield was the most aggressive of the forwards, through Gaundie was frequently in evidence.  In the rear division Street and Wright were most effective, and taking the game all round, the result was a fair reflex of the play. 

EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
January 11, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
One of the most interesting League fixtures of the season was decided at Goodison Park on Saturday. Sheffield United were the attraction, and with fine weather prevailing, a big “gate” was attracted. Amongst the distinguished visitors were Sir Dudley Forwood and party from Gatacre. For Everton, Settle reappeared in the centre; but Crelly owing to injuries was unable to turn out, with the result that the brother's Balmer partnered each other at full-back. The United were without Boyle, whose place was taken by Annan, the new recruit from Sunderland. The teams were: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and R.Balmer, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Corrin, forwards. Sheffield United: - Foulkes goal, Thickett, and Annan, backs, Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham, half-backs, Bennett, Common, Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards. Referee R.S.Carr. Settle kicked off against the sun, there being about 20,000 spectators present at the start, Early on, R.Balmer neatly robbed Bennett, and the home left wing got away, Corrin forcing a corner off Thickett. From the flag kick, Wolstenholme tried a shot, Annan heading out, and the United dashed to the Everton end, where Kitchen had to leave his goal to clear. Offside against Priest, put Everton again on the attack, but unfortunately Sharp sent wide, when well situated. The United forwards played better than the home quintette, and were dangerous whenever they got near goal. Common called upon Kitchen, with a slow shot, and from the custodian's clearance, Sharp was left with a clean run, but the whistle sounded for offside. Again the Blades forwards put in a spirited attack, but Booth broke up what appeared to be dangerous movements. Gradually Everton worked their way into their opponents half where Annan was prominent with timely tackling and judicious kicking. For a time the ball was pretty well confined to midfield until Foulkes had to run out to kick away a shot from Abbott. Next he cleared from Booth with a hugh kick, and this led to good work by the visiting right, which came to nothing. A moment later, another onslaught was made on Foulke's charge and this time Corrin had a good chance, but shot wildly the wrong side of the post. Still continuing on the aggressive Corrin forced a corner, and this produced a really magnificent goal. From the corner kick Annan headed the ball away. It came to Abbott, who after trickling two opponents sent in a shot from long range which gave Foulkes no chance, as it sailed into the top corner of the net. Abbott's achievement was deservedly applauded. The game continued to be conducted at a great pace, and for a few minutes after their unexpected reverse the Blades were to the front, during which Kitchen caught the ball on the rebound from Priest. A tricky pass by McDermott enabled Sharp to get away and beating Annan for speed, the latter had to concede a corner, following which Foulke used his trusty fist with good effect. Booth was a tower of strength in the Everton defence, and once, after fine work by the home attack. Corrin had an opening, but Foulkes was in the way, and the ball rolled harmlessly over the line. At the other end, Bennett shot over the bar, while Lipsham was even more at fault with an attempt to equalise. During a period of previous young Balmer rendered his side good service. During pressure by Everton Needham fouled Settle just outside the penalty line. A free kick was awarded, and the ball was sent over the bar, but evidently the referee had not blown the whistle, and it had to be retaken over again. This time Booth sent the ball against an opponent, and the Blades were enabled to make progress, the Everton defence having all their work cut out to prevent an equalising goal. Kitchen cleared from Priest, and a little later Annan from full back called upon the custodian, who saved high up. Then Sharp got away in splendid fashion, and although closely attended by a couple of opponents, he managed to centre to Settle, who neatly tipped the ball just inside the post and into the net, Foulke being helpless. Half-time Everton 2 Sheffield United nil.
On resuming before 23,000 spectators the Blades obtained a free kick against Abbott, but failed to turn it to account. Everton quickly reversed the position and from Corrin's centre Annan granted a corner, following which Abbott shot at lightning speed, the wrong side of the upright. The Everton goal had a narrow escape soon afterwards. Bennett centring cleverly and Common just falling to get to the ball in time. Then the Everton front line again attacked in great style. A curling shot from McDermott brought down Foulkes on his hands and knees in his successful effort to divert the ball at the expense of a corner, and a moment later the giant used his left hand with great effect in dealing with a fast shot from Taylor. The Blades played a very determined game, and the pressure they exerted deserved reward, but their shooting was defective, both Priest and Lipsham being at fault in this respect. A miskick by young Balmer let in Bennett, who shot across and a period of pressure was relived by another fine sprint by Sharp, which however, did not materialise. The game was splendidly contested to the finish. Corrin took the ball past Foulkes, but the whistle had previously gone for offside. Everton thoroughly deserved their victory. Result Everton 2 Sheffield United nil.

ST HELENS RECREATION 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
January 11, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Senior Cup, Round One.
This tie was played on the Recreation Ground, St.Helen's on Saturday afternoon. This fixture had attracted some attention owing to Everton who had the choice of ground declining to play at Goodison on Saturday owing to the First League fixture with Sheffield United, and the Lancashire Association committee ordered the tie to be played at St.Helens. The Everton club sent their strong Combination team to meet the saints. There was a good attendance of spectators. The Recs won the toss and played with the ground in their favour during the first half. The opening play was fairly even, and Young tricked Hunter and shot for the home goal, the leather striking the upright. The visitors generally exhibition a better style of play, and were frequently dangerous, but the home backs were in good form and repeatedly cleared their quarters. O'Hagan ultimately scored for Everton, and ends were changed with the visitors leading by a goal to nil. In the second half the Evertonians had much the best of the play, but failed to increase their lead. And the result was Everton 1, St Helens nil. Everton: - Whitley goal, Gordon, and Wildman, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs, Rankin, Sheridan Young, O'Hagan and Hardman, forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 11 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
The visit of Sheffield United to Goodison-park produced one of the best contested games seen on the enclosure this season, and though Everton scored twice in the first half, it was not until the second half had almost run its course that the United actually beaten in general play. They kept Everton fully extended for three-fourth of the game, but in the closing stages, realising that their bests efforts to pierce the home defence were unavailing, their attack slackened, and Everton had matters all their own way at the finish. Owing to injuries received at Manchester and Derby, Crelly was unable to take his accustomed position in the team, and a younger brother of Balmer, who, under the circumstances gave a capital display, filled the vacancy thus caused. In fact the defence was not perceptibly weakened, and as the United could not once score, this being the first occasion they have failed to find the net this season. No more satisfactory result could have been achieved, whatever the constitution of the full back division had been. United started in rare style, and even the superb goal scored by Abbott did not check their onward rushes. From a corner, the ball was headed out to the left half-back, and after cleverly trickling two opponents he sent in a terrific shot, which reached the net, between the outstretched arm of Foulkes and the upright, in the top right hand corner. But for a smart clearance by Kitchen, who took a rebound from one of Balmer's returns, which cannoned against Priest who was close in, the United must have immediately equalised. Then however, Sharp beautifully eluded Needham and Annan left his opponents in the rear, and sent across the goalmouth to Settle, who coolly placed the ball completely out of the reach of Foulkes, who could only gaze at the process in helpless fashion. Thus Everton had a two goal lead at the interval and as nothing further was scored afterwards, this were likewise the final verdicts. It was a game in which, the respective half-backs showed to great advantage, and in the department the Everton trio were the superior set. They broke up the combination of the United front line-which at times, was of exceptional calibre-in effective fashion, and passed through one of the keenest tests they have experienced at home this season with infinite credit. Abbott put in some characteristic shots in addition to his other telling work, and was a sixth forward in this respect. Booth shadowed the United centre-Brown- most effectively, and it was only at rare intervals that the latter could free himself from the attentions of the Everton skipper. Whilst Wolstenholme gave a sound display throughout. There was not the same evenness exhibited by the forwards, though with one exception the work accomplished was satisfactory. Corrin was not a success on the extreme left, for his centres were frequently misdirected, and he committed an error of judgement in heading a centre from Sharp on one occasion, when he only Foulke to beat, and was himself practically unmarked. Sharp treated the crowd to some dashing sprints along the wing, and the movement, which led to the second goal, was a fine bit of individual work. Taylor made a rare partner for the extreme winger, and Settle though not very prominent in the centre, was judicious in distributing the play. At full back the brothers Balmer gave a capital display, kicking with accuracy and judgement, and though the younger of the two paled in comparison with his more experienced brother, he demonstrated abilities of no mean order. Kitchen was not often beaten and this is sufficient testimony of his skill. He had many awkward centres to deal with- from Bennett particularly- but proved equal to every emergency. United made a desperate effort to secure the victory, and in the early stages seemed likely to accomplish this. Even after the interval they were extremely aggressive, and aided by quite a series of free kicks, it appeared as if they would reduce the adverse margin. When this attack was beaten off they gradually fell away, and were fairly under control before the close. Bennett and Common constituted a harassing right wing, the former's centres being a continual source of danger to the home defence and in Common he had a partner who fed him assiduously. The ex-Sunderland player worked untiringly, and at times the movements of the three inside men were really sparkling in character, the combined passing being splendidly executed. Lipsham finished most erratically, and was the weakest member of the front line. Needham led the way in the half-back division, and always placed the ball to the best advantage for his forwards. Wilkinson was likewise in grand form, and Johnson accomplished much creditable work, though he was not so prominent as his confrere. Annan made a very successful appearance at left back and his play was such as to ensure him another trial at least. Foulkes gave a characteristic display in goal, and his exhibition was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators, who appreciated his mighty lunges.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 11 January 1904
Everton justified the good form they are now showing by taking ample revenge for the 2-1 defeat which marked their visit earlier on in the season to the ground of the then all-conquering Sheffield United. On this occasion the 20,000 spectators at Goodison Park could have no doubt as to which was the better side. The game was one of the best seen there for some time- fast and full of good points; but when the homesters got going there was never much uneasiness felt by the bulk of the onlookers. It was a case of goals only, and it was well for the United that their defence was so powerful, for the Everton attackers were in the humour for scoring. Consequently, all the good qualities of Foulke and his backs were drawn out. In the latter department Thickett received very able assistance from Annan, who promises to be a great force in the United defensive line. At the part of a vigorous game the United forwards showed that business was meant, but the Everton goal was well covered by the brothers Balmer, who along with Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, kept Kitchen free of anxiety for his charge. It was a wonderfully good deal which Abbott opened the scoring with some twenty minutes or so from the start of operations, and from this onwards the home spectators had every faith in their team; and when before the interval Settle again astonished Foulke, Everton’s fortune was complete. It must not, however, be taken that the game was at all one-sided. Everton met worthy opposition, and it is a mere matter of opinion as to which was the better forward line. That of Everton at times-frequently-was weedy and straggling, and not of the best combination; and the merit of the club’s success must go to the half backs in the first instance, and to the sound defence of the colleagues behind them. Sharp’s work was full of dash, his partner. Taylor, affording him every opportunity to display his speed; and it is a pity the other wing does not possess quite the same ability though McDermott is clever enough himself. The prominent features of a grand game was the play of the respective half backs, in which Everton excelled.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 11 January 1904
At Goodison Park in beautiful weather, before 25,000 spectators. Everton had young Balmer at back in place of Crelly (injured), while United played Annan left back. The game was splendidly contested with Everton holding the upper hand. From a corner Abbott scored a magnificent goal, and Settle obtained a second, following a brilliant run by Sharp.
Half-time; Everton 2; Sheffield United nil.
Play in the second half was contested with great determination by both teams. For the most part it was very even, both goalkeepers being kept busily engaged. Corrin defeated Foulke, but was ruled off-side. Everton had the better of the concluding stages, and their victory was thoroughly deserved.
Result Everton 2 Sheffield United 0
Everton.—Kitchen. goal; Balmer and R. Balmer backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Settle, and Corrin, forwards, Sheffield United.—Foulkes, goal; Thickett and Annan, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham. half-backs; Bennett, Common. Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards.

EVERTON v  SHEFFIELD UNITED
Sheffield Independent - Monday 11 January 1904
EVERTON WIN A HARD GAME
The visit of the League leaders to Goodison Park attracted a crowd of close upon 30,000 people, the weather being fine. R. Balmer played in place of Crelly at full back for Everton, and Annan, the ex-Sunderland man, partnered Thickett at back for the United, Boyle, Fidler, and Clay being on the injured list., Needham having won the toss the United had the sun behind them, and a slight breeze in their favour in the first half. At the start Corrin forced a corner off Thickett, but from this Annan headed away, Brown darting off but failing to reach the ball. A dash by Everton saw Foulke lunge half-way up the field, and twice W. Balmer came in with very timely clearances from centres by Lipsham and Priest. Following a pretty bit of work by Brown and Needham the latter passed forward, and Common shot just a shade wide at top speed, Kitchen throwing himself full length in order to try and stop the ball, so near did it go to goal. Then Priest was given offside as he tried to get through, although W. Balmer kicked the ball from the front of him. The Sheffielders were, however, having all the best of matters, play for the first ten minutes being confined to the Everton half, though Kitchen had only two easy shots to stop. Annan put in a couple of smart bits of play against Sharp and Taylor, whilst the younger Balmer twice cleverly pulled up Bennett. Another clever bit of work by Annan let Lipsham in, and from his centre Kitchen cleared. Everton now began to improve, but twice were they pulled up for offside when in dangerous proximity to the United goal. Once Foulke had to handle a low shot, whilst a minute later Needham hoisted the ball over his head from the front of goal. A corner followed and though Annan headed clear away the ball came to Abbott, who, with a grand 30 yards’ shot, beat Foulke, the ball passing just inside the upright. This was after twenty minutes play. Following the centre-kick the Sheffielders at once took up the attack, three free-kicks being given against the home team, and twice was Kitchen called upon to clear, and then the Sheffielders were driven back, Annan giving a corner in stopping Sharp. This, however, was not improved upon, and soon that United were attacking again, Kitchen saving finely twice. Play was fairly fast, though free-kicks were pretty frequent. Once Bennett got clear of all opposition, but lifted the ball just over the bar and then Lipsham made bad use of a good opening. McDermott from a very awkward position, put in a good shot, which Foulke saved, and then a free kick against Needham caused some trouble, but at length the danger was cleared. The Sheffielders were Low trying very hard to equalise, and once Priest had hard luck with a fine overhead shot, and Annan caused Kitchen some trouble with an awkward dropping shot. Just before the interval Sharp got the better of Wilkinson and Annan, and centring accurately Settle touched the ball through slowly, Foulke being powerless. Little more of interest happened from now up to the interval, when Everton were leading by 2 goals to 0.
On resuming, play at the start was in the Everton half, but a free kick against the home team was really to their benefit, as Common had all but got through and seemed certain to score when the ball; was brought back. Then from a break-away Corrin swung the ball across, Annan giving a corner, but this was easily cleared. Another free kick against Everton was taken by Needham, who gave Kitchen an awkward shot to stop, a corner resulting, but no good was done with it. Still another free kick was conceded to United just outside the penalty line, but the defence prevailed, Sharp dashing away and planting the ball right across to Corrin, who missed a good opening. Still Everton pressed, a corner was forced, but this was put to no good use. Another free kick against Everton saw Lipsham beat Sharp and centre across the goal, Bennett having terribly hard lines with a smart bit of heading, the ball barely missing the post. Then Everton made a well-sustained attack on the United goal, and Foulke, by throwing himself full length, just turned out a fast low shot from McDermott. The United passing was none too good, whilst the Everton backs and halves showed excellent form and judgement. Smart work on the United right saw the ball come to Priest, but he was awkwardly placed as he lifted the ball over the bar. A minute later, following a free kick against Everton, Bennett pulled the ball inside. Still another free kick, barely outside the penalty line, for tripping Priest, was put to no good use. Sharp then got away with Wilkinson after him but after running three-parts the length of the field he sent the ball wide. After this a well-sustained attack was made on the home goal, which escaped miraculously, whilst once a justifiable appeal for a penalty was taken no notice of, and after another severe struggle a goal kick relieved the pressure. Then the Everton forwards, well backed up by the halves, put in a spell of attacking, Foulke saving first from Corrin and then from Wolstenholme. A brilliant bout of passing by the Sheffielders came to naught, the visitors being weak in front of goal, and a little later Corrin was well off-side as he put the ball into the net. Once a bad mistake by Thickett let Corrin in, but Foulke intercepted his shot. Common was working very hard for the United, a piece of determined play by him set Bennett going, but from the latter’s centre Kitchen cleverly caught the ball and punted well over the half-way line. Darkness was now coming on apace, and it was a rather difficult matter to follow the movements of the players. A pretty piece of passing by the three inside Everton forwards threatened danger, but the ball was sent wide. Towards the close the Sheffielders made desperate attempts to get through, but all to no purpose, and a hard and interesting game ended in a victory for Everton as follows;-
Everton 2 goals, Sheffield United 0 goals.
Everton.—Kitchen. goal; Balmer and R. Balmer backs ; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Settle, and Corrin, forwards, Sheffield United.—Foulkes, goal; Thickett and Annan, backs; Johnson, Wilkinson, and Needham. half-backs; Bennett, Common. Brown, Priest, and Lipsham, forwards. Referee- Mr. R.S. Carr, London.

EVERTON 1 ASTON VILLA 0
January 16, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Apart from the meetings of Everton and Liverpool probably Aston Villa are the most attractive League team, which visits Goodison-park. Their appearance on Saturday came at an unusually interesting time seeing that both clubs have done very well in the League tournaments. Naturally a great crowd was attracted, the number of spectators present at the start reaching fully 25,000 . The teams were as follows: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W Balmer and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards. Aston Villa: - George, goal, Miles, and Evans, backs Pearson, Wilkes and Leake, half-backs, Brawn, Watkins, Niblo, Bache, and Lockett, forwards. Referee Mr. Shilton. The Villa kicked off, and right away Hardman was prominent with two dashing sprints down the wing in rapid succession. In each case his fine centre was driven back, by Miles. Booth was prominent with clever checking of the Villa left wing, and passing the ball to Taylor, the latter placed the leather well up the field. Sharp dashed up in great style and sending across, Settle net the ball and beautifully headed it into the net. This success, which came after three minutes play, was received with tremendous cheering. The point was well worked for, and thoroughly deserved. The Villa forwards worked their way down to the other end, but a rather scrambling attack was ended by offside. After this play was for the most part in midfield, both sets of backs being equal to all attacks. The Villa became more aggressive, their forwards and halves playing well together. However, sturdy tacklers in Wolstenholme and Abbott opposed them though the right back on one occasions missed his kick with consequences, fortunately for Everton, that were not serious. The home vanguard could make little headway, and another onslaught by the Villa resulted in Wilkes getting a grand shot, which Kitchen diverted at the expense of a corner. Lockett raced away on his own, only to be pulled off-side, and at the other end of the field, McDermott tested George with a shot. The pace continued fast, and some pretty touches were shown. Once Hardman, after clever maneuvering, was at fault in not passing back when a great chance of another goal was presented. A beautiful bit of work between Booth, Taylor, and Sharp found McDermott nicely placed, but to the disappointment of the crowd he placed over the bar. A moment later Sharp shot into George's hands, the game at this stage being undoubtedly in Everton's favour. A corner forced by Taylor led to some exciting exchanges in the vicinity of George's charge. In the course of another onslaught by the home team. Sharp made an accurate centre, which Miles kicked over the goal-line. From the corner the ball came out o McDermott, whose attempt at goal was again doomed to failure. A sudden break away by the Villa ended in Lockett centering across the goalmouth, but unfortunately for him none of his colleagues could intercept the pass. Everton were at it once more, but this time shot wildly. Further pressure brought another corner, and following the flag kick Balmer from long range, banged in a terrific shot, which just went the wrong side of the upright. Smart passing by the Villa forwards followed, and Niblo was left with only Balmer, and the goalkeeper to face, but the former clipped in and cleared in grand style, Everton retaliated up the left, and Hardman sent in a fine centre which Miles in clearing put over his own line. A corner followed, but proved fruitless, and the Villa right again got down, but Booth neatly intercepted Brawn's centre. Brawn with subsequently dangerous, and then a couple of corners forced by Hardman were fisted away by George. Half-time Everton 1 goal, Aston Villa nil. In view of the failing light the interval was unduly prolonged. The opening stage after the resumption were by no meals exciting, throw-ins being nunerous. The first real attack came from the Everton left wing, but McDermott failed in his effort to beat George. At the other end Wolstenholme neatly checked an advance and once again. Hardman was in evidence. He raced past all opposition, and finished with a great centre, which Settle just missed converting. The Villa retaliated, and Crelly being penalised for fouling Brawn, the Everton goal was endangered. The ball however, was safely got away, and the next item of interest was a fine shot from Sharp, which George diverted at the expense of a fruitless corner. Play continued to be exceedingly lively, both side putting in their best efforts. The Villa forwards were difficult to shake off, and it was fortunate for Everton that both, Balmer and Crelly were on the best behaviour. Subsequently Everton maintained a terrific onslaught on George's charge, which escaped capture in marvellous style. The closing stages were rather tame. Everton were easy winners by one goal to nil.

EVERTON V TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR CUP-TIE
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 16 January 1904
The Everton club has made arrangements whereby the public can book and reserve seats for this English Cup tie, which is to be played at Goodison Park on Saturday February 6. A plan of the ground can be seen at the club offices, and also at Mr. Sharp’s emporium, Whitechapel.
TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Everton v Newcastle United
League Match at Newcastle; kick-off 2.15
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v Manchester United Reserve
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; kick-off 2.30
Everton;- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Young, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON v  NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 16 1904
NEITEHR SIDE SCORE UP TO HALF-TIME
The Everton eleven were due at Newcastle to-day, in order to meet their return engagement with the United club, and the long journey North- a journey always rendered tedious by reason of the antiquated train service-was made yesterday afternoon. After passing the evening in Newcastle, the team rested overnight at Tynemouth, where this morning they had the advantage of the invigorating breezes of the North Sea. A hard frost overnight gave place to a fine, crispy day, and although on the hard side, the St. James’s Park enclosure was in fair condition when the men turned out. Hardman, owing to a chill, was unable to turn out, and his place was taken by Simpson, the old Leicester Fosse player who made his debut in First League football for Everton. Prompt to time the teams lined out as follows;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Simpson, forwards.
Newcastle United.- Watts, goal; Tyldesley and Wills, backs; Garner, Aitken, and Veitch, half-backs; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton, forwards. Referee; T. Kirkham.
It will be seen that the home contingent were at full strength, Howie making his reappearance after several weeks’ absence. There were about 16,000 people present when the United, having lost the toss, started in the face of a slight breeze. From the kick-off McColl and Templeton raced down immediately, and, getting the benefit of a free kick, they looked exceedingly dangerous. The ball was sent right into the Everton goalmouth, but Taylor, fortunately, headed away. The United, however, returned at once on the right, and Howie sent in a short, swift shot, which Kitchen threw clear. The visitors then made tracks on the left wing, but to no purpose. On the hard ground the ball was exceedingly lively, and the players found considerable difficulty in keeping it under control. The homesters, after a brief spell of midfield work, again advanced on the right, and Howie was just about to shoot when Crelly with a fine effort, saved the situation. The first ten minutes of the game were fairly evenly contested, though there was a slight balance in favour of the home side, the work of their forwards being rather smarter than that of the Evertonians. Neither side, however, could get within shooting range for a long time, but at eight lengths the United moved up in combined order, and Aitken put in a splendid long shot, which brought Kitchen out of the goal. Then the visitors took up the running in deadly earnest, and Settle running through put in a fine shot, which went wide. Even play followed, but the home contingent gradually gained ground, and a promising sprint by Templeton and McColl ended in the former sending the leather yards wide of the mark. The Evertonians again tried to get off on the right, but Wills checked Taylor, and the homesters advanced on the right, where Rutherford collided violently with Crelly, the game being stopped for some moments before the first named player was able to resume. A forward movement on the part of the whole of the Newcastle front line looked ominous, and the Everton backs appeared to be beaten when Appleyard shot in, but was ruled offside. After this play was again restricted to midfield, and though the home forwards made more ground than their opponents, they could not pierce the Everton defence. Crelly on one occasion, cleared splendidly from Appleyard, and the next item of interest was a splendid breakaway on the part of Settle, whose final shot was very fortunately charged down. A minute later McDermott, Settle and Taylor were concerned in an excellent forward movement, but Tyldesley at the last moment upset their calculations, and the United advanced on the left, but without any success. The visitors thanks to a judicious pass by Booth, moved along in the direction of Watts, but Wills cleared his lines, and then another forward movement was spoiled through Simpson losing possession. At this period play settled down somewhat, though both teams at times exerted great pressure. Rutherford, dashing down the wing, had beaten Crelly, and he looked very like scoring when Balmer ran across, and cleared very cleverly. Following upon this the Evertonians pressed closely, and Sharp put in a clinking shot which Watts threw clear. At this time the visitors were enjoying the best of the argument and on three successive occasions McDermott made attempts to loser the Newcastle colours, but each of his shots went wide. The weakness of the Everton shooting evidently encouraged the home side for they in turn took up the running, and McColl put in a hot shot which passed outside. From the goal kick the homesters returned on the run, and Gardiner sent in a long dropping shot which caused Kitchen to handle. More centre play followed, and the next incident of interest was a long swift drive by Booth, who sent the leather just outside. Simpson and McDermott now became exceedingly troublesome to the home defence, and the situation was only relieved by Tyldesley conceding a corner. This came to nothing, but it was not long before the Evertonians were again paying attention to Watts’ charge, and a second corner was forced. This in turn was safely disposed of, but the visitors still kept pegging away, and the home defenders were given an anxious time. Tyldesley eventually cleared his lines, and an advance movement was in progress when Taylor fouled Aitken very badly, bringing upon himself the just censure of the referee. The free kick did not, however, result in any advantage to the home side, for the visitors at once moved down on the left, and Simpson put ion a long oblique shot which went over the bar. Just before the interval the Everton forwards tried desperately hard to pierce the home defence, but both the Newcastle back and half backs showed a stubborn defence.
Half-time Score; Newcastle Nil, Everton Nil. 
EVERTON BEATEN BY A GOAL
On crossing over the visitors went away at a great pace, and neat work by Simpson put Settle in possession; but just as he was about to shoot Aitken nipped in and robbed him. A second later, however, the Everton centre returned to the attack, and he put in a swift ground shot, which tried Watts’s powers as a custodian. Then the homesters advanced in combined order, and Kitchen was forced to run out in order to clear from Howie. Templeton then advanced and put in an oblique shot, but it went wide of the mark. The home contingent now attacked most persistently, and a foul against Abbott close in looked very ominous for Everton. Tyldesley took the kick, but Kitchen saved in splendid fashion. There was no denying the seriousness of the home attack, and a mistake on the part of Crelly and Balmer let Appleyard in, with the result that the home centre scored a capital goal. In the second half Newcastle had much the best of matters for some time, Kitchen being beaten. After this Everton pulled themselves together, and had hard lines in not scoring. The Newcastle backs played a great game, and nothing but their sturdy defence averted disaster.
Final Result; Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton Nil.
Everton returned from the North last season with 3 goals to nil against them.

EVERTON v  MANCHESTER UNITED
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 16 1904
LANCASHIRE COMBIANTION -DIV A
Manchester United, who have been so successful in their Combiantion matches of late, were the visitors at Goodison Park this afternoon, and great interest manifested itself in the meeting. Consequently, there was a capital gate present when the following teams faced each other;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Wildman, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Young, O’Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.
Manchester United;- Moger, goal; Christie and Hayes, backs; Duckworth, Wright, and Bell, half-backs; Steel, Hall, Pegg, Gandie, and Schofield, forwards.
The visitors won the toss, and Everton kicked off against the sun. united were first aggressive. Wildman cleared cleverly, after which splendid work by O’Hagan and Young enabled the home team to reach the United territory, but they were pulled up smartly by Christie. O’Hagan tried a shot at goal, which Moger nicely saved, and a minute later the Manchester goalkeeper was compelled to handle somewhat hurriedly, the leather going into the goal mouth off one of the backs. Visitors now pressed sharply, and Whitley was called upon to save a good shot from Steel, Young and Russell next essayed to lower the colours of the Mancunians, without result, and the United getting possession raced away, Wright causing the home custodian to clear Pegg and Scholfield then made attempts to get the best of Whitley, but in vain. Moyer was next tested with a high shot from Young, the United goalkeeper cleverly. Everton made repeated tries to open  a score without avail, the United backs being very safe. A smart run up the field by the United followed, and the home goal was besieged. Whitley in endeavouring to clear his charge fell, and Schofield nipped in and placed the ball into the net smartly. Everton put in all they knew to equalise, but their efforts met a stubborn resistance, and their endeavours proved futile. Desultory play was the order for some little time. Five minutes before the interval Everton asserted themselves and played up in spirited fashion, but they were unable to equalise. Final; Everton Combiantion 1 goal, Manchester United 1 goal.

NORTH v. SOUTH.
Nottingham Evening Post - Monday 18 January 1904
The teams for this match were picked at Birmingham on, Saturday, as follows: North.—T. Biddelcy (Wolverhampton Wanderers) (goal), B. Crompton (Blackburn Hovers) (captain), H. Burgess (Manchester City) (backs), W. Ruddlesdin and T. Crawshaw (Sheffield Wednesday), A. Leake (Aston Villa) (half-backs), W F Brawn (Aston Villa), A. Common (Sheffield United), J. Settle (Everton), J. W. Bache (Aston Villa), and G. Davis (Derby County) (forwards). South.—A. Cartledge (Bristol Rovers) (goal), H. Smith (Reading), G. Molyneux (Southampton) (backs), A. Lee (Southampton), P. R. Sands (Woolwich Arsenal), F. (Luton) (half-backs), J. Durrani teuton). J. Coleman (Woolwich), V. J. Woodward (Tottenham), F. Harrison (Southampton), and R. 0. Corbett (Old Malvernians) (forwards). Referee : Mr. P. H. Harrower.

John Watson Ex Everton player (1899-02) now playing for Tottenham

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 EVERTON 0
January 18, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
In order to fulfill their return engagement with the United, the Everton team made the journey to the North on Friday, and spent the night at Tynemouth. Shortly afternoon they put in an appearance at St.Jame's pat, were the ground, despite the heavy frost during the night, was in fairly good condition. The visitors had Simpson at outside left, the United playing Watts instead of Kingsley. Teams: - Newcastle United: - Watts, goal, Tydlesley, and Wills, backs, Gardner, Aitkens, and Vietch, half-backs, Rutherford Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott and Simpson forwards. Referee Fred Kirkham. The ground had been liberally sprinkled with sand, and there would at the commencement of the game by some 15,000 spectators. Everton were fortunate in winning the toss, for they played with the assistance of the slope and a slight breeze. Immediately upon starting the ball was put out to Templeton, who looked like getting through when Wolstenholme came under the notice of the referee for unfair tactics, and the Everton defence came in for much pressure. Clever play by the United right wing looked like bringing about a tangible result, when Crelly came to the rescue with a timely punt, and for some little time play was mainly contested in midfield. Play continued interesting, and the next prominent item was a run down by the Everton right wing pair. Taylor put the ball to Settle, who hampered by Aitken, was unable to put in an accurate shot, the ball passing wide of the goalmouth. Much attention was paid to Templeton, who invariably made headway, but Appleyard attempting to foul Balmer, with the result that the free kick placed later on spoiled a capital movement. Evertonians in a good position. As before there was no getting the better of the defenders, though in one attack Settle was extremely unfortunate. After getting a fine pass from Booth his shot was charged down by Wills. This was a near squeak for the United, and immediately following McColl and Templeton raced to the other end, but could do nothing more than run the ball over the line. A miskick by Crelly let in the United right wing, but fortunately Balmer saved the situation with a judicious kick into touch. A run down by McDermott and Simpson changed the venue, and a shot was sent in across the home goalmouth. Another effort from McDermott went slightly wide, and just about this period it seemed as if the Evertonians must opened the score. Settle gave the inside left a capital opening, but his marksmanship was faulty, and after this escape the home left wing went strongly, and made further progress owing to Taylor coming under the notice of the referee. The free kick enabled Gardner to get in a dropping shot which however, bounded harmlessly over the line, and then followed some clever individual play on the part of McColl, whose final effort, however, was faulty. Taylor at this juncture put in much good work and passing out to Sharp the other end was reached. After play had been hovering round the home goal for some seconds the ball went out to Booth, who tried a long drive without success. A bustling returned resulted in a corner being forced off Tyledesley, and from the Newcastle goal was subjected to much pressure. Another corner kick was badly placed, and at this stage the visitors were certainly more than holding their own. Settle was putting in a great amount of work, but a free kick against Taylor, who was cautioned by the referee, changed the venue. Half-time Newcastle United nil, Everton nil.
A short interval was taken, and on Settle opening the play a movement was at once made to the home end. Settle, Simpson, and McDermortt were prominent, and later on Abbott and Booth put in good work, with the result that Settle was placed in a good position. He threaten his way through, and put in a fine shot under difficulties which Watts caught and saved, but in the next minute Kitchen had to come out to Appleton, and again save a fine shot from Templeton. Play was particularly brisk just now, and marked by fine work on the part of the Everton half backs, who frequently prevented the Newcastle forwards from getting in a parting shot. A free kick against Abbott made matters serious as Tyldesley drove hard in from the penalty line, and it was a clever effort on the part of Kitchen that he managed to keep the ball out, though at the expense of a corner. With the wind now in the attack, but the Everton defenders were playing a strong game. One raid, however, ended in Appleyard finding Balmer and Crelly at fault, and the centre scored a clever goal, Kitchen having no chance of saving. Everton afterwards pressed, but failed to score, the United defended finely. Result Newcastle United 1, Everton nil.

EVERTON DEFEATED AT NEWCASTLE
Athletic News - Monday 18 January 1904
BY NORTHUMBRIAN
The return match between. Newcastle United and Everton at St. Park witnessed a reversal of the form shown by teams these teams last September, when the Goodison Park combination triumphed over the Tynesiders by decisive margin of four goals one. On the present occasion victory only rested with the Novocastrians by an odd goal, but, of course, it sufficed to secure the maximum points for the Tynesiders, who can boast of never having suffered defeat from Everton on their own pastures, and as they have won at Goodison Park they have appropriated 15 out of the possible 24 points that have been at stake in the 12 games they have opposed each other. This is a distinctive record against team of the calibre of Everton.
CHANGES IN THE SIDES.
A noteworthy change in the constitution of Newcastle United was the re-appearance of Howie, as the outside partner to Rutherford on the right wing, whilst, in the ranks of Everton, Crelly was substituted for R. Balmer, and Simpson figured on the extreme left wing with McDermott. In consequence of the severity of the frost, which rendered the turf as hard as adamant, the County Rugby Championship match between Northumberland and Lancashire was postponed, but there was no interference with the important battle between the dribbling representatives of the Tyne and Mersey. It was patent all, however, that the players incurred immense risks-—as a matter of fact, those who embraced mother earth got a severe grueling, and it was early remarked that the players on both sides observed extreme caution in any movement that was likely to end their being thrown over. Sixteen thousand people were present, and they had the intense satisfaction of seeing their favourites make ample atonement for the reverse they met with at Small Heath last week.
EVERTON FORWARDS WEAK.
Everton commenced operations with the breeze blowing in their favour, but they found the ball so peculiarly lively on the frozen, ground that they were readily dispossessed, and the first leading features were the fine placings of McColl to Templeton, who forced past all opposition until approaching the penalty area, when was fouled, and from free kick Appleyard was near the mark with a capital, bustling effort. Subsequently the visiting forwards maneuvered the ball very cleverly, and twice Settle was erratic in his marksmanship when steadiness and accuracy would in all probability have resulted in success, so close was he to the target. Veitch, McColl, and Templeton were a conspicuous trio in a combination design, which terminated in Templeton twice testing Kitchen with torpedo-like balls. Play afterwards was of a cool, ingenious type, and three occasions McDermott was placed in ideal scoring situations, but each time he drove the ball high or wide of the net.
 NEWCASTLE SCORE
The teams changed ends with clean a clean score sheet, and the most thrilling incidents of a comparatively tame encounter were crowded into the first seven minutes after resuming. From the kick-off the visiting forwards dashed straight into the United’s goal-mouth, whore Settle stopped clear at twelve yards range, but Wills, quick as a flash, swept across the front of Everton’s centre-forvard to successfully carry the ball away.  Settle shortly afterwards made another effort, but this time he met his master in Tildesley. Seven minutes had gone when Appleyard brought off a truly surprising performance. By sheer weight and not a little skill he threaded his way past Booth, Balmer, and Crelley, and finished with a low shot that utterly baffled Kitchen.
TYNESIDERS SOUNDER IN DEFENCE.
There was a peculiar equality in the two sets of  forwards in regard to their pace, yet neither line would extend itself on the dangerous going, and perhaps the Tynesiders could claim a little superiority in attack on the extreme wings, where Templeton and Rutherford were smarter, to either Sharp or Simpson. Howie was unquestionably the best forward on the field, his dribbling being faultless and effective. The Novocastrians however, asserted their supremacy chiefly by the brilliancy of their middle and backs. Aitken, Gardner, and Veitch were a stronger and more polished trio than the opposing middle line, thought it must be candidly confessed that Booth and Abbott rendered yeoman service in a vain attempt to throw some backbone into their feeble forward line. Wills quite excelled himself alike in kicking and tackling and had a capable lieutenant on his right in Tildesley. Crelley was reliable in kicking a good length, but Balmer was hardly equal to holding the fleet-footed Templeton. Newcastle United;- Watts; Tildsley, and Wills; Gardiner, Aitkens, and Veitch; Rutherford, Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton.  Everton; Kitchen; W. Balmer, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Simpson, McDermott, Settle, Taylor, and Sharp.  Referee.- T. Kirkham, Burslem. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 1
January 18, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 16)

At Goodison Park. Before 4,000 spectators. Young kicked against the sun for Everton. United being the first to show to advantage. O'Hagan and Young for the home team were conspicuous. Schofield opened the score for United after 30 minutes. Interval Everton nil, United 1. Resuming Young equalised in the first minute and Manchester after this were awarded a penalty kick, Whitley cleverly saving, and a draw of one goal each resulted. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Gordon, and Murray backs, Wildman, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin Sheridan, Young, O'Hagan, and Dilly, forwards.

Ex Evertonian Alf Schofield Played for Everton (1895-96 to 1899-00) Scored to day for Manchester United Reserves

EVERTON REVIEW
January 18, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
Everton failed on Saturday to maintain their brilliant performances of the past few weeks. In order to be fully prepared for their difficult task at St.Jame's Park, the players travelled over night to Newcastle, and spent Saturday morning in that pleasant resort, Tynemouth, where they have previously made their headquarters. Up north there was a good deal of frost about, with the result that the ground was hard and lively. These conditious were not altogether suitable for certain of the players, Sharp in particular being rather averse to running any undue risks. Still the game was characterised by much remarkably clever footwork, and although the verdict went against Everton by a goal to nothing, there was practically little choose between the sides. In any event, the reserves was not nearly so decisive as that sustained last season, when the Evertonians were well beaten by three goals to none. Unquestionably Everton's defeat was mainly due to their failure to utilise obvious chances. During the first half, when they had the wind and the slope in their favour, two or three splendid openings were forthcoming, and it was owing to weak shooting that at this early stage of the proceedings the Evertonians were unable to make their position assured. Both Settle and McDermott were at fault in this respect, although in other ways both three players accomplished much creditable work. Having thrown away such great chance, it was hardly to be expected that, after the change of ends, the Novocastrians would be equally ineffective. For at least 20 minutes of the second half the United fairly outplayed their opponents, and it was during this period that the goal accrued which provided them with a couple of valuable points. It was clear goal, too, which Appleyard obtained, and it came about owing to probably the only slip which Balmer and Crelly made throughout the game. While these two expert backs were in doubt as to who should tackle the Newcastle centre. Appleyard worked his way past both of them, and baffled Kitchen with a shot which gave that reliable custodian not slightest chance. In the concluding portion, the visiting side pulled themselves together in great style, and it would have been no more than their praiseworthy effort deserved if fortune had smiled upon them in the shape of an equalising goal. The game brought out some very fine defence on the part of both teams. Tyldesley and Wills especially performed brilliantly at back for United, and to no small extent was the ineffectiveness of the Everton front line due to their smart tackling and resolute kicking. Between the halt-backs of both clubs there was little difference, both sets being quite on their best behaviour. As an evidence of the sterling defence displayed, it need only be mentioned that neither Kitchen nor Watts was often troubled; indeed a remarkable feature of the game was the fact that the position of each goalkeeper was more or less a sinecure. As has been indicated Sharp for once in a way was little in evidence. Occasionally he indulged in some of those brilliant runs, which have delighted Goodison Park spectators, but it was by no means one of his palmy days. Simpson, at the other end of the line, made a creditable debut in First League football, and on his Saturday's form suggested that, in the ex-Leicester, the club possess a very capable substitute for either Hardman or Corrin. Taylor, as usual, was energetic- a little too energetic at times, so much so, that he received a caution from the referee.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 18 January 1904
Everton’s long journey northward to Newcastle was not attended by success, and it must be admitted that they were fairly and squarely beaten by a stronger team. Indeed, on Saturday’s form, the United team are more deserving of their fifth position in the League table. After a keen frost, the ground at St. James’s Park was distinctly on the hard side, but a liberal sprinkling of sand made play possible. From the outset the pace was extremely fast, and in the first half there was practically little to choose between the teams. It was only after crossing over that the Novocastrians showed their determination to secure the point. For once in a way the display of the Everton half-backs, which hitherto has been a feature in their work, was completely over-shadowed by that of the home trio, who served their forwards with splendid judgement. The goal which gave the home side victory, came from a judicious pass by Aitken to Appleyard, who, by the way, is one of the biggest centre forwards in the League. Getting possession, he ran in between the Everton backs, and scored quite out of Kitchen’s reach. After this reverse, Everton showed surprising pluck, and it was only the magnificent defence of Tyldesley and Wills that prevented them from at least equalising. The Everton forwards were scarcely up to concert pitch. Settle certainly ought to have scored on two occasions, and McDermott had three palpable chances which he fumbled. Sharp was what is commonly known as a passenger; but on the other wing, Simpson made a very promising debut. Crelly was the better of the two backs, and Kitchen kept a capital goal. Taking the play throughout the outstanding feature was the cleverness of the home half back and back division, and in forward work the homesters were certainly Everton’s superiors.

NEWCASTLE UNITED v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 18 January 1904
At Newcastle, in fine weather, on hard ground, before 15,000 spectators. Newcastle opened smartly, and had the better of the first quarter of an hour, but the defence was good. Everton improved, but shot badly, both Settle and McDermott missing chances. The game continued very open, the tackling on both sides being very keen. McColl had hard lines in not giving his side the lead, but at half-time there was no score. From the restart Newcastle showed improvement. Kitchen saved well from Templeton and Tyldesley, and then Appleyard went through his opponents cleverly and opened the score. Newcastle had the better of the game, but, after Wills had stopped Settle, Taylor just missed making the score level. Newcastle held the upper hand, but Everton made a great effort towards the close without success. There was no more scoring. Result; Newcastle United 1, Everton 0
Teams: -
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W. Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott and Simpson forwards.
Newcastle United: - Watts, goal, Tyldesley, and Wills, backs, Gardner, Aitkens, and Veitch, half-backs, Rutherford Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton forwards. Referee. T. Kirkham.

NEWCASTLE UNITED v  EVERTON
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 18 January 1904
Notwithstanding the fluctuating form of the Newcastle United men they generally contrive to leave St. James’s Park masters of the situation. They did so on Saturday against Everton, but their victory was by no means easily gained, and had the Liverpool men made the best use of their opportunities in the first half, the boot might have been on the other foot. The frozen ground favoured a fast game, and so it turned out, but the play generally was no so good as that seen in some matches at St. James’s Park. Newcastle’s inability to get into their stride was accounted for to some extent by the keen tackling of their opponents, but taking the game all through they were not at their best. Their good commencement led to the belief that Everton were in for a thrashing, but as the game wore on the visitors improved and the play became very open. At the outset Everton seemed unable to approach Watts near enough to threaten danger, and when they did they shot badly. Watts had consequently little to do, while Kitchen did all that was required of him. There was little to excite the crowd- which, by the way, would hardly reach 16,000-in the first half, and it is not too much to say that there was more incident crowded into the first few moments of the second period, than was witnessed during the whole of the first 45 minutes of the game. Indeed, the reopening was quite sensational. First, the Newcastle goal and a very narrow escape, and then Kitchen saved well from Templeton and Tyldesley. Newcastle kept up the excitement by they smart play, and before the visitors could fairly remove the danger Appleyard came through his men in his inimitable bustling style and beat the Everton custodian. It was a really good goal, and, as it turned out, gave Newcastle victory. After this the home men had more of the play; but in the last ten minutes Everton made a great effort to draw level, their want of success being due to fine play by Wills and Tyldesley. Indeed, both the Newcastle backs played well all through. The defence, too, of the visitors was a feature of the game, and had their forwards played as well they would have won. McDermott and Settle were the chief offenders in front of goal. McColl played well, and was rather unlucky to have two fine shots charged down, but he easily neglected Templeton in the second half. Templeton played a rare good game in the first half, but was little more than a spectator after the first few minutes of the second. Howie made his reappearance after an enforced absence, and he and Aitken played a very useful game. The Everton halves tackled well, and Taylor was prominent among the forwards; but at times the Everton men resorted to very questionable tactics, and it was a common thing to see the referee caution them. The Everton men gave the impression that with improved shooting they will take a lot of beating by the best of teams. From Appleyard’s opening kick Templeton at once dashed away, and after he had beaten and been fouled by W. Balmer, Howie caused Kitchen to clear from the free kick. The Everton goalkeeper had just got rid of the ball when Appleyard dashed up and upset him. The ball bounced a little awkwardly on the hard ground, but Newcastle were making the better headway. For a moment or two the Everton men failed to work up an attack, Wills and Tyldesleykeeping them nicely at bay. Howie dribbled well, and McColl and Rutherford were useful, while Aitken tried a long shot; but there was not a great deal in the work to excite. A free kick gave Templeton a chance, but twice Kitchen saved from him. It looked like being Newcastle’s game, but later the visitors worked more into their game and the play became very open. Then Wills and Tyldesley had their work set, and Veitch and Aitken occasionally chipped in with some useful saves. Settle and Taylor at this stage were the mainstays of the Everton forwards, but the shooting was poor. Templeton here-abouts was well served, and did some useful things, but Kitchens and his backs always managed to clear. The visitors were causing alarm by their play now, and it must have been somewhat of a relief to the crowd to see McDermott make a mess of an opening, after cleverly beating his opponents. Appleyard, Templeton, and McColl worked hard, particularly the former, and McColl had two hard tries to give his side the lead without success. Then Newcastle were the defenders for some time, and but for erratic shooting the Everton men would have had a lead. As it was the teams crossed over on level terms. As intimated, the opening of the second half was quite sensation compared with the preceding play. The visitors at once attacked determinedly, and in hot work close in Simpson and McDermott were very busy. It looked as though Settle would open the account; but he shot into Watt’s hands. Then McColl set his men going, and Templeton passed across. Rutherford dashed in to finish the effort, but the ball bounced too high for him and Kitchen ran out and saved. The last named dealt successfully with shots from Templeton and Tyldesley, and then Appleyard came through his opponents in his best style and scored what proved to be the winning goal. This smartened up both teams, but for some time Newcastle held the upper hand. Repeatedly the Everton men made gallant attempts to turn the side without success. In most cases Tyldesley and Wills upset their calculations, but more than once they came neat scoring. McDermott having very hard lines on one occasion. For a time the pace slackened and Templeton was left completely out in the cold. Then in the last ten minutes the Liverpool men made another determined effort, but the home defence prevailed. Final; Newcastle United 1 goal, Everton Nil.
Newcastle United: - Watts, goal, Tyldesley, and Wills, backs, Gardner, Aitkens, and Veitch, half-backs, Rutherford Howie, Appleyard, McColl, and Templeton forwards.
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott and Simpson forwards.

CUP-TIE PROSPECTS
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday- January 20 1904
By Montezuma
And what of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur? The Toffees are developing quite a fondness for coming out of the bag paired with a Southron, and the forthcoming match with the Spurs should provoke a fine exhibition of the game, for each side plays a similar game. Everton just now are going such great guns that Tottenham must feel their task a heavy one. But the Spurs are even better Cup fighters than Everton. That the latter are going to leave no stone unturned will be admitted when I state they go into special training with the decision of their League match against Middlesbrough. It is possible the Toffees will take the brine baths at Nantwich, but all was not definitely settled as I write. A "rod in pickle," say you! Several old Evertonians are included in the Spurs' ranks, and I venture to say Booth and Co. will give them a warm reception. I am fairly confident respecting Everton's ability to blunt the Spurs, who, at the worst, should share a fine gate and experience a lighter fall than when they went Pompey's way last year. I hear the event will be honoured with the presence of Lord Stanley and fashionable party.

TIT-BITS OF “THE” LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic News- Wednesday, January 20 1904
By Montezuma
Everton, however, received a check at Newcastle, where I fancy, they have never yet won. The only goal of the match proved Everton's undoing, and it was due to a misunderstanding between Balmer and Crelly in the second half, this enabling the dashing Appleyard to rush in and defeat Kitchen. Victory would have placed the Toffees well in the running for honours; but their forwards, weakened by the absence of both Hardinan and Corrin, lacked the necessary bit of accuracy at close quarters. It is curious that Everton in each of the five matches lost since September have not scored the odd goal, four matches being lost 1 to nil, and the other 2 to nil. This goes to show their forward line as the root of the evil. At Newcastle, Simpson, the Notts cricketer, was tried for the first time, but his play is lacking in the necessary resource.

EVERTON AGAINST VILLA
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 22 January 1904
Everton hope to have the services of Hardman in their important match with the Villa. It is some time since the speedy little left winger turned out for the Toffees, but if he can reproduce the form shown early in the season he will be a source of strength. Everton's side looks a fine one at every point, and Villa will have to be at their best to either draw or win. Last week the Birmingham club were in a difficulty owing to the fact that three of four backs were all unavailable, the consquence being that Alec Leake, had to fall back from the intermediate line, while Wilkes was called upon for service at left half. It is hoped that Evans or Miles will be able to play back with Spencer tomorrow, but there is no definite information to hand. In any case the two means will include brilliant players and the game should be a fine one.

LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 22 January 1904
DIMENSIONS OF THE BUILDING
The Liverpool cathedral Committee have issued an illustrated pamphlet, giving the story of the past, the need of the present, and the dream of the future, as regards the Cathedral scheme. The story of the past traces the progress of the scheme through its initial stages, including its formal adoption at a public meeting held at the Town hall in June, 1901, at which an influential committee was appointed to carry out the details; the selection of the St. James Mount site, and the purchase of the same from the Corporation; and the appointment of Mr. Bodley, R.A., and Mr. G. Gilbert Scott as joint architects to carry out the designs of the latter, “thus securing the experience of the greatest modern exponent of Gothic architecture and the brilliant talent of Mr. Scott, so conspicuously displayed in his drawings.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING
The following brief description of the building will be read with interest;- The Cathedral, standing on St. James Mount, 155 feet above the river, will be seen at once from every vessel approaching the Mersey. It’s two great towers, by far the highest objects in the city, will rear their lofty heads 415 feet above the level of the sea. Both by the magnificence of its proportions and the excellence and originality of the design, it will take a very high rank among the great cathedrals of England; while its vast height and lofty cross transepts will mark it as one of the most imposing edifices in Europe. The ground occupied by the Cathedral, with Chapter House and Morning Chapel, will be about 90,000 square feet, which exceeds the area of any other English Cathedral. Including the northern entrance and Morning Chapel, the Cathedral will be 534 feet long. Comparing this with measurements of other English cathedrals, the internal length of St. Albans is 550; of Winchester 526; and of Chester 355 feet. The nave up to the “crossing” of the transepts, measured internally, will be 192 feet long, or up to the entrance of the choir 240 feet. The nave of York Minister is 262 feet, while Westminster is only 166. St. Paul’s 200, and Salisbury 229 feet. The width of the have between the centres of the piers, will be 53 feet 6 inches, exceeding by several feet that of York Minster. The towers will be each about as large in area as the great central tower of York Minster, 65 feet square, and until now the largest in England, and will surpass it in height by 62 feet, rising to 260 feet above floor level, or 275 feet above St. James-road. Perhaps the most remarkable and striking feature of the Cathedral will be the height of the vaulting of the nave and choir-measured to the barrel vaulting. 116 feet, and into the high transept, 140 feet, which cannot fail to produce a very magnificent effect. No cathedral in the country approaches this height. The nearest is Westminster, the nave of which has a height of 102 feet, while York measures 99 feet; then Salisbury 84, and Lincoln 82. Chester reaches only 73. The “whispering gallery” of St. Paul’s Cathedral is 100 feet from the floor. The cathedral will afford seat room in the portion to be first completed the choir and central space -for about 3,500 persons, and the entire building could when finished accommodate 8,000. The most striking and original architectural features of the elevation are the high transepts, which are carried up to the full height of the nave and choir; these break up the length of the building and impart to a massiveness so often absent in buildings of Gothic character. It is a design which requires careful study, and the more it is studied the more impressive does its quiet dignity and grandeur appear. While the exterior is full of originality, and asserts its importance by its bulk and grand proportions the interior promises to be quite unique, affording a perspective of magnificent arches towering up 120 feet in height above the nave and choir and flanked on either side by other vistas of arches, each arch being 65 feet high, the whole surmounted by a triforium. A religions feeling and fervour appears to pervade the whole interior; everything is quiet and devotional in feeling, impressive in its grandeur and inspiring in its charming and attractive simplicity truly a fitting Temple for the worship of the Must High.
The principal dimensions will be seen at a glance from the following;
Total external length, including morning chapel 584ft
Length of nave without narthex 192ft
Width of nave between centres of peers 53 ½ ft
Width of nave and aisles 84ft
Width across transepts 198ft
Width of north Parade 196ft
Height of arches in nave and choir 65ft
Height of vaulting in nave and choir 116ft
Height of vaulting in high transepts 140ft
Height of vaulting under towers 161ft
Height of central towers 260ft
Height of northern tower 100ft
Superficial area of Cathedral buildings 90,000 sq. ft.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 23 January 1904
Everton v Aston Villa
League match at Goodison Park; kick-off 3
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v Darwen
Lancashire Combination match at Darwen; Exchange Station 12.35; kick-off 2.45
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly, O’Hagan, and Corrin, forwards.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Sports Argus - Saturday 23 January 1904
MIDLANDERS LOSE BY A SHORT HEAD
A STUBBORN STRUGGLE
By “Argus Juniors”
The Villa team left it until eleven o’clock this morning to start for their journey to Everton. No fresh change was occasioned in the side, whose members were accompanied by a limited number of supporters. The party was a sanguine one, and recalled that last season both games were won by the Aston eleven, the away match by 1 goal to 0, and the home encounter by 2 goals to 1.
It was a risky thing to fix the start of the match at Goodison Park at three o’clock in view of the liability to fog at this time or the year. In fact an hour before the kick-off a threatening haze was beginning to gather over the ground, and the prospects of the contest being played to a finish were doubtful.  The Villa, owing to injuries to several players, had a weakened team. The disabled were Spencer and Wood. Miles took the former’s place, and Evans reappeared at left back, Leake and Wilkes were in the half-back line. Considerable interest was manifested in the appearance of Watkins, the ex-Stoke man, who partnered Brawn. Everton also had one or two changes.
The teams were;-
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W Balmer and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Aston Villa: - George, goal, Miles, and Evans, backs Pearson, Wilkes and Leake, half-backs, Brawn, Watkins, Niblo, Bache, and Lockett, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Shilton, Nottingham.
In anticipation of witnessing a hard battle a great crowd assembled, and when the teams turned out there would not be far short of 25,000 spectators present. Both teams were enthusiastically greeted on stepping out. Everton won the toss, and Hardman slipped past Pearson right at the start, McDermott, however, failed to take the centre, and Miles cleared. Before the Villa could get away, however, Booth sent a long one just wide. Bache tried to set Lockett going, but it was of no avail, and Everton coming on with a rush, Settle headed the ball past George only two minutes from the restart. The custodian made an effort, but failed to get down to the ball in time. This sensational opening put the Villa on their mettle, and Pearson and Brawn initiated a sharp attack on the home goal, but the ball went behind. Miles retrieved a weak bit of work by Wilkes, and then Leake checked Sharp. Smart play by Brawn, Bache, and Niblo was nullified, but offside against Everton gave the Villa a chance to continue the pressure. Leake and Bache fed Lockett well, but the outside man could do little, and the centres from the visitors’ right wing generally found an Evertonian there before the Villa man. Tricky left-wing play saw Balmer beaten, and Wilkes got in a dropping shot, which Kitchen punched from under the bar. Jack Sharp sailed off at a rare pace down the wing with Leake in attendance, and the Villa man got in front and kicked out to clear. The Villa were more aggressive for some time, but without success, and the home side were helped by the fact that Wilkes and Pearson frequently played the ball to the feet of Balmer and Crelly, both of whom kicked strongly. McDermott and Abbott put in good shots which George saved. Hardman got the better of Miles, but was bowled over as he shot, and the ball struck the side of the net. Then McDermott, with an easy chance, shot over the bar, and Sharp put in a curler which George saved. Niblo and Watkins were easily robbed by Crelly, and Everton, who showed the better combination, attacked again, but Settle put a centre from Sharp yards over the bar. Then Niblo and Watkins missed a grand centre from Lockett. So far the football had been by no means brillaint. Balmer was in fine form, and nullified many promising bursts by the Villa. Kitchen had to handle from Lockett, then Evans gave a corner, from which George twice saved. Brawn and Watkins got away, but Brawn hit the side of the net. Then the Villa front line was changed, Watkins going centre, Bache inside right, and Niblo inside left. The half was fairly even, but the home side played slightly the better football.
Half-time;- Everton 1 Villa 0
The Villa forwards assumed their original positions on restarting. Just after the restart a sharp scrimmage took place right in the goal mouth, following a weak clearance by Miles, and George was lucky to keep his goal from further downfall. Evans cleared beautifully shortly afterwards, leading to an attack in which Kitchen punched away from Lockett. There was a good deal more vigour, crispness, and vim about the work of both sides after the resumption. The Villa defence played off a warm attack, and the forwards pressed but lacked method. Play fell off again in interest, and the visitors had to act largely on the defensive. Their front string were quite incapable of taking the chances the clearances of the backs gave them, the whole line finicking about with the ball till they were robbed. Watkins was weak and Niblo an indifferent centre, Brawn and Lockett were not fed as they should have been, and the whole string was ragged. A grand run by Sharp, followed by a shot which missed the goal by inches was loudly cheered. Everton were now pressing the Villa hard, and a goal seemed certain. The defence prevailed, however, and Brawn set off at top speed only to see his centre to Niblo taken by Kitchen, who ran out. Just before the final whistle blew George saved in an extraordinary manner, heading out a shot from Settle. Niblo got through at the other end, but shot tamely, and Kitchen had no difficulty in clearing.
Result;- Everton 1 Aston Villa 0
GOSSIP ON THE GAME
Having won the first engagement at Aston by 3 goals to 1, the Villa knew they were in for a hard fight at Goodison Park. The Everton enclosure is by no means a happy hunting ground for the Birmingham club, and as a rule better football is shown when the teams meet at Aston.
A sensational opening seemed to promise an exciting afternoon’s football, but the first half did not bear out the promise. It was not a brilliant game, and though the Villa strove hard to equalise, and for the first quarter of an hour pressed almost continuously, the forwards were all at sea, only Lockett and Bache shaping at all well. Walkins did not play well to Brawn, who had not many chances, and Niblo tried too much finessing in the centre. Moreover both Wilkes and Pearson were below their usual form, and Leake was the only half-back to show his abilities, his feeding of the forwards and his resource being marked. With Balmer and Crelly on their very best behaviour, and the Everton half-backs sound, the home forwards were well supported, and they were quicker on the ball and passed with more judgement than the visitors. Miles, despite one or two slips, was more reliable than Evans, although Leake looked so well after Jack Sharp and his partner that the closest attacks came from the Everton left. With the exception of a few minutes after the interval the Villa never got into their stride. They did not go about their work at all like a winning side, only three or four playing anything like the Villa. These were George, Leake, Evans, and Miles. While Brawn and Lockett occasionally got in a run, they were not well served by the inside men. The visitors’ exhibition was, indeed, disappointing. In fact, Everton always appeared to have something in hand.

DARWEN v. EVERTON RESERVE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 23 January 1904
At Darwen. before 3,000 spectators. Everton won the toss and early in the game Sheridan missed scoring with an open goal. Darwen, however, were very aggressive, and Whitley made a splendid save out of a scrimmage. Crook next shaved the upright with a capital shot, and five minutes later from a free kick the same player had very hard lines with a shot at six yards’ range. The game was very fast, both teams showing excellent form. Whitley saved a shot from Crook by throwing himself at full length. The balance of play was with Darwen, but the forwards missed several chances. Some good work by the Everton left wing ended in O'Hagan beating Lill with a good shot. Darwen were awarded a free kick close to the penalty line, but the visitors packed their goal, and the shot was cleared. Darwen tried hard to draw level, but Henderson and Balmer played a good defensive game. Hincks made a poor attempt from a good pass from the right wing. Even play followed up to the interval. Half-time—Everton Reserve 1. Darwen 0.
Everton were the first to attack, but Rankin ran the ball out. Darwen were soon on the move, and a free kick against Chadwick led to considerable pressure on the visitors’ goal. Whitley had to concede a corner, and though it was well placed the Everton defence could not be beaten. The Everton forwards showed pretty passing movements, and the Darwen backs were hard pressed. Corrin put a good centre in, and Duckworth, in meeting the ball, put it through his own goal. Darwen were awarded a penalty, but Whitley made great save. The fast pace began to tell on Darwen, and Everton were continually pressing. Dilly scored a third goal with a fast shot, and in the last minute the same player again beat Lill. The home team had much the worse of the play, and were well beaten. Result-Everton Res 4 Darwin 0.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 23, 1904
SETTLE SOON OPENS THE SCORE FOR EVERTON
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
When cult meets cult we expect something classy, even in the football world. No one will deny that Everton and Aston Villa at their best are the leading exponents of what may be regarded as “high-class” football.  The Villans have ever been well thought of in Liverpool, and as the elements were propitious, a capital gate was assured beforehand. Neither club was victorious last Saturday, and as both meet at a time when they have the same object in view, the spectators seemed certain of getting full value for their money. In fact, from every point of view it claimed the distinction of being the most sensational of the day’s fixtures. Victory for the Blues meant a very decided improvement in their championship chances.
The following were the teams;-
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W Balmer and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Aston Villa: - George, goal, Miles, and Evans, backs Pearson, Wilkes and Leake, half-backs, Brawn, Watkins, Niblo, Bache, and Lockett, forwards. Referee Mr. H. Shilton.
There were about 25,000 spectators present when the teams turned out, at which time there ere threatening signs of fog. Everton played as per programme, but Aston Villa made no fewer than five changes. Spencer was the most noticeable absentee, in whose place Miles appeared. Watkins, late of Stoke, made his first appearance with the Villa. Leake and Wilkes going left and centre half back respectively, and Evans appearing at left full back. Niblo started but Settle gained possession very smartly, and transferred immediately to the Everton left, from whence Hardman centred cleverly, but Mac was not smart enough to take advantage and Miles cleared. The Villans were off up their left, but were not very lively in their attack, and Crelly took the leather from Watkins and put across to Booth, who lost no time in transferring to Sharp. The cricketer dashed down the field with his usual speed, and, meeting little opposition, centred beautifully. Settle took advantage in dashing style, and “netted in a trice.” This success was gallantly achieved after scarcely five minutes play. George had practically no chance, and Sharp deserved great credit for such speedy success. Balmer landed a free kick well into the Villa half, this, however, being captured by Bache, who along with Lockett, made great efforts to make a passage along the left. The half backs closed in, but it was Taylor who had the luck to check, and then Settle swung the ball across to the Everton left, where Pearson nipped in and put his side on the attack. The visitors kept up the pressure for a while, but got nowhere near the mark, although a slip by Wolstenholme gave them an advantage, and a free kick against Settle gave them further help; but luck favoured the homesters, and finally Balmer got in his kick and cleared. The game was fought at a great pace, and the halves on both sides put in Herculean efforts. The Villans forwards play was very pretty to watch, and kept both Everton backs strictly on the qui vive. At last their efforts were rewarded with a corner, which Kitchen conceded in disposing of a roaster from Bache. Sharp was soon away, but very closely pursued by Leake, who escaped from his difficulties by checking Sharp at the expense of a corner, which, however, brought no advantage to Everton. Then the Villans came away in force, but Booth was equal to emergencies and initiated another attack by Everton’s right. The leather was ultimately planted in front of George, but Miles neutralised. Lockett and Bache put in some tricky work, and then Lockett put the ball across, Watkins making straight for goal, until he was checked by Crelly. A free kick was cleared from the front of the Everton goal, following which a foul was given against the Villa, Balmer putting the home left in play. Strong pressure was brought to bear on the visitor’s lines, and eventually Hardman put in a great shot, with which George had some difficulty. Clever work by Settle, Abbott and Taylor followed, this culminating in a long shot from McDermott, but George responded cleverly. Further pressure was made by the home contingent, this being brought to a close when Hardman sent a weak shot by the shot of the post. The Blues were delighting the spectators with glorious football, and time after time was George in jeopardy, but the Villa backs were steady and true, or else it would have gone hard with them. The Villans now attacked vigorously on their left, and Everton’s defence went a bit groggy, but the Villa forwards failed to get in a shot, owing to the vigilance of Booth. The Blues soon got away down the centre, but McDermott wound up with a wide shot. Taylor next put over to Sharp, but Evans impeded, though a corner ultimately followed. From this Abbott tried a long shot, with which Evans dealt in clumsy fashion. A rush by the Villa right and a centre brought a beautiful clearance from Crelly, and once more the battle raged in favour of Everton. A couple of pretty centres were given by Sharp, from one of which Settle shot wide, and from the other Wilkes gave a corner, McDermott following with a futile shot at goal. Keeping up the pressure, the Everton left got the better of Miles, but Hardman made a hash of his centre. The Villa then took up an aggressive attitude, and Bache beat Wolstenholme, afterwards transferring smartly to Lockett, but the outside man’s centre was far too speedy for Niblo, who was waiting, and Crelly neutralised. Then came an attack from the Everton right, and a corner was ultimately forced, George having a rather warm time before Wilkes got away with the leather. A series of hot exchanges followed in midfield, a stern struggle going on for the mastery, and after Balmer had been upset by Bache, Booth came to the rescue. From the centre’s excellent pass, Taylor tested George but there was little speed on the ball. Sharp and Settle, with neat work, forced the Villa defence but the ball went out off Sharp. Both sides here slowed off a bit, as the opening pace was altogether too fierce to be maintained. A miskick by Miles led to another corner, from which George had to handle twice. A fierce attack by the Villans was well met by the home halves, but Aston’s front rank persisted until off-side against Wilkins caused a cessation of the fray. The Villa got down again and Brawn had one of his centres captured by Booth. A free kick fell to Everton near the centre, and from this came a corner, but to no purpose. Balmer staved off another Villa attack, following which hardman again made a mull of his centre. Half-time came with play in the centre of the field.
Half-time score. Everton 1 Aston Villa Nil.
Final Result Everton 1 goal, Aston Villa Nil
The Villa won the corresponding game last season by 1 goal to nil.

SCHOLFIELD
Empire News & The Umpire - Sunday 24 January 1904
Correspondents
United Supporter.- I think Schofield originally belonged to Aintree Church, but was transferred by Everton to Manchester United. He was never a member of Sale Holmfield.

• I haven’t seen him since receiving your letter, so cannot reply definitely.

EVERTON V. ASTON VILLA
London Daily News - Monday 25 January 1904
The meeting of these teams at Goodison Park proved a great attraction, 25,000 spectators being present. Everton were fully represeted, but several changes were made in the Villa eleven. The game opened at a great pace. Everton seen had the better of matters, and from a fine centre by Sharp, Settle headed through for them. The Villa tried hard to equalise, but at the interval their opponents were still leading by one goal to none. Good play was shown by both sides in the second half, Everton had more chances, and at one period George had to clear shot after shot, the Villa goal having several lucky escapes. Nothing further was scored, and Everton won by one goal to none.

EVERTON AND THEIR AMBITIONS
Athletic News - Monday 25 January 1904
By Junius
Although Everton were victorious over the Villa only by a goal-the solitary point of the match – yet on the actual play they were much the better side.  If Everton lay themselves out for the Association Cup- which was their ambition last season –I don’t see why- with a little luck in the draw –they should not succeed.  They are a dangerous side, possessing a grand half-back line, a sound defence, and forwards on their day are brilliant.  The men are going to Blackpool today for a fortnight, so as to be thoroughly fit for the “Spurs” in the first round of the ties.  They will stay at the north end of the town, and go from there to Middlesbrough for their League fixture next Friday.  In their Lancashire Senior Cup-tie today at Blackburn, they will be represented by their reserves, and they possess such a capable second string that it will be no surprise to learn that they have qualified for the next round. 

FINE VICTORY BY EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 25 January 1904
The leaders of the A Division of the Combination gave a fine display at Darwen, and the four goals to none defeat they inflicted upon the home team will stand as the best performance of the season.  Darwen were without their most dangerous forward, Gate.  Hull, a Manchester amateur, being included in the team, which in many departments was inferior to that of Everton.  In the first half there was little if anything to choose between the two teams, but in the second half Everton wore their opponents down by clean, systematic football, and fully merited their victory.  Hull played fairly well in the first half, but fell away subsequently.  The half-backs did well, although Haslam was outclassed and Duckworth, in the back division, was not so safe as usual.  Everton were a well-balanced, hard-working, clever team, and there was not a weak place in their side. 

GIANTS MEET AT EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 25 January 1904
By Nondescript
It was a little too venturesome policy on the part of the Everton Executive to fix up a three o’clock start on Saturday. The idea, of capturing additional sixpences is all well in its way, but there is a risk at this time of the year of discounting the enjoyment of the greater number of patrons, for I take it that everyone who goes to watch football not only desires to follow a game right through from every part of the ground, but likes to know who's who, so to speak, all the time, particularly when popular favourites are on parade, as was the case here. However, the merest trifle of filmy football attended the latter end of the ceremonies at Goodison; ail concerned being able to rejoice that nothing in the shape of a chunk of the fog through which river pilots wore groping their way in the morning floated over the north end of the city. Of the game be it said that both sides engaged at times in some thoroughly enjoyable football. A high standard was not maintained during the whole of the ninety minutes, and mistakes which should really not be debited to teams of such standing were common enough. Still people who do not regard a football eleven as a set of mechanical toys, which can never, or hardly ever, go wrong, would appreciate the entertainment, and I include myself in the number. Everton got a good start, the one goal which decided the issue accruing to them in the first couple minutes, and giving them a foundation which was never fairly shaken, spite of all which the Villa brought to bear against it. Indeed with a little more circumspection the locals should have cleared another goal or two out of the transaction in the second half when their forwards were over-running the enemy to its last line of defence. However, victory over the Villa by the barest margin, and on whatsoever ground, is a gratifying exploit, and on this occasion it was well deserved and was much appreciated by a large, but not packed, assembly which would number quite 30,000.
SHARP PRACTICE.
We jumped into a kind of cerulean story right from the kick-off. Hardman got two chances of showing a yard or two faster than Miles, and had Settle been built on the bogey built the bog system he would probably have converted, one rasping centre from the left.  A counter-part to the last-named, however, was forthcoming when Booth put Sharp on move, and this time the Everton bantam got a beautiful ball about his own height, and with a deft inclination of the head placed it well out of George’s reach.  Then the Villa engaged in a lengthy story of attack, the principal characters being Niblo, who was uncommonly hard to shaken off, and Wilkes who mostly travelled in great form and accomplished all manner of good things.  Undeniably clever though a deal of their footwork was, however, the Birmingham division did not get to the far end with it.  Something would happen just when a flowery movement was approaching full bloom.  Niblo might be a species of cuttle fish in possession, but Balmer and Crelley went for him, as one might say, with a hatchet, and twice the first-named of the pair came through and took the ball off his toe when the Villa centre in another half second would have secured practically clear ground for “drawing a head,” on Kitchen.  Then Bache was unfortunate enough to give Niblo a pass when Lockett was better placed, and when Lockett did get a chance he lost touch with the rest of his colleagues in front of goal.  A re-arranged attack- Bache, Watkins, and Niblo exchanging places-brought no better luck, and me thought was scarcely so satisfactory as the original arrangement.  Frequent enough Everton showed some crisp square-cut movement’s in front.  Sharp utilized his opportunities with fair success.  Hardman was equally responsive on the other side, while McDermott, if not always happy in his projects, was a bothering fellow to the defence.  On one occasion it certainly seemed that Hardman was tripped close to the goal-line.  He had his shot, however, which hit the net.  Again in the second half McDermott found an outstretched leg an impediment to progress, well on the penalty mark.  He also wriggled through and made an even better effort to score.  By way of variety Crelley when fairly beaten by Brawn reverted to the Rugby code and was successful in an unsportsmanlike attempt to arrest his man.  Booth was only just in the nick of time to hook an awkwardly dropping ball out of goal, while an intended coup from a free kick for tripping was badly carried out between Leake and, I think, Wilkes.  Everton, however, had more of the ball after crossing over.  Sharp, had he added another three of four yards to a clear run, could hardly have missed his mark.  Hardman had an undeniable chance of booking a second goal, and Booth occupied himself so closely with a masterly dribble that when the time came to shoot he must have imagined the posts to be in the next parish.  And so the eight-eight minutes following the joint-stock raid of Sharp and Settle were entirely drawn blank. 
Personal Pips
Neither side showed form which would win an English Cup or secure the top rung of the League ladder.  There were streaks of brilliance here and there, and both lines of forwards executed some pretty diagrams in maneuvering the ball.  The Villa perhaps endowed their plans of attack with more artistic treatment but Everton outstayed them in general aggressiveness, their forwards being under much obligation to an intermediate line which, maybe, is the best in the County.  And that sets one thinking of potential atoms in forthcoming representative sides.  Booth is a towering half-back, invariably plays delightful football when his team get an early grip on the game as they did here. I should say he does quite as much execution as Crawshaw with less exertion, but at bidding for goal neither gets such a sight on the posts as does Thorpe, of Bury. The half-back with whom I was most pleased on Saturday was Wolstenholme, an untiring worker, seen to greatest advantage in tight corners. Some of his recoveries here were sparkling efforts. Wilkes, on this showing, is barely a whit worse than when he was picked for his country. He got more into the running than his wing colleagues, of whom Pearson was not so prominent as Leake, while the last-named was no more successful than Abbott, who played a determined, worrying game, though pitted against a speedier opponent, and managed to get in his customary shot, which was “ripper." In proof of the longer sustained efforts of the Everton attack George had more work on hand than Kitchen, yet the Everton backs shielded their custodian wondrously well, and are as smart a pair, I should think, as have sported the club's colours. Balmer did all manner of good things, and could be credited with one of the best attempts to capture the goal from long range which I have seen, the ball travelling like an arrow from nearly 60 yards out, and skimming the cross-bar near the post. Crelley, too, allowed stoutness and resource in equal quantities. In comparison, the other pair presented scarcely so solid a front, and several times were fairly over-run. I am not sure whether the inclusion of Watkins will make for the good of the Villa attack. He was not very demonstrative on this occasion. I have also seen Bache more in accord with his colleagues. Niblo caught the eye favourably on occasions, though disposed to hang on the ball a wee bit too long. Of the rest. Lockett and Brawn, on the extreme wings, barely applied themselves to such useful service as Hardman and Sharp—this said with a full recognition of the fact that Lancashire’s Jack of both trades was very inconsistent. McDermott was unfortunate many times in seeking to place his partner on the run, but very frequently he showed himself a craftsman, and was as successful as any in either van. Settle, if he falls short of the ideal centre, is something more than the mere makeshift. Happy, as usual, when scuffling near goal, he very rarely gives his forwards a correct lead, some of his long passes being simply cheap gifts to the opposition. Altogether he creates the impression that the man in the middle of the ground is the man who is to be played to and waited upon. However, he demonstrated his agility at close quarters, and as one who is generally good to rely upon for a goal when reasonable chances present themselves, he is a handy sort to have in a team. On Saturday’s showing Everton are a business-like combination. Of the Villa—well, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever appears likely to be; Over-elaboration is their besetting sin. Everton—Kitchen; Balmer and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott. and Hardman. Aston Villa; George; Miles, and Evans; Pearson, Wilkes, and Leake; Brawn, Watkins, Niblo, Bache, and Lockett.  Referee; H. Shelton, Nottingham. 

ARCHIBALD GOODALL’S TRANSFER
Athletic News - Monday 25 January 1904
I referred last week to the transfer of Archibald Goodall to Glossop, and stated on official authority that derby County had, so far as they were concerned, given him a free transfer in return for his long services to them.  Since then I have seen Goodall, who rather resented it going forth to the world that Derby had treated him generously in the matter, and asserted that the County had no option but to take the course they did.  He states that at the conclusion of last season he was told that his services would be no longer required, and that being so, the County ought to have placed him on the open to transfer list.  Instead of doing this, they put him upon the “retain” list, but did not offer him a reengagement at reasonable wages, and that was why he went to Plymouth.  When he returned to Derby, he was not re-engaged, and his contention is that their treatment of him left the County without any voice in the matter of a transfer fee.  There is evidently a little feeling over the subject, and it is clear that Goodall and Derby did not part on the best of terms. 

BLACKBURN ROVERS V. EVERTON
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 25 January 1904
By Ranger
The defeat of the Rovers on Saturday at Sheffield damped not a little the enthusiasm over the Cup fight at Ewood Park, this afternoon. Both clubs played their reserve teams, which were of fairly even strength. A small crowd welcome Haworth once again to the football field. teams; Rovers; Evans, goal; McDonald and Eastham, backs; Howarth, McClure, and Brindle, half-backs; Duckworth, Monks, Bowman, Smith and Dunkley, forwards. Everton; Whitley, goal; Henderson and R. Balmer, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Young, O'Hagan, and Corrin, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Kirkham, Preston.
The opening stages decidedly favoured the Rovers who faced a strong wind. Clever footwork by Dunkley enabled him to elude Russell. Sprinting furtehr down the ground, he drove aross an accurate centre, which Smith and Bowman attempted to convert into a goal. Henderson was in fine form, and terminated several dangerous raids. The spectators were rewarded by seeing some clever football, for the sport was really good, and the elevens were working hard for a goal. After Whitley had saved from Dunkley, Evans was called upon twice in rapid succession by Young, and a second later by Russell from a free kick. A mistake by McDonald and a slip by Eastham let Rankin in. Fortunately in sprinting down the line he ran the ball into touch. The opening was lost, but Everton seccured another, and the Rovers' citadel almost fell. Evans failed to clear cleanly, and dropping the sphere to the ground, he only managed to kick it behind out of reach of Young. The home team did not like this sudden turn of events, for they quickly changed the venue of play.
A PRETTY SOLO RUN
by Smith down the centre of the field took the ball close into the Everton goalmouth, and Bowman shot hard and straight into the visitors' charge. The keeper had no earthly chance witht he shot, which placed the Blues and Whites ahead of their opponents. The visitors in an endeavour to equalise gave the Ewood defence a warm time, a lunge by Sheridan being turned round the post by Evans. Though Hwaorth did not exhibi signs of nervousness, he was very careful with his leg. The Rovers scored yet another point preior to the interval. Duckworth distinguished himself by a smart run and then fired across a well-palced centre. Bowman dashed in to seize the ball but in this he failed. The leather, however, travelled to the foot of Dunkley, who with a fine shot drove it home, thus nothcing the second point of the match.
Half-Time; Rovers 2 Everton 0
The second half was opened by a rapid dribble by Rankin, who swung the ball before O'Hagan. The inside left did not trouble Evans, however, for he shot clean over the bar. This spurred the Rovrs to a great effort. They packed the Everton goal, and both forwards and halves sent in lightning shots. These were successfully negotiated by the defenders, conspicious amongs whom was the custodian, who galliantly defended the breach and kept quite cool in moments of excitement. The Everton brigade had claimed the distinction of enever having been beaten this season, whereras the Rovers' Reserves had suffered one or two reverses, and that they had notched two goals against their opponents was thus all the more creditable to the home team. To the delight of the crowd they once again forged ahead, this time Duckworth putting on the goal from a smart pass by Smith the ex-North Ender. It was refreshing to watch Bowman play. He controlledthe ball most skilfully and fed his wings more judiciously than earlier in the season. McDonald was never certain at back. On several occasions he screwed across his own goal to the chargin of Everton. The Rovers continued to apply heavy pressure And McClure was always ready and gear in these hot incursions. Rankin and Sheridan fought their way, by cunning tricks, pass, but luckily McClure had rushed to the rear so as to intercept their onward career. Monks who had played indifferently, received applause for a fine pass to Dunkerley. The outside left wasted no time, and with a hard kick, lifted the sphere to his comrade on the right. Duckworth in his anxiety to land the sphere into the net, collided with Whitley after the player had saved a stinging shot. The custodain dropped to the ground severely staken, and the game was stopped for several minutes; but after attention by the trainer, Whitley recovered and pluckily resumed amidst cheers. The Rovers were most aggressive, but their came a turn in the tide of affairs. slowness in clearing have Corrin a chance, and he very wisely availed himself of the opportunity with the result that thew visitors placed a point to their account. A bad kick on the part of Balmer saw the sphere transferred to Bowman., who was over 20 yards distance from Whitley. With a magnificent drive he planted the ball in the net. The custodian could not save his charge, for the sphere flew like an arrow. Whitley was playing at a great disadvantage. He had injured his right leg so bady that he could not even kick the ball. In the closing stages Bowman added a fifth goal, and could not be congratulated too highly upon his exhibtion. Result; Rovers 5, Everton 1.

HEAVY DEFEAT OF DARWEN
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 25 January 1904
Darwen suffered a heavy defeat on saturday by Everton Reserve. The football in the first portion was the best seen at Darwen this season. Everton were always clever, and Darwen's determination atoned for any comparion in the finer points of the game. The visitors led at the interval by a goal but it did not represent the balance of play. The Duckworth put the ball through his own goal the home team seemed to lose heart. The visitors on the contrary, played up with redoubled vigour, and at the finish led by 4-0. Darwen were awarded a penalty, but it was finely saved by Whitley. There was no denying which was the cleverer team on the day's play, and it was a great disappointment to their supporters that dawren should cut up in the way they did. It was the heaviest defeat experienced at home since the new ground was taken four years ago.

DARWIN 0 EVERTON RESERVES 4
January 25, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury.
Lancashire Combination “A” Division
At Darwin. Whitley saved from Crook, but was beaten by Hall the point being disallowed. Score at the interval, Everton 1 Darwin nil. In the second half, Duckworth placed the ball through his own goal. Everton saved a Penalty. Dilly scored. Result Everton 4 Darwin nil. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson and R.Balmer, backs, Chadwick Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs Rankin, Sheridan, Dilly O'Hagan and Corrin forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
January 25, 1904. The Liverpool Mercury
By their victory over Aston Villa, Everton again place themselves in the position of having more than an outside chance of the championship, and their future games will be invested with keener interest on this account. In their two most recent home matches, they have overthrown the leaders and the Villa-two clubs whose aspirations towards the premiership of the League would appear to be based on fairly substantial grounds-and as they have yet to be visited by Sheffield Wednesday, and Manchester City, each of whom is at present above them in the table of results, their outlook is decidedly, promising. Though the only vanquished the Villa by a goal to nil, there was a vastly wider difference in the actual play of the teams than the score would seem to denote. The first half was very keenly contested and there were periods in it when the visitors were forcing matters to such an extent that the ultimate triumph of Everton began to assume a very remote appearance. But the Villa forwards were exceedingly remiss when it came to a question of scoring and the best efforts thoughout the match came from the half-backs. Everton gained the winning goal three minutes after the start. Settle heading past George, after receiving a fine centre from Sharp. Then, however, the home forwards commenced initiating their opponents by dallying, and uselessly passing instead of shooting, and thus Settle's goal won the match. Even with all this hesitancy near goal, the home forwards gave George far more work to do the Villa front line accomplished at the opposite goal, for Kitchen was rarely requisitioned after the interval, and all through had not half-a-dozen difficult shots to deal with. The inclusion of Hardman on the extreme left strengthened this portion of the attack, but the best work was seen on the other wing, where Taylor and Sharp were always a thorn in the side of their opponents. The inside players, however, spoiled much otherwise clever work by indulging in needless passing when better results must have assuredly been gained by shooting. Particularly was this the case in the second half, for the gradual drifting into this, ineffective style of forward play was not so noticeable prior to half-time, but as the game progressed these tactics became more pronounced. Taylor was the pick of the line, for he worked with relentless energy to find openings for his partner, and instead of finessing with the ball when in possession, he drove it out to the wing, and kept Sharp unceasingly on the move. The extreme winger was in fine trim, and though he found it difficult to shake off the attentions of Leake in the opening half, he had matters his own way towards the finish. Hardman was likewise seen to advantage though his centres occasionally were badly directed, and once before the interval, after beating the half, and full backs, he shot against the net what time three of his comrades were waiting anxiously for the crossing of the ball. As a centre forward, Settle did not impress one very favourably, and he has yet to exhibit at Goodison Park that form which has obtained his selection for the North team, as leader of the front rank. McDermott put in some tricky work, but although operating on the left wing, he was more assiduous in his attentions to the right extremity of the line, especially after the change of ends. A little more understanding between the inside men might have avoided many of the blunders which occurred near George for at times they were in each other's way, with the usual unsatisfactory result. Nothing could have excelled the display given by the Everton half-back line, and each of the trio, in his own characteristic way exhibited fine form. Booth was slightly superior, if only by reason of his cool tackling and precise placing. Wolstenholme simply walked round the Villa left wing, and his kicking from all positions was remarkably accurate, whilst Abbott, though meeting a troublesome opponent in Brawn, was seldom baffled, and he was more aggressive in his tactics than the right half. Further in the rare some grand defensive work was shown by Crelly and Balmer. The former shone refulgently in tackling, never failing to check his opponents, and his returns were most judicious. Balmer was more vigorous in his defence, but he repeatedly stepped in at the precise moment for breaking up the advance of the Villa left wing, and in this respect fairly covered himself with credit. Kitchen had very little to do-one shot from Wilkes was the most awkward ball he had to deal with- but he never seemed in difficulties and the Villa forwards were generously lenient with him. The Midlanders failed, to sustain the reputation they have secured of giving a classy exposition, and judged from their form at Everton, they are as likely to win the League Championship as Liverpool are. Their best work was witnessed at half-back. Leake rendering splendid service in the first half, but he fell away considerably afterwards. Wilkes at centre was more consistent and he just about had the measure of Settle, while Pearson, on the right wing, placed a very sound game throughout. The full backs Miles and Evans defended stubbornly, and they were given ample opportunity of displaying their skill. Although the former occasionally faltered in his return, he shaped extremely well under heavy pressure, and he copied the example of his more experienced partner Evans who was at the top of his form, in very promising fashion. George keep a good goal, and it was entirely due to the Villa defence that Everton did not win by a much wider margin. In the front rank some most disappointing play was witnessed; there were occasions at rare intervals when the players moved in something like the concerned manner that had been anticipated, but every advance fizzled away before Kitchen was requisitioned. Niblo, who commenced in the centre, was a failure, and even when he changed places within Watkins, there was not much improvement noticeable. Brawn, on the extreme right, was the most dangerous player in this department, but this was counterbalanced by the exceeding feebleness of Lockett, who was practically useless. Bache worked hard, but everything came alike to his partner, who bungled with rare exceptions, the chances which came his way. Near goal the Midlanders were worse than Everton and though their halves repeatedly worked a favourable positions for them, they were utterly unable to utilise it to any appreciable extent. Three goals to nil would have been a fitter representation of the game, in Everton's favour.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 25 January 1904
The game at Goodison Park between Everton and Aston Villa was characterised by the number of good chances to score that were missed. This admitted, the game otherwise was keenly and vigorously contested. The Everton team lasted best, and this possibly accounts for their one-goal victory, which evens matters for the two clubs, the Villa winning the earlier match. How this one-goal victory was secured is tersely put in the report of the game which appeared in the “Football Echo” on Saturday evening. Thus; The Villans were off up the left, but were not very lively in their attack, and Crelly took the leather from Watkins and put across to Booth, who lost no time in transferring to Sharp. The cricketer dashed down the field with his usual speed, and, meeting little opposition, centred beautifully. Settle took advantage in dashing style, and netted in a trice. This success was gallantly achieved after scarcely five minutes’ play. George had practically no chance, and Sharp deserved great credit for such speedy success.” For the remaining eight-five minutes of a remarkably hard-fought game there was nothing to show in the way of goals, a result due to George, the Villa goalkeeper, who had some “hot ‘uns” to look after.  On the other hand, the Everton goalkeeper had no great stress put upon him. Once only had he the opportunity of showing his ability as custodian, when Wilkes fired at him early in the game, but afterwards -well, his duties were pretty easy. The Everton forwards have been frequently seen to greater advantage than on this occasion. Perhaps it was the fault of the heavy ground, which probably also affected the play of the Villa front line. The half backs made innumerable openings, but the majority went a begging owing to the want of decision on the part of the forwards. The latter’s work itself was pretty to watch, and no doubt the spectators enjoyed it, but from a business point a good dash for goal would have paid much better.
Notwithstanding Everton’s early lead, at one stage of the first half it looked as though the visitors would repeat their previous success by overplaying their opponents. This they might have done had Balmer and his colleague, Crelly been less alert. The first-named behaved like a Trojan of the first water, his work gaining for him many a round of applause. In this effort, however, the visitors must have shot their bolt, for in the second portion of the game the Everton men had the upper hand and pretty well kept it to the finish. The home half-backs showed their usual skill and rarely allowed the Villa attacking line, who were too fastidious in their methods, even to threaten danger. It makes all the difference imaginable when there is a half back line like Everton’s to beat. Everton ought to have won by more goals but George was hard to beat.

EVERTON v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 25 January 1904
About 25,000 people witnessed this League match at Goodison Park. Everton had Hardman back again, but the Villa had two or three alterations. Everton went off in great style, and Settle converted a brilliant centre from Sharp. The game was keenly contested but it was mostly in favour of the home team, who gained several fruitless corners. Half-time;- Everton 1; Aston Villa, nil.
The second half was splendidly contested. For some time neither side could claim any advantage but afterwards Everton maintained persistent pressure and gained numerous corners the Villa goal escaping marvellously time after time. Everton maintained their superiority to the finish.
Result; Everton1 Aston Villa 0
Everton: - Kitchen, goal, W Balmer and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Aston Villa: - George, goal, Miles, and Evans, backs Pearson, Wilkes and Leake, half-backs, Brawn, Watkins, Niblo, Bache, and Lockett, forwards.

ASTON VILLA BEATEN VY EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 25 January 1904
Aston Villa have for some weeks now been well in the running for the League championship, but it has all along been realised that before they could add further to League honours they have already secured they had one or two hard nuts to crack, and one of the hardest they tackled on Saturday, when they met Everton at Goodison Park. The Merseyside combination have been showing good form of late, and, although the Villa have several times brought two points away from Everton, even their most enthusiastic admirers mindful of their rather slack display against Small Heath last week, and the fact that the absence of Spencer at back and Wood at half-back would almost certainly weaken the defence, had serious misgivings as to their ability to repeat last year’s success over the Evertonians. Miles was doing duty for Spencer, and Wilkes reappeared in the half back line, whilst Watkins, the latest importation from Stoke, partnered Brawn on the right. Everton had a thoroughly representative team. Matches between these famous rivals are always pleasant to watch, for the methods of the two sets of players are very similar, and it is rare indeed that either side resorts to objectionable tactics. With the exception that a slight haze overhung the ground the conditions were ideal, and the match, which is one of the most attractive of the season for Liverpool enthusiasts, attracted about 23,000 spectators. The opening was sensational for within three minutes Everton scored what proved to be the only goal of the match. It almost deserved to win a match, for it was a beauty-one of the sort one likes to see scored, whether by friend or adversary. The Villa lost the toss and kicked off, and after a couple of exchanges Crelly robbed Watkins and passed to Booth, and with Evans coming forwards to tackle, the Everton centre-half passed out to Sharp, who dashed off up the wing and finished up with a grand centre, which Settle deflected with his head into the net. George having not the ghost of a chance of saving. It was loudly and deservedly cheered. This reverse put the Villa on their mettle, and very son they were attacking, but the Everton halves and backs were playing a superb game and it was some time before Kitchen was seriously troubled. Then Wilkes tested him with a dangerous ground shot, to save which he had to concede a corner. In turn the home team asserted itself, and the Villa defence was kept very busy, for there was more method in the Everton attack than in that of their opponents, and George had one or two very warm handfuls to deal with, which he did in masterly fashion. Lockett was the unfortunate member of the Villa forward line, for once or twice the referee unaccountably blew him offside when he was favourably situated, and at other times he hung on to the bell when it was obviously the game to part with it. Just before half-time the Villa forward line was rearranged, Watkins going to centre, Niblo to inside left, and Bache partnering Brawn on the right; but nothing came of it, and when the interval arrived Everton were still a goal to be good. When play was resumed the Villa forwards, it was seen, had resumed their original position. They commenced by pressing, but were driven back, and some give-and-take play followed. Then Brawn, after he had beaten Balmer, and had a clear path for goal, was fouled in the most deliberate fashion by the Everton back, who, unable to get the ball, seized hold of Brawn and held him. Of course, the usual free kick was awarded, but nothing came of it, for the Everton men packed the goal, and the ball was got away. This was very hard lines for the Villa, for it was odds on Brawn scoring had he not been fouled, and the punishment did not by any means fit the offence. It seems a pity that in such cases the referee has not the power, when he awards the free kick, to keep behind the man who is fouled every player who was behind him when the rule was broken, and thus prevent a side from benefiting by a breach of rule on the part of one of its players. The Villa forwards, well fed by their halves, had many opportunities given them after this, but over-indulgence in fancy play resulted in their being robbed by the Everton half-backs, and it was rarely that Kitchen was seriously tested. George on the other hand, had stingers from Taylor, Sharp, Hardman, and Wolstenholme to deal with and his clever clearances when he seemed certain to be beaten evoked loud applause from the spectators. Towards the close the Villa made a last effort to get on level terms, and Niblo was especially prominent; but it was all of no avail, and the end came with a victory for the home team by one goal to none. Nobody could begrudge the winners the two points, for they were the superior team on the day’s play. Their forwards, of whom the two wingers, Sharp and Hardman, were the pick, played a good combined game, and it was only the clever work of George which prevented the piling up of a heavy score against the Villa. Their half-backs were all good, their tackling placing of the ball, and backing up of their forwards being excellent; the backs were very safe, and what Kitchen had to do in goal he accomplished very smartly. The display of the Villa team was disappointing. In the forward line there was a lack of understanding among the men. Brawn was neglected, and had few chances. Bache was anything but brilliant, Niblo was too closely shadowed by Booth to be very effective and Lockett was not by any means favoured by the referee. It would perhaps be unfair to severely criticise Watkins, as he was making his first appearance with the team, but his show undoubtedly left much room for improvement. The halves suffered by comparison with the Everton trio, though Leake did some good work. Evans, although not seen at his best was the better of the backs. George’s goalkeeping was the outstanding feature of the Villa’ play.

DISAPPOINTING FORM
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 25 January 1904
ASTON VILLA’S TAME SHOW AGAINST EVERTON
By “Brum”
Aston Villa have been unable to repeat last year’s performance against Everton when they won both League engagements. The fact that they won at Goodison Park last season, and had already beaten the Mersey men at Villa Park this season, gave promises of a keen and exciting struggle on Saturday, and in anticipation of witnessing such an encounter fully 25,000 spectators assembled, although the atmosphere conditions were anything but inviting. The villa were without Spencer and Wood, Miles taking the place of the former and Wilkes figured at centre-half. The visitors supporters, a goodly number of whom went by excursion train, watched the first appearance of Watkins, late of Stoke, with interest. He took the inside right position. On the other hand, Everton were at full strength. The game had a somewhat sensational opening, for ere two minutes had sped Everton had scored. In the very first minute Hardman had slipped in, and was only knocked off the ball as he was about to shoot. The home side ran in again, and Settle smartly headed the leather past George, thus early scoring the only goal of the match.
VILLA’S FALLING-OFF
The form shown by the Villa was disappointing in the extreme. It was, in fact, worse than that shown against Small Heath the previous Saturday. With the exception of the first quarter of an hour, and a brief spell after the changing of ends, the Villa never shaped like a winning team, the football, and especially of the forwards, being of the most ragged and flabby character. I have rarely seen the front string of the Villa play in a manner so disjointed and purposeless. Niblo was woefully at sea in the centre, and Watkins’s first exhibition for his new club was anything but the kind which ahd been expected of him. In fact, he was the weakest of the visitors’ attack. He rarely got the ball and when he did he did not know what to do with it and Brawn received little assistance from him. Bache tried without success, and Lockett would have done better if he had remembered that there were other forwards besides himself and that Blamer was difficult to beat solo. Brawn, too, did not shine. Leake was by far the best of the visitors’ half-backs, both Wilkes and Pearson being much below pair.
BACKS SEVERELY TESTED
As a consequence of the inefficiency of the half-back line as a whole, Evans and Miles had a lot of work to do, and on the whole they accomplished it well, although Miles made one or two blunders. In goal George was safe, though once or twice he was a trifle lucky to keep his charge from further downfall. Just before the interval the visitors in order to improve their attack changed the front line formation, Bache going inside right, Niblo inside left, and Watkins centre. No improvement was shown, however, and on the resumption a return was made to the old formation. Throughout the game the home side were the better team. They played together with better understanding, showed capital combination, and were quicker on the ball than their opponents. While the Villa for the most part fiddled about with the ball and tried to do too much “on their own,” Everton passed to their comrades with excellent judgement. In all departments, in fact, they were the superior side. In defence, Balmer and Crelly, especially the former, were in great form. The failure to win and the fact that the leaders scooped in both points has further jeopardised the Villa’s chances of the championship.

BLACKBURN ROVERS RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 1
January 26, 1904. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Lancashire Senior Cup Round Two
Played at Blackburn yesterday, before 2,000 spectators, the clubs being represented by their second eleven's. Early in the game Henderson checked a combined attack on the Everton goal, and transferred play. Sheridan just missed the mark. A pretty run by Smith and a pass to Bowman ended in the latter scoring the Rovers first goal. The visitors all but equalised. Dunckley added a second for the Rovers who lead at the interval by two goals to nil. On resuming Everton went down, and O'Hagan missed a capital opening from a pass by Rankin. The homesters afterwards attacked strongly, and receiving a pass from Smith. Dickworth scored a third goal for the Rovers. Corrin registered a goal for Everton after twenty-five minutes and a short time later, Bowman sent in a fine long kick, which beat Whitley, for the fourth time, despite the custodian's desperate effort to save. Bowman added A fifth in the last few minutes, and Rovers winning by five goals to one.

INTERNATIONAL TRIAL MATCH
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 26 January 1904
NORTH v  SOUTH
Revived five seasons ago, the International trial match took place at Plumstead yesterday afternoon. Of the seventeen games previously decided between the two great divisions of the country the North have won and the South three in draws, but since the renewal of the fixture the South cannot boast a single success. Not a single member of the team selected last year to to represent the North took part in yesterday's game and only two- W J Woodward and H Smith - of those who did battle for the South.  Of the two players Baddeley, Crompton Settle, Bache,Molyneux, Crawshaw and Woodward re old internationals.  Baddeley, Crompton Molyneux, and Woodward played against Scotland at Sheffield last April and Settle against Ireland at Wolverhampton.  The South team included five amateurs. The followings were the teams;-
North- Baddeley (Wolverhampton), goal; Crompton (Blackburn) (Captain), and Burgess (Manchester City), backs; Ruddlesdin (Sheffield Wednesday), Crawshaw (Sheffield Wednesday), and Leake (Aston Villa), half-backs; Brawn (Aston Villa), Common (Sheffield United), Settle (Everton), Bache (Aston Villa), and G. Davis )Derby County), forwards. 
South.- Cartlidge (Bristol Rovers), goal; Stevenson (Millwall Athletic), and Molyneux (Southampton), backs; Lee (Southampton), P.R. Sands (Woolwich), and R. Hawkes (Luton), half-backs; Durrant (Luton), Coleman (Woolwich), V.J. Woodward (Tottenham) (Captain), Harrison (Southampton)_, and Linward (Woolwich), forwards.

Fine though dull, weather favoured the match, and the ground was in good condition. Considerable interest centred in the game, and when the elevens took the field the crowd numbered about 15.000. Crompton beat Woodward in the toss and the North had what little wind there was behind them.  The South dribbled down from the kick off, and Durrant sent in a centre, but the ball went behind. Coleman and Durrant were again at once dangerous, but a free kick gave the North relief. The play was keen and fast, Burgess clearing well, and then Hawkes stopped the North forwards. Davis finished an attack of the North by heading in, Cartlidge easily clearing. Brawn forced a corner, and Settle, pressing, put in a smart shot, which Cartlidge caught. The South forwards broke away, but the North did most of the pressing, and a hot shot by Bache went only just over the bar. Coleman and Brawn were good, and the latter sent in a low shot that was well got away. Both sides defended strongly, the forwards being prevented from effective combination. The North were better in the attack than the South and as they settled down did some effective passing. From a free kick for a foul throw, taken by Davis, Cartlidge saved finely with a cluster of players round him, and he also cleared a long shot from Bache. Linward forced a corner for the South and Lee stopped the North from breaking away. The game was very keenly contested all the men on both sides being in fine form. Play was chiefly in the South half. Cartlidge clearing from Ruddlesdin and a minute later Davis beat Lee and sent in a low, hard shot at the far corner of the goal. The ball struck the foot of the post, and went through, Cartlidge having no chance. Thus the North scored the first goal twenty minutes from the start. Very soon afterwards Brawn ran down and centred well. Settle running up, got the ball to his stride, and beat Cartlidge with a smart low shot. The North were clearly the better side, being faster and combining more surely than the South. Cartlidge saved a fine shot by Common, who a minute later headed over. The South half backs could not hold the North forwards and after a pass by Davis, Brawn scored a third goal. Half-time; North 3 goals, South nil.
The South began the second half with more spirit than they had hitherto shown but the North, who were the heavier and faster set of players, soon asserted themselves.  Two brief attacks in which Linward and were prominent, promised well for the South, but the North defence prevailed. The game generally slackened.  Durrant forced a corner and Baddeley had to handle. Sands was much the best of the South half-backs Woodward did a fine piece of work with Coleman and, dribbling through shot only Just wide this being quite the best effort of the South in attack.  Play brightened after this, the South showing fair combination but they could not overcome a splendid defence, which was sound in ever particular and the North again did most of the attacking Davis and Brawn being prominent. Cartilage still kept coal admirably while Baddeley had little to do, easily clearing one soft shot from Harrison.  Bache had a clear opening, and scored easily,  but in shooting injured his leg, and retired. The North won comfortably, and on their merits being in all respects the better side. Result North 4 goals, South nil.

LANCASHTRE CUP SECOND ROUND
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 26 January 1904
BLACKBURN ROVERS v EVERTON
Played at yesterday, before 2.000 spectators the clubs being represented by their second elevens. Early in the game Henderson checked a combined attack on the Everton goal, and transferred play. Sheridan just missed the mark. A pretty run by Smith and a pass to Bowman ended in the latter scoring the Rovers’ first goal. The visitors all but equalised. Dunckley added another for the Rovers.
Half-time; Rovers 2 goals, Everton nil.
On resuming, Everton went down, and O’Hagan missed a capital opening from a pass by Rankin. The homesters afterwards attacked strongly, and receiving a pass from Smith, Duckworth scored a third for the Rovers. Corrin registered a goal for Everton after twenty-five minutes and a short time later Bowman sent in a fine long kick which beat Whitley for the fourth time, despite the custodian’s desperate effort to save. A fifth was added by Bowman in the last few minutes.
Result; Blackburn Rovers 5 goals, Everton 1

TIT-BITS OF “THE” LEAGUE
Football Chat and Athletic World- Tuesday, January 26, 1904
By Montezuma
The best gate of the day assembled at Goodison where Everton came out on top against the Villa by 1 goal to nil. True, the latter were without Spencer and Wood, but equally true is it that Everton were much superior to what the final score serves to indicate. As a rule, the Toffees were all over the opposition, and it is a long day, I fancy, since George was so severely worked. He came well out of the ordeal, and Miles with Evans assisted towards a stout defence. Watkins, of Stoke, made his debut in Villa’s ranks, but was a failure. I fear his play does not touch Villa standard. Brawn was rendered helpless by Abbott and Crelly. Mersey people consider Crelly a better back than Molyneux; whilst Abbott was far superior to Leake- the selected of the North. So, too, was Jack Sharp as compared with Brawn. Of course we must not forget that Brawn was badly served by his partner, who is not a Common. Everton played brilliantly all round, and looked in fine trim. They went into special Cup training at Blackpool on Monday.

TOMAN TO STOCKPORT COUNTY
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 27 January 1904
Everton have transfered to Stockport County their well-known centre forward, Toman, who broke his leg about two years ago, and has not played since. Educated for a schoolmaster, he gave up the profession in order to follow football, of which he was a clever exponent, and at the time he met with his accident he was regarded as one of the best centre forwards in the country. Toman is an Englishman. He was discovered by Burnley, who received a high fee when they transfered him to Everton. Toman will probably make his first appearance with his new club against Atherton Church House on Saturday, when another forward from Liverpool will also be tried.

WILDRED TOMAN
Nottingham Evening Post - Wednesday 27 January 1904
The Stockport County Club have succeeded in signing on Willfred Toman, late of the Everton Club. Toman, who learned his football by the side of the late James Ross in the Burnley team, wnt to Everton some four seasons ago. he left them for Southampton, but returned to the Everton Club in 1901. The first Saturday of the season, however, against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he had the misfortune to fracture one of his legs, and a considerable time passed before he was able to get about again. He has done very little since then, and the Stockport officials must be trusting somewhat to fortune in taking this step. If he recovers the form which gained him a reputation as one of the best centres in the country, the Stockport Club will soon have occasion to congratulate themselves on the deal.

SHAKESPEARE THEATRE
Birkenhead News - Wednesday 27 January 1904
Though in the fifth week of its run. Cinderella at the Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool, continues to draw huge crowds at every performance, and the universal verdict of all who have seen the pantomime is that nothing has ever been presented to the theatre-going public of the district which is at once more gorgeous and funny. New business is introduced at nearly every performance by the resourceful troupe of comedians, while this week the (Miss Leighton) in the song "Bodelia,," which she so naively renders, - has a verse in which popular reference is made to the Everton Football Club's notable triumph last Saturday.

WILFRED TOMAN SIGNS STOCKPORT ?COUNTY
Aberdeen Journal - Thursday 28 January 1904
—The Stockport County club have, succeeded in signing Wilfred Toman, late of the Everton club. Toman, who learned his football in the ranks of the Aberdeen Football club in its amateur days, went to Everton some four seasons ago. He left them for Southampton, but returned to the Everton club in 1901. On the first Saturdasy of the season, however, against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he had the misfortune to break one of his legs, and a considerable time passed before he was able to get about again. He has done very little since then, and the Stockport officials must be trusting somewhat to fortune in taking this step. If he recovers the form which gained him a reputation as one of the best centres in the country the Stockport club will seeon have occasion to congraulate themselves on the deal.

TODAYS TEAMS NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 30 January 1904
Everton v Middlesbrough
League match at Middlesbrough; kick-off 3.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balme and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Everton Combination v Heywood
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; kick-off 3
Everton;- Dent, goal; Gordon and Murray, backs; Clayton, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Rankin, Sheridan, Young, O’Hagan, and Corrin, forwards.

EVERTON v  MIDDLESBROUGH
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 30 1904
 A CLEAN SHEET AT THE INTERVAL
In view of the coming Cup ties, as well as to growing severity of the League tournament the Everton team were sent into training at Blackpool at the beginning of the week. They left that popular health resort on Friday afternoon and journeyed across country to Redcar, where last night was spent. The players came into Middlesbrough shortly before the time fixed for the start, and drove at once to the home club’s new enclosure at Ayresome Park. The weather was cloudy, but mild, and there was a capital crowd of spectators present when the teams out. The Evertonians relied upon the same eleven that beat the Villa last week, and the home contingent were at full strength, Hogg, the right full back, resuming after a week’s absence. There were fully 15,000 people present when the adversaries faced each other as follows;-
Everton;- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, McDermott, and Hardman, forwards.
Middlesbrough.- Williamson, goal; Hogg, Blackett, backs; Aitken, Jones, and Davidson, half-backs; Getting, Atherton, Brown, Cassidy, and Goodson, forwards.
It may be mentioned that Middlesbrough have not won a match for the last eight weeks, and this afternoon’s struggle was, therefore, expected to be particularly keen. Everton won the toss, and Brown started against a stiffish breeze a few minutes before three. The homesters at once run down on the right, and Gettins looked dangerous when Crelly cleared with a huge punt. The home forwards returned immediately on the left, and the Everton defence was given an anxious time for some minutes. Balmer at length cleared them out, but after a very brief spell in midfield the home quintet again came down, and Brown shot right in, but more by good luck than anything else, Balmer diverted it with his foot. From the corner which ensued there was a hot bully in front of Kitchen, but he and the backs managed to keep the invaders out, and Everton for the first time advanced in really workmanlike fashion. Jones administered a temporary check, but Booth got possession, and, working his way through with rare cleverness he sent in a stinging shot, which Williamson threw clear. After this the game opened out somewhat and the visitors enjoyed a full share of the game. There was no mistaking the determination of the home forwards; but they found themselves opposed by an exceptionally clever half-back trio and time after time their combination was effectively broken. After an even spell the visitors made ground on the right, and Sharp running down the wing passed across beautifully to Hardman who had the goal at his mercy, when he put the leather tamely outside. Following upon this the Middlesbrough men returned to the attack with redoubled vigour, and Atherton put in a swift low shot which Kitchen succeeded in kicking away. A few seconds later the homesters returned on the left, and Cassidy tried his luck with a shot which passed outside. Everton took up the argument, and some smart work on the part of Hardman and McDermott looked very promising, but the movement ended in Settle sending the ball over the line. The home left wing were most persistent in their attentions, and on two occasions when they had beaten Wolstenholme the situation was only saved by the sterling defensive work of Balmer, who was playing in great form; and a breakaway on the part of Cassidy looked almost certain of bringing about a goal, but his final shot lacked accuracy, and the ball passed outside. The home team continued to enjoy the bulk of the pressing and play for a long time was confined exclusively to the Everton territory. Once Atherton rushed down, and from long range put in a terrific shot, which missed its mark by inches only. Everton at last managed to work down on the right. Sharp and Taylor got within close range, but Blackett cleared at the last moment, and the leather was sent spinning towards midfield. The Middlesbrough men gradually worked their way down, and Cassidy was grassed by Crelly within the penalty area. There were loud cries for a foul, but the referee declined to allow it, with the result that he came in for a considerable amount of booing. The visitors were now asserting themselves in a more marked manner than formerly and a clever movement by Hardman and McDermott ended in the latter shooting strongly. Williamson cleared, but Taylor rushed in. Cassidy, Brown, and Atherton all had shots, but the defence was sound, and no disaster happened. The home quintet maintained their attack for a considerable period, and the visitors’ goal was more than once in jeopardy. Booth raised the siege. This led to an equally determined attack on the part of the Goodison Park brigade. Working down in combined order Taylor put in a rattling high shot, which Williamson tipped over the bar very cleverly. From the subsequent corner Sharp placed the ball to McDermott who headed in, but the home custodian cleared with a great effort.
Half-time came, and saw the more-Everton nil, Middlesbrough nil.
Everton pressed strongly without success and Brown scored for Middlesbrough twenty minutes from the restart, Gittens adding a second. Final Result; Middlesbrough 3 goals, Everton Nil.