BURY’S BIG MONTH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 January 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton, at Bury, to-day, will meet a team with a record during the past month even better than their own, for since they defeated Liverpool on November 28 Bury have not lost a match, having played six and won six, scoring 23 goals to 8.  Bury entered the Second Division in 1894-5, winning the championship at the first time of asking.  In those days, however, instead of automatic promotion and relegation, the old “test” system was in rogue, whereby the two lowest clubs in Division 1, met the two highest in Division II., in home and away matches to decide the question.  Bury were successful in these, and, being promoted, kept their place in first-class company for the following seventeen years, without, however, particularly distinguishing themselves in the League tournament.  As a matter of fact, they narrowly escaped relegation on two occasions before they ultimately went down at the end of 1911-12.  They remained in the Second Division until two years ago, when they were runners-up to Leeds United, and gain promotion over unlucky Derby County by virtue of goal average.  Bury have twice won the Cup, each time by a substantial margin.  In 1900 they defeated Southampton 4-0, and three years later established a record by winning 6-0 against Derby.  Everton will have no easy task to face when they go to Sheffield for the United are decidedly on the upgrade, and have won nine and drawn two out of their last fourteen games prior to yesterday.  The Yorkshire side have made a remarkable recovery during the last ten weeks.  At the middle of October they occupied the bottom rung of the League table, but have since risen steadily week by week.  Since gaining promotion from the Second Division in 1893 the United have successfully weathered the storms of First Division warfare, and have one championship and two “runners-up,” distinctions to their credit, in addition to four Cup final victories.  Up to New Year’s morning the United had the best “goals for” total in the First Division, namely 57, out of which Tunstall and Johnson claimed 11 each and Menlove and Boyle 10 each. 

EVERTON AT GIGG LANE
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 1, 1926
By Stork. 
At Bury;- Teams; Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Bury; Harrison; Heap, Adamson; Porter, Bradshaw, Turner; Matthews, Stage, Bullock, Ball, Amos.  Happily for the Bury supporters, their ground is well swerved in respect to covered accommodation, for the weather was anything but propitious.  Still, the crowd was a fair size, but if the weather had been fine a record was expected to be set up.  Everton got a far greater reception than the home side, and were set to face what was likely to prove a troublesome wind.  Everton’s first real attack almost brought them a goal.  Dean had taken up a defensive clearance, and was going straight for goal when he pushed the ball a shade too far forward, and Harrison was able to dash out and pick up.  Dean did not give up.  He scored through dispossessing the goalkeeper in a Lancashire Cup-tie, and came near to repeating the feat but for the intervention of Bradshaw.  They got over their shock and Everton came again into the limelight, and Harrison had to save from Troup.
BALL NETTED BY BALL.
There was much excitement and there might have been a goal if Bullock, when given a middle pass, had hit the ball instead of kicking the ball and turf at the same moment.  Even so Hardy had to slip across to his goal to stop the ball beating him by the upright.  Hardy’s best save came a moment later when he kept out a precarious drive by Matthews.  The lengthy Harrison had few idle moments, and he must have had some anxious ones when he saw O’Donnell coming at him like a ton of bricks.  Quickly making up his mind he advanced, and this, without doubt, saved his charge, for O’Donnell’s shot struck him and went wide.  Whenever Amos made an advance it was always dangerous, and from one of them Bury took the lead in the 36th minute.  Closing in, Amos sent the ball out to Matthews who out it back into the middle and Ball when on the half turn slammed into the net.  Hardy may have touched it, but could not stop its progress.  Half-time; Bury 1, Everton 0. 
There was no interval, and the early minutes of the second half waged in Bury’s favour, till O’Donnell had a fiery drive at goal, the ball hitting Adamson’s foot- a lucky escape.  Such escapes were frequent, and when hardy lost possession almost on his goal line, he was fortunate to find McDonald lying handy. 
EVERTON WORK TOO CLOSELY
A minute later he seemed to have no chance whatever when Amos ran in, and it was only his presence of mind that prevented the latter from scoring.  At the identical moment that Amos shot, he jumped forward and cannoned the ball away with his body.  Bradshaw was the great stumbling block to the Everton inside forwards, who rarely found an opening to have a shot at Harrison.  Everton forced good openings, but it must be admitted that their work was too close, and only played into the hands of Bradshaw and his wing men.  Raitt was responsible for two perfect tackles to check Bullock and Ball. A pass back brought Hardy trouble when it might have been avoided. 
CONTENT WITH A GOAL
Bullock came along with a surprise shot, the margin between success and failure being extremely small.  Bury seemed content to live on Ball’s goal and centred upon defence.  It succeeded, but it was the wrong policy and invited a shot, which, however- fortunately for them- did not come. 
Final.- Bury 1, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 1, 1926
At Goodison Park.  The Everton forwards practically monopolized the attack at the start, but had luck.  After Davies had saved from Murphy the visitors made away on the right, and Harland left his goal to intercept the winger’s centre, but, luckily for Everton, Livingstone had fallen back into goal, and with Robbie firing in a high ball the Everton back could do nothing but concede a penalty, from which Robbie scored.  Within two minutes Houghton made the scores level with a grand ground drive. 
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Bury Res 1.
Midway through the second half Hughes scored another for Bury.  Within five minutes Everton had drawn level through Kennedy. 

BURY 1 EVERTON 0
January 2, 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON RECORD SPOILED.
BURY GET THE ONLY GOAL AT GIGG LANE.
For the first time since the season started Everton failed to score in their game with Bury at Gigg-lane yesterday. They lost by one to nil after a tough struggle. There was little to choose between the teams at any time. Hardy had rather more to do than Harrison, so that if that affords any criterion, the home club may be said to have deserved their win. The Blues' keeper was in capital fettle, and one or two of his saves were really masterly.
WEAK SHOOTINGS.
The shooting of the Everton front line was not so good as usual. The inside men have been seen so much better advantage in this respect than they were yesterday. Apart from that there is no doubt the team played a good all-round game, so much so that they came in for almost as much applause as their rivals. The Everton defence in these days takes some beating. Bain, at centre-half was splendid; so too, was Virr and later in the game, Peacock. McDonald and Raitt, at back, time after time broke up Bury attacks in the most resourceful fashion. There was plenty of dash and pep in the front line, but they could not just manage to do the little bit more necessary to put finish to their work. The halves especially in the second half, did their level best to respond to the popular cry of "Give it to Dixie," but, except for a few occasions, the Blues' centre-forward had few opportunities of scoring. In the first half the left wing, with Troup and O'Donnell, was more prominent than the right, but after the change over Chedgzoy and Irvine were frequently in the picture. Bradshaw their centre-half, was constantly a thorn in the side of the visitors' attack although on the whole the home defence did not give the impression of reliability as Everton did. It is true, that no goals were registered against them, but the Blue's shooting was not up to the usual standard. The only goal came after 36 minutes, Bury had been attacking, and Ball, receiving near goal, drove the ball into the corner of the net well out of Hardy's reach. There was no interval, and for the closing stages the light was none too good. Everton pressed determinedly towards the end. There was always the possibility of the game being pulled out of the fire. O'Donnell's shammed in one beautiful left-foot drive that brought Harrison to his knees, and on another occasion Irvine looked to be getting through when he was brought down. In the closing stages nearly every forward in the Blues' front line had a pot at goal, but Harrison was not to be caught napping. Teams: - Bury: - Harrison, goal, Heap, and Adamson, backs, Porter, Bradshaw, and Turner, half-backs, Matthews, Stage, Bullock, Ball, and Amos, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt, and McDonald backs, Peacock, Vain, and Virr half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BURY RESERVES 2
January 2, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Bury were decidedly lucky to gain a point at Goodison park yesterday afternoon, as Everton were mainly on the attack throughout the game. Davies, the Bury custodian made many fine clearances, however, and it was following one of his saves that that the visiting right-wing raced away. Harland failed to intercept the outside man's centres, and Robbie shot towards the empty goal. Livingstone, however, stopped the ball with his hands, Robbie scoring from the resultant penalty-kick. Bury were only ahead a couple of minutes before Houghton equalised with a fast shot. Hughes for Bury, and Kennedy for Everton scored after the interval. Murphy, the Blues' amateur centre, again gave a good display and looks like becoming a decided asset in the Everton front line. Little fault could be find with the side but more goals should have accrued from the numerous advances made. Everton: - Harland, goal, Livingstone, and Kerr, backs, Brown, Reid, and Rooney, half-backs, Parry, Houghton, C. Murphy, Kennedy, and Weaver, forwards.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS.
January 2, 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo.
VICTOR HALL WRITES OF THE "EVERTON STEWARTS" MEN NOT ON THE OFFICIAL LIST.
When Everton miragted to Goodison Park they had behind them a strong leaven of the old club members who wanted to be up and doing in the new enthusiasm for the club on the new ground. They had started there at Goodison with a solid backing of the old club "members" many of whom were qualified by years of spade work to numbered in the classic term "supporters." They could not all be directors, though from their ranks came later many who did ably fill that responsible position. Still there were plenty anxious to be of service in any capacity; so the idea occurred of nominating a selected number to act as honorary stewards. Their duties were not exacting. They acted in all big matches as assistants in the stand arrangements, they supervised the placing of the turnstile men, and on occasions they received distinguished visitors, and generally acted as orderlies to the directors in their responsive duties. Of the three hundred members of the old club, who became shareholders in the new venture, thirty or forty of the most active were enrolled in the new honorary service, and it is pleasant to recall after this long interval some of the names of these old time enthusiasts. William McCintock was probably the best known; he had been a long and faithful adherent of the club, and brought many prominent and promising players from his native Scotland to the notice of the Selection Committee. In the selection of young players from the north, the selection Committee were always keen to get the verdict of McClintock's sound judgement. Robert Abram and his business partner, George Mitchell, since prominent as an auctioneer of the city and the north-end, were two other stewards, whose judgement and prudence in the new ground arrangements were found of service to the ground committee. Charlie McKie and old Mr. Blachard from the "Royal" were among the distinguished officials the former being one of the most popular and best known of the club's stalwarts, whose zeal, even to the present day, has never faltered for the good name and fame of the club. Mr. Blanchard, long passed away, will be remembered for his favourite chrysanthemum without a bloom of which in his buttonhole he was never seen abroad. He was an ardent hertoculurist, and the young men of the "Royal" in his day used to wager daily on the colours of the bloom he would come down to business with each morning. Tom Leese and Charlie Whittle were another prominent pair whose long and honorable service to the club was well rewarded by their selection. Mr. Leese was for a period, I think elected "captain" of the stewards and was an able organiser. Mr. Jackson, who had acted as honorary treasurer of the club at Anfield, had an able assistant in Afred Fisher, a broad shouldered giant who voluntarily, and for years on end, faithfully did valuable service in charge of the boys' gate. He was a great favourite with the youngsters, and was never known to resist the claim of a genuine youngster who turned up a halfpenny or a penny short of the needful admission money. The number of coins he must have found himself for these deserving cases have made inroads in the course of a year in his own resources, but he was a warm-hearted janitor, and the "kids" were his pets. When the boys' gate closed for the last time, and the turnstiles took its place many a youngster must have wished for the familiar face and figure of the old custodian. Of Ben Kelly and John Miles Crawshaw, both stewards, who afterwards became directors, we have dealt in a former article. Edward Bainbridge was another of the younger group who later accepted the nomination of his friends to a director's seat, and finding the work congenial, gave long service. In more recent years Mr. Bainbridge became more actively connected with the Liverpool club, but the first experience of football direction ranked from the nomination of his friends among the stewards at Everton. In those days the late Mr. Parle and "old" Jim Rice were neigbours in the neighborhood of the ground and the catering of both gentlemen for the players in the leisure of training periods was keenly appreciated by the club. Players' dressing and recreation rooms were not the elaborate and well-furnished suites they are today, and it was of real service to the clubs that the dictary and meals of the visiting teams could be in such capable hands. Billiard and private rooms were provided by both these gentlemen whenever the club directors required them, and the service was given ungrudgingly, and well-esteemed Charles Wood, a son of the grand old Charles Wood of Retunda Theatre fame, was another of the stewards who gave valued service in these days, as did in another direction little Talbot, and "Ted" Taylor, one of the brothers of the famous bakery firm whose name is today a household word. Ted Taylor and the present chairman of the club, Mr. Cuff, were boon companious from boyhood, when they romped together along the stiles of Skerring's Nursery, where today stands the great stands and terraces of Goodison Park. Mr. Taylor's death a few years ago, after a breakdown in health, ranks as a great loss to a wide circle of friends. Tom Grieve was another of the veteran stewards, still as keen a judge of football as ever though probably not so frequently a follower of the away matches of the club as in his Stewart's days. It was a boast of Mr. Grieves that for many seasons he accompanied the Everton League team to every away League match and Cup-tie they played whatever the distance, and the matter the state of weather. Of such was the enthusiasm of those Everton stewards. Mr. Grieves' baby son of those days occasionally appeared on the ground rigged out in the complete outfit of an Everton player, complete to shirt, Knickers, and football boots. He was a winsome little man and a great favourite with the crowd. That "little man" afterwards took the public fancy in a more appreciative stage when, in apprenticeship to a famous racing owner, he steered many a winner first past the post in classic races. So passes the old procession of stalwarts in review, all happy in their day and in their bobby of football as played by Everton and later by Liverpool. Rarely has two clubs, such as these, had a more devoted band of enthusiasts who have followed the fortunes of the clubs from father to son, "struck to them through thick and thin" as Chevalier would say. "When luck was out and luck was in." if the clubs have deserved well of them, surely they have done so of the clubs. All luck to them and their loyalty all the time!

ONE EACH
Star Green 'un - Saturday 02 January 1926
ROONEY SCORES FOR AND AGAINST UNITED RES
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The game opened before a good holiday crowd and Everton were soon on the attack.  Kennedy gave the United keeper no chance whatever with a shot after receiving the ball close in from Millington.  This took place after eight minutes.  Sheffield were afterwards prominent through their left-wing and Harland the Everton goalkeeper, made a clever save from Stevenson.  At the other end Weaver had hard lines with a shot which was just too high.  Kennedy also went close with another drive.  Sheffield got on level terms after twenty minutes’ play with a shot by Hoyland, the home keeper failing in his attempt to prevent the ball going into the net.  Sheffield goal had two narrow escapes, Reid and Millington going close.  Harland was again prominent when a shot grazed the Everton bar and United looked like taking the lead.  Ten minutes from the interval Rooney, in his attempt to clear a shot from Pickering, placed the ball into his own net, thus giving Sheffield the lead.  Everton pressed strongly for the equalizer, and Millington looked like scoring, when King bowled him over, the referee cautioned the latter player. 
Half-time; Sheffield United Res 2, Everton Res 1.
The second half opened in favour of the home side, but United were the first to test the ‘keeper, Harland saving from Menlove.  The game had been restarted only 10 minutes when Everton gained the equalizer, Rooney sending in a long shot, the call curling into the net quite out of the ‘keeper’s reach.  Everton were now doing most of the pressing, and Kerr, the Everton back, was cautioned by the referee, for fouling Partridge.  Harland had to be very alert in saving from the free kick.  Play fluctuated more as the game advanced, and although Everton were doing more pressing their goal had several narrow escapes. 

BRILLIANT WORK
Star Green Un- Saturday, January 2, 1926
EVERTON GOALKEEPER THWARTS SHEFFIELD UNITED OF VICTORY
WONDERFUL PENALTY SAVED FROM TUNSTALL
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 1
By Looker-on
The football world is ringing to-day with the remarkable achievement of Sheffield United on New Year’s Day. It is likely that that fine feat will stand unchallenged in the Football League record for a lone time. Still, there is always the chance of it being beaten, and very likely many of the enthusiasts who turned up Bramall Lane this afternoon came with two ideas.  One to greet the performers of the amazing display and the other in the expectation of witnessing another stirring exhibition.  Everton were the visitors and it is curious that they should be United’s opponents after two notable games between the Sheffielders and Cardiff City.  It will be recalled that United journeyed to Goodison Park on Monday following their famous Cup victory.  The weather conditions were in a big contrast to yesterday, for overhead it was pleasant, while the ground had dried quite a lot.  United had the victorious combination unchanged, while Everton had their best side.  The teams were;- Sheffield United;- Alderson; Sampey (W.), and Birks; Sampy (T.), Waugh, and Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, and McDonald; Peacock, Bains, and Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Caseley (Wolverhampton).  United were treated to a fine roar from a crowd of some twenty thousands, and quickly the crowd were encouraging the home players, who attacked the Shoreham Street goal with the sun behind them.  The start was rather quiet, neither side getting into their stride.  The first shot of any importance came from Boyle, but his effort was rather luckily charged down by McDonald.  The United attack was not long in getting on the move, and some good work by Tunstall, carried on by Johnson, so worried the Everton defenders that they had to call on Hardy to run a  long way from his goal to clear.  A few moments later the home forwards went down again, and a fast, low shot by Boyle was only just held by Hardy close to the post.  Everton’s first threatening advance came from their left wing and Irvine passed the ball right across the Sheffield goalmouth, but there was no one up to meet it, and eventually the ball was got away
WINDERS IN MIDDLE OF FIELD!
United’s backs were kicking with fine judgement, so that the Everton forwards were not given much chance when near goal.  The crowd was amused to see both Tunstall and Mercer in the middle of the field together.  The outside left had taken the ball across, his colleagues having dashed in to help him.  However, the meanceurve came to nothing.  Green was applauded for some capital tackling in which he beat both Peacock and Irvine, finally getting the ball away while on the ground.  Everton went very near to scoring when Troup swept the ball into the goalmouth, for Dean got his foot to it and Alderson was only in the nick of time to prevent the ball entering the net just inside the post.  Everton were soon to learn how determined were the home forwards for the Sheffielders engineered an attack which was kept up for several minutes.  Everton were, indeed, fortunate that their goal did not fall.
SHOTS CHARGED DOWN.
Mercer had the measure of the opposing defence, and on three occasions eluded them to put over glorious centres.  Three shots –two by Gillespie-were charged down, while again Hardy saved from the skipper, and finally a long range drive from Green in front of the bar.  After this Everton broke away, but they were quickly turned about, and play continued in the visitors’ half.  Tunstall was hurt through colliding with Hardy and Raitt when endeavouring to force his way through, still he succeeded in gaining a corner kick.  This was taken by Green and following some close passing in front of goal, Tunstall sent the ball wide. There was a number of appeals for fouls which went unanswered by the referee, who, it must be said, scarcely kept up with the play.  Johnson was once brought down in the penalty area when going through, and again Dean appeared to handle in front of United’s goal, but in both cases the referee waved the players to go on. 
TUNSTALL’S TERRIFIC SCORING DRIVE
At length the referee spotted McDonald when he pushed Johnson deliberately.  The offence was 25 yards from goal and straight in front.  Tunstall was beckoned across to take the kick.  Immediately there was some quick re-arrangement of the Everton defence and three players lined up directly in front of the ball with their backs towards it.  This did not deter Tunstall, who, with a terrific low drive, sent the ball just inside the right post- to the astonishment of the whole Everton team, and especially Hardy, who seemed completely taken by surprise.  United were now playing with their best skill, and Everton had a tremendous task in keeping their opponents at bay.  Mercer was badly tripped by Virr, but the free-kick came to nothing.  Gillespie once put a fine forward pass to Johnson, and the latter, racing off, shot when he was charged, but Hardy ran out and cleared his lines. 
JOHNSON MISSES GOOD CHANCE.
Next Tunstall performed some very clever work near the corner flag and whipped over a surprising centre.  The Everton goal seemed certain to fall when Boyle passed the ball to Johnson, but the latter was unable to direct it into the goal, though only a few yards away.  
Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0.
The attendance must have been about 28,000 when the game was renewed.  The start was thrilling, for within a couple of minutes Johnson was going through when Raitt pushed him over practically on top of the penalty spot. 
BRILLIANT GOALKEEPING
Tunstall took the kick and Hardy prepared for it by standing by his left upright and then dancing across the goal.  Yet he managed to jump right in front of the ball when Tunstall kicked it.  The kicker recovered the ball and put in a shot, and this Hardy also saved, a corner eventually coming.  It was a really brilliant piece of work on the goalkeeper’s part.  Hardy received further applause from the crowd a few minutes later when he made a masterly save from one of Tunstall’s specials.  For a time play took place in Everton’s goal, and Hardy came through with flying colours in saving a long low drive from Green.  Eventually the visitors broke away, but Alderson ran out and gathered the ball, O’Donnell rushing up and fouling the goalkeeper after he had cleared.  Everton were committing a lot of very nasty fouls and the referee might have been more severe on them.  A very deliberate piece of work on the part of Raitt brought a free kick a couple of yards outside the penalty area, Johnson being the victim of this foul play.  This time Tunstall’s kick was charged down and cleared. 
BIRKS IN THE PICTURE
Everton now began to enjoy more of the game, and their left wing caused a lot of trouble, O’Donnell was fouled when trying to get through, and Virr’s free kick was punched over the bar by Alderson.  The corner kick came to nothing.  Birks was prominent with some mighty punts in awkward situations, and this back had certainly given a good account of himself in the present game.  United’s attack had lost much of their forcefulness and their forwards were rather disjointed at this period.  United roused themselves and once again Everton found themselves strenuously defending their goal.  An excellent piece of manceurving by Mercer brought about one strong attack, but nothing came of it, and shortly afterwards Tunstall raced down his wing and got in a fine oblique shot, Hardy saving well.  Tunstall made two or three fine funs and centres, but always the goalkeeper came to the rescue of his side. 
DEAN TAKES HIS CHANCE
A foul on Tom Sampy brought a free-kick which was taken by his brother.  Gillespie took up the pass and turned the ball out to Tunstall, who put in a great drive, which Hardy saved with a mighty kick.  Everton put in occasional raids, which were usually most threatening, and a centre by Chedgzoy was very troublesome, Tom Sampy almost turning the ball into his own goal before Alderson could pick it up.  After 83 minutes Everton drew level.  They came down quickly on the left, Troup put the ball in towards goal, and Dean seized the chance to dart between the backs and send the ball against the bar, from which it glanced behind Alderson into the net.  The Sheffielders made great efforts to pull off a victory, sweeping down repeadedly on the Everton goal, but Hardy was in great trim and not to be beaten.  On one occasion he ran out to clear with a might kick, while again he went down on his knees to keep out a terrific drive from Tunstall. Result; Sheffield United 1, Everton 1. 

MR. J. SHEPPARD
Star Green Un-Saturday, January 2, 1926
DEATH OF ONE OF THE ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY SCOTTISH PLAYERS
With the death of Mr. James Sheppard, who played for he Wednesday in the old Olive Grove days, earlier link has been severed with the club’s early history.  Mr. Sheppard, who died at his residence, Chesterfield Road, Woodneats this week, following a heart attack, was one of the four original Scotsmen who came to The Wednesday.  He was 57 years of age. 

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 2, 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• London’s Fulham should provide Everton with a nice few pickings to begin with
• For we cannot see this second from the bottom Second Division club saving their skins at Goodison
• Virr kept up his record splendidly to the end of the old year of never having finished on the losing side either in First Division or English Cup-tie fare. 
• A capital run of ten matches in all
• The Everton side that has been serving us so well of late includes no fewer than six of the eleven that set out so badly in 1923-24.
• The backs, Peacock, Chedgzoy, Irvine, and Troup, to wit.
• Everton’s League match attendances for the half season amount to some 350,000

EVERTON UNDER THE BLADE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 2, 1926
“F.E.H.” DESCRIBES STROKES THAT FOLLOW SHEFFIELD UNITED’S RECORD SCORE
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Sampey, Birks; Sampey (T), Waugh, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall.  Referee; Mr. J.E. Caseley, of Wolverhampton.  It was unfortunate that Everton should lose their goal-gaining record at Bury yesterday.  Moreover, they ran into Sheffield United, to-day, at the very point of United’s greatest triumph- a score of 11-2 against their Cup final opponents.  The weather at Sheffield was dull, but the sun was struggling through the watery clouds when we reached the Bramall-lane enclosure.  After yesterday’s sensational score by the Sheffielders it was expected that there would be a fine crowd, and the people were still rolling in when the game began, the attendance at this time being about 25,000.  The ground which was soft and muddy, was thickly sprinkled with sand, and in the circumstances looked in a quite playable condition.  There was no change in the composition of either side.  Everton started and made play on the right, but Irvine was pulled up smartly, and United advanced alternately on both wings.  They were, however, well met by McDonald and Raitt, the latter tackling with avidity.  The home vanguard kept up the pressure, and a long drive from Boyle cannoned off one of the defenders. 
BOYLE FORES AT HARDY
The visitors then made ground by a series of well-calculated movements.  Dean was hurt in collision though he speedily recovered. A spell of midfield work only served to show the softness of the playing field, though some of Everton’s passing was extremely clever.  They were not permitted however, to get at close range and the first episode that really roused the crowd to a state of excitement was when Boyle came through again with a strong shot, which was effectively dealt with by Hardy. The Blues were busy on the right, and following a centre by Chedgzoy Dean put the leather across, but there was no one up to meet it.  So far play had savoured rather of the holiday spirit, but the Sheffielders gradually began to exercise more pressure, and Johnson worked his way through and was about to shot when McDonald jumped in and dispossessed him. 
THE DISCONCERTING SUN
The Evertonians broke away on the left but without any result, and for a period the game ran all in favour of the Cutlers, who came away in a raid, and the three inside men were all converging on the goal when Bain proved an effective stumbling block.  The sun at this time was shining in the face of the Everton players and to some extent hampered their progress, but, nevertheless, they settled down to combined football and both Dean and Irvine dropped in shots which were accurate in direction but safely coped with by the United custodian.  At the other end the home forwards were once more on the warpath, and this time there aa some sting in the onslaught.  Gillespie sent in a rasping shot, which Raitt booted away, but it did not prevent United from bursting through again, and Hardy saved two great shots from Tunstall and Gillespie.  The pace was now both fast and exciting, though the better of the argument lay with the Yorkshire club.  After a bully in front of the Everton goal, in which Hardy did wonders, a corner was forced on the left, but through this led to further thrills, the danger was eventually cleared.  Good work on the part of Virr put the visitors in possession, and Troup put the ball across to O’Donnell, who propelled it over the bar. 
TUNSTALL REGISTERS.
The visitors were now fairly taking the bit between their teeth.  O’Donnell got the better of the home defence, and forced a corner, which occasioned some anxiety, which the backs helped in clearing, and when Sheffield made ground again Peacock came into the limelight with a fine bit of tackling; the same player and Raitt were also well in the picture later.  Still the Cutlers came again, and Johnson was fouled within shooting range.  Tunstall took his free-kick, and with a shot which never rose more than a couple of inches above the ground, he found the net.  This point came after thirty-five minutes’ play, and it encouraged the Sheffielders to redouble their efforts.  Hands against the visitors close in looked ominous, but Tunstall’s first effort was negotiated safely.  Shortly before the interval Everton returned gamely to the attack, and there were shots from both Dean and Chedgzoy, but they lacked just that amount of snap which is essential towards goal getting.  The United at the other end were always dangerous when within the firing line, and Hardy kept out shots from the three inside men with rare cleverness.
Half-time; Sheffield United 1, Everton 0
STYLE WITHOUT EFFECT
Considering the heavy ground and the strain of the holiday fixtures, the first half had been quite a good one.  The bulk of the attack had certainly rested with the home side, and they fully deserved their lead at the turn.  Everton, however, had done some stylish things only to finish badly. 
DEAN EQUALISES
TUNSTALL SCORES BLADES ONLY GOAL
HARDY SAVES PENALTY
FINISHING TOUCHES WANTED TO STYLISH PLAY
There were thirty thousand people present when play when resumed in a rapidly failing light.  After a spasmodic breakaway on the part of the visitors, the United forwards got away in orderly fashion and Johnson was sailing through when he was pushed aside in the penalty area by Raitt.  Tunstall took the spot-kick, and Hardy saved it in marvelous manner at the second attempt.  This was a great performance in its way, and the crowd gave the Everton keeper a very cordial cheer.  The wearers of the striped jerseys were now in most aggressive mood, being well fed by the halves, Johnson and his wings made continuous raids on the Everton goal and Tunstall once again missed the mark by inches only.  The visitors were once again thrown back on the defensive, and Johnson was fouled just outside the restricted area by Bain, Tunstall, as usual, was entrusted with the free kick, which was cleared by a united effort in the part of the Evertonians.  The latter now made play through Troup and O’Donnell, but there were well watched by Sampey (W.), who kicked cleanly and well. 
SHADOWING DEAN
For some time after this the game jogged along in a somewhat haphazard fashion, through the Sheffielders showed great tenacity in holding their lead.  Dean was allowed no latitude by Waugh, who followed him as closely as the fog which enshrouded the enclosure.  In the later stages of the encounter were a series of exchanges which showed the Sheffielders to be still smarter on the ball than their opponents.  This, however, was counteracted by the meritorious work of the Everton defence.
DEAN EQUALISES
At ten minutes from time Dean scored from a pass by O’Donnell, thus putting the sides on level terms. 
Final; Sheffield United 1, Everton 1. 

EVERTON “A” v. LIVERPOOL “A”
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 2, 1926
There was a good crowd at Townsend-lane for this junior “Derby” game.  Liverpool had all the play, and Hughes and Quilliam had shots at goal, which were luckily cleared by the home backs.  Liverpool took the lead through Grice, who headed into the net, a perfect centre from Quilliam.  Everton’s goal underwent much pressure, and Jones brought off some capital saves.  After thirty minutes play the score was;- Liverpool “A” 1, Everton “A’ 0.  Final, Everton “A’ 0, Liverpool “A” 3. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED 1 EVERTON 1
January 4,1925. The Daily Courier.
CUPHOLDERS HELD AT HOME.
HARDY TWICE SAVES A PENALTY KICK.
Everton, by holding the Cup-holders to draw at Sheffield on Saturday, performed one of their best achievements of the season. At the present time the Cup-holders are one of the best sides in the League, and have worked their way from the bottom up to a position where they are beginning to challenge the leaders. Only the day before they met the Blues they had accounted for Cardiff to the tune of 11 to 2. The team that did this to thew Welsh club –which by the way included several Scots internationals –was the identical eleven to take the field against the men from the Merseyside. In these circumstances to bring away a point, as they did, was certainly something to feel glad about. That they succeeded in doing this, however, was largely due to the wonderful goalkeeping of Hardy (he saved a penalty in the second half), the resourceful work of Raitt and McDonald and the capital tackling and energy of Bain, Peacock, and Virr at half-back.
GREAT SAVES.
There were at least three shots saved by the Blues' goalkeeper that many 'keepers would have failed to stop. The vanguard was a slight improvement on the day before at Bury, and Dixie Dean was able to add to his goal aggregate, but it was still somewhat below its usual standard. Had it not been so, two points might have been brought back to Liverpool instead of one, because in the second half the visitors did a considerable amount of attacking. All the same, the United deserved their lead at half-time, for they had more of the game, and their attacking movements had a more business like appearance than Everton's. The Blue's defence had a grueling time for the first 35 minutes' at the end of which period the home side scored from a free kick. Prior to that Hardy had saved one or two particularly hot ones, and twice Raitt got in the way of shots from Gillespie that seemed bound for the corner of the net. On another occasion McDonald's dash and opportunism had relieved an ominous looking situation. How the United goal came was this way; A free kick had been given for a foul on Johnson and it was entrusted to Tunstall The Blues lined up in front of goal, but Tunstall drove the ball, low and swift into the corner of the net. Hardy, who possibly was unsighted when Tunstall shot, managed to get his fingers to the ball, but that was all. O'Donnell and Dean struggled gallantly to put their side, level, put their side level, but the finish of the attacking movements was weak. A decided improvement was perceptible after the interval. Play, had not long re-started when the great thrill of the match came Johnson was ruled to have been fouled in the penalty area just as he was weaving his way through (McDonald Grassed Johnson-Daily Post). Tunstall was given the penalty kick, and a beautiful one it was. But Hardy, who had stationed himself near the upright, flung himself at the ball and saved –though not wholly. The ball went only a few yards, and the impetus of the Sheffield winger's run carrying him on, he let go again. The Everton goalkeeper, however, with a quickness and anticipation that was almost uncanny smothered this second drive and deflected it for a corner. After this the visitors put on more pressure. Troup gave Dean a pass, which looked promising, but Birks and Samry by a converging movement contrived to head him off at the critical moment. Next it was the dashing O'Donnell, who, however, was brought down just as he seemed to be getting well away. Then Chedgzoy had a try, and although his shot was a long cross one from the wing it made Alderson jump to clear.
LEVEL AGAIN.
At last ten minutes from the end the equaliser came. Everton forced their way down on the left, and the ball coming to O'Donnell he slipped it across neatly to Dean. It was the best chance the Blues' leader had all afternoon, and he made no mistake. Swinging his feet at the ball first time he beat Alderson with a tremendous rising drive that gave the goalkeeper no chance whatever. It was a capital game, and both sides may justly claim credit for their share in it. Although not so good as the home team in the first half, the Blues held their own in the second. The Cupholders are a sturdy team, with a trustful front line. Johnson needed a lot of watching, especially with men like Tunstall and Gillespie to feed him. Not much was seen of Mercer and Boyle on the right wing. Their defence trio, was sound, and Dean had to work hard for the chances he got. Everton's defensive work was magnificent and the play of the forwards was good on the whole, but at times in the first half it was scrappy and frequently weak at the line. Teams: - Sheffield United: - Alderson, goal, W. Sampy, and Birks, backs, T. Samply, Waugh, and Green half-backs, Mercer, Boyle, Johnson Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean O'Donnell, and Troup forwards. Referee Mr. JE. Caseley.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 2
January 4, 1926. The Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 22)
The ground was in a soft condition, making accurate play in impossibility at times. Everton played Briathwaite at right full instead of Livingstone, and the "A" team player gave quite a creditable show. There was not a great deal between the sides. Both teams played delightfully in the open. Kennedy opened Everton's account ten minutes' play, then Sheffield put on pressure and Harland made clever saves from Stephenson and Pickering. Both Weaver and Millington hit the post with good shots. Hoyland eventually made the score even, and close upon the interval Kerr miskicked. Rooney in attending to clear placed through his own goal. The United leading at half-time by 2 goals to 1. Although Everton did most pressing in the second half their goal had many narrow escapes, but near the end Rooney sent in a long curling shot which completely beat the United keeper. A draw was a fair result. Everton: - Harland, goal, Braithwaite, and Kerr, backs, Brown, Reid, and Rooney, half-backs, Parry, Houghton, C. Murphy, Kennedy, and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 0 LIVERPOOL "A" 3
January 4, 1926. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
There was a good crowd present at Townsend-lane for this junior Derby game. Liverpool deserved their victory. Grice scored twice in the first half and ten minutes from the end completed his hat-trick. Quilliam the Liverpool inside left played a fine game, and often had the Blues defence in a tangible. It was from Quilliam's centre that Grice scored his goals. Liverpool did all the attacking in the first half, and had it not been for the brilliant keeping of Jones in the Everton goal, the score would have been more pronounced. After the interval Everton did better, but Trill was equal to the demands mad eon him. Hamilton, as usual did well in the Blues defence, and Holbrooke at half-back, also gave a good display. Liverpool's forwards were good, particularly Quilliam, Kelly, was the outstanding half-back, and Trill in goal saved shots in brilliant fashion.

STOLID EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 04 January 1926
SHEFFIELD SHOOTERS IN CHECK
HARDY’S FEAT
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 1
By Nemo
Everton may congratulate themselves upon dividing the points with the same Sheffield United eleven who, on the same ground the day before, had beaten Cardiff City by eleven goals to two.  On the run of the play they were fortunate. The United, as is their manner, adopted the direct method of attack, long passes out to the wings, swinging centres and fierce raids by the inside forwards. But the steady Everton defence frustrated these advances until the game had progressed thirty-five minutes.  Then as Johnson was making one of his characteristic swoops down the centre, hewas pushed off the ball by McDonald and a free-kick awarded. This happened about thirty yards from goal, and TUNSTALL, who, with his powerful drives, is an artist at this type of shot, hit the ball hard.  It seemed for a long time as if that goal would decide the issue, but late in the game Everton’s forward line, with Chedgzoy frequently leading the way, came into action with some delightfully combined movements, which ten minutes from the end, had a just reward in an equalizing goal.  Troup gave Dean a perfect pass, which enabled the leader to beat Alderson with a shot which the United goalkeeper was helpless to save as it flashed upwards into the goal. 
PENALTY THRILL.
Sheffield made a big effort to win in the last few minutes, and only Hardy, by a great save from one of Tunstall’s furious cross-drives, prevented them succeeding.  Tunstall was in his happiest mood during the second half, but he had one big disappointment before Everton had drawn level.  He had a chance of giving his side a two goals lead when a penalty was given against Raitt for charging Johnson in the back.  Tunstall seldom fails with a penalty kick, but this time he drove the ball straight at Hardy, who stopped it without getting it far away.  Tunstall dashed for it and got a second shot, but the goalkeeper threw himself in the way again, and the Everton goal escaped.  Hardy’s second save was a great effort, and apart from this he had a notable share in the division of the points.  One of the best things he did was a bold dash out of goal in the first half to tackle Johnson, who had swept through the rest of the defence.  Johnson’s energetic individualism was repeatedly frustrated by the equally energetic way in which the Sheffield leader was charged down by the Everton defenders.  The Everton forwards were seldom in the picture until the last twenty minutes, when they showed delightful footwork.  Chedgzoy’s wing play during that period was admirable.  Perhaps O’Donnell was the most dangerous of their inside forwards, but generally their finishing lacked accuracy.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Sampy (W.), Birks; Sampy (T.), Waugh, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Referee; A.E. Caseley, Wolverhampton.

GREAT DISPLAY BY HARDY
The Sheffield Daily Independent, Monday, January 4, 1926
UNITED’S SHARPSHOOTERS SUBDED
CONSTRASTS IN SYTLES AT THE LANE
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1, EVERTON 1
By Correspondent
The game at Bramall lane on Saturday provided great contrast to the big-scoring match of New Year’s Day. Everton had no more of the play than Cardiff had enjoyed, but they succeeded in dividing points.  The difference lay in the strength of the visitors defence and especially in the character of the goalkeeping. To Hardy did Everton owe the useful point which they captured.  True, the ex-Stockport County goalkeeper failed to stop a free kick taken Tunstall, but subsequently thwarted the Sheffield left-winger’s attempt to score with penalty kick, and daring the course of a good game made many saves.  There were 30,000 people present. 
UNITED'S KEEN ATTACK. 
Apart from some nice midfield combination, little was seen of the Everton forwards during the early stages of the play, and on the rare occasions when they got within range their finishing was weak.   On the contrary, the attacks of the United forwards, who played their usual dashing game, had plenty of sting and the visitors’ defence was given a busy time. Mercer being conspicuous with excellent centres.  However, McDonald and Raitt themselves a courageous pair of backs, and Hardy saved good shots from Boyle, Gillespie and Green, and it was not until ten minutes from half-time that the Sheffielders succeeded in scoring. 
TUNSALL’S GOAL
Then United were awarded a free kick for McDonald pushing Johnson.  This happened about 30 yards away from goal in the middle of the field.  Tunstall took the kick.  He shot with great force along the ground through the line of opposing players and Hardy, though he grasped the ball near the foot of one of the posts, allowed it to spin from his hands over the line.  During a period of strong pressure which preceded the interval the Everton goal had some lucky escapes, and United were unfortunate not to lead by more than a goal at half-time.
HARDY’S PENALTY SAVE
Some of the Everton defenders were decidedly robust in their methods and a few minutes after change of ends Raitt had a penalty given against him for a bad foul on Johnson.  Tunstall usually so successful with his kicks, failed to score.  Hardy was rather lucky when Tunstall’s shot struck him and rebounded, but he made a splendid save when he ran out and stopped a second shot from the same player who had cleverly recovered the ball.  Subsequently Hardy did more useful work in stopping drives by Gillespie and Tunstall.  Then the United attack began to lose its string and the Everton forwards, amongst whom Chedgzoy was a conspicuous figure, grew stronger.  The visitors combined skillfully, and ten minutes from the end Dean utilized a pass by Troup to beat Alderson.  Hardy prevented a great shot by Tunstall regaining the lead for Sheffield, and Everton  went home satisfied with a point.  Teams;- Sheffield United; Alderson; Sampy (W), Birks; Sampy (T), Waugh, Green; Mercer, Boyle, Johnson, Gillespe, Tunstall. Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Referee; A.E. Caseley (Wolverhampton). 

EVERTON’S HALF
Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 4, 1926
By F.,E.H
I must confess that is was with the feeling of some trepidation that I anticipated the meeting of Sheffield United and Everton at Bramall Lane.  The work of the Cutlers on New Year’s Day was something of a staggerer, and the early stages of Saturday’s game were the reverse to comforting.  On a heavy ground the Everton forwards seemed quite unable to get going.  They were rather ragged in attack before they settled down to more combined efforts.  The United quintet, on the other hand, were quick, alert, and incisive from the start, and it was only the fine defence put up by the visitors that kept them out.  Johnson and his wings were in most pressing mood, but it was not until thirty-five minutes had gone that Hardy had to cry preccavi.  A free-kick was awarded fairly lose in, and that shareholders in excelsis, Tunstall, beat the Everton keeper with a regular daisy-cutter.  This is a pure figure of speech, for there are no flowers on the Bramall lane playing pitch at this period of the season.  The opening of the second half was notable for a wonder feat by Hardy, who saved a penalty kick from Tunstall at the second time of asking.  This, no doubt, gave the Evertonians heart of grace, and before the tocsin-if you can call a referee’s whistle by so high sounding a name –had finally sounded Dean, thanks to a neat pass by O’Donnell, made matters square.  It was a very cheering and comforting recovery, and the point may prove of inestimable value before the season is over.  Full praise must be given to the Everton defence, with an especial word of commendation-without being invidious –to Hardy, Bain, and Peacock.  They all “did themselves proud.” 
Tickets for the Everton cup-tie can be obtained from the offices at Goodison Park any day during the week for 9.15 till 5 o’clock.  Seats may also be booked on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, when the office will be open till 8.  Sharp’s of Whitechapel, also have seats for sale. 

EVERTON DENIAL
Liverpool Echo, Wednesday, January 06, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C., deny that they are after Mark Hooper, of Darlington.  They have seen Hooper and other during their travels, but have not made a bid or a suggestion to Darlington regarding this player.  The story published this morning in another paper is untrue. 
A well-known Everton official, chatting on transfer fees, this morning, said; “We shall never pay foolish fees, whatever other clubs pay.  So soon as it is thought necessary to pay these record fees, I, for one, shall walk out.”  And he would not be unattended. 
When Everton had a Scott (Williams) in goal Liverpool had Hardy (Sam)
Now Everton have a Hardy (Harry) and Liverpool a Scott (Elisha)
When Everton and Liverpool in 1906 took League Cup honours Liverpool played Hardy, Everton played Scott
May the present season bring further honours to coincide with the coupling of the names.

SAMMY CHEDGZOY
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Thursday 07 January 1926
Few followers of football who have seen Sam Chedgzoy playing for Everton this season would think that he made his League debut some 14 seasons ago.  Born at Ellesmere Port, Chedgzoy, as a lad, used to watch Burnell’s Ironworks team play.  One day they were short of an outside right and Sam played for them with such success that he was signed on.  Blackpool were watching him when Everton signed him on, and he has been a worthy successor to the famous Everton right wingers of the past.  He has been eight times “capped” for England and played for the English League on five occasions.

FULHAM’S SIDE
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 7, 1926
Bee’s Notes
To meet Everton at Goodison Park, on Saturday, Fulham will reply on the team which defeated The Wednesday last week- Beecham; Dyer, Chaplin; Oliver, McNabb, Barrett; Harris, Craig, Pape, Prouse, Penn, McNabb is a brother of the Liverpool player. 
A WALTON CHANGE
Everton officials have made some rather striking changes this season- the quartette party, for instance, as selection committee, a committee that no doubt began to sit up and wonder what would be said when things started to go wrong, but who can now point to solidity and success and a sitting-still policy that has paid.  Now I learn that for the benefit of the spectators at Goodison Park the club has decided to bring in commissionaires as stewards –a good idea.  Tickets for the game are going well, and it is plain that Fulham will make a big appeal to the Liverpool people.  Crystal Palace is not forgotten, and no one can imagine Fulham will give a bye to their older opponents.  Mr. McIntosh has seen Fulham within the last fortnight and he says something worth keeping in mind.  Fulham, like many another club, is playing better than their league records suggest.  We shall have to play hard all though.  Fulham will not cave in.  They are fighters.  Tickets can be obtained from Sharp’s Whitechapel, and the Goodison office, which is open each night until eight o’clock. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 7, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton stood out as the only non-scoring First Division club on New Year’s Day
• Wainscoat who was damaged so badly at Everton, has been in training again for a fortnight past. 

SHOULD BE SAFE
Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 8, 1926
EVERTON’S BRIGHT CHANCE OF SECOND FAVOUR
Bee’s Notes
At Goodison Park there is an air of complacence that has been foreign to the side for quite is long time.  It seems that the confidence begotten of victory and draw has left a happy mark upon some of the player.  Confidence can create a better frame of mind towards a big game than any other measure provided that confidence is built on solid foundation, such as that which Everton boast- one defeat in a long series of hard matches, most of them away, and a goal in every game save one at Bury, which side is looked up to as being one of the best in the land in the Cup-prospects business.  Yes, Everton’s chance is pleasantly bright.  Fulham will not be thought mere triflers from the Second Division.  The team that is governed and coached and trained by such men as Andy Ducat (manager), ex-Villa,&.; Jim Sharp, the great back who grew too stout for football; Fulham’s former captain, a great player and a wise head on the golf or the football course; Fred Spikesley, hero of Sheffield, who has brought to bear upon the London side some astonishing ideas in training, and perchance not been well received for his efforts in some quarters, not a new thing for a man who strikes out a new idea.  Do I not forget the scorn with which some people “roared” at this Notebook when it was produced twenty-three years ago?  Aye, Fulham are in good hands.  Can they succeed on the field as they would off?  Everton’s half backs are the answer; my belief in them is such that I would bank on a victory over Fulham, spite of the memory of the Palace windows breaking over the Goodison corpse!  No, there is a stiffer Everton these days.  The goalkeeper of Harry Hardy has meant much to the back position.  Confidence, allied to some art and much practical forward work, makes me think Everton will win handsomely.  It is one of the reasons that make me give them a miss to-morrow and trek to Southampton.  The game has created a lot of enthusiasm in a side that has grows in grace of many weeks.  I have already told you in previous Notes of Chedgzoy’s statement; thus I am left now with the solitary duty of introducing to your notice the following elevens;-  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup, Fulham; Beecham; Dyer, Chaplin; Oliver, McNabb, Barrett; Harris, Craig, Pape, Prouse, Penn.  Everton should dull ‘em and see that the Beecham pill is administered immediately after the midday meal! 
Mr. John Lewis the famous football legislator, who is seventy-one years of age, is lying seriously ill at his residence, Belgrave, Gorse-road, Blackburn as a result of a seizure.  Last night he was reported to be a little better. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS.
January 9, 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo
GOALS AND THE GETTING OF EM: VICTOR HALL DESCRIBES AN OLD TIME CUP-TIME GAME .
Goals count in football. That is why most interest in the game centres on the man who can deliver the goods. Liverpool and Everton have in the past had a lion's share in the shooting ability of their "show" forwards. It is almost unnecessary in reviewing the past records of both clubs to have to labour the point. We have given previously in these recollections some reminders of the playing ability of Fred Geary and Jack Southwell as centre-forwards for Everton, but they were not the only forwards of their period who were stylists at goal scoring for the Everton club. While the centre naturally took the eye –and shot –the other forwards of the clubs were always on the target when the chances came. John Bell, Jack Sharp, Abe Hartley, Peter Gordon, and Alick Young, to name but a few, were marksmen of no mean order as were Latta, Brady, and Edgar Chadwick of earlier periods. While the later periods we shall not easily forget the palmy days of Bert Freeman, Sam Raybould, and George Allen of Liverpool. Regard a while the scoring records set up by two of the latter players alone. When Bert Freeman, of Everton, scored three goals in the match against Chelsea on March 20, 1990, he broke the League record of 31 goals previously held by his club neighbour Raybould of Liverpool, for the four previous years. Freeman's complete record for that season was 38 goals in 37 League matches. In these days of relaxed afringency on goal getting, if one may coin a phrase, that record is soon likely to be overwhelmed, but it was a record and made under conditions that do not exist today.
EASIER TODAY.
It is easier today to set up goals scoring records, without the commanding genius of an international stylist to inspire it, than it was of old. Some players this season will probably make that record look commonplace. But on last years' playing conditions, there were not many forwards playing in English League games who could be said to be as effective. The players have no doubt their solution of the present bewildering scoring results, but the game has lost in thrills what it has gained in volume. Old players tell me that they do not get the same zest out of today's games as those of years ago. It may be that the family circle of the club and its followers being smaller than the swelling multitudes of today, we took a greater personal interest in the players. They were one of ourselves, as it were, possibly living in the next street, and we met at the barber's or the herbalists, and talked together over next week's prospects. When you have a twenty-five thousand gate today, the individuality of the player is simply an expression in type on a printed sheet, or a curly headed or a bald headed unit among twenty-two others on a distant field of play. The "Echo" will tell you that Jones scored a second goal, so that identifies your curly or bald headed hero of the game to you. Otherwise he is –to you –a mere geographical expression. Whereas in those days –but that reminds me.
A BURY CUP-TIE.
I remember once walking down St. Domingo-grove with an Everton League player towards the Anfield road ground, where Everton then played. He was carrying his bag to play in the afternoon game, and the opponents were to be Bury, in the Lancashire Cup-tie, the following week, and the conversation fell on the chances of success. The player was a Scotman, who later became famous as one of his country's internationals, but at that time his fame had still to be won. He had never met the bury team, and had a rather hazy idea of where they played, and a much hazier idea of how they played. The enlightenment came later on that season. However, the discussion turned on the topic of Everton's style in those days as compared with the dashing enthusiasm of the Lancashire League style. "I think you'll have a rather stiff fence to get over, Jock," I hazarded, "Lancashire League football is very different to ordinary League matches. "Och," he answered" we'll no mind that at all. They are no used to our style of play any more than we are to them. Those kick-and-rush teams don't come off when they play against class teams." I agreed, "But do you ever consider before a match starts how you would remodel your play in the course of a game with a team that plays a different style to your own? "Och, aye" he replied; "we ken pretty quick if they want the rush game. We just keep the ball from them, and they can no do much harm, if they dinna get the ball give to them." He was quite confident that Everton and Everton's style of game would be ample for Bury –but he was wrong! Everton took the field at Bury the following week pretty confident of a leisured and dignified game, and a comfortable journey into the next round. Instead of which, directly the Bury players took the field, the crowd set up a cheer that never ceased until the game was over, and the tie well won –for Bury! We can never forget that Bury crowd. It is enthusiasm like that, that makes players, and teams. When their players stepped on the field they cheered, they doubled their cheers when the captains tossed for the kick-off. They cheered louder than ever when they won the toss and Everton kicked off against the sun. The first Bury player that kicked the ball got a yell to himself, and when an Everton player robbed him and centred, to another bury player, they yelled louder than ever. So that wonderful game went on, amid cheers and yells that never ceased, mind you.
THE SOLIERS' CHORUS.
Four of five hundred Evertonians had made the railway journey to see their team win, and when they found themselves lost as scattered units among a crowd of Buryities estimated at ten thousand, they did not at first take the disposal in any tragic light. But when that Bury crowd began the Soldiers' Chorus, that looked like being unherding, the scattered Evertonians amongst the throng tried to get together and raise a big shout for their "boys." They might of well have blown a tin whistle. First they were hurt, at the din, then they got indignant, individually, of course, and said so. In fact they protested that Everton "hadn't started yer." Of course they were right, but Everton didn't start at all that round of the Cup. Cooper, the "safety value" of the Bury team and the rock of their defence, saw to that. When Bury scored their first goal you might have heard the shout at Manchester –they yelled and reared and roared again. They shicked as Everton again kicked off, and that shrick never subsided until Bury scored their second goal; then the shrickers rushed for water, sarsaparillas and lemonade, so that they could lubricate they parched larynx and start again louder than ever. That of course was impossible had they known it. There must have been many Bury people at that match who never afterwards had the perfect natural use of their ears again. I can feel the effects to this day. As the Everton team left the Bury railway station for home after the match Dary Jardine leaned out of the window of the saloon shook his fist mournfully to the crowd of Shakers who had come, still shouting to see the team off. "Ah ye devils," said Davie "ye can no play football; all ya can do is shout –you loonies. I remarked to my friendly players as we journeyed home that night: "Well what is your candid opinion of Bury now?" "They re a hell of a crowd "said he.

DIXIE DEAN
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 09 January 1926
One of the most noticeable things about Dixie Dean, who is making a fine centre for Everton, is his extraordinary knack of getting the ball when it is in the air.  He can place it to a fraction, too, and is very good at bringing it down to the feet of men alongside him who are unmarked.  This penchant for making the ball on his head may mean that he will lose half his effectiveness against a very tall centre-half who can beat him to it in the air. 

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3 EVERTON NRESERVES 0
January 9, 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 23)
At Deepdale. This rearranged fixture took place today. In the opening stages Nortn End had most of the play, and within five minutes scored twice, though Hamilton and Hicks. Following this the visitors put more stamina into their play, and developed several dangerous movements. Kennedy, for Everton, twice skimmed the bay and shortly afterwards Weaver shot high over. A spell of attacks by North End followed, and Woodhouse brought the Everton keeper to his knees with a terrific shot, which Kendall did well to save. Just on the interval Hart had hard lines with a fine shot. Halt time North End 2, Everton nil. Full Tome North End 3, Everton 0

PRESTON RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 9, 1926
At Deepdale.  This rearranged fixture took place today.  In the opening stages North End had most of the play, and within five minutes scored twice, through Hamilton and Hicks.  Following this the visitors put more stamina into their play, and developed several dangerous movements.  Kennedy for Everton, twice skimmed the bar and shortly afterwards Weaver shot high over.  A spell of attacks by North End followed, and Woodhouse brought the Everton keeper to his knees with a terrific shot, which Kendall did well to save.  Just on the interval Hart had hard lines with a fine shot.  Half-time; Preston North End Res 2, Everton Res 0. 

EVERTON HOME TIE WITH FULHAM
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 9, 1926
FIRST APPEARANCE OF LONDON CLUB AT GOODISON AND A TILT AT THE CUP
By Stork
DIXIE’S GOAL OFFSETT-TO MEET AGAIN
Goodison Park had the city to itself today and a great crowd attended to see Fulham’s first appearance here.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Fulham; Beecham; Dyer, Chaplin; Oliver, McNabb, Barrett; Harris, Craig, Pape, Prouse, Penn. 
The first surprise I got was the size of the crowd.  Many people contended that Fulham were not an attraction up North.  If that is so, Everton must have an enormous following, for I estimated the crowd at the start close on 40,000.  Fulham brought quite a good following.  There was a nasty wind and it was in Everton’s favour that they had its assistance in the first half.  What play there was in the first few moments undoubtedly went in favour of Everton, although it was easy to be seen that the Fulham defence wasted no time in their tackling, and it was this fact which but out two promising Everton attacks. 
FULHAM GOAL INVADED
Then Troup kicked the ball on to his own chin and followed with a perfect pass to O’Donnell, who in turn hooked with the defence and made such a sensible forward pass that everybody believed that on Everton goal was in the making.  The Fulham goal, however, still remained intact despite all Everton’s advances. Strange to relate, Fulham squeezed in a said and gained the first corner of the day.  Fortunately for Everton, it came to nothing.  The scheming of Irvine are often hard to understand, but everybody, the boys in the gallery included, understood his action when he allowed a long pass to go between his legs and on to Chedgzoy, who was running in.  Chedgzoy, however, was unable to get a this kick at the ball through the attempts at Chaplin; but nevertheless Beecham had to go low down to prevent a goal.  Fulham created for the Everton people a few anxious moments during which time Harris had two shots at goal, the second of which was just a shade too high. 
FULHAM AROUSED
Just a little later Penn offered a chance to his inside men only to find there were no takers.  Dean had one worthy effort and Penn another.  Everton having worked off some of their steam, Fulham decided that it was now up to them and for fully five minutes they made such play that the Everton defence was unable to shake them off.  Prouse missed at least two chances of having a drive at Hardy.  The goalkeeper, however, was always on the alert for any eventuality.  This should have “informed” Everton that Fulham were not altogether out of it, and that they could play a breaking-up type of game with the best.  So few shots had been essayed that neither goalkeeper had much troublesome work to do, but from the way Beecham fielded several long efforts I surmised that he would be a very difficult man to beat under serious conditions.  You may ask why Everton failed to sore, considering the amount of attack they enjoyed.  The answer I give to that is speedy and keen half-back play by Oliver.  Macnabb and Barrett.  They never left their men unless occasion demanded.  It was at this point that the goalkeeping of Beecham was made manifest.  Irvine a most unlucky player with his shooting, got in one of his best; you all know what that means. 
STARTLING SAVE BY HARDY
The ball rose at a terrific speed and was travelling just underneath the angle of the upright when Beecham made his jump, and turned it aside.  It was a great shot, and although it prevented an Everton goal, it was just as great a save.  Hardy, not to be overdone, came into the picture with a daring save and perhaps a lucky one.  Penn, who was one of Fulham’s most dangerous forwards, put a ball across the Everton goalmouth just as Craig, Pape, and Prouse were crowding down upon the Everton citadel.  If either could have got the ball, a goal was a certainly, but Hardy shot out his hand to make a startling save. 
HOW DIXIE SCORED
Dean’s name can hardly be mentioned without there is a goal connected with it.  He has scored in nearly all his matches, but his goal to-day might be worth them all, for there can be no doubt that Fulham had gained confidence.  Chedgzoy and Irvine followed out instructions and “give it to Dixie.”  He was at the right-hand side of the goal when Irvine passed it, but turning swiftly he dashed it into the net, but not before Beecham had touched the ball.  This happened at the fortieth minute.  The next five minutes favoured Fulham, who had made a worthy attempt to wipe out the one goal deficit. 
Half-time; Everton 1, Fulham nil.
FREE KICK FOR INJURY
There was a foul, a free kick, and a stoppage, for an injury on Chaplin, the Fulham left-half, in the very first minute of the second half.  O’Donnell, entrusted with the place kick, was a shade out in direction.  This could not be said about Troup who gave Beecham a shot of power to deal with.  Two corners came to Fulham, the first of which should have provided them with a goal if Barrett had not been so wild in his shot.  The second one was speedily cleared, and Dean, cleverly lobbing the ball over the head of the remaining back, dribbled onwards.  Beecham advanced and pounced upon Dean’s shot and turned it away from goal.  Dean and the two full-backs went after the ball, and Dean was tripped, to my mind, accidentally, and it was a pity to find Dean retaliating, and bring a warning to himself and others.  It must be admitted that fouls had been pretty frequent.  I think it was due more to keenness that actual intend.  Fulham were not lying down ton their task by any means, and their right wing made one quick dash forward and forced a miskick and a corner from McDonald. 
BEECHAM STANDS FIRM
This was the fore-runner to a lengthy London attack, and although it appeared dangerous on the surface, there was never any finish to it.  In fact, it was poor finishing that spoiled Fulham’s general field word.  My prophecy that Beecham would give a good account of himself under stress of circumstances came true when O’Donnell, having veered over to the right of the goal standing at more than twelve yards out, drove in a shot that would have beaten nine out of ten goalkeepers.  Beecham shot up his hands –too late, most people thought; but he had timed his movements so accurately that he was successful in turning the ball over the bar when his case seemed hopeless.  Dean came near to recording a similar type of goal to his first.  He had got clear of all opposition, and most people thought it had entered the net, whereas it had only entered the side netting. 
CRAIG AS PILOT
Even so it was a near thing. A free kick was granted against Everton, and this led to disaster.  Harris placed the ball into goal, where Macdonald headed out, but he had not headed far enough for Craig fastened on the ball and piloted it through a ruck of players and into the net at the 70th minute to equalize matters.  Chedgzoy, who had been limping for more than half of the game was given an opportunity to score.  He got possession following a free kick, and, although his effort was a good one, it was not quite good enough, the ball soaring over the angle of the woodwork.  Fulham, heartened by this success, gave as much as they received.  In fact, they often had the Everton defence in a tangle.  Their old fault, poor finishing, prevented them doing any further damage.
PILING ON PRESSURE
In the last few minutes a free kick to Everton nearly clenched matters, for Deans header was only pulled from under the bar in the nick of time.  Everton in their efforts to snatch a victory piled on all pressure, and Chedgzoy again had the hardest of luck with one of his shots.  Fulham were centring on defence, and it was just as well, for at this point Everton were at their lost.  Beecham made another miraculous save with the last kick of the match.  Final; Everton 1, Fulham 1. 

EVERTON 1 FULHAM 1 (Fa Cup Game 116)
January 11, 1926, The Daily Courier.
FA CUP ROUND THREE.
BOY GOALKEEPER SAVES FULHAM
GREAT LAST MINUTE SAVE AT GOODISON PARK.
In the battle at Goodison Park there were shocks for both sides. The contest went full tilt for the whole 90 minutes. The conditions were ideal, and to the last kick of the game no man could tell who would triumph.
BEECHAM
The young players generally came out with honours in a spoiling game, in which skilful football went to the winds. A picture that well-remain is of a brave and brilliant goalkeeper not quite 19; but for Beecham Everton would not be going to Craven Cottage next Thursday for the replay. His colleagues also realised that and showered him with congratulations when they returned to the dressing room. Beecham has only been playing for Fulham five weeks, and stepped into premier football right from the Hertford club of the Spartan League. "I have enjoyed every minute of the game" he laughingly exclaimed. "I will admit I was a bit nervous when I saw the hugh crowd, for I had only been used to playing before about 500." Beecham added that his confidants came directly after his first save-a great shot by Irvine. "The ball was coming across the goalmouth, and I pushed it around the post" he said. Asked about the last kick in the game when Dean seemed certain to give Everton the victory, Beecham said; it landed with some sting behind it, but I could see the direction, and jumped across and managed to get the ball low down." The reason Everton did not win was because, to use the words of Chaplin, the Fulham captain. Our plan of campaign was if possible, not to let Everton settle down and the whole side played with that end on view." It was plain that he, at left back, and his partner were playing accordingly to plan. There was not always in the first half that amount of punch in the Everton attack we had been led to expect, and Fulham's vigorous methods in holding the fort at all costs countered many promising Everton challenges in which Chedgzoy, Irvine, and Troup were prominent.
THE OPEN GAME.
To give them their due, Fulham also exploited the open game, and it is obvious that the Blues will have to play them at their own game and mix it in the replay. The rearguard was Fulham's strong feature –with Penn and Prouse an outstanding wing –but the Everton forwards plodded gamely against a rugged and desperate defence. Chedgzoy's knee gave him some pain after taking that early shot which looked so promising. He revelled in hard work and was a consistent as nay forward. He and Irvine contested every inch of the ground. Dean ran up against some rough and rugged material, and one time he was brought down by a hefty charge by Dryer in the penalty area, but the referee energetically signalled "On with the dance." The call "Give it to Dixie" was repeatedly raised, but Fulham's halves motto evidently was "Down Dixie." Everton goal on the interval was quite a chessboard affair and a real "there you are" gift to Dixie. From Chedgzoy the ball went to Irvine, who "informed" Dixie that it was his next move, and Dean standing on the right hand side of the goal, turned smartly and sent through. Seventy minutes had gone before Fulham equalised, but Craig's goal was also full value. Fulham got a free kick near the corner flag, Harris placed nicely in front of goal, but McDonald, who got to the ball, did not send it far enough, and Craig, getting possession, cleverly steered it through the goal. Both Raitt and McDonald had played a sound game and improved greatly as the game wore on, and they weighed up Fulham's intentions. The home halves were more than serviceable. Hardy deserved to be in a winning jersey. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Fulham: - Beecham, goal, Dyer, and Chaplin (captain), backs, Oliver, McNabb, and Barrett, half-backs, Harris, Craig, Pape, Prouse, and Penn, forwards.

ROBUST TACTICS
Athletic News - Monday 11 January 1926
HOW FULHAM FORCED A REPLAY AT EVERTON
FORWARDS “NERVES”
EVERTON 1, FULHAM 1
By Junius
For the sixth time in succession Everton were drawn at home in their opening round the competition, and only three times have they been successful in deciding the issue at the first attempt.  Four seasons ago Crystal Palace created a big surprise with six goals victory, and Fulham, on Saturday, forced a replay after a game that was neither scientific nor spectacular. Everton were completely thrown off their game by a team that revelled in sheer gut and persistency, but the London team did not excel in the finer points.  Chedgzoy in the early stages was hurt in collision with Chaplin, and limped for the remainder of the game.  Yet he was not the least effective in a line that disappointed often recent successful performances.  Perhaps the majority suffered from nerves; at any rate, only the right wing and, occasionally, Dean, displayed the temperament necessary for this type of game. 
RALLIED TOO LATE. 
Nor was there the same clean tackling and purveying by the half-backs. Still their work was, the main, of constructive nature, contrast to that of the opposing three, who concentrated on breaking-up tactics. They placed an occasional pass out to the wing men, who, at times, fully extended the resources of Everton’s defenders.  Generally, Everton were the more impressive side, and were at their best during the closing stages. Had the forwards imparted as much zeal to their movements at the start before the Fulham defenders had found their feet, they must have secured early lead.  As it was, in the first portion, they only attained a moderate standard of efficiency. Still there were periods when first time shooting was neutralized by masterly saves in goal Beecham, and much of Fulham’s ability draw was due to the intuitive work of this player.  At the fortieth minute, however, he was beaten by Dean, after Chedgzoy and Irvine had made the opening. Dean made his effort just in time to prevent Dyer from getting at grips. It was by a brilliant shot, made the half-turn, that Beecham was beaten. He touched the ball in its flight, but the driving power behind it was too great for him.  Just previously, Hardy had brought off a remarkable save from Penn, thrusting aleg forward, and followed with another, which brought him his knees from a drive by Harris. 
ESCAPE AND A GOAL. 
On resuming, it looked be Everton’s game. Dean got through, only to drive straight at the goalkeeper, feat he repeated with practically the last kick of the match. Previously, Dyer had kicked the ball out of the goalmouth from Irvine, with Beecham out of position.  Following this escape, Fulham went away on the right. A free kick close to the line was taken Harris, who lobbed the ball into the goalmouth. McDonald headed away, but CRAIG was there to equalise at the seventieth minute of play.  This success provided great tonic for the visitors, not in the direction of forcing the game but in acting on the principle of “what we have hold.”  Beecham was the busier custodian during the concluding stages when Everton crowded on full sail.  The forwards, however, were harassed at the critical time defenders, who never spared themselves, and, as result, efforts were lacking in direction.  Chedgzoy, Irvine, and Dean were the most successful the forwards, with Bain assiduous pivot. 'While Penn, Prouse, and Harris best represented Fulham. Oliver was the most capable half-back, and both sets of defenders played their parts well.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Fulham; Beecham; Dyer, Chaplin; Oliver, McNab, Barrett; Harris, Craig, Pape, Prouse, and Penn.  Referee; F.W. Warriss, Sheffield. 

WHY EVERTON PLAY ON THURSDAY
Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 11, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Seen on Saturday night, in London, Mr. Cuff, the Everton chairman, said that he had near midnight settled with Fulham for Thursday, this being due to other clubs having settled upon Wednesday.  “We shall win the replay,” said Mr. Cuff.
NERVOUS?
Young Everton players will do better on Thursday.  It would seem that the biggest cert of the senior sides was that at Everton.  That shows how little we know.  Some of the Everton “lads” are not used to Cup ties and they did not play their normal game.  They have a chance to come back to their best style on Thursday.  The change of date from Wednesday was made owing to other clubs in London clashing with Everton’s idea.  So they fell in to the Thursday scheme.

EVERTON’S BEECHAM “PILL.”
Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 11, 1926
By Stork
The last ten minutes’ play in the Everton-Fulham Cup-tie was worth all that had gone before it, for it was during that period that Everton showed us of what they were really capable.  The Everton half-backs were not at their best.  Virr had a worrying time against a fast and clever outside right, and he did not always come out on top.  Harris was Virr’s master as often as not.  Peacock has shown better form.  He, too, had a speedy winger to look after, and it is to Penn’s credit that Peacock’s light did not shine as brightly as usual.  Bain was the best of the line, and even he could not always cope with Fulham inside forwards.  They had to concentrate so much in defence that they were unable to assist their front line colleagues who suffered from lack of support.  Everton’s wingmen were not nearly so forceful as their confreres of Fulham.  Troup was never out of the clutches of Oliver, the best half back on the field.  The little Scotsman found this youngster-he is only 19 years old- one too many for him. He tackled like lightning, perhaps not in a classic style, but none the less effective.  Chedgzoy did his best work at a late hour when he was limping about the field, but he must have forgotten his injury in his enthusiasm, for he was one of Beecham’s greatest “enemies” towards the end.  Irvine, the unluckiest shooter of the season, hit two great shots, only to find one saved and the other hit the woodwork, and did many other notable things without success, Dean, to my mind, did not get many good passes.  The first real one he got he turned into a goal, and he had desperate hard luck with other great shots.  O’Donnell was not nearly so good as I have seen him.  Once he stood less than twelve yards out with the goalkeeper alone to defeat.  He would have settled nine times out of ten, but this happened to be the tenth, and the goalkeeper saved.  The full backs were uncertain at times.  Now, what of Fulham?  The goalkeeper I have already mentioned, while I cannot say any more about Oliver than that he was the best defender in the field.  Macnabb, until he was hurt, kept a tight hold on the Everton inside forwards, and only questionable tactics by Barrett, the left half, spoiled his game.  He had to be warned by the referee.  The forwards played quite good football.  If not elaborate in their scheming they could dribble and make telling passes, but they came to a dead end, for they were poor finishers.  If their shooting had been of any consequence, Hardy would have been a much busier man; as it was, he had not a lot to do.  His most daring save was from Penn when he shot out a foot- the telephone put me down as having said hand, on Saturday –and stopped either Pape or Prouse from scoring against him.  Prouse, to my way of thinking, was an intelligent player.  He had his faults, the greatest of them being his failure to take two great chances.  He should have struck while the iron was hot instead of wanting to go that few steps further inward which is nearly always fatal.  Craig and Pape were dashing forwards but like the rest of the line, bad finishers.  The defence was solid and defiant. 

CUP DRAW
Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 11, 1926
Everton or Fulham v Southampton or Liverpool. 
GREAT MERSEY GAME IN PROSPECT
The draw has once again played a merry prank upon keenest of rivals.  There is a prospect of Everton and Liverpool meeting at Goodison Park ground, and in his connection the words of the ex-chairman and present Liverpool director, Mr. W.R. Williams, have been oddly true.  Prior to the first round, he said “Let it be any club but Southampton.”  Returning from Southampton, via London, yesterday, he said.  “Well, how would Everton suit, at Goodison Park?”  He probably mentioned the away ground because Liverpool have won so many games at Goodison Park, just as Everton have won most of the “Derby” games at Anfield.  There is no need to delve into past history, in view of the fact that neither Everton nor Liverpool has as yet got through the initial round; but it is worth recording that when Everton and Liverpool met in the semi-final ties of 1906 –Everton went on to win the Cup for the first –and-last time in the history of this city’s football. 

EVERTON MAKE NO CHANGES
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, January 12, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton make no changes from Saturday’s side, and the team leaves immediately after watching the Liverpool game at Anfield.  It is believed and hoped that the Goodison folk having tasted the Fulham style, will proceed to be more definite in their tackle, and will realise that practical measures are necessary if the swiftness and dourness of the London side is to be curbed.  The team in (not suffering from) the Blues;- H. Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup. 
A WORD TO EVERTON
“Gallovidian” writes- Allow me space to congratulate Everton in their wonderfully clean game against a heavy defence as they have played against at Goodison.  I refer to Fulham’s back and half back division who came under the ban of the referee time and time again.  After all the tripping and hackling by the Fulhamites it was extremely hard to be mulcted with a goal for the unintentional handling incident of young Virr.  Let the Blues be of good cheer, for they cannot press on attack after attack in another game without meeting with their just reward.  How a referee could allow the incident that happened to O’Donnell, Irvine, and Chedgzoy to be repeated time and again without sending the culprits to the dressing room passes my comprehension.  Had Virr and Peacock adopted foul tactics.  I wonder what the referee would have done in these cases.  The reason why Fulham’s wingers appeared to play as well as they did, was because when beaten, neither Virr nor Peacock was capable of following in the way of the offending opposition.  Win or lose, one is glad to record the fact that the present Everton team is upholding the prestige of the old club of “playing the game,” and letting others do otherwise, without resort to laming.  All honour to the Blues! 

EVERTON SIDE AT FULHAM
January 13 th 1926. The Daily Courier.
YOUNG PLAYERS GIVEN A FURTHER CHANCE.
Everton visit the Cup-tie at Anfield today, and afterwards ventrain for London in readiness for tomorrow's game with Fulham at Craven Cottage. The excitement of Saturday's game proved a little too much for the younger members of the Everton side, otherwise there would have been no need for the visit to Town. However, now they have had the baptism of Cup-tie warfare it is expected the side will settle down quickly, in which case they win. The directors are making no change, the side reading: - Hardy; Raitt McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup.

DEATH OF “HONEST JOHN” LEWIS
The Liverpool Echo, Wednesday, January 13, 1926
A FAMOUS FOOTBALL LEGISLATOR
“THE PENALTY KING”
FOUNDER OF BLACKBURN ROVERS
GREATEST REFEREE
Mr. John Lewis, founder of the Blackburn Rovers team, and one of our greatest football referees and legislators, died at Blackburn this morning.  Popularly known as “Honest John,” Mr. Lewis was probably the best-known figure in the world of football.  He was a member of the F.A. Council, a Football league vice-president, and founded the Lancashire Football Association. 
A MAGNETIC PERSONALITY
By the death of Mr. John Lewis football and sport in general has lost one of its leading lights.  Mr. Lewis was sound and healthy and in possession of all his faculties almost to the end, which is in keeping with the upright and straightforward mode of life which he adopted in the very earliest days.  His passing is a severe loss, because, although since 1905 John Lewis had voluntarily sternly, out himself on the retired list as far as actual participation in football was concerned, he was looked up to by everyone as a man who had “the word in season” for every problem, every new venture, and every disaster which could arise, and his opinion was worthier than pearls.  He retained his various positions on organiastions concerned with football to the end, has earned many tokens of esteem from his colleagues, and will ever be remember as “Honest John,” the man who never feared to say what he thought, mean what he said, and act according to the lights of his own convictions.
SOUND TO THE END
Hard and active almost to the end, Mr. John Lewis remained one of the outstanding figures in the world of legislative football.  He may be described as the greatest referee in the history of the game.  There have been referees as conscientious, referees as just, referees as prompt, referees as well qualified on the blackboard, and referees as keenly versed in the law, but they have been few.  Some have failed to stand criticism, and a still worse thing, back-biting and slander.  Stout John Lewis matched along as impervious to comments and observations as the youth who went in search of the bird in the cage in the delightful story told in the Arabian Nights.  Such things slipped off his back like water off that of a duck.  With such dispositions are statesmen best armed.  Men with such a mental balance live long and thrive.  Some have failed to keep up in the race.  As the years crept on, their legs ambled the more in a blind circle near the centre of the field of play, and their lungs for more frequent respites than the half-time interval.  No so John Lewis.  He retired at fifty, not because his fifty year had slowed him down, but because he fancied fifty was too old for a referee.  Some have retired through falling eyesight.  John Lewis at fifty could still “see through a brick wall” with most men, and knew the arts of the footballer better than anyone else.  Some have weakened with the pressure of the growing penal code.  Not thus with John Lewis, who has been called the “Penalty King,” and whose control of the wildest cageful of player that were ever unlooked on the playing field was achieved by the simplest means.  A sort of magnetic influence surrounded him on the field, under which the most violent player sought to recollect if he ever knew, how gentlemen ought to play, and curb his erratic tongue.  There was no “ifs” or “buts” about the refereeing, but it was “Stop that” or “Get off.”  So powerful was his influence that it infected the spectators.  One occasion it is said that as he was waving the players back to the eighteen-yard line, so that one could take the fatal kick, a big fellow was seen to emerge from the crowd at the back of the goal and stalk across the ground to the referee.  The crowd held its breath, remembering, perhaps, a previous occasion upon which the club had got into trouble for molesting the same official, and Mr. Lewis himself was about to collar the man and hand him over to the police, when he bethought himself to ask sternly, “What do you want.”  The man merely remarked meekly enough, “I’ve got a telegram for you sir,” and then the tension relaxed the crowd smiled, and the ball sailed into the net.  But many similar stories could be told.
THE LAWMAKER.
He not only carried out printed law, but made his own occasionally, and anticipated more than one improvement.  Few referees can make their own laws, the attempt is generally a failure.  But no one thought seriously of calling to book, and his attempts were always successful.  He acted three times as referee in the final tie, and thought no more of the ordeal than of a schoolboys’ match; and he would referee the latter with equal zest and as much application.  His record is that of the man who could not be squared.
FORMED THE ROVERS
Born at Market Drayton, on March 30, 1855, he played a little football there as centre forward or inside left before he went into the carriage-building business at Blackburn.  He and Mr. A. Constantine called the first meeting of the Blackburn Rovers club in 1874, and he played for them one season.  The next year, finding the Rovers no enthusiastic enough, he played for Darwen.  He assisted in forming the Lancashire Association in 1878, and rose to be president.  He was an unfortunate player, receiving many hard knocks, but a wrenched knee when skating and afterwards at football, put an end to his playing days.  In his time he represented Lancashire against London.  He was always been one of the pillars of the famous Rovers’ club, though of late his brief had been but a watching one.  Yet at the annual meetings there was no critic whom the management more dreaded to hear roused against them and yet, wise men, more anxious to listen to.  He lived to celebrate the Rovers jubilee.  As an ardent supporter of the League, he held high positions in its counsels.  For a long time he represented his division on the Football Association Council, and was presented with the long service medal in 1922.  As a football journalist, in which capacity he contributed to the “Football Echo,” from 1919 he showed the same power and vigour with the pen as at the council table.  He never sailed near the wind, but straight into it.  He never wrote round a point, but dug his pen-nib right into it.  A hard hitter, a straight hitter, and rarely a miser, it was to the average football legislator who broke a lance with him a moment of fearful anticipation when he opens the paper in which he expected John Lewis to have “wiped the floor with what is left of him.”  He was appointed to manage the first English soccer team that toured Australia last winter, a tour which did much good for the game to which he devoted his life’s work, and was a further bond of Empire. 
IN OTHER SPHERES
Mr. Lewis did not confine his activities to football, as at one period he essayed the task of referee in water-polo, judge and timekeeper in swimming events- be resided opposite Blackburn baths-without achieving anything like the fame football brought him, eventually relinquishing his appointments in that connection after confessing inability to keep his wonted strict control over players and spectators in the confined space in which water-polo is played.  “I have controlled the English Cup final and big League matches, with thousands of spectators, without the slightest trouble or difficulty, but I must admit that water-polo is harder than football for a referee.”  His more recent remarks about the English cricketers in Australia can be best understood by those who knew Mr. Lewis as a temperance man in Blackburn, where the late Mr. Tom Lewis, his sister-in-law, has established a well-known temperance mission, and Mr. Lewis has often addressed meetings on temperance. 

EVERTON BEATEN
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 14, 1926
FULHAM SAVED BY A WHITE GOAL
THE BLUES OUT OF LUCK
BREAKAWAY AND A MELEE FINDS THE VICTORS
HILL CHAIRED OFF THE FIELD
Everton were beaten at Fulham by a White goal to nil, and may be considered very unlucky.
A SNOWBOUND GROUND
By Bee, Fulham Thursday
As the band played in the centre of the field, amidst the snowflakes, one could have imagined it was Christmas Day in the Workhouse” –desperately cold and the ground icy.  There were the conditions, and the prospect of good football was bound  to be small. 
A SNOWFALL
The snowfall was not heavy but it was a nuisance, and it led to the ground being re-marked before the start.  I met Mr. Hilton Crowther, of Leeds, and he tells me that Chadwick is now playing splendidly, and returns to the first team.  Walter White and Harry Young, ex-Everton, attended to wish their old friends good luck.  Fulham brought in Edmonds at centre, vice; Pape; and White, ex-Arsenal and Blackpool came in place of Prouse.  This meant that Fulham had two seasoned veterans in the forward line.  Everton made no alternations in their side, but Kennedy and Brown were taken to town in case of accident.  The teams were;- Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Fulham; Beecham; Dyer, Chaplin; Oliver, Macnabb, Barrett; Harris, Craig, Edmonds, White, Penn.  Immediately in front of me was Maurice Tate, England’s hope in the attacking department of the cricket side.  He looks as if he has been living in perpetual sunshine.  When the teams turned out the attendance was about 20,000, and the voice of the megaphone magician was stilled.  There was room for twice as many spectators.  The light became very bad, and at this point there was a chance that the game would not be finished.  Everton won the toss, but there was nothing to be gained by this.  At once the players began to slide about, as though in mugs’ they at the skating rink.  Miskicks were plentiful, and the players found great difficulty in sighting the ball.  O’Donnell soon made Beecham catch, and in the next breath he delivered another first-time shot, that passed outside. 
FULHAM COME NEAR
Virr, is tacking and feeding, did well enough to get O’Donnell moving again, and this time the Darlington man drove in a great shot that was no more than a foot too high.  Fulham now became a trouble, and when Hardy threw away rather than kick clear the danger was intense.  The old Cup-tighter, Edmonds broke through and Hardy this time ran out and kicked away.  Fulham kept on the attack, and had three first-class goal chances.  It was a miracle how the ball was scraped away, and when Macnabb shot in heavily only the upright saved Everton from being a goal down.  This was a real let-off, and Everton realized it.
BEECHAN SAFE
Dean took a nice pass from Irvine, and went close and a moment later the centre forward headed in, but found Beecham as safe as ever in his pill-box.  The light had improved and the referee found it necessary to order the club to sweep the snow from the touchline, which had by now became unrecognizable.  It looked as if it would need a desperately hard shot to pass either goalkeeper to-day, and one goal would probably suffice.  All the players became snow scalped.  They had gone grey in ten minutes, and Everton would have gone while if Raitt had not covered his goal when the Fulham right presented a bold front.  Snowflakes found their way into the top of the grandstand.  Penn has a poor show against Virr, and McDonald and Chedgzoy so gar had no work.
EVERTON STEADY
The latter’s partner, however, was offered a useful chance by Dean, but the ball was shot outside.  Dyer was not too safe, and Dean was only half a yard from a certainty.  The ball spun to Troup, against whom a verdict of hands was given.  Fulham spoiled one of their best chances by idiotic elaboration, and on the score of steadiness Everton were the better.  The referee was ruled by his linesmen on two occasions after he (the referee) had given his decision.  Everton had their good luck; now came their bad streak.  Beecham failed to pick up a shot from Virr, and Dean, following up, found an open goal, but having to shoot hastily he hit the upright.  The Everton backs unlike their rivals were timing the ball nicely, and the game had been free from fouls until McNabb went down and hurt his elbow.  One of Everton’s best attacks was due to a round of heading by all the forwards, and when Dean challenged the goalkeeper, who did not handle cleanly, again the home backs had a wordy warfare, and some temper was shown.  O’Donnell was unfortunate in having a free-kick after escaping a trip, the referee unwisely stopping the game.  The free kick was sent high over.  Shortly before half-time Hardy made a really great save from White and Dryer fell on his forehead.  Dean eventually took an upward pass, and in the snow he was a yard of gear.  He would have scored if he had not been anxious to make doubly sure.  From a corner on the left Chedgzoy hit the upright, so that Everton were justified in complaining that they had been the more unfortunate.  Half-time; Fulham 0, Everton 0. 
THE SECOND HALF
The second half began with Everton being refused a corner which was too patent for words, and further wise play by the Everton half-backs and O’Donnell, who had been the dominating forward.  The Fulham forwards were pretty easily held, and the longer the teams played the more it seemed to be a case of who would get the first goal.  This goal promised to be Irvine’s when he made a trickery run, and wound up with a stringing shot which Beecham found very hot, but which he was able to smother with his chest.  Beecham was beaten the next moment by O’Donnell, but Penn, on the goal-line, headed out.  Chaplin was so lame that he went to outside left, and at this point, with Everton well on top, Troup was showing his best. 
EVERTON SUPERIOR.
Although darkness set in again this did not prevent a few of Troup’s hot shots, and Beecham’s sure saves.  There was no mistaking Everton’s superiority at this juncture, and when Dean was sent on an errand by Troup the centre forward had his shot luckily smothered.   Peacock wisely decided to try a shot from forty yards, and again the goalkeeper had to thank a comrade for saving him.  Through the gloom a ship passed down the Thomas, and some of the visitors must have felt a desire to sail for home, O’Donnell and Dean were in each other’s way, with the defence bewildered, and in everything except the matter of scoring Everton were winning handsomely. 
WHITE’S CHANCY GOAL
O’Donnell weaved his way beyond two men, and shot against a wall of defenders.  The rebound was taken by Dean, who, like the crowd was startled to find the 19-year-old goalkeeper punch away. The unexpected always happens.  In a breakaway on the Fulham right, Raitt cut across and played for safely.  The ball was put into touch, and after a melee a Fulham men lashed at the ball, which went sky high.  It fell too far out for Hardy to go to, and he had to stay behind and see White score with a chance header.  Never was a goal so much against the run of play, and when Everton went off to resume their superior tactics and attacks, Chedgzoy was only a foot from goal, and Bain hit the woodwork.  Irvine made the best run of the match, escaped a trip, made a shot, and again failed to squeeze the ball into goal by inches only. Chaplin now went off, and O’Donnell, determined to make every post a winning-post, shot first time with every ball that came his way. 
A PENALTY DENIED
Everton claimed a penalty against Dyer without getting a verdict of guilty, and once again O’Donnell found an outer ring.  Edmonds was the one forward Everton had to fear, and with a quarter of an hour left for a equalizer it became a question whether Everton could break through a reinforced defending line.  Hardy rushed to the corner flag to stop a flag kick, and Everton again resumed their attacking habit, and found the home goalkeeper ordered by the referee not to be so lazy in taking goal kicks.
HILL GETS HIGH SHOULDER.
Peacock tried another drive from fully 40 yards, with a minimum of escape for Beecham.  Throws-in were the order in the last three minutes of the tragedy.  Everton had run themselves out.  They had shot often, and had been clever and aggressive, but the luck had been with Fulham.  Beecham saved them with the last kick of the match, Troup being baulked of a dramatic equalizer.  Final; Fulham 1, Everton 0.
The goalkeeper was carried shoulder high from the ground. 

UNPRESCENTED HAPPENINGS AT FULHAM
Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 15 1926
EVERTON’S GROSS LUCK
By Bee
B.E.E. spells Buzz, and B-E-E-C-H-A-M spells Fulham.  It was a bitter pill for Everton when they left without a goal, this young man, Beecham, having at Goodison Park and Fulham shown that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the land. He played with the confidences of a man who had been at the game thirty years, although one noticed traces of nervousness in the first twenty minutes of that tragic Cup-tie at Fulham yesterday, when Everton could have won, had they had any semblances of fortune by six or seven goals, yet had to forge victory by a very sloppy gal which originated with Bain skying the ball in front of his own goal.  I don’t blame Bain- no one could blame the player who miskicked, because underneath the inch or two of snow was an icy surface that made the footing very uncertain and well high impossible. 
A TRAVESITY
Making for defended sides has never been one of my principles, but I do claim that yesterday I saw more of the game than any other Pressman, because my trusty glasses pierced through the gloom and give me a view that was impossible to the naked eye.  In view of that I am going to say that never was there such a travesty result as the defeat of yesterday.  Everton played beautiful football with that spice of Cup tie dash that has all too often been missing from the superior side.  They indulged in their arts and measures without forgetting that it was necessary to shoot.  They shot on an average once a minute, good shots, long shots, short stabbing shots, and shots from free kicks.  Four times they hit the woodwork, and twice Beecham was saved by a full-back falling into goal.  With all due respect to Beecham’s magnificent goalkeeping, one cannot get away from the facts I have just named.  Any side being outplayed for half an hour on end and then scoring from a breakaway leas the average man to say “That’s often the case,” but at Fulham it was not a fair summing up, because Everton almost throughout had the opposition in their grip, and played practical, brightful, and rightful football, without having the least touch of fortune. 
MATCH OF A CENTURY.
They did not want any luck, they simply wanted one of the multitude of shots to squeeze in instead of colliding with the woodwork or passing a half foot to a foot outside.  It is absurd for the London press to say that some of their shooting was erractic.  How can you time a ball that is snow-covered? Who would be foolish as to guarantee direction or accuracy on icy turf?  I make bold to say that this was the match of a century, and there won’t be another one for a least a century.  Archie Goodall, Jack Sharp, Wattie White, and others confessed they had never seen anything like it.  To the winners, all good luck.  As one Everton player remarked, “If they keep up that luck, there is nothing to stop them winning the Cup and the League.”  I think the most striking feature (and certainly the most unprecedented in my career) of the game was the fact that, were only a dozen Everton supporters there, the crowd gave Everton a real rallying cheer as they went off the field- and, moreover, when a charabanc was coming out of the Fulham gates a rather large crowed of Londoners cheered them and clapped them for some minutes. 
STIRKING DEMONSTRATION
This was a striking demonstration, and quite contrary to the general leave-taking of visiting sides.  The interest in Everton’s and Liverpool’s cup affairs is simply enormous.  One has to go about with them to realise this.  For instance, when Liverpool returned home from Southampton on Sunday there was quite a big crowd to greet them.  When Everton went away on Wednesday there was a crowd to wish them well, and when they returned the faithful few were still there at Lime-street, anxious to show sympathy. 
Sympathy was never extended in a worthier course, and I would like to place on tribute of Hardy, the solidity and safety of Raitt and McDonald, the brilliance of the half-back line, all of whom, remember, joined in the shooting range business, and the general level of excellence of the forward line, O’Donnell being the fastest shooter and having nothing winding dribbles and ending up with a shot; Chedgzoy, Dean, and Troup all worrying had working through, even if Troup kept his best for the second half.  There was merit in this defeat, and to be quite fair it must be stated that the winning, although outplayed, had Chaplin off the field for a considerable time.  Everton can now go on with their league business.  Only twice this season have they failed to score, once at Bury and once at Fulham. 
AND TO-MORROW
Tomorrow, the Welsh gala match is due, and I knew that the spectators will rally round the side that was unlucky in the Cup, and has been unlucky in the Cup for some time.  Who is the Jonah, one wonders? Yesterday, I should think it was Edmonds, who, you remember, was a barrier to Everton when Wolves played them at Goodison Park.  Whoever the bogey man may be he did not damp the spirits of the players and officials on the return journey.  Messrs W.C. Cuff, H. Banks, W.J. Sawyer, J. Sharp, W. Gibbins, and a former Everton goalkeeper, now a Cheshire Lines official, in Mr., H.O. Griffiths, together with Mr. Secretary McIntosh, comprised the official party.  Everton (probable).  Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Cardiff City; Hills; Blair, Watson; Nicholson, Reed, Sloan; Lawson, Davies (W), Ferguson, Cassidy, McLachlan.

FULHAM 1 EVERTON 0 (Fa Cup Game 117)
January 15, 1926. The Daily Courier.
FA CUP ROUND THREE REPLAY
SNAP GOAL DOES IT.
EVERTON NOT TO MEET LIVERPOOL.
FULHAM'S TEN
Fulham improved on their excellent performance at Goodison Park by disposing of the Merseyside men in the replay at Craven Cottage yesterday. It was an extremely creditable achievement and no doubt will do the lowly placed Second Leaguers a world of good. At the same time it must be confessed they were a trifle lucky in that their goal came at a period when the Blues looked much more likely to score than did their rivals. As a matter of fact Everton had been pressing for several minutes and the home citadel had escape after escape.
FULHAM SCORE.
Then the Londoners broke away, and the Blues were a goal down. The ball thrashed past Hardy almost before the spectators knew what had happened. The Cottagers had thrust down the centre, at once, out of a bunch of players around the Everton goal. While trapped the ball and banged it in the net. That kick decided the match, and incidentally finished so far as this year's Cup is concerned. They struggled desperately to get on terms all the rest of the game, but were unsuccessful. Still there were several occasions when the downfall of the home citadel appeared imminent, but a little luck and sterling defensive play by the halves, and backs, not to mention Beecham in goal, baulked their rivals to the end. It must be stated, however, that Fulham did not have all the luck that was going. Chaplin hurt his ankle just before half-time, and subsequently left the field, but before this Fulham had scored. The weather was atrocious. Smow fell all morning, and it was icily cold. When the match stated it looked odds on it not going the full distance, because the snow thicker than ever, and the sky went a leaden grey. At one period of the match the players on the far side of the field were indistinguishable. So far as the game itself went, the first half was fairly even, and although the Blues, after the interval, for lengthily spells penned the Cottagers in their own half, as the result shows, they could not beat the home defence.
ESCAPES.
Hardy by no means enjoyed a sinecure and he had plenty of shots to attend to. It was plain from the start that neither side intended to sacrifice goals to finesse. Both goals had narrow squeaks before the interval. On one occasion McNabb struck the post when Hardy looked to be beaten. At the other end, Dean, who was using his head cleverly, made Beecham jump about in the goal pretty lively to keep his charge intact. There was one occasion, however, when he should have scored. Virr slipped the ball forward to him beautifully and Dean had no one but the goalkeeper in the front of him. His shot, although low, had not the customary speed on it one looks for from Dixie, and just grazed the outside of the post. Over-anxiety obviously affected both sides, possibly Everton more than their rivals, as I a way, they had more at stake. For the major part of the second half the Blues had the upper hand. The Fulham attacks were spasmodic. Still they made several promising looking movements. Edmonds, who played a resourceful game, and White, needed plenty of watching near goal. The wingmen, too, Penn and Harris, put in some capital work.
BEECHAM AGAIN.
All the same it seemed certain that the Blues would draw level before the final whistle. There was not one of their forwards who did not put Beecham at some time or other on his mettle during this dour second half struggle. Chedgzoy hit the post. O'Donnell and Dean slammed in shots which, however, proved to be too straight or else wide, and Irvine, in the most clever style, ran right through the defence and brought Beecham to his knees with a corker. Even the halves joined in the offensive, and Bain had a try and so did McDonald, who came up to help the attack in the closing stages. The last kick of the match nearly did the trick. Troup drove in a terrific shot from the wing that earned Beecham a round of applause for cleaning. The Blues' front line was not in that confident mood that brings success. Their play was clever and their shooting has been much worse, but with the chances they had they should at least have made a draw of it. McDonald and Raitt were sound at back, and Bain, Peacock, and Virr were excellent at half-back. Hardy had no chance with the shot that beat him, and saved many hot ones. Fulham showed an all-round skill that came as something of a surprise to Northern visitors. No one will grudge them their victory. Teams : - Fulham: - Beecham, goal, Dyer, and Chaplip (captain), backs, Oliver, McNabb, Barrett, and Harris, half-backs, Craig, Edmonds, White, and Penn, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, McDonald, and Raitt, backs, Virr, Bain and Peacock, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards .

KENNEDY AT OUTSIDE LEFT FOR EVERTON
January 16, 1926. The Daily Courier.
Everton, after a vexations Cup defeat can take revenge on Cardiff City. The Goodison Park side make one change, Kennedy for Troup. Cardiff also had a mid-week game so that they will have no pull over the home side in the matter of conditions. If Everton have not taken to hard their Fulham setback, I think they will prove equal to annexing both points. The teams are :- Everton: - Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, Kennedy. Cardiff City: - Hills; Watson, Blair; Nicholson, Reed, Slean, Lawson, Davies (w), Ferguson, Cassidy, and Mclacham.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS.
January 16, 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo.
EVERTON'S GREAT TEAM? VICTOR HALL SIFTS THE PROS AND COM IN A DEBATEABLE TOPIC.
A week or two ago a picture was published in these columns of the Everton team in 1890, which raise the question as to what team constituted Everton's best, at any period of the club's history. Every eye has its favourities. The team playing today will not lack its admirers ten years hence. So with the past records. The combination that strikes one's imagination at the successful period of football enthusiasm will always remain clear the ideal. Since the formation of the League there have been three or four definite periods when the Everton players, either in attack or defensive combination, have been supreme and equal to any, if not superior, as far as individual brilliancy or combined tactics could be compared. There have been at least two periods when the team as a whole were equal, if not superior to any combination in the League. One of those periods I will call for the sake of a name, the old champion team; that was, the team at Anfield that basted the unbeatable forwards halves and backs. The others also for the sake of a name I shall call the first Goodison champions. There may be or there may have been, later Goodison champions, I have not seen them. By the old "champion" team I mean that wonderful combination of the early nineties, the Angus, Doyle, and Hannah team. The Goodison champions team, I always associate with the "Bell and Boyle" period. With the latter team we have dealt individually in these recollections. Their names are still household words, and most of those players are still living, if not playing football. Let us go back thirty-four years and regard again the personalities behind that old champion team of Everton that played at Anfield in the period 1890-91. The "first"? Eleven of that day read like this: - JJ. Angus, A. Hannah, D.Doyle; D. Kirkwood, J. Jolt, W. Campbell; A. Latta, A. Brady, E. Chadwick, A.Milward, F. Geary. Trainor D. Waugh, Umpire R. L. Stockton, Secretary; R. Molyneux. There's a team to ponder over! Regard again, whoever, remembers that team in action, just how they played, and the dove-tailing of the combination, by which in attack they were all attackers, and under hostile pressure every man of them a defender. Modern writes tell us, of course, that we see every merit in our favorites of former days and none in the present generation. That is only partly true. Time, we know softens the expertise of partisanship and sides the kindly oblivion of forgetfulness of faults, but there was really more "on-ness" –of I may coin a word –about that team of Everton than I have ever seen in any time ever since, bar one, and that was the Sunderland team of all the talents when Tom Watson guilden its destinies. That was a great them, but it was an individually great team. The Everton team we are reviewing was a team of collective match wingers. When Everton and Liverpool met in their first league match in September last at Anfield I heard a man say, "one team is playing football, the other is scoring goals." He was right. So it was with that Everton team of the nineties, with this striking differences; the Everton of the day played football –good football, and it gets goals! Everton have gone though parious times the last few years. It has been "touch and go" once or twice for relegation, and it has been dangerous near the Plomsell mark over often. Yet after all it is some proud boast for a club to hold for thirty years, and to still hold today as firmly as ever, we noble records? Due, that they have always played clever football. Two, that they have never been a brutal club in play. There are a few clubs higher up the ladder today, who would be proud to hold either of these laurels. So the personalities of the group of Everton players of the ninties will, to my mind at least, be the combination that brought highest honour to Everton and left a tradition of skill and daring energy that has formed an ideal for every team since that has played in the name of Everton. Let in not be thought, however that they were "kid gloves" merchants those Everton player, and Dan Doyle's methods at back hard knocks. Dan Kirkwood, still active with us today, could tell rare tales of their battles by flood and field. Young Fred Geary of those days, the demon goal getter, was no Sunday school players, and Dan Doyle's methods at back were scarcely those of a dancing master. But the team as a whole fought clean. It fought to win, and it generally got the verdict, and stayed the distance. Poor Angus, the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper was a fine upstanding fellow, brave to a fault, and generous to a degree in his play. Big as he was, he was lithe and active, and never shirked a challenge. Dour Andy Hannah, too, was a Trojan; the Everton crowd idolised him. No task was too big for his lion courage. Resourceful to every call, his was the mastermind that laid the plan and gave the call for every phase of the battle. He put heart and courage in his men, and was the mainspring of action in every encounter. With him was the invincible Dan Doyle, that legendary hero of a hundred stern fights, whose fame is even yet a magic password where young Celts in Glasgow look up the records of ancient chiefs. More than any other player of the early Everton days he brought the name of the club to the highest pinnacle, as the team that rose to every challenge and would never accept defeat. So great was his prestige as an impassable barrier in defence that people flocked whenever the Everton team played to see "the great" Dan Doyle. No player in England could ever say he had got the better of Dan in a contest of strength or skill on the field. He took the field in every match as one who would do or die. Little wonder that many an attack crumpled at the outset rather than risk a fall from the brawny Celt. He was like many another big players, said at times to be over vigorous but scrupulously jealous of the good name of his club, he fought to win, and in every game it is the weaker one that goes to the wall. That wonderful half-back line Kirkwood, Holt, and Campbell was the keystone of the team. Comparisons have often been made of the effectiveness as a line, compared with later half-back combinations of national fame, but as we have mentioned earlier, the strength and brilliance of Kirkwood'as line was its close association with the attacking division, and on necessity its internal part of the Everton defence. When the Everton team was in defence five backs were in active eschalon. Holt, Kirkwood, and "Watty" Campbell never let an enemy forward line steady down to a sustained attack. Like terriers or bulldogs they seized on to the individual attackers and worried or badgered them until from sheer exhaustion they gave up the attack, then like whippets these three halves were in full flight up the field feeding and nursing their own forwards in the counter-offensive. If Dan Kirkwood could train a modern half-back line to the playing methods of his own playing days, we should have more pleasant reading most Saturday nights. Of the framed forward line of the Everton team, we have said a lot. We could say more, but it would be repetition.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 16, 1925
By Louis T. Kelly

• Referee Ward was the official who “waved his hand” to Brewster at Goodison some years ago
• We feel certain that the majority of the Fulham side, for example were quite unconscious of having kicked over the “traces” at Goodison
• Yet they left their mark
• Pape was an especial victim of Cup-tie nervous
• Dixie Dean it is said, is wonderfully popular among the young lady football enthusiasts who visit Everton
• Strange, too, are some of the requests he gets
• However, Dean’s head is never likely to be turned away when he spies’ one of those winged centres.

THE LATE JOHN LEWIS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 16, 1925
PASSING OF GREAT FOOTBALL PERSONALITY
Our valued and respected contributor, Mr. John Lewis, died on Wednesday, in his seventy-first year, after am short illness.  For over half a century Mr. Lewis, who was in his seventy-first year, had an unbroken connection with Association football, of which he was one of the outstanding personalities.  Nearly sixty years have passed since he played his first game of football on a piece of spare land at Market Drayton, Salop, where he was born, though he had lived so long in Blackburn that many people imagined he was a native of the County Palatine.  He had the felicity of watching the development of this fascinating pastime from the days when clubs were few and far between, when leagues were unknown, when no price was charged for admission, and when grounds did not resemble lawns.  Not only did he grow up with the game, but he had the satisfaction as player, official, and legislator, of helping to shape its destinies.  No single individual has done more than Mr. Lewis to foster Soccer in all parts of the world and to uphold its prestige.  An enthusiasts of enthusiasts, possessed of wonderful vitality, straight as a die, and absolutely fearless, he was not only highly respected by all well-wishes of the game, but was held in mortal dread by those who did anything to damage its fair fame.  His great ambition was to keep football sweet and clean, and with grim determination he opposed anything that tended to bring it into disrepute.  Like many zealots, he was often misunderstood and frequently unfairly assailed.  He never shirked a challenge, and his opponents generally found that his information was so accurate that it could not be controverted. 
MANY OF ENERGY
Mr. Lewis was a tremendous worker, not merely in the realm of sport but in other walks of life.  There appeared to be no limit to his energy, and though his friends latterly urged him to curtail his activities, his indomitable spirit and anxiety to be to service to his fellow men caused their remonstrances to fall on deaf ears.  While he was an advocate of every kind of mainly sport, association football was the pastime to which he was passionately attached.  The secret of his marvellous vitality is not difficult to discover.  As he once said, “I have ever worked hard- and played hard.  It is an excellent combination.  Add to it that I am a life abstainer and have never felt the slightest inclination for what is picturesquely called the ‘fragrant weed, and you have the recipe for my sound health and vigorous constitution.”  To football Mr. Lewis owed a deep debt of gratitude.  It was his chief hobby and relaxation.  Through its instrumentality he enjoyed decades of happiness, travelled in various parts of the world, extended the boundaries of the game, and won the esteem of countless sportsmen at home and abroad.  Even so it was not all smooth sailing.  Mr. Lewis did not escape pungent criticism, but takin g it all in all he had no regrets.  His guiding motive was to be scrupulously fair and honest, disdaining to court favour and yielding to none through fear.  For 25 years he regularly took charge of first class matches, officiating in well over 1,000 contests. 
FOMRING THE ROVERS
When Mr. Lewis, as a lad of thirteen, removed from Market Drayton to Blackburn, there were no purely Association clubs in East Lancashire, and it was on his initiative that the famous Blackburn Rovers F.C, was founded fifty years ago.  Recently he was one of the honoured guests at the jubilee dinner of the club.  He was the first hon, secretary, and as a playing member gained renown both as a centre forward and as an inside left.  To the last he retained vivid memories of a cup-tie at Blackburn round about the 80’s, in which he appeared for Queen’s Own against Livesey Grasshoppers.  With extra time, the contest lasted two hours and a half, and during that period an opponent, closing closely shadowing Mr. Lewis, knocked him down dozens of times.  Subsequently he learnt that a spectator had offered the Grasshopper1s for every time he floored him.  If the promise was kept his opponent reaped a substantial harvest.  As a knight of the whistle he had charge of the first F.A. Cup final at the Crystal Palace in 1906, and it is interesting to recall that he was the first “outsider” to officiate in a final, for prior to 1895 the referee had been a member of the F.A. Council, with which Mr. Lewis was not then connected; nor did he referee a final after he became a member of that body.  He controlled two other finals, in 1897 and 1898.  On the latter occasion he escaped serious injury by a miracle, being knocked down and trampled on by spectators rushing to the front of the pavilion to see the Cup presented.  It was thought that his leg was broken, but examination revealed that it was badly bruised.
A GREAT COMPLIMENT.
One of the greatest compliments he was ever paid was when the Football Association suggested that he should referee an international between Scotland and England.  Never before had it been proposed that an Englishman should officiate in this important game across the Border.  As a matter of fact, the Scottish F.A., could not see their way to agree to the innovation, and a neutral referee was appointed.  In a pecuniary sense, Mr. Lewis made nothing out of football.  this will doubtless surprise many people, but it is nevertheless a fact.  The whole of his fees as a referee he gave to charity.  He was not in the game for what he could make out of it, but for the love of it. 
AS REFEREE.
His career as a referee was packed with exciting incidents.  He was often the victim of infuriated crowds who resented his decisions.  One of the worst handlings he received was at Barley Bank, Darwen, notwithstanding that he had played for Darwen in its early days.  As he left the field he was surrounded by turbulent spectators, and was turned into nothing less than a human football, being viciously kicked and hammered before he succeeded in fighting his way through the mob.  Although that occurred umpteen years ago Mr. Lewis never forgot the savagery to which he was subjected on that occasion.  Another time, at Gigg-lane, Bury, he was kicked and struck without mercy, and hos clothes were almost torn off his back.  When he gained sanctuary in a ticket-box a Bury gentleman had the audacity to accuse him of being drunk! That, said Mr. Lewis, in recounting the incident, was the last straw.  He whipped off his jacket, tucked up his sleeves, and squared up to his accuser.  However, before they had the chance of determining the matter with their fists, Mr. Joe Hartley, of Accrington, sprang between them, and soundly rated the Bury man, telling him it was scandalous to level such a charge against Mr. Lewis, as he was a lifelong abstainer.  The accuser thereupon tendered an ample apology, the pair shook hands, and afterwards became firm friends.  Irate spectators often made Mr. Lewis the target for bottles, clinkers, and sods.  Evan at an international –between Ireland and Scotland at Cliftonville –he was made the object of a hostile demonstration.  Scotland won by a narrow margin, and the Irish supporters made the referee the scapegoat.  He was roughly handled, and the offence was aggravated by a suspicious, almost amounting to a certainly, that the mobbers were not discouraged by the whole of the Irish officials.  At the dinner the same night Mr. Lewis did not hesitate to inform the gentlemen concerned what he thought about their conduct.  But the crowd did not always have matters their own way. When the spectators persisted in absorbing players or referee, Mr. Lewis was in the habit of acting swiftly and unexpectedly.  More than once he jumped and rails and chased and captured offenders, who were speedily brought to book.  Old supporters will probably remember the “snowstorm” semi-final at the Crystal Place between Southampton and Nottingham, Forest.  Mr. Lewis refereed that match and for his conduct on that occasion was severely censured by certain football scribes.  Snow fell several times during the game.  The players went off at once, and on their return Mr. Lewis called their captains together, thinking that the match ought to be abandoned.  Both, however, expressed a desire for the match to be played out and be allowed it to proceed.  A few minutes from the end there was another downfall, and in the midst of the snow-storm Nottingham Forest scored two goals, which decided the issue.  His critics were annoyed because he did not order the teams off in the closing stage, but in view of the previous declaration of the captains he did not consider it necessary to do so.  Southampton lodged an unsuccessful protest.
AS GOVERNOR.
In the government of the game, in connection with the F.A., the Football Leagues, the Lancashire F.A (of which three organisations he held the long service medals), and the Lancashire Combination, he filled a leading role.  His knowledge of the laws of Soccer, many of which he framed, probably was unrivalled.  He had charge of the F.A sides which went to South Africa in 1920 and to Australia last summer, and was very proud of the circumstances that neither set of tourists sustained a defeat.  As a lecturer on football topics he was in great demand.  Almost every honour in football had been conferred on this veteran pioneer, who throughout an active life “played the game” in a manner that won him the unstinted admiration of true sportsman.  Mr. Lewis was a vice-president of the F.A, and Football League, and one of the founders of the Lancashire F.A., of which he was president. 

BRADFORD C RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Ech0- Saturday, January 16, 1926
Everton Res, certainly displayed method more in advance of Bradford City Res, at Valley Parade, and after sixteen minutes Houghton gave them the lead.  Directly after Weaver missed a golden opportunity when the City keeper was prone in the goal.  Kendall effected creditable saves in two instances, but generally had nothing to cope with in comparison with the home goalkeeper, who was in continual anxiety.  Half-time; Everton 1, Bradford City 0. 

ORMSKIRK V EVERTON “A”
Liverpool Football Ech0-Saturday, January 16, 1926
At Ormskirk before a poor attendance on a snow-coated pitch, Everton pressed in the opening stages.  Winstanley shooting over.  After Ormskirk had tested Jones the ball was kept swinging about, and Ormskirk came very near scoring.  Hindle and McLoughlin were putting in some great footwork, and were always a source of trouble to Braithwaite and Jones.  Kelly, for Everton, tested Lydiate with a beauty, while at the other end Ormskirk were all but through. 

EVERTON AND KENNEDY V CARDIFF
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 16, 1926
By Bees
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Kennedy.  Cardiff City; Hills; Blair, Watson; Nicholson, Reed, Sloan; Lawson, Davies (W), Ferguson, Cassidy, McLachlan.  Cardiff had their customary big following to-day at Goodison Park when they tackled Everton, who made one change from the luckless side beaten at Fulham, Kennedy taking up a new position, at outside left, vice Troup.  Cardiff, like Everton, had a grueling mid-week Cup-tie.  Day dull; crowd of 30,000 sympathetically gave home side a rallying cheer.  While the ground and the dense fog were forgotten for a moment when the Cardiff visitors began to sing their choruses.  Cardiff won the toss, and for a time were in the Everton half, but early on the players could not get the hang of the hard ground, there being much indiscriminate kicking and a lack of combination, quite foreign to these two sides.  Despite the fog one could not see good work at close range by Bain, Peacock, and Virr, the last named being instrumental in offering O’Donnell a first time shot that plugged against the side net. 
HILLS IN A FLURRY
Cardiff worked into the penalty area, where Cassidy went to earth.  When Everton got a free kick at the other end, Virr planted it wisely towards goal, where Dean headed the ball on towards Chedgzoy, who kicked over the ball.  Hills, the goalkeeper, run out and was not at all secure in an attempt to kick away. Kennedy came into prominence through a quick drive that cannoned for a corner, from which corner Cardiff City defence found considerable trouble owing to Dean using his weight and refusing to let the full back have a free kick without interference.  For his pains Dean was put to the ground.  Ferguson began in much better style than he had done at Anfield, Hardy’s safety catches stopping the Cardiff centre on two occasions.  It is easy to criticize players, but any mistakes that were made were excusable to-day, and considering the bone in the ground and the nature of the opposition, play was of fairly good standard.  Cassidy was extremely clever, yet he could not get McLachlan working owing to the excellent way Peacock was playing.
WHISTLE FOR HARDY
O’Donnell worked hard with his head and feet, yet the most dangerous move of the first quarter was when hardy had to pick up the ball knowing that a Cardiff forward, probably Ferguson was rushing through and might cause him a blow, physical as well as football.  Hardy made sure, and then found the referee’s whistle favour him.  Peacock was simply invulnerable.  The Cardiff right wing moved off in sweet fashion, after Nicholson had shown us an uncommon length in throwing in.  The move ended, however, with McLachlan becoming offside.
THE ALL-SEEING EYE
In another throw-in chapter Nicholson was not ruled by the linesman as committing an offence, but was penalized by the referee, who found Nicholson a great debater.  It did seen strange that the referee, from his position, should see something that the linesman, who was on top of the incident, did not see.  At last McLachlan served up a run that recalled electric work at Anfield, using the Buchan idea for bringing the ball along with him.  By use of the ankle, he went at express speed to goal, only to find the home trinity chanting “that their defence was sure.” 
THE REFSUAL OF HARDY
McLachlan tried a second time and his angled centre made a gift for Ferguson whose shot was luckily charged out, and when Lawson tried to squeeze the ball to the right-hand corner, Hardy refused to allow such a patent-placed shot to find a home.  Sloan made Hardy catch a high ball, and after McLachlan had pout W. Davies to earth, and Davies had spoken to the referee, it came as a surprise to see Davies retaliating, and the incident escaped official notice.  Dean rarely got a centre from his wing men, and when going through on his own he crowed the ball across the face of goal, and Hills was a lucky man to find the ball travel on beyond the goalpost. 
DEAN’S STARTLING GOAL
Half-time Everton nil, Cardiff nil. 
The teams were coming off the field for the interview when Chedgzoy appealed that play should proceed owing to the darkness.  Therefore, no interval was taken, and perhaps it was as well, because within a minute of the restart of the game O’Donnell served Dean with a pass and the home centre was so shocked at a shooting chance arriving that he made good by a shot to the left-hand corner of the net, the range being about the edge of the penalty box.  The ball was at the “Edge of Beyond” so far as the Cardiff goalkeeper was concerned.  Cardiff had been playing so well shortly before half-time that this goal was a welcome lift to Everton, who had once again added to their rather extraordinary record, which shows them as having scored in every league game this season, except one.
NICHOLSON HEADS IN
IF Everton had one fault, it was their old one of dribbling for dribbling’s sake.  When a full back elected to make a dribble before clearing in front of his own goal, the punishment was severe, because from the corner that followed big Nicholson, the full back, headed an equalizer.  It should be mentioned that this goal was scored while Irvine was off the field suffering from concussion through a collision and a fall.  Irvine tried to resume, but was unable and against ten men Cardiff piled on their attacks.  W. Davies being particularly prominent with dribbles and shots.  Irvine returned to play at outside right, and Chedgzoy, who had not had a pic-nic, went to inside right, and began by making a shot which Hills caught securely, the same defender a moment later clearing one of these awkward shots that arise from a ball that is cannoned back unexpectedly. 
WHAT A MISS WAS THERE!
Everton were having a better show now, and had Irvine been compos mentis he would not have missed the open goal offered him as the clock recorded the hour.  Raitt did very well with his head when McLachlan was about to sweep through on his own, and Everton were doing so well now that any semblance of steadiness must produce a goal.  They were over-anxious, however, and unsteady at vital points, Chedgzoy was well-nigh in the centre, and tried a long shot, to which Hills got down in scrambling manner. 
APPEAL FOR PENALTY
Although the new left wing was not doing well, O’Donnell was always ready to take a first time shot, Irvine, too, was doing his best he could under the circumstances and at one point he got his comrades appealing for a penalty.  Following tremendous pressure by the Everton forwards, during which Bain put in a fine shot, Cardiff broke through and McLachlan lobbed the ball nicely to goal, but it was inches wide.  The Cardiff goal had another wonderful escape from a corner, and even when the goalkeeper was out one of the defence kicked away.  Final; Everton 1, Cardiff City 1. 

EVERTON 1 CARDIFF CITY 1
January 18, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CARDIFF SHARE THE SPOILS.
MISHAPS TO IRVINE UPSETS THE BLUES.
Goals can be hard to get despite the new football. Everton and Cardiff City could only manage one each in a grim and exciting game, under difficult conditions, at Goodison Park. The offside change may have released the grip of the defence, but neither set of forwards were able to avail themselves of the better scope for getting goals. It was not however, a safety-first game, in which, afraid of defeat, each side concentrated on defence. The forwards strove hard on the icy, bone hard surface, and the light ball played pranks with many pairs of feet, while players "topped" and "sliced" their drives repeatedly. Under such conditions teams come pretty much to a level, but, without bias, Everton, who were effectively shod for the surface, should have come into power in the second half, when they made the pace. Hill, indeed, must have imagined a regiment was charging him in the latter stages. PEACOCK.
A feature was the way Peacock curled out of his shell. As a rule he is not in the heroic mould; but on this occasion he introduced snap and spirit, was tenacious under pressure, and happy in supplying his forwards. From first to last he was among it. It was more Bain and Virr's game second half. There were few fallings here. Bain's display was splendid. He played a hard, stubborn game, and it was due to him that Ferguson, Cardiff's Scotman, was not too trustful, while that other Scotsman, McLachlan, and Cassidy, the ex-Bolton Wanderers, treated him and Peacock with respect. The Everton halves' grip on the pair and Ferguson, from Motherwell –Cardiff;s three more recent acquisilious to strengthen their attack –was a feature in their cap. Virr was not faced with so stubborn a wing in Cardiff's only Welshman, Will Davies, and Lawson, who, nevertheless, were plodders, but kept the ball too much in the air, although they were by no means the only offenders. Virr's certainly as close quarters, his dash and enterprise, had them at times guessing; but Davies' trouble was that he was missing his Welsh partner, Len Davies, who was injured in the first Burnley Cup-tie. It cannot be said that the Everton wings impressed greatly. Kennedy the ex-Manchester United man, brought in for Troup started well, and as afterwards patchy. O'Donnell was forceful, as usual, and helped Dean to play one of his best games. Through his aid Dixie got that sensational goal within a minute of the restart with an instantaneous drive into the left hand corner of the net. Hill like the crowd, was faken by surprise. Possibly he might have saved, but he could reflect "This was so sudden."
IRVINE HURT.
There was also the surprise element in Nicholson's equaliser tem minutes after from an opportune header, but with prompter defence methods, the score would have been obviated. Chedgzoy and Irvine have finished better, though they were untiring until Irvine got concussion early in the second half, when he collided in midfield and fell. When he resumed, the pair changed places. This meant two men out of position, and a weakness on this wing. Still the run of the game was with Everton subsequently, and Dean and O'Donnell with occasionally Bain, were persistent marksmen. Miskicks by both sets of backs were excusable, but there was too much lunging kicking and sending the ball anywhere, so that the normal run if the game was interfered with. Raitt used his head to advantage early on before Everton had settled down, and McDonald was generally formidable in defence. Cardiff had rested at Southport since their replay. They were particularly smart on the ball, and under normal conditions are a well-balanced side. Only Nelson, the Scottish international, was out of the Cup-tie replay side, but for some reason the rearguard was re-shuffled, Blair, Watson, and Nelson, all being moved, while Reid was brought in at centre half. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Bain, Virr, half-back, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, and Kennedy, forwards. Cardiff City: - Hill, goal, Watson, and Blair backs, Nicholson, Reed, and Slean, half-backs, Lawson, W. Davies, Ferguson, Cassidy, and McLachlam, forwards.

BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 18, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 24)
Apart from their finishing power Everton Reserves gave a very impressive show at Valley Parade, for they were infinitely superior to the Paraders at all points, and should have won more handsomely than the odd goal in three. Nevertheless, there was an unsavory flavour about the scoring of the winning goal. Fowler was adjudged to have pushed Troup with his hands, and McBain scored from the penalty. The act certainly did not appear to warrant it, but still the Paraders had compensation when they awarded a penalty against Kerr for alleged hands, which in the majority of cases would have been allowed to pass. Gallacher drove the ball straight at Kendall, who saved cleverly, and Everton came out rightly as victors. In point of concerned action Everton was assuredly a class by themselves. Apart from Murray, who was rather too slow on the ball, all the forwards reverted admirable qualities. Both Troup and Weaver were exceedingly quick and clever, though Weaver failed sadly when he had the whole goal to fire at. Not a little of the opportunities of the forwards was created by McBain. His splendidly timed low passes were an object lesson while he had rare support from Rooney and Hart. It was in the intermediate line where the greatest advantage lay.

ORMSKIRK 2 EVERTON "A" 0
January 18 1926. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Though the snow made a treacherous playing pitch, Ormskirk's forwards gave a delighted exhibition of football, and it was only the brilliancy of Jones, in the Everton goal, that kept down the score. In the second half, especially, Ormskirk's forwards were wonderful and they forced corner after corner, Jones saved innumerable shots, Bowes scored in the first half and Hindle in the second for Ormskirk, for whom Britton Topping, and Hindle were the pick of a happy set of forwards.

CARDIFF IMPRESS
Athletic News - Monday 18 January 1926
BUT FORWARDS TRIED TO MAKE OO SURE
NEW EVERTON WING
EVERTON 1, CARDIFF CITY 1
By Junius
Cardiff City generally acquit themselves well at Goodison Park, and they merited a share of the points on Saturday, for though they had not an advantage territorially they were superior in footcraft, especially in forward play.  The whole team impressed by ready anticipation and positional play.  This was particularly the case in the first half, when by accurate passing movements, carried through in pretty and effective fashion, they brought out the full resources of the Everton defence.  The chief failing to my mind, was the frequency with which the Cardiff forwards sought for absolute openings by the adoption of close passing movements which were rendered futile by Everton’s half-backs, who probably have not accomplished better work this season.  On the other hand, the home forwards in the main favoured the open style, and were never averse from drawing a bow at a venture against Hills.  Still, the Everton forwards were not a combined force, and probably this was due to an enforced change on the left wing.
POOR FINISHING. 
Generally finishing power was weak, and scarcely pass went to Dean, who had to forage for himself more than usual. There was no score at the interval when the teams turned round owing to the possibility of a failing light, and almost immediately Dean was provided by O'Donnell with first real opening, his marksmanship from outside the penalty line being a model of accuracy with the keeper helpless.  Everton’s right wing players were generally the hope of the side, but, unfortunately, an Injury to Irvine caused a temporary retirement, and during his absence Nicholson headed past Hardy from a corner kick.  Irvine soon returned, and went outside to Chedgzoy, but was of little utility, as he seemed to dazed.  Still, Everton crowded on attack after attack, but were not sufficiently clever to exact quarter from a stalwart pair of backs and an alert keeper.  As I have indicated, great strength was at half-back. All the wiles of Cassidy and McLachlan were successfully countered by the ready anticipation and timely interventions of Peacock, who also found time to attend-to his own forwards, of whom Chedgzoy was the most effective.  Bain, too, was resourceful vein, and chaperoned Ferguson to such an extent that the capable leader had few opportunities to display his finishing powers.  At the outset Virr had some difficulty in combating the forwards opposed to him, but eventually got their measure, and so completed a half-back line that was capable both in attack and defence.
A SOUND WING. 
Lawson, and Davies (W.) were Cardiff’s more practical wing, and the first real scoring attempt came from these players after the game had been in progress half an hour, when Hardy brought off great save at the foot of the post from Lawson after had charged down a terrific drive front Davies.  The line showed signs of fatigue in the closing stages; still they gave, the impression breaking away any moment and scoring.  As on the Everton side, the City half-backs played their parts well. It appeared to be Reed's chief mission to shepherd Dean, and in this he succeeded,except in the one instance when the young Everton centre had a chance of displaying his opportunism.  Nicholson and Sloan were none the less effective, especially in defensive methods, which relieved the full-backs of much anxiety.  Raitt had a complete understanding with Peacock, and with McDonald formed a strong barrier in front of Hardy, who was not so busily occupied as Mills. Both kept a good goal, while Watson and Blair, as covers to the Cardiff 'keeper, were stalwarts, particularly in the concluding stages. Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, and Kennedy.  Cardiff City; Mills; Watson, Blair; Nicholson, Reed, Sloan; Lawson, Davies (W), Ferguson, Cassidy, and McLachlan.  Referee F.G. Stroentler. Everton have brought forward their League fixture with Leicester for the 30th inst. 

THE EVERTON EXPERIMENT
Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 18 1926
Bee’s Notes
It was a pity the ground was all against good football at Goodison Park.  The call of the Cardiff and Everton sides was made evident by a crowd of nearly 35,000 spectators, who took a risk I would not have taken but for duty’s call.  The size of the crowd was a tribute to both elevens, and I am only sorry the clerk of the weather had no the decency to keep off the grass, as per instruction, and let the crafty footballers present display their wares.  Peacock certainly took it into his head to help himself to the praise-stake-not the braised steak.  His work throughout was of a light-hearted character and he seemed to relish play against a flyer such as McLachlan and a brain-waver such as Cassidy.  Cassidy was clever, and the duels between the three men named was one of the best members of the foggy match. 
NOT SUITED –ON THAT DAY
The trial of Kennedy as a left winger was not a success; it could hardly have been expected to be, because Kennedy is a cuddler of the ball, and that being so it seems that he is an inner forward or nothing, and we know how well he shaped when he came to Everton las back-end, both in shooting and in rallying runs and in subtle dribbles.  Kennedy lost touch with the first team for a time, and although it is not a fair test to judge on Saturday’s ice-park, it must be said that so far so bad is the verdict.  With Irvine being stunned and Chedgzoy having to go inward-where he did very well indeed- Everton’s attack because a thing of shreds.  They were full 60 per cent, below their Fulham form, and their shooting was not to be compared with the famous –or should it be infamous?- Cup-tie.  Which was a pity, because such shooting reproduced would found a victory for the Blues, and Chedgzoy’s reminder on Thursday evening that Everton had a chance in the League, being only seven points the leaders and having an abundance of home matches to fulfil, would have been more pointed.  Home losses or drawn games mean that championships could not be.  I make bold to say that if the week had been blessed with wetter weather Everton would have had joy days in the middle of the week and again on Saturday.
WELL DONE, RAITT.
Raitt, the home back, settled down to calm, calculated football, and if he made one slip in the first half, his general play was such that he deserved second place to Peacock.  Raitt’s cunning heads-in, to turn the ball from McLachlan, was real football.  Cardiff in the first half, had slightly the better of the deal, but mercifully Dean got a ramming-jamming shot beyond the clever Hill, who looks like keeping Farquharson out of position, and thus Everton still have the Bury game as the solitary occasion this season when they have failed to score in a League game.  It was odd to see the Welsh side-forgive me being scornful-having the advantage of Welsh fervor and songs and only little Billy Davies could understand a word of the songs sung.  Cardiff used to stand for Wales; now it stands for a conglomeration, and the Welsh folk are not happy to be without Len Davies, and others.  Cardiff are a genuinely interesting side, nevertheless, and we shall always welcome them so long as they give us the same clean game that has ever been served up by them from the moment they stepped before Royalty at a semi-final tie at Anfield. 

WM McGOUGH
January 20, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
WM McGough will play for the reserves on Saturday Derby, McGough is from Bootle Celtic, and has signed amateur forms for Everton, he is regarded as a most promising centre-forward and has scored twenty-five goals this season. He stands 5ft 9ins and weights more than 11 stone. He has played well in the Liverpool county cup competition in which his team defeat Burscough 5-0, Skelmersdale united 7-1 and St Helens town 3-0.

EVERTON CONSIDER THEIR STAND-ING
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 20, 1926
EVERTON’S LOCAL SIGNING
Bee’s Notes
Everton Football Club some time ago- two seasons to be precise –took in hand the comfort of the shareholders and other spectators and a miniature stand was made and shown to the annual general meeting.  Maybe some people have wondered whether the stand has gone into limbo.  It has not.  I had an interview with Mr. W.C. Cuff, the chairman of the club, concerning “the exhibit,” and he said, “We have not lost, sight of the grandstand on Bullens-road, and although nothing definite has been done or settled certain movements have been engineered, and in due course our public will be apprised of the result.”  I suggested that Everton would not fall into the Villa rut in regard to spending on palatial grandstands.  Mr. Cuff said.  “We cannot decide at the moment; but our shareholders can depend upon it we shall move in due course, but only when we know exactly where we are on the vital facts. 
TROUP RETURNS
Everton are due to meet Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Saturday, so that a regular duel between Merseyside and London clubs is in prospect.  The Goodison Park directors have decided to reply on the side which drew with Cardiff City, with the exception that Troup returns to the side in place of Kennedy.  The team is; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Derby County visit the Park to meet Everton in a Central League game, and an interesting feature will be the appearance in the home ranks of McGough, a local player, at centre-forward.  Everton will be represented by Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Rooney, Reid, Hart; Weaver, McBain, McGough, Houghton, Kennedy.  The kick-off is at three o’clock.
W. McGough is from Boole Celtic, and has signed amateur forms for Everton.  He is regarded as a most promising centre forward and has scored twenty-five goals this season.  He stands 5ft 9 ½ ins, and weighs more than 11st.  He has played well in the Liverpool County Cup competition, in which his team defeated Burscough 5-0, Skelmersdale United 7-21, and St. Helens Town 3-0. 
EVERTON INTERESTS
“T.R.A” is a W.A.G.  Read his roamings;- Now that Everton have done as those who have known them long enough expected them to do, perhaps the directors will recognize the futility of relying upon one man to carry the team to victory.  How about Curray? In the only game out of the first ten this season that they won, this man scored a goal and made two more.  He was dropped, and has been left to deteriorate in the reserves.  Young Virr and Bain have successfully demonstrated the desirability of reserve talents.  Why not carry on the good work.  In addition to the two named, there is yet another young half-back needs promoting.  Then, with a scoring inside right, we might regain our long-lacking confidence in the team
Then the correspondent pulls out the lyre;-
HARD LINES
This is to tell you of a Cup match that was very nearly played
Where Everton nearly reach the standard they once made
‘Tis nearly known in annals, now, as they very greatest test.
That ever happened in our town –of all games near the best
The ground came near to being packed with record’s greatest crowd
That ever stood in ecstasy beneath directors proud
The treasurer nearly wilted under shillings that are dead,
And now-as far as the banker cares-are very nearly lead.
My ears are nearly shattered by the yells that nearly came
To testify to the prowess of the heroes of the game,
As, when they nearly gave it “Dixie” as frenzied watchers cried,
In very nearly the proper place to gather in his stride.
My eyes were nearly startled as I saw him gathering pace.
And very nearly hit the ball so nearly in the proper place.
That Scott very nearly saved it as it came near to going through.
Oh! It was very near a victory for the team so palely blue.
But the team yclept “Empty yum” did as Romans do in Rome;
They left nought else for me to do.  No, I nearly went back home.

AN EVERTON “SHUFFLER”
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 21, 1926
Bee’s Notes
“Pierhead” would transform Everton’s side.  Read him;-
“Everton do not field the best team available.  O’Donnell is doing his level best, and no man can do more; but you cannot by any stretch of imagination call him an inside left.  How you must have your tongue in your cheek when writing some of your notes! It is your sporting principles compelling you to give everyone a fair opportunity, and no one could complain of any unfair criticism on your part, or sometimes the lack of it, but the men is too impetuous.  Such energy and earnestness is to be much appreciated, but it is out of position.  Irvine’s cleverness is to intricate, and he frequently ties himself up to his own disadvantage.  How often in the course of a game do you see both inside men working towards the centre, drawing the defence with them, and, after getting them well together, endeavouring to pass it along to Dixie with as much as to say.  “Here you are, son; I have done what I can.  See what you can do with it.  The boy is crowded out, and I is much to his credit that he scores as frequently as he does.  Give him room- and, of course, the ball occasionally –and he will score plenty of goals.  That front line can be improved. Have you ever heard of Houghton, or thought of him, for the inside left position?  He may not be quite right yet, but he has all the necessary attributes, and is ready for the final touches to his football education.  He is going to be a class inside left in due course.  Give him a chance at the first opportunity.  Why not move Bain to inside left? He is a forward.  Thus let in that grand little player David Reed for the centre half.  Chedgzoy on Saturday went inside right, and I recall similar displays.  Inside right is his position, I firmly believe.  It is not a carping spirit in which this is written, but just to let the management know what some are thinking; also thanking them for what they have provided in the past, and are looking forward to in the future.”  I disagree with the correspondent regarding O’Donnell, who has worked and played well.  He is the “devil” that Everton require, and I support him on the score of his first-time shooting.  We are under new rules.  O’Donnell suits them.
SPURS SIDE TO MEET EVERTON
White will again be at left half in the Tottenham team for Saturday’s match with Everton at White Hart-lane.  The team will be;- Kane; Clay, Forster; Smith, Skitt, White; Thompson, Lindsay, Osborne, Elkes, Diummock.  Everton have won five out of the eleven League games with the Sours, in London, and drawn one. 
Everton are scouting South.  They attended the Gillingham game yesterday-and others.  Inside forwards are the special concern.

ON WITH THE SPURS
Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 22, 1925
Bee’s Notes
In some races jockeys are not allowed to use spurs.  To-morrow we want Everton to bring out their spurs, and at White Hart-lane give the locals a run for their money.  ‘Spurs have some personalities and some style, but they are not playing nearly so well as two years ago, and only Dimmock seems, nowadays, to get in a blow at the goalkeeper.  Osborne, on what I have seen lately, is not a centre-forward, and I think the Everton forwards should have a good time against the defence which, in its back area, is not exactly clever and convincing, Clay being what one might call “of age.”  Everton have done well in all their away games and they believe they can win through and surprise London where they failed in the Fulham call.  Teams;- Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Spurs; Kaine; Clay, Forester; Smith, Skitt, White; Thompson, Lindsay, Osborne, Elkes, Dimmock. 
When they visit White Hart-lane tomorrow, Everton will be entertained by a team whose rise in the football world has been almost as great a romance as that of Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City.  The ‘Spurs were originally a Southern Division team, but entered the Second Division in 1908-9, and lost no time in asserting their right to a place in the sun, finishing their first season in Div II as runners-up to Bolton Wanderers.  Their pre-war performances in the First Division, however, were nothing to write home about, and from 1910 to m1914 they were perilously near relegation.  At the end of 1914-15 they actually finished at the bottom of the table, but of course the war intervened.  On the resumption of football in 1919, when the First Division strength was increased to 22, the ‘Spurs made desperate efforts to gain inclusion, but were outvoted, and perforce had to make their appearance in Division II.  But once again a single season was sufficient to lift them to better company.  Their figures at the end of 1919-20, when they were head and shoulders at the top of the Second Division, are worth giving in detail, as follows;-
Home; Won 19, Lost 0, Drawn 2, For 50, Against 11
Away; Won 13, Lost 4, Drawn 4, For 42, Against 21.  Points 70
This total of 70 points still remains a record for one season in post-war football in the four premier leagues. 
Everton Reserves, at home, have to engage with Derby County Reserves, and this particular team walked through Manchester City (8-2) last week, so that the Everton folk are expecting a tough game.  The Walton second string is doing quite well, thank you, and I bank on their victory. 

 “SPURS” BREAKS DOWN
Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 22, 1926
The “Evening News” learns that Frank Osborne, Tottenham Hotspurs’ international centre-forward, has broken down in training and will be unable to take his place in the Spurs;’ team against Everton at White Hart Lane to-morrow.  For to-morrow’s game against Everton, Seed, who resumed training only this week and was to have had a trail run with the reserves at Southend, has been called into the first team, and Lindsay will move from inside-right to centre-forward. 

TROUP IN FOR KENNEDY ATWHITE HART LANE.
January 23 rd 1925. The Daily Courier
Everton visit White Hart Lane, where they have invariably done well. The side is unchanged, except that Troup returns in place of Kennedy. On the other hands, The Spurs have one or two doubtful. Forster, the left full-back lost his father this week, and there is a possibility he will not be able to get back from the funeral in time to play, while Skinner, Handley, Page, and Hinton are on the injured list. The Spurs' nevertheless, will field a fairly strong side, and as they have the advantage of ground, it may enable them to pull through by a narrow margin. The teams will probably be: - Everton: - Hardy, Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, Troup. Tottenham Hotspur: - Kaine; Clay, Forester; Smith, Skitt, White, Thompson, Seed, Lindsay, Elkes, Dimmock.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 23, 1926
KEEPING THE TEAM TOGETHER
AN OLD POLICY ADVOCATED
By Victor Hall
Somewhere in these recollections we have recalled the palmy days of that wonderful Sunderland team that the patient genius of dear old Tom Watson called into being.  It will be remembered, always with joy.  In the recollection how well they played together and how well they knit together as a team. 
Principally because they were a team, rather than a collection of individual players, they won and hold their laurels.  In their most brilliant period of success, which would be during the immediate two or three seasons before Tom Watson came to Liverpool they had the unique distinction of playing less League players than any other team in the League.  I can well remember that at the highest period of their career they went through the whole of the season’s engagements with about fourteen players, their whole available strength, if called on, being fifteen or sixteen, but only fourteen were actually called on.  This was probably the great secret of their success, and a comparison with the brilliant champion team that wore North End’s colours under Major Suddell, will demonstrate how they carried through a season with but a few players as alternate “reliefs” in case of accident.  That would be the period 1898 to 1900. 
LIVERPOOL’S RISE
Later on, Aston Villa, in the wonderful years of the Cowan regime, 1891 to 1900, was a team of few changes and steady playing policy.  Then from 1904 to 1913 came the period of Newcastle United.  Consistency, once again with a selection of players well below a score.  This was followed by the dramatic rise of Liverpool to the highest point of merit from 1909 onwards, almost without a break, until 1923, under the wise direction of the old Sunderland director-in-chief.  In these and all other cases of consistent progress he keynote will be founded in keeping the same winning team together week by week, making little or no changes, bar those necessitated by injury or unforeseen circumstances.  Present-day directors, I suppose, would tell us that once they can get together a winning team, they will be quite content to leave them together, and will not be likely to change them or experiment.  Quite so, but the constant “trying out” of new combinations scarcely gives the teams much chance. 
Jack Lewis, the veteran trainer of Everton, and father-in-law of George Eccles, who, I believe, is now a trainer himself, had a great theory of his own about winning teams, but then Jack had theories about most things, including “solo.” 
“Give me a lad,” he would say, “who can kick a ball and I’ll train him fit to play, then any two of our team on either side of him will learn him inside three months.”  Lewis always held that the skill of the team would develop any talent there might be.  All that was wanted was good training conditions, speed, and stamina.  Other players and trainers agree that the first aim of team-building should be to keep the playing members long enough to blend and develop team spirt.  But of course the individual skill should be there to build and develop, and speed and stamina are imperative.  The Liverpool club has been very fortunate in its trainers, and has had and still has probably the very best skill modern training conditions demands.  Jack Cameron, the famous Queen’s Park player, who became officially associated with the Everton club in the nineties, was one of the keenest disciplinarians the game has had in England.  He would brook no laxity in the care and attention he demanded from his fellow-player to training conditions, and in return he gave every consideration to the players’ views in team-building and team work.  I always place him, Bell, Ross, and Boyle, as the four greatest students of the game as it should be played that Scotland has given up in Liverpool.  Speaking of them as controllers or directors of the game, and not as individual players, their presence in any match had the same building and binding effect as we see in Buchan’s influence in any present-day team.  Ross’s influence on a younger player was remarkable.  He would take endless pains, and sacrifice his own chance of distinction, in order to create an opening or develop the confidence of any fellow-player who was willing to be a trier.  Ross once said, “I would give any amount of time, or chances to score, to a lad, provided he would try to do his best, but I won’t waste my time on a fellow that’s afraid to take a chance.” 
Johnny Goodall, of Derby County, was another great-hearted player, who thought no trouble too much to develop the latent talent of any player who was willing to keep fit and keep trying.  We do not often hear to-day of Rab Howell, that quaint genius of a natural footballer, who was so persistently a trier.  I never remember seeing “Rab” in a game in which he did not play to the last ounce. 
Hope Robertson was another local player whose consistent good play was a valued asset to his team.  Writing of Hope reminds me that I had a line of kindly expressed remembrance from him a few months ago to the “Echo” which I cordially appreciate.  With it was included a little monograph poem which Hope has written in excellent style of his native Glencoe, entitled “Glencoe Echoes.” 
Hope writes to me from Old Goole, in Yorkshire, where he has evidently not forgotten his Everton and Liverpool friends, and keeps in touch with the “Football Echo.”  I well remember this braw Scottie coming to Anfield, and have pleasurable memories of his dour courage and forceful honest work in every game he played. 
Jimmy Adams, the Everton back, is another player whom we have dealt with in an earlier of Old Timers.  He had one peculiarity that I have not seen used as a rule among defenders, and that was that he kicked the ball under pressure with the toe instead of the instep.  I do not know whether modern players have developed any habit of kicking the ball with the toe.  It used to be a highly dangerous expedient for a defender to do so anywhere in the vicinity of his own goal owing to the consequent risk, but Adams used the practice habitually, and few beyond his fellow-players were aware of the peculiarity. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 23, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

• By the way, that old-time chirpy Everton half-back “Dicky” Boyle has just returned to Scotland following a holiday spell on Merseyside. 
• Boyle, who is a draughtsman, is wearing particularly well, and yet in his playing days he looked far from robust.
• Williams, ex-Everton, is pushing Gill, ex-Cardiff out of the Blackpool team
• McLachlan may be able to do his 100 yards in ten seconds, yet he never succeeded in shaking Jack Peacock off on Saturday.
• A boy went into a local music depot last week-end after the Fulham Cup replay and asked “Have you a copy of the ‘Broken Melody?”
• When answered in the affirmative, he, edging towards the door, replied, “Well, give it to Dixie.”
• The crowd at Everton was of the “wonderful” sized order last week, when we consider the wretched day and the fact that Everton had just gone under surprisingly in a Cup-tie. 

EVERTON TACKLE ‘SPURS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 23, 1926
EVERTON GO FOR ROUND FIGURES
SIX WINS OUT OF A DOZEN GAMES
By “F.E.H”
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Tottenham Hotspur; Kaine; Clay (Captain), Forster; Smith, Skitt, White; Thompson, Seed, Lindsay, Elkes, Dimmock.  Referee.- Mr. E. R. Westwood, of Walsall.  Everton were at White Hart Lane, today, for the Spurs game, while the Goodison side brought back Troup vice Kennedy;- the only change from a side that has scored in every League game save one.  Everton had won five of the eleven games here, and to-day were aiming at six out of twelve.  The Everton eleven, who were accompanied by the chairman, vice-chairman, and Mr. Jack Sharp, travelled to London yesterday afternoon.  At noon the weather broke down completely, and a steady drizzle, coupled with a bid light, made the conditions at White Hart lane anything but agreeable.  In spite of this there was a capital attendance when play began on a soft and slippery surface.  Everton fielded the team as chosen, but there were changes in the home side, Lindsay coming into the centre forward position for Osborne and Seed taking his old position.  I am told on the best authority that Osborne is not likely to play in next week’s game.  There were fully 30,000 present when operations opened.  Everton lost the toss, but there was little advantage in this, the wind blowing across the ground.  The Spurs were at once on the attack, and a very clever movement, in which Seed, Lindsay, and Dimmock all figured, threatened danger, when Raitt nipped in and effected a very fine clearance. 
FRUITFUL SEED.
The Tottenham forwards were obviously in their best fighting form, and they returned to the attack in the most determined way, and, from a pass by White, Elkes sent in a tremendous drive which passed over.  So far the visitors had been kept strictly on the defensive and after seven minutes’ going it broke down, for Thompson, taking a pass from Seed, scored with a raking shot.  A minute later Dimmock put in a beauty which struck the Everton goalkeeper’s foot and rebounded into play.  The visitors, mainly through the agency of Bain made great efforts to get going, and both Chedgzoy and Irvine made progress, but they were well held by a confident defenders.  There was a temporary stoppage owing to an injury to Skitt, and when the thread of events was taken up Everton made play on both wings in clever style, but the movement was not fruitful for O’Donnell’s final shot was well gathered.  The visitors were now beginning to assert themselves, and Irvine worked his way through with characteristic cleverness but he was tackled and dispossessed with great dexterity by Smith.  Chedgzoy then came into the limelight with a brilliant sol effort, but it faded away to nothing, and the Spurs were once again on the job.  Seed trying his luck with a long drive that was just lacking in accuracy. 
AN UNPREMEDITATED BLOW
Once again the visitors rallied strongly, and Skitt was again hurt, though he was speedily back on the field.  Meanwhile Everton were making ground on the left, Troup giving the crowd a touch of his speed and cleverness.  He got clean away and centred well.  Virr dashed in, but unfortunately collided with the goalkeeper’s fist as he was about to net the ball.  It was not Tottenham’s turn to take a back seat, for the footwork of the Evertonians was at times extremely clever; but they did not finish as one would have expected.  The ‘Spurs returned once more in aggressive mood, and Dimmock looked like adding a second goal when he took the leather from the foot of Raitt; but unfortunately for Everton he put behind.  A little later Lindsay looked like making his mark, when he was cleverly pulled up by Raitt, and the contest continued with honours fairly even.  The Tottenhan left wing pair were energetic, but they were well watched and after a time the Everton right wing pair put in two pretty pieces of work, but Dean was offside when he attempted to apply the finishing touch. 
OUT OF FOCUS
With the approach of the interval the Evertonians pressed their opponents hard, and both Irvine and O’Donnell acquitted themselves well, but Dean was not able to get into focus, and so the Tottenham goal escaped a successful invasion. Further good work by Bain and his two partners provided the crowd with clever footwork; but they were now handicapped by the rain and the wind, which had veered round and was blowing in their faces.  In spite of this they persevered in the gamest fashion, and a long shot from O’Donnell went wide.  The ‘Spurs replied with a sudden spurt, and Seed put over the bar. 
Half-time.- Spurs 1, Everton 0.
SAVED BY DEAN
EQUALISING GOAL ANNOYS THE SPURS
EVERTON DRAW IN TOWN
WRETCHED WEATHER FOR A STERN STRUGGLE
The weather was worse when the second half was entered upon before an increased attendance.  Chedgzoy was damaged in collision with Foster, and had to be attended to.  Then the Spurs’ ‘keeper was injured by a long dropping shot from Peacock, and he left the field.  His place between the sticks was taken by Clay, the Tottenham captain, who was loudly cheered on donning the custodian’s jersey, and the applause was increased in volume when he cleared a series of shots from the Everton vanguard, who were now playing at the top of their form.  One shot from O’Donnell appeared to be sailing into the net when it struck the off-side of the post.
KANINE’S INJURED.
On personal inquiry I found that Kaine, had sustained a dislocation of the right elbow.  In spite of their handicap, Tottenham attacked vigorously. Thompson hitting the post.  The visitors made more clever play, but Chedgzoy had to leave the ground of battle, and thus the sides were now on level terms, comparatively speaking.
DEAN’S EQUALISER.
In the later stages of the game Everton had the better of the argument, and they experienced distinctly hard luck when Irvine missed once again.  Troup gave another clever but ineffective display, but the visitors eventually came into their own.  A corner was forced, and the ball was punched out by Clay, Dean seized upon the chance and scored a neat equalizer.  The last phases of the contest were full of thrills and there was one episode which made the crowd roar with excitement.  This was when Dimmock netted, but the whistle had previously gone for a foul against McDonald and the referee had no hesitation in disallowing any claim.  In the last minute Clay saved from both Irvine and Dean in marvelllous style, and the visitors just missed snatching a victory.  Final; Tottenham 1, Everton 1. 

EVERTON “A” V. ST. HELENS TOWN
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 23, 1926
At Townsend-lane.  The opening exchanges were even.  Everton were the first to attack, and from a centre by Hibbert Rand gave Everton the lead.  Considering the ground was on the heavy side, both teams showed some fine combination.  Fairhurst almost levelled the score, his shot just skimming the bar.  The visitors kept up a strong pressure, and the home defence were kept busy.  Jones made some excellent saves.  After thirty minutes Everton were leading by 1 gal to nil. 

‘SPURS’ HANDICAP
Reynolds's Newspaper - Sunday 24 January 1926
KAINE INJURED AND CLAY KEEPS GOAL IN SECOND HALF
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1, EVERTON 1
By Forward
The ‘Spurs had to be satisfied with one point as the result of the visit of Everton, but they have not much to complain about on that score.  As a matter of fact a division of the spoils must be considered a good performance in view of the handicap which was imposed on the Tottenham men in the second half.  In that period they had to face Everton with their usual goalkeeper in the dressing-room and while facing the wind and rain.  The early stages suggested a fairly easy passage for the Spurs.  They started playing in their very best form, with the exception that the forwards were apt to overdo the fancy business, and coupled this with some very bad shooting.  Even so they got a goal in seven minutes.  Thompson slipping past the backs to drive the ball past Hardy at a great pace, and from a very difficult angle.  Gradually the Everton men found their feet, and were helped to attack because an injury to Skitt reduced him to rather less than half speed for a spell.  By flinging himself at the feet of O’Donnell, Kaine saved a certain goal, and thus the ‘Spurs retained their lead to the interval.
‘SPURS GALKEEPER HURT
Scarcely had the game restarted than Kaine, going to earth to save a long shot dislocated his right elbow, and took no further part in the game.  Clay went between the posts, Smith fell to right full-back, and Seed to right-half.  These changes completely upset the Tottenham organiastions, and Everton had most of the game even though they, liked the ‘Spurs were reduced to ten men. Chedgzoy retiring with an ankle injury.  Dean got a goal after twenty minutes following a corner kick, and Clay had to show what he could do in goal to prevent Everton from winning. A save which the deputy-keeper made from Dean brought well-deserved applause, but there was disappointment when the referee would not allow Dimmock to count a goal after he had robbed McDonald, the referee deciding that the full-back had been fouled.  By no stretch of imagination could the contest be called a great one.  The wind did much to spoil it in the first place, and then the accidents-there were several in addition to those already mentioned-completed the upsetting process.  There were valiant players on both sides, however, and in attack none did better for the ‘Spurs than Thompson, the clever and resourceful winger, who is now right at the top of his form.  The forward play generally, though was affected by the absence of Osborne, and the fact that Seed was obviously not too fit.  As a half back Smith was brilliant, but he made a lot of mistakes after taking up Clay’s place, and on the other flank White, occasionally tackling quite well, was too keen on shooting.  Forster was the best back on the field, and this is saying a lot seeing that Everton had a couple of very good men in Raitt and McDonald.  O’Donnell was the best of the visiting forwards with Dean a good second, but the attack suffered like that of the ‘Spurs from a desire to do too much. 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS 1 EVERTON 1
January 25 th 1926. The Daily Courier.
SPURS AND EVERTON LOSE PLAYER.
TWO GOALS DIVIDED IN TOWN.
A strange to White Hart Lane on Saturday watching the game for the first 20 minutes would have come to the conclusion that the men from the Merseyside were in for a big beating. In that period the 'Spurs got a goal and if they had obtained another few would have considered it phenomenal. But that was the end of it. From that stage onwards the Blues gradually improved.
THE SEQUEL.
The sequel was that the end came with the scores level –and, truth to tell, the 'Spurs in the latter stages had plenty to thank the fates for that they had shared the points. Dean in the last few minutes got his head to a well-placed centre that appeared a certainly for the Blues. Luck as much as anything else was responsible for the goalkeeper getting it clear. That was not the only narrow shave the home goal had, because just previously. Irvine nearly gone right through on his own. In some respects it was a remarkable game. For one thing, the 'Spurs immediately after the interval lost Kaine, who dislocated his right elbow in stopping a shot. But the Blues also had their ill-luck because Sam Chedgzoy had to go off soon after the interval with an injured ankle. While the first half could legitimately becalmed by the North Londoners, the Blues indubitably had the second. In the first half the 'Spurs displayed well-balanced, skillful football, but after Kaine went off and Tommy Cley went in goal much of the snap and cohesion seemed to go out of the side.
SPURS' EARLY LEAD.
The 'Spurs' goal came after seven minutes and to tell the truth it looked imminent from the start. The 'Spurs had taken the aggressive straight away, and at last Thompson worked his way in from the wing and beat Hardy from close range. From the way the 'Spurs carried on after this one could be forgiven for imagining that they meant to repeat the dose. However, the Blues gradually took the measure of their opponents, and while Bain, Virr, and Peacock saw that the 'Spurs vanguard was not given too much rope, the Merseyside front line began to pay fairly frequent visits to the other end. The upshot was that 20 minutes after the interval Dixie Dean beat Clay from a corner. From then the game undeniably went to Everton, and it is probable that the home supporters were glad to hear the final whistle go with the position as it was. In obtaining a point at White Hart-lane in this fashion Everton did more than many teams can do. After they had worn down the edge of the initial 'Spurs onslaught, the Blues proceeded to show that Jack was as good as his master. Irvine played a fine game for the Blues, and was an outstanding forward on the field. His ball control and dribbling was excellent, and more than once he nearly beat the 'Spurs' defence on his own.
DEAN.
For long periods Dean was out of the picture, but he happened to be in the right place at the right time in the second half when he equalised. O'Donnell played his usual dashing game, and once or twice came near scoring. Troup and Chedgzoy, on the wings, put in some valuable work. The Blues' halves appeared to be taken by surprise for the first 20 minutes, but after that they showed what they were capable of. Both McDonald and Raitt have been more impressive. The 'Spurs are a good side. Dimmock seems to be getting back to the form, which won his cap. Thompson, too, on the other wing, was a player who needed a great deal of watching. Undoubtedly the 'Spurs missed Osborne, and Seed, who came in at the last moments, will need more time to get back to real form. Teams: - Tottenham Hotspur: - Kaine, goal, Clay, and Forster, backs, Smith Skitt, and White, half-backs, Thompson, Seed, Lindsay, Elkes, and Dimmock, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, McDonald, and Raitt backs, Virr, Bain, and Peacock, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 0
January 25, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 25)
Everton won, but there was not a great deal between the sides. The Derby forwards at times displayed brilliant combination, and also rounded off their attacks with good shots. Kendall, however, was un splendid fettle and made some exceedingly smart clearances, while on two occasions the woodwork stood between the visitors and a goal. The Everton front line was weak on the left wing. Kennedy not being at home in the outside position. McBain, at inside right, was a success, however, passing the ball with his usual artistry. Just before the interval he took a penalty kick, but the ball rebounded off both posts back into play. McGough, who signed an amateur form during the week, made a promising first appearance, and had the satisfaction of scoring the only goal with a well placed shot. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Hamilton, and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Reid, and Virr, half-backs, Weaver, McBain, McGough, Houghton, and Kennedy, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 2 ST. HELENS 3
January 25, 1926. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Townsend-lane. Everton were the more aggressive in the initial half, but after the interval they were seldom seem in the visitors quarters. Rand scored for Everton after five minutes' play; Ryding secured their other point with a well-placed header. St. Helens got on level terms through Chanley and Booth, and 10 minutes from the end Brown scored the winning goal with a high shot. Harrison Gaskill and Holbrooke, the home half-backs, were always in the thick of it, and broke up made raids. In the last minute Fairhurst made a grand solo effort, but his final shot was charged down by an Everton defenders. Booth, Holland, and Fairhurst were the best on the St. Helens side while Harrison, Hibbert and Gaskill did well for Everton.

TEN-ASIDE GAME
Athletic News- Monday, January 25, 1926
SPURS AND EVERTON SHARE TWO GOALS
KANINE’S INJURY
TOTTENHAM 1, EVERTON 0
By The Vagrant.
The contest at White Hart Lane had no pretensions to be ranked as a classic, but it was perhaps as good as could have been expected, and the result-a draw of one goal each- was a fitting one.  Wind played havoc with the schemes of the players, and the driving rain made the pitch very difficult before the end.  Then the game was frequently interrupted by a remarkable succession of accidents.  The best football was seen in the early stages, when the Tottenham forwards threatened to run riot over the Everton defence.  Only one goal was scored, this being obtained by a narrow angle shot from  THOMPSON after the outside-right had cut into the penalty area.
CLAY IN THE BREACH.
The serious accidents came with the opening of the second half. First of all, Kaine, misjudging a shot from Irvine, had to fall on the ball, and in doing so dislocated his right elbow. Clay took up the goalkeeper’s position and a couple of saves which, for deputy, were remarkable.  Chedgzoy, injured in a tackle, quickly followed Kaine to the dressing room, and thus it was ten against ten.  The ’Spurs were disorganised to the greater extent, however, and midway through the second half Dean scored, following corner kick nicely placed by Irvine.  Late in the contest Dimmock surprised McDonald and slipped the ball into the net, but the referee decided, much to the annoyance of the spectators, that the outside-left had not obtained the ball legitimately. 
THOMPSON’S ENTERPRISE. 
Thompson was by far the most dangerous of the attackers, and when he had Seed in support he led Virr and McDonald a merry dance. His goal was a gem.  His partner, Seed, had to be pressed into service owing to the injury to Osborne, and though the inside right started well, he was clearly not too fit for a strenuous encounter under awkward conditions. He might have been given a less arduous position than that of right-half when the shuffle became necessary. Eikes was constantly trying to too much, and while Lindsay made some clever dribbles he had few opportunities of going through to shoot at goal. Dimmook’s best effort was a low drive in the first half, which was stopped by Hardy’s foot.  At half-back there were valiant players on both sides, with Smith as the star turn until he had to fall back to Clay’s place. There he made a number of miskicks, and one of these led to the comer which produced the Everton equalising goal.  Having escaped serious injury when he risked everything to save O’Donnell in the first half Kaine must be considered most unfortunate have been so seriously hurt in such simple fashion.
FINE DEFENCES
Clay was in turn a good full back and a good goalkeeper; and Foster played one of his best games.  The absence of many goals must be put down to fine defensive work.  Everton were strong at half-back, with Peacock at his best and Raitt and McDonald were sound defenders.  The visiting forwards were often disappointing.  Tottenham Hotspur; Kaine; Clay, Forster; Smith, Skitt, White; Thompson, Seed, Lindsay, Elkes, and Dimmock. Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Referee E.R. Westwood, Walsall. 

EVERTON’S DEANERY
Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 25, 1926
AGAIN, EVERTON
Bee’s Notes
Dean’s goal late on kept the record safe.  Everton have been drawing in goodly numbers at their own and other’s grounds, and also in the League chart.  Following the Cardiff draw came the good performance at the Spurs’ ground, Dean, late on, making the remarkable record of a goal a match every League game save that at Bury.  Thus is the edge of keenness kept razor-like at Goodison Park for “future.”
By F.E.H
Everton are to be congratulated upon making an honourable draw with Tottenham Hotspur in a game which bristled with incident.  In spite of a depressing drizzle, and a gusty wind, the crowd saw a capital exposition of the code.  The contest was made all the more interesting by reason of the fact that each side lost a player when the struggle was halt over.  The Spurs’ custodian, in attempting to stop a hard drive from one of the Everton half-backs, fell and dislocated his elbow.  He had to be removed to hospital, and his place was taken by the home skipper, Clay, who proved himself a veritable Horatius.  He certainly “kept the bridge” with the same courage that characterized Macaulay’s Roman hero, and by the same token he was cheered as heartily as the ranks of Tuscany appreciated the warrior to whom I have alluded.  The game was never lacking interest, and the Spurs, who had all the best of the first half, took the lead through Thomson after seven minutes going.  Subsequently, Chedgzoy was hurt rather badly and was unable to take any part in the second period.  In spite of the fact that the sides were both depleted, the game lost nothing in attraction, and an added nest was lent when Dean succeeded in putting his side on level terms.  Altogether, a division of the points was perhaps the most satisfactory result, though Everton in the last five minutes might well have snatched an eleventh hour victory. A special word of praise must be given to the Everton half-backs, who really dominated the game, and if the forwards were not always convincing they at times displayed undeniable cleverness.  There is no doubt that the Spurs are a good side both fore and aft, and the recognition of this fact makes Everton’s draw all the more creditable. 

DOCTOR ADVISES FAZACKERLEY TO GIVE UP GAME
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Wednesday, January 27, 1926
LOSS TO DERBY COUNTY
THE ROVING CAREER OF A BRILLIAN EX-SHEFFIELD UNITED FORWARD
A fortnight ago Stanley Fazackerley, the well-known ex-Sheffield United footballer, who this season, is with Derby County, wired that, owing to illness, he could not play with Derby County Reserves team, and since then he has not been training (wires our Derby reporter).  He has now been ordered to relinquish his licensed house in Wolverhampton and to go abroad.  His medical adviser states;
   I am of opinion that his general condition of health is such that he should give up all idea of football or strenuous exercise.  Fazackerley has had a roving career as a footballer; but his best days, undoubtedly, were those he spent in the service of Sheffield United.  He was born at Preston and his first club of note was Preston North End for whom he played when 16 years of age.  However, he had a short run with them before crossing the Atlantic to America.  On his return to England he played for Accrington Stanley and then went across the county to Hull City.  It was from that club hat Sheffield United secure him in 1912.     With the Bramall Lane club he quickly made a name for himself a clever inside-right, many considering him almost the equal of Charles Buchan in subtlety and artistry. His height of six feet and weight of 12 stones gave him the build for the game, and he made good use of these attributes. With United he won a Cup winners’ medal for he was in the Sheffield United side which beat Chelsea in the final at Old Trafford in 1915.  After that Fazackerley joined the army and saw service in France. On returning home he soon showed that he had not lost his skill and his splendid play for United earned him a place in the trial match at Newcastle in 1920,when he played for the North against England.  Difficulties With Sheffield United. 
Fazackerley was not “capped,” but was in reserve at Hillsborough for the England v. Scotland match. In the summer of 1920 he was one of the party which toured South Africa and twice played for England against the Commonwealth.  In the following November difficulties arose between the player and Sheffield United and Fazackerley was transferred to Everton for £4,000 at that time a record fee. He remained at Goodison Park for two years and then moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers. This season, as already stated, he has been with Derby County.  Whilst with Derby he has not enjoyed good health and could not retain his place in the first team. Derby County are distinctly unlucky in losing his services.  Soon after joining Everton Fazackerley married a Sheffield lady, so that when he left the city he did not entirely sever his connection with it, and, in fact, lived in Sheffield until taking over licensed premises at Wolverhampton.  At his best Fazackerley was a fascinating player. His control of the ball was brilliant, and he swerved and feinted in most agile style to the discomfiture of his opponents. He was a capital shot and was often considered good enough to play for his country. There was considerable disappointment in Sheffield when the trouble arose which ended in his leaving Bramall Lane.

WEAVER IN EVERTON TEAM
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, January 27, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Those who remember Everton of long ago will bear me out that he side used to select itself almost automatically, and the directors had a set plan of never, altering a winning side.  This, in my estimate is not always a wise thing to do, even though the Everton records of that time deny me.  Latterly the same spirit has been resuscitated, and the Everton team to all intents and purposes has been selecting itself.  Here and there a change, but nothing very vital, Saturday next brought a forced change, Chedgzoy being hurt, Weaver, the speedy winger, who has played outside left and elsewhere sweeps across the field to outside right.  There are many in this city who believe Weaver ought to have had more first team appearances than those allotted him.  He will have a chance to show his paces and his centres for outside right.

EVERTON SIGN SMITH
January 29, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Everton have signed WC Smith of Thorndale as a amateur. He stands 5ft 9half ins and weights 10 stone. Smith is to play outside right for the Liverpool County FA team against Cheshire at Prenton Park tomorrow.

EVERTON LEAGUE GAME
Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 29 1926
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON’S HOME APPEARANCE
Goodison Park was threatened with darkness tomorrow, but fortunately the officials of the club there were able to bring Leicester City’s game to the Park and thus save a dreary blank.  In addition to the view of the ex-Mersey members in Campbell, Bamber, and Harold Wadsworth, the spectators will be able to see Weaver as an outside right, the scores of the Cup-ties and the side that walloped Liverpool at Anfield a few weeks ago and also on the opening day of the season –all of which means that the crowd will be the usual big one.  Everton have in recent times come right back to favour with the onlookers, and their record of a goal a game throughout the long campaign (Bury excepted) has captivated many of those who follow figures.  But Everton’s general trend of play has also been much more interesting than for some time; hence the appeal of games such as that to-morrow, when the teams line up in the manner;- Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  For the Everton-Liverpool game all the reserved seats are sold out; there are still 12,000 seats-pay at the turnstiles. 

WEAVER TO PLAY
January 30, 1926. The Daily Courier.
There are only two First Division League games one of which is at Goodison Park, where Everton and Leicester City meet (Kick off 3.0). The Blues, owing to an accident to Chedgzoy, play Weaver on the extreme right, but though the ex-Burnley man came here as a left-winger, he has performed before in this position. Apart from this change, Everton are at full strength. Leicester sprang a surprise at Anfield a few weeks back, but I am taking Everton to win here. Old favourites in Harold Wadsworth, Jack Bamber and Kenny Campbell are included in the visitors side. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Weaver, Irvine, Dean, O'Donnell, Troup. Leicester City: - Campbell; Black, Osborne; Newton, Watson, Bamber; Adcock, Hine, Candler, Lochhead, Wadsworth.

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS.
January 30 th 1926. The Liverpool Football Echo
VICTOR HALL WONDERS HOW MANY FAMOUS PLAYERS ARE STILL LOCAL.
I often wonder how many of our old-time famous players are still living in the neighborhood of their former triumphs? Some names leap at once to memory on Fred Geary, Jack Sharp, Jack Bell, and Jack Parkinson, but surely there must be many others, did we know them. Griffiths the old Everton player, I came across recently in Clubmoor, and Peter Gordon, Hope Robertson and Andy McGreigan I have hard of lately. Bill Stewart, the famous Everton half-back, was a recent visitor at Goodison Park, while Bob Kelso paid a holiday visit to Liverpool (without letting me know). Alick Latta was last heard of in Ireland, either Dublin or Belfast, Alf Milward was said to be resident in Southampton. Edgar Chadwick is in a successful business in Blackburn; Johnny Holt I have not heard of for years. Dicky Boyle, I believe went back to his draughtsmanship on the Clyde, poor Alec Harley met an accidental death in a Southern town, and we all remember the tragic death of Sandy Young. But what about the former Everton and Liverpool stalwarts Farmer and Dobson? Jack Taylor was in business in Walton. Bert Sharp, too; Wilfred Forhan, also found a soldiers grave "somewhere in France." But what of the great majority? Joey Murray the Irrepressible, Walter Abbott, the sturdy one, Billy Balmer and brother Bob, and George Crelly –the last three Aintree boys and a credit to Liverpool. What became of Fred Becton and Harry Bradshaw, and Dicky Downes? What, too, of Jackie Robertson, Davie Storrier and "Baldy" Pinnell and Jimmy Settle? Some old Favorites are still well in the public eye, Jack Cox, whom I last saw two years ago at a Blackpool tournament, has got his heart's ambitious and set up a record not likely to be equalled for many a long day by winning the "Talbot" and the "Waterloo" sweep there in the same year. My Hearty congratulations, Jack. You seen to have attained every ambition you set out for. May fortune favour you to the end. Harry Makepeace is in cricket earning an honoured name for Lancashire, as did Jack Sharp before him. Alick Raisebeck is earning great distinction as a team manager at Bristol. Alf Schofield, the old flying Everton winger, is now equally prominent in the sports of kings. Tom Booth too, is earning fame as a billiard exponent who is highly spoken of. Dave Kirkwood, of Everton, and Matt McQueen of Liverpool, have exchanged the playing field for the "directing" field with gratifying success, but what of the others of the old brigade? Johnny Madden, Johnny Divers Battles Adams, Albert Chadwick, and Bert Freeman. Of Watty Campbell and Arthur Rule, who made so brief a stay at Everton. George Kitchen and Whitley, the goalkeepers, who left Everton to the great regret of many, are others popular recollections. The later Davy Jardine is succeeded in the game by a promising son. McMillian, who played on the wing with Elliott at one time, was last in Liverpool some years ago; but there must be a whole host of former players could we but get in touch with them. We must have a great football night some time, when some of these old players could come out of their retirement and add to the happiness of recollection by renewing long-sustained friendships. Some of the players of those days –and later days, Jack Cock to wit –were gifted vocalists and musicians. Jack Southworth, for instance is a professional instrumentalist of distinction. Look what a grand smoking concert they could provide amongst themselves. Joey Murray was already a singer of distinction, Johnny Divers was a stepdancer, and Bob Kelso could do tricks with cards. But that again is another story, and will bear its telling in due course. The career of local football professionals who have made good in the game will ever be a matter of pride to those football legislators of the County F.A. who have laboured for the object for years. Mr. Lythgoe and Mr. Grant could each tell of the efforts of their colleagues for the past thirty years to develop this local spirits. From the far-away days of Aintree Church Lansdowne, and Birkenhead "Locus," their council representatives in season and out were ever mindful of the chances their young players had in the presence on the F.A. of Everton and Liverpool colleagues. The Directorate of both clubs were ever on the look out for the claims of likely lads for the premier teams, and they had always carte blanche from their own clubs to foster and encourage their progress. The late Mr. Roche, of Lannsdowne and Bootle F.C., Mr. Wilson of Tranmere "Jim" Bayliffe, of White Star Wanderers, and Harry Coghean, of Garston Copper Works, could bear witness how keen was the desire to have a strong nursing ground for locals in both premier elevens. When critics are rampageous for new "talent" as sometimes will happen, they might regard, and respect this self-denying ordinance of football directors who, week in and week out throughout a whole season, give their time ungrudgingly to this voluntary service. Not for them the cosy saloon carriage, with the "luxury" of long cold, journeys and railway commissariat; not for them the cosy comfort of the grand stand and the interval refresher. Instead the weary tramp to some suburban field or quagmire, with an hour's cold stand in some wild swept waste, and the equally cold trudge home –all for what? That they might report to the nest week's board meeting that –was coming along nicely in speed and shooting ability, and was worth a retaining fee or an amateur registration. Generally it was these self denying directors who got the least press publicity, and consequently their names figured less frequently in the reports of big matches where among "Those present were noticed, etc. Not for them the long summer holiday tour with the Continental travel and sightseeing. At Kipling wrote of the late Lord Roberts, "they didn't advertise," but their names are written largely in the annuals of the Liverpool F.A. and some day, if Mr. Lythgoe or Mr. Grant writes his reminiscences, some old familiar names of Everton and Liverpool will take an honoured place. The names will be unexpected one, too, because like all good men they "did good by stealth and blushed to find it fame!"

KNUTS’ FREE EARLY FORWARD PLAY
Leicester Daily Mercury - Saturday 30 January 1926
LOCHHEAD’S GREAT CHANCE AGAINST EVERTON
By Albion
Consenting to Everton’s proposal to bring forward their match at Goodison Park, Leicester journeyed to Liverpool to-day, and filled up a date that would otherwise, through the intervention of cup-ties have been a blank.  As was expected, Chandler was unable to turn out, as he is troubled with a bolt under the left arm.  He was absent from the side after appearing in 118 consecutive matches.  He and Duncan, however, both travelled with the team o the match.
LOCKHEAD AT CENTRE
Lockhead moved to the centre, and Sharp filled the vacancy at inside-left.  Everton made one change from the side that drew at Tottenham, Chedgzoy having to stand down owing to an injured ankle.  His place was taken by Weaver.  The ground was inclined to be heavy.  As Everton played in blue, the Knuts again had to change their colours, but this time they turned out in white jerseys.  Campbell captained the visitors and lost the toss, Leicester having to kick off against the breeze. 
AFFUITY AMONG LECIESER FORWARDS
The first attack came from Everton, Campbell clearing a fine centre from Troup.  Leicester moved well after this, some accurate passing by Newton, Sharp, Lochhead, and Bamber bringing danger.  Adcock in the end forced a corner, and when the attack was renewed there was another centre from the right, which Sharp headed over the bar.  Everton got away and a clever shot from Irvine just cleared the bar.  Leicester missed a glorious chance when a long forward pass from Adcock went between the backs and left Lochhead with a clear course.  Hardy left his goal and just managed to divert Lochhead’s shot for a corner.  Sharp slipped a fine pass to Wadsworth, who beat Raitt cleverly, a corner resulting from which Newton fired a fierce shot just over the bar. 
FEAST OF SOUND GOALKEEPING
Then, however, as a sequel to some quick work by O’Donnell and Troup, Dean managed to get a chance, and shot with great power from 16 yards’ range.  Campbell, however, was equal to the occasion.  The Leicester half-backs were asserting themselves strongly and another clever attack developed Wadsworth again making good use of a pass from Sharp.  There was a warm skirmish at close quarters, and Hine put in a great shot as he was turning, but Hardy made a thrilling save.  The crowd of about 35,000 were seeing plenty of good football, Leicester having the balance of play.  Troup and Dean showed cleverness, but against the Leicester defence nothing dangerous developed.  Some of the long-range shooting was well off the mark.  There was some excitement after a corner forced by Weaver and Irvine, but Newton got in the way of Troup’s shot in a crowded goalmouth.  Half-time; No score.

EVERTON V LECIESTER CITY
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 30, 1926
LEAGUE GAME AT WALTON
WEAVER AS AN OUTSIDE RIGHT
By Stork
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Weaver, Irvine, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Leicester City; Campbell (Captain); Black, Osborne; Newton, Watson, Bamber; Adcock, Hine, Lockhead, Sharp, Wadsworth.  Everton netted in the blank day by engaging the ex-Mersey members, otherwise Leicester City, for a League battle.  Day fine, crowd some 30,000 strong, and a good reception for both teams. Weaver as an outside right was a discussion among the crowd.  Troup opened proceedings with a shot that Campbell saved smartly, and Adcock forced a corner.  Weaver offered up a fine centre to his inside forwards, who failed to grasp the opportunity, and Irvine was somewhat fortunate to find the cannoned ball at his feet.  His drive was straight enough if it had been low enough.  Then came the first real twinge of excitement.  McDonald did not get his head to a centre, and this enabled Lockhead to go forward with no other to beat but Hardy.  The latter had only one alternative, to come out and angle his oncoming opponent.  This he did and no doubt it saved the situation, for Lockhead in an endeavor to place the ball away from Hardy, put it wide of the post.  What a chance missed! Hardy must have touched the ball, for Leicester were awarded a corner. 
TWO GOOD SAVES
It must be admitted that Leicester had been the more dangerous side, but when Dean got a chance he showed Campbell how dangerous he could be.  His drive was a fine one, but Campbell was ready and willing with a catch right under the bar.  Good as this save was, Hardy made a better one the next minute.  Wadsworth kept the ball in play when it looked like going out, and gave Hine a wonderful opportunity.  The ex-Barnsley forward rarely makes a miss, and he made no exception to the rule when he drove with all his might for the Everton rigging.  Hardy, however, made a spanking save at the second attempt. 
HINE ON THE MARK
Hine was Leicester’s sharpshooter in chief, and if he had not got under the ball to such an extent, Hardy would have been troubled instead of being an onlooker.  O’Donnell was injured and while he was at the “ringside” Leicester attacked with a will, and the Everton defence was not all that it might have been but it was good enough, at all events, to keep the Leicester forwards at bay. 
HONOURS EVEN
Troup brought out the best in Campbell when he elected to shoot from an awkward angle.  The power behind the ball was apparent by the thud it made when it struck the goalkeeper.  Irvine, as usual, was unlucky with his shot, Campbell scooping it away from the foot of the post.  Play was now pretty evenly divided, and Wadsworth who had been idle for some time through Peacock having now got his measure, cut into the middle and made a powerful drive whilst Hardy dealt with cleverly.
DEAN’S HEADE
Hardy showed enterprise when Raitt passed back.  Lockhead was going full tilt at the goalkeeper, who threw the ball over his head, rounded the oncoming forward, caught the ball, and cleared.  As the interval drew near Everton set up an attack, which certainly looked promising and when Dean got in one of his favourite headers there was a suggestion of a goal, but Campbell though otherwise and saved this downward and therefore sensible header.  Wadsworth gave Lockhead a rare chance which was not accepted.  Half-time; Everton nil, Leicester nil. 
LECIESTER HOISTED
WATSON SCORES AGAINST HIS OWN SIDE
A GIFT TO EVERTON
GODOISON FORWARDS OUT OF GEAR
Leicester had been just the cleverest side and they demonstrated in the second half that they were capable of continuing their good work throughout.  There was plenty of clever midfield football, but little bite when it was most necessary in front of goal.  I was astonished at the cheer that went up the notice bound announced that Liverpool were losing 3-1. 
LEICESTER ON TOP.
Leicester at this point were well on top of Everton, and Hardy had to edge a fine effort by Adcock over the bar.  As a matter of fact, the ball actually grazed the upright after Hardy had knocked it upwards.  The Everton forward line did not seem to be working in its usual thorough manner.  I agree that the Leicester halfs were responsible to some extent, but they were not entirely responsible.  Dean got few chances, so well was he looked after.  As against this, the Leicester forwards were full of craft.  They never gave up in despair but carried on the hope that “something would turn up.” 
A PENALTY CLAIM
The crowd simply yearned for a goal and were near to getting their desire when Hine shot, but McDonald turned it away.  I am afraid the Scot knew little about the  matter.  There was a claim to Everton for a penalty but the referee ignored it.  O’Donnell brightened the outlook with a shot that unfortunately travelled over the bar. 
WATSON’S GOAL
Although the Everton forwards were unable to score, Watson the Leicester centre-forward obliged with a goal against his own goalkeeper.  Weaver kept the ball in play, and Watson in his endeavor to clear, lashed out at the ball and drove it like a rocket beyond Campbell.  It was a starting finish for never at any moment prior to this had Everton suggested a goal.  Final; Everton 1, Leicester City 0.

 

EVERTON IN ERIN
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 30, 1926
Great interest was taken in Irish Association football circles in the visit of Mr. John Fare, of Everton F.C, to witness the display of Hamilton, the clever outside left of Dundela, Belfast, against Oldpark Corinthians, in the Intermediate League.