MARCH 1899

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY V EVERTON

March 6, 1899. Glasgow Herald.

Wintry weather prevailed at Sheffield, where Everton appeared against the Wednesday club, but then assembled quite 7,000 people. On recent form, of course, the home team stood small chance against Everton, whom a victory would have placed practically level with Liverpool, and therefore second to Aston Villa in the competition... in serious danger of being reduced to Division two, the Sheffield Wednesday club tried three three new forwards –Pryce, of Glossop, and Bosworth and Richards of Derby. Everton during the first half faced the wind, and early had defence severely taxed. Play was fast and exciting, each goal being frequently in danger. It could not be stated that either side held any advantage up to half-time, which arrived with nothing scored. Wednesday faced the wind and snow on resuming, but they attacked vigorously and Spikesley shot through. The point was disallowed, however, for off side. A little later Crawshaw scored for them from a penalty kick, after this Everton played up splendidly and Massey had a lot of shots to save. Ten minutes from the finish they scored from a corner, and then Chadwick added another point, and won the game for Everton by two goals to one.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 EVERTON 2 (Game 298)

March 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

The Everton team made the journey to Sheffield on Saturday to oppose the Wednesday club in the return League match of the season. With the latter team in a precarious position, the Sheffield executive introduced new players, in the hope of strengthening their chances, and only Wright and Spikesley of the old forward brigades were in the line. Pryce of Glossop, filled the centre position, and Richards the Derby County reserves formed the right wing. The Everton team was the same that defeated Bolton in the previous Saturday, and when the teams turned out they faced as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles and Molyneux backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle and Blythe halfbacks, Taylor (captain), Proudfoot, Oldham, Chadwick and Kirwan forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Massey, goals, Earp, and Layton backs, Ferrier Crawford, and Ruddlesden halfbacks Burswoth, Pryce, Wright, and Spikesley forwards. There would be about 7,000 spectators present when Everton having lost the toss, commenced the game against a strong breeze. The opening play was generally in favour of the home side, and after a few minutes both wings made several dangerous rushes though there were greatly dispensed by faulty attempts to score. Spikesley was in one occasion near the mark, but generally speaking Muir was not troubled as his backs were playing a safe game. Chadwick and Kirwan made futile efforts to get within shooting range, and at the other end of the line Taylor and Proudfoot were equally unsuccessful, as Earp and Layton like their vis-à-vis defended in grand fashion. Eventually Richards had a chance of scoring which he headed wide. Following which a couple of corners fell to Wednesday, but these were unavailing. Everton than had a turn at attacking and following a free kick the home goal had an escape as Proudfoot shot against the upright. The ball was quickly at the other end where Muir was twice tested by Wright and in close following Massey had to throw himself full length to prevent a low shot from Taylor passing into the net. The pace was exceptionally brisk, and from this point upto the interval neither side could claim any advantage. At halftime there was no score, and on resuming there were prospects of Everton taking an early lead, as they now had the assistance's of the wind, and a heavy snowstorm was diving in the face of their opponents. However, the Blades showed a bold front and were quickly aggressive. Bosworth missed a fairly easy opening and shortly afterwards Spikesley put through only to be ruled offside. At this juncture Crawshaw was often in possession, and put in useful work, but as everyone was preparing for the defeat of Muir, the centre half was very wide of the mark, and much headway was lost. Continuing the Sheffield left gave considerable trouble and in of his movements towards the Everton goal, Eccles pulled up Spikesley, and on appeal the referee after consulting the linesman awarded a penalty kick . This was entrusted to Crawshaw, and placing well, Sheffield took the lead. Immediately the ball was against the Everton upright and after successfully sustaining pressure, the Everton centre led his men on and gave considerable trouble to Earp and Massey. The defenders successfully negotiated two corners, but keeping up the pressure it looked long odds on the score being equalised, Chadwick Proudfoot and Kirwan making capital bide for goal. Eventually Kirwan headed through from a corner kick and play had scarcely been resumed when Chadwick after defeating Ferrier sent in a beautiful oblique shot which Massey failed to reach, and at this was the last point scored Everton won a spirited contested game by 2 goals to 1.

 

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0

March 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

The return fisture between the above rivals for combination honours was decided at Anfield before 12,000 spectators. The following teams oppose each other under the control of Mr. Irlam of Davenham: - Liverpool: - McQueen, goal, Stevenson, and Cleghorn backs, Ellison, Wilson, and Birchall, halfbacks, Marshall, McCowie, Jones Lllody, and Kelly, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Turner, and Crelly, backs Owen, Stringfelklow, and Ball, halfbacks, Gee, Barlow, Bell, Clarke, and Marquis, forwards. The game stated in brisk fashion, and, after several passgaes in midfield, McCowie raced past the backs, and with only Kitchen to beat, sent a fast low shot, which the custodian grandly saved at full length. This was followed by smart work on the part of the Everton left wing, and the visitors pressed for some time. A breakaway by the home forwards had to lead to Lloyd centring and Kitchen failing to clear, Marshall had an open goal but shot wildly over the bar. Everton retaliated but met with asturdy defences, and midfield play was the order of the day. The game became very rough towards the interval, and many glaring cases were unnoticed by the referee. At half time there was no score but on resuming Everton attacked in determined fashion, and having the assistance of the wind, penned their opponents for some considerable time in their own quarters. Shots were showred in from all sides, but McQueen and the backs defended finely, and the custodian save brilliantly from Marquis. Suddenly the home right got away from a long return and McCowie passed to Lloyd, who was clearly offside. The latter ran on, whilst the Everton backs stood watching, and with a low shot, Kitchen was beaten the referee disregarded the appeals of the Everton players, and Liverpool encouraged by the unlooked for success, played up most spiritly. The Everton goal was again jeopardised and continuing the pressure, Liverpool held the ascendancy until the close, thus winning in most unsatisfactory fashion a thoroughly disappointing game by 1 goal to nil. (Game 22)

 

EVERTON REVIEW

March 6 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

The League match between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday at Olive Grove was looked upon with more than ordinary interest for while the ‘'Blades'' were expected to make a desperate effort in order to strengthen their already slight hold on the first division, the Evertonians had a strong incentive to secure full points. That they might quality for final honours. The managers of the home club fully recognised the serious position they were in, and gave a trial to three new forwards, Pryce of Glossop and Richards and Bosworth reserves of Derby County. Up to ten minites of the close their hopes were likely to be realised, for the team had scored the lead by means of a penalty kick which however, under the conditions ought never to have been allowed. Eccles come in contract with Spikesley at a time when the latter was making for goal, with the result that the latter was tripped up, but to the more keen observer there was palpably no attempt to resort to unfair tactics, and a free kick would have sufficiently met the case. However the referee though otherwise, and some of the subsequent decisions which went against the home side, were received with great dissatisfaction and an unseemly demonstration took place immediately after the close of the game. The equalising goal was one of the points which were not favorably received, and the Blades were loud in their protestations that the ball had been put into the net from a corner kick without being touched in transit, but as a matter of fact Kirwan gave it the necessary touch, and the referee was in good position for deciding on the point. The goal that gave Everton the lead was a beautiful effort by Chadwick, and the game was shortly afterwards brought to a close. The conditions under which the game was played were anything but agreeable for a strong wind blew from end to end, and was frequently accompanied by snow. On the actual play, both with and against the wind the home side were the more aggressive and had the forwards been at all accurate in their finishing touches they must have taken the load early on. A terrific pace was maintained all through, and very few games have been contested in which the pace was forced to such a pitch as during the first half. That the Sheffielders were a band of triers and determined to leave nothing undone whereby they might secure some advantage was noticeable at all times, and it is a distinct compliment to the Everton defence that quarter was rarely allowed. A pleasing feature in the display of the Everton backs was a rapid recovery when once beaten, and though this qualily was common to all, it was very noticeable in the case of Blythe, and the players with further experience should turn out a valuable servant to the club. Boyle and Wolstenholmes played a very fine game, and Eccles Molyneux and Muir also left nothing to be desired. The front line improved upon their display of last week, and although chances were lost early on they played a cool and collected game, and will undoubtedly improve in coming matches. Taylor's inclusion levels up the line to a nicety, and the side is now very well balanced at all points. The defence of the Blades was sound and Massey could not be blamed for the two goals recorded against him. He had no chance whatever of keeping out the first and practically little with the shot from Chadwick, which was but one of many that the Everton inside left put in during the course of the game. The halfbacks played in untiring fashion from start to finish and coped with the efforts of the Everton forwards with good measure of success, and at the same time lost no opportunity of opening out the play for their own van. Spikesley was the most dangerous of the quintet but rarely indeed did he get the better of Wolstenholmes who has shown great improvement recently. The right wing also executed some good work, and had they been more familiar with each other's methods they would undoubtedly have proved a difficult lot to deal with. The general runs of the play the Sheffielders were not a goal behind their opponents. Their great weakness was in front of goal, for though they often put on finishing touches, Muir was rarely in difficulties. Next Saturday Sunderland team are due at Goodison Park, and as they vanquished the Wolves by three goals to nil, there is every likelihood of a capital exposition of the game as both sides are at present in great form.

MR. W. R. CLAYTON.

March 11, 1899. Chester Observer.

Mr. W. R. Clayton, of the Everton club, wrote stating that he had visited the chester ground about eleven years, and had never seen or heard anything calling for censure either in the conduct of the spectators, players, or committee; that his own team had always been great rivals of Chester in combination matches, but the spectators behaved well; and that he knew the committee were anxious to advance the best interest of the game in Chester.

EVERTON 0 SUNDERLAND 0 (Game 299)

March 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

The return League engagement between these clubs was brought off on Saturday last in splendid did weather and it was not surprising the quite 20,000 spectators availed themselves of their opportunitys of witnessing what turned out to be a capitally contested game. The fact that victory to Everton would strengthen their chances of obtaining premier honours on the knowledge that the Wanderers have always given a good account of themselves when engaged in the district accounted for the increased merest. Both sides were well represented and at four o'clock they made their appearance and look up their position as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles, and Molyneux, backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle, and Blythe halfbacks, Taylor (captain), Proudfoot, Oldham, Chadwick and Kirwan, forwards. Sunderland: - Doig, goal, McCombie and McNeill, backs Wilson, McAllister and Raiseback halfbacks, Crawford, Farquar, Fulton, Leslie, and McLatchie forwards. By winning the toss, Sunderland secured the advantage of playing with the sun at their backs, and their opponents were first to take up an aggressive attitude and early on Taylor, from a pass by Proudfoot tested Doig with a clever shot which, was ably saved. A free kick by Boyle changed the venue, and as a result the Everton goal looked like being captured until Muir fisted out after Leslie had put in a capital shot. The pace was maintained at a high pitch, and as the ball travelled rapidly from end to end both sets of backs had plenty of work on hand. One well directed movement on the part of the Everton van ended in Oldham shooting into Doig's hands and at the other end a capital opening was made by Crawford but unfortunately for the Wearsiders Fulton was at fault, as immediately afterwards from a centre by the outside left. At this juncture the visitors were certainly the most dangerous and nothing but the really clever defence of Eccles, Molyneux and Muir could have prevented them from opening their scoring account. Eventually the monotony was broken by a clever movement on the Everton right wing in which Taylor played a prominent part, and for some few minutes Doig was kept well employed from this quarter and occasionally from the left. He was equal to all emergencies, and following another severe pressure on the home goal, the interval was announced without any score. On resuming the Everton forwards were seen to great advantage and in the early stages Kirwan only justed missed converting a fine cross shot from Taylor. Closely following Blythe was participating in good work, which resulted in a fine opening for Oldham but when about to shoot the latter was charged off the ball, and a really fine chance of scoring was lost. Crawford again took up the running for his side, but sending the ball across Mclechie was ruled offside, and severe good movements which followed were also conciled by the proaching proclivities of the outside left. The next item of any movement was a smart shot at Doig by Oldham, but as before, the custodian maintained his fine form and with McNeill and McCombie formed a powerful defence. Retaliating, the visiting left wing pair gave considerable trouble to the Everton defence, and from a smart centre, Fulton put through, but was palpably offside, and the point was promptly disallowed. In a further attack on the Everton goal the Sunderland centre was injured by coming into collision with Eccles, but resumed play a few minutes from the close, the same player had the worst of a tussle with Muir and retired. Meanwhile the Everton forwards had been putting their best efforts forward to obtain a goal but there was no mistaking the earnestness of the Sunderland backs, who stopped at nothing to keep their charge intact. The defence on both sides prevailed and when time was called, nothing had been scored, the game thus resulting in a goalless draw.

 

EVERTON REVIEW

March 13 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

After a somewhat prolonged period, Everton were again operating at home in League football, and a most attractive fixture in the shape of a visit from Sunderland was sufficient to draw an immense concourse to Goodison Park. The weather was gloriously fine, and the ground in capital conditions the result being that the game was carried on under the most suspicious conditions. The Wearsides inevitably show to advantage in the neighborhood, and their latest performance has in no way diminished their reputation, the result being an exact reputation of their visit to Anfield in the early part of the year. A goalless draw. The game was carried on at great pace, and the visitors were slightly superior in their general movements, exhibiting more crispness in attack and greater skill in controlling the ball than the home eleven's. Their methods likewise were more vigorous, and their determination more pronounced, thereby calling forth to the utmost the abilities of the Everton defence. Nevertheless the home side exhibited considerable capability, and Doig's skill was fully tested on several occasions, without however, having to acknowledge defeat. There was not that harmony in the front rank that is absolutely necessary for complete success, and the best efforts noticeable were the result more of individual excellence than the combination ability. This, no doubt was mainly attributable to the worrying tactics of the Sunderland halfbacks; but, even taking this important factor into consideration, the centre and wings were not held together in a manner sufficient to break down the determined defence of the Wearsiders. There were no rank failures in the forward line, for Taylor executed some capital sprints along the wing, and his centre was invariably dangerous. Whilst Oldham put in nice passes at times, though at others he was easily beaten. Nevertheless, their general display was not incisive enough, and additional keenness in attack would doubtless have proved advantageous. Their shooting was deadly enough at times, but there was occasions when very impotent efforts were made. The halves were more successful in defence in initiating attack, and their skill varied considerably, periods of good and moderate play alternating. The Jarrow recruit shaped very well, and should develop with increased experience, and Boyle though occasionally prominent had to frequently acknowledge an opponent's superiority. The general methods was not sufficiently aggressive and more assistance should have been rendered to the front rank. The backs were safe and sound, and Muir kept goal in good style. The Sunderland players were active and energetic, and proved expert dribblers, whilst their combination was in excess of that witnessed on the home side. The outside wingmen were particularly prominent, and they were with difficulty checked when fairly under weigh. In front of goal, they missed easy chances, and the home backs in majority of cases proved sufficient for any emergency. At halfback the wearsiders possessed a great advantage, the veteran Wilson being a sore stumbling block in the path of the home left wing and Raisebeck was equally clever on other wing. They kept their front rank well employed, and often jointed in the attempts to secure the downfall of the home goal. The backs were sound and kicked strongly, though occasionally their returns were weak, but Doig was always on the alert, and rendered excellent services between the uprights. On the whole the game was most stubbornly fought, and earnest efforts to gain a decisive point was made by both sides. Mistakes, and some of them were very sample, were of course made by both teams, and the result just before reflects the play, for defeat to either side would have been a case of distinctly hardluck under the circumstances.

 

BURY 3 EVERTON 1 (Game 300)

March 20 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

Owing to the Molyneux Grounds being selected as one of the ventes for the semi-final a rearrangement fixture resulted in Everton visiting Bury to bring off their return League engagement. Both sides were representative, and at 3-30 took the field as follows: - Everton: - Muir goal, Eccles and Molyneux, backs, Wolstenholmes, Boyle, and Blythe halfbacks, Taylor (captain), Proudfoot, Oldham Chadwick, and Kirwan, forwards. Bury - Montgomery, goal Darroch, and Davidson backs, Nicol, Pray (captain), and Ross halfbacks, Brimblecombe Leeming McLuckie, Sagar, and Kelly forwards. Pray won the toss, and his side had the advantage of playing with a strong wind behind them. They had much the better of the first ten minutes of play, and, aided by the powerful wind, made several strong rushes on Muir's charge. However, their shooting was at faulty, but aided by the high kicking of their opponents, they opponents, they continued to be aggressive, and on one occasion Muir brought off a magnificent save from Leeming. The Everton right wing then broke away, and a fine shot was misjudged by Mongomery, who was ruled over, the line in the act of clearing. The unexpected success urgued on the Evertonians to better efforts, but their movements were generally ragged, and following some fine play by Pray, Muir only partially cleared a hot shot and leeming rushed in and equalised. The Bury forwards were now having the better of matters, and plenty of work was found for Eccles, Molyneux, and Muir, but the trio were equal to all demands, though on one occasion Brimblecombe was only slightly wide of the mark with a capital shot. Still, the play favoured the home side up to the interval, but nothing further had been scored, and the teams crossed over with the score one goal each. On resuming Brimblecombe, who had been injured in the Everton goalmouth, did not turn out, and Everton, now having the wind in their favour, kept their opponents busy. Still there was but little interest shown in the proceedings. After ten minutes absence, the Bury outside right resumed play, and though playing against the wind, the home van were quite as effective as their opponents, however, the Bury backs were severely pressed, and Montgomery had many ticklish shots to deal with. After play had been in progess 25 minutes, Sagar was allowed to thread his way through, and Muir having no chance to save, was easily defeated. This leading point was received with tremendous cheering by the crowd, and a few minutes later from a free kick against Boyle, Leeming shot against the bottom of the upright and on the ball coming to McLuckie the latter sent to Kelly, who put on the third point for Bury. Evertyon now strove hard to reduce their opponent's lead. Taylor struck the bar with a splendid shot, and Oldham was also near the mark, but no further scoring being forthcoming, Bury won an uninteresting game by 3 goals to 1.

 

EVERTON RESERVES 2 TRANMERE ROVERS 1

March 20 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

Liverpool Senior Cup Semi-Final

At Goodison Park, before 7,000 spectators. The Rovers at once assumed the aggressive. Carlin shooting wide. Everton next attacked Crompton opening the home team's account. Everton now put on pressure, a fine defence being shown by Tranmere. Green equalised the score, but Bell gave Everton the lead. Half time Everton 2 goals Tranmere Rovers 1. Resuming, both teams strove hard, but the score was unaltered when the time was called and Everton won by 2 goals to 1. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Turner, and Crelly, backs, Owen, Stringfellow, and Bell, halfbacks, Clarke, Bell, Crompton Barlow, and Gee, forwards.

 

EVERTON REVIEW

March 20 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

The return League engagement between Everton and Bury, on the ground of the latter club, was a most disappointing affair, for the nicer points of football were markedly conspicuous by their absence. Indeed any team of class players could have defeated with considerable ease the combined forces of the clubs, and when this point is borne in mind one can readily imagine the quality of play provided. The occasion, not to mention others of the past few weeks when the exposition given by the Everton players has been of a most elementary character, calls for serious consideration for in these days of keen competition, spectators want class football, and it behoves the governing body of the club to provide it at any cost. A successive result is not the only object to aim at, for the supporters of the game want the better points kept promintly before their notice, and taking a retrospect of the season's work, one can scarcely admit that such has been the case with regard to the Everton programme. The club of course holds a coveted position among the leading organisations of the country, but their success has been undoubtedly achieved by sheer determination, which while being a valuable adjunct, is not altogether what followers of the game require. The energy expended in such a game as took place on Saturday was sufficient to carry a class team through half a dozen engagements. Aimless kicking and rushing about are not what Everton spectators have been accustomed to witness during the past few seasons; and if the club is to enjoy a continuance of its popularity more than one position must be strengthened. In the game under notice, there was not a single concerted movement that soared above the average, and it is to the forward line that the managers of the club will have mostly to direct their attention. Considering the support accorded, the best of talent should be secured, and after recent games, it is all the more imperative that nothing should bar the way to having a class player in every position. In defence the team is sound, and it is well for the prestige of the club that this department has been thoroughly reliable all through the season. Reverting to the game, a victory to Bury by 3 goals to 1 was not a correct reflex upon the general run of the game. In fact, a draw would have been more in keeping with the actual play for the goal that gave the home side the lead should easily have been checked by the backs, and the third point had a distinctly offside savour about it. The decision of the referee all through the game were rarely favorably received, and in the second half the play, owing to the laxity of the officials, frequently deteriorated into a wrangle, with the result that several untoward incidents occurred. Defensive play on both sides was the main feature of only a moderate game; and while mention might be made of Blythe on the one side and Pray on the other, who contributed good work all through, it would be kinder to draw a veil over the performance of the remaining members of the teams. It was a thoroughly unsatisfactory game, unworthy the name of Everton who by they failure have on the season's game lost all four points to their opponents.

Meanwhile E. Hughes was capped for Wales against Scotland, and had a fairly good game

 

EVERTON RESERVES 2 CHIRK 1

March 27 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

At Goodison Park. Chirk started and the play favouring Everton, Clarke succeeded in scoring in the first five minutes of the game. Afterwards the game was fairly even, but Everton were more dangerous in front of goal, Morris cleared grandly time after time. Kitchen also saving well. Five minutes from the interval Clarke again scored for Everton. Chirk scored the only goal of the second half, although Everton had all the play final result. Everton 2 goals, Chirk 1.

 

EVERTON REVIEW

March 17 1899. The Liverpool Mercury

Everton had an unpleasant experience, their journey to Preston, where a friendly game with North End eleven had been arranged, proving fruitless, owing to the wretched weather, which prevailed heavy rain fell prior to the match, attended with the extreme cold, and at the time appointed for the commencement of the game, there were not a dozen spectators on the ground. Under the circumstances the respective officials wisely determined not to attempt play, and it is difficult to see how any other course could have been decided upon.