BURY DESERVEDLY BEATEN.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 02 March 1903
The roles were completely reversed at Goodison, for at Gigg-laoe Everton went down, and Goodison Bury were the victims. The winners were three goals better on the day's play than their opponents. Occasionally the Bury forwards played dashingly, but Sagar's efforts, though fine, were not sustained any help got for any length time from his colleagues, while the home forwards played their best throughout. The men who got the goals by no means took the honours, for the rest were contributory to their success, and Abbott and Bell deserve special mention. Monteith was good between the sticks, or the adverse total would have been greater. His backs lent him strong assistance, but the Burr halves were unsatisfactory, except Johnston, who held Makepeace safe, and the home forwards cut through them like a knife through batter. Hie real cause of Bury'a big defeat was not so much any all-round inlenonty the spasmodic character of the their play, the better bits which only made worse the medmerity the greater part their exhibition. Perhaps they wore reserving themselves for the Cup-tie.

EVERTON v. BURY.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Monday 02 March 1903
At Goodison Park, before 12.000 spectators. Rain descended in torrents from an hour before tlie start, completely spoiling the game. Sagar started against slight breeze and Thorpe placed Plant, whose centre went outside. Makepeace beautifully tricking Lindsay, enabled Bell to centre, Sharp heading inches wide. A mis-kick by Archer let in Makepeace, who lipped to Sharp, the latter scoring. The Bury left retaliated. Leeming handling close in. A capital attempt made by Wood to equalise, and a further attack resulted two corners accruing to Bury. Those were useless. Everton became aggressive again, Monteith saving splendidly from Taylor, whilst a huge return from Henderson nearly beat him. Again did the custodian fist away from Sharp, the forwards showering shots into the Bury goal. Clarke scored a second with a beautiful long near the interval, when Everton led by two goals to nil. On resuming, the rain had cleared away. Bury forwards were remiss near goal. Plant's centre going untouched across the front of the post?. Everton resumed pressure, Sharp missing by inches, but a sudden rush the Bury forwards gave Sagar a chance, centre's shot, going wide. Kitchen saved at full length, repeating the performance a moment later. Bury attacked determined fashion, the home goal being bombarded. Another foul against Everton was snapped up by Bell, who disposessed Lindsay. A corner followed upon Sharp's rush, and the Everton front line going down in a body, Sharp headed a third point. Result: Everton 3 Bury 0.

AN EXCITING FINISH AT BURY
Athletic News - Monday 02 March 1903
Everton Reserves were the visitors at Gigg-Lane, and they not only brought a strong team, with a forward rank composed of Rankin.  Boardman, Brearley, Sheridan, and McEwan, but they were opposed by one which included Gray, Berry, Cox, the latter a brother to the famous international of Liverpool.  A clean sheet was maintained until twenty minutes from time, when there was a sensational change, no fewer than six goals being scored before the whistle sounded the cessation of hostilities.  Bury claiming four of them.  The interest centred in the doings of Cox, who though rather slow, gave all-round satisfaction. 

CUP TRIAL AT EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 02 March 1903
By Nondescript
A smart rainfall about the hour of 2-45 on Saturday, while it probably meant a loss to the treasury at Goodison-circus of anything between £150 and £200, had some prejudicial influence on the character of the entertainment itself. There was no guarantee given at the turnstiles that Everton and Bury would exercise their sinews to straining point in search of League chalks, in view of more important engagements a week hence; but it was just this very circumstance of both being deeply interested in the National Cup competition that invested the meeting with particular attractiveness. The supporters of each are encouraged to look next Saturday's possibilities very hopefully in the face. I know that Mr. Albert Duckworth is prepared to wager the whole or any part of Bury Town Hall on the Gigg-laners advancing further in the ties than any other club you like to mention, and if Everton can beat an eleven of this calibre by three clear goals, the bearding of the Millwall lion in his own den should be inscribed on the tablets of history ere we are many days older. Mark you, however, there was no such disparity between the teams which were paraded on Saturday. Of the two, Bury appeared to me as the smarter in general field tactics. But a palpable miss on the part of Sagar in the first couple of minutes struck a faulty keynote, and generally the efforts of the visitors near goal were out of all harmony with the rest of their labours. So they were beaten, and, to put the matter briefly, Everton deserved their victory.
POINTS OF PLAY.
Ones more the local directorate had recourse to changes, but this time they were left no option in the matter, for Wolstenholme and Settle are both in the doctors hands, and while the last-named has had to forego his place in the English team to-day at Portsmouth it is not certain that he will able to turn out next Saturday. His substitute, Makepeace, is a trier, who may be worth persevering with, but Clarke, who officiated at half-back, is already in the good books of his employers. He plays clean-cut football, and lots of it, and his performance in the first half was as good as anything seen. Young, the Everton centre, resumed his post after an absence of three months. Much that he did was well meant, and would have looked considerably better had the ball and ground been light. Wisely enough he took few risks, but the team and crowd generally seemed pleased to have him back again. Now and again he got his forwards moving well, but Monteith replied with equal gusto, and though they had a slight breeze behind them it looked as if all Everton’s attempts to break through would be unavailing. However, the Bury keeper was rather slow in getting down to a ball from Sharp, whom Archer allowed free scope at easy range, while later Clarke finished up hot pressure with a fast low shot which found its billet. Bury got near, desperately near, both before and after the interval. But while Kitchen behaved well not a few of the shots which came his way were conspicuously lacking in power. Everywhere else the visitors were a match, and they should certainly have scored twice. As much by good luck as good management Everton preserved their goal intact during one fierce assault lasting quite three minutes, and then, as the last act in an interesting performance came John Bell’s masterpiece, worthy of his best days, and recalling that afternoon at the Palace when he virtually carried Scotland through on his back. Placed in possession some fifty yards out he got first run in against Johnston, who as the penalty area was gained, had absolutely no chance of barring progress, unless he committed himself by tripping, for he was yard behind all the way. Just as the ball seemed certain to escape over the corner flag line Bell hooked it so adroitly across goal that Monteith had to get a fist on it, and in doing so knocked it against the bar. Its rebound led to a scrimmage, whence it was banged against the timber again—this time, I think, by Sharp – and, cannoning off one of the defenders, who was being hard pressed by Taylor, it final reached the netting. A bit rough on Monteith at the finish, but a grand goal.
POCKET GUIDE TO THE SEMI-FINAL
A Rather than linger over a critical survey of the proceedings, I might incorporate a winding-up note with a line or two of speculative chatter on next Saturday’s ties in the third round. Having within recent times been closely acquainted with Notts. I may be permitted to remark that if they cannot –as seems likely—pull out anything better than they showed against Southampton and Grimsby they are near the end of their tether. This much said, some of the efforts which the Bury forwards made to get past Kitchen on Saturday were utterly unworthy of a first-class team, and in order to secure success at least two of the inside men will have to display a livelier appreciation of the labours of their confreres on the wings than was now the case. With the exception of Archer, who was quite new to the business, two very capable rearguards were on view—good enough for any team to take the field with in a final tie, and so I make out that the success of Bury and Everton their respective engagements next Saturday depends solely upon the forwards. Unfortunate as he was in many of his attempts to weld the front I line together, I think Young’s return to the fold will make for the improvement of Everton’s attack, but in Cup-ties he will just have to push the ball out like Sagar does.  Sagar for once was a failure near goal, and allowing that Leeming’s introduction forward is a step in the right direction, the most dangerous man in the Bury front line on Saturdays showing is Richards, who fairly enjoyed himself against even such accomplished opponents as Abbott, and  Balmer. Summing up the matter, Everton's work in this match backs up a most hopeful case to take to the Millwall court, and only on the score of wretched marksmanship can I  imagine Bury being food for the ’’Magpies.” Everton; Kitchen; Henderson, and Balmer; Clarke, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Makepeace, and Bell.  Bury; Monteith; Lindsay, and McEwan; Johnson, Thorpe, and Archer; Richards, Wood, Sagar, Leeming, and Plant.  Referee; J. Cooper, Blackburn. 

EVERTON MERITORIOUS VICTORY.
Athletic News - Monday 02 March 1903
By Junius
The success of Everton over Bury was achieved in a manner that will fill the breasts of their supporters with confidence for their future engagements both in Cup-ties and League fixtures.  Their defence was, as it has been throughout the greater part of the season thoroughly sound, but the most satisfactory part of the proceedings was the improved nature of the attacking line, and for once it is pleasing to be able to record unstinted praise to the forwards. Not since November 22, in the League match with Stoke, had Young operated as pivot of the forward division, and it is worthy of consideration that the first time he resumes in that position a vast advance is seen in the character of Everton’s work in the front line. It is true that Young was far removed from his best, and that form which he displayed last season was not by any means reached in the Bury match, but it must not be forgotten that the conditions under which he was resuming were as bad as could possibly be imagined, and on a dry day I think that the only decent centre-forward Everton possess would have been seen to greater advantage. There is one thing about Young; he does realize the requirements of his position, and it is more than a novelty to find Everton wing forwards working together in something like unison. If Young can stand a day such as Saturday proved, he should be a greater certainty on a dry surface. Clarke, who played at right half, surprised me by his capable exhibition. I have seen him perform in Combination matches, and Wolstenholme was not missed, which is as creditable a testimonial as the reserve half need wish for.  Everton fully deserved their success, and their victory was the result of superior play.
MORE OF EVERTON
Blackpool air evidently suits the Everton players, and the men who have been at the Queen’s Hydro, South Shore, since Wednesday last, are returning there for the present week.  They will journey direct to London on Friday next, to be within easy distance of the venue of their Cup-tie with Millwall on the following day, and a full team will be ready to oppose the “Dockers.”  Whitley, who was unfit to play against Bury, has been suffering from influenza, but this position need not cause Everton much anxiety, for Kitchen kept goal in such a style against Bury that should he be called upon to fill the breach no weakness in the team would be the result.  Wolstenholme received a nasty kick in the Cup-tie with Manchester United, and has been laid up since, but he will be in trim for next Saturday if required.  Settle is another uncertain starter, and though his understudy, Makepeace had made a fairly successful partner for Bell during the last fortnight he does not possess the resource of Settle, lacking that experience which is such an important factor in a trying Cup-tie.  Makepeace is, however, a promising player, and his abilities are not confined to football, for like Sharp he is a decidedly capable cricketer, and next year will occupy the position of professional for the Wavertree Club.  Much interest is being evinced in next Saturday’s game at Millwall, and the Southern League club will find the Everton defence a stiff obstacle to fight against.  The forwards, should they reproduce the form shown against Bury, will also require some keeping in check and although averse to vaticination in such unreliable matters as Cup-ties, I am fain to think that Millwall will be found incapable of undermining the solid back division of Everton, whatever the latter’s forwards may accomplish. 

EVERTON 3 BURY 0
March 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
It was under the most dismal conditions that Everton and Bury met at Goodison Park on Saturday. For some time prior to the time of kick off heavy rain descended with the result that the ground became heavy and slippery. The attendance of course suffered considerably, but as it was there were fully 10,000 people present at the start. There were a couple of changes in the Everton team Kitchen again appearing in goal, Whitley suffering from influenza while Clark displaced. Wolstenholme, who, sustained a kick the previous Saturday. Bury had a strong side up the only alteration being the substitution of Archer for Ross. Teams: - Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Henderson, and W.Balmer, backs. Clark, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Makepeace, and Bell forwards. Bury: - Monteith, goal, Lindsay and McEwan backs Johnstone, Thorpe, and Archer, half-backs, Richards, Wood, Sagar, Leeming, and Plant forwards. Rain was still heavily when operations started, but nevertheless spectators kept rolling up. Everton won the toss, Sagar starting a minute or two late, and the visitors had the best of the opening exchanges. Thorpe passed out to Plant, who shot at goal from long range, but the ball travelled wide. Then the home left attacked and a corner was forced, but the watchful Shakes got it away safely. Richards and Wood tried to make headway, but Balmer cleared. Bury came again, and from some close work, at the Everton goal, Kitchen cleared a soft shot, which rolled slowly to him. Bury made play on the left, but the ball travelled over the line. End to end play followed, and during one of Everton's attack, Young slammed in a shot which would have bothered Monteith had it reached him, but the ball was luckily charged down. A moment later the same players got in another, which Monteith cleared at the expense of a corner. This was got away, but Everton continued to have the best of matters. Try as they would, however they could not pierce the visiting defence, and at the other end Plant centred from an offside position, but Balmer and Booth cleared. The game was very slack at this stage. Long kicking being the order of the day. Everton continued to have matters pretty much their own way put the defence was very stubborn. Booth tried a long shot, which was straight and had enough, but Montieth cleared it safely. Rain was still falling, and the players were plentifully despattered with mud. Plant and Leeming made an effort to get away, but they could make no impression on the Everton defence, and another attack by the visitors right was equally futile. Booth followed an attempt at a centre by Sharp ended in Taylor forcing a corner, and this by a second off a shot, but this was put behind. The Bury left wing, Plant and Leeming working well together put in a nice bit of work. The former cleverly evaded Clark and Leeming had a pop at goal in a good position, but Kitchen saved coolly. At the other end Sharp centred, and Young made an attempt to head into the net, but Sharp was given offside. The rain now ceased, and the light, which had previously been very dull, improved considerably. Sharp distinguished himself by a nice run, but spoiled it at the finish by a centre, which hit the side of the net. An attack by the Bury right was feeble, and although Kitchen had to clear, there was, however, very little sting in the effort. A much better move on the other wing result in Leeming putting in a swift header, which would have beaten many a goalkeeper, but Kitchen justified his reputation by a clever save. Everton retaliated, and McEwan missing his kick Young was left with a possible opening. He tipped the ball to Sharp, who made no mistake, beating Monteith with a fast shot. This success was within five minutes of the interval. After this the Everton forwards strove to increase the lead, and the Bury defence was kept hard at it. Monteith brought off, some fine saves, and to him belongs the credit of the narrow margin between the teams, for Everton were miles ahead of their opponents. A characteristic sprint was made by Sharp, but although it was futile Clark ultimately got possession and again beat Monteith half time Everton 2, Bury nil. The teams were late in reappearing, but they turned out nice and clean. A foul against Everton was the first incident of note, and this led to an attack on the home custodian a corner resulting. This was badly worked by the Shakers who were not showing their usual form in front of goal by a long way, Taylor put to Sharp in possession, and centring from the line the winger forced a corner, off McEwan. This was worked away, and play was afterwards in midfield, until a foul against Bury again took play into the visitors half. After a series of throw on Booth tried his luck from long range, but the effort, went wide. The Bury right was attacking, when a foul was given against Clark, but the ball was put over the line. Each end afterwards attacked in turn, but Everton were the more dangerous, and the Bury backs kicked out freely. Nevertheless Monteith had to save a couple of shots from the left wing, and a further effort from Sharp, only just missed by inches. Busy broke away on the right and after a nice passing movement, Sagar had a grand chance, but shot wide. It was a perfect opportunity, and the Bury man looked very chagrined as he saw the ball travelling far away from its mark. Bad judgement by the Bury defenders gave Bell a chance, but Lindsay managed to chip in and clear. Again Bell got possession, and Monteith ran out. The whistle was expected for offside, but Bell had his shot and missed. At the other end a free kick was given for Bury on the penalty line, and Kitchen twice saved grandly. Six minutes from the finish, Sharp scored a third goal for Everton from a centre by Bell. Result Everton 3 Bury nil.

BURY RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination
At Bury before 2,000 spectators. Bury started against a powerful wind, and both goals had narrow escapes, the play being very even interval no score. Returning Everton were the first to score, through Sheridan, but Berry beat Joyce, and equalised three minutes later, and Pooley gave Bury the lead with five minutes. Brearley equalised, and Ross twice scored. Bury 4, goal, Everton 2. Everton: - Joyce, goal, Lamb, and W Wildman, backs, Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin Bowman Brearley, Sheridan, and McEwan forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 2 1903, The Liverpool Mercury
Highly meritorious was the victory achieved by Everton over Bury, and on this form, if the Assoication Cup is to find a resting-place in Lancashire, then Goodison park, and not Gigg-lane should be the favoured venue. There could be no disputing the fact that in the game the honours went to the superior side, and the success was the result of better all round football than the Everton team has shown in some of its recent matches. It was not a case of the half-backs doing all the work, with the forwards occasionally breaking away, but each department of the team performed in share in creditable style, and to defeat Bury by three clear goals is as anyone who knows what the East Lancashire club is capable of accomplishing, a decidedly satisfactory state of affairs. Two useful members of the side were absent Wolstenholme having been laid up since Wednesday last whilst Settle was according to report hurt in the International match at Wolverhampton a week ago, and as Whitley was suffering from influence. Everton had to draw upon their reserve resources. These substitutes however proved very capable, and Kitchen displayed old time form in goal demonstrating that he is still worthy of a place is the League eleven. Clarke at right half, and the local youth Makepeace who partnered Bell on the left wing, were likewise in happy vein so that the absence of the better known man was scarcely noticeable. On the trenched surface, which was rendered inaccurate by the tremendous downpour of rain, an hour prior on the accommencement of hostilities, the home players fairly revelled in the going and in the early stages the extreme wing men often failed to reach the pace intended for them. Fortunately, the conditions improved as the game progressed, and in like manner did the character of the play, but whereas Everton trice netted the ball. Bury could not get even one past Kitchen, and the New Year's Day reverse was amply avenged. Bury however, were not beaten without a great struggle, and though Everton had more of the play than their opponents in the first half, there were periods after the interval, when the visitors rained shots on the home goal, without avail. Halves and backs defended stubbornly, but Bury came again to the attack in determined fashion, and whilst some efforts were consciously checkmated other shots cannoned off an opponent accidentally, whilst those that did reach Kitchen were attended to with prompt dispatch. Everton had made their position fairly secure before this, Sharp and Clark defeating Monteith with very clever shots, and just before the finish Bell led a raid on the leftwing, which culminated in an exciting bustle near the Bury goal, and after the ball had been sent in and driven back two or three times, one of the visitors diverted the leather into the goal. Bury could never get the upperhand of the Everton defence, and though their forwards worked down very judiciously on several occasions. Plant and Richards swinging across some seductive centres, the inside men were rarely allowed to indulge in a final effort, worthy of the play that had led up the opening. Everton on the other hand got in some stinging shots, the result of their front line circumventing the attentions of the Bury halves, and the backs, and in this respect of winners held a decided advantage. Bury were seen at their best after the interval, and at one time it appeared as if their persistency would wear down the home defence, but the latter never wavered, with the result that the issue was not afterwards in doubt. After being out of the League eleven for three months, Young once more filled the centre forward position, and though he was tried highly by the untoward conditions of the turf, and weather he did not shape at all badly, and gave evidence that on a more suitable day he would have been seen to far greater advantage. He seems to be the only player the club possesses that has an appreciation of what is required in this onerous post, and though several well meant efforts went estray, whilst other s were spoiled by an apparent lack of physical strength, he put in some very neat touches. If Young can only get thoroughly sound in health, Everton will be relieved from a tremendous difficulty regarding the constitution of their forward line. Taylor played a capital game, and the old Dumbarton forwards seems to have taken a fresh lease of life, for he infused any amount of dash and skill his movements, and furnished Sharp with abundant chances of showing his speed. Bell accomplished much good work, and Everton have no better forwards, yet then the veterans of the team. At half back Clark gave a surprisingly fine display, and Wolstenholme could not have improved upon the exhibition given by the old Hamilton Academical player. Booth was a troublesome opportnent to the Bury inside forwards and much of their non success was due to the worrying tactics of the Everton skipper. Abbott found a tartar in Richards, the smart outside right of the visitors and had to acknowledge defeat several times, for the Bury youth is an adept in trickery with the ball, and wasted no time in flashing away down the touch line. Balmer was in rare form, further behind, though Henderson defended well, and Kitchen kept an excellent goal, one save, low down from a sharp shot, following a foul near the penalty line, being one of the finest clearances in the game.
Bury were somewhat disappointing, with the exception of the period already referred to in the second half, and their forwards did not display that incisiveness near goal that is usually their characteristic feature. They have a habit of sweeping down the field in irresistible rushes, but this was strangely wasting in their play against Everton. Richards was the best forward and he was always dangerous when in possession, but Plant whipped across some fine centres, and leeming worked hard though not with a full measure of success. Thorpe was the pick of the halves, but Archer who filled the place of Ross on the left wing was not up to the standard of the others. Lindsay was the better of the backs, and Montieth kept goal very well, but he was completely beaten by the shots that took effect.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 02 March 1903
It is quite possible that in view of their important Cup engagement Bury were not very earnest triers on Saturday at Goodison Park. But that as it may, it was evident at a very early stages of the game that the home forwards quintet were in capital trim and likely to work well together. Young appeared in the centre after a lengthened absence, and was very anxious to do himself justice, but he was evidently weak on his pins and deficient in dash. Notwithstanding, he was always well up, and made plenty of opportunities for his wings. Not since Everton thrashed Liverpool have the forwards given such a smart and scientific performance, and Monteith in consequence, had a terrible gruelling. So persistent was the Everton attack, and so varied the method, that Lindsay and McEwan were at times all at sea. Monteith responded gamely to the red-hot pressure, but failed almost ignominiously to stop a long swift daisy-cutter from Clarke, who filled Wolstenholme’s place very creditably. Clarke made his own opening, and his successful shot was a brillaint one. Booth was as usual a tower of strength; but Abbott was hardly at his best. Henderosn was very dicky at times, Leeming and Plant leading him a merry dance. The Shakers were unlucky not to beat Kitchen who was once more warden of the breach, which he defended with remarkable alertness. He received great assistance from Balmer, who kept the Bury right wing in check from first to last. Balmer and Booth marked Sagar very carefully, so that he got very few openings. Everton’s Cup prospects have become much brighter.

EVERTON v  BURY
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 02 March 1903
At Goodison park in wet weather, before 10,000 people. Sagar started for Bury, but Everton had the best of the game. From a grand centre by Bell, Sharp headed on the wrong side. Each side afterwards pressed, and both custodians were called on. Sharp scored at length for Everton, and Clarke added another. Half-time; Everton 2;l Bury nil.
The second half opened tamely, but Everton afterwards pressed hard, and Monteith saved well from the home left. The visitors retaliated, without success. Everton attacked, and Sharp scored a third goal, heading in a centre from the left wing. Everton had the best of matters to the finish;
Result Everton 3 Bury 0
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Clarke, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Makepeace, and Bell, forwards.
Bury.—Monteith, goal; Lindsay and McEwan. backs: Johnston, Thorpe, and Archer, half backs; Richards, Wood, Sager, Leeming, and Plant, forwards.

EVERTON v  BURY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 02 March 1903
Played at Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Clarke, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Makepeace, and Bell, forwards.
Bury.—Monteith, goal; Lindsay and McEwan. backs: Johnston, Thorpe, and Archer, half backs; Richards, Wood, Sager, Leeming, and Plant, forwards.
The visitors were the first to show to the front, Thorpe sending up, and the ball being worked along Plant, who made the initial bid for goal but missed. The home eleven recovered themselves quickly, and they essayed to make passage by means of their centre, but here disappointment awaited them, although the ball bounced further onward off one the Bury players. Subsequently passing took place between Young and Makepeace, the last-named appearing a wee bit too slow for Johnson, against whom a free kick was given. No advantage came from this, but a moment later the Everton forwards established themselves in front the goal, where Young had hard lines in not opening the score. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the capital display of the Everton front line, who were playing well to a man, and many of their attacks were well conceived, and driven home with great verve and determination. So hot and close was the pressure that Abbott brought Monteith to his knees close quarters with a terrific drive. The Bury custodian did not clear by any means, but he was allowed to resume the perpendicular before any of the Everton men realised they had greatchance. A long shot from Jack sharp only missed its mark by a foot, and soon after Booth tested Monteith with a very swift shot, which the Bury man only just handled down. Twenty-five minutes’ play was all in favour of the Blues, and they were within an ace of scoring on quite a dozen occasions. After Sharp had missed a swift pass, the Bury left took the running, and they soon advanced towards Henderson, who rushed up, but was cleverly tricked, and things looked bad for Everton Leeming was left with only Kitchen to beat. The Everton warden of the breach was quite equalto the occasion, and effected a remarkably neat save. After Everton had paid a couple of short visits to the Bury goal and forced an abortive corner, the Shakers’ front line advanced with rare swing. Booth and Abbot were in turn beaten by Richards, Wood, and Sagar, and finally Kitchen was severely tested by Plant. Everton were soon off again, and excellent work followed in front Monteith. Taylor was responsible for some clever moves, and finally afforded Sharp rare opportunity, who, responding with magnificent drive, beat Monteith all to pieces. The Blues had been getting very little return for their energetic and scientific display, and well deserved their success. But another was to follow and more remarkable. Booth was in possession and put over to Clarke, who stuck to the leather and stepped in neatly and calmly between Plant and Leeming. Steadying himself, he let drive at Monteith, and succeeded in lowering his colours with a most brilliant shot, a couple of minutes before the interval.
Half-time score: Everton 2 goals. Bury nil.
Young restarted for Everton, who worked up the centre, but were repulsed by Lindsay. Sharp captured the leather, but a free kick was given against Everton, from which Bury advanced and claimed a corner on the right. The visitors gained no advantage from this, and Young suddenly dashed forward and passed out Sharp, who was beaten. With but five minutes to play. Bell got clean away and shot in. Monteith saved well, but Sharp hooked the ball in from a difficult position, and scored Everton's third goal. Result: Everton 3 goals. Bury nil.

CUP TIE AT MILLWALL.
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 02 March 1903
Everton v. Millwall.
For this important match Messrs. C. W. Bullock and Co., 22, Lime-street, have, in connection with their Great Western Railway corridor special on Friday midnight, made arrangements with the Millwall officials for the supply of reserved seats at 5s. and 2s. 6d., and also tickets to stands at 2s. and 1s. These may now be obtained at 22, Lime-street, where plans of the stands may be seen.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY EXCURSION
Liverpool Journal of Commerce - Tuesday 03 March 1903
On the occasion of the English Cup Tie between Everton and Millwall, on Friday, March 4th, the Great Western Railway is running a special excursion train from Liverpool (Central, Lending-stage, and James-street), and Birkenhead (Woodside and Central), Rock Ferry, &c., to London. The same company will, from the same stations, run an excursion to Cardiff (Wales v. Scotland) on Monday, March 9th. The first occursion will be for one, two, three, six or eight days, and the second for one, two, three, of four days.

MILLWALL AND EVERTON
Morning Leader - Tuesday 03 March 1903
For the Cup-tie with Everton at Millwall next Saturday the prices of admission are as follows;
Ground only 1s., ladies and boys 6d,; uncovered stands, 1s. extra; rising seats, numbered and reserved (including admission), 2s. 6d; covered stand numbered and reserved (including admission) 2s 6d; and a limited number at 5s. the gates will be opened at one o’clock. Provision is being made for a tremendous crowd, and the railway companies will assist by running trains every few minutes.

LANCASHIRE’S CUP CANDIDATES AT PLAY
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday March 4 1903
Lancashire’s hopes for the cup, Everton and Bury, appropriately creased swords at Goodison, but a heavy rainfall just before the start made matters a bit unpleasant. The 14,000 or so spectators who put in an appearance were rewarded by witnessing a sterling game, and best of all the home team won, and that of course always pleases the big majority! Everton had not their cup team out either. Wolstenholme and Settle being prominent absentees. On the Bury side Ross was away, otherwise they were as against Sheffield United. Neither side took things at all easy despite their inclusion among the last eight for the English Cup, but of course Everton are anxious to top their neighbours, Liverpool in the League “table” and Bury had lost the whole of their preceding five League matches.
A STERLING EXHIBITION
It was a rousing encounter right through, and that each side was to the fore in shooting is evident when one states that the rival custodians, Monteith and Kitchen, got through a heavy afternoon’s work. Everton got three goals, Sharp twice doing the trick, and Clark, who “subbed” for Wolstenholme, got the other with a splendid low shot. Everton’s half-backs are developing a strong scoring bump indeed. That Everton deserved to win is undeniable, for their half-back line was much cleverer than Bury’s and their attack was more sustained in excellence. Kitchen, as aforesaid, kept a fine goal in the absence of Whitley (indisposed), and I should not be surprised to find the former preferred for Millwall duty, although both men are first-class.
PROPER PERSONALS
Henderson reappeared at full back after the injury received against Portsmouth, but here, too, it is rather doubtful if he is Crelly’s superior. Clarke played surprisingly well vice Wolstenholme, whilst Booth and Abbott also did well. Forward, Sharp was brillaint, with Taylor a terror for work. Makepeace was also satisfactory in Settle’s place, whilst Alexander Young, who was played for the first time in three months, behaved creditably at centre forward. For Bury, Monteith, Lindsay, Johnson, Richards, and Leeming were the shining lights.
EVERTON VISIT TO MILLWALL
Everton’s visit to Millwall will also constitute a red-letter day down-south. With the exception of Sutcliffe, Storrier, Hulse, Jones, Gettins, and Moran, I am not conversant with the play of the Millwall men, but this half-dozen at any rate are good enough to form the nucleus to a most business like team. Sutcliffe has many times battled with Everton almost single-handed, whilst Storrier, developed at Goodison after much patience on the part of his masters, was unkind enough to quit directly he had been polished into a brillaint. Hulse was a fine worker for the Rovers, and Moran once won a game for Sheffield United at Goodison almost off his own tricky little boot. Concerning Everton, Kitchen, I expect, will be found in goal, for Whitley has been very indisposed through a severe attack of “in grippe.” Balmer is a grand little back, but as I write it is uncertain whether his partner be Henderson, the old Reading man, or Crelly, the local youth, who signed for Millwall a couple of years ago, but only played in one game I fancy. Crelly is the better man, I think, although Henderson’s style might be more effective in cup football. Booth and Abbott are two of the soundest half-backs in the country, and the latter knows where the goal lies. Wolstenholme is not a certain starter at right-half, but he is a “probable.” He was unable to train all last week. In his absence Clarke will appear, and he is a ceaseless worker, possessing a fair amount of ability. Sharp (outside right), Taylor (inside right), and Bell (outside left), are certain starters. The first-named is a gem. Taylor is a great worrying worker, and Bell’s experience tells him the easiest way to goal. Young, the Toffie’s best centre forward, has been in poor health of late, but he was tried on Saturday to shape so well that he may be fitted up for duty three days’ hence. Settle, the crack inside left, has been unsound for several weeks, but careful nursing will see him at the post, possibly at centre if Young cannot play. The extra forward is a promising local inside left, named Makepeace. If Everton place something like the following team on the field they should just about win; Kitchen; Henderson and Balmer; Wolstenholme, Booth and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell. They have been training again at Blackpool since Monday, and journey to the Metropolis on Friday. They are sure to have a big following from Merseyside, several special trips having been arranged.
BLUES ENTER THE SEMI-FINAL
At Millwall we know we have a stiff hurdle to get over in Everton, but we have every confidence in the Blues being well equal to the task. The Millwall directors refused a most tasty offer to go to Goodison Park. So the crowd ought to turn up and support the directors in the policy of staying at home to play, I believe Everton offered the Blues £800 to give up their right of pitch, and all gate money above that amount was to be equally divided between the two clubs. What an offer, eh?
The directors said “No!” and a very emphatic “No!” at that. They were staying at home in any case, and the players themselves were delighted, and they are confident they can apply the closure to Everton. I think they can, too. Sutcliffe and Storrier have every confidence in their colleagues and themselves. I daresay Davie Storrier will play one of the games of his life; for was not Everton the team to which he devoted the best years of his football life?
Regarding seats for the Everton match, I am asked to request my readers to apply straight to the ground for them, or to Mr. J. Beveridge, 291 West Ferry Road. No tickets have been handed over to any agents at all. Please make a note of this last fact.
The only official card of the match will be the one printed by the old Millwall goalkeeper, Obed Caygill. This card is the usual one on sale at Millwall, and the vendors of it can be easily noted by their familiar cry of “Caygill’s ‘Kreet card, sir!”

EVERTON v MILWALL
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 05 March 1903
For the third round of the English Cup tie, Everton v. Millwall and Aston Villa v. Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday, Messrs. Thomas Cook and Son are running a cheap fast excursion to London by the Midland Railway, leaving Liverpool (Central) at 11 40 p.m. on Friday, with facilities to return on Saturday night, or Sunday, Monday, Thursday, or Saturday following.

EVERTON v  MILLWALL
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 06 March 1903
TO-MORROW’S CUP TIE.
Our London football correspondent writes:. Everton will have to play one of their very best games to overcome Millwall this week end. The Southern League players are in desperate earnest, and one and all look particularly fit for a desperatebattle at their training quarters, Rochford, which is close to Southend-on-Sea. Last season they had to find their present ground, and the peculiarities of this enclosure will probably cause Everton a deal of discomfort. It is not very level, but it is compact and homelike, although unsuitable for the close passing game Everton play. Millwall’s methods will form a striking contrast to those employed by the First Leaguers. The backs kick strongly, so do the halves, and the forwards follow wup for all they are worth. The attack is the great part of the side. They indulge in long passing from wing to wing, which they suddenly turn into close accurate combination, and they are most difficult to negotiate, because they possess great speed, great determination, deadly shooting powers, and a wonderful confidence in their own ability to get goals. In the South generally there is a 'big feeling that Millwall are to get into the semi-final. Their attack is more dangerous than Everton’s, but their halves are not nearly so good, although in Sutcliffe -the -Toffee boys- have one of the worst goalkeepers to beat. Still, if Everton men play the right game they should at least draw even if they do not win. Knowing the exact strength of Millwall and the peculiaritiesof their ground as I do, I should advise Everton to enter the game with a thorough determination to go all out from beginning to end. In response to the question put to the team at their training quarters of what they expected to do against Everton, there was a unanimous hope expressed that they would win.  “You see,” said Sutcliffe, ‘“we start with the advantage of ground, while our forwardsin form are more likely goal-scorers than Everton. Then again we begin knowing that we have very hot opponents to beat. This isan incentive to make us try and produceour best form. From my recollection I should say our defence is equal to Everton’s, and if our forwards only get going, this, with the advantage of playing at home, ought to pull us into the semi-final.” “Yes,” said Storrier, “I am anxious to beat my old club, and we are all hopeful of getting into the semi-final. Still, I know how good Everton are, and, believe me, I am prepared for a desperate fight for victory.

Everton at London
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 07 March 1903
Everton have been sojourning during the week within easy distance of London preparatory to their cup-tie with Millwall at "Isle of Dogs." Goodison Park club evidently fancy their chance agams', the Dockers, for rumour be true they offered them terms to come North, an offer which, however, has not been accepted. Somehow, Everton journeys to the South have never been happy ones. They have been knocked out by Tottenham and Southampton in previous years, and with the statement that the present tie will prove runaway affair for them few will disagree. They have, apparently, not decided on the men who shall have the honour appearing on the team, for fewer than nineteen playors have been forwarded to us from which a selection will made. Incidentaily, it mentioned that Everton nave benefitted to the extent of $1,400 their cup ties to date. And there is a prospect the figure being materially increased.

MILLWALL v. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 07 March 1903
This match was played in miserable weather at Millwall, before a crowd of some 12,000. The ground was against good football. Millwall turned out first, amidst enthusiasm. Everton were soon out. Millwall won the toss, and Everton at once commenced to press severely, and caused Sutcliffe a lot of anxiety, only the dreadful state of the ground preventing as score on several occasions. Millwall made some good breaks away, but the defence opposed to them too strong, and play was nearly always round the Millwall goal. Then Millwall pulled themselves together, and showed much better football. Moran on the outside right, falling over when right in the goalmouth. Everton again took up the running and for several minutes simply bombarded the Millwall goal, Sutcliffe saving well by conceding a corner, which was cleared from the goal. Half-time; Millwall 1, Everton 0. Result; Millwall 1, Everton 0.

EVERTON RESERVE V OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 07 March 1903
At Goodison, before a small attendace. The visitors started at a rare pace and had all the best of the opening play. A combined rush by the home forwards was well checked. At Last Rankin got going and gained the first corner for Everton but nothing ensued. A regular seige was laid to the visitors' goal, and Gaskell had an anxious time. Breaking away, Hall sailed down and put through for Oswaldtwistle, but offside spoiled his effort. Tricky play between Hall, Longsworth, and Pope resulted in a goal for the vsiitors after 15 minutes' play. Pope put the finishing touch to the ball, which rolled into the net just out of Joyce's reach. In a wild scramble to retaliate Bowman collided with one of the visiting backs, who was disabled for a few minutes. rare good work was put in by Cunliffe and Hargreaves. Bowman equalised with a flying kick, Gaskell being completely beaten. Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, oswaldtwistle 1. Play in the second half was fast and furious. The home team had met their match, and though the Rovers now played against the wind they fairly held their own. Gaskell once or twice risked disaster by running too far out to save, but it came off all right. Bowman had a grand chance but sent wide. Hargreaves defended splendidly, and Gaskell was not to be caught. Result Everton 1, Oswaldtwistle 1.

HE PLAYS BILLIARDS
Morning Leader - Saturday 07 March 1903
Tom Booth, the Everton captain, is the champion billiardist among football pros, and can often engineer a break of 70. Sutcliffe is also said to be almost as clever with the cue as he is at keeping goal. Pat harrower, the referee, thinks Everton will win. He has a great admiration for Booth and Abbott.
TWICE BEATEN IN THE FINAL
Everton have been beaten twice in the final tie and once beaten in the semi0-final. Londoners hope that no opportunity will occur for Everton to have either of these experiences again this season.
A MAN OF METTLE
The star artist in the Everton band is Bell, who was born 33 years ago in Dumbarton. He has played regularly for Scotland in the international and has occupied in turn every position in the front rank. He is a very aggressive player, and rarely fails to stamp his personality upon the opposition. As might be expected, Bell invariably plays a sound game
A FOURTEEN SHILLING GATE
The Everton club was formed out of a Congregation Chapel clin 1879. Four years later they got an enclosed ground and took their first “gate” which amounted to fourteen shillings! About ten years later Everton were paying £4,000 per annum in players wages.

TODAYS TEAN NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 07 March 1903
Everton v Millwall
English Cup (Third Round) tie, at Millwall; kick-off 3.30
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Clark, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Reserves, Kitchen, Crelly, and Makepeace.
Everton Combination v Oswaldtwistle.
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park. Kick-off 3.30
Everton Combination; Joyce, goal; R. Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clayton, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Cranston, Bowman, Sheridan, and McEwan, forwards.

MILLWALL v  EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 7 1903
GREAT GAME AT MILLWALL
MILLWALL LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
Everton’s English Cup experience last season was exceedingly disappointing, but this year matters are very promising. The Goodison Park contingent were fortunate enough to have both the first and second rounds on their own territory, and on each occasion they won comfortably enough. Today they figure on foreign soil, but on form there should be little doubt as to the issue. The men were in strict training at Blackpool up to yesterday afternoon, when the journey South was taken. The team stayed at the St. Pancras Hotel overnight, and went on to the scene of operations in good time this morning. The weather in London was miserably wet, and at non there was every appearance of the rain continuing. This of course, materially affected the attendance, but nevertheless there was a large crowd of visitors to the Millwall enclosure. These included a goodly number of Everton supporters, who had taken advantage of the overnight excursions. The weather cleared about one o’clock, but only momentarily, for shortly before three a heavy hailstorm swept over the ground. The crowd, however, augmented steadily, the muddy ground, which is only a stone’s throw from the Thamas, being churned dreadfully. The playing pitch itself was by no means perfect, a little sprinkling of sand having been used. Both teams put in an early appearance, accompanied by many of their directors and a band of supporters. Everton were still without Wolstenholme, and his place was filled by Clark, who played very well against Bury last week. Kitchen stepped down, his place being taken by Whitley. The Millwall club put their best available eleven in the field, and local supporters were pretty confident as to the issue. It is interesting to note that the Millwall team contained two old players from this city, Hulse, the captain, being an old Liverpool South End player, and Storrier being an old Everton back. Several minutes before the appointed time for starting the players trotted on to the muddy arena, and lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Clark, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Settle, Taylor, Young, and Bell, forwards.
Millwall.- Sutcliffe, goal; Easton and Storrier, backs; Riley, Bell, and Watkins, half-backs; Moran, Astley, Getting, Hulse (Captain) and Jones, forwards.
Meanwhile the weather had fortunately cleared up, and though a strong wind blew up from the river, where the spare and rigging of innumerable vessels could be seen, the weather conditions were much more pleasant than had been hoped for half an hour previously. Both teams received a roaring cheer of encouragement and a renewed shout went up when it was seen that the home captain had won the toss. Young started in the face of the wind, and Taylor at once banged the leather right across to the left, where Bell took the ball almost to the corner before it went outside. From the throw-in, the Millwall centre-half got possession, and passing out to his left wing, they went down at a great pace. Henderson fortunately administered a check, and Clark tried to initiate a forward movement on the part of Everton. He lost possession, however, and Moran, getting his toe to the ball, shot half a dozen yards off the mark. This led to a sustained attack on behalf of the visitors, Settle, Young, and Taylor being concerned in a very clever movement; and it was only Sutcliffe’s marvellous skill that prevented Taylor from scoring, although only a few minutes’ play had taken place. The ground was already in a wretched state, and the men floundered about helplessly in many cases. In spite of the heavy game, however, the visitors showed tremendous determination, and a run down by Settle and Bell ended in the Scotch international shooting right into Sutcliffe’s arms. Storrier then gave his forwards possession, and Astley checking Abbott, sent in a terrific shot that passed over the bar. The home team, favoured by the wind, were now doing the bulk of the pressing. On one occasion Balmer charged down a dangerous shot from Gittens. For some time the visitors could not break away, and the Millwall attack looked exceedingly ominous when Henderson relieved the situation by a fruitless corner Abbott then shout out cleverly to Settle, and the latter put in a low swift shot which Sutcliffe dealt with in his best manner. The home forwards at once took up the running, the whole front line working down the field in splendid combined order, and Moran came within an ace of scoring when Abbott rushed in to Balmer’s assistance and cleared. The game was desperately fast, and the ball now travelled rapidly from end to end. The Everton right wing moved away at top speed, and Sharp was close in when he was seized by Storrier. The subsequent free kick led to a hot bombardment of Sutcliffe’s charge, but the old Boltonianthrew clear with wonderful adroitness. The game now opened out considerably, and a spell of midfield work was followed by the visitors advancing on the left. Bell shot in, but Easton just managed to clear. The leather was met by Sharp, and the Lancashire cricketer put in one of his best shots, but to the huge delight of the crowd, Sutcliffe managed to just clear. This fine achievement was loudly applauded. Another spell of play in the centre of the field ensued, and again Everton advanced by easy stages and Sharpe forced a corner off Storrier. This, however, came to nothing, and Watkins passing out to Moran the latter had a grand opportunity of running down, but he dallied too long, and Abbott, falling back, was able to clear. The home team, however, returned on the left, and Jones sent in an oblique shot that flew over the crossbar. The Millwall men were now playing with confidence, and both the half-backs and forwards showed admirable combination. From a pass out from the centre-half, Jones shot in, and Henderson had to grant a corner. This was well placed, and Moran, running up, seemed almost certain to score. Balmer rushed to the rescue and took the ball from almost under the bar. The pace was now not quite so fast, the heavy game apparently telling, but, nevertheless, the play continued to be keenly exciting. Settle on one occasion worked his way through, but he was fouled outside the penalty area, and the free kick which followed led to nothing. Still the visitors continued to press the home backs, and a long series of attacks ended in Abbott trying his luck with a swift low shot. But Sutcliffe was vigilant as usual, and he cleared amid great cheering. Then the visitors tried to force matters on the right, and Sharp had a go, but Storrier intervened. The home forwards could not get away, and Everton getting the advantage of another free kick. Booth placed the leather into the goalmouth, but only to have it clear out by the home custodian. At this period the presence of the visitors’ supporters was made known by cries of “Play up, Everton.” The immediate effect of this seemed to be to stimulate the home forwards, who broke away on the right. From here the leather was sent right across to Watkins, who from long range sent in a rather swift high shot. Whitley jumped up to stop it, but miscalculated it, and the ball entered the net. This success came after the game had been in progress twenty-five minutes, and it was of course, received with great enthusiasm. From the restart the visitors went right away on the right, and here luck undoubtedly favoured Sutcliffe, for in attempting to save a shot from Taylor he dropped the ball, and it had almost rolled under the bar when he scrambled it out. Following upon this the Evertonians subjected the Millwall defences to a terrific bombardment. Sharp, Taylor, and Booth all tried to find the net, but without success. From a corner Sharp placed the ball splendidly, but Settle was just too late to reach it, and the home forwards made ground; but it was only for a minute the visitors at once returning on the left, and Abbott shot a few inches outside. Again the Millwall forwards ran down, and a corner was gained on the right, but it was badly taken by Moran, and the next item of interest was a breakaway by Sharp, who looked very like getting through when Storrier cleared his line with a clever bit of back-heeling. Clark then served up well, and the Everton left were busy, but both the home backs showed sound defence, and half a dozen shots were kept out in almost as many seconds. There was no doubt that the persistency of the Everton attacked merited a greater share of luck than it obtained, for it must be admitted that several of the clearances were, to say the least of it, fortune. Storrier at length point out, and Jones and Gettens got a corner off Henderson. This was capitally played, and Whitley was hard placed when he fisted the ball right from under the crossbar. This led to another struggle in sight of the Everton goal, but Abbott eventually cleared, and, passing to Booth, the latter rushed the ball through with rare cleverness, only to be stopped by Bell. More midfield work then followed, and for some time there was no material advantage to either side, the first movement of important being a break-away by the home left, which ended in Gettins sending  a dropping shot into Whitley’s arms. The next minute Booth gave to Sharp, and the right wing racing down sent in a low shot that passed right across the goal mouth. The interval was now drawing very near, and the home team put on double pressure, as though determined to increase their lead. They came down in combined order, and Gittens, Hulse and Astley all sent in terrific shots, but fortunately for Everton Whitley did not make a second mistake. This performance in dealing with the shots compared well with what Sutcliffe had done before. Half-time score; Millwall 1 goal, Everton Nil.
GAME DELAYED BY A RAINSTORM
EVERTON KNOCKED OUT
The breeze, if anything, was slightly stronger when the teams passed over, and it was evident it would have all its work cut out if the visitors were to be kept clear. As it was, Everton at once went down on the right, and, Sharp passing across to Settle, the latter ran to within twenty yards of the goal, when Sutcliffe came out and kicked clear, and in doing this he collided with Ridley, and the game was stopped for a minute, but the back was speedily all right, and the home forwards attempted to move away on the right, but Abbott easily checked and the Evertonians returned to Millwall territory but the movement was spoiled by the ball being sent over the line by Young. From the goal kick the visitors again returned and this time Taylor shot outside. Sharp then attempted to improve matters, but Storrier headed clear. Abbott caught the return, and working through on his own account, he sent in a fine shot, which just passed outside. All this time the home forwards did not cross the centre line, but the visitors try as they would, did not seem able to find the net. As was the case in the first half, the home defence had several slices of luck, though at the same time Storrier was playing a great game. Jones and Gittins broke away the former overran the ball from the free kick. Bell got possession, and he was going along nicely when he was tipped. Balmer took the freekick, but it was of no advantage, and a moment or two later the home-right raced away. Moran finishing up by sending in a beautiful shot right from the corner flag. Whitley, however was on the alert, and he threw clear. This led to another advance by Everton the whole forward line being concerned in the movement, which ended in a corner. This was well placed by Sharp, but Storrier cleared, and the Millwall left wing took up the attack. Clark, however, checked them, and Booth further removed play by giving to Settle. The latter passed to Taylor, who was ruled off-side when in a splendid position. In spite of the wind the home forwards worked their way down again, and Hulse put in a fine shot which went outside. Still they kept up the attack for several minutes and both Moran and Astley put in shots which were well dealt. Abbott was the first to relieve the pressure and the Everton left wing swooped down in the direction of Sutcliffe. A corner was forced, but it came to nothing. The Evertonians pressed with great persistence, and a long shot by Booth was splendidly cleared by Sutcliffe. A second later Taylor sent in a high shot, and this was thrown right from under the crossbar by the invincible Sutcliffe. At this time the sky clouded over to almost semi-darkness, and a heavy rainstorm broke over the ground. The spectators, the great majority of whom were without shelter bore the trying weather most cheerfully and the home team, backed up by their shouts, played up with wonderful ability. They swarmed round Whitley in a perfect fluster but so fierce was the storm that it was quite impossible to distinguish who put in a shot. It was sufficient, however, to know that the goal was again pressed. So great was the downpour that Mr. Kirkham was wisely ordered the players in and after the second half had been in progress 20 minutes the game was stopped. The men ran gladly to shelter, but the crowd behaved with the most cheerful optimism, and amid the howling of the hurricane could be heard snatches of choruses. The game had been interrupted just five minutes when the storm blew over sufficiently to permit of the resumption of play, but it was still wet and bitterly cold when Mr. Kirkham threw the ball up. It was now noticed that Bell had taken the centre forward position. Young going to outside left. This seemed to promise well, for the visitors at once came down in fine fashion, and things looked extremely dangerous, when Storrier cleared by sending the ball right on to the top of the Press box, where it remained stuck for a minute or two. Restarting, the visitors made no mistake in the anxiety to score; and Sharp working down was in a splendid position, when he shot wide. Easton obtained a corner, but this in turn came to nothing more than a collision between Taylor and Sutcliff, in which the latter got the best of the argument. The home left wing then got away, and Jones put in a splendid centre. Hulse rushed up to finish the movement when Henderson fouled, apparently by handling the ball. The referee at once granted a penalty, and this was taken by Storrier; but, in face of the wind and rain, he could do nothing more than strike the crossbar. Another break away by Everton right was spoiled by inaccurate shooting. Once more the home eleven took up the argument. A swift shot from Gittins brought Whitley to his knees, and before the Everton custodian could recover himself two other forwards were on top of him. For a few minutes something like a free kick took place in the goalmouth, which was only stopped by the referee grastisg a free kick on account of the Everton man being fouled. All this time the home forwards were enjoying much the best of the argument, and twice in quick succession they forced corners, but with no successful issue. The long siege was at length relieved by Booth and Taylor, and Sharp made ground, the outside man putting in a fine centre, which was cleared by Easton. Following well up on this, the homesters managed to move along the right. But Abbott, who was playing like a veritable Trojan, pulled them up. They speedily returned, however, and Moran centred strongly. Henderson saving at the expense of a corner. This was safely disposed of, and Young got going at top speed and passed to Bell. The latter got the ball, but was pulled up for being offside. There was now only then minutes to go and it was evident that if Everton was to retrieve their position they would have to redouble their efforts, this they did by breaking through on the right, and Abbott attempted to finish matters by heading in but he was stopped by Watkins and once again the home left wing transferred play to the Everton quarters. The ball was sent right across the other wing, where Jones forced a corner, and which, however, gave the homesters no advantage. Eight minutes from time the visitors’ left wing made strenuous endeavours to get through. Settle gave the ball to Bell and the latter slipped between the backs, and had the goal at his mercy, when he lost his footing and floundered in the mud. This was a golden level was made further remote by the cool and confident tactics of the home players, supported by the half backs; but Millwall forwards continued to worry their opponents, and a free kick against Balmer almost led to a second goal being scored. Hulse’s shot being fortunately defective.
Final Result; Millwall 1 goal Everton Nil.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  OSWALDTWISTLE ROVERS
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 7, 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBIANTION
This match took place this afternoon at Goodison Park in grand weather before a capital attendance. The Rovers kicked off, and at once made a dangerous move, and after being once repulsed, they returned, and Hall sent into the net, but was given offside. Everton then bucked up and Rankin just missed scoring by inches. The Rovers rushed away from the goal-kick in nice combinationand Pope sent in a grand shot which Joyce caught but then dropped and it rolled into the net. The visitors played a surprisingly good game, and had quite as much of the game as their opponents. Another attack by the visitors nearly resulted in another point. Hall being too much hampered to shoot straight. Everton then broke away on the left, McEwan and Sheridan doing some good work, but Hargreaves relieved. A few minutes later the Everton forwards rushed the ball through out of a scrimmage, but the referee disallowed the point, presumably owing to obstructing the goalkeeper. This was hard lines for Everton, but it incited them to further exert themselves. A few minutes later Everton had their revenge, a determined onslaught ending in Bowman equalising with a splendid shot. This success spurred on the homesters and for a time the Rovers had a hot time of it. Hargreaves and Cunliffe, however, defended splendidly, and prevented a score. A single0handed run by Rankin was the next feature of importance, but through being hampered his final shot was rather weak and Gaskell easily cleared. Shortly afterwards Boardman nearly gave his side the lead with a good shot, but Gaskell again saved. Half-time Everton Combiantion 1 goal, Oswaldtwistle Rovers 1.
Final; Everton Combination 1 goal, Oswaldtwistle Rovers 1.

MILLWALL 1 EVERTON 0
March 9, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
F.A.Cup Round Three
Storrier misses a penalty kick for Millwall
Anything more lugubrious than the Millwall ground, where Everton met the local club on Saturday in the third round of the English Cup competition, will be difficult to imagine. The district is a good colourable imitation of the “Black Country” and the field of play is burrowed amongst railway arches and works with a background of black mud. The Weather conditions were in keeping. From early morning the rain had been soaking down and the wind raging, and the ground was like a swamp. However, the attendance numbered about 15,000 when the teams faced as follows : - Milwall: - Sutcliffe, goal, Easton and Storrier, backs, Riley, bell, and Watkins, half-backs Moran, Astley, Hulse, Gettins, and Jones forwards. Everton: - Whitley, goal, Henderson, and W.Balmer, backs, Clark, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee Fred Kirkham. Millwall won the toss, and played with their backs to the breeze. Young kick off, and the Everton left wing at once pressed. A bad pass by Sharp allowed the Millwall front rank through, but Henderson saved with a good kick, and then Millwall got away on the right with a good run, which culminated in an abortive shot by Astley. The Everton left then asserted itself, and from a pretty pass by Settle, Sutcliffe had to run out, but was impeded by Taylor, and the referee immediately blew his whistle. The ball had only just got over the half-way line when the Everton left was again conspicuous, and Sutcliffe was called upon by Bell and made a lunging kick, and the home team rushed away again. The sticky state of the ground made the play difficult. The Everton forwards were well in line before goal, when Watkins deliberately tripped Sharp. Luckily for Millwall it was within a few yards on the right side of the penalty mark. The play ensuing on the free kick was rather week, and Sutcliffe had no difficulty in clearing. Up to now the kicking had been remarkably accurate, but there were signs that the pace was beginning to tell. Sutcliffe saved very well when Sharp and Taylor were upon him. Splendid passing and judgement between the halves and the Everton left wing enabled Bell whose speed beat Easton to pieces, to send the ball right across an unguarded goal, but Sharp could not reach it, and a moment later Settle missed a good chance, but the Millwall goalkeeper had a warm time of it. A long kick sent play to midfield once more and the Everton players were at this point more than holding their own. Sharp secured, and he and Taylor made a pretty run, but following this Jones and Gettins attacked, but not very dangerously. From a thrown in, Moran got pass Balmer, and Whitley was unable to clear the shot, the ball lingering in front of the goal with half a dozen White figures rushing forwards it, when Balmer cleared it away with a wonderful effort. The resultant corner was safely negotiated. Settle was tripped by the Millwall Bell, close up tom Sutcliffe but the free kick was of no use to the Everton men, Storrier was very active against Sharp, and had several tussles with him on the right wing of which he did not always get the better. Young gave a clever exhibition of dribbling, and put in a good shot, but Sutcliffe was in his best form. A free kick against Riley for fouling Bell, who obviously gave him too much to do for his comfort came to nothing. Bell was seen to advantage with a pretty dribble, but Millwall forced the down on the right, and from a thrown in Watkins secured and beat Whitley with a beautiful shot after 23 minutes play. The Everton forwards got right up the pace being terrific on both sides, and the excitement great, but Sutcliffe saved when Young and Taylor were both on him. Whitley had to save from a good shot by Moran a moment later. Then the Everton front rank raced down abortively. Once more down they swept, Sharp rushing up and sending the ball across the goal. It seemed Everton's chance, but the centre was too far off the ball, and Sutcliffe cleared. Abbott stopped a dangerous rush and placed the ball well, but the Millwall backs kicked and ran like men, and the play returned into the “Blues” territory. Sharp received a good pass and beat Storrier, but missed his kick when he tried to centre the ball. Once more Riley fouled Bell, but Millwall were lucky in clearing. Easton was throughout conspicuous, for good defence. Play was keenly contested to the interval. Half-time Millwall 1, Everton nil.

The weather had cleared soon after play had restarted, and the sun shone out during the second half of the game. The wind was now at the back of the Everton players, and they soon took up the running. Abbott dribbled through nicely and got very close up but his shot was a failure. A foul against Hulse looked well for Everton, but Easton got the ball away. Whitley responded well to a call made upon him by Astley. Then the Millwall halves gave Everton another free kick by attempting to hook Bell. Everton got the ball down, and some splendid short passing in front of goal ended in the usual bad luck. Balmer and Henderson, defeated a rapid rush, and midfield play followed. Astley had a good chance but shot weakly. Bell got away and passed to Settle, and the pair rushed away, but the backs could not be overcome. Booth got in a beautiful left footed shot, and Taylor also tested Sutcliffe, but the latter was as cool, alert and collected as ever. Rain now came down heavily. Two fouls against the Blues caused trouble, and there was a wild melee in front of Whitley for some minutes. The game was now stopped owing to a terrific storm of rain, when 22 minutes of the second half had been played. The game was resumed four minutes later, the referee throwing the ball up in midfield. It was seen that Bell had gone centre forward. Everton forced a corner, which was fruitless. There was a furious attack by Millwall, and the ball was knocked out of Whitley's hands. A penalty kick was then given for some reason that was not very apparent in the press box against Everton, but Storrier's shot rebounded from the crossbar. The game continued fast and furious in spite of the heavy ground, but though Everton tried desperately hard in the remaining stages, they failed to equalise. Result, Millwall 1, Everton nil.

MILLWALL AGAIN SEMI-FINALISTS.
Athletic News - Monday 09 March 1903
By The Docker.
For the second time in the club’s history Millwall are in the semi-final, and there are hopes in the East End that the team will go higher yet. Whether it does or not, the success of the club this season is an object lesson of pluck which should commend itself to everybody. Boasting very few stars in the ranks, they have gone further than any of the more fancied teams in the South. Bristol Rovers, Luton, Preston North End, and now Everton have been their victims so far, and if they in their turn fall in the semi-final, they will have done sufficient to earn another niche in the football temple. They won against Everton on their merits, and surprised not only the First League team, but the goodly number of Liverpool people who made the journey, by the way in which they went about their work.

THE STORY OF THE GAME
Everton, who made their first appearance at the Docks, came to town with all the glamour that still attaches to a First League team, and they were more fortunate than their opponents in that they had to make only one change in the constitution of their eleven, Clark taking Wolstenholme’s place at right half. The Millwall case was far worse. At the last moment it was found that Morris, the left half-back, could not play owing to a badly kicked thigh. No other half-back was available, for the East Enders are not rich in reserves, so that to get over the difficulty Watkins was shifted into the position from the forward line. J. H. Getting, who was originally chosen to play inside right, was shifted to the left wing, and this allowed of Astley, who had been dropped for the amateur, taking his old position at inside right.  There was much shaking of local heads over these alternations, but after all they turned out trumps, though early on in the game it certainly looked as if the team had been disastrously weakened by them.  That was when Everton were forcing the pace.   The blue-shirted ones-MIllwall by the way, played in white for this occasion only- made it a cracker from the moment when Mr. Kirkham blew his first blast.  They looked as if they had instructions to play Millwall at their own game, and they played it well.  But after ten minutes or so they wanted to ease up a bit.  Then it was the locals’ turn, and much to Everton’s surprise the East Enders kept them at it harder than ever. Considering that the ground was after only ten minutes’ football, a mud heap the contest was a capital one to watch, and Everton will do their hosts the credit of acknowledging that the Southern League Jack was every whit as good as the First League master.  It was easily apparent that the referee would not have to note many goals, for the greasy pitch and the sodden ball did not make for accurate shooting.  As it happened only one goal was scored in the game.  Twenty five minutes from the start Millwall were awarded a throw-in.  The ball came out to Watkins, who was standing quite 30 yards from the goal.  Taking deliberate aim he let fly a champion drive.  Whitley jumped, as a matter of fact easily got to the ball.  But it skidded out of his hands into the back of the net, and Everton’s fate was sealed. 

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Though it was the only goal of the match, it should have been accompanied by others, for while the Millwall forwards were not so quick at taking advantage of openings as I have seen them, they were streets ahead of the Everton five, who time after time seemed hypnotized by Sutcliffe. There was plenty of good work done by the respective defences, notably in some fierce scrimmages in the goal mouth, but, as a rule, the attacking forces did not seize the opportunities that presented themselves. For Everton Bell, Sharp, and Taylor were great sinners in this respect, while Millwall had a goal presented to them in the shape of well-deserved penalty kick. But they refused it, for Storrier hit the crossbar a resounding thump, and by one goal only they took their place among the last four. Only at the commencement of the second half did Everton look to be holding their own. With a driving storm of wind and rain and blinding hail in their faces Millwall seemed unable to move away from their goal, and the visitors were apparently all over them. But gradually the locals found their feet, and their strong wing rushes down the field were always spelling danger to the visiting defence, and they well deserved to hold their lead to the end.

CRITICISM AND COMMENT.
No impartial spectator could doubt that the better side won. It may be that Everton were, to some extent, nonplussed by the inequalities of the strange ground, but before the match they themselves confessed that the eccentricities of the pitch were not so pronounced as Northern rumours had led them to believe. We saw little of the classy football expected from team of Everton’s standing, and from the scientific point of view both teams we have seen from the North have been pleasantly disappointing. But it may be that the responsibility for this rests with Mill wall. The East Enders don’t play the proper game themselves, and it is their object in life to prevent their opponents from playing it. On Saturday it looked as if they had succeeded, but whatever the reason the display of the Everton forwards and halves was behind that of the winners. Now and again the three inside men did some pretty work, but as a rule the home halves were among them too heavily and too often to allow of fancy touches, and when the local three were beaten they had the knack of recovering themselves speedily. Neither Sharp nor Bell treated us to the electric sprints we had anticipated, and their centres were generally snapped up eagerly by the opposing defence. The halves worked hard and untiringly, and all three took the eye for some occasional good shooting. Of the backs, Balmer was the better, for Henderson was more forceful than clever. The goalkeeper was not a wonder, and while he ought to have saved the only shot that scored, he was lucky rather than clever with the others that he kept out. But all round the side were nothing like the Everton we had anticipated. The Millwall fellows were a happier lot after the match, and well they might be. Sutcliffe was great in goal. Now and again he was in difficulties, but the celerity with which he recovered himself was marvelous, and his two right-handed efforts when on the ground at shots by Sharp and Taylor were worthy all the applause they evoked. But his crowning feat was in the last moments of the match. Young, Settle, and Bell had worked their way through in a final rush of desperation, and Settle, I fancy it was, had it in his keeping for the final shot. Sutcliffe literally threw himself out of his goalmouth in the path of the ball. He diverted its course, and the goal escaped—a lucky save somebody may say. Perhaps it was, but the effort was that of a genius in his own walk of life. Apart from Sutcliffe, a great deal of the credit for the result must go to the backs. Easton played the game of his lifetime. Ever in the thick of the fray cleared splendidly, and what Riley in front of him left unaccomplished in the way of breaking down the Bell- Settle combination he did cheerfully. Storrier, as usual, treated us to the back play born of experience and judgment rather than dash and vigour. Against his old comrades the effectiveness of his work was only equalled by the ease with which he performed it, and all round his exhibition was worthy of the palmy days when played for Scotland and for Everton in the 1897 final. Of the halves, Riley tried hard, but was not so prominent as his colleagues. Bell, in the centre, is another veteran, bat he has joined the select band of old timers who at Millwall have renewed their youth.  On Saturday he was as great at feeding his forwards as at robbing his opponents of the ball.  The experiment, too, of playing Watkins at left-half was more than justified, for the Welsh International was shining light all through the game.  The forwards were not so good as against Preston North End, but it must be remembered that only two of them-Moran and Hulse –were in their unaccustomed positions, which makes the victory the more creditable.  Moran was easily the best forward on the field.  Hulse is a good general, with an eye to possibilities “come again” in the east end.  Jones at outside left was not so good as he is in his proper position inside, but he did a lot of good work nevertheless.  Gettins and Astley worked very hard without perhaps the effectiveness which characterized the play of their comrades in the line.  But it was a great day for Millwall anyway.  Millwall; Sutcliffe; Easton and Storrier; Riley, Bell, and Watkins; Moran, Astley, Hulse, J.H. Gettins, and Jones.  Everton; Whitley; Henderson, and Balmer; Clark, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell.  Referee; T. Kirkham, Burslem. 

EVERTON’S LATEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Athletic News - Monday 09 March 1903
By Junius
The Cup-ties are with us no more, and Everton have again disappointed just when they were least expected.  Of the clubs left in the Association Cup tourney for the third round, Everton, if they had to be drawn away from home were evidently most favoured and I certainly thought that they would prove equal to the task of accounting for Millwall.  It was with a feeling of surprise that we hear the game had been delayed owing to a storm of rain and sleet, and when just before this news came through it was made known that the Goodison Park eleven were a goal behind, there was a general impression that they would be fortunate in saving the match.  The heavy ground would be a;; against them, and particularly so in the case of Young at centre forward, but in the face of no definite information on the point I hesitate to discuss the matter further.  For the sake of general interest in Liverpool football I could have wished that Everton had prevailed in this match, but it was not to be, and from all appreances at present it seems that our two clubs will again draw blanks as far as the season’s football honours are concerned. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OSWALDTHWISTLE ROVERS 1
March 9, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination
At Goodison-park. The Rovers scored an offside point shortly after the start, but they were not to be denied and Pope scored. Bowman however, soon equailised. Half time 1 goal each. There was no score in the second half, though Everton kept up a hot pressure, the game ending a draw of one goal each. Everton: - Joyce, goal, R.Balmer and W.Wildman backs, Clayton J.Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin, Cranston, Bowman, Sherdian, and McEwan forwards.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 9, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Once again Everton have sadly disappointed the hopes of their followers that at last the English Cup, that insignificant, but still greatly desired trophy should come to this city. Barely successfully passed through two rounds in this unique competition, it was finally hoped in Liverpool that, even although drawn away from home, Everton would at least share the honours with Millwall and that eventually the reply at Goodison Park they would qualify for the semi-final stages. Unfortunately the Everton team flattered only to deceive, and the result if their visit to the metropolis was that they were only beaten by a goal, but still that one point was quite sufficient to being about their discomfiture it must be admitted too that the reverse was largely due to the fact that the Everton forwards failed lamentably to turn to account opportunities that came their way. As far as the science of the game is concerned Everton compared more than favourably with their Southern League opponents, but unquestionably the latter made amends for any lack of skill by sheer determination and absolute do-or-die spirit which is always an important, and in fact, a leading factor in cup ties. Time and again this latter quality was evidenced during the afternoon. Finessing with the ball is all very well in its way, but one would have though that players with such wide experience as is possessed by the Goodison park brigade, would have early on become conscious that, if victory were to be assured, there must necessarily be a variety of tactics adopted to accomplish the desired end. Unfortunately, there was a persistent tendency on the part of the whole of the front line to hug the ball, and though their plan of campaign conduced to attractive display, it was quite apparent that under the existing conditions, their methods were not likely to produce tangible result. The undulating surface of the ground, soddened by heavy rain, was altogether against any side giving a scientific exposition of the code. In face of the strenuous efforts put forward by the visitors-efforts that must have taken a great deal out of the players-there was an idea abroad that Millwall would have a most difficult task on hand to get through successfully. At the outset the maneuvering of the Everton forwards was promising of success, especially, so as both Bell and Young were placed in good position, and sent in rattling shots, only, however, to find Sutcliffe on the top of his form in not only saving his charge, but clearing in most safe fashion. There could be no doubt that the short passing of the Everton quintet was effective and generally admired, but instantly they got within shooting range, they were seen through different spectacles, and the contrast stood out in marked fashion. Still, there were occasions when Bell and Settle sent in really capital shots early on, and none but a custodian with the credentials of Sutcliffe could possibly have safely attended to them. The best efforts of Everton were generally seen when they were playing against the wind, which powerful factor may be readily gauged when it is stated that on one occasion the ball, from a goalkick was driven the full length of the playing pitch. Meanwhile the Millwall forwards got into their characteristic methods of winging the ball from one wing to the other, until they approached the opponents goal when they settled down to smart combined methods and generally finished up with a rasping shot which was invariably somewhere about the mark. Their close acquaintanceship with the nature of the ground evidently served them well, and it was surprising that the visiting halves and full backs should have been at times out of their reckoning is anticipating the passage of the ball. Twenty five minutes had gone by when Watkins the left half-back of the home club, fastened on to the ball from a throw in near the Everton line, and with a fast, rising ball defeated Whitley, who however, should have saved. Unlike many teams, the home lot were not content to rest upon their initial success, and pegged away at the game in a manner which would have occasioned little surprise had they further increased their lead. Several clever shots were levelled at Whitley, who was at this juncture playing a great game, but there could be no question that at the other end of the field, the ex-Bolton Wanderers custodian played a most prominent part in preventing Everton from getting upon level terms. When the interval arrived Everton were one goal in arrear, and to those present the deficit was not considered serious in as much as the visitors had played against a stiffest breeze on a ground that was altogether unsuitable for the carrying out of their plan of campaign. During the second portion of the game, it was readily apparent that the Evertonians were not nearly so keen on the ball as were their opponents, who stopped at nothing whereby to turn the tide in their favour. . Still Sutcliffe was kept extended to his best efforts and by skill, pluck, and a little luck that custodian managed to extricate himself from more than one difficult position. When the visitors looked like eventually getting upon level terms, a terrific rainstorm broke over the ground, and on resuming again their movements became more laboured. Still, they had several chances, even of taking the lead, and none must have been more disappointed than bell, who had gone centre forward vice Young, when five minutes from the close he slipped when there was practically an open goal before him. Again in the last minute Sharp afforded a chance of getting through, but he was evidently over anxious and Millwall were fortunately enabled to retain the lead. As is suggested, the Everton forwards were mainly responsible for defeat. They were not nearly so keen on the ball as were their opponents, and to those who witnessed the game there was displayed beyond any doubt the advantage to be derived by the close following up of the ball. Where the ball dropped there was invariably a Millwall forward ready to pounce upon it, and the alacrity in this respect stood out in marked contrast to the comparative sloth of the visiting forwards. Young appeared quite helpless on the heavy ground, and was unable to keep his wing together. The outside men experienced the greatest difficulty in getting along the slimy surface, and their speed, for once in a way, was of no avail. During the second half, when Bell occupied the centre forward position, attacks were more incisive but the possibility of being overhauled stirred the “ Dockers” to extreme efforts, and Everton's spurt came to late. Unquestionably, the best work on the Everton side was accomplished by the half-backs, of whom Abbott stood out most prominently. On one occasion he tried the home halves in masterly fashion and evading the backs sent in a shot that Sutcliffe was indeed lucky to get away. Booth also played well, but the trio were considerably overlooked owing to the inability of the forwards to keep possession, and it would not have been surprising in the later stages had a further reverse been recorded against their side. Further behind Balmer played a strong game, often coming to the rescue of his confrere when in difficulties with the home left wing. In goal, Whitley had a fair amount of work to get through. The goal recorded against him was within his reach, but apart from this he gave a capital display, and cleared his lines with good judgement. It is remarkable how often in Cup ties the fortune of Everton have been rudely shattered, mainly by reason of the cleverness of players who were formerly associated with the Goodison Park organization. On Saturday, probably one of the most conspicuous of the Millwall players was Storrier, who in his time rendered good service to the Everton club; but yet was allowed to seek fresh pastures in the South. That there is still plenty of football in Storrier was plainly evidenced by the close attention, which he paid to Sharp and by his smartness not altogether in using his weight, but in honest, and fair tackling. He was a back of which any club might well be proud. It need only be stated that Sutcliffe was at his best, and everyone associated with the game knows what that means. The half-backs played a game that was not at all relished by the Everton forwards, who were showed at every turn; while in the front line Hulse, on the heavy ground, was a most capable pivot. He revelled in the heavy going and the wingmen were kept busily employed throughout. The most efficient of the quintet was Moran, who, by reason of his speedy runs and accurate centres into goal, kept the Everton defenders fully extended. Still though successful on Saturday the play of the Millwall men did not suggest that they would have much chance of success on neutral ground with the clever teams still left in the competition.

Millwalls Success.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 09 March 1903
The continued success Millwall, writes another London representative, is astonishing' as it is pleasing. With the exception Sutcliffe, Storrier, and J. H. Gettens. the eleven is composed of unknown men, and of these three, only the goalkeeper may be reckoned to be i-i tho prime his career as a footballer. " Age does not wither the case John William Sutoliffe, but, for the matter of that, the quotation applies with equal force to the majority the team, for, in addition to three aJready mentioned, Bell, the centre-half, was reckoned old as far players when he left Chesterfield for the two seasons ago. Hulse, the centreforward, and captain ; Morris, the left-half; and Watkins. the outside-left, are all veterans, yet they are good enough blend with the young members the team to be able to run the club for the second time in its history into the semi-final. When the trick was first done the side had " classy look about it paper. This season an examination of the names suggest that cleverness is not, so prominent taking the eleven through, but Mill wall have a habit of arriving.'' and once again they are the last four. Probably club in England better managed. With no moneyed men at the head of affairs, and in one of the districts that can be imagined, the directors have faced all sorts of difficulties, and have run the club practically free from debt. To-day it is the " hope of the 'South." and am certain that, matter who their opponents may be in the semi-final, the players have the good wishes the football kingdom generally a reward for the pluck the directors and the comradeship and good feeling amongst the players. Not much need be written about the tie with Everton. The First Leaguers expected win, and they commenaed operations tyring to run the Dockers off their legs in the first quarter hour. This was playing the Millwall game with a vengeance, and the locals so enjoyed it that when Everton wanted to try little less dash and a little more science they would not allow it, and made the pace hotter than over. Consequently the Everton front rank became flurried and disjointed—so much that they were never again together. Of course. Sutcliffe played his part in the victory, and the great man can never have done better. One save in the agonising last minute the game, when he literally flung himself a heap from his goal line in the path of shot from Bell, was worth going miles to see. It was the crowning feat of afternoon's work, in which gave one the imipression that he simply toying with the opposition. All round, the Mill wall men played well; and Starrier —the latter was performing against bis old club played a champion game. Of the halves, Bell and Watkins were ever prominent, while little Martin was again the best forward on the field. The little man's success must be very pleasing to his old Sheffield United friends.

SATURDAY’S FOOTBALL
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 09 March 1903
There can be no doubt that supporters of the game in Liverpool feel greatly disappointed at the turn affairs took in the tie between Everton and Millwall, though it must be admitted there was no great amount of surprise manifested over the defeat of the Goodison Park contingent. In cup ties, at any rate, their luck is proverbially bad; but as it will serve no purpose to dish up ancient history, we will not say how many times we in Liverpool have been disappointed. But it is not the first time Liverpool’s hopes have bene buried in a Southern League football ground. On paper, Everton’s task looked a very soft thing on Saturday; but the London clubs usually turn out a surprise packet in this competition. The feeling is that Everton cannot play a cup game- they don’t know how, and consequently they never seen to rise to the occasion, even against an inferior side, when the latter lend themselves to play what is known as a cup game. Everton found this out on Saturday, and on this result they cannot claim any credit for having got as far as they had done. The ground at Millwall at its best, is not an ideal one for playing first-class football on, and on Saturday afternoon it was in its worst condition. Still, this is no excuse for the defeat the visitors sustained. The Everton players ought to have adapted themselves to circumstances, and took a lesson from their opponents in the early stages of the game. Had they done this the probability is they would still be in the competition. The heroes of the struggle were Sutcliffe, the old Bolton Wanderers’ goalkeeper, and David Storrier, Everton’s whilom full back. The credit of Millwall’s victory belong principally to these two. If they had been out of the way Everton might have won. The Everton forwards -the whole five of them- played a good game, but all the fine work they did was nullified by the two players named.

ENGLISH CUP COMPETITION.- THIRD ROUND
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 09 March 1903
MILLWALL v.  EVERTON
Played at Millwall. The weather in London was miserably wet, and at noon there was every appearance of the rain continuing. This, of course, materially affected the attendance, but nevertheless there was a large crowd of visitors to the Millwall enclosure. These included a goodly number of Everton supporters who had taken advantage of the overnight excursions. The weather cleared about one o’clock but one momentarily, for shortly before three a heavy hailstorm swept over the ground. The crowd, however, augmented steadily the muddy ground, which is only a stone’s throw from the Thames, being churned up dreadfully. The playing pitch itself was by no means perfect, a little sprinkling of sand having been used. Both teams put in  an early appearance, accompanied by many of their directors and a band of supporters. Everton were still without Wolstenholme, and his place was filled by Clark, who had played very well against Bury the previous week. Kitchen stepped down, his place being taken by Whitley. The Millwall club put their best available eleven in the field, and local supporters were pretty confident as to the issue. Ot is interesting to note that the Millwall tea, contained two old players from this city, Hulse, the captain being an old Liverpool South End player, and Storrier being an old Everton back. Several minutes before the appointed time for starting the players trotted on to the muddy arena, and lined up as follows;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Balmer, backs; Clark, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle and Bell, forwards.
Millwall, Sutcliffe, goal; Easton and Storrier, backs; Riley, Bell, Watkins, half-backs; Moran, Astley, Gettins, Hulse (Captain) and Jones, forwards.
Meanwhile the weather had fortunately cleared up, and a strong wind blew up from the river, where the spars and rigging of innumerable vessels could been seen. Young started in the face of the wind, and Taylor at once banged the leather right across to the left, where Bell took the ball almost to the corner before it went outside. From the throw-n, the Millwall centre half got possession, and passing out to his left wing, they went down at a great pace. Henderson fortunately administered a check, and Clark tried to initiate a forward movement on the part of Everton. He lost possession, however, and Moran, getting his toe to the ball, shot half a dozen yards off the mark. This led to a sustained attack on behalf of the visitors, Settle, Young and Taylor being concerned in a very clever movement, and it was only Sutcliffe’s marvellous skill that prevented Taylor from scoring. Although only a few minutes’ play had taken place the ground was already in a wretched state, and the men foundered about helplessly. The home team, favoured by the wind, were now doing the bulk of the pressing. On one occasion Balmer charged down a dangerous shot from Gettins. For some time the visitors could not break away, and the Millwall attack looked exceedingly ominous when Henderson relieved the situation by a fruitless corner. Abbott then shot out cleverly to Settle and the latter put in a low swift shot which Sutcliffe dealt with in his best manner. The game now opened out considerably, and a spell of midfield work was followed by the visitors advancing on the left. Bell shot in, but Easton just managed to clear. The leather was met by Sharp and the Lancashire cricketer put in one of his best shots, but to the huge delight of the crowd Sutcliffe managed to clear. This fine achievement was loudly applauded. Another spell of play in the centre of the field ensued, and again Everton advanced by easy stages, and Sharp forced a corner of Storrier. This, however, came to nothing, and Watkins passing out to Moran the latter had a grand opportunity of running down, but he dallied too long, and Abbott, falling back, was able to clear. The home team, however, returned on the left, and Jones sent in an oblique shot that flew over the crossbar. The Millwall men were now playing with confidence, and both the half backs and forwards showed admirable combinations. At this period the presence of the visitors’ supporters was made known by cries of “Play up, Everton.” The immediate effect of this seemed to be to stimulate the home forwards, who broke away on the right. From here the leather was sent right across to Watkins, who from long range sent in a rather swift high shot. Whitley jumped up to stop it, but miscalculated it, and the ball entered the net. This success came after the game had been in progress twenty-five minutes, and it was, of course, received with great enthusiasm. From the restart the visitors went right away on the right, and here luck undoubtedly favoured Sutcliffe for in attempting to save a shot from Taylor he dropped the ball, and it had almost rolled under the bar when he scrambled it out. Again the Millwall forwards run down and a corner was gained on the right, but it was badly taken by Moran. The next item of interest was a breakaway by Sharp, who looked very like putting through when Storrier cleared his line with a clever bit of back-heeling. Clark then arrived up well, and the Everton left were busy but both the home backs showed sound defence and half a dozen shots were kept out in almost as many seconds. There was no doubt that the persistency of the Everton attack merited a greater share of luck than it obtained, for it must be admitted that several of the clearances were, to say the least of it. Fortunate. Storrier at length punted out, and Jones and Gettins got a corner off Henderson. This was capitally placed, and Whitley was hard put to when he fisted the ball right from under the cross-bar. This led to another struggle in front of the Everton goal, but Abbott eventually cleared, and passing to Booth, the latter rushed the ball through with rare cleverness, only to be stopped by Bell. More midfield work then followed. Half-time score; Millwall 1 goal, Everton nil.
Th breeze, if anything was slightly stronger when the teams passed over, and Everton at once went down to the right, and Sharp passing across to Settle, the latter ran to within twenty yards of the goal, when Sutcliffe came out and kicked clear, and in doing this he collied with Riley, and play was stopped for a minute, but the back was speedily all right, and the home forwards attempted to move away on the right, but Abbott easily checked, and the Evertonians returned to Millwall territory, but the movement was spoiled by the ball being sent over the line by Young. From the goal kick the visitors again returned, and this time Taylor shot outside. Sharp then attempted to improve matters, but Storrier headed clear. Abbott caught the return, and working through on his own account, he sent in a fine shot, which just passed outside. All this time the home forwards did not cross the centre line, but the visitors, try as they would, did not seem able to find the net. As was the case in the first half, the home defence had several slices of luck, though at the same time Storrier was playing a great game. In spite of the wind the home forwards worked their way down again, and Hulse put in a fine shot which went outside. Still they kept up the attack for several minutes and both Moran and Astley put in shots which were well dealt. Abbott was the first to relieve the pressure, and the Everton left wing swooped down in the direction of Sutcliffe. At this time the sky clouded over to almost semi-darkness, and a heavy rainstorm broke over the ground. The spectators, the great majority of whom were without shelter, bore to trying weather most cheerfully, and the home team, backed up by their shouts, played up with wonderful ability. They swarmed round Whitley in a perfect fluster, but so fierce was the storm that it was quite impossible to distinguish who put in a shot. It was sufficient, however, to know that the goal was again pressed. So great was the downpour that Mr. Kirkham very wisely ordered the players in and after the second half had been in progress twenty minutes the game was stopped. The game had been interrupted just five minutes when the storm blow over sufficiently to permit of the resumption of play, but it was still wet and bitterly cold when Mr. Kirkham threw the ball up. It was now noticed that bell had taken the centre forward position, Young going to outside left. This seemed to promise well, for the visitors at once came down in fine fashion, and things looked extremely dangerous, when Storrier cleared by sending the ball right on to the top of the Press box, where it remained stuck for a minute or two. Restarting, the visitors made no mistake in their anxiety to score; and Sharp working down, was in a splendid position, when he shot wide. Easton obtained a corner, but this in turn came to nothing more than a collision between Taylor and Sutcliffe, in which the latter got the best of the argument. The home left wing then got away, and Jones put in a splendid centre. Hulse rushed up to finish the movement when Henderson fouled, apparently by handling the ball. The referee at once granted a penalty, and this was taken by Storrier; but, in face of the wind and rain, he could do nothing more than strike the crossbar. The long siege was at length relieved by Booth and Taylor, and Sharp made ground, the outside man putting in a fine centre, which was cleared by Easton. Following well up on this, the homesters managed to move along the right. But Abbott who was playing like a veritable Trojan, pulled them up. They speedily returned, however, and Moran centred strongly, Henderson saving at the expense of a corner. This was safely disposed of, and Young got going at top speed and passed to Bell. Eight minutes from time the visitors’ left wing made strenuous left wing made strenuous endeavours to get through. Settle gave the ball to Bell, and the latter slipped between the backs, and had the goal at his mercy, when he lost his footing, and floundered in the mud. This was a golden opportunity lost, and any chance of drawing level was made further remote by the cool and confident tactics of the home players, supported by the half backs; but Millwall continued to worry their opponents, and a free kick against Balmer almost led to a second goal being scored, Hulse’s shot being fortunately defective. In desperation the Evertonians once more forced their way down, and Clark sent in a long shot, but Sutcliffe ran out and threw away. The visitors came down again, and twice the ball was thrown in within the twelve yards line. On the second occasion the visitors swarmed in front of the home goal, and Abbott put in a swift low shot, which Easton partially stopped. The result was that the heavy ball rolled right to the toes of Sharp, but the latter missed his kick, and thus one more chance was lost. Still the visitors played up most courageously, and within a couple of minutes of the end it looked as though Sharp would at last put his side safe. He broke through both the backs, and Sutcliffe rushing out, banged into Easton with tremendous force, the result being that both men were injured for a minute. They were speedily right, and the visitors again tried to get through, Settle coming in conflict with the home custodian, for which the referee had to caution the former. The ball had only been restarted when the whistle sounded, and Millwall were left winners by a goal to nothing. There is no doubt that the Southern team fully deserved their victory. They had all the disadvantages of the weather in the first half, and for the greater portion of the second they played in the teeth of the gale. In every department, except perhaps the half-back line, they were quite as clever as their opponents, the forwards throughout showing rare combination, while the defence was very sound, Sutcliffe’s performance being especially brilliant. The mistake made by the Evertonians was in failing to take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered them.

MILLWALL v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 09 March 1903
ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP
THIRD ROUND
Heavy rain during the morning spoiled the attendance at Millwall, still there were eight or nine thousand present at the start. The ground was very greasy, despite the drying wind which got up about three o’clock. Millwall were without Morris at half-back, Watkins taking his place, and Astley coming in to the forward line. Otherwise both sides were at full strength. Millwall won the toss, and had the benefit of the breeze, but Sutcliffe had to save. Then Millwall pressed, Whitley saving well. The ground was soon cut up badly, but play was fast, and both ends were frequently visited, Moran putting in fine work for Millwall, whose efforts at last met with success, Watkins scoring with a hard drive from half-back. Whitley failing to hold the greasy ball. This was after 25 minutes. Everton now pressed, but Sutcliffe saved grandly. Millwall had more of the game. Half-time; Millwall 1 Everton 0
In the second half Everton showed to better advantage but the home backs defended well, while good forward work by Jones and Moran frequently, Whitley once saving grandly from Moran’s centre. Sutcliffe next saved twice, the Everton halves working splendidly, midway through the second half Millwall still led. Despite facing a strong wide and a storm of rain, Millwall pressed, and an exciting struggle ensued in the visitors’ half. The storm continued so bad that the referee stopped play for several minutes. On resuming, Millwall were aggressive. A penalty against Henderson was taken by Storrier, who hit the crossbar. Everton now and again showed good work, but Millwall caused them to play a defensive game. Towards the finish Everton pressed, but failed to make use of their chances. Result; Millwall 1 Everton 0
Millwall; Sutcliffe; Easton, Storrier; riley, Bell, Watkins; Moran, Astley, Hulse (Captain), Gettins, Jones.
Everton; Whitley; Henderson, Balmer; Clark, Booth (Captain), Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, Bell.

EVERTON CAME LAST AND DROP DEAD
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 10 March 1903
The Everton footballers might have found in Saturday morning's newspapers a very sinister paragrapgh. One of four horses competing in a race at Sandown Park on Friday was named Everton. He came in last, and afterwards fell dead. The portent was very sure. Everton went to Millwall, and were beaten by one goal to nothing.

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 10 March 1903
Big transfer fee
Blackburn Rovers, who are not yet out of danger as regards their place in the first division of the league next season, have secured from Everton the transfer of Bowman, one of the Everton forwards. We understand that the transfer free is upwards of £200.

EVERTON PLAYER FOR THE ROVERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 11 March 1903
Yesterday afternoon, Bowman, the Everton centre forward was transferred to Blackburn Rovers, who are strengthening their team in order to try and retain their position in the First Division. Bowman is a clever player, 5ft 10in, high, and weighting nearly 12st. He is a good shot, and has been with Everton three seasons. The transfer fee is said to exceed 200 pounds.

BOWMAN TO BLACKBURN
Nottingham Evening Post - Wednesday 11 March 1903
Blackburn Rovers yesterday evening obtained the transfer of Everton centre forward, at a price stated to be over 200 pounds. Bowman joined Everton from East Stirlingshire three seasons ago and though he has not played regularly for the Goodisn park Club this season, it is merely because Everton have an excess of forwards of equal merit. Bowman is fast, and has the reputation of being a rusher. The Rovers will spare no expense to escape the Second Division.

BOWMAN TRANSFERRED TO BLACKBURN.
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 11 March 1903
Arrangements were made yesterday between the representatives of Everton and Blackburn Rovers for the transfer of Bowman to the latter club. Bowman is well built for a centre forward, and in different team may prove a useful servant. 'He has been with Everton for two years. He is very deadly near goal, speedy, and capable of further development. Much of his nonsuccess at Everton was duo to the barracking by the spectators. He seldom had the chance of giving a real display of his abilities.

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS
March 11, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Blackburn Rovers, who have not yet out of danger as regard, their place in the first division of the League next season, have secured from Everton Football Club, the transfer of Bowman, one of the Everton forwards. We understand that the transfer fee is upwards of £200.

MILLWALL SUCCESSFUL
Football Chat and Athletic World- Wednesday, March 11 1903
AN EXTRAORDINARY DAY BUT A BRILLIANT VICTORY
By “Millwallian.”
“hats off” everybody to the “Bonnie Blue Boys” of Millwall. Cast your eye at this result-
MILWALL 1 EVERTON 0
What a great victory, eh? And everybody has been saying, “Who’d have thought it?” When I wrote last week, in that cheery optimistic style, that the Blues would enter the semi-final, I meant it. I got chaffed about my whole-hearted confidence in the team, but on Saturday evening I repaid the chipping with interest. Of course I thought that the team would be at full strength, and it is all the more creditable to the players to have won with a depleted and re-arranged side. However to business! When I arrived on the Millwall ground at two o’clock, it was to find the schoolboy match declared off owing to the ground conditions, and the Glengall Road boys wearing sad faces all the rest of the afternoon until Millwall had scored. The Millwall team arrived from their training quarters soon after two o’clock, the first two players I met being Sutcliffe and Hulse. From them I learnt that everyone was fit and well, bar George Morris, whose ankle would not be able to stand such a severe test. A consultation between Mr. G. Saunders, who had been in charge of the team, and his fellow directors, and several of the players, resulted in a complete rearrangement of the forward line. Ernest Watkins fell back to the left half in place of Morris, and Dick Jones went from inside to outside left. “Joe” Gettins, ever willing to fall in with any arrangement, crossed over from inside right to inside left, while Harry Astley came in the team at inside right to his friend Moran at outside. Of course Hulse remained at centre. When I heard of this arrangement I thought it was the best that could be come to. I had seen Watkins at half-back before, and he justified the confidence in him. Ten minutes before the start Millwall turned out all in white, out of deference to the visitors royal blue shirt. Everton followed, and the teams lined up as under;-
Millwall; Sutcliffe; Easton, Storrier; riley, Bell, Watkins; Moran, Astley, Hulse (Captain), Gettins, Jones.
Everton;Whitley; Henderson, Balmer; Clark, Booth (Captain), Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, Bell.
Hulse won the toss, so at Mr. Kirkham’s first tootle Young started.
THE GAME
Everton went off with rare dash, the first item of interest being a foul by Taylor on Sutcliffe, who had thus early saved grandly. During the first quarter of an hour Everton gave the home defence something to do. Sharp did splendid work for them on the right wing, and the middle men made some fine tries. Sutcliffe refused to be beaten, and his work during this period was great. Millwall settled down to the muddy ground, and when they did they meant business. Every rush was dangerous, while Whitley’s saves did not inspire confidence. Astley, with a nice opening, put a splendid shot just over the bar. Twenty-five minutes from the start Watkins found himself with the ball at his toe some thirty-five yards out. While everybody wretched, he took a long fast high drive at goal, and the ball went between Whitley’s upstretched hands and the bar. Then the fun began! Amid the excited shouts and yells of the delighted crowd the Blues (whites, I mean) made it hot for the Royals, Whitley bringing off a miraculous save from little Moran. Then the home goal had a narrow escape, as after Sutcliffe had been charged off the ball Easton luckily saved the fast return shot, and subsequently Sutcliffe secured and cleared finely. Then Settle put a beauty just by. Moran and Astley transferred operations, and from a centre by “Micky,” Whitley caught the ball, which Jones charged out of his hands, and Gettins missed the chance of a lifetime. Hereabouts Millwall were “all over them,” and took three corners running. Riley putting the last one from Moran over the bar. To the other end went the ball, and Sharp with “only” Sutcliffe to beat made a shocking miss. Back came the white line of forwards and twice in succession Astley sent in two low fast shots, the last one a beauty, which just missed. Then came the whistle for half-time, Millwall leading by 1 goal to nil. On the play during this half the home team were good value for two goals- indeed, counting one or two good opportunities which were missed, we might easily have been four up. Still, one goal was better than none. So far the elements had been very favourable, and it was perhaps, the dullest minute of all when the game was resumed. In the first minute, Riley was hurt by Sutcliffe, who charged him in clearing. Then  Abbott, the left-half, worked himself into a grand position, but spoilt the effort with a bad shot. Afterwards came a doubtful hands against Hulse. This was followed by some fine centres by Moran and Jones, which came to nought, but the weather had reached its culminating point, and amid a terrific hailstorm the officials and players left the field. They were off for five or six minutes, the home tea, utilising this breather by putting on fresh white sweaters. On the resumption after the storm there was no doubt which team was going to last the game out. The Millwall team were pretty nearly as fresh as when they started. Hulse was conspicuous with a bad shy at goal after good work by Moran and Astley. Back at the other end Storrier conceded a corner at the correct psychological moment-a grand bit of judgement. The corner came to nothing, though Sutcliffe hereabouts brought off magnificent saves- one shot being a very awkward high one. Then came the crucial moment of the game, for Henderson fouled, and Millwall were awarded a penalty. A great hush fell on the crowd as Hulse beckoned Storrier to line up and take the kick. “Davie” carefully removed the chunks of mud from the boots and taking a short run, he hit the bar with a stinging shot. This was very hard lines for Millwall as a two goal lead would have made the rest of the game a much easier fight. Soon after this an exciting melee occurred in the Everton goal mouth. There must have been six players all mixed up in the mud together with the ball beneath them, till Mr. Kirkham blew up for a foul of some sort or other against Millwall. From now to the end the Millwall team “stayed the course” better and were quicker on the ball altogether than Everton. Astley made a bad miss when right in front of goal, his shot going between the left hand post and the corner flag. Then came a lovely centre by Moran, which just sailed past the goal as Gettins swung round the goal post in a vain effort to score. Sutcliffe in effecting a miraculous save from Settle, hurt himself and Easton, and, as he dragged himself from the ground and cleared, two Everton forwards took kick at him, but Mr. Kirkham smoothed matters down. If the incident had occurred earlier in the game I think the referee might have sent one Everton man off. However, I was glad he didn’t for it was close on time. I shall not easily forget the scene as the whistle blew for time. A crowd from the enclosure and ring-seats rushed on to the field of play, waving on high a bog blue and white flag, with a figure of a rampant lion worked in gold in the centre. Waving this flag, this little crowd of enthusiasts
CARRIED WATKINS SHOULDER HIGH
Beneath it to the dressing-room. And so the Millwall team fulfilled my prophecy, and entered the Semi-final in grand style. The way the Millwall team played up in the second half when all the conditions absolutely were against them was an eye-opener. Not a man was blown at the end of the game, and it says something for the training of good old “Bob” Hunter and the great enthusiasm and real grit of the players that they lasted out the Everton team easy. The game was a Cup-tie absolutely. No quarter was asked or given. It was “you or me” when it came to a tussle for the ball, and many hard knocks were taken without a murmur. If I were asked to select the chief players on the Millwall side who brought about Everton’s downfall. I should say Sutcliffe, Moran, Bell, Watkins, Jones, and Easton, were the most prominent. In a game where every home player did his best it is very difficult to criticise. However, I must have something to say on.
THE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES
Of the artists in the great drama of the round before the semi-final. Sutcliffe was without a doubt the man who saved the home team, and his fine work beat Everton in the first fifteen minutes. Throughout the game he was superb, and I must say that on at least three occasions he was the saviour of the side, when everyone else was whacked. I cannot leave the note on Sutcliffe without saying that he was the main factor in the Millwall victory. Goal-keeping I have seen galore, but never such as “John William” served up on Saturday. He seemed to give one the impression that he was invincible, and he certainly kept it up throughout a fast game. He was never beaten in any shape of form. Easton played a grand game at back, untiring and strong throughout, and his giving of a corner during that last fine try of Everton was superb. Storrier was nearly always safe, and his excellent judgments and clean kicking made him very conspicuous. It goes without saying that he wished to do well against Everton. Watkins was the surprise packet of the halves. In a position he has rarely filled before, he played a fine game, and by scoring that goal he has inscribed his name on the scroll of fame as far as Millwall are concerned. Bell was a grand half-back all through, and his fine head-work was worth going a long way to see. Jack Bell may congratulate himself on having excelled himself against Everton. Riley was the “Jimmy” we all know, hardworking and clever in defence all through the game. No one was more prominent in the front rank than Moran at outside right. Martin was in great form and led the Toffee defenders, Balmer and Clark, a rare dance. Next to Moran in order of merit came Jones and Hulse. Young Jones, who took Watkins’ place at outside-left, played a rare game, and proved that he is a most valuable forward in any position on the left wing. Hulse was the persevering and hardworking centre that has won our hearts this season. He is not difficult to shake off the ball, and always makes openings for other people, whether they advantage of them or not. Astley and Gettins did many good things, but it cannot by said that either shone like the other three. Harry Astley had hard luck in not scoring on at least two occasions, while “Joe” if he had been just a trifle lucky, would have beaten Whitley twice. Of the Everton team I did not think that Whitley was any great shakes in goal and there is no doubt that Balmer was the best back. Henderson was not too scrupulous, and his side lost thereby. Abbott and Booth each shone at half- Booth doing the work of two men. I wish Wolstenholme had played for then Everton would have been at full strength. Clark was a good substitute but he failed to hold “Dick” Jones; indeed, the latter was a big thorn in the sides of both Clark and Henderson. Settle and Sharp were the better of the five forwards, some of whom lost their temper towards the end of the game. I am informed that a well-known supporter of the Millwall team entered the dressing-room at the end of the match, and presented Sutcliffe with a fine watch  as a member of his grand goal saving. The gentleman who made this handsome gift was Mr. Watson, of Salmon’s Lane, Limehouse. The Millwall team trained at home after the match with West ham on Monday, but immediately after the match with Wellingborough, on Saturday, they again proceeded with their special training at Rochford. The gate on Saturday was 11,900, meaning about £630 in gate money. With regard to the strenuous denial of an offer to Millwall by the Everton secretary, I have nothing further to say. An offer was MADE; whether on the terms I quoted last week or not I will not say. But I wish my readers to understand that all they read under my nom de plume is ”generally straight.”

THROUGH NORTHERN SPECTACLES
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, March 11, 1903
The results of the two great Cup-tie games played in the South has once again gone to demonstrate the wonderful uncertainty of the game; for the partially unexpected has happened both at Tottenham and Millwall, the Spurs prospects of reaching the last, four being considered in northern circles as much brighter than those possessed by Millwall. Admitting the latter have been well drawn in the Cup tourney, this is a fine performance for a team not considered good enough to escape the qualifying competition. At any rate Sutcliffe and Co.,had to work an extra tie in the preliminary. Candidly, I did not think they would survive the Everton hurdle, for the "Toffee" town were keen upon going for an English Cup medal, I can tell you. Of course, Everton were without a grand half-back in Wolstenholme, who has been suffering with eczema, but Clark is no duffer. Besides, Millwall were minus half-hack in Morris; but I think Everton should have played Kitchen in goal and Crelly at back in preference to Whitley and Henderson. Whitley was not weak in a general sense, but it is held that he should have saved Millwall one and only goal. Then Henderson, I note, also erred to give a penalty away. It is curious that these men whom I mentioned last week should each be guilty of vital blemishes. Still, as a whole, the Everton defence left little to complain of in being debited with one goal only. It is upon the Everton forward's that the onus of defeat lies. Fancy a line like Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Bell being incapable of even the odd goal! This is admittedly Everton's strongest forward line, and they had not once played together since the season opened, for when Young was previously in the team, Taylor was busy as a right-half. Truly, then, is Everton’s strongest forward line weak! It has frequently happened thus, no matter what its constitution, since the season began, and Merseyside feared only the forward linebehaviour of Everton when looking ahead to the great match. That these fears were well grounded is seen from the joint result of their goal-scoring efforts at Millwall—a blank! The result is blank dismay, too, in the Goodison camp. The gallant Millwall boys have avenged that heavy Portsmouth defeat in fine fashion, and whilst the writer's sympathies were on the side of the defeated, it would savour of narrow mindedness did it overlook Millwall’s splendid victory , and not cry "Three cheers' for Millwall” Ben Hulse, the mighty Sutcliffe, and the sturdy Storrier were proud men, I opine, when referee Kirkham's whistle signalled time. It 'is just the irony of the thing that Millwall's ' gentlemanly captain should be an old Liverpool South End lad! I well remember him playing a fine game for Rock Ferry many years ago at Goodison Park against. Everton's Combination team. He was not a star artiste, but a rare worker of the Garratty order. I suppose he remains such. The present Millwall team has brilliantly repeated the club's 1900 triumphs when Jarrow, Queen's Park Rangers, and Aston Villa were in turn put to sleep, but,unlike this year,not at Millwall in one single instance! Then a goalless draw with Southampton ensued at the Palace, but in the replay at Reading, Millwall--unlike the previous round replay with Aston Villa - went under badly by 3 goals to nil. It is a coincidence that Bury are also in the last four. It is worthy of note that of the Millwall team, which entered the last four in 1900, only Joe Gettins was included against Everton on Saturday. Millwall’s 1900 team, I fancy, was: Cox; Burgess and Allan; Smith Goldie, and Millar; Dryburgh Brearley, Gettings Banks, and Nicholl. I think the present combination quite as capable as a whole as the above mentioned eleven; yet I question their ability to get through the next stage played on neutral ground. The conditions and ground were both against Everton’s style of play on Saturday, but there is no doubt a mistake was made in playing Young, who was very weak, and eventually moved across to outside left, and Bell introduced to centre. Such a more, I take it, shows that Everton at this stage were feeling very much like a beaten team. Needless to add, Evertonians are crestfallen over the result, for defeat never entered their heads. It was to be a drawn game at the worst, and Everton’s defeat is just as much a blow locally as was Liverpool’s at Manchester in the first round. Millwall evidently played a desperate game that quite upset the Toffee’s preconceived ideas of how the goals were to be got.

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS
The Liverpool Daily Post- Wednesday March 11, 1903
Yesterday afternoon, Bowman the Everton centre forward was transferred to Blackburn Rovers, who are strengthened their team in order to retain their position in the First Division, bowman is a clever player, ft 10in, high, and weighing nearly twelve stone. He has a splendid shot, and has been with Everton three seasons. He will considerably strengthen the Rovers’ forward line. The transfer fee is said to exceed £200.

A LIVERPOOL OPINION OF BOWMAN
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 14 March 1903
I suppose Everton's defeat at Millwall wll be called a "Southern" victory? The three most conspicious contributors to it, though, were Northerners -Sutcliffe, Hulse (the captain), and Storrier. The last two, by the way, are old Everton players, and it looked like the judgement of Nemesis. This brings me to the transfer of Bowman, who has been sold to Blackburn Rovers, says "Tom Tiddler," which he has not been allowed to confirm or improve at Goodison. Bowman has been consistently kept in the back-ground -relegated to the Combination; but merit, like murder, will out; and I think Rovers have got a bargin, and the Toffees have once more (as usual) parted with a downright good player.

ABBOTT AND BOOTH
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 14 March 1903
A word about the honours to ASbbott and Booth, who are playing in the Inter-League for England against Scotland. Abbott is a very dangerous player; he scored the winning goals for his club against Portsmouth and Manchester United, and would have scored the winning goal at Millwall against a less skilful custodian than Sutcliffe. Booth is noted for his judicious generalship of the Everton forces. The absence of two such clever players seriously handicapped the Toffees for their match with Sunderland today. The rivalry between these clubs has always been keen, with a balance of successes on Sunderland's side. There are still two old Sunderland players, Doig and Miller, who played in the Wearsiders' first League match against Everton, but as might be expected from Everton's love of change there is not one of the original team left that first played Sunderland in the League, just after the Wearsiders had been admitted to the charmed circle.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 14 March 1903
Everton v Sunderland.
League match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Clark, and Makepeace, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Everton Combination v Padiham.
Lancashire Combination match, at Padiham; Exchange Station 13.30.
Everton Combiantion; Kitchen, goal; R Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clayton, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, Brearley, Dixon, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v  SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 14 1903
MILLER OPENS THE SCORE FOR SUNDERLAND
By Pigeon Post and Telephone
No team in the League is more popular than Sunderland with the football-loving public, and their appearance in the local arena is always a big attraction. Their engagement today with Everton was particularly interesting, because Sunderland are just now making a gallant fight for championship honours, which they have worthily achieved in the past. Fate has decreed this season that Everton have seldom been able to put their full strength in the field, and no doubt this explains their want of success. To-day they had to face their formidable opponents without Booth and Abbott, who are playing in the English team against the Scottish League at Glasgow. As the half-back line is Everton’s mainstay, the absence of Booth and Abbott is a very serious drawing in the face of antagonists who have not suffered defeat since November last.
The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke and Makepeace, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle (Captain), Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Sunderland.- Doig, goal; McCombie and Watson, backs; Farquhar, McAllister and Jackson, half-backs; Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Hewitt, and Bridgett, forwards.
No team in the League is more popular than Sunderland with the football-loving public, and their appearance in the local arena is always a big attraction. Their engagement today with Everton was particularly interesting, because Sunderland are just now making a gallant fight for championship honours which they have worthily achieved in the past. Fate has decreed this season that Everton have seldom been able to put their full strength in the field, and no doubt this explains their want of success. To-day they had to face their formidable opponents without Booth and Abbott, who are playing in the English team against the Scottish League at Glasgow. As the half-back line is the mainstay of Everton the absence of Booth and Abbott is a very serious drawback in the face of antagonists who have not suffered defeat since November last. Settle, who captained the home team, won the toss, and set the Wearsiders to face a strong wind. Miller set the ball in motion in presence of about 15,000 spectators, and the Sunderland men at once took up the attack, their left wing going down with rare dash. The ball was passed to the centre, where Miller headed forward, and then Hewitt shot for goal, but was slightly wide in his aim. After another bout by the visitors’ right, the ball was crossed to Sharp who made a dash down his wing, the result being a chance to Sheridan, who compelled Doig to use his hands. Everton pressed forward again, and after some close play Clarke gave Doig a rare handful, but the Sunderland custodian came triumphantly through the ordeal. After this the visitors attacked on the right and left, Robinson nearly lowering the Everton colours. A few moments later the Sunderland right went down again and a corner was forced, which, although well placed, by Bridgett, was hustled away from the Everton goalmouth. This was followed by another brief Sunderland attack which was brushed away by Henderson. Here Robinson and Hogg were in a very convenient position adjacent to Whitley, but the Everton backs stuck to them so closely that Robinson put Hogg offside, when the winger had the goal at his mercy, and the relief came to the hard-pressed Blues. The home brigade made strenuous efforts to break away, but McAllister would not let them past the halfway line, and a well-judged pass by Bridgett put the struggle once more in front of Whitley, where stern pressure was excited for a minute or two until H. Clarke came to the rescue with a fine drive, and a minute after Jack was out by himself, after the leather which had been overpassed Sharp cantered cleverly, but the ball fell at the feet of McCombie, who just cleared. H. Taylor dashed in, and Doig had to put out, which he did with great coolness. Twice again did Sunderland make their way towards Whitley, only to be repulsed by the alert defence. Passing by Sharp and Taylor ended in bell obtaining possession and racing down his wing, the Everton left winger gained a corner from McCombie, which was only cleared by Doig after a most exciting struggle in the goalmouth. Clarke gave the ball to Taylor, who made a long lob for goal, and missed. This he repeated a minute later, and following this thee wind interfered with the passing of both teams to such an extent as to make anything like accurate play next to impossible. A free kick against Sheridan enabled the North country men to make headway, and absolute carelessness on the part of Makepeace gave them a corner which, however, yielded no advantage to the attacking side. The Evertonians bounded away along the right, but Watson got in a lucky kick, and a burst on the part of the left wingers was well attended to by Farquhar. However, just afterwards Settle thought he had a chance, and let fly at goal, but missed.
Half-time Sunderland 1 goal, Everton Nil.
HEWITT SCORES A THIRD FOR SUNDERLAND
EVERTON BADLY BEATEN
The Everton quintet had made a lengthened but unprofitable stay in Sunderland territory, and both of the wings made several advantageous openings for Settle, but the little man had not the necessary dash, and preferred long pots at Doig, when the wind took the ball yards wide. Still, the Blues stuck to their work manfully, and the visitors’ defence was sorely tried. An effort to centre by Sharp resulted in a corner off Watson. From this Everton pressed with the greatest determination but could not find an opening, although Bell was within an ace of doing the trick. Then the Sunderland right sailed away in merry fashion, but wound up sadly, as Robinson collided heavily with Clark and the inside man was damaged so seriously that he had to be carried off. Everton took up the attack again with great spirit, Settle and Bell making a couple of fine efforts in turn, which well deserved success. Then the game was stopped owing to Sheridan being slightly damaged. Good work by the Everton quintette culminated in the ball coming sharply to the centre from bell, and here Settle fastened on the leather with great determination and shot for all he was worth. Doig, however, just managed to cope with the shot, although at the expense of a corner. This was scraped away after a scuffle in the goalmouth, and then very clever work by the Sunderland left wingers and Miller placed the Everton defence in jeopardy, but ultimately Wolstenholme came to the rescue. During a race between Sharp and Watson the Everton right-winger appeared to strain his right leg, and limped painfully from the enclosure. More passing between the visitors’ left wingers and centre led to disaster to Everton. Miller obtained possession and, although tackled, he just managed to send in a simple kind of shot, which Whitley played with both hands and then dropped it into the net. This bad mistake on the part of the Everton goalkeeper enabled the Wearsiders to score after just thirty-five minutes’ play. This uncalled for disaster to Everton was very disheartening, as they had much the best of matters. It only stirred them, however, to more superior efforts, and they renewed the attack with wonderful energy, and Settle very nearly equalised. Henderson took a free kick but Watson neutralised the advantage, and led up to an attack which very nearly brought about the downfall of the Everton citadel again, as Clarke fell when Miller was almost in the goalmouth. Hogg came in with an open goal before him, but both the home backs dashed in to the assistance of Clarke, and the five men were in a cluster in the goalmouth. At the critical moment Whitley rushed out and picking up the ball, smartly transferred it to less dangerous quarters. Bell and Sheridan were next in evidence with splendid work, and Doig saved a beauty from the inside man. Soon after Clarke planted one in the goalmouth, but Doig was all there, and, in fact, his custodianship was of the highest order. When the teams reappeared, Sharp was still an absentee, but Robinson returned limping Wolstenholme lost no time in having a pop at Doig, but it was not serious. Crelly stopped an incursion by Bridgett and Hewitt; but Sunderland came back on the other wing, but on the ball being crossed Wolstenholme checked, after which Robinson tried to find Whitley with a wide shot. Neither side warmed up for some little time. Whitley took a goal kick, but Sheridan failed to keep possession. Sunderland were now pressing, but without very much method, and Wolstenholme and Makepeace looked after them so well that their advance was completely checked. Then the leather was shot over to Bell, who went after it somewhat leisurely, so that it went out before he reached it. The work by the Everton front was, of course, somewhat erratic, owing to Sharp’s absence.
Final Result Sunderland 3 goals, Everton Nil.
In the corresponding game last season Everton won by 2 goals to nil.

PAIDHAM v  EVERTON COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 14, 1903
LANCASHIRE COMBINATION
At Padiham. Hargreaves kicked off for Padiham. Dewhurst sent the ball wide, and the Everton right wing got going, Rankin kicking out. Dewhurst sent in a grand shot, which Kitchen saved. Robson them made a good attempt to score, the ball going out. Padiham now pressed, Kitchen saving three shots in succession. Wilkie had a good chance, but he made bad use of it. The Everton men did not make much headway. Half-time;- Padiham 1 goal, Everton Res nil.

VIGOROUS FOOTBALL AT GOODISON PARK.
Athletic News - Monday 16 March 1903
By Junius
Everton helped the Wearsiders over another obstacle in their path towards the Championship by being vanquished at home to the extent of three clear goals. But in this instance there were extenuating circumstances of no mean character, and it is no joke for a team that has been well worked in recent weeks to be deprived of two of its half-backs, its most reliable full-back, and centre-forward, when the visiting team is at full strength, keen on the championship, and having enjoyed a comparatively easy time of it for about a month. These were the conditions under which Everton opposed Sunderland, and there can be little surprise evinced at their overthrow under such depressing circumstances. Yet, for a time, Everton made a gallant attempt to avert what looked at best but hopeless chance. In addition, their already weakened resources were accentuated by an injury to Sharp, which kept the right winger out of the game for portion of the first, and the whole of the second half. Indeed, little quarter was shown by either side, and Sunderland were the first to suffer, Robinson having to be carried off the field early on, though he resumed in the second moiety. Then Sharp was hurt, Watson was limping for a long time, and Bridgett had all the play knocked out of him by a nasty kick before the interval. The football was more vigorous than pretty, and Sunderland received quite as much they gave.
SYNOPSIS OF THE GAME
Everton had the breeze in their favour in, the opening hall, and this was an important factor, for the side that was in favoured in this respect held a decided advantage in the general play. The home team did the bulk of the pressing before the interval, yet, as often happens, they were a goal in arrears when half-time was reached, and it was clear then that their fate was sealed. The Wearsiders opened with a tremendous rush, but the Everton defence was very steady, whilst there was any amount of vigour about their attack, and only the skillful work of Doig in goal prevented them from taking the lead. They had been pressing for some time, when the Wearsiders broke away, and Miller crowned a series of rapid exchanges near the penalty line by hooking the ball into the corner of the net, with a shot that Whitley ought to have got at. This was accomplished after Robinson and Sharp had left the field, but Everton went at it afterwards in dashing style, and Doig had two shots from Settle, close in, that were dealt with in masterly fashion, whilst a header from Sheridan was tipped out when the ball seemed certain to find the net. Doig undoubtedly saved Sunderland during this period, but afterwards there was only one team in the running. Hewitt added a couple of goals in the second half, the first from a centre by Hogg, whilst the other came after some neat passing all along the line, and in each case Whitley had no possible chance, for the scorer almost on him before receiving the ball.

COMMENTS.
There was no mistaking the superiority of the Sunderland team, and they play the sort of football that should bring them again the Championship of the League. Their defence was of such a sturdy, granite-like character that it simply defied the efforts of the Everton attack, and as already stated, these in the first half required some dealing with. There was nothing particularly striking about the display of the Sunderland forwards, but with a set off backs like they possess, and a custodian of the calibre of Doig, they can afford to view with equanimity the advances of a moderate front rank, and await patiently the chances that are bound to come. Thus it was in this case. The attacks of the home forwards were beaten back again and again, and Settle put in two surprise shots that deserved to score, whilst many others were dealt with in equally effective fashion. The experimental Everton team did as well as could have been anticipated, but the absence of Sharp handicapped the front rank too severely. The forwards were not disappointing, for no one had expected them to show to advantage against the Sunderland backs, and as a matter of fact, they fared more creditably than the constitution of the line had led me to suppose. Taylor was the best of the bunch, and he had some rare tussles with Watson, of whom Sharp fought very shy prior to his injury, which was purely accidental. The halves were not good enough for the opposition, though the reserve lad, Makepeace, played a capital game, but could scarcely be considered as equal to the player whose position he was for the nonce filling. Clarke was erratic in the centre, but, further behind, Crelly gave a grand exhibition, his tackling being exceedingly fine. Whitley should stopped have stopped the first goal, but had no possible chance with the other two shots that took effect, and some of his intervening clearances were very capably accomplished. The defence of the Wearsiders was as stubborn as of old, and their two full-backs don’t stand on much ceremony in getting the ball. Watson found a tartar in Taylor, and the pair came very frequently under the referee's notice, and in one instance, which caused that autocrat’s interference, they had evidently mistaken each other for the ball. Doig was simply invincible, and without being at all perturbed by the dashes of the Everton forwards before the interval, cleared with the celerity and precision which betokens the quick eye and natural aptitude to anticipate the oncoming of the ball. The half-backs were always on the alert, harassing an opponent and attending judiciously to their own comrades, Jackson being the most prominent in this capacity. Of the forwards, Miller, Hewitt, and Hogg, were the pick, though it must not be forgotten that Robinson was injured, whilst Bridgett will for a few days feel the effects of what he received, incidents which undoubtedly seriously affected the play of this pair. Sunderland previously were strangers to victory at Goodison Park, but they were never more favoured than on this occasion. Everton; Whitley; Henderson, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Clarke, and Makepeace; Sharp, Taylor, Settle, Sheridan, and Bell.  Sunderland; Doig; McCombie, and Watson; Farquhar, McAllister, and Jackson; Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Hewitt, and Bridgett.  Referee; J. Adams, Birmingham. 

SEMI-FINAL AT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 16 March 1903
By Junius
The selection of the Everton ground as the venue for one of the semi-finals of the Association Cup journey has given rise to the greatest satisfaction in Liverpool, and with decent weather –though it appears futile to imagine such conditions this season –there should be a hugh assembly.  Both teams are great favourities in this city, and invariably draw big gates both at Goodison Park and Anfield, so that apart from the crowds that will come from Bury and Birmingham there is sure to be a rare muster of local enthusiasts.  The last time Liverpool was honoured in this manner was when Notts County met and defeated Bolton Wanderers in the final at Goodison Park, in 1894 by four goals to one.  Messrs Lythgoe and Cuff have charge of the arrangements, and in conjunction with Mr. Woolfall they went over the ground on Friday last, for the purpose of allocating the prices to the various parts of the enclosure.  I understand that it has been decided to charge 6d, for admission to that side of the ground in front of the directors box, and I feel sure this will be appreciated by those who would otherwise stay away rather than pay 1s, entrance fee.  The vast majority of the supporters of football in Liverpool are accustomed to doing out the nimble sixpenny weekly, and doubling the price of admission would have had a detrimental influence on the gate.  Bury will have a stiff task to face, but in the interests of Lancashire football, it is only natural that people in this city should wish them every success.

SUNDERLAND EMBRACE THEIR OPPORTUNITY
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 16 March 1903
Sunderland are certainly to be congratulated on their big win at Everton on Saturday. In fairness to the Everton organisation, however, it must be stated that they were but ill-presented owing to the absence of Booth, and Abbott at Glasgow. They also suffered in the course of the play, for after the interval Sharp, who had given the visiting backs considerable trouble, was unable to take part, and Robinson could do no more than limp about. In the first half, the Goodison Park men forced the pace in a merry style, time after time play settling down in front of Doig, who was subjected to an almost continuious bombardment. But the injuries to Sharp and Robinson had a serious effect on the combination of the Everton side, for after they had left the field disaster quickly followed, and the Northerners crossed over with a lead.

EVERTON V. SUNDERLAND
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 16 March 1903
Played at Goodison Park, before 15,000 spectators. The game opened at a fast pace, and after pressure Miller scored for the Wearsiders. Both sides had now only ten men, Robinson and Sharp having retired near the interval, when the score was -Sunderland 1 goal, Everton none. Sunderland were at full strength in the second half, but Everton were without the services of Sharp, whose absence was severely felt. Sunderland had the best of the exchanges, and from centres by Hogg and Robinson, Hewitt added two to Sunderland's score. In the latter stages Everton adopted the one back game without success. Result- Sunderland 3 goals, Everton none.

EVERTON v. SUNDERLAND.
London Daily News - Monday 16 March 1903
These teams met at Goodison Park in showery weather before a crowd of 15,000. Sunderland, who had been undergoing special training, had their full team, but Everton lacked the services of Balmer, Booth, and Abbott. A great pace was kept up throughout the first half. Though playing against the wind, Sunderland had a great share of the play, and scored through Miller. During this half Robinson and Sharp left the field injured. The first-named reappeared in the second half, but Sharp was unable to return, and Sunderland had no difficulty in asserting their superiority with only ten men against them. Despite excellent defence on the part of Everton, a couple of goals were added by Hewitt in the later stages of goals were added by Hewitt in the later stages of the game, and Sunderland were left easy winners. Score; Everton 0, Sunderland 3.

EVERTON 0 SUNDERLAND 3
March 16, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Jack Sharp carried off, Everton down to ten men, later in first half.
Everton were unfortunate on Saturday in having to meet Sunderland minus the services of Abbott, Booth, and Balmer, the two halves playing against the Scottish League, while Balmer was suffering from a kick received against Millwall. The front rank was also rearranged. Settle playing centre and Sheridan inside left. The Wearsiders had been in training at Seaton Carew, and brought their strongest eleven. There were 15,000 spectators present when the teams faced as follows: - Everton, Whitley, goal Henderson and Crelly, back, Wolstenholme, Clark, and Makepeace, half-backs Sharp, Taylor, Settle (captain), Sherdian, and Bell, forwards. Sunderland: - Doug, goal, McCombie, and Watson, back Farquhar McAllister, and Jackson half-backs, Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Hewitt, and Bridgett, half-backs, Referee J.Adams. Sunderland started against the win with rare deal. Clever passing on the left wing ended in Hewitt sending just outside the post. The Clark passed out to Taylor, who gave Sharp a clear run down, and Sheridan headed in only to find Doig quite prepared with his fist. Sunderland afterwards got away by means of splendid passing, and several exchanges took place in the goalmouth resulting in Whitley saving at full length from Robertson. Passing between Sharp and Taylor enabled the latter to send the ball out to Bell, who forced a corner, this was beautifully placed, and Sherdian heading in Doig brought off a wonderful save right under the bar, just tipping the ball forward. Sunderland then raced down and Henderson conceded another corner, but a foul against Farquhar brought relief, and the Everton left worked their way down, only for Sheridan to be given offside when in a good position. Robinson collided with Clark with such disastrous effects to himself that after having been attended to on the side of the field, he had to be carried off on the trainer's back. A period of pressure by Everton ensued. Bell unfortunately dribbling over the line. Still they continued the pressure, and Settle got through only to be stopped. Sheridan, however, dashed in, and in preventing the back clearing was temporarily incapacitated. Bell had A try, but banged the ball just over the crossbar. The next item of interest was a pass from Makepeace to Settle, who put in a clever shot, which was cleverly saved by Doig, at the expense of a fruitless corner. Sunderland now only occasionally troubled the Everton defence, and after fine work by the home halves Sharp sent in a swift shot, which went the wrong side of the upright. There was no falling off in the pace with which the game started. Although foul play was conspicuous by its absence. Sharp was injured, and had to leave the field. Just after this with both sides playing ten men, the visitors dashed away, and there was a series of exchanges between the Sunderland forwards near the penalty line. Eventually the ball came out to Miller, who with an overhead kick shot into the corner of the net. Whitley was unprepared for the shot. After this reverse Everton played up with spirit, but Doig had not difficulty in dealing with a long shot from Sheridan. Everton pressed to the interval, but without success. Half-time Everton nil, Sunderland 1. On restarting Robinson, resumed his place, but Everton were at a disadvantage in still being deprived of the services of Sharp. The home side at once took up the running, and Settle tried hard to get through, but could make no impression on the capable Sunderland full backs. The Wearsiders soon made their presence felt. The Everton defenders had all their work cut out, and Whitley was twice called upon, once under very difficult circumstances. Though the pace was not quite so fast as in the opening half, there were many interesting episodes. Everton made desperate efforts to drew level, despite the absence of Sharp, but McCombie and Watson gave absolutely no quarter. Gradually the wearsiders forced ahead, and although Crelly put in some admirable defensive touches the Northerners were not to be denied. A centre from Hogg glanced off Henderson, so as to place on-side Hewitt who had no difficulty in registering the second goal for Sunderland. A tussle between Taylor and Watson, both of whom exhibited temper, caused a temporary stoppage while the referee talked to the two players concerned. Everton could make little headway, and Whitley smartly saved from Miller. Bell initiated a grand offensive movement, and with a little luck the Sunderland goal might have been captured. From Robinson's centre Hewitt scored the third for Sunderland. Everton resorted to the one back game, but with no success, and Sunderland gained an easy victory. Result Everton nil, Sunderland 3.

PADIHAM 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 16, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
J Brearley sent off during second half.
At Padiham. Hargreaves kick off for Padiham, Kitchen having to save three shots in succession. Leeming also striking the bar, at half-tine where was no score. Hargreaves scored from a pass by Leeming on the restart a penalty was awarded Padiham, Dewhurst scoring, and Hargreaves put on a third. Brearley was ordered off the field and Padiham winning by 3 goals to nil. Everton: - Kitchen goal R.Bakmer and W.Wildman, backs, Clayton, Russell, and Chadwick half-backs, Rankin, Boardman, Brearley, Dixon, and McEwan forwards.

INTER-LEAGUE HONOURS FOR EVERTONIANS
March 16, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
Booth and Abbott played in the twelfth annual contest between representatives of the English and Scottish Leagues at Celtic-park, Glasgow, on Saturday, in fine weather, before 42,000 spectators. The English winning the match by three goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 16, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Taking into consideration the team that Everton had at their disposal to face Sunderland their defeat need occasion no surprise, and had they been fully represented, it would have required a great effort on their part to avert disaster. The strength of the Everton team this season has been in defence, for the forwards have only at rare intervals done themselves justice, and displayed that form which might naturally be expected from such an array of talent. When therefore half the rare division is away, and these three chief figures in it, there is not much ground left for victorious anticipations, for to fill such vacancies satisfactorily requires a reserve strength of exceptional ability. Booth and Abbott were away at Glasgow assisting in the pulversation of their Scottish brethren, whilst Balmer owing to a kick on the ankle received at Millwall, and which had not developed in the manner required, had perforce to cry off. Young was totally unfit to play, this necessitating Settle taking the centre forward position, and to add further to this untoward state of affairs, Sharp received a kick in the first half, which kept him out of the game for the remainder of the afternoon. Unlike his opponents, Robinson who had to be carried off the field, the Everton right winger walked into the dressing room, and the dissimilarly was carried still further, for the Sunderland forward reappeared after the interval, whilst nothing further was seen of Sharp. The game was certainly more vigorous than scientific, hard knocks were given, and takes and more than one player was limping at the finish. With the wind in their favour during the first half, Everton more than an even share of the play, and though they were a goal behind at the interval, as far as figures were concerned, there was no such difference in the play of the combatants, and Everton did not deserve to be in arrears at breathing time. Sunderland commenced with rare dash and Whitley was frequently requisitioned, but Everton gradually forged ahead and gave Doig plenty to do. Both goals were visited with rapid alteration corner kicks being common, and from one of these Sheridan headed into the goalmouth, only to find Doig bring off a pretty clearance. The Sunderland custodian effected two very fine saves from Settle, and after a spell of pressure had been relieved, the visiting forwards broke away smartly, and Miller completely took Whitley by surprise with a high shot. Everton were the more aggressive up to the interval, and Sharp after a long run just missed equalising, but though several creditable efforts were made, Doig defied every attempt to secure the downfall of his charge. After resuming Everton had only ten men, whilst Sunderland with a full complement were always superior in every department. They twice scored through Hewitt after the Everton defence had been tied in a knot, and Whitley was left absolutely helpless at the finish. Only once during this moiety did the home forwards look like scoring, this being from a breakaway by Bell, but the Sunderland backs by their unceremonious tactics stated off the danger. Amidst a host of failure, there was one redeeming features in the display of the Everton team, and that did Crelly at give the splendid exhibition left back. He had the strongest portion of the Sunderland attack to face, and he came out of the ordeal with distinct credit; in fact, on this form there can be no doubt about his claims to a permanent in the team. His tackling was grand, and this was accomplished not by a mad lunge at the ball or the man, nor by recklessly flinging himself whole sale on to an opponent, but was the result of purely superior skill in a dispossessing the forward and coolly placing to one of his own side. His style remained one forcibly of Molyneus at his best, and the methods be adopted were like those of the players whom he so strikingly resembles in appearance. Whitley made some capital saves, but he was not ready for the first shot that beat him, whilst Henderson was lacking when it came to a question of close quarters, the two goals obtained by Hewitt being in a great measure due to weakness in this department. As was expected, the halves were unequal to the task in front of them, and in taking into consideration the play of the full backs, this fact should not be forgotten. Makepeace was equal to the best, placing well to his forwards, but being scarcely so effective in tackling. Clark was but moderate in the centre, and though Wolstenholme got through a tremendous amount of work, he found the opposition rather too strong for his capabilities after his illness. Forward, there was little that was worthy of comment displayed, the best work being accomplished before the interval, and could they have once got the ball past Doig, the forwards might have gone into the fray with more spirit. Their keenest efforts were baffled by the cleverness of Doig, and little wonder can be expressed that they fell to pieces in the second half. Taylor, as usual was always in the van, and he is just the sort of forward to face the quality of a defence like that possessed by the Wearsiders. He received no quarter and gave none, and did not come off second best, by any means. Bell did little, and Settle was far from happy in the centre, whilst Sheridan was overwhelmed by the heavy caliber of the defence.
Sunderland maintained their reputation for playing's sturdy vigorous game, and it will be no half hearted sort of attack that overcome their defence. Whilst they possess an artist like Doig in goal they will always require some beating, and the veteran appeared to have lost none of his vivacity and cleverness in dealing with close range shots. The full backs were seldom in difficulties, and there is no doubt they are a pair that requires a considerable amount of circumventing. They kicked surely and with power, and certainly utilise their weight to the fullest advantage. The half-backs were always on the ball, and Jackson was the pick of this line, in attending to their forwards they were most assiduous, and in this respect were greatly superior to the home trio. But what was of greater amount was the fact that they kept going the whole 90 minutes, and in the closing stages had matters all their own way. The forwards infused plenty of dash into their play, and their passing was at times nearly executed. Miller was a capable centre, and demonstrated to Clark a few tricks which the Everton player could cope with, whilst Hewitt and Hogg responded effectively whenever called upon. Sunderland were undoubtedly the superior side, and Everton were always fighting an up hill game, their forwards being able to make no impression on their opponents defence, whilst their rear division was kept hard at it by onslaughts of the vigorous Wearsiders.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 16 March 1903
Mr. JAS. TORRANS
Mr. Jas. Torrans is one of the oldest referees in Ireland, and has been taking an active interest in the game both as a referee and a player since 1887. He was born in Belfast in 1864, so that he has arrived at years of discretion, even for a referee. He blossomed out as a player with the famous Linfield, who for many years have upheld their position in Irish football. after a couple of seasons with the reserves he joined the first team in 1890. He has also acted as hon. secretary of the club, but in 1891 he gave up active football and became an official in the centre of the field. In his experience as such he has handled eight representative matches, League and Association, between England and Scotland, while he has acted similarly in the case of even Ireland v Scotland on three occasions. He had the melancholy distinction of acting at Glasgow when the terrible Ibrox disaster took place, and he will never forget his harrowing experience on that day. He officiated in the replayed game at Birmingham in May when the close season was extended for the first time on record in order that the relief fund might benefit.

GOOD VICTORY FOR SUNDERLAND.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 16 March 1903
Of the four teams which at present occupy the topmost positions in the League table Sunderland was the only one which was playing away from home on Saturday, and the match at Everton might therefore be considered to be the most import fixture of the day. It was one of the remaining half dozen away matches which the Wearsiders have yet to play, the place still to be visited by them being, Bolton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham (Forest), and West Bromwich. As none of these are likely to be tame games it will be seen that Sunderland will have to work hard to pick up away points. The remaining home matches are against Middlesbrough, Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke, and of these only the fixture with the Cutlers should present any difficulty, for it must be remembered that only one League team has taken a brace of points out of the Wearsiders at Roker Park this season, and that was on the first day of the season. On November 22 Sunderland lost at Sheffield to Wednesday, but in their succeeding twelve League games they had won eight and drawn four, thus taking 20 points out of a possible of 24! Their League record before Saturday read;- Played 24; won 12; lost 5; drawn 7; for 38; against 24, points 31. Everton figure among the moderates. Of their 26 games they had won eleven, and drawn four, making an average of a point per game. At home they had been beaten thrice, and away their losses numbered eight. A fortnight ago they received a visit from Bury, and trounced the “Shakers” by three goals to nil. In the Cup competition, however, the “Toffees” cut quite a respectable figure. In the first round they beat Portsmouth by 5 goals to nil, and in the succeeding stage Manchester United were their victims. In the third round they fell against Millwall, and the Londoners succeeded in scoring the only goal of the match, and thus gained the honour of entering the semi-finals, this being their second appearance in the penultimate round.
THE GAME
There were 6,000 spectators when Settle led his team on to the field. They were soon followed by Sunderland, looking very fit and able. Everton won the toss, and Miller kicked off for the visitors. The opening exchanges were in favour of Sunderland. In the first minute of the game Whitley had a handful to deal with from Miller. The visitors continued to flutter round the home goal, and Whitley again had to fist out, this time from Robinson. The pressure was relieved at last by Crelly, and Taylor speeding up the field, when he was successfully tackled by Jackson. A free kick fell to the visitors, and Watson placed nicely, with the result that some good work was seen from Hogg and Robinson; but another free kick for a slight infringement neutralised the advantage thus gained. Some pretty combination by the home forwards was the next feature, and when Settle swung nicely across to Bell, it looked as if something good would result; but the outside winger dallied too long with the ball, and nearly allowed Bell to take the ball from him. However, he recovered himself, and sent to Sheridan, who darted off, but full foul of McCombie. The visitors continued to have the better of the exchanges, and Whitley when seriously threatened, was easily able to fulfil the calls made upon him. Sunderland, however, were persistent, and Robinson, beating Clark, sent in a grounder, which Whitley was successful in warding off at the expense of a corner. The Sunderland forwards came away in dashing style, working and getting within range, Hogg centred, Miller sprinted in, but slipping, missed the mark by inches. Bridgett took up the running, and Hewitt caught the eye. He sent across to the left flank, but Robinson getting the worst of the race with Makepeace for possession the chance was lost. With beautiful precision the Sunderland front line came down again, and Whitley’s charge was for a little time imperilled, but Hewitt at last sent over the bar from a free kick, and thus enabled Everton to raise the stage/ the homesters next went down in grand style, and the crowd were on tender hooks of expectation when Sharp darted straight through with his tricky, dribbling runs. He got well down, and, when threatened Jackson, transferred to Taylor, who was dead in front of goal. The excitement was intense as Taylor worked the ball nicely to Bell, who put it in to Doig, that player saving in grand style. The Everton men now pressed with determined energy, Settle nearly scoring with a low, swift shot, Bell next distinguished himself by centring well, but Settle was just a little too late in getting up to it. Clark took a hot shot from long range which just dropped over the bar. For a time Everton had decidedly the best of the game, and although Sunderland got down twice in succession, they were sent back again. Robinson had a shot at the up end, which, with a little luck, might have found a billet. Play was going on at a fairly fast pace. Sunderland now pressed hard, and Hewitt should have got through, but his shot was erratic. Play was rough and vigorous and Robinson was injured in a collision and had to leave the field. Soon afterwards like fate befell Sharp, who also had to retire. Milelr missed an open goal from a corner from Hogg, and Everton, at the other end, forced the visitors to be content to act on the defensive for some few minutes. Sheridan gave the Sunderland custodian a handful, but a minute later Settle sent outside, and this raised the siege. The homesters were not playing with so much understanding as their opponents. Their movements, although dashing, were somewhat disconnected and ill-sustained. This was largely due to the constant worrying by the opposing halves. Sunderland pressed the home defence hard, and Whitley had to save several hot shots. Sunderland again came along, and this time with more method. A clever piece of short passing by the right wing enabled them to get close in, and Robinson troubled Whitley, who cleared none too soon. Everton broke away from the kick off, and, going down in a line Sheridan secured at short range, and nearly brought Doig to his knees with a fast low shot. The pressure, however, was not sustained, and Sunderland, who were playing with nice precision, came along in grand style.  Henderson stepped in, however, and robbed Hewitt and then put over to Sharp, but that gentleman was immediately relieved by Jackson, who turned the tables. Immediately on this the Sunderland forwards brought pressure to bear upon the Everton citadel. Several shots were essayed, but, although one or two were invariably close, none entered the net. Some give and take play in midfield followed, Milelr being conspicuous for a clever bit of individual work which was deservedly cheered. Clark fouled Miller close in, and a hard struggle ensued, but by good fortune the ball was worked clear before anything serious happened. Some quick exchanges led to the visiting forwards getting once more into their stride. Going with a swing, some pretty combination was fittingly concluded with a brilliant shot from the foot of Miller, and a no less brilliant save by Whitley, who stretched himself full length to clear his charge. Everton worked their way to the three-quarter line, only to see Sharp pulled up for offside. Then Sunderland got down, and a bully ensued in front of goal, and Milelr forced the ball into the net, scoring the first goal for Sunderland. Farquhar intercepted a pass from Sheridan and Bell, and put the ball out nicely to Hogg, who, when tackled swung it across to the left, where Hewitt put in a dashing run, beating Henderson. He centred well across, and Miller, dashing up, but on the finishing touch; but Whitley’s hood-winked him by running out and kicking clear in the nick of time. Everton then made a short visit to Sunderland quarters, McCombie, however, met them, and sent them about their business with a huge kick. Nothing daunted, they came again, and a shot from Settle gave the visitors’ custodian a hard nut to crack. Bridgett next forced Henderson to concede a corner, but although that player forced it nicely across, the Sunderland men could not get into the net. Half-time then arrived.
Half-time -Sunderland 1 goal, Everton Nil.
From the restart the homesters made a determined onslaught on the visitors citadel, but were beaten back to their own quarters by a ponderous kick by McCombie. Then Miller headed over, and the effort was well judged, for the ball shaved the post on the wrong side. The Sunderland front line got through the home quarters, and made a combined attack on Whitley, which looked as if it would result in a catastrophe for his charge. He saved twice in fine style, and Henderson pulled the ball out of the scrimmage and relieved the pressure just when matters looked very serious. Sharp got away with a dashing run which gained him the cheers of the crowd, and he finished by transferring with dexterity to Settle, who did his best to make use of his opportunity, but was beaten by McAllister. It was the turn of the visitors now to have a look in, and after Miller had shot wildly past, Hewitt, as the result of some good work on the left, closed in and shot Sunderland’s second goal. Hogg got away on his own account, but passed broadly to Hewitt, who was in an offside position. Still the visitors kept up the pressure, and Miller was making tacks for the Everton goal when he was fouled by one of the homesters. Everton now made a desperate assault on the Sunderland fortress, and Doig had a perfect crowd of shots to negotiate; but he proved equal to the occasion, and the attack was terminated by Sheridan shooting high over the bar. A corner to the Wearsiders resulted in another hot encounter close to the Everton goal, and though this came to nothing, Sunderland continued to play a winning game, and went all round their opponents. In the end Hewitt scored a third goal for his team, and brought his side out creditable winners. Final; Sunderland 3 goals, Everton Nil.

EVERTON v  SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 16 March 1903
At Goodison Park before 15,000 spectators. The game opened at a fast pace, Hewitt sending wide in the first minute. Sunderland attacked vigorously, but Everton eventually assumed the upper hand. Doig cleared grandly from Settle, after pressure. Miller scored for the Wearsiders. Everton made the pace warm after this, but both sides had now only ten men, Robinson and Sharp having retired. Near the interval the Sunderland goal was bombarded, but Doig performed excellently.
Half-time- Sunderland 1; Everton Nil.
Sunderland were at full strength in the second half, but Everton were without the services of Sharp, whose absence was severely felt. Sunderland had the best of the exchanges, and from centres by Hogg and Robinson, Hewitt added two goals to Sunderland’s score. Everton latterly adopted the one-back game without success. Result; Sunderland 3 Everton 0.

EVERTON v.  SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 16 March 1903
Played at Goodison Park. Teams;-
Everton.- Whitley, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Clarke and Makepeace, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Settle (Captain), Sheridan, and Bell, forwards.
Sunderland.- Doig, goal; McCombie and Watson, backs; Farquhar, McAllister and Jackson, half-backs; Hogg, Robinson, Miller, Hewitt, and Bridgett, forwards.

Everton had to face their formidable opponents with Booth and Abbott, who were playing in the English team against the Scotland League at Glasgow. As the half back line is the mainstay of Everton the absence of Booth and Abbott was a very serious drawback in the face of antagonists who have not suffered defeat since November last. Settle, who captained the home team, won the toss, and set the Wearsiders to face a strong wind. Miller set the ball in motion in presence of about 15,000 spectators, and the Sunderland men at once took up the attack, their wing going down with rare dash. The ball was passed to the centre, where Miller headed forward, and then Hewitt shot for goal, but was slightly wide in his aim. After another bout by the visitors’ right, the ball was crossed to Sharp, who made a dash down his wing, the result being a chance to Sheridan, who compelled Doig to use his hands. Everton pressed forward again, and after some close play Clark gave Doig a rear handful, but the Sunderland custodian came triumphantly through the ordeal. After this the visitors attacked on the right and left, Robinson nearly lowering the Everton colours. A few moments later the Sunderland right went down again and a corner was forced, which, although well placed by Bridgett, was hustled away from the Everton goalmouth. This was followed by another brief Sunderland attack, which was brushed away by Henderson. Twice again did Sunderland make their way towards Whitley, only to be repulsed by the alert defence. Passing by Sharp and Taylor ended in Bell obtaining possession, and racing down his wing, the Everton left winger gained a corner from McCombie, which was only cleared by Doig after a most exciting struggle in the goalmouth. Clarke gave the ball to Taylor, who made a long lob for goal, but missed. This he repeated a minute later, and following this the wind interfered with passing of both teams to such an extent as to make anything like accurate play next to impossible. However, just afterwards Settle thought he had a chance, and let fly at goal, but missed. The Everton quintet had made a lengthened but unprofitable stay in Sunderland territory, and both of the wings made several advantageous openings for Settle, but the little man had not the necessary dash, and preferred long pots at Doig, when the wind took the ball yards wide. Still, the Blues stuck to their work manfully, and the visitors’ defence was sorely tried. Here Robinson collided heavily with Clarke, and had to be carried off the field. Then Settle fastened on the leather with great determination and shot for all he was worth. Doig, however, just managed to cope with the shot, although at the expense of a corner. During a race between Sharp and Watson the Everton right winger appeared to strain his leg, and limped painfully from the enclosure. More passing between the visitors left wingers and centre led to disaster to Everton. Miller obtained possession, and although tackled, he just managed to send in a simple kind of shot, which Whitley played with both hands and then dropped it into the net. This bad mistake on the part of the Everton goalkeeper enabled the Wearsiders to score after just thirty-five minutes’ play. Soon after Clarke planted one in the goalmouth but Doig was all there, and in fact, his custodianship was of the highest order. Half-time Sunderland 1 goal, Everton nil.
When the teams reappeared, Sharp was still an absentee, but Robinson returned limping. Wolstenholme lost no time in having a pop at Doig, but it was not serious. Crelly stopped an incursion by Bridgett and Hewitt; but Sunderland came back on the other wing, and on the ball being crossed Wolstenholme checked after which Robinson tried to find Whitley with a wide shot. Neither side warmed up for some little time. Whitley took a goal kick, but Sheridan failed to keep possession. Sunderland were now pressing, but without very much method, and Wolstenholme and Makepeace looked after them so well that their advance was completely checked. Then the leather was shot over to Bell, who went after it somewhat leisurely, so that it went but before he reached it. The work by the Everton front was, of course, somewhat erratic, owing to Sharp’s absence. Hewitt afterwards scored two other gaols for Sunderland, the home team being quite outplayed.
Result; Sunderland 3 goals, Everton nil.

INTER-LEAGUE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 16 March 1903
SCOTLAND v.  ENGLAND
The commodious ground of the Glasgow Celtic Club, at Parkhead, was the scene of the annual encounter between the League representatives of Scotland and England. The day was a glorious one. Ten minutes before the start there would be fully 40,000 spectators present. No further change took place, and the teams turned out as advertised. England started, but McCartney and Walker took up the running, and play for a time settled within the English penalty line. Spencer brought relief, and Davis put in some fine work, but was unsupported. Smith and Walker again came away, but a flying rush on the part of the English forwards all but took effect, the ball travelling the whole length of the forward line, but Davis. When settling himself, was pulled up for offside. The game now was being contested on very fast lines. Abbott and Spikesley looked dangerous, but Gray seemed a stumbling block. Buick had a fine try at goal, btu Spencer saved at what looked like a good opening for Scotland. Again the Ross had a look in, but this time Davis, after some fine play on the part of Johnson, shot high over the bar. Even play followed Scotland gained two corners, but the forwards lacked dash. Raybould initiated a grand run, and passed to Spikesley, who missed an open goal. Play ranged from end to end, Scotland perhaps having most opportunities to score. Smith put across a grand shot, but the English goalkeeper was prepared. Spikesley made ground on the left, but Gray robbed him of the ball when well set. Raybould tried hard to break through the Scotch defence, but was pulled up for offside. More open play followed, but neither set of forwards seemed to shoot well, with the result that at half-time neither side had scored. On restarting England, with a slight favouring wind, made a breakaway. Raybould, in the centre, passed beautifully to Spikesley, but the left winger shot wide. Davies got away on the right, and centring well, Spikesley caught a pass, and beat Muir with a grand shot five minutes from the restart. Scotland showed more dash, but the English goalkeeper was in grand form. Hamilton just failed to get through for Scotland. Spencer fouled McCartney just on the line, but the English forwards broke away, Raybould just heading over. Immediately after the Liverpool man made no mistake, beating Muir for the second time close in. Booth shot well from midfield. Scotland at this time were being hard pressed. England was playing a superior game, and Spikesley plied Muir three times in succession. Capes passed well to Spikesley, who put past. Scotland got another corner, and Walker (Rangers) just headed over. Scotland tried hard to get a goal, Hamilton just missing a good pass from Smith.
Result; England 3 goals, Scotland nil. Teams;-
Scottish League.- Muir (Dundee), goal; Sharp (Dundee) and Gray (Hibernians), backs; Gibson (Glasgow Rangers), Buick (Heart of Midlothian), and Robertson (Glasgow Rangers), half-backs; McCartney (Hibernians), R. Walker (Heart of Midlothian), Hamilton (Glasgow Rangers), and A. Smith (Glasgow Rangers), forwards.
English League.- Baddley (Wolverhampton Wanderers), goal; Spencer (Aston Villa) and Crompton (Blackburn Rovers), backs; Johnson (Sheffield United), Booth (Everton), and Abbott (Everton), half-backs; Davis (Sheffield Wednesday), Humphreys (Notts County), Raybould (Liverpool), Capes (Stoke), and Spikesley (Sheffield Wednesday), forwards.
RESULTS OF PREVIOUS MATCHES
1892-Bolton. Drawn, neither side scoring
1893-Glasgow. England won by 4 to 3.
1894- Liverpool. Drawn 1 goal each.
1895-Glasgow. England won by 4 to 1.
1896- Liverpool. England won by 5 to 1.
1897- Glasgow. Scotland won by 3 to nil.
1898- Birmingham. Scotland won by 2 to 1
1899- Glasgow. England won by 4 to 1.
1900- Crystal Palace. Drawn 2 goals each
1901- Glasgow. Scotland won by 6 to 2.
1902- Newcastle. England won by 6 to 3.

Bowman goes to blackburn
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 18 March 1903
Bowman, centre forward of Everton, has been transferred to Blackburn Rovers. He is Forfar man. When employed as attendant at Murthly Asylum two three years ago, he assisted St Johnstone in a few matches. A Dundee deputation watched him play, but were of opinion that would want lot of polishing before he would fit for League team. He signed for East Stirlingshire. Everton, fancying him, gave the Bainsford club £50 for his transfer. He has done fairly well at Everton, and it is to be ho ped that will assist the Blackburn club to retain their position in the First Division of the League.

PADIHAM BEAT EVERTON RESERVE
Burnley Gazette - Wednesday 18 March 1903
A good gathering was attracted to the Padiham ground on Saturday, to witness the contest between Padiham and Everton Reserve. The competing combinations were as follows; Padiham; Tattersall, goal; Turner and Frost, backs; Robson, Wilkie, and Boardwell, half-backs; Lamb, Richards, Hargreaves, Leeling and Dewhurst, forwards. Everton Reserve; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clayton, Russell, and Rankin, half-backs; Boardman, Brearley, Dixon, and McEwan, forwards. Mr. Stott of Rawstenstall, was the referee.

PAIDHAM BEAT EVERTON RESERVES
Burnley Gazette - Wednesday 18 March 1903
A good gathering was attracted to the Padiham ground on Saturday, to witnessed the contest between Padiham and Everton Reserves. The competing combinations were as follows;-
Padiham; Tattersall, goal; Turner and Frost, backs; Robson, Wilkie and Boardwell, half-backs; Lamb, Richards, Hargreaves, Leeming, and Dewhurst, forwards.
Everton Reserve; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Wildman, backs; Clayton, Russell, Rankin, half-backs; Boardman, Brearley, Dixon, and McEwan, forwards. Mr. Stott, of Rawtenstall, was the referee.
Everton were favoured with the spin of the coin, but the opening scenes were enacted in midfield. Padiham were the first on the aggressive but Wildman relieved. The home vanguard made a determined onslaught, and Leeming headed to Dewhurst, who sent the ball into the net, but the goal was not allowed through off-side play. The Padiham attack put in some hard work, but exhibited no signs of weakening; Dewhurst struck the upright, and from the rebound the home forwards, who crowded round the posts, put in some good shots, but Kitchen executed some fine saves. A brief respite was allowed, owing to an injury to Hargreaves, and on the restart the Everton forwards showed some pretty combination. Tattersall having to fist out. Boardwell was afterwards at fault. He missed the ball, and a splendid opening was afforded Rankin, but he lost the chance with erratic shooting. Hard lines were again experienced by Padiham as Lamb struck the upright, and Wilkie grazed the crossbar. The visitors left wing was conspicuous with a dribble and Tattersall conceded a corner. Nothing tangible accrued, as Tattersall in goal was a tower of strength and was always to be relied upon. A nice, concentrated movement resulted in Leeming sprinting along the field, and Hargreaves made a fitting finish by despatching the ball into the net. At half time, Padiham had a lead of one goal. The game had not been re-started many minutes before incursions were again being made into the Everton territory. Balmer tripped Hargreaves when the latter player was getting dangerous, and for the infringement of the rules Padiham were awarded a penalty. Dewhurst was entrusted with the ball, which he piloted between the posts. Flushed with victory, Padiham infused considerably more vigour into their play and as may be imagined, the visitors had a warm time of it. Robson eluded several of his opponents and transferred to Hargreaves, who recorded the third goal. The game now assumed rather a rough turn, and tackling was very keen. Thurner was badly fouled, and one of the Everton forwards had to seek the solitude of the dressing room. The final score was; Padiham, three goals; Everton Reserves nil.

SUNDERLAND VICTORIOUS
Football Chat and Athletic World-Wednesday, March 18 1903
By Merseyman.
Sunderland were fortune in catching Everton weakly represented at Goodison, the Toffies being short of Balmer, Booth, and Abbott amongst others. The Wearsiders lacked only Gemmell. It was a hard struggle for sixty minutes. During the first half Everton brought the more pressure to bear, yet were a goal in arrears at the interval. For this Sunderland had Doig chiefly to thank, the veteran saving in sensational fashion from Settle in particular. Their goal was scored by the other veteran, Miller, in smart style. The fight had been so fierce that several men on either side were badly knocked about. Robinson (Gemmell’s substitute) was twice carried off, and Sharp retired hurt before the interval, and did not again return. In the second stage Sunderland’s physical advantage helped them to completely outwear the home team’s ten men, and Hewitt added two further goals.
SUNDERLAND CREEPING UP
This victory makes Sunderland red-hot favourites for another League championship. They don’t play brilliant football, but there is wonderful solidity in their defence, and the bustling strong tactics in attack and good finishing powers pull them through finely. Sunderland have not lost one of their last thirteen League matches, nine of which have been won, and their goal register reads 22 for and 4 against-brilliant figures, indeed. At Everton, Doig was their finest exponent. Watson and McAllister also shone in defence, whilst forward Hogg, Miller, and Hewitt were the greatest factors for good. Whitley, in the home goal, was only moderate, but Crelly was the best back on the field, fairly revelling in his work. Sharp’s injury completely upset an attack in which Settle and Bell did best, Sheridan being too light for a back of McCombie’s physique. Everton last week transferred Bowman to Blackburn Rovers for £220, yet badly want a class centre themselves.

ENGLISH CUP TIE AT GOODISON=PARK.
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 20 March 1903
Unusual interest is being taken in the English Cup semi-final tie at Goodison-Park tomorrow between Aston Villa-and Bury. With the nimble sixpence retained as the price of admission to the popular side of the ground there is sure to be a large crowd, especially as numerous excursion trains are being run from the Midlands and from Lancashire towns. All the arrangements, for which Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton secretary, has been mainly responsible, have been satisfactorily completed, and the only thing wanted to ensure the success of the interesting occasion is a fine day. The kick-off has been fixed for 3 30.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 21 March 1903
Everton v. Stoke.
League match, at Stoke; Lime-street Station 12.45. Kick-off 3.30.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Makepeace, Settle, and Bell, forwards.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 21 1903
 CLEAN SHEET AT HALF-TIME
The Everton team journey to Stoke this morning in order to fulfil their return League engagement with the Potters. With the Cup tie attraction in Liverpool, the players are on this occasion permitted to travel without the supervision of a single director. Stoke was reached in good time, and here it was found that the populace had something more than football to think about, Lord Methuen, who had come down to open a new drill shedat Hanley, claiming the spectators first attention. Consequently, although the afternoon was beautifully fine, there was only a meagre attendance at the Victoria Grounds when the teams turned out. As will be seen, the Everton eleven was rather of an experimental charcater, but it was hoped that the men would render a good account of themselves. Stoke put their best available team on the field, the players lining up in the following order.-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Makepeace, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Stoke.- Wilkes, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Ashworth, and Bradley, half-backs; Whitehouse, Higginson, Holford, Capes and Harris, forwards.
Referee, Campbell of Blackburn. Booth won the toss, and Stoke started against a fairly strong breeze. After the opening exchanges Bell and Settle made off, but Burgess administered a check. The Everton left go the leather again, and running in he had a nice opening when he shot ridiculously wide of the mark. From the goal kick the Everton right ran down, but Rankin lost possession, and the next important movement was a break away by Harris and Capes, who forced Henderson to kick out of touch. From the throw-in the Stoke forwards made desperate efforts to score, but Booth came to the rescue of the backs and cleared with a fine effort. The home right wing, however, immediately returned to the attack and Holford getting possession seemed certain of scoring when Wolstenholme nipped in cleverly and saved the situation. The pressure of the Stoke forwards was eventually relieved by Abbott and the visitors tried to get away on the left, but all to no purpose an exceedingly clever bit of work on the part of Higginson putting the home eleven once more on the aggressive. The centre forward passed out to Whitehouse, and the latter had a splendid opportunity, when he shot over the bar. The visitors took up the attack on the right but without success, Burgess running across and clearing his lines very cleverly. This led to another assault on the Everton goal, a fine run down on the left, terminating in Harris shooting over the bar. At length the visitors got away in good earnest, bell and Settle racing along and beating all opposition, but the inside man’s final shot was brilliantly saved by Wilkes. The next movement was in favour of the home team. The three onside forwards working together in nice combination; and Holford looked extremely dangerous when Booth cleared his lines with a wonderful bit of headwork. So far the home team had considerably the best of the argument. Everton’s incursions into Stoke territory being spasmodic and ineffective; but now they began to show much better combination, and it was only the sterling play of the half backs that kept them out on three successive occasions. The siege was finally raised by Ashworth and the homesters moved down in good order; but Whitehouse, when close in, shot right across the goalmouth in stead of into the net. The next item of interest was a breakaway by Rankin and Taylor, which resulted in a corner being forced; but Rankin put the leather behind. Still the visitors kept up the pressure and a fine centre by Rankin was spoiled through Settle infringing the rules. From the free kick Holford got possession, and, racing away at top speed, he passed both Crelly and Henderson, and sent in a shot which brought Kitchen to his knees. The latter threw clear, but Whitehouse met the return and shot in again, the Everton custodian saving this time at the expense of a fruitless corner. The game was now being contested at a much faster pace, and the ball travelled from end to end in rapid succession, but without either side finding the net. A free kick in favour of Everton enabled Wolstenholme to place the ball in the goalmouth, but Burgess headed clear in clever fashion. The visitors however, returned to the attack on the right, and a corner was forced.
Half-time Everton nil, Stoke nil.
On crossing over, the Stoke forwards had the wind in their favour, and they at once took the fullest advantage of this, Ashworth from long range, sending in a beautiful shot, which Kitchen only just cleared. Coming down again in nice, combined order. Crelly was forced to grant a corner, and this, fortunately for Everton was safely disposed of. Clever work on the part of Whitehouse ended in his sending the ball hight over the bar. Everton tried to get away on the left, but Burgess ruled Bell over and the Stoke forwards once more took up the attack. Shots were sent in from both wings and it was only Kitchen’s agility that averted disaster. The Everton men at this time seemed to be completely demoralised, and they did not get beyond the halfway line for a considerable period. The Stoke forwards on the other hand, displayed any amount of determination and dash. Capes on one occasion sent the ball just outside the upright. Stoke continued to monopolise the whole of the play and scored a couple of goals in quick succession this gaining a well-earned victory of 2 goals to nil.
Final Result; Stoke 2 goals, Everton Nil.

SCOTLAND v.  IRELAND
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday March 21 1903
ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL AT GLASGOW
The annual fixture between these countries which this year fell for decision in the land of cakes was decided this afternoon on the ground of the Celtic F.C. at Parkhead, Glasgow. Like Wales, Ireland had still to secure their first victory over the Scots, and only one match of the nineteen played had ended in a draw, viz, at Belfast in 1895-6. Though they relied for this encounter entirely upon home talent, the Scottish F.A., who were particularly anxious to win all three games, secured a powerful side. At the same time, the fact that they delayed their choice till after the international League match at the same enclosure on Saturday last points to the S.F.A selectors being somewhat anxious after the moderate display and lucky win over Wales at Cardiff on 9th inst. The Irishmen were minus the services of their captain, Archie Goodall, who played for Derby County in the F.A Cup semi-final, but had the assistance of several of the Anglo-Hibernians. The following were team selected;-
Scotland.- Rennie (Hibernians), goal; Gray (Hibernians), and Drummond (Glasgow Rangers), backs; Cross (3rd Lanark), Robertson (Dundee), and Orr (Celtic), half-backs; Lindsay (St Mirren), R. Walker (Heart of Midlothian), Porteous (Heart of Midlothian), Speedle (Glasgow Rangers), and Alec Smith (Glasgow Rangers), forwards.
Ireland;- Scott (Linfield), goal; McCartney (Ulster Irish), and Boyle (Sheffield United), backs; Darling (Linfield), Milne (Linfield), and Maginnis (Linfield), half-backs; Mercer (Distillery), Sheridan (Everton), Connor (Brentford), Shanks (Woolwich Arsenal), and Kirwan (Tottenham Hotspur), forwards.
RESULT OF PAST MATCHES
1884-Belfast. Scotland won by 5 goals to nil
1885-Glasgow. Scotland won by 8 goals to 2
1886-Belfast. Scotland won by 7 goals to 2
1887-Glasgow. Scotland won by 4 goals to 1
1888-Belfast. Scotland won by 10 goals to 2
1889- Glasgow. Scotland won by 7 goals to nil.
1890-Belfast. Scotland won by 4 goals to 1
1891-Glasgow. Scotland won by 2 goals to 1
1892-Belfast. Scotland won by 3 goals to 2
1893-Glasgow. Scotland won by 6 goals to 1
1894-Belfast. Scotland won by 2 goals to 1
1895-Glasgow. Scotland won by 3 goals to 1
1896-Belfast. A draw -3 goals each
1897-Glasgow. Scotland won by 5 goals to 1
1898- Belfast. Scotland won by 3 goals to nil
1899-Glasgow-Scotland won by 9 goals to 1
1900-Belfast. Scotland won by 3 goals to nil.
1901-Glasgow. Scotland won by 11 goals to nil
1902.- Belfast. Scotland won by 5 goals to 1.

BURY v  ASTON VILLA
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 21 1903
F.A.CUP SEMI-FINAL AT GOODISON PARK
Local footballers have not been favoured by the elements on Saturday for some weeks past, but at noon today it seemed as if the weather would hold up and allow the great game at Goodison park to be played under favourable and comfortable conditions. Liverpudlians were quite determined to show their appreciation of the privilege of having such an important encounter decided in their midst. The last occasion was in 1894, when the final tie between Notts County and Bolton wanderers was decided at Goodison Park.
Half an hour before starting time the scene outside the ground was one of great animation as cabs rolled up to the ground in hundreds. Inside the sixpenny section there was an enormous crowd, who broke down the barricade, shutting off the north goal stand, where 1s extra was charged for admission. In a couple of minutes the stand was filled by the intruders. Thereremaining portion of the crowd then attacked the barricades at the park gate end, and very soon that stand was overwhelmed by a crowd of non-paying enthusiasts, who were determined to be comfortable at all cost and no cost at all. The unanimous and hearty cheering which greeted the performance showed the way of sympathies of the crowd lay. At 3.15 Old Sol was smiling joyously, and the vast crowd of 45,000 were in rare good humour.

EVERTON WELL BEATEN.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 23 March 1903
The beating which Stoke gave Everton on Saturday was a sound one, and the points were well deserved. On the Everton side Kitchen made many smart saves, but rather misjudged the header with which Holford scored the first goal. Henderson showed himself a poerful and resourceful defender, but the brunt of the work was borne by the half-backs, amongst whom Booth stood out as a tower of strength. The forwards were disappointing, and it was not until the closing stages of the game that they showed a welcome improvement in form, and both backs played well. The half-back play was very sound, and Ashworth, in Holland's place, was distinctly serviceable. The "Little man," of the Stoke team was quite a success in the centre forward role, and was the initiator of many dangerous atatcks. All the other attackers were useful, but Capes has played much better.

STOKE SHOW IMPROVED FORM.
Athletic News - Monday 23 March 1903
By  Onward  
The afternoon of Saturday was about the only one on which fine weather favoured the “Potteries” but all the same Stoke played against Everton to a beggarly array of empty benches. The enclosures were very sparsely lined, and with a crowd only 5,000 strong the gate receipts realised but £118, absolutely the worst League gate at Stoke this season. Of course, the visit of Lord Methuen open the new Drill Hall at Hanley, attended by an imposing Volunteer demonstration, adversely affected the gate, many thousands lining the route taken by the procession; but the two defeats at Derby in Cup-tie and League games on successive Saturdays had probably more do with the absence of a notoriously fickle local crowd than anything else. Watkins, who is still under suspension, was again an absentee from the Stoke side, and Holford operated at centre-forward, his place in the half-back line being taken by S. B. Ashworth. Lockett and Clark were again left out, and further trials were given to Harris and Benson. Everton were rather weakly represented in the forward line, for Sharp was unable to play owing to a strained leg, and Rankin took his place, whilst Makepeace, of the reserves, was tried at centre-forward. STOKE FIGHT WELL
With a stiff wind in their faces Stoke made a most stubborn fight in the first half. Everton in the opening quarter of an hour kept the ball well in Stoke territory, mainly owing to the strong forcing tactics of their half-backs, and only the coolness of the Stoke defenders prevented their goal from downfall on several occasions. Wilkes, who showed a huge improvement on his Derby form, made two particularly fine saves, and both Burgess and Benson were responsible for some grand clearances. The Stoke forwards were not by any means idle, and gave, Kitchen some anxious moments, but there was as a rule, an absentee of sting in the finishing efforts. Still, the Everton keeper was very fortunate in twice saving whilst on the ground from Capes and Whitehouse. There was a clean sheet at half-time, and against so strong a wind Stoke undoubtedly done well to keep their opponents out. The lion’s share the pressure had gone to Everton, but the Stoke defence had been resolute and sound. In the second *'45" there was no mistaking the fact that the home team were superior. Time after time the Stoke forwards had the Everton defenders in difficulties, but it was not until twenty minutes had been played that they broke down the stout opposition presented by the Everton defenders, amongst when Booth and Henderson were ever prominent for sterling work.  Holford was the executant with a neat header, and ten minutes later Higginson, after determined pressure, splendidly converted a centre from Capes, and placed Stoke two ahead.  It was after this second reverse that the Everton forwards showed their best form of the game, and Bell was only a few inches wide with a shot which had quite beaten Wilkes.  Settle and Taylor both made clever attempts to get through, but the Stoke defence remained unpierced, and the home team scored a clever victory by two goals to none.
CANDID CRITCISM
Stoke well deserved their success, for they defended against the wind much better than Everton and when in turn they had the wind at their backs they were almost continually dangerous.  Wilkes showed a welcome improvement in form and as I have indicated both backs played well.  Benson is certainly worth a further trial.  The half-backs play was very sound, and Ashworth, in back play was very sound, and Ashworth in Holford’s place was distinctly serviceable.  The “little man,” of the Stoke team was quite a success in the centre forward role, and was the initiator of many dangerous attacks.  All the other attackers were useful, but capes has played much better.  On the Everton side, Kitchen made many smart saves, but I thought he rather misjudged the header with which Holford scored the first goal.  Henderson showed himself a powerful and resourceful defender but the brunt of the work was borne by the half-backs, amongst whom Booth stood out as a tower of strength.  The forwards were disappointing and it was not until the closing stages of the game that they showed any attempt at cohesion.  Stoke; Wilkes; Burgess, and Benson; Baddeley, S.B. Ashworth, and Bradley; Whitehouse, Higginson, Holford, Capes, and Harris.  Everton; Kitchen; Henderson, and Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott; Rankin, Taylor, Makepeace, Settle, and Bell. Referee; T.P. Campbell, Blackburn.

STOKE v. EVERTON.
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Monday 23 March 1903
Played at Stoke, before 4,000 spectators. With a strong wind behind them Everton had the best of the opening play. Stoke afterwards atatcked hotly, but missed many chances. At the interval nothing had been scored. With the assitance of a strong wind Stoke at once exerted severe pressure, and the Everton defence was sorely tried. Kitchen made several grand clearances, particularly from Capes, but he was beaten by Holford after twenty-five minutes' play. Five minutes later Higginson scored again for Stoke, who did all the atatcking until the end. Result-Stoke 2 goals, Everton none.

IRISH ASSOCIATION SATISFIED.
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Monday 23 March 1903
Team Against Wales.
The Selecting Committee of the I.F.A. on arrival the Ardrossan steamer at Belfast yesterday morning chose the following eleven represent Ireland against Wales at Belfast, 28th March: Goal, Scott (Linnfield); backs, (Ulster) and Boyle (Sheffield United), Captain; half-backs. Darling (Linnfield), Goodal (Derby County), and Milne (LinnEeld); forwards, Mercer (Distillery), Sheridan (Everton), Shanks (Woolwich), Connor (Brentford), and Kirwan (Tottenham HotspurL Referee. Mr Kirkham. Preston. Irish Linesman- Mr J. K. Patrick, I.F.A. This shows one change from the team which beat Scotland. Goodall taking Milne's place a.t centre. Milne taking Magannis's place at left half.

STOKE CITY 2 EVERTON 0
March 23, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton team traveeled to Stoke on Saturday to fulfil the return fixture with the Potters. The team was by means at full strength in the absence of Balmer, Sharp, and Sheridan while Stoke were minus L.R.Roose and Watkins. The teams were: - Stoke: - Wilkes goal, Burgess, and Benson backs, Baddeley, Ashworthy, and Bradley, half-backs, Whitehouse, Higginson, Holford, Capes, and Harris, forwards. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Henderson, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin Taylor, Makepeace Settle, and Bell, forwards. Referee Fred Kirkham. Everton had the wind in the first half, and pressed at starting without result. The home centre Holford kept his wings well employed with the result that the visiting defenders were kept fully extended. Eventually Settle and Bell made off, and an opening was made for Taylor, who, however, shot loftily over the bar. Play was quickly at the other end, where Harris shot over, and immediately, afterwards Settle put in a brilliant shot, which Wilkes managed to fist away. This was followed by a severe attack on the Everton goal, and there seemed a likelihood of it being captured. Booth came through with a clever header, and once again play settled down in the home left. A tremendous efforts was now put forward by the Stoke forwards, and but for the alertness of the Everton defence they must have accomplished their object. The excellent work of the Everton. half backs was now more pronounced, as the trio to a man were ever ready in their attentions to their forwards, who were however, somewhat remiss in finishing efforts. A corner kick was eventually forced off Benson, but it was badly placed by Rankin, and from the goal kick the home players were enabled to get well down. Whitehouse had an opening, but shot indifferently, and when going strongly Taylor was adjudged off side. Some fine converted movements by the whole of the Everton forwards immediately followed. Wilkes saved from Taylor at the expense of a corner, which looked like bringing a tangible point, when Holford got away, and after parting to Whitehouse the centre forward brought Kitchen to his knees with a ground ball which was luckily got away. At length matters favoured the visitors, and a free kick placed by Wolstenholme looked like bringing about a tangible point, when Settle was found wanting. A corner kick succeeded this but again with no result, and play was quickly at the other end, where Henderson was conspicuous in his attentions to the left wing pair, who were now most aggressive. Another strong raid was levelled from the Stoke right, and Capes put in a shot, which required Kitchen best efforts to keep out. The custodian made no mistake and following his clearance the game took a faster turn, and was on the whole more interesting. The attack, however, on both sides was distinctly weak, and the issues were directed to a fine display by the defensive branches, which as a rule had little difficulty in overcoming the attack. As the interval approached, however, the Stoke forwards roused themselves, and put on persistent pressure, Capes, Holford and Whitehouse each plying Kitchen with shots that might easily have found a billet. The custodian brought off a couple of magnificent saves under high pressure. Half-time Stoke nil, Everton nil.
When play was resumed Stoke, with the wind behind them, at once attacked hotly and Burgess got in two long shots, Kitchen saving the first, and the other being headed away by Henderson. It was a game for pop shooting, and one from Capes almost took effect, while Higginson shot narrowly wide. Everton rarely got away. For a time Everton roused themselves, and the Stoke defenders were caused anxiety by two corners. When 23 minutes had gone however, Kitchen saved grandly from Capes. He misjudged a header from Holford, and the ball passed under his arm, and into the net. Harris whizzled the ball over the bar soon afterwards, and then Higginson scored again. Result Stoke 2, Everton nil.

INTERNATION CAP FOR SHERIDAN
March 23, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury.
Scotland played Ireland at Celtic park, Glasgow, before 7,000 spectators, and Ireland winning by 2 goals to nil.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 23, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Everton were again beaten in a League match on Saturday, and it cannot be said that the result was at all surprising. Of late there have been so many drastic changes introduced that one can hardly expect the team to win matches either at home or away. For Saturday's game at Stoke another revised eleven was sent to do duty, and failed to improve upon the recent performance which have tended to keep Everton in a lowly position in the League table. With all the resources at their command it is somewhat astonishing that there should be such frequent occasions for chopping and changing. A rather notable instance in this direction is that of Makepeace. Originally he was brought into the team as a half-back, then he was transferred to inside forward and the latest transposition was that he was called upon to act as the pivot of the Everton attack. Makepeace undoubtedly possesses real ability as a football player, but it is difficult to understand how he can display his form when week by week his position n the field of play is altered for, it must be asserted, not very obvious reasons. In failing to repeat their victory of last season, the Evertonians got no more than they deserved. In fact so ragged was their exhibition that it was lucky for then they escaped even more pronounced defeat. At the outset of the game the conditions were altogether favourable to be Goodison-road contingent for a stiffest end to end breeze assisted them, but they failed to derive any material advantage from this important factor. Forward play was feeble in the extreme. There was little combined action shown, individual effort was not at any period prominent and the Stoke custodian was never at all seriously troubled. True play was mainly confined to the Stoke half of the field, but not at any period did the Everton attacking forces show any sign of abtaining a tangible point. Certainly they had opposed to them a sturdy set of defenders, but still it was not too much for one to expect that the Everton forwards would at least have put forth some of those efforts of which they are undoubtedly capable. When the sides changed ends, it was quite apparent that the Stoke forwards meant to utilise the advantage given them by the wind, and they at once put on severe pressure. In fact they levelled a persistent attack on the Everton citadel for fully 20 minutes, and more rewarded by a goal which however, to have presented any great difficulty to the custodian. Shortly after their initial success a second point came, and this practically sealed Everton's fate. Occasionally by a great effort the visitors got well down, and put in shots, put as a rule the Stoke backs gave then very little quarter. None of the quintet did themselves justice. The half-backs worked splendidly considering the tremendous amount of work that developed upon them, and Crelly and Henderson were a capable pair of defenders, while Kitchen despite the fact of being twice defeated, got through a heavy afternoon's work very creditably. The Stoke backs played a grand game, and the artistic touches of Bradley at half-back was greatly admired, while the forwards were a well-balanced line. Although there can be little doubt that Everton's position in the First League is secured for next season, an effort ought surely to be made to place the club which possesses, so many noted players, in a much more satisfactory position in the table.

BURY v  ASTON VILLA
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 23 March 1903
ASSOCIATION CUP SEMI-FINALS -Goodison park
Played at Goodison Park about 50,000 persons present, the gate receipts being £1,824.
Bury won 3-0.
RUSH AND SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT THE TURNSTILES
In prospect of the match at Goodison Park, on Saturday afternoon, the sixpenny enclosure became so crowded that a stampede took place, apparently with the object of paying the extra sixpence justifying admission to the shilling area, which was in a much less congested state. The rush at the turnstiles became so great that the barriers were forced to the ground and several in the crowd were precipitated along with them. A young fellow named Lower said to belong to Fox-street, was so severely injured in the region of the groin that he was conveyed to the Stanley Hospital, where surgical aid had to be rendered in stitching up the wound. He was retained as an in-patient, and it may be some little time before he can be expected to have thoroughly recovered. Rumours have since been rife as to several spectators having been seriously injured, but this seems to be the only case worth mentioning.

EVERTON v  STOKE
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 23 March 1903
At Stoke before 4000 spectators. Stoke had several men short, including Roose, Watkins, and Lockett. With a strong wind behind them, Everton had the best of the opening play, but played poorly together. A fine shot from Settle almost scored for Everton, and Kitchen brought off a clever save from Holford. Stoke attacked hotly, but missed many chances. Half-time- Stoke nil; Everton nil.
With the assistance of a strong wind, Stoke at once exerted severe pressure, and the Everton defence was sorely tried. Kitchen made several grand clearances, particularly from Capes, but he was beaten by Holford after 25 minutes’ play. Five minutes later Higginson scored again for Stoke, who did all the attacking until the end. Result; Stoke 2 Everton 0.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Makepeace, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Stoke.- Wilkes, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Ashworth, and Bradley, half-backs; Whitehouse, Higginson, Holford, Capes and Harris, forwards.

EVERTON v.  STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 23 March 1903
Played at Stoke. The following were the teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Henderson and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain) and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, Taylor, Makepeace, Settle, and Bell, forwards.
Stoke.- Wilkes, goal; Burgess and Benson, backs; Baddeley, Ashworth, and Bradley, half-backs; Whitehouse, Higginson, Holford, Capes and Harris, forwards.

Booth won the toss, and Stoke started against a fairly strong breeze. After the opening exchanges Bell and Settle made off, but Burgess administered a check. The Everton left got the leather and again, and running in he had a nice opening when he shot ridiculously wide of the mark. From the goal kick the Everton right ran down, Rankin lost possession, and the next important was a break away by Harris and Capes, who forced Henderson to kick out of touch. From the throw-in the Stoke forwards made desperate efforts to score, but Booth came to the rescue of the backs and cleared with a fine effort. The home right wing, however, immediately returned to the attack, and Holford, getting possession, seemed certain of scoring when Wolstenholme nipped in cleverly and saved the situation. The next movement was in favour of the home team. The forwards worked together in nice combination; and Holford looked extremely dangerous when Booth cleared his lines with a wonderful bit of headwork. So far the home team had considerably the best of the argument, Everton incursions into Stoke territory being spasmodic and ineffective; but now they began to show much better combination, and it was only the sterling play of the half backs that kept them on three successive occasions. The game was now being contested at a much faster pace, and the ball travelled from end to end in rapid succession, but without either side finding the net. A free kick in favour of Everton enabled Wolstenholme to place the ball in the goalmouth, but Burgess headed clear in clever fashion. The visitors, however, returned to the attack on the right, and a corner was forced. Half-time Everton nil, Stoke nil.
On crossing over Stoke forwards had the wind in their favour, and they at once took the fullest advantage of this, Ashworth, from long range, sending in a beautiful shot, which Kitchen only just cleared. Everton tried to get away on the left, but Burgess bowled Bell over, and the Stoke forwards once more took up the attack. Shot were sent in from both wings, and it was only Kitchen’s agility that averted disaster. The Everton men at this time seemed to be completely demoralised, and they did not get beyond the halfway line for a considerable period. The Stoke forwards, on the other hand, displayed any amount of determination and dash. Capes on one occasion sent the ball just outside the upright. Stoke continued to monopolise the whole of the play and scored a couple of goals in quick succession through Holford and Higginson, thus gaining a well-earned victory of 2 goals to nil.

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Athletic News- Monday, March 23, 1903
SCOTLAND v  IRELAND
IRELAND’S INITIAL VICTORY
By Jonathan Oldbuck
These are stirring times in a football sense. One period of blazing excitement succeeds another, and those who are not gifted with iron nerves are not to be envied. I have been suffering from international fever, more or less, since he beginning of January, and it will be a few weeks yet before I am “out of danger.” If the Rugby environment on great occasions is more decorous than the Association the latter, because of its “abandon,” so to speak, is perhaps the more enjoyable. For in these days of high tension one likes to see, though it may be that he does not actually participate in the pleasurable sensation himself, a crowd giving itself up unreservedly to boundness excitement. It was so on Saturday when the representatives of Scotland and Ireland were engaged in their annual contest for glory; and though the result was unexpected that in no way put a restraint on the feelings of the crowd. Parkhead is closely identified with everything Irish and of the 15,000 present there must have been a considerable proportion in sympathy with the inspirations of the visiting team. The weather was not very inviting, otherwise there would have been a much larger crowd. The following are the names of those who took part in the game.
Ireland.- Scott (Linfield); McCartney (Ulster), Boyle (Sheffield United); Darling (Linfield), Milne (Linfield), McGuinnis (Lindfield); Mercer (Distillery), Sheridan (Everton), Kirwan (Tottenham Hotspur), Shanks (Woolwich Arsenal), and Connor (Brentford).
Scotland-.- Rennie (Hibernian); Gray (Hibernian), Drummond (Rangers); Cross (3rd Lanark), Robertson (Dundee), Orr (Celtic); Lindsay (St. Mirren), Walker (Heart of Midlothian), Porteous (Heart of Midlothian), Speedie (Rangers), and Smith (Rangers). Referee- Mr. F. Kirkham, Preston.
CHIVALROUS TO THEIR CONQUERORS
Very early in the game Scotland, playing against the wind, had a fine opening, of which Speedie failed to make use. Then Smith shortly after seemed to have the Irish goal at his mercy, but he, too threw away an excellent chance. It was difficult to negotiate the ball, and, besides, the players thus early had not had time to settle down into methodical and disciplined action. Mercer was prominent on the right wing with a fine sprint, and a long shot of his was headed through by Connor after nine minutes’ play. The whole thing was cleverly done, and even Rennie was taken unawares. As may be supposed this made play pretty lively, and it was seen that the Scots did not relish being a goal to the bad. Porteous in particular was too eager, with his result that in quick succession he was twice pulled up for being offside, and each time when his side were putting in some smart aggressive work which but for his precipitancy might have been crowned with something tangible. Speedie had a warm shot which Scott saved in the coolest fashion possible. Quick as lightning Mercer got down to the other end, and Rennie was presented with a nasty shot which he did well to save. Play was very fast at this stage, as indeed it was all through. There was more combination on the part of the Irish forwards, and as a consequence the Scotch bad to defend. The home halves were not a very gay lot, and at times the Irish forwards did pretty much as they liked, and but for Gray and Drummond, particularly the former, the Scotsmen would have been more than one goal to the bad at half-time. With the wind in their favour it was thought the Scots would soon wipe out the point. They were clearly bent on doing so, for the forwards went away in great style, Speedie consummating a pretty combined effort with a shot which all but took effect. Then Kirwan was seen at his best in some subtle dodging, in which he led Gray and others a pretty dance, and Connor got the ball and put in beyond Rennie’s reach, but was ruled offside. Walker made a praiseworthy effort to score, but the ball went wide. The Scots were having “hard lines” at this stage of the game. Lindsay with a great shot hit the post on one occasion, while Speedie was equally unfortunate with a well-judged stroke. Loose play let the Irishmen away. Kirwan again being conspicuous, and not to be denied the ball was put through the Scotch goal a second time amid hearty applause. Some wild play was now witnessed by the Scots, but all to no purpose. The Irishmen, with a substantial lead, now played with all the confidence and assurance of winners, and more than once looked like adding to their score. Despairing efforts were made by Speedie, Walker and Smith, but without success. The Scots for the first time in the history of the game were on the losing side, while Ireland, to the delight of her friends was wreathed with the garlands of victory, and the interesting situation seemed to appeal with sympathetic force to the onlookers, as at the end of the game the winners met with a moss cordial reception, not only from their own officials, but from the leaders of Scottish football.
FREE CRITICISM
It will be seen from the foregoing that there was no lack of exciting work. Considering the drawbacks that had to be faced in the shape of slimy ground and a ticklish hurricane play was garnished with all that keeps an impartial crowd in excellent humour, and the crowd certainly comes under this designation. Quick inter-changes between the opposing forwards was perhaps the most conspicuous feature of the contest. Combination was rendered well nigh impossible, but for all that both sides managed to work together with astonishing accuracy. Apart from goal taking, which, of course, is the main factor in every game, the Irish played, if anything, the better game, as all events their methods were better suited to the conditions, and I should say their victory was due largely, if not altogether to the manner in which they adapted themselves to these conditions. With the wind along them, the forwards went in for long range shooting and if only one goal was scored in the first half it was mainly through Rennie’s sound play that the score was not larger. In the first half Mercer was conspicuous in good shooting and again and again Drummond was completely baffled. But the hero of the Irish forwards was Kirwan, of Tottenham Hotspur. He was full of life, and his play all round was first-class. Gray got very little time to mediate  and the resource which Kirwan displayed was the means of pulling out the Hibernians back. Perhaps Milne was the least successful of the three-halves. In the open he is all right, but he appeals to be a little chicken-hearted when there is tackling to do. I was alongside an exuberant Irishman, who kept anathematising the Lindfield half-back, but as far as I could see he was very little inferior to the wing men. Boyle of Sheffield United, did two men’s work, especially in the second half and I say this not by way of disparaging McCartney, who, on the whole did well, and made a capable substitute for McCracken but as showing that he was fully alive to the situation, Scott in goal did his part well. He had more luck than Rennie but his resource was equal to every demands inside upon it. The weak spot in the Scotch team was at half-back, and in the light of Saturday’s revelation, the selecting Committee of the Association cannot possibly be complimented on their work. Evidently they held Ireland in light esteem, and if they did the reverse of Saturday is richly deserved. Years ago we could beat Irish teams with something very like indifference but while we have been showing unmistakable signs of decadence, Ireland in the other hand, has been making genuine progress and this should have been kept in mind by the selectors. However, few will grudge Ireland her victory at Parkhead on Saturday. Her players and specials have struggled long and strenuously to masterly over Scotland and in view if that they it would be most ungracious to sully their pressure by advancing excuses in extenuationthe reverse I for one will not attempt such. The most partisan had no difficulty in the criminating where the real talent lay on combined with the recent Irish League winning Scotland, be the means of adding as it first in the ordinary course of things prestige Association football across the Channel few here at least will regret the result.

EVERTON COMBINATION v  ROSSENDALE
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 24 March 1903
To be played at Goodison Park this afternoon; kick-off four o’clock. Everton team;
Whitley, goal; Galvin and Wildman, backs; Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Boardman, O’Hagan, Norse, and Dilly, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 ROSSENDALE UNITED 0
March 25, 1903. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination
Goal-keeper Whitley Played in forward line, and scored a hat-trick
This postponed fixture was played at Goodison Park yesterday in fine weather. Owing to one of the forwards failing to turn up, Everton played Whitley at centre, Kitchen being in goal. The opening exchanges were fairly even Rossendale having somewhat the better of a lot of end to end play. The visitors had severe free kicks close in, but failed to trouble Kitchen. Whitley once heading away in most approved fashion. A little later he banged in a splendid long shot, which the visiting custodian only saved at the second attempt. Although favoured by the wind, Everton gave but a moderate display for some time, but improved later, and the Rossendale goalkeeper twice saved from Whitley's headers, while he punched away a long shot by Wolfe. Then Rossendale had a turn, but could not beat Wildman and Galvin although Kitchen once saved well from a shot from the left wing. Rossendale were awarded a penalty kick, but Kitchen saved. Shortley afterwards the home custodian cleared from close quarter, in fine style, and from Boardman's pass Whitley scored the first goal for Everton. Afterwards Kitchen again saved well, and then Rossendale custodian stopped a beauty from Boardman, and also cleared from Whitley. The latter put on a second goal, with another fine shot, and just before the interval, added a third. At half-time Everton led by three goals to nil.
A few minutes after resuming Whitley scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. He was then kicked on the leg and had to retire. One of the visitors also left the field, but both returned as another of the visitors was assisted to the dress room. Rankin made two fine runs, and the custodian had to save from Wolfe. The injured visiting player then returned, and Everton had to defend for some time. Wildman and Galvin were in a capital form, however, and from a capital bit of work by Rankin Boardman put on a fourth goal. During further pressure by Everton the Rossendale's backs gave a splendid account of themselves. The visitors afterwards had rather the best of matters, but could not defeat Kitchen. Result Everton 4, Rossendale United nil. Everton: - Kitchen, goal Galvin and W.Wildman, backs, Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs Rankin, Boardman, O'Hagan, Wolfe, and J.Whitley, forwards.

WHY EVERTON LOST AT STOKE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 28 March 1903
by John Lewis
The Toffees lost again at stoke, a match which last season they won -dropped two more points like hot potatoes. Why? "Because the other side played the better football," was Secretary Cuff's candid admission to me. He would not go so far as to say Stoke are always the better team; he rather thought the Toffees were "off colour." But why they should be off colour he could no more tell than Secretary Watson can tell why Liverpool have regained their "colour." Here are a couple of firstclass football secreteries who frankly confess that they cannot account for these variations of form. Nor can anybody they don't know when the complaints is coming on, they don't know when it is going off; they only recognise it by the result. And yet football is said to be a "Scientific" game! There is still a good deal of ignorance about it as places where you would naturally expect to get enlightenment.

DERBY COUNTY v. EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 28 March 1903
At Derby, before 5,000 spectators. Everton were well represented, but Derby were without Goodall, Bloomer, Morris, and York. Derby won the toss, but Everton had the best of the opening exchanges, and Fryer early on had to save from Sharp, Settle failing at comparatively easy chance from the custodian's partial clearance. Everton had a distinct advantage on play, but Derby retaliated well, and Kitchen had to negotiate a long shot from Warren, who just after shot past. Play was even after this but at the end of 30 minutes' Ratcliffe conceded a corner, from which Booth headed through,'the ball striking the bar before going into the net. Derby attacked after this, and Davis put behind, whilst Varney failed to accept a fine centre from Richards. Sharp broke through, but .wound up shooting into Fryer's ' hands, and Derby went back only see Varney shoot behind. Everton played the better football. Half-time—Everton 1. Derby 0. In the second half Derby played a much better game against the wind, but though Davies put in many fine centres nothing came of them. Fryer on the other hand saved several times in fine style, one from Taylor being particularly clever. Neither side scored again, and Everton deserved their victory. Result; Everton 1, Derby 0.

TODAYS TEAM NEWS
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 28 March 1903
Everton v Derby County
League match at Derby; train leaves Central Station at 10.15.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Everton Combination v Manchester City Reserve.
Lancashire Combination match at Goodison Park; Kick-off 3.30.
Everton Combination- Whitley, goal; Galvin and R. Balmer, backs; Clarke, Russell and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Norse, O’Hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 28 1903
EVERTON LEAD AT THE INTERVAL
After their fruitless journey into the Potteries last week, the Everton eleven were away again this afternoon, their opponents being Derby County. The team left the Central Station early this morning, in charge of Dr. Whitford, and Derby was reached at noon. Here the weather was threatening and boisterous, and at two clock a tremendous down pour swept over the town, making the outlook far from reassuring. There were several changes in the composition of the eleven from last week. Sharp and Young resumed their positions in the forward line, and the outside left place was given to Dilly. The halves were the same, but in the back division Balmer, after several week’s absence, came in again. There was only a small attendance on the Baseball Grounds when the men lined up as follows.
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Derby; Fryer, goal; Methven, and Ratcliffe, backs; Warren, G. Lloyd, and May, half-backs; Barnet, Warrington, Boag, Richards, and Davies, forwards. Referee Mr. R. Roberts.
As will be seen from the composition of the Derby team, they were without Bloomer, who is still on the sick list, and Goodall and Morris. It is interesting to notice that the two later players are this afternoon captaining the rival international teams of Ireland and Wales. The weather had cleared up shortly before three o’clock, but a shower swept over the ground as the men turned out Derby won the toss. Everton started against a strong breeze. The home right wing came down, but Abbott checked and Booth gave the ball to Settle and Dilly. They raced down, and the leather was sent across to Sharp, who sent in a swift low shot, which Fryer only saved by throwing himself full length on the ground. The threw clear a few a few yards, and Settle got the return and had a clear goal in front of him when he missed the ball. In spite of the strong wind. Everton kept up the pressure, and some nice play took place in front of the Derby goal. Settle, when close in came in contact with Lloyd and from the subsequent free kick Sharp had another try at netting the ball but without success, Methven clearing rather cleverly. Dilly however, caught the return, and he was in an excellent position when he shot outside. Everton up to this had been having all the best of the argument, the forwards and halves showing great determination, but, though Sharp and Young again had shots they were effectively dealt with by the home defence. Then the Derby forwards got going on the right, but Booth stopped them, and a further effort was cleared by Balmer. This led the way to another forward movement on the part of Everton and a sustained attack ended in Dilly shooting wide. The visitors, however, came again, and a corner was conceded but all to no purpose. Lloyd then tried to advance on the part of the Derby team, but they could get no further than the half-way line. Abbott pulling them up sharply. Once more Settle was put in possession, only to be robbed close in. following upon this the Derby forwards made ground on the left, but Balmer cleared his lines smartly and the visitors once more bore up bravely against the breeze. Warren stopped them, and Warrington ran down dangerously, but Booth kicked clear, and the subsequently play was in midfield. Aided by the wind, the home team again moved down. Warren shot from long range, but the ball passed behind. Everton advanced in turn on the right and a capital movement on the part of Sharp and Taylor ended in the latter shooting wide. Derby next got moving on the left, and Wolstenholme found Davies close in. this led to a terrific assault on the Everton goal, Richards, Boag, and Warrington having hot shots Kitchen dealt with the two former finely, and the last one was cleverly cleared by Abbott. The Derby men were now playing up very strongly and another assault on the Everton goal ended in Warren sending in a long shot, which Kitchen caught and threw clear. After this there was a temporary lull in the play, but Everton gradually worked down and a corner was forced on the right. This was well placed by Sharp. Booth headed the leather into the net, the ball first striking the inside of the crossbar thus beating Fryer. This success came after half an hour’s play, and stimulatethe visitors further efforts. From the centre line they moved up with nice combined order and Settle sent in a clink shot which Fryer dealt with in masterly fashion. Derby then got away on the left put the ball was sent outside. From the thrown in Sharp got hold and racing away at top speed, went clear through and ended with a movement in shooting in the corner of the net, the custodian clearing with great difficulty. At this time the game was again falling. The County moved down again shot and from a free kick close in Boag headed into Kitchen’s hands. The latter cleared, and Barney getting the return shot a few inches wide of the mark. Just before half time Derby made desperate efforts to draw level, but the Everton defence was thoroughly sound. The whistle sounded for half-time leaving the game in favour of Everton by 1 goal to nil.
On crossing over Everton were the first to attack. Fryer saving a capital shot from Taylor. Smart work by the County followed, Boag and Warren shooting over the bar. A fine spurt by Everton ended in Booth shooting magnificently but Fryer was fully equal to the occasion. The County were now playing surprisingly well, but they could do nothing with Abbott. Young on one occasion, was robbed when close in, and Booth headed over from a corner. Play was mow very fast and exciting, but Everton had much the best of matters playing really capital football. Derby were rarely permitted to get away, and even when they did they found fine defence against them. A long shot by Wolstenholme gave Dilly possession but he was ruled offside. The game continued to be of a ding dong character. Everton being distinctly superior to their opponents and a magnificenttussle ended in a victory for the visitors by 1 goal to nil. Final Result; Everton 1 goal Derby County nil.
In the correspondent game last season Derby were victorious by 3 goals to 1.

DERBY COUNTY BEATEN AT HOME
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 30 March 1903
Derby County seem content to either rise or fall by the Cup competition. They still had a chance of gaining the championship; but this they sacrificed by their display against Everton. To have men injured now would seriously interfere with their chances of success at the Crystal Palace, but they will have to be careful in this sort of thing. On Saturday they were nothing like so good a team as Everton who should have won by more than a single goal.

POINTS  FOR EVERTON AT DERBY.
Athletic News - Monday 30 March 1903
BY Peakite.
The Derby directors paid the penalty on Saturday of being too magnanimous. In allowing Archie Goodall and Charles Morris to gratify their laudable ambition to take part in the international match at Belfast they undoubtedly did a sportsmanlike action, which in this sordid age must be set down as highly commendable. But after all it took a couple stars out of a team that was already lamenting the absence of Stephen Bloomer, and Everton took advantage of the opportunity that presented itself and helped themselves  to a couple of points. The men from the banks of the Mersey had no absentees to deplore, and their level excellence was quite in advance of anything that was exhibited by their opponents. DERBY'S WEAK OPENING.
The weather was simply wretched, and the attendance was not much in excess of 6,000. It was regarded as a good omen when Methven won the toss as it enabled Derby to kick in the first half towards the station goal, with a good breeze at their backs. Despite this advantage they opened the game in most unpromising fashion, and it was only by the barest fluke that they did not at once find themselves in a minority. Sharp got in a fast shot which Fryer successfully got rid of, but the ball was promptly returned, and Settle, with the simplest of chances, made a terrible hash of it. Still Everton, even with the wind against them, were the better team, and Fryer had more than one good shot to stop, during the first half hour. In the same period Kitchen was practically idle, the only shot that reached him with any force behind it being one from Warren. At this point Everton with a bit of luck secured the goal that had been denied to their skill. Ratcliffe had conceded a corner, and from the flag kick Booth beaded the ball against the cross-bar, whence it passed into the net.  From now the interval Derby were the better team, but the shooting exhibited no improvement, and Varney made a bad miss on one occasion when the ball came to him from the left wing.
MORE BAD SHOOTING.
The story of the second half is easily told. It was in the main a record of bad shooting by the Derby forwards, and of good goalkeeping by Fryer. There was not a great deal of fault to be found with their work in midfield, the ball being taken up in irreproachable fashion, and this moreover in the teeth of a powerful wind. The enormous advantage which everyone had expected Everton to display with such a trusty ally at their backs was  never forthcoming, and so fast as the actual play was concerned in this half Derby had quite as much of it as their opponents. But the difference between the methods of the rival teams in front goal was as marked as it had been before the change of ends. Perhaps the best thing we were treated to was a wonderful save by Fryer, who threw himself at a shot from Taylor that appeared certain to score, and turned it safely out of the goal. It was a fine effort, and was deservedly applauded, as were a couple of fine centres by Davis that went a-begging.
THE BEST TEAM WIN.
Everton deserved their win by one goal to love, if only for the reason that they shot at goal much oftener and much more accurately than their opponents. In other respects there was not a great deal to choose between the teams, but in this all-important matter Everton were quite by themselves. In fact, it must be a long time since Kitchen had an easier task in League match. The level excellence of the men in front of him was also in contrast to that of the County, who had one or two glaringly weak spots. Booth played a fine game in the half-back line, and Taylor was the best of a useful string of forwards. Of the Derby men Fryer came well out of a hard afternoon’s work, and the regular members of the eleven exhibited no particular weakness except in the matter we have indicated. Archie Goodall’s absence, however, obviously unstrung the whole attack, Lloyd being very weak, and Varney doing little to justify his reputation at outside right. Ratcliffe, however worked hard at full-back, and improved as the match advanced. There are those who think he has about him the makings of a great player, and he was very far from belying his promise on Saturday. Derby County; Fryer; Methven, and Ratcliffe; Warren, Lloyd, and May; Verney, Warrington, Boag, Richards, and Davis.  Everton; Kitchen; Balmer, Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly.  Referee; R. Roberts, Crewe. 

MANCHESTER CITY WIN AT GOODISON
Athletic News - Monday 30 March 1903
By Junius
The reserve teams of these clubs decided their Lancashire Combination fixture at Goodison Park, and after a poor game the City managed to win by a goal to none.  This was scored by Bevan after the interval, prior to which Chadwick had failed to convert a penalty kick for the home side.  The forward play was very poor, the Everton front rank shooting in erratic fashion, and thus losing innumerable chances.  Whenever a decent attempt was made Whitehouse was equal to the emergency.  O’Hagan was not a success in his new sphere, and I do not think he will prove a centre-forward for his new club, as he is too slim for such a position.  He will shape better as an inside wing player, this being his usual place in the Old Xaverians team.  The Everton left wing, McEwan and Elston, formed the best portion of the home attack, whilst further behind, Joyce and Balmer defended capably, but the recruit, Galvin was not very noticeable.  For the visitors, Dearden and Bevan were seen to advantage and Whitehouse had not once to acknowledge defeat.  The Manchester United second string are due to Goodison on Tuesday evening, this being a postponed fixture from the 21st inst., when the semi-final was played on the Everton enclosure. 

DERBY COUNTY v. EYERTON.
London Daily News - Monday 30 March 1903
Though the weather was of a wretched character for this game at Derby, about five thousand spectators assembled to watch the play. Derby County, who were without Bloomer, Morris, and Goodall, did not show to very great advantage in the opening half, in spite of having the wind in their favour, and Fryer at goal had a lot of work to do. At the end of half an hour's play Booth headed the ball into the net for Everton from a corner, and at the intereval the visitors led by one goal to nil. The Derby men played with great energy and spirit in the second half, and they certainly had nothing the worst of the game, though the wind was now against them. However, as matters turned out, nothing more was scored, so Everton won. Score; Everton 1 goal, Derby County 0.

DERBY COUNTY 0 EVERTON 1
March 30, 1903 The Liverpool Courier
The weather at Derby on Saturday was miserable in the extreme, heavy rain falling for some time before the start of the game between Derby County and Everton, and the attendance suffered in consequence. Changes were made in both teams, and the players turned out as follows: - Derby County: - Fryer, goal, Methven and Radcliffe, backs, Warren, Lloyd, and May, half-backs, Varney, Warrington, Boag, Richards, and Davies forwards. Everton: - W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs Wolstenholmes, Booth (captain), and Abbott, half-backs Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle and Dilly forwards. Referee R. Roberts. Young started for the visitors against a stiffish breeze. Everton were the first to make an incisive attack, and in the first two minutes Sharp tested Fryer with a shot that brought him to his knees. The custodian clearance was only partial and the ball went to Settle, who was only a few inches wide with his shot. Soon Everton were again busy, when Young was ruled off side, Varney and Warrington were nest in evidence, but the former exacted no quarter from Crelly, though for some minutes the Everton defenders had all their work cut out to prevent the home inside men from penetrating their charge. Booth at this juncture was putting in much good work, and in the front rank both Sharp and Settle were prominent in several raids on the Derby defenders. A further attack ended in Dilly putting in a low shot which Fryer disposed of by giving a corner, and this being well placed by Sharp, the home custodian had again to clear. Following this the home forwards became aggressive, but their finishing efforts were exceedingly feeble, and the visiting backs had no difficulty in clearing. A shot from Sharp was the next item, but it presented no difficulty to Fryer and put on a further return to the Everton end, the visitors goal looked like being captured. As the result of a free kick against Wolstenholme for fouling Davies close in, the ball was kept bobbling about the Everton goal until Kitchen with a flying kick gave relief, though a moment later he was again called upon to keep out a capital shot from Warren. The home side now put forward a great effort to obtain a leading point, and for some minutes play was contested in the Everton half. Some capital defensive play was witnessed, and eventually the Everton right wing went down Taylor forced a corner off Rdcliffe, and Sharp placing well, Booth headed in. the ball struck the under portion of the bar and passed into the net. There was no mistaking the determination of the Everton forwards after this success and, but for the able work of Methven and Warren they must have added to their score. After severe pressure the County forwards took up the attack, and the work of the right wing was several times promising of success. The play of the line at this point was more successful than at any other period, and several cross shots looked like bringing about their desired result. In averting disaster Booth and Abbott were very conspicuous Figure, and on one occasion. Boag looked like getting clear through when Kitchen rushed out and averted certain downfall. Again the home centre forward led on the attack, and getting first possession tested the Everton custodian with a clinkling shot, which was followed by a clever effort from Varney, who missed the mark only by inches half-time Derby nil, Everton one.
Upon resuming Fryer had to handle from Young, and then one of the Everton players was fouled when in a good position. Booth had a long shot, after which Davis ran down the Derby left wing, but from the centre Warrington missed. Warren next shot over. The home right wing pressed, and afterwards Everton forced an abortive corner. Settle next shot wide. Everton were having the greater part of the play by were repeatedly pulled up for offside. Davis was applauded for some work, but Balmer made him part. The Everton goal now had a narrow escape, and Rankle sent in a long shot, and another player shot over. Kitchen had a warm handful from Warrington. No further scoring took place, and Everton retired victorious by one goal to nil.

MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 30 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Lancashire Combination
No Details in Mercury, or the Courier.
Everton: - Whitley, goal, Galvin, and R.Balmer, backs, Clark, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin, Norge, O'hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards.

INTERNATIONAL CAP FOR SHERIDAN
March 30 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
Wales played Ireland at Celtic Park, Glasgow, in front of 10,000 spectators Ireland winning by two goals to win and Sheridan scoring the second goal.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 30, 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
After a series of somewhat unexpected reverse Everton returned once more to something like the real form. They were engaged at Derby against a club that has worked its way to the final for the English Cup, and it was a graftying performance to annex the full complement of points from the County team. Seeing that early in the season they gained a League victory at Goodison Park when opposed to their antagonists of Saturday last, the Evertonians have every reason to be satisfied with the outcome of their League encounters with the Peakites. It is true that Derby were not at full strength, both Morris and Goodall being required for the International between Wales and Ireland, but there was no suggestion that the team placed on the field were reserving themselves for the great struggle at the Crystal Palace. On the play Everton deserved their win, the result –a goal to nothing-being a fair indication of the merits of the opposing forces. At the outset the Evertonians were set a difficult task, for they had to face a stiffest breeze and driving downpour of rain. Still, there was a determination shown by the forwards, who were ably backed up by the halves, that success appeared certain, and had a little luck attended their efforts foundation must have been laid early on in the game. Settle just failed to get the ball after Fryer had only partially saved from Sharp, and there were other instances observable where the least touch would have diverted the ball into the net. At length Booth managed to get the better of the custodian, and when that point was obtained none could honestly begrudge the visitors their success. Such was the state of the game up to half-time, and on charging ends it was generally admitted that the visitors now having the assistance of a strong end to end breeze would have no difficulty in placing the issue beyond all possible doubt. They had much the better of the opening exchanges of the second half, but were now opposed to a more determined defence.
The County forwards eventually pulled themselves together, and gave a sample like at Anfield on Monday last of a glimpse of their best form. After half an hour's play in this portion they swept the Everton lines with a persistency that boded success. Fortunately, they found in Balmer and Crelly, and Kitchen's a trio that had plenty of resource at their command. Against the wind the home side were, in the last 20 minutes of the game, seen to better advantage than at any other portions, but with very few exceptions, their forwards were not allowed to get in a parting shot. The visitors were somewhat handicapped by Sharp not being able to put on top speed owing to his leg again causing trouble, and wisely the Evertonians confined play to the inside men, and, with practically diminished force, managed to hold their opponents at bay. Nevertheless a big effort was made towards the close by the County to share the honours, but to no purpose. In view of recent weakness, which have been observable with the Everton attack, it was quite a pleasure to notice his improvement, which was shown in the department. Young although scarcely displaying his best form especially in front of goal, deserved commendation for the skilful manner in which he distributed the work, and also for the accuracy of his passes to both wings. Dilly was given another trial at outside left, and there was no doubt that this player has plenty of football in him. He is speedy enough and clever in his footwork, but a lack of dash and determination in his finishing efforts somewhat detracts from his effectiveness. Quite a feature of the game was an incident in which Taylor and Fryer were the outstanding figures. The Everton forward sent in a shot from which, under ordinary circumstances a goal must have accrued. But it was an extra ordinary custodian that had to deal with the shot, as it was only on account of the length of Fryer that capable goalkeeper by throwing himself at the ball managed to tip it past the post when everybody imagined that a goal was a certainty. The half backs played a sound game, for they were generally successful in their efforts to break up the Derby attack, and placed the ball with accuracy to their own attacking line. Booth in the centre gave a capital exposition, and was ever in close attendance upon Boag, while Abbott and Wolstenholmes filled their positions with success. There was little to choose in point of merit between the backs, but that little on the occasion favoured Crelly, whose tackling was well timed and kicking both clean and well directed. Kitchen had in the latter position of the game plenty of work on hand, and the effectiveness of his clearances left nothing to be desired. The County forwards infused plenty of dash into their movements, but invariably found that Everton trio in readiness to cope with their efforts. At half back Warren played a great game, as no doubt Settle will testify, and little exception could be taken to the work of the full backs, and custodian, who had to get through a hearty afternoon work.

EVERTON v  DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 March 1903
Played at Derby, in wretched weather, not more than 5,000 spectators being present. Teams;-
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Derby.- Fryer, goal; Methven and Ratcliffe, backs; Warren, G. Lloyd, and May, half-backs; Varney, Warrington, Boag, Richards, and Davis, forwards.
As will be seen from the composition of the Derby team, they were without Bloomer, who is still on the sick list, Goodall and Morris. It is interesting to notice that the two latter players were captaining the rival international teams of Ireland and Wales. The weather had cleared up shortly before three o’clock but a shower swept over the ground as the men turned out. Derby won the toss, and Everton started against a strong breeze, the home right wing came down, but Abbott checked, and Booth gave the ball to Settle and Dilly. They raced down, and the leather was sent across to Sharp, who sent in a swift low shot, which Fryer only saved by throwing himself fell length on the ground. Lloyd then tried to initiate as advance on the Derby team, but they could get no further than the half-way line Abbott pulling them up shortly. Once more Settle was put in possession, only to be robbed close in. following upon this the Derby forwards made ground on the left, but Balmer cleared his lines smartly, and the visitors once more bore up bravely against the breeze. Aided by the wind, the home team again moved down. Warren shot from long range, but the ball passed behind. Everton advanced in turn on the right, and a capital movement on the part of Sharp and Taylor ended in the latter shooting wide. Derby next got moving on the left, and Wolstenholme found Davis close in. this led to a terrific assault on the Everton goal, Richards, Boag, and Warrington having hot shots. Kitchen dealt with the two former finely, and the last one was cleverly cleared by Abbott. The Derby men were now playing up very strongly and another assault on the Everton goal ended in Warren sending in a long shot, which kitchen caught and threw clear. After this there was a temporary fall in the play, but Everton gradually worked down, and a corner was forced on the right. This was well placed by Sharp. Booth headed the leather into the net, the ball first striking the inside of the crossbar, this beating Fryer. The success came after half an hour’s play, and it stimulated the visitors to further efforts. From the centre line they moved down in nice combined order, and Settle sent in a clinking shot, which Fryer dealt with in masterly fashion. Derby then got away on the left, but the ball was sent outside. From the throw in Sharp got hold, and, racing away at top speed, went clean through, and ended a brillaint movement by shooting into the corner of the net, the custodian clearing with great difficulty. As this time the rain was again falling. The visitors still did practically all the pressing, a long spell of attack ending in a harmless corner. Just before half-time Derby made desperate efforts to draw level, but the Everton defence was thoroughly sound. The whistle sounded for half-time, leaving the game in favour of Everton by 1 goal to nil. On crossing over Everton were the first to attack, Fryer saving a capital shot from Taylor. Smart work by the County followed,Boag and Warren shooting over the bar. A fine spurt by Everton ended in Booth shooting magnificently-but Fryer was fully equal to the occasion. The County were now playing surprisingly well, but they could do nothing with Abbott. Young, on one occasion, was robbed when close in, and Booth headed over from a corner. Play was now very fast and exciting, but Everton had much the best of matters, playing really capital football. Derby were rarely permitted to get away, and even when they did they found the defence against them. A long shot by Wolstenholme gave possession, but he was ruled offside. The game continued to be of a ding-done character, Everton being distinctly superior to their opponents, and a magnificent tussle ended in a victory for the visitors by 1 goal to nil.

DERBY COUNTY v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 30 March 1903
At Derby in squally weather. The attendance only numbered about 5000. Derby had a poor team in the field, Bloomer, Goodall and Morris being absentees. Although the wind was behind them in the first half, they had the worst of the game, and Everton scored after half an hour’s play from a corner kick. Derby had more of the play afterwards, but Varney missed a fine chance.
Half-time- Everton 1 Derby County nil.
In the second half, Derby played much better against the wind, and, although Davis put in many fine centres, nothing came of them. Fryer, on the other hand, saved several times in fine style, one from Taylor being particularly clever. Neither side scored again, and Everton deserved their victory.
Result; Everton 1 Derby County 0
Everton.- Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly, forwards.
Derby.- Fryer, goal; Methven and Ratcliffe, backs; Warren, G. Lloyd, and May, half-backs; Varney, Warrington, Boag, Richards, and Davis, forwards.

REFEREE’S
Athletic News - Monday 30 March 1903
MR. A.E. FARRANT
Mr. Farrant is not so well known to Northerners as other officials from the South, for it was not until Bristol City secured election to the Football League, that he could obtain a nomination. He had a couple of Second Division games last season, but his first appointment in Division 1, has yet to come. Still he is kept pretty busy with Southern League and Western League engagements. Mr. Farrant commenced playing with the reserve team of Bristol St George in 1888 and after two years’ service with them, a Gloucester junior cup medal having been secured interim, he was promoted to the senior eleven, and continued to figure with them until 1895. He occupied every position on the field except goal. During that time St. George’s twice won the Gloucestershire Senior Cup, and were twice runners-up for the Bristol and District League Championship. He has represented his county on numerous occasions and was in the League team which met Sunderland when the latter were at their best. He gave up playing in 1895, was the first to pass the Western Referees’ Association examination, and was afterwards made one of the executive of that body. The first important match which Mr. Farrant controlled was that between Bristol League and Aston Villa, when the Villa were beaten by two goals to none. In this game George, the Villa’s present goalkeeper, created a great impression. Since then Mr. Farrant has been well employed in matches all over the South of England.

THE INTERNATIONAL
Athletic News - Monday 30 March 1903
IRELAND v.  WALES
IRELAND VICTORIOUS
By Scribe
After the victorious Irishmen had triumphed over the Scots the previous Saturday tremendous interest was taken in the encounter between what was known as the minor nations at Belfast on the Cliftonville ground. Rude Boreas was, however, in possession on Saturday, and with the rain squalls aiding and abetting him matters atmospherically were decidedly uncomfortable. It was easy to guess that the team with the aid of the regular gate in the first half would about capture the honours, and when Boyle beat Charles Morris in the toss the Irish prospect looked glorious, but more of this anon. It was decidedly regrettable that in six places Wales had made changes due to clubs requiring players’ services because this rather played into Ireland’s hands, for the “Ould Counthry” had five on her side, three of whom at least are top sawyers in English clubs, and yet it cannot be said that Ireland won without a very severe struggle.
THE GAME
As already noted, Ireland played with the boisterous breeze behind them, and were looked on at once as likely to pile up a large score, but although having considerably the worst of matters, Evans kept goal in most workmanlike fashion, and his saving of a clever effort by little Kirwan was capital. Wales had their share, and Atherton especially caused trouble. The Edinburgh Hibernian, beating both Darling and McCartney, presented Wynne with a grand chance, but he was a little previous and was whistled off-side. During the first half thought the Irishmen forward look too much out of the ball, and had the game been opened out it would have paid better. This sort of game in spite of innumerable corners, was giving S. Meredith and Derby County’s big back every chance of clearing. There was a great shout when Mercer got in a rare shot which was abortive. Archie Goodall and Kirwan three times tried the Wrexham keeper, but he was not to be beaten, so that Ireland crossed over without scoring after having half a gale at their backs. A singular incident occurred just at the start of the second period. A tremendous shower of hail drove the teams off the field for close on fifteen minutes, and when the game was resumed the ground was very bad, being a quagmire in most places. This shower, to use an old saying, took the wind out the Principality’s sail, and although they started well, Ireland went even better. Still, the first goal for the latter was quite unlooked-for, because Goodall got in a straight shot from forty yards out. Evans caught the ball all right, but its greasy condition and the curl on it caused it to spin out of his hands into the net amidst the wildest cheering. There was no holding Ireland now, and the forwards gave a glimpse of the form which beat Scotland. The spectators were kept at the highest pitch of excitement. Still, Wales were not idle and recognising the seriousness of the position. Kirwan went back and upset Meredith as the Manchester crack seemed certain to get through, while Atherton, owing to McCartney mis-kicking, had another fine chance, but Scott made a great save, and this was practically the last opening Wales had.  Five minutes from time, following a free-kick, Sheridan gave Ireland a second goal and created a record for them in winning two Internationals on one season.
REMARKS
Ireland were deservedly victorious, although there was ominous head shaking when they failed to score in the first half with the wind. However, they rose to the occasion at the finish, and for the fourth time in five years have beaten the Principality. Had Wales been at full strength they might have won, but the conditions under which the match was decided were all against good football. Scott has had the satisfaction of preserving his goal intact in three representative engagements, as Scotland failed to score in both the Inter-League and the International, while he came through on Saturday splendidly. Both McCartney and Boyle did well and while each made misses these were pardonable under the circumstances. Milne at the last minute decided, owing to not feeling fit, to cry off, but Maginnishis club mate, who shared in the Scottish victory, took his place with credit, while Darling also played capitally. Archie Goodall did not do well at the outset, but his later form was great, and his goal turned the tide in Irelands favour. The forwards did not exhibit the same resource as against Scotland.  There was some excuse, as Kirwan had a poisoned finger to contend against, while Connor had a bad gum boil to think about. But they and Sheridan in the second half mastered the back division. Mercer and Maxwell were under club form, Ireland have come out on top in great fashion and never in all her International intercourse his she had the temerity to win two games in the same season. All credit mist be given the wearers of the trefoil for such work. Wales were in one sense unlucky, and though beaten exhibited clever football. apart from Ireland’s first goal. Evans deserves every credit for his saving under difficulties. In the first half C. Morris was the better of the backs, but lost his temper near the finish with Mercer, and tried to take matters into his own hands. Sam Meredith had his hands full with Kirwan, but held the little flyer well, while R. Morris was good among the halves. Naturally, great interest was taken in William Meredith, at outside-right, and while he several times beat Boyle he finished badly. Atherton was really the most resourceful of the forwards, and although he was ill in the earlier part of the week his display was very good indeed. I liked little Davies in the centre, and he is a promising lad.
Ireland.- Scott (Linfield); McCartney (Ulster), and Boyle (Sheffield United) (Capt); Darling (Linfield), A. Goodall (Derby County) and Maginnis (Linfield); Mercer (Distillery) Sheridan (Everton), Connor (Brentford), Maxwell (Linfield), and Kirwan (Tottenham Hotspur).
Wales- Evans (Wrexham), S. Meredith (Stoke) and C. Morris (Derby County), (Capt); Richards (Oswestry), R. Morris (Shrewsbury), and T. Davies (Druids); W. Meredith (Manchester City), Wynne (Shrewsbury), W. Davies (Wrexham), B. Morris (Liverpool), and Atherton (Edinburgh Hibernians). Referee; Fred Kirkham Preston.

DERBY COUNTY v. EVERTON.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Monday 30 March 1903
The return League match between these teams was played on the Baseball Ground at Derby this (Saturday) afternoon in the presence of some 5,000 spectators. Derby were without Bloomer, Goodall, and Morris, the team turning out announced, and Everton were well represented, the teams being;-
 Derby County : Fryer, goal; Methven (Captain) and Ratcliffe, backs; Warren, Lloyd, and May half-backs ; Varney and Warrington, right wing; Boag, centre; Richards and Davis, left wing.
Everton : Kitchen, goal Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs ; Sharp and Taylor, right wing ; Young, centre Settle and Dilly, left wing. Referee : Mr. R. Roberts (Crewe). Methven, who captained the County, won the toss, and elected start with his back towards Normanton a strong wind assisting him considerably in the first portion. In the first minute Everton got through, and Sharp shot at goal. Fryer saved cleverly, but could not get the ball away, and Settle ought easily to have scored, but he missed badly. Everton still pressed, and a foul against Lloyd, who treated Settle unfairly, made matters look awkward for the County. The ball was got away, but not for long, as from a pass by Taylor Dilly called upon Fryer. Then the County right wing got down, but their effort was a poor one, Balmer, who intercepted Warrington's centre, sending the County back again. Taylor centred, and Young shaped for a goal, but he was declared offside. Warren set his right wing in motion again, but ones more they failed to pass the backs. Everton, who were showing much the smarter form at the outset, soon renewed their attack, and Ratcliff headed away from Taylor, whilst Fryer ran out and kicked away shot by Young. Some fine play by Warrington ended in the home forwards making another brief incursion into the territory, but ere long Fryer was again brought into action. He gave a corner in saving a grand shot from Dilly, and he threw away smartly from the flag-kick. Ratcliff put out when challenging the Everton right wing, but the latter were not to be denied. They gave the Derby defence plenty to do, but they lacked finish. Warren put the ball ahead, and gave the County a chance, but Boag was given off-side, a decision that did not give satisfaction. Everton were again to the fore, and Sharp tested Fryer with a long one. Then the County got away, and were awarded a foul close up. This was well taken, and some exciting playfollowed in the Everton goal mouth, during which Boag nearly heated through. The County hereabouts claimed a corner, but the referee awarded the visitors a goal-kick—which was clearly an error of judgment. Warren next tried a long one, which Kitchen threw away, and the same player afterwards shot wide. The County were now holding their own much better, but the game was not as exciting as it might have been. Ratcliff gave another corner, from which Booth headed into the net, at the end of half-an-hour's play. Everton continued to do most of the attacking, and Settle got in another good shot, which Fryer got rid of. The County got away, but Wolstenholme kicked out, the ball dropping into the street. Resuming, in a storm of rain, Lloyd shot while Boag kept the man off, but the ball cannoned against an opponent. Sharpe secured and ran down the field alone, but Fryer easily negotiated his shot. Some useful tackling by Warren evoked applause, which was repeated when Fryer cleared a "header" from Booth. A corner to Everton followed, from which the County broke away. Varney made a sad mess of a centre by Richards, and Warrington, though he tried hard, failed retrieve the position. Ratcliff stopped a run by Young and sent the ball forward, but it was soon back again. From a foul to the County Boag nearly put through, after which Varney shot behind. The County played up better towards the interval, but failed to draw level, the score when ends were changed being—Everton one, Derby County nil.
The second half opened with an attack by Everton, as the result of which Fryer had to throw away from Booth. The County got down, and Crelly stopped a good centre by Davis, Warren afterwards putting over. Lloyd checked another rush by the Everton forwards, who, however, soon returned Young shooting into Fryer's hands. A corner to Everton followed, Young heading over from the flag-kick. Derby were still largely on the defensive, and better shooting on the part of the visitors might have told a tale. Their shooting, however, was very indifferent, a wretched shot by Settle when in front of goal being an instance of this. The County left wing got away, and Richards used his hands very deliberately, but Everton's appeal for a foul was ignored by the referee. At the other end Wolstenholme sent in a long shot, but gave Fryer no trouble, and then Dilly was given off-side when in the act of shooting. Davis and Richards executed a good run down the left wing, but it resulted in nothing of importance, and the visiting forwards were again at work. This time they were less dangerous than usual, and Derby gradually made progress. Varney was badly tripped when making straight for goal, but this was also not seen by the referee. Ratcliff put the ball into the Everton goal-mouth, and Kitchen threw away, Lloyd returning it and putting over the bar. Everton then renewed the attack, and Fryer saved magnificently from Taylor when another goal to Everton seemed certain. Warren, who was one of the few men on the side showing any form, broke away alone, and passed all obstacles, a foul against the visitors causing him to halt. Fryer had a grand shot from Wolstenholme to deal with, and Taylor was fouled for impeding the goalkeeper as he was throwing away. The County attacked, and from a fine centre by Davis, Warrington just put outside. Crelly cleared from Boag, and then Lloyd put over, the County at this period playing up better than at any previous time during the match. Kitchen threw away a rather tame shot by Warrington, and then a couple of goal-kicks were awarded to Derby as the result of long shots by Abbot and Balmer. Davis ran down, but wan robbed before he could centre, and the next feature of interest a long shot by Varney, which Kitchen fisted away. The latter next fisted out from Ratcliffe, and then followed a corner to Everton accidentally conceded by Warren. From the flag-kick Wolstenholme shot wildly behind. Taylor got the better of a contest with Methven, but his centre came to nothing. Warren tripped Dilly just outside the penalty area, but although the latter rolled over very craftily to the inside of the line, the referee only allowed an ordinary foul. Up to the end the County pressed, but could, not draw level, the final result bring— Everton 1 Derby County 0.

EVERTON COMBINATION v MANCHESTER UNITED.
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 31 March 1903
This Lancashire Combination match will be played at Goodison-park to-day, kick off at 5 15. The Everton team will be: Whitley, goal; Galvin and Balmer, backs; Clarke, Russell, and Chadwick, half-backs; Rankin, Norse, O’Hagan, Elston, and McEwan, forwards. Reserves, Wildman, Clayton, and Boardman.
EVERTON V. NEWCASTLE UNITED
At Newcastle to-morrow. Everton: Goal, Kitchen; backs, Balmer and Crelly; half-backs, Wolstenholme, Russell, and Abbott; forwards, Rankin, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Dilly. Reserve, Sheridan.
Kick-off 5 15.