Everton Independent Research Data

 

SOUTHAMPTON’S VISIT TO EVERTON.
Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 04 March 1905
The Saints have again donned their battle array, and gone "on the warpath" down Everton way. Where they may be trusted to make a fine flight! When meeting the "Toffee-ites" in their great might.
Maybe, they will have to go all the way.
If Fortune's to greet them at close of the play;
But they think they can manage to get through the round.
And bring back the laurels, as well as renown.
"Yi! Yi!! The Saints!" their supporters all cry,
You always play plucky, and never say die;
We trust that success may fall to your lot
And that you will finally "collar" the "pot"!
There's plenty of room for the trophy down here;
And we shall be proud of you - that much is clear;
The renown of the South's in your keeping to-day;
So please win the match -we hope that you may!
Yi! Yi!! Yi!!!

EVERTON 4 SOUTHAMPTON 0 (Fac Game 49)
March 5, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Fa Cup Round Three
EVERTON ENTER THE SEMI-FINAL
RUNAWAY VICTORY AT GOODISON.
The vast crowd of Everton supporters at Goodison park went away on the best of terms with themselves, and after the most benignant of blessings conferred upon their “pets”. They were thoroughly satisfied at the result, as well as with the brilliant manner in which the team as a whole performed against Southampton in the Third round of the F.A.Cup-tie, the outcome of which is that Balmer and his merry men enter the Semi-Final stages. After Saturday's display by the locals, one's confidence is inspired that they will figure in the final stages, and then there will be some shouting. May these anticipations be realised, to the extent, of course of winning the trophy. If they can do this, as well as maintain their proud position at the top of the League table, truly it will be a proud day. A victory of 4 to none over the cracks of the Southern League, and indeed what is regarded as one of the finest of Southern teams, was a tremendous surprise. Such a wide margin was certainly never looked for, and there were those who even entertained fears as to what Everton would do. The “Soton” had been playing very consistency and strongly in recent games, making short work for the “Wolves” in the previous round. Everton, although right as regards results in recent League matches, had not shown the scoring power expected of them.
HOW THE GAME PROGRESSED.
But all this was changed on Saturday. The Evertonians were in both a scoring and winning mood, and matter matters hum. Truth to tell they were discovered quite on the top of their form. Their victory was thoroughly deserved. The first quarter of an hour or so gave indications of a very stubborn sort of struggle, the visitors opening in encouraging style. The initial attack of the home team came a little later, at which the Southerners were somewhat, affrighted. After some maneuvering by Settle, the insatiable McDermott gave Crawley a teaser, which, however, he managed to keep out. It was hereabouts that the Southampton half-back line showed some of their best tackling, but unfortunately they did not keep it up for long. It was disheartening to the visitors to see what was an open goal thrown away by the centre (Harrison). Poor thanks to the clever Fraser, who had made a fine effort a considerable length of the field, and then passed. This non-success, and the aggressive work by Everton, may naturally have had very discouraging effects on the visitors for the remaining part of the game. At any rate, after McDermott had opened the account 16 minutes from the start, the “Sotons” never seemed really to look up again. Fraser did his best to pull matters together, but his efforts were not asconded, and before the interval the Southerners were two goals in arrear. Settle being responsible for the second goal. For some time prior to this the attack on the Southampton goal had been tremendous, and how it escaped so lightly was a marvel. The contrast between the teams in the second portion was more marked than ever. Everton's brilliancy again asserted itself to the discomfiture of their opponents, who were not given the chance to get away much, and when they did they were never dangerous. How different from what their recent displays must have been! But they were meeting forwards, halves, and backs much smarter, and clever than their own on the day's play. The Goodison brigade never slackened, and further success was bound to come, and come it did, for Settle, taking advantage of a little slackness by the opposing backs got in and scored a splendid goal. The pressure was unrelieved until the very latter stages, it was in the concluding minutes that Everton's inside left, put on another goal amidst thundering cheers from the solid phalanx of interest spectators.
SETTLES “HAT-TRICK”
Unqualified praise must be tendered to the whole of the Everton brigade. They played fully recognising that there were important issues depending upon the match, and that seemed to be their objective all through. The front line has seldom been seen to such advantage. Their movements were full of animation, and as was often the case proved quite irresistible; after the early stages of the game they found little difficulty in getting through the opposing halves. The two wings men, Sharp and Hardman, were quite at their best, both centring with accuracy, and also sending in shots which were not far off the mark. Sharp, too, was a great success in the way he harried first Houlker and then Molyneux, Young played a very persistent game, often troubling Clawley, whilst the two insides, Settle, and McDermott were often out on their own. Settle's part was one of exceptional distinction, for he was credited with three of the goals-no mean feat, in a match of this order. Invincible correct and judicious was the play of the halves, it is a long time since the Southampton forwards found such a tough half-back line. Harrison will no doubt remember Taylor for a long time. Balmer and Crelly were also very safe, and Roose had a somewhat easy time in goal.
CLAWLEY'S CLEVER CLEARANCES.
After their recent behavior it was extraordinary how Southampton fell away. They appeared at times quite helpless. Fraser was by far the best of a weak and straggling front line, which was soon routed. His big stride and speed stood him in good stead, and some of his runs were apt to be dangerous. On the whole, none of the side seemed to get thoroughly used to the Everton style, neither did they attempt any effective policy of checking the dashing home movements. The halves were better in the first half of the game, but offered little resistance in the later stages, and with the exception of some occasional good kicking the backs did not create a favourable impression on the day's play. Southampton have Clawley to thank for not having a heavier score against them. The way he successfully dealt with a number of dangerous low shots was surprising, and altogether he proved himself a custodian in the first flight. The match was a great attraction, and according to the officially report 41,000 people paid admission, bring in receipts amounting to £1,612. Teams: - Everton: - Roose, goal, W.Balmer, and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Southampton: - Crawley, goal, Benson, and Molyneux, backs, Lee, Damty, and Houlkers half-backs, Webb, Bluff, Harrison, Hedley, and Fraser, forwards. Referee A.G.Hines.

EVERTON IN EXCELSIS
Athletic News - Monday 06 March 1905
By Tityrus
The ground man at Goodison Park us reported to have passed Friday night within the playing enclosure.  Surely he was not frightened of Southampton emissaries scaling the hoarding and preparing the pasture to their own liking?  It is reported that cricket pitches have been doctored at Harrogate, In Australia; and other haunts of civilization and sport, but even professional footballers –those much misunderstood men –have never yet been guilty of clandestine practices of this character.  Perhaps Weston, the caretaker of Goodison, was running about with a sponge soaking up the rain.  Really, one never knows.  Still, I suspect that his vigil was the result of nervous restlessness, which, happily, did not affect the team.  The ground was in splendid order, and when the sun burnished the spectacle of 50,000 people concentrating their eyes on that carefully tended turf the scene was calculated to live in one’s memory.  All sorts and conditions of men assisted at the battle of the Leagues.  There were clergymen, doctors, and dock labourers.  A man with a broken arm in a sling braved that crowd.  There was no mistaking the partisan, who is, after all, the very salt of the game.  Evertonians wore their colours in rosettes, and some had blue and white silk hats.  The Southerners were more subdued.  They found that a lily-of-the-valley blended beautifully with the scarlet blended beautifully with the scarlet petals of the geranium.  But such a combine of red and white was perishable-like the team which wore those bi-coloured jerseys.  The players came bounding on full of hope and happiness.  The rival captains –William Balmer and George Molyneux- possibly thought of the days when they were fellow backs for Everton as they tossed the coin – what time the man with the camera was snap-shooting.  Balmer won –an incident which might have been taken by the ancients as an omen.  It was a tell-tale, for Everton passed into the semi-final stage just as easily as Balmer called the upper side of the metal from the Mint.  The “Saints” were found woefully lacking in strategy and science, and had we not known that they can play football we should not have believed it.  They were not recognizable as the same eleven who whipped the Wolverhampton Wanderers.  But even great Cup teams are like “ships that pass in the Night.”  They are here today and gone tomorrow.  Southampton utterly failed before the hosts of Everton.  Let us see how they were undone.  The Southrons flattered at the outset, and there seemed every promise of a delightful struggle, but Everton gradually assumed ascendancy, and never relaxed their grip of the game from the time that McDermott surprised Clawley with a swift ground ball, which Clawley nimbly fielded.  Sharp showed his pace and his power in middling, despite the harassing tactics of Houlker, but McDermott’s hesitation and dribbling away to the wing when he was in possession near goal neutralized the attack.  The well-built and dashing Fraser was deftly plied, and he responded to many calls with dexterous dribbles and accurate centres –from one of which Harrison ought to have scored, while when he was lacking, Dainty dawdled, and Hedley hesitated until the defensive divisions were prepared for any bombshell.  Everton were next keeping their adversaries on the stretch, but when Hardman put the ball near goal Sharp overran the object.  Still at the end of a quarter of an hour McDermott opened an account for Everton.  It was in this way.  Hardman returned a pass from the centre, and we saw a spirited rush by Young and McDermott, who played to each other like jugglers.  On, on they went, until quite near goal, when McDermott thought that the moment had arrived to lift the ball over Clawley’s head into the net.  And he did so.  But Clawley, by saving his charge at short range from Settle and Young, showed that he was a worthy man to hold the fort.  Fraser was again the stormy petrel, but Everton soon proved that the “Saints” were not in the hunt for honours, for they outclassed their opponents, and another goal materialized at the end of about half an hour.  Hardman, ever in the thick of the fray, forced a corner off Benson, and the lithe, large-hearted Blackpool youth dropped that ball in from the flag just like an artist making a long losing hard at billiards.  Settle was supporting the post nearest to Hardman, with his face in that direction and Clawley was near the far post, ready to spring like a panther.  As the ball dropped Settle just brushed it with his hair, and it curled off his cranium round the post.  Clawley advanced with a seven league stride, but he could only just touch the leather.  He could not hold it.  Again and again Hardman boded danger, and again and again Clawley was the savior of the side.  Dainty and Fraser prevented Roose from contracting a chill, but at the interval Everton were still two goals ahead.  The second half was a replica of the first – only more so, as our friends across St. George’s Channel would say.  The “Saints” began well, but they died away, and the home team were nearly always on the aggressive, taking barren corner-kicks and shooting Rugby goals.  But such persistent pressure was certain to meet with its due reward.  This came when Benson let in Settle.  The sturdy Cumbrian-Lancastrian is the wrong man to give half a yard of space, and in a twinkling, he was at the back of Benson, and with an oblique ground drive the ball was spurned into the net twenty minutes after the change of ends.  All interest in the match evaporated with this point, but just before the close Sharp tickled the ball long, beat Houlker and Molyneux, centred, and Settle crashed it into the net for the third time.  Settle has a useful head.  So Everton won by 4-0. 
Had the match ended at half-time I should have been inclined to say that we had seen a splendid and a spirited exhibition of the art of football, but the longer they played the more the “Saints” deteriorated.  The pace was palpably poorer in the latter period, for Everton, had little to gain by piling on goals, and Southampton had given up the ghost.  They had left their hearts in the dressing-room.  Hearts are as necessary as boots with soles worthy of Orlando Furioso.  The tie was far too one-sided to be described as thrilling, but there was much fine football by the Evertonians.  It was generally believed that the game rested with the forwards of the Lancashirians.  They were given every opportunity by the half-backs, and the Everton forwards responded nobly to the occasion, the movements were swift and sinuous, and nearly always goal wards.  The contrast between the two sets of forwards was much marked.  The Southerners forward line of the “Saints” were off and they were never allowed to find it.  The Everton half-backs saw that they rarely had any scone; but the Southampton middlemen failed entirely in their duties.  The only policy for them was to bustle the Everton attacking brigade; but the Southrons had not an ounce of bustle.  If they had, the team as a whole were successful in concealing it.  The only man who tried to bamboozie the home forwards was Houlker.  He remembered the time when as a Blackburn Rover he had many a feud with Sharp.  They had a manly never-say-die duel, and first one and then the other conquered.  Sharp was in fighting trim, and his robustness was much enjoyed because it was so legitimate.  Southampton would have fared better had they had more like Houlker, for even their backs lost their self-possession.  Every man in the Everton eleven excelled himself.  Their footwork was superb, and it would indeed be difficult to point out any pronounced weakness.  Such form as they displayed is calculated to win Cups- and it seems about time for Everton to carry off the most coveted trophy which has twice eluded them like a will-0-the –wisp.  The game was continually opened out by Young in the centre and everything that he did was successful.  The young Scotsman was quite brilliant, his neat passes to McDermott and Settle being only equaled by the way he flashed the ball out to the wings.  It seems hard to bestow more praise on one wing than the other, but Settle was in international form and Hardman a grand partner.  Settle can accomplish so much in so little space, and by his exact timing of a pass he can draw his adversaries to him until Hardman has a clear course.  That is maneuvering.  Hardman reminds me of E.J. Leighton, who used to play for Nottingham Forest.  He is built on the same lines and has the same style, but he is always buzzing about and throwing himself at a man twice his size in the most fearless manner.  He has speed and his centres are right on the goal every time, as Clawley can testify.  Everton have not had a left wing like this since the days of Chadwick and Milward. McDermott, a wizard on the ball, plays his own peculiar game to perfection, but he should lay more forward.  As I have already suggested, Sharp was the hurricane man of the right.  In another year Makepeace will have to be considered by the International Selection Committee.  With a cool head and busy feet he is a most industrious purveyor of passes.  When he understood Fraser this fine outside left found a stumbling block in his path.  Harrison could give Jock Taylor a testimonial.  The Dumbarton veteran never spared his foes, and he played all the ninety minutes, while Abbott plodded along in his cumbersome style and never gave in when he was beaten.  The Everton defence always inspired confidence.  W. Balmer has a style of his own, but his rushes never failed, and time and again he came through with the ball and took it along till he saw who to pass to.  There are occasions when Balmer seems to travel like a whirlwind with his head in his chest.  But his eyes are glued on the ball and anybody in his track has to either give way or fall down.  And yet Balmer is not by any means a rough back.  His judgement is admirable, and Crelley is following in his footsteps.  Once or twice Crelley came to the rescue when there was a possibility in the first half of Southampton being troublesome.  While Roose had an easy hour and a half.  Clawley’s post was not a sinecure. Vigilant and active, he has a splendid reach, and fields well-especially those short, sharp shots, which require so much celerity of movements.  Benson was apt to be flurried and not nearly so reliable as at Wolverhampton, while Molyneux is slow.  Of the half-backs only Houlker played a clever game, and nether Dainty nor Lee made proper use of their physique.  The Southampton forwards were feeble.  Bluff, who has earned so much kudos this season, was merely second rate, Harrison was generally off-side, and Hedley grew tired.  Few chances were given to Webb, but Fraser tried to turn the tide.  Still, single-handed efforts could not be expected to pay.  Southampton certainly met their masters.  Everton; L. R. Roose; Balmer (W.) (Captain), Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and H.P.Hardman.  Southampton; Clawley; Benson, Molyneux (captain); Lee, Dainty, Houlker; Webb. Bluff, Harrison, Hedley, and Fraser.  Referee; A.G. Hines, Nottingham. 

FRANK BRETTELL
Bournemouth Daily Echo - Friday 10 March 1905
Mr. Frank Brettell has been appointed "consulting expert" to Plymouth Argyle.  The directors of the Devonshire club have inaugurated an office which I think is most desirable.  Argyle are now advertising -for a new secretary-manager.

EVERTON 5 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2
March 11, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
EVERTON AWARDED THREE PENALTYS KICKS
HARVEST OF GOALS.
The two League meetings of Everton and Sheffield Wednesday this season have been remarkable in at least one respect. They have produced an unusually heavy crop of goals. When Everton visited Owerton-park on the 12 th November an extraordinary game was witnessed. The Blues led at the interval by five goals to one, and so clever was the football exhibited that the easiest possible victory seemed in store for them. An injury to Scott however, changed the scene, and in the last minute or so of play the Blades equalised the scores. Ten goals was thus the product on that occasion. Last Saturday's contest was not quite so prolific, but still seven goals accrued, Everton this time claiming five to Wednesday's two.
AN INTERESTING FIRST HALF
Although Hardman was away at Glasgow assisting the English League, Everton were not so seriously handicapped as the League champions who, owing to injuries, were short of Ruddlesdin and Chapman. Consequently the chances all seemed to be in favour of a win for the League leaders. Everton, however, exhibited no marked superiority during the opening half. They were the cleverer side, it is true, but only goals count, and the record was even when the whistle blew for the breathing interval. Everton ought to have led, but Makepeace, who made for himself a reputation as a safe negotiator of penalty kicks , for once, in a way failed to find the net. (Crawshaw fouling Settle). After this let off Brittleton, the Wednesday's capture from Stockport County managed to get the better of Roose, and singularly enough, the equalising point was the outcome of another Penalty kick , which the referee only allowed after consulting one of the linesmen. Abbott tried to succeed where his comrade had failed, but he was only partially responsible for the goal. He banged the ball against Lyall. Happily Sharp got to it before the custodian could recover himself, and landed it in the net, (Crawshaw fouled Young) to the great delight of the crowd.
SENSATIONAL SCORING.
The opening part of the second half was of a nature, which roused the utmost enthusiasm. Barley had the ball been kicked off from the centre than Makepeace robbed an opponent so trickily that when Young fastened on to it, he had to shoot correctly to give Everton the lead. He did his work gallantly, and only a minute or two later the Everton centre earned further commendation by an even more brilliant effort, which absolutely non-plussed the Shefiield custodian. After this play suffered somewhat owing to a tendency on the part of certain of the visiting players to adopt unfair tactics. Still the Blades did not give in, and with Roose tempted out of his goal Davis seized the opportunity to good effect, thereby making up for some previous mistakes. Yet another penalty kick for deliberate handling McDermott cross, fell to Everton, with the result that Makepeace, having recovered confidence, put on the fourth goal. Not to be outdone, the veteran Taylor added a fifth, and so superior were the home side that with luck they might have still further increased their crop of goals.
IS IT A RECORD?
For a side to give away three penalty kicks in a First League match is, if we mistake not, a record. Certainly the fact is worth mention, especially as it was the boast of Sheffield Wednesday last season that not a single penalty was awarded against them. But, apart from these always more or less unsatisfactory goals, Everton thoroughly deserved their victory. They have played more brilliant games, but there was a felling of confidence about their movements, which never suggested the probability of ultimate defeats. Young's two goals were as fine as one expects to see, and with the forwards all eager to gain distinction, and the half-backs on their best behaviors, no wonder the Blades experienced difficulties. Yet they showed real grit at times, and gave one the impression that sheer merit has taken them into the semi-final of the English Cup. It is likely Everton and Sheffield Wednesday will contest the final at the Crystal Palace. Teams: - Everton: - Roose goal, W.Balmer (captain), and Crelly backs, Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott half-backs Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Rankin forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Lyall, goal, Slavin and Burton, backs, Ferrier, Crawshaw (captain), and Barleyy, half-backs Davis, Brittleton, Wilson Stewart, and Simpson forwards. Referee T.S.Heath.

HARDMAN PLAYS IN INTER-LEAGUE MATCH
March 13, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
The game at Hampton-park, Glasgow, between representatives of the English and Scottish Leaguers was a kind of trial for the more import international at Crystal Palace on the 1 st April. Hardman's Everton's nimble outside left, was scarcely as brilliant as when associated with Settle. The English winning by two goals to one.

ARCHIE GOODALL LEAVES GLOSSOP
Athletic News - Monday 13 March 1905
The famous Irish International has bade good-bye to North Derbyshire, an act which was mutal so far as he and the club was concerned.  His brother John left Glossop to manage a Southern League club.  Will Archie fellow his footsteps?  From what I saw of the latter in a match at Glossop this season I fancy he will not seek another playing engagement.  The first time I saw him he was a member of the Liverpool Stanley club, and the intervening period seems an age.  He was assort of nomad in those days for there were not so many professional forms used, but he blossomed into an Aston Villa man, and then to Derby County, with whom he was 13 seasons, and a captain of the club. 

SEMI-FINALISTS AT GOODISON PARK
Athletic News - Monday 13 March 1905
By Junius
Fully 15,000 persons witnessed the return League game between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, and they were afforded plenty of excitement, for seven goals were scored and a penalty kick missed, in addition to other glorious chances which ought to have been utilized.  The wonder is that more points were not forthcoming, for a strong wind which blew from goal to goal made accurate kicking almost impossible, for the side that had to face it.  In addition, a brilliant sun in the first half troubled Everton, but after the change of ends, it clouded over, and the Wednesday defenders were not handicapped to the same extent.  Owing to injuries received on the previous Thursday Chapman and Ruddlesdin were replaced by Brittleton and Ferrier respectively, whilst on the Everton side Rankin took the outside left position for Hardman.  Everton fully deserved to win.  About fifteen minutes had elapsed when Young and Settle were both brought down together inside the penalty area, and  Makepeace spoiled his unsullied record by failing to convert the ensuing kick.  A determined assault on the Wednesday right wing followed, and after several shots had been repelled Brittleton opened the scoring.  Sheffield pressed, and Roose dropped a swift drive from Ferrier at the feet of Davies, who was scarcely two yards from goal, but he unaccountably shot over the bar.  Another penalty came before the interval, for Young was pushed over, inside the dreaded area, and Abbott was entrusted with the kick.  He shot against Lyall, but the ball came out to Sharp, who equalized.  The second half opened sensationally, for within two minutes, clever passing between Rankin, and McDermott gave Young an opportunity and the latter running close in beat Lyall all to pieces with a fast drive.  Scarcely had we recovered from this when the performance was almost exactly repeated by the same individuals, and Young again did the needful.  Still the Wednesday warriors never despaired, and Wilson whipped the ball out to Simpson, who centred well in front.  Roose seemed to hesitate and came out of his goal, giving Davis a chance which was promptly utilized.  Then came a third penalty.  Lyall was drawn out of his citadel by the Everton right wing, and Sharp beating him for possession, centred to McDermott, who drove into goal.  Burton was standing there, and he repelled the shot with both hands in great style.  Makepeace added number four from the kick.  Ten minutes from time, Sharp centred and Lyall cleared Settle’s effort, but Taylor pounced on the leather, and the fifth goal resulted. 
The game did not provide the same class of football that was witnessed the previous week, but Everton proved the better team.  Plenty of vigour was infused into the proceedings, and the defence of the visitors was sorely harassed at times, whilst they were not particularly scrupulous in their methods of clearance.  As was the case against Southampton the Everton forwards were seen to great advantage.  Young played a capital game, dribbling finely and giving his wings every opportunity of forging ahead.  The two goals he gained were characteristic efforts and were the result of splendid combined work between Sharp and McDermott, which the centre ably finished.  Settle again demonstrated his best form, and just now is in a more effective mood than at any previous part of the present season.  He and McDermott bewildered the Sheffield hat-trick, their tricky footwork and beautifully judged passes being quite a feature of the Everton attack.  Sharp was equally skillful, running and centring in his most sparkling vein, satisfactorily filled Hardman’s usual position.  Taylor was a thorn in the path of the Sheffield forwards, and both Makepeace and Abbott rendered a creditable account of themselves, the combination between them and the forwards being excellent.  Balmer and Crelley had a tremendous task in the first half, and how they managed to get the ball away with a blinding sun to face was remarkable.  The Sheffield defence was not so reliable as that of the home side, and neither Burton not Slavin were as clean in their returns as usual.  Lyall was not at fault, for he had no chance with the shots that beat him, but the half-backs were below their customary aggressive form, and they could not hold the clever Everton vanguard.  Wilson was the best of the forwards, and he gave Simpson and Davis splendid opportunities with his wide swinging passes.  The outside left obliged with some stirring runs, and the rushes of the inside forwards required a stubborn defence to cope with them.  Everton; L.R. Roose; Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle and Rankin.  Sheffield Wednesday; Lyall; Slavin, Burton; Ferrier, Crawshaw, Bartlett; Davis, Brittleton, Wilson, Stewart, and Simpson.  Referee; F. Heath, Birmingham. 

EVERTON WIN EASY
London Daily News - Monday 13 March 1905
Everton beat Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park by five goals to two. The play in the first half did not suggest that Everton would gain such an easy victory. Sheffield attacked smartly, and Brittleton scored the first goal for them. Two penalties were awarded to Everton, Sharp scoring from the second, after Abbott had shot against Lyall. At the interval the goals were level. Immediately after the restart Young obtained a fine goal for Everton and two minutes later he added another. Davis then scored for the Wednesday, but further goals were shot for the home side by Makepeace, from a penalty and Taylor.

EVERTON RESERVES V. DARWEN
March 18, 1905. The Lancashire Evening Post
At Goodison Park, in beautiful weather. Play was well contested at the outset, both goals being visited in rapid succession. Kitchen and Hindle both had to handle, but nothing resulted. McLoughlin made a fairly good attempt, but Hindle saved and Darwen pressed again. After about ten minutes' play the visitors attacked hard, and Greaves beat Kitchen. Everton exerted themselves after this, and had much the best of matters, but fine defence by Darwen, coupled with poor shooting, lost several easy opportunities. Subsequently McLoughlin equalized for Everton after heavy pressure. Fast play followed, the home lot trying hard to obtained the lead, but Hindle and his backs were safe. Half-time –Everton Reserves 1, Darwen 1. Resuming after the interval, play was very evenly contested, the visitors fully testing the Everton defence. Booth, Kitchen and Hindle were responsible for good clearances. The Blues tried repeatedly to force the lead but Darwen's defence behaved well. Eventually Chadwick scored for Darwen, who maintained their lead to the end. Result; Everton reserves 1, Darwen 2.

EVERTON’S FINE PERFORMANCE
Athletic News - Monday 20 March 1905
By Junius
Everton’s success at Sunderland created the liveliest feelings of satisfaction in the city.  They have only once before gained two points on the Sunderland ground, though they have twice drawn there, and in view of their chance of securing the League championship the visit to Wearside was looked upon as the most difficult engagement.  In several matches this season they have effectually demolished the idea that they could only play a winning game.  Since Roose joined the team they have enjoyed almost phenomenal success, and only two defeats have been sustained in the period.  On November 19 Sunderland beat them at Goodison Park, and on January 7 they were vanquished at Bramell-lane.  In the meantime they have won eleven League games drawn three and three Cup-ties have been decided in their favour.  This is championship form, and on their present showing they will require beating by the best teams in the country.  Everton are quickly preparing for the great game at Stoke next Saturday, and the policy of home training is proving a magnificent success.  Brine baths at Northwich seems to be quite the fashion and the Everton players themselves speak highly of the advantage which they have deprived from their visit to the Cheshire town.
EVERTON RESERVES BEATEN
For the third time this season, the Everton second string were beaten on their own ground.  Darwen accomplishing this by two goals to one.  The visitors played capital football, and fully deserved their success, their forwards especially displaying fine combination and keeping the home defence fully extended.  Greaves scored their first goal but McLaughlin equalized before the interval.  In the second half Chadwick placed his side ahead, and Darwen gained a very creditable victory.  Greaves at centre forward was seen to great advantage, and the men on either side of him.  Bow and Crook were responsible for much prominent, whilst Derbyshire was a very disappointing display, the forward being weak and the best football came from the right wing.  Roberts and McLaughlin combing nicely at times.  In defence, Wildman was the outstanding figure and Chadwick was a long way the pick of the half-backs. 

WONDERFUL WIN ON WEARSIDER
Athletic News - Monday 20 March 1905
By Tom Tiddler
Sunderland had a visit from Everton, their most frequent opponents, on Saturday, and a spirited contest ended in favour of the visitors by 3-2.  This is their second victory at Roker, and still further strengthens their position at the head of affairs.  Sunderland made further changes in their front rank from the previous week, introducing Thompson, the local lad, who was only signed on the Tuesday might, and placing him alongside of Holley.  Brown and Watkins were the thus dropped, Hogg remaining as pivot.  On the visiting side only one alteration was noted, Hardman coming in again for Rankin.  Glorious weather favoured the fixture, though the ground was a bit greasy, the result of recent rains.  Everton was always a popular team with Wearside folk, and they received a rousing reception from a crowd that numbered at least 20,000 people.  Sunderland had a glaring sun to face at the outset, and were early put on their defence.  Within five minutes Young was presented with a grand opening but kicked wide.  He was more fortunate shortly afterwards, but the referee had no doubt as to his being offside.  Some nine minutes from the start Roose fisted out, and Barrie pouncing upon the ball transferred to Holley, who headed into the net to the accompaniment of tumultuous cheering.  Everton made a great effort to draw level, and some lively bouts ensued.  Sunderland came again, however, and with the contest 20 minutes old Hogg, with a terrific drive along the ground, scored Sunderland’s second goal.  There were now visions of a glorious victory in store, and there were radiant smiles all-round the enclosures.  Roused by this second reverse the visitors put more energy into their play, and up to the interval they certainly did more attacking than the Wearsiders.  The home defenders preserved a clean sheet to the interval, Sunderland thus crossing over with a useful lead.  The second half opened quietly, but Everton were not long in finding their feet.  Seven minutes after crossing over McDermott took advantage of an opening at short range and reduced the lead.  A quarter of an hour later Young came away and putting out nicely to Sharp, the latter carried along the line, and working the ball across, equalized with a splendid low drive.  Just after this Gemmell had a grand chance of scoring, and a howl of disappointment went up when he shot wide.  The famous Lancashire cricketer was again in evidence, and with a repetition of his previous movement gave his side the lead with a brilliant shot.  The crowd cheered Sharp to the echo, and right well did he deserve it.  Sunderland were not yet done with, but struggle as they might they were not clever enough to get on terms, and so had to retire beaten.  Everton were the cleverer team and undoubtedly deserved to win.  They made fewer mistakes than the home lot, and this was perhaps the most striking difference between the teams.  Everton were cooler and more methodical in their work than Sunderland, but what the latter lacked in that respect they made up for in dash.  Taken all round the contest was a fine one, and to winners and losers alike praise must be accorded.  For the winners Roose was very smart and clean in all he did.  Balmer and Crelley gave a masterful display of back play, Crelley in the second half volleyed the ball in all sorts of positions with precision.  Taylor was great at centre half and the best of the line.  Abbott had the measure of his opposing wing pretty nearly all through.  Among the attacking brigade Sharp was brilliant, his display being equal to anything seen at Roker this season.  Young was very reliable in the centre, and finding his right wing the smartest plied them for all he was worth.  Settle at times put in some dainty touches, but Hardman appeared to be off colour and was the least prominent of the line.  Turning to Sunderland, Hogg led his forwards in dashing style, and the best men with him were Bridgett and Holley.  As a wing, however, Gemmill and Bridgett were the more effective.  Perhaps it was asking too much of the local lad, Thompson, to play in such an important fixture.  He was very speedy, accurate in his centring, and has the makings of a good winger.  Barrie was fine at centre-half, but neither Jackson nor Farquhar were up to concert pitch.  Jackson allowed Sharp to much scope in the second half and ought to have stuck to him closer than a brother.  Watson was the better back.  Webb  did well.  Sunderland;- Webb; Rhodes, Watson; Farquhar; Barrie, Jackson; Thompson, Holley, Hogg, Gemmill, and Bridgett.  Everton; L.R. Roose; Balmer; Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Referee; T. Kirkham, Burslem. 

SUNDERLAND 2 EVERTON 3
March 20, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
EVERTON'S MAGNIFICENT VICTORY.
A DIFFICULT HURDLE.
Everton encountered a very difficult hurdle in the League course in the shape of Sunderland, but they negotiated it with complete success. True, it required all their resourcefulness to accomplish the Wearsiders downfall by three goals to two, for they were meeting a combination which hitherto had preformed with considerable success against them, and who in the earlier part of the season registered a victory at Goodison. Thanks to brilliant play in the return encounter Everton wiped that account off the slate. Having thus got rid of those formidable rivals, the path to championship honours should now be comparatively easy, if the locals will continue that irresistible form they are now showing, and which spells winning matches. The result of Saturday's contest ought to lend encouragement for their great task at Stoke next Saturday. The only absentee from the accustomed ranks was W.Balmer, whose injury in the Sheffield Wednesday prevented his playing, and his brother filled the vacancy. The Wearsiders, who seem to have been experimenting of late, gave a trial to a local youth named Thompson, whom they have just signed on, and again brought in Holley, another Sunderland youth, who was dropped in the Derby County match.
A HARD FOUGHT GAME.
To have two goals chalked up against them at half-time, and then to responded with three goals in the second half, especially against a strong side such as Sunderland, says much for the conquering mood in which the Evertonians appear to be at the present time. To most teams this substantial lead would have been demoralising, and taken all the heart out of them. Not so, Everton however. They recognised that there was a great deal at stake. It was a hard and keenly fought game, and with a few exceptions of the fast order, the 18,000 spectators being treated to a fine exposition of the game. They had the satisfaction of seeing Everton displaying the sparkle and brilliancy which latterly has characterised their play. Determination was apparent on both sides from the very beginning. The Wearsiders were worrying in the first few minutes, this having its termination in a successful “header” from Hogg, the centre ten minutes after the kick off. The visitors them gave the home defence a lot to do, but it stood the test well. Sunderland could not be kept in check, the forwards were as fresh as paint, and they again bothered their opponents, with the result that Roose had no chance with a lighting shot from Hogg. It anything the game was keener after this, and the spectators were treated to some fine runs and centres by Sharp, whilst others of the forward line were putting forth their hardest efforts, which deserved better success. It looked as if this had come before half-time, Sharp swung the ball across the goal mouth, but Hardman could only managed to put it just outside. Although Sunderland had played a dashing sort of game, they were not two goals better than Everton, who oftentimes had been within an ace of scoring. It was left to McDermott to open Everton's score, the clever inside right beating Webb with a fast shot, Sunderland strove bravely to strengthen their position, and some of their moves were exceptionally brilliant. But nothing seemed to baulk Sharp, who was frequently out on his own. Once he placed the ball nicely to Settle, who, however, put outside. The equaliser at length came from the cricketor, who also succeeded in notching the decending goal five minutes later.
SHARP AGAIN BRILLIANT.
If Everton were a little time getting into their stride, they afterwards came out in their true colours. The forwards sped along with characterstic dash, the short passing game being adopted with successful results. As already indicated, Sharp was the hero of the vanguard. He put in many pretty touches, and the way he outwitted Gemmill and Bridgett and got past Jackson was a treat to see. His centres were very well timed, and one in particular might have been better taken advantage of by one of his colleagues. He had useful assistance from McDermott, whose dribbling was often very noticeable. On the other wing Settle did capital work, and his colleagues, H.P.Hardman, although rather weak in shooting, got through any amount of work in neat style. The qualities of the halves were thoroughly tested, and the examination showed by Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott to be very reliable and effective, while R.Balmer and Crelly were frequently responsible for getting their side out of a tight corner. Roose was kept fairly busy, and did exceedingly well with some of the shots with which he was plied.
SUNDERLAND'S DISPLAY.
The footwork of the Sunderland forwards was of a high order, and compared very favourably with that of Everton. Hogg was a dangerous centre, who made good use of the passes. Bridgetts the outside left, was a glutton for work; he frequently went through a bunch of opponents with the ball at his toes. He is a tricky player. The new man, Thompson, was often conspicuous on the outside right, and both he and Holley made good use of their opportunities. The halves played a steady and safe game. Jackson and Farquhar coming in for most notice. Rhodes and Watson, the two backs, had a busy time in clearing, and they often cleared well under difficulties, Watson's tackling was a feature.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 DARWEN RESERVES 2
March 20, 1904.
The Liverpool CourierLancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 27)
Everton are this season making but a poor show in the competition, and cannot hope to figure even amongst the first half-dozen. They gave anything but a good display against Darwen on Saturday, and the Peaceful Valley team well deserved their victory. Everton, it must be said, were poorly represented, but they should have given a better exhibition than they did. All through Darwen played fine football, and result of brilliant effort by Greaves, and although McLoughlin equalised before the interval. Chadwick afterwards gave the visitors a lead, which they easily held to the close. Everton were best represented by Kitchen, Wildman, McLoughlin, and Dilly, Johnston, a new centre, tried hard, but with indifferent success while Thornburn did nothing. Darwen proved themselves one of the strongest teams seen at Goodison-park this season, so far as Lancashire Combination matches are concerned, and if they retain the same players next season should make a bold bid for championship honours. Everton: - Kitchen, goal, Wildman, and Kerr, backs, Hanlin, Chadwick, and F.Littlejohn, half-backs, Roberts, McLoughlin, Johnston, Thornburn and Dilly, forwards.

RANGERS PLAYER AS CLUB MANAGER. APPOINTMENT TO J. T. ROBERTSON.
Dundee Courier - Friday 24 March 1905
We understand (says the Daily Chronicle) that the famous Scottish International half-back- Jack Robertson, who was born Dumbarton in 1877, has been appointed manager of the new club at Stamford Bridge, now described Chelsea F.C. Robertson gained his first cap when member of 'he Everton team. Subsequently he joined Southampton, and for the Southerners often turned out at out/side left forward. Robertson then returned to Scotland, and has almost regularly appeared in Rangers and in International football, often as captain. He played against England in 1808, 1899, 1900 1901 1903, and 1904. '

NELSON 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 25, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Combination “A” Division (Game 28)
Everton continue to do badly, and further points were dropped at Nelson. The team was not at full strength, but at the same time better results should be forthcoming than has been the case of late. Nelson although holding an advantage nearly all through could only score once, and that in the second half, a fact which was the to the good defence of the visitors. Everton: - Kitchen goal, Wildman, and Kerr, backs, Hanlin, Chadwick, and Hutchinson, half-backs, Roberts, Caldwell, Thornburn, Dilly, and Evans, forwards.

INTERNATIONAL CAPS FOR ROOSE, AND HARDMAN
March 26, 1905.
Played at Anfield England v Wales, England winning by three goals to one, in front of 20,000 spectators, Hardman scoring the 3 rd goal.

FINE FIGHTING FINISH AT STOKE
Athletic News - Monday 27 March 1905
By Tityrus
In the distance one could hear the raucous voices of the street hawker vending;- “Memory cards of Everton.”  These productions are pestilential, but it is a free country.  The sellers of this trash were, however, too previous, and in the end they were badly sold themselves, as their funeral wares suffered a slump.  The Evertonians were in dire distress.  Aston Villa seemed to be ready for the Final.  But eight minutes from the cessation of hostilities and one and only jack Sharp rose to the demands of the occasion, and was the chief instrument in scoring the goal which will cause both teams to meet again at Nottingham on Wednesday.  The Aston Villa men had their chance on Saturday, and they will be lucky if they meet Everton in the same vein a second time.  When I went to stoke I conjured up visions of the memorable final which the same clubs gave us at the Crystal Palace in the diamond Jubilee year.  A repetition of such a historic struggle was too much to anticipate.  That standard was never reached. Nor did we see play by either team to equal that of Manchester City against Sheffield Wednesday at Everton twelve months ago, although we had the pleasure of assisting at a battle that was desperately fought for the whole 90 minutes.  Possibly the Villa ought to have been the victors, but they did not take fortune at the flood, and 34,000 people were strangely divided in their sympathies and opinions when “Cease firing” was signaled.  Let it at once be said that the arrangements left nothing to be desired.  The spectators were comfortable, the players had everything in their favour until the rain intervened, and there was enough enthusiasm to keep everybody warm.  The teams live to fight again another day, but Everton may thank their stars that they have another chance of travelling the royal road to the Crystal Palace.  Aston Villa commenced in a style that indicated an intention strictly honourable and laudable of deciding the game in the first quarter of an hour.  Their quick footed centre never forgot to ply Hall, the outside left, who was ever a source of danger.  Brawn, too, was most serviceable, and I liked his long passes to the left –but nothing more than a corner-kick or Hall shooting high over the bar was the result of that maneuvering.  On the other hand Sharp now and again showed his heels to the Villa men, but the outstanding feature of the early play was the work of Hall.  Everton seemed slow and labored in their play, and their backs did not inspire confidence.  Much of the ineffectiveness of Everton at this juncture was due to the fact that Leake was very vigilant when Young tried to set his wings going.  Once Leake, Garraty, and Bache combined so deftly that Hampton headed in, but Roose saved cleverly despite the attention of Bache.  Gradually Everton improved, and Young at length sent Sharp an acceptable pass.  Literally he flew over the ground, and centred so grandly that George could only parry the ball at the expense of a corner kick.  Makepeace headed in beautifully, and the Villa custodian gave a second corner kick, which was not made the most of, for Brawn broke away, only to be eventually mastered by Crelley.  But the “Villians” returned in rare style.  Crelley flastered, and Hampton, with not an antagonist to hamper him, had only Roose to hoodwink.  The use of the adverb “only” is not intended to convey the impression that Roose is a mere detail.  Hampton tried to place the ball where the Welsh international was not, and he put some sinew behind the ball, which cannoned back from the wooden framework.  How that post shivered!  This was a miraculous escape for Everton, but Roose was equal to a fine effort by Bache and at the other end George barred the way to Young.  Everton now showed better football than ever they had done before, and in the last twenty minutes of the first half they gave George many an opportunity of proving that he is still a worthy man to guard the breach.  Young and Sharp were the most aggressive but save a succession of corner kicks Everton went empty away.  Once Settle gave to Hardman, who made a delightful centre.  Settle was there with a grand drive, but George repelled, and Sharp sent over the bar, and so the first half passed away without a goal.  On reversing the “Villians” were again the quicker to make their presence felt.  Bache and Hall, with Brawn, were still the principal factors in forcing the game, but Roose kept a fine goal.  He was smart in fielding a tremendous drive from Leake, who engineered a free kick very neatly.  But Roose excelled himself in cutting out a shot from Hampton, who trapped a long pass from Hall, and at short range, after turning round, he troubled Roose with a messenger that would have scored against most men.  But not so against Roose.  However, even Roose could not hold out for ever.  Hampton flashing along in the centre swished the ball out to Brawn, who centred.  Roose conceded a corner, which was accurately placed.  But the ball was returned to Brawn, who again lobbed it into the goal mouth.  Hall saw his opportunity and headed in.  Roose did not seem to espy the shot until it was right under the bar and going away from him all the time.  His effort was too late, and the Villa at the end of nine minutes were a goal in hand.  Everton rallied, but their forwards were never able to complete any attack, although Makepeace came near scoring with a ball that grazed the outside of the net.  Sharp was responsible for a mighty drive, which George diverted at the expense of a corner kick.  The Evertonians, however, seemed a beaten side, for their backs made me pause, and Sharp seemed to me the only hope of the side, although Young made a commendable shot on the target.  Sharp was the man who seemed to take the game in his hands.  He led one raid which brought George out of goal.  He was only partially successful, and Young sent wildly over the crossbar.  But Sharp by a signal asked Tom Booth, who was looking on, how long there was to play.  The Everton captain, who is still resting for repairs, appeared to indicate five minutes. Sharp saw another chance, and took it.  With what fine speed he dribbled the ball along!  Just before Windmill and Miles had been too much for him, but Sharp never spared himself on this occasion, and when well within the penalty area he crossed to Hardman who came in and returned to the goalmouth.  The ball was passed and repassed by Settle and Young until Sharp consummated the movement by shooting past George when he was very near goalline.  It was a good goal, and admirably worked for.  Some of the Villa officials were at the utmost in their opinion that the point was illegitimate and urged that Hardman at least was off-side, but I was right on a line with the players and the goal, to my view was the best of the match. So Everton were saved by Sharp and the game was drawn.  At the same time, I hold that Aston Villa showed the better football.  The eleven were more cool and calculating, their defence taken as a whole was sounder, their half-back play much superior, and their attacks more artistically conceived and more skillfully executed.  The Villa were not so dangerous in front of goal as Everton when they did arrive-and herein lay the salvation of the Lancastrians.  The Astonians began each half in such spirited manner that they created a tremendous impression, and yet their adversaries always had sufficient strength to finish well.  The Goodison Park team were unquestionably slower to the ball, and their want of speed made them appear much the weaker side, and yet I should not like to express that opinion.  On the whole the Villa more nearly realized their highest standard of play than theirs opponents, and Everton mist show considerable development to win at Nottingham.  George, much more ponderous than he was, showed a slight tendency to misfield ground shots.  I dare say he wishes that his solid flesh would melt when he has to bend, but nevertheless he had nothing to reproach himself for.  The backs in front of him were a strong pair.  Miles has studied Spencer to some purpose, and with due deference to his tutor the left back of the Birmingham club (avaunt, Small heath!) was the finest of the four defenders.  Spencer stands for judgement and Miles for vivacity, pace, and instinct in getting to the ball.  As a pair they are most reliable and help each other.  I should not omit to mention that Spencer once or twice actually charged Hardman.  Although Leake was twice in the wars, for his head was cut and the sole of Taylor’s boot went into his stomach, the veteran of the side was in rare form at centre half.  Windmill ably seconded, and Pearson was not far behind his confreres.  Garraty was almost stunned when the right side of his face was in Collison, but like Leake he is as tough as an ash sapling.  The inside right is a persistent plodder, and he understands what Brawn requires.  With ever so slight a start of his opponents Brawn with his giant stride rushes up the wing in taking style.  Give Brawn a clear course, and he is at once dangerous, for his centres and long passes to the other wing are not surpassed by those of any other player.  His long leg often enables him to secure the ball when a man of less reach would fail, and his centres are generally of such a “strength” that they can be taken.  Many men make more theatrical centres than Brawn, who evidently has thought out “middles” and the rattling long pass to the left wing.  Nothing so harries and worries a pair of backs as accurate work from wing to wing, for the point of attack is changed with such rapidity.  Once an inside right, Hall has been transformed into an able outside left, and with his old Stourbridge clubmate, Bache, he never lacks opportunities.  But everybody plied Hall, who showed an admirable disposition, and never tired.  He can dribble double back on an opponent, centre, and shoot.  What more could a man do?  Save that Bache was inclined to “mix” matters with McDermott and did not shoot too well, I could find no fault with him.  Although Hampton never attempted any dazzling individual performances, such as he is sometimes credited with, he was most unselfish.  He never forgot that he was the pivot and not the piston rod.  The Villa centre does nothing so well as look after his wings.  Such generally commendatory remarks cannot be made concerning Everton, Roose on springs may convey an impression of his agility in expanding himself over eight yards by eight feet.  The famous Welshman never seems to have a bad day, and I feel sure that he never saw the shot that beat him until he was helpless.  Roose stands out boldly as the best custodian in the British Isles.  Neither Balmer nor Crelley was as safe as the Bank of England.  I have seen both perform more creditably for there was neither length nor direction about their kicking.  The ball flew off their boot at tangents, and to the most unexpected localities.  The occasion was too much for Crelley, and Balmer was too anxious I am not forgetting that the ball became sliddery, and I often thought it was well that Roose was in the rear.  The Lancashire half-backs revealed unsuspected weaknesses.  Both Abbott and Taylor were woefully slow.  Nor were they too clever, so that Makepeace once again proved the best of the three, all of whom were quite mediocre in defence and very apt to loft the ball instead of setting their forwards going by ground passes.  One saw the difference on the other side, as the Everton forwards could swear.  McDermott, who lay more forward than usual, now and again was tricky with the ball, but on the whole he was put off his game, and Sharp had to help himself.  The Lancashire cricketer’s speed and skill were frequently seen.  Eleven sharps would have given the Villa much cause for uneasiness.  Young was very useful, especially towards the close of the first half, but he has often been more effective.  The Villa defence never allowed him much latitude, for that way lay danger.  The left wing was not at their best and Hardman who played against Liverpool and Southampton was not the Hardman we saw on Saturday, save in the matter of pluck.  Settle too, was well watched.  Aston Villa; George; Spencer, Miles; Pearson, Leake, Windmill; Brawn, Garraty, Hampton, Bache, and hall.  Everton; L.R. Roose; Balmer (W.), Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman.  Linesmen F. H. Dennis (Middlesbrough) and Horace Walker (Reading).  Referee; A. Kingscott, Derby. 

ASTON VILLA 1 EVERTON 1 (fa cup Game 50)
March 27, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
F.A.Cup Semi-Final
A HARD STRUGGLE.
Everton failed to produce their best form in their match with Aston Villa. Indeed, the admission may at once be made that they were somewhat favoured by fortune in being permitted to fight the battle over again at Nottingham next Wednesday. For once in a way, anticipation as to the classiest exhibition of football of the season were scarcely realised, Both teams have often been seen to greater advantage-especially Everton. Porbably the excitement naturally associated with a great cup struggle affected certain of the player. Of this there is no doubt, that under ordinary circumstances cool and collected players “lost their heads” at times, with the obvious result that their play suffered. At the same time the 40,000 spectators had the satisfaction of witnessing a determined contest between two teams who had made up their minds to do what lay in their power to deserve, if they could not command success. While the crowd hailed the Villa's goal with the utmost delight, they were equally impressed by the spirit which the Evertonians displayed in endeavoring to stern the tide of adversity, and their enthusiasm was something to remember when Sharp, who it as popular a footballer as he is a cricketer, brought the scores level.
VILLA'S STRONG OPENING.
Prompt to time- in fact, shortly before the half-hour- the great rivals entered upon the fray. The Villa who not only looked, but are by far the heavier team, lost no time in settling down to serious business. There was method, too, in their movements, and the incisive nature of their attacks placed their followers in rare good humour. Roose, however, was in a happy mood on the ground, which he knows so well. Still, the run of the play was far from satisfying from an Everton point of view, and when Hampton, with a beautiful opening, crashed the ball against the upright, the followers of the “Blues” were intensely relieved. It took Everton representatives quite a long time to get into their ordinary game, but once the change occurred they fairly extended the Villa defenders. George, fortunately for his side, never faltered. He fisted out a brilliant shot from Sharp, and from the corner he again tipped the ball away as most of the spectators though it would pass under the bar. Several capital attempts were put in by the Everton forwards, but George repelled them all, and at the interval the score sheet was still untarnished.
A GOAL EACH.
As in the opening half, the Villa, after change of ends, dashed off in vigorous fashion. They made Everton look pretty small, and with the backs becoming shaky, Roose's position was no secure. The more work he had the better the Welsh international seemed to like it. Such sustained pressure was bound to tell sooner of later, and ten minutes from the restart, the Everton citadel was captured. It was a capital goal, too, which Hall obtained. From a corner Brawn centred beautifully, and the ball coming back to him, he placed to Hall, who took full advantage of his opportunity, beating Roose all the way with an effort against which, the keeper was utterly powerless. Although the Evertonians pulled themselves together, the Villa for some time after this appeared certainties for a visit to the Crystal Palace. But the resources of the Everton attack were not yet exhausted. Sharp caught the eye as the dangerous individual, and it was from his toe that the equalising point, so sincerely welcomed arrived. He himself led up to it. His speed enabled him to race round the opposing half, and, after a grand dribble, he put across to the leftwing. Hardman returned it, and in a twinkling the teams were on an equality. The Villa protested, but Mr. Kingscott had no doubt about the legitimacy of the point. Though exciting the closing stages brought no further goals.
THE PLAYERS.
The Everton players experienced one of their “ off-day”. They were almost as much below par as they were when they ousted Liverpool from the competition. It is to be hoped that next Wednesday will find them in a different vein. Roose, in goal, could not have been improved upon; indeed, the goalkeeping of both Roose and George was a feature of the match. Spencer and Miles were a better pair of backs than Balmer and Crelly. The latter was weak and brilliant by turns, while the Everton captain at certain periods of the game seemed quite unable to do the right thing. The Everton halves, for such a trio, performed indifferently, Makepeace being the best. On the other hand, the Villa half-backs line. Leake in particular, were in splendid form. Sharp was unquestionably the pick of the Everton forwards. He afforded another instance of the faculty, which he possesses of rising to a memorable occasion. Young had some hard luck in his shooting, and on one occasion, when he was brought down with the ball at his toes, many a referee would undoubtedly have awarded a penalty. Settle was scarcely as serviceable as usual, and neither Hardman nor McDermott distinguished himself. The Villa left wing placed finely, while Bache time after time centred accurately, and now may the better team win at Nottingham.
Teams: - Everton: - Roose goal, W.Balmer (captain), and Crelly backs, Makepeace, Taylor and Abbott half-backs Sharp, McDermott, Young Settle, and Hardman forwards. Aston Villa: - George goal, Spencer, and Miles backs, Pearson, Leake, and Windmill, half-backs Brawn, Garratty, Hampton Bache, and Hall forwards. Referee Mr.Kingscott.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 28 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Lancashire Senior Cup Final
The destination of the Lancashire Senior Cup was decided at Southport last evening, when Southport Central and Everton met in the Final-tie. Owing to their match with Aston Villa today, the reserve team represented Everton, and this robbed the match of a good deal of interest, it would have possessed in view of Southport's defeat of Liverpool in the same competition. Southport were at full strength, the teams being: - Southport Central: - Dent, goal, Spink, and Rimmer, backs, Sinclair, Edmonds, and Chorlton, half-backs, Dawson, Stadbolt, Smith, Lawson, and Danson, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, R.Balmer, and Wildman, backs, Ashworth, Booth (Captain), and Chadwick, half-backs, Rankin, McLoughlin, Roberts, Caldwell, and Dilly, forwards. Referee John Lewis.
This was the second time in succession that Southport appeared in the cup final, for they met Blackburn Rovers in the match last year, at Preston, and were defeated by a narrow margin. Everton won the toss, and set the local lads to face a strong wind. Play opened in a determined fashion, and Smith work himself into a good position, when Balmer rushed across, and took the ball from his toe. The Blues had a brisk look in, and then a neat bit of passing between Shadbolt and Dawson took play to the other end, where Smith failed to take Dawson's centre. Rankin went rapidly away, but put the ball out. Smith shone in a magnificent run, but he lost the ball when he had almost reached the goal. Wildman coming up behind and robbing him. A miss by Edmonds let in Roberts, who sent in a hard shot just wide. A corner to Everton from a throw-in near the flag, and a series of wild kicks on the part of Southport players put the home goal in danger, but at last Sinclair relieved the pressure. Smith, who was playing a great game, beat Balmer, and this led to a beautiful goal. Sinclair sent in a centre from the line, and the ball curled in, Lawson met it with his head, and the first goal was scored. The Central success was received with great cheering. Everton made a desperate effort to draw level, and forced a corner from which Chadwick shot wide. The Blues pressed hard, but the home defence held out grandly, although Dent once dallied almost too long in clearing. A moment later Chadwick hit the upright. Then the Central broke away, and Smith sent in a shot, which Scott just managed to stop, but could not gather, and from the rebound Smith tipped the ball into the net. Everton kept the ball in the White's half, and seemed able to do anything but score. Scott saved rather luckily at the other end. Booth started a pretty movement of the Everton forwards, and the visitors were still pressing when the whistle went for half-time, with the score, Southport Central 2, Everton nil.
On resuming Rankin and McLoughlin made tracks for the home goal, but Chorlton broke up their passing and sent the ball down the field. Everton returned, and Dent fisted out from a bully in front of goal. Danson got off, but was checked by Chadwick, and then McLoughlin raised the hopes of the Everton supporters, present by a grand run, which, however, Edmonds interrupted. A big kick by Balmer only temporarily stopped a rush by the Central, and Scott was called upon to save from Smith. The game was fast, and hotly contested, but was free from fouls. After a long spell of pressure by Central, Dilly broke away, and passing Spink had no difficulty in beating Dent. The goal put heart into the Blues, and Dilly was once more in full cry when pulled up for offside. Scott saved a dropping shot from Shadbolt in good style, and had to save again from Lawson a moment later. Everton had another try, and, playing in fine fashion, were very dangerous, but Rimmer kicked away, Danson forced Scott to give a corner. This came to nothing, but during the next few minutes Everton custodian was a busy man, saving right and left. The sustained attack was one of the finest bits of play. Southport put on during the game. After some exchanges Dilly forced a corner, but placed it wretchedly. Everton were dangerous from another grand run by Dilly, Dent give a corner, but this was cleared, and Scott had to save a bouncing shot from Dawson. Afterwards Everton playing for all they worth, swarmed around the home goal, but at last the great joy of the home crowd, when Edmonds cleared. Result Southport Central 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON REVIEW
March 28 1905. The Liverpool Courier
The indecisive result of last Saturday's Association Cup semi-final at Stoke has rendered necessary another struggle between football giants. This afternoon Everton and Aston Villa will meet on the well-appointed enclosure of the Nottingham Forest Club to settle which will be pitted against Newcastle United in the final at the Crystal Palace. Of course there are possibilities of another draw, but both clubs, in view of numerous other engagements which have to be fulfilled, will be only too glad if the issue is decided one way or the other. One team will eventually have to be disappointed. Let us hope it will not be Everton. Excellent arrangements have been made by Mr. Hallam and the other Forest officials to accommodate the spectators who will pour into the lace capital from all parts of the country. It is estimated that quite 35,000 people can be provided with places from which to obtained a good view of the game. Even the officials do not expect such a large crowd at a midweek match, although they agree that Aston Villa v Everton is one of the most attractive fixtures that could have been sent to Nottingham. Naturally the Villa will be favourities, but after all the Nottingham spectators are good sportsmen, and dearly like to see a fine exhibition of football. While the Villa have been continuing their training at Rhyl, the Everton players have remained at home since Saturday. On Monday they paid another visit to the Northwich brine baths, from the use of which they have derived so much advantage. Yesterday they did no hard work. They travelled last evening by the Great Central route to Nottingham leaving the Central Station at half-past six o'clock. The Victoria Station Hotel will be their headquarters, and they will drive from there to the Forest ground an hour before the match. The teams will be exactly the same as that which pulled the game out of the fire at Stoke. Two players from each side L.R.Roose and H.P.Hardman of Everton, and Leake, and Spencer of the Villa participated in the Welsh match, so that in this respect the international calls will place neither at a disadvantage. The Everton players themselves are pretty confident that they will be able to improve upon Saturday's game. They admit that their form was not of the best they can give. As Mr. W. C.Cuff, the secretary, when questioned yesterday, remarked “I do not think the team can do otherwise than improve on Saturday's display.” This is a view shared by thousands of Everton supporters. May it materialise!

EXTRAORDINARY SEQUEL TO INTERNATIONAL.
Dundee Evening Post - Thursday 30 March 1905
EVERTON GOALKEEPER STRIKES ' IRISH CHAIRMAN.
A hitherto unreported incident which occurred after the international match between Scotland and Ireland at Glasgow on Saturday, the 18th inst., has developed such an extent that the matter cannot any longer be kept a secret. It seems the Irish goalkeeper, while in a discussion with Mr. Chairman of the Irish Association, certain financial matters, struck the latter official a heavy blow in the face with his clenched fist. The Irish Association, having privately discussed the affair, have officially reported the entire facts to the committee of the Football Club, which the player in question belongs. It is almost certain the same individual will never again be chosen in Irish international team.

ASTON VILLA 2 EVERTON 1 (Fac Game 51)
March 30, 1905. The Liverpool Courier
Fa Cup Semi-Final Replay
EVERTON UNLUCKY
Glorious weather prevailed for the replayed semi-final tie in the English Cup competition at Nottingham yesterday. Probably it was more favourable to the spectators than to the players, for the brilliant sun was bound to bother the players to some extent. Still the sunshine was very welcome after the recent visitations of rain. That exceptional interest was taken in the replay between the two such famous clubs as Everton and Aston Villa was evidenced from the numbers of people who poured into the Lace capital from all parts of the county. Speculation was rife as to the outcome of the match, the majority of people in Nottingham favouring the Villa's chances. Still it was borne in mind that at Stoke on Saturday, when each side scored a goal, the Villa were pretty well at the top of their form, while Everton were below par. Those who were anxious to see then visit the Crystal Palace considered that Everton could play two such games consecutively out of the question. This however, was a matter to be decided on the field of play. A large number of people travelled from Liverpool by the Great Central and Miland Companies' trains among the noted football figures being Mr.John McKenna and Tom Watson. The ground of the Nottingham Forest is well adapted for a big cup tie. There is adequate stand accommodation, and, moreover, the playing pitch could hardly be improved upon. Yesterday in spite of the rain, the ground looked its best. The Everton players arrived at Nottingham on Tuesday, but the Villa did not put in an appearance until yesterday morning. Everton relied upon the same team as last Saturday, but one change was made on the Villa side, Wilkes taking the place of Windmill, who had not been well since Saturday's match. The Villa were the first to turn out on the field, and they were loudly cheered, and Everton five minutes later came in for an equally cordial reception. The teams were as Follows: - Everton: - L.R.Roose, goal, W.Balmer (captain), and Crelly, backs, Makepeace, Taylor, and Abbott half-backs, Sharp McDermott, Young Settle, and H.P Hardman, forwards. Aston Villa: - George goal, Spencer, and Miles, backs, Pearson, Leake, and Wilkes, half-backs Brawn, Garratty, Hampton, Bache, and Hall, forwards . The Villa won the toss and had the advantage of playing with the sun at their's backs. Hampton passed over to the leftwing and endeavored to centre, but Crelly cleared. Everton got down on the right, and after a stoppage had occurred in order that another ball might be obtained they forced a corner. Sharp took the kick, but it came to nothing. The Villa got away, and Hampton, Bache, and Hall, were responsible for a pretty movement. Balmer however, was in fine form, and robbed his opponents. Still the Villa were the more prominent, and Hall tricked Balmer, whose mistake however, did not seriously affect his side. As moment later Balmer intercepted a hot shot and then smart tackling by Taylor, Young raced off. His career was not of long duration, and the next item of interest was Abbott being fouled. The free kick was not utilised and Hall dashed along the wing, only to be pulled up by Balmer. The stiff breeze was all against Everton. Twice Wilkes stopped rushes by the Everton left wing, and then Miles pulled up Sharp receiving from McDermott. Everton were now improving, and Young nearly got through. Miles was too good for him, and a free kick to the Villa changed the scene of hostilities. Pearson initiated a pretty move, and Bache receiving from Hall, shot yards wide. A series of thrown in near the half-way line ended in Bache shooting, Roose being forced to leave his charge, clearing nicely from Hampton. Settle next gave to Young, who, was no match for Miles. The Villa forwards broke away on the right. Brawn centred beautifully, and Hampton had a clear course, Roose cleared his shot just as the whistle blew for offside. This was the most rousing movement so far. Young forced a corner smartly from Spencer, but nothing accrued Sharp got well away on the right, but his centre was cleared, and coming down in great style, the Villa were awarded a free kick, not many yards from the Everton goal, McDermott sending clear. Resuming the attack, Taylor clean missed the ball, but Balmer cleared. The Villa were still in a dangerous mood, and Garratty scored for them after fifteen minutes' play. The goal was the outcome of Balmer missing his kick. Garratty raced on with only Roose to beat, and he accomplished his task with ease. The point was received with unbounded delight, and on the play the Villa deserved their success. They were playing the more consistent game. Settle had a chance, but instead of passing out to the left he shot weakly at George, who cleared with ease. The Villa continued their aggressive tactics, but Sharp brought relief with a good run down the wing. Pearson was responsible for a smart clearance on the left, but Balmer cleared a centre from Brawn. Young beat Leake and forced a corner, from which Crelly sent in a high dropping shot, which just shaved the crossbar. This was a capital effort, which was deservedly applauded. A free kick to Everton was well placed in the goalmouth by Balmer, the ball, however, being headed over the line by Abbott. The Villians came down with a rush on the left, but Balmer kicked out. From the thrown-in Roose had to fist clear. Brawn was penalised for pushing Hardman, but the Villa came again, and Hardman just missed the post, while a moment later Brawn in trying to centre, sent the ball out of the ground. There was no denying that the Villa so far were the smarter side. Their halves prevented the Everton forwards getting into their stride. Moreover, one or two of the players did not forget to use their weight. Young receiving from Settle looked like scoring, but found his way parried by Spencer. The game continued to be of a fast, and exciting character, and the ball went from end to end with great speed. Roose was called upon to handle by Bache his task, however, was not a difficult one. It was quite a relief to the Everton portion of the spectators when Hardman and Settle indulged in some pretty passing. Pearson kicked into touch, and following a throw in Settle put in a grand centre, which George dealt with in masterly fashion. Away went the Villa again, and Crelly was just in the nick of time when he took the ball from the toe of Bache. A moment later Hall finished the ball the wrong side of the upright. Play slackened down somewhat, and a free kick to Everton resulted in a combined attack by the visiting forwards which Hardman ended in giving George a hot one, which he dealt with capably. Hampton was heavily grassed near the Everton goal, but soon recovered amid applause. Settle was penalised, and from the free kick a most exciting scrimmage occurred in the Everton goalmouth. Roose's tall frame came to the rescue of his side, and when he fisted clear, surrounded by his opponents, he was loudly cheered. The Villa, however, were in a most aggressive mood, and the Everton goal had a narrow escape, the ball going over the bar by one of their own players. The corner came to nothing, and justed as Balmer had taken a free kick the whistle blew for the interval. Half-time Aston Villa 1, goal Everton nil.
The wind was stronger than it appeared to be from the press box, and the sun had played a great part in the fortune of the teams in the opening half. At the same time it must be conceded the Villa were deserving of their goal lead. They were nipper on the ball than the Evertonians, and were especially well served by the halves, who broke up all attempts at a combined game on the part of the Everton front line. After a longer interval than usual the teams were restarted at half-past four. The Villa broke away, but were soon repulsed. McDermott compelled Miles to kick out, Everton showed up better, and Hardman had bad luck in shooting past the post. Suddenly Hall dashed off and dropped the ball in the goalmouth, Hampton missed it, but Garratty seized the opportunity and scored, the Villians second goal. This success was as unexpected as it was unpalatable to the Everton contingent. Although the Blues raced away the Villa for a time were all over their opponents, and the Everton defenders seemed to off their heads, and another goal appeared likely when Abbott effected a timely clearance. The Everton forwards tried hard to change the fortune of the game, but they could do nothing right. Sharp was easily robbed, and the Villa had more of the play than their opponents Spencer was forced by Young to concede a corner, but Hardman failed to put it to account, sending the ball the wrong side of the upright. The Villa were distinctly playing a winning game. The Everton forwards were very weak in front of goal, and time after time beaten by the Villa halves, and Hampton shot over at lighting speed. Everton forced play on the left, a fruitless corner being the only reward. A moment later from a neat pass by McDermott, both Young and Settle had a grand chance of shooting but owing to a misunderstanding neither took a kick, and Taylor propelled the ball high over the bar. Then Everton put in their best attack of the day, and George repelled in brilliant style, a grand attempt by McDermott. For some time the Villa defence was hard pressed, and ultimately the goal was captured. The Everton forwards and halves played more like themselves, and after exciting exchanges in the goalmouth Sharp secured and defeated George with a beautiful shot, the ball sailing into the net just underneath the bar. This success imparted increased life into the game, each side being visited in turn. Roose saved a couple of fine shots and then Everton again hotly assailed the Villa goal, which had two or three remarkable escapes. Everton undoubtedly were making magnificent efforts to save the situation. Corner after corner fell to them as the result of splendid determination, which deserved to be rewarded. A grand attempt by Sharp led to a corner, which was followed by a another, the ball bobbing about the Villa goalmouth. No praise could be too high for the Everton men, the effort at this period of the game. They were all over the Villa and them grand efforts earned unstinted applause. The excitement was at fever heat, and it was felt that if Everton could maintain such extraordinary pressure they would be rewarded. The Villa defenders were very stubborn, and survived many trying ordeals. Hall created a temporary diversion, but Everton were soon back again, Harassing played up with splendid spirit. Following a clever piece of tackling by Balmer, Sharp forced Miles to grant a corner, from which the ball dropped in front of George. It was headed from one player to another, but into the net it could not be sent. It ever a team deserved to equalise Everton did. Luck was against them. Wilkes handled justed outside the penalty area, but Everton did not turn the free kick to advantage. Everton had all the best of the finish, but had to retire defeated. They certainly deserved to equalise on account of their wonderful exhibition during the greater portion of the second half. Result Aston Villa 2, Everton 1.
COMMENTS ON THE GAME.
Everton were decidedly unlucky to loss. They might have drawn, and might as easily have won if fortune had favoured them. Still they cannot always have the luck. In the first half their display was decidedly below par, and the ineffectiveness of the attack was mainly due, apart from the disadvantage of having to face the sun, and to contend against the vagaries of the wind to the wonderful skill and tenacity of the Villa half backs, who never allowed the forwards to enter upon any sort of combination which could be turned to profitable account. After the Villa obtained their second goal a couple of minutes from the restart. Everton looked absolutely a beaten team. Suddenly they pulled themselves together, and rarely if ever has a finer example been given of plucky determination to pull the game out of the fire. About half an hour the contest received itself into a continual bombardment of the Villa goal. Corner after corner was forced, but only tangible success was the beautiful goal which Sharp registered. Time and again the Villa defence seemed to be tied in knots, but with George closely attended by half his side, and with Leake in particular, here there, and everywhere, the ball could not be forced into the net. Although beaten Everton supporters have the satisfaction of knowing that their team in the later stages of the game made one of the most marvellous efforts to stem the tide of misfortune which has been witnessed in an important football match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1905