NOTTS FOREST 5 EVERTON 2
Match 2, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON BADLY BEATEN.
POOR DISPLAY AT NOTTINGHAM .
Everton fared badly in their return League engagement with the Forest at Nottingham on Saturday. The extent of their downfall was 5 goals to 2. Singularly enough, this was precisely the score by which, in the preceding season, Derby County, who had to give way in the First Division of the League to the Foresters, triumphed over the Evertonians. But even after the exhausting cup-ties with Bolton Wanderers, it was confidently anticipated that the sides doing duty for the Goodison-road club would have put up a much stronger fight. The latest recruit to the ranks, Coleman, the clever inside forward, secured from Woolwich Arsenal, was available, but seven of the Cup-tie team were absent, we are officially informed, through injuries or illness contracted in the two desperate encounters with Bolton wanderers. Makepeace of course could not have assisted his club in any event, inasmuch as he was one of the reserves for the Inter-League game at Birmingham. Thus it was that Scott W. Balmer, and Abbott alone of the side which came through Wednesday's two hour gruelling game so successfully, took their places in the field against the Forest. Still, all the other men called upon by the management were by no means new to League football. Booth and Crelly, for instance, have rendered yeoman service to Everton, and the others have all previously figured in first-class company.

THE FOREST'S LUCK.
Although the reverse was so decisive, there are some extenuating circumstances. That "class" will tell was plainly exemplified, but for all that the Forest enjoyed what luck was knocking about. In the first half, when they scored their five goals, they had the advantage of a strong wind, and moreover, for some considerable time Everton had to play in the teeth of a miniature blizzard. Then, shortly after crossing over, the breeze fell away. During this period the Foresters failed to add to their score, but their opponents did, although it was through Armstrong diverting a shot from Donnachie into his own goal. But Nottingham Forest's superiority must be admitted. During the first 40 minutes of the game, they were head and shoulders above the opposing side. Spouncer quite early on opened the scoring from Marrison's centre. Green was responsible for the second, Morris followed with a third, and then in the space of a couple of minutes Green helped himself top two more. Already Everton's cup of bitterness was filled to over flowing. True, in the last minute before the whistle went for the interval, Mountford got through, but Everton were a very poor second. In the subsequent proceedings the Evertonians improved. Still Shearman and Green both missed grand openings. Scott, too, performed prodigies of valour. After Armstrong had diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper the visiting side had more of the play, but in the end they had to admit defeat by a more effective combination.

THE PLAYERS.
The Nottingham Forest players, who by the way have only suffered one reverse since Christmas, excelled themselves. They in no way missed their sharpshooters. West, Green, although inclined to be selfish, celebrated his reintroduction to the team by accomplishing the "hat-trick." Curiously enough only the previous Saturday another player who had been missing from the first team, for some months –Marsh, of Bolton Wanderers –performed the same feat against Everton. All round the Foresters gave a smart exhibition, one of their most conspicuous players being Wolfe, the centre-half back. As to the Everton representatives they were sadly disappointing. There was no method about their attack, and the defence was very uncertain. Scott has been seen to much greater advantage. He might have saved one of the goals, but then he was too often unsighted by his own backs. Booth was the pick of the halves, with Abbott a good second, but MaConnachie altogether failed to come up to expectations. Of the forwards the new recruit Coleman was responsible for some exceedingly clever work. Unfortunately Donnachie was too slow for him. He should make Sharp an excellent partner. Jones in the centre was completely off form, and although Mountford scored his general play was by no means satisfactory. Winterhalmer put in some runs, and at times centred well, but the line as a whole was rarely suggestive of danger. Teams : - Notts Forest: - Linacre, goal, Gibson, and Malthy, backs, Hughes, Wolfe, and Armstrong, half-backs, Shearman, Marrison (Captain), Green, Morris, and Spouncer, forwards. Everton: - Scott goals, W. Balmer, and Crelly, backs McConnachie, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Donnachie, Coleman, Jones, Mountford and Winterhalmer, forwards. Referee H.S.Bamlett.

EVERTON RESERVES 5 ST HELENS RECREATION 1
March 2 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 27)
Everton turned out a curious team on Saturday, no fewer than four new players appearing in the eleven, and notwithstanding this, they easily accounted for the Recs of St. Helen's by five goals to one. This score, however, scarcely reflects the run of the play, for the teams were evenly matched in all departments, par shooting, and to this inferiority alone must the Recs' account for their severe reverse. The play in the first half, was even, neither goalkeeper being overworked, and it was not until five minutes from the interval that Chetwood opened the scoring. Having gained the lead, Everton never left the Recs, quarters, and Rafferty, Owens, and Chetwood, the home side turning round with a 4-0 lead, registered three more goals. On resuming, the Recs, exerted severe pressure, but Berry saved numerous attempts in confident style, Chetwood scored his third and just before the finish Welding secured the Recs only point. Berry's first appearance in goal for Everton must be put down as successful, and he made a happy debut. The backs were safe, with Chadwick the best of the halves. All the forwards did well, Rafferty, who was centre, and Chetwood displaying nice form, while the three dubutants –Crews (outside left), Owens (inside Left), and Evans (outside right) –created a most favourable impression. Dougherty could not be blamed for the reverse, as he played a fine game. The backs and halves put up a good defence, but the forwards, with the exception of Cunliffe and Roberts were very poor in front of goal.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BARROW 1
March 4, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 28)
This Shrovetide match was played at Goodison-park yesterday, before a fair attendance. The teams were: - Everton: - Sloan goal, Strettell, and Stevenson backs, Adamson, McConnachie, and Chadwick, half-backs, Evans, Chetwood, Mason, Mountford, and Winterhalmer, forwards. Barrow: - Porter, goal Owen and Ingham, backs, Pratt, Dodd, and Watty, half-backs, Anderton, D. Bell, Woodace Hewitt, and W. bell, forwards . Barrow started, and early put on pressure, but Adamson cleared. Sloan, however, was called upon a dropping shot from Hewitt, while after Everton had pressed for some time a bad kick by Stevenson led to a corner, from which D. bell headed over. W. Bell had a chance, but he shot over the bar. However, after Sloan had saved at short range from Woodacre, Hewitt scored. Everton them played up in earnest, and Porter saved a grand shot from McConnachie. For a long time Everton had the best of matters, but the Barrow defence was sound, and several dangerous rushes were made by the visitors. The Everton forwards were weak near goal, whereas the Barrow men's rushes resulted in Sloan being called upon more than once. The Everton goalkeeper punched out a fine shot from W. bell, and the ball went straight to Anderton, who headed over. Then Chetwood equalised with a good shot, the ball turning into the net off the foot of the post. Barrow followed with three fruitless corners, Sloan saving finely. Half-time Everton 1, Barrow 1. On resuming Everton pressed, but finished badly, when the visitors retaliated first Anderton and then Hewitt threw away chances through wild shooting. Porter, the Barrow goalkeeper, afterwards cleared some long shots with great smartness. D. Bell made a fine effort to get through on his own, but was beaten close to goal, and Everton attacked strongly afterwards. Evans was weak, and although Everton did all the attacking they could not beat Porter. Two minutes from the end Chetwood missed a rare chance, and it appeared as through the game would be drawn. Just before the whistle sounded, however, Chetwood rushed the ball into the net after Porter had partially stopped a dropping shot from Adamson and Everton just won by 2 goals to one.

EVERTON AT NOTTINGHAM
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908
By Richard Samuel
Of course, the usual comments have gone forth respecting the non-representative character of the Everton team dispatched to Nottingham.  It failed to include eight of the side successful over Bolton on the preceeding Wednesday.  With Makepeace ordered elsewhere and Coleman’s advent constituting a sort of added strength, the net absentee list may be set down at six.  Why this should raise so much comment, I cannot for my life make out.  Look at the case of Everton’s recent Cup-tie victims, Bolton on Saturday, for instance.  The stress and strain of those two Cup-ties we read in last week’s “F.F” played havoc with a number of the Wanderers’ Cup team, four of whom did not appear at Blackburn, and this, mind you, despite the Wanderers’ desperate League table position.  I learn too, that it was in the second half that the Wanderers lost their grip thereby indicating that the men were not in the best trim for staying the game. How could they be?  Thus the chances are that had the Wanderers’ League position been a safe one, and the club still in the running for Cup honours and on the eve of another strenuous Cup struggle, quite a number of those who did visit Ewood would have been well advised to take a judicious rest.  Whilst on this topic one recalls how some years ago, Rutherford, of Newcastle United, was selected to assist his country v. England.  At the time his club was in the midst of a busy programme, and Rutherford was kept so well employed that when the International event came along he was so stale that he quite.  Failed to do himself justice, and his club was mildly censured for not allowing him what they considered a reasonable recuperative period prior to the match!  But is not a club quite as justified in seeing that its players are likely to have a decent kick or two left in them when an equally important Cup-tie such as that down for decision at Goodison today comes along?  I haven’t the slightest hesitation in asserting that Everton’s team at Nottingham was their best available one.  Men are not machines, and I feel sure that if the Everton management had asked the natives of Laceville –which do you prefer, a team of fresh players, or our cup team in a dead tired condition?  - they would have preferred to find the first-named pitted against their men.  Had Everton’s Cup team turned out and lost the toss on such a day as Saturday, I feel confident they would have met with an equally severe defeat.  Even Scott conceded two of the goals at Laceville, whilst in the second stage, when Everton had reasonable expectations from the gale, the latter actually died away to nothing.  All these things should be taken into consideration, when scrutinizing that 5-2 defeat. But to return to my theme – and I hold no brief for Everton, mind you; they can pretty well take care of themselves – I know that one of the League rules stipulates that clubs must play at full strength.  But can men be strong when they are physically weak?  It is the fact that several of the Everton players partially collapsed upon returning to their dressing-rooms at the close of that two hours’ battle against Bolton. 
Coleman In Everton Colours
The rule referred to was framed when the season’s programme was decidedly less strenuous than it is today.  There were then fewer drawn games, for clubs are more level in fighting power today.  The whole of the Everton players sent to Nottingham had previously taken part in league football; indeed, the side included five Internationalists!  Again, were not practically the whole eleven players deputed to do duty for Everton in receipt of the maximum $ pound per week salary?  4 pounds per week men should be beyond cavil.  In conclusion readers I do not think a single player was unreasonably rested.  Those who witnessed the ties v. Bolton on two almost unprecedentedly heavy grounds will agree that the full eleven earned some such treatment.  Of the match at Trent side, little remains to be added.  Sloan would probably have done better than Scott, whilst W. Balmer shaped like a man who could have done with the same prescription as that ordered his brother!  Tom Booth behaved splendidly at centre half, in which line Macconnachie proved a decidedly weak spot.  Mac is a shattered idol indeed, and those directors who believed in him so strenuously earlier in the season must surely now admit themselves mistaken.  If Mac is to achieve even moderate success I cannot see how it is to be elsewhere than at full back.  Coleman’s first run with his new club was not made under the most auspicious conditions, but we all know the abilities of this versatile player in any of the three inside positions.  He, of course, was ineligible for today’s Cup-tie, having assisted the Gunners in this season’s competition.  Tom Jones was weak at centre v. the Forest.  He reminds one of Jack Parkinson, who is such a force in Combination football, but so uncertain when it comes to League duties. 

MAXIMUM WAGE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908
The introduction of the maximum wage rule has led to moderate players securing top prices of 4 pounds per week.  In like manner the limiting of the transfer fee to 350 pounds will mean the giving and the ability to give a bigger fee for moderate players than previously.  Look at the case of Crews, a Woolwich local reserve team forward, transferred to Everton last week, bring in 250 –so repont says.  The wealthy clubs have the money, and that money will be spent. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908

• Everton’s juniors were fairly lost in the Forest.
• Everton, Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolverhampton for the semi-finals.
• Everton are to be complimented on their capture.  Their bump of foresight (or is if the purse?) must be very large.
• Were Everton well advised to play only three regular members of the League team against Notts Forest?  Will not this mean a heavy fine?
• The Everton directors have got a very strong force of reserves to fall back on, as was proved on Saturday.  No fewer than eight of the regular reservists doing service for the seniors, and still the “scratch team” managed to beat St. Helens Rec to the tune of 5-1.  Can any other team in the League say this?
• Donnachie actually scored a goal for Everton at Nottingham thanks to kindly assistance from Armstrong.
• Everton played extra time in a Cup-tie with Glasgow Rangers at Goodison.  The Cup was one given by the Ibrox authorities, and the proceeds were to aid a fund in aid of the killed and injured at the greatest football catastrophe.  It was in the match mentioned that dilly made his first appearance for Everton, and made Nick Smith look quite a novice. 
• International team selectors were expected to muster in force at Everton and Fulham today.
• Macconnachie, Donnachie, and Raffers are some of the curious names in Everton’s club book this season.
• Was it joy at regaining what appeared to be lost that unfitted so many of the Everton players last week?
• Everton’s team v. Forest only included three of the Cup team, the rest being off through injuries, etc. More of the etcetera, we we think.
• Everton supporters are wondering why “Sandy” Young has not been selected in the international.  Where are the eyes of the Scottish selection Committee?
• The Forest wanted points badly.  With Everton still being in the Cup, they were fortunate to meet a shadow of the Everton team, the result being that they gained two valuable points.  But is it fair to the other clubs who are striving to keep their place in the League that the Everton directors should act as they did?
• Coleman’s start for Everton was made in curious company.
• The Everton team seldom does well when Jack Taylor is an absentee.
• Why were Balmer, Abbott, and Scott not given a rest in view of today’s great match against the Sotons?
• Should Everton succeed in reaching the final for the Third year in succession, they will have accomplished what only three other clubs (London Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and West Bromwich Albion) have done.

EVERTON V. SOUTHAMPTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908
A Vast Assembly
A Game Without Goals
Of the eight clubs left to do battle for “the” Cup this morning, only two had previously held the trophy.  Everton stood out as one of the twain, and hopes ran high on Merseyside –indeed throughout Lancashire-that the galliant lads in Blue would today once more enter the semi-final stage at the expense of Southampton –the one surviving club of the Southern League’s 20.  Being the only Cup-tie in Lancashire, a monster attendance was anticipated granted fine weather..  Had the clock bene put back a day we should have had a repetition of the third round conditions, for yesterday was one of gale-and rain.  Happily, after a stormy night, this morning opened promisingly, and at 10-30 Mr. Cuff, the Everton secretary, informed the writer that the “going” at Goodison would be “beautiful” by starting time, provided the weather held up –it did! He also said his club would depend on the recognized “Cup” eleven, all of whom had taken things quietly during the week, interspersed with visits to West Kirby.  Although the Blues had such a rough passage v. Bolton they were undoubted favourities.  Southampton has rivalled, or sought to rival, Merseyside in more ways than one, and today the club of that name came on the scene, ‘twas said, in no sense overawed with the magiritude of the task set them.  Both clubs occupied the eleventh position in their League, and each had 26 points, so that their abilities read almost equal.  How the two had reached their present position, is shown as under-
Everton;
1st round (h) beat Tottenham 1-0
2nd round (a) drawn, Oldham 0-0
Replay (h) beat Oldham 6-1
3rd round (a) draw Bolton W 3-3
Replay (h) beat Bolton Wan 3-1 (After extra time) 13-5
Southampton Beat Burnley 2-1
(h) Beat WBA 1-0
(h) Beat Bristol Rovers 2-0  5-1
Thus both sets of performances read meritorious and apparently the Sotons claimed the stronger defence.  The Southerners were not quite settled as to the constitution of their team until today, it being a question of Robertson or Hadley for left half, and Robertson or Costello for inside left.  Eventually the sides turned out as under.  Everton’s team including ‘twill be seen, no fewer than nine internationals.  Everton; Scott; W. Balmer, and R. Balmer, backs; Makepeace, Taylor (captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and H.P. Hardman, forwards.  Southampton; Lock (H), goal; Glover (H) and Eastham (JB), backs; Johnson (JS), Thorpe (F), and Robertson (H), half-backs; Bainbridge (J), Jefferis (F), Smith (G), Costello (F), and Hodgkinson (AW), forwards. 
Beautiful fine weather prevailed at Goodison Park today, and the crowd numbered quite 40,000.  Everton played their strongest team, whilst the saints had a strong side.  Play opened fast, the Saints attacking first, but Everton were soon at the other end, Young and Hardman just shooting wide.  During an attack by the Saints, Bainbridge put through, but the point was disallowed for offside.  After this Everton made the running.
A Hugh Assembly.
There were early indications of something like a record crowd for Goodison Park putting in an appearance.  This was not surprising in view of the delightful weather and the sensational turn Everton’s Cup-ties v. Bolton Wanderers had taken.  Half-an-hour before the start there were over 30,000 people present, all the covered stands being packed, and the cry was, “Still they come.”  Indeed, when the teams turned out, every available inch appeared to be occupied, so that there must have been fully 50,000 present at 3-25.  One heard, too, that there was still a bog-lot of enthusiasts rolling up to the gates.  Everton were first out, and it was 3-29 when Southampton appeared.  Taylor won the toss, and thus Everton played with the sun at their backs.  Both sides were most excited at the outset.  Play was early in Everton’s quarters, but Smith shot over.  Taylor was loudly cheered for breaking up a rush by the enemy, and giving to Hardman the last named tried hard to round Johnson, but the ball went into touch.  Just after Young was fouled by Johnson.  Abbott took the free kick, but Glover saved his lines.  Young then shot high over.  A foul against Taylor was badly placed by Glover.  As yet neither side had settled down to any definite plan of campaign.  However, just here the Southampton goal had a miraculous escape, as Settle plied Young with a masterly pass.  The latter pushed the ball beautifully ahead for Bolton to take up the running, and Hugh dribbled on to within a few yards of Lock, when in endeaveuring to place the ball absolutely well out of the keeper’s reach, he actually missed the goal.  It was an awful blunder, and the crowd groaned again, such chances come but seldom in a Cup-tie.  A minute later Sharp crossed the ball close in, and Hardman made two valiant attempts to open the Blues’ account.  No 1 was charged down, whilst No. 2 was grandly saved by Lock at the expense of an abortive corner.  After this, the game opened out, and Southampton grew extremely dangerous, a rush by their left wing carrying the ball right past the Everton defence.  Then it was crossed to the right, when Bainbridge met it.  He was, however, so obviously offside that the referee had no hesitation in disallowing the goal.  Just afterwards, Bainbridge centred, and W. Balmer missed, heading the ball.  Fortunately the visiting left, coming up with a wet sail, also missed the objective, and the crowd breathed freely again.  It was now Everton’s turn to attack, and some very pretty combination was shown along their forward line.  Once their move looked like bearing fruit, but Lock cleared finely in the end. The Sotons now made their presence felt in no unmistakable fashion, and appeared smarter on unmistakable fashion, and appeared smarter on the ball than Everton at this juncture.  Their half-backs were very strong, Robertson in particular watching Sharp closely.  The forwards too were quick and passed splendidly on occasion, thereby earning the hearty plaudits of the vast crowd.  On several occasions the Blues’ backs were in difficulties, but Scott proved safe, and twice saved rasping long shots by Hodgkinson in fine fashion.  Thorpe was also doing well on a favouritie battle-ground.  However, Everton now bestirred themselves, some hot and strong work taking place in close proximity to Lock who was proving himself a keeper of parts, Sharp and Abbott were the marksmen par excellence but Lock refused to show the open door.  Some of his work was really brilliant and the whole of it most capable.  Once Settle just failed to get his boot properly to a cross shot by Sharp, otherwise a goal must have accrued.  Young also tried hard to work a scoring position. However, he found in Thorpe a most serious obstacle.  It was now Hardman’s turn to achieve prominence with centres and shots.  One of the latter was a most deceptive dropping affair, which made for the far top angle of the goal, but Lock waited patiently and perfected a fine save. 
Hardman soon afterwards sent a trimmer skimming over the bar by a bare foot.  The visitors now menaced and two good drives from half-back ensued, whilst Jefferis in one instances shot tamely to the disgust of his comrades.  Makepeace was slightly damaged on the face, but soon resumed.  As the interval approached the game was quiet for a spell, and it could not be said that play as a whole had reached the expected standard of quality and attendant excitement.  Up to now Bolton had been a weak spot in the Everton attack, the majority of the passes intended for Sharp going wrong.  Bainbridge, the dangerous goal getter of the visiting team, here worked to within 10 yards of Scott, but he handled the ball, and a fine chance was thus negative.  Hardman made a startling run, and centred ably, but the visiting defence prevailed, despite the frantic efforts of Young and Co, to open Everton’s account.  Taylor was putting in a vast amount of invaluable work for his side.  Both teams were hereabouts desperately in earnest, but do as they would neither side could score to the interval.  On the whole the visitors had exceeded expectations, but the same could not be said for Everton.
Half-time; Everton 0, Southampton 0.
Looking Back
Half-time impressions were that there was very little to choose betwain the twain.  Both sets of forwards indulged in some very pretty work, but there was one thing lacking –goals.  Robertson fully justified his inclusion for he reduced Bolton to mediocrity and watched Sharp very closely, as did Thorpe upon Young.  The ex-Bury man’s feeding was also very good.  Settle and Hardman were thus the most prominent Blues.  Lock showed himself a most resourceful custodian and cleared in finished style.  The visiting left wing was like Everton’s, the most dangerous. 
After Half-Time
Resuming, the play was quickly worked up to fever heat, chiefly through the agency of Sharp, who worked around Eastham brilliantly and centred.  Young missed the ball, but Settle made a capital scoring attempt, which Glover blocked almost on the line.  Young tried desperately to work through, but Glover got the ball for Taylor to return to Sharp, who drew from Lock a most brilliant save when two or three of the enemy were almost smothering him.  There is nothing of the “rustic ease” about Lock.  The visiting left now made a rush, Hodgkinson ending with a flying centres, which went out on the far side.  It was Everton’s turn to Press again, and Sharp, in his favouritie way, showed Eastham a clean pair of heels, and finally crossed accurately for Young to shoot quick and hard.  But Glover got in the way of the ball, and a fruitless corner ensued.  The enemy’s followed.  Two thirds of the time had gone and still the score was a blank.  The one hope of the South was indeed putting up a sturdy resistance, although the balance of play in this half had lain on the side of the Blues.  Sharp was going great guns hereabouts, and was the biggest source of danger.  The visiting goal was being subjected to tremendous pressure, and how it held up was really surprising in more than one instance.  Men’s bodies occasionally came luckily into the line of fire and as for the rest –well, ask Lock!  Corners were of no avail to the Blues.  From one centre Hardman, it was a mystery how a header by Bolton failed to find lodgment in the net.  Three quarter time, and still no goals.  In a rush the Sotons won a corner but Young brought relief, and once again the Blues advanced but Young hung on to the ball until robbed.  Play was suspended in consequence of Bainbridge being winded.  Resuming Sharp forced a corner but it was well cleared by Eastham when a rush by the Sotons left found the Blues’ defence almost unprepared and well was it that R. Balmer sprinted across to intercept a big drive by Robertson; 75 minutes gone and still no goal so that both sides had little time left in which to make up their minds to avoid a mid-week’s replay at the Dell.  Play took a quiet turn and we fell to wondering if this was a clam before the storm.  The question also arose, what about Everton’s last ten minutes’ spurt?  Would it materialize!  Thorpe instantly missed his kick in midfield and let in Young for a clever race towards goal.  As a last resource Loch advanced, and Young shot at the untenanted goal, when, sad to relate the ball trickled past the wrong side of the post.   Everton still pressed, but the Soton’s goal remained uncaptured.  It was a trying time for everybody.  Although the Everton attack was not all it should have been due credit must be given for the unwavering and untiring defence put up by the visitors.  Play opened out again in the last five minutes.  Abbott tried a dribble on his own, and was brought down just inside the penalty line and from the ensuing free kick, Lock brought off another great save.  In the end a goal-less draw was the verdict, and the visiting defence are certainly entitled to the day’s honours.
Final; Everton o, Southampton 0
Gate Receipts
The attendance is approximated at 45,000, the gate receipts being 1,515.  The tie will be replayed on Wednesday at the Dell, Southampton, the kick-off being timed for 3-30.  Special trains leave Liverpool on Tuesday midnight. 

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVE V. EVERTON RESERVE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908
At Clayton, before a fair crowd.  After a hot attack by Everton, during which Chetwood shot over, the United were awarded a penalty, but Christle’s shot struck the cross-bar.  Adamson and Booth both had shots at goal, but at length Donnachie scored for the visitors.  The United had McLarney injured, and played poor football, Sagar and Scholfield missing easy openings.  Half-time; United Reserve 0, Everton reserve 1
On resuming the United were still short of McLarney and Everton were the first to press, but Hulme defended finely.  Wilson had an opening, but was beaten by Strettle.  Sloan was called on by Barnett, while at the other end Wilson had to save fine shots from Mason and Cook.  Everton had the best of matters, but from a breakaway.  Wilson shot well, Rafferty scored for Everton.  Three quarter time; Everton Reserves 2, United Res 0.  Final; Manchester Reserve 0, Everton Reserve 3.

EVERTON’S GENEROSITY
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 07 March 1908
Particulars are to hand of an act of generosity by the Everton Club that is worthy of imitation by wealthy clubs.  The Evertonians are always to the fore in assisting the weaker organizations.  They intended arranging a home match for March 14th, so as to give their supporters the privilege of witnessing a game at Goodison Park, but at the urgent request of Chorley, who are at the bottom of the table, and are not blessed with much money., they have agreed to play at Chorley in their postponed Combination match next Saturday.  Under ordinary circumstances the match would have had to be played at night.  Such an action is to be commended. 

EVERTON 0 SOUTHAMPTON 0 (Fa Cup Game 71)
March 9, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
ANOTHER EVERTON DRAW.
MISSED GOALS.
FA CUP ROUND FOUR
Everton must be pronounced the champions team in respect of "drawns" in this season's English Cup competition. In the first round they did manage to dispose of Tottenham Hotspur at the first time of asking, but they had to meet both Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers twice before they gained the right to measure swords with Southampton. Apparently in order not to break the sequence they indulged in another drawn battle with the Southerners, and the consequence is that the game will have to be fought over again in the Hampshire seaport next Wednesday. This succession of "draws"v is somewhat irritating. Of course the club's exchequers' benefits very considerably, but however, people may talk the directors and players would rather see the issue successfully accomplished at the first encounter. On Saturday the Everton representatives had only themselves to blame for the necessity of making the long journey South. Quite early on Bolton threw away a glorious chance, and later in the game the same player was similarly at fault. Young too, had the goal at his mercy. A mistake by Thorp, the opposing centre-half, gave him the chance of a lifetime. He raced between the backs all right, but he was evidently disconcerted by the action of the goalkeeper in running out. Result –he shot feebly wide of the upright and Everton have to visit Southampton.

STURBORN SOUTHERNERS.
It was an ideal day for football. The playing pitch was in wonderfully good condition, and there was a tremendous crowd –45,000 –most of whom confidently expected that Everton had on a pretty soft thing. To such people the display of the Southern Leaguers came as a rather disagreeable eye-opener. They may not have been as successful as in recent years, in their own League, but they showed conclusively at Goodison-park that they know the game, and can play –at any rate in Cup-ties. Indeed during the first half in particular, they were cleverer than their opponents. Bolton's mull might have inspired them. Certain it is that for the greater part of the forty-five minutes they romped round the Everton defence up to a point. Their failure was at the crucial moment –that is when sterling work in midfield ought to receive its reward. If they could only have finished decently they might have established a strong lead, but they failed, and they have only themselves to blame. In the second half –by the way the referee, for some reason or other, did not complete the full 45 minutes – the Southerners did not show to quite the same advantage. Some if their attempts at goal were of an aimless description, while on the other hand lovely centres from Sharp or Hardman caused their defence no little trouble. Then there was that miss of Young's and Bolton's lost opportunity. Neither goalkeeper could be beaten, and a rather tame finish came with a clean sheet.

THE PLAYERS.
Taken as a whole, the Everton side failed to give their best. They did not blend as harmoniously as we have seen them on many an occasion. The fault primarily rested with the front line. The outside men, Sharp and Hardman, were excellent. Time after time they centred beautifully, and the manner in which they took corners commanded admiration. If the inside men had only been up to concert pitch, even the dogged and persistent defence of the Southampton backs, and goalkeeper must have succumbed. Young, apart from his one outstanding mistake, worked like a Trojan, but while Settle was only so-so. Bolton was unaccountably weak. Overlooking the two chances, which he threw away, his general work left much to be desired. The halves stood the strain well, Taylor having a skilful customer to deal with in Smith, the old Preston North End forward. The brothers Balmer were useful without being brilliant, while Scott in goal was rarely called upon to deal with really dangerous shots. As for Southampton, their exhibition was worthy of warm commendation. They are a smart side in every department. The goalkeeper, Lock, distinguished himself greatly, while Glover, a young player who has learned his football in the South, was unquestionably the most brilliant back on the field. Thorp was a tower of strength at centre half-back, his only mistake being when he allowed Young to have a clear course. The forwards were a good level lot, Smith distributed the play with rare judgement, and the outside men. Hodgkinson and Bainbridge were speedy and resourceful. The game will be replayed at Southampton on Wednesday. Attendance 45,000 Receipts £1,515. Teams: - Everton: - Scott, goal, W. Balmer, and R Balmer, backs, Meakepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Southampton: - Lock, goal, Eastham, and Glover, backs, Johnston, Thorpe, and Robertson, half-backs, Bainbridge, Jefferies, Smith, Costello, and Hodgkinson, forwards. Referee F.H. Dennis.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 3
March 9, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 29)
By beating Manchester United, at Clayton on Saturday, Everton have practically made their claim to the championship secure. With 50 points as the result of 20 minutes, and with 97 goals for and only 27 against, their record is indeed fine. Their victory over Manchester United was quite an easy one. After Christie had hit the Everton crossbar from a penalty kick, Donnachie put the visitors in front. One of the home backs was off during the second half, and Everton went further ahead through Rafferty and Mason, winning by three clear goals. The absence of McLarney did not effect the result, for the Everton men were on top all through, and were decidedly the better team, even before his retirement. Rafferty and Chetwood made a splendid wing. Tom Booth showed the Manchester forwards (one of whom was Sagar) that he is still a force to be reckoned with, while the defence was perfect.

Everton: - Sloan, goal, MaConnachie, and Strettell, backs, Adamson, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs, Rafferty, Chetwood, Mason, Cook, and Donnachie, forwards.

CHESTER PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Match 11, 1908. The Liverpool Courier
We understand that after Chester Football Club have finished their Welsh Cup comment, B. Goode, who has done such good work for the Chester team, both at inside and outside right, will be given a trial at Everton. Goode is a dashing player and a bustling type, and he is a capital shot, is quite a younger player, and under training will no doubt be quite able to play among First League players.

SOUTHAMPTON 3 EVERTON 2 (Fa Cup Game 72)
March 12, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Fa Cup Round Four Replay .
Everton failed to maintain their sequence of Cup-tie success at Southampton yesterday, and had to acknowledge defeat by three goals to two. But it was an honourable defeat. Even when were goals in arrears the Blues fought on with grim tenacity, and more than once within an ace of saving the game. It was Southampton and not Everton who were glad to bear the final blast of the referee's whistle, for the home side were fairly exhausted, whereas Everton finished full of fire. If the visitors had only played as well in the first half as they did in the second a different tale would now have to be told. As it was, the Saints were allowed to bustle Everton off their game, and when the latter eventually swung into their stride they found between them and their objective the same stubborn defence that thwarted then at Goodison. Never has such excitement been known at Southampton as that which prevailed throughout yesterday. There was practically a half-holiday in the town, all the factories, and works at the docks being closed, while no fewer than fifteen excursions poured their hundreds of passengers into the Hampshire seaport. The Dell quite failed to accommodate the crowd. Many people who arrived on the ground half an hour before the kick off failed to reach their seats till the interval, and even at this stage there were still hundreds clamouring for admission. The occasion will never be forgotten in local history, if only for the extraordinary scenes witnessed. People climbed trees adjacent to the ground and took possession of the roof of the stands. The Dell is supposed to be able to accommodate 20,000, and it was absolutely choked right up to the doors.

HOW THE GOALS WERE SCORED.
Of course the victory of the Saints made the scene still more remarkable, but it was not till the game was well under way, that popular enthusiasm was able to develop itself for Young's early score acted like a cold douche on a feverish body. This goal was scored four minutes after the start, and was the reward of commendable enterprise. Hardman had put the Blues into a good position, and Young, when in the neighborhood of the left wing, let drive at long range. The ball struck the farther post, and cannoned inside the net to the wild delight of two trainloads of Evertonians who were present. In spite of this lead, however, the Blues were by no means completely satisfactory in their work, the Brothers Balmer often kicking poorly, and Bolton failing to make headway when an opportunity offered. Indeed but for Sharp's admirable sprints and centres Everton would have suffered a complete eclipse. It occasioned no surprise when after 16 minutes play Costello side-tapped a centre past Scott. Southampton second goal was rather a lucky point, as Bainbridge happened to be standing close to the goal, and barely on side, when Johnston lobbed the ball up, and the home right winger touched it into the corner of the net. Early in the second half, Costello increased the Saints' lead with a wonderful effort. Bainbridge getting clear, centred rather hard, and the ball seemed certain to pass out on the other wing, when Costello rushed up, and from a very acute angle headed the leather through. It was a magnificent piece of work. Strangely enough, it was at this point that the game underwent a marked change.

EVERTON'S HARD LUCK.
So persistently did the Blues attack that practically the whole of the home team were engaged in defence. Still, in spite of this fact, the Saints were almost run to a stand still, and were completely beaten, when Bolton, who was standing unmarked, scored the visitor's second point, just before Sharp had extremely hard lines; for, after out flanking both Robinson and Glover, he had a brilliant shot accidentally charged away by Eastham. Settle had a fine chance of drawing level, but he sent wide from short range. Neither he nor Bolton was at all certain in marksmanship, and to this fact Everton in some degree own their defeat. Considering the amount of attacking the Blues did in the second half, they ought to have saved the game. Southampton although defending doggedly, did not play so well as on Saturday, but they undoubtedly were more efficient in front of goal, which explains their success.

THE PLAYERS.
Costello was the best forward on the field, and Hodkinson, too, showed capital form. Bainbridge, on the other hand, made only moderate use of the advantage in speed, which he had over R. Balmer. On one occasion, when he had a clear run on Scott, he unaccountably stood still and shot wretchedly. The home backs were the best part of the defence. Eastham kicking with much power, and tackling well. Lock made one sensational save from Hardman, and was lucky during a melee just on the interval not to be rushed into the goal. Scott had an annoying experience to be beaten thrice and yet have comparatively an easy afternoon. The outstanding feature of his ork was a magnificent one-handed save from smith. In the closing stages. The Brothers Balmer were erractic in their kicking when pressed, and by no means covered themselves with distinction. Makepeace was again the most effective half-back, and demonstrated that in a gruelling Cup-tie such as this youth is an invaluable possession. Abbott did well in the first half, but afterwards neither he nor Taylor was able to recover once they were beaten. Jack Sharp was head and shoulders above his colleagues. His cleverness enabled him repeatedly to escape close surveillance, and he rarely failed to centre with precision. Bolton improved after the interval, but by that time the Saints had gained a winning lead. Young was persistent, and often smart. At one time he seemed to have complete mastery over Thorpe, and during this period was the initiator of many raids. But the home captain recovered splendidly, so that Young was again brought under control before he had done any mischief. The left wing was disappointing, Hardman by no means reproducing Saturday's form, and he seemed to have a wholesome respect for Eastham, in addition to which Johnston gave him a lot of attention. Everton's only consolation is that they take a share of the gate receipts, which amounted to £1,067, the attendance numbering 21,690. The teams were as follows: - Southampton: - Lock, goal, Eastham, and Glover, backs Johnston, Thorpe, and Robinson, half-backs, Bainbridge, Jefferies, Smith, Costello, and Hodgekinson, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goals W. Balmer, and R. Balmer backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Abbott half-backs, Sharp, Bolton Young, Settle, and H. Hardman, forwards. Referee F.H. Dennis.

WHITE’S BEST DAY’S WORK
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908
Walter White is a bundle of grit, and it has often been said that he has a heart as big as a lion’s.  He is one of those players who never know when they are beaten, and fit and well he never seems to tire, even when the going is heavy and the contest most strenuous.  Now a Scottish International, White was a collier working at the pit in his native village, Hurlford, in Ayreshire, when Bolton Wanderers first discovered him, and “Wattie” will tell you today that it was the best day’s work he ever did when he penned his name on the form which the club placed before him.  He has been a recognized member of the first team for upwards of five years, giving of his best in 181 out of a possible 206 League games, in which no fewer than 86 goals had been placed to his credit.  On top of this, he has scored six goals in the English Cup, 10 in the Lancashire Cup, one in the Manchester Cup, and three in friendly games.  His best season was that of 1905-06, when he claimed 25 League goals, and six others in minor contests.  For several weeks since the dawn of the new year he has played when he ought to have been rested, for apart from being ill himself, he has had the anxiety consequent up sickness at home, and his play has suffered markedly in consequence. That he will come again there is not the slightest reason to doubt.  He is the youngest member of today’s beneficiaries, being born in 1884, and his affectionate boast is that “Hurlford is the bonniest spot in the world”  He was engaged kicking goals for Hurlford when a Bolton director first made up his mind that the lad had football in him.  Considering that he is only a matter of 5ft 6 and half inches high and that his weight is less than 12 stone, he is wonderfully sturdy and difficult to knock off the ball.  Determination and earnestness are his chief characteristics, although his ability with the ball is undoubted.  Few men take in a position so quickly and pass so accurately and to such purpose as does White, and his success as a goal-getter is proved by the statistics already given.  He and McEwan have made a reputation as a wing which has travelled far and wide, and judiciously rested there are years of good football in the cheery little man yet.

CHORLEY V EVERTON RESERVES
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908
Everton paid their second visit to St. George’s Park this season, their first appearance being Nov 30th, when the game had to be abandoned just before the interval owing to fog.  The meeting had been looked forward to with great interest by the Chorley spectators.  Though the weather was very winter, rain falling the greater part of the morning, a good crowd was present when W. Wareing started for Chorley, who advanced, and Stevenson kicked away a nice centre from Smith.  A foul against Batey was dangerous, but Wareing cleared, and then at the other end Berry had to leave his charge to clear.  Crews got away on the visitors left, and ended with a good shot, which Grimshaw equally well saved.  Then Smith and Hodgson raced away to the other end, where Smith was robbed by Cook.  Again Chorley advanced, but Wareing was offside.  Hodgson twisted his leg, and had to be taken off.  Despite this the home men kept up the attack, and Batey was just wide after Smith had made a beautiful individual effort.  Brember also got in a good shot, which Berry saved.  Again Brember was going through when he was brought down in the penalty area.  Brindle took the kick, and Berry stopped the ball. Brindle ought to have scored from the save, but clean missed the ball.  Then Everton got away, but Graham was offside.  At this stage Hodgson reappeared, only to find his partner, Smith, disabled.  He soon made his presence known by testing Berry with a good shot.  Chorley were now having all the play, but experienced the hardest of lines, and Berry was repeatedly called upon to save shots which did him credit.  Then Everton got away , but Evans could not reach the ball, which went into touch.  Gerrard was given several nice passes, but he could not get in his centres.  Then Howarth headed towards the Everton goal, and Hodgson, getting between the Everton backs, beat Berry with a splendid shot.  Everton started with more dash, and at once made for goal, Wareing and Brindle cleared; and the home team again returned to the attack, where Batey getting possession from one of the Everton backs put Chorley further ahead.  A few minutes later and Gerrard failed at an open goal.  Then the visitors broke away, and Couper looked like scoring when Brember, who had played a hard game, rushed across and cleared by kicking into touch.  Smith got away, and from his center Wareing shot, but was given offside, while a minute later Berry saved from Hodgson and again from Batey.  Graham gave Crews a splendid opening for Everton, but he placed behind.  Chorley fully deserved their lead at the interval.  Special praise is due to Berry, the Everton custodian, and the two backs for their excellent defence.  Interval; Chorley 2, Everton Reserves 0.  Final; Chorley 2, Everton reserves 1. 

OUT IN THE COLD
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908
Richard Samuel
We in Merseyside are of all men most miserable, just now, Mr. Editor, when our thoughts dwell upon the Everton team and what might have been!  When leaving Goodison Park on Saturday I somehow felt that the day’s proceedings constituted a premonition of Everton’s early downfall in that competition we had come to look upon as the particular object of their attentions.  You will recall how Everton played during the first 90 minutes at Goodison in the replay v. Bolton Wanderers.  Well, sire, they gave an almost exact repetition of that on Saturday.  And yet they had far finer opportunities of winning than in the replay v. Bolton, for the simple reason that, well as Southampton played, they were not nearly such complete masters of Everton in the open as were Stokes and Co., a few Wednesdays ago.  But, like the Wanderers, the Southern forwards were decidedly poor finishers at Goodison.  Hence it came about that Scott was scarcely once in difficulties.  Making allowance for the fact that Sotons were operating on a far wider expanse than usual; that they would meet Everton in the replay on a cramped ground, to which the Blues in turn would be strange; that with the moral support of increased confidence, and with spectators’ shouts to encourage them, I could plainly see foreshadowed trouble in store for Everton, and their ultimate defeat was really what I expected; anything else would have surprised me, as I told my friends on Monday and Tuesday.
Everton a Tired Team
For how could a team expect to win wherein you find the backs woefully vacillating and the forwards not only slow and uncertain in their methods on the whole, but absolutely refusing to take the chances the gods afford?  It’s all very well to talk of Everton’s luck in the Cup-ties, but luck alone is a bottomless cup indeed to expect to hold water.  It wants backing up.  Luck may save a team for a short spell in a Cup-tie, but the escape or escapes having materalised it requires an ability to put a spurt or two on if a side is to succeed. In both games v. Bolton, Everton showed this power to “come” but at Goodison on Saturday and again on Wednesday, this feature was painfully lacking.  Candidly, I put Everton’s defeat down in the main to staleness.  The “old brigade” were, on the whole, decidedly slower and less dashing than their opponents seven days ago; in the replay the disparity was even more marked.  I feel sure the Everton men had not got over those terrible gruellings at Bolton and in the re-play with the Wanderers.  Re-plays in rounds two and three would tell a tale on the youngest team in the land, and Everton, you will recall, is an “old brigade.”  Goodness knows how they would have shaped had not the majority of them been rested in the preceding League match v. Notts Forest! 
Missed Opportunities
The Bolton match was won through the players making the most of their chances as goal getters.  On Saturday the very opposite proved the case.  On Saturday the very opposite proved the case.  Hugh Bolton should have easily scored in the first ten minutes, and this player’s form in both games has been inexplicably bad, he being almost a passenger in each.  The wonder is Sharp has done so well.  Some of the latter’s centres should have been converted on Saturday, in which match all three Everton halves worked like Trojans.  The Balmers were indeed disappointing, and well was it Smith and Co, couldn’t shoot.  We quite expected that Everton superior class would have pulled them comfortably through at the first time of asking, but what a disappointment! Yet even with their many shortcomings, Everton had far and away the better winning chances, as an analysis of the rival keepers’ work will show.  The two scoring failures already enumerated –Bolton and Young’s –were, however, the most glaring.  As for the Sotons at Goodison all worked well especially Thorpe and Lock, who was a most tenacious keeper.  He hasn’t much length, but he has a big heart, and that is better than inches. 
Everton’s Death Dell
I must congratulate the Dell men on their well-won victory in the replay, in which Everton surely had an early smile, seeing Young got in the first telling stroke after five minutes’ play.  But, as on Saturday, the Blues’ back play fell much below the requisite standard, and there were even greater loopholes in attack.  After Sotons’ equalizer the Goodison men never looked like winning, and seldom even like saving the game.  Fortunately Scott was at his best, and Everton’s middlemen most untiring.  Young worked like a Trojan, whilst Sharp tried hard to formulate an effective attack.  But Bolton again proved woefully week, whilst Settle did very little indeed.  Unfortunately, too, Harold Hardman was below par, he being physically unwell.  Southampton have a useful team, wherein I should say the strongest men are captain Thorpe and goalkeeper Lock.  Yet I somehow fancy they will find Wolverhampton  Wanderers tougher to tackle than were Everton, and that we shall eventually find Newcastle United and the Wolves fighting for supremacy at the Palace, with the Wolves not unlikely to create a sensation.  Of course, the two Southern clubs have serious designs upon the Cup which cheers and it is even possible to have a genuine “Southern” final, but personal opinion is that the only ex-holders left in – Wolves –are a useful and typical Cup-fighting team.  We shall see. 

FOOTBALL  BRIEFLETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908

• The Liverpool crowd have had some rare goalkeepers in their midst, viz, Scott, Hardy, Roose, Doig, Kitchen, Muir, McFarlance, and Ashcroft.
• Everton’s Full backs work has been weak in the Cup fights v. Southampton.  It was deficient back play which troubled Everton fatally in preceding seasons.
• Some people said Everton were only saving themselves on Saturday, so that they might secure extra gates.  But Wednesday’s defeat should dispel any such ridiculous notions.
• A. Fletcher, the Wolves’ trainer, is himself an old Wolverhampton player, and he holds an English Cup medal, being in the Wanderers’ team which overcame Everton at fallowfield in the 1893 final.  He has also twice represented England in International warfare. 
• Everton’s “old brigade” has after all been found to lag in the race for the Cup, after going capitally in the first stage.  A judicious infusion v. Southampton would have paid.  But here was the poser; “Whom could the management judiciously include?” The writer would hesitate to give a single name. 
• Harold Hardman will now take a reasonable rest or two seeing that Everton have fallen in the race for the Cup.  The little man needs a respite, surely.  We note he has not been his usual self as a goal getter of late, for it the fact that not since Everton were at Clayton in November has Hardman found the net either in Cup or League warfare.  This is a most unusual condition of things. 

NUGGESTS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908

• Fancy Everton failing to beat a team which ranks only eleventh in the Southern League.
• Everton lost their chance at Goodison, where they ought to have scored on several occasions. 
• Query; If there were only 45,000 people at Goodison on Saturday and the gates closed, how is it going to hold 60,000 spectators.
• Southampton were considered by the crowd to be the finest built set of players who have visited Goodison for some time.  There is good reason for this opinion, as each player topped 11 stone, whilst their average height was 5ft 8 half inches
• Robertson, the Southampton left-half, and ex-Trotter was in grand trim against Sharp and Bolton, whom he held up most effectively, besides which he fed his forwards in capital style with beautiful timed passes all along the carpet. 
• Bolton Wanderers are due at Goodison again next week-end.  They will be warmly welcomed after their two spirited fights v. Everton in the Cup.  Boltonians, we suppose, think it is now the Wanderers turn again.  But have they not already this season secured two points from Everton? 
• Eastham, the Southampton back, was a great surprise to the Evertonians.  Since leaving the Rovers to go South he has improved out of all knowledge, and on Saturday was easily the best back on the field.  He tackled well, kicked a good length, and Settle and Hardman could make nothing of him. 
• The “F.F” was the only Saturday evening paper whose report on the Everton-Southampton tie was a fair representation of what had taken place, and indicated therein that Everton were not themselves, but rather played semi-stale and disappointing football. 
• Are Evertonians downhearted?  Rather!  Who is Costello? Don’t ask an Evertonian.
• Will Hugh Bolton be the next big transfer?
• A disappointed man is Everton’s enthusiastic “Sandy.”

BLACKBURN ROVERS V EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 14 March 1908
(League –First Division.)
After their victory over Manchester United and the draw with Birmingham, both of which games were played away from Ewood Park, the Rovers tackled Everton this afternoon at home with a fair amount of confidence.  In the meantime the visitors have fought their last fight of the season in the national cup competition, and were able to turn their attention to improving their League record.  On the first occasion upon which the teams met earlier in the season the visitors were successful by four goals to one.  In the home team Davies resumed at centre, and Latheron, having recovered from his attack of quinsy, occupied his accustomed position at inside right.  Martin and Aitkenhead thus being displaced.  On the Everton side Sloan appeared in goal for Scott, McConnachie for R. Balmer at back, Booth and Adamson for Abbott and Taylor, at half-back, and Winterhalder for Hardman, Rafferty for Sharp and Coleman for Bolton forward.  Nevertheless, the Rovers realized that if they were to secure the full points they would have to go the whole way.  Blackburn; McIvor; Crompton, Suttle; Walmsley, Stevenson, Houlker; Bracegirdle, Latheron, Davies, Wombwell, Anthony.  Everton; Sloan; Balmer (W), Macconachie; Makepeace, Booth, Adamson, Rafferty, Coleman, Young, Settle, Winterhalder.  Referee; Mr. W. Gilgryst.  Manchester.   
Rovers Belated Goal
There would be about 10,000 spectators when the game commenced.  The visitors won the toss and elected to defend the Darwen goal.  At the outside Everton went away but Crompton cleared, and the ball was transferred to Latheron who sent in only to see Balmer return the ball.  Young was making progress when Stevenson came in his way and cleared.  A free kick for hands accrued to the visitors, and it was fortunate that Crompton was in the way for Winterhalder shot hard and straight.  The Rovers then took up the attack, and Sloan was called upon.  The Rovers were granted a corner, but the ball was sent out of play.  The Rovers continued the pressure, and after the left wing had centred Latheron received the ball and headed out.  A free kick against Everton proved fruitless.  A free kick against Everton proved fruitless.  The visitors ran up the field and through clever play on the part of Makepeace, Suttie was easily beaten.  Rafferty, however, made a feeble centre and the opportunity was lost.  Matters were looking serious for Everton when Wombwell sent in a splendid centre and Winterhalder was the only player who appeared on the spot.  Still the Rovers pressed and only a foul barred theirt way in finding the net.  A similar state of affairs was the rule the next minute.  Latheron obtained possession and again things were looking serious when Balmer kicked out.  The Rovers after this gained three successive corners, which proved futile.  The home men came again, but Latheron was faulty in his pass with the result that the ball was cleared.  Everton made a rush, and Rafferty outwitted Suttie, who was no match for the clever Everton outsider, and a goal seemed certain, McIvor being away from the citadel after clearing, when Stevenson saved the situation.  After clever play by Rafferty and Makepeace, Booth obtained possession and transferred to Winterhalder.  That player, however, fell in the act of shooting.  Everton again come forward, but Crompton proved a thorn in the side of Settle.  After the home left had failed to assert themselves the ball was returned and sent to Bracegirdle, who headed out.  From the goal kick Everton went away, and Crompton was again conspicuous with a good clearance.  The Rovers then applied severe pressure, and Balmer was called upon to exert himself.  He cleared his line, but Anthony obtaining the ball failed at the critical moment. 
Winterhalder challenged Crompton, and easily trickled him, but his final shot went over the bar.  After a spell of midfield play Balmer from midfield shot hard, and McIvor had to send out in order to effect a clearance.  From the goal-kick Anthony obtained possession, but was faulty in his centre.  The Rovers again assumed the aggressive, and Wombwell was enabled to centre the ball with the result that in a tussle between Davies and Macconnachie the former conquered and Sloan was beaten.  A free kick accured to the Rovers close in which was taken by Walmsley. Balmer made a poor clearance and Wombwell was enabled to obtain possession.  The ball eventually went to Latheron.  The ball eventually went to Latheron who shot wide.  From the goal kick Everton ran up the field, but Winterhalder was again faulty with his shooting.  Winterhalder had many opportunities of centring, but at the last effort he failed.  The visitors made a raid on the home goal, and several shots were sent in, but McIvor was not troubled.  The visitors right were conspicuous, and Donnachie centred nicely.  Booth, however, shot out.  Faulty shooting on the part of the Everton forwards spoiled the interest of the game.  A free kick close to the penalty line was granted to Everton, and Booth sent in a hot shot which McIvor cleared.  The referee, however, for some reason not apparent, whistled for the kick to be taken again, and just as the ball was set in motion the whistle sounded for the interval with the score; Rovers 1, Everton 0.
Both Points For The Rovers
On the resumption, the home left wing were making progress when a foul by Anthony checked their career.  They still kept to the visitors half and a goal seemed certain when Macconnachie cleared after Winterhalder had failed to get the better of Crompton.  The same player was in the running and beat the international, and Macconnachie had to be on the alert to save his charge.  After the referee had given a wrong decision regarding a corner kick Sloan was tested and proved equal to the occasions, whilst in the next minute, Crompton with a long kick sent to Latheron who failed miserably.  Macconnachie was again conspicuous in fact, just about now he saved his goal on many occasions.  From this juncture there was some sporty play, and the visitors’ right half proved too much for Anthony.  The Rovers made a spurt, and Davis was making progress towards the goal was he was checked by Macconnachie, with the result that his shot went wide of the mark.  The visitors’ forwards were going nicely when Winterhalders was pulled up for offside. 
Great excitement prevailed when Anthony eluded Balmer, but made a clever clearance.  In the next few minutes, however, he was beaten by Bracegirdie, whose shot eventually went yards wide.  Severe pressure was applied on the visitors goal, but Wombwell was slow to take advantage of an opportunity which was presented.  The ball however, was kept near the visitors quarters and after Sloan had seemed several shots.  Anthony went close in, and increased the Rovers score to two.  Crompton proved too much for  Winterhalder.  The ball being transferred to Anthony that player centred and an abortive corner was forced.  The visitors next got away and gained a corner which did not materialize.  When next they got going the whistle sounded for offside.  The visitors continued to show improved form, and Crompton, in clearing his lines conceded a corner, but the ball was placed behind.  At this point. 
Everton were the more aggressive side but occasional sprints were made by the Rovers and were the most dangerous on two occasions.  It seemed likely that the visitors goal would fall but each time Sloan’s charge escaped in a miraculous manner.  Macconnachie was the stay of the visitors defence, the right wing being beaten on every occasion.  McIvor was seldom if ever troubled, but Sloan at the other end had to be on the alert.  Bracegirdle obtained possession, and out-running Macconnachie he shot hard and straight at Sloan who had to send out to clear.  A corner then ensued but without result.  Rafferty next eluded Suttie and Houlker but his final shot went over the bar.  Final; Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 0. 

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 EVERTON 0
March 16, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON BEATEN AT BLACKBURN
A DOUBTFUL SECOND GOAL.
EVERTON APPEARED IN RED JERSEYS.
It is only in accordance with expectation that Everton, after their disappointing experience at Southampton on Wednesday, when they perforce said good-bye to the English Cup competition for this season, should have been represented by a mixed team in their League match with Blackburn Rovers. The facts that not a few of the members of Everton's recognised cup team have arrived at an age when they are unable to stand the strain of League games every Saturday with Cup-ties and replayed matches in mid-week. Age will tell on the best servants of a club, and unquestionably Everton have been well served by the players who won the Cup for them on the only occasion in the history of the organisation. What wonder, therefore, that budding talent at their disposal should be given an opportunity of shinning. The team sooner or later will have to be remodelled. It is wise policy to give the youngsters" a chance in first class companies. At the same time, a position in the League must be secured. After Saturday's reverse at Blackburn, when the Rovers triumphed by two clear goals, Everton's record of points for the season stands at 26, or three more than the present holders of the wooden spoon. They have, however, with the exception of Manchester United, fulfilled lower League engagements than any other club. Thus they are in no danger, but of course a respectable position in the table at the end of the season is very desirable.

THE ROVERS' GOALS.
But to Saturday's game. Although it resulted unfavourably to Everton it was an interesting enough contest, though failing to attain any high standard of excellence. The going was exceedingly heavy in the middle of the ground, and the manner in which the ball occasionally struck in the mud was tantalising to not a few of the players. The Rovers attened a goal in each half of the game, while the Blues –this time they appeared in red jerseys –obtained no satisfaction in the scoring line. Let it be admitted at once that the Rovers were value for their victory. Their forwards finished better than did the opposing quintette. During the opening half Everton were the cleverer in midfield work, but for the most part they failed when it came to testing the goalkeeper. On the other hand the Rovers banged the ball about, and were full of dash. They never lost an opportunity of a pop at goal even if the shots went astray. Their first point arrived after about half an hour's play. Anthony and Wombwell had a hand in the movements, which led up to it, but to Davies, the Welsh International fell the honour of scoring a capital goal. The second goal was of quite another description, and ought never to have been allowed. It was the outcome of a scrimmage in the goalmouth during which one of the home team pulled the ball out of Sloan's hands. However the referee apparently did not witnessed this incident, and so permitted the goal to count. Fortunately it had no material bearing upon the issue.

THE PLAYERS.
Perhaps the two outstanding players on the Everton side were MaConnachie and Booth. While the acting captain exhibited fine judgement. Maconnachie's display at left back was a revelation to those who had only seen him figuring in the half-back line. In kicking, heading; and tackling, his work was worthy of high praise. W. Balmer, too, was in happy mood, and he had great demands made upon him, seeing that, for once in a way Makepeace could do little that was right. Sloan showed his merits, as a custodian, and altogether the defence made a brave show. It was not the forwards ' day out at least in regard to shooting. At times Young, and Coleman was responsible for some beautiful bits of play, and the ex-Woolwich Arsenal man should be of real service to Everton, when he finds a partner like Sharp. Besides missing a rare opening, Winterhalmer was generally at fault with his centres, while Rafferty evidently has yet a lot to learn. For the Rovers Davies, in the centre, and the veteran Crompton were the conspicuous figures in attack, and defence respectably. The victory of Saturday has placed Blackburn Rovers in a pretty comfortable position. Teams: - Blackburn Rovers: - McLvor, goal, Crompton, and Suttie, backs, Walmsley, Stevenson, and Honiker, half-backs, Bracegrindle, Latheron, Davies Wombwell, and Anthony, forwards. Everton: - Sloan, goal, W. balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Makepeace, Booth (Captain), and Adamson half-backs, Rafferty, Coleman, Young, Settle, and Winterhalmer, forwards. Referee W. Gilgyist.

CHORLEY 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 16 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 30)
Everton the Champions had to meet Chorley, who were in the lowest position on the table. Yet the home side won by 2 goals to 1, this being the Goodison's men's third reverse this season. Everton were not at full strength, owing to the calls of the League team, but should have done better than they did. The defence was not to blame for the defeat. Berry keeping goal well. Chorley showed surprising form in the first half, during which they scored twice, and failed at a penalty kick. In the second half, graham reduced the margin against the visitors, who, however, could not get on level terms. Everton: - Berry goal, Strettell, and Stevenson backs Mountford, Chadwick and Cook, half-backs Evans Chetwood, Coupar, Graham, and Crews, forwards.

CAP FOR HARDMAN
March 17, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Harold Hardman, help England beat Wales at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground yesterday, where England beat Wales by seven goals to one.

EVERTON 4 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1
March 19, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
VALUE OF GOOD SHOOTING.
The postponed match between Everton and Birmingham was decided at Goodison Park yesterday. Everton gained a victory by four goals to one, but few indeed of the 12,000 spectators would be bold enough to say that the home side deserved to win by so big a margin. Indeed, had the score been 2-1 in their favour. Everton could have had no cause to grumble. The result represented the difference between the respective sets of forwards. While the Midlanders could do nothing right when they go to close quarters, the Everton men rarely allowed a chance to pass unaccepted, and it was this superiority in front of goal that meant such a big margin between the scores.

CONTRAST IN FORWARD WORK.
Birmingham, taking the game all through, did the most pressing, and had their finishing efforts been equal to their midfield play a different result might have had to be recorded. The visitors began well by scoring through Tickle in a couple of minutes, as the outcome of smart forward play, and after Rafferty had mulled a couple of fair openings and Settle had headed against the post, Mountenay began the long series of misses on the part of the visitors by shooting over the bar after getting the better of Balmer. Birmingham had rather the better of the opening 20 minutes play, but did not trouble Scott, and Settle equalised with a grand shot. Jones missed a fine chance after MaConnachie had headed the ball down, in the goalmouth, while Makepeace saved the home goal after Green had drawn out the backs. At the other end Donnachie just scraped out a short-range shot from Coleman, Stokes completing the clearance and the interval score was one goal each.

Five minutes after the change of ends Young put Everton in front. Durrington being hurt in trying to save. Afterwards Birmingham almost monopolised the attack, Scott once saved from Mountenay –who had changed places with Jones, and had beaten both backs –but on three occasions Green shot over when he might have given Scott difficult work to get through. Birmingham pressed with the utmost determination, but time after time failed when they got within shooting range. Everton defended well and Makepeace was in fine form, but at the same time the visitors threw chances away. Once Mountenay went away with a clear course, but Scott came out and managed to get in the way of the shot. Five minutes from the end Everton went away with a rush, and Young and Coleman scoring the Blues won as stated.

THE PLAYERS.
The result flattered Everton, who are, however to be congratulated upon taking their chances. The last occasion on which Everton secured a quartette of goals in a League match was as long ago as Novemeber 16, when Blackburn Rovers were defeated at Goodison by 4-1. Rafferty were slow and uncertain, but the other forwards did well. Coleman showed promise of turning out a fine man for Everton, and he, and Sharp should get on well together. Young was in fine shooting form, and Settle and Donnachie constituted a capital wing. Makepeace was grand at half-back, and Tom Booth and Adamson again did well, while no fault could be found with the defence. MaConnachie showing up well after an uncertain start. The Visitors only fault was a fatal one, and a glance at their goal average will explain their lowly position in the table. They have a capable defence, Stokes being a rare good back, three smart halves and a good lot of forwards –if they could only shoot with accuracy. It is this serious blemish on their play that will mean relegation to the Second Division. Teams : - Everton: - Scott, goals, W. Balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Makepeace, Booth (Captain), and Adamson, half-backs, Rafferty, Coleman, Young, Settle, and Donnachie, forwards. Birmingham City: - Durrington, goal, Kearne, and Stokes, backs, Beers, Wigmore, and Cornan, half-backs, Tickle Green, Jones Mountenay, and Eyre, forwards. Referee D. Hammond.

RAFFERTY
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
G. Rafferty, who made his League debut for Everton at Blackburn, is a Scotsman barely 20 years of age, who has done good work all season for the Blues’ Combination team.  His last club was Blantyre.  Rafferty is a strong player in his finishes as a rule, and he frequently got the better of Houlker, at Ewood.  He stands 5ft 8in, and weighs a trifle over 11st. 

JACK O’ BOTH SIDES
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
Expert Evertonian and Lively Lancastrian
Wherever the fame of the League and the English Cup has spread, and whosesoever the doings of Lancashire cricket and perused, the name of Jack Sharp as known.  Because of his prowess as footballer and cricketer, he was once aptly in some of the most famous battles on the field of sport, his name will live long, and for five years he has been adding to his reputation as an “expert” in another direction, namely, in his business as an athletic outfitter.   If such a practical exponent cannot judge the reliability of goods, who can?  It scarcely seems five years since he launched forth in business and soon stated that his accommodation was too small for orders flowed in from home and abroad, from all parts of the compass, from places with unpronounceable names, from places where our sailors and soldiers had carried the sports of old England, from places far removed from railways and such like.  Monday is the Everton F.C., holiday –the recuperating day, and as it was too drizzly and clammy for J.S, and Harry Makepeace to go over to the New Brighton golf links, the cute and sturdy right winger showed us the names of scorers upon scores of garrison and travel clubs stationed in all parts of the globe –customers of his.  True, his football training, his consistency on behalf of the Lancashire County C.C., and his love of a tramp after a bit of gutta-percha on the links, keeps him well occupied, but his right hand man is a veteran in the outfitting trade –Mr. J.J. Rice, who was with him at the start of the business, which has grown as fast as Sharp’s athletic reputation.  Still J.S, is always pleased to make personal appointments when not making runs – either for Lancashire or on Everton’s wing.  In any case, his cricket catalogue for 1908 tells very cleverly and concisely what he has to offer-illustrations and prices galore, about Cricket, tennis, running, swimming, etc.  In these four, he is specializing for the coming season.  We might have mentioned numerous good lines of exceptional merit, such as the Special County bat, with one of which J.S, has made over 3,000 runs.  He can’t guarantee every bat to be as productive, but he does reckon it’s about the finest bat that mortal man can manufacture.  The firm carter for the top clubs, the middle classes, juniors, and all alike and a post-card addressed to Mr. Jack Sharp, Whitechapel, Liverpool, will elicit a copy of the comprehensive catalogue. 

EVERTON’S LEAGUE TEAM
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
By Richard Samuel
With their overthrow in the Cup ties, Everton are now turning their attention to working off their tourney arrears, and, during the past week two matches have been decided, one at Blackburn and one at home v. Birmingham.  In the first Everton suffered a two to nil defeat, but the League spoonists received worse fare at Goodison on Wednesday evening, when Everton recorded a 4-1 victory, a result which goes far towards eliminating any possibility which may have existed that the Goodison club was in any genuine danger of occupying one of the League ladder’s lowest rungs.  Regarding the Blackburn match Everton’s team differed in no fewer than seven instances from what which fell before Southampton, Scott, R. Balmer, Taylor, Abbott, Sharp, Bolton and Hardman giving way to Sloan, Macconnachie, Booth, Adamson, Rafferty, Coleman, and Winterhalden.  When I recently endeavoured to show Everton’s justification for sending a similarly unfamiliar team to Nottingham in consequence of the “old brigade” being palpably stale, I suppose a few readers were skeptical enough to disagree therewith in part.  Surely Saturday’s personnel justifies every word I then wrote up to the end.  The Blues experimental team shaped fairly well at Ewood against a sterling eleven who themselves were more desperately in need of points than their visitors.  Sloan kept a commendable goal, whilst Macconnachie actually shone out as the best back on the field!  “Mac” it will be recalled, came south last April carrying with him a tremendous reputation as a centre half, but my readers know full well that I have all along gone right in the face of public, directorial, and “expert” –if you like! –opinion and dubbed him a failure as a first-class middleman. 
Macconnachie As A Full Back
After his weak display v. Notts Forest recently I wrote in the “F.F.” of March 7 that I was forced to one conclusion, i.e., if Macconnachie is to be of any real use to Everton, in my opinion, it will have to be as a full back.  Hence his display at Blackburn a week later was to myself as gratifying as it must have been to the Everton club.  There were two other interesting inclusions in the Everton team at Blackburn.  One was the reappearance of Tom Booth as captain against his former great love.  I consider Booth has been unfortunately this season in being denied so many League games, for he struck one last September as having recovered much of his old-time ability.  He did well at Ewood, as also did Makepeace –one of the greatest among half backs.  The other interesting inclusion was G. Rafferty, a strongly built outside right, who was secured towards the end of last season from Blantyre.  He was then only 19 years of age, so that there is reason to believe he will train on in craftsmanship. 
Everton’s Useful Victory.
The League spoonists visited Goodison on Wednesday evening in a very serious frame of mind.  That they are not such weaklings after all, their record of 14 matches played since December 7th, and only a couple of 1-0 defeats sustained, showed.  They also demonstrated capital powers against Everton until it came to a question of shooting, and weaker attempts at finding Scott’s whereabouts, after working splendid, positions, it has seldom been my lot to witness, Cornan for Bliff was their only constitutional change from the previous Saturday.  Everton’s management showed good judgment in giving the previous Saturday’s team another trial as far as possible, the only change being Scott for Sloan and Donnachie for Winterhalder, the latter having shown weak work at Ewood.  Thus in their last two matches Everton have included as many Scotsmen as those of English birth, which savours of old-time conditions.  The visitors scored a surprise goal per Tickle in two minutes and afterwards the first “45” produced a most even battle, midway through which Settle scored a remarkably fine goal.  At any rate it was a remarkably fine shot taken from twenty yards range, with half-a-dozen of the enemy between him and the desired haven.  An equally grand goal came from the foot of Young two minutes after the resumption, when Sandy veered to the left wing and then suddenly sent in a thrilling oblique shot which left Darrington worse than helpless, for this keeper afterwards lay like a log on his back for some minutes, stunned by the impact with Mother Earth after hurling himself at the hurtling ball.  After this Birmingham forced the play until the later stages; but chance after chance was simply thrown to the winds or over the goal stands.  Then it was that Young crushed out all their hopes with yet another wonderful goal, for he outmaneuvered several opponents in midfield and suddenly shot with great adroitness and deadly accuracy quite unexpectedly from a considerable distance.  An unmistakable bull was the outcome.  Then in the gathering darkness Coleman notched his maiden goal for his new club, and Birmingham walked off sadder and poorer men, a condition of things for which they had their own wretched marksmanship to thank.
Remarks
Concerning the players, the two men who stood out most prominently were Makepeace and Young.  The first named I should class as the best on the field.  He completely eclipsed a usually bright light such as Eyre undoubtedly is.  The last named, however, proved himself a wretchedly unsportsmanlike loser, e’en through Makepeace’s tactics were so pure.  It is really surprising how Harry keeps his freshness up after such a heavy season.  Young was in most masterful mood, and his goals were superfine.  Macconnachie did fairly well, although still inclined to indulge in risky heading near goal.  He is certainly a better full than a half back, but it will be advisable to wait and see how he shapes against a really good wing or a forward of today’s opposition stamp –David Stokes –ere forming a definite opinion.  Donnachie was smart during the first half, and his two inside comrades useful throughout, but Rafferty needs to make up his mind more quickly, and his feet to answer correspondingly.  Adamson and the remaining Everton defenders acted their parts creditably.  The policy of the directors in trying to build up a team possessing greater youth is a commendable and a right one, although such as W. Balmer, Booth, and Settle really belongs to the older brigade.  Yet each of these is well preserved.  With their position safe this should be the experimental stage with both the Liverpool and the Everton clubs. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908

• The Rovers grand win put Everton in a danger zone.
• Coleman was unlucky in not scoring just before the interval at Blackburn.
• Simpson and Skene of Falkirk along with Sharp the Woolwich back, are likely, it is said to be recruited by Everton before long.
• By his three goals against Everton and his one (and two valuable points) against the Brums, Sam Marsh has fairly earned his benefit.
• As Everton and Chelsea are the only two clubs that have not gained by a penalty, Sheffield United and Middleborough are the only two that have not lost any goals by penalties.
• Two of the Everton directors lost gold watches in the crush at Southampton, whilst 11 Everton players were robbed of prospective gold medals through the daring of the home team.
• There is evidently to be judicious weeding out of Everton’s old brigade.  Those who do retire to less strenuous work in the Reserve will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have raised Everton’s name higher than when they joined, and that their efforts are appreciated not only by the directors, but by thousands of supporters.
• Everton overshadowed
• Everton were fairly well beaten at Ewood.
• Everton are in a very undignified position in the League table.
• Wattie White seems to have lost the form that made him famous.
• Everton people were beginning to grow anxious when they saw their men descend to 17trh place on the table.  The Blues are not used to experiences of this character.
• Macconnachie’s real position is full back.  He had his chance against Blackburn Rovers, and played a brilliant game with Balmer.  His clean kicking was greatly admired by the crowd.
• Many people seem to think that Everton secured Coleman so as to enable them to dispense with Hugh Bolton’s services, but such is not the case.  Coleman was obtained so as to fill any inside position, whenever his services were required.
• Harold Hardman shaped well against wales but it is not a certainty he will secure his position v. Scotland.  It is said Bridgett is a possible for this match, and that Pedley, the Wolves outside left, is favoured in certain quarters. 
• Have Everton played their Cup team against Bolton today?
• Everton never put such teams in the field against the Trotters as against the Rovers.
• Roose gave a magnificent exhibition against Manchester United, but he really should drop gallery play
• Bolton were very anxious to avenge their Cup defeat at Goodison today, but then Everton were equally keen for points.
• Two of Everton’s most promising players, Black and Couper, have practically been on the sick or injured list throughout the season.
• Chorley created consternation by taking the powerful Everton Combination team down.  Although on their own ground it was none the less a fine performance. 
• Startling rumours concerning Everton players are flying about, but in each case they lack conformation.  Bolton was said to be going to Middlesbrough and Crelly to Liverpool.
• Coleman’s display at Blackburn gave great satisfaction to Evertonians, while Macconnachie, Rafferty and Winterhalder showed that they were quite fit for the highest class of football.
• Everton may be very sorry, yet about those four points dropped by their “Reserve” teams v. Notts Forest and Blackburn Rovers, particularly if the Wanderers have avenged their cup defeats this afternoon.
• Blackburn Rovers’ victory over Everton makes their position a little safer, but what will some of the lower teams say regarding the composition of Everton’s team, seeing that this contained only four players of their recognized Cup team?
• Everton reserves met with their third defeat on visiting Chorley last Saturday.
• Macconnachie in his proper position (left back) played magnificently at Blackburn.
• Sandy Young scored two lovely lightning goals against the Brums.  What a pity they were not against the Sotons! Eh, Sandy?
• It does seem strange how season after season when Blackburn Rovers are in need of points they meet Everton in a most generous mood.
• Fred Rouse, the ex-Everton man, is at present crowded out of the Chelsea team by Humphreys.  Roose might have proved useful to Everton in the recent Cup-ties had he been retained.

WANDERERS VISIT EVERTON
(League.- Division 1.)
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
Fourth Meeting of the Season
Every move which the Wanderers make just now is being watched with absorbing interest, not only in Bolton, but wherever first-class football is played.  Today they paid their return League visit to Everton, this being the fourth meeting of the teams during the current season, and in the first League game at Bolton in November the Wanderers won a handsome victory by three clear goals.  Of the previous 33 League games between the two clubs, the Wanderers had booked 12 wins against 20 defeats, so that they had plenty of lost ground to make good.  They tried another new forward this afternoon at inside-left, Stuart, who was signed about six weeks ago from Birkenhead, displacing White at inside left, whilst in the absence of R. Balmer, Abbott, and Settle, the Everton team included capable substitutes in Macconnachie, Adamson and Coleman.  Settle was found unfit in consequence of injury, and Bolton partnered Hardman.  Teams;- Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (W.) Right back, and Macconnachie, Left back; Makepeace, Right half-back, Taylor (captain), centre half-back, and Adamson, Left half-back; Sharp, Outside-right, Coleman, Inside-right, Young, centre, Bolton, Inside left,  H.P. Hardman, Outside left.  Bolton Wanderers;- Davies, goal; Baverstock, Right back, and Slater Left-back; Greenhalgh, Right half-back, Clifford, Centre half-back; and Boyd, Left half-back; Stokes; Outside-right, Marsh, Inside-right, Shepherd, Centre, Stuart, Inside-left and McEwan, Outside-left.  Referee; Mr. H.S. Bamlett, Gateshead-on-Tyne.
Springlike Conditions.
The weather was brilliantly spring like, and everything favoured a capital game.  There would scarcely be 15,000 spectators at the start.  Taylor won the toss, but it carried with it little advantage.  From a throw-in the Wanderers advanced on the left wing, but Shepherd, in endeavouring to score from Stuart’s pass, ran the ball over the line.  From the goal-kick some very nice combination on Everton’s right wing carried the ball in the Wanderers’ quarters. But Young proved rather slow at the finish, and Clifford cleared easily.  The Everton right wing continued in the picture until Clifford again smartly robbed Sharp with a back-heeler.  Hereabouts Young came on the scene with a wretchedly poor pass to Hardman, the ball eventually placing Stokes in favourable possession.  Stokes finely tricked Adamson, and veering-inwards, centred loftily towards Shepherd.  W. Balmer was placed in difficulties thereby, and Marsh secured the ball.  However, Shepherd was rather hasty and spoiled a glorious opening by getting offside.  From a free-kick against Taylor for attempting a trip upon McEwan, Stokes shot tamely wide.  The game was in no sense exciting thus far –a striking contrast to the recent Cup-ties.  Everton subsequently advanced when offside spoiled Coleman.  A minute later, however, after the ball had been crossed and re-crossed in front of Davies it went to Young, who drove in a splendid shot that Davies coped with admirably.  David Stokes, who was such a factor for good against Everton in the replayed Cup-tie was being tackled fairly well by Adamson, whilst Macconnachie was also cheered for dispossessing the Wanderers’ captain in really brilliant fashion.  A minute later Sharp beat the defence, and running close to the goal-line put across a hot shot, but the angle was too small, and it passed out on the far side.  Hardman being too far away to convert.  A foul against Everton just outside the box threatened danger, but an “impeding the goalkeeper” infringement brought relief.  Clifford was a prominent figure in the Wanderers’ defence and thrice cleared shots by the enemy in as many seconds.  Stuart was putting in a useful game in this his first appearance.  He and McEwan got along rather promisingly against such a smart half-back as Makepeace.  The game was running on even lines, and the Wanderers had quite as much of the play as Everton.  The least bit of luck would have given Marsh a goal here, the visiting inside right making three attempts to get his boot to the ball when within a few yards of Scott, but an opposing boot despoiled him in each instance.  The football was not of a capital quality.  Slater constituted a prominent figure in the Wanderers’ defence, but as yet Scott was the most severely tested goalkeeper.  He dealt admirably with one fast rising shot from Marsh.  The Everton forwards now came away with some puzzling footwork, but Baverstock came to the rescue.  Then the Wanderers swept down on the left wing, Stuart being a prominent figure and this debutant looked a scorer all over as he had his opponents apparently well beaten.  Adamson came on the scene unexpectedly to despoil him.  It was a wonderful effort on the part of the Everton half-back, however, and he was prominent a little later in particularly spoiling a golden opportunity, worked for by Stokes, who had outpaced Macconnachie.  Shepherd dashed in to clinch the work so well begun by Stokes.  Shepherd’s shot managed to lob up against the face of the upright, and Everton breathed freely again as Scott cleared.  The Wanderers at this point were the better and more aggressive side, and were further helped when Macconnachie (who to this point had done very well) missed his kick.  However, the visitors could make no use of some good openings and it became Everton’s turn to apply pressure, their raider-in-chief being Jack Sharp.  Davies was executing smart saves.  Nearing the interval, the Wanderers were again seen in the ascendency, and got two futile corners.  Just on half-time Everton retaliated and Sharp tried Davies who was in difficulties, a corner granted by Slater, however, saving the situation.  Half-time; Everton 0, Bolton 0.
Everton’s Lead
During the first half, the Wanderers’ left wing had been the cleverer, Adamson and Macconnachie holding Stokes and Marsh very well.  Mac’s defence was clever, whilst Adamson was one of the shinning lights on view.  Coleman had bene cool, and showed heady work.  No fault could be found with the Wanderers’ defence, and there was little to choose between the two elevens.  Resuming, Everton were immediately very dangerous their forwards working through cleverly, and this culminated in Bolton flashing the ball across the goalmouth, where Shepherd was despoiled in the nick of time and conceded an abortive corner.  The Wanderers rushed away, and Stokes had a rare struggle with Adamson, and he eventually centred to Shepherd, but this Wanderer’s old-time dash appeared wanting.  A splendid run and shot by Coleman aroused enthusiasm, but Davies dealt with his effort.  Hugh Bolton was weak in his passes both to Young and Hardman.  The game was twice stopped for slight injuries to Coleman and Shepherd in turn.  Mr. Bamlett had refereed very well, but he here failed to notice a case of intentional handling against Bolton.  However, no harm was done.  Everton again advanced, and Coleman, who had shaped splendidly this half, got in a ground shot which Davies saved at the expense of a corner –an expensive corner it was destined to prove, for Sharp placed well, and Coleman scored with a perfectly executed header, the game being now just an hour old.  Following this, the Wanderers played up strongly, and Scott had his busiest five minutes of the match, but shots by McEwan, Shepherd, and Stokes all came alike to him.  His save from the Wanderers captain was a particularly fine one, and Stokes was in a sense unlucky in thus being denied, his maiden League goal, of the season.  The game was once stopped for a minute in consequence of Slater colliding with Young, the former being damaged.  Stokes could do very little against Macconnachie, who was putting up a capital exhibition, whilst Taylor seemed to revel in hard work.  Coleman is a genuine capture to Everton and on today’s rendering he should make a fine partner for Sharp.  These two almost worked a joint second goal at this point, Sharp shooting wide at the close when only a few feet from Davies.  The Wanderers were being overplayed hereabouts, and Davies was kept on tenterhooks.  Hugh Bolton once shot over a grand centre by Sharp, and then, from a corner, the Wanderers’ goal escaped almost miraculously as Hardman shot in.  Davies subsequently twice stood between his opponents and further goals, and Everton were certainly playing with more ability and determination than for several months past.  Balmer was proving a more resourceful back than usual, and all round Everton were framing like probable winners.  Stokes once had a fair opening, but made poor use of it.  The game hereabouts took a quiet turn until a free kick against Everton gave Shepherd a chance which he failed to utilize.  Stuart, who had again played usefully was stopped right in the nick of time by Balmer.  Stokes was repeatedly beaten and occasionally beat himself by sticking to the ball unduly.  The Wanderers put on a spurt, but several centres were badly directed and other wasted.  McEwan, however, once tested Scott with a capital shot.  Then Sharp cemented his partnership with his new comrade by scoring a grand goal, the result of an individual effort.  The ball went in at a great pace, and struck the far post ere going into the net.  There was still time for another goal as Balmer tripped Stuart inside the penalty area, and Shepherd converted the penalty.  The Wanderers failed to secure an equalizer, and Everton carried off their second brace of points within four days.  Final; Everton 2, Bolton Wanderers 1.

“TRAMP’S” SPECIAL
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
I Had hopes of the Wanderers doing something good at Goodison Park today, and for this reason; they had opposed Everton three times this season and had held their own on each occasion where the play had been limited to 90 minutes.  It was only in the extra half-hour in the last English Cup-tie that the Evertonians showed any superiority.  Moreover, in those three matches the Wanderers had scored seven goals to Everton six.  The visitors inspired their followers by forcing matters right from the outset today, but Marsh was spoiled of a rare chance by Shepherd’s eagerness to assist him whilst offside.  Early on Stuart dribbled along smartly, and set McEwan going by pretty well-judged passing.  Slater once dallied instead of putting into touch when obviously in difficulties, with the result that Sharp spun round him and dashed straight for goal, a fast low shot sweeping right across the Bolton goalmouth and out.  Once the visitors looked like rushing the backs when Macconnachie, who had been kicking a beautiful length, fell on the ball and handled, but the Wanderers’ claim for a penalty was disregarded.  Twice Stuart was the direct means of corners being forced by the Wanderers, but the most dangerous shot to reach Scott was a fast rising shot essayed by Marsh.  A sweet centre by McEwan after he had drawn the backs, let in Stuart, who was running right into goal when Taylor charged him off.  Then Stokes showed a clean pair of heels to Macconnachie, and it was really hard lines that Shepherd should direct his captain’s centre against the upright.  So far the Wanderers were playing like winners, and doing everything but score.  The man in the crowd asked himself how long would the Wanderers keep up such a sparkling pressure, and almost immediately the Bolton goal enjoyed a fortunate escape, when Davies fisted the ball right to Sharp’s feet.  The Lancashire cricketer fired the ball back so promptly that had not Slater conceded a corner the probabilities are that the ball would have gone through.  As it was, the first half passed without a goal, though the Wanderers were richly entitled to the lead.  They had enjoyed the best of the game by reason of their smart forward play, and so far Stuart had proved a decided success.  He has splendid control over the ball and fed McEwan so accurately that the Bolton left wing always seemed dangerous.  Everton made a promisingly advance when the ball was again set in motion and Sharp would surely have had an easy task to score had not Boyd given him a timely charge.  Quickly tumbling into their stride, the Wanderers forced their way to close quarters, Marsh making a fine centre which Taylor trapped and cleared right on the goalmouth.  Fourteen minutes from the restart, Coleman won a corner from Baverstock and headed a goal, when Sharp placed the ball with splendid judgment.  A minute later Shepherd headed in a centre, from McEwan so accurately that Scott had all his work cut out to keep the ball out, whilst he caught a terrific drive from Stokes, which, though put in from 20 yards’ range almost knocked the Everton keeper over.  Slater hurt his thigh in stopping Young, and ran lame.  He could not hold Sharp, who whipped across and centred, which led up to a corner.  From this Davies made two brilliant saves with a crowd of opponents on him.  As the game wore on, Everton had more of the game, but Davies was so steady and safe in his fielding of the ball that the crowd frequently cheered him most impartially.  Marsh and Stokes had possible chances which badly-directed shooting spoiled.  Five minutes before the end the Wanderers, after having made a brilliant attack, were forced back, and Sharp dribbling neatly round Slater, rushed in to score with a lovely oblique shot, which struck the  inside of the far upright and glanced into the net.  Almost immediately Stuart worked in nicely, and was preparing to shoot when Balmer roughly brought him down.  It was a clear case of a penalty, and Shepherd put so much pace behind his shot that Scott made no attempt to prevent the ball thundering into the net.  All things considered, the Wanderers were unfortunate to lose, but lost their chance in the first half, when they had really shocking luck.  On at least three occasions the Bolton defence again carried off the honours, but the backs crowded on top of Davies too much in the second half.  Very clever indeed was the Welshman’s goal-keeping, and he had two willing henchmen in Baverstock and Slater, though they might, with advantage, have given him more room when the corners-kicks were being taken against them.  Boyd was the pick of the half-back line, in which Clifford spoiled a lot of grand tackling by his failure to feed to the best advantage.  His tendency to balloon the ball was all against little forwards.  The left wing did very well, McEwan finding abundant opportunities as the result of Stuart’s prompt and accurate passing.  He came through the trying ordeal splendidly and is the best junior the Wanderers have unearthed this season.  Shepherd, handicapped by receiving the ball too often in the air instead of at his feet, did not shine with air instead of at his feet, did not shine with Taylor always dogging him, and Marsh and Stokes combined well without finding many scoring opportunities.  All the Wanderers want is a forward who can kick goals when the chances are made.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVE V EVERTON RESERVES
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 21 March 1908
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1.)
Brilliant weather prevailed at Burnden Park this afternoon.  Everton Res., who are well ahead of any of their opponents in the table, were the visitors, and there would be quite 2,000 spectators present when the teams lined out.  Additional interest was added by the in conclusion in the Wanderers’ ranks of Lockett, of Whitechurch, and Crewe Alexandre, and a new Scotch forward was on view in Burnett, who took up the extreme right position.  Owen was also tried in the half-back line.  Everton were, too, strongly represented, Stevenson, Abbott, and Graham being included.  The following were the teams;- Bolton Wanderers Res;- Kirkham, goal; Venables and Stanley, backs; Wolstenholmes, Turner and Owen, half-backs; Burnett, Woods, Hughes, Lockett and Jee, forwards.  Everton Res; Sloan, goal; Stevenson and Strettle, backs; Chadwick, Booth and Abbott, half-backs; Rafferty, Graham, Jones, Mountford, and Donnachie, forwards.  The Wanderers were the first away, and Burnett dropped the ball in nicely, but Sloan punted clear.  Owen neatly robbed Mountford, but Chadwick kicked away.  Another smart attack by the Wanderers was spoiled by Jee being offside, and when the visitors got going Graham fouled and the Wanderers again assailed the Everton goal.  Jee got away beautifully, and centred judiciously, but Hughes kicked over from an awkward position.  The Wanderers were more than holding their own, and Jee again initiated a movement which ought to have brought the opening goal, but Tierney twice shot weakly.  The Wanderers were all over their opponents, and Jee, who was giving of his best fired in a hot shot at Sloan.  The custodian only partly saved, and though the Wanderers claimed that the ball had been over the line, the referee ignored their appeal.  Everton made headway, and helped by a miskick by Stanley they looked dangerous, but Venables cleared finely.  Owen got through any amount of work, and his feeding of Jee was a feature of the game.  Donnachie had a clear course, but was offside, and again the home forwards attacked, but Hughes handled when about to shoot.  After 18 minutes’ play Everton broke away, and amid cries of offside Mountford galloped through and defeated Kirkham, this being the first shot that the Wanderers custodian had had.  This success inspired the Blues, who straight from the kick-off went down, and Graham grazed the upright.  The Wanderers tried hard for the equalizing goal, but the ball literally would not be forced into the net.  The Wanderers’ backs were none too steady under pressure, and had Graham gathered the ball when Venables miskicked the Wanderers would undoubtedly have been two goals behind.  Good play by Lockett and Jee took the ball along and Stevenson gave a corner to avert danger.  The game continued to be full of interest, and the visitors were now having more of the game.  Still they did not trouble Kirkham very often, Venables kicking strongly on several occasions.  Donnachie was prominent with a good run, but nothing tangible resulted, and Tierney set his forwards moving and Booth handling Tierney brought Sloan to his knees.  Jones forced his way through and left Stanley foiling in the rear, and though he shot splendidly Kirkham turned the ball round the post.  When the Wanderers again attacked, Sloan fumbled the ball on the line wide of the goal, and gave a corner.  This was easily cleared, but the Wanderers would not be beaten off, and coming again Lockett easily bat Sloan and equalized.  The interval was immediately signaled with the scores level.  Half-time; Wanderers Reserve 1, Everton Reserve 1.
On resuming the Wanderers at once went away, but Stevenson stepped in and volleyed the ball well up the field, and when Graham was moving nicely Venables cleared.  Stevenson was repeatedly prominent, and he had need to be so, for Jee and Lockett made a dangerous wing.  A sustained attack by Everton was at length beaten off, but the Wanderers were not allowed to trouble Sloan.  Jones essayed a solo run, but found Stanley too much for him, and sent the ball out top Donnachie.  The outsider sent across a dangerous centre, which Graham headed wide of the post.  Another attack by the visitors saw Kirkham fist out smartly from Mountford, and Stanley was applauded for a fine clearance.  The home left ere always dangerous, and Sloan had his work cut out to clear from Lockett.  The visitors were now showing excellent play, but the Wanderers’ backs behaved splendidly, Venables in particularly playing a fine game.  A run to the Everton goal saw Woods shoot into Sloan’s hands, and when Donnachie got possession Venables stepped in and robbed him.  Jones was given offside when about to shoot.  Everton kept up a hot attack, Abbott playing finely at half-back.  Burnett showed good command of the ball when on the run, but Woods seemed unable to do anything right, and on the whole the home right were very ineffective, Venables was again to the fore with some back play, and when Wolstenholmes tried a long shot it went very wide.  The Everton goal escaped luckily when the ball was sent in by Jee, both Hughes and Woods failing to gather it with the Everton backs in difficulties.  Hughes headed a centre from Jee into Sloan’s hands, and Burnett after good play was short of speed to follow up the advantage gained.  Jee got in a capital centre, from which Hughes shot into Sloan’s hands from 20 yards’ range.  Towards the close the visitors made a determined effort but they failed to gain the lead. 
Final; Bolton Wanderers Reserve 1, Everton Reserve 1.

EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 1
March 23, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S NARROW VICTORY.
SHARP'S GAME.
It was really Sharp who gained a couple of points for Everton against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison-park. The first goal was the outcome of a perfect corner kick from the popular outside right, and the second was a magnificent effort quite on his own account. His success was all the more appreciated inasmuch as in midfield, Bolton Wanderers enjoyed more of the play than their opponents. Their only reward was in the shape of a penalty goal, which Shepherd obtained, in the closing stages of the game. No one could begrudge them this satisfaction, but though naturally inclined to ascribe their defeat to ill-luck they have only themselves to blame. There is not much advantage in forcing the game if at the critical moments chances are frittered away. Class in the person of John Sharp, ably assisted as he was by other brainy players like Makepeace and Coleman told its tale hence Everton victory. On Saturday's form, even allowing for ineffective finishing movements. Bolton Wanderers are too good a team to be relegated to the Second Division.

INCIDENTS OF THE GAME.
Delightful spring weather favoured the match, which drew an attendance of about 18,000. Many of the spectators made first acquaintance with Coleman as a member of the Everton eleven, while others were interested in the experiment of playing Hugh Bolton on the left as partner to Hardman. It cannot be said that during the opening half of the game the football reached a high standard. True the Wanderers evidently anxious to average their Cup-tie reverse, imparted any amount of dash into their work, and more than held their own with the Blues, who seemed unable to get into their proper swing. There was, however, a sad lack of method when the goal was well in sight. A little extra spurt at the critical moment and Scott's charge must have been captured. Once Adamson fell back with rare judgement and took the ball from the toes of Stuart when he had no one to beat except the custodian. Again Shepherd banged the ball against the post, but granting this was hard lines, Scott considering the pressure, which the Wanderers exerted, had few really serious calls made upon him. The second portion of the proceedings produced more enlivening incidents. Right away Coleman raced between the backs, only to find his attempt to score frustrated by Davies. The Wanderers continued to display weakness in front of goal, and then, as on previous occasions the Evertonians warmed to their work. Their attacks mainly came from the right wing, where Sharp and Coleman blended beautifully. It was from a corner kick taken by the outside man, that Bolton's goal fell. Sharp placed the ball so accurately that Coleman had no difficulty in heading past Davies. This appeared to spur on the Wanderers to even greater efforts but Scott was no' to be beaten. Slater who was injured, was no match for Sharp, who after a parking run shot a grand shot, the ball curling into the far corner of the net, out of Davies's reach. Balmer was penalised for fouling Stuart, and Shepherd converted, the penalty kick , the game ending with Everton the victors by two goals to one.

THE PLAYERS.
Up to a point the losers were every bit as good as the victors. Superior finishing work gave Everton their couple of points. The part which Sharp played in the victory, has already been mentioned. Coleman should prove an ideal partner for Sharp, for he is tricky speedy, and judicious, and with Young in the centre, one can see great danger to opposing defences. Hardman and Bolton hardly fell into each other's ways, but this was only to be expected. The halves were in good fettle, for while Taylor did not allow Shepherd much latitude, both Makepeace and Adamson, distinguished themselves, the latter's display being eminently pleasing. MaConnachie though inclined to be too cool at times, play an affective game, but apart from conceding the penalty, Balmer more than once was at fault. As for Scott, he accomplished all that was asked of him in his usual finished. As Evertonians know, the Wanderers have a good team, the only drawback –and a serious one too-being a lack of goal scoring ability. They have an excellent defence, and a well-balanced forward line. It is interesting to note that Stuart, formerly of Birkenhead made a promising debut for his new club. Teams : - Everton: - Scott goals, W. Balmer, and McConnachie, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Adamson, half-backs, Sharp, Coleman, Young, Bolton, and Hardman, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Davies goal, Baverstock, and Slater, backs, Greenhalgh, Clifford, and Boyd, half-backs, Stoke, Marsh, Shepherd, Stuart, and Mcewan, forwards. Referee r, Hargreaves.

BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 23, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 31)
Everton pick up a point at Bolton, the final score being one goal each. There was nothing to choose between the teams, and a draw about represented the run of the play. The scoring was done in the first half, Mountford doing the needful for Everton, and Lockett, the new forward from Whitchurch, responding for the Trotters. Everton: - Sloan, goal, Stevenson, and Strettell, backs, Chadwick, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs, Rafferty, Graham, Jones, Mountford, and Donnachie, forwards.

BOLTON WANDERERS AT GOODISON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton received their full deserts in securing a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers, who, somehow, cannot get much tangible good at Goodison.  The three recruits –shall I call them? -to the home team gave the liveliest cause for satisfaction.  I refer to Coleman, Adamson, and Mcconnachie.  Coleman is a valuable acquisition –of that I am positive.  He has more than one way of attacking, and more than one method of beating a back.  Adamson, too, showed that he is a footballer, and I trust he will be persevered with at left-half, sorry though we must be to miss the familiar form and figure of Walter Abbott, who may now be given an opportunity to try his abilities at full-back.  Macconnachie can’t grumble at lack of opportunities, and it is clearly the intention of Everton’s directors to make a player of him.  He is obviously better fitted for a full-back than a half, and some of his work was fetching indeed to the crowd.  All the remaining Everton defenders played admirably; whilst forward, Young and Sharp were extremely clever.  It is a long time since Sharp put in such a fine solid afternoon’s work, and it was clear that he got along nicely in his maiden partnership with Coleman.  I was sorry to see Bolton so weak at inside left; his passes –such as were accurate –were so slow that the opponent frequently easily nipped in ere they reached either Young or Hardman, and the latter’s play especially suffered in consequence. 

EVERTON’S COMING HALF-BACKS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908
By “Tramp”
One of the most prominent figures on the field in the Everton-Bolton Wanderers’ match of a week ago was H. Adamson, the left-half-back of the Goodison Park club.  Until so recently as last December Adamson, who is a Scotsman, hearted Everton partisans who attended Goodison even on reserve team match days, for Adamson was considered merely a Combination team half-back; not even that in fact, for had Makepeace been unable to turn out, such as Booth, Black, or Chadwick would all have been preferred to Adamson for a place in Everton’s League team as emergency right half-back.  However, the young player’s abilities began to tell in Combination football (so “Richard Samuel” informed me) and when Makepeace was unable to play against Woolwich Arsenal, at Goodison, on December 21, Adamson got his chance and what is more, played rare good football, such as appealed to the critics.  On Boxing Day Adamson was shaping brilliantly against Bristol City, when he was injured.  Subsequently, Makepeace recovered and our subject naturally had to stand down in favour of such an accomplished artist.  However, the recent loss of form shown by Abbott has resulted in the Everton managers trying Adamson on the opposite wing with gratifying results.  He played genuinely clever football against a man like Stokes on Saturday – real adaptable football, and more than once averted his side’s downfall by going to the assistance of beaten comrades.  Adamson, who hails from Lochgelly United (Lochgelly is famed as the birthplace of George Wilson) can trap and take a ball in any position, and has only to maintain last week’s form to constitute an invaluable young member of Everton’s League team.  He stands 5ft 7in, and weights 10 stone. 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908

• Thanks to Jack Taylor, Shepherd was rarely in the picture
• Everton reserve never expected the Trotters Reserve in such form.
• Coleman passes like greased lightning.  Some of his hooks to Jack Sharp were positively brilliant.
• Stuart would be an acquisition to any team, even to the classic Everton or the plodding Livers.
• Hugh Bolton as Hardman’s partner was not a success, but the remarks of some spectators were to say the least uncalled for.
• If Macconnachie was a few yards faster he would be a fine back.  Stokes once at least made the Scot look very slow when the pair had a race for the ball. 
• Liverpool are Everton’s only conquerors at Goodison Park this season.  Curiously, three Southern clubs have drawn there –Bristol, Woolwich and Southampton.
• The gentlemanly Baverstock and Slater made a rock-like defence, and the big Young Slater up to his injury played very well against Sharp and Coleman, who both in good trim. 
• Everton seem to act like a stumbling block to the Trotters
• Greenhalgh met a Tartar in Hardman, but honours were even. 
• Makepeace, Balmer, Greenhalgh and Slater were all in rare form at Goodison.
• Bolton had nearly all the play at Goodison, but Everton proved the better marksmen. 
• Macconnachie’s brilliant tackling against stokes was a real masterpiece and goes to show that there is a lot of talent in this clever Scot. 
• Coleman is superior to Bolton in one or two respects.  He opens out the game more, doesn’t think Sharp is the only forward and now and again essays a burst on his own.
• Any doubt as to the desire of Everton to win was set at rest in the second half.  Some of the Goodison men could not have played harder in a Cup-tie, Taylor especially being noticeable. 
• Macconnachie is astonishing the Liverpool folks by his tricky and defensive play in his proper position at left back.  Had Mac been playing in the last Cup-tie things might have been different.  He is now one of the Park idols, and no doubt he will render good service to Everton in coming years.
• Adamson seems to have turned out a rare find for Everton.
• Sharp’s sharp, straight shot spelled undeserved defeat to the Trotters
• Sharp, and Boyd, and Hardman and Baverstock play the game to perfection.
• Bolton Wanderers played a good game at Goodison Park, but their shooting was wretched.
• Adamson is a mobile half-back.  Everton always seem able to develop plenty of half-back talents somehow. 
• Everton’s Coleman is already a big favourite with the crowd, and Coleman, it is said, is already taken up with Merseyside.  He promises to make the best partner Sharp has had since Tommy McDermott wore a blue jersey.
• The Wanderers had none the best of the luck at Everton.  In the first half they were easily the cleverer team, and could they have turned to account some of their numerous chances they would probably have run out easy winners. This from an Evertonian. 
• Everton were decidedly fortunate to obtain the full points against the Wanderers.  The latter enjoyed quite as much of the game as the home team, but faulty shooting, the proverbial hard lines and Scott’s superb goalkeeping enabled the Goodison Park men to secure the victory.
• Hugh Bolton was far from successful as Hardman’s partner; still some of his critics might have remembered that he was playing in an unusual position.  As it was he made a couple of great efforts to score, one a header which Davies saved, and the other a splendid drive which just skimmed the bar.
• Everton are likely to have a big share in deciding which clubs are to be relegated to the Second Division.  Having overcome Bolton Wanderers they had this morning to meet Birmingham, Notts County, and Sunderland.  It is somewhat remarkable that they have also to meet the three leaders, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday having to visit Goodison Park.
•  Rafferty is the coming man.
• Davies is a good goalkeeper, and has given nothing away to Everton this year.
• Everton have had a fair share of the luck this season in their bouts with Bolton Wanderers.
• Everton reserve at Bolton –Sloan, Stevenson, Booth, Abbott, Chadwick and Donnachie, where were the first team?
• Everton folks would have been pleased to see Shepherd giving one of his thrillers, even throughout was against their own pets.
• Len Woods, the promising young Everton forward, who shaped so well when tried at outside left in December, has been lost to the Blues for some time in consequence of a serious breakdown in health.  Everton have been unfortunate with a number of players in this way.

FOOTBALL BRIEFLETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908

• Everton and Bristol City have been more frequently guilty of penalty infringements than any other members of Division 1.  Each has six times transferred the penalty law.  The A.F.A folks will be shocked if this should catch their eye.
• ‘Tis funny how these Everton paddock supporters forget Bolton’s four goals against Oldham, and a few other useful goals this season.  To barrack a player as they did brands them as not sportsmen, and to hint that he lost Everton the game at Southampton is a downright injustice to a very clever inside player, who came to the Blues when they were hard up for a partner for Sharp.  If Everton lose this player, who is the equal (when in form) of any inside playing today, it will be surely the faulty of these rabid partisans who can only see and only go to see one team, and not a football match.  (This from an Evertonian of 18 years’ following). 

BIRMINGHAM V.EVERTON
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908
(League.- First Division.)
Ideal conditions prevailed at St. Andrews, Birmingham, this afternoon, when Everton met the wooden spoonists before 15,000 spectators.  Anderson played vice Eyre for the home side, the side being otherwise unchanged.  Teams;- Birmingham; Dorrington, goal; Kearns, Right back, and Corbett, left back; Green, Right half-back, Beer, centre half-back, and Cornan, Left half-back.  Peplow, Outside Right, Tickle, Inside right, Mounteney, centre, Jones, Inside-left, and Anderson, Outside left;  Everton; Scott, goal; Balmer (R.), and Macconnachie, left-back; Makepeace, Right half-back;  Taylor (captain), Centre half-back, and Adamson, Left half-back; Outside right, Sharp, Inside right, Coleman, Young, Centre, Settle, Inside left, and Donnachie, Outside left.  Referee; Mr. D. Hammond, Heywood.
Valuable Goal.
Everton won the toss and were first to attack, Corbett kicking away.  The Brums came up strongly and Scott saved when in a precarious position from Tickle.  A nice run by Sharp provoked applause, Dorrington catching his shot high up, the same player being responsible for an equally smart feat a moment later, but Coleman was a bit too slow to seize a nice pass.  A corner to Everton proved abortive, Settle shooting tamely when in a scoring position.  Anderson initiated a move towards the other end.  A save by Scott and an erractic shot from Beer followed in quick succession.  Peplow followed suit with a wild punt, while Young was whistled offside.  Birmingham improved and Beer shook the rigging on the wrong side, Smart work along the Everton left gave Settle a chance, Kearns saving at the expense of a corner, which came to nought.  Young was penalized for pushing Wigmore, but Everton came back and Dorrington saved finely from the visiting centre-forward.  The referee unaccountably allowed Jones to proceed a minute later when he was offside, and he beat Scott after 23 minutes’ play.  Nettled by this unlucky reverse the Everton vanguard went away in good style, and a scrimmage was fought, Green ultimately relieving.  Coleman went away with a spurt, and after beating the backs shot yards over with the goal at his mercy.  Jones missed at the other end, while Anderton and Green passed cleverly.  Midfield play followed, in which Taylor was prominent and the weakness of the Birmingham front string was evident before the goal.  Fine kicking by Corbett and Kearns repulsed Young and company, but Makepeace ought to have notched a point when he found himself alone with nothing in front.  Green stopped a shot from Coleman with his hand just outside the penalty area, but the free kick was useless.  Peplow was well held by Adamson and seldom did anything right though both Balmer and Macconachie were uncertain in tackling.  Sharp went along and passed to Coleman, but the ex-Woolwich man allowed Pearson to intervene.  Mounteney had a try, but in common with his comrade shot much too high.  Much fiddling by Young spoilt a glorious chance, and he was finally charged off the ball.  Mounteney was injured and play was suspended for a few minutes, but he kept on the field.  A mistake on the part of Makepeace nearly let Jones in.  Balmer coming to the rescue.  Half-time; Birmingham 1, Everton 0.
Goal Follows Goal Quickly.
Everton had a strong sun to face when ends were exchanged, and this they found inconvenient.  It was not until Sharp sailed down on his own that the forward recovered accurate sight of the ball.  Five minutes after the re-start Beer scored with a high shot, which well-deserved its reward.  Half a minute later Coleman reduced the lead with an equally fine effort, Dorrington being helpless.  Settle should have equalized two minutes after, but his shot hit the post.  The inside left again missed, being two yards from the desired haven.  Scott saved a low one from Jones which lacked power, and Tickle was guilty just after.  The Merseyside team opened out better at this stage, and showed improved combination, though Young was inclined to dally too much.  Anderson ran down the wing and centred, Scott picking up the ball on the line.  Wigmore shot out Donnachie receiving from Adamson, over-ran the ball and centre behind.  Kearns and Corbett were strong, and kept Coleman at bay when a goal seemed imminent.  Birmingham were penned in for several minutes, but Peplow at length broke the spell and went off smartly only he pulled up by Macconnachie.  Corbett next neat Settle with a fine overhead pull, Scott being called upon following the run down, while he saved a second afterwards.  Final- Birmingham 2, Everton 1.

EVERTON RESERVE V BLACKPOOL RESERVE
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 28 March 1908
(Lancashire Combination.- Division 1)
At Goodison Park.  The home side commenced operations, and made an early incursion to the visitors’ territory, forcing a futile corner.  Blackpool worked well up from this, and Whelley netted from close quarters.  Everton retaliated, but Couper made two poor attempts to equalize until Winterhalder got possession, and netted a grand goal.  Brindley put his side ahead, Gow adding another.  Interval; Everton reserve 1, Blackpool Reserve 3.
The home side showed determination, but were weak in front of goal.  Blackpool made strenuous efforts to augment the score, but were unlucky in the final attempts.  Grand attempts by the Blackpool left ended in a corner, which was badly placed, and a flag-kick was sent over the bar by Pearson.  Midfield play followed for some considerable time, neither side having the advantage.  Gow had a fine chance to add to the score, but shot over the bar.  Final; Everton reserve 1, Blackpool Reserve 3.

BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 EVERTON 1
March 30, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON FAIL AT BIRMINGHAM.
MIDLANDERS' STUBBORN PLAY.
Everton were unfortunate on Saturday, inasmuch as several of the players were, owing to injuries, not in a fit condition to gave of their best. Still, the forwards had sufficient chances to lay a good foundation to success in the first period of the game. The simplest of openings were allowed to go abegging for the want of a little dash –a quality, by the way, that was entirely absent in Everton's plan of campaign. From beginning to end the quinter persisted in the close-passing game on a ground that was thoroughly sodden. The inside men hung on to the ball with a tenacity that was only rivalled by the grim determination of the Birmingham halves to dispossess them by book or by crock. The consequence was that wing play was starved, and those flashes, which are usually identified with Everton's movements were witnessed on but very rare occasions. On the whole there could be no question as to Everton's superiority in so far as attractive play was concerned, but finesse without that extra bit of dash at the finish can never be depended upon to win matches. The Birmingham team, having regard to their lowly position were desperate, and if they failed to indulge in nice touches of play they are, at any rate to be congratulated upon the dash they put into their work that eventually brought in its train a well-deserved victory.

RUN OF THE PLAY.
The ground was in a fearfully heavy state, with the result that play was on the slow side. At the outset Everton had several chances, Settle being the delinquent on two occasions, but a fine effort from Sharp brought out Dorrington's best work in goal. Play fluctuated considerably, and eventually Jones slipped between the backs, and opened the scoring after 25 minutes' play. Bent upon keeping the lead the Midlanders stopped at nothing, and were a goal in front at the interval. Shortly after the resumption Beer placed his side further ahead with a skillful shot, and then followed a brilliant individual effort from Coleman, who threaded his way through a host of defenders, and recorded a splendid goal. Then the Everton forwards indulged in magnificent footwork, but there was the inevitable failure to finish, a movement. In one attack it appeared certain that the visitors would obtain an equaling point, for Dorrington luckily charged down a shot, which cannoned off the Everton inside right. The ball was about to roll into the net, when Kearns, pounced upon it, and with a great effort hooked it out. After this escape the home team kept themselves fully extended and finished up with a smart victory of 2 goals to 1.

PERSONAL.
Coming to the Everton players, there was a suggestion of staleness that was typical of the end of the season. Up to a certain point their movements were the delight of the crowd, but there was a lack of generalship that cost them the game. Sharp was ready, willing, and able; yet he was continuously neglected, and had he had but a very ordinary share of attention, a different tale must have been told. At the other end of the line, Donnachie did not shape at all badly, but as has been already mentioned the inside men held on too long, and gave the opposing halves every opportunity to tackle. Half-back play on the Everton side only reached a moderate standard. Taylor was quite out of form, while Makepeace was labouring under the effects of a knock early in the game. Adamson often put in good work; still, there could be no getting beyond the fact that the line as a whole performed far below the average standard that has been associated with the club. Balmer and MaConnachie did well under difficulties, and Scott got through his work in his usual creditable fashion. Although the Midlanders obtained full points, the quality of their play was quite in keeping with their lowly position in the table, and they were luck in meeting Everton on one of their off days. In the forward line Anderson and Tickle were the most prominent of a moderate lot, and at half back Beer and Wigmore were always capable of dealing with Everton's short passing tactics. Kearns was the most resourceful back, and in goal Dorrington was rarely extended. The whole game was a contrast of methods, and as the Midlanders took their chances they deserved to secure the honours. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Dorrington, goals, Corbett, and Kearns, backs, Beer, Wigmore, and Green, half-backs, Penlow, Tickle, Jones, Mountaney, and Anderson, forwards. Everton: - Scott, goal, R. Balmer, and MaConnachie, backs, Makepeace, Taylor (Captain), and Adamson, half-backs, Sharp Coleman, Young, Settle and Donnachie, forwards. Referee Hammond.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 1
March 30, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Lancashire Combination Division One (Game 32)
RESERVES 100 LEAGUE GOAL.
Everton's match with Blackpool at Goodison was noticeable for two unique circumstances, in which the Blues were mostly concerned. In the first place the home club registered their hundredth goal this season under Lancashire Combination auspices, and in the second they sustained their first home defeat, which was well deserved. The Blues started in confident fashion, Blackpool's goal having narrow escapes. Then the Seasiders retaliated, and at the second visit to Berry, Whalley opened the scoring. Winterhalmer equalised after a brilliant individual effort, but again Blackpool took the lead, Cookson scoring, and Gow obtained the third goal. The second portion again showed Everton in an unfavourable light, and Blackpool held the game all through. There was no scoring, and Blackpool won cleverly. The defence was the best part of the home team, and could not be blamed for the defeat. Webb, who was on trial at centre-half giving a creditable display. The forwards, Couper and Winterhalmer excepted were very poor. Stevenson was slow and rather selfish. The winners defence had an easy time, but their forwards were a lively lot, showing both speed and cleverness. Everton: - Berry, goal, Strettell, and Stevenson, backs, Rafferty, Webb, and Abbott half-backs, Couper, Graham, Stevenson Mountford, and Winterhalmer, forwards.

SOUTHPORT PLAYER FOR EVERTON.
March 31 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
The Everton directors have signed on J.B. Meunier, inside left of Southport Central. Meunier, who is of burly build, is at present in his second season with Southport. He joined the team as left full back, but this season he was tried first at half-back, and then in the forward line. He is rather slow, but has the reputation of being a deadly shot. The transfer fee is understood to be moderate.