EVERTON 5 MIDDLESBROUGH 3
March 1, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EIGHT GOALS AT GOODISON.
EVERTON WIN THRILLING GAME.
COCK'S AND BIRRELL SCORE HAT-TRICKS.
EVERTON SCORE THREE TIMES IN FOUR MINUTES.
By F.M.N.
In a game brimful of thrills Everton defeated Middlesbrough by 5-3, Cock and Birrell each netting thrice for their respective sides. The Middlesbrough man thus completed the hat-trick, but the Everton centre had a point by Chadwick sandwiched between the first and second goals. Midway through the first half the crowd was roused to a high pitch by Everton scoring three times in four minutes; but Middlesbrough; but Middlesbrough played strongly in the early portions of the second half, and at one time reduced the margin to a goal, there being an exciting struggle for the mastery. Heavy scoring such as this is a source of great delight to the average enthusiast, and certainly the 20,000 onlookers had full value for their money, the shooting being of a high standard, while the general quality of the play considering the heavy going, was certainly of a very skilful character.
BLUES' FINE ATTACK.
Everton were undoubtedly the better side. The forwards and halves worked in unison with telling effect, and there is no doubt that Everton now possess the making of a very fine side. True the backs were not as strong as they might have been, but some allowance must be made for the slippery state of the turf. The feature of the game, however, was the smoothness with which the home forward line worked, and Cock'' leadership was a revelation. The ex-Chelsea centre is rapidly gaining confidence and his subtle passes and excellent marksmanship paved the way to many raids on Williamson's charge. He shot better than in any of his previous outings with his new club, and with a little luck might easily have added to his total. Chadwick's work in midfield also showed an advance though he is still lacking in pace. Irvine worked hard, and Chedgzoy and Troup were excellent wing forwards, both showing pace, craft and shooting ability. The halves were rare spoilers and judicious feeders. McBain keeping Wilson in check, while Hart and Peacock vied with each other in manipulation and footcraft. Both Raitt and Livingstone have played better, but Fern had little chance with the shots that scored. The visitors contested the issue strongly, but were so good as their opponents in the mud. Fox and Homes were not too sound, but Williamson is still a capital custodian. Webster was the best of the halves, and Jack Carr and Birrell constituted the strongest part of the forward line.
HOW THE GOALS WERE SCORED.
At the outset the play was even, neat exchanges characterising the proceedings, and Cock very soon hit the post with a well-meant effort. It was level pegging for 20 minutes, however, and then Cock went through to score a fine goal. Soon afterwards a Chadwick drive from Chedgzoy's centred entered the net, and then Troup cut in to fire in a strong drive at Williamson. The ball rebounded off the keeper, and Cock racing up headed Everton's third goal. Birell's first point was then secured and to wind up a lively first half Cock received the ball on the half-way line from Troup, and, racing ahead in fine style he kept control, despite the attentions of Holmes, and fired the ball into the top part of the net at great speed. It was certainly the most brilliant effort of the afternoon. In the early portion of the second half Middlesbrough showed that they were not dismayed and Birrell quickly clapped on two goals. It was a surprising turn of events that Everton had to fight hard for victory. At length after several narrow escapes Chedgzoy obtained the fifth goal, which settled the issue. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, Backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Middlesbrough: - Williamson, goal, Holmes, and Fox, backs, Davidson, Webster, and Pender, half-backs, J. Carr, Birrell, Wilson, Donaghy, and Urwin, forwards. Referee Mr. HV Scott.

HOW EVERTON CAME TO THEIR BEST AND BRIGHTEST
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, March 1, 1923
Bee’s Notes
There is an occasion when a team scores heavily and directors take the score too literally, without sizing up the opposition. Such a case was the last time Everton and Manchester United met at Goodison way back in 1921-first game of the season. Everton scored five goals against nothing- nothing I mean in the defending area. It was a result that was a trap for the future. Yesterday they once again got going with five goals; and this time it was against the Middlesbrough defence, and therefore counts for something, even if Jock Marshall was not present. Everton, in short, have proved themselves competent. They have at last realised the value of the up-the-middle pass. I don’t remember quite so many as yesterday for a long time. Cock has always been most unselfish in his passes, and now that he is getting some in return he must score goals. In London they said very emphatically that Jack Cock had lost his confidence. He himself has said something similar-and he had reasons for saying it, too, for the crowd and others were unkind to him in his late Chelsea days. However, the fresh air of Wallasey, the golf-aid, and a few side bets with his plus-four friend, Sam Chedgzoy, have brought him back to his best game, judged by yesterday’s standard. Moreover, to put one’s finger right on the affected part, one would say that the Everton half back line did more than anyone else to win’ back confidence to all and to “make” the team. They gave upward passes, kept the ball low, and every time they made a pass it meant work for the opposition defence. That’s football. Need more be said?
GOALS GALORE
Birrell’s three would interest the Scottish selectors once again, and Andy Wilson’s continued failure would also cause them to sit up and think. He has gone rather stout, and the ether has not left his body since he went under an operation, so that one cannot expect him to do miracles. I think he and his club will move shortly, and I should not be far out if I said he would go to- “censored.” Birrell’s goals came at the right moment. They came as a direct blow, and his hat-trick naturally upset Everton even tenour. It was quite natural, and it made the game very thrilling. Here was a side that was down 4-1 at the interval and now were fighting for the equaliser! It is uncommon, and it is captivating. However, the home club weathered the storm, and Chedgzoy completed his good day’s work by squeezing a ball over the line, and thus making the last ten minutes a mere question of marking time. For my part, I would like to congratulate club and players and spectators upon their new team and their new vision of football. It is something like the old Everton days. There is a ground pass “in the bag,” as it were, and as a result we are getting the nicer points of play, and win or lose it is good to feast upon real football.
PERSONALIA
Tom Fern did not have his work to do that bothered Williamson, who was slow to go to his shots, and once headed a ball ere he thumped it. I wonder what Kenny Campbell thought of this as he sat and looked on? Everton in defence rocked a bit. There was a time when Livingstone and Raitt were tousey to the point of fouling; yet Livingstone started ill at ease and finished with a triumph; while Raitt did his best early on, and only “let in” near the finish, when that promising young winger, Donaghy, was doing such good work. Urwin and Jack Carr both spiled their chances by doubling back unnecessarily, and I liked much better our own pair. Troup, while not as flash as in his debut here, making some strong play, and Chedgzoy almost working too hard. Irvine gave evidence of his ability to control the ball, and was an artistic and able lieutenant to his side; while Chadwick’s slowness did not do harm, and forced me to believe that he should be encouraged to go on and hit the ball. Only time can do anything for Chadwick now. The crowd can do him powers of harm. Cock, at centre, got three goals, and dashed in every time there was a chance. It was his most exhilarating game, and it had the necessary “punch” at the finish. At half-back, Webster could do nothing with Cock-and we have high hopes of Webster-and the lines were as different as chalk from China. Peacock’s best game was that he served up yesterday. McBain was hardly seen, yet he kept making moves in the right direction. He is essentially a maker of play rather than a breaker. Hart, too, was strong-his tackle and his pass, like that of Peacock, were of ideal strength. Everton have come to stay. There is a bright light on the horizon. They were always renowned for their half backs. There will keep them going for many a day all being well.

EVERTON'S TEAM FOR OLDHAM.
March 2, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton will field the following team against Oldham at Oldham tomorrow: - Fern, Raitt, Livingstone, Peacock, Fleetwood, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Harland is going on as well as can be expected. He is still in St. George's hospital, London. Four other players are on the casualty list, Downs, Brown, Williams, and Wall. McBain is, of course absent from tomorrow's team owing to Scotland's call on his service.

EVERTON’S BRIGHT CHANCE AT OLDHAM
Liverpool Echo- Friday, March 2, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Oldham full of confidence, and I think they are sure to win against Oldham Athletic, who are not a good side and Everton have struck such a style of play and a confidence that should carry them right up a victory. The crux of the Everton position is that they have at last got constructive half backs, who make passes to the forward’s foot. It is as though McBain says to himself; “If I pass this ball aright I shall not be employed to any great extent. If I don’t, then the ball will be back on me in a tick, and I am not keen to be incessantly working on the tackle.” It is a good thought. Oldham, being desperate for points, are sure to put up a rush start, and they will never cease to try. However, Everton can, by steady defence, curb this enthusiasm, and by attacking can produce the best defence known to the game. Teams; Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Fleetwood, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Oldham; Matthews; Grundy, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Brasendale, Watson.
Fleetwood appears for McBain, who is engaged in the international game in Ireland.
GOING STRONG FOR THE LEAGUE
Everton Reserves are making strong bidding for the Central League championship for which they are nicely placed. Their team tomorrow at Goodison Park against Bury is a strong one; Salt; Caddick, McDonald; Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Virr and Harrison.
Downs, Harland, Wall, and Williams are still on the injured list, which has through the season been a great bugbear to Everton.

Fazzy Again.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 03 March 1923
Stanley Fazakerley, the ex-Sheffield l and Everton inside-right, cannot be declared anything but a great success since he went to Wolverhampton, for although he has only been a "Wolf' ' since November last he is now top scorer for the club.  Stan married the daughter of the licensee of the Station Hotel—opposite the London. Midland and  Scottish Railway Station at he still resides there.

Chedgzoy at His Best.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 03 March 1923
The recent form of Sammy Chedgzoy, the right winger, brought him right into international limelight, and it should he remembered that when has played for England he has always made huge success the right wing position. Sammy went to Canada last summer vowing he would never kick another ball again for Everton, yet here he playing better than ever.

IMPROVED EVERTON AT OLDHAM
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday, March 3, 1923
By Stork
THE NEW EVERTON
Here’s to the new Everton. They are at last a semblance to the good old club we knew in days gone by. We must not chirp too soon, for we might come toppling down; but I am fully prepared to see Everton rise in the table, for they have now got the right material and play the right game. I was not at the Middlesbrough match, and from what I hear I believe I missed a football treat through an enforced absence. To my mind Everton now have the best half back line in the country. All are great tacklers and judicious feeders, and the attack should benefit thereby. Cock is settling down nicely, and as time goes on the line will blend into one that will be a force to consider. In meeting Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park this afternoon they are not set a difficult job, even allowing that the Lactics forced a draw with the mighty Sunderland. Let me tell you right now that Oldham are a poor side. There is plenty of bustle and dash in them, but what is lacking is that little bit of combination which makes for success. The decision is overworked week after week, and Reg Freeman must by getting tired to death, for the work he has to put in is tremendous. How he keeps his form under such conditions is remarkable. The half backs are a dour lot, but bad in construction, if we except Taylor, and the forwards are inclined to finish weakly. Everton should, with ordinary luck, bring home a couple of points from David Ashworth’s side.

EVERTON AT OLDHAM
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, November 3, 1923
F.E.H. DESCRIBES BOUNDARY “BEAUTIES.”
FLEETWOOD REAPPEARS
ATHLETIC DESPERATE TO SAVE THEIR STATUS
OLDHAM 1 EVERTON 0
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Fleetwood, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Oldham Athletic; Matthews; Wynne, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Brasendale, Watson. Referee; Mr. S. Rothwell, of St. Anne’s-on-Sea.
Oldham Athletic are on the brink of the Second Division “standing,” but having regained some good form against Sunderland and others, they thought that Everton’s visit to Boundary Park would bring some further points. However, Everton have found their best vein, and the course of the latter-day games has led them to solid victories. They had to make a change through McBain being engaged in the international in Ireland, Fleetwood of course, taking the vacancy. The stimulating effect of Everton’s victory over Middlesbro’ on Wednesday was at least remarkable in one way. Quite a crowd of supporters went to Oldham with the team, and for once in a way the voice of Merseyside was heard at Boundary Park in addition to the broader dialect of Cottonopolis.  The weather, was depressing, with fitful showers over the smoke-stacked town as we made out way to the ground. The playing pitch, though devoid of grass, appeared to be in fairly good condition, though of course, on the soft side. A heavy downpour marked the arrival of the players, and the attendance might have been larger when the game started. It will be understood that the Evertonians were as selected, Fleetwood coming in for McBain. In the home ranks Grundy, who is injured, gave way to Wynne, a very useful reserve player who has shown both aptitude and adaptability.
THE NEW WAR-CRY
Just as operations began the visitors emulated the Liverpool Club’s war-cry vociferously-one, two, three, four, five. This was quite strange to most of the spectators, but once they realised its significance there were cheers and counter-cheers. Everton started, and at once went off with a tremendous dash. The whole forward line moved with clock like precision, and from a short pass by Cock, Irvine sent in a glorious shot, which was very luckily diverted by Wynne. The visitors came along again in fine fashion, showing perfect combination, and Chadwick was unfortunate in failing to find the net. A moment later Troup put the ball to Cock, who in turn passed to Chedgzoy, who shot over with great force. So far the opening exchanges were all in favour of the Evertonians, but Oldham at length made ground, and Horrcocks made a gallant attempt to get through, but when tackled by Livingstone lost control of the leather, and the visitors were on the warpath again. Troup got down the wing like a flash and passed to Chadwick who headed in cleverly. He was, however, ruled offside, and the next episode was a dash down the home right wing. Hart was caught napping for once in way, and after some very tricky and quick manoeuvring, Staniforth  sent in a hot shot which went wide.
A BRILLIANT FEAT BY FERN
Oldham for a time pressed strongly, and following upon a free kick against Livingstone, the Everton goal was in jeopardy. Douglas, taking a neat pass from Horracks, completely beat Livingstone and put in a terrific fast shot, which Fern turned round the upright by literally throwing himself at the ball. It was a great save, and cordially applauded even by the home spectators. The game at this point was running in favour of the home attackers, but the visiting defence was sound. Everton in due course forced a couple of corners, but these were safely negotiated, and the Athletic again took up the tale on the right, where Douglas showed that he was quite as clever and speedy as Troup. The visitors returning to the attack ought to have drawn first blood when Chadwick was brought down just outside the penalty area. The free kick was taken by the Evertonian, who gave Matthews a very warm handful, which he just arranged to put aside. For some time after this play was of a desultory character, the heavy and turned-up ground not only impeding the players but preventing the finer phases of the game being observed. Everton were the first to adapt themselves to the now prevailing conditions, and Troup put in a long shot which was cleared by Freeman. Chedgzoy then played through the mud and sent in a long volley, which caused the home custodian to run out in order to clear. There was further mud larking, and then Oldham’s advance guard forced the pace with telling effect.
A BEAUTIFUL GOAL
Douglas raced off like a grey hound, beating both hart and Livingstone, passed the ball to Watson, who headed the ball with adroitness into the corner of the net. This reverse put Everton on their mettle, and some clever concerted work was seen on both wings, but there was still that lack of finish which might well have provided an equaliser. Troup was indefatigable in his centres, but Cock was so well watched by Pilkington that he could not get through. Staniforth was well placed when his progress was effectively barred by Raitt, and Fleetwood tried to make matters level with a breakaway on his own account. His long shot, however, was well off the target, and just before the interval Oldham redoubled their efforts to increase their lead. Wynne lobbed the ball in dangerous fashion into the goalmouth, and Horrocks sent in a short sharp shot which Fern saved on his knees. Troup again tried his luck, and a fine oblique shot just missed fire. Chedgzoy was in an equally unlucky plight, and at the interval the Athletic led by 1 goal to nil. There were about 14,000 people present when the contest was resumed in a dull light. The Athletic swooped through Naylor and Watson, and the latter put the leather to Staniforth, who was standing with his back to the goal. The home centre tried to convert the chance, but he missed his kicks.
FERN’S CHARGE BESET
Everton were busy at the other end, where Chedgzoy sent in a characteristic shot, which was well cleared by Matthews. Staniforth again sailed in, and was fouled by Livingstone just outside the penalty area. This incident was the prelude to a sequence of thrilling episodes in front of Fern’s charge, and he saved one hot shot from Horrocks at the cost of an unfruitful corner. The pace was now fast and furious. Everton were obviously out to rehabilitate themselves, and their midfield work was of the most approved style. The forwards, however, were over anxious, and following upon good work by Chadwick, Cock failed with his final shot. Everton put on further pressure and Chedgzoy forced a corner, which might have led to an important result. The falling ball was intercepted by Chadwick, who headed into goal, and though Matthews threw clear there were many present who thought the leather was just over the line. In any case, it was a very near thing, and it spurred the visitors on to further endeavours. Somehow or other, however, the Everton forwards could not attain the desired amount of accuracy, and the Athletic, taking the fullest advantage of this, forced their opponents back on the defensive. Once Irvine worked his way through, and Cock taking the pass, was sailing straight for goal when he handled the ball and so put himself out of court. Final; Oldham 1, Everton 0

CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, February 3, 1923
EVERTON RES v.  BURY RES AT GOODISON
Everton Reserves team whose prospects in the race for the leadership of the Central League are very bright, and in view of the good form shown recently, entertained high hopes of annexing two points from the visit of Bury to Goodison Park to-day. The visitors led off in a steady drizzle, and the ground was certainly against any hopes of good football. Direct from the kick-off Everton gained possession down the centre and went three yards outside the penalty area where Forbes was brought down rather heavily by Gorman. Reid took the kick and drove the ball, which struck against the head of a defender, rebounded out to Virr, who drove in a first time effort which beat Cornthwaite all the way. They were more aggressive than the homesters, and won the first corner of the day. Hoyland drove the ball against McDonald but the resultant kick was safely negotiated. Everton were adopting the correct methods to suit the state of the ground, and after eleven minutes they added a second. The goal came about in this way. Parry the home right, received the ball from the centre, and made away. Centring rather strongly, the ball came out to Harrison, who failed to keep the ball in. From the throw-in Harrison centred, and it seemed as though Forbes hesitated to shoot, but when the home centre had found firmer foothold he drove in a splendid shot which completely beat the Bury custodian. After twenty minutes in the second half Forbes added a third for Everton. During the ten minutes following the second goal, Salt in the home goal had only to save a pass back from McDonald.

OLDHAM ALTHLETIC 1 EVERTON 0
MARCH 5, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON UNLUCKY AT OLDHAM
A FAST HARD GAME.
The Evertonians were distinctly unlucky in losing their match with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park on Saturday. Talking a general view of the game there was comparatively little to chose between the two sides. The Oldham forwards however, seemed to be rather quicker on the ball than their antagonists, and they certainly made better use of their progressive work then the visitors. Considering the conditions –a heavy ground and a poor light, accompanied by an occasional shower –the game was an exceptionally keen and strenuous one. From start to finish episode followed upon episode in the most arresting fashion, and the breathing space at the interval was well earned. In the second period there was no cessation of keenness, and Everton would only have secured their due had an equaliser been allowed over a questionable point as to whether the ball was actually over the goal line when it was cleared by Matthews. Oldham, as everybody knows, are desperately in need of points in order to escape relegation to the Second Division, and to this extent they are entitled to congratulate themselves upon their victory. At the same time, Everton deserves sympathy in not at least sharing the points with the Athletic club.
INCIDENTS OF THE GAME.
There were 18,000 people present before the game had concluded, and despite the weather conditions they obviously enjoyed the encounter. The visitors set the pace with rare dash, and within the first few minutes of the contest Irvine put in a shot that was very unfortunately diverted by Wynne. Subsequently Troup and Chedgzoy showed what adroit wingers they are, but their efforts were spoiled by a very cool and confident defence. The one and only goal of the match came after half an hour's play, and it was due to a really brilliant bit of work on the part of Douglas. He had moved along at top speed and had completely beaten Livingstone when he put the ball to Watson, who headed through just out of Fern's reach. Nothing further happened until the interval, although the visitors exercised their best endeavours to gain an equalising goal. Cock more than once looked like turning passes to good account, but he was so well watched by Pilkington that he was unable to profit by the openings offered. In the second half Everton were still more unfortunate in their operations, although they had experienced, it should be mentioned, a slice of luck earlier on in the first half when fern made a really wonderful save from Douglas. Their misfortune, however, was that Chadwick headed the ball right into the goalmouth, and Matthews stepping back, gathered it and threw clear. There was a claim that the leather had passed over the line, but this was not allowed. In the later stages Everton showed superior footwork to that of the Oldham players, but they finished badly, and in the end victory rested with the home team.
THE PLAYERS.
Speaking generally, the Everton side, although without their new centre-half gave a very creditable account of themselves. Troup and Chadwick made a very useful wing combining at times very cleverly, and Cock showed that he is a centre-forward of more than average intelligence and ability. The right wing pair also did well, and the half-back line, with Fleetwood as the pivot, did their best to break up the attacks of Staniforth and his wings, Livingstone was erratic. He was mainly responsible for the only goal, but on the other hand, he did many brilliant things. Raiit show that he has now developed into an accomplished player on English lines and Fern quite covered himself with glory by the shot he saved, to which allusion has already been made. Teams : - Oldham Athletic: - Matthews, goal, Wynne, and Freeman, backs, Taylor, Pilkington, and Naylor, half-backs, Doulas, Horrock, Staniforth, Rrasendale, and Watosn, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, Fleetwood, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. S. Rothwell.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BURY RESERVES 0
March 5, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The race for the leadership of the Central League is becoming very keen, and Everton Reserves enhanced their hopes by taking 2 points from Bury. Second position. West Bromwich Albion being leaders by 2 points and a match in hand. The steady drizzle that proceeded the game at Goodison Park marred whatever hopes there might have been of good football, for the ground was in very bad state. Despite the handicap, Everton occasionally showed spasms of the form that has been the cause of their rise in the League table. Although Bury put up a stern fight, they were no match for the strong Everton defence. Strengthened by the return of McDonald, and only on rare occasions did the visitors look like scoring the most notable being when Scullian was going through on his own down the centre, and when close in was eventually crowded out by McDonald and Caddick. Other than this Bury were never really dangerous, although a couple of good shots in the second half came from the inside right, but they were not the type that usually catch a keeper napping. The first half showed Everton the superior side, for, by adopting the long, swinging passes with accuracy, they were repeatedly on the attack, whereas the combination of the Bury forwards at times was inclined to be a bit ragged. At the interval Everton led by 2 goals to nil, the first being scored by Virr in the first minute. Forbes was wondering his way goalwards when just outside the penalty zone he was brought down rather forcibly by Gorman, and from the free kick taken by Reid, Virr scored with a ground drive after a defender had attempted to head away. Ten minutes later Forbes scored a second with a splendid shot. After the interval Bury livened up, but seemed unable to adapt themselves to the conditions, and Forbes added a third, and close on time Harrison, a fourth from a penalty for Everton, who on the run of play certainly merited their win.

CAP FOR McBAIN.
March 5, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Scotland beat Ireland at Belfast, which attracted 30,000 spectators, by a goal to none. McBain playing for the Scottish team, and was recognized as the best half-back of the three for Scotland.

EN PASSANT
Athletic News- Monday, March 5 1923
THE PRESIDENT OF THE F.A.
It is frequently and tritely said that the new President of the Football Association has devoted his life to the game. But does that convey his unbroken fidelity to the sport of the people ?
Mr. J, C. Clegg, who was, of course, unanimously raised to the Presidential chair by The Council, began to play as a forward in 1866, when he was sixteen, and he is now in his seventy-third year. 'Twas in November, 1872, that Mr. Clegg first met Lord Kinnaird (then the Hon. A. F. Kinnaird), and he has succeeded that nobleman after an interval of over 50 years! The new President played in the first match between England and Scotland and between Sheffield and Glasgow. Mr. Clegg can go back to the days when the Sheffield club, the oldest in the provinces, played two drawn games with the Shropshire Wanderers for The Association Cup, and then the captains tossed as to who should be the winners! To the modern man such a decision savours of the impossible. Thus it is clear that Mr. Clegg has seen Association football develop from the pastime of a few folks to a national spectacle which rivets the attention of vast multitudes. He knows the game through and through, inside and outside, and is blessed with unrivalled experience and knowledge. He is the right man in the right place. Yorkshire provided the M.C.C. with a President in Lord Hawke, and the great county has now furnished Association football with a lender of much renown. When we think of Mr. Clegg’s able and faithful service to the game of the democracy, his unselfish toil, and the enormous sacrifice that a professional man of his position must have made, we forbear to express the hope that an even more signal honour may be bestowed upon the head of the people’s game.
A Practical Amateur
After his career as player Mr. Clegg officiated as a referee, and not only had charge of Final Tie in 1882, but even ten years later. For many seasons he was the only Englishman who had controlled the struggle between Scotland and England. In 1886he joined Committee of the Football Association, and in 1890 was elected the Chairman of the Council—an office he still holds in conjunction with the Presidency, as the later Sir Francis Marindin did in his day. Mr. Clegg once said to the Editor of this newspaper;—“The first journey I ever took to London for the purpose of attending a meeting of the F.A. was to advocate cause of amateurism.But when professionalism became inevitable in the winter game, I saw that it was the duty of amateurs, who wished to preserve great a pastime for the people, to undertake the control of paid players and keep the sport on the right lines. To that self-imposed task I have devoted myself. We have keep our game on healthy lines, eradicate abuses, warn off evil-doers, and encourage honest play.’’ Such is the man. In this tremendous work he has never wavered in spite of his serious illness 1912 and the passing of the years.
Responsibilities of the F.A.
When Mr. Clegg was called in to the Council Chamber last Monday and formally took the chair as President for the first time he betrayed some emotion—a very unusual manifestation for him. He said: “I feel in a state of nervousness to which I am not accustomed.” Having regained his self-possession and expressed his thanks Mr. Clegg continued:—
  “We have great responsibilities, and those of us who have been in this Council for any length of time will know how those responsibilities have increased as the years have passed away. Our responsibilities do not get any less, lam inclined to say that so far as the public are concerned they have appreciated our efforts, for to-day we have amount of support for our sport that, think I am correct in saying, has never been equalled in the history of any sport in our nation. “That adds to our responsibilities, and there never was a time when those who have any control or management of this game were more desirous, than at present, on all occasions, to do all that is possible to keep and maintain the game in the pure spirit of sport. “We know, and it must be the case, that when you have many thousands of persons to deal with they are not all angels, and never will be. Whenever any wrongful practices arise we shall always be prepared to put them right and prevent their continuance. I have tried to render the best service of which have been capable,  and I cannot profess to do any more in the future, but hold on to the course I have followed.” It, is well to mark these words, which show that the President of the F.A. will not be merely ornamental, but will as fearlessly discharge unpleasant duties in the future as in the past, and that he regards as sacred the position of the governing body as the trustees of the game.
The Vacant Vice-Presidency.
The elevation of Mr. Clegg causes a vacancy in the list of vice=presidents of the F.A. As a rule the officers of the Association nominate the vice- presidents, but it is believed that the Council will at the meeting next Monday be required to elect one of their number to the position.
At present, Mr. Crump, Mr. W. Pickford, Mr. A. Davis, Mr. J McKenna, and Mr. James Howcroft are the vice-presidents. A statement was made last week that the vacancy ought to be filled by a gentleman from the Midland counties. Surely Messrs. Clegg, Crump, and A. Kingscott (the hon. treasurer) sufficiently represent the Midlands among the officers. This is a matter that ought not to be adjusted on a territorial basis, but if it be the three men from the Midlands should have their counterpart from the North. Neither seniority nor district should in our opinion be taken into account. The Council have a way of recognising sustained work and ability. The members will no doubt promote the man they deem the fittest for the office. When the Council visited the Imperial Stadium at Wembley last Tuesday, the name of Mr. John Lewis of Blackburn, was introduced into a discussion concerning the vice-president. If seniority be the deciding factor junior he is junior to Mr. R. Lythgoe and Mr. A. G. Hines. If the Midlands has any right to the position he has no status. But if service counts-and it should -then Mr. Lewis will have his supporters. One of the founders of Blackburn Rovers in 1874, he had a brief but bright career as a player, a long and honourable experience as a referee, and ever since the early ‘eighties has been deeply interested in the legislative side of the game with the Lancashire Association, of which he is now president, of which he is vice-president, and with the Football Association. For all these bodies he has done good work, and is as active and as enthusiastic as ever. There may be other men with superior qualifications, but there is no one who takes his duties more seriously, more thoughtfully, and more conscientiously. So much can be said impartially in these columns, because we have not by any means always seen eye to eye with the President of the Lancashire F.A. But we respect him.

OLDHAM’S HOPES
Athletic News- Monday, March 5, 1923
AN INSPIRING VICTORY OVER EVERTON
WATSON’S NOD
OLDHAM ATHLETIC 1, EVERTON 0
By Harricus
Since I last saw Oldham Athletic they have made some progress, and I think the new manager, Mr. David Ashworth can claim that he ahs already improved the prospects of the club, for during the month of February the players at his command obtained four very valuable points from Birmingham, and gave Sunderland, the second club in the table, two very good games. On the top of these performances they have opened their March programme with a very fine victory over a club that had only a few days previously scored five goals. Therefore, I can excuse the manager’s optimism for the future of the club, which he really built up in the first instance, prior to his migration to Stockport and Liverpool. Possibly, nay probably, they are too far gone to escape relegation, but at any rate, if they continue to maintain the standard of football which they displayed on Saturday they will not alienate the sympathy of their supporters. True only a single goal decided the game, but it was not the mere scoring feat that pleased, but rather the fine all-round improvement in the play of the side that gave such great satisfaction. But the goal that did count well deserved the two points which it carried, even though the said points did not lift the club from the foot of the table. Exactly half an hour had passed when the goal was scored, and it was due in the first instance to a brillaint run by Douglas, who, though he was twice shouldered off the ball by Livingstone, never lost his stride, and when almost on the goal line he put across the ball to such perfection that WATSON was given a glorious opportunity of heading the ball into the net, and by dashing in at the right movement he availed himself of the opportunity.
ALWAYS SUPERIOR
Oldham’s supremacy throughout the game was apparent, and particularly so in the first half, but the strenuousness of the encounter told a tale on the stamina of some of the men, and in the last quarter of an hour or so there was always the possibly of Everton equalising. But the home defenders never flinched, even if they had to put the ball into touch occasionally. I have seen Oldham several times this season, and I should say that the eleven which appeared against Everton is the best, with one unavoidable exception, that can be placed in the field of the men already in the service of the club. There should be no more playing full-backs at half-back, half-backs as forwards, and forwards as half-backs. The men may not be perfect (let me be candid on the matter), but improvement is more likely to arise by playing the same men together than by hopeless chopping and changing. Matthews was in his best form in goal, and I know of no keeper who can gather a ball in Rugby fashion like the old Burton man. The full-backs were fine, and, though Wynne is the exception that I referred to, he was on Saturday more than equal to the task put before him, which is quite good enough for the purpose. Again Freeman was an ideal defender. He started rather shakily, the ball being too sliddery for him, but he soon overcame that little weakness, and was thereafter a power in the team. Pilkington was a great man at half-back, and I am, and have been long, of the opinion that had he been with a club of greater prominence, honours would have fallen to his lot. The men on his flanks were honest workers-I cannot say very much more for them from a football point of view, but at any rate the Everton wings did not overcome them.
THE DARING OF HORROCK
The improvement forward gave me most pleasure. There was some system in their methods in contrast to the aimless helter-skelter rushing about which has hitherto marked their efforts. The right-wing pair, in particular, displayed the tactics of first-class exponents, and little Horrocks played a really wonderful game. The pity is that he is so small. He passed the ball to Douglas as though he meant the direction of it, and his partner responded in a business-like manner. Bassindale was the next man in importance, and his thrustful methods were to the advantage of his side. Staniforth showed willing, and I suppose Watson will be forgiven any failings by the fact that he scored the all-important goal. I must confess that I was rather disappointed with the display of the Evertonians, whom I do not remember having previously seen this season. There arose in my mind such full-backs as Hannah and Doyle, half-backs like Boyle, Holt, and Stewart, and forwards like Latta, Brady, Geary, Chadwick, and Milward, and then I came down to earth. I must say, though, that I liked the back play of Raitt and Livingstone, the latter a player of the MaConnachietype; in fact there was nothing wrong with this pair. The reserve man at half back, Fleetwood, happened to be the best man on the side. The old Rochdale and Atherton man is always a worker, and his spiling tactics on Saturday were a feature of the game. The forwards were not evenly balanced. For instance, Troup was perhaps the best man individually, but he did not work in harmony with his partner, whose idea of the game is to have a shot at goal without working for position. The right-wing pair were more in sympathy, but their manoeuvring led to nothing. Cock got three goals on Wednesday, but he had no Pilkington to deal with them. Oldham Athletic; Matthews; Wynne, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Bassindale, and Watson. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, Fleetwood, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee; Mr. S. Rothwell, St. Annes-on-Sea.

EVERTON’S GOAL LAPSE
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 5, 1923
EVERTON WITHOUT A GOAL
By F.E.H
In regard to Everton’s game with Oldham Athletic, at Boundary Park, in the following strain;- I have been visiting this “end of the world” ground ever since it was fashioned into a football field, and it still leaves me cold. Yet the primitive scene of its setting has not been able to damp the fervour of supporters of the code, and many thrilling games have been played there. Saturday’s contest was a case in point. It was one of the hardest encounters seen this season. The ground, although on the heavy side, was not too bad to preclude fast and occasionally thrilling football, and the pace was maintained to the bitter end. The story of the game you have, I hope, already read but two points may be further emphasised. The first is that the goal secured by the Athletic was really due to Douglas who showed himself one of the speediest and cleverest wingers of the day, and he ought to have had at least one goal to his own account. Fern proved the stumbling block in a double sense, for in throwing himself full length at the ball he turned it away. The second incident of paramount importance was when Matthews stepped back into his goal in order to save a header from Chadwick. Many aver that the leather was over the line, but the referee was close up, and of course he ought to know. These incidents are all the fortune of war. Certain it is that Everton should have shared the spoils, for they showed an all-round balance that was eminently satisfactory. The forward line “filled the bill” excellently, though they failed when the finishing touch was most needed, and the halves were conspicuously hard workers. Livingstone, who is a polished player on his day, tried to be a little too clever-and this proved his undoing.

ONE CHANGE
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, March 7, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton play Oldham at Goodison Park and except that McBain comes in for Fleetwood, there is no change.
A MEMORY
By kind permission of the directors of the Everton Football Club, a collection will be taken at Goodison Park in aid of the dependents of the men who lost their lives in the recent Canada dock disaster.

EVERTON’S CRACK SIDE AT HOME TO OLDHAM
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 9, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton provide the home goods tomorrow, and the rather startling result of last week will set people wondering about the morrow’s match at Goodison Park. It amounts to this-we over-estimated Everton -perhaps. We did worse, perhaps; we under-estimated Oldham Athletic, who since Davie Ashworth has gone there, have suddenly found their feet and their goal scoring boots. Their defence, with Reg Freeman in the background, was always worth more points than the club had. But the forward line was intensely weak. However, their side has now come to the point where it knows it has a chance of squeezing through for the umpteenth time in its career, and Everton can depend upon it that the Athletic will be triers from the “go” to the final “blow.” At any rate the review we shall have of Cock, Troup, Chadwick as inside-left, McBain, returned to pivotal position, is sufficient to entice us and there will be thousands at Walton tomorrow to study the new Everton, for that is what the side is. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Oldham; Matthews; Wynne, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Harrocks, Staniforth, Bassindale, Watson.

REBUILDING AT EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 10, 1923
Bee’s Notes
“Incognito” is not considering the new building scheme at Bullens-road, but is concerned with the Everton team. In a too-long letter he says;
I do not wish to dictate to such men as jack Sharp and Harry Makepeace, but as a follower of football, both in a playing and secretarial capacity for the last thirty years, I claim to know a little of the game. I suggest in the first place that the foundation of a strong team for next season rests mainly on the acquisition of a pair of really good backs. At the present the club have not got class backs. Neither have they one of promise. I know many will not agree with me in this sweeping assertion, but in support of my argument, I simply draw your attention to the goals against column of both the 1st Division and the Central Leagues; figures speak much better than all the argument that either myself or anyone else can bring forward. I also suggest that as the season is drawing to a close, the directors should experiment in this department. There is no hope of gaining the championship; neither are they haunted with the bogey of the 2nd Division; hence I say try some locals. What about giving the Marine Club’s pair a trial. With such halves as Peacock, McBain, and Hart in front of them, I am certain they would not let the club down. Look at their League record, it is certainly a good one.
Note
Last week Everton A had to cry off owing to a bad ground

OLDHAM FIGHT AGAINST RELEGATION & EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 10, 1923
“BEE” DESCRIBES GOODISON FAULTS IN FRONT OF GOAL
ALL DRIBBLE AND NO SHOT WAS THE MAXIM
A DRAWN GAME
Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Oldham Athletic; Matthews; Wynne, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Bassendale, Watson. To-day at Goodison Park Oldham Athletic fought two opponents -one, Everton F.C., with McBain for Fleetwood; the other- the Relegation bogey. The ground was in fair condition, and the attendance, for the time of the year, was exceptionally good. Oldham won the toss and had the sun behind them. Within a minute their right back Wynne met with an accident that at first looked serious. However, he came round, and joined in Oldham’s hearty movements on the right wing. Fern had a handful from the half back Naylor. It was a handling sort of ball, and Ferns, having the sun in his eyes, was seriously perplexed to keep the ball out of the goal. His save was a really good one. Then the light haired Brassendale began to dribble again and again, and it was overdoing it that undid him. Still one recognises that Brassendale was a good player, and big into the bargain. 
SMALL, BUT SHREWD AND NIPPY
The smallest player on the field was Horrocks, who plays a shrewd game, and is very nippy. Everton at last came into the picture through Cock making a backheel effort that let in Chedgzoy. Old man Matthews was not sure in his catch, the result being that when he left his goal Irvine saw an opportunity for a first time shot. The Irishman had the misfortune, however, to see his well-placed move cannon against a defender most luckily. Troup diddled Wynne, and Referee Rothwell of St. Annes, was diddled by the Oldham defence when Cock was pulled up for off-side, and was not lawfully offside. Raitt was playing a very good game, yet he passed back insipidly. McBain hurt his knee, but continued playing, and Oldham, when they went off to Fern’s charge were very dangerous. Taylor forced Fern to the floor with a deadly shot, and Naylor, for the second time in the game, made a curious hanging shot that was full of potency. Wynne did his best by tactical movements. He was a keen offside merchant, but in his punts he was not so sure. Everton for some time failed to make ground worthy of the name, because they persisted in extremely close passing, and there was a certain slowness about some of their movements that played right into the hands of the quick and desperate Oldham team. Therefore the crowd relished a first-time outward drive by Troup. He really had no right to shoot at such an angle, yet he was warranted in doing something that the other forwards apparently refused to be responsible for.
A GENTLE CAULTION
If the game was not nippy the air was, and Troup apparently thought he might enliven the proceedings by coming right over to centre-forward and making a rallying solo effort. In addition, Peacock at one point came right up from right half back to inside left, only to be smothered. The Everton forwards could not complain that they did not get nice passes. Cock had evidently had a kick on the calf. He certainly started well, but petered out somewhat. Hart was making a promising run when pulled to earth by Taylor, and Watson, the outside-left, did something to Chedgzoy that led Referee Rothwell to make a gentle caution.  The caution was perhaps strong, but the way he made it was genteel. He did not blatantly advertise the fact to the whole populace, but, instead, he just waited until he could get near the offender, while the ball was still in play, and told him what he thought about him and what would happen if it occurred again. Offside continued to be a barrier to the Everton attack, and yet it seemed that Oldham had shot their bolt, because they had suddenly become an unsettled side, and were pretty easily held up. On one occasion Livingstone cannily handled the ball and hoped to escape the referee’s attention. This free kick was only three yards outside the penalty area, and Pilkington, who is really one of the wonders of all footballers considering his years, drove the free kick at an opponent.
TAYLOR GASPS
The crowd cheered Bassendale for his persistency in hanging on to Chedgzoy when the latter was dribbling in and out without making ground, and Livingstone made the people gasp when he tipped the ball to Fern. Troup made Taylor gasp when hit ferociously at a goal effort and caught the Oldham player on the head. Then Peacock became an embryo outside right, and made a telling centre to goal. Oldham kept breaking away about once every five minutes and always looked more dangerous than did Everton, when they went plying up towards the Stanley Park end and held on too long. Douglas got beyond Livingstone, and centred strongly, but there being no one else up to convert, the ball went out to the other extreme wing man, who simply crossed it again to the right wing. Cock ran the ball up the middle, and Chadwick, under difficulties, tried hard to pull it over the line, whilst Irvine also made a rut of merit, which Chedgzoy spoiled by mulling. The ground must have been infinitely worse than it looked, for mistakes were plentiful; yet it could not be said that either Reg Freeman or Wynne made errors, and they were working on the same spots as the Everton forwards.
AN ALL-ROUND ARTIST
Livingstone became a forward, and Troup was merrily winging his way when he was hacked, and the way he returned the packet on Taylor made me think what an artist he is in all directions. At last Matthews found it necessary to look after a shot, and the crowd cheered ironically. Chedgzoy was the shooter, and there was no trouble about the shot. Thus the half was drawn blank.
Half-time; Everton 0, Oldham Athletic 0
Early in the second half Watson was cautioned for an offence on Raitt, who set out like a lion to retaliate, but fortunately decided in time not to do so. Naylor was the best shot on the field, and for the third time in the game he put a useful ball to hand. Raitt was hurt for a moment, but never quite lost touch with Watson, who was not in the same street as his vis-à-vis, Troup, who tricked and tarried in a way that reminded me of Thomas McDermott. Troup twisted in and out at the corner flag, and finally passed to Chadwick, who made a useful shot, and led the spectators to believe that at last they would see Everton do something definite in front of goal.
MATTHEWS UNRUFFLED
However, the crowd was mistaken, for Matthews continued to have a P.S.A., and Everton continued to make ground without any idea of applying the finishing touch. Staniforth was a long time before he did anything striking, and when he looked like scoring he was knocked over and hurt. Douglas put a ball awkwardly to Fern, whose catch at the right hand side of the goal was a sample of clean fielding. Then Cock, Troup, and Chadwick formed a trinity, Chadwick shooting slightly to the left. Endeavour followed endeavour, but the absence of shooting was really heart-breaking, but when Horrocks nearly scored from a corner it seemed to make the Everton people see what was required of them.
AN OPTICAL ILLUSION
First Peacock drove in a hot shot which was headed out; then Troup put the ball just over the bar. The crowd thought it was in the net, and yelled for joy, but it was an optical illusion. Douglas troubled Fern again, and Chadwick went near with a header, but the biggest surprise of all was the run by Douglas, after he had beaten Livingstone. He converged towards goal, and when he had only Fern to beat he hit the ball high over the bar- a bad miss. There were two more shots, by an Oldham defender to his own goalkeeper, and the other was a fine drive by Irvine, which made Matthews fall to the foot of the post to save. Then Troup from close in, hit a strong ball that was clocked, and as he and Wynne fell to the floor side by side Troup entered into the humour of it by shaking hands with his adversary. Result; Everton 0, Oldham Athletic 0

GARSTON O.B. v. EVERTON A
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 10, 1923
At Garston. Play was evenly contested throughout the first half, neither side obtaining any advantage. Watkins had hard lines on several occasions for Old Boys; while Ashcroft and Horton were prominent for the Blues. Half-time; No score.

EVERTON 0 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
March 12, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
OLDHAM'S VAUABLE POINT.
FEATURELESS GAME AT GOODISON PARK.
A goalless draw was the result of the meeting of Everton and Oldham Athletic at Goodison Park on Saturday. Oldham have thus enriched themselves by three points out of the two games with Everton. The game was not a good one in fact it might truthfully be said it was one of the poorest of the season, and neither side deserved a goal. The Everton forwards spoiled their chances by too much elaboration. They were obsessed with the idea of finesse, and allowed shooting chances to pass in the most glaring manner. This policy suited the Oldham defenders to a nicety, for they had sufficient confidence and ability to beat the Everton forwards in close play. Everton had a greater share of the attack, yet the visitors frequently looked more dangerous side. Oldham were never brilliant, but were excellent spoilers. The shooting was so poor that neither Fern nor Matthews were seriously tried. Raitt was the better of the Everton backs, for Livingstone was too frequently beaten to inspire confidence. Everton's best section was the half-back line, for the forwards could not complain of the lack of chances from this source. Troup was clever with the ball, and if he was inclined to shoot from too great a distance he supplied his colleagues with excellent openings. Cock did not hold the line with his usual skill, and the forwards as a whole were very disappointing. Oldham's defenders were sound, they had a splendid half-back in Naylor, who was effective in both attack and defence. Horrocks and Douglas made a useful wing, but like the Everton forwards they did not make a penetrating force. The game had a few interesting features, and play throughout was of very mediocre quality. The Oldham forwards were keen to establish an early lead, and Naylor helped with a fine shot which Fern took neatly near the crossbar. Cock put in his best work in the early stages, and he planned some nice movements, but repeated failure made him a weak leader long before the end.
EVERTON'S POOR FINISHING.
Troup's clever footwork led to nice openings, and he always had the measure of the opposing defence. Everton's great trouble was poor finishing to which they contributed by holding to the ball too long. Once Taylor dashed in to take a centre by Watson, but he did not control the ball well, and Fern got it away easily. Troup placed the ball into goal from the touchline, and Hart shot over. A sensible centre by Peacock looked promising, and there was danger when Douglas got smartly away from Livingstone. He placed the ball well across the Everton goal, and although Watson returned it nothing tangible accrued. The shooting of both sides was extremely poor, but Chadwick drove in a fine effort after Troup had kept the ball in play. Chadwick almost got past Matthew's defence with a header and Douglas worked out one of the best chances of the game when he shot past Livingstone with the ball at his toe. The Oldham man, however, finished with a very high shot, with only the goalkeeper in front of him. The best efforts came in the closing stages. Irvine sent in a glorious drive and Troup had a close in shot luckily blocked by Wynne. It was a game of missed chances, and the forwards of both sides had little to their credit. Teams : - Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Oldham Athletic: - Matthews, goal, Wynne, and Freeman, backs, Taylor, Pilkington, and Naylor, half-backs, Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Bassingdale, and Watson, forwards. Referee Mr. S. Rothwell.

OLDHAM’S PLUCK
Athletic News – Monday, March 12, 1923
EVERTON FORCED TO YIELD EQUAL SHARE OF SPOIL
EVERTON 0 OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
By Junius
The Oldham players succeeded in wresting a point at Goodison Park in a game in which thrills were few and far between. Realising their serious position in the table the Oldham players to a man never slackened their efforts, and though lacking in polish, speed, energy,-and wholeheartednesscarried them through. Everton were, without question, the cleverer side, but failed by resorting to the close passing game against a team resolute in tackling and destructive to a degree. The Oldham half-backs and backs repeatedly prevented the Everton forwards from reaping any tangible result. The Athletic forwards were more direct in their methods. Opening out the play, they were quick on the ball, and long before the Everton attacking force looked like penetrating the defence, Bassindale, Watson, and Naylor sent, in shots that fully extended Fern. In fact, it was just on the interval when Chadwick actually shot at goal, and the best attempt came five minutes from the end, when Irvine with terrific drive forced Matthews to save by hurling himself full length. Cock had met with a leg injury early on, and this probably accounted for the uneven display of the forwards. Still it was surprising, to me that Troup and Chedgzoy were so persistently neglected. They were unmarked for quite lengthy periods, yet the ball rarely came their way, and when it did dawn upon one or another to open out the play, pace and direction were far from accurate.
A Great Chance.
There was an improvement in the second portion so far as Everton’s forward play was concerned, when the game resolved itself into the Everton attack against the Oldham defence, but the latter prevailed. From a breakaway Douglas had the winning of the game in his hands, for he outwitted Livingstone and raced on only to drive high over the bar, with Fern practically helpless. I have seen Freeman play many fine games, since and before he left Merseyside, but. the value of his latest exhibition could scarcely be over-estimated. Chedgzoy and Irvine will probably testify to this statement, and though Wynne had difficult opposition in Troup, played his part well. Pilkington, like McBain, was resourceful in attack and defence, but I preferred the Oldham pivot, as he more frequently opened out the play.  Of the forwards there was one outstanding player on each side—Troup and Bassindale. Unfortunately for Everton a prospects the ex-Dundee man was not sufficiently utilised, but what he did was accomplished in masterly fashion. Bassindale was a bundle of energy, working sixty minutes to the hour, and when the occasion required was a half and full back in turn. Horrocks, in the second half, kept Douglas well employed, and in addition gave Fern one the most difficult shots he had to negotiate. Matthews had safe pair of hands, and fielded everything that came his way in his customary clever fashion. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Oldham Athletic; Matthews; Wynne, Freeman; Taylor, Pilkington, Naylor; Douglas, Horrocks, Staniforth, Bassindale, and Watson. Referee; Mr. S. Rothwell, St. Annes-on-Sea.

EVERTON BECOME TOO CLEVER IN ATTACK
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, March 12, 1923
Bee’s Notes
“FORWARD IS THEIR WATCHWORD
The “step and voices raised” at Goodison Park on Saturday were not “raised” in victory. Everton’s step in attack were of an oddly ill-formed style. Attack, without shot, is like a poor body without Kruschen. There is no “feeling.” Here were forwards competent and capable, yet Matthews, of Oldham, had little chance to believe his own eyes. They were dribbling, swerving, tickling forwards, and when the punch was necessary the shot never came, save when late on Irvine hit a grand ball to the right of the goal. It was dreary football as a consequence, and one did not marvel what had brought Oldham to the lowly place in the League chart. They had a good wing forward in Douglas, and a dapper little player in Horrocks, but Bassendale did not improve his shinning hour, and came down to the level of the Everton, forwards, who were apparently, never able to drive a ball until they had tipped and tapped it. It was a most disappointing game, for we belived Everton had come to some semblance of good-class all round and we looked for a crop of goals.
OTHER DEPARTMENTS
One was not entirely satisfied with the other departments of the Everton side. For instance, Livingstone opened in uncertain way and only gave his best late on, when he put fire into his tackles, some of which were very good. Raitt did well all through. The half-back line was strong, as expected. McBain got a knock, and in spite of that did much model work, while Peacock was perhaps too clever, and as a consequence went on to dribble when he could have made sure by a pass. However, Peacock had a merry innings along with Raitt, and Hart put in plenty of solid work that had good result. Perhaps it was the Everton ground that caused so many mistakes, certainly there must have been some reason for it. Only Troup gave the crowd money’s worth. He is a most fascinating player to watch, and when he hooked the ball up over an opponent’s head and drove is a ball that was blocked, he looked like winning the game off his own strong little boot in the last moments of play. I do not remember a footballer with smaller feet. Have you noticed them? Fern’s work was of even character and good and clean. He asks me, by the way, to state that a general meeting of his favourite cricket club-Fazackerley (cricket and tennis) – will be held on Friday, at 7.30, at the Pavilion, Dees Lane Gardens, Fazackerley and season tickets can be had at the meeting. On the Oldham side, I like the display of Bassendale, Douglas (ex-Leicester), Pilkington, Naylor, and Reg Freeman. Naylor all through, and for a half-back this was high praise.
Oldham got the permission of Everton F.C to approach George Harrison.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, March 14, 1923
Everton have adopted the unusual method of training of playing their full League side in actual combat- St. Francis Xavier’s College will therefore benefit. Everton’s team tomorrow at West Derby is the same as is due to play against Sheffield United on Saturday at Goodison Park; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. McDonald returns to the side. Harland, one is glad to learn, leaves London tomorrow. He finished with St. George’s Hospital and is now fit and well. St. Francis Xavier’s College match against Everton is tomorrow at Deysbrook-lane, West Derby. Kick-off is a 3.15 p.m. St Francis are entertaining the team and directors at the college afterwards. St. Francis’ record for this year is; First X1; 21 matches, 16 won, 2 lost, 1 drawn, goals for 87, goals against 33.
Everton Reserve (v. Manchester United Reserve);- salt; Caddick, Livingstone; Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, Harrison.

ST FRANCIS XAVIERS COLLEGE 4 EVERTON 6
March 16, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON AMONGST THE BOYS.
"FOOTBALL" AND FUN AT WEST DERBY.
The Everton players had a joy day, yesterday, when they played St. Francis Xavier's College a football match at West Derby, and were later entertained at the College, Salisbury-street. Naturally Everton, who were at full strength did not consider the match seriously, and treated it as a more or less serio comic affair. Their won by six goals to four, and throughout Jack Cock was the hero of the match. The centre scored three goals for the Blues, almost put past Fern, gave the opposing forwards opportunities of scoring, and finished up by being cautioned by the referee –J. McGrae, the Everton half-back.
IN HUMOROUS VEIN.
All this was done, of course in humorous vein, and was greatly appreciated by a large number of spectators. The Blues generally gave their youthful opponents an object lesson in the art of class football, though they did not pile on the score from the openings they made for themselves. Apart from the three goals scored by Cock, Peacock secured two-one a glorious drive from long range, and Chedgzoy the sixth (Daily Post a Penalty kick ). Locke scored the opening goal for St. Francis, Cannell following with a second.
COCK'S "PENALTY."
It was Cock who enabled the home side to secure the remaining two, for he gave W. Connerty a grit pass right in front of goal, and later grasped the same player round the waist as he going through. J. Paden scoring his sixth goal of the season from the resultant penalty kick . It was a most enjoyable game, the amusing episodes only serving to give a fillip to the remainder of the play. The players were entertained to tea, and later engaged in a billiard match with St. Francis C.Y.M.S. club. Father Melling presented Mr. Banks, the Everton director with a gold medal, on which was inscribed the college arms, to commemorate the unique occasion, and J. Paden, the St. Francis' centre forward, received a silver cup presented by the college, in honour of his setting up a school record by scoring 60 goals in one season. The presentation was made by Hunter Hart, the Everton captain who, in a few well-chosen words expressed his admiration for the prowess of the young centre forward . Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

RAITT'S INJURY.
March 16, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
David Raitt, the Everton full-back, is suffering from an injured shoulder and is not likely to play against Sheffield United to-morrow. This will be the Scot's first miss since he gained his place in the senior side, and as both Downs and Livingstone are on the injured list the Blues are faced with a problem.

AN ATTRACTIVE GAME AT GOODISON
The Liverpool Echo, Saturday, March 17, 1923
Stork’s Notes
Everton have an attractive “card” for Goodison Park, where one of the cup semi-finalists are due. Sheffield United, even though they are up to their necks in this competition, are not giving anything away in the League. They trounced Sunderland severely two weeks ago, in one of the best games over witnessed at Bramall-lane, but came a cropper against Birmingham on Monday, due, no doubt, to their strenuous exertions against Queen’s Park Rangers. The United are a go-ahead side. Ever on the move. They keep the opposition defence going all the time. It will be interesting to see how Menlove shapes here. Who will forget this player’s last appearance here? How he played the sentinal’s part in the Crystal Palace tie. There are few lines who move about with such speed as Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Menlove and Tunstall.  Everton set us thinking by their failure to take two points from Oldham Athletic. What can they do to-day? Everton will be at full strength and should do better than against Oldham Athletic, even though the opposition is of much better strength. They will have to last the full ninety minutes, otherwise the “Blades” will outstay them and probably take the victory. The Yorkshiremen are desperately keen about their Cup prospects, and it is just possible that they will take things a little easy on that account. A draw seems the most likely result of the meeting. Teams; Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Sheffield United; Blackwell; Cook, Milton; Pantling, Waugh, Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall.

EVERTON BEAT CUP CONTESTANTS, SHEFFIELD U
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 17, 1923
SPIRITED STRENOUS, AND INTERESTING FOOTBALL BUT POOR GOALKEEPING, SAYS “BEE.”
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Sheffield United; Blackwell; Cook, Milton; Richardson, Waugh, Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, Tunstall. Everton met the cup-fighting side, Sheffield United at Goodison Park today. Weather fine, interest keen, and an odd change or two. The red jackets of the King’s (Liverpool) Band were a welcome sight, and so was the sunshine. The Everton people to the number of 35,000 spectators gave the Cup team a splendid reception, and when Everton set off against the wind, Cock nearly scored in the first minute. Blackwell was injured through collision, and Cook himself suffered through a charge that caught him on the ribs, and Deans who has been wanted by Clapton all the week, showed how skilled he is by the way he pulled up Sampy on the one wing and Tunstall on the other.
CHADWICK ON SPOT
A free kick three yards outside the penalty area gave Chadwick a spot kick, and he drove the ball hard against the side netting, and as the ball cannoned back into play many thought a goal had been scored. This was not the only free kick that able referee, Mr. Noel Watson, gave, for there was one for an offence on Irvine that had gone to assist the defence. Fern was seriously challenged by Johnson, the centre forward, and before Tunstall lifted the ball over the bar Downs had done an unusual piece of stabbing, and had not only beaten the United winger, but had also kept the ball in play when it was 10 to 1 against either performance coming off.
KEENESS OF THE BLADES
Downs made his first mistake when he tried to clear a bounding ball, which curled over his foot and was just about to pass over the line when Fern sprang across and got the ball outside. The Cup-tie team was playing without any recognition of Cup-tie needs of the future, and when Gillespie trapped the ball with one touch of the foot and with another passed right over to his right-winger, the public realised in some measure how Sheffield had done so well this season. Mercer had the foot of McDonald, who nevertheless hung n tenaciously. Everton were again dribbling to much, and showing fine arts instead of practical go-ahead football, for the United half-backs revel in meeting forwards who must dribble. The United forwards made more headway in 30 seconds than Everton made in 3 minutes, and it was no surprise, therefore, to see Johnson break away, pass McDonald, and seem right for goal. Unfortunately for Johnson, the shot was a half-smothered affair that carried no sting. Everton were therefore fortune on this account, the balance in luck being registered when Chedgzoy transferred a pass to the far wing, where Chadwick had barely room to take a shot. However, this big hitter shot and beat Blackwell, the ball swerving half a yard and thereby hit the upright.
COCK SCORES OFF IRVINE
There were four minutes of very crowded incident, because Johnson, from a Mercerised centre, headed against the cross-bar, and re-heading the rebound, saw Downs make a valuable save by heading out. Only a minute passed and Cock had scored through a ground pass made by Irvine. Blackwell was at fault, but that did not concern the spectators, who, however, got a further shock when McDonald, in possession, had the ball taken from him by Johnson, and then Sampy put in a lovely drive that passed under Fern’s body and squeezed its way over the line.
AN EXCITING PERIOD
Thus there had been 2 goals in two minutes and when Chadwick hit another shot against the woodwork, there had to be added three escapes, all the incidents occurring within five minutes. Chedgzoy tried to get the lead by slamming a shot against the side net and then the spectators at the back of the goal clamoured for a penalty against Cook.
IRVINBE OR COCK?
Then followed two more minutes of crowded excitement. Chadwick, thanks to his height and his head, gained the lead with a header from the right wing, and one minute later Irvine scored through Troup’s centre; time 37 minutes. Troup had, as a matter of fact, been lucky to get a second chance to centre because he had been beaten for possession. When he did centre, Irvine beat the goalkeeper and the ball came back into play so that Cock scored from close in to make sure. However, it was Irvine’s goal as the ball had passed over the line in the first instance. It had been a rousing first half and the score was;- Half-time; Everton 3, Sheffield United 1.
CHEDGZOY PILING IT ON
The second half was just as meaty as the first, and in two successive moves a goal had been scored and another claimed. Sampy though his header had passed over the line when Fern landed out, and in the next moment Chedgzoy scored after two side steps and a left foot shot, though Blackwell should certainly have saved. Blackwell’s goalkeeping was an eye-opener, and when Milton started miskicking one lost faith in United as a Cup side. League and Cup cannot tally, yet one must take the players as they stand to-day, and on that showing Sheffield fell below anticipation in defence only. Irvine hit the woodwork and thus saved Blackwell a further debit.
THE NEW WAR-CRY
The crowd was not expecting big scores after the display against Oldham, and they began to chant !1,2,3,4,5” Four-one was a big lead, and it struck me that Sheffield did not worry particularly about the game from this point onward, and often consolidated their position by playing the one-back game. Cock and Irvine employed the back stab with tangible result but with much sense, and Irvine completed the movement by shooting outside. Chadwick made one shot so fierce that it hurt the Sheffield man whose leg it caught.
McDONALD INJURED
Raitt, who missed his first match since he came into the side at Tottenham, has hurt his shoulder, and the other back, McDonald, was laid out and severely pained in the back. The judgement I formed was that United were better on a wet, sloppy turf than on dry ground. Another judgement is favourable to McBain in heading and quiet, useful feeding. Blackwell at last made a good save from Chadwick, who tried to crown the good work of Peacock and Cock, the latter let the ball go through his leg to enable Chadwick to get in a drive. Blackwell had to save in the next minute a long drive by Cock, the goalkeeper falling to save.
NUMBER FIVE BY IRVINE
Irvine scored No. 5 from a centre by Troup just as the crowd was chanting the five in the chorus, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It was a very solid shot, and one only marvelled that one of these five did not come a week ago against Oldham. Final; Everton 5, Sheffield U 1.

MANCHESTER UNITED RES v  EVERTON RES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 17, 1923
Parkmann and Broome scored for Manchester U Res, while Forbes and Miller scored for Everton Res. Half-time; Manchester U Res 2, Everton Res 2

OH, OH, UNITED!
Star Green ‘Un -Saturday 17 March 1923
EVERTON PUT FIVE PAST BLACKWELL
TOFFEEMAN’S RARE DASH
SHEFFIELDERS FIND THEMSELVES OUTPACED FOR ONCE
By “Free Lance.”
Sheffield United, the Cup Semi-finalists, received a capital welcome at Goodison Park this afternoon when they opposed Everton in a First Division match. The weather was splendid. Spring was in the air and the sun shone brilliantly. The people rolled up early because they remembered the United’s fine play against Liverpool in the Cup-tie. The United had one change from the announced team, for Pantling was full of cold, and so, as at Bolton, Richardson was brought in at right half-back, although he is really a left half-back. By the way, he, Menlove and Brelsford go to Blackpool with the regular Cup team for special training for the semi-final. For Everton, McDonald returned to the back division after a long absence die to illness, while Downs appeared for Raitt. The teams were;-
Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, and Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Sheffield United; Blackwell; Cook and Milton; Richardson, Waugh, and Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), and Tunstall. Referee; Mr. G.N. Watson (Nottingham).
Mr. Watson is the official appointed to take charge of the semi-final at Old Trafford next Saturday. Gillespie won the toss, but while United had a stiff breeze in their favour, they had to face the rays of the sun. Everton immediately attacked, and delighted play by Troup and Chedgzoy was seen. Milton was hurt, but soon recovered, and then McBain swung the ball skilfully to Chedgzoy who shot for goal. It looked as though there would be a score, for, as Blackwell collared the ball. Cock charged him and he fell. Play was stopped, for the goalkeeper had been kicked.
DOWNS IN FINE FORM.
Next Downs executed a couple of masterly clearances when Johnson and Tunstall were on the war-path.  Down was in form. So were Waugh and bill Cook. Plant, was too, storming in one charge of Cock just outside the penalty area, and from the free-kick Chadwick struck the post with a terrific drive. By and by United again came into the picture, Mercer tripping along gaily after Sampy had fed him. Tunstall. though he easily beat McDonald, carried the ball over the line. If anything, the United were the more dangerous in their advances, for they were very quick and swung the ball about. Tunstall and Gillespie were fed often, only for Downs to intercept in his characteristic style, and then, to the consternation of the crowd, Downs nearly put through his own goal. Gillespie passed to Mercer and the winger, beat Hart and centred. It was not a good centre, but Downs trying to clear with his left foot, diverted the ball goal wards, and Fern had to scramble right across the goal-line to keep it out. He hadn’t time to clear, as Johnson dispossessed him, but Downs had run under the bar. However, in his eagerness, Johnson shot wide from a difficult position. For a long spell, United maintained their attack, but the shooting was poor. Tunstall and Johnson were each at fault. Tunstall was ill at ease, for Downs repeatedly took the ball off his toe. Everton tried to get their forwards going, but the fancy play was futile. When a man in blue got the ball United never let him have a second to spare to play at “Tweedledum” and “Tweedledee.”  United ought to have been one up after 25 minutes, for Gillespie tipped the ball cleverly to Johnson, who cut between the backs, deceiving McDonald in great style. He was twelve yards out, and only Fern to beat, but his shot had no power behind it, and Fern, who had run out, easily saved. It was a good chance lost. Then, at the other end, Chadwick essayed a cross drive and the wind made the ball swerve so that it banged into the foot of the post. More escapes followed near Everton’s goal. When Mercer once centred gloriously, a grand header by Johnson crashed on to the cross-bar. As the ball rebounded Johnson headed again, and this time Downs headed out a yard off the turf in a great dive. A futile corner was won. Everton then returned to the attack, and after 28 minutes scored. There had been a general advance and Peacock passed to Irvine. The latter gave a square pass to COCK, and the centre-forward beat Blackwell, who was bothered by the sun, with a straight swift ground drive from 18 yards out. The next minute United equalised. Johnson had dashed in desperate fashionand McDonald did not clear properly. SAMPY fastened on to the ball 25 yards out,and steading himself, fired a magnificent ground shot, Fern fell on the ball but was too hot to hold and it rolled into the goal inches near the post.
TWO MORE GOALS FOR EVERTON
Everton now braced themselves tremendously, and United had their backs to the wall. They could not keep them out, however, and Chadwick struck the wood-work again, while Chedgzoy made the post quiver a rasping drive. Everton won half a dozen comers, and then got a couple of goals inside three minutes. After 37 minutes, Chedgzoy centred into a melee, and Blackwell, unsighted, was beaten header from CHADWICK. A minute afterwards Troup bamboozled Cook and Richardson, ran and centred his ease. The ball flew to IRVINE, who drove in a fierce shot which struck the cross bar and bounded inwards, hitting Blackwell. It was a goal but Cook made safe by hitting the ball into the back of the net.  Half-time;—Everton3 Sheffield United 1
It was remarkable how Everton had taken of the game in the last quarter of an hour of the first half. There would be 36,000 spectators present. Re-starting United got busy and Mercer lofted the ball across after Waugh had flung it to him. Tunstall’s shot was just a shade too hard. Keeping at it United nearly scored a few seconds later, for Mercer centred and again this time Sampy headed in splendidly. Fern grabbing the ball just in angle of the woodwork. Sampy thought it was a score but appealed in vain.

EVERTON'S SURPRISE GOAL.
It was after four minutes that Everton made their first attack and scored. McDonald banged the ball up to Cock, who ran on beating Waugh and then passed out to CHEDGZOY. The outside-right beat both Plant and Milton by sheer artistry of footwork and delivered a ground cross-shot 30 yards range. It never looked a scorer. The ball was going away from Blackwell all the time, but it swerved and struck the inside of the post and went in. Four goals to one was not a happy experience for United. They were off their game, and Everton's stars had found their measure. Milton conceded a corner in harassing Chadwick, and McBain hit the crossbar when Troup put over from the flag.  Once Irvine finished a superb attack shooting into the crowd. But this attack a thing of beauty, glorious footwork with backheel touches, positional play, and ground passes. It was a magnificent piece of work. A United man never touched the ball once. Of course every one of the Everton men practically is a “star,” and they have to shine sometimes. Johnson beat McBain and raced off, and Sampy alongside him, received the ball and shot just as McDonald collided with him. The back had attended to, but Fern held the ball. Troup was simply a box of tricks, and the pace at which he could and still manipulate the ball was extraordinary. He has lost none of his cunning.The Sheffielders occasionally raised the siege, but. alas, it was not their day, and when they did grapple with the backs they could not beat them. Fern once ran out into a mix-up to clear. Most the interest had now gone out of the game, and Everton slackened down a bit, the Red and Whites showed to better advantage and one must say that, despite the state of affairs, the Sheffielders stuck at it.
SUPERLATIVE FORWARD PLAY.
There came another Everton attack, and Chedgzoy slipped along and centred, Cock letting the ball pass between his legs to Chadwick, who tested Blackwell with a fierce drive. After that the goalkeeper had difficulty in stopping and gathering another daisy-cutter from Cock. Everton were on the warpath again and seven minutes from the end Troup, after brilliant play, put the ball across, Cock again intentionally letting it pass to IRVINE. The inside right blazed away and scored a fifth goal. The ball was on the centre of the target, and Blackwell was well beaten. The crowd were now yelling “One, two, three, four, five!” Gillespie made a raid for the United but his shot was too high and Mercer compelled Fern to run out and pick up. Blackwell next had to fist out from Chedgzoy. He did it badly, too, but it happened Chadwick shot wildly wide. Result; Everton 5, Sheffield United 1.

EVERTON 5 SHEFFIELD UNITED 1
March 19, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S BIG WIN.
SHEFFIELD UNITED MASTERED AT GOODISON PARK .
Everton accomplished one of their best performances of the season in beating Sheffield United by the substantial score of five goals to one, at Goodison Park, on Saturday. As one of the Football Association Cup semi-finalists, United's visit aroused considerable interest, but it was a different side to the one that put Liverpool out of the Cup. The personal element was almost identical –Richardson for Pantling was the only change –yet one had difficulty in realising this, so much inferior was United's display. It was not one of United's happy days, but Everton certainly won on their merits, for they were the more convincing side. For the best part of the first half Sheffield produced some of their most dazzling play, but Everton led at the turn by 3-1. The margin in Everton's favour was hardly in keeping with the trend of the game, but it could not be denied that in shooting frequently from all angles Everton adopted the right tactics and at the same time found Sheffields weakness. The United forwards played attractive football, but were handicapped with an unsound defence. On the other hand, Everton were well served in all departments. In defence none did better than Downs. He volleyed perfectly, and frequently checked the Sheffield left wing with great skill. McBain was a fine pivot, methodical and effective, while Peacock and Hart made excellent use of the ball. The forwards were enterprising and trustful, and if their combined work, was not so attractive as that of Sheffield, they had plenty of initiative. Troup's clever runs and centres were effectively used by the inside men. Cock held the line well, and Chedgzoy put in some sparkling runs. Blackwell in the Sheffield goal, was anything but reliable. His judgement was faulty, and he should certainly have saved two of the shots that scored. The backs started well, but failed to stand the strain of Everton's relentless pressure. They got rid of the ball at any cost, so that their own attackers got little assistance. The half backs had a poor day, and in spite of their cleverness the forwards faded out through lack of support.
DOWNS IN FORM.
The game opened well and with a lively ball play was very fast. Cock was almost through in the first minute, and Chadwick, with a free kick, hit the side netting, Downs was in resplendent form, and when United advanced by the aid of their left wing Downs gave a sample of his best work. He made one mistake throughout the game when attempted a clearance from a centre by Mercer, but Fern's liveness saved the situation. The United forwards manceurved cleverly, and when Johnson rounded the Everton defence Fern came out and saved a fine shot. Then a brilliant shot by Chadwick looked to he going into the corner of the goal with Blackwell unable to get to the ball, but the spin carried it against the upright, and afterward there was a glut of exciting incidents. Johnson headed against the crossbar, and, taking the rebound, he reheaded the ball, Downs making a clever clearance with his head. At twenty-six minutes Cock opened the scoring with a long, low drive that Blackwell ought to have stopped, but the ball passed into the net before the goalkeeper could get a grip on the ball. Everton's advantage was neutralised two minutes later when Sampy scored with a terrific low drive that just crossed the line under Fern's prostrates body. At thirty-six minutes Chadwick placed Everton ahead again by heading through a long cross pass by Irvine, and two minutes later the latter crashed the ball into the net as it came from Troup. The ball appeared to strike the crossbar, cross the goal line, and rebound into play, but Cock made doubly sure by applying the ball into the net. Everton had come more into the picture, and for a time the United forwards were idle. After Fern had handed out a header by Sampy which the United claimed had crossed the goal line Chedgzoy scored Everton's fourth goal. Chedgzoy made the drive with his left foot, and although Blackwell fell for the ball he could not prevent it striking the foot of the far upright and entering the net. United were now a well-beaten side, but Everton did not relax their efforts, and the United defenders had more work than they could satisfactorily manage. Irvine scored a fifth goal at seventy-eight minutes with a shot that Blackwell had no possible chance of saving. Troup started the movement, and his centre was a perfect one, which left Irvine right in front of the Sheffield goal. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Downs, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield United: - Blackwell, goal, Cook, and Milton, backs, Richardson, Waugh, and Plant, half-backs, Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards. Referee Mr. Noel Watson.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 19, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Old Trafford. The home team opened strongly, and after a few minutes a centre by Lievesly was met by Cartman who beat Salt with a capital goal. A brief attack by Everton was repulsed, and after a fine individual effort Broom scored a second for United. Everton again attacked, Forbes scoring, and Miller made the scores level. The second half was vigorously contested, but neither side could score the winning goal . Everton: - Salt goal, Caddick, and Weller, Jeffs, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison, forwards .

EVERTON HEAD THE POLL
Athletic News- Monday, March 19, 1923
EVERTON’S BEST
DRAMATIC ASCENDARY OVER SHEFFIELD UNITED
ECLISPSED BUT VALIANT
EVERTON 5, SHEFFIELD UNITED 1
By Impressionists
To those cynically disposed, the obvious deduction to be made from the eclipse of Sheffield United is that they were primarily concerned with the gravity of the immediate future and content to allow Everton to work their sweet will. Quite the contrary. This must be said in justice to the Cup semi-finalists. From what I have seen of then during thestress of Cup exigencies, they are not temperamentally fashioned in the way of deserting current responsibilities for future commitments. Only when the goals had conclusively mounted up against them did the Sheffielders become a disinterested company. Any side might be infected by the same dejection. What really occurred was that their visit to Goodison Park coincided with a display by Everton reminiscent of their halcyon period. This was not clear at first. Indeed, while Everton were adopting ornate measures the United played with their customary uniformity and virility. The defence was forced constantly to vacillate between one point of attack and another, such was the versatility with which the United alternated their earnestness and unsparing effort. It was so convincing and in the best interest of the game. For twenty minutes the visitors practically dictated the mode of the exchanges. Their decisiveness frequently had the Everton goal in jeopardy. Two notable examples come to mind. The ball squirmed off Mercer’s foot when he attempted to centre. Downs essayed to arrest it, but would have turned it through his own goal only for Fern flinging himself down and diverting the ball off the line. Nevertheless Downs was one of the stalwarts. He made amends often, but especially in saving an imminent goal from Johnson. The centre-forward headed against the bar, and in the same way dived at the rebound. The ball was unerringly bound for the net when Downs in a characteristically low attitude, headed out.
A Rapid Transition.
Whereas Sheffield United always looked like obtaining the lead, Everton in reality did so. COCK drove a neat inside pass from Irvine to the billet along the ground, Blackwell being much too late. But directly afterwards, in proof their prowess and enterprise, the United equalised. Johnson troubled Fern, who only cleared some twenty yards out. SAMPY retaliated with a tremendous ball which found Fern not properly recovered and over his line. In any case the pace pf the shot beat him. There came a revolution in tactics by the forwards, who opened out their crafty combination and were thrillingly assertive. Chadwick struck the post with a somewhat tame long drive, Blackwell making no attempt to cover the ball. Moreover, the custodian was out of position when the ball came from the right and CHADWICK glided it off his head into the net. Before the interval IRVINE crashed a centre from Troup against the underside of the bar and it flashed down over the line. Sheffield United made a praiseworthy bid for redemption, but with the wind behind them Everton were a fascinating company. Only for the tendency to take liberties, the issue being 'secure with a team that steadily waned in resistance, more than two more goals would have accrued—even allowing for indifferent goalkeeping. CHEDGZOY wove a sinuous path from the touch line inwards and beat Blackwell with a simple left-foot ground shot, passing just inside the far post. But there was no saving the one that hurtled against the netting from IRVINE after Troup centred, to complete what was not so much the rout it appears in a game absorbing both for its quality and Itseventfulness.
Custodian’s Lapses.
Blackwell ought to have made a better attempt to save at least two of the goals. In a general way he showed want of resource and Judgment. Fern had plenty of anxiety but little real difficulty excepting when called upon by the brilliant covering of Downs's little mishap, and also in barely preventing from reducing the debit to a goal soon alter the resumption. The protection Fern enjoyed waschiefly personified in Downs, who tackled with unremitting assurance, also kicking in all positions and making returns of perfect length that were a joy to behold. McDonald, reappearing after months of inactivity was uncertain . The half-backs were a splendid trio in merit, though McBain was the most conspicuous. Forward, Cock was individual danger and a useful distributor. Irvine was cute In his passing with either foot, but was inclined to meander and become entangled. Chadwick is a rare shot, but lost all touch with Troup for a large part the game. This was a mistake for whatever the wee wheedling wisp, once Tayside’s darling, now Merseyside’s treasure did, he did well, even to foraging for himself. Chedgzoy was fast and cute, though too often he dribbled back and put his colleagues at a disadvantage. Cook and Milton were sturdy under pressure, but lacked just the finished play necessary to counter the art of the opposition. Waugh was quite the best half-back, for Richardson and Plant were without the intention to meet the opposition’s speed and craft. Mercer was a leading forward whom Hart and McDonald could not check at first, but Sampy and Tunstall were subdued. Johnson was trenchant in his dashes for goal, but the prime initiator was Gillespie. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Sheffield United;; Blackwell; Cook, Milton; Richardson, Waugh, Plant; Mercer, Sampy, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall. Referee; G.N. Watson, Nottingham.

HOW EVERTON PULVERISED SHEFFIELD
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, March 19, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton did against Sheffield United what they could not do against Oldham Athletic. They won by quick shooting, and by action instead of words. That they beat Sheffield United was enjoyable to the big crowd present, and it is plain that the side has only to produce such football to draw back their lost supporters, who could not bear the sight of defeat. Yet one would not forget the first half display when Everton hugged the ball tightly and failed to make ground. It was only when Blackwell and Co, began to falter that Everton opened out the play and gained the just deserts of such play, in fact Everton eventually won with a lot in hand-goals and reserve power.
CUP-FIGHTERS ONLY
Sheffield United’s stock went down with a bang through this defeat, and one could not forget the way Blackwell went to certain shots. Not until late in the game did he start to show what he could do, and then he included with two good saves a paltry punch out that had no punch in it. In view of Saturday’s display I would not wage anything that the United can beat Bolton next Saturday. I shall go there to see how they shape well and shall expect Jack and company to master them if the ground to dry, because it has been borne in on me that Sheffield United do not play so well on fry ground as they do on their own sloppy Bramall-lane stuff. The weather has changed, and the bounding ball is troubling the United defence. It troubled them in the Middlesbrough cup-tie, and I said so, but the defence got away with it. Now I don’t fancy the United defence. Milton is not sure; Blackwell was slow to move, and could be blamed for two goals, and Cook is beginning to wear with the tear of the season. Perhaps they are only cup-fighters. We know that they have done best in this sphere this season, and we know that league form applied to cup measures is like applying Jerry M’s performance at Hooton Park to his fine win at Aintree. So we must not be too dogmatic.
EVERTON STARS
The Everton side, with its new men, certainly appeals to the eye. There is more novelty movement in the side now than for many a day. There is Jack Cock’s stab back pass, there is welding, wheeling, &c., by Peacock that much appetizes. There is the slow-moving Chadwick with the swift-moving shot, there is the revival of Downs, and the idiosyncrasies of Troup, who did not play well against Sheffield yet did many quaint things that are the salt of the game’s sandwich. Everton should be a good side next season, and they should, win or lose, be a fascinating side to watch- which should count for something when we all growl about the poverty of play and study results, and nothing but results. For my part I yearn for the day when the un-stereotyped team shall give us pleasure and we will “go bang” the result. Everton on Saturday revealed the boy Downs leaping into success by his punts, his overhead kicks, and his jerky jab by which he pulls man and ball to a sudden standstill. He erred once; he was wonderful many times. Clapton Orient must have wished he was theirs! McDonald, of course, had been out so long that he was naturally a bit slow, while Hart I think is bearing the effect of a long season, well as he played in the second half. Peacock was the star half, and McBain was a great feeder and header. All the forwards, save the mercurial Chadwick, shone in part and the exception was such that I would again counsel a waiting policy with this grand shooter. Th spectators can help to mar him for ever by their remarks, or they can be tolerant and can help to make him. He will learn much from Troup’s tuition, but time is imperative. Altogether the win was a welcome one, and yielded Everton five goals for the second time within four matches-vast improvement this. On the Sheffield United side I liked best Sampy. Mercer and Gilhespy and the long swinging passes were also a great help to the forward march of the visitors. It must be patent that the defence of Saturday’s game cannot carry the team through the cup.

IF THERE IS A REPLAY
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, March 20, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C Reserve side have only lost two matches since October, therefore when the junior “Derby” match comes off tomorrow at 3.15 Liverpool Reserves can expect a tough hour and a half. The Central League meetings between these sides have always been of good class, and provided plenty of keen, striving football. The following is the official dictum in regard top the Cup tie that will be played at Goodison Park if Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers draw at Old Trafford on Saturday. Stand seats will be reserved and tickets issued. The centre portion of the Goodison-road and Bullens-road is priced at 5s. The wings of the Bullens Road and Goodison road stands and the whole of the double-decker, 3s. Ground, 1s, Paddock 2s,  there will be no booking through the post. Applications must be made at the Goodison Park offices.
The Everton team visited St. Francis Xavier’s club rooms and were entertained to a billiard match by St. Francis team. The pleasures of the day were brought to a close with a smoking concert, under the presidency of Father Duffy. Musical items were rendered by the Avondale Quartette, from the Liverpool Parcel Post office, Mr. Culshaw, Mr. J. Cock (Everton), and Mr. F. Mitchell, accompanist, whose excellent playing was responsible for much of the success of the evening. The chairman thanked the players for the example of sportsmanship they were providing to the younger generation, and the proceedings closed with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

WHO’S FOR IT
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, March 21, 1923
Bee’s Notes a shield has been presented by the directors of the Everton Football Club to the Liverpool Association of Schoolboys for competition in football open to Liverpool primary schools, to be played for this season. The Shield is a beautiful piece of work and will look well in any schoolroom. Everton’s new trophy, which is to encourage schoolboys footballers, is on view to-day and onwards at Jack Sharp’s in Whitechapel.

EVERTON  v  LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, March 21, 1923
THE RESERVES MEET IN CENTRAL LEAGUE “DERBY”
The Central League “Derby” duly came off to-day at Goodison Park on a turf that must have pleased all the players. Teams; Everton Res; Salt; Caddick, Weller; Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, Harrison. Liverpool Reserves; Wilkinson; Lucas, Parry; Bamber, Rogers, H. Mitchell; Gilhespy, Shone, Sambrook, Lewis, H. Wadsworth. It will be seen that the former first team left-winger appeared for Everton, and it was plain early on that Everton were making the pace, for, apart from a clever run by Sambrook, who was hurt in the process, Everton did all the attacking, and only the steadiness of Lucas and Wilkinson saved the situation. Liverpool, however, scored in ten minutes through Sambrook, the Everton defence debating the point as to whether the ball had gone over the line when Salt patted it down after having been beaten. The referee was on the spot, and would not listen to the appeal. Bamber hurt his leg in tackling Williams, and then Miller scored the equaliser within two minutes with a lovely left foot drive after he had meandered into the inside-left position. Everton were finicky in front of goal, otherwise they would not have been in arrears at 20 minutes through Bamber making a very long shot with the left foot. It was a good shot, and had some pace, but Salt was slow to seize the position and the possibility. Reid, Weller, Lucas, Miller, and Wilkinson were the most prominent players up to this point. Williams was baulked by Wilkinson in a flimsy manner, and then Mitchell gave away a penalty by a trip on Parry, Harrison scoring with the shot.
Half-time Everton Res 2, Liverpool Res 2.
After 63 minutes Miller headed a goal that gave Everton the lead after splendid work by Harrison.

EVERTON RESERVES 8 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
March 22, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
EVERTON'S EIGHT GOALS.
BIG CENTRAL LEAGUE WIN OVER LIVERPOOL
At Goodison Park, yesterday, Everton Reserves won their Central League game against Liverpool Reserves, by no fewer than 8 goals to 2. It was a remarkable turn round, for Everton were in arrears for some time, and at half-time the score was 2 each. In the second half Liverpool gradually went from bad to worse, and Everton, playing good, confident, combined football, outplayed their opponents. The goalscorers were Forbes (3), Miller (2), Harrison (penalty), Williams, and Grenyer. It was a triumph of deadly shooting as against a side that could not get going in attack. Wadsworth and Lewis on the left wing were out of touch with the game, and could do nothing right. Even worse was the case of Gilhespy and Shone, and Sambrooke after the first twenty minutes fell away. At half-back Bamber did much good work early on, and with Lucas kept the Everton left wing in some semblance of subjection. After that Harrison revelled in his game, and playing bright lively football and receiving encouraging passes from Williams and Grenyer, the Everton team simply riddled the defence. There were two occasions when temper was shown –first when Parry, the Liverpool back adopted a threatening attitude, and next when Wilkinson, the goalkeeper, in apparent disgusts kicked the ball behind his own goal. Everton had the bigger and better side, and there was more balance about the defence, for Weller and Caddick shaped well, whereas Parry was uncertain in his kicking. At half-back there was a vast difference, Reid, Jeffs, and Grenyer outclassing their rivals. Forward Forbes kept a good position Parry and Miller were sprightly and the left wing was in excellent form, the shooting after ten minutes' play, when the players were inclined to hang on to the ball, being to the point. The Liverpool goals were scored by Sambrooke and Bamber. Teams: - Everton Reserves: - Salt, goal, Caddick, and Weller, backs, Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison, forwards. Liverpool Reserves: - Wilkinson, goal, Lucas, and Parry, backs, Bamber, Rogers, and R. Mitchell, half-backs, Gilhespy, Shone, Sambrooke, Lewis, and H. Wadsworth, forwards .

EVERTON’S EIGHT
Liverpool Echo- Thursday March 22, 1923
Bee’s Notes
At Goodison Park, yesterday, Everton Res won their Central League game against Liverpool Res by no fewer than 8 goals to 2. It was remarkable turn round, for Everton were in arrears for some time, and at half-time the score was 2 each. In the second half Liverpool gradually went from bad to worse, and Everton, playing good, confident, combined football, outplayed their opponents. The goal scorers were Forbes (3), Miller (2), Harrison (penalty), Williams, and Grenyer. It was a triumph of deadly shooting as against a side that could not get going in attack. Wadsworth and Lewis on the left wing were out of touch with the game, and could do nothing right. Even worse was the case of Gilhespy and Shone, and Sambrooks after the first twenty minutes fell away. At half-back Bamber did much good work early on, and with Lucas kept the Everton left wing in some semblance of subjection. After that Harrison revelled in his game, and playing bright lively football and receiving encouraging passes from Williams and Grenyer the Everton team simply riddled the defence. There were two occasions when tempers was shown-first when parry, the Liverpool back, adopted a threatening attitude, and next when Wilkinson, the goalkeeper, in apparent disgust, kicked the ball behind his own goal. Everton had the bigger and better side, and there was more balance about the defence, for Weller and Caddick shaped well, whereas Parry was uncertain in his kicking. At half-back there was a vast difference, Reid, Jeffs, and Grenyer out-classing their rivals. Forward Forbes kept a good position, Parry and Miller were sprightly, and the left wing was inn excellent form, the shooting after ten minutes play, when the players were inclined to hang on to the ball, being to the point. The Liverpool goals were scored by Sambrooks and Bamber.

EVERTON v  AMATEURS
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 23, 1923
EVERTON v  CORINTHIANS
Bee’s Notes
It is an age- too much of a memory in fact- since last Everton and Corinthians got together on the field of play. The meeting of the famed amateur side and Everton at Crystal Palace should be one of the neatest bits of football London has seen. There is the stylish sign in the Everton ranks these days, and with the Scottish brethren doing dainty trimming and dancing hither and thither I begin to wish I had stayed in town and waited for this match instead of fighting a way through the Grand National crowd. Corinthians will have Howard Baker in goal, of course, and in view of his local associations one is only sorry that so far there is no sign of a return game, for me should all like to see the Everton-Corinthians’ game at Goodison Park. Perhaps our appetite for this “meal” will be appeared a little later on. Meantime let me show how the Everton side will line up. Everton; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup.

COUNTY COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 24, 1923
Last week results
Everton A had matters almost all their own way at Rainford, where they won a Combination game by 6-2. Kemp added to his laurels in goal, and was loudly cheered for his displays.

FACING CORINTHIANS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 24, 1923
EVERTON’S SET TO WITH THE AMATEURS
It was interesting to London folk to see the famed Corinthians side engaged against Everton at Crystal Palace. Corinthians and Everton met in bright sunshine before 5,000 spectators. The Corinthians had a strong side and Everton were at full strength with Raitt and McDonald at back. The pitch was beautifully green on the soft turf.  The Corinthians won the toss but were soon defending, and from forty yards out Peacock sent in a lightning shot which swerved a lot, but Baker saved finely. Fern did wonderfully well to go at full length and save from Creek. Each end was visited in quick succession and the Everton left-wing pair frequently dropped the ball into the goalmouth. Chadwick finished a strong attack by sending wide. Raitt saved a certain goal by tackling Creek close in. Everton followed up well, and exhibited fine understanding. The shooting of the Corinthians was on the wild side, but the amateurs stuck to their opponents. Doggart and creek put in a brilliant effort, leaving Doggart I clear possession, but he shot right into Fern’s hands.
PRETTY FOOTBALL
The professionals paid every attention to combination, and thus made their football very pretty to watch. The sharp footwork of Creek and Doggart occasionally placed Raitt and McDonald in difficulties. A spell of midfield play followed, and Doggart was practically through when Raitt saved at the expense of a corner, which was easily cleared. Hart, the Everton left half, had an attack, but Barber pulled the Everton front line up. More pressure by Everton did not severely disturb the Corinthian backs. Doggart, who is probably the cleverest amateur inside left in the country just now, served up smart footwork. Knight was applauded for a short and successful tackle on Irving.  Creek and Doggart again puzzled the defence, but Fern ran out and averted danger. Again Creek went through, and having cleared the opposition, had his shot saved at full length by Fern.
CORINTHAINS IN FRONT
The play of the Corinthians became more deadly in front of goal, and Doggart sent over a ball which Phillips met and sent low into the net for the opening goal. Cock soon equalised from an easy position, receiving a push through shot from Chadwick, when he looked suspiciously like being off-side. Half-time; Corinthians 2, Everton 1.
BOGGART RETIRES INJURED
The Corinthians soon got busy, and Knight sent in at a terrific rate from a free-kick, but Fern cleared after dropping the ball. Doggart left the field just before half-time owing to a kick on the leg. He was unable to resume. Phillips scored a third goal for the Amateurs shortly afterwards. Irvine scored a second for Everton, and Baker saved a penalty taken by Chadwick.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 24, 1923
EVERTON RES v.  MANCHESTER UNITED RES
At Goodison Park. Everton victory during the week against Liverpool, when they won 8-2 further enhanced their prospects for League honours. When the game opened Everton immediatelytook up the running and almost got a goal in the first minute. Harrison tricky play sent in a centre, Forbes was only inches wide an header. For quite a time play was contained to the Manchester quarters, and the keeper was kept busy. Livesley and Broome in one raid caused the home defence some anxiety, but Weller eventually cleared. Harrison and Williams again showed prominently, and this time bore fruit, as a fine centre from the former was netted by Forbes with a splendid header after eight minutes’ play. Everton afterwards put on more pressure, and Steward saved from Williams, Forbes, and Miller. With only five minutes to go before the interval, Everton were enjoying most of the attack, although several shots were sent in, and the ‘keeper was rather fortunate in some cases to get the ball away. The score stayed at 1-0 in Everton’s favour at half-time.
Half-time; Everton Res 1, Manchester United Res 0
The second half had only been in progress one minute when Salt made a glorious save from Bain, but Everton were soon in the ascendancy, and after 30 minutes’ play Williams got a second following good work by Reid. Three-quarters time; Everton Res 3, Manchester United Res 0

CORINTHIANS 3 EVERTON 2
March 26 1923. The Daily Post and Mercury.
CORINTHIANS WIN WITH TEN MEN.
CHADWICK MISSED A PENALTY.
Everton played the Corinthians on Saturday, on the old Cup-Final ground at the Crystal Palace, and were beaten by 3 goals to 2. Had the occasion been a real final the critics would have been severe on them had they pushed home their attacks with greater determination. The Corinthians deserved their victory, especially as they were with out Doggart all the second half. It was strange that a penalty was given against each side. (Chadwick penalty kick was saved and Doggart scored his penalty kick -Echo), because it was a very clean game. There was however, nothing wrong with the referee's decisions in giving a penalty against Raitt and Knight. The Everton halves and forwards enjoyed pushing the ball along the ground to each other, and it looked very nice until a Corinthian joined in the business and robbed them. In the second half Chadwick Cock, and Irvine contended themselves by shifting the responsibility on to one another instead of snapping up the ball and going through. Cock was really a tame centre forward on the day's play, and he simply had to kick the ball to score his first half goal. Troup was a real pleasure to watch, and his fast movements and hard low drives goalwards were a feature of the game. Creek and Doggart were the most effective pair of forwards, and it was unfortunate that their exhibition closed down by an accident to Doggart. Phillips is a young player who has made his mark with the famous amateur side this season, and his 2 goals were a tribute to his skill. Nothing but praise can be given to the two goalkeepers Fern and Baker. The dashes of the Corinthians frequently had the Everton defence guessing. Everton scores were Cock and Irvine. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raiit, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVERS 3 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0
March 26, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton are making a strong bid for the championship, and have not lost a match since last October, their victory over Liverpool during the week placing them well in the running. Everton played the same team against Manchester united, at Goodison Park, and won by 3 goals to nil. With the exception of early in the second half, they enjoyed most of the attack. After eight minutes' play, Forbes headed in a fine centre from Harrison. Salt was rarely troubled, and the chief danger from the visitors came through their extreme wingmen, Livesley and Thomas, but Caddick and Weller played a strong game in defence. The low scoring was due to the fine work of Stewart in the visitors' goal, although at times he was lucky in getting the ball away. With a goal lead in the second half, Everton were early placed on the defensive, and Salt brought off clever saves from Bain and Broome. Afterwards Everton had the best of matters, and added further goals through Williams and Harrison (from a penalty). On the play Everton fully deserved their victory, the whole team played well. Everton: -Salt, goal, Caddick and Weller, backs Jeffs, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller Forbes, Williams and Harrison, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 3 PRESCOT 1
March 26, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Townsend-Lane. The visitors gained the lead within the first minute through a penalty converted by Naylor. Kelly made an excellent effort to save, but failed to hold the ball. After this early reverse the home team attacked, and after excellent work between Virr and Rimmer the ball was sent across to Heskith, who grazed the bar. Kelly next made a good save from Pilkington at close quarters, and later tipped a hot shot from Lyons over the bar. Rimmer just missed equalising by inches. Close upon the interval the home team equalised through Kesketh after excellent footwork by Virr. The visitors, tried hard to gain the lead, and Kelly saved well in quick succession from Lyons, Hayes, and Pilkington. The second half opened in brisk fashion, and good football was witnessed by both sides both goalkeepers saving well. The home team took the lead through Green, and soon after Virr put them further ahead. Lyons sent in a terrific shot, which Kelly, saved at full length; the visitors claimed that the ball had crossed the line, but the referee ruled otherwise. After this some feeling was introduced, and one of the home backs was cautioned. Kelly, Spicer, McCrae, Hughes, and Virr played a good game for Everton, whilst Prescot were best represented by Fisher Naylor, Roughley, Lyons, and Dagnall.

EVERTON v  CORINTHIANS
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, March 26, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton played the Corinthians on Saturday, on the old Cup-Final ground at the Crystal Palace, and were beaten by 3 goals to 2. Had the occasion been a real final the critics would have been severe on them had they not pushed home their attacks with greater determination. The Corinthians deserved their victory, especially as they were without Doggart all the second half. It was very strange that a penalty was given against each side, because it was a very clean game. There was, however, nothing wrong with the referee’s decisions in giving a penalty against Raitt and Knight. The Everton halves and forwards enjoyed pushing the ball along the ground to each other, and it looked very nice until a Corinthian joined in the business and robbed them. In the second half Chadwick, Cock and Irvine contended themselves by shifting the responsibility to shoot on to one another instead of snapping up the ball and going through. Cock was really a tame centre-forward on the day’s play, and he simply had to kick the ball to score his first half goal. Troup was a real pleasure to watch, and his fast movements and hard low drives goalwards were a feature of the game. Creek and Doggart were the most effective pair of forwards, and it was unfortunate that their exhibition closed down by an accident to Doggart. Phillips is a young player who has made his mark with the famous amateur side this season, and his 2 goals were a tribute to his skill. Nothing but praise can be given to the two goalkeepers, Fern and Baker. The dashes of the Corinthians frequently had the Everton defence guessing.
St Francis Xaviers  play Birkenhead Institute at Goodison Park today

EASTER GAMES AND TEAMS
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, March 28, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton, on Good Friday against Bolton Wanderers, away, will reply on; Fern; Downs, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Bolton’s team against Everton will be; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Nuttall, Seddon, Jennings; Lowe, Jack, Smith (JR), Smith (Jos), Vizard, the only change from the Cup team being Lowe for Butler, injured.
Everton Reserves are well in the running for the Central League championship, and are playing tip-top football. Against Bolton Reserves on Friday (3.15) they will line out as follows; Salt; Livingstone, Weller; Jeffs, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison.

Bolton Reserves v Everton Reserves at Goodison will be; Hinton; Chambers, Thirkell; Newnes, Matthews, Howarth; Roberts (E,), Jones, Hughes, Wright, Simpson. Hughes is a new leader on trial. He is a Manchester boy, and has played for Chelsea in the London Combination.

BOLTON WANDERERS 0 EVERTON 2
March 31, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON GREAT WIN AT BOLTON.
VICTORY MARRED BY BAD ACCIDENT TO COCK
BOLTON ONE YEARS "UNBEATED" HOME RECORD GONE.
Everton were a grand side at Bolton yesterday, where a big holiday crowd of 40,000 spectators saw them toy with the Cup finalists, displaying superb footwork and sparkling combination. Their forwards were much too smart and quick in midfield for the Wanderers, whose front rank were so soundly tackled as to be rendered impotent. Then nothing seemed to go right with their passing, and with the exception of a clever screw shot from Jack, Fern had little to accomplish. Chadwick opened Everton's score in seven minutes with a surprise snap shot taken from a difficult angle, and at the end of half-an-hour Troup dribbled away and, with Pym unsighted, added a second with a fast-rising shot.
COCK INJURED.
A few minutes later, however, Cock was accidentally kicked in the ribs, and after being attended to by ambulance men left the field. He was so badly injured that he did not turn out in the second half, the visitors relying on four forwards, and consequently the Wanderers had more of the game. In the closing stages Joe Smith twice delayed his shot's a fraction too late, Downs eventually charging down his fast drives. Everton's defence was wonderfully sound when Bolton put on pressure, but still the home forwards were never up to their usual standard. There was a lack of combination and steadiness, and the side was beaten at home for the first time in 12 months. The visitors were superior in practically every department. Their half-back line was strong and the forwards were particularly clever, especially when they had the assistance of Cock. Chedgzoy and Troup on the wings caused endless trouble to Pym, and Irvine and Chadwick were always smart in foraging the latter also being the most conspicuous marksman on the field. Fern had an easy task, and was well protected by Downs and McDonald, though the latter often ballooned his returns. Seddon and Joe Smith did a lot of hard work on the home side, but there was a suspicion that they were holding themselves in view of more important business a month hence, Everton, however, were on their best behaviour. Everton: - Fern goal, Downs, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BOLTON WANDERERS RESERVES 2
March 31 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 35)
At Goodison Park Everton lost a point which may jeopardise their chance of league honours. They opened in irresistible form, and were soon leading. Forbes shot, Hinton stopped it, but could not clear, and Parry steered the ball into the net. Just later Williams missed an opportunity by shooting over the bar. Bolton came more prominent, and Hughes should have equalised. He made amends when he beat Reid and Livingstone, and drawing Salt, netted easily. Before half-time Williams regained the lead from a centre by Parry. Bolton played better in the second half, and the equaliser came from a penalty taken by Newes for hands again Weller. Everton's defence played well in the first half, but later could not cope with the raids of Simpson, and Roberts, who were splendid wingers. Forward the Blues were well served by Harrison and Forbes, while Parry made good use of the very few opportunities, which came his way, but was starved in the second, half. Everton: - Salt, goal, Livingstone, and Weller, backs, Jeffs, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison, forwards.

COUNTY COMBINATION
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 31, 1923
Everton beat Prescot 3-1, Prescot who were by no means outplayed, failed to take full advantage of the opportunities which came their way.

EVERTON EXCEL
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 31, 1923
Everton gave a sparkling exhibition at Bolton before 35,000 spectators, being quicker on the ball, yards faster, and much more methodical than the Wanderers, who, with Lowe for Butler at outside right, never got into their stride. Everton forced matters spiritedly from the start, Chadwick scoring after ten minutes with a grand high drive the ball going in off the upright. Troup shot high up to score Everton’s second goal after twenty-eight minutes, following clever work. Then Cock was kicked on the body, and led off, but even so Irvine shot wide after getting between the backs. Everton were good value for their two goals’ lead, but deprived of Cock’s services they had to defend. Covering each other splendidly they thwarted attack after attack, though the Wanderers’ forwards never settled down. John Smith worked hard in the centre, but he got little support, and Fern had a very easy time in goal. Once Joe Smith headed against the post, but most of Bolton’s shots were sky high. They played poor football, their forwards displaying a woeful lack of intelligence and Everton’s well-organised defence easily withstood every attack. Everton are the first visiting team to win at Bolton for eleven months and they richly deserved their success if only for their alertness and clever combination. By comparison the Wanderers were slow and indecisive, and their shooting was bad. This sort of forward play will not win the Cup. Everton’s football was splendidly effective and good to watch. Cock played only half an hour and watched the second half from the stand.

BOB KELLY TRIED AT CENTRE FOR BURNLEY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 31, 1923
EVERTON PLAYED PRETTY FOOTBALL SAY “BEE,” BUT GOT A MOST FORTUNATE LEADING GOAL
Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Burnley; Moorwood; Smelt, Taylor; Emerson, Basnett, Morgan; Nesbitt, Lindsay, Kelly, Cross, Weaver. It was a pity the weather broke down so badly to-day for the Everton game, because there would have been an especially big crowd at Goodison to see the conquerors of the Cup final side of the elements had been anything like decent. Burnley came an anything like decent. Burnley came an awful purler yesterday, mainly thanks to three goals to Joe Clennell, and Everton people believed they could gather two further points from the Turf Moor team.
ENTER FLEETWOOD AND FORBES
Downs played yesterday in spite of pleurisy; it is just characteristic of the man, Cock (damaged ribs) was replaced by Forbes, who was doing well until he was crocked. One is left wondering why Everton have not experimented for this occasion, in view of the fact that they are quite safe in position, and could now be giving their boys a chance of gaining experience, and also leading the club to know exactly what sort of strength they have at command. No one would for a moment deny Fleetwood his position and his place. It is only a question of policy for the month of April. That’s all. The band entered into the spirit of the day by playing, “If Winter Comes.” Hart beat smelt in the matter of the toss. Straight away the Everton right wing opened out the game, until a foul eased the position for Burnley. Fleetwood started solidly, and his partner, in spite of a weak pass back, was able to clear with a big punt. Kelly did not strike one as physically fitted for the centre-forward position, and as a fact it was his first appearance in this place.
THE UN-FINISHING TOUCH
However, when he got the Everton defence guessing, he practically made a gift goal for Lindsay, and the latter fired over the bar in an aggravating manner. It had been such wise football tapping on the part of Lindsay, Kelly and Nesbitt, that the finishing touch was really outrageous. Everton recognised that they had been let off in a way that they could not expect a second time and, therefore the forwards went about their business. Chedgzoy for the second time missed the mark narrowly. There was a stoppage through Morgan being hurt, but when Fleetwood was hurt there was no stoppage. Burnley’s defence was now harassed into inconsistency, and Irvine seemed sure to take toll of a mix up in the Burnley defence when the shot was headed so well by Chadwick that a full-back had to kick off the line to save his goalkeeper.
AN ARTISTIC ELEVEN
Burnley were no match for the home lot, although they made one very pretty round of passing. Still on the score of things beautiful one had to admire all that Everton did, because in every department they were very clever and dainty. In fact it was one of their troubles, and they were a great side to watch, and yet they did not look like scoring for some time. There was one Corinthian-like round of passing by the whole of the Everton forward line and Troup made two runs that set the crowd on fire. He coddled the defender towards him before he flicked the ball upward and ran round his man. Unfortunately, he had one too many in pace and skill when David Taylor rushed across and Peacock went off for a while; and when he left Burnley made a dangerous breakaway, thanks to Nesbit. Burnley would have had an even less strenuous time in defence if Emerson had not given away foolish fouls.
USING WEIGHT THE WRONG WAY
Chadwick also conceded a free kick through an endeavour to use his full weight on Smelt. For a time, indeed, the absence of Peacock was felt, and when he returned Burnley continued to show up fairly well, and intimidate the home side. Emerson made Fern catch, and then Cross made the first real striking drive to trouble Fern. Peacock over-dribbled and let in Weaver, whose long cross opened out a perfect position for goal, but not another Burnley man had realised the situation. As against this Peacock had made a shot that Moorwood had juggled with. Irvine, in spite of a kick, went on, to let the ball stay on the line, while Chedgzoy crossed it just as Weaver had done, and the movement ended with Chadwick hooking a shot over his head.
REMARKABLE HAPPENINGS
After Smelt had done two fine pieces of tackling and clearing there were two really tragic incidents. First from a free kick for a bad throw-in Moorwood fell to make a save and was crowded out with players on top of him yet managed to keep a tight hold of the ball which he eventually threw away, after which Lindsay went away and offered a pass to Kelly who was now in his element.
JUST ON THE POST
Kelly shot a low ball and Fern saved it perhaps luckily, while at a later period Kelly made a wriggle-dribble and got close in before he hit a rasping ball that Fern saved at the foot of the post. Weaver also shot round the side netting, and by this time Burnley were as good as Everton and far more dangerous in front of goal. Hart got a fierce smack on the leg from Emerson, and the home captain played on in spite of severe pain. When the game was resumed the air was dark, and smoke came from Bullens-road way to make things worse. Irvine drove the ball over the bar, and there was nothing between the teams than Nesbitt and Kelly burst through and Cross spoiled the ball by pushing Peacock in the back.
A WORD FOR BURNLEY
Burnley had not played so well as to-day for two months, and yet Everton had chances sufficient to have won the game long ago. It must be confessed, however, that Basnett was far too strong for Forbes, and that the Burnley defence was steady and robust. In fact, Moorwood had a sinecure as compared to Fern.
HOW FORBES SCORED
In eight minutes, however, Moorwood let through a squirming ball from a header by Forbes simply and solely through his wet gloves. The whole making of the point was bad, because in the first instance Troup and Chadwick were lucky to get a chance to centre the ball, for they had already lost their chance then the ball came to them a second time through no good form of theirs. When Forbes headed in there was no pace behind the ball, and Moorwood should have saved. Hunter Hart was again in the wars, and fern again in the picture with a good save from Cross.
A HEAVY DOWNPOUR
Hart replied with a shot that was wide, and Burnley again went near in a break-away just at the moment when the spectators cleared off for shelter. Taylor’s volleying was a feature of the day, and another feature was the utter absence of first-time drives. Forbes bucked up after his goal, and in one rush nearly surprised Moorwood a second time.
KING TO A FOE
Weaver made a splendid in and out run, and should have gone through with his effort instead of passing to Kelly, whose shot was blacked. One goal against a fiery and determined team like Burnley should have sufficed the Everton forwards. However, they continued their kind attiture towards Moorwood. Morgan, who did so well at left half, is a Burnley boy, nicely built, and has good ideas of Combiantion. On the other hand , Nesbitt was right off his form. Taylor nearly pout through his own goal, Moorwood saving him. Near the finish, Troup gave the ball to Forbes, who had only the goalkeeper to beat, yet the shot against Moorwood’s out-stretched legs. Final; Everton 1, Burnley 0.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 31, 1923
PORT VALE RES v  EVERTON RES
At Hanley, in showery weather. Port Vale should have obtained the lead in the first few minutes of the game, but the danger was averted by Reid putting the ball too far forward, and Salt saved. Another hot attack by Port Vale ended in Caddick giving a corner, and from the resultant kick Weller cleared. Jeffs opened out the game for Everton, and after Lavery and Twemlow had kept out shots from parry and Harrison, the visitors scored after nine minutes’ play. Vale returned to the attack, sand Salt saved from Poynton at the expense of a corner. The Vale tried hard to equalise, Salt making several grand clearance from Reid. Half-time; Port Vale 1, Everton 2. Virr and Williams scored for Everton whilst Spencer replied for Port Vale.

CENTRAL LEAGUE.
The Staffordshire Sentinel, Saturday, March 31, 1923
PORT VALE v. EVERTON.
Luckless Afternoon for the Home Side
PORT VALE RES 1 EVERTON RES 3
Played at the Old Recreation Ground, Harley in rainy weather and before a meagre gate. Teams; Port Vale; Smith, goal; Lavery and Twemlow, backs; Gordon, Richards, and Davies, half-backs; Pointon, Spencer, Reid, Simms, and Hallam, forwards. Everton Res; Salt, goal; Caddick, and L.W. Weller, backs; Jeffs, Reid, and Grenyer, half-backs; Parry, Miller, Virr, Williams, and Harrison. Forwards.
Referee Mr. J. Winter, Crewe.
THE GAME.
The Vale should have been one up in the first minute, for Reid ran past everybody but deferred shooting until within three yards of Salt. Then it was too late and Salt cleared. The play of the Vale was value for another goal. Davies getting in a grounder to which Caddick luckily got his foot, and the ball was diverted for a comer, which Weller cleared. Reid had a chance a moment later but was charged when trying to head into goal. The Vale were undoubtedly trying all they knew,and Pointon dropped the ball beautifully infront of goal, but Weller shouldered off Spencer while Caddick cleared. The home men came again on the right, and Salt beat down a hot shot from Pointer. The ball went over the line for another corner which was not turned to account.  Away went Everton, who found Lavery and Twemlow keen defenders. After Smith had saved from Miller, VIRR secured and netted the ball after nine minutes play. A true index of the play at this stage would have been two to one in favour of the Vale. The home forwards returned to the attack and were within an ace of scoring when Caddick conceded yet another abortive corner. Salt saved coolly from Spencer, throwing the ball over Reid's head for Weller to kick away. The Vale secured two more corners, but neither came to anything. Then the Everton goal escaped by sheer good luck. Spencer heat Grenyer and Weller and shot, the ball rebounding from the post. Spencer shot again and Salt tipped the ball over thebar. On the other wing Hallam shot and the ball bounced back front the foot of the post. Thus did ill-luck dog the efforts of the home forwards. Everton at length got away, and smart passing left WILLIAMS with the ball, and be scored with a grand shot. The Vale dashed away when play was restarted, and, receiving a fine pass from Simms, SPENCER scored with a superlative shot a minute after the Everton goal. The game was now 34 minutes old.  Considering the heavy state of the ground the game was fast, with Everton forwards a very dangerous lot indeed. Smith saved cleverly from Virr and Miller, and later Harrison. The Vale at this stage were playing on the defensive, but Everton did not add to their score, though Lavery and Twemlow were hard pressed
Everton, 2; Port Vale,
After re-starting promisingly and gaining a corner, Everton were beaten back, and the Everton Reid gave a corner, which drew blank like the others. The Vale were gradually forced back, and Everton secured yet another corner off Lavery. Parry was especially smart, and Smith effected two very fine saves before the Everton flier at outside right nipped one inside to Williams, who back-heeled the ball into goal. Smith, in saving was brought to his knees, and Williams, again securing, shot out.  The Vale broke away and Salt saved from Simms. The attack was short-lived, and Everton came along in winning trim, WILLIAMS putting a driving shot past Smith at fairly long range. It was a capital shot, and fully deserved to score. It was now 17 minutes after the interval, and Everton shaped like adding to their score. Grenyer tried a cannon shot from the edge of the penalty area, and the ball crashed into the aide net. The Vale made a fugitive raid to which Salt saved from Reid. Then Everton got back and Smith capitally saved from Parry, and later from a corner, following a diverted shot from Miller. At the other end Reid ran clear, but met with a mishap on the penalty spot. There were claims for a penalty which the referee ignored. Hallam gained a corner—fruitless like the rest. Parry broke away and beat Twemlow, and Smith ran out. Valeite and Evertonians kicked at the ball together, and the ball flew over the touch line for yet another fruitless flag kick. Pointon and Gordon changed the scene, but Weller stepped in and cleared, The Vale were very unlucky not to score at least once in the closing stages.