EVERTON 1 BURNLEY 1
March 1 st 1926. The Daily Courier.
DEAN HEADS A GREAT GOAL.
DOUGLA'S DEBUT AT GOODISON PARK.
Another "fifty-fifty" affair was served up at Goodison Park. The crowd had hopes of more goals all the afternoon, but between them the sides could only "get there" twice. It has, however, to be recorded that Everton's goal was one of the finest scored on the ground this season. A free kick against the stalwart Hill led up to it, the ball coming out to Chedgzoy. He darted down the wing, rounded Hughes, then beat him for speed, and whipped in a square centre in front of goal, just right for Dixie's head, which did the needful. It was Dean's 23 rd goal of the season. In a sporting way Dean declined the "bouquets" and indicated his clubmates. It must be admitted this was a game lacking seasoning and spice, although not an altogether unappetizing dish. Burnley would persist in dribbling too much and taking their time, with hill in the rule of superman, wandering too much. Hill was Burnley's great source of strength, while Page and Dougal, who had travelled down from Falkirk, the previous day, developed into a dangerous left wing.
EVERTON NIPPIER.
Why Everton almost went goalless has an explanation. They were nippier all round than Burnley, more direct in methods, and played a stronger game, but too, many passes went astray, and promising attacks had a disappointing finale. Neither side really deserved to win, so that a draw was quite right. Richards the Burnley centre, has had rapid promotion to high class football. He made his debut in first Division football from the Manchester League only three weeks ago. Richards is by no means a Dean, and little was seen of him. Dean deserved more success. He has still to receive the full support that will make him an even better centre. The good impression of Batten, the Plymouth Argyle recruit, must be confirmed. He is a trier, which is at least half-way to success. His passing was neat, he can use his head, and best of all, he realsied he was a forward, and not a half-back also. Yet he and Troup, as tricky as ever, were not as swift moving a pair as one would have liked. The Everton front line was too much a thing of fits and starts. Credit must, however, be given the home right flank. It was a pleasant sight to see Chedgzoy sailing down and cutting in with mathematical precision from near the corner flag. These were choice centres. Chedgzoy was still the speed master, with sure feet and a cool head. Irvine was inclined to be individualistic but his winger gave him plenty of exercise. The Everton halves ought to have done better. Bain's interception was clever, but the restraining influence of the line did not make itself felt considering the not too strong opposition. Raitt and McDonald were serviceable without being conspicuous, but the lack of understanding with hardy apparent last week was noticeable in the game.
HILL A GREAT PIVOT.
Hill was the great man on the Burnley side. He was 'Cute in manceurve, and although much on the grill, he had a lot to do in blunting the Everton attack. Beel, in his new position to accommodate Dougal was not happy there, and Bruton, his partner, who was not a speed bird, wasted one particularly good opportunity. The veteran Dawson, who has completed 19 seasons with Burnley, was safe. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Bain, and Virr, half-backs, Chedgzoy (captain), Irvine, Dean Batten, and Troup, forwards. Burnley: - Dawson, goal, McCluggage, and Waterfield, backs, Steel, Hill, and Hughes, half-backs, Bruton, Beel, Richards, Dougal, and Page, forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 1, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 29)
No details
Everton: - Jones, goal, Hamilton, and Kerr, backs, Peacock, Hart, and Rooney, half-backs, Parry, McBain, O'Donnell, Houghton, and Kennedy, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 2 WHISTON 2
March 1, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Townsend-lane. The home team were on the defensive, the major portions of the time, and had the visitors been steadier in their shooting they might have got away with the full points. Rand opened the score for the home team after ten minutes play and afterwards play rule evenly until close on the interval, when Dane put the visitors on level terms. In the second half Rand put Everton further ahead, Houghton equalised.

A GAME OF SHARP CONTRASTS. 
Athletic News- Monday, March 1, 1926
HOW BURNLEY SNATCHED A POINT FROM EVERTON
EVERTON 1, BURNLEY 1
By Junius
The two periods of play Goodison Park provided a sharp contrast.  The first half went placidly along without any thrilling incident, and was the nearest approach to the friendly type of football that has been seen the ground this season. Neither team made many scoring attempts, and although Burnley scored three minutes from the interval, they scarcely deserved to lead.  Beel provided the opening from a pass by Bruton, and took the ball to within a few yards of goal when Hardy got down to his shot. He only partially arrested its progress, and RICHARDS hooked the ball into the net.  Everton equalised nine minutes after the interval by the smartest movement seen the ground for some time.  Chedgzoy was the mainspring in this attack, and after rounding Hughes, Hill, and Waterfield flashed the ball across for DEAN to head past Dawson. 
TWO RECRUITS. 
As I have indicated, the football of the first half was quiet and placid. But it was not so in the second half, when Burnley, leading, made Everton gave of their best. Their tenacity of purpose was apparent at all times, with their opponents fighting for what their earlier play merited. Greater earnestness and keenness were and displayed, and with Everton gradually improving on the right wing, and with Dean in more energetic and mood, the Burnley defence had struggle with the energy of despair hold on to their point.  Finishing was feeble, mainly, I thought, because the tackling was exceptionally keen.  There were newcomers to First League football in Batten and Dougal, but neither realised expectations. The former Plymouth player was more prone to defensive methods, and was frequently among the half-backs, who were capable enough to look after themselves. Still, he gave glimpses being a thrustful player, but an early chance of distinguishing himself was spoiled by being too hasty with his shot with only Dawson to beat.  Dougal could scarcely be expected to fit into Burney’s scheme of things during his short association with his new comrades. Making the most of the few chances that came his way, he promises to become an asset when conversant with Burnley's plan of campaign: 
CAPABLE HALF-BACKS. 
There were six capable half-backs on view, and none impressed more than Hill, his presence appeared to make for a successful working arrangement with his colleagues. He was the dominant factor in the side, quick to sense danger. When Chedgzoy became aggressive was there to neutralise the Everton man’s work, and frequently arrested the movements of Troup. He was a roamer; at the same time, cool and effective in linking up with his half-backs and forwards. His headwork had both direction and power, and Dean did not have matters made easy for him.  Steel and Hughes completed a good middle line, which, however, did not quite come up to Everton all-round standard.  Everton’s best forward work came from the right, where Chedgzoy became a potent factor as the play progressed, and had a resourceful partner in Irvine.  Dean, after a lean time in the first half, was a player rejuvenated later, and distributed well. Page was the most efficient of Burnley’s forwards, for he was clever, elusive, speedy, and persistent, and was a source of much anxiety to Brown and Raitt.  McCluggage and Waterfield put up a great resistance. The former saved a dangerous movement when, racing back, he prevented a ball from Dean passing into untenanted goal.  Goalkeeping was to a good standard, and Dawson, by running out, saved many threatening situations. Direct shots, however, were few. Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup.  Burnley; Dawson; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steele, Hill, Hughes; Bruton, Beel, Richards, Dougal, and Page.  Referee; L. Baker, Crewe. 

DISAPPOINTING
Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 1, 1926
By Duval
A drawn game was probably the most fitting result of the Everton and Burnley match, in which there was much dull play.  Both sides were disappointing, and the best part of the game was the second half, when Dean’s clever goal compensated for the lack of incident.  Chedgzoy played a big part in the making of a goal, for he put in a sparkling run and got the ball across just at the right moment.  Batten made his first appearance under First Division conditions, and was a useful partner for Troup.  He placed the ball well, and was always in position.  On the Burnley side Douglas (signed on Thursday for Falkirk) made little difference to the Burnley attack, for the whole line lacked penetrative power.  Everton’s defence was not as sound as usual, while the Burnley backs were not too steady.  The outstanding figure was Hill, who work with tremendous energy, and was well supported by Steel.  It was by no means a great game, and Burnley were fortunate to find Everton in rather lackadaisical mood. 

BURNLEY FORTUNATE AT EVERTON
Burnley Express-Wednesday, March 3, 1926
EVERTON (0) 1; BURNLEY (1) 1
Burnley's new leader, Richards, got his first League against Everton, at Goodison Park, on Saturday, and it proved a valuable one, setting that it enabled his side to snatch a welcome point. Generally a sound defence, with Hill the dominant figure, assisted the visitorsconsiderably. At the end of 40 minutes Bruton, making a through pass, provided Beel with chance to shoot. Hardy diverted the ball sideways, whereupon RICHARDS, showing commendable dash and opportunism, succeeded in giving his side the lead. He got to the ball and turned it just inside the goalpost, with Hardy at the other end of his goal. The equaliser came eight minutes after the re-start, following a free-kick against Hill. By a clever dribble beat Hughes and Waterfield, the half-back failing to make a first-time tackle, and from the winger’s beautifully placed centre DEAN easily headed into the net.  The game, in which spoiling tactics mostly prevailed, thus ended in a draw one all. 
HILL’S MASTERFUL MOOD
Burnley, desperately anxious to safeguard their League status, fought hard at Goodison, and though they experienced some good fortune on this occasion, they were full value for a point; in fact, the trend of events might have proved altogether different had Richards got two goals quick succession.  Certainly the one he obtained was a reward for a plucky effort, coupled with praiseworthy positional play on his part, and he was to some extent unlucky when he was a shade too late take aim after Hill had given him a delightful through pass, following Burnley's first goal. As it was the successful finish that the young centre-forward, by his capital thrust, applied his side's best move in attack, earned a point which was appreciated at this critical stage. In the face keen tackling his opportunities were limited, notably in the second half, for Burnley's problem in attack was not solved. The inclusion of the latest Scottish capture, Dougal, evoked not a little interest, for there was speculation as to the way he would blend with Page, who is popular with the football enthusiasts at Liverpool, where he resides and does his training at a shipping firm's sports ground near Waterloo. The former Falkirk player, in new surroundings, was naturally restrained, and the first half was far from settled with his style of play, being somewhat on the slow side. But, later on, he showed his capacity to hold the ball and judge his passes along the ground in quite the approved Scottish manner, and it was a little disappointing that Page did not respond nearly so well as it was anticipated he would do his native heath. However, the left winger played well as he was allowed to do by a quick-thinking and clever full-back, Raitt, who, like his partner, McDonald, used first-time methods, and: entered the tackle confidently. On the other hand it seemed that Dougal had better qualifications for half-back play. At any rate he distinguished more as a "feeder " than a marksman on his first appearance in English League football, seeing that he was mostly hanging back and thus developing the "W'' formation of attack. His Wish, I am told, is to return his old position at left half-back, where his fine physical resources and ball skill are most likely best utilized, and in Scotland this season he has played under protest as an inside forward. If anything, the game emphasized the fact more that greater driving force is still required by Burnley— Beel was not comfortable at inside right- and really thrilling incidents, taking the play from cover to cover, were comparatively few in number. The respective defences were really the masters the situation, and at times Hill, who covered a lot of ground in his bold endeavour to minimise risks, literally carried the Turf Moor side on his shoulders.  He and McCuggage, as a matter of fact, were most dominant, though Dawson, who timed some of his advances from goal extremely well, was once more thoroughly dependable.  That the veteran had his lucky moments was evident. In the first place Everton came very near snatching an early goal when that thrustful young leader, Dean, made a long shot which Dawson, out of his goal, could not intercept. The ball was travelling towards the far corner of the empty when McCluggage, acting instantly, doubled back and finally clearly almost on the line.  This was certainly a “let-off," and it was as well that Burnley afterwards showed determination and surprised their  opponents with the move which brought a goal near the interval.
AN EVEN STRUGGLE
It was early the second half that Dougal was more forceful, and assisted Richards to keep the ball moving more effectively, yet Everton promptly responded with their outside men resourceful. The dainty little Troup, with a variety of moves at his command, was troublesome, but it fell to Chedgzoy to pave the way for the equaliser.  It was not often that the international outside-right wasgiven much scope near goal, but the move which influenced stood out as one of the few bright things in the game.  Dean was the scorer, but the chance he got was quite a gift one. Previously a header by a half-back, Virr, following a corner, had rebounded off the crossbar, and shortly after Everton had scored they narrowly missed taking the lead. Another header by their debutant inside-left, Batten, from Plymouth Argyle- this player did well during the Australian tour—came back off the goalpost, and to end a tense goalmouth struggle Dawson knocked the ball down and scrambled it out of danger as he fell amidst a crowd of players. The play after this was evenly distributed, with quite a number of offside decisions being given. Burnley's play, in consequence, was: cut up, whilst Dean, as he again netted, was also given offside. Hill worked with tremendous energy near the finish to keep his defence well organised, and his staving power, grit, and breaking-up methods were admired, after the crowd at one time had shown a tendency to barrack him for the robust way he held not only Dixie Dean, but also interrupted the efforts of the other opposing inside forwards. Close on time Richards made a forceful attempt to make use of a header,  but he was not on the mark, and Steel, drawing a bow at a venture, was a little out of his reckoning with long shot  which had plenty of pace behind it.  Thus honours were even at the finish the game ending in a draw of ne each.  Teams; Burnley; Dawson; McCluggage, Waterfield; Steel, Hill, Hughes; Bruton, Beel, Richards, Dougal, and Page.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup.  Mr. L. Baker (Crewe) was the referee. 

EVERTON AT LEEDS
Liverpool Echo- Friday, March 5, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Leeds where they will face Edwards and company.  I heard from my namesake, by the way, that Chadwick was getting on nicely, but it is passing strange that he like Williams (now of Blackpool), should get arm injuries so soon as they went to new quarters.  Everton seem to be specializing in draws, and in better feats away than at home.  Let us hope they will go on with the good work to-morrow, when these sides face each other.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Allon, Menzie; Edwards, Townsley, Baker (Jun); Sissons, Whipp, Jennings, Wainscoat, Jackson. 
At Goodison Park they are giving the locals a chance, and they are hoping that such as W.C. Smith, who is doing well for them, after graduating with Thornsdale, and Murphy, am “A” team player, will develop as did the Balmers, Crelley, Makepeace, Virr, and company.  The side tackles Oldham Reserves at Goodison tomorrow. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 6, 1926
HAPPYS DAYS PEPETUATED
VICTOR HALL WRITES OF FOOTBALL COM PANIONSHIPS
If playing members of a football team make enduring companionship, as in very many instances they do, it will not be surprising that the associations formed among regular attenders at the matches lead to a like result.  It is surprising, in a way, how we take our accustomed spot week by week at our favourite ground.  I suppose there are a number of followers of both Liverpool and Everton clubs who are so accustomed to their own particular “spot”-be it on Spion Kop or a corner scat of the reserved stand, that they look upon it as really their own.  If by any chance they miss the usual position through late arrival, or the obstinacy of a prior corner who will not get out of the way, their whole view of the game and actual enjoyment for the day is marred.  Somehow the angle of view for the whole ninety minutes becomes distorted, and the angle of reasoning and appreciation in all the day’s incidents likewise becomes affected.  Such creatures are we of custom!  It is not only the feeling that we have been uprooted for the day, but one’s very neighbours become like the game, strange and unaccustomed.  One misses the friendly nod from the familiar features, and the usual running comment on play and players seems to take on an unusual tone.  The favourite players are commented on from a new angle, the praise is misplaced somehow, it is going to an unexpected length, or is wanting in cordiality, and the finer points of play that we are accustomed to find so well appreciated are passed in silence or even judged unfavourably in comparison.
OUT OF A SEAT
So much for the change wrought by unfamiliar neighbours.  But if this be so among the shifting sands of the stand patrons, how much more unfamiliar becomes the position of the season-ticket holder, or our old friend of the editor’s post box, the “Regular Supporter.”  Put him in an unaccustomed seat out of his usual territory on the big stand, and he is as a stranger in a stranger land.  He fidgets from the start, he makes obvious efforts to get in signal communication with his distant intimates, and if space permits, he makes overtures to reestablish the severed affinity. As the game proceeds, and the blood kinderdship of sympathy between player and spectators becomes established in the ardour of battle, he simmers with usual palpitation of ecstasy.  As he becomes audible in exhortation, he is hurt to miss the usual responsiveness to right or left of him.  He misses the stout gentleman who usually sits in front and bellows “Well played” in deep home profound are stated intervals.  He notes with dismay that the usual stamping of the accustomed umbrella behind him has been replaced by a raucous voice cheering on the opposing forwards.
MISPLACED
Instead of the cheers parson who usually sits next but one on his right and agrees with the directors’ dropping last week’s disappointment, he has a couple of lady companions who speak of the individual players by their Christian names, and exchanges chocolate with each other from time to time.  At the interval he finds himself hopelessly out of sympathy with his neighbor on the left, and is repeatedly importuned for matches by a man who cannot manage to get his pipe tom draw freely.  So, for the man who gets misplaced.  But for the lucky ones who week by week find themselves in the accustomed sent and with the familiar associates, how really tonic becomes the afternoon’s enjoyment! What a world of understanding the game provides for those who become associated in its enduring and varied interest! Talk about women being chatterboxers! Woman are not in it with men who talk football.  I have heard it indirectly hinted that people who play golf for a hobby become obsessed with a flow of golf topics that becomes a positive danger to the un-inoculated.  That may be so of golf. I don’t know, because I have not played the ancient and royal game; but I have endured its devotees in trains and other gathering places, and when they do lift their voices to heaven the golfers at times become voluble, almost translatable.  But your football enthusiast, when attuned to a kindred spirit, he babbles in a way that Tennyson and his brook, could never rival.  That is when they are in agreement.  When they are in opposition –well, then you learn all about the fine points of the game.  There are men who go to watch football regularly who ought, in their own interests, to have a companion of the male nurse type, or else who should train themselves habitually to sit still and suppress entirely their emotions for two hours on end.  They should be required to sit for an examination and obtain a certificate for studies in still life before being allowed the freedom of any football stand.  Without such stringent precautions some such men are a danger to the State and potential fomenters of public disorder.  I remember at Anfield years ago sitting beside such a man.  He was choleric, he was determination personified.  He was also communicative to all about him, and he smoked, or waved, a large cigar.  He abjured the players, he reviled the referee, he despised the selectors of the team, and he did not like the opposing centre-forward, because he was very deadly whenever he got within shooting distance of the home goal. 
PENETRATIVE POWERS
This neighbor of mine had a very loud voice with peculiar powers of penetration that made him a constant menace to the opposing centre forward whenever he came within earshot of the stand.  There were several anxious moments in the game, when I thought he was going to leave the stand and administer corporal chastisement to someone, on one side or the other.  On their side for shooting; on our side for not shooting in all probability.  In front of my friend, on the next tier below sat an inoffensive man who spoke to no one.  He sat or wriggled, with his head in constant motion, to one side or other, in order that his hat might not be knocked off, by the constant waving hands of my neighbor, as he ordered or directed the players in the fluctuations of the game.  Once or twice the ineffective man in front turned round to face the oracle, but in his mild eyes there was bit mute appeal; he lacked the offensive in a marked degree, but the noise and constant bellows of the incubus were clearly spoiling his afternoon.  Then somehow the thunderbolt fell! In a breathless silence while some forward on the field wormed his sinuous way through a bewildered opposition, my next door neighbor-for a moment had held his breath –and his voice, his hands dropped to his knees, and he leaned eagerly forward to watch for his shot.  As he leaned, unknowingly his fingers pressed the glowing end of his lighted cigar into the neck of the “inoffensive” man in front.  There was a shrill scream, like that of a throttled rabbit, that started even the players.  The little man jumped forward, and then suddenly turning, landed one fist into the wide expanse of waistcoat of “my friend,” and the other into his near.  We all took a hand in it, of course, to separate them, otherwise there would have been a “horrid murder at a football match” on the last edition placards, instead of “Football Finals” that night, but I never see a man with a glowing cigar on the grandstand since, without thinking of the mild-tempered little man with the limpid blue eyes who in one stark moment of anguish became a howling dervish raving for the blood of his enemy. 

EVERTON AT LEEDS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 6, 1926
BATTEN TRIED AT INSIDE RIGHT AND O’DONNELL RETURNED TO INSIDE LEFT BERTH
By Stork
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Allen, Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, Baker (jun); Sissons, Whipp, Jennings, Wainscoat, Jackson.  Referee. W.T. Harper. Everton, at Leeds expected a hard tussle, as United were keen to save their relegation face.  Everton put Batten, of Plymouth, at inside right, and O’Donnell returned to inside left, his old berth.  Everton made another change, Virr tried his leg yesterday, and found it unsafe, so Hart was drafted into the side.  It was a glorious afternoon, but there was a high wind blowing from goal to goal.  So strong was it that it was likely to make scientific football a task, and the side winning the toss had a distinct advantage.  There was quite a good gate at the start. 
THE WHIPPER-IN
Everton had to face the trying conditions, and that they were trying was demonstrated in the very first minute.  Leeds made a swift thrust at the Everton goal and when Sissons made a centre, Jennings was offered a gorgeous chance, but instead of hitting the ball flush in the face, he half kicked round it and the ball scarcely travelled to the goal, but if Hardy had not been handy with outstretched legs, Whipp would have had a goal, for he was right on the spot to do the necessary if given the chance.  Hardy kicked a good length against the wind, and when Potts came out to field the ball he came into collision with Dean, and evidently suffered great pain for the trouble.  Leeds, however, were the next to make a move, and Jackson should have made a much better show when he got the ball on the fringe of the penalty area, but was half-hearted in his efforts, and so a possible goal was thrown away. 
A NEAT HEADER
Leeds were not to be foiled a second time, and when Sissons, the former Doncaster player, took a corner he gauged the wind to a nicely and dropped the ball with such accuracy that Wainscott simply threw himself at the ball and headed it into the Everton net at the eight minute.  It was a tremendous header, having the power of a drive behind it.  Batten was showing good form at inside right, partaking in several fine movements along with Chedgzoy.  One of them brought Potts to life.  He had to make a clean catch from Chedgzoy after Batten had given him the opening.  Jackson was injured when Hardy bumped into him, the goalkeeper having to leave his goal to stop the winger’s effort to shoot.
TAKING THEM IN TOW
Everton had little chance to shine.  Not only had they a strong wind to battle against, but also strong half-backs.  Townsley kept a strict watch on Dean, while the new international, Edwards, took great care of Troup and O’Donnell, but even so he could not stop the last-named from heading a Chedgzoy centre into the hands of Potts.  Leeds were keen to shoot, and although their efforts were not always on the mark, it was undoubtedly the correct method on such a day.  Chedgzoy was making tracks down his wing, and there was a promise of something good if he could have gone on his way, but Baker brought him to earth in no half-hearted manner.  Everton were having a little more of the play at this point, and Hardy had to demonstrate the “dummy” to get out of the way of a determined rush by Jennings.
A CHANCE FOR DIXIE
It is rarely that Dean misses a chance when the offer is made, but he missed a perfect one at the half-hour.  He had worked clear of the backs, saw the goalkeeper leave his lair, but in his anxiety he put the ball a shade too far forward, and Potts was able to get in his way and smother the shot.  Troup then showed himself for the first time, and from his pass O’Donnell slammed home a shot that appeared to be travelling wide until it made a sudden inward swerve, and Potts had to keep his eyes open to keep his charge intact. 
CHEDGZOY MAKERS EVEN
Everton had by this time got an idea of how to play the wind, and they had an equal share of the attack, and at the end of thirty-five minutes’ play they opened their account.  Chedgzoy scoring with a great drive, which completely decided the full back Menzies.  That Dean brings brains to play was made evident when he found himself in an offside position, and to have played the ball would have robbed his side of a chance.  There was a call for offside, but he refused to be cajoled into making a false step.  This allowed Troup to nip in and work his way right in front of Potts, who had advanced from his goal.  Troup’s shooting space thus angled, he had but one alternative, a place shot, and it did not work.  The Leeds halves made no allowances for the wind, and often over kicked their forwards and at the same timer gave the Everton backs free kicks.  Half-time; Leeds United 1, Everton 1. 
EVERTON DRAW AGAIN
WAINSCOAT SCORES FOR LEEDS
EQALISER BY CHEDGZOY
THE UNITED STRUGGLE HARD TO IMPROVE POSITION
Everton had done remarkably well thus far to hold Leeds to a draw.  If the Yorkshiremen had taken all their chances a different tale might have had to be told.  With the aid of the wind, Everton should have resumed with a staunch attack, but the boot was on the other leg, and 15,000 spectators saw Leeds attacking in a surprising manner, and two “hands” were called against the Everton defence.  The wind had veered round and was not quite the menace it had been, and still Leeds continued their attack without getting any reward.  They had hard lines, and Hardy had to kick away from his goalline as Jennings dashed beyond him.  Batten had played capital football, and he came near to sneaking one home on the defence when he made a speedy effort to take a Dean pass.  Whatever failings the Leeds forwards had it could not be said that the defence had any. 
DESPERATE EFFORTS
Leeds, with relegation staring them in the face, not only hung on to their half share, but made an effort to purloin the full points.  Raitt, with a sterling tackle, checked Jackson when the latter looked like getting a runaway.  Final; Leeds United 1, Everton 1.

EVERTON RES V OLDHAM RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 6, 1926
At Goodison Park.  For the first twenty minutes the visitors were the superior side, and during that time Kirkpatrick succeeded in opening the score.  Everton afterwards greatly improved and should have equalized when Murphy shot over the bar on two occasions when he had only the keeper to beat.  The visitors led at the interval by one goal to nil.  Smith equalized but later Walker gave the visitors the lead.  Then McBain struck the upright with a fine shot. Three-quarter time; Everton Res 1, Oldham Res 2. 

LEEDS UNITED 1 EVERTON 1
March 8, 1926. The Daily Courier
POINT BROUGHT BACK FROM LEEDS.
EVERTON'S FEAT AGAINST THE UNITED.
A gale of wind played an important part in the game between Leeds United and Everton. Still, considering how strongly it blew much better ball control was displayed than was generally anticipated. Everton played Hart for Virr, who is on the injured list, and Batten partnered Chedgzoy on the right wing. The toss was watched with unwonted interest, the opinion being that with the gale behind them the winners of the throw up would be able to gain a lead and hold on to it.
WINNING THE TOSS.
The home side won it, and the effect of the wind was early apparent, Leeds attacking right away. But it also had the drawbacks, which was proved when the home team forced a corner and the ball was blown behind from the flag kick. All the same, it was from a corner kick that Leeds took the lead after eight minutes. Whipp, profiting from experience of the gale's vagaries placing the ball so well this time that Wainscott was able to head past hardy. It was an excellent goal. The home inside-left had to drop to his knee to get his head to the ball, but he timed it so perfectly that it glanced in like a cannon ball. The Blues retaliated strongly in spite of the wind. Chedgzoy and Batten combined well, and gave the home defence several anxious moments. O'Donnell too, was a tireless forager. Troup came into the picture more as the game progressed. The interval was drawing near when Dean looked to have a good chance of equalising, but he could do not better than kick the ball against Potts, who had run out. Everton's equaliser, however, came a little later, Chedgzoy beating the Leeds keeper with a low drive from an acute angle. From the visitors' point of view this was satisfactory, but it appeared a little later as if it was going to be more so still. The Blues were making tracks for goal when the home side appealed for off side against Batten. The referee would not have it, and meanwhile Troup found himself with the ball with only Potts in front of him. He did the best he could in the circumstances, and lifted the ball over the Leeds keeper's head, but it went wide. Leeds did rather better against the wind than their rivals had done, but it had dropped a little by that time. Although both goals had narrow shaves, there was no scoring in the second half. It was rather an uneventful game, largely on account of the wind.
ALL ROUND GAME.
Everton played a useful all-round game Dean however, found Townsley difficult to circumvent, and, as a matter of fact, did not get much rope. Batten did many useful things, and on one occasion showed a turn of speed, that would have surprised those who consider him on the slow side. Chedgzoy was in capital form on the right wing. The halves worked hard and broke up some determined Leeds attack. Raitt and McDonald had a particularly onerous task in the first half against the wind, but they were equal to the occasion. Both of them, Raitt before the interval and McDonald after, saved certain goals by kicking out of the goalmouth in the nick of time. Hardy showed resource in goal and made several capital saves. The only fault one could find with him was that he seemed prone to leave his position somewhat more than usual. He was out on both the occasions that his backs booted clear. Jennings, Wainscott, and Whipp were Leeds best forwards. Jackson on the left wing, was disappointing. Edwards and Townsley were the pick of the halves; the last named played a really fine game. Of the backs, Menzie was the better. Indeed, it was his sound tackling that saved Leeds on one or two occasions, when hard pressed. Potts, in goal, then capture from Blyth Spartans, acquitted himself well on making his debut. Whether he should have saved the shot from Chedgzoy or not is debatable. Teams: - Leeds United: - Potts, goal, Allen, and Menzie, backs, Edwards, Townsley, and A.W. Baker, half-backs, Sissons, Whipps Jennings, Wainscott, and Jackson forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Bain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 2
March 8, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 30)
Everton were much below form at Goodison Park, and Oldham, who were the better of two poor teams won by the odd goal in three. The Blues can seldom have served up such a feeble exhibition of forward work, the only redcoming feat of being a goal scored by Smith and a great pass from McBain, which hit the post with Matthews well beaten. McBain occasionally gave glimpses at his ability, but Smith, his partner on the right wing did little with the exception of scoring. Murphy in the centre missed two glorious chances of finding the net, The defence was also below standard, but Kerr kicked strongly, it at times wi0thout direction, and Kendall kept a good goal. Oldham scored after 15 minutes' play Hargreaves the ex-Evertonian player, passing forward for Kirkpatrick to run in and find the net. Smith equalised with a snap shot, which left the Oldham keeper helpless, but later Walker scored a second after Kendall had left his goal. Kirkpatrick, Heaton, and Walker, were prominent in the Oldham eleven.

EVERTON’S SISTEENTH DRAW
Athletic News- Monday, 8 March, 1926
GALE CONQUERS IN LEEDS BATTLE FOR SAFETY,
By impressionist. 
LEEDS UNITED 1, EVERTON 1
With a gale blowing diagonally across the Elland-road ground, the match between Leeds United and Everton was doomed to destruction from the moment the ball was set careering. The earnest, but at times rather crude, methods oi the United were ridiculed by the elements.  The extent of the difficulties could be gauged through the play of Everton. They had the virtue striving keep the ball on the ground.  Yet their turn came to follow the wind they were about ineffective as Leeds. This was the difference: The latter dashed headlong into passages which had harmless end; Everton in their happier restraint could not resist that additional, but fatal, manoeuvre before goal.  This was noticeable of Troup when the conditions dictated that he should have more of the swirling ball than any other forward, and contrast to the methods of Chedgzoy when circumstances prompted the occasional raids to fall upon him.  It was primarily due to Chedgzoy’s ready wit and progressive action that Everton shared points for the sixteenth time this season.
EVERTON RETALIATION
A goal down after nine minutes and on terms ten minutes before the interval, Everton invited views of victory. Instead, for all their balance of play, never a move was so thorough as in the opening stage. To the credit of United’s defence they proved of sterner mettle with the game running against them than in dealing with an eddying ball. Moreover, battling against the wind suited the pure driving force of the forwards.  Although Everton contributed enlightenment out of most that was drab and wearisome, it was well that this buffeting should end in equality. For the most part the ball was either like a shuttlecock sailing out among the spectators, racing beyond challenge behind the goal.  Typical of the way which Leeds United early appreciated their scope, and yet generally mismanaged it, was the first-minute lapse of three forwards with the ball on the Everton goal-line.  However, a corner kick dropped so deceptively that WAINSCOAT was able to head through when almost on all fours amidst a cluster of players.  The backs were apt to misjudge the ball's flight, end in such a case Dean was given a freeway. Potts took the only course, running out, diverting the shot and earning the thanks and respect of Leeds followers his first home appearance. But the cross-drive by which CHEDGZOY equalized was quite beyond his powers.  The outside right, ever with the capacity to bring the ball to his behest and move off made so perfect a position with his inside swerve that he might have given Dean a gift.  He was wise in trusting to his own scoring facility from this position.  Troup ought to have obtained the lead, because he ran through while Leeds were appealing, simply because Dean was standing in an off-side position.  In taking deliberate pains to loft the ball over forlorn Potts, Troup was well wide.
DEFENCE SUPERVENES
The calibre of Everton could not be mistaken. As told they did not realise second half expectations –or fears-and the game petered out with mild incursions and alarms, and defensive play the feature.  Both goalkeepers showed good ball fielding, but Hardy especially was given safe conduct by his backs.  Raitt and McDonald played with an assured individualism and a commanding unison, being precise in their tackling, and as certain in their kicking as conditions allowed.  Raitt and Brown made a strong combination of back and half-back, which disposed for practical purposes of the wing opposed, while Bain and Hart completed a serviceable middle line.  The Leeds backs were fortunate in escaping from early mistakes.  Afterwards came admirable co-operation with half-backs.  Menzies and Edwards came to power, but Townsley was an asset of industry and discretion between attack and defence all through.  Of the forwards, Sissons and Whipp floundered in their own fripperies.  Wainscoat was the one hope of the attack.  With matters not favourable to the support of either, the centres, Jennings and Dean, were chiefly chasing a will o’ the wisp.  Batten, as Chedgzoy’s new partner, imparted resolution with some astute moves to the Everton vanguard.  Leeds United; Potts; Allan, Menzies; Edwards, Tow3nsley, Baker (JW); Sissons, Whipp, Jennings, Wainscoat, and Jackson.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Referee; W.T. Harper, Stourbridge. 

ENGLISH LEAGUE
Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 8, 1926
THE EVERTON GOALKEEPER HONOURED
The English League team to oppose the Scottish League at Glasgow, on Saturday was selected in London today.  Hardy, of Everton, in the goalmouth. 

STILL DRAWING
Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 8, 1926
By Stork
Drawn games are becoming a fetish with Everton.  Up to date they have participated in sixteen; very nearly if not actually a record in senior football. Most clubs are quite content to share the honours away from home, but when there might have been a win a half-share is poor compensation.  At the half-wat stage in their match with Leeds United 99 per cent, of the spectators would have voted for an Everton victory, for had not the Goodison Park team battled against a wind of high velocity and a sustained Leeds United attack and then finished “all square” at the turn.  It is questionable whether a side plays better with the wind or against it.  To my mind a good strong head wind is invaluable if the side calling in its assistance will only go to the trouble of using it in the proper manner.  It must be made to play its part in the general scheme of things.  Such a wind as was blowing at Elland-road suggested a big sense for the side fortunate to win its favour, but Leeds made little use of it.  Rather did they let it upset their general play.  They made no allowance, with the result that most times a shot was carried either over the bar or around the woodwork.  It helped the United in their approach work, but after that the Leeds forwards refused its aid, and instead of having several goals to their credit they had put one, scored at the eight minute, by Wainscoat.  A good goal, I admit for he had to throw himself at Sisson’s corner kick to head it into the not, but when I remembered that the Yorkshire side had six corner kick in less than ten minutes I began to wonder what one there was in winning these flag kicks.  Corner kicks in the old days produced many more goals than they do nowadays.  Why? Write to “Bee” about it. 
CHEDGZOY’S GREAT GOAL
The equalizing goal by Chedgzoy was an even better one then Wainscoat’s.  Bain set the clockwise in motion with an ideal pass to his wing men.  Chedgzoy tricked his man and with a slight movement of his body telegraphed to Potts his intention to middle the ball to Dean.  He had, however, no such intention and when Potts had to go to the back of the not to pick out Chedgzoy’s powerful drive, he must have realized that he had been lured out of position with one intention.  It was a great goal.  That completed the scoring but Dean had a chance when he found himself slap-long in front of goal.  A fatal push forward and advance by Potts, and the promised goal became but a dream.  Many think Troup should have scored when Dean refused to play the ball and become a victim to offside. It looked a simple enough chance from the grand stand, but it was not nearly so simple as it looked.  The game was, without doubt, spoiled by the wind, but Everton were wiser than Leeds in that they kept the ball low.  It would not be fair to be hypercritical under such conditions, for mistakes were bound to be numerous.  I must say that Batten improved on his previous showing, even if he was inclined to be a trifle slow.  Dean was not on his best game- Townsley, the best half on the field, was responsible to a great extent.  Troup, got very little to do and the right wing was the more dangerous.  The half-backs rendered great help to their rear line –the best part of the team. Raitt is now playing great football.  He is more certain in his tackles and kicks with greater confidence. 
EVERTON BENEFITS
Mr. J. McKenna presided at a meeting of the Management Committee of the Football league this morning.  Benefit sanctioned- Chedgzoy and D Reid (Everton). 

BENEFITS FOR EVERTON PLAYERS.
March 9, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Among a number of benefits sanctioned by the football league yesterday, were those of Chedgzoy and Reid of Everton. Both players have served the club loyally and well.

STOCKPORT PLAYER TRANSFFERED
Manchester Evening News- Friday, March 12, 1926
Stockport County have parted with another of their players.  This is Caddick, who has been secured by Barnsley.  Since he joined the County at the commencement of last season he has played chiefly with the Reserves, but during the last three or four matches has bene included in the first team, and has shown good form.  Before joining the County he was with Everton playing with the Reserves.  Caddick is a native of Walton, Liverpool, and is five feet ten and half inches in height, and weighs eleven stones ten pounds. 

EVERTON TACKLE BUCHAN
Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 12, 1926
Bee’s Notes
LONDON SIDE’S RIDE
London football has been much in the forefront of the season’s work, and though they have gone out of the Cup the matches played in this city by Arsenal, Spurs, and West Ham have been particularly gratifying.  West Ham made a big mark at Anfield and then fell from grace; Spurs were here a week ago, and now Arsenal, whose rise is the big topic of the football dressing-room and board rooms, make a show at Everton.  Perhaps to-morrow will produce Everton in a winning need instead of in their special star role of “champion drawists.” There is much local rivalry Between Everton and Liverpool in the League positions.  Through the mid-week draw at Manchester, Liverpool “went up one,” and moreover they have a game or two in hand.  Many side wagers are centred every year upon the Liverton sides and their League positions in May.  I think that Everton will beat Arsenal to-morrow partly because a side that goes out of the Cup often cracks up in the League strife through lack of confidence.  Everton’s forwards will have to keep a wary look-out for the offside tacticians when the following teams turn out.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Arsenal; Harper; Mackie, John; Baker, Butler, Blyth;  Lawson, Buchan, Brian, Ramsey, Dr. Paterson. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 13, 1926
VICTOR HALL RENEWS THEATRICAL MEMOROES
THIRTY YEARS AGO
In recent article we remembered again the association between theatrical and vaudeville performers, and our local players and committee men of a former generation.  Space precludes our giving even a summary of the many years of happy association that always existed with those jointly interested in sport and variety, as applied to stage and music hall.  While we mentioned a few of the many names that were prominent twenty or thirty years ago, there are still many that cannot be omitted in any account of Liverpool or Everton Football Clubs.  The close interest that existed for years between the Shakespeare Theatre, under John Gaffney’s management, and the Court Theatre, under Arthur Lawrence, are cases in point, while later the Empire, from the management days of James and Tom Aynesley Cook down to the present outstanding popularity and esteem of Mr. George Manners, has made the Empire the centre for hospitality for official theatre entertained.  Under the genial influence of Mr. “Teddy” James the Olympia, and at present the Hippodrome, have ever lent themselves to the service of both football clubs, not only as places of entertainment for the players, but in that, more practical form of arranging special performances or facilities for the entertainment of football visitors, when great matches brought numbers of people to either Anfield or Goodison Park.  But these are practically present day personalities in theatrical management.  One must go back twenty or thirty years to recall those entertainment caterers, who early on in the development of football realized the potentialities of the game for gathering many visitors to the entertainments of the city when the close of the game itself left an evening free for enjoyment.  The late Dennis Granville, who was the then lesseeof the Rotunda Theatre in Liverpool and the Arhyle Theatre in Birkenhead, was a strong supporter of the Stanley Hospital, and he early realized the material assistance the Everton club had given the hospital in its various charity functions.  He therefore reciprocated the compliment whenever opportunity occurred, and with the co-operation of his manager, the late Charles Wood, probably the best loved man in theatrical circles in the North of England, he at all times placed his theatre at the disposal of the local football clubs whenever a request was made for their entertainment.  In the same degree did Mr. James Kiernan, who then controlled the destinies of the Park Palace and the Paddington; while later similar exchanges of courtesies were given by the late Mr. Montgomery at the Westminster Music Hall and the Royal, Breck-road.  Messrs, Broadhead did equal good service at the pavilion, and many “football evening” took place at all these popular houses in turn, when players and supporters of both clubs attended in great numbers and gave the proceedings a carnival flavor.  Mr. Shaun Glenville and his charming wife, Dorothy Ward, continue the good practice down to the present day of having special football performances, when the legions of their friends among the playing members of both teams attend to do the popular artistes honour.  It happened ,pre then once, in the period we are speaking of, that special arrangements would be made on the football evenings to have medals of cups presented to favourite football players or popular artistes of the pantomime on the stage during an interval in the performance, and more than one comedian has brought down the house by wearing the jersey and knickers of one of the local teams and singing a chorus in which allusion would be made to the recent game played.  It used to be a great idea to try and get a few of the players on to the stage to receive the medals or cups during one of the pantomime scenes, but for all the multitude they were used to playing before each week, it was surprisingly difficult to get those same players to face the footlights.  Players like Milward or Jimmy Ross, who were lively enough off the stage to be taken for comedians themselves, got an extra-ordinary attack of stage-fright when an artists tried to coax them to come on.  Johnny Divers, during his playing career at Everton, once went on and made a speech, but Barney Battles had to accompany him and gave him cordial support.  But, then, Johnny Divers was himself a born comedian –and no stranger to the footlights.  In the present day, Jack Cocks, who recently left Everton for the South, has made regular appearances in a professional capacity on the stage of several suburban theatres, where his acceptable singing brought him spontaneous applause that many a more pretentious vocalist would have envied.  I remember Charlie Parry once-that grand back that served Everton so well and so long-going on to the stage- at the Rofunda-I think it was, to receive a presentation voted to him by popular approval as the favourite and most popular player of his team.  Like other players, Charlie had a strong vein of humour- in the dressing-room or the saloon railway carriage-but when he found himself in the centre of the “Palace” scene with forty or fifty smiling ladies –with spears or wands –I forget which- surrounding him, I think he must have spent the most awkward five minutes of his playing career.  He had a few words of thanks learnt off by heart, but his wits him at the critical moment, and when he strove to say something all he could get out was, “Food health and good night” as he rushed off to the wings.  I remember Mr. James Kiernan bringing the great Dan Leno over from Manchester, where he was playing in pantomime, to a private function held in the old Assembly Rooms in Hardman-street, to which a number of prominent football people had been invited, and Leno confided to me that night that football was the one game, “apart from his own” –by which I took it meant dancing-that he really understood and enjoyed.  He and Mr. Kiernan were great pals, and the wonderful little man would do anything or go anywhere that Jimmy asked him.  Fancy coming to Liverpool by train after a hard night’s work, playing the principal comedian in pantomime, and then taking a leading part in a function that entailed a speech of two and a selection from his wonderful repertory of “yawns.”  And railway travelling in those days was not so good as to-day!  Before I close I must not omit a reference to the part played in the old Star Music Hall in the days of Fineberg and Lees, when Mr. Harris Fineberg was coming into public life, and the present Sir Walter de Frece had not yet gone into management.  The “Star” in those days was the place where all visitors made for.  There the great artistes were only to be seen, and there a full night’s entertainment was given with chairman Fred Harris, and his cigar, in the place of honour.  No football team coming from Scotland to play at Everton would go back home without a visit to the “star,” and there one met people in every walk of life in a free and causal manner.  While the performance was the thing, plenty of occasion was given for chat or a convivial grouping that one misses in the present formal atmosphere of our stately palaces of entertainment. 

BRAIN WAVE AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 13, 1926
ARSENAL CENTRE-FORWARD PERFORMS THE HAT-TRICK
CHEDGZOY’S PAIR NEUTRALISED
By Stork
Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup.  Arsenal; Harper; Mackie, John; Baker, Butler, Blythe; Hulme, Buchan (Captain), Brain, Ramsey, Lawson.  Thirty thousand people saw Everton win the toss, and after the Arsenal right wing had sounded the Everton defence the Arsenal goal had a bear squeak.  Dean, Batten, and O’Donnell descended upon their goal, and only an offside decision spoiled a possible goal.  Kendall had not nearly so much to do at his confrere Harper, but the Scottish international keeper, was often harassed by the lively Everton inside forwards, and made several timely interventions in the saving of his charge. 
PENALTY GOAL BY CHEDGZOY
One of them was brilliant in the extremer, Dean, with a tricky lob, got round his full-back and drove in a gem of a ball.  Harper took his stance and made the catch of the season.  Kendall too, made a sterling catch when Brain headed for the angle of the post.  Much of the football had been clean and clever, and when Everton were granted a penalty claim for a trip on Troup and Chedgzoy scored from the post, the only got their deserts, for they had been persistent attackers until this, the seventeenth minute.
SECOND BY CHEDGZOY
Batten, who had shown a vast improvement upon anything he had previously done for Everton, was excellent with his passes, and from one of them Chedgzoy was able to lift a ball into the Arsenal goalmouth which gave the Londoners’ defence some anxious moments.  Harper was successful in punching clear, but in doing so only helped on Everton’s cause, for Batten seized upon his clearance, and drove hard and true for the net.  Unfortunately for the Everton player a full-back got dead in his line of fire.  The ball cannoned out to O’Donnell who quickly returned it on to the cross-bar with goalkeeper Harper out of his lair.  Troup ended Arsenal’s trouble by putting behind.  Blythe offered Buchan a chance which the start forward did not accept, and then followed an Everton attack which brought them a second goal.  Chedgzoy got away from his man on the right, and although at a shocking angle propelled the ball with such power and direction that it travelled beyond Harper and several colleagues on its way into the net.  It was a great goal, although I thought Harper should have made a much better show.
A BRAIN WAVE
The Arsenal did not take the reverse lying down, and when Brain, who had been suggesting a goal, actually got one at the 36th minute, he had to beat Raitt before he got in his shot.  This he did successfully and left Kendall helpless.  Five minutes later Brain got another goal, this time through a slip by Kendall.  The goalkeeper had made a capital catch from Baker, but when challenged by Brain he lost possession.
BRAIN’S HAT TRICK
This left Brain an easy task to put the ball into the net.  This was, to say the least, a quick turn of the tide, but when, eight minutes later, Brain put the Arsenal ahead it was the last straw.  The last goal was the best of all.  It originated with a perfect Buchan pass, and, although Brain was closely tackled, he foiled his opponent and slashed in a shot that was a goal from the very moment it left his foot.  It was in every respect a brainy goal, Arsenal kept up the attack to the interval.  Half-time; Arsenal, 3, Everton 2.  Everton set about their task of retrieving the goal deficit with a will, and but for the bump of the ball, Chedgzoy would have given Harper much more trouble with a shot than he did.  After Ramsey had forced Kendall to edge a ball over the bar, Buchan and Hulme participated in a movement which promised a goal.
BUCHAN’S MISS
The ball flitted from one to the other until Arsenal captain found himself with an opening-but, strange as it may appear, this football genius –he is a genius –lifted the ball over the crossbar.  It is not like Buchan to miss such chances.  The Arsenal were not top dogs, so much so that one saw O’Donnell at left full back helping to check the Arsenal right wing, which was particularly brilliant at this moment.  What had happened to the forwards I cannot say, unless it was that they could not get out of the clutches of the busy B’s who constituted the Londoners half back line.  The Everton forwards came to life all of a sudden, but there was no damage done to Harper’s charge, although he had to be on his metal in case anything turned up. 
EVERTON AS TOYS
Kendall, on the other hand, had a busy time, but his handling was both safe and sure.  The rise of the Arsenal has been much discussed.  It is easy to see how it came about; the team’s spirit, ellued to cleverness and a shot.  The London side took complete charge of matters; in fact, it is no exaggeration to say they toyed with Everton, and if Kendall had not been on the que vive a bigger score would have debited against the Goodison people.
SAVED BY THE CROSSBAR
He had some nasty-looking stuff to negotiate but he was always sure about it.  The crossbar had saved the Arsenal goal on one occasion and it now did the same for Everton when Lawson rammed one on to the woodwork with everybody beaten.  Final; Everton 2, Arsenal 3. 

STOKE RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 13, 1926
Everton opened the game and pressed for a time, showing clever football.  stoke forced a corner, and from a flag kick, which was beautifully placed by Walker, R. Johnson headed the opening goal for Stoke fifteen minutes.  Everton’s attempts to score were cleverly frustrated by Knott, Foster, late of Huddersfield, was playing beautiful football at inside left for Stoke. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Stafforshire Sentinel-Saturday 13 March, 1926
STOKE CITY V EVERTON
GOOD HOME WON OVER STRONG OPPONENTS
Stoke city Reserves 2, Everton Reserves 0
Stoke had quite an interesting side for their match with Everton at the Victoria Ground to-day.  At centre forward Richard Johnson, of the first team, turned out; at left back A. Sturgess, son of a former Stoke half-back still of good repute (who was present to see his son’s debut) appeared, while Frank Watkin, of the “A” team, operated on the right extreme of the forward line.  In addition, a new forward, in B.E. Foster, of Huddersfield, was given a trial.  The teams were;- Stoke City;  Knott, goal; Dawson and A. Stugess, backs; Walker, Hodgkinson, and Maxwell, half-backs; F. Watkin, Bussey, Johnson (R.), B.E. Foster, and Hallam, forwards.  Everton; Jones, goal; Hamilton and Kerr, backs; Rooney, McBain and Reid, half-backs; Irvine, Houghton, Murray, Kennedy, and Weaver, forwards.  Referee; Mr. S. Owen, of Crewe. 
THE GAME
In spring-like weather Murray started the game, and though there was a breeze blowing from the town goal, which Everton were attacking, it did not appear to affect the play of Houghton, and Irvine, who were instrumental in taking the ball into the Stoke territory.  Probably on account of nervousness, Sturgess failed in a first attempt at a clearance when checking Houghton, but he recovered himself in time, and at the second attempt kicked well up-field.  Murray and Kennedy, however, were lying in wait, and Dawson was very soon called upon to relieve when Kennedy shot in.  Everton still maintaining their advantage.  Weaver made headway, but was forced into touch by Dawson.  Stoke were then sent away by Hodgkins, who had previously distinguished himself in tackling, and Bussey and Hodgkins in a concerted movement made good progress, but when Johnson put forward Hamilton relieved, and Foster was too far back to return the ball.  For some time play was continued to midfield, with Stoke having a slight advantage, although once Murray dashed away and netted the ball after the whistle had sounded for offside.  Later, Walker, touchline forward to Watkins, started another home movement which ended with the Stoke forwards in a bunch in front of Jones.  The ‘keeper saved from Johnson, and then handled from Foster, but finally Kerr punted clear.  Displaying good understanding in all departments, Everton continued to hold a slight advantage.  All their movements were characterized by splendid combination, from backs to the forward line.  As this understanding was often lacking in the Stoke ranks they suffered by contrast.  As the result of a beautifully conceived movement Kennedy was left in possession a few yards in front of Knott, but, fortunately for Stoke, his shot went just over the bar.  Immediately Stoke went to the other end, where they gained a corner, and after the ball had bobbed tantalizingly in front of Jones, Johnson headed in without effect, and Jones saved well from Bussey. 
CLEVER DEFENSIVE WORK
Everton, by pretty forward play, were soon in front of Knott, and Sturgess distinguished himself on one occasion by taking the ball from the foot of Houghton, when the latter was in the net of shooting.  His action undoubtedly prevented a goal.  After 22 minutes Stoke ended a determined attack by going ahead.  RICHARD JOHNSON scored, converting a flag-kick taken by Watkin.  Inspired by their success, Stoke made substantial headway and when Hodgkiss passed to Hallam the outside left put in a capital centre, which Johnson headed goalwards, Jones could not gather the ball in the first palce, but at the second attempt he tipped it just over the bar.  It was a very neat shave.  The Everton goal had another narrow escape a minute later, following a fine attack in which Watkin, Bussey and Johnson were prominent.  Watkin was left with the ball, and seemed to have a good chance of scoring, but the pass from Bussey had too much of a spin on it, with the result that he drove the ball just on the wrong side of the post.  The Everton goal survived yet another attack, when Foster, after eluding Rooney and Hamilton in good style, dropped the ball into the goalmouth and Kerr just managed to clear before Johnson could get up to convert.  Following this play was transferred to the Stoke area, where Everton, after forcing two corners, almost equalized through Murray, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Knott.  In the last few minutes of this half Stoke tried hard to add to their score.  Walker and Watkin were prominent in an attack which ended in the former shooting over the bar.  Later Foster had a shot but missed the marks.  Half-time;- Stoke City 1, Everton 0.
When play was resumed it was seen that Hallam and Foster had changed places.  The first movement of note was made by the visitors, Irvine after outdistancing all his opponents, dashing a shot across goal and out.  Later Knott saved at close range from Houghton and also a long attempt by Kennedy.  Gradually forcing their opponents back, Stoke made a scoring effort, but Watkin shot into the side net.  The pressure was continued, and Johnson gave to Hallam, who shot in for Jones to bring off a good save.  After a period on the defensive, Stoke made a sustained attack in which Jones saved from Hallam and Foster.  At the other end Sturgess pulled up Murray, and Kennedy shot out.  Everton gained two corners, neither of which was improved upon, although Houghton had a fine chance to equalize.  Almost at once play was carried into the Everton area where Johnson gave Watkin a nice pass, which was succeeded by a good centre, Hamilton clearing.  The Stoke halves were in fair trim, and many of the well laid schemes of the Everton forwards came to nothing in consequence.  After the second half had been in progress 35 minutes Maxwell gave a long pass to Johnson, who, after beating Hamilton, crossed the ball to WATKIN, who beat Jones with a fine shot which found the far corner of the net.  Stoke made strenuous efforts to add to their score in the last five minutes, but the Everton defence prevailed. 

EVERTON 2 ARSENAL 3
March 15 th 1926. The Daily Courier.
BLUES STAMPEDED BY ARSENAL.
BRAIN'S HAT-TRICK BRINGS VICTORY.
Although Everton were the losing side their display was not without merit. Unfortunately for ten minutes midway they allowed themselves to be stampeded by a good side. History repeated itself, for at the previous meeting at the Park they were beaten. It is a matter of opinion whether Everton could not have availed themselves of a better side with their resources. Kendall who was doing duty for Hardy, helping the English League, has not the confidence yet of the regular goalkeeper. He ought to have saved the second goal, but he did well generally considering how busily employed he was.
HIGH STANDARD.
The game often reached a high standard, and it was keen. It was notable for the play of the wingmen on both sides. They came out with honours. It was a pleasure to watch both Chedgzoy, a wonder for a veteran, and Troup, whose trickiness was an asset. Their vis-à-vis, Lawson and Hulme, were two other great wing men. Lawson, although he had been switched over from the right to the left wing, was quite at home, and found Ramsey a faster partner than Dr. Paterson, who was out. Ramsey, too, had developed a great left foot. Arsenal are undoubtedly a fine side. They won because they proved a better side than another good one. Everton did not shoot at every available opportunity, but having obtained a clear two goals lead, there is not much excuse for their defeat. Arsenal were a better side because of their positional play. They were fast and have the team spirit, and seldom a man faltered in a hard game to a finish. The falling away of the Everton forwards in the second half was due largely to the workmanship of the Arsenal's famous half-back line, of which Butler was the pick; Baker can do even better, for he was not on the top of his form; but Blyth was a host in himself, although inclined to be individualistic. The home halves were not consistent throughout, although it was a distinctly serviceable line, the only fault being with some of the passing. Brown offered Chedgzoy several chances, which the winger availed himself of the full. Batten was a most improved new partner to Chedgzoy, and gave a resolute and whole-hearted display. His progress will be watched,
SHADOWED.
Dean found himself well shadowed, particularly by Butler, but his lob into goal in the first half, after beating the opposition, deserved a goal. This was just before Troup was tripped by Mackie in the penalty area, which enabled Chedgzoy to get his first goal from a penalty kick . His second was a splendid goal from a most awkward angle. On the other wing O'Donnell worked hard, but was not as impressive as usual. Raitt and McDonald, with the exception of a slip or two, were sound, and the former and Brown had an understanding, but Everton did not maintain first half expectations, and there was often doubt as to whether the defence could hold Arsenal's clever forwards. Foremost among them, of course, was Buchan the artist. He did not impress as a speed master, but his side-stepping and brainy moves made him the most dangerous forwards on the field. Brain, formerly of Tony Petre, having one of his best day's, over shadowed "Dixie" and was allowed too much rope. His three goals came together just before the interval with clockwork regularity, two of them being due to the co-operation of Baker and Buchan respectively. Kendall had little chance with the first after Raitt had been beaten, but he dropped the second. Mackie and John were a sound pair, who cleared without hesitation. Teams: - Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt and McDonald backs, Brown, Bain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O'Donnell, and Troup, forwards. Arsenal: - Harper goal, Mackie, and John, backs, Baker, Butler, and Blyth, half-backs, Hulme, Buchan, Brain, Ramsey, and Lawson forwards.

HARDY PLAYS FOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
March 15, 1926. The Daily Courier.
At Glasgow in front of 50,000 spectators. Hardy after a shaky beginning, made no serious mistakes, and helped the Football League beat the Scottish League, by two goals to nil.

STOKE CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 15, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
At Victoria Ground, Everton indulged in much pattern weaving. They were much the cleverer side, but the City, however, took the chances. Johnson and Watkin were the scorers. Kennedy was the best of the forwards, whose finishing was many inferiors to their approach work. McBain dominated the centre of the field, and distributed both with judgement and intelligence. Hamilton and Kerr were sound enough, and could not be blamed for the defeat . Everton: - Jones, goal, Hamilton and Kerr, backs, Rooney, McBain, and Reid, half-backs, Irvine, Houghton, Murray, Kennedy, and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON "A" 0 HARLANDIC 2
March 15, 1926. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
About 700 spectators witnessed a poor game at Townsend-lane, in which Harlandic emerged winners by two clear goals. In the first half Everton had slightly the better of the game, but the forwards, with the exception of Rand, gave a disappointing display. Rand tried hard to get his line working smoothly, but received no support. He also fell back, on occasions, to assist the defence. Stubbs scored for Harlandic, and shortly after the interval Hughes added a second. After this Rand strove desperately to reduce the score, but without success. Hibbert, the Blues outside right, made a few pretty runs down the wing, but his centres generally were put behind, while on the other wing Dodd and Murphy were feeble. Just before the end Everton's goal had a narrow escape when Morrison sent in a shot which just passed wide of the upright. Rand and Braithwaite did well for the homesters. Houston, Parker, and Stubbs were the pick of the visitors.

ARSENAL LESSON IN TEAM WORK
Athletic News-Monday, March 15, 1926
EVERTON OVERCOME AFTER LEADING\EVERTON 2, ARSENAL 3
By Junius
EVERTON were made to look small at Goodison Park on Saturday. They were two goals in hand after half an hour's play, and both O'Donnell and Troup had driven against the bar.  There was a real superiority in the footwork of their opponents, which always looked like producing results as play progressed, and within twelve minutes they took the lead, and retained it to the end.  It was game of sharp contrasts.  Arsenal’s strength lay in team work, each line linking up and reducing effort to a minimum. Everton were slower, less combined, and less artistic than usual. They were harder workers, but their energy was misdirected, and by comparison their efforts were laboured.  Everton’s early attacks were usually developed on the left, where the speed of Troup served him well. Dean was in sparkling form and always a menace to Mackie, whose attempts to place him out play seldom succeeded.
EARLY GOAL SURPRISE. 
Play was so even in the early stages, that when Everton opened the scoring as the result of a penalty taken by CHEDGZOY, against Mackie for fouling Troup, it came as a surprise.  This goal gave much confidence to the Everton attack, and O'Donnell and Troup came near to placing the side further ahead.  A second goal from CHEDGZOY was helped into the corner of the net by Harper’s fist, and was a just reward for clever work on the left flank.  Arsenal were always threatening danger, but the Everton defenders were  always in place at the right moment, but in the last quarter an hour the first half the visitors took the lead.  Brain scored all three goals. The first was the result of clever work on the Arsenal right, and when Raitt failed to time a ball from Hulme BRAIN was able beat Kendall.  Five minutes later Baker drove in a high ball which Kendal gathered, only to lose possession when tackled by BRAIN.  Three minutes afterwards Buchan, of whom little was seen—though his generalship was noticeable—with an minutes touch at the right moment, made it possible for BRAIN to score his third. 
MIGHT HAVE DRAWN LEVEL. 
The second half was strenuous to a degree and early on Chedgzoy might have levelled the scores. O’Donnell for the second time hit the post, and Ramsay tested Kendall with shot that was tipped over for a corner kick.  Lawson drove against the bar when provided with an easy chance from Hulme. Everton played too hard to be effective, for skill was lacking, while Arsenal’s move by move made for progression, and it would not have been surprising had they forged further ahead.  Arsenal were the cleverer team, and their more methodical play combined with subtlety of improvement, made their work light.  In forward line that had fine working arrangement with the half-backs, Hulme and Lawson were prominent.  Among, the half-backs, I was most impressed Blyth, but all three played on excellent game.  Everton’s forwards and half-backs compared.  unfavourably. The ball was too frequently in the air, and passing was often faulty.  Chedgzoy, Dean, and Troup were the outstanding forwards, for the inner players gave little support, and were too often driven back to help the defence. 
DEPENABLE PAIR
Arsenal had two resourceful defenders in Mackie and John who kicked a splendid length, were seldom in difficulties, and more dependable than the home pair.  Harper kept a good goal, as also did Kendall, though he should have prevented Arsenal’s second goal.  Everton; Kendall; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Bain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Batten, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup.  Arsenal; Harper; Mackie, John; Baker, Butler, Blyth; Hulme, Buchan, Brain, Ramsay, and Lawson.  Referee; H. Clayton, Derby. 

EVERTON FAIL TO DRAW AT HOME
Liverpool Echo –Monday, February 15, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Everton’s game on Wednesday with Sunderland at Goodison Park becomes doubly interesting.  Everton have added to the “on the offer list” Murray, the South African centre-forward, Millington and Parry, wing men, as well as goalkeeper Harland and Kendall, and Rand the Darlington inside forward.  Parry has been looked upon as Chedgzoy deputy, and he is not likely to leave Lancashire.
WOE, EVERTON
By Stork
The rise of the Arsenal in the football firmament has been the talk of the country.  How comes this wonderful transformation?  That is the question on all sides.  After you have even the side the answer is quite simple.  It is not that they are a team of “stars,” but just a collection of men saturated with the team spirit.  Each and every one pulls at the same end of the rope, and success is the natural outcome.  To put one’s finger on the keynote to that state of affairs can be done in a trice.  Mr. Chapman and Charles Buchan, the latter the latter the football genius, the former the greatest manager of all time.  It hardly seems creditable that two men could bring about such a change in the game as they did against Everton, who had taken a two-goal lead, and appeared to be well on the way to victory.  It was then that the London side deemed it necessary to strike their blow, and it took them but thirteen minutes in all to wipe out their deficit and place a leading goal on their credit side.  Up to the moment that Chedgzoy had augmented his penalty kick with a second goal, the Arsenal had not done a great deal towards getting goals, but they suddenly buckled on their belts, and sat about their business in real earnest, and then what an onslaught! Everton could not cope with it, and Brain, aided and shetted by his colleagues, placed the ball in Everton’s net on three occasions.  He was helped in his second point by Kendall, who, challenged after making a good catch from Baker, lost possession and suffered in consequence.  The third goal, however, was the greatest of the whole five scored.  It was the work of the genius, Buchan.  Holding on the ball until the last second, he ceased the defence away from Brain one parting, but when he did part it meant the parting of two points from the Everton club.  Brain knew his captain’s intentions, and when the ball was placed at his toe he quickly hooked it into the net.  After that the Everton forwards, who had premised so well, faded into oblivion, and but for the smart goalkeeping of Kendall and the interference of the crossbar when Lawson hit out at goal, the margin in Arsenal’s favour would have been considerably greater.  I must state, however, that O’Donnell piloted one on to the top bar when he should have scored, for Harper was out of his goal at the time.  I do not lay the blame at Kendall’s door, neither do I place it on the shoulders of the defence.  It was the forwards who failed.  In the second half they were never seen in a concerted action.  They never got out of the grip of the busy B’s –Blyth, Baker, and Butler –a half-back line which will hold more than one forward line at bay.  This trio backs up its forwards, covers up its defence; in fact does everything a half-back line should so.  Buchan, of course, was the master mind in the attack.  He made the Everton players look a pour lot.  They were as clay in the hands of the moulder.  Hos passes were the acme of perfection, and the colleague to whom they were intended found himself in a position free from all, Brain in one of the best forwards I have seen for some time.  Form like be displayed must be recognized ere long.  Hulme, under Buchan’s promptings, did well, and Ramsey and Lawson comprised a capital wing.  The backs, Mackie and John, did not impress me.  They were not certain when Dean and his co-forwards were at their best, but when their half-backs stifled the Everton forwards they had an easy time, and it was just as well from their point of view.  Arsenal’s defeat in the Cup has not left its mark, as so many had suggested. 

PITING SAROASM
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, March 16, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Your correspondent “Blue Peter” in reply to my criticism of his suggestion to play Irvine centre, writes a lot, but seems to sidestep any chief point (says “A.E.W.”).  he gives no sensible or intelligent reason why a man who has served twenty odd goals should be deposed; goals scored despite the fact that support from his inside men, to say the least, has not been too lavish.  “Blue Peter” must have heard the comments on the ground.  What is the earthly use of dribbles and wiggles if you do not part to advantage?  There is only one outcome –the player wriggles himself out of the team.  Any supporter with the least stem of grey matter know that “dead-end wriggling” could not go on indefinitely.  The direction have done the right thing in experimenting on this position.  Regarding my remarks to Dean’s style of football, which I term “classy,” “Blue Peter” seems to ridicule this, yet Dean’s name seems to appear almost every week in the Liverpool and London Press as one of the outstanding players in his particular match.  I am afraid “Blue Peter” knows more about deck quoits and football!
This correspondence must now cease!
IN LIGHTER VEIN                                
On Saturday last I was fortunate enough to hear two particularly good sporting jokes, the most humorous aspect of them, however, being that the information was vouchered in all performances (writes L.F. Astensy).  The first was at Goodison Park.  You will recall that after Everton had opened the score O’Donnell drove a fast shot against the crossbar, and the ball rebounded into play with a vivid streak of whitewash upon it. A person just behind me inquired of his friend what the white mark on the ball meant, and his companion replied that signaled one goal had been scored! The second was in the evening, at a suburban cinema.  I chanced to overhear a conversation between two young ladies concerning the forthcoming big event at Aintree.  One of them informed her friend that she thought Double Chance would win the Grand Natural! Well, “Bee,” I thought that this “Double Chance” of rasing a smile was too good to keep to myself so pass on the information with the hope of amusing your readers. 
Thanks for two good laughs.
GOODISON ARSENAL BLOWN UP
Joe, Tom and Harry (refs);-
I suppose you are as sweet as ever, honey?  Well, after being “battened” down by “brain” –without “hart” to do anything, we, the undersigned Scotties, do strongly object to being done “brown” by our fellow countryman, although we expect the Everton directorate and manager –being also of the same strain- will say that it is quite all “rait,” and put the blame on Kendall- the lad who has never had a chance.  Even though “peacock,” feathers are supposed to be unlucky, surely it is pretty well obvious to everybody that a rearguard of “Scotch rock” is enough to put the wind up any goalkeeper, and not in the same class, either for stability or taste, as the good old Everton toffee.  (Note; Interleague match last year, Manchester City or Preston this season).  What’s the good of a defence that plays not on its merits, but on the weakness of each other; let the Everton club realise that “porridge” made in England is the best to put a back on anybody in these hectic days of kick and rush, although the gunners machinery did work intricately and smoothly.  For every goal scored by Everton forwards it is neutralized nearly always by a mistake on the part of the defenders.  This in itself is enough to put the team off their game.  We suggest; Kendall; Hamilton, Rooney; Bain, Reid, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Peacock, O’Donnell. 
   “Goodison” writes;- After taking into consideration that Everton have only won one game in 1926, and more especially after playing six home matches, I think it is time the club made a big move, in the way of buying inside forwards.  If it is impossible to obtain good inside players, I would like to see the following;- Hardy; Raitt, Kerr; Peacock, McDonald, Virr (if fit); Chedgzoy, Bain, Dean, Reid, O’Donnell. 

James McPherson
Kirkintilloch Herald - Wednesday 17 March 1926
An Old Footballer
One of the largest attended funerals in the district took place on Saturday afternoon, when the remains of Mr. James McPherson, 399 Springburn Road, who was at one time a well-known football player were interred in Sighthill Cemetery.  Deceased came from Kilmarnock where he played half-back to Cowlairs Club, where he took a similar position, having also played for Everton.  An engineer to trade, he was employed in Hydepark Locomotive Works, Springburn, for over thirty year.  Large number of his workmates, old football friends and members of Cowlairs Bowling Club, of which he was an enthusiastic member, followed the cortege, hundreds of people inning the roadway and uncovering during the passing of the hearse. 

FOUR CHANGES IN THE EVERTON SIDE.
March 17 th 1926. The Daily Courier.
Everton play their rearranged League game with Sunderland at Goodison Park today, kick-off 3-15. The form of the Blues, especially in the second half, against the Arsenal was such as to call for changes if the Wearsiders were to be stopped. Therefore the introduction of Reid at centre half, Bobby Irvine, as partner to Chedgzoy, and the moving over of Batten to inside left will occasion no surprise. Hardy, after his good work with the English League, of course resumes in goal. Sunderland may make a change in the eleven that somewhat fortunately beat Liverpool. Andrew's leg is troubling him, but he made the journey with his colleagues and if all right will take the field today. Should he have to cry off Coxford will deputise. The teams are: - Everton: - Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup. Sunderland: - McInroy; Cresswell, and England; Clunas, Andrews, or Coxford; Prior, Kelly, Halliday, Marshall, and Death.

EVERTON’S WIN
Sunderland Daily Echo-Wednesday, March 17, 1926
SUNDERLAND AT GOODISON PARK
A QUIET GAME
By Argus
Owing to having to postpone their fixture with Everton though the cup-ties, Sunderland were likely to have to pay compensation to Everton, as in spite of the fact that to-day is St. Patrick’s Day and that Liverpool contains many Irishmen on holiday, the gate was sure to be well down compared with a Saturday’s gate at Goodison Park.  At Andrew’s request he was omitted from the Sunderland team, for he wanted to rest his leg further and Coxford took his place at left half.  For Everton Reid appeared at centre half in place of Bain, and Batten moved over to inside left to accommodate Irvine, so that St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated by Everton reintroducing two Irishmen. 
The teams were;-
Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell and England; Clunas, Parker, and Coxford; Prior, Kelly, Halliday, Marshall and Death.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt and McDonald; Brown, Reid, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. J.C. Pennington.
The conditions were excellent, but the attendance was not more than 25,000 at the start.
THE GAME
The start was sensational enough for the game was not more than two minutes’ old when Sunderland defence was mixed up and DEAN was left with only McInroy to beat, and he promptly shot into the net.  Sunderland’s forwards could not get going and before many more minutes had elapsed the Sunderland defenders stood appealing while Batten went on towards goal.  McInroy left his charge and Batten with the goal at his mercy kicked over the bar.  Everton were playing the more constructive game, but the Sunderland defence settled down better, and as a result of a free-kick Sunderland. 
GOT ON LEVEL TERMS
Brown fouled Death, and Coxford lifted the ball into the goalmouth, where MARSHALL headed it into the net, well out of the reach of Hardy, who seemed to me to misjudge the ball.  Just afterwards there was a clear case of McDonald handling in the penalty area.  Perhaps the referee thought it was accidental, as he waved the players on, but if McDonald had not handled the ball Halliday would have had an open goal.  Everton’s front rank were receiving the better half-back support and their forwards were clever at working the ball, but they found McInroy safe, he responded to calls made upon him by Dean and Irvine.  The ball went soft, and the referee ordered another.  This also failed to satisfy him, and a third was procured, Chedgzoy was frequently left uncovered, and his centres were dangerous, but Parker intercepted at the right moment. Hardy was twice in difficulties with screw shots, but each time he muddled the ball clear.  At the other end after McInroy had punched clear Irvine struck the crossbar with a terrific drive.  Whilst the play was clever, the football was quite tame and lacking in enthusiasm.  Still, Everton were a shade the more dangerous, but when Death centred Hardy was very lucky.  He bounced the ball down, and Halliday just failed to get the ball into the net with his body.  This was not form which suggested Hardy, England’s goalkeeper.  Coxford was settling down to a stronger game, but he allowed Chedgzoy to get clear and only the quickness of England prevented danger.  A centre by Prior was dived for by Halliday, who succeeded in breasting the ball past Raitt, but could not recover it in time for a shot.  The passing of the Sunderland halves was not of the best, but Kelly and Prior combined well, and the former ran in and looked to be tripped in the penalty area before Hardy fell on the ball. Then Everton developed a series of raids and in one of them Dean struck the crossbar.  The danger was not cleared, for Chedgzoy centred again and England kicked out on the goal line after McInroy had been beaten.  Immediately afterwards Parker saved a certain goal by heading over the bar a terrific shot by Chedgzoy.  This pressure which Everton were exerting was bound to bear fruit and it was not surprising that five minutes from the interval Everton took the lead by a brilliant goal by DEAN.  The old Tranmere centre forward cut straight for goal with three Sunderland men trying to stop him, and his final shot was of the unstoppable brand.  Halliday was not shaping well in the Sunderland centre, but he was getting few passes calculated to give him shooting chances, and Kelly’s footwork had been poor on the whole.
HALF-TIME; Everton 2, Sunderland 1. 
The attendance had reached 30,000 when the game was resumed.  Everton started with some brilliant passing movements, but Chedgzoy soon missed a good chance by wild shooting,  Sunderland’s attack was very loose and the half back work was not much better on the flanks, Parker alone showing judgement at close quarters.  When Sunderland did get away Death twice had fast shots charged down before Reid got the ball clear.  Reid fouled Marshall when that forward was working an opening, but the free-kick was cleared.  Dean had a chance at the other end, but shot wide, though McInroy had the point of the goal covered.  Sunderland got up again as the result of a free kick, but there was no punch in the attack and they were easily held.  Cresswell accidentally gave a corner but this presented no danger, and when play travelled to the other end Coxford placed behind in endeavouring to screw the ball into the net.  Cresswell’s defensive work was very polished and effective, and it from one of his returns that the ball was crossed by Prior and with Hardy beaten to the world Marshall headed the ball against the far upright and the rebound was cleared.  Raitt was warned for attempting to kick Death after that player had beaten him.  The free kick was placed in Hardy’s hands and the goalkeeper got relief after fumbling it, by a free kick being awarded against Halliday.  The life seemed to have gone out of Everton, but still Sunderland did not show those qualities which mean the pushing home of an attack. 
Final; Everton 2, Sunderland 1. 

EVERTON CRITICS
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, March 17, 1926
Bee’s Notes
“Blue” writes;- I am going to speak plainly re the match on Saturday.  Who is to blame, the players or selectors?  Obviously the letter.  Why? 
Reason 1.  Can they tell an Evertonian why an international player (Irvine), who was playing quite good football, should be displaced by a man who could not even secure a regular position in a Third Division side? 
Reason 2. Isn’t it coming to something when a team of Everton’s standing should have to reply upon a left full back, secured from a Third Division club, to fill their inside left berth?  Why was Kennedy dropped? 
Reason 3. This is the biggest problem to solve.  Why was Peacock displaced? His football was magnificent.  The “Echo” report on the Everton-Cardiff City match at Goodison described his display as “Simply abnormal.”  Everton would not do better than select; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Reid; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, Troup. 

DEAN’S GOAL TRIUMPHS
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, March 17, 1926
EVERTON’S HALF-TIME ELAD AGAINST SUNDERLAND
By Bee
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy(Captain), Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, England; Clunas, Parker, Cuxford, Prior, Kelly, Halliday, Marshall, Death. 
Bee ‘phones from Goodison Park that Sunderland, before 25,000 spectators, in the first minute of their game with Everton got a great shock.  The home side played towards the Aintree goal, and after Dean had found a magnificent shot cannon against a defender, Chedgzoy received the ball and lobbed it to the middle, where England half-pocketed the ball, a blunder that let in Dean to score with ease; time, one minute.  Everton should have been two up a few minutes later, when Batten and Dean, by free pairing, got well in the Sunderland goal, and McInroy having advanced Batten seemed a sure scorer when he lobbed the ball over the empty goal.  Kelly tried to equalize when pretty far out, and his general running and scheming were much admired, as was also a left hook which passed slightly wide.
THE EQUALISER
In nine minutes Marshall had equalized in unexpected fashion.  A free kick against Brown was the beginning of the trouble, and a back-header by Marshall was the completion of it.  Hardy being deceived into believing that the ball was passing outside.  As a matter of fact it grazed the post before entering the net.  McInroy was partly at fault a moment later when he misjudged the flight of the ball, but was able to recover and put away.  Everton could count themselves very fortunate to escape a penalty kick when Referee Pennington allowed McDonald to get off with what seemed to be a distinct handling case in the penalty area.  McDonald got the wrong bounce of the ball, and his hand instinctively jabbed the ball in the affected area. 
INSPIRED FORWARDS
The referee said “Accident”; the crowd said, “Thank goodness.”  Dean and Kelly were inspired forwards, and when the former juggled with the ball when near goal he made himself a nice opening but shot all too straight at McInroy.  Dean offered Troup a first-time drive which was accepted without result, but after good pairing by Marshall and Halliday, Hardy became a busy man with tips and pats.  Batten responded with some close passing that was ended with a truly magnificent shot from Irvine –a fiery Irish outburst that nearly cracked the crossbar to pieces.  The referee was not satisfied that the ball was “true,” and after testing two others he satisfied himself and also, apparently, McInroy. 
HARDY ELUSIVE
The new centre-half, David Reid, was particularly strong with his head, but there were times when the home backs did not impress on the score of stability.  Death made one swinging centre, which Hardy caught and eluded Halliday’s onrush- a rather fortunate escape.  Everton had an inspired five minutes soon after the half-hour, in which Chedgzoy went close, and Raitt covered Prior in rather striking manners following which McInroy ran out, but missed the ball, and must have sacrificed a goal but for Dean having lost sight of the ball. 
DEAN’S SECOND GOAL
Dean hit the crossbar with a precious first-time hook, his back being half turned, and then, after England had kicked off the line to save his goalkeeper, and Parker had headed from the goal line to stop Irvine scoring.  Dean, in very definite fashion, banged in his second goal at 33 minutes.  It was a really great drive, and Everton’s pressure had made their lead thoroughly justified. 
Half-time.- Everton 2, Sunderland 1.
In the second half Halliday, who had been seen but rarely, was squeezed out of position by the rugged McDonald.  Chedgzoy was presented by the centre with a goal chance, but was out of range with his shot, and for some time Everton played a nonchalant game that threatened to spoil their single goal lead.  Cresswell, with dodges and deliberate tackling, made natty clearances that were appreciated by the crowd.  Seventy min, Everton 2,m Sunderland 1. 
Raitt was cautioned by the referee. 

EVERTON 2 SUNDERLAND 1
March 18, 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON'S BEAT OF THE SEASON.
FINE ALL-ROUND SHOW BEATS SUNDERLAND.
Everton beat Sunderland by two goals to one yesterday at Goodison Park, but if it had been four instead of two it would not have unduly flattered them. The Blues played crisp, sparkling football, and there were times when their superiority was most pronounced. It was undoubtedly one of the best games this season. The Wearsiders' cross-bar was struck more than once, and so were the uprights. Except in goal there was no department in which the Blues were not clearly the masters. The one goal the visitors obtained was not convincing, since it seemed fairly certain that had not Hardy misjudged the flight of the ball he would have cleared. The weather conditions were ideal, and there was a capital gate of 25,000.
GOOD START.
There was a sensational opening, Dean scoring in the first minute. Troup worked down on the left and placed the ball in the centre. There was a bit of a scrimmage in the goalmouth, and then Dean drove the ball hard pass McInroy from close in. Ten minutes later the Wearsiders equalised. Raitt was penalised and Coxford placed the free kick in the centre for Marshall to head towards goal. Obviously Hardy though the ball was going wide, and did not jump for it till it was too late. The ball struck the inside of the upright and went, in the net. Play went up and down afterwards, but the Blues always shaped like the winning side. Death was the most dangerous forward in the Wearsiders' attack. Marshall came second, but Halliday and Kelly appeared in a subdued mood. This, however, was owing to the capital display of Reid, Brown, and Hart, who kept the visitors' vanguard well in hand.
SOUND BACKS.
They are McDonald and Raitt at back were far more impressive than the Sunderland defenders, who had to thank their lucky stars that so many of the Everton raids were baffled as much by bad luck as anything else. Close on half-time Irvine rocked the Sunderland crossbar with a lovely shot from long range. It deserved a better fate. Not till the interval did Prior and Kelly gave a taste of their form, and then they were held up at the finish by McDonald. "Dixie" Dean put on Everton's second goal just before half-time. It was the sequel to a long bombardment. Reid slipped the ball forward to the centre forward, who promptly banged it into goal. The visitors had rather more of the game after the interval than they had before. Even so, there was not that incision about their attacking movements that there was about Everton's. On several occasions in the second half the downfall of the visitors goal seemed a certainty.
"SITTERS."
Both Batten and Dean missed open goals, and Chedgzoy and Troup more than once gave McInroy a warm handful. Death and Marshall came the nearest to equalising for Sunderland before the close, though Halliday once was near doing so. There was another time when Hardy cleared in capital style twice in succession. The home goal had an anxious time in the closing stages. Chedgzoy laid out Coxford with one of his shots for goal. He had to be attended to before resuming. Everton played such an excellent game all round that it would be unfair to pick out any player for special mention. There was sparkle about their game that one looked for in vain in that of Sunderland. Except Death none of the Wearsiders' front line played up to his reputation. Parker and Clunas worked hard at half-back, but they, like Cresswell and England behind them, were often nonplussed by the finesse and skill of the Everton movements. McInroy could not be blamed for the shots that beat him. It was a fine game, and the home side put up a display worthy of their best. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup, forwards. Sunderland: - McInroy, goal, Cresswell (captain), and England, backs, Clunas, Parker, and Coxford, half-backs, Prior, Kelly, Halliday, Marshall, and Death, forwards.

EVERTON EARNEST EXHIBITION
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, March 18, 1926
Bee’s Notes
WELCOME
Everton’s win was a welcome one, and I take pleasure in having been there to see it because it must be five weeks since last I saw the Goodison club playing, thanks to Rugby interventions, internationals, &c.  And I do not forget that there are times when I visit them rather surprisingly, and they say; “Ah, here comes the Jonah.” Well, that’s one off me, now!  I must say that the earnestness of the Everton side augured well for the future.  Everyone seems to chant the same refrain.  They’ve got the men, but by jingo, they don’t get the points.”  Which is true; and there must be a reason for truth.  Everton have for some years been good enough for attracting the public, yet the points have not been drawn in with attractiveness, and in these fast-moving days the danger of such a policy of play could not be ignored.  For my part I am confident that Everton, after a season of chasing after new players, night before now have brought in some of the reserves- otherwise of what avail is the reserve eleven?  The statements I have made concerning David Reid and the letters published have all borne one belief- Reid was good enough for the senior team.  He came, saw and conquered yesterday afternoon. 
PERSONALIA
No one could deny the superiority of the side upon the Sunderland eleven, who, as I forewarned you on Monday, were not in championship class, and were not likely to make a show against Huddersfield.  Arsenal is still the one great barrier to the Yorkshire side winning the League for the third successive year.  Sunderland have faults at full back, and I doubt if their wing half backs will be good enough for future reference.  Cresswell played a dandy game- the sort of crowd likes to see, and to show how human he was his icy coldness carried him to the point of delaying his clearance of an easy belt till it became a corner kick-one of the funniest things seen on the ground for a long time.  But Cresswell is still a classic back and a pleasure to all overs of clean football.  I mention this matter because there was one outburst that was not nice to behold- and it was on the home side that on occurred, unfortunately. 
FORWARD BUSTLES
Bustle have gone out of date in football matters, so far as Goodison Park forwards are concerned, and the consequence was that the forward had gone backwards in his game.  It was a delight, therefore, to see Irvine’s fiery forward work and an inclination to hit a ball at the first, not the third chance, while Chedgzoy, as captain and leader, worked away with untiring vigilance and desire without always finishing his effort in the manner one has come to expect from such an artist.  His enthusiasm knows no bounds; his heart is blue; but his finishing yesterday was not good.  Dean at centre played what I call great football.  I shudder to think what would happen if he broke down; he is their goal-getter de luxe, and he has no great help from inside forwards, although I noticed Batten was rather more than others inclined to push the ball forward and pair off with the centre forward.  Batten is big; he bears Jack Cock’s countenance and headpiece, and he may not be able to boast the youth we all should like to reclaim, but at least he has an idea of combination and I reckon he scored one of the surest points obtained at Walton. 
THE DISTINCTION
When the ball was last played Batten was onside; his dart forward led the referee to imagine he was offside.  Thus was a good goal ruined.  Another time a linesman failed to notice a distinct push-out by a Sunderland man, and the throw-in went to Sunderland.  Throws-in count for little; that is why I think the linesmen would be better serving the game by appearing as goal-judges.  What is a throw-in?  Generally a mix-up-of-nothing, and good for neither side and generally bad for the player who is caught by the ultra-live linesman who sees that a toe is on the line!  But the crowning failure in the game was the failure to give Sunderland a penalty kick.  Now, if Sunderland had only copied Manchester United’s cup-tie tactics against them and forced the referee to tackle the linesmen they might have got a reversal of the decision.  I asked them why they did not persevere with their righteous claim, and they said; “We have suffered so much this season that we do not desire any flowers, by request.  We take it all in silence!  I’m sorry for them, I’m also sorry for any club like Everton that continues to have shocks from the goal-area.  Hardy is curiously uneven; his tip-tap juggle method of handling the ball suggests confidence; the goal obtained by Marshall suggested the very opposite.  However, let us rejoice that the side all through played an earnest and resolute game, and got the second win of the year.  There’s a chance for another on Saturday at Manchester United’s ground. 
LETTERS
Although the number of criticism of Everton which you received must be far too numerous to print, I am venturing to offer yet another (says “A.S”).  I consider that the lack of cohesiveness in the Blue’s team could be remedied by moving Dean to inside-right, because he has a happy knack of placing the ball in the right place, and I can conceive the possibility of a good centre forward making a brilliant inside man; O’Donnell I would place at centre.  The most “outrageous” change would be Irvine to outside right.
HE WENTS TO BE HAPPY
In the spring, &c, &c,- but some football oracles turn to team-building for Everton!  (Suggest “Congo-Koko”).  I feel sure that the Everton Selection Committee must “lose a lot of sleep” over the various suggestions that are offered! What have the “team-builders” to say about Everton’s victory over Death and Co.?   Don’t they think it’s time they finished with (your) engines? The Everton eleven that “took the sting out of Death and Co.”  is a grand combination, and will “repeat the close” at Manchester.  My “grouch” is;- “Why wasn’t Sam Chedgzoy playing against the ‘Jocks”?” 

EVERTON HOPE TO GO ON WITH THE GOOD WORK
Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 19, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Once again I make appearance at Manchester –not disguised with moustache or what not! Again it is a view of the Manchester United eleven, and I am glad if only for a further microscopic view of the Everton side and at the same time a chance of seeing one of the semi-final quartette party.  I had great belief in Manchester United, and maybe they are showing up all their energy for the game with their city rivals.  For my part I confess that recent League performances of both Manchester clubs leave me wondering for both sides!  Everton have struck a winning vein and should go into the Trafford Park game with the same vim that brought them two points from Sunderland this week.  Having seen much of the Manchester side I can tell Everton that they have a splendid chance to steal up to the winning post at a convenient moment when the Barson clan had lost the “feel” of League matches and has but one thought –the Cup.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, D. Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Manchester United; Mew; Moore, Silcock; Bennion, Barson, Mann; Spence, Smith, Hanson, Rennox, Partridge. 

OLD TIMES AND TIMERS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 20, 1926
INJURIES AND ILL LUCK THAT SPOILED PLAYERS’ CAREERS
By Victor Hall
When we reckon up the successes of certain brilliant careers in football we are inclined to forget the share that luck or ill-luck has in the making or some careers and the breaking of others.  Of all the ill-luck that can befell the professional football players, injuries on the field of play are the most cruel.  One can easily remember the names of a score of players of promise, whose outlook in the game had all the promise of a successful future until one day comes the report of a slight- or not so slight –injury in the course of a game, and then the name drops out of the team.  Perhaps the substituted player makes good and keeps his position, or trails are given to others, and so om time the vacant position finds a permanent occupants, and gradually the name, and earlier promise of the injured player recedes into the background of memory, until we hear some day that he is “retired” or been transferred to a minor club, where the struggle may not be so keen, and eventually the name goes into the limbo of forgotten favourites.  In those days of unemployment insurance and health insurance, some sort of State aid is no doubt available for players broken in the wars, but in the earlier days of professional football, until clubs were wise enough to insure their players against accidents, the risk of injury to the player, that might render him permanently incapacitated, was a constant nightmare, and no doubt, in some cases, had influence on his play.  While in the heyday of youth, most men will go all out to take every chance that comes on the field, the care and responsibilities of a family and the dread of permanent injury that would stop a livelihood were real and vital dangers to any family man with attendant responsibilities. 
A TRAGIC POSITION
There have been clubs who nobly made their players’ loss their own, and as long as funds permitted continued to pay the man they could not play.  All honour to such clubs.  Our own Everton and Liverpool clubs have in this respect been fair and honorable in all their dealings, but there have been clubs with intentions, equally as honorable, who, in the past, found themselves unable to bear the expense of carrying passengers on the weekly wages list for any lengthy period.  Then for the poor player the position was indeed tragic.  Probably the best part of his youth had been given so sedulously to the game itself that he had deprived his youth of apprenticeship to any trade.  In those days there was no “Players’ Union” not any talk of one, consequently when permanent or even partial disablement came along he had only the goodwill of his club directors and the state of their finances to depend upon.  It is to the credit of the game as a whole that during the thirty odd years of the League tournament there have been so few cases of serious litigation between clubs and players on account of disablement, especially considering the number of professional players involved in first-class football.  As regards the class of injury sustained by a player in the course of a game, it will be found naturally that leg and foot troubles have been the most numerous, though head injuries through concussion, and broken arms, ribs, and collar-bones have been plentiful.  There have been other causes or injury and illness, however, incidental in a way to the game, that do not actually take place on the field of play.  Travelling accidents to teams are not uncommon; witness the cases this last two years or so, of clubs travelling to play by charabanc, and getting upsets and collisions incidents to motor traffic in general.  Dietary and internal troubles sometimes occur in the constant variety of catering and training requirements; there have been occasions when a whole team has been knocked out before a match by ptomaine or fish poisoning.  In another direction the public would be surprised to hear the proportion of percentage of football players who develop lung or chest trouble in the course of an active training career, and have to retire permanently from an athletic career that at one time held out promise of lucrative wage earning and healthy old age. 
FOOTBALL’S TOLL
It would no doubt come as a shock to some veterans of Everton and Liverpool to glance over to-day he list of players whom they formerly admired week by week on the field of play, and whose names are to-day almost completely forgotten, and yet these very men went to a comparatively early grave, not through injury, but from illness whose early seeds were contracted in the health and blush of their early manhood, indirectly accelerated by the demands of their arduous training.  Dr. Baxter, of Everton, has always bene of immense service to his fellow directors at Everton, and to his club players, too, by reason of the sympathetic and valuable consideration he has always brought into the club’s actions in dealing with players where their health was under review.  Dr. Whiteford, at one time a colleague of Dr. Baxter on the Everton directorate, was a rare favourite with the players whenever health or physical fitness came under his keen observation.  The late Dr. Glover Moore, of Anfield, was for many years the medical offer to the Everton Club, and many a player of promise passed through the skilled hands of that famous surgeon.  Dr. Moore always held that of all injuries that could happen to a player on the field, knee injuries were the most troublesome to overcome, and held the greatest danger to the playing career of the individual sufferer.  He held it as an axiom that whenever fluid formed in the joint, only the most skilled attention by both doctor and patient could bring about a permanent cure.  He had no patience with the player who, in his anxiety to get back into the team,” was inclined to make light of his injury, and report himself as fit, when his prudent medico recommended further rest and gentle treatment to the injured limb. 

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 20, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

• Trinity Wesleyan Church, New Chester-road, Rock Ferry, is holding a big “Football Sunday” service to-morrow afternoon
• Mr. W.C. Cuff, the Everton chairman is to preside, and the speaker will be Mr. C.E. Sutcliffe. 
• It is whispered that Mr. Stud Marks, along with Miss Stud Marks (third string) is also to put in an appearance

ANOTHER FOOTBALL SUNDAY
Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, March 20, 1926
Bee’s Letters
Following upon the recent successes achieved on the Liverpool side of the river our Cheshire friends are holding a great “Football Sunday” service this week-end- March 21.  The chosen “venue” is Trinity Wesleyan Church, New Chester-road, Rock Ferry, and the Trinity Brotherhood, with the Rev. Frederick A. Speight as organizer in chief are out to make the service a record of its kind.  These should certainly be little doubt of this when we state that the “bill of fare” is set out thus;- To preside, Mr. W.C. Cuff, chairman, Everton F.C., speaker, Mr. C.E. Sutcliffe (of Rawstenstall) vice-president of the Football Association); then to support his chairman is none other than Dixie Dean, Everton’s popular leader.  Mr. Stud Marks and Miss (Queenie) Stud Marks are to supply the vocal items whilst Mr. J. Wainwright, of the Port Sunlight F.C., is to read the lesson.  The service will commence at 3 o’clock.  Local officials and players are also expected to be present in large numbers. 
PICKING ENGLAND AND EVERTON
“Ranger” writes;- I should like to know from what part of Scotland, “Joe, Tom, and Harry” hail, when they suggest the formation of Everton’s team.  I think the only part of Scotland they have seen is posted on the wall of the main road which passes through Liverpool! Kendall, Hamilton, and Rooney, Bain, Reid, and Virr, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Peacock, and O’Donnell.  Enough to make a good Scotchman weep! What a pity they did not leave out Bain, Reid, Irvine, and Dean, and fill their places with Jones, Kerr, Millington, and Rand! If they would prefer to see a football team, here is a Scotsman’s team (and I daresay a winning team); Hardy; Bain, and Reid, Brown, McBain, and Peacock, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Kennedy, and Weaver.  To my mind that is the best team Everton can put on to the field.  What do you think of this team, “Bee”? Taylor (Huddersfield), Cresswell (Sunderland), and Wadsworth (Huddersfield), Peacock (Everton), Barson (Manchester U), and Bromilow (Liverpool; Adcock (Leicester), Kelly (Sunderland), Forshaw (Liverpool), Walker (Aston Villa), and Page (Burnley). 
That team (at Manchester on April 17) would cause a flutter in many a Scotsman’s heart!
EVERTON CRITICS
I was present at the match against Sunderland, and am pleased with the display of the Blues, which I think is their best this year, says, “Boy Blue.”  But I protest when OI call to mind some defending tactics- this is not our style, and we do not want to see it.  I thought Davie Reid played a great game and has got the position that should be his, not that I think Bain has not justified his selection, but I consider Reid is entitled to the preference.  When are the Selection Committee going to realise that Irvine is the best inside right they have? I admit he at times could be more practicable.  Now we come to the position in the team that needs attention.  Yes, you are right! Inside-left, O’Donnell, Batten, and Kennedy, pick your man- I cannot! The latter is the best footballer, in my opinion.  I should like to see, now that there is nothing to win or lose, young Houghton given a trial.  Take a leaf out of Mr. Chapman’s book and buy players that will fit in with the men we have already got, and not sign a man at a big fee and trust to luck that he will adapt himself to the other men he is playing alongside.  We require an inside left of the Walker, Stephenson, Chambers calibre. 
    “Bluelead” writes;- O’Donnell has put much of that pep into the forward line that now is much in evidence, but which is sadly lacking, and as he does not fail to drop back when his own goal is threatene4d (an essential duty of an inside forward), I should select him as inside partner to Davie Reid, who is too good to be a reserve.  My team; Kendall; Raitt (at present), McDonald; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Chedgzoy, Irvine Dean, O’Donnell, Reid. 
St Francis Xavier’s Colleage, Liverpool, play Everton first team at Melwood Playing Field on March 25.  There is no charge for admission.  Take No. 12 car to the terminus; follow the crowd, and in ten minutes you will arrive! 

MANCHESTER UNITED V EVERTON
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 20, 1926
UNCHANGED GOODISON PARK SIDE
BEE’S REVIEW AND NEWS
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, D. Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Manchester United; Steward; Inglis, Jones; McCrea, Barson, Mann; Spence, Smith, McPherson, Hanson, Thomas.  Everton were at the Cup semi-final-club’s home to-day.  Trafford Park, and they did not see fit to change the eleven that beat Sunderland.  News of transfer connected with Everton and Manchester continue to be whispered, and I learn that Everton had an engaging idea with a northern club which deal would bear a double-edged effect.  The game started a few minutes late owing to the French Ambassador being presented to the teams.  Everton kicked off, and within one minute Irvine had allowed the ball to pass through his legs, and he got a severe shock when Barson attempted to foul him. Right away the Everton goal escaped in an unnerving manner.  Smith hit the crossbar, and from the rebound McPherson was perfectly placed for a simple goal when Hardy had failed to get hold of the ball, McPherson fell when two yards out, and Hardy was able to get his watchful eye on the elusive ball, and pick up the threads of his defensive game.  Judged by the early play Manchester United had not started to think of the Cup-tie, and their combination was of a smart character.  Dena replied with two first-time efforts of merit if not of good direction, but with the wind fairly strong against the Everton side delay in shooting would be absurd, Smith was a good feeder, and his long pass out to Spence was judgement that compelled admiration. 
CALLING ON STEWARD
Batten forced a corner which Steward punched away and when Chedgzoy had a second corner the goalkeeper’s pat out was not secure.  Raitt’s volleying and his heading was of special moment.  So far the reserve backs or the United side had been secure against the Everton forwards, but at this point Dean ankled the ball to Troup and when it was returned to the middle the clever centre drove in a good shot which Steward did well to arrest.  Irvine, with head and foot, captivated a huge crowd of 35,000 spectators, and Everton now began to make an impression, thanks to their half-backs feeding the forwards wisely and well, and the left wing shaping uncommonly well.  Steward again had to save from Dean, and in the next breath the Manchester goalkeeper was charged when punching the ball clear.  A rather lucky escape.  Barson and Hart, the rival captains, had a few words with each other after which the air became electrified, thanks to an offside decision.  The home favourite Spence had barely bene seen owing to Hart and McDonald playing stern football.  Everton defence were rarely troubled, but Thomas through lack of punch, missed a great chance in a breakaway which was completed by Raitt kicking away from the goal line. 
TAKING THEIR GRUEL
One of the best things of the match was a good solid shoulder charge from Batten on to Barson, and it was followed a second later by a similar clumping charge by Dean on the same man, who rolled over three times.  Barson took his gruel without demur, which was exactly how Everton took Barson’s early offence.  No one did better than Raitt in these moments, and Everton were playing so strong a game that they ought to have pushed the advantage to a logical conclusion. 
FIRING AT THE PRESSMEN.
The public were aroused, however, when Dean had a good chance spoiled through Batten getting into his way.  A couple of telephones nearly went West when Inglis missed his kick, and gave me a chance of a e-handed save, which nearly ruined a colleague’s chance of going to Wembley.  Everton were the more direct in front of goal, and Chedgzoy made Stewart catch at the corner of the post, whereas Manchester, when they broke away, were not convincing.  The sun, wind, and dry ground tended to make the game fast, and from what had been seen so far Everton were top dog.
BARSON AND THE REFEREE
When Spence fell in the penalty area pretty badly hurt Barson tried to work off the Sunderland Cup-tie tricks.  He raced up to the referee and begged him to consult the linesmen, but this referee, Mr. Mee, of Mansfield, would have none of it.  As a result the referee was soundly booed and Dean went on to the other end to be near scoring.  Brown also fell foul of the crowd Spence returned within two minutes of play on.  Before half-time David Reid fell and injured his neck, but he too was able to recovery.
Half-time; Manchester United 0, Everton 0.
BARSON V MEE
REFEREE REFUSES TO GIVE IN –IN EVERTON GAME
DAVID RAITT BRILLIANT
MANCHESTER UNITED ATTACK MODERATE
McCrea, ex-New Brighton, began the second half by sending Hart rolling over with a lusty charge.  Hart was sore about the treatment, and, like many a man before him, retaliated.  Matters were dull for a moment, but brightened up when Spence was slow to take a good chance, Hart smothering his view.  Reid similarly covered Thomas, but Hardy made a first class hand-out.  Even so United were far from impressive and there was little ring work until Spence crossed a lovely centre, and Hardy gripped the ball and ignored a furious rush by Hanson, who entered the back of the net without taking the ball or the goalkeeper. 
HANSON DAMAGED
Steward made a similar save from Dean’s header, but had not to consider a forward’s charge.  Again Dean was the only shooter, and as on Wednesday, Brown was playing delicious football.  Dean had only Steward to beat, but his hasty shot caught the goalkeeper’s foot.  Nothing had been seen of McPherson, and United on this form and on the form they showed against Liverpool and Spurs have gone back somewhat.  Batten changed the run of the game by trying a far-out shot that was no more than a foot too high.  Everton had resumed the offensive, and this was not surprising in view of the home team’s form and the reserve team players engaged by them, Hanson to make matters worse, was damaged, and charged places with Spence. 
SMITH REPROVED
Thomas broke into life and centred for Spence to head in, Hardy making an excellent save.  Again the crowd took exception to the referee, and Smith, the player, joined in and got a severe lecture for his pains.
ANOTHER CHANCE
Everton slackened off, and with the inside forwards dropping back, the benefit of the strong wind was not used, although Batten, receiving from Troup, made another high and useful shot without reward.  Raitt, as in the first half was doing things.  The home backs improved on the first half exhibition, and then the game became defiance, and defence.  Steward was once out of his goal attending to a challenge when Irvine shot outside.  It was a good chance thrown away.  Spence went to earth in the penalty area and again Barson’s percussivepowers failed to impress Referee Mee, of Mansfield.  Manchester tried hard in the last three minutes to work a snatch goal, but the visitors defence was secure.  Final; Manchester United 0, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V WEDNESDAY RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 20, 1926
Everton introduced G.C. Menham, from Northern Nomads, in goal, and for the first half-hour play fluctuated from goal to goal, with Everton the more aggressive.  Mellor, in the visitors goal, effected a couple of smart clearances from O’Donnell, but the display of the home forwards on the whole was not impressive, for hesitancy in parting and faulty combination led to the Wednesday defence repeatedly clearing.  McIIvenny should have done better for Sheffielders than shoot over when provided with a favourable chance, and Menham did well in saving Fletcher’s shot at the angle of the upright.  The home halves and backs played sturdily, but the game suffered through excessive hefty kicking.  Half-time; no score.  Fletcher scored for the Wednesday, and O’Donnell headed the eqauliser, and shortly afterwards Ayres scored the second for The Wednesday.  Three-quarters.- The Wednesday 2, Everton Res 1. 

MANCHESTER UNITED 0 EVERTON 0
March 22, 1926. The Daily Courier.
SPECIALISTS IN DIVISIONS.
EVERTON'S SEVENTEENTH DRAW!
Everton added to their laurels as champions drew merchants. Still, to be candid, the Merseyside club did not do so badly to bring away a point from Old Trafford. The semi-finalists are a powerful combination this season, and by no means as easy proposition on their own ground. In spite of the absence of goals, there was plenty of interest in the match. A score for one side or the other frequently appeared imminent, but somehow it never just came off. The Blues were the better side in the first half, and during that time came nearer to scoring than their rivals did subsequently. Indeed, only the excellent goalkeeping of Stewart saved them. Considering that he had been out of the side so long, the United custodian put up a fine show.
CURIOUS.
It was rather peculiar that both sides played better against the wind than with it. It was fairly strong against the visitors in the first half, and yet they had most of the game. The same thing happened to the Manchester side later. They came nearer to scoring than when the wind was helping them. The strains of the "Marseillaise " formed a prelude to the match. It was in honour of the French Ambassador, who was present with the Lord Mayor of Manchester. Hardy, at the start, was harassed by a United attack, which was greatly helped by the wind. It looked a little ominous for a moment, but the Blues' defence prevailed, and the ball ultimately was cleared. After that there were periods in the first half when Everton were clearly the dominant side. However, they found the home defence difficult to vanquish. Inglis and Jones, at back, with Stewart as a last line of defence, proved equal to all that the Blues' front line could bring against them.
DEAN'S HEAD.
Dean was the best of the visitors' attack. Rarely has he used his head better. Twice, with a back header, he almost had Steward beaten. All the same, he missed a good opening that he should not have done. Irvine, too, who seemed to be getting rid of his habit of holding too long, made the Old Trafford keeper jump about to be in the right spot at the right time. "give it to Dixie" was obviously the plan of the blues' campaign, but occasionally it might have been better to have given it to one of the others. The astute Barson tumbled to this policy in the second half, and Dean did not get so much rope. It must not be supposed that Everton had at all their own way before the interval. Spence and Thomas, the United wingers, frequently initiated raids, but Macpherson and Hanson could not beat the Blues' defence when it came to the finish. On Saturday's form, one easily sees why Hardy was chosen for the Football League side. He has never played more confidently this season. It was not that he stopped shots so much as that he ran out and anticipated them at times in a most skilful manner. Brown played a rousing game at half-back, and Reid and Hart were often conspicuous for useful tackling and passing.
DEFENCE HOLDS.
In the second half, the constructive work of Barson and Mann was responsible for frequent attacks by their front line, but just as Everton had failed to subdue their defence, so now they lacked success in a similar manner. There was one period in the last 20 minutes when it looked as if they would prevail, but Hardy, McDonald, and Raitt were at their best, and they held out. In the second half, there was an occasional robustness introduced into the game. In a matter like this, home supporters always blame the visitors. What happened was that both sides became over-anxious. After all, it would have been rather unfortunate to lose the match after getting so near the end. There was no deliberate rough play by anyone.
THE LACK.
The Blues' defence was sound, but forward it cannot be denied there is room for improvement. Batten, for example, is still lacking in the requisite speed. He distributes the ball well and can shoot, but he is yet on the slow side. Troup and Chedgzoy did some useful work on the wingers, but taking they game all through both have played more confidently. The United were well served by their wingmen, Spence and Thomas, but the inside men failed to make the most of their chances. Macpherson did not appear so dangerous as Dean near goal. Mann was tireless at half-back, and Barson was always cool and constructive in his methods. Inglis and Jones were a capable pair in front of Steward. Had they not been, the game would have been settled in the first half. Teams: - Manchester United: - Steward, goal, Inglis, and Jones, backs, McCrae, Barson, and Mann, half-backs, Spence, Smith, Mcpherson, Hanson, and Thomas, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean Batten, and Troup forwards. Referee Mr. Mee.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 2
March 22, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)
At Goodison Park. Everton sustained their fifth successive defeat when the Wednesday won by the odd goal. The home side had numerous chances of finding the net, but many glorious openings were spoiled through rank bad shooting. The forwards also passed badly at times. Weaver was Everton's most dangerous forward. On two occasions the winger offered O'Donnell good scoring chance, but the centre shot without pace or direction. Menham made some good saves, but at times was a trifle shaky, and Harrison and Kerr defended resolutely. Peacock was the best half-back. No goals were forecoming in the first half, but seven minutes after the interval Fletcher headed through for Sheffield. Murray and McBain tested the Wednesday custodian with good drives, and eventually O'Donnell equalised with a low shot. Five minutes later Aryes drove home a McIlvenny centre, again giving Sheffield the lead.

THE EVERYON WAY OF DRAWING
Athletic News- Monday, March 22, 1926
MANCHESTER UNITED VIRILE BUT LACKING
MANCHESTER UNITED 0, EVERTON 0
By Impressionist
LOYALTY and enthusiasm have carried Manchester United far this season.  These factors were present at Old Trafford in the match with Everton in spite of the Cup semi-final hanging over them, and they were material in so far as there was always the chance of a goal accruing. By degrees the United realised their own futility against a defence as worthy as their own, and a half-back line that mixed attack with defence in the splendid old Everton way.  Would that we had twenty-one others of the Everton standard in the League.  Then it would be something for the admirer of the real football to go into rhapsodies over. Everton were not by any means at their attractive best all the same. It was just a case of happy comparison in their favour in an encounter which came to a timely and tame end.  United had their chances of conquest, but really Everton ought to have won comfortably.  That, of course, is the old story with Everton, but I suggest they are the victims of a deteriorated standard of the game.  So Everton indulged in their seventeenth draw because their forwards fell  easy prey with many a finely-developed  attack on the brink of success; because two praiseworthy first-time efforts to score were defeated by the nimbleness of Steward in goal; and because the United defence was every bit as good as their  own. It speaks volumes for the United resources in this respect that an entirely reserve defence could so distinguish itself. Steward in goal played like the assured, accomplished goalkeeper we know, save for the one instance which lost him his senior place. Inglis, always a back of the discerning and constructive type, showed a speeding up which took him to decisive intervention, and Jones was the well-equipped, all-round defender known so well. 
THE WILLING HORSES.
But the rest the United team not much can be said beyond their desire to do well. In the second half an injury to Hanson caused a reorganizationof the forwards, whereby that player went to outside right, exchanging places with Spence. The net issue was neither worse nor better.  At the period of their keenness the United came their nearest to scoring, for Smith hit the bar, and with the defence in a tangle McPherson missed by a fraction from touching the ball over the line when on the ground.  Deanemphasized his progress as a centre-forward—also my opinion that he will be among the best in the land ere long —by the way he took and delivered the old healthy charge, distributed the ball with head and foot, and sprang the surprise scoring touch. Thus the quick hook, which found Steward advancing remarkably well and the ball placed for the bare inside of the post, which again found the goalkeeper great in anticipation.  Dean should have scored when he got clear instead of driving against Steward’s foot. However, Steward, like Hardy, kept a courageous, a capable goal.  Since he joined them I have not seen the Everton custodian in the true form of his reputation until now.  He did everything well without those unnecessary flourishes. It was quite a masterpiece when he parried on one side and leapt across goal to position himself for Spence's header which seemed an easy way to the net. 
STRENGTH NOW. 
Everton’s defence used to be blamed for inferior results. No criticism can nowadays charged against it. The back play of Raitt and McDonald was an object lesson in all that is best in this side of the game. Both volleyed and tackled splendidly, and their kicking altogether had behind it the desire to keep the ball in play and assist their colleagues.  In a half-back' line of varied styles happily blended there was nothing to choose.  The other division was something of fits and starts, with Mann most consistent. Spence was the best of a poor United front Tine, which did not compare with Everton's for balance.  Apart from Dean, impression was left by Troup, Irvine, and Chedgzoy, though the last-named did not get his centres over nor become the self-made menace to the goal that is wont.  Manchester United. Steward; Inglis, Jones; McCrea, Barson, Mann; Spence, Smith, McPherson, Hanson, and Thomas.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup.  Referee; H.M. Mee, Mansfield.

WHY EVERTON SLIPPED A POINT AT MANCHESTER
Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 22, 1926
THE BARSON CLAN;
REFEREE WHO REFUSED TO CHANGE HIS MIND
Bee’s Notes
We are near the dividing line of cricket and football and therefore, I make no apology for introducing to you a little news about Lancashire C.C.C. It chanced that I had an invitation from Director Jack Sharp to see the alternations at Old Trafford, and with Directors Wade and Banks we sallied forth to see the cricket ground where one test match will be played.  They are doing big things at Old Trafford, and as the song says, “You’d never know the old place now; there’s been a change; you will allow.”  The turf looked in fine condition, and the way the stands have been “run up” was rather striking evidence of the business-like air of the builders.  Not before they were wanted have some stand made their appearance on the railway side.  The members portion is vastly improved and the space has been used to better advantage so that the ground will now house about 50,000 spectators.  They had 35,000 spectators there last year, but many of them could not see- they were left to hear and read what happened-which is very unsatisfying.  The best stand of the whole lot, now, in my opinion, is near the railway station, where you can get a priceless end-on view of the bowlers-and that is the view-point every earnest cricket devotee likes to take up.  There will be room for a full 500 more at this end than congregated there a year ago.  Then the refreshment rooms have been made worthy of the great club.  In the pass the inner man has had an outer experience.  Now members and others may get well in and –tick in, too. 
THE LINK THAT WAS MISSING
Everton suffered some of the Barson-clan noises on Saturday.  The crowd was keen to follow the United in their Cup-tie season, and, naturally, their ball-all and end-all, Barson, was watched with extreme care almost to devotion.  It must be nice to have such a following-I can’t say, never having experienced the sensation –but it is the fact that Barson’s personality and play make the Trafford Park spectators warm to him.  He didn’t play so well as usual, having had a smack on the jaw, from the ball, and seeming to be pained thereby.  He began in the first minute by giving Irvine a real surprise bump, and that shook the Irishman.  That was football.  But when he was charged full shoulder by Batten and Dean that was sufficient to send a cry to heaven “Send him off.”  Later he cut right into Hardy without justification.  That was football.  It was a pity a meeting between friends should have brought with it a bundle of these evidence of “hard labour,” and one hopes they will not be continued in the Cup-tie game, for instance.  This link in the game was the objectionable one, and when Smith got across Batten three times in three minutes, in the last three minutes of play, I wondered how the linesman could fail to notice what had happened.  Everton failed to quite grasp their opportunity; they played the better and more convincing football, and failed to snap their chance.  The missing link was the shooting of forwards other than Dean. 
DEAF TO HIS APPEALS
Barson twice tried to force Referee Mee to go to the line and consult a linesman about supposed penalty kicks, but he would not listen to the voice of the charmer.  Why7 should he?  Had he not been on the spot at the moment of the incident.  Had he not read of how Barson persisted till a cup-tie referee changed his mind concerning an incident under his very nose- whatever “very” noses may be like!  No, Barson failed to shake the referee, whom I had not seen before and whose general handling was in my estimate very good.  Barson will need better forwards than those who played on Saturday if they are to gain admission to Wembley’s massive portals.  The United forwards never looked like scoring with the nonchalant Hardy punching out resolutely and juggling with the ball with great ease.  Hardy’s only bit of luck was in the first minute when he was beaten by a ball that hit the cross-bar.  I think that miss upset the nerves of the Everton fellows, but when they settled to play football again they had Manchester in their pockets.  Then it was that Steward’s safe keeping kept Dean from scoring.  Batten tried two good long range shots and Irvine one, but really the balance of a forward line can never be good of only one man is acting the driver of the van!  Got me?  Batten’s game has been much discussed in the city.  He tends towards making ground passes, and the middle man gets more work than formerly-work of the right character.  I mean-and his feeding of Troup in the first half was ideal.  But one wondered why the whole side concentrated on defence when they had the wind behind them in the second half.  Was it a case of wind up?
FEAT NO FOE
They had no need to fear a foe with the defence playing as it was.  The half backs held the United forwards with ease, and found time to make enterprising passes up the field.  I have never seen Raitt punt and secure so finely; he put a foot wrong only once, and his partner backed up his work.  Why then lie back, ye forwards.  Get up the field and make attack your defence. 

MANCHESTER’S FURTHER TILT AT THIS CITY FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, March 23, 1926
Bee’s Notes it would seem that we are not allowed to rest from the Manchester “cult.” Here is a letter from a Derby man named F. Price.  He has been reading the “Manchester Guardian,” which published the following;-
Everton won a point at Old Trafford on Saturday, but they lost a little of the high esteem in which they had been held.  A year ago the writer held them up as an example of courtesy and sportsmanship on the field of play, but this new Everton fell sadly short of that ideal.  That they wasted time and kicked out at every chance during the last half hour to save a game that did not matter a bag of nuts to either side was irritating but immaterial; but what is one to say of the foul charging, the tripping, and (most ugly sight of all) the foot that hundreds saw lifted to strike a Manchester forward? 
Here follows Mr. Price’s comment;-
After the Huddersfield Town-Manchester United mate’s you gave some hearsay evidence of rough play by one of the visitors, and I surmised that Barson was the bee in “Bee’s” bonnet.  As you seem to have become a soi-disant Reporter-in-General of Rough Play, I am sending here with the report from the “Manchester Guardian” in which allegations of rough play are made against Everton.  In your comments of the previous match at Huddersfield you said that you were glad to know that Manchester supporters deplored the rough play of their “pet.” If that gave you so much pleasure, why not have a “real right time” by collecting similar expressions of contrition from the Everton supporters (if they also regret rough play), in regard to their “pets”?  Most of the “attention” last Saturday were bestowed on Spence, and as you had previously reported that this player was the only one likely forward to being the Cup to the Manchester United headquarters, it seems probable that the Everton players are keen readers of the “Echo.”  I hope you will reply to this letter and not leave me to doubt your impartiality. 
FOR THE DEFENCE
Let us take this matter seriatim;-
The newspaper critic says Everton wasted time kicking out.  I have yet to find a solitary side in League strife that does not kick out near the finish of a game, if that side has the lead.  No side kicked out more resolutely and for a longer spell than Manchester United when they led Sunderland. 
The “Guardian” critic did not notify his readers on that occasion that Manchester United had adopted this mode of play.  Yet a Manchester player was cautioned on the matter!  For charging, tripping and (most ugly sight of all) the foot that hundreds saw lifted to strike at a Manchester forward?  That’s the next charge of the “Guardian.”  The incident was perfectly plain.  Brown, of Everton, has medals for fair play, and this day he pretended to kick and draw back his foot.  It is a dodge as old as football; it was simply a feint, and there was not an idea of kicking anyone.  I admit at once that the very idea of pretending to boot a player and withdrawing the foot is not gentlemanly, but it is not dangerous. 
Contrariwise, let me quote the case of the forward who, in full view of the Pressbox, caught Batten three times in the last three minutes right across the pit of the stomach.  Strange the silence that obtains on such persistency in the wrong department.  In the first minute of play Barson did a thing that surprised Irvine, but apparently did not startle the Manchester folk.  That was the beginning of the trouble, and I do not see how the Manchester folk can complain of the shoulder charging that went on.  They would have liked to see the referee made afeared of his own decisions; but he was not going to be talked into consultation about a matter in which he had a perfect view and a settled conviction. 
Now to Mr. Price, of Derby, I certainly did quote the complaint gathered on a return journey from Huddersfield.  That compliant was made against a Manchester player by a number of Manchester United followers, men who had paid to see a football match, and who were disappointed at the style of game adopted by one of the losers.  They said so; they were Manchester believers; they should know! 

EVERTON’S O’DONNELL IN AN F.A. ELEVEN
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, March 24, 1926
ARRANGEMENTS FOR REPLAYED SEMI-FINAL TIE AT EVERTON
Bee’s Notes
O’Donnell the Everton footballer, has bene chosen to play for the Football Association eleven at Workington, tomorrow, against the Northern Counties.  He will play at left full back.  The club have made no change in their side for the home tie with Notts County, and the reserve team at Villa Park reads;- Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Murray (The South African is to try his hand as a pivot), Rooney; Parry, Rand, O’Donnell, Houghton and Weaver.  Everton are busy with many things; there is the final notice to Bullen road stand- a fine stand giving an excellent view-it is being brought to earth at the end of the season, and the club are advertising the tenders for that work; then there is the possibility of a replay semi-final tie at Goodison Park on Wednesday next.  If the Masnchester club draw these laws will come into operation.  Kick-off time three o’clock.  Ground 1s, boys 6d. 
Goodison road stand and goal double decker and the centre of Bullens-road, reserved and bookable at 5s.  Two ends of Bullens-road stand 3s, pay at the turnstile.  Tickets on sale Monday morning from 10 o’clock; from Sharp’s Whitechapel, from the club offices; and also at Manchester City and United offices. 
Everton play their full league team tomorrow at West Derby-an annual meeting with the Colleague starting at 3 o’clock. 
Everton are still desirous of securing the services of Billy Cowan, Newcastle United’s inside forward, who has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.  As a matter of fact the Goodison Park directors were on his track several weeks ago, when there was a suggestion of an exchange with Chadwick, but at that time the Tynesiders were not disposed to listen to Cowan’s request for release. 

THE BARSON DISCUSSION
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, March 25, 1926
Bee’s Notes
From Llanfyllin I get the following from a well-versed correspondent.  I have read with interest this last few weeks your attacks on Barson, who is painted worse than he is, and Manchester United.  I used to watch them some time back, and in my opinion Barson does not play the rough game he did when he first went to United.  Barson has a bad name for rough play and a good one as a player.  I think the two best centre halves I ever saw were McBain and Barson,  You may be surprised to know I once, with others, noticed how many “fouls” he had given against him, and it was well into the second half before the first came along.  You do not appear to have a pair of specs for any other team than Everton by your reply in to-night’s “Echo.” I therefore enclose another cutting from a Manchester paper, which gives a “fair” comment on the game, although your pet was subdued by the bad boy of the United family.
Therese are the cuttings;-
  The defence on both sides was excellent, for there was not a bad back on the field, but especially was the play of McDonald, at left back for Everton, to be commended.  In the second half Dean was a very subdued person.  The Everton front line, however, never really showed its true form, and no one would have dreamed that Chedgzoy was an international.  Irvine was occasionally prominent, but the left wing was poor.  The correspondent earmarked those lines, I notice in the same report, however, that the critic says; “The Everton centre was the outstanding figure in Everton’s line;” 
  “Old Blue,” of Higher Tranmere, writes; I was very pleased to see the manner in which you tackled that “Manchester mite.” He needed shaking up, and could do with a few lessons in football, to say nothing of “fair criticism.”  Anyhow, the “Guardian,” doesn’t count as a sporting paper, its main readers being very old-fashioned followers of polities.  Herewith gummed is a cutting from a Manchester sporting paper.  The man who wrote that (“Impressionist’) knows his football.  Everton is still Everton, and plays the game. 
The cutting;- By degree the United realized their own inability against a defence as worthy as their own, and a half-back line that mixed attack with defence in the splendid old Everton way.  Would that we had twenty-one others of the Everton standard in the League.  Then it would be something for the admirer of real football to go into rhapsodies over.  Everton were not by any means at their attractive best, all the same.  It was just a case of happy comparison in their favour in an encounter which came to a timely and tame end.  United had their chances of conquest, but really Everton ought to have won comfortably. 
IN FAVOUR
Mr. W. C. Hindle, of North Hill-street, Liverpool, writes;- Why not answer Mr. Price with;-
   “Would that we have twenty-one others of the Everton standard in the league, which refers to the identical match he talks about. 
It is an Athletic News” cutting and shows that one portion of Manchester does not believe Brown in is a friend.   

A KELLY-GRAM FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo- Friday, March 26, 1926
Bee’s Notes
In the League business which takes second place to-morrow, Everton are at home to what was one time known as the offside experts, and at another time as the champions draw-team.  Everton have taken the latter appellation, and when they gather at the Goodison Park ground to-morrow they will find Notts County keen on something more than a draw.  County will doubtless bring with them their little “Kelly-gram.” He is a sharp, sandy-haired young man who left New Brighton a few weeks ago to try to straighten out the relegation mess; but he has met with injuries, just as did Sullivan, on-Crewe, before him, and in truth Notts County have had a persistence in the accident line that makes it very sorry for them.  They are playing better class football this season than for some years, and they have come out of it worst of all, solely through injuries sustained.  Everton’s position safe for months, has been of a kind, that, one would have thought it convenient to bring in some of the youngsters for next season’s “faring.” This is the time of manufacture and Everton will not have a better opportunity than the remainder of this reason for trying out their reserves.  It is now or –not next season.  Talking of next season reminds me that Everton Will have their new stand up by next season’s opening.  Bullens-road will be a picture-place when it is complete and it will mean that not only will the stand –people on that side have the pleasure of a perfect view, but they will have tip-up seats.  The ground will gain about 11,000 spectators by the new building,  and as a consequence Everton will be able to boast a capacity of 60,000 people, many of whom are under cover.  The stand will be on the Twirkenham principle, which is admitted to be the best in the country.  Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, D. Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Notts County; Iremonger; Cope, Smith (G); Wren, Dinesdale, Kemp; Taylor, Kelly, Mills, Davis, Barry.

Billy Williams.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 27 March 1926
Blackpool investment which is now giving good return the £1,500 spent on Billy Williams, inside left, obtained from the Everton club in March of last year. Billy broke an arm in his very first game after his transfer, and not until this season has he been able to settle down to the form which made him famous in the Lancashire Combination when he played with Darwen. He is now scoring very freely.

SPORTSMAN’S  SUNDAY SERVICE
Lancashire Evening Post-Saturday, March 27 1926
The Rev W.C. Jordan, the famous old Corinthians, West Bromwich and Everton forward who is now vicar of a Liverpool parish, will speak at the Sportsman’s Sunday service at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Fulwood, Preston, on April 25th. 

OLD TIMERS AND TIMERS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 27, 1926
WHAT IS LUCK IN FOOTBALL?
VICTOR HALL INQUIRIES INTO THE MAKING OF HISTORY
When Everton went out of the English Cup this year in a snowstorm on the Fulham ground. “Bee” wrote a description of the game that will rank amongst the classics of the recorded influences of luck in football.  while paying deserved compliment to the brilliancy of a young genius in the Fulham goal that day, he made it clear that in everything bar the scoring of goals the losing team were undoubtedly the victors of a one-sided game.  That particular Cup-tie is old history now, and in the later rounds of the Cup it has passed into the series of well-remembered games.  It is now but one of the cases of hard lines.  What a great deal of football history is made up, though, of those well-remembered games, where one side has played football and the other side has got the goals!  Every season and every club has similar outstanding instances in its record.  Every player will get eloquent, and sometimes wrathful, when he recounts those tragic games in which he has figured on the “unlucky side.”  Bob Kelso used to tell them of Renton Danny Doyle of the Celtic, Jack Bell of Dumbarton, and Jimmy Ross of Preston! All had their tragic days, when play them ever so brilliantly, some trick of ill-luck gave the opposing goal a charmed life, and endowed the opposite goalkeeper with a shield of good fortune, that secured a charm of talismanic protection for their citadel.  Is it luck or good fortune, or some beautiful of supernatural wisdom that in one day, and for one match, gives certain backs and goalkeepers an instinct of positional protection for their charge?  But no! that cannot be quite the solution, for in the Fulham game under review, and, in fact, in all those wonder games where the defence survives an over-mastering attack, you get the extraordinary coincidence, that on those miraculous occasions, not only does the goalkeeper find and parry every possible shot from every single, but the goalposts and the placid crossbar enter into the spirit of the occasion, and contrive to stop the shots the goalkeeper would have missed.  This sounds like a piece of cheap claptrap, but I hope my readers will take me seriously when I say that I am not writing in any vein of sarcasm with a view to explain away an otherwise unanswerable argument.  Some days, and in some games there must be an influence, call it luck (jolly good luck, for one side) call it good fortune (for the same side) or call it bad luck, for the losers (who should have been the winners) but whatever you call it, what is it that causes it?  Is it just luck?  Or is a sublime spirit, infectious in its influence on a whole side that will make one team do everything just right, and make the other side do everything bar score, or rather, win.  We get back to the word “luck,” that extraordinary, expressive particle of spoken language –at once the consolation of the loser, and the talisman of the winner, be the game what it may, love, war, sport, fortune, destiny.  The gambler at Monte Carlo reduces it to a system with nine points of decimals, and finding the solution insoluble takes the gambler’s tragic exit.  In sport, thank goodness we are more philosophic, and with a groan or a wrangle we await the next turn of the wheel.  But why do these cycles of super-brilliancy constantly recur in every game?  It is poor consolation to the loser, and no explanation to the winner.  Liverpool and Everton have both dipped deeply in the mystic pool.  “Fallowfield” has an eerie sound even in the spoken worked, to every Evertonian above forty years of age, and Aston Villa’s final at Crystal Palace still brings wry smiles to the check of many a yeoman citizen of Liverpool. 
Dear old John Lewis, who referred that classic game when the best club lost at Crystal Palace, often expressed it as his considered opinion that final was the best final he had ever seen played, and he had seen a lot!  That day all the “luck” was with the Villian and all the tears were in the Everton cup.  Patient readers of these random dissertations will remember the incidents of that tragic day, and some time we may tempt one or two of the players of that day to come out of their retirement and tell the story again to the new generation of to-day.  When the story is told it well be very similar to what “Bee” told us after the Fulham match!  It was again a case of shot after shot rained in from every angle by Everton, and deflected or parried or saved by an unholy conspiracy of posts, crossbars, defenders in unexpected positions, or finally, a goalkeeper, who took up his right position a fraction of a second before the ball got there! Just that and no more.  If a player on the defending side raised his knee too high, the ball cannoned off it and went over the bar if he intercepted a pass, the ball glanced to a companion and went away; if he fell down the ball hit his boot and was “back heeled” to his colleague to clear.  But will you ever get the “other side” –that is, the side that wins these miracle matches, to admit that it is “luck” that has won for them sometimes! Not always.  To their credit some clubs will admit that everything “came right” for them on the day.  Fulham will go up in our opinion in Liverpool because they did cheer the Everton team as the game finished, and cheered them from their ground.  But there are others who only believe in “luck” when it is against them.  After all a lot happens to a ball in the air.  A trifle may effect its velocity or, as the gunners would say, its trajectory, and a lot happens in a player’s brain while the ball is in the air.  He may decide to dart, or to stand still, or to jump.  The solution must be that a phycology is set in motion, between the “ball” part of the player’s brain and the ball itself.  In some wonderful manner, like wireless, they transmit their intentions to one another.  The ball intimates to the “ball-cell,” just where it is going.  The cell tells the brain, the brain tells the fellow, and he jumps! 
“The goalkeeper was wonderful,” the newspaper tells us next day.  But who tells the goalposts what to do?  And how do they pass it on to the crossbar? 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 27, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

• Everton hope to have “puddings” on their Good Friday menu card when Bury come to Goodison.  It was at Gigg Lane on New Years Day that the Toffees, you will remember, were denied a goal in a match for the first time during the season.
• Mr. Crompton, Liverpool’s new chairman, was Everton’s League team centre forward for a short spell in 1898-99 season
• Rock Ferry’s “Football Sunday” proved a big success
• Dixie Dean, despite a severe cold, was present to support his chairman, Mr. Cuff
• Mr. Sutcliffe, who motored from Rawtenstall, had some difficulty owing to his engine kicking over the traces.

EVERTON AND A BOUT WITH S.F.X
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 27, 1926
By Stork
The annual game between St. Francis Xavier and Everton increases in popularity each year.  Despite the counter attraction of the races there was a big crowd at Melwood, West Derby, on Thursday, and they saw a clever exhibition of the real football.  There was quite a Liverpool-Newcastle flavor about the result- Everton won 6-5, but the goals did not matter a great deal.  It was the style of football which counted. The boys are great imitators.  They are keen to pick up all the good points of the game, and for youths of such tender years they more than delighted with their clever ideas of combination.  After the i8nterval the Everton team was reshuffled, and read like this; Kendall; Dean, Troup; Brown, Murray, Hart; Raitt, (he scored a great goal), Reid, McDonald, Batten, and Chedgzoy.  The goal scorers were; Everton; Dean (2), Batten, Murray, Raitt, and McDonald; S.F.X;- Fishwick (3), Connerty, and Fletcher. (Penalty).  Harry Makepeace, who had charge, gave a spot kick, because McDonald shouted “Right,” and so Fishwick lost a possible goal.  After the game the players and officials gathered together at the colleague in the evening and having enjoyed their fill of the many good things on offer.  Father Melling, in his welcome to the Everton club, touched upon the controversy which has appeared in our columns concerning “Intensive training.”  He said; “We have been accused of professionalism in our training of the boys.  What if we have, nearly every colleague in the county has its coach, and if his engagement improves the standard of play is it not better than to let the boy’s start incorrectly and continue in that strain? We have not a professional coach, and our boys do not have any special preparation.  They simply have scratch games and evening practices. 
THE SECRET OUT
“Here’s the secret of our success in the shield competitions.  Our boys go to Goodison Park and study closely the methods of the players and try to emulate them, and have been pretty successful, too.”  Speaking of Everton, Father Melling said “We greatly appreciate Everton’s visit to the school.  They play the best type of football.  They have been somewhat unlucky, and many of those seventeen draws, with a bit of ordinary luck, might have been wins.  Our teams has learned many things from their games with Everton and I hope that this annual fixture will go on for all time.” 
Mr. Cuff, the Everton chairman, in reply, said; “I am sure we all appreciate Father Melling’s flattering talk on Everton.  We certainly appreciate coming to the colleague. As regards my club we are quite satisfied with our team, and even if we are not in a high position in the League we do know that our football is well received up and down the country.  Whenever you go you can always hear the home supporter eulogizing upon Everton’s game, and it leaves a nice taste in the month afterwards.  “We will have to see if those draws cannot be turned into victories next season, and if we cannot attain honours in the League we hope to annex the English Cup.” So say all if us!

EVERTON V NOTTS COUNTY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 27, 1926
A VISIT OF THE SIDE THAT IS STRUGGLING AGAINST THE RE4LEGATION BOGEY
BY Stork
Everton; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, D. Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  Notts County; Iremonger; Smith (G), Cope; Wren, Dinsdale, Kemp; Taylor, Kelly, Harris, Mills, Barry. Everton to-day had Notts County at their doors, and in the visiting team were the Hull forwards, Mills, and Kelly, ex-New Brighton.  Everton were unchanged from a week ago, and Notts were all fear and trembling about the relegation prospect.  Everton started as if they meant business, but the County’s offside trap worked against them.  The County had two such awards in the first minutes. 
AN EARLY CASUALTY
Then there was a mishap to D. Reid, who sustained a head injury in a collision and had to leave the field, the doctor being beckoned for.  Kelly, the former New Brighton player, has always been known for his grafting methods, and when he got over an outstretched leg, matters did not look at all well for the Everton defence.  He was clean through and only a superb tackle by Hart prevented him from having a shy at Hardy’s goal.  The County are in dire need of points.  This is hard to understand for many of their movements were of a high-class order, one particular movement by Barry and his partner on the left flank being as good as anybody could have desired.  But the Notts forwards fell into the same trap as that which has spoiled Everton of a possible goal.  Smith and Cope indulged in this aggravating method of defence so often that the crowd of 25,000 people became annoyed and showed their displeasure by booing the initiators.  Reid had returned and helped his forwards in an attack that suffered the same fate as all others.  The new rules was made to stamp out this kind of thing.  Notts County made the new rule look silly, and as a football spectacle it was anything but pleasing.  As a matter of fact it promised to ruin the game, but Smith and Cope went on with it.
IREMONGER STOOPS
Everton’s attack was quite unable to make one solitary move for quite a time, and it was plainly made patent that with a little forethought this football bugbear could be beaten.  It was on one occasion, and Chedgzoy shot the ball straight at Iremonger instead of away from him.  One feature of a rather featureless game was Iremongers’ throw.  It was as good as the average goalkeeper could kick.  He had considerably much more work to do than Hardy, and was rather fortunate to “get away with it” when Reid shot through a bunch of players, the ball hitting the lengthy keeper as he went down for it.  What had happened to the Nottingham attack?  From a promising start it became almost non est.  whereas Everton’s advance guard was right on top of the Notts defence, which was by this time in a state of nerves.  If Irvine could have got the twisting ball down to his liking when right through the opposition Iremonger would have been a beaten man.  As it was, he simply came out of goal and blocked the Irishman’s shot.  Troup had a couple of tries and found Iremonger ready for them.  The County, after their lengthy spell of defence, deigned to strike a blow at the Everton citadel.  The nearest they got to their desire was a corner, which was not at all troublesome to the Everton defence.  Kelly was playing like a warhorse, and it was his work as a rule which started the few attacks that Notts had.
SWARM ON DEAN
Iremonger was the busiest man of ill, he certainly had more kicks at the ball than any other player during the first half-hour.  Troup was all out for a shot.  It was the only move against this defence, which was again fortunate when Dean slipped between the backs but was unable to get complete control ere he was surrounded by a swarm of opponents.  Iremonger again showed a safe pair of hands when he turned aside a shot by Batten, but he would have been well beaten a minute or two later if Dean’s placed shot had been the slightest fraction of an inch to the left. 
CHEDGZOY SCORES FROM PENALTY
However, Everton got a goal at the 38th minute.  It was not the type the good sportsmen admire, for it was a penalty goal for a foul on Irvine by Cope.  I ought to mention that this was not Cope’s first infringement.  Chedgzoy, who took the kick, had a style of his own in these matters.  One would think he would knock the back out of the not to see him going for the ball, whereas in reality there is no great strength behind the boot- but there is accurate placing, which is so much better. 
Half-time; Everton 1, Notts County 0. 
WIN FOR EVERTON
CHEDGZOY SCORES FROM SPOT
DEAN’S LATE GOAL
BATTEN SCORES THE THIRD GOAL
The very first item of note in the second half was a brilliant solo run by Irvine.  He defeated practically the whole of the County team, but unlike Silvo, he fell at the last fence, Iremonger.  The County were evidently suffering through their position in the League.  They played like a worried team, and were over anxious, so much so that their attack was never to be seen, and it was in their defence alone that they shone.
WAS HE OFFSIDE?
It was even a half-back who was responsible for their nearest approach to a goal, when putting a ball on the Everton crossbar.  Troup was again to the fore with a great effort that Iremonger dealt with smartly, and when Dean hit the upright, I thought the referee erred in his judgement when he gave the shooter offside.  Mills nearly scored with a surprise shot, but Hardy just collared in the nick of time.
SHOT OF THE MATCH
Whatever Notts’ faults they could at least lay claim to the best shot of the match.  Cope, with a free kick taken from fully thirty-five yards’ range was dead on the mark, and if Hardy had not been so accurate with his timing of the ball it would have sped just under the bar.  As it was, Hardy flicked it just over the top. It was a great shot and an good save.  The County had improved somewhat, but once again Iremonger stood in Dean’s light when the latter had shaken off all opponents, and even Cope, who, to my mind, held Dean’s arm, and Iremonger made the save while on his knees.  The long fellow saved again, this time from Dean, kicking a breast high ball out of the goalmouth.
DEAN’S HOOK SHOT
Everton’s second goal was of a rather unusual type.  Dean had shot, Iremonger had saved and the ball was stopped by Cope, but before the last-named realized fit, Dean had slipped round him and hooked it into the net. 
THIRD BY BATTEN
Two minutes from the end Everton went further ahead through a goal by Batten.  It told us how Batten had so many goals to his credit when Plymouth.  The ball came in, and Bolton, although with his back to the goal, pivoted round, and left Iremonger helpless with a terrific volley. 
Final; Everton 3, Notts County 0. 

PRESCOT V EVERTON A
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 27, 1926
At Prescot.  Prescot opened strongly, Jones in goal making splendid saves.  Riding and Gaskell scored for Everton, and Hornby for Prescot.  Jones saved his side many times.  Half-time; Everton “A” 2, Prescot 1. 

EVERTON 3 NOTTS COUNTY 0
March 29, 1926. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON TRICK OFF-SIDE EXPERTS.
NOTTS COUNTRY'S POLICY OF DESPAIR
Times have not really changed after all. The club that really sets out to play the off-side game can do so –to an extent. But Everton did their best to prevent Notts County spoiling the game at Goodison Park. The County in their anxiety to avoid relegation, and fearful of the result played "safety first." The daring way Cope and Smith threw the Everton forwards offside was similar to that in the County's game with West Bromwich the previous week. This is the County's new plan, evidently; but the Goodison side did not oblige them with a draw in the Everton way. Anyway the offside tactics did not avail the County anything. They could not make good that way, and it interfered with the game –nevertheless an attractive one –as a spectacle.
DEAN PERPLEXED.
The offside tactics succeeded to the extent that they incapacitated Dean, who was playing well down the course, and fell often in the trap. It was not till the second half that he could come into his own. He had, however, an adept assistant in Irvine, whose nimbleness and judgement impressed us much. He had consequently more opportunities, and the call was "Give it to Bobbie," as a variation of the more familiar salutation "Give it to Dixie." Irvine justified the confidence and, with Chedgzoy, made an aggressive wing. Cope and Smith set about their task in no half-hearted measure. The brunt of the defence, indeed, fell upon Cope largely, and he was razor-keen, tackling and volleying with a will. At one period Referee Sambrook considered the comments of some of the spectators, on the Goodison-road side of the enclosure exceeded the bounds of legitimate comment, stopped the game, and gave them a rather lengthy lecture. The referee afterwards did not say what the remarks were, but said they were directed at certain Notts players, and not at himself. This, of course, is an important matter, and any supporters who allow their comments to go beyond legitimate licence do the management a great disservice.
PENALTY.
Prior to this incident, there had been an infringement in the penalty area by Cope (Grassed Irvine Daily Post), and Chedgzoy had given his side the lead with a penalty kick goal, with a shot that was an object lesson in accurate placing. Everton should have taken the lead in a more satisfactory way earlier. Iremonger the Notts goalkeeper, who has been with them 22 seasons, gave a superlative display. He kept a courageous and capable goal, doing his job without unnecessary flourishes and advancing daringly when all seemed lost. Iremonger got down to the ball with remarkable agility. Notts' adversity came near the close of the game, when two quick goals were put were put up against them. They were hoping as the result of lucky raids to make a draw. Dean's goal was a splendid one, but Batten;s the first for the club –was more of the blind order. He whipped round and got in a terrific drive –an impossible shot for a goalkeeper to save. On Nott's display their precarious position is not to be wondered at. The re-arranged forwards were unbusiness like. Harris, the ex-Newcastle United acquisition, did not keep his line together, and his efforts lacked the mastertouch of which he is capable. Mills the addition from Hull City, had ball control and speed, but his passes were not all to be desired. Kelly was outstanding on the other wing, but the front line was altogether too disjointed, too anxious and in too much of a hurry to make such impression on Brown Reid and Hart, who if not brilliant, blended defence and attack more after the real Everton style.
INDIVIDUAL.
The Everton forwards were quick on the ball, but there was just the tendency towards individualism. Chedgzoy gave another helpful display, while Troup skill left a pleasing impression. The Everton, defence had not a fraction of the running about Notts defence had, but neither Raitt nor McDonald conceded any quarter. They took no risks, and parted promptly with the ball. Handy though often on the unemployed, but acquitted himself in his usual confident way. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, and Troup, forwards. Notts County: - Iremonger, goal, Smith and Cope, backs, Wren, Dinsdale, and Kemp, half-backs, Taylor, Kelly, Harris, Mills, and Barry, forwards.

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 29 1926. The Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
No details.

PRESCOT 3 EVERTON "A" 2
March 29, 1926. The Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Prescot. Play in the first half was strongly in favour of Prescot, but they failed to take their chances and at the interval, they were a goal in arrears, Riding and Gaskill scored for Everton and Hornley for Prescot. Later Luckett equalised and ten minutes from time Hornley scored the winning goal.

DISGUST
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, March 30, 1926
Bee’s Notes
I attended the Everton-Notts County match, and I wish to take up a few valuable lines to show my disgust at the action of Taylor, the Notts County inside right, say “Fairplay.”  Immediately after the final whistle had sounded, Troup tapped the ball towards the dressing-room.  Taylor intercepted it, and deliberately drove it with great force among the spectators, and smahed a gentleman’s glasses three paces from where I stood.  I advised him to report it at once, but he was too overcome at his loss to reply.  If Taylor casts his eye on this article he may realise that fits of tempers often have very serious results. 

EVERTON TO TRY CHESHIRE AMATEUR
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, March 31, 1926
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON TEAMS
Everton’s team against Bury, at Goodison Park, on Friday, will be;- Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Dean, Batten, Troup.  The same team play against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. On Monday Everton’s first team is not engaged but on Tuesday they play Darlington, at Darlington, for the benefit of Tommy Greaves, the old Bury and present Skernside defender. 
The Everton team will be; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart; Parry, Irvine, O’Donnell, Batten, Troup.  The side will meet at Lime-street at 5.45 on Monday. 
For the reserve match at Goodison Park on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton are introducing a new outside right in T. parker, a promising amateur who has played for Stalybridge Veltic and Cheshire Amateurs.  He will also play in Easter Monday’s match against Blackpool Reserves. 
Saturday’s team reads;- Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, McBain, Rooney; T. Parker, Houghton, O’Donnell, Kennedy, Weaver. 
Monday’s team will be; Kendall; Hamilton, Kerr; Bain, Murray, Rooney; T. parker, Rand, O’Donnell, Houghton, Weaver.