Everton Independent Research Data

 

THREE CHANGES
March 1 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
If football form counts for anything Everton should be certain of two valuable points when the Wednesday visit Goodison Park tomorrow. There are only three teams in the five principal leagues that have yet to secure a victory away from home, and Sheffield Wednesday are one of them…meanwhile Everton probably disbursed something like 10000 and West Brom and Leeds each 5000. Everton would have spent a good deal more had McPhail the Airdrieonians inside left, been willing to go to Goodison Park. But although the Everton club was the highest bidder in the ‘'sealed tender'' competition McPhail I am told prefers to remain in Scotland. The Airdrieonian may other another player for transfer and in this connection the name of Wheldon also an side forward, has been mentioned. Everton have a liking for Weldon, I am told so it a deal is projected they may be successful in his case, now the defence has been strengthened. It is necessary for the Everton officials to bring up the attach to the standard required if the club is to escape relegation.

EVERTON HAPPY TO SAY “NO CHANGE”
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 01 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
“Some again!” That is Everton’s happy position.  They haven’t had much trouble to pick a team this week owing to part-success at Huddersfield, and a run of defensive security that has been most helpful.  The stoutness of the defence has bene the means of the other lines gaining confidence, and as Everton stand this day they have not only an attractive side but they are pushful.  It will need a very big push to get them out of the toils of the lower regions, and the race is still far from won, but there is happily a renewed confidence in the team what time such sides as Leeds and Derby are going from bad to worse.  To-morrow the Goodison fixture, starting at 3.15, is against Wednesday, the Sheffield side who won at home by a good margin, thanks to Trotter being on the mark.  Wednesday have been a curious mixture this season, but they have done surprisingly well at home, and have justified their rise to their former status.  However, away from home the tale has been totally different, and tomorrow they come to Goodison Park to attempt to gain their first away victory of the season.  As matters go, there should be a big and enthusiastic gathering of the clans, for Wednesday half-holiday dates seem to serve to show us that the world and his wife has Wednesday as a holiday.  It is almost needless for me to say that Everton last night made no change for Saturday’s which includes Taylor in goal.  Now Taylor is a case-hardened footballer, who has been through all the multitude of mills provided by international and war-time and friendly football.  yet he confesses that when he turned out at Huddersfield his old side gave him a reception that started him; in fact, he is not shy to say that when the band struck up “Old Acquainance” that he felt a hump rise in his throat.  One of the benefits of the signing of Cresswell and Taylor is the fact that O’Donnell has developed his full back duties and steadied up in the matter of hasty punting.  It only shows you how a good player can influence a younger member, who has been “pressing” as we say in golf –when it is not raining and we have a chance to show our opponents how to sink ‘em from ten yards’ range!  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. 
THEM WUZ THE DAYS
Many thanks to those kindly-disposed old-timers who corrected my recollections of the Jack Kirwan and amplified them (says “Chiming Bells”)  I wish more of the old sports would do the same; there must be many old boys who remember interesting facts and incidents of the great days, and these would make pleasant reading in these day’s of debacle.  Furthermore, it would be such a welcome change from the many letters, which are either bickering between Everton and Liverpool supporters or ill-informed advice to which those in office pay not the slightest attention.  Referring to James Ross, I do not know if he originated the “one-back game” personally, I have always attributed the infamy of Morley, of Notts County.  However, Ross may have done so, because anything he did not know about tactics was not worth studying.  Like Buchan today, Ross was the master mind of football in his day.  A rigid disciplinarian, both on and off the field, he could do everything that was possible with a football, and he was the lever by which more than one club raised itself from the Second to the First Division of the League.  He joined Liverpool from Preston N.E. and had as colleagues Gee, Allen, Frank Becton, Harry Bradshaw and McVean in the forward line.  From Liverpool, he and McVean went to Burnley, and there he developed two fine young players, “Ching” Morrison and Wilfred Toman.  The latter came to Everton; left for Southampton, rejoined Everton, had his leg broken by a player named Jones, of Wolverhampton Wanderers and never played again.  The accident came in the first few minutes, and Everton, with four forwards won 4-0! Jimmy Settle scoring two of them.  As I have before remarked, the “owd” days were the great days. 

THE WEDNESDAY AT EVERTON
March 2 nd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Today Everton have another opportunity of gaining two of the points, which are necessary to save the club from the Second Division. It is the first of the six remaining home matches, and although the Wednesday will provide strong opposition, I believe Everton after their display at Huddersfield, will gain the verdict. The side as at present constituted is undoubtedly a strong one, but even so the forwards must improve in their finishing work because the Sheffield team has recently shown a distinct advance, and they are a thrustful energetic side. Everton play the same team that drew with the champions, while the visitors will have Rees Williams at outside left in place of Wilkinson, who was in the side which, drew with West Bromwich Albion. I anticipate a rousing game. The kick off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly Hart, Virr; Crithcley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup. Wednesday: - Brown; Walker, Felton; Leach, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Kirkwood Trotter, Strange, Rees, Williams.

WHAT OF McPHAIL?
Hull Daily Mail - Wednesday 02 March 1927
Everton, I notice, have not yet given up hopes of securing the transfer of the young Airdrieonian forward, Robert L. McPhail, though the player, who has scored 22 goals in 26 games to date, has so far refused to be prevailed upon to sign the necessary forms.  It is uncertain what is going to happen, but if that inside left does not sign for Everton he may be persuaded to consider other invitations, and why not one from Hull?  

THE MATCH DAY PLAN
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton have been blessed with a good day for their meeting with the Wednesday of Sheffield.  Had the game been played yesterday the draw would have been a calamitous one, even with Everton having splendid covered accommodation.  Liverpool by the way, are hastening their Spion Kop covering, which will be all to the benefit of the legion of followers who take up the fine view-point.  These were the chosen teams for the game at Goodison to-day;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  The Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Felton, Leach, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Kirkwood, Trotter, Strange, Ross, Williams. 

EVERTON LEAD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 March 1927
VITAL LEAGUE GAME WITH WEDNESDAY
DOMINY AND DEAN
GETS GOALS BUT WEDNESDAY TRY TAYLOR
By Bees
The weather broke down this afternoon, and the crowd at Goodison Park for the meeting of Everton and Wednesday was not more than 14,000.  Wednesday made two wing changes, Williams crossing over to outside left, and Hooper, of Darlington, becoming outside right.  The referee was Mr. Ike Baker, of Crewe.  Cresswell, Kelly, and Hart were what one might call unduly prominent early on, and there was a confidence in the home side that was a happy omen of things to be.  There would have been some trouble for the Wednesday defence if Dean had not “lost” the ball.  It is not often that one solitary volley by a full-back brings down the house, but here O’Donnell made a lovely screw which was all the more noteworthy as he seemed to be troubled with one of his eyes. 
DOMINY’S GOAL
After twelve minutes Everton scored through Dominy, this being the Southampton man’s second goal at home this season.  Hart introduced a swinging pass to Critchley, who rather dug his centre that is, he put spin on the ball, which cut away from Dean just a trifle too far off for the centre to take, but Dominy running in, found great pleasure in opening the day’s register with ease.  Brown had no chance at the ball, and his full backs up to then had been good and tricky.  At the other end O’Donnell, with an intensive back heel, gained further honours. 
STRANGE HAPPENINGS
There were two strange happenings, the first being an offence by Marsden on Kelly which did not produce a caution, and the second a throw-in by Leach, which led to the ball slipping out of his grasp.  He caught it as it fell, and was rather shocked to find the referee give a free kick for hands.  Then there followed some really hot stuff, Dean broke through and Brown saved at point-blank range.  The shot was a strong one, and on a dry ground Dean would probably have tried to place the ball, whereas the mud led him into the dire for a banging shot. 
TAYLOR’WS FINE SAVE
The Wednesday had a collection of efforts in front of Taylor, and undoubtedly when Hooper shot and the ball smacked Taylor’s face, the Everton goalkeeper was in fortune’s favour, but his second save was a magnificent one, and when the Everton defence seemed to ease off against Hooper and allow a corner Kirkwood drove in a ball with steady aim and great pace to force Taylor to reach out his right hand and make a really gorgeous save.  One wonders whether England can possibly choose a better than Taylor for the Scottish match.  The Wednesday made quite a good show, and in front of goal became the more deadly side, Taylor having to save at the foot of the post from Trotter and Strange.  Perhaps it was as well dandy Hooper shot outside, for the Wednesday were sorely troubling the Everton side just now, in spite of the super display of Taylor and Cresswell. 
DEAN SCORES EASILY
However, as often happens in such cases, Everton went away on the left, and Troup’s persistence was rewarded when a Wednesday full back, in attempting to clear, cracked the ball against Dominy, and when it rebounded it offered Dean the most comfortable of chances.  Thus the home side was two up at the 37th minute, and a minute later Irvine, who was injured, hit the crossbar with Brown well beaten.  This much-wanted second goal tended to rattle the Wednesday, and to relieve the Everton tension.  Just before half time O’Donnell saved Taylor, who had bene beaten by the spin of the ball, and had left an aching void behind him.  Taylor received a reception from the crowd as he left at half-time. 
Half-time; Everton 2, Sheffield Wednesday 0.
On the resumption Dean followed up and brought a chance for Critchley, who had to use his left foot hastily. 

EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
March 3 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON GAIN TWO POINTS
VALUABLE WIN OVER THE WEDNESDAY
GREAT GOALKEEPERS
By “Bee.”
There was a bright atmosphere about the Everton game, even if the weather was bad at Goodison Park yesterday. Everton by their two goals to one win, were not altogether convincing, but they played well enough, and knew that no more effort was required to beat the Sheffield side. It is not a policy that can be commended, when one looks at the goals against the Everton defence. However, two valuable points added to those obtained from winning against Blackburn and a draw at Huddersfield make the position of Everton a trifle better than it has been and judging the players on yesterday's form, there should be no reason why they should not go to further successes –if the forward line makes for improvement.
EVERTON FAULTS.
Much of the faultiness of the attacking line can be summed up in three categories –air-ball, over-dribbling, and a slowness on the left wing. All this may tend to damage Dean's judicious ideals of combination, and also his shot. Yesterday he got a goal through the ball cannoning from Dominy (the ball hit him thanks to a defender's lunge clearance), and Dominy led the day's goal-getting with a nice point scored through Hart and Critchley making rapid ground by the nearest possible distance and the easiest possible football moves. That was football. Yet at half-time the home folk, 15,000 strong, rallied around Taylor for his great display of goalkeeping, strong, confident, resolute goalkeeping –goalkeeping that gave everyone confidence; clean handling. A member of the English Selection Committee present no doubt took further notes about this matter for the Hampden Park international. Taylor is playing as well as ever before, and doubtless Brown, of the Wednesday, realised this, for in the second half he began a goalkeeping display that led him to a grand rally at the finish.
BROWN'S FINE SHOW.
Brown's show was marked by deadly saves of point-blank shots, and by handling out a Dean header a few minutes before the close of the admirable sporting game. This save seemed impossible, and the header of the free kick seemed impossible so it was just and proper the goal did not arise. However, there was a time when Irvine had Brown well beaten, and the woodwork saved the goal; added to which was a similar instance wherein Kelly, the new half-back, shone. I like this man Kelly; he is quick to size up a situation, and with Cresswell behind him we have a right flank of defenders who can become a secure attacking number. Cresswell's nonchalance is not out of place; he believes in working a ball, just as does Kelly, and with hart finding his captaincy and team care less arduous, he is producing first-class defence and attack. In fact Trotter never had a chance all day long.
FINE HALF-BACKS.
Everton's half-back line more closely touches the old Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott trinity than for many years, added to which the club have a safe goalkeeper and a brainy brilliant back. O'Donnell will gain much through association with the cool Cresswell; he will learn to keep an eye on the ball, and to forget the force of the play as compared to the constructive pass. The best passes on the field yesterday were from Cresswell. He rarely failed to find his partners, and he rarely found touch. Kirkwood I made out to be a grand schemer. This Ranger Rover is an ideal Scottish forward, who hangs back a trifle too much, but about whose subtlety and crafty footwork one could have no two opinions. He is big, too, and therefore takes some of the brunt off the little winger, Hooper, who is a good racy sort of whippet-on-the-wing. I was disappointed with the Sheffield left wing. Strange got a snap goal to give the Wednesday a fighting chance, but the left wing did very little towards pushing that advantage home, and I though the visitors' wing half-backs gave far too many free kicks and once or twice used the foot unwisely without being found out by the referee, Mr. Baker, of Crewe, or the linesmen. Not that this was not a sporting game; it became dull late on because Everton were only a goal to the good and the nervous strain had found its way into the spectators, who forgot that this was a new Everton. However, Everton won worthily in the end and should have taken a bigger toll of a defending trio that had two stout backs, yet full four times the backs were passed and only the goalkeeper remained to stay the home side's progress. When the Everton forward line hits the mark it will run riot, fir it is plain that as the defence is playing just now the goals against column will be kept down to reasonable dimensions.
CRITCHLEY HURT.
With perfect goalkeeping by Taylor in the first half and Brown in the second half the game could never be dull and in the finish the margin was an equitable one. Perchance Everton's slight falling off late on was due to the blow that befell Critchley, who damaged an arm; he had been skirting the touch line and making ground without delay until this point, and his fall away led to Irvine doing too much work all for nought. A simple instant pass would serve Irvine, if only he would realise it. No-one plays harder or is more anxious to set the side on top; it is just ill-considered dribbling, a disease known to others in the football world. Troup was able to work his wiles against a tall and not easy moving half-back, but his wing still bore, in this muddy turf, a slowness that makes goal-getting a so near and so far affair. Teams : - Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal, Walker and Fulton, backs, Leach, Kean, and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Kirkwood, Trotter, Strange, and Williams, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.

FORSHAW GOES TO EVERTON
March 3 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
SURPRISE TRANSFER FROM LIVERPOOL
£20,000 FOR PLAYER
Forshaw the Liverpool forward has been signed by Everton (£2,000), the deal was completed last night and will come as a great surprise to the followers of both clubs fans, it is a big move on the part of the Everton to strengthen their attack, and Forshaw will play against Newcastle at inside-right on Saturday. This being the only change from the side which won yesterday against Sheffield Wednesday. Forshaw has been looked upon for eight years as of Liverpool with no suggestion of his removal to another club. He has been recognized as their centre-forward although actually he came to them as an inside-left, and later developed as an inside-right and had spells at right-half and centre half the last named berth, is many estimates, being his best position. Forshaw as a centre-forward, has played a peculiarly single handed game and has scored many goals entirely unaided.
A WIDNES MAN
Originally he was on the Middlesbrough books. He was born at Widnes, and joined the Army prior to the war, when he returned he was snapped up by Liverpool, and has been near international honours for some years. He began this season well, but after a while fell away a little owing to groin trouble. It is only a fortnight ago that he recovered from an injury and turned out for Liverpool in the cup-tie at Highbury against Arsenal, after which he left the team and Reid was introduced. The signing of Forshaw recalls the deal when Everton transferred Lacey and Gracie to Liverpool for Uren. The Liverpool winger Forshaw is still a youngman as football goes to day. He has had a benefit with Liverpool, and was two years short of a second benefit. The Everton, having failed to get McPhail (of Airdrie), Gibson, and a Hull player determined to try nearer home, and their choice fell upon Forshaw. Everton have paid on £20,000 within recent weeks for new men, and doubtless they will count it worth while if the club retains it position in the first division. The payment made by Everton have been made possible owing to the loyal following of their crowd. It is no secret that the attendances at Goodison Park this season have been abnormally large, and possibly constitute a record for league games. All these signing go to increase the attendance for the remaining home matches, of which there are five.

GREAT GOALKEEPERING
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Thursday 03 March 1927
TAYLOR AND BROWN SHINE IN A THRILLING GAME
WEDNESDAY UNLUCKY
The Wednesday were beaten 2-1 by Everton at Goodison Park, yesterday, in a game which did lots of credit to both sides, called forth for some goalkeeping worth long remembering and was thoroughly enjoyed by about 15,000 spectators.  This notwithstanding some nasty weather.  In a way it was rough luck on the visitors to lose.  You felt that they deserved something out of the bag.  Wednesday showed play of fine quality, and rammed home their attacks with sturdy enterprise, but things did not quite “break” for them, e.g., as when Trotter nearly in the Everton goal and looking sure to score, was pulled over from behind.  Many referees would have awarded a penalty kick.  Mr. Baker did not do so.  It was not the only decision, or absence of a decision, which caused the supporters of one side of the other to think yesterday that the veteran referee was not in his best form.  There is no room for description of all the stirring incidents which took place in this game.  There were fat too many of them.  League points mean a good deal too both teams, and they wired in with such energy and speed that it seemed as though no sooner had one rolled up and delivered its attack, than the other came to the charge.
TAYLOR HIT IN THE FACE.
Everton scored twice before half-time. Twelve minutes after thestart, their centre half-back, Hart, met a clearing kick and all in one motion swept the ball out to his right, whore Critchley stood clear. There followed a swift run in a placed centre, and a running shot Dominy which no goalkeeper could have stopped.  Some 25 minutes later another well-intentioned effort at clearance from Wednesday’s rearguard struck a player, and the ball spun away right to the feet of Dean, who was in some such position as would-be scorers dream about. The Everton centre-forward took his chance.  But in between these counting strokes there had been many great rallies, and while Everton had certainly troubled Brown, the Wednesday forwards had called upon Taylor for some marvelousgoalkeeping. One shot of Stranger’s hit him in the face as he fell forward. Amid great excitement, he saved from Trotter, and again from Strange.  The former Huddersfield Town and England goalkeeper made his most spectacular effort, however, when Kirkwood side-stepped from a busy tangle and delivered a calculated shot. It was just about as hard as could be wished for, and the ball was aimed right away from Taylor. It seemed a winner when it started, but somehow Taylor annihilated space by a terrific leap into mid-air and, with wide-thrown hand, managed to touch and turn the ball. A glorious shot and almost “impossible” save. No wonder Everton are playing better. With such magnificent goalkeeper behind them, they have come from desperate anxiety to confidence. 
A BODY BARS THE WAY.
Wednesday seemed again sure to score when Taylor had come out and Marsden shot at the apparently open goal—only to find that at the moment urgency O’Donnell had thrust his body in the way. The Everton man curled up in pain, but he had saved his goal.  In the second half it was Brown’s turn to give us goalkeeping fireworks. Before the interval one had come to the conclusion that Taylor was back in his old form, and had no rival in England. Afterwards one felt that J. Brown, of Wednesday, can fairly be classed with him. He, too, made “impossible” saves.  The Everton forwards got him alone, all to themselves, and then could not beat him. With an arm like bar of iron, he met and beat away some great shots, and he reached a ball aimed cunningly away from him by intuition in placing himself, as well as extraordinary agility.  Midway through the second half Strange scored for Wednesday, going through from an opening made beautifully by Kirkwood. It looked though one more pull and a pull altogether would save half the spoils for Wednesday, but Everton still had Taylor, and, after hard finish, they were winners of a breathless game. 
KIRKWOOD THE FORWARD OF THE MATCH
Everton had but two men playing who turned out against Wednesday at Hillsborough earlier in the season. They have been through anxious times since, but with Taylor in goal and that icy master of back play, Cresswell, and other changes —some made expensively and some out of previous resources —Everton have built up a much better team.  Wednesday tried Rees Williams at outride-left, giving Wilkinson a rest, and had Hooper on the right wing again. Both helped things along without striking their best vein. The outstanding man of the forward line —indeed, the finest forward on the field —was Kirkwood. He was cool and clever. Many times the tacklers found neither the ball nor his foot quite where they made sure it was. He opened the play with passes that could be easily gathered.  With a little more “punch” in his work Kirkwood would be a great forward, make no mistake about that.  Strange and Trotter both worked hard. So did Kean, and one hesitates to criticize such a fine trier; but he did too much “embroidery” to be as effective as he can be. There was plenty to admire in Marsden's play, and Leach gave a most promising show at right half. The backs stood sturdily in time of pressure, and as for Brown, well, he saved, everything that could be saved and some things that “ought” not to have been saved. Result: —Everton 2, The Wednesday 1.  Everton.—Taylor; Cresswell and O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, and Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup.  Wednesday.—Brown; Walker and Felton; Leach, Kean, and Marsden; Hooper, Kirkwood, Trotter, Strange, and Williams.  Referee; Mr. I. Baker (Crewe). 

EVERTON SECURES SIGNATURE OF FORSHAW
Portsmouth Evening News - Thursday 03 March 1927
Everton are still buying players. Last night R. Forshaw, the Liverpool player, was transferred to them.  The fee a substantial one, and the transfer was not completed until midnight.  Everton have been after McPhail, the Airdrie forward, for but failed.  Forshaw can play anywhere in the attack, and has more than once turned out in the half-back line. He was Liverpool’s leading goal-scorer last year.

FORSHAW’S STORY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 March 1927
SURPRISE VISIT FROM TWO SECRETARIES
A MIDNIGHT “DEAL”
HIS WIFE’S LAMENT ABOUT THE CHANGE
AND A ‘REDS’S’ GRIEVANCE
By Bee
All the talk in the football world to-day is about the signing of Richard Forshaw, of Liverpool F.C., by their neighbours, Everton.  Forshaw, in an interview said;-
“I was quite unprepared for the change, but I am happy about it.  I have nothing against the Anfield club, and I shall certainly miss the players and trainer Connell, but the new club will suit me because financially it’s all right, and the fact that I won’t have to change my city is something to be thankful for. 
“The Everton secretary, Mr. McIntosh, and the Liverpool secretary, Mr. Patterson, called to see me last night about 7.15.  I was out, and when I returned I was startled to find there was a deal about to be brought to a head.  “The Liverpool official made it plain that they will willing to help Everton and the transfer was fixed up near midnight,”  Mrs. Forshaw will probably feel the change most, for she has been a thorough out-and-out Liverpudian, and she says; “I’ve never been an Evertonian and I don’t know what I shall do about it.”  
“AMAZED” SUPPORTERS
Meantime Liverpudlians supporters are wondering how Liverpool can afford to dispose with Forshaw in view of weaknesses on the inner right wing.  A correspondent, “Red Shirt,” writes this morning to say;-
“I was amazed to read of the transfer of Forshaw.  Everyone knows that Liverpool’s weakness all season has been at inside right, where Hodgson is too slow and cumbersome, yet Forshaw has never been tried in his old position, but Everton immediately play him there.  I would suggest to Everton that they also go after Chambers, then we could all cross the park and see some football with ‘Dixie” between the two!”

WHAT THE FORSHAW TRANSFER MEANS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 March 1927
EVERTON’S DELIGHTFUUL DISPLAY
By Bees
Richard Forshaw, of Liverpool, has crossed the Park.  He is not the first man to make that short trek from Anfield to Goodison Park, for we reminder the very notable swopping case where Everton took Harold Uren and gave in exchanged Billy Lacey (still playing) and Gracie, the latter of whom died during the war.  Forshaw was signed last night at a late hour, and the signing, by reason of its surprising and secret nature, will be one of the greatest debated transfers the game has known.  The possibility of Forshaw or any other footballer from Anfield going to Everton did not seen within range, though one remembers an Everton official a few days prior to the Derby meeting when Everton had not got a goalkeeper, writing a request for the transfer of either Scott or Riley!  Liverpool would doubtless have laughed had that missive delivered, but it was never delivered, although it was seriously thought out. 
WANTED, SHARP FORWARDS
Everton have been scouting the country for forwards, notably McPhail (a big let-down this, owing to the player taking up the attitude that he didn’t desire to join a side that might go into the Second Division), Gibson, Martin, of Hull, and a crowd of other players.  They were unable to get their desire, hence they turned their attention nearer home, and took a man who has played centre forward for some months, though he has been recognized as one of the best all-rounders of the game, having played international standard at centre half back and right half back; yet he came to the club eight years ago as an inside left, and developed into an inside right in due course, the latter being then looked upon as “his best position.”  He plays a peculiarly solo-type of hand as a forward, lying well up the field and darting by a subtle dribble beyond a full back and then letting fly with either left or right foot.  The Everton club have felt for some time that they have needed more shooting power at inside right, and there has also been a desire for less dribbling and more practical football., hence-
The team selected to go to Newcastle on Saturday (stay at Carlise to-morrow night) includes Forshaw at inside right, vice Irvine.  The eleven reads; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, Troup.
YESTERDAY’S PALM
The palm at yesterday’s game with Wednesday was handed out to England’s goalkeepers, Ted Taylor and Brown.  It was a thrust and come again sort of day, for Taylor took the first half honours, and got the glad hand at the interval, while Brown last of the crowd off the field at the end of the game, got a splendid rally for his fine display.  Brown or Taylor for England v. Scotland?  That will be a rare debate, in view of the fact that a famous football selection committee member was present taking stock of both the men.  The comeback of Ted Taylor was only to be expected, for so good a goalkeeper had only to recover from a collection off illnesses and a bad injury at Manchester City’s ground to be assured a hearty greeting.  His game to-day is as great as ever!  Taylor inspires; his massive clearances, his catch, his leap and punch; he has all the attributes necessary to make the rest of the team feel contended –which is exactly what has been a failing in the past.  I think that there are some who would be quite content to follow this side to the Second Division if we could get play of the style served up by Taylor, Cresswell, Kelly, Dean, Critchley, and others yesterday.  This is not bolstering up a view that Everton will go down; in fact, as they are playing now I expect them to escape though in the early season I could see no way out for them.  The great thing Everton have to bear in mind is that they meet Leeds here in a fortnight –the: broadcast” match –and as Leeds are playing Everton are sure to go ahead of the Yorkshire club.  That one result will do much to bring the lower clubs into line, and one has not to forget that a defeat to Wednesday of Sheffield at Anfield next Saturday will further help the Everton cause, as the chart shows the ‘flu-ridden Manchester United and Sheffield teams sliding down at a rare pace. 
Everton Reserves at home to Preston at 3.15 play this side; Davies; Raitt, Kerr; Rooney, Griffiths, Curr; Millington, Woodhouse, Patterson, Houghton, and White
EVERTON’S OPPONENTS
Compared with the side that gained the victory at Anfield against Liverpool, last Saturday, there will be only one change in Newcastle’s eleven for the match at St. James’s Park against Everton.  Hughie Gallaher is back to duty to the exclusion of Clark as leader.  The team will be;- Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth, McKenzie, Spencer, Gibson, Urwin, McKay, Galalcher, McDonald, and Seymour. 

FORSHAW
March 4 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
The news of Forshaw's transfer to Everton in yesterday's ‘'Daily Post'' gave enthusiasts a new topic to discuss, and I have no doubt that the change created genuine surprise. From what I hear no one was more surprised than the player himself when he arrived at home, on Wednesday night to find the respective secretaries of the clubs, waiting for him. It is good to know that the player is leaving the Anfield club on the best of terms, and I am sure he will do all he can foe Everton in their present plight. Forshaw is one of these players who believes in keeping himself fit all the year round and in the summer time he does a lot of walking and is fond of bowls. In these days when ladies are as enthusiastic about football as the men, a piquant situation arises when it transpires that Mrs. Forshaw has always been a support of Liverpool. She says:''I have never been an Evertonian, and I don't know what I shall do about it.

EVERTON CAPTURE FORSHAW
Daily Mirror - Friday 04 March 1927
Everton, failing in their attempt to secure McPhail (Airdrieonians) have come right home for a forward.  They have secured the transfer of Forshaw, the famous Liverpool forward, from their near neighbours.  Forshaw is one of those men capable of filling any forward position with almost equal distinction and lasts season found the bull’s eye on twenty-seven occasions. 
WORTHY ENGLAND CAP
The question has often been asked, and never satisfactorily answered why Forshaw has never bene considered by the F.A Selection Committee worthy the award of an England cap.  Forshaw will take Irvine’s place at inside right.  Had the transfer come a week earlier Irvine would have been able to play for Ireland as selected.  As it was, he had to forgo his cap against Scotland, because the Goodison Park authorities could not realize him. 

EVERTON’S STAR CAST AT NEWCASTLE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 March 1927
EVERTON UP NORTH
By Bees
Everton go to Carlisle to-night and thence on to Newcastle.  They know full well what to expect, for every team that plays against Newcastle recognizes them as a fine force, strong in every link except full back.  The half back line has its “ifs” and here I think Everton have a chance to show up this faultiness, notably with the left half and centre half-back.  Everton’s skill should carry them beyond these two members, and the remaining trouble is to find whether the canny Gallacher can be held tight by Hart and company.  Hart has met a lot of crack centre forwards this season, and he has come out of the hunt-after-the-ball with high honours.  It is more than ever necessary that he should succeed to-morrow in view of the relegation position, and the fact that Everton prevented Huddersfield winning last week.  To be consistent, Everton should draw again.  I don’t doubt they would be satisfied to take a draw!  This game promises to be one of the hottest in the League series, and I go to Newcastle to see it, and to see Forshaw make his debut alongside Dean and Critchley.  It may easily produce a surprise result, favouring Everton.  The “Football Echo” will tell you all about it, and also the full story of the struggle for the semi-final representation of the Cup.  The teams at St. James’ Park line up in this order.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Newcastle United; Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth; McKenzie, Spencer, Gibson; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, Seymour. 

EVERTON START THE CLIMB
March 5, 1927. The Daily Courier.
Blues' Odd Goal in Three Win
Brilliant Goalkeeping by Brown and Taylor
Sound Halves
Everton 2, The Wednesday 1
Everton, in accordance with popular forecast (and hopes), extracted two precious points from their meeting with The Wednesday at Goodison Park yesterday. The3 manner of the achievement, however, did not make for confidence in the future, and there was an absence of cohesion one almost writes intelligence –in the front rank which should be supplied without delay. The half-back line –Kelly, Hunter Hart and Virr –played a sound game. The former improves with every match, and Hart put a most effective stopper on the endeavours of the energetic Trotter. Cresswell was coolness personified, and O'Donnell has learnt the value of restraint. Dominy and Dean scored the goals, but the ex-Southampton man often flattered to deceive, while Dixie has frequently played better. Critchley, fast and elusive, mostly had the heels of Marsden, who did not please the crowd by his manner of stopping him. On the other wing Troup added to his reputation and, incidentally, once headed the ball! This is, according to rumour, the fourth time that he has done so for Everton. If the subtle first-timer passes through to Dominy were “spotted” in the second half, he cannot be blamed. The feature of a wonderfully fought-out struggle was the phenomenal goalkeeping of Brown and Ted Taylor, both internationals. It would be impossible to imagine anything finer. The Sheffielder –there is not much of him –had a lot more to do than his vis-a-vis, but did it without fault, and his save from Dean in the first half, at point-blank range, was a miracle. Time and again, when all seemed lost, he retrieved the situation, and genuinely earned the ovation a generous crowd gave him at the end.
Taylor's Uncanny Anticipation
Taylor was almost uncanny in his anticipation. He gave a great display, and it must be a source of great comfort to his backs to know they have such a safe man behind them. Everton's first goal was a good one; the second was better, and there might have been a third had Irvine, after breaking though, been less selfish. A pass to Dean who was unmarked, assuredly would have led to a goal. Wednesday, who made two changes, were best served by Kean at centre-half, and of course in goal. Hooper showed glimpses of form at outside right, but his partner, Kirkwood was more consistent, and the losers' goal, though scored by Strange, was virtually his. Teams;- Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal, Walker and Felton, backs, Leach, Kean, and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Kirkwood, Trotter, Strange, and Rhys Williams, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.

EVERTON AT NEWCASTLE.
March 5 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
For the second week in succession Everton tackle a team with championship aspirations, so that the clash of interest is extreme. Here we have Everton fighting for their existence as it were, and Newcastle with the coveted prize well in view. One does not need much imagination to foresee a great struggle here and I expect the enthusiasts of the North East will turn out in strong force. Few clubs leave St. James Park with a point and if Everton succeed in accomplishing what they will have achieved a memorable double. Everton, however, must impart more dash and accuracy to their attacks if they are to succeed, and the defence, good as it is since Cresswell joined the club, will be tested to the full by those skilful and elusive forwards who demonstrated their cleverness at Anfield last Saturday. Gallacher returns to add tone and finish to the line and Hart, who held the Scottish international in the previous game, will have a further opportunity of distinguishing himself. The veteran backs Hudspeth and Maitland were not so impressive, and I am inclined to believe that they would falter under sustained pressure. It will be interesting to see whether Forshaw will improve the line. He has the skill and the resource to impart speed and effectiveness and is likely to give great support to Dean and his colleagues. At his best Forshaw is one of the speediest inside forwards of the day. Whatever happens it will be great game, and all Merseyside enthusiasts will wish Everton success in their struggle. The teams are: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, Troup. Newcastle United: - Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth; McKenzie, Spencer, Gibson; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, Seymour.

A LAST OPPOERTUNITY
Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 05 March 1927
Edward Taylor is a Liverpool man, and when offered 4 pounds per week by OldhamAthletic about 12 years ago, seized the opportunity and went.  That is how an England goalkeeper set out on his professional career, and why Everton missed the man who would have become a successor to William Scott and saved them a heap of trouble. I was the biggest blunder ever made in the history of the club, turning down the youth whose ambition was to play for a Merseyside club.  Ted Taylor was brought to notice-whilst with the amateurs, Liverpool Balmoral, which team included two of his brothers. He played for the Liverpool County Association, and then Everton were attracted by tire possibility of his becoming a professional. A former chairman of the club offered him a miserable few shillings a week in wages.  When Taylor was secured by Mr. H. Chapman for his championship winning team at Huddersfield, the fee was 1,950 pounds.  Harper cost more than that by a good deal to Arsenal.  Now Everton have gone well over the thousands mark to get the goalkeeper they could have had for a ten pound signing fee.  By the way, Taylor is cousin to Charlie Hallows, the Lancashire cricketer, hence his full Christian names-Edward Hallows. 
THE ONLY WAY
The directors of the Everton club have replied to apetition from the shareholders—who originally suggested that he directors should resign en bloc—that an extraordinary general meeting should be called to consider the club's position. They say that they do not see any useful purpose to be served by acceding to the request at this critical juncture.  This in our opinion is the only reasonable attitude in the circumstances. Such a drastic step as first mentioned to rend the present management was calculated to disperse the vistage of hope.  Mr. W. C. Cuff. The chairman, states:  "The directors will be prepared to give an account of their stewardship at the annual meeting." He considers that though the position is serious it is not hopeless, and that the whole-hearted effort of all concerned with the club's welfare is now required.  Meanwhile, the directors are adding to their playing strength, and have signed T. A. White, a useful player in any ward position. White ls a native of Southport, and while at school played the Southport schoolboys' team and in the Lancashire County eleven.  After leaving school he appeared regularly in the Southport reserve team, and assisted the first on two occasions last season.  In his nineteenth year of age, White, in partnership with Sapsford, has been highly successful, and in recent Cup-ties scored against Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool. Standing 5ft. 9in. and weighing 11st. he has good ball control, with a good shot from either loot, and has prospects of a successful career. 

EVERTON AT NEWCASTLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 March 1927
By Bees
GALLACHER LEADS OFF WITH GOAL
McDONALD CONVERTS PENALTY
FORSHAW REDUCES LEAD WITH HIS ‘FIRST’
HECTIC THREE MINUTES WITH THREE GOALS
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, Troup.  Newcastle United; Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth; McKenzie, Spencer, Gibson; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, Seymour.  Referee.- Mr. Jennings, of Clifton, Yorks,  Everton had a notable visit to Newcastle, to-day, because it was the first showing of Dick Forshaw, the Liverpool forward, who deposed Irvine at inside right, a matter that had led to some debate.  Everton, by taking five points from the last three games, have made a rapid upward rise that has been most pleasing, and though the severe extent of the opposition today was realized it was felt that what had been done at Huddersfield could be done at St. James’ Park.  As when Liverpool played here, so now the wind was a barrier to good intentions. 
STARS IN OPPOSITION
It was not quite so fierce a gale, but it was a sharp wind, and the side winning the toss looked to have a good advantage over the other side.  A lot of rain had left the ground in bad condition, but there was still plenty of grass upon the famous ground, and the game had captured the imagination of the Geordies, the crowd at the start being probably 40,000 strong.  Here we were to see England’s and Scotland’s centre-forward in action.  Last season both these players got three apiece.  Then there was the good feeling locally that arose from the victory away at Anfield last week.  Gallacher had been absent through international calls last week; now he came to take his part in the fight for the League championship.  Everton travelled up yesterday with their chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff, Messrs, Banks, and Gibbons, and others; yet at the game I missed the familiar figure of the chairman and Scoutmaster John Fare; they were still searching for “the goods.”  The toastmasters’ wished Everton well, and Warney Cresswell, having motored over from South Shields, everything was in order for the momentous struggles between the top side and one of the lowly if not meek.  Cresswell had a special reception from his Northern friends, and Harts, by winning the toss, had the useful advantage of the wind.  Dean and Gallacher passed the time of day, and the game started five minutes before time, which is not fair to the public.
A TRAP FOR GALLACHER
Troup began the day’s work in pressing, and Kelly, with a lovely hook, made short work of a left wing attack by Newcastle.  Hart gave the dummy to McDonald with happy results, and Forshaw followed up well to make work for Critchley, Dominy bustling McKenzie off the ball.  Hart hurt himself a little in a charge on Urwin, Gallacher being left free and unmarked till Cresswell fouled Urwin and a free-kick led to Critchley being trapped in an offside position.  O’Donnell, single-handed, crossed over to the right back position to make a magnificent clearance.  This was the beginning of an Everton rally, in which Forshaw, Critchley, and Dominy made a bonny move, much appreciated by the locals.  This was followed by a further fine effort by Critchley, Wilson pulling the crossbar down and making a corner, which had no result.  Forshaw had started in a practical manner, and was keeping his wing going, Urwin was first to test the visiting ‘keeper, Taylor having an easy catch “in the slips,” as it were.  A foul against Virr on Urwin led to the latter being injured and taken to the line, and Newcastle at this point had a chance through Troup making a faux pas in attempting to help the defence.  Urwin was spoken to by the referee for a reprisal offence on O’Donnell, and Kelly recovered from a collision in a remarkable manner.  Urwin again took the man and not the ball, Hart being hurt.  O’Donnell made a wise and timely tackle to stop Gallacher at a dangerous moment, but all seemed lost when Taylor left his goal and McDonald, veering to the left, shot over.  The referee seemed to have taken out an insurance against elbowing cases, although he had missed some of Urwin’s lapses. 
SPRING-HEELED TAYLOR
Although Newcastle had a round of passing I heard a local say; “Newcastle have got something to do to-day.”  This was confirmed after Wilson, the Newcastle goalkeeper, had been insipid, Troup had centred after outpacing Maitland, and sent the ball across to the right.  Critchley centred, for Dean to head against the bar, with Wilson well out of the way.  Critchley followed with a strong shot just outside.  Then Cresswell stepped in to make Gallacher unable to accept Urwin’s pass.  Further good defence was revealed when Taylor sprang across to the left to prevent McKay shot being the real thing.  This was an encouraging sign, for Taylor repeated the performance a few seconds later from a like shot. 
GALLACHER USES HIS HOOK.
Forshaw was placing himself well, and tested Wilson with a fairly easy shot, while Hart scotched Gallacher’s ideas with a tackle and a continuation pass, the like of which one does not often see.  Then there followed a corner kick that was fatal.  O’Donnell tried to kick away from the goal line, but conceded a corner through over-kicking.  Seymour took the kick, and after McDonald had touched the ball Gallacher scored with a hook that turned the ball to the right-hand corner.  That was after twenty-seven minutes.  The scorer had his back to the goal when he made the shot, so that you may estimate the goodness of the goal.
A PENALTY GOAL
Three minutes later Virr, who is not in the habit of committing fouls, brought down Urwin in the penalty area, and McDonald scored easily from the spot kick.  This was in thirty minutes, and Hart, it must be mentioned, laid stress with the referee, and complained about something.  Further talk arose between Urwin and O’Donnell, and the latter raised his fist at the Newcastle winger, and forgot to look at the brighter side of things at the other end of the field. 
FORSHAW’S “FIRST” GOAL
Forshaw scored for Everton after thirty-two minutes, to celebrate his debut with his new club, Dean heading the ball down to Forshaw after Dominy had pushed through.  This was a little better, and Dean added to the good work by making Wilson save his header, while Forshaw was narrowly crowded out.  No one was doing better work than McKay, who was a box of tricks.  McKenzie, as last week, was the strongest half-back on his side, and Kelly was having an awkward time against Seymour and McDonald.  Just on half-time McKay drove high over from a comfortable position, and Everton made a final rally without result.  Half-time; Newcastle 2, Everton 1. 
NEWCASTLE’S EASY WIN
IN CHAMPIONSHIP FORM AGAINST EVERTON
BREAKDOWN FORM AGAINST EVERTON
FORSHAW BAPTISES HIS DEBUT WITH A GOAL
The first half could be summed up in simple fashion.  Everton hit the crossbar, Gallacher scored the goal of the season, Newcastle led by a penalty, and Everton were worth a draw. 
A DECISION IN STRENGTH
The first point of the second half was a trip by O’Donnell on Urwin, but the referee failed to see it, although on the spot.  When Seymour got the ball to hand Taylor had not the least trouble in clearing.  Seymour was limping, and was bandaged up on the left thigh, and some of Newcastle’s strength had gone.  Dean sent Critchley away to make a centre which Wilson caught in smart fashion, and then Cresswell beat Urwin when the latter had a choice opening. 
A SHAKE FOR TAYLOR
Everton started the second half with delicious football and some punch; but Critchley’s speed would not quite carry him.  The save made by Taylor against McKay at this point led to Gallacher shaking Taylor by the hand, and Gibson then tested Taylor with a second that was full of power.  The encouraged Everton, and the Newcastle defence went rocky.  I was really sorry for McKay, who made one of the best runs of the match, to finish with a shot against the near upright.  This balanced up Dean’s crossbar puzzle, but nothing could exonerate the linesman for an alleged hands decision against Kelly. 
GALLACHER AND McKAY
Then all in a minute came an avalanche of rain and goals.  Two were scored in two minutes, the first after 55 minutes by Gallacher, who broke away to the right to score with ease, and the next came to the star of the day, McKay.  This was indeed a blow to Everton.  Undoubtedly Newcastle were playing as they did many years ago in the Shepherd days, and it had to be conceded that not was the Everton left wing rarely seen, but also that Virr had a poor innings against the nippy Urwin. 
DOMINY SCORES OFF FREE KICK
No fault could be found with Critchley and Forshaw, and it was a pity that Critchley should be taken off for repairs.  Dominy scored Everton’s second goal from Kelly’s free kick for the offence on Critchley by Gibson.  This was at 66 minutes, and made the score 4-2, and Everton began to work afresh on a seemingly forlorn hope. 
PILLING IT ON
Taylor made a secure save from McDonald, and then McKenzie scored a fifth for Newcastle, driving in at a fast pace a very low ball which Taylor dived to and seemed to arrest, but the greasy ball and the terribly muddy ground led to the ball spooning over the line.  The score sheet was now 5-2, and another goal almost accrued when Taylor once more stopped McKay.  Gallacher scored a sixth for Newcastle, making his third of the day, after eighty-three minutes.  Seymour scored a seventh goal for Newcastle from a corner by Urwin.
DOMINY REPEATS
Dominy scored a third for Everton three minutes off time, to make the peculiar score of 7-3.  Final; Newcastle United 7, Everton 3. 

NEW BRIGHTON RES V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 March 1927
New Brighton gave a trial at inside right to Cunliffe, an amateur from Stalybridge, who gave a capital display and scored three goals.  New Brighton were on the attack almost throughout, and Morris beat the Everton goalkeeper on three occasions.  New Brighton 6, Everton A nil. 

EVERTON RES V PRESTON N.E. RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 March 1927
At Goodison Park.  Despite the heavy going Preston revealed some good combination, but it was Everton’s better defence and finishing that enabled them to lead by three goals at the interval.  Paterson scored the first two and then Millington crowned a good first half’s work with a third.  Preston’s numerous endeavours were of no avail against Everton’s resolute defence.  On resuming after the interval Houghton increased Everton’s lead.  Three-quarters time- Everton Res 4, Preston N.E Res 0. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 March 1927
BY Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON SIGN MORE PLAYERS
March 7, 1927. Yorkshire Evening Post
In their efforts to escape relegation, Everton Football Club –have secured two more players –but not from Scotland. Their latest acquisitions are forwards from the North-East League club, Blyth Spartans, the names of the players being William Wilkinson and William Easton.

NEWCASTLE'S BRILLIANCE
March 7, 1927. The Daily Courier.
Shock Tactics Overwhelm Everton.
Ten Goals
Newcastle United 7, Everton 3
Newcastle United by their defeat of Everton at St. James's Park have the distinction of being the only team to take eight points from the Merseyside clubs this season. They left nothing to change in their match with Everton, and it is doubtful if they have played better football this season than they did on Saturday. Quite early in the game tempers were ruffed on the part of Urwin, Virr and O'Donnell. This unpleasantness extended to other players, and it seemed to spur the Newcastle men to exert themselves to the utmost. Eventually they developed a degree of shock tactics which no defence could withstand. Mr. W. R. Jennings, of Clifton, was the referee, and both sides, but more particularly Everton had cause to find fault with many of his decisions. For the first 45 minutes the play was evenly distributed, and although the Everton forwards did not show the same machine-like precision as the Newcastle quintets, they were almost as effective by their long passes and spirited rushes in front of goal. Gallacher opened the score after 27 minutes and then McDonald scored from a penalty kick given against Virr for tripping Urwin. This was most disheartening to Everton but before the interval Forshaw scored for Everton from a pass by Dean. It was ten minutes after the interval that the Everton debacle set in. Two goals were scored within two minutes; one by Gallacher , and the other by McKay. In these few minutes the Everton halves and backs had faltered and floundered, and afterwards they never recovered from the shock. McKenzie next scored from thirty yards range, and Gallacher and Seymour added the sixth and seventh, Dominy scored both the Everton goals in the second half, and from a centre by Critchley and the other from a free kick.
Forshaw's Debut
Despite their overwhelming defeat the Everton forwards played better than in recent games. Forshaw made for improvement, passing without hesitancy and shooting with precision. Everton's prime weakness was at half back, all three falling far below the standard of the Newcastle trio. Newcastle were seen at their best both in attack and defence. Their halves showed clever anticipation and dispossession, and when their passes were made they generally found an uncovered recipient. The team as a whole worked with complete understanding, and there was no denying their great superiority. Critchley was the best of the Everton forwards. Dean was not as resourceful as he sometimes is, and he was repeatedly outwitted by Spencer. O'Donnell played a great game at left full-back in the first half, tackling and kicking well, but he and Cresswell kicking well in the second half. Both goalkeepers had a busy afternoon, Taylor, for Everton, made a number of brilliant saves, but he might have saved two of the shots that beat him. Teams;- Newcastle United: - Wilson goal, Maitland, and Hudspeth, backs, McKenzie, Spencer, and Gibson, half-backs, Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, and Seymour forwards. Everton: - Taylor goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (Captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Jennings.
• Aston Villa 3 (Walker (2), Cook; Sunderland 1 (Ramsley)
• Bolton 1, (Vizard); West Brom 1 (Carter)
• Burnley 3 (Beel, Cross, Page); Blackburn 1 (Campbell)
• Derby County 4 (Murphy (2), Bedford, Whitehouse; Birmingham 1 (Crosbie)
• Leeds 1 (Jennings); Leicester 1 (Bishop)
• Liverpool 3 (Chambers (2), McKinlay); The Wednesday 0
• Manchester United 1 (A. Smith); Bury 2 (Massie, Ball)
• Newcastle United 7 (Gallacher (3), McDonald, McKay, McKezie, Seymour); Everton 3, (Forshaw, Dominy (2)
• Sheffield Uniteds 3, (Johnson (2), Tunstall); Tottenham 3 (Sanders, O'Challaghan (2)

EVERTON RESERVES 5, PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1
March 7, 1927. The Daily Courier
Central league
Preston were no match for Everton at Goodison Park, and but for some fine goalkeeping by Branston the Blues might have won by a greater margin. Most of the Everton attacks came from the right wing, where Millington speed carried him through, the North End defence, and he was rewarded with a fine goal. Prior to this Paterson had netted twice. After the interval Houghton and Griffiths placed Everton further ahead. Five minutes from the end Whitehead scored for Preston, whose forwards were clever, but finished badly.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 7 EVERTON 3
March 7 TH 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
ROUT OF EVERTON AT NEWCASTLE.
HEAVIEST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON
WILES OF GALLACHER AND MACKAY.
By “Bees.”
Everton fell all of a heap at Newcastle (7-3) against the probable champions, and the side suffered a defeat the like of which one associated with the team at the beginning of the season. The stiffening up of the Everton defence was expected to give the side a chance at St. James's Park, but actually Newcastle won with a lot to spare, even if the turn of the game came after half time, when Everton suffered a sharp, short spasm of indecision and Newcastle's forwards at that time dulled out their best and made some of the wing half-back work look poor. Newcastle can do these things when Gallacher and Mackay are in the mood for movement. They are a pair of dodging, dribbling forwards, and they were keen to further the championship chance and also to add to the defeats administered to our other city club. They succeeded in no uncertain manner; in fact, it was Everton's heaviest defeat of the season, and became a rout, and it was astonishing to see England's former goalkeeper retrieving the ball from the net no fewer than seven times.
PENALTY TURNS THE GAME.
All this is so extraordinary when one remembers the first half and the evenness of the game upto say fifty minutes. Newcastle had to fight hard to keep their lead, a lead made possible by a Dean header hitting the crossbar and Gallacher making the first goal of the bunch by a wonderful hook back shot which was followed all in a trice by a penalty kick decision against Virr for a trip on Urwin. This was the turning point. Everton keyed up to the needs of the day against these superior opponents, and knowing the vital needs of the League chart were oppressed by the situation and they did not do themselves justice, partly, in my estimation, though being rattled by Urwin and by a penalty kick decision. The referee Mr. Jennings adopted a curious attitude about elbowing incidents, and he ruined the temperament of certain members by his showmanship. This is not to excuse a side well beaten, but it is to put on record a fact, and is not offered as excuse for something that could not excuse itself. Such a striking score tells its own tale; its shows the sorry conditions of half-backs worn out by the combined work of the Newcastle forwards, who were ably led by the dogged Gallacher and the elusive Mackey, who was the brainiest forward on the field a rare schemer and a man who took the defenders aroaming and off the guard.
HARD WORK FOR HART.
That Mackey did not get more than one goal was due in part to the woodwork coming to the aid of the harassed Taylor, so that the Dean incident in the first phase of play made no real difference. The home forwards worked up and though at will, and Hart was worn out by the excess of work that came his way and by the stressful time given him by the inside forwards. It was strange to balance the Everton side of the first forty-five minutes with the side that dropped out of the game at the fifty fifth minute. The two things did not blend, and Newcastle proceeded to make light of their work and carry the ball well up to the goal area before they made their shot.
GALLACHER'S THREE.
Gallacher got three goals, and Seymour McKenzie, Mackey, and McDonald one each, so that at least Newcastle distributed their favour. The visiting side's defence collapsed in the second half, the ground being heavy and their feet seeming of a similar character. But the backs cannot be blamed for the harshness of the score. I reckon that the half-back line did not go through with their early success, and Virr never got over the penalty offence. Kelly did best in the second half, what time Seymour was damaged, but Urwin was never really gripped, and had he cut out his tantalising and unsettling folly he would have been a remarkably fine helpmate in the championship cause, whereas his work was tainted by a measure that was not nice to behold, Newcastle found difficulty in keeping time with Everton's right wing. Critchley wasting but one ball and in general making use of the fine passes he received from Forshaw, whose baptism with his new club was of a sensational order.
FORSHAW'S DISPLAY.
Forshaw did many brainy things, and with his wing man made for steady and sure progression. While not having the effectiveness of the home right wing, the Everton right wing certainly made good play against Hudspeth and Gibson. The Everton left wing was rarely in the picture, and though Dominy scored two goals it must be confessed that those goals were obtained with ease and carry no especial weight, and indeed do not balance his work in midfield. Troup as a consequence did little more than mark time, and Dean who ploughed the mud against a tough half-back in Spencer, with others intervening, had little chance.
FATAL THREE MINUTES.
Forshaw scored the losing side's first goal, and turned the score into a vein of possible fighting strength, only to find the fatal three minutes in which Newcastle administered their two blows and got Everton into a mood that produced nether confidence nor collected football. It was a wholesale blow, and at root it had its beginnings in a penalty kick and its conclusions in a bad day for out half-backs. This is not to withdraw from Newcastle's delicious play and combined effort on a much heap; they did much that was a joy and played like a championship side. The essence of their game was the collectiveness allied to good sound shooting. Everton had need to complain of the referee's decisions, but they could not complain that the win has gone to the wrong side or to a side that had not played brilliant football. Teams: - Newcastle United: - Wilson goal, Maitland, and Huspeth, backs, McKenzie, Spencer, and Gibson, half-backs, Urwin, Mackey Gallacher, McDonald, and Seymour forwards. Everton: - Taylor goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (Captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, and Troup, forwards. Referee Mr. Jennings.



EVERTON RESERVES 5 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1
March 7 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 29)
Against Everton, at Goodison Park, Preston made a poor show, and although at times they displayed some good combination their efforts were of no avail against the sterling qualities of the home defenders. Millington was one of Everton's best performers, but it was the work of the halves and defence that made Preston such a mediocre side. Scorers for Everton Paterson (2), Houghton, Millington, and Griffiths, and for North End Whitehead.

NEW BRIGHTON RESERVES 11 EVERTON “A” 0
March 7 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
In this friendly match at Rake lane some interesting football was shown by both teams on a heavy ground. New Brighton were much the better side, and attacked persistently. Cunliffe a young amateur from a Manchester district works team, was given a trial at inside right. In addition to scoring three goals he gave a promising display. Other scorers were Morris (4), Hawksworth (3), and Mathieson (j).

EVERTON’S BIG SLUMP
Athletic News - Monday 07 March 1927
A FATAL SPARK
EVERTON’S LAPSE THAT S NEWCASTLE ABLAZEW
NEWCASTLE UNITED 7 EVERTON 3
By Northumbrian
A game in which perfect football was played during the first half between well-balanced teams was transformed into a complete eclipse of Everton after the change of ends. A more amazing turn in the fortunes of teams is rarely witnessed.  Newcastle took the lead in the first half through GALLACHER, and McDONALD scored a second goal from a penalty kick to which, four minutes from the interval, Everton replied through the erstwhile Liverpool forward FORSHAW.  Afterwards there was only one team in it, Newcastle adding five goals- GALLACHER (2), McKENZIE, McKAY, and SEYMOUR –and Everton obtaining two.
A VITAL INDISCRETION
With such important issues at stake – the League championship on the one hand and the grim shadow of relegation on the other –there was a tendency to roughness in the opening play, but, thanks to the firmness of the referee, this was kept down.  Virr, Everton’s left half-back, however, fouled Urwin when he was speeding into an open goal and the consequences was that, instead of being on level terms –one each- at the interval, which would have been an absolutely just reflex of the play to that period, Everton were a goal down.  The penalty award which McDonald converted may have had a mighty influence upon the result so far as the transgressing side were concerned.  They had played excellent football all the time in the opening half, replete with thrills, and their ignominious rout in the second period cannot be otherwise explained.  The goal with which Gallacher gave Newcastle the lead again, and incidentally rehabilitated himself in the good graces of the crowd of over 40,000 spectators, was characteristic of the resource of the home centre-forward, for he actually hooked the ball into the net while it was in the air.  What should have been Everton’s equalizing goal was the result of entrancing scheming by Dean, who cleverly lured the home defence to its destruction by placing the ball at the right moment to Forshaw to practically walk it into the net. 
GALLACHER HIMSELF AGAIN.
Helpless to preserve their own lines against the continuous waves of assault, Everton’s backs and half-backs could not lend aid to an attack which had proved itself equal to the brilliant opposition line, and the two goals that were obtained by DOMINY were the outcome of a free-kick and a long range shot.  In a delightful first half Critchley and Forshaw worked in complete harmony and compared favourably with the home right wing, but the left flank, though dangerous at times, and especially Troup with his swinging centres, was not so effective.  No Everton half-back could be compared with his vis-à-vis, and Cresswell was easily the better back.  His clean, easy tackling was in striking contrast to O’Donnell’s primitive methods.  Taylor was as good as Wilson while the teams were equal.  There is no need to paint the lily.  Newcastle gave a superb exhibition of high-water mark football.  There was not a weak spot in the team.  Spencer was a dominating figure.  He excelled in defence, and was an insuperable obstacle to Dean’s designs.  If there is a better pivot in English football he must be a treasure.  Gallacher’s return to form was a most inspiring feature of the game.  He was his old fascinating self, and held the crowd spellbound with his daring and invention.  Newcastle United; Wilson; Maitland, Hudspeth; McKenzie, Spencer, Gibson; Urwin, McKay, Gallacher, McDonald, and Seymour.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Dominy, and Troup.  Referee; W.R. Jennings, Clifton. 

SIGNED BY EVERTON
Shields Daily News - Monday 07 March 1927
After the Blyth Spartans and Ashington Reserves (Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final) match at Croft Park on Saturday, two of the Blyth forwards, W. Wilkinson, centre forward, and W. Easton, inside right were transferred to the Everton club.  Both of the players have been signed for the remainder this season and for next season, and, are informed, a fairly substantial figure was paid for their services.  Wilkinson, who until recently has been playing inside left for the Spartans, was previously with the Chester-Le-Street club.  In the centre forward berth he soon proved himself a useful leader, and opportunist. This the second time Easton has been transferred from the Blyth club. Some years ago he was signed Rotherham, and after a successful period with that club left the country for America.  On his return, however, the beginning of this season, he joined the Spartans again.

THE TRIUMPH OF GALLACHER
Newcastle Journal - Monday 07 March 1927
FAMOUS LEADER CONFOUNDS HIS CRITICS
NEWCASTLE’S SPLENDID PERFORMANCE
NEWCASTLE 7 EVERTON 3
By Novecastrian
An amazing reversal in the fortunes of a game was witnessed in the meeting of Newcastle United and Everton at St. James’s Park on Saturday.  During the first half the play was of such an equal character that neither side was really entitled to claim an advantage over the other.  A penalty goal, however, enabled Newcastle to held a 2-1 lead at the interval after being two up to within three minutes of that period.  On the evidence so far provided there was every reason to anticipate in the second half the repetition of the truly delightful and always thrilling exhibition which had made the first notable above the general run of League matches. 
EVERTON’S PARLEY FLIGHT
But with such a determined spirit and all-round effectiveness did the United players apply pressure upon the Everton defence after the resumption that in the space of ten minutes they had increased their lead to 4-1 and broken the heart of the opposition.  It seemed incredible that a team which had just previously played faultless football and given a Round for never Newcastle Oliver could be reduce to such a parlous plight.  Halves and backs were equally involved in the disaster and this had the further effect of leaving a very capable forward line practically useless.  Other three goals were quickly added to the home total, and although Everton managed to reduce the margin against them by a couple of goals- one from a free kick and the other the result of a long range pot-shot –they were a hopelessly beaten side.  Furthermore, their deficit, heavy as it was, might easily have been doubled but for the excellent service rendered by their custodian, Taylor, coupled with the chances missed- mostly of the hard lines order-by the Newcastle attackers, the chief sufferer in this respect being McKay.  Urwin the only member of the home front rank who failed to contribute to the goals total, was also unfortunate in being fouled when speeding in to an open goal- a disappointment for which a swift Nemesis, through the medium of McDonald, exacted compensation with a successful penalty kick.
GALLACHER’S “RETURNS.”
But dwarfing every other feature of a memorable game was the “return” of a Gallacher.  In no questionable shape either did the Newcastle leader demonstrate –even peradventure to the satisfaction of the vilest of his traducers- that he retains in undimmed lustre his brilliant gifts.  He it was who, with the invaluable aid of his trusty lieutenant McKay, directed and controlled the plan of attack which brought about the demoralization of the Everton defence.  That he in the process credited himself with three of the seven goals scored for Newcastle is a mere details in comparison with the magnificent character of his performance throughout the game.  To say that he restored himself to favour is not to imply that he ever lost favour with the saner section of his countless admirers during the period of what has been proved to be but a temporary eclipse, but the universal manifestation of delights which greeted his efforts on Saturday was eloquent testimony to the popularity which the little man normally enjoys with the following of Newcastle United. 
A WONDERFUL GOAL
His first goal was a masterpiece of enterprise and skill, for actually the ball was in the air when, with a characteristic screw of the body, he hot his foot to it, and placed it high in the net.  That wonderful shot alone was calculated to complete the conversion of the most impossible of doubting Thomases.  To play of the Newcastle team from stem to stern was beyond criticism.  Every unit played his part to the letter, and if particular mention is made of Spencer, it is because in this game he probably set the seal upon his claim to consideration by the English selection for the big international.  There are many candidates for the pivotal position, and if a better than Spencer is found, England can be envied the richness of her choice.  Forshaw made a satisfactory debut in the Everton colours, and was as good a winger as any on the field in the first half.  The goals were scored by Gallacher (3), McDonald, McKay, McKenzie, and Seymour for Newcastle, and by Forshaw, and Dominy (2) for Everton. 
TWO BLYTH SPARTAN PLAYERS TRANSFERRED TO EVERTON
After the Blyth Spartans and Ashington Reserves (Northumberland Senor Cup semi-final) match at croft Park on Saturday, two of the Blyth forwards, W. Wilkinson , centre forward, and W. Easton, inside right, were transferred to the Everton club.  Both of the players have been signed on for the remainder of this season and for next season, and, we are informed, a fairly substantial figure was paid for their servicers.  Wilkinson, who until recently has been playing at inside left for the Spartans, was previously with the Chester-Le-Street club.  In the centre forward berth he soon proved himself to be a useful leader, and an opportunist.  This is the second time Easton has been transferred from the Blyth club.  Some years ago he was signed on by Rotherham, and after a successful period with the club left the country for America.  On his return, however, at the beginning of this season, he joined the Sparatans again. 

THE FULL STRENGTH OF THE 7-3 DEFEAT OF EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
The all-important matter to-day, is “Why did Everton get such a hiding?” Before you ask it I can read your query.  The club had no sooner settled upon Taylor and Cresswell to solidity the defending ranks than they sought out a forward improvement by the signing of Forshaw, of Liverpool.  Now, said everybody, who had seen them win by nice and good football against Sheffield Wednesday; now we shall see things.  Look upward; there’s a rise in Everton “future.”  You will miss something if you don’t keep your head up.  Of course, we who said and believed such things knew quite well that Newcastle had eyes for the championship honour, and we did not blind ourselves to the belief that here was a walk-over for Everton.  Yet, on what had been seen at Anfield a fortnight ago, there was a chance for the side that could draw at Huddersfield.  That was a fair estimate of confidence.  Yet what happened?  Well, it was anybody’s game until the Everton tyre was pictured. 
CAVING IN.
It was inconceivable that a side playing so well as Everton played up the 50th minute could be beaten 7-3, a score that I remember seeing, on a day such as Saturday was, when Manchester United visited us some years ago and Meredith made the wet ball talk!  Now, here was another Meredith, not in looks, stature, nor football style; but, desire me! What a beautiful worker of the ball.  His name, Bobby McKay; his height, his weight, and birth-marks-oh, no, do not bother about trifles; his footwork was his ball hall-mark; well and definitely as Gallacher played and talked his way through the game here was the man who did more by his footwork than all the talking of the Football Parliament.  He got on with his work, this McKay, the real Mckay, and gave a display of foot-craft that reminded me of Napoleon McMenemy at his best.  It was McKay who laid the Everton half-backs by the heel.  And the half backs caved in! 
A GOOD FORWARD DISPLAY
Until that penalty incident against Virr there was nothing between the sides, except some nastiness between Urwin and O’Donnell.  I could wish that Urwin would cease his troubles ways; his football is troublesome enough without the introduction of the nasty spirit.  Everton became rattled by his work and word, and by the penalty offence, which was an offence; but Hunter Hart complained of something that had gone before, which the referee had missed.  If Everton had won the game I should still have declared that this new referee from York was a plain man with distinct referee faults, and I should further state that a linesman who acted as one of them did at Newcastle should be seen by those who elect these me.  Notice this; I would have said that had Everton won, so that no one can accuse me of holstering up the Goodison Park case; as a matter of fact, the score of 7-3 bolsters any critical thought of excuse.  There was none.  Newcastle played good, all-round football in every link, save that Maitland was a better full back than Hudspeth, and Wilson –in a severe test- does not strike the note of confidence.  Newcastle played very well indeed; in fact, much of their passing movement was of a real, old-time Corinthian pattern, and with McKay moving this way and that way, and foraging a goal-link for his friends and comrades, the work of the half-backs became irksome.  Everton lost because they broke down at the fiftieth minute.  The wing half-backs could not hold the opposition and Newcastle reveled in the mud and shot at every conceivable moment. 
THE NEW MAN.
Even McKenzie got a goal from half-back, and with Gallacher helping himself to a three-decker service, it would appear as though the goalkeeping had been remiss; it was not.  Taylor made many brilliant saves; it was simply one of those days when the shot comes aright to the forward.  Dean, for example, could have changed the whole nature of the game had his header not banged against the crossbar.  That was at a time when Everton were playing much better than Newcastle, and Troup was chasing into it with avidity.  Afterwards, however, came the deluge and the goal-crop, and it must be confessed that at inside left there came two goals, yet a tardiness that was telling; Critchley and Forshaw made a bonny wing.  Forshaw was very practical, and little chance though he had, his work bore a fine mark, and he and his partner made up an excellent wing, the pity of it all being that Critchley once more got in the war-zone.  Everton must start afresh; Saturday next against Leeds, at home, is one of the most vital of all their engagements.  More about the anon. 
TWO NEW PLAYERS
INSIDE FORWARDS FROM BLTH SPARTANS
Everton signed two promising forwards from Blyth Spartans on Saturday, in W. Easton, an inside-right and Wilkinson, inside-left or centre-forward.  Both players were conspicuous in the 6-2 victory over Ashington Reserves in the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final, played on Saturday.  Three seasons ago Easton was transferred from Blyth to Rotherham County, after which he went to Canada playing for Montreal Maroons.  Wilkinson previously played with the Chester-le-Street club.  Blyth Spartans occupy a prominent position in the North-Eastern League and the two players who have joined the Goodison park club have shown excellent form during the season. 

FORSHAW DEBATES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 08 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Hunter Hart upon his benefit at Walton.  Hunter seriously thought of giving up football two season ago, and making for America, where he has a relative and a position –not football- in waiting.

THE BLYTH SPARTANS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
William Easton, who with Wilkinson, also of Blyth Spartans, has signed for Everton.  Three seasons ago Easton, who in 24-years-old, after being seen playing for Blyth Catholic Young Men Society, was signed on and shortly transferred to Rotherham County where he remained for a season.  Afterwards he went to Canada, and there his playing ability was noticed in Montreal where he had obtained work in a factor, and soon he was weaving patterns on the field for the benefit of Montreal Maroons who, in their games with New York Giants, have done much to faster football in the States.  Young Easton, who is a shipyard caulker by trade, returned to Blyth early this season, and with a free transfer from Rotherham County, the Blyth directors secured his signature, knowing full well another transfer fee loomed on the horizon,  he stands 5ft 7ins, and weighs 11 stone. 
Wilkinson, who came from Chester-le-Street after playing for Hull City, is a terrific kicker with either foot, and a wonderful marksman. He is a good, strong shooter too, who is the essence of unselfishness, for his partners have been registering “gift” goals as lib this season.  He stands 5ft 7in and weighs about 11 stone.
A NEWCASTLE LETTER
A Newcastle reader writes; - I read your article in the “post” I was present at the Newcastle v. Everton match, and I quite agree with you on all the points in the match.  Your last portion is published in the Newcastle evening paper.  As you say, the referee gave some weird decisions, far too many free kicks being given against Everton.  I thought the penalty incident far too severe on Virr, as I was sitting in the stand facing the incident.  That was the turning point in the match, as Everton seemed to lose heart, but they played splendid football in the first half, and if “Dixie” header had come off there might have been a different story.  I think the real cause of Everton’s defeat was they have had three of the hardest matches to play in eight days, and Newcastle were at their best, especially the forwards.  Gallacher’s first goal would have beaten any goalkeeper.  McKay I consider the brainiest inside forward in the First League to-day.  Everton’s new men played splendidly; Taylor sound and clever despite seven goals against him; Cresswell the stylist; Kelly strong and a trier throughout; Forshaw cool and clever, but I would like to see a man like Edgar Chadwick or Jimmy Settle at inside left.  What about McPhail?  I now look forward to Everton just escaping relegation as they have nine matches to play (five at home, I think).  They should just about do it.
  “Reader” writes;- I like many more, was amazed to read of the transfer of our Dick.  May he save them from the sinking feeling.  Liverpool got the k.o in the Cup owing to weakness at half-back, and here they transfer the best half in English football in my opinion.  Sportsmen would allow the matches to be broadcast. 
A grouse from “True Blue”
Why did Everton spell a real good business deal by playing Forshaw at inside right?  Why not inside left?  Dominy scores goals, say others.  But what goals?  Surely you do not need to be a pro, to score such goals as the like he scored against Blackburn and the Wednesday, and the two on Saturday, from reports, were gifts.  The inside left position, in my opinion, has never seen filled successfully since Jimmy Settle, with, perhaps, the exception of Joe Clennell.  Excuse me, “Bee,” but I partly blame you, for with your hold over the football public (you must know some people swear by you) you should have written up Dominy as a failure months ago; then, perhaps, Everton followers would do as the Huddersfield crowd did last Saturday week, and shout “We want Irvine! Although in the Huddersfield case it was George Brown.  I have nothing personally against Dominy; in fact, I only know him as an Everton player, and am only writing, as I think, in the interests of the club. 
  “Walton Blue” writes; - I should like to emphasize “Fair Play’s” protest re Irvine.  As an Everton follower for years, I think it is an outrage that Irvine should be dropped even for Forshaw.  It is an inside left that is urgently required.  The followers who took the journey to Huddersfield the other week will agree with me.  Had Everton selectors found and played an inside left, and also Forshaw, my remarks would have been delayed.  Credit should be given where due- second only to Buchan.  To conclude, the following is my team for keeping Everton in the First Division;- Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Irvine, Dean, Forshaw and White. 
Mr. L. Bidston, of Wallasey, writes;- as an Everton supporter I am not exactly “swanking” nowadays, but I must really take the opportunity of congratulating you on your 7-3, by Bee! poster.  May I suggest to our directors that their surplus players be transferred to Leeds before next Saturday.  It will then add interest to Everton’s prospective victory.” 
ALL LEEDS WILL BE THERE!
“Three Bing Boys” write appealing to all ardent and true Evertonians to “roll up to give the Blues a rally and remember this is a needle match with Leeds United.  All who have rattles and bells, &c., should bring them along and give the team the necessary encouragement to win.  The Leeds club supporters have made this the annual outing; Leeds will have plenty of support; so do not forget to let the players in blue know they are playing at home.  Join the American fan business this helped to save Everton a few seasons ago. 

EVERTON SIGN WELDON
March 10 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton have signed A. Weldon, the well-known forward, from Airdrieonians, and he will play for his new club at Goodison Park on Saturday against Leeds United. This is one of the most important transfer of the season, and although Everton were disappointed in not securing McPhail, Weldon if not so clever as the inside left, is a decidedly dangerous forward and shall do well with Everton. Also have so recently secured Cresswell, Kelly, Forshaw, Taylor, and Mr. McIntosh completed the negotiations for Weldon's transfer yesterday. Although Weldon has been unable to take part in all his club's games this season, he has twenty-six goals to his credit in league engagements, he has been playing at centre-forward but prefers inside-left and he will appears in that position for Everton on Saturday. The transfer fee is not divulged but it must be a high one, as the player has been much sought-after by many clubs Weldon stands 5ft 7ins and weights about 11 st 7lbs. He is described as a player of the same type as Gallacher, the famous Newcastle United centre-forward. He is a native of Troy, Lanarkshire, and joined Airdrieonians in 1924, when Gallacher left for Newcastle united
KERR'S TRANSFER
Meanwhile J. Kerr the sturdy Everton full-back has been transferred to Preston North End, for whom, he is likely to prove of the utmost value in their struggle for promotion. Kerr appeared in the Everton league team against Liverpool at Goodison Park in October, and played extremely well. He subsequently did excellent service in partnership with McDonald. Although he turned out in a few league games in previous seasons, Kerr until this term was mainly associated with the central league eleven. Kerr belongs to Burnbank, and stands 5ft 8 and hald inches and weights 11stone 8lbs.
Everton have been more prominent than other clubs in the transfer market in recents months,
AN IMPOSING LIST
Here is an imposing list of players signed by the club this season, the majority of them in recently weeks; - Weldon (Airdrieonians), Cresswell (Sunderland), Forshaw (Liverpool), Taylor (Huddersfield), Kelly (Ary United) Critchley (Stockport) Griffiths (Wrexham), White (Southport), Kendrick (Belfast), Easton (Blyth Spartans), Wilkinson (Blyth Spartans), Paterson (a young Scottish centre).

JESPER KERR
March 10, 1927. The Daily Courier
Everton Back Goes to Preston North End
Everton yesterday transferred Jasper Kerr, left full-back, to Preston North End, for whom he plays on Saturday. Kerr, who came to Goodison Park as a Scottish junior, did not get his chance with the seniors until this season, when the weakness in the Everton defence became painfully apparent. Kerr, though at times impetuous, should prove a success with Preston, for his tackling his sound.

Everton sigh Weldon
March 10, 1927. The Daily Courier
Great Goal-Scoring Scot from Airdrie
£25,000 In Transfers
Everton last night signed Antony Weldon, the great goal-scoring forward of Airdrieonians, and he will play against Leeds United in their all important match on Saturday at Goodison Park. The transfer fee is more than £4,000 bringing Everton's monetary outlay in the past few weeks to £25,000. The players secured are Cresswell from Sunderland, Kelly (Ary United), Taylor (Huddersfield Town), Forshaw (Liverpool), and Weldon.
Gallacher's Deputy
Weldon is a native of Croy, 5ft 8ins in height, and weighs 11st 7lb. He was signed by Airrieonians in the season 1924-25, as an inside left, but when Hugh Gallacher went to Newcastle he was developed as a centre-forward, and later occasionally played at inside right. Weldon, while in the centre, had notched 26 goals, this despite being often hurt in the early part of the season. Everton have been watching him since their failure to obtained McPhail. He will play against Leeds in the position he likes best –inside left, this being the only change in the side beaten at Newcastle. Teams; Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.. As an offset to Weldon's signing Everton last night transferred Jasper Kerr, the left back to Preston North End.

ANOTHER EVERTON CAPTURE
Shields Daily News - Thursday 10 March 1927
Everton last night, completed their tremendous team building campaign by signing Andrew Weldon, the inside forward of Airdrieonians, at cost of over 4,000 pounds.  He is a native of Croy, Lanarkshire, stands 5 feet 7 inches, and weighs 11 ½ stone.  He signed for Airdrieonians in 1924, and through originally an inside left, he succeeded Hugh Gallacher when that player went to Newcastle.  He plays for Everton at inside left in the vital game with Leeds United on Saturday.  Although he has been unable to take part in all his club’s game this season, Weldon has 26 goals to his credit in League engagements. 

ANOTHER SCOT GOES SOUTH 
Dundee Courier - Thursday 10 March 1927
Weldon, of Airdrie, for Everton 
Mr. McIntosh, the Everton manager, yesterday negotiated the transfer of Anthony Weldon, the goal-scoring forward of Airdrieonians.  The transfer fee is not divulged, but must be high one, as the player has been much sought after.  Although he has been unable to take part in all his club's games this season, Weldon has 26 goals his credit in League engagements.  He has been playing at centre forward for Airdrie, but he prefers inside left, and he will appear in that position for Everton on Saturday in the home match with Leeds United.  In recent weeks have spent enormous sums an endeavour to improve their team. Taylor (Huddersfield) for goal,  Cresswell (Sunderland) back, Kelly (Ayr)  for half-back, and Forshaw, the Liverpool  forward, have all been signed. Having failed to get McPhail, they have evidently been content with Weldon, nippy player, who should do well.

EVERTON TAKE A NEEDED INSIDE-LEFT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 10 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
KERR FOR PRESTON
We are moving space, and if not with the times, we are certainly moving with express speed in this city.  Everton’s latest announcement is a cheering bit of news; they have signed the famous Weldon, who is remembered in Scotland not so much because of his artistry as his definite thrust at the goal- his strong, ready shot.  Such a man is welcomed at inside left, and with Leeds bringing their annual outing to this match, and the appearance of another new forward, the game of Saturday becomes rather a classic encounter.  It is strangely enough, the first match in this city to be broadcast.  May it have a happy issue is my worst wish.  Many believe the Leeds game will be the turning point, as it carries a sort of four-fold blow, and when one looks at the away programme of the Everton club one is confronted with the remembrance that Everton play Arsenal the week before the semi-final, and Cardiff City on the last day of the Everton season, which means that there is a good chance for the new eleven to succeed at both of these grounds. 
Everton signed A. Weldon, from Airdrieonians, and he will play for his new club on Saturday.  Mr. McIntosh completed the negotiations for Weldon’s transfer yesterday.  Although Weldon has been unable to take part in all his club’s games this season he has twenty-six goals to his credit in League engagements.  He has been playing at centre forward but prefers inside left, and he will appear in that position for Everton on Saturday.  The transfer fee is not divulged but it must be a high one, as the players has been much sought after by many clubs.  Weldon stands 5ft 7 ins and weighs about 11st 7lbs.  He is described as a player of the same type as Gallacher the famous Newcastle United centre forward.  He is a native of Troy, Lanarkshire, and joined Airdrieonans in 1924 when Gallacher left for Newcastle. 
That Jasper Kerr was likely to go to Preston was foreshadowed to us by a warning note from Preston way.  Jasper began the Everton up-take when he played a storming game in October against Liverpool.  Later he suffered a thigh trouble, and maybe but for that he would never have been displaced.  He dropped out after the side had been to Leicester and he had found himself unable to play.  Jasper was a jovial soul, a good friend, a little gentleman, and a tough football player.  We shall miss him. 
AS OTHERS SEE US
The “Newcastle Chronicle” says;- Two things emerge clearly from Newcastle United’s amazing 7-3 victory over Everton.  First, it is beyond doubt that if the Tynedsiders maintain this form the League championship is as good as won; second, Everton on their first half display will not be one of the teams to go down to the Second Division.  Their football up to the interval was worthy of a team in the top half of the table, rather than what one expects from the side which has lost more points than any other in its class.  It took Newcastle all they knew to hold a 2-1 lead at the interval, and it was anyone’s game then.  How then can one account for the amazing change which came in a second half of seven goals.  The answer is not difficult.  The Newcastle forwards, always well together and playing clever football, suddenly rose to supreme heights, and Everton were simply overwhelmed. I question whether any club could have withstood the avalanche which United launched.  The opposition half-back line was simply mowed down.  Newcastle swept through it like water through a sieve, and the backs formerly well-nigh faultless, were powerless to stem the tide of defeat. 
 N  “Walton” writes- I consider every credit is due to Irvine, especially for the goals credited to Dixie, for right through the season, allowing sometimes for a little rear dribbling, he has been the most hard working individual in the team.  Sacrificed a cap to play against Huddersfield and was dropped the following Saturday, and it is a question whether or not a better man.  Let us have Irvine back, the cleverest inside forward playing. 
ANOTHER EVERTON VIEW
“Tiger,” of Waterloo, writes;-
Since the capture of Cresswell and Co, Everton has done better, but despite a partial success there are apparent weaknesses in the present playing strength.  For the last three seasons left full has never been adequately filled.  Then Hunter Hart is being wasted at centre half, and should certainly be put in his correct position of left half, and a good-class procured.  Although the club have procured Griffiths from Wrexham it would appear the directors consider him too inexperienced to fill the position which Wales chose for him to occupy against England.  If the McBain rumour be true, Everton could very well do to bring him back to the fold.  Certain it is that since his departure the club has steadily declined.  Then to complete the list, I would point to the inside left position, and say that this particular part of the side has never been properly filled,  the three positions I have indicated must be strengthened as early as possible. 
“NEUTRAL,” INDEED!
“Neutral” writes; “You state that Newcastle’s weak points to play on are at half-backs –left-half and centre-half.  I beg to differ.  If they were weak they would soon be dropped, as Newcastle has an army of first-class reserves.  If you was a sportsman you would admit it!  It is all Everton with you, and what they are going to do –not what they have done.  I see you have dropped Irvine.  I suppose it is because he is not of the kick-and-rush type; but I always thought he was too good to be playing with Everton.”  And he calls himself “Neutral”!  I must frame this letter and send it to the Everton people, who say I am all for Liverpool!!!

WELDON COMES TO TOWN.
March 11, 1927. The Daily Courier.
A Jimmy Settle Type of Player
Weldon, Everton's new forward, arrived in Liverpool last night from Glasgow accompanied by Mr. McIntosh, the Everton manger. They were met at the station by Mr. Banks, one of the directors. Weldon reported himself fit and well and said he hoped to give a good account of himself against Leeds United. “Weldon is an excellent player, a strong shot, and a goal-scoring forward,” said Mr. W.C. Cuff, chairman of Everton F.C., to a Daily Courier representative yesterday. “He is of the Jimmy Settle type, not big but sturdy, and should strengthen considerably our forward line. “All the club's energies are now devoted to keeping out of the last two places. We are not thinking of parting with players at present, u we shall have to examine our stock in due course. “

EVERTON FULL-BACK MOVES
Shields Daily News - Friday 11 March 1927
Everton figured in another football transfer yesterday.  They, however parted with one to Preston North End.  He is Jesper Kerr, a young Scottish left full back.  Kerr, who is 24 years of age, weighs 12st and stands 5ft 8in., is a native of Burnbank, and until this season, figured mainly in Central league Football. 

EVERTON’S MOST IMPORTANT MATCH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 March 1927
LEEDS PERSONALITIES
DEBUT OF NEW PLAYERS
Bee’s Notes
When up at Everton yesterday I noticed a high tension battery! This is symptomatic of the proceedings due at Goodison Park to-morrow.  In a measure the match in a Cup final in that it will be a large extent decided whether Everton have a chance to stay in the First Division of the League.  All the games at Goodison must be won, but this match, hearing as it does against a team, in the throes of failure, is the most important of all home games.  It is borne on me that if Everton win their League games they can hope for some measure of success at Arsenal’s ground the week before the semi-final and if Cardiff get through the Cup semi-final Everton will be meeting them the succeeding week of the final tie, all of which indicates of my mind a chance of away points.  Had the great blow not fallen at Newcastle a week ago everyone connected with the club would have been content about the possibility of staying in the Division.  But a 7-3 blow is not readily lost sight of. 
ENTER WELDON AND FORSHAW
However, the nervous strain consequent upon this defeat is rubbed away by the appearance of Forshaw, for the first time at the new home, and Weldon as an inside left.  It is needless to add that Weldon must of necessity be christened “Harry.”  He arrived last night with Mr. McIntosh, and, of course, much will be expected of him.  His appearance, together with that of Forshaw, Townley, Jennings, Edwards, (a great half back), Potts (who has done many big things in this city).  Cresswell, Taylor, Kelly, and others makes the game a draw that will surely go a good way towards paying some of the transfer money that has been expended in the last few weeks.  I saw Leeds a fortnight ago against Liverpool, and came to the conclusion that they are not likely to trouble Everton a great deal.  However, Everton have to remember that goal average may count for something at the end of the season and may be the turning point.  Everton’s goals against account is a tragedy.  It can be remedied to a little extent by the future games, in which away encounters include Bolton, Cardiff, Arsenal, and Derby, the latter club still being in the category known as “an unsafe seat.” 
VISITORS BY THOUSANDS
Leeds are bringing with them a party of thousands! This is “some” following, and it is strange that the Supporters’ Club should have selected this all-important a game as their picnic; for if my reading of the football signs is right, it will not be a picnic for the Leeds club to-morrow.  However, if Leeds touch the form they showed at Anfield when Jennings scored off his own bat, they will be hard to hold in attack, and much will depend upon the shooting capacity of the Goodison Park forwards.  At the ground yesterday I found the turf in magnificent condition, and if the weather holds good the officials expect a record.  This is the first match in the city that has been broadcast by the B.B.C., and I am honoured by the choice of the wireless management in that I have been chosen to act as an eye-witness of this game.  The gist of the broadcast will appear in tomorrow’s “Football Echo” which as usual, will be crammed with good things about all phases of sport.  These are the teams due to start at 3.15;- Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Roberts, Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat, Mitchell. 

NEEDLE GAME AT GOODISON
March 12, 1927. The Daily Courier
Record Crowd Expect to See Blues Win.
Weldon and Forshaw
Everton have been blessed with excellent “gates” this season, but the one this afternoon should put in the shade of those earlier ones. The meeting of Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park, kick-off 3.15, though scheduled a League game, is in every respect a cup-tie, for the result is vital to both teams. If Everton lose their chances of escaping relegation would seem an impossibility, while if Leeds go under their position becomes precarious. Everton strengthened forward with Forshaw and Weldon (Airdrie), are looking to victory, but the United are spurred with the same idea, so that a needle game is certain. Both sides make a change from last week. Weldon deposing Dominy in the Everton ranks, while Menzies returns to left back for Leeds. The great crowd will be put in good humour by The Daily Courier community singing, so that vocal support will not be lacking the Blues, who should win. Teams; Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup. Leeds United; Potts; Roberts, Menzies; Edwards, Townsley and Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat and Mitchell.

VITAL GAME AT EVERTON
March 12 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
One of the most vital games of the season is to be decided at Goodison Park today, when Everton oppose Leeds United. When two teams in the danger zone meet a victory one way or the other is worth considerably more than a win against another side. In this case Everton are worse off than their opponents as the Yorkshire team has two games in hand, and for that reason the Goodison Park side must win the match to have a fighting chance of escaping the Second Division. The extent of the defeat at Newcastle last Saturday undoubtedly placed a damper on those who believe in Everton's ability to escape, but Newcastle proved themselves an exceptional team. However, I anticipate that Everton will win today, because Leeds United have been falling away for some time.
RIVALS IN DISTRESS.
It is a case of rivals in distress and the game, therefore is likely to prove of a most desperate character. In the corresponding match last season Everton won 4-2, and a similar result today would be most acceptable. The inclusion of Weldon, the Scottish forward who has just been secured from the Airdrieonians and Forshaw for the first time in Everton colours at Goodison will prove an additional attraction, and altogether there is every promise of a great crowd rallying round to see the struggle. The kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are: - Everton: - Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Leeds United: - Potts; Roberts, Menzies Edwards, Townsley, Reed, Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat, Mitchell.

“BEE” BROADCASTS EVERTON V LEEDS U MATCH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 March 1927
THE STORY FROM EVERTON.
“ECHO”ING THE GAME OFF BROADCASTING “BEE” FROM THE GOODISON HIVE
Mr., Ernest Edwards (“Bee,” of the “Liverpool Echo”_ was perched in the number board at Goodison Park, to-day.  He was, in a measure in another hive of industry, and from the results box he told the world and his wife what was happening (as pictured by George Green on page 7) in the great match between Everton and Leeds United.  This was the first broadcast match from this city.  It was a novel experience especially as the neighboring club had seen fit to refuse permission for their matches to be broadcast.  We understand that the League president, Mr. John McKenna, owing to his slight indisposition, was unable to go to the match, and therefore was “delighted to listen-in.”  “Bee” began his review with a quarter of an hour’s talk about the position of the clubs concerned, the thanks due to the Everton F.C., for granting permission to the Broadcast management, and referring to the joy afforded to invalids and people in hospitals who could not attend the game, but could now follow its every phase as the clock kicked off the 90 minutes. He said he had a letter from one bed-ridden football enthusiast saying; “I shall hang on every word you say about my dear old club, the Blues, so speak up, laddie!”
LEEDS LEAD IN NERVE-SHAKING STRUGGLE
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Millington, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Leeds United; Potts; Roberts, Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, Mitchell.  The following is a synopsis of “Bee’s” broadcast of the actual play;-
The turf is excellent condition, and I imagine the crowd is going to swell into a record for this ground.
Critchley, who got a severe blow at Newcastle, is unable to turn out, and his place is being taken by Millington.  Leeds have just turned out, and they are a big and hefty lot.  Everton are now coming out, led by Hunter Hart. It is just 3.15, and—off they go Everton are kicking off, and Dean has passed the ball to Forshaw. It has now gone to the Leeds inside left, who is well up the field until tackled by Cresswell, the ball being pushed into touch. That was Wainscoat, the Wainscoat who was hurt by Macdonald down here a year ago. 
A TEST FOR TAYLOR
Forshaw is making a lively dribble until he runs into Menzies.  Everton, I should tell you are kicking towards the Aintree goal end, and the Leeds outside-right has tested Ted Taylor with one of these awkward things that you cannot catch, cannot grip, but must of necessity edge the ball over with one hand.  Taylor has done this; he has turned it just over.  The next effort on the part of Leeds was a rather poor one, for they have lobbed the ball aimlessly over the goal-line.  That is not construction.  Edwards has thrown the ball in, and away go Leeds on the right again until they meet that bugbear offside. The offside kick is put right up the field towards Troup, and it is plan to see that both sides are and excited beyond words.  Dean has supplied Troup with a fine pass- he will hear the roar—but the little fellow cannot prevent Townsley clearing. Troup plays for safety in trying to force, a corner, but he meets a very old head in Roberts.  He beats him at the second attempt, however, and then Troup rather hangs off.  This is not good for any forward, and suggests that Troup was rather afraid of his awkward shoulder that it might be damaged. A throw-in by Hunter Hart leads to his putting the ball well to the left and Millington gets in the way of Kelly.  Following this, the ball travels to Cresswell, who heads at least thirty yards, but still the danger is not cleared.  Cresswell is like a block of ice; he simply moves any old time, any old way, apparently, whereas Townsley, on the other hand, the centre-half of Leeds, is a go-ahead player, and smothers an effort by the home centre, Dean. 
VERY LIKE A GOAL!
In fact he is appealing for some offence; it must be hands. Now the ball gees to Jennings, the crack goal getter. And Jennings slips it out to the outside right.  It looks like a goal, but Taylor has saved; a good save, and a good shot, and a fine constructive movement with only two Leeds’ players touching the ball.  The new Everton player, Weldon, has provided Millington with a chance, but Leeds are again attacking.  They are attacking more than the home side, in fact, and White, the Scottish importation, at inside right, has just made a good shot that passed not more than a couple of yards wide of the Stanley Park goal.  Weldon is running along and making a perfect pass to Dean, and Dean returns the ball but is just a shade too fast for Weldon to catch it.  A free kick for a charge in Forshaw’s back follows, and Cresswell has taken it but the goal is cleared of danger from a position that should have been worth a shot, if not worth a goal. 
A SWEEPING MOVEMENT
A free kick follows, and Jennings has been thrown offside.  That is part and parcel of a plan by O’Donnell to prevent Jennings being a danger.  Everton are attacking hard towards the penalty area.  All along the line the ball has been sent from one wing to the other, and twice by heading has Leeds only partially stemmed the tide.  For here is Kelly feeding Millington and making a beautiful centre, which Potts caught in spite of the sun’s rays.  As a matter of fact the sun is rather glearing, and it is coming into our eyes, and into the goalkeeper’s eye. so that his catch was quite a good one.  Leeds go off again with Cresswell putting into touch for safely.  So far it is a hard match.  Not a good match, but, of course, everything has to be scarified towards practicability. 
HOT FIRING FROM LEEDS
Here are Everton again coming up, and Troup is given offside, and very much debates the point.  The Leeds people are attacking with terrific force, and not only has Virr kicked clear, but Taylor has made a stunning save; but the danger is only partially cleared.  Leeds are shooting at every instance.  They don’t want to work the ball apparently; they are simply banging it in.  White has just driven in quite a good shot from just outside the penalty area; taken rather hastily but just a shade out of its mark.  Dean has beaten Menzies in a heading test, and Everton have now started to work another good concerted movement, but the Leeds defence, particularly Menzies, has kept them in subjection. 
A SPRINT BY JENNINGS
It is anybody’s game.  I would not like to say who is going to win at this point.  Of course when they have settled down a little we shall see something more emphatic.  Everton are now getting a little better amongst themselves, not so nervy.  Even so there in Jennings off again and very nearly scoring.  Now Millington has forced a corner off Menzies.  The corner is being taken by Millington.  The ball lands right into the penalty area, and Wright lying fairly well back is safe.  Townsley made a perfect opening pass to Turnbull.  That is good football, and a swinging centre from him to the centre-forward position brings out the best in Cresswell who has to defend.  Leeds are going well, and fairly confident, too-a totally different side than we saw at Leeds a fortnight ago against Liverpool, when there was a draw of 0-0.  Leeds have forced another corner, which has resulted in a very near effort, the ball having been got away by Troup, who gave Dean a nice pass; but Dean returning the compliment finds that Troup  cannot quite keep time. 
THE CROWD ENCROACHING
The crowd has broken and people are crowding down the touch line and in the recesses.  There is no trouble, a very orderly crowd. 
DID YOU SEE THAT MISS?
Here is Cresswell again with his follow through clearance, but Dixie Dean at centre is well watched by Menzies.  He gets in a lovely hook, and Roberts has run across to cover his left back and prevents a corner by giving a throw in.  Here come Cresswell, Hart, and Dean- a lovely movement, with Dean not more than five yards out from the goal, but he has almost entirely missed the ball.  He will never get one like that again, and Leeds will never escape one like it.  He probably missed through anticipating that Forshaw would come running up to a previous move, but Forshaw had been helping the half-back line a bit, and the result is that the chance was lost.  We have now bene going exactly twenty minutes, and the score is a blank –Everton nil, Leeds nil.  It has been twenty minutes of very hard football, and it is at this minute so hard that Hart and Cresswell get in each other’s way, and they crack their heads.  Cresswell might have come off worse- as he has so very little hair, but fortunately neither is in trouble.  The referee is Mr. Ike Baker, of Crewe, the man who referred a recent final.  It is just midfield play at this moment, with nothing particular on the board.  We could do with half a dozen goals for your benefit, but we cannot score them; the players must do that.  The sun is getting brighter, and Leeds this half are facing it.  Everton thus have the advantage in this direction, and they also have the advantage of what little wind there is.  Forshaw opened a way for Troup, and Virr is just a little too strong to give Troup a return packet, so that the ball has gone into touch.  There is a lonesome chase between Turnbull and Cresswell, with Cresswell simply marking time by keeping the Leeds players off the ball.  Following the goal-kick Virr has given Dean a pass that makes a further chance for Troup, but Troup is not his dandy self to-day, and so far he is just a shade low.  Weldon, the new player, is just a little out of reckoning with a header.  The referee has given the ball as out of play, and Troup contests the decision without result, for the referee’s verdict is always final.  I can tell you just what it was, for I have a perfect view of this portion, and a line ball, according to the rules, is not out of play.  Forshaw has done a dainty dribble and has made Millington a beautiful pass, but the ball has been covered by Menzies.  The shooting has not been too good, so far, but in what little there has been Leeds have bene the more dangerous.  O’Donnell does a particularly fine piece of defensive work against Turnbull, but Cresswell has taken liberties.  This time they have paid, but this is not always the case.  Townsley, while on the ground, has swung round- a most uncommon acrobatic feat-and has got the ball away. 
A GLANCE AT THE CROWD
While the sun has gone down for a moment I can get a good view of the crowd, and it strikes me it is fully 50,000 strong.  Dean has set Millington going, and Millington should have attempted a first time drive, whereas he hesitated and tried a centre which was smothered.  Here is Cresswell pushing the ball up the middle for Troup, who forces a corner from Edwards and Roberts.  Dean has headed the corner kick towards goal, but the ball was travelled out.  Then comes the first free-kick for an alleged foul charge, and it is granted to Leeds against Weldon.  Roberts puts the ball well up the field, and if Turnbull had been in his position he would have had a chance to make the welkin ring, but he had fallen back to help the defenders, and the chance was lost.  Here they come again- Troup and Dean, and the latter has put in the first real genuine “Dixie Dean” effort so far. 
POTTS ON ALL-FOURS
The crowd is now burning with enthusiasm, and it is plain that Everton want encouraging; and it is always plain that they are getting a shade of a hold upon the visitors.  Goalkeeper Potts had just gone to earth on all fours and stopped the best shot of the match so far from Dean.  Leeds are not taking things lying down, and away they go beyond the middle place towards the Everton goal, and Jennings has put in a shot which hit somebody in transit and turned away from Taylor, who had to go back and in making his save took a hefty charge from the Leeds forward.
JENNINGS SUCCEEDS
Jennings has just netted the ball! He got a pass from the right wing, and he banged in a low shot to the extreme left-hand corner of the net.  The time is 33 mins., and the score is now; Leeds 1, Everton 0.  The Everton spectators are shocked, but one cannot say that Leeds were not worth this goal, for they had been more definite in front of goal, but it came at a moment when Everton were having slightly the better of matters.  Now for the struggle.  Everton come again, through a nice hooked pass by Dean, and there is a foul against Wainscoat for an offence on Kelly, but the ball is cleared easily by White.  It is plain to see that when Leeds are in stress in the defence their forwards come along and assist their backs and halves to clear.  The visitors are playing a nice open and rugged type of game, and cutting out all the frills and getting down to business.  The referee has got in the way of an attempted clearance by Townsley, but O’Donnell clears with a trusty kick.  The play is in midfield now, and the new man Weldon has got a kick which has doubled him up with pain. 
DEAN NOT SECONDED
Kelly and Cresswell are pairing off in defence, and Dean has headed the ball, but no one has followed up.  That is no use, for we want more construction from Everton just now.  Forshaw shoots, having come from inside right to almost inside left, and Potts has saved it.  There was no sting in the shot.  Townsley is getting the measure of Weldon at this moment, and Weldon has shown a certain slowness.  Taylor is knocked out in the Liverpool goal.  The Leeds men and others are helping him, and the crowd is booing.  Meanwhile the referee is having to heart-to-heart talk with Jennings.  Taylor has recovered and away we go again.  Now, follows a round of passing by Everton, with Millington producing a centre which Townsley collars once again, and Dean bursting through rushes clean into Menzies and into the goalkeeper.  That is the way broken legs come about.  Mercifully there is no accident here.  Turnbull is showing up pretty well, and thrown-in are a shade too frequent.  There are three minutes to go and the score is 1-0.  This is a blow that was never expected in Liverpool.  It is a tragedy if it is not amended.  Everton have got to win all their home matches to be sure of escaping relegation.  Taylor is kicking away just as Menzies rushes up.  He finds touch.  There is a sort of haze rolling over the ground.  Dean and Millington’s centre has just headed.  He was not more than six inches out of range and Potts had no chance of saving.  That was an escape and coming a minute before half-time you see how important it becomes. 
WHAT PRICE THAT FEAT?
Turnbull has made a flying run from outside right cutting in towards goal and sends in a good drive which Taylor saves.  Taylor’s last minute save may be worth thousands to Everton.  Half-time; Everton 0, Leeds 1
WELL DONE, WELDON!
EVERTON’S NEW MAN CROWNS HIS DEBUT
DEAN CONVERTS PENALTY
EVERTON WIN A CRUCIAL GAME BY 2-1
The second half starts with the teams a little nervy.  Jennings and Taylor are having a friendly word together, so that it is plain the first half incident is all forgotten.  The crowd arte shouting “Up, up, Everton,” but as a matter of fact Weldon has gone down, he was Virr both have gone down to the ground.  Taylor puts it well up the field, and Millington has a chance but slips up.  Taylor is now putting a mixture on his hands- probably resin or something like that- to give him a better grip of anything that comes along. 
A CHARGE ON POTTS
Cresswell has now got well into the Leeds half for the purpose of delivering a shot. If the forwards won’t do it then Virr, O’Donnell, Cresswell, Hart, and company must.  Cresswell has were nearly made a goal for the new man Weldon, who just pulled it a little too much to the side otherwise the “Potts” would have broken.  That was a let off, Mr. Potts. A moment later Dixie Dean just failed in a bout with three men, and the Leeds goalkeeper, Potts, has been charged unceremoniously all over the place- with the result that a free-kick is awarded.  Everton have been attacking now for some minutes, and Millington has forced a corner at the Stanley Park end.  He is now taking the corner kick- it is a bad one –he has put it out to the penalty area even, and when the ball comes back to him he dribbles until he is beaten.  They have bene playing eleven minutes in the second half, and the score is still; Leeds 1, Everton nil.  Then comes a penalty for Everton through charge on Weldon. 
DID YOU HEAR THAT CHEER?
The new man, Weldon was going through when he was charged distinctly in the middle of the back.  He went to the ground, and the referee instantly gave a penalty kick.
PENALTY GOAL BY DEAN.
Thousands of pounds depend upon this penalty, which is being taken by Dean.  Dean has scored, and the time is fifty-eight minutes.  It is a great pity that any game of vital consequence such as this should have a penalty kick in its register.  You can hear by the buss of the crowd that this has encouraged Everton to an outlandish length.  It is the turning of the tide.  Then there is a free kick for Leeds in consequence of a trip by Kelly.  Millington goes right away up to the outside right position.  He has a centre, but Menzies has headed the ball away.  It is very, very dangerous.  Dean has breasted the ball, and Weldon has shot a good high ball.  Potts catches it and clears as though it was a ping-pong ball.  It was red-hot football.  The Everton crowd are going mad, and boy are pulled to normality by a free-kick against Forshaw for hands.  Can Everton fight?  Can a boo buzz? Leeds have now one of their rare attacks this half, and Taylor has to keep a warm one on Jennings when he attempts to kick clear.  Jennings is practically living in the goal rea.  That is how he got four goals at Anfield earlier in the season. 
WELL DONE, WELDON!
He stands in the penalty bag and he is an art of Micowher, waiting for something to turn up.  Weldon had fed the home centre-forward with a good up the middle pass and Troup is now on the ball and Dean has shot.  The goalkeeper is on the ground and Weldon scores with a wonderful drive.  Let me describe that incident again.  Troup centres and Dean brings Potts, the goalkeeper, to his knee.  The ball rebounds an d Weldon partly pays for his transfer by sending in a beauty.  The time is sixty-five minutes. Kelly drops in a long shot from near the half-way line, which Potts catches quite easily.  They will have to sign him for Lancashire next season if he goes on like that, and make a cricketer of him.  The crowd is now breathing freely.  Mitchell was making a good dribble when he was fouled by O’Donnell just before he reached the penalty area.
JEENINGS SHOOTS OVER
This opens an avenue for Leeds to gain the equalizer, and the kick is taken by Jennings, whose only hope is a first time drive.  It is over the bar; lucky for Everton.  A free kick such as O’Donnell gave might easily turn a game inside out, and I was wry to see it.  Kelly is mopping his brow, it is anybody’s game, yet, and Leeds are desperate. A free kick taken by Cresswell reaches the goalkeeper, but there is no sting in it.  A corner kick follows, and Virr, by heading it out, has saved grave danger. 
A LEGITIMATE CHARGE
Leeds through Edwards are working through.  Edwards is charged down clean over in the penalty area by O’Donnell, who has caught him full on the shoulder.  It is a legitimate charge.  Leeds beg and pray for a penalty kick, but the referee won’t have it.  Leeds have played a plucky game against the expensive side, and have played like heroes.  Final; Everton 2, Leeds United 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 March 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON CLEAR THE LEEDS UNITED
March 14, 1927. The Daily Courier
Second Half Recovery Brings two goals and as Many Points
Weldon Gets a Bonny goal While Forshaw Does the Foraging
Everton 2, Leeds United 1
Everton's flag flutters bravely yet. High courage and honest endeavour got them through in a game in which both sets played like heroes. Each was intent on worrying the other. Credit too, goes to Leeds United for their spirited challenge throughout of the expensive side. Yet, despite the new stars in the Everton firmament, the climax at the interval left the multitude at Goodison Park limp. Then came the anti-climax. In was a team-feat to turn a half-way deficit into a lead. There were certainly some flaws in Everton's armoury, but not many in the second half. Every man did his bit in helping Everton make this stride. The bottom dog has a belief in himself again. Everton with some of the best in the land in their ranks, seemed to have reached the parting of the ways. It rests largely with the front line. Frankly the forward were disappointing as a whole in the first half, but cast many of their frailties away in the second half. Dean was not the real international Dean by a long way. He had the life and the spurt, but did not make a hit. He did not gather the ball with his usual skill, and failed to make the most of all opportunities, but the more lustre as the game grew older. Weldon , the Airdrie inside forward, came under the critical eyes of the Merseyside audience. He was not an outstanding figure in this, his first game, but play was at a greater pace than Scottish football, and he may, when speeded up and more at home, settle Everton's inside left problem. Supporters were comparing his style to Kennedy's. Anyway, Weldon may be said to have gone a long way towards carning his transfer fee by his fine opportunist goal in the second half, after Troup had centred and Dean had brought Potts to his knees.
Dean's Penalty Goal.
This was five minutes after Dean had scored his penalty goal following Edwards foul on Wheldon. It was at that period a clear cut issue, because the irrepressible Jennings, had given Leeds the lead with the early goal of his, lucky if you will, but characteristic of him, ad a skilful example of hooking the ball into the smallest possible space; the ball appeared to graze Cresswell's leg in its passage. Forshaw shouldered much of the burden in Everton's forward line, performing neatly with the ball, weaving a way here and there, and supplying unceasingly Millington, deputising for Critchley, who has a damaged ankle. Here we had speed plus pluck, but Millington was not a good finisher. The occasion was trying for a last-moment deputy, particularly as Menzie had returned fresh and sprightly after his four or five weeks' rest from the first team. Generally Everton were all sound behind Kelly and Hart were stout fellows. “This is not Scotland,” Kelly possibly ruminated over English storm tactics as reproduced by Mitchell and Wainscoat. Behind him too, he had in Cresswell a tactician and a back who would absolutely not be ruffied, while aggressive O'Donnell won plaudits for the neat recovery and place kicking of a first rate artist. Leeds appealed for a penalty when he brought Edwards down in the penalty area near the close, but this seemed a genuine shoulder charge. From the moment Taylor rubbled his hands with non-slip mixture it was obvious he intended to play the ball, and rocket-like and soft shots came alike. Potts, too distinguished himself, and White and Turnbull were a bonny wing. Teams, Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, backs, Millington, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Leeds United: - Potts, goal, Roberts, and Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, and Reed; half-backs, Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, Mitchell, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.
• Birmingham 4 (Bradford (2), Crosbie, Scriven); Manchester United 0
• Blackburn 1 (Puddefoot); Newcastle 2 (Gallacher (2)
• Bury 2 (Ball (2); Bolton 0
• Everton 2 (Dean, Weldon); Leeds 1 (Jennings)
• Hudderfield 2 (Brown (2); Burnley 0
• Leicester 3 (Wadsworth, Hine, Chandler); Liverpool 2 (Reid (2)
• Sheffield W 4 (Trotter (3), Leach; Arsenal 2 (Hulme, Buchan)
• Sunderland 2 (Ramsay, Clunas); Cardiff 2 (Irving (2)
• Tottenham 3 (Dimmock, Roe, O'Callaghan); Derby 2 (Thoms, Bedford)
• West Brom 6 (Glidden (2), Carter, Davies (2), Shortt; Aston Villa 2 York (2)
• West Ham 3 (Earle (2), Watson; Sheff United 0



Another Victory for Leeds United Reserves
Monday 14 March 1927 Yorkshire Post
RESERVES Leeds United Reserves added to their already long list victories by defeating Everton Reserves at Rood, before 3,600 spectatorts. Interesting football abounded throughout match, with United the better all-round team. For long periods the home forwards, backed by efficient half back play, dominated the game. Everton's forward work consisted mainly of short stabs the home goal. Everton looked like opening the scoring when Wilki nson broke through, but Johnson took the ball from his boot. Then followed two goals for the United inside five minutes, Armand and Mears being the scorers. Wilkinson reduced the United's lead early in the second half but -soon after restored the balance, while late in the game Riley increased the United lead with great shot from the right wing. Result: Leeds United Reserves 4 goals. Everton Reserves goal.

EVERTON 2 LEEDS UNITED 1
March 14 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
VALUABLE POINTS FOR EVERTON.
RECORD CROWD SEE HARD GAME.
Everton by their 2-1 win over Leeds United, at Goodison Park, on Saturday, placed themselves in a much more favourable position in the race to avoid relegation. It was a vitally important game, because both Everton and Leeds are wreathing with the same problem. Leeds are certainly better placed with matches in hand, and Everton's critical position would have been almost hopeless with anything less than two points from Saturday's game. Much, therefore, lung upon the result, and it was not surprising that the game as a football display did not provide a brilliant exhibition. It was hard, earnest work with a fair amount of practical football between two sides very evenly matched and although Leeds were beaten they contested every inch of the game in a plucky and determined fight. Everton came into the picture in the second half, when they hammered the sound Leeds defence so persistently that it yielded after a very galliant struggle. The game attracted a record crowd of 58,000 (57,440), and they could not grumble at the fare provided notwithstanding its lack of fine movements. In the first half it must be admitted Everton's attack was disappointing. There was far too much inter-passing and not enough direct shooting. Too much of the finishing work was left to Dean with the other forwards rather shirking the responsibility of the final shot, and Dean, although he tried hard was not always on the target.
LIVELY LEEDS FORWARDS.
By comparison the Leeds forwards were more practical and threatened greater danger, so that when Jennings scored at the end of thirty four minutes play it was a goal well earned and deserved. Everton were a different side in the second half, Dean equalised from a penalty kick at fifty-nine minutes and six minutes later Weldon gave Everton the lead. As generally happens the tonic effect of an equalising goal made all the difference to the Everton side. The forwards were a much more formidable factor in the game and although the Leeds defenders held out bravely they could not keep out the Everton forwards all the time. Taylor in the Everton goal made some excellent saves but he was hardly as sound as usual and was inclined to tumble the ball occasionally. Of the full back Cresswell was quite the best. He was equally clever in attack and defence, always in position, while his coolness in the most trying circumstances were remarkable. O'Donnell too played well if at times he miskicked without however, committing any serious mistake. Hart and Kelly were prominent in the middle line and on his recent form Hart must be considered one of the best pivots in the game.
FORSHAW'S WORK.
Troup and Forshaw were the best of the forwards. Both were effective in the second half when Forshaw made some delightful openings and Troup was difficult to hold Weldon who made his first appearance with the Everton side is very similar in build to Kennedy. He made some useful passes in the first half but was more prominent and successful in the second when he shot frequently and his general play was more effective. Leeds had a sound defence, two capital half-backs in Townsley and Edwards and forwards that did well in the first half but lacked opportunities afterwards. Teams, Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, backs, Millington, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Leeds United: - Potts, goal, Roberts, and Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, and Reed; half-backs, Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, Mitchell, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.

LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 4 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 14 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 30)
Leeds United, at Leeds, proved much too clever for Everton. Everton lost chances by erratic shooting, and their only goal was obtained by Wilkinson. Leeds had an ideal centre forward in Mears, who scored twice after well conceived combined movements. Armand and Riley also scored for Leeds.

WELL DONE WELDON
Athletic News - Monday 14 March 1927
Disappointed in their quest for the services of McPhail, Everton came to terms with Airdrieonains, as I suggested might be so, for the transfer of Anthony Weldon, who in 24 League games this season has scored 26 goals, and two against Ayr United in Cup-ties.  A native of Motherwell, Weldon began his career with Croy Celtic in 1922-23, and joining Kelsyth Rangers in the following season, represented the Scottish Junior League.  He next club was Wemyss Athletic, following which he signed for Airdrieonians two seasons ago, and came into the team as a distinct success in place of Gallacher.  Originally an inside left, he has played in all inside positions, but prefers the inside left berth, from whence he scored Everton’s winning goal against Leeds United. 

UNITED FLATTER TO DECEIVE. 
Leeds Mercury - Monday 14 March 1927
DOUBTFUL PENALTYS TURNS THE TIDE
FUTURE NEEDS
By Hubert Grant
Scorers; - Everton; Dean and Weldon 2, Leeds United; Jennings 0 goal
Our hearts warmed to the lads in blue and white. They had cast off the dejection and diffidence which had hung like weights on their feet for weeks past, and set about Everton with a dash and precision that did one good to see.  The defence was intercepting and kicking with coolness and confidence, and the forwards were at last “finding’' one another with their passes.  Turnbull was finishing his tricky midfield runs with accurate centres, White showed greater liveliness and a happier disposition to try a shot than he had previously done since coming South, and Mitchell put more of the old variety into his play.  JENNINGS GOAL
It was Everton now who were up against it. Their latest expensive capture, Tony Weldon, looked a very ordinary little forward, and the famous Dixie Dean was passing badly as any Leeds player has ever done.  Jennings scored his first goal on foreign soil since last October, and a real beauty it was, a lightning-like twist into the net from a centre along the ground by Turnbull, while Wainscoat hit the foot of the post with a header.  The tremendous crowd of nearly 60,000 gave tenseness to the play which put a keen edge on one’s appreciation on of this notable revival of Leeds United, and the hundred enthusiasts who had patronised the United Supporters' Club trip must have felt the journey had been well worthwhile.  BLACK DESPAIR
But what change in the second half!From high hope to black despair, Everton restarted with death or glory; but I honestly think the attitude of the Leeds team encouraged them to certain extent.  The United seemed too well satisfied with what they had done, and were inclined to sit their lead. For a few fatal minutes, inertia prevailed and Everton needed no second bidding. Their forwards swept through the Leeds defence like blizzard.  Dean, Forshaw and Weldon raced the Leeds backs and halves of their feet; the lines could not be cleared, and it was obvious that disaster could not long be staved off.  Nevertheless, Everton's first goal came in a most unsatisfactory way. Weldon was close but well wide the goal in an almost impossible scoring position, and tried to rush between Edwards and Roberts.  He came down, and a penalty was awarded against Edwards for tripping him.  There will be lot of controversy aboutthis, because many spectators thought that Edwards did not trip him at all. Dean scored from the penalty, and the sense of grievance which Leeds supporters had was greatly heightened by what happened in the closing stages. 
PENALTY DENIED
After being run off their feet for twenty minutes during which time Everton had taken the lead, Leeds steadied themselves, and in a very promising movement Edwards was heavily brought down by Donnell inside the penalty area; but on this occasion the referee Mr. L. Baker, ignored all appeals, while Mitchell was badly fouled just wide of the eighteen yards line.  Jenning's shot wide twice when good chances had been made for him, but it is ridiculous to expect Jennings to do all the scoring all the time. It is here, of course, that the team has been badly let down, for if chances could have been taken when they came, the whole character of many games this season would have been completely changed. 
REMEDY WITH THE PLAYERS
Well, what's to done about it now? A practical solution of the team’s difficulties will be hard, if not impossible, to find.  It is not if there were one or even two weak places which could be remedied by the acquisition of new men.  Playing well as they were first half at Everton, the team is good enough to hold its own in the First Division.  Playing badly it will certainly go down, Everton have tackled similar problem introducing four new players at one swoop. But Everton rows of houses, and Leeds don't. 

FOUR ON A DIVISION
Athletic News - Monday 14 March 1927
PENALTY KICK WHICH INSPIRED EVERTON
WHAT LEEDS LOST
EVERTON 2 LEEDS UNITED 1
By Impressionist
Anyone coming from last year to the Everton ground would have marveled at the team, and asked themselves: Who are these The Everton who started out with belief in themselves are changed almost beyond recognition.  The new and vastly changed Everton beat Leeds United. If the scope provided by the transfer system can save a club prepared to plunge to the uttermost depths, Everton will remain, as they always have done, in the senior circle. No one will question that the Merseyside club have enriched football by their presence, and how far they have enriched themselves is assured by the impression they have made on the followers of the game. If Everton had not been just Everton, a light of footballing world, through all the years, no one would have cared the proverbial two-pence-halfpenny about them, and they would not have been position to resist with all their influence the Second Division threat. 
FIVE NEW MEN.
 I have not seen Leeds United play so well. They scored first and they deserved it. A penalty kick changed the whole outlook. In opinion it was fitting award. On the other hand l am equally convinced that another infringement in the Everton zone demanded nothing short of this—the concrete opportunity which would have placed the teams on levelterms.  As Critchley was unable to play Everton had five, instead six, acquired players. For the most part people were saying, with that off-hand criticism which is the privilege of the follower:  Another tragic blundering importation from Scotland.  Everton have denied the £4,000 cost of Weldon, and they are right. In any case they were repaid on Saturday, for Weldon did what the rest of Everton seemed afraid doing. He hit the ball first time to obtain the goal which made all the difference for Everton and against Leeds.  Big things were expected of the little Airdrieonian, and little materialized until this momentous event. Everton might have won the game without Weldon, but I do not think any other Everton forward would have taken the opportunity just as Weldon did. So what might described as a multitude sins—viewed from a crowd on tenterhooks—by Everton’s latest acquisition became something heroic.  Thus do public opinion and fancy to extremes. When they came to equal terms with the goal scored by Leeds in the first half Everton were immeasurably the better side. They showed how great and at the same time how small they can be. The greatness of Everton as now constituted will be realized next season, if they continue in their present sphere. 
UNLUCKY LEEDS. 
Leeds if they go down will have cause to ruminate on the things which awry for those in adversity. They were inferior, yet they missed that spice of fortune which might have made them a team on equal terms in goals, and on account their pluck and enthusiasm.  In the first half they achieved what Everton attempted, and never will realise. Leeds hit the ball about, Everton tried to so. It is not in their conception. All Everton have to do is to play their precise cultured football, with snap about it, such as Weldon revealed. Fortunately was he unconscious of his teams reluctance in this respect, much as other things foreign to his experience were obviously impressed upon him.  It was a glorious JENNINGS goal which gave Leeds the lead. With a flick of the foot he beat the tackling Cresswell and the waiting Taylor—a realty great goal which those who know not their Jennings could not believe as otherwise than a piece of good luck or bad defence.  Came the penalty in the second half from which DEAN scored, and then after the ball had rebounded from the goalkeeper the half volley winner from WELDON. Magnificent for Everton both in play and generalship were Cresswell and Hart, while the ability and personality of Townsley and Wainscoat deserved a better result.  Everton.—Taylor; O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Millington, Forshaw,  Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Leeds United.—Potts; Roberts, Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, Reed; Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscoat, and Mitchell.  Referee; L. Baker, Crewe. 

RECORD CROWD AT GOODISON TO SEE NOTEWORTHY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Everton shareholders are being called together again for a meeting by the same “Intervenors” and commoners as a moth ago.  The meeting will be held in the Law Association Rooms, on Friday, at 7.30 and it is proposed to discuss afresh the position of the club and possibly to make some propositions in regard to the personnel of the board.  Names of helpful prospective directors will be offered at the meeting. 
Pardon a personal touch.  It is absolutely necessary.  I had a very uncomfortable seat at Goodison Park on Saturday when telling the ball-to-ball analysis of the momentous game between Everton and Leeds United.  Truth to tell, the wireless microphone is a silent imp that makes the heartiest speaker tremble, but here in my hive I found a new “mike,” no bigger than a cocoanut, and somehow I did not feel the same nervous strain that had been the barrier to my ease for a year or so.  The reason for the change?  Just this; here were 58,000 of my friends the enemy! I could see them.  I could feel them, and there was a multitude “at the other end,” who I felt were the sort of people who could not be present at any game- the hospital, and other cases.  No sooner had the memorable game ended than a father came to me saying, “I have just left home.  My son, who is bedridden, wants me to thank you for the pleasure you have given him.”  Thus, I felt it had all been worthwhile.  Moreover, the experience brought me to a new point of view for watching.  I had what is known as an end-on-view, and not since Notts County played Liverpool at Anfield, and I went on the Kop, have I had such an experience.  You may lose touch with some of the inner movements of the opposite end, but at least you have a chance to become a goal-judge. 
AGREED!
And having had, in a sense the position of a goal judge, I am all out to say that the goal-judge as perfectly placed for settling differences of opinion.  I thought Referee Ike Baker referred the game exceptionally well, and yet he made one very vital mistake –quite unconsciously.  Troup had a line ball near goal at the Aintree end, Section 2, to be explicit.  It was a line-ball and therefore playable.  Troup stood there and demanded it as a play-ball.  But the referee said “Goal kick.”  You see how tremendous in the influence of a solitary decision.  The difference was this; Everton instead of attacking close in, were forced to go on the defensive.  I am glad, too, that I saw the debated “penalty” kick incident.  Take it from me that was no penalty.  It was a clear case of a back striding forward and using his foot as a level, to indulge in the perfectly consistent shoulder charge he offered to Edwards, who went to earth as a consequence of being unbalanced, at a time when he had lost the balance of the ball and his own standing, if a penalty had been granted it would have been a miscarriage of justice.  I am content tom believe that we shall get cleverer views of close-up incidents when we appoint goal-judges to decide things that happen under their very nose.  The play to-day with the now ruling rushes from end to end, so that no referee can keep upsides the game; it is hard to keep talking-to-date; how much more difficult is it therefore to try to “see” the points at both ends of the ground without goal-judgers? 
GATHERING THEM IN
Saturday produced a lot of strange results; the fall of Reading, the continued downfall of Derby County, the rise of Albion against their Villa neighbours, Huddersfield’s continued winning strain with Clem Stephenson back to the fold, and Newcastle’s steady march to success; with Birmingham, who have lost their manager, putting Manchester United well down and placing them in jeopardy.  But only those who formed the record crowd at Goodison Park (58,000 was the figure, which exceeds the final tie game played between Newcastle and Barnsley on this ground twenty years or so ago) could tell how near the home side were to losing a grip of the game and the points withal.  In the first half it was unmistakable that Leeds were the cleverer and the more definite side in front of goal; they had the confident measure, the collective straining at the leash which did not upset the balance of their game.  Everton were ragged and unfortunate; they had a line of forwards that was not blending.  Only a goal could turn the game.  I said as much.  The tonic if a goal came through a penalty kick for an offence that, once again, the end-on view offered a splendid view; I could see without the slightest difficulty the charge in the small of the back that led to Weldon becoming a hero, for, though he did not take the kick –Dean took it –he had created the goal.  That goal was all Everton needed; their good, steady half-back work by three stern, keen men improved, and Weldon’s cracker-jack shot put Leeds out of the hunt, bravely though they fought.  Thus Everton had, after a heavy tussle, gained the day and gathered in one of their home victories –all of which are necessary to them if they are to get out of the last two positions. 
THE NEW MEN
Naturally it was asking Weldon a big question to rush him from Scotland on Thursday night and put him among strangers and expect him to fit their bill right away.  He got a rather nasty knock, and some onlookers also got a nasty knock when they found the left wing pair were not exactly helping to pull up the Mersey tunnel.  But later on a working scheme between Troup and Weldon was developed to a high degree, and no one could gainsay the fact that Weldon’s winning hazard was a gem.  Everton had been shaken by the Newcastle debacle, but I guess they won’t have such stern opposition for the rest of the season, save at Derby County’s ground.  The new man is a double of Fred Kennedy and yet he is not quite so hefty.  That he is a shooter does not need recalling; he will show off better than this at future conquests; Forshaw had little shooting chance; but he was aiming at construction, and the pair of the inner forwards wisely elected to try to ram the ball towards the middle without raising it.  There is much hope if we can get that type of football going for the rest of the season.  Cresswell played stylish football with a lovely carry-through of the boot when clearing; while O’Donnell did a fund of valuable work, destructive, defiant defence, with Taylor making for good saves and being notably good when edging the ball over the bar; though his picking up early on was not as clean as one associates with the storming goalkeeper.  The nervous strain of such a game is tremendous; men can hardly do themselves justice because of the consequences hanging upon a solitary touch of the ball.  However, Everton should settle to their business, and with a game the Arsenal ground next week it may happen that they will not run into a team of terries such as Leeds proved themselves.  Leeds deserve our sympathy; one appreciated their winning flight, their sudden darting movements, their instant shot and the steadiness of their full-backs and goalkeeper (who was knocked out by a cannon ball from Troup).  They have not gathered more than two points put of 23; yet such form as they showed on Saturday did not suggest a side so incompetent.  One of their number tells me the players have lost confidence; that’s all.  What a thing is confidence! I must buy some!
A MASSED FORMATION
A “Countryman” from Skelmersdale writes;-
“Thanks for your splendid broadcasting message.  Along with some fifteen or sixteen friends I enjoyed it immensely.  Everybody stuck it from start to finish, and ‘followed’ the match as if it had been at the old Sandy-lane enclosure at Skelmersdale.  Your description was most interesting, and this together with the shouts and cheers of the huge crowd (distinctly heard) made it an occasion to be long remembered.  There was intense excitement at the announcement of Dean’s successfully penalty, which was increased when Weldon gave Everton the lead.  The chaps in the room actually rise en masse and cheered, for Everton have many supporters in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk.  We sincerely hope this will not be the last of broadcasting matches- and particularly by you? 

BLIND MAN'S COLLAPSE AT FOOTBALL MATCH.
Dundee Evening Telegraph-Tuesday 15 March 1927
Death From Excitement. A blind man's fatal collapse while sharing in . the excitement at a football match between Everton and Leeds United . described at an inquest at Liverpool, to-day. The deceased was Joseph Davis (31), of Brook Street, Birkenhead, who had been rendered totally blind by an accident while working as a boilermaker. Miss Ellen Lee, his fiancee, stated that though blind was fond of going to football matches, and listening he could to some extent visualise the play. She took him to the Everton match and ten minutes before the finish of a very exciting game he became ill and died shortly after reaching hospital. Medical evidence showed that death followed excitement acting on a weak heart. A verdict of death from natural cause* was- returned

EVERTON'S DOUBLE.
March 15 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton's victory over Leeds United was not only invaluable in their struggle to avoid relegation. It completed their first double of the season as their solitary win away from home was gained at the expenise of Leeds United, whom they defeated in the initial game which marked Dean's first appearance of the season in a League match. Everton have an opportunity of completing another double next Saturday, when they visit the Arsenal as they defeated the London side at Goodison Park. Such a double would indeed be granted and conforting to the Everton supporters. On October 23 rd Everton defeated Leeds United 3-1 and on October 30 th accounted for the Arsenal by a similar score. Last Saturday they won against Leeds 2-1. It seems big odds against the sequence being continued and Everton winning by the odd goal of three next Saturday, at Highbury, but the Gunners will be more concerned about their Cup semi-final a week later, and I shall not be surprised to find Everton at least holding their own. The Everton players are going to have a real seaside outing in view of Saturday's game. The team will journey to Brighton on Wednesday and will stay there until Saturday morning. I hope it will be a case of “Brighton is so Bracing.” The last time Everton went to Brighton they were beaten 5-2 by Brighton and Hove in a Cup-tie.
HALF-BACK'S SUCCESS.
Followers of Everton will be interested to learn that George Caddick, who was on the Goodison club's books a season or two ago, is showing fine form for Barnsley, and accomplished the feat of holding up Camsell, the record scorer of the season.

LIVERPOOL CUP TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 15 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Neil McBain the former Everton pivot, now working with St. Johnstone F.C would like to return to English football.  He was brought at 1,400 pounds and the Scottish side would release him at that figure.
Tomorrow, at the Goodison Park ground, we shall have a further meeting of the local rivals, Everton and Liverpool, as a sequel to the drawn game played at Anfield at the beginning of the season, when there was a startling turnaround and a draw resulted, after it had seemed impossible for such a happening to arise.  Thus we have another mid-week feast, and with Friend Neville White taking charge and showing that he has completely recovered from his illness, we ought to see some football fun as Goodison, when the Liverpool Cup-tie is fought out.  The kick-off is 3.15.  of course, we cannot expect a 58,894 gate such as attended on Saturday, not yet the sum of well-nigh 4,000 pounds but we can expect that once again the meeting of the two deadly friendly enemies will produce good honest to goodness free-from-foul football that one associates with our Derby day games. 
The Everton players are going to have a real seaside outing in view of Saturday’s game.  The team will journey to Brighton on Wednesday and will stay there until Saturday morning.
THE GATE-BOGEY
A.W.K of Bath-Street, writes;- I would like to express my gratitude to you for the keen enjoyment which I derived from your “broadcast.” Although a fervid Evertonian, I have been unable, through illness, to see any of their matches for three years or more, so you can judge what a great boon it was to me.  Your every word was clearly audible and a finer description of the Soccer game I could not wish to hear.  The attendance of over 58,000 gave the Be to the “smaller gate” bogey, and I sincerely hope this broadcast will be the forerunner of many such from the same source, as it was the greatest thrill I have had in three years. 
W. Cross, writes;- Really splendid.  Glad to see your “phis” in the good old “Football Echo.”  Often wondered what you really were like.  How about showing us some of the other regular weekly stalwarts who instruct and amuse us every Saturday? 
From Rutherford-road, Mossley-hill, I get this view;- I had the pleasure of listening on a two-valve set to your running comment.  Reception was excellent and I don’t think I lost a word during the match, to which I listened throughout.  During the opening minutes it was somewhat difficult to follow where the ball was, as no reference was made to any section of the plan, until at the end of that time a B.B.C director chipped in with “now in section 6.”  After that the section was mentioned.  I must congratulate you most heartedly on your first attempt at broadcasting, and hope that we shall have the pleasure of hearing you on many future occasions.  I am glad to see that the presence of a 58,000 gate showed that broadcasting didn’t affect the attendance, and to those who like myself, through old age and rheumatism or some other affliction, are not able to attend the matches in person, but who still retain their interest in the game, a broadcast comment well done, as, on the whole, it was on Saturday, comes as a distinct boon.  This is from one whose memory goes back to the palmy days of Geary, Latta, Brady, Milward and Chadwick. 
ANGLES AND VIEWS
Fair View, of Southport, writes;- Having been a reader of your notes for years, and knowing you are always ready to listen to the other side of the story, I am writing you with regard to what you term Troup’s line ball in section 2.  Let me state now, “Bee,” that Mr. Ike Baker was right, and that if the incident could only take place again, and that ball left where Troup stopped it, I would stake my all on it being out of play.  Admitted you had a fine view, but of that part of the game I had a better, being about six yards from the corner flag on the popular side.  From where you were it must have looked a line ball and therefore playable; but remember you were looking at an angle from behind the ball, and I was looking at one from the front, and all the spectators, round about where I stood agreed that the ball was over, but as the Scotsman said “but only just.  The ball was covering the line, I admit, but the part touching the turf was out of play, it being the round of the ball that was covering the line, and overleaf I have done my best to illustrate to you what I mean.  Wishing you the best, and hoping you will write and I will read many more of “Bee’s” Notes. 

THE CUP-TIE AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 16 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
The meeting of Everton and Liverpool in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, at Goodison Park, today, should provide an entertaining display. Earlier in the season the teams drew 2-2, and to-day they decide which is to meet New Brighton in the final.  The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams chosen are;- Everton; Davies; Raitt, Hamilton; Brown, Bain, Rooney, Moffatt, Woodhouse, Paterson, Wilkinson, Kendrick.  Liverpool; Riley; Done, Lucas; Shears, Pratt, McMullan, Lighybody, Stone, Walsh, Sheppard, Pither. 
MAKING IT EASY
Everton v Arsenal-the kick-off at Highbury is 3.30, and anyone wishing to travel from Liverpool for the match may do so at the cheap return rate to London of 10s by special train leaving Lime-Street Station at 10 40 a.m.  This train is due Euston 3 p.m. from which point they go forward by the Tube to Gillespie-road Station, a journey of about ten minutes, changing at King’s Cross.  Gillespie-road Tube Station is within about three minutes of the Arsenal ground.  The return train leaves Euston at 12.25 midnight and for those wishing to do so, an inclusive arrangement is made for an additional 5s to take luncheon on the train going and supper on return. 
IRVINE APPRECIATED
“Everton Fan” writes; As one who has always appreciated the more artistic side of football, the omission of “Bobby” Irvine from Everton team comes as a sad blow.  Surely those in authority are blundering sorely when this man, who has rightly been termed, “the very Rolls-Royce of footballers,” cannot be included in Everton’s very indifferent forward line.  Is he not superior to Forshaw, Dominy, and Critchley?  Surely his lack of success as a scorist is largely due to rank bad luck.  If a crossbar or post is struck by an Everton man, Irvine is almost invariably the unlucky shooter.  As a hard-working “fetcher and carrier” alone he is worth his place, and even his detractors must admit that his pluck and durability are amazing. And now in their darkest hour when he is in his hey-day Everton cannot use him in their first eleven.  “Bobby” Irvine, my hat is off to you.  You alone have been worth every penny I ever paid to see the “Blues” you have given me a great deal of real entertainment. 

EVERTON V LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 16 March 1927
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP REPLAYED TIE
Everton and Liverpool played before a poor-sized crowd, at Goodison Park, in the Liverpool Senior Cup replayed tie.  Mr. Neville White referred and soon had to order a penalty, Raitt handling in the penalty area, and Done, the full-back scoring with ease.  Rooney was off the field for a while through a blow to the eye.  When he returned Pither tried a hard shot which Davies gathered, and Brown opened up the way for an attack, but found Paterson crowded out.  The new Everton player, Kendrick, had to work hard to beat Shears and Done, a tough pair.  There was a good round of passing between Rooney (out of place), Woodhouse, and Moffatt, until Pratt stepped in to say them nay.  Forty-three minutes before Everton could equalize, and then it was fitting that Woodhouse should be the scorer, because he had been Everton’s most enterprising forward.  Everton had indeed played pretty football, and save for a trifle too much elaboration, there was little to find fault with in their efforts.  Riley kept a good goal and had a strong pair of backs to help him, in Lucas and Done.  Wilkinson made one of the best shots of the match, at which point Shears was carried off, but he was able to return.  On the Liverpool side Walsh showed some dainty trickery touches, and Hamilton headed up awkwardly to his goalkeeper.  Davies showing himself wide awake.  It was good football to look at, and there was a nice sporting between the players.  Half-time.- Liverpool 1, Everton 1. 

LIVERPOOL CUP REPLAY
March 17, 1927. The Daily Courier
Reds Beat Everton by Odd Goal in Three
Everton 1; Liverpool 2
The replayed semi-final at Goodison Park produced a hard fought game, which Liverpool won by the odd goal in three, and now meet New Brighton at Anfield in the final. It was a penalty kick against Raitt for handling that enabled Liverpool to take an early lead –Done netting. Everton played good football, but were opposed by a strong defence, in which Done tackled and kicked strongly. The first half had almost run its course when Woodhouse equalised with a great shot. Liverpool did more of the attacking after the interval, and following good work by Walsh, Shone scored the winning goal three minutes from time. Everton were strong at half-back, where Brown was clever both in attack and defence. Woodhouse was the star forward. Riley was not overworked in the Liverpool goal, but made one splendid clearance in the second half. McMullan did well at half-back, but the front line was not balanced, Pither ad Walsh being best.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
March 17 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL SENIR CUP SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
Everton at home yesterday passed out of the Liverpool Senior Cup by two goals to one against their neighbours from Anfield. Liverpool scored early on and late on –first through a penalty kick for hands against Raitt, a simple but undoubted offence –Done taking the spot kick, and finally through Shone completing some good initiatory work by Walsh. Sandwiched between these goals came a point to Woodhouse before half-time. The game was a patchy affair but the good that was in it was good and attractive to the football eye. For instance, Bain and Brown, with Rooney, played a fine half back game, working the ball by ground passes upwards, or forming a triangle with their forwards. Unfortunately the especially good work of Bain and Brown came to little result, because the Everton forwards, although showing neatness in the first half failed to finish off their efforts with stinging drives against the clever Riley. Woodhouse's goal was a splendid one, and much of his close dribbling would have had result had his partner been able to loft a ball out of the way of Lucas, who covered the wee man from Luton with splendid judgement.
LUCAS AND DONE.
Then there was sound good full-back play by Lucas and Done, the latter showing that coming on appearance that is helpful to Liverpool's cause. At half-back Shears Pratt, and McMuallan made a rugged trio –best when intervening. In the forward line the difference was patent. Liverpool's lot got off the mark with the ball and made headway by the nearest route, and Davies was as a consequence, a bust man. All though, the extreme wing work was of a character that was not consistently good. Lightfoot needing a touch of zip ere his game could be termed capital, and Pither inclining to pull his centres outside the goal. Kendrick, of Everton, promises to be a dainty helper to Everton's forward cause. The refereing of Mr. White was of a sharp, sound order, and the teams unchanged from their overnight selection, were as follows : - Everton: - Davies, goal, Raitt and Hamilton, backs, Brown, Bain, and Rooney, half-backs, Moffatt, Woodhouse, Paterson, Wilkinson, Kendrick, forwards. Liverpool: - Riley, goal, Done, and Lucas, backs, Shears, Pratt and McMullan, half-backs, Lightfoot, Shone, Walsh, Sheppard, and Pitcher, forwards.

AN OLD PLAYER’S VIEW
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 17 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
“Merseyside” writes;-
Owing to indisposition, which prevented me from attending the Everton and Leeds match, I was more than delighted to read your broadcasting of the match, which to my mind, as an old player and enthusiastic supporter of first-class football for more years than I care to mention, I consider was the most vivid description of a match that I have ever read from a sports journalist, and I hasten to congratulate you; further, I would like to say what a boon it must have been to enthusiasts like myself who were prevented from seeing the game owing to illness.  May we have similar broadcasting. 
“True Evertonian” writes;-
We Evertonians support the old club whole-heartedly; if they get a new player readymade, we take him to our besoms, because he now plays for the club of our devotion.  If these supporters would devote their energies to the whole-hearted cry of “Up, up Everton,” instead of the more peaceful medium of the pen; then, perhaps we should see some of the results we are pinning for. 

EVERTON’S CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Private word from London tells me that Arsenal tomorrow, at Highbury will possibly be without Cope, Bren, and Butler.  Cope has a trial run, and of course, a great deal depends upon this, as Cope and Parker, though not specialty men of defence, have linked together to make a fine combined force in defence.  Arsenal plainly have all eyes on the Cup, which is played the following Saturday, so that Everton may find themselves worthy winners to-morrow of a very welcome pair of points.  After last week’s blood match with Leeds United Everton will breathe freely again, and if they settle down in the attacking division, as I expect they will do after getting to know each other, there is a possibility that the side will leap to a steady victory run that will wipe away all tears.  As you have seen, Leeds and Derby continue to lose, whereas Albion and Everton have started the upward stroke.  The game is far from lost; Leeds, by tackling the Huddersfield side without Edwards, suffer more than Huddersfield through the loss of a full back.  To-morrow’s issues may straighten the League’s lower order.  There is also the important meeting of the English and Scottish Leagues and a Calcutta Cup game; so that the programme is filled with good things, and your programme will only be complete when you have taken the best medium –the “Football Echo.”  Everton (?) Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Millington, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
AN IRVINE APPEAL
“Stanley” says;-
I’ll say right now that even if Everton should be relegated –in time- to Division III, I should still remain one of the staunchest supporters.  That, however, is heatle the point.  Now, honesty, “Bee,” do you think that a player like Irvine should be left out?  Personally, I think the human touch has departed from the game when a man is treated as Irvine has been.  He is a worker from first to last, and anybody can see at a glance that his heart and soul are in the game.  Here is a man giving up an international cap to help his club in one of their hardest games, finding himself dropped the following week.  I admit that “Bobby” is inclined to overdo the fancy work at times but don’t you think that if he was played on the wing he would cut a lot of that out?  I should like you to know how I enjoy your sports notes.  Without intending to flatter you I certainly think that for real live news, and fair-minded criticism, they can’t be beaten.  “I would like to endorse “Everton Fan’s” better concerning Bobby Irvine, as there is no doubt those in authority are making a mistake in not playing such a clever forward as he is, says, “Sefton Park Blue.”
His lack of success as a goal scorer lately is due to rank bad luck; he struck the upright and crossbar several times both in the Blackburn match and the Wednesday match. 
I join “Everton Fan,” in his appreciation of Bobby Irvine (says “Real Football”).  It seems to me that the nonsuccess of Everton has got thousands of their supporters thoroughly down-hearted, and in their distraction many of them see fit to blame Irvine’s dribbling.  In fact, I believe that had it not been for Irvine’s untiring efforts Everton’s position now would have been quite hopeless.  One did not hear so much about his dribbling when Chedgzoy was playing with him- Why?  Because he had to pass the ball to after he had beaten the “field.” 

BLUES AT HIGHBURY
March 19, 1927. The Daily Courier.
Can Everton Do It?
Everton will spare no effort to gain the points at the expense of the Arsenal, but while their appear somewhat remote we must keep in mind the fact that the Arsenal are much more interested in the English Cup than In League results. The most interesting alteration is that Buchan will depose Brain from the leadership of the forwards. This move has been made possible by the acquisition of Tricker from Charlton, who comes in at inside-right, the transfer of whom has now been approved by the Football League. It is said that this deal has cost the Arsenal more than £3,000. Another change likely to cause comment is the passing over of Butler at centre-half for the lesser known Seddon. Harper displaces Lewis in goal, and Cope will resume at left-back in the place of Kennedy. Everton; Taylor; O'Donnell, Kelly; Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Arsenal; Harper; Parker, Cope; Baker, Seddon, John; Hulme, Tricker, Buchan, Blyth and Hoar.

EVERTON'S TASK AT HIGHBURY.
March 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Merseyside enthusiast are mainly concerned with Everton's fight to retain their status in the premier division, and their game at Highbury today is of the utmost importance. A point or points here will I am sure, prove the turning of the long lane, and the players are out to do their utmost to gain the day. It has been difficult enough to gain victories at home but away points have been extremely scarce, and as a fact Everton have won but one away –at Leeds –while in all they have gained five points on foreign soul. I hope they will make it seven today. The players have had a couple of days at Brighton, and they should be in good trim. Buchan is to lead the Everton attack in place of Brain, while Tricker, the former amateur, who has just been secured from Charlton, plays inside right; Seddon fills the centre half berth instead of Butler, Cope also resumes. The teams are: - Everton Taylor; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Arsenal: - Harper, Parker, Cope; Baker, Seddon, John, Hulme, Tricker, Buchan, Blyth, and Hoar.

EVERTON F.C. AFFAIRS.
March 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
ANOTHER MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS.
COMMITTEE APPOINTED.
Everton Football Club shareholders held their second meeting at the Law Association rooms. Cook-Street, last night, to consider the position of the club. Mr. Charles Wright was in the chair. The hon. Secretary (Mr. Jones) read the letter sent to the club asking for an explanal on the club's position, and the reply of Mr. W. C. Cuff, who said the present was a time in which the club supporters and players should pull together to relieve the club's position. A shareholder asked “Why no mention of the shareholders” and the chairman added,” I think the directors are afraid to come before us.” Mr. R. Ledsom, Tranmere Rovers director, and shareholder of Everton, reiterated his remarks of previous meeting, that this was not the moment for dissent. He suggested the club should be congratulated upon their new signings, but that nothing should be done that would interfere with the peace of mind of the officials and ease of foot of the players.
THE TIME FOR ACTION.
The Chairman said they had to examine the board's credentials as to whether they had done the club justice. They had bought old experienced players to lift them up, and he though they should bring old, experienced, and former directors to help them out of their trouble. Now was the time for action. Mr. Petty suggested that they should form a shareholders committee. He had heard that shares had been sold recently at £3 12s 6d. Mr. Denaro pointed out that the club had gained seven points from the last five matches. He was satisfied the club had done what they should since the last meeting, and he was not desirous of cripping their efforts as this particular time. When Mr. Evans has suggested that Mr. Lake should go forward as a candidate, for the board, Mr. Lake said, “It is too early to talk of elections. I agree with Mr. Ledsom that this is not the time for Action.” It was a fact that when Everton went for new players the price went up automatically and he did not blame the directors for not paying folly prices. He suggested that the players were not to blame, but that at the beginning of the season, there were patent weaknesses. He though that the chairman was wrong when he suggested that the directors he helped to move off five years ago were to be put on the board again; if they were not good enough then they were not good enough now. A shareholder –The syndicate is the cause of Everton;s trouble. He suggested that Everton had paid £60,000 in six years for new players. A vice –Don't give them your prizes. Mr. Bradshaw –What we need is management; we need a manger, a professional man. This need has been felt since the war. Mr. Evans –think the chairman of the club was right when he asked us to stay our hands at the vital juncture. I recommend, however, that Mr. Lake, one of the finest judges of a good player, be put forward when there is a vacancy. We want men who can find players without going out with a blank cheque. Nevertheless, he, the speaker, realised that “we must be fair to those in office just now.”
THE COMMITTEE.
Eventually a committee of five, with power to add to their number, was formed for the purpose of taking stock of the position, the names being –Messrs C. Wright, Petty, Alexander, Sacrimmager, and Denaro. Messrs. J. WILSON and Lake were withdrawn from the list on the implied belief that they would be standing as possible directors. A discussion followed as to whether the committee was sufficiently large. A shareholder suggested that a telegram should be sent to the club wishing them luck at Highbury, and it was then suggested the Press should convey that message to the players. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

ARSENAL V. EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 March 1927
GROANS GREET DISPLAYS OF INEFFECTIVENESS AT MOST OPPORTUNE MOMENTS
FEEBLE FORWARD WORK
THE SIDES CROSS OVER WITHOUT ANY SCORE
By Stork
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Arsenal; Harper; Parker, Cope; Baker, Seddon, John; Hulme, Tricker, Buchan (Captain), Blyth, Hear.  Referee; Mr. A.J. Caseley, of Wolverhampton.  Everton, at Highbury, were their old selves.  They met the Cup-tie semi-finalists, or the remains of them, at a point when they had nothing but Cup eyes.  It will be seen that the London Club made several important changes for the game.  Harper displaced Lewis in goal, and Cope, who is quite fit again, returned to the exclusion of Kennedy, Butler was left out in favour of Seddon, while Brian was rested, and Buchan led the attack; while Tricker, a recent acquisition from Charlton, made his debut at inside right.
THE ONLY CHANGE
The Everton team came straight from Brighton, where they have been staying since Thursday, and the little outing seemed to have done them good.  The only change in the composition of the side which defeated Leeds United was Critchley for Millington at outside right.  The ground was in excellent condition; in fact, everything suggested a keen and interesting encounter.  The drawing attraction of Everton was made apparent by the fine crowd which was present when Buchan won to toss and took advantage of the slight breeze.  Everton might easily have had a goal in the first half-minute, for they made a storming attack in which Forshaw was prominent.  He put a beautiful ball to Critchley, for the latter to make a perfect centre, which just swung away from Dean’s head; and although Weldon tried to make an opening he was floored before he could collect the ball.  It was a near squeak for the Arsenal goal, which, however, was not to come through the ordeal without Harper being tested. 
COVERING TACTICS
A centre from the left wing saw the Scottish keeper handling out a dangerous looking situation.  The Arsenal then took upon themselves to hit back and Hulme, after cleverly beating O’Donnell, appeared to be making a successful dribble for goal, when he fell a prey to Cresswell, who had covered his partner’s error.  It was as bonny a tackle and clearance as one could have wished to see.  So far each goal had an early escape, and when the Arsenal left wing set off in full cry Hoar ran close in and forced Taylor to make a capital save.  Hart was playing a great type of game, drifting the ball out to each wing with fine judgement, and as a result the wing men were able to show up.  Critchley in particularly was doing some fine work as a result of such promptings, and he once forced Harper to run out and punch clear.  The Arsenal certainly had more chances to score during the first fifteen minutes than Everton but their finishing was not nearly so good as their general field play. 
TAYLOR USERS HIS FISTS
They should have had a goal when Hoar found himself right through with only Taylor to beat.  The latter had advanced some yards in his effort to narrow Hoar’s shooting space, but the winger could have gone and left Taylor helpless instead of which he elected to shoot, and Taylor managed to get his two fists to the shot and cannon it away.  This brought some groans from the home supporters, but it was no worse a miss than Weldon made some little time earlier.  The little Scot was sent through by Brother Troup, and realizing the advantage of a first-time shot, he let go at Harper, but found the ball cannon out.  To his dismay, the ball returned to his feet.  A little steadiness was all that was required, but Weldon hit out fiercely, and the ball swung over the bar.  Forshaw went near to a goal what time the Arsenal made clever progress, but had no thrust at the end of it. 
A SCREW GOES ASTRAY
Dean misses so few chances when he gets through that it was surprising to see him screw a ball aside the post after he had beaten Parker.  I have not the slightest doubt that Dean tried to place the ball wide of Harper.  So far it had been an interesting game to watch, and when Blyth got free from the Everton defence, only a daring tackle by O’Donnell saved the situation.  It was only saved momentarily, however, and from the melee Tricker was given a chance to make fame, but made a miserable attempt to score.  The nearest thing to a goal came as a result of a corner forced by Troup.  Alec placed the ball perfectly and with Harper leaving his goal Forshaw simply nodded towards goal and a goal seemed a certainty until Cope headed out from the goalline. 
TAYLOR IN LIVELY MOOD
Hereabouts, Taylor brought off two great saves.  Buchan has a habit of making his header difficult to any goalkeeper, and he did so for Taylor by placing it away from him.  The goalkeeper, however, sprang across his goal and made a perfect catch.  The second was an even greater effort, for although Tricker’s shot had little pace it was away from Taylor, who had to make a dive to turn the shot out of goal.  Harper, not to be outdone, was responsible for a grand save when Dean made a low drive.  He pounced on the ball and stopped it dead.  At this minute –just on the interval –Everton were attacking with a will but could not do the needful-score.  Arsenal came near to it when Hulme shaved the upright with a wonderful rising shot.  Half-time; Arsenal 0, Everton 0.
EVERTON WIN AGAIN
BUCHAN SCORES FIRST FOR ARSENAL
TROUP AND WELDON
REPLY WITH STUNNING FORCE
How well Everton had played may be imagined by the following;- “They play more like Huddersfield than a team at the bottom of the League.”  This came from a Londoner.
BUCHAMN ON VIEW
Buchan was seen early in the second half with a pass to Hoar that brought a hot bully in front of Taylor’s goal without having any damaging effect.  Critchly overdid a dribble when an inside pass would have been of better value.  Cresswell was alleged to have handled, and John’s free kick created trouble ere Taylor punched out and stopped Tricker from scoring. 
WONDERFUL CHANCE
THE Arsenal had most of the game for some minutes and when all seemed lost Buchan was sailing through, Virr stopped him with a superb tackle.  The Arsenal at this point were a more dangerous force than they had been at any other part of the game, and at fifty-six minutes went ahead through a goal by Buchan.  The scorer could not have done anything else but score.  Hoar made a raid and had got the better of Cresswell, who, to my mind, expected Hoar to shoot.  He could have done, but offered Buchan a much easier opportunity than he would have got, and Buchan drove the ball just under the bar.  Everton were not crushed by this reverse.  In fact they battled with determination, and at the sixty-third minute Weldon scored.  The Arsenal claimed he had used his hand to get Critchley’s centre under control.  The Arsenal players stopped playing, what time Weldon fired the ball into the net.  The linesman was consulted and there the matter stead, one goal each.  Two minutes later a great shot by Troup put Everton ahead.  Harper made a valiant effort to stop this rocket shot, but was unsuccessful.  We had seen some excellent goalkeeping, but one save by Taylor will live in my memory.  It was a double-handed punch, which prevented a powerful shot by Hulme finding the net. 
EVERTON GOAL BESET
Arsenal were out to retrieve their losses and Blyth hit the upright. A little roughness entered the game at this point, when Arsenal swarmed the Everton goalmouth like a swarm of bees.  Final; Arsenal 1, Everton 2. 

EVERTON RES V. BURNLEY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 March 1927
The first half provided much work for the respective goalkeepers, particularly Dawson, but the football was by no means of the brilliant type, for the combination of the respective attacks was very mediocre.  Everton launched attack after attack on the Burnley defence, but their inability to round off the work led to their undoing.  Dawson, however, on one occasion was fortunate to have Newsome on the goal line to head out from Moffatt.  Everton’s star man was Griffiths, and Dougall should have given the visitors the lead just prior to the interval, whereas he put the ball right to Davies’ hands.  On resuming, the attacks were about evenly distributed. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 March 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON SHOOCK THE ARSENAL WITH SURPRISED GOAL AND VASTLY IMPROVE THEIR LEAGUE POSITION
March 21, 1927. The Daily Courier.
A Great defence.
Buchan Scores, Weldon and Troup Reply.
Arsenal 1, Everton 2
The Everton players were cheered at the finish of their match with the Arsenal at Highbury. This was a tribute by the crowd in the hard fight put up by the Everton defenders. Everton's victory by the odd goal in three was a fair result and they had to exert themselves to the full to achieve it. All three goals came midway in the second half, and Everton's chances seemed far from bright when Buchan drew the backs on him and then passed to Hoar, Cresswell hesitated expecting Hoar to shoot, but the winger instead returned it to Buchan, who was unopposed and drove into the net with a fast rising shot. This reverse caused Everton to redouble their efforts, and their forwards played with such dash and determination that the Arsenal defence was unable to cope with them.
Goals.
Both of the Everton goals were scored within a period of two minutes. A centre by Troup saw Weldon pounce on the ball and steer it into the net when Harper was out of goal. The Arsenal players appeared for “hands” but the referee, in ruling that there had been no infringement, had the support of the linesman. Then Kelly opened a path for Troup to dash forward and finished with a low shot that Haper saw roll just inside the goal as he tried to reach it with his foot. The goalless first half had been evenly contested, and it contained many thrills with football which was always interesting to watch. The Arsenal forwards showed the better finish to their movements the Everton players being erratic in their shooting. It was after the scoring of Everton's winning goal that the excitement came. Time after time the Arsenal looked like scoring. They applied relentless pressure right to the end, and the crowd was kept at a high pitch of excitement. The chief credit for Everton's victory lies with the defence. Taylor in goal, was in his best international orm. He stopped point blank shots from Hoar, Trickler, and Blyth, and on two occasions he fell full length to turn the ball against the post. He had much more work to do than Harper, and his masterly goalkeeping deservedly earned the applause of the crowd. O'Donnell at left back, was the best defender on the field. He was most reliable in his kicking, and he repeatedly got the better of Buchan when this player looked like scoring. Cresswell also put in a lot of good work, but injury caused him to be weak in some of his clearances. All three of the Everton halves worked hard, and Kelly was most effective with his accurately placed forward passes. Both Troup and Critchley were speedy and resourceful wingers, and Weldon was enterprising when near goal. Forshaw opened up the Everton attack. Dean never got into his stride. The Arsenal gave a well-balanced display, with Buchan, at centre, the best forward on the field. Their wingmen were speedy and tricky, and Tricker, their new inside right, created a favourable impression. The teams were;- Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, backs, Millington, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Leeds United: - Potts, goal, Roberts, and Menzies; Edwards, Townsley, and Reed; half-backs, Turnbull, White, Jennings, Wainscott, Mitchell, forwards. Referee Mr. Baker.

WHY ARSENAL FAILED
Athletic News - Monday 21 March 1927
DASH WINS THE GAME FOR EVERTON
PROTEST MISTAKE
ARSENAL 1 EVERTON 2
By Wanderer
Everton’s chances of staying in Division 1 were brightened by their victory, at Highbury, success, that was well deserved, because they were the more enterprising of two teams who played a game characterized more by dash than craft and subtlety.  All the goals were scored the in second half, Everton’s two came after Buchan had got through for the Arsenal eight minutes from the interval.  Neither side settled down to genuine team play. Position came accident rather than design.  The Arsenal, without Butler and Brain, and with Buchan centre-forward, were never a smooth-running machine. Buchan has not the necessary pace for the leader of an attack, and he lacked that skilled craftsmanship which generally makes him so valuable to the Highbury team in his usual position at inside right.  Tricker, recently secured from Charlton, could not altogether keep pace with a game that always moved swiftly, but the strangeness of his environment had something to with this. 
DEAN TOO MUCH FOR SEDDON. 
Hulme repeatedly beat O’Donnell, and Hoar came out of his duels with Cresswell with credit, but the two forwards finished many good runs by poor shooting or a failure cross the right moment.  Seddon, at centre half, was hot able tokeep firm grip Dean, who led the Everton forwards with resolution. Weldon was a constant thorn in the side of the Arsenal defence, in which Parker was less steady and reliable than Cope.  A very formidable combination was the Weldon-Troup wing, and the resistance of Baker, willing and hard-working as ever, was worn down before the finish.  The standard team play was not high, but there were many incidents in the game that it never failed to stir the imagination.  The first half was full of possible goals that failed to come because of inexplicable mistakes by the forwards, or the coolness and resource of the two goalkeepers, Harper and Taylor. The former Huddersfield man did nothing belter in the afternoon than a superb full-length save from Tricker, the ball being deflected in flight by O'Donnell. Most goalkeepers would have been deceived by the sudden change in its course. Harper, too, would have no cause to chide himself had a swift shot from Dean found its billet. 
A FATAL PROTEST. 
BUCHAN’S goal for the Arsenal, made possible by swerving run by Hoar, gave them the lead for five minutes only, but the home team were to blame for stopping to appeal for hands against WELDON when that player equalized.  Critchley swept the ball over almost to the penalty spot, and when Weldon attempted to trap it, it bounced and struck his right hand. While the Arsenal players were protesting Weldon shot into the net.  It looked like a genuine accident on Weldon’s part, and the referee must have thought too, but the protest was so sustained that he consulted a linesman before reaffirming his ruling.  The second Everton goal came a few a minutes later, and Harper was unfortunate in being baulked by his own backs. Troup's oblique drive might not have succeeded if Parker and Cope had not stepped across Harper’s line of vision, and he dropped a second too late to prevent the ball passing under his body. The Arsenal.—Harper: Parker, Cope; Baker, Seddon, John; Hulme, Tricker, Buchan, Blyth, and Hoar.  Everton. — Taylor; Cresswell, O Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup- Referee: A. J. Caseley. Wolverhampton.

EVERTON’S GREAT DEFENCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 March 1927
By Stork
Another win! Yes, sirs, and a win fully deserved, and also a win that will be of tremendous value later on in the season.  Did I hear somebody say the Arsenal were not trying?  Get that out of your minds instantly.  It is a libel on Everton, who had to face a side that were loath to lose two points, and to show that they did not relish their position when in arrears applied such pressure that it seemed impossible for the Everton defence to withstand such an onslaught; but Taylor and O’Donnell aided by some cute work by Cresswell, combined to withstand the Arsenal shocks, and the victory was, to a great extent, “up to them.” They were magnificent.  Never a flinch nor quaver.  To have shown one would have been fatal to their cause, and although Cresswell was inclined to be rather too cool, he did many things in his own sweet way; but the back of the day was O’Donnell.  He tackled grimly and surely, kicked a perfect ball, and covered up Cresswell when the tide was flowing against his partner.  O’Donnell was just grand.  He had behind him a man of iron in Taylor, who would not be defeated –he was helpless when Buchan beat him –and if any of the big-wigs of the Football Association were present, they must have looked askance at each other and said, “This is the Taylor of old.  We must jot him down as a probable against Scotland.”  Taylor, without doubt, was inspired.  He might have been beaten three or four times, such was the calibre of shot that was fired at him.  I say fired advisably, for when Hoar and Hulme shot, it was like holding a pistol at Taylor’s head; but the goalkeeper showed no sign of nerves, and punched away those two shots, and so saved two certain goals.  Buchan, when he nods his head, usually does so with effect.  He tried to nod one beyond Taylor, and it was placed so far away from the goalkeeper that it appeared well-nigh impossible to be saved; but Taylor baulked him. 
NERVE-RACKING MINUTE.
So much for the defence.  What of the forwards who scored the goals.  When Weldon scored to equalize Buchan’s point it was not clean cut, for the Arsenal players maintained that he had handled.  He had, but who was intentional? The referee signified a goal immediately, saying it was unintentional, but on appeal he called in the linesman, who agreed with him, and all was well, but it was a nerve-racking minute waiting the verdict.  That goal gave Everton a sporting chance, and when Troup scored two minutes later, even the crowd had to acknowledge the magnificent shot.  Troup, for a wee follow, hits an amazing drive, and when he tried his shot his angle was an atrocious one, but such was the pace of his shot that Harper dived much too late and the ball flashed under his body and curled into the net.  It was a chance shot, to be true, but it was worth the risk, and if Troup had not taken it there was a grave possibility that a goal would not have been scored.  Harper was none too sure.  He once left his goal to deal with a corner, missed the flight of the ball, and but for Cope, who had fallen back into goal, Forshaw would have scored.  It was a thrilling game, for each goal was often under pressure, and there were many missed chances.  If Everton’s position was not so uncertain I am sure that we should see some good football from the Goodison Park boys, but they are fighting like grim death, and as each game is like a Cup-tie to them one must forgive sins and omissions.  Dean, Weldon, and Forshaw missed scoring by their over anxiousness.  Dean, at the moment, is out of touch with his game.  True, he is closely watched, but he was not so sure with his heading as he can be, while there was not those accurate passes that we know he can give.  I hope the day is not far off when he will touch his proper game.  Perhaps he is feeling the strain of his earlier efforts.  Forshaw kept Critchley well plied, and I thought the winger was quite good, even though he persisted in dallying a little, while he wasted several centres. 
GOALS HARD TO SCORE.
Weldon, from what I am told, played better than he did a week ago-I did not see him against Leeds United –and if that be the case it only requires a little more experience with his new colleagues to bring him to.  He seemed a trifle slow, and hung back a bit.  He says it is harder to get goals in England than it is Scotland.  Anyway, he has obtained two of extraordinary value to Everton in two matches.  The half-back work was solid.  Hart broke up and made some attacks, while Virr was simply fine in defence, but for constructional play Kelly took the eye, despite an early blow which dashed him.  The defence I have already referred to.  Arsenal’s best men were their wingers, Hoar and Hulme, for Buchan did little beyond score his goal.  The new men from Chorlton, Tricker, is ideally built, but requires a little more knowledge of his partners.  He displayed one or two cute ideas.  Blyth was the worker of old, and alongside him was Hoar, who has speed and ability, and is a danger point in Arsenal’s attack.  Of the halves, I liked John, out Baker was only a shade behind his colleague.  Seddon often found Dean as awkward proposition.  The two backs, Parker and Cope, were variable, and the pair I preferred the former, who was steadier under pressure.  Harper does not give the confidence Taylor creates, and not only did he misjudge Troup’s shot, but made a weak effort with a corner kick, and would have suffered if Cope had covered his kicks and slipped back into goal to head out Forshaw’s header.  He made one fine save from Dean, but making a comparison with Taylor, who had three times as much work to do, he did not come out at all well. 

CENTRAL LEAGUE
March 21, 1927. The Daily Courier
Everton had the best of the game against Burnley, but on the whole it was a dull match, with little for the spectators to enthuse over. That the Blues did not win outright was due to fine keeping by Dawson and bad luck when both White and Paterson hit the bar. The outstanding man of the game was Griffiths who was largely responsible for the ineffectiveness of the Burnley attack. Raitt also did well in defence, but Hamilton was inclined to be erratic at times. Paterson tried hard at centre forward but he did not have much luck with his shots. Result; Everton Res 0, Burnley Res 0.

ARSENAL 1 EVERTON 2
March 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
TROUP'S GOAL DECIDES.
TAYLOR'S GREAT GAME AT HIGHBURY.
By beating the Arsenal 2-1, at Highbury Everton moved a step towards safety. It is no small feat to win at Highbury eventhough many were of the belief that Arsenal were not concerning themselves with their League matches, but were concentrating upon winning the cup. Never was there a more mistaken idea. This was further proved by the Arsenal's strong work when they found themselves in arrears after they had scored first, and it was only due to the strong defensive play of Everton that the Lancashirians held on their winning goal. Buchan and his colleagues struggled hard to equalise, and their grimness in attack at that juncture was full proof that they were still interested in their position. They battered away at the Everton goal, and if human power and football ability could have brought them victory they would have won, but they failed because of Everton's defence. The character of several of Taylor's saves will live long in the memory of those who witnessed the game. He was undoubtedly at his best.
TAYLOR AND TROUP.
It could well be called the Taylor-Troup game, for while the goalkeeper saved goals Troup scored what was acknowledged to be one of the finest points ever seen on the ground. Troup hits a terrific drive on occasion, and when he left let loose a rocket shot Harper was late in his dive, and the ball flashed under his body and entered the net just inside the upright. Then came Taylor's great work. All manner of shots –long lobs, placed headers, corner kicks, and point-blank range shots –came to him but he was equal to them all. Two saves in particular deserve special mention. One from Hulme and one from Hoar. Both would have beaten most goalkeepers, but Taylor was inspired and to him must go the main honours of the game. Weldon's goal had to undergo an objection, before the referee decided that his handling of the ball prior to his shot was unintentional. It was a tense minute, for if the goal had been disallowed it might have curbed Everton's spirit. As it was it fired them on to greater things; and Troup's point settled the issue, and so rubbed out Buchan's goal –a presentation from Hoar –, which had a dampening effect upon the visiting spectators.
EXCITING INCIDENTS.
The game was brimful of incidents, and Everton's game caused some surprise to London enthusiasts, who did not expect such a lowly placed side to extend their favourites. Never have the Everton team played a more determined game. They fought out every inch of the ground, and battled against a pair of wingers who were always a source of danger when on the move. Strange to say O'Donnell was better than Cresswell on the day's play, for the latter seemed to take matters a trifle too coolly, and he let in Hoar on several occasions, but O'Donnell cut across finely. The half-backs were hard workers, and two superb tackles by Virr were outstanding. When he robbed Buchan the latter was well inside the penalty area and about to shoot. Kelly did well against Blyth and Hoar, while Hart in the centre, kept a careful eye on Buchan, Troup accomplished many clever things while Weldon, although seemingly a little slow linked up the line much better than he did against Leeds United.
DEAN OUT OF TOUCH.
Dean was out of touch with his game but he gave Harper one hot handful, even though he missed an easier chance earlier on. Forshaw was good because he made such good use of the ball, and he had hard luck with a header that was headed out by Cope. Critchley did better, but he is still wasteful with the ball, and is inclined to falter instead of moving upwards. Still, he was capable of getting the better of Cope who was none too sure, while Harper was not convincing. Parker was steady and the half-backs were a solid trio. Tricker did little and the best of the forwards were Hoar, Hulme, and Blyth. Teams: - Arsenal: - Harper, goal, Parker, and Cope, backs, Baler, Seddon, and John, half-backs, Hulme, Tricker, Buchan, Blyth, and Hoar, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Cresswell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Referee AJ. Caseley.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BURNLEY RESERVES 0
March 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
A draw was perhaps a just reflex, but Everton might easily have won a game that on the general run, was disappointing because of the ability of the forwards to round off a number of attacks, while the combination was not too accurate. The woodwork saved Burnley on one occasion, and then a full back standing on the goal line headed out. The visitors' attack, particularly the inside trio, were not much in evidence, due to the fine destructive work of Griffiths, who excelled.

EVERTON'S DOUBLE.
March 22 nd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton second double victory of the season has given their supporters cause to hope that they will, after all escape relegation. It is realised on all sides that they still have a lot of spadework ahead, but the success at Highbury should prove a great tonic. It is rather curious that Leeds United and the Arsenal should have supplied Everton with their only sets of maximum points, and that the games should be in succession in each half of the season. On October 23 rd Everton defeated Leeds United 3-1 at Elland road, and on the following Saturday they defeated the Arsenal at Goodison Park. At this advanced stage of the season the sequence is repeated on successive Saturdays. It is only possible for Everton to achieve one more double –that is at the expense of Derby County –a feat that would prove invaluable. Everton defeated the County 3-2 at Goodison Park, and they are due to meet at the Baseball Ground on April 2 nd . Of the other six clubs still to be met the first game yielded but two points in all to Everton.

GENERAL REGAN
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 22 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Regan, Wrexham’s utility men, a few tears ago could have gone to a higher football sphere had he wished, but preferred to stay with the local club, and give fine service.  He takes a well-earned benefit to-morrow, when Everton send a team to North Wales (kick-off five o’clock).  Griffiths, the ex-Wrexham player, is one of the drawing cards laid on the table for the inducement of these who are lucky enough to be “off” to-morrow, and, as Wrexham is a comparatively short journey from Birkenhead, I think the attendance will be substantially increased by onlookers from this area.  Everton will play Hardy in goal, and Easton and Wilkinson, both former Blyth Spartans, in the front line, Wrexham’s young side will probably derive great benefit from the gratis football tips they will receives.  They may win even against the following strong side;- Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, Griffiths, Reid; Millington, Easton, Wilkinson, Houghton, and White.  It is not generally known that Regan is tectonically a Welshman, having been born in the Flintshire part of Saltney, and he played in the junior international against Scotland last season.  Among his medals are two Welsh Senior Cup, two North Wales Charity Cup, two Chester and District League, four Flintshire Charity Cup, and one Cheshire Senior Cup.  After the match a whilst drive and dance is to take place at the Drill Hall for the purpose of swelling the fund.  The Wrexham team against Everton will be as follows;- Robson; Jones A, Lumberg; Regan, Hodgkinson, Lawrence; Longmuir, Rogers, C. Smith, Lewis, Rev. Hywel Davies Referee, Mr. Arthur Price. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED AT GOODISON.
March 23 rd 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton prospects of avoiding relegation are gradually assuming a more restate line and I have great faith in their ability to gain two more points on Saturday, when Sheffield United are the visitors. There is doubt that the victory at Highbury has provide the players with the tonic they greatly needed, and I expect they will tackle their remaining games with greater resolution. Sheffield United appears to have lost their form and certainly their displays in recent weeks have left a lot to be desired. They drew with Everton 3-3 at Bramell lane, but the Goodison team should do better the verdict. All the men being fit the Everton directors last evening decided to rely on the team which defeated the Arsenal namely; Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean Weldon, Troup.

PRAISE INDEED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 23 March 1927
Mr. T. W. Ausal, the former referee, of Liverpool, now in London, writes;- I feel impelled to drop you a line to add to the praises being sung of Ted Taylor.  As Everton were at Highbury I thought I should like to make sure o seeing them once again, ere, alas, I might not have that pleasure for years and years and years in first-class company, and so left the date open.  If Chelsea go in the First Division and Clapton in the Third I should not have a chance except at Fulham.  One trip per annum to the metropolis, and that perforce in the Second Division.  What would become of the type “Everton have never played in the Second Division and never been re-elected, &c,”  The comps would be busy! I see you were not at the match, and before I wrote I thought I should like to see what the “Echo” said about Everton’s first goal.  As a referee of some experience I am always amazed at the ignorance displayed in connection with the laws of football concerning “handling.”  This was an illustration.  The incident was as clear as it could possibly be.  Actually the ball bounced up and hit Weldon’s hand.  Note, the player did not.  Intentionally handle.  The referee was not more than six yards away, had a perfect view, obviously saw everything which happened; quickly, deliberately, and determinedly pointed to the centre for a goal, and immediately there was a hubhub, protesting.  As a referee I dislike criticizing and I remarked to a friend the referee is perfectly correct, as obviously the ball hit the man’s hand, he did not intentionally handle it, and therefore there is no offence.  To my amazement he yielded to the players’ clamours, and consulted a linesmen forty yards away.  What transpired of course, a more spectator could not say, but the goal was rightly allowed.  There was no offences, but it is possible that the incident might have cost Everton their place in the First Division, as it was the first of the two goals which encouraged the “Blues” I know that the F.A. and the County F.A. have done what they can to make it clear to referees that only intentional handling should be penalized, but from my own experience and the few matches I see it would seem that many referees prefer a reputation for smartness in blowing the whistle to accuracy in penalizing only intentioned handbag.  Fortunately, justice was done, but in my opinion the referee was clearly weak in giving way to clamour when he himself was on the spot and saw what happened. If over a transfer gee was repaid then that for Ted Taylor has been, and it is couraging to know that he is a local.  Taylor saved the situation.  He is not the sort of man to suffer from swelled hand, but if Everton retain their places no one will have done more towards that than he.  His old club, Balmoral, should be proud of him. 
A LOOKER-ON
Mr. John Duguld, of the “Melvin,” London, himself, a former Liverpool amateur footballer, in a letter to the “Hive” says, - I took a party up to Highbury, including a couple of Scottish football enthusiasts.  We agreed that it was sheer joy watching the latest Everton eleven.  Their football was of the type we don’t get enough of these days, and as a result their goals were received with much more than the usual applause given to visitors.  From the match I heard passed by Arsenal supporters, the general opinion was that Everton was on their merits and the extraordinary part was that the supporters seemed to be generally pleased that Everton had won.  I heard one man say that he is glad the Arsenal are not meeting Saturday’s Everton at Stamford Bridge, next Saturday.  There is little doubt that dear old Everton will be safe in a week or two’s time. 

RESERVES DRAW
Burnley Express - Wednesday 23 March 1927
Everton Res (0) 0; Burnley Res (0) 0
Only the brilliant goalkeeping of Dawson saved Burnley from defeat at Goodison, and the game from complete insignificance.  Neither side could score in the first half, and the 5,000 spectators found the display eminently tedious.  On the resumption the home team more enterprise, and the game brightened up considerably with the home team constantly attacking.  Both sides finished badly at times, but generally managed to keep up a standard of monotonous mediocrity.  The Burnley defence had a grueling time, and came out with due honours Dawson excelling. 
HOW THE GAME WENT
Everton were the first to attack, and Wilkinson was left in an excellent scoring position, but shot straight at Dawson, who had little difficulty in clearing.  Burnley’s right wing was a constant thorn in the side of the Everton defence, and when Burley was allowed to go on, although in an offside position, Davies was forced to make a smart clearance.  The game was inclined to be dull, and there was little enthusiasm displayed by the crowd.  Like Everton, Burnley were clever in midfield, but when within the region of the goal failed to profit by fine scoring chances.  Moffatt introduced some semblance of life into the game with a brilliant cross pass to White, who in turn transferred to Easton.  If the home inside-right had been able to gather the ball, a goal must have accrued.  As it was, Dawson was able to dash out and clear in the nick of time.  Half-time Everton Res 0; Burnley Res 0. 
After the interval Everton attacked almost continuously for a long time, and it was chiefly the brilliance of Dawson that prevented the Burnley goal from falling.  White crashed the ball against the crossbar, and on another occasion Dawson kicked cleared from Patterson and Wilkinson.  Later on the Burnley goalkeeper made a brilliant one-handed clearance from White.  Against these raids Burnley at times attacked cleverly, but were generally foiled near goal.  On one occasion Earle drove the ball against the upright.  Result; Everton Res 0, Burnley Res 0.  Teams; Burnley Res; Dawson; Newsome, Heap; Barton, Spargo, Weston; Burley, Pollard, Richards, Dougal, and Earle.  Everton Res; Davies; Raitt, Hamilton, Brown; Griffiths, Rooney, Moffatt; Easton, Patterson, Wilkinson, and White.  Referee; Mr. H. Kilsby, West Bromwich. 

TEDDY REGAN'S BENEFIT
March 24, 1927. The Daily Courier.
Everton and Wrexham in a Great Duel
Wrexham 2; Everton 2
This match played on Wrexham Racecourse last night was for the benefit of Teddy Regans, Wrexham's popular right half-back. It was an interesting game, and Everton were a goal up early on, Hodgkinson kicking through his own goal during a hot attack. Houghton added a second goal for the visitors from a penalty kick given against Lawrence. In the second half Wrexham played up strongly, and it was not long before Cecil Smith scored for then. The ball came nicely across from Rev Hywel Davies, and the Wrexham centre-forward promptly put the ball in the net. Twenty minutes later a centre by Longmuir enabled Smith to put the teams on a level footing. Play was really most exciting, especially in the second half, after Wrexham had drawn level.

WREXHAM 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 24 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
REGAN'S BENEFIT.
EVERTON AND WREXHAM DIVIDE FOUR GOALS.
Owing to cold and cheerless weather, the attendance at Reagan's benefit on the Racecourse last evening was rather disappointing, only 1,400 being present and the receipts amounting to about £74. The game was quite interesting, without providing much excitement, and while the teams shared four goals equally, the important difference in the means of penetration left the moral balance on Wrexham's side. Wheras both the latter's goals were orthodox, Everton had taken the lead through Hodgkinson, the home centre half, putting into his own net, while not long afterwards Houghton converted a penalty kick given for hands against lawrence. After being two down at the change over Wrexham fully established their right to a draw. Both the home goals fell to Cecil Smith, the second point being a particularly clever one. Everton's football was more attractive than that of their opponents, who showed to better advantage in defence than in attack. The visitors' outside left Lewis, who hails from Ellemere Port proved to be a tireless forager. Teams : - Wrexham: - Robson, goal, A. Jones, and Lumberg, backs, Regan, Hodgkinson, Lawrence, and Longmuir, half-backs, Rogers, C. Smith, Rev H. Davies, and Lewis, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Peacock, Griffiths, and Reid, half-backs, Millington, Easton, Paterson, Houghton and Lewis, forwards.

REGAN’S BENEFIT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 March 1927
Bee’s Notes
Owing to cold and cheerless weather, the attendance at Regan’s benefit on the Racecourse last evening was rather disappointing, only 1,000 being present, and the receipts amounting to about 74 pounds.  The game was quite interesting, without providing much excitement, and while the teams shared four goals equally, the important difference in the means of penetration left the moral balance on Wrexham’s side.  Whereas both the latter’s goals were orthodox, Everton had taken the lead through Hodgkinson, the home centre half, putting into his own net, while not long afterwards Houghton converted a penalty kick given for hands against Lawrence.  After being two down at the changeover, Wrexham fully established their right to a draw.  Both the home goals fell to Cecil Smith, the second point being a particularly clever one.  Everton’s football was more attractive than that of their opponents, who showed to better advantage in defence than in attack.  The visitors’ outside left Lewis, who hails from Ellesmere Port, proved to be a tireless forager.  Result; Everton 2, Wrexham 2. 
CHEERIO!
Bootle’s “Jimmy Quinn: writes
Entreat Everton supporters to give the “Boys in Blue” a great Lancashire welcome on their coming out against Sheffield, as some recognition of their splendid fight versus Arsenal.  I fully believe encouragement such as this is a far better tonic for an eleven which is straining every nerve in the race against relegation than carping criticism and also foul epithets thrown at men who are doing their very utmost.  They should win on Saturday, and then for the vital game at Derby, on April 2.  I hope the railway companies will run excursion trains, for there should be 2,000 or 3,000 Everton supporters who will be going to cheer the boys on to victory. 

EVERTON DUEL WITH SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Friday 25 March 1927
EVERTON’S FURTHER TEST
Everton tomorrow tackle Sheffield United at a time when Everton shares are rising and when Sheffield United’s work is faltering.  United have been changing their team this season, and have failed to make a solid defending trinity, while at forward the work has been unbalanced, Gillespie and Tunstall carrying most guns.  United have always played good football at Goodison, and to-morrow they must be hard to dispossess as they are sadly lacking in bonus benefits on the other hand, Everton, with two successive wins to their name and a distinct grade of football ability and energy, will have a good chance to make another home victory.  They MUST win all their home games, and, having taken two points from the Arsenal away from home, they have relieved the situation without completing their ease of mind or League fixture.  There is much pleasure in Everton’s rise, and I imagine the game to-morrow, and the further view of Weldon, Forshaw, Taylor, Kelly, Cresswell, and company will act as a magnet to the local crowd; indeed, if the races were not continued to-morrow I should expect another epoch-making crowd.  Sheffield have “appealing” faces, too, so that the game should produce football of a good character and of a sporting nature.  Here is the Everton team;- Everton;- Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 

VITAL GAME AT EVERTON.
March 26 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Merseyside, enthusiast are mainly concerned with Everton's game against Sheffield United at Goodison Park. Everton are making a desperate effort to escape relegation and a victory today following the win at Highbury would take the club a long way towards safety. “Form” certainly points to an Everton win, for Sheffield United have done badly of late. Nevertheless they will fight hard, and Everton must be all out from the kick off to the final whistle. I anticipate a fine exposition and two points for the home club. Everton will be at full strength. The kick off is at 3-15, and the teams are: - Everton; Taylor Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Sheffield United: - Alderson; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, King, Green; D. Mercer, AS Mercer, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.

“GIVE IT TO DIXIE” –THE EVERTON PLAN AGAINST UNITED
Star Green 'un - Saturday 26 March 1927
DEAN A TERRIOR IN THE MUD AT GOODISON PARK
SHEFFIELDERS MAKE A BRAVE SHOW, ALTHOUGH TWICE BEATEN
EVERTON 2, SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
By Admiral
With Everton making a tremendous fight to avoid relegation, thanks mainly to the acquisition of a batch of new players, it was recognized that Sheffield United had a stiff job on hand at Goodison Park, Everton expended money lavishly to strengthen their team, the chief newcomers being Taylor, Cresswell, Kelly, Forshaw, and Weldon.,  The results have doubtless satisfied the club for they had gained none points from the six games immediately prior to to-day, and had considerably brightened their outlook.  Sheffield United had need to improve, for recent games showed them in anything but a good light.  Grand National weather is traditional in Liverpool, and the rain, which poured down nearly the whole of yesterday, showed no signs of ceasing to-day.  Goodison Park has still plenty of grass on it, but the heavy and prolonged rainfall had reduced the middle of the pitch to an absolute quagmire.  The tarpaulin sheets laid in the goalmouth were removed shortly before the teams came out; but they did not seem to have afforded much protection against the rain.  Everton’s three big double-deckered stands with the ample standing room underneath are dry and useful in days such as this, and considering the conditions, the attendance was quite good.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, and O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), and Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Birks, and Chandler; Cawthorne, King and Green (G.); Mercer (D.), Mercer (A), Johnson, Gillespie (Captain), and Tunstall.  Referee; D.E. Lines (Birmingham).  Gillespie won the toss, but there was nothing in it.  Pardonable mis-kicking by the United half-backs let the home forwards in straightaway.  Cawthorne cleared, but not hard enough, and when the ball was tapped to Alderson it slipped off his hand for a corner. 
DEAN’S SORRY MISS
This led to further trouble and Everton should have had a goal a minute later when Dean beat Alderson in a thrilling race for the ball.  Then, with an empty goal save for the covering back, shot yards wide.  The crowd roared in anguish.  A spurt to the other end gave Henry Johnson a chance to test Taylor with a shot which was well saved.  Gillespie and Tunstall started that raid.  Everton soon showed their hand.  Every time any of their half-backs or forwards got the ball it was slipped straight up to Dean, and the burly “Dixie” immediately galloped towards Alderson. 
EXCITED CROWD.
A miskick by O’Donnell let United in again, but Taylor fisted clear in masterly fashion.  At the other end determined raids by the full Everton vanguard were repulsed by prodigious punts from Green and Chandler.  There is no doubt about the feeling and tension that exists amongst Everton supporters with regard to their team’s position.  As soon as an Everton attack was started there were tremendous shouts.  United were playing a much more virile game than last week, and one attack, started by David Mercer, gave Taylor plenty of anxiety.  Johnson and Tunstall in particular seemed happy in the mud and between them their nearly got a goal for United.  Johnson rushed up the middle in characteristic style and, when tackled by a back, slipped the ball to Tunstall, who had alone kept up with him.  The outside left straightway let fly with all his might but he got too much toe under the ball and it hit the front of the stand with a resounding crash. 
KING HARD PRESSED
Both teams were giving the ball plenty of boot, and it was flying about all over the field with the scene of operations continually shifting.  Cresswell showed his class on one occasion when instead of just slamming the ball up the field he made a clever pass to Kelly, who was able to make good use of it.  the Everton attack, even in the mud, was very experienced and trustful, and once King was so hard pressed that he nearly dribbled the ball into his own goal in trying to avoid the relentless Dean.  Gillespie was seen at his best when he cleverly avoided Hart and slipped the ball up so that Johnson could take it in his stride.  Instead of shooting first time, Johnson tried to go on, and was robbed by the backs.  So far the game had been hard and even, but gradually Everton put on more pressure and after saving a long and powerful shot from Troup, who, for a little fellow hits the ball very hard, Alderson had to dribble the ball right out to the penalty area.  It was soon back again, however, and Dean had hard kick in hitting the post.  The famous “Dixie” was playing just as well as he did at Bramall Lane, and the visiting defenders never had a moment’s peace when he was anywhere about.  He was always well positioned and like a terrier for tenacity.  Forshaw was a good seconder to him in these tactics and it was as reward for the inside-right’s persistency that he scored after 37 minutes.  Cleverly avoiding the backs, FORSHAW worked his way through and beat Alderson with a swift ground shot.  United were playing the right game, and one raid was started by a pass right across the ground from Dave Mercer to Tunstall.  Gillespie got in a shot in a shot which was going away from Taylor; but there was not enough beef behind it and the goalkeeper turned it away for a corner.  The former England’ keeper is still as safe as a house.  Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield United 0.
It was still raining steadily when the game was resumed before about 20,000 spectators.  Gillespie was only a shade out in a pass to Tunstall, which might have brought trouble to the Everton defence.  A long pass from Weldon, who was not always up with the play, to Troup created a diversion in United’s goalmouth, and Dean and Forshaw again caused heaps of anxiety. 
TWO BRILLAINT TACKES
O’ Donnell was loudly applauded for a brilliant piece of defensive play, which reminded one of the kind of thing George Wilson used to do at Hillsborough.  Had he not stopped Harry Johnson a goal might easily have come to the visitors.  A tackle by Chandler at the other end against Dean was almost as good.  The young Everton centre-forward was working like a trooper and fetching the ball from all parts of the field.  He was very unlucky not to get a goal when he back headed the ball against the underneath the crossbar only to see it come out into play.  Green was sharing the half-back honours with Hart.  His form to-day, like that of Dean, was undoubtedly good enough to carry him into the English team against Scotland.  Critchley was almost hopeless against him.  Tunstall was the man who carried the red danger light into the United attack and he always took a lot of watching and stopping when in action.  Only sterling play by Cresswell, O’Donnell and Taylor kept him and Johnson out on several occasions.
JOHNSON’S DASHES
Johnson rarely failed to make a dash for goal when given the ball, but O’Donnell stopped him two or three times.  O’Donnell saved a certain goal when Johnson, and Arthur Mercer had almost bundled the ball into the net.  He was injured in the effort, but soon recovered.  United’s next goal-scoring attempt came from King, who tested Taylor with a long shot.  Dean seemed to have an unending source of stamina for speed, and there was a thrilling piece of work at the outside left position.  This enabled Weldon and Forshaw to test Alderson in quick succession.  Quite unexpectedly WELDON scored a second for Everton at the 77th minute.  He was fully 20 yards out when the ball was shot across to him following an attack started by Troup and Dean, and he hit it first time.  Alderson was taken completely by surprise, and the ball glanced into the net after hitting the inside of the post.  The Scot has now scored a goal in each of his three matches with Everton.  Alderson fisted out a shot from Forshaw off the line and soon after fisted out another drive from Kelly.  United’s defence had a warm time in the closing minutes, but held out. Result; Everton 2, Sheffield United 0.

LEWIS FOR EVERTON “A”?
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 26 March 1927
We hear that Tommy Lewis, the clever Shell Mex outside left has been invited to have a trial game with Everton “A,” he is a clever young player, who is capable for making a smart winger.  His future career will be watched with interest by local enthusiasts.

T. LEWIS
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 26 March 1927
T. Lewis, the young outside left of Shell Mex, had a run with Everton “A” on Saturday and again played in the Everton team that visited Wrexham on Wednesday for Regan’s benefit.  It looks as though the prophecy in these notes some time ago about a first class career for him being borne out. 

EVERTON V SHEFFIELD UNITED
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 March 1927
By Stork
TUNSTALL NETS THE BALL AFTER WHISTLE SOUNDS FOR OFFSIDE
DEAN WORRIES THE UNITED
FORSHAW’S GOAL THE ONLY POINT AT THE INTERVAL
Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Birks, Chandler; Green, King, Cawthorne; Tunstall, Gilliespie (Captain), Johnson, Mercer (A), Mercer.  Naturally, the wretched weather kept the crowd down to a very low point, but the people who were present to see the start saw Everton fighting grimly for an early lead, and the Sheffield United defence was not too sure as to how to keep Everton’s persistent attacks in hand.  It would not have been surprising if Everton had obtained a goal in the first few minutes, for it was not altogether due to any cleverness by the United defence which prevented Dean and Co, from beating Alderson.  In fact, they were worthy a goal, and if Dean, after he had beaten Chandler, could have got a true hit at the ball, Alderman would have had little chance, for Dean was in an admirable position. 
FORESEEING THE ATATCK
So far little had been seen of Sheffield’s attack, but when old man Gillespie made a subtle movement, it sent Turnstall away on one of his goal-scoring raids; but before he could work out a suitable position the Everton defence had set itself so as to prevent Tunstall getting in one of his famous drives to Taylor.  Of course, the turf was in a terrible state, and there was some slicing of the ball and some slips and some miskicks, but what could one expect on such a day?  Taylor came into real action when David Mercer, with a semi-centre shot, placed the ball into the Everton goalmouth, where Taylor had to put down a nasty-looking attempts. 
THE WHISTLE IN FRONT
The danger in Sheffield’s left wing was made apparent when Tunstall managed to pilot the ball into the Everton net, but just a fraction of a second beforehand Mr. Referee Lines had sounded his whistle for offside, a ruling with which Tunstall obviously did not seem to agree.  However, the referee, as in all cases, had the last word, and Tunstall’s goal fortunately was not allowed to count.  Everton’s methods, which were for progress all the time, were distinctly pleasing to the small but loyal band of spectators; and Dean was over a menace with his bursts down the middle piece, and when he got right through with a  forward pass by Hart, it seemed any odds on his scoring; but, as in his first case, he could not get a full-blooded smack at the ball, and Alderman was able to pick up and clear. 
NOT FOR TAYLOR
The Everton goal had a narrow shave when Johnson tried a shot which appeared to me to be deflected from the waiting Taylor, but even so that alteration in the flight of the ball was not going to catch “Ted” napping, for he dived across his goal in case it was necessary.  The game was now slightly of a more fluctuating nature, and Troup, with his Arsenal goal evidently in mind, tried another and a similar one, but the pace this time was not behind the boot, and Alderson had little difficulty in clearing.  I doubt whether Taylor would have cleared a Tunstall drive quite so easily, for there was amazing power behind it, but as it happened it rose too high and Taylor had not to answer my query, for the ball went over the upright.  Hunter Hart pitted his own art against that of Gillespie, a little duel that was won by the Irishman, but more to the point was Gillespie’s finishing touch after he had disposed of Hart.  He gave a pass to the middle that almost called out to be put in the net, but Johnson delayed his shot sufficiently long enough to enable Cresswell and O’Donnell to step in and check this live Yorkshire centre-forward. 
UPRIGHT IN THE WAY
On such a day it was almost criminal to dribble, but King elected to do so in front of his own goal and came perilously near to defeating his own goalkeeper, who only stopped the ball from creeping over the goal-line by placing his hand on top of it.  Dean was in a very live mood.  In fact, I thought he showed more fire and skill today than he has done for several weeks and when he “placed” by Critchley he was unfortunate to find his shot bump against the upright.  The referee, however, had spotted something just prior to this, and a free kick was the result.  Critchley again provided Dean with an opportunity, and although he made a valiant effort to head beyond Alderson, the ball fell not more than a foot wide of the upright.  Sheffield United then enjoyed a short spell, but Taylor had not a great deal to do for all that, and Jack came Everton in their quest for goals.  All things considered, we had seen thirty minutes of very earnest football.  I say earnest advisedly, for one had to be earnest on such a pitch as the morning’s rain had turned the Everton area into. 
MAKING A SANDWICH
One could not help but see the genius of Gillespie.  He does not get hurried or flurried, but what he does means a whole lot to Sheffield and to Tunstall in particular. He found in Kelly and Hart two worthy exponents.  Dean, by his determination, caught Alderson and Birks in two minds, and was so able to dash between the pair of them.  He was unable to try a shot, but he did the next best thing by offering a chance to Critchley, and, although the latter’s centre was a good one, nothing came of it.  The open game was undoubtedly the game to-day, and Sheffield realized this and Mercer demonstrated his usefulness when he passed right across to his left wing man, Turnbull, and if it had not been for Cresswell, Tunstall have done something more than he did.
GOAL BY FORSHAW
The game was thirty-five minutes old when Everton took the lead.  It was not a great goal by any means.  In value, however, it was priceless.  How it came about is easy to tell.  Dean was tackled by Birks, but managed to push the ball sideways and thus opened a channel for Forshaw.  The latter shot, but such was the pace of the shot that few thought it would defeat as it did.  Alderson made a frantic effort to get across his goal to prevent the disaster, and although he managed to get his finger-tips to the ball, he could not stay its progress an route to the back of the net.  Offside spoiled Johnson from accepting a gift from Tunstall, and Dean, by his worrying tactics had caused the Sheffield defenders many anxious moments.  With one minute remaining for play, Forshaw, with a perfect header, gave Dean a wonderful scoring chance, which the latter was unable to accept, while Troup followed suit with a pass-back to Weldon that should have been turned to account, but the little Scotchman could not find the net, and this was the full story of the first half.  Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield United 0. 
EVERTON CLIMBING
SHEEFIELD BEATEN BY TWO GOALS TO NIL
WELDON SCORE AGAIN
The first item of note in the second half was a superb pass by Forshaw, a fine drive by Dean, and a capital save by Alderson.  Forshaw drew some laughs when he tried to kid the referee into a penalty by falling in the penalty area, and then we saw Cresswell in a fine tackle in which he injured his ankle, but one of the best things seen was the work of O’Donnell, who with two movements made a clearance that brought him ovation. 
KALEIDOSCOPIC PLAY.
It was an excellent piece of work.  Weldon was inclined to hang back a little, but some of his passes were of excellent length and judgement.  Dean was working like a Trojan, and was all but through until he came up against Chandler, who shouldered him off at a very critical moment.  Kelly, with a header, started a movement which nearly brought about a second goal to Everton.  Kelly put the ball close into goal, Critchley put it nearer with an overhead kick, and Dean with a back header struck the underneath portion of the crossbar, with Alderson beaten.  This was the commencement of a hot attack on the Sheffield goal, which was only brought to an end by a wasteful corner kick.  Everton tried hard to put themselves on a safer basis.  True, it was Dean who was the greatest danger to Alderson.  He forced a corner from inside-left, besides doing many other clever things.  As a matter of fact, Dixie was right on his game, and was forever in the thick of the fight wherever that action took place.  The spectators realized the danger that Tunstall can be, and whenever the player was in possession there was always a feeling of nervousness.  Tunstall pranced around his field and lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, where O’Donnell saved a certainly and suffered for his bravery.  He received a blow in the face.
WELDON SCORES AGAIN
Taylor had to save from King, and Weldon had a shot cannoned out, after which Forshaw tried to improve Everton’s goal average, but was whistled offside, O’Donnell was playing a grand game.  This is becoming characteristic of the former Darlington player, and it must be remembered he received a knock that would have put nine out of ten men out of the game.  At the seventy-seventh minute a goal by Weldon sealed the fate of Sheffield United.  Troup and Dean had a hand in it, but it was the shooting power of Weldon which told the tale.  it was a snap shot.  Weldon is noted for this.  He has now scored a goal in every game in which he has taken part.  The ball hit the inside of the upright before it lodged itself in the back netting.  Final; Everton 2, Sheffield United 0.

EVERTON V DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 March 1927
In connection with Everton’s vital League match with Derby County, on Saturday next, the L.M.S. Railway Company announces an excursion at 11.5 a.m. to Derby at the fare of 5s.  Bookings will also be given to Nottingham at the same time.
Everton A 4, Marine 3

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 March 1927
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
March 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR EVERTON.
TWO POINTS SECURED AT GOODISON PARK.
Everton victory over Sheffield United has placed them in a better position than they have occupied throughout the season, for those matches which Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion had in hand have been nullified and the outlook is certainly much brighter; but there must be no slackening off, for it only needs the slightest slip and all the good work will have been for nought. In recent weeks Everton have obtained seven points out of a possible ten, and a continuation of that form will carry them away from the relegation zone. Weldon scored in all his matches so far, though his general play has not reached expectations. He did not do much in this game, but he got his usual goal and that covered a multitude of sins. Still there were many faults all round though the heavy state of the turf made accuracy a difficult proposition even to the slikked artist. Gillespie, for instance, did many fine things, but he was not free from error, and this applied to all and sundry. To attempt to dribble was courting disaster.
FINE DEFENCE.
Sheffield United were hardly two goals inferior to Everton, but as games are governed by goals, Everton were entitled to their victory, for they were more deadly in front of goal. Dean and his colleagues did not meet a defence nearly so good as that which opposed Johnson and company, and it was Taylor, Cresswell, and O'Donnell who made victory possible for they put the spoke in the United wheel right from the start. It took Everton 35 minutes to score, and the goal which gave them the lead was not an inspiring one, for Forshaw's shot was lacking in power, but was so far out of Alderson's reach that, although he succeeded in touching it he could not stay in progress. So the battle waged, and although Gillespie and Tunstall tried hard to get on equal terms, the interval arrived with Everton still holding their slender lead. Another half four hour had expired before that lead was augmented and the possible doubt about victory put out of everyone's mind. Critchley made a darting run and a clever centre which dean passed on to Weldon, who took a chance shot and found the ball shaving the inside of the upright before passing into the net.
O'DONNELL'S GOOD FORM.
Alderman is inclined to take risks, but his general play in this match was beyond reproach, and he made some remarkably fine saves, as did Taylor, who was once saved by O'Donnell when a goal seemed as certainty. The former Darlington defender is showing grand form, two tackles in particular standing out in bold relief. Cresswell had no peer as a classy and calculating back; while Hart defended, constructed and did a host of things which go to make the complete footballer. Kelly and Virr were able assistants. Dean was ever ready to dash, through the Sheffield defence, which could not hold him, and Forshaw planned and schemed and made some adroit passes while Critchley, although pitted against a stern half-back in Green, and sometimes appeared to lack ideas, did well. Weldon and Troup are getting acclimatised to each other, but Weldon was too often among the full backs to be a real helper in attack. He can shoot so well that he should be up with the forwards, where he would be of even greater advantage. Troup put some excellent balls into the goalmouth.
PAIR OF SCHEMERS.
Sheffield's left wing was Everton's greatest trouble, for Tunstall and Gillespie are a pair of schemers, Johnson was well held, and the two Mercers did not do any too well against O'Donnell. King was a splendid pivot, and Chandler took upon himself to watch Dean and while being successful in his mission at times, he was often harassed. He was better than Birks. Teams:- Everton:- Taylor, goal, Cresswell, and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards. Sheffield United:- Alderson, goal, Chandler, and Birks, backs, Cawthorne, King and Green, half-backs, D. Mercer, A. Mercer, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 4 MARINE 3
March 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
Marine suffered their first league defeat at Strawberry-lane. The ground, which was on the heavy side, rendered accurate footwork out of the question, but, under the circumstances, good football was produced, the honours going to the slightly better side. Everton lead at the interval 3-1. The second half was keenly contested, Marine enjoying a fair portion of the play-causing Hughes to save on many occasions, while the woodwork saved Marine's goal three times. Scorers; For Everton, Murray (2) Templeman (2), for Marine; Moneypenny (2), Clayton.

EVERTON MAINTAIN THEIR MATCH-WINNING WAY
March 28, 1927. The Daily Courier
Weldon Goal a Game
Everton Going Strong
Weldon's Goal a Game Habit Retained
Everton 2, Sheffield United, 0
We were quite satisfied with Everton against Sheffield United at Goodison Park. The darkest hour in their history is steadily receding. There is, on this form, a side here that should be equal to any in the League, and precious points should continue to be garnered. Admittedly United are a clever side; they have a dangerous forward line and a bonny winger in Tunstall. Even cool Cresswell realised that, but he did not let the Sheffield speed master rumble him. Yet Cresswell had to labour at times. The occasion, however, found the man, for O'Donnell came right into the limelight in quite a “big act.” O'Donnell, except for a first half miskick or two of the ball, which was about as sad and heavy as a plum pudding, was particularly sure of himself, and cut into the intentions of the ex-Bury brothers Mercer, |Arthur and David. No player could have worked harder than Dean. He was a regular firebrand in the centre, revelling when the ball came to him as he likes it off the ground, but his zealous determination was not regarded with goals, and it was time Dixie started getting them again. This good work was left to the new men, Forshaw and Weldon. Forshaw was not obstructive, but his methods are a pleasure to watch closely. There was power behind the shot that got his goal first half, but it was not neatly placed, and Alderson, who was not in his best form, though too foot-tied in the mud, gallantly tried to get to the ball.
More Speed
The Scotsman had not been impressive –he required a trifle more speed –but a player who scores a goal in every game, as Weldon has done, is an asset to a club. Everton had ample strength in the middle line –a stalwart cut-and-come-again trio. For a Scot who has come into the English game, Kelly's speed is surprising and he has a mastery of the ball. Hart had the skill in the middle. Virr, too, had a way of taking the edge off the brothers. Mercer, making it easily for willing O'Donnell. Taylor was better than Alderson, and his display particularly one save from Tunstall indicated this is a real “come back.” - Everton; Taylor Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. Sheffield United: - Alderson; Chandler, Birks; Cawthorne, King, Green; D. Mercer, AS Mercer, Johnson, Gillespie, and Tunstall.

EVERTON’S RISE
Athletic News - Monday 28 March 1927
SHEFFIELD UNITED FALL TO A DETERMINED SIDE
STAR IN DEFENCE
EVERTON 2 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
By Junius
DEFENCE that reached a high standard of efficiency was mainly responsible for the progress of Everton in their effort to rise from the danger zone. Nothing finer has been seen on the ground this season, and O’Donnell was the most polished defender on view.  Formerly his kicking had too often to be repeated, but on this occasion this gave place to cool, calculating footwork in conjunction with Cresswell and his half-backs.  When harassed by Johnson and Mercer (A.) in the goal area he undoubtedly saved his side, as he did the second half, when faced terrific drive from three yards from the inside-right.  The first goal arrived after 35 minutes.  Dean looked like going through when Chandler promptly tacked, only to see the ball cannon FORSHAW whose ground shot rolled over Alderson's arm into the net. Tunstall and Gillespie got nearest to scoring for Sheffield, the veteran fully extending Taylor, who saved the sixpence of corner. Mainly, It was Everton’s game in the second portion, and after thirty minutes WELDON, with a terrific drive that flashed in off the post, got his third goal three consecutive  games.
HALF-BACKS' SUPREMACY.
The Everton defence was never really mastered, which was mainly due to a fine plan of campaign that existed between the full and half-backs. Cresswell, when the necessity arose, kicked a good length and usually found his man.  Neither Chandler nor Birks compared favourably with Everton’s pair, for they often over-kicked and conceded comer-kicks unnecessarily.  In half-back play Everton held more than a alight lead. Hart had a good day. His movements were rarely the obvious type, and he was sufficiently clever to draw his opponents before slipping the ball to colleague, Kelly was impressive and, with Virr, completed a line that was generally capable of holding the opposition.  In addition, all three linked to better purpose with their forwards than did the United trio. King was always troubled by the Everton leader, and the most successful the three was Green, who had a speedy wing opposed to him.  Still, he was often a sixth forward, when the occasion justified extra attack, and full-back when the defence was under heavy pressure.
 GILLESPIE’S CRAFT. 
I was surprised to see the Everton forwards adopting close passing on ground soddened by rain; yet they territorially controlled the game. Dean was strong worker throughout. Forshaw, who was  unselfishness personified, spoon-fed Critchley, who might, with advantage, have tried his luck with shots instead of centring from close range. Troup was practical, and-the line blended well, but Forshaw a great ability demands more individual effort.  Gillespie was extremely clever, his cute passes, delayed to the last possible moment, meriting better results. Johnson occasionally had the Everton defenders in two minds, but the best work was accomplished Tunstall. Taylor was on the top of his form, and Alderson had little chance with the shots that beat him.  Everton; Taylor; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart (Captain), Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield United; Alderson; Birks, Chandler; Green, King, Cawthorne; Tunstall, Gilliespie (Captain), Johnson, Mercer (A), Mercer.  Referee C.E. Lines, Birmingham. 

EVERTON STERRING CLEAR
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 March 1927
Weldon’s goal-a-match
By Stork
Although Everton are not yet out of the wood their victory over Sheffield United has placed them in a more favourable position than they have held at any other point of the season, for those tantalizing games- they have played two more games than either West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United –have been “squared,” and they are now on a slightly better basis than their rivals on games played.  Still, they have a hard road to tread, but the prospect of their going into Division 2 has been considerably lessened; and the players will welcome the changed position, which has bene a source of worry to one and all.  While their defeat of Sheffield United was fully deserved, it was only in actual goals that they held the whip hand, for the Yorkshire side were quite as good as, if not a trifle superior in actual football craft than, their victors; but as they were unable to strike a blow at the Everton goal they have no ground for complaint.  Everton’s attack was not the combined force of Gillespie and company, who, however, found themselves up against a stern defence- a defence which has been Everton’s strong point for some weeks.  Admitting that football is a winter game, the conditions on Saturday were not conductive to the best type of football, for the turf, save the word, was nothing more nor less than a patch of greasy, rain-sodden mud; and if mistakes were made they had to be forgiven, for players are only human after all.  The inside men in particular had a nasty piece of ground to work upon, but more often than not they overcame the handicap and provided a game which was pleasing to watch, and a game which was more earnest than skillful.  Everton won though goals scored by Forshaw and Weldon –one in each half, yet Sheffield had their chances, and when Tunstall netted and found an offside decision robbing him of his reward he was undoubtedly displeased with the verdict.  Tunstall and his partner, Gillespie, were Everton’s chief danger; and whenever the winger was in possession there was always the possibility of a goal, for his centres were hall-marked, and his runs a menace to the Everton defence.  He offered his centre forward many opportunities, but Johnson was too well looked after to turn them to account.  Hart saw to this, and even if Johnson got out of his hands O’Donnell and Cresswell were as steady as a rock, with Taylor aye ready further behind.  It was here that the United failed, for they made some splendidly defined attacks until these obstacles defeated them. 
WELDON’S ONE FAULT
Weldon must feel highly pleased with himself in scoring three goals in three matches, but I was not at all taken up with his general display.  For one thing, he has a penchant for getting amongst the half backs, aye the full backs, at times, a habit that is not usually successful for a man who can snap up a goal like he does.  His goal was a gem, in which four players had a hand; and, although it shaved the inside of the upright before entering the net, it was good marksmanship, for he had to take his chance instantly or be beaten in a tackle.  Forshaw’s goal was a tame sort of affair, for his shot was anything but a scorcher; but it was too good for Alderson, who could never hope to reach it from his position at the other side of the goal.  No doubt many will disagree with me when I say Dean played well.  How did he play well” you may ask.  Is not a centre forward who is worrying a defence out of its life, and so opening out opportunities for others, even if he is not scoring goals himself, playing well?  Beside this Dean made a splendid effort with a back header that had Alderson and all others beaten, but the crossbar came to Sheffield’s aid.  Chandler and Birks would have had a fairly comfortable time if it had not been for Dean; as it was they were severely harassed, and not always reliable.  Forshaw gave Dean several fine passes, and was always scheming, and getting Critchley off the mark; but the latter had a clever half-back in Green to overcome, and it was not until the second half that Critchley was seen to the better advantage.  Troup, with the memory of Arsenal imprinted in his mid, was inclined to shoot, but could not beat the daring Alderson, who made some capital saves.  Troup’s centres were always a source of danger. 
THE CRESSWELL TOUCH
King at centre half-back took my eye.  He defended stubbornly, constructed as well as the conditions would allow, and had a good shot saved by Taylor.  Green was very little inferior.  On the Everton side Hart (already referred to) and Kelly were the constructional artists, with Virr a rare defender.  The strong point in Everton’s armour, however, was the defensive trio, Taylor, Cresswell, and O’Donnell.  The last-named improves with each game.  He made two tackles when matters were looking black for Everton that would have done credit to any defender.  It was the Cresswell touch, which suggests that O’Donnell is studying his partner’s game, and benefiting by his studies.  O’Donnell saved a certain goal when he flung himself across the goal after Tunstall had placed Taylor’s charge in jeopardy.  He was injured through his daring.  Taylor made some capital saves, and Cresswell’s coolness and uncanny anticipation often saved a deal of trouble. 

DEADLY FOOTBALL
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 29 March 1927
As a nation, we are accused of taking our pleasures sadly; but there is no case on record in this country of a footballer shooting himself because his side was beaten.  There have been many temptations to shoot the referee, but these temptations have been sternly resisted, though it must be admitted that on a few occasions a referee has been compelled to run for his life.  In France they take their football seriously, and within the last few weeks two players have bene killed.  Another player has just shot himself through the head and lies in a precarious conditions because the Rugby club for which he was playing was beaten in a match for the championship of France.  He asserted that his side had been unfairly treated by the referee; but he was generous enough not to shoot the referee and turned the revolver on himself.  If this sort of thing spreads the relatives of French footballers will have a distressful time, and when they see the final scores they will be wondering how many funerals are in prospect.  It has been divulged at our police courts that some men knock their wives about on Saturday night when their favourite team loses; but such a burst of energy and enthusiasm seldom has serious results., though the experience must be very unpleasant for the wives who are punished for results over which they have not the slightest control.  These aggrieved husbands are more to blame because it is possible they shouted wrong advice to the players and thus contributed to the disaster.  But, as a rule, our enthusiasts, both active and passive, accept defeat in a philosophical way.  The vicissitudes of Everton have been enough to cause heart disease on a big scale among the faithful; but, fortunately, Goodison Park has not been strewn with corpses, and there has been a passionate demand that goals and not human beings shot be shot.  Even if Everton experiences the bitterness of dropping into the Second Division there will be no human sacrifies, and the directors will be allowed to walk home in safety.  The oratory may be blistering but this is a safer way of working off disappointment than firing revolves; and even if at times we do take our pleasures sadly, we appear to take them more sanely than some of our Continental rivals. 

ST FRANCIS XAVIERS 3 EVERTON 4
March 31 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
DEAN COULD NOT RESIST .
Dean, the Everton centre-forward, who is to lead the England attack against Scotland, at Hampton Park on Saturday, is so accustomed to having a “shot” at goal with his head that even when acting as referee yesterday he could not refrain from trying to head the ball into the net as it came across the goal. The occasion was the annual match between Everton and St. Francis Xavier's Colleage boys, at West Derby, when Dean, not being able to play in the game took the whistle and guided the team though an interesting exhibition match, played under stormy conditions. The boys always relish the honour of opposing Everton's star men, and no doubt they take full note of the lessons given by the expert footballers, who appeared to enjoy the novel match. Everton won by four goals to three; the scorers being Critchley, Irvine, Hart and Weldon, whilst Elliott (2) and Halton scored for the colleague. The players were afterwards entertained at the Colleague Hall. The following were the teams:- St Francis Xavier:- Walsh, goal, Huntington, and Murray, backs, Fletcher, McMahon, and McCowan, half-backs, McGlory, Halton, Elliott, Metcale and Ruston, forwards. Everton:- Davies, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart (captain) and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Irvine, Forshaw, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

DEAN FORGETS HIMSELF
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 31 March 1927
By Stork
What a happy thought it was on the part of Father Melling, the former head of St. Francis Xavier’s Colleague, to organize a meeting between the school team and the Everton Football Club.  It is welcoming news to hear that the meeting is not going to be allowed to fall through because of Father Melling’s absence, for Father J.C. Gurrin, who has taken over the reins of administration, is just as keen to make the meeting an annual affair as the Everton Club is to accept the invitation.  I know the boys would sadly miss the opportunity to have a tilt at their famous rivals, and I also know that the Everton players and directors would not like the meeting to become a thing of the past, for it has cemented a friendship between the club and colleague that is all for the good.  It also has another effect; it gives the boys an opportunity to pick up a few hints in the finer art of the game, and as boys are great imitators, they should benefit by their experience.  Well, let me give you a short story of the game, which took place at West Derby, yesterday.  Everton won 4-3 and although a heavy storm broke out it did not prevent Everton showing what fine football artists they really are.  There was a disappointment that Dixie Dean was not playing.  Being selected to play against Scotland, he had to abide by the F.A rule that a player must not take part in any match during the week previous to the international.  Still, Dixie was not to be left out of it altogether, and he took an official part in the game- handling the whistle.  He was itching to have a “go” when the ball came his way.  He controlled himself until a corner came into the middle, then without a moment’s hesitation he put his head to that ball and nearly scored.  What would have happened if he had scored?  It was all very enjoyable. 

 

 

 

 

March 1927